Marathon Weekly 26-0326

$1,300,000

Duck Key paradise

Experience Florida Keys waterfront living in this beautifully updated residence in Harbor Village on Duck Key. This desirable property includes a deeded dock slip directly behind the home, offering convenient, immediate access to boating and water activities, with quick ocean access. The home features a light-filled, coastal-inspired floor plan with inviting living spaces and water views that enhance the relaxed island lifestyle. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with a private outdoor area overlooking the canal, ideal for morning coffee, entertaining, or unwinding after a day on the water. Located within the sought-after Hawks Cay Resort community, owners enjoy a resort-style setting with access to nearby amenities, including boating, dining, and recreational offerings. This property presents an excellent opportunity for a second home, vacation retreat, or income-producing investment in one of Duck Key's most desirable waterfront communities.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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The minutes of footage broadcast to American televisions on March 24, 1965 by the Ranger 9 lunar probe before its intentional impact with the moon's surface. Unlike its predecessors, the cameras were aimed in the direction of travel and provided some spectacular shots as the spacecraft approached the lunar surface.

‘THERE HAS TO BE A WAY FORWARD’

Florida sheriffs want ICE to focus on immigrants with criminal histories

By Alex Rickert and Mandy Miles

As immigration enforcement tactics continue to make headlines, some Florida sheriffs are asking the Feds to rein in their push for “mass deportations,” and instead focus on criminal histories that include more than an immigration violation, which is a civil, not criminal, matter.

The notable shift in tone occurred during a March 16 virtual meeting of Florida’s State Immigration Enforcement Council. Created in 2025 by the Florida Legislature, the council advises the State Board of Immigration Enforcement (Gov. Ron DeSantis, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson). It consists of four Republican sheriffs and four police chiefs handpicked by the board members, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez.

Led by Polk County Sheriff and council chairman Grady Judd, a former proponent of Florida’s stringent immigration crackdown throughout 2025, the council considered drafting a letter to President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, asking leaders in Washington for better guidance over which undocumented immigrants to target for deportation and to consider sparing those with clean criminal records.

“We are on the ground floor with this day in and day out — looking in the eyes of these folks that, yes, came

The Deep Vanguard subsea habitat, pictured here in a computer rendering, will soon allow up to four research divers to live underwater on week-long missions at Tennessee Reef near Long Key. The capsule is set to be deployed next month. See page 6. DEEP/ Contributed

An ICE officer makes an arrest in a location other than the Florida Keys. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

here inappropriately,” Judd said. “But some came here inappropriately only to do better for themselves and their family.”

Judd provided the council with several anecdotal examples of “people who aren’t violating the law and want to work” – including one instance in which a woman in her late 20s was reportedly detained by ICE in the agency’s own waiting room while attempting to follow a path to citizenship after being brought to the U.S. from Colombia as a child.

“There needs to be a conversation, at some point in time, about the path forward for the appropriate people,” Judd said. “If you’re mentally ill or have a really bad health problem and you could potentially be a real drain on the system, we’ll keep you, but we’re getting rid of people who aren’t violating the law and want to work.”

Immigrants already in the country with clean records, he said, could instead be asked to meet a set of requirements, including paying a civil fine, learning English and providing proof of employment for adults and school enrollment for children.

“There are those here who are

working hard, they have their kids in school, they’re going to church on Sunday, they’re not violating the law, and they’re living the American dream, and being very productive and doing good in this country,” he said. “Those are the folks we embrace, because we are a country of immigrants”

Members of the council voiced their support for Judd’s position, agreeing to review a draft letter to Washington. They said in most cases, their involvement with immigration came only after individuals were already detained or arrested for committing a separate crime.

“We’re not out doing immigration enforcement, raiding businesses and homes, but unfortunately when ICE gets involved, you have the collaterals,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Congress needs to get off their butts, and they need to fix it.”

“This is coming from a state that … (is) on the forefront and wholeheartedly support(s) good, effective immigration enforcement,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “But what’s right is right, and what’s not

continued on page 17

LIFE UNDER THE WAVES

New subsea habitat will deploy in Florida Keys waters next month

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

This summer, the Florida Keys will play host to the first new subsea human habitat in four decades.

In late April, UK-based ocean engineering company Deep is set to deploy Vanguard, a pilot habitat designed to accommodate a crew of four aquanauts on sustained missions of a week or longer. After receiving its final permits from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary earlier this month, it’s set to be installed at Tennessee Reef Research Only Area, a closed conservation zone south of Long Key, touching down in a sandy patch at a depth of 59 feet with the living quarters stationed at 46 feet.

The large yellow pill-shaped tank is a 40-foot-long steel structure with acrylic windows, split between living quarters, work space and a “wet porch” for crew to enter and exit the water – complete with an open downwardfacing hatch known as the “moon pool.”

Once the habitat reaches the seafloor, the hatch can remain open as long as the pressure within the capsule mirrors or exceeds the ambient water pressure. That means longer bottom times and repeat dives for researchers, who won’t have to go through the process of depressurization and risk of decompression sickness (the bends) while surfacing after each swim.

“If there’s coral research or restoration that requires a significant amount of bottom time, this is how you do it,” said Deep chief technology officer Norman Smith at an unveiling event in Miami in October 2025. “Instead of minutes, you get hours and days.”

The extended bottom time has applications for ocean research, monitoring, wind farm maintenance and pipeline and cable inspection, among others.

Fresh air and water for the habitat come from a surface support buoy, which pipes both down to Vanguard while hosting a diesel generator, a Starlink internet connection and a wastewater tank. The company claims it can withstand hurricane conditions, and that the

capsule can store enough air, power and water to sustain a crew for up to 72 hours without support.

A shoreside base in Marathon, known as Deep Station Florida, supports Vanguard in case of an evacuation, trains divers and houses emergency hyperbaric equipment.

“We have a mission to make humans aquatic, and we want to see a permanent human presence in the ocean starting in 2027, but largely by 2030,” said Kirk Krack, the company’s human diver performance lead.

And with underwater tragedies making headlines in recent years, the company says it aims to be the first subsea habitat certified by Det Norske Veritas, a global organization that lays out stringent safety and engineering benchmarks for marine structures.

If successful, Vanguard will join just a handful of subsea habitats created since Jacques Cousteau’s Conshelf 1, deployed in Marseilles, France in 1962. But it would be the second

underwater lab in the Keys – FIU’s Aquarius Reef Base off Key Largo has operated 62 feet below the surface since its refurbishment and redeployment in 1992.

Deep leaders hope Vanguard is a stepping stone to a flagship “Sentinel” system, a larger modular habitat with a service life of 20 years that can allow larger crews to stay at depths up to 650 feet for nearly a month.

The new habitat’s deployment is set to take place just under three years after Navy veteran Joseph Dituri’s record-setting underwater residence in Key Largo. Emerging on June 9, 2023 from the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge after 100 days beneath the waves, he set a world record for living underwater without depressurization. During his stay 30 feet down, he submitted to dozens of tests meant to measure the effects of a prolonged high-pressure environment, giving crucial insight for the world of hyperbaric medicine.

A metal frame protects the steel-and-acrylic main structure of Vanguard, designed to support divers at depths up to 150 feet. DEEP/Contributed The living quarters of Vanguard will serve as home for up to four divers during

EASTER ON THE BEACH

Services, food and fun to complete the weekend in Marathon

There are very few places on earth that can trade church pews for beach sand at sunrise to celebrate Easter. Marathon’s lineup of services and events on the weekend of April 3-5 includes a mix of oceanside services, traditional worship and family-friendly egg hunts

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

CELEBRATE EASTER, ON THE BEACH OR IN THE PEWS:

• Pastor Larry White of St. Paul AME Church will lead a Relay for Christ starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3 at Iglesia Evangelica Unidos En Amor, 12680 Overseas Hwy. Walkers are invited to join him as he carries a cross through Marathon praying for churches and the community. For more information, call 786-554-1285.

• All are invited to a community sunrise service, held at 7 a.m. at Sombrero Beach on Easter Sunday, April 5. Attendees should bring chairs or blankets.

• St. Columba Episcopal Church will host Palm Sunday services at 9 a.m. (traditional) and 11 a.m. (contemporary) on March 29, a Maundy Thursday service at 5 p.m. on April 2; Good Friday service at noon on April 3; an Easter vigil service at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 4; and Easter Sunday services at 9 (traditional service) and 11 a.m. (contemporary service).

• The Marathon Community Church will hold a Good Friday service on Friday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. and an Easter worship service in the sanctuary at 3010 Overseas Highway on Easter Sunday at 10 a.m.

• Martin Luther Chapel will host a Palm Sunday service on March 29 at 10 a.m., a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. on April 2, a Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on April 3, an Easter sunrise service at Curry Hammock State Park at 6:30 a.m. and an Easter service at the chapel at 10 a.m.

• Kirk of the Keys will host a free Palm Sunday brunch after its service on March 29. Service on Easter Sunday will begin at 9 a.m., with an egg hunt immediately following the service.

• San Pablo Catholic Church will host Palm Sunday masses at 4 p.m. on March 28 and 8 and 10 a.m. on March 29, with a Spanish mass at noon the same day. A bilingual Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 2. There will be a Liturgy of Good Friday on April 3 at noon and 6 p.m. An Easter vigil mass is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. On Easter Sunday, the church will celebrate mass at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. with a Spanish mass at noon. An Easter egg hunt will take place Sunday at 11 a.m.

COMPLETE THE FESTIVITIES:

• The city of Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department will host an Easter Funfest on Thursday, March 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sombrero Beach. The event includes games, contests, an

and dining options across the island. Whether it’s entertainment for little ones or a laid-back meal with family and friends that you seek, check out one of many restaurants and businesses throughout the Middle Keys with special events and food on deck for the holiday weekend.

Easter Bunny appearance, snacks and other goodies. Be on the lookout for 20 special golden eggs hidden throughout the event – each one wins a special prize. The event is free and open to the public.

• The Marathon Rotary Club will host its annual Easter egg hunt at the Marathon Rotary Park on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. The Easter bunny will be present for photos as kids hunt for thousands of eggs.

• Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters will hold its annual Easter egg hunt for children ages 12 and under on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. until all eggs are found (limit 5 per child). The hunt is free with general admission or annual membership.

• Million Air Florida Keys will host an Easter Hangar Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. Join the Million Air staff at the hangar at 8800 Overseas Highway for an Easter egg hunt filled with planes, fun and festive surprises.

• Join the Rhum House on Grassy Key for an Easter brunch – a relaxed day with fresh seafood and chef-curated specials designed for sharing. Reservations are highly recommended, available at therhumhouse.com.

• Sunset Grille & Raw Bar will host its 16th annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza with an all-day barbecue and pool and beach party on Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny will pay a visit as the restaurant hosts a kids’ Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. with poolside games, prizes and a bounce house. DJ Trae Dae will provide the jams from 1 to 5 p.m.

• Hawks Cay Resort will host a waterfront Easter brunch on Sunday, April 5 with seatings at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dine on a raw bar, a farmer’s market station, omelet station and carving station, or enjoy breakfast favorites and house specialties plus assorted desserts. The resort’s on-site restaurant, Salt + Ash, will have a special Sunday brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an Easter dinner tasting menu from 5 to 9:30 p.m. For reservations, visit hawkscay.com/ happenings and saltandashflakeys.com.

• Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort will host an Easter Sunday celebration beginning at 2 p.m. on April 5. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt, cookie decorating at TJ’s Tiki Bar, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and Easter gift bags for kids alongside themed cocktails for adults.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

SCHOOL EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING LIVES DURING HOUSE FIRE

District talks kindergarten enrollment, mathematics

FRANK DERFLER

www.keysweekly.com

Two Monroe County School District employees were recognized for their life-saving efforts when a house erupted in flames in the Lower Keys.

During a recent school board meeting in Marathon, the district handed “Great Education Moments” awards to Trevor Tyler, Sugarloaf School principal, and Tim Tedesco, school resource officer. In January, Tyler and Tedesco discovered a house fire near Tyler’s house and ran toward the flames to save the people and a dog inside. Tyler led two children and the dog out, while Tedesco found another person left behind.

Superintendent Ed Tierney and board chair John Dick praised the bravery of the two members of the Sugarloaf School family.

“(They) demonstrated remarkable bravery, quick thinking and deep compassion during a recent neighborhood house fire. After spotting heavy smoke, the two rushed toward smoke without hesitation,” said Amber Acevedo, deputy superintendent, who presented the awards. “Their willingness

to act decisively in a life-threatening situation long before first responders arrived reflect extra courage and unwavering commitment to their community.”

In other school matters, Jennifer Walker, voluntary Pre-K director, outlined the district’s kindergarten kickoff initiative. Walker said parents and students should attend a morning or evening session at the district’s elementary schools on various dates around the third weekend in April. The meetings will provide registration, readiness screening and school information for students enrolling in kindergarten.

Every newly-enrolled kindergartner will receive a custom board game that promotes literacy and math readiness. The games help with number recognition, reading, counting and problem-solving skills. They also introduce the subjects of who are safe adults, traffic safety and school safety expectations. The board games are free and are meant for parents or older siblings to play with the kindergarten students. The money for the game sets is provided by local sponsors who have their logos integrated into the board design.

The board discussed both kindergarten readiness and enrollments. The goal of the county’s voluntary prekindergarten program is to prepare students to enter the full kindergarten curriculum. The standard Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) provides a picture of overall student readiness and skills throughout the county. Fifty-four percent of county students score at the 707 level, which is sufficient preparation for kindergarten. Dick recognized Tierney’s goal of making the Keys the best school district in the state and suggested creating a much higher goal.

District officials acknowledged a decrease in kindergarten enrollment in recent years in both public and charter schools. In 2025-2026, the enrollment in public school continued to decline while enrollment in charter schools increased.

Later, Tierney and board members emphasized that the public school district is in competition with charter schools and other forms of alternative schooling.

Jason Small, math coordinator for the school district, presented the accelerated mathematics pathway for students as early as third grade. The program’s primary goal is keeping students engaged in learning while avoiding having them repeat material.

If ready, students could take algebra in middle school and advanced math in high school. Small described how individualized scheduling can improve education in mathematics. The goal is to move students to advanced classes when ready.

The intent is to place students where they can thrive. Screening is done through the FAST assessment, but teachers also can nominate students. Students can exit the program if the pacing no longer fits their needs.

Lobbyist Kate DeLoach provided an update from the legislative session in Tallahassee. She said a bill passed both houses allowing participation in marching band to count toward physical education credit.

SHELF HELP

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Ready For My Close-up: The making of ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and the dark side of the Hollywood dream” by David M. Lubin

Why: This is my favorite kind of nonfiction — a portrait of a time and place through a specific lens, in this case the classic 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard.” And it’s damned well-written, too: clear, easy to follow, organized topically and chronologically in ways that make sense. While focused on one movie, it provides an expansive history of Hollywood, as so many of the players — notably Gloria Swanson, Cecil B. DeMille and Erich von Stroheim — were there at the creation. After rewatching it recently, I was astounded it got made at all, with so many of those involved providing a dark, satiric take on their industry while using the Paramount Studios name and its famous lot. I had a lot of questions — and the book answered just about all of them. Where: You can borrow this as an e-book or e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.

How: You can request books, including e-books and eaudiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries. org. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

From left, school board chairman John Dick, Trevor Tyler, Sugarloaf School principal, school resource officer Tim Tedesco and Schools Superintendent Ed Tierney. MCSD/Contributed

COMMERCE CORNEr

Established in 2024, Heeter’s Custom Pools of the Florida Keys is a licensed and certified contractor specializing in concrete pool and spa construction, as well as full-scale pool remodeling. Services include coping, tile, plaster, lighting, equipment upgrades, and automation system installation and service.

Our success is built on urgency, initiative, determination, and doing what we say we will do. We are committed to delivering high-quality craftsmanship with a focus on both detail and efficiency. Every project is completed with the goal of achieving a five-star experience from start to finish.

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Devin Heeter

304.531.9368 | Heeterspools.com

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERECE

305.743.5417 • 1.800.262.7284 visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com www.floridakeysmarathon.com 12222 Overseas Highway • Marathon, FL 33050

$7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers

Open to the Public Open to the Public

Bottomless Mimosas

Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 5th

Seatings at 9am, 11am, 1pm

Adult Teen 13-20 Child 5-12

4 and Under

FIRST FRIDAY

7.5% Tax + 20% Gratuity will be added at checkout

waterfront dining at Hawks Cay

on the Promenade

VIEW all upcoming events at hawkscay.com/happenings

Raw Bar

Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters on the Half Shell

Farmer’s Market Station

Grilled & Chilled Vegetables

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Spring Vegetable Salad

Salad Bar with assorted toppings

Omelet Station

Carving Station

Honey-Glazed Ham

Prime Rib with au jus and horseradish cream

Breakfast Favorites

Pancakes & French Toast

Breakfast Potatoes

Scrambled Eggs

Applewood-Smoked Bacon

Chicken & Apple Sausage

Assorted Pastries

Specialties

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Vegetable Frittata

Orange-Soy Glazed Salmon

Grilled & Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Assorted Desserts

Friday, April 3 5pm - 9pm

On the first Friday of each month, Hawks Cay Marina transforms into the best waterfront party in the Middle Keys. PERFORMING LIVE Riptide Riot 5pm - 9pm

All raffle proceeds go to Forgotten Felines

FORMER FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED NARCOTIC THEFT

He’s also accused of forging his colleague’s signature

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Aformer Islamorada firefighter/paramedic is facing charges after investigators say he stole a vial of fentanyl and forged his colleague’s signature.

On March 18, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 45-year-old Brian Burt, of Key Largo, following an investigation that began March 2 into a missing vial containing drops of fentanyl and inconsistent logging of the drug. Burt was assigned to Station 19 on Lower Matecumbe Key.

According to an arrest affidavit, Burt confessed to taking the vial of fentanyl and forging another fire rescuer’s signature. He also admitted to the village fire chief that he had a dependency problem with the controlled substance. Following the admission, the chief gave him the option to resign or be terminated; Burt chose the former.

On March 4, investigators met with paramedic Arian Montes De Oca, who had been on an early morning call March 2 with Burt for a patient with severe pain. Montes De Oca said that fentanyl is the appropriate pain medication administered for the type of call, and that the drug is stored in a locked safe inside the ambulance. Each paramedic has an individual numeric code to access the safe.

Montes De Oca told investigators he administered the first 50 micrograms of fentanyl to the patient after Burt drew 100 micrograms into a syringe. The patient continued to complain of pain, and because Montes De Oca was by then driving the ambulance, he didn’t personally observe Burt administer the second dose. But he did hear Burt saying that he was giving the other 50 microgram dose.

When they returned to the station from the call, Montes De Oca told Burt to have the oncoming paramedic witness and sign off on the disposal of the remaining fentanyl in the vial. This was due to the late hour and the fact the next shift

Brian Burt

had arrived. The paramedic beginning his shift, Alexander Franklin, began performing the standard shift-change narcotics inventory and discovered a discrepancy between the number of fentanyl vials recorded in the database and the number physically present in the container. Franklin advised the lieutenant that no one would be able to leave until the discrepancy was resolved.

According to the arrest affidavit, Burt was then asked about the vial of fentanyl from the medical call they just returned to the station from; Burt went to his room and returned with a lotion-style container with a lid. Burt unscrewed the lid and removed the missing fentanyl vial from inside the container. The vial still contained two to three drops of fentanyl.

When asked who witnessed the disposal of fentanyl, Burt admitted that he had signed his colleague’s name in the PS Trax system, stating he did not think he would mind. The fire chief was then notified of the incident.

The lieutenant on duty, Filip Todorov, told investigators he was present during the medical call and assisted with patient assessment. He recalled Burt drawing fentanyl, which Montes De Oca administered to the patient before driving the ambulance.

The lieutenant later observed that Burt documented administering a second 50 microgram dose of fentanyl to the patient.

However, when reviewing the database, Todorov noticed discrepancies in the documentation related to the fentanyl vial, which contains a lot number, expiration date and additional identifying numbers that must match the inventory system.

The system showed five vials of fentanyl at the beginning of the shift on March 1, yet still showed five vials during the shift change despite one being used for a call. While retracing the events related to the vial, the lieutenant told investigators that Burt admitted to forging Montes De Oca’s signature in the system to indicate the disposal of the narcotic. The lieutenant was suspicious with a couple drops remaining despite logging a full 100 micrograms of fentanyl.

Todorov advised Burt he bypassed multiple safety protocols regarding the handling and documentation of the controlled substance. Burt said he placed the vial in his pocket after the call and later placed it in an empty lotion container because he intended to discard both items.

The lieutenant also told investigators Burt admitted to previously stealing his Adderall.

The incoming medic in Franklin, too, observed the discrepancy and noticed Burt retrieving a lotion jar where the vial at question was located. Based on the sworn statements and investigative findings, an arrest warrant was issued for Burt, who faces charges of grand theft of a controlled substance and falsifying official documents.

Burt was booked March 18. His bond was set at $150,000. Burt’s arraignment is scheduled for April 7 at 9 a.m.

REEL RECS

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Sunset Boulevard” (1950)

Why: You may know the famous movie last line – “All right Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up” – uttered by Norma Desmond, in Gloria Swanson’s portrayal of a washed-up and a bit deranged silent film star. And you may know the film’s innovative structure, narrated in hindsight by a murder victim – William Holden as Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter whose body is floating in a pool. Every scene in this clever satire of Hollywood’s movie-making machine – and its toll on the people feeding that machine – is worth savoring. It’s even got Cecil B. DeMille playing himself. If it’s been a bit since you’ve seen it, some lines do hit a little differently. If you really want a deep dive on the people involved, the library’s streaming service Kanopy also has several of Swanson’s silent films, as well as some directed by Erich von Stroheim and Billy Wilder.

Where: This film is on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs by logging in at keyslibraries.org.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us.

807 SPRING BREAK BLITZ

HUGE BEACH & POOL PARTY

WOLTANSKI LEADS FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADVOCACY IN WASHINGTON

Monroe County School Board member Dr. Sue Woltanski recently helped lead a federal advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., representing more than 1.5 million public school students across Florida.

Woltanski serves as the founding chair of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards federal subcommittee, a role she was appointed to by consortium president Caprice Edmond, chair of the Pinellas County School Board. She led the federal task force that created the consortium’s inaugural federal advocacy platform in fall 2025.

The March 17-18 visit marked the first-ever federal fly-in organized by the consortium, which includes 12 school districts, among them Monroe County, and collectively represents approximately 1.5 million students across 19 congressional districts.

The consortium develops consensus on the legislative platform while representing a diverse group of school districts — large and small, urban and rural and politically varied. Each member district has line-item veto authority over individual platform items, ensuring that every position advanced reflects shared agreement.

Woltanski played a leadership role in shaping that consensus platform and advancing it in meetings with federal lawmakers and staff.

“This trip was about making sure our students, educators and communities have a seat at the table in Washington,” Woltanski said. “Federal funding decisions have real, day-today impacts on our classrooms, from services for students with disabilities to school safety and mental health supports.”

The delegation conducted a series of meetings, including engagement with U.S. Senate offices (meeting with Senator Rick Scott in-person) and 15 congressional offices overall, including nine in-person meetings with members of the U.S. House. These meetings spanned both parties and key education and appropriations committees.

The delegation advocated for stable, predictable and accountable federal investment in public education.

Key priorities included fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); strengthening Title I-IV programs that support disadvantaged students and educator development; expanding school safety and mental health resources; investing in school infrastructure and hurricane resilience; protecting critical programs like E-Rate for connectivity and cybersecurity; and improving disaster recovery support for school districts.

The group also emphasized the importance of maintaining accountability and safeguards to ensure federal education funds are used as intended and reach the students who need them most.

In addition to policy advocacy, the delegation thanked lawmakers for maintaining funding stability in the most recent federal budget and urged continued reliability in funding distributions to avoid disruptions for school districts.

“Our public schools are essential community institutions,” Woltanski said. “This work ensures that federal policies support the ability of local districts to serve every student who walks through our doors.” — Contributed

The Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards visited the nation’s capital March 17-18 to advocate for public school students. CONTRIBUTED

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, MAR 26

ROSE N THORN 6:30PM

FRIDAY, MAR 27

FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM

TONY MANFREDI 8PM

SATURDAY, MAR 28

MIKE ROONEY 3PM

GLENN HARMAN 8PM

SUNDAY, MAR 29

TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

MONDAY, MAR 30

JOHNNY LIVE 3PM

ELVISES 7PM TUESDAY, MAR 31

TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY JAMES HARTSOE 3PM COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, APR 1 LUKE SOMMERS 3PM PAINT PARTY 5;30PM TRIVIA 7:30PM

is not. Going after this mom who has three kids and is just trying to make a living, that isn’t right, and they do need to fix it.”

All attending council members at the meeting agreed to move forward with the letter. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, the only member absent, later told multiple media outlets he does not “share or endorse” statements made during the meeting.

Judd backpedals, DeSantis slams sheriffs

A day after the meeting, Judd downplayed the idea that the letter represented a split from DeSantis and federal immigration policy – but doubled down that nonviolent immigrants should have a path to remain in the States.

“If you’re here illegally, and you take that risk … you’re going to be deported. Everyone that ICE says to deport, we deport,” he said in a March 17 press conference.

“But when it comes to immigration, one size doesn’t fit all.”

He reiterated support for those who met his requirements posed in the Enforcement Council’s meeting the day before – employed immigrants with no criminal history, free from government assistance programs and with “evidence of positive community integration.”

Arresting undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds, he said, would already provide “two lifetimes worth of work” for law enforcement.

“We can’t deal with 10 to 18 million illegal people all at once. All we’re doing is setting priorities and giving an exit ramp to those who came here, inappropriately and illegally, but to enjoy the American dream,” he said. “Our job is to provide ideas, input and data … to calm the waters and say ‘Hey, there’s a better way to do this.’”

The sheriffs’ stance comes days after multiple reports that White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair privately told Republicans to shift their messaging away from “mass deportations” and toward the removal of violent criminals.

But it didn’t sit well with DeSantis, who slammed his own handpicked council at a press conference on March 19.

"This idea that unless you're an axe murderer you should be able to stay, that is not consistent with our laws, and it's also not good policy," he said. “My job as governor is to do what’s best for the people, not what any one person who gets elected in one county thinks.

“Who does Tom Homan cite as the way to do this? He cites Florida, without hesitation.”

U.S. Border Patrol Agent Bruno Cabral detains a teen-aged immigrant and Key West resident on Feb. 14. KEY WEST IMMIGRANT SUPPORT NETWORK/Contributed

Keys law enforcement leaders weigh in

Speaking to the Keys Weekly by phone, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said he couldn’t endorse the council’s letter before reading a completed draft, but said he agreed with some comments.

“I’ve said all along that what their first intention should have been is what they’re doing (now),” he said. “There are a lot of really good people, and most come here just looking for a better way of life.

“There should be some clear, reasonable path to citizenship, but that has to go two ways,” he added. “We have to have a clear, defined cap, and you have to go through, declare you’re here, get a job, be a good steward to the community, and you should not be dependent on the taxpayers. … Once you know the rules, play by the rules.”

Asked for his message to those detained or deported in recent months while already attempting to follow those same “rules,” Ramsay said those following a legal path to citizenship through the court system should be “first on the list” to be considered.

“The rules shouldn’t change mid-stream,” he said. “If you’re going to change the rules, (those people) should be grandfathered in under the rules that we told them and should be first to be processed.”

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg told the Keys Weekly, “The Key West Police Department remains committed to upholding all applicable laws and regulations in strict accordance with the guidance set forth by the governor-appointed council.”

While that council debates the draft of its letter to the Trump administration, Key West police continue to prioritize public safety, despite camera-toting onlookers recording every encounter, assuming it’s immigrationrelated, a source inside the police department told the Keys Weekly.

finishing my MBA. I was drawn to the lifestyle, the water and the sense of community.

What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? The Grassy Key Market and Coco’s General Store are my go-to lunch spots. I love supporting local businesses and these are the places I always end up at when I want good food and a friendly atmosphere.

What is your greatest fear? Heights! You will never see me jumping out of a plane in Key West. Which living people do you most admire? I admire all the small business owners throughout the Keys. Watching people work hard, stay consistent and lead by example is inspiring.

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? My favorite book is “A Land Remembered.” It’s such a great look at Florida’s history. I recently saw they’re working on turning it into a TV show, which I’m really excited to see.

What’s a talent you wish you had? I wish I could sing in tune.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? I would like to overthink less. I’d love to just trust myself and go with the flow more often.

TORY RUSSELL T&T Pool Service

What is your most marked characteristic? Reliability. If I say I’m going to do something, people know I’ll follow through, whether it’s at work or in my personal life.

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.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be one of my dachshunds because they live a comfortable and cozy life.

What’s something you’re really proud of? Starting my own business with guidance from my father. Owning T&T Pool Service has been challenging, rewarding and exciting. It’s amazing to see something I created grow in the community.

What is your most treasured possession? Probably my collection of shells.

Our neighbor of the week is Tory Russell, who is originally from Tallahassee. She went to college at Ole Miss and attended graduate school at Mississippi State before finding her way to Marathon. She owns T&T Pool Service and loves building something of her own in Marathon. You might see her driving around town in her pink pool truck. Outside of work, she enjoys looking for shells, walking her dogs on the beach, and needlepointing.

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve lived in the Keys full-time for almost three years now. My parents originally bought a house down here in 2020, and I followed them after

What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Feeding the fish that live below the dock.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Do good work and let it speak for itself.”

What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I rarely ever go swimming in pools. Even though I work with them every day, I usually prefer staying inside after a long, hot day.

What was in the last Amazon package that arrived? Supplies for my new needlepoint project. It’s something I’ve recently started and really enjoy.

Stephan Pavlos, MD Cardiologist Roger Steinfeld, MD Cardiologist

NEW LISTINGS & PRICE REDUCTIONS

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• Community amenities include waterfront pool, tennis court, & harbor front walkway 51 DROST DRIVE CUDJOE KEY | $1,399,000

• 3 bedroom | 2 bathroom • 1,528 sq. ft. on 8,154 sq. ft. lot

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• 3 Beds | 2 Baths • 1,356 sq ft on 8,920 sq. ft. lot

• Deep-water dock with 10,000-lb lift and open-water access

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Hosted by Lara Rutskin

Hiller/Team Mothner Hiller/Team The Phillips Team & Anthony

Hosted by Ginger Henderson Hosted by Chase Foster Hosted by Aly Bainbridge Hosted by Goodwin/Kornetti Team Hosted by Jennifer Hamill

Hosted by Sam Williams Hosted by The Lisa Ferringo Group Hosted by The Lisa Ferringo Group

Ferringo

Ferringo Group

MARK HEDDEN

... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.

Iwas digging through some old, loose text docs on my laptop the other day when I found a page of notes from a conversation I’d had with my friend Sheila back in the early 2000s.

She’d called me in a pique while I was standing in line at a bookstore. And it was early enough in the cell phone era that I’d felt compelled to answer.

Sheila, at the time, lived in one of those Key West houses where it was tough to differentiate the inside from the outside. Her kitchen opened up onto her deck, which opened up into her yard.

She also had an outdoor shower. She wanted to know why why why the birds kept pooping in it.

I asked her which birds. She said the gray ones.

Eurasian collared doves? I asked. No, they weren’t doves, she said, they were just regular birds — little gray things with black caps.

I asked if they had a ruddy patch under the tail. She said she hadn’t thought to look there. I told her they were probably gray catbirds, slightly skulky winter residents that looked like the no-frills versions of northern mockingbirds. I said they most likely were sneaking in after someone uses the shower to drink from the puddles of fresh water on the decking. I said the pooping-in-the-shower thing most likely wasn’t personal because birds, like nearly all animals on the planet, don’t tend to put a lot of forethought into where they poop. They just let loose.

She said there weren’t any puddles to speak of. I said they didn’t have to be very big. A drip would be plenty for a bird as small as a catbird. Fresh water was hard for birds to find and access in the Keys.

I told her she was lucky to be confronted with such non-threatening poops, as I knew a guy who studied roseate spoonbills and got it in the mouth while he was approaching a nest one day. I said someone else I knew had a warbler land a poop in their ear.

According to Sheila, this was not helpful information. She wanted to know what she could do to make the birds stop pooping in her shower.

I recommended indoor plumbing, which, apparently, was not helpful, either.

She told me she held me personally responsible, as the birds weren’t pooping in her shower before I started writing a newspaper column. (I was writing a column for that other paper at the time.)

I told her I’d speak to their union rep. I had a lot of great conversations with Sheila.

AVIAN SHOWER THOUGHTS

I once used the word “avifaunified” in a column, a neologism I made up to be the bird version of personified. Later that week she slipped a note through our mail slot, written in Sharpie on the back of a pink rack card advertising jet skis, that said, “Avifaunafied is a pretty fancy word for a straight guy.”

I once sat down and helped her edit a letter to the editor that she wanted to send. After about an hour she said, “Everything is the (hecking) Declaration of Independence with you, isn’t it?”

I still hear her raspy voice in my head on random occasions, despite her being gone for more than 15 years. On an island filled with misfits, freaks and “unique” personalities, she was in her own genus. Key West is a lesser place without her.

Other than joking with Sheila, I’ve never been judgy about outdoor showers. The fact that you can use one almost year round is one of the great perks of living in the Keys.

I actually lived in a house on Packer Street for several years that didn’t have a functional indoor shower or bathtub, just two pipes with valves that met at a shower head just inside the back gate.

I’ve been wanting one ever since, until last summer, when I actually got one working on our back deck. And it has been great in a way that is hard to articulate. An outdoor shower is just exceptionally pleasant. So far no birds have pooped in there. At least not that I’ve noticed.

One of the things I can say I appreciate about it is the way it limits what you can see of the world to a big overhead square filled with sky and clouds and treetops.

In the yard over the back fence there’s a big mango tree, and over the months it was fun to watch from the shower as the fruits turned from little grape-sized things to full-on sunset colored fruits. The neighboring house is a construction project and the owners only come down a

couple weeks a year to work on it, so mostly it is unoccupied. Which means occasionally people sneak into the yard briefly to grab the fallen mangoes off the ground.

I was taking a shower last summer when I looked up and saw a mango-picking basket on a pole rise up into my line of sight and yank down one of the mangos. For the fun of it I cleared my throat very loudly. The basket rose up again, more quickly this time, grabbed a second mango, then disappeared.

The shower birding also has been pretty entertaining. I remember how happy I was the first time I saw a magnificent frigatebird, the first time I saw a peregrine falcon, the first time I saw a kettle of turkey vultures, the first time I saw a short-tailed hawk. (Considering there are only about 500 short-tails in North America, you have to wonder how many people have had the privilege of seeing one from an outdoor shower.)

I’ve also seen some small songbirds that I could identify, birds like blue-gray gnatcatchers, which are obvious from the way they spin around on the branches; palm warblers, which have a telltale tail twitch; and female American redstarts, which have big, easy-to-spot yellow spots on their tails.

And I have been able to identify the occasional gray catbird.

I considered keeping a list for a while but it was hard to work out how to do it, as paper and ink generally don’t mix well with water. Also, I really don’t like keeping lists.

This week, though, I was out there when a trio of warblers flitted from our other neighbor’s tamarind tree to the mahogany in our yard. One of them I could tell because of its bright yellow face – a black-throated green warbler. But the other two slipped away, their identities known only to each other.

I might have to start keeping a pair of binoculars next to the shampoo.

GARDEN CLUB WELCOMES GUESTS

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

The Marathon Garden Club hosted three guests of honor at its March 20 meeting, welcoming the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs’ District 12 director Anita Grossman and assistant director Annie Goodrich-Sorgie along with renowned veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader. After hearing a report from Grossman on federation-sponsored education and conservation summer camps in Wekiwa Springs State Park and a preview of its upcoming 99th annual

Convention April 14-17 in Lake Buena Vista South, the club turned the floor over to Mader.

Giving a history of plant and wildlife species that have settled in the Keys via displacement from storms or introduction by humans, both intentional and unintentional, Mader announced a sequel in the works for his memoir “The Vet at Noah’s Ark.”

Meetings of the Marathon Garden Club are open to the public, with the final seasonal meeting set for Friday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

IN THE SWIM

Islamorada event returns to raise money for cancer research

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

Swim Across America-Florida Keys, which has raised almost half a million dollars for cancer research, is having its fifth annual open-water swim this year at Islamorada’s Founders Park on Saturday, April 18.

Last year, attendees included about 50 volunteers, 75 swimmers and multiple Olympic medalists.

There are many moving parts to the event, said co-director Glenn Latham. It takes three months of planning and networking. This year he and his wife, co-director Susan Latham, started their organizing in December.

But the idea for Swim Across America actually started very simply: Among friends after a game of tennis.

“I have a group of girls that I play tennis with,” said Susan. “We were talking about what we could do to supplement tennis since it’s too hot in summer.”

And while some friends may be happy with drinking Bloody Marys at a brunch in an air-conditioned restaurant once a week and call it a day, this group had a different approach.

“One of the girls suggested swimming in the bay at Founders,”

said Susan. “I had never thought about that.”

The friends went swimming in the Florida Bay at Founders Park along the jetty for a half-mile, and over the next weeks, gradually worked up to a mile and a quarter.

“The group grew. We all got addicted to it,” said Susan. “You get so energized. We regularly have 10 people, and we swim at 8 a.m. We send out a group text a couple of times a week. Then we met Bob Coakley, one of the husbands of the girls. He’s an All-American swimmer. Someone realized this would be a great Swim Across America event — that was the catalyst. Then we talked to the board of Swim Across America.”

Luckily, the board agreed that the group of friends had a great idea.

Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. The open water and pool swims span 27 communities across the country — from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge. The nonprofit has raised more than $150 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987.

Locals may agree that a swim in the open water in Islamorada is particularly special.

“Our Swim Across America –

Florida Keys swim is one of the most beautiful swims in the world,” said Susan. “Sometimes we get lucky and a few dolphins decide to join and swim alongside us.”

“The goal this year is $100,000, and 100 percent goes directly to support cancer research,” said Glenn. “Not just to some institution somewhere. You feel a tangible impact with Swim Across America that you see and hear about. They fund breakthrough therapies — called high-risk, high-return research — that make a huge difference.”

Since there are no organizations for cancer research in the Keys, any money raised by the Lathams’ event goes to Miami Cancer Institute, which is renowned for its advances in the field. The money raised from last year’s Keys event went to support the research of Miami Cancer Institute oncologist Yuliya Linhares, who specializes in lymphoma. She is involved in several clinical trials for patients who are battling lymphoma.

The Lathams are still neck deep (no pun intended) in the event planning.

“There are a lot of logistics involved,” said Glenn. “Set up the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the swim zone; hold safety meetings; get elec-

tronic chips for the swimmers and a visual number system; find merchandise to sell; print T-shirts and towels.”

Glenn is grateful to be connected to Swim Across America due to his own bout with cancer: He is now 13 years in remission after fighting metastatic prostate cancer for four years with surgery and radiation and chemo therapies.

“I was not going to live five years. And here I am, hallelujah!” said Glenn.

And the Lathams’ friend group? They are still happily swimming away.

“We swim hard and laugh a lot,” said Glenn. “Once we went out when the cold front was in, and the water temp was 62 degrees. We were like, ‘What are we doing?’” he said, laughing.

Those who are interested in swimming, volunteering or donating for the April 18 event at Islamorada’s Founders Park can learn more at swimacrossamerica.org/floridakeys. It starts at 7:30 a.m., and swim lengths are a half-mile, one mile or two miles. There will also be a Kids’ Splash, Mermaid Swim, and a ceremony with the national anthem and speeches from cancer survivors and staff from the Miami Cancer Institute.

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IF YOU PEE WHEN YOU SNEEZE, YOU’RE NOT ALONE

If you break out into a sweat when your trainer asks you to do jumping jacks for fear you might “piddle,” you most likely are in the company of fellow “piddlers.”

For years now I have heard these complaints from many of my female clients, and it pisses me off (pun intended) because every single one of them thinks it’s “just them.” I am here to tell you A) it’s not just you, and B) there are a lot of options when trying to strengthen your pelvic floor.

Let’s start with the first point – you are definitely not alone. Urinary leakage, often called stress urinary incontinence, happens when pressure inside the abdomen increases during things like coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. If the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder are weakened, that pressure can cause urine to leak unintentionally.

And just how common is this? Very! About one in four adult women experience bladder leakage, and some estimates suggest up to half of women will deal with urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. Among women over 65, the numbers climb even higher.

Translation: if you’ve ever nervously crossed your legs during a workout class, there’s a very good chance several other women in that room are thinking the exact same thing.

The good news is that the pelvic floor, a sling of muscles supporting the bladder, uterus and bowel, can absolutely be strengthened. Like any muscle group, it responds to consistent training.

One of the most recommended exercises is the Kegel. Now just saying that word is going to make some of you laugh, some of you blush and some of you absolutely puzzled. Over the years I’ve learned that while most women have heard of Kegels, a surprising number have never actually been shown (or told) how to do one.

Which reminds me of a conversation I once had with a 92-year-old client named June (name changed to protect the fabulous). June looked at me one day and said, completely matter-of-fact, “Jen, my doctor told me I need to Kegel so I stop wetting

my pants. Can you show me?”

Now I pride myself on being able to teach most exercises, but this one gave me pause.

“June,” I said, trying to maintain professional composure while also wanting to run out of the room, “I can’t really show you … but I can try to talk you through it.”

“Great,” she said. “Because I really can't stand not wearing grey or black. I’m a New Yorker. We don’t wear white or pastels well.”

“I hear that,” I told her. “We are in fact genetically allergic to most colors other than black and grey.”

Then I explained it the best way I knew how.

“Think about the muscles you feel when you try not to pee. Those are the muscles you want to squeeze. Tighten them and imagine lifting them up like an elevator. Squeeze and bring the elevator all the way up to the penthouse … then slowly release back down to the lobby.”

June thought about it for a moment. “I can’t hold my pee for that long,” she said.

“That’s okay,” I replied. “Hold and lift for as long as you can, then gently

release. Over time you’ll make it to the penthouse.”

She nodded, clearly considering the logistics. Then she asked one more question.

“So, what are these balls I keep seeing on Google when I search Kegels?”

At this point I briefly considered a career change.

“Well,” I said carefully, “those are tools some people use to help engage the muscles — kind of like giving the elevator something to carry on the ride up.”

June looked me dead in the eye and said, “Honey, I ain’t carrying nothing up with this.”

And honestly, fair enough. The good news is you don’t need any equipment to get started.

Here are three simple exercises that help strengthen the pelvic floor:

Kegels: Tighten the muscles used to stop urination, hold for about five seconds, then relax. Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions a few times a day.

Glute bridges: Lying on your back with knees bent, lift your hips while squeezing your glutes and gently engaging the pelvic floor.

Pelvic tilts: While lying on your back with bent knees, flatten your lower back into the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor, hold briefly, then release.

For many women, strengthening alone can significantly reduce symptoms. Pelvic floor training is often the first line of treatment recommended by physicians.

But if strengthening alone doesn’t fully solve the problem, there are medical options available.

One is urethral bulking injections, where a small material is injected around the urethra to help it stay closed more effectively.

Another option is the mid-urethral sling procedure, a minimally invasive surgery that places a small supportive sling under the urethra to help prevent leakage during movement, coughing or exercise. It’s one of the most common surgical treatments for stress incontinence and often very successful. Physicians call it a sling, but I prefer hammock, because it feels more like rest than it does repair.

Now – before anyone panics –surgery is not the first step for most women. But it’s important to know there are options beyond silently crossing your legs every time you laugh. Here’s the part that really gets me: Many women wait years before ever bringing this up to their doctor. And they shouldn’t have to. Leaking when you sneeze isn’t a personality flaw, a punishment from motherhood, or something you simply must accept with age. It’s a common, treatable issue that deserves a little less embarrassment and a lot more conversation.

So, the next time someone admits they’re a fellow “piddler,” don’t whisper about it – compare elevator rides to the penthouse and remind them they’re in very good company.

PIONEERING WOMEN OF THE PAST

THREE POWERFUL READS ABOUT WOMEN WHO EXPANDED MINDS AND CHALLENGED LIMITS

THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME

By Kim Michele Richardson

BARRIERS TO ENTRY

By Ariel Lawhorn

KAREN NEWFIELD

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

Cussy and Jackson Lovett violated Kentucky miscegenation laws in 1953. Jackson is white and Cussy is a Blue Fugate (commonly known as Blue People of Kentucky) due to a rare genetic blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. They are sentenced to prison and taken away from Honey, their 16-year-old daughter. Now, there is only one thing that brings joy to Cussy’s life: books. She becomes the prison librarian and teaches illiterate prisoners how to read and write. Besides desperately missing Jackson and Honey, Cussy knows she is making a difference for these women who have lost all hope. Cussy’s story shows how women, so often underpaid and underestimated, can help build and strengthen their communities when given the chance. As a packhorse librarian, she didn’t just deliver books to remote regions. Cussy provided education and dignity, using literacy as a tool that helped families navigate poverty and systems designed to keep them small. Cussy’s love of reading demonstrates how everyday tasks — teaching, caregiving and community work — can be quietly revolutionary. This wonderful author returns to the Book Woman series one last time, completing a trilogy that celebrates the life-changing power of reading.

A determined socialite, Frances Glessner Lee was inspired by a love of true crime. Women in the 1920s were not permitted to be detectives, so Frances “volunteered,” and as it turned out, she was very good. So clever, in fact, that Frances created her own unique way to solve murders. At 50 years old, Frances started building meticulously detailed dioramas of grisly crime scenes to assist investigators. These “doll houses,” called the Nutshell Series, took months and cost thousands of dollars as Frances painstakingly created every single item and blood tracing at the scene of the crime by hand. What most people would consider a hobby wound up changing the world of forensics. Frances founded and funded the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University. Her unusual teaching methods helped detectives and doctors as they trained for a variety of specialities. This short story by Ariel Lawhorn is fascinating and free on Amazon Prime. Don’t forget to take a look at the “Three Room Dwelling” while reading the story.

A FOUNDING MOTHER

By Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

In October 1764, Abigail Smith married country lawyer John Adams. Abigail descended from a wellknown political family. They built a life on a small farm in Quincy, where Abigail gave birth to six children, four of whom survived past childhood. The couple struggled through years of separation when John was sent to Philadelphia to serve in the Continental Congress and later as a diplomat to Europe. John Adams’ belief and loyalty to the Revolution were unwavering in his work toward a new democracy. Abigail found herself in the center of it all. Close allies with Washington, Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, John Adams was a major figure in the founding of our nation, with Abigail as his trusted confidant. Abigail strongly opposed slavery and advocated endlessly for women’s rights. Like the excellent HBO series “John Adams” (2008), this novel brings to life the fascinating details of their marriage and unyielding dedication to our nation. Abigail left us a remarkable record: more than 1,100 letters that capture the social and political issues of the time. Abigail Adams was a founding mother in every sense of the word. Releases May 5, 2026.

#WORTHWATCHING

“The Gray House” is a Civil War drama about a group of women in Richmond, Virginia who are secretly working as spies while living in the heart of the Confederacy. Inspired by real history and centered on the Van Lew family, the miniseries stars the fabulous Mary-Louise Parker as Eliza. It is now streaming on Prime Video.

CHRIS McNULTY

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

This week’s astrology has us making some serious choices. Next week, the sun meets up with Saturn in the sign of Aries, and the combination draws our attention to areas where we need to either cut something out or double down on our commitment. Saturn is the planet of constriction, editing, consolidating and saying “no.” Whenever Saturn is involved, we are reminded that there are moments in life when we need to get serious and make mature, difficult decisions. As the sun sheds light on whatever it touches and represents our core identities and creative endeavors, this sun-Saturn conjunction is showing us we need to get serious about who we want to be in this everchanging and chaotic world. We are testing our mettle as we are confronted with jarring news from all directions. Who will you be and how will you be it? What excesses do you need to cut out of your life in order to sustain yourself? How can we pare ourselves down to the basics in order to feel lighter amid the weight of life? This week, everyone’s mantra should be “Edit, edit, edit.”

Here are your horoscopes for Sun-Saturn conjunction. Read for your rising and sun signs.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Happy birthday season, Aries. The sun is lighting up your presence in the world. Step out and show your brilliance so we can all bask in your glory. This birthday season might feel a little more tempered than most, but that is so you can appreciate simple joys. When you boil things down, who are you beneath all the hubbub? When you get back to basics, you may find more peace.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

A retreat is necessary. You do not have to go to the mountains or hunker down in a monastery, but time spent alone, focusing on yourself in private, is exactly what the universe ordered. The practices you develop when no one is watching become the foundation for how you live in public. Appreciate the solitude you can find now and discover a newfound maturity there.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

When it comes to friends and supporters, more doesn’t always mean better. Yes, it can be advantageous to have a wide network of

acquaintances, but when it comes to the triedand-true and through-thick-and-thin friends, a handful is all you need. Which friends share your true values? Lean on them when you need to make hard, necessary choices.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

In improv, the rule is always “yes, and…” to keep the creative comedy flowing. But you may find you need to do the opposite at work right now, Cancer. You may need to say “no, because…” to make things manageable and logical. Simplify some of your workflows so you and your coworkers are not wasting energy, or turn down an opportunity because it doesn’t work right now.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

This week, you are being called on to practice what you preach. It is all well and good to have a belief system or set of morals, but unless those get translated into actual, practical action, they serve no purpose. How can you make your beliefs manifest this week? What antiquated beliefs do you have that need to be edited or dropped completely?

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

When you give of yourself or when you use the kindness of others, it can be easy to make that arrangement the new normal. However, there comes a time, like this week, when either your benefactor needs to end the arrangement or you need to stop giving so freely. That is totally OK. It may be difficult to adjust to a different way of doing things, but hard decisions are the hallmark of maturity. Pivot if necessary.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

This week, you are called to make a strong commitment to a partner in your life. To do so, you may have to have a difficult conversation or set some boundaries, but ultimately these will serve to strengthen your relationship. If you need to cut a relationship off, you will strengthen your relationship to yourself. Facing a hard truth will serve you now.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Your word for this week is discipline. Daily routine and practice set you up for success in whatever pursuits you seek. Find consistency and cut out the noise to achieve your goals. Build a structure into your daily life and cut out unneeded excess. Your personal goals are absolutely achievable when you pare down your activities to reflect your commitment.

KEEP IT SIMPLE, SILLY!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Creativity and joy can certainly come spontaneously, Sagittarius. Under this sky, however, you are being called to commit to your joy by putting in focus and effort. What artistic or romantic endeavor is asking you to focus? By identifying your goal now and committing to regular practice, you will ensure success in that endeavor down the road.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Your home and family need your mature attention now, Capricorn. Is there a family member that needs you to say no? Do you need to have a difficult conversation? Do you simply need to commit more time at home? Whatever the case, your foundation is asking you to focus there. Without time dedicated to your roots, the rest of your life falters. Home is where you’re needed.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Sometimes, the hardest truths are those that simply need to be stated. Is there something you have been holding onto that you need to share with someone? It’s time to let the cat out of the bag. You can share difficult news in a way that does not harm, but holding it in will certainly do you no good. Say what needs to be said in a way that you can be proud of. Speak with intention.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

This is a time to pay attention to your spending habits. It’s a perfect time to cut back. You do not need to be thrifty for thrift’s sake, but pay attention to what you are spending money on. Where you spend is a reflection of your value, so audit yourself to see that you are in line. If everything seems to be in order, you may want to audit your values themselves.

OPEN MEETING BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026

AT 1:00 P.M.

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

DRAGONFLY

8-week-old female terrier puppy.

Looking for: There are seven puppies all in need of loving homes.

Turnoffs: Nothing. Being a puppy is awesome.

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.

BUMBLEBEE

8-week-old female terrier puppy.

Looking for: I’m ready for my very first and only family.

Turnoffs: Nothing. I love my foster home and learning new things.

CLEO

1-year-old female domestic longhair.

Looking for: I’d make a great family cat – I’m sweet as pie.

Turnoffs: I was almost a homeless teenage mom.

IRS SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE

Florida taxpayers should be alert

As tax season intensifies, so do efforts by scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers.

Officials warn that IRS-related fraud is increasing nationwide, with Florida residents among the most frequently targeted.

From impersonation phone

calls to fraudulent tax filings, these scams are becoming more sophisticated. Experts say Florida’s large retiree population, seasonal residents and high number of small businesses make it particularly attractive to criminals seeking financial gain.

Common tax scams

Authorities report several types of IRS scams circulating during tax season. Impersonation remains one of the most common. Victims may receive calls, texts, emails or letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. These messages often allege unpaid taxes, problems with a refund or impending legal action. Scammers attempt to create urgency, pressuring individuals to send immediate payment — often through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

Officials emphasize that the Internal Revenue Service does not initiate contact in this manner, does not demand payment using unconventional methods and does not threaten arrest over the phone.

Another growing concern is fake filing and refund fraud, sometimes called pre-filing fraud. In these cases, criminals obtain a taxpayer’s Social Security number — often through data breaches or phishing — and file a fraudulent return early in the season. The scammer collects the refund before the legitimate taxpayer files.

Victims frequently discover the fraud only after their return is rejected because one has already been submitted in their name. Resolving such cases can take months and delay legitimate refunds.

Phishing scams also continue to rise. Fraudulent emails and text messages designed to look official may

prompt recipients to click links to “verify” personal or financial information. These links can lead to fake websites or install malicious software on devices.

Additionally, officials warn about misleading tax advice circulating on social media. Posts promoting “guaranteed refunds” or little-known tax credits may encourage individuals to file inaccurate returns, potentially leading to audits, penalties or repayment obligations.

Concerns also extend to dishonest tax preparers. Some preparers intentionally inflate deductions or claim false credits to increase refunds, leaving taxpayers responsible for any errors or fraudulent claims submitted on their behalf.

Florida frequently targeted

Experts say several factors contribute to Florida’s vulnerability. Retirees are often targeted with urgent or threatening messages, while seasonal residents may miss official correspondence. In addition, periods following natural disasters — such as hurricanes — can create opportunities for scammers to promote fake tax relief or refund programs.

“Scammers rely on urgency and confusion,” consumer protection advocates said. “They want people to act quickly without verifying the information.”

Taxpayers should also be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, requests for immediate action or unsolicited messages asking for personal information.

Steps to take if you’re targeted

Individuals who believe they may be victims of tax fraud should act quickly. Reporting the incident to the IRS is critical. Victims of identity theft may need to file an Identity Theft Affidavit and take steps to secure their tax accounts, including requesting an Identity Protection PIN to prevent future fraudulent filings.

Staying protected

Experts recommend filing tax returns early, using trusted tax professionals and safeguarding personal information as key steps to reduce risk.

Officials stress that awareness remains the strongest defense.

“A moment of caution can prevent months of frustration,” advocates say.

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent.

ALICIA BETANCOURT

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

BRIEFLY

St. Columba Church hosts Marathon Monopoly night

St. Columba Episcopal Church will host its annual Marathon Monopoly fundraiser night on Friday, March 27. Doors open for dinner at 5 p.m., with games beginning at 6 in St. Columba’s parish hall. Tickets to play are $30 and include dinner from Frank’s Grill, a glass of signature punch, door prizes and a fast game of Monopoly. All proceeds benefit the repairs of St. Columba’s apartments at 1655 Overseas Hwy., the church’s workforce housing complex. For more information, call 305-743-6412.

City

of Marathon hosts Neon Nights roller skate party

The city of Marathon will host a Neon Nights roller skate party on Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the events tiki at Oceanfront Park behind City Hall. Lace up and light up the night for a throwback “Saturday Night Fever”-themed evening. The city will transform the events tiki into a glowing roller rink and take you straight back to your childhood with all the classics you remember and love. Neon lights and retro vibes will combine for a night of all-ages fun. Admission is free if you bring your own skates, or rent a pair for $10 for two hours. Bring a toy to donate to Presents in Paradise and receive $5 off each skate rental.

Phone/text scam impersonates law enforcement officials

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has taken multiple reports recently of phone/text scams involving thieves pretending to be sheriff’s office/law enforcement/jail officials. One of the latest scams involves the use of fake court documents/notifications regarding a false traffic infraction. Criminals often falsely identify themselves as law enforcement officers and make false claims to potential victims about missing jury duty or some other lie about a fake (or even real) criminal case to extort money. If someone contacts you asking for money, claiming to be from a law enforcement agency, any government organization or utility company, a bank, a credit card company and so forth, hang up and contact the organization yourself. A sure sign of a scam is anyone asking for payment for anything via gift cards or Bitcoin. If you receive a distressing message from a family member/friend needing money immediately, always contact that family member/friend before sending money. If possible, save the text, email, or any other information and contact the sheriff’s office directly via www.keysso.net/locations

Two men arrested & cited for wildlife violations

One man was arrested and another received a citation on March 22 in the Middle Keys for separate alleged resource violations. Deputy Luis Guiardinu was on patrol around 11:30 a.m. in Bahia Honda State Park when he saw Raymond Kwongwah Wong, 68, of Toronto, Canada, allegedly harvesting lobster. Wong was in possession of five undersized lobsters, MCSO said. Wong also did not have a saltwater fishing license with a valid lobster permit. He was taken to jail. Later the same day, Sgt. Matthew O’Neill and deputy Martin Corona-Rivera were on patrol at Sombrero Beach around 5:30 p.m. when they were told a man on the beach was harvesting queen conch. Michael Paul Robistow, 52, of Willis, Texas, had four conch in his possession, the sheriff’s office said. Each conch was returned to the water alive. Robistow was given a mandatory notice to appear in court.

Naples teen arrested for texting death threats

A 13-year-old Naples, Florida male was arrested on March 20 after reportedly sending another juvenile an image of a rifle on TikTok while threatening to kill them. Sebastian Manuel Blanco was charged with making an electronic threat to kill, cause bodily harm, and conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. “These are serious cases and I will not tolerate such threats made on social media or anywhere else,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. The Naples Police Department notified the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office of the incident following their investigation. The female victim is also a Naples resident; however, she received the threat while visiting the Florida Keys earlier this month. MCSO obtained a warrant for Blanco’s arrest after the Naples Police Department’s report. Law enforcement in Collier County arrested Blanco via that warrant.

Department to host breast health seminars

The Florida Department of Health will host two free seminars led by local experts on breast health awareness for women and men in Islamorada and Marathon in early April. These seminars are made possible by a grant provided by the Florida Breast Cancer

Foundation to increase awareness of the importance of early screening and detection. All are welcome to attend these free events. The first will take place Monday, April 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center in Islamorada. The second will take place Wednesday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marathon City Hall. For more information, call 305-6763923 or email dohmonroe@flhealth. gov.

Marathon Yacht Club hosts Healthy Start fundraiser

The Marathon Yacht Club will hold a mahjong fundraiser supporting Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition on Wednesday, April 8, starting at 11 a.m. in the clubhouse. Play at royal, regular and learning tables from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with play resuming at 1 p.m. after a lunch break. Bring a donation of cash or a check made out to Florida Keys Healthy Start for admission. A lunch buffet is $20 plus tax and tip, with Bloody Marys and mimosas offered for $5. Please RSVP by April 6 to the MYC office, office@marathonyachtclub.com or by calling 305-7436739. Call C.M. Bishop with questions at 305-395-0439.

Seacamp to host dinner to raise money

Seacamp on Big Pine Key will hold its annual Sip into Science fundraiser on Saturday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have a five-course, drinkpaired dinner alongside interactive science demos and live music. Tickets are a $150 donation per seat. More information is at seacamp.betterworld. org. “Keys formal” attire is requested.

Public input wanted for Key deer survey

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are seeking input from those who live, work or recreate in Monroe County by completing a brief online survey about Key deer. The survey is intended to better understand public awareness, experiences and interest in Key deer conservation and outreach. Participation is voluntary and takes about 15 minutes. The survey responses will support efforts to protect and conserve this unique species found only in the Florida Keys. To participate in the survey, scan the QR code.

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.

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.

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.

Founded by Betty Debnam

WELCOME TO NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota is our 39th state, having entered the Union on Nov. 2, 1889. It is a landlocked state that borders Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota, along with Canada. About 800,000 people live in North Dakota, many in Fargo, the state’s largest city. The capital is Bismarck.

NORTH DAKOTA HISTORY

Native American tribes including the Hidatsa, Cree and Sioux lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the mid-1700s. The Spanish and French controlled the region until the late 1800s, when the railroad brought more settlers.

In the mid-20th century, oil exploration brought more people to North Dakota.

IN THE PEACE GARDEN

STATE

North Dakota is home the International Peace Garden, a garden that straddles the international boundary line between the United States and Canada.

Agriculture is the top business in North Dakota; about 90% of the land there is in farming. Farmers produce beans, wheat, corn, seeds for oil, soybeans and sugar beets. People also work in oil production, food processing and technology.

Along with Native Americans, many people of Norwegian and Icelandic descent live in the state. In the late 1800s, many Germans immigrated to the area.

HAVING FUN

North Dakotans enjoy ice fishing, skiing and snowmobiling. Fans follow minor-league baseball teams and hockey teams.

North Dakota has 63 national wildlife refuges, the most of any state. People also visit the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, where Lewis and Clark became acquainted with Sacagawea. The site has the remains of three Native American villages.

At a site called Medicine Hole, a cave entrance sometimes releases an eerie fog. Early Native Americans believed that the hole was where all humans and animals came out of the Earth at the beginning of time.

This painting by George Catlin shows a Hidatsa village with earth-covered lodges along the Knife River.

Visitors also explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The president had two ranches in the state’s Badlands.

EDUCATION

North Dakota is home to many public universities, five tribal colleges and universities, and four private schools.

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

BISMARCK, CLARK, CREE, DAKOTA, ERDRICH, FARMS, GARDEN, HIDATSA, LAKOTA, LANDLOCKED, LEWIS, NATIVE, NORTH, OIL, PEACE, SACAGAWEA, SIOUX, WILDLIFE.

MINI FACT: The Peace Garden (photo left) has more than 80,000 flowering plants in its formal garden.

NORTH DAKOTANS TO KNOW

• Louise Erdrich is an author who has written books for children and adults. You may have read books in her series The Birchbark House. Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota. Her mother was an Ojibwe woman.

• Sacagawea (sah-KAH-gah-WAY-uh) is the Shoshone Indian woman who guided Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their explorations to the Pacific Ocean.

She grew up near the present-day MontanaIdaho border. When she was about 10 years old, she was captured by Hidatsa warriors. They brought her to their villages in present-day North Dakota, about 1,000 miles away.

The Hidatsa tribe adopted her and gave her the name Sacagawea, which means “Bird Woman.”

In 1804, Lewis and Clark stopped for the winter near the Hidatsa village. They hired her and her husband as interpreters for the journey. Sacagawea traveled with them more than 4,000 miles through the wilderness.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• youtu.be/5fFGoQJ3JpQ

AT THE LIBRARY

• “Lakota” by Heather Bruegl

• “Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea” by Dalton Rains

ECO NOTE

Plants growing close together can warn each other about incoming stress, giving them a survival advantage. In experiments with thale cress, researchers at the University of Missouri in Columbia exposed both isolated plants and tightly packed groups to intense light. Crowded plants quickly activated more than 2,000 protective genes and showed far less damage, while plants grown alone failed to mount the same defense. The team found that neighboring plants release hydrogen peroxide, a chemical stress signal that spreads from one plant to another and triggers the response.

Photo by Words in the Wind

Photo by Evan Delshaw

Photo by slowking4

Louise Erdrich

Sacagawea

ISLAND GAME-CHANGERS

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Key West Baseball Hardee 3/16 W, 4-0

Marathon Baseball @ Trenton 3/16 L, 4-3

Key West Baseball Sebring 3/17 W, 7-1

Key West Baseball Island Coast 3/18 L, 3-1

Key West Baseball Spanish River 3/19 W, 5-3

Key West Softball Gulf Coast 3/20 W, 1-0

Key West Softball Gulf Coast 3/21 W, 10-2

Key West Softball AIE 3/21 W, 11-0

BRENNER

3/26 Coral Shores Softball Lourdes Academy 5 p.m.

3/26 Coral Shores Baseball Archbishop Carroll 6 p.m.

3/26 Key West Girls Lacrosse Coral Shores 4 p.m.

3/26 Marathon Softball Miami Country Day 4 p.m.

3/26 Key West Baseball Master’s Academy 7:30 p.m.

3/27 Key West Baseball West Broward 7:30 p.m.

3/27 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Village School Naples 6 p.m.

3/27 Marathon Baseball Master’s Academy 7 p.m.

3/27 Coral Shores Softball Everglades City 6 p.m.

3/27 Key West Softball Neumann 7 p.m.

3/28 Key West Girls Lacrosse @ American Heritage 1 p.m.

3/28 Key West Baseball West Broward 7:30 p.m.

3/28 Key West Softball Neumann 7 p.m.

3/30 Marathon Baseball Coral Shores 7 p.m.

3/31 Coral Shores Tennis @ Riviera Prep 2:30 p.m.

3/31 Key West Girls Lacrosse @ St. Brendan 5 p.m.

3/31 Key West Track & Field @ Belen 3 p.m.

3/31 Key West Boys Lacrosse Archbishop McCarthy 4 p.m.

3/31 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse @ St. Brendan 7 p.m.

3/31 Coral Shores Softball South Homestead 5 p.m.

3/31 Coral Shores Girls Lacrosse @ Palmer Trinity 4 p.m.

4/1 Key West Boys Lacrosse NSU University 6 p.m.

4/1 Marathon Track & Field @ Southridge TBA

4/1 Key West Baseball Southridge 7:30 p.m.

4/1 Marathon Softball @ St. Brendan 6 p.m.

4/2 Key West Baseball Lakeside School (AL) 6 p.m.

4/2 Coral Shores Tennis Key West 2 p.m.

4/2 Coral Shores Softball Palmer Trinity 5 p.m.

4/2 Coral Shores Track & Field @ Homestead 12 p.m.

Brianna is very compassionate, competitive and energetic for softball. She works hard and never wavers from the task at hand.”

– coach Jason Garcia

Key West’s softball program has enjoyed great success the past few seasons and has cemented itself as one of the best in 4A. A dynasty such as this is built one athlete at a time, and junior Brianna Brenner is one such player.

Last week, Brenner pitched two games, chalked up two wins, allowed zero runs and struck out 30 batters. This season, she leads the district in strikeouts with 72 and wins with five. Her 1.58 ERA makes her one of the best in the region, and yet the humble hurler never lets it go to her head.

“Brianna is such a down to earth young lady, very respectful to her team, coaches and program,” said Jason Garcia, coach of the Lady Conchs. For her dedication, hard work and ability to deliver when her team needs it most, Key West’s Brianna Brenner is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Brianna

Junior, Key West Softball Pitcher

Photo by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys

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.

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Manuela C. Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

HARD TO HIT Brenner, Harnish deliver as Lady Conchs roll spring break opponents

In a spring break stretch defined by dominant arms and clutch moments, the Lady Conchs earned three straight wins to improve to 8-4 and vault into the top 10 in Florida’s 4A rankings last week.

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

In game one on March 20 against a visiting Gulf Coast Sharks team, Brianna Brenner stepped into the circle for what became a pitchers’ duel, requiring an extra inning to determine a winner. Both teams were locked at 0-0 until the eighth inning, when an error and a pair of walks by a fatigued Sharks pitcher allowed one run to score, sealing Key West’s win in a 1-0 shutout. Brenner fanned 16 batters over eight innings, walking none and giving up just four hits. Kaleya Cervantes registered the only hit for the Conchs, connecting for a double that made its way into right field in the bottom of the third inning.

Both teams regrouped before game two the following morning. This time, Key West jumped out to an early lead and never let up. Ryleigh Harnish took over pitching duties, striking out nine, walking three and surrendering four hits and two runs over seven innings. Cervantes, Lucy Katz, Arianna Garcia and Shylo Sanchez logged two hits apiece. Aaliyah McLeod and Lilee Gage accounted for the rest of the Conchs’ 10 hits.

Later that afternoon, Brenner was back in the circle against the Academy for Innovative Education Aviators. In five innings, Brenner struck out 13 and gave up just three hits, no walks and no runs. Katz singled and doubled to lead the offense and McLeod, Garcia, Sanchez and Gage had one hit each in the 11-0 mercy-rule win.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

Key West’s pitching combo of Brianna Brenner, left, and Ryleigh Harnish deliver a 1-2 punch to teams across South Florida. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

Bobby Dube, Retired FWC Officer

“I have been a client of Regan Roth Insurance since 1992. The staff have always taken great care of my insurance needs and have always been there to assist. Whether it is to answer questions on my policies, make suggestions to help lower my premiums or provide the best coverage possible for all of my family’s needs. I have enjoyed working with Holly Redding over the years. She has always kept me up to date with any changes and always does it with a smile.”

2025-2026

ALL-KEYS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

Young players build promise for future

Monroe County’s girls basketball teams wrapped up the season with several young squads gaining valuable experience. Key West finished 4-15 in Class 4A District 16, sweeping Marathon and splitting with Coral Shores before falling in the opening round of district play. Marathon went 3-14 in Rural 1A but showed promise for the future with a roster that included several middle school players; the Dolphins split with Coral Shores, defeated Basilica and advanced past the district quarterfinals via forfeit before losing in the second round. Coral Shores posted a 5-5 record in Class 3A District 16, splitting with both Key West and Marathon while earning two wins over Basilica before its own first-round district exit. Basilica finished 0-3 in limited action, falling twice to Coral Shores and once to Marathon.

Photos by Natalie Danko and contributed images

Melanie Estevez

Estevez emerged as one of the county’s most dynamic players this season, leading Coral Shores from the point guard position while showcasing her ability to affect the game in multiple ways. A multisport athlete, Estevez brings a burst of energy the moment she steps on the court, instantly elevating the Hurricanes’ tempo and intensity. The sophomore floor general combines scoring ability with strong court vision and leadership, demonstrated by a remarkable performance in which she recorded 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. Focused and coachable, Estevez approaches every practice and game with determination, consistently working to refine her skills and elevate those around her. Her athleticism, playmaking ability and competitive drive made her a catalyst for Coral Shores this season.

Gloria Slavik

Slavik was one of Basilica’s most athletic and determined players. The senior utility player battled through injuries while contributing on both ends of the court, knocking down clutch threepointers and denying others with impressive blocks on defense. Slavik’s toughness, athleticism and willingness to push through adversity made her an important presence for Basilica throughout the season.

Colleen Barter SOPHOMORE | CSHS POINT GUARD

Barter provided steady leadership for the Conchs during her senior season, showcasing strong skills, determination and a team-first mindset. A versatile player capable of contributing both inside and on the perimeter, Barter led by example through her play while consistently uplifting and inspiring her teammates. Her leadership and competitive spirit helped set the tone for Key West throughout the year.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

14

Jordan Greene JUNIOR | KWHS SHOOTING GUARD /POWER FORWARD

Miranda’s defensive intensity played a pivotal role for the Hurricanes. In a key matchup against Marathon, the sophomore guard helped spark a comeback by applying relentless full-court pressure while battling through illness, helping Coral Shores erase a 15-point deficit. Miranda finished the season with more than 129 points and 35 assists, showcasing her ability to contribute offensively while anchoring the team’s defensive effort.

Gage established herself as one of the county’s top rebounders, dominating the boards with energy and determination. The junior center’s tenacity allowed her to secure rebounds on both the offensive and defensive ends, consistently giving the Conchs extra possessions while limiting opponents’ opportunities. Her work ethic and physical presence in the paint made her a key contributor for Key West.

Howard controlled the paint for the Hurricanes, providing a dominant defensive presence in the post. The senior center’s ability to protect the rim was highlighted in a standout performance against Key West, in which she recorded 13 blocks while controlling the boards. Howard finished the season with 79 points and 36 blocks, using her size and defensive instincts to anchor Coral Shores inside.

Williams provided leadership and athleticism for the Dolphins during her senior season. Averaging more than 10 points per game, the center used her strong vertical leap and physical presence to control play in the paint. Known for her outgoing personality and competitive nature, Williams often took charge on the court and played a key role in Marathon’s success.

Greene was a co-captain for the Conchs and set a high standard for effort and commitment throughout the season. Whether in practice or during games, the junior consistently gave maximum effort while demonstrating strong leadership and passion for the sport. Greene’s dedication and drive inspired her teammates while helping anchor Key West with her steady presence on the court.

Robinson was one of the most exciting young talents in the county this season. The eighth grade point guard averaged 15 points per game while demonstrating poise and court awareness. A sharpshooter from the three-point line with the ability to read defenses and control the pace of play, Robinson showed the potential to become a standout player in the years ahead.

Ibodilloeva brought an aggressive, fearless style of play to the Conchs’ lineup. The senior small forward attacked the basket with confidence, using her quickness and determination to create scoring opportunities both for herself and her teammates. Her willingness to take on defenders and push the tempo made her an exciting and impactful player for Key West.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

24

James Osborne SENIOR | KWHS GUARD

Osborne was the driving force behind Key West’s success this season, putting together a dominant senior campaign while averaging 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals per game. A premier athlete with the ability to affect every facet of the game, Osborne consistently elevated the Conchs on both ends of the floor. The difference in Key West’s play with Osborne on the court was undeniable; his energy, poise and leadership set the tone for the entire squad. A phenomenal leader and true class act, Osborne combined high-level production with the stability and confidence that championship-caliber teams rely on. His blend of athleticism, work ethic and basketball IQ makes him a player poised to continue making an impact at the next level.

MEET THE 2025-26 ALL-KEYS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

Four teams showed grit, determination and desire on the courts

Monroe County’s boys basketball teams wrapped up the season with each program carving out its own path on the hardwood. Key West led the way with a 14-12 campaign that included two wins over Marathon, a trip to the District 16 championship game and a regional playoff berth. Marathon finished 9-18 in the Rural 1A ranks, sweeping Coral Shores while splitting with Basilica and earning a home district win before falling in the semifinals. Coral Shores went 9-8 in District 16 of Class 3A after splitting with Basilica but dropping two games to Marathon, while Basilica posted a strong 9-3 season in independent play

2

Jack Chapman SOPHOMORE | MHS SHOOTING GUARD

Chapman emerged as one of the county’s most dangerous perimeter threats, finishing as a top-three three-point shooter while scoring the second-most points. The sophomore averaged 15.9 points, 1.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game, finishing the year with 430 points, 119 rebounds and 48 steals. Chapman consistently showed up ready to compete and did whatever was needed to help his team get the job done.

11

Zach Levering SENIOR | KWHS FORWARD

A steady presence for the Conchs, Levering averaged eight points and eight rebounds per game while adding one assist and one steal per contest. Levering balanced basketball with a demanding schedule that included work and a rigorous academic load, maintaining a 3.94 GPA. A dependable leader, he set the tone for his teammates through his commitment, discipline and character.

23

Josh Koler

Koler anchored the paint for Marathon, serving as the Fins’ physical presence inside while finishing with the third-most total points in the county. The junior center averaged 10 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while totaling 177 rebounds and 27 blocks. Koler consistently made his presence known in the paint, protecting the rim on defense and providing Marathon with a reliable inside scoring option.

1

3

Alex Bouttier

SOPHOMORE,

BASILICA GUARD

Bouttier showcased his athleticism and quickness all season for Basilica, averaging 18.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.1 steals per game. The sophomore guard’s speed and agility allowed him to affect the game on both ends of the floor, while his unselfish nature made him a key contributor in team success. Bouttier’s scoring ability, defensive presence and teamfirst mentality highlight his bright future on the court.

10

Jordon Brown JUNIOR | CSHS GUARD/WING

Noah Wright JUNIOR | MHS CENTER

Brown was a versatile piece for Coral Shores this season, sharing time between guard and wing while averaging 7.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Brown showed a strong feel for the game and consistently made the right plays when opportunities arose. He was especially effective on the boards, giving the Hurricanes valuable rebounding production while contributing across multiple areas of the stat sheet.

Judson Snider

SOPHOMORE | KWHS GUARD

Snider emerged as a key contributor for the Conchs as a sophomore, averaging 10 points, four rebounds and four assists per game while also tallying two steals per contest. Thrust into a major role early in his high school career, Snider handled the pressure well, showing the work ethic and all-around skill set that point to a very bright future.

1

Andrew Suarez

SOPHOMORE | MHS POINT GUARD

Suarez proved to be one of the county’s premier playmakers, leading all players with 118 assists – 4.5 per game. He also finished with the fourth-most total points in the county, scoring 223. Suarez combined scoring ability with excellent court vision and efficiency, leading Marathon with a 77 percent mark from the free throw line while consistently creating opportunities for his teammates.

1

Wright turned in an impressive season for Basilica, averaging 12.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game. The junior contributed in nearly every phase of the game, showing a strong ability to score, rebound and create opportunities for his teammates. A level-headed player with a keen understanding of the game, Wright’s basketball IQ and steady approach made him a reliable leader.

5

Jayden Meng

SOPHOMORE | CSHS GUARD/WING

Meng made an immediate impact for Coral Shores after breaking into the starting lineup in the sixth game of the season. The sophomore guard averaged 7.2 points, two assists and two rebounds per game. Once inserted into the starting five, Meng quickly improved the team’s scoring efficiency and point totals, providing a steady offensive spark and continuing to grow into a reliable contributor as the season progressed.

1

Sergio Avelar

JUNIOR | CSHS GUARD

Avelar was a steady presence at the point for Coral Shores, averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 steals per game. Running the offense and applying pressure on defense, Avelar brought energy to both and was a catalyst for the Hurricanes. His ability to distribute the ball, create scoring opportunities and disrupt opponents defensively made him a key contributor throughout the season.

JUNIOR | BASILICA GUARD

ROAD-TESTED

Spring break trips challenge two Keys teams before final weeks of regular season

While most teams took a nice, long rest last week, Key West baseball was more than busy, with a spring break trip that had them playing four games in as many days.

The flurry started March 16 when the Conchs defeated the Wildcats of Hardee High 4-0. Kade Maltz went the distance on the mound, striking out six, walking one and surrendering just two hits over five innings. Nelson Ong registered two hits while Roman Garcia, Darreld Tremino and Maltz accounted for the rest of Key West’s offense. The team was perfect defensively, and the shutout win made for a great opening game for the Conchs’ big trip.

Next up was Sebring High. Donovan Thiery got the start against the Blue Streaks, striking out 11, walking four and allowing three hits and one run over five and two-thirds innings. Auggy Davila closed it out for the Conchs, securing win number two of the trip. Ong, Thiery, Jackie Niles and Xavier Perez had two hits each while Tyrone Cervantes and Garcia accounted for the other two of the team’s 10 total hits in the 7-1 win.

Game three pitted Key West against the Island Coast Gators, a highly-ranked

team out of Cape Coral. Cruz Holmes started for Key West and Cervantes and Beau Bender chipped in for the team’s pitching duties. Key West played error-free, but the Gators outhit the Conchs 8-4, making the difference in the final score. Ong had two hits for Key West while Garcia and Maltz both doubled. Maltz stole two bases but at the end of seven, the Gators registered the 3-1 win and gave the Conchs just their second loss of the season.

The Conchs ended the trip on a high note, however, with a 5-3 come-from-behind win against the 7A Sharks of Spanish River High. The victory put Key West at 15-2 as they head down the home stretch of the regular season. Ong got the start on the mound, striking out two, walking three and giving up a pair of hits, but two unearned runs put the team in catch-up mode. Davila finished out the final four innings, striking out three and giving up four hits and one run, also unearned, in his time on the mound. Five errors, an anomaly for the typically efficient Conchs, were erased by strong bats. Perez, Maltz and Thiery had two hits each while Ong and Davila recorded one. The pitching duo also picked up a stolen base each for their stats.

Key West cruises into the final two weeks of the regular season ranked fifth in Florida’s 4A.

Marathon completed their tour of North Central Florida with a hard-fought battle against the Trenton Tigers, saving their toughest opponent for last. Trenton, ranked second in 1A’s Rural class, boasts the winningest pitcher in the division, who got the start against the 11th-ranked Fins. The Dolphins found themselves with an early lead against the Tigers after a pair of walks and hits in the top of the third resulted in two runs. The Tigers picked up one run in the same inning, then two more in the fourth.

The Fins picked up steam in the seventh inning, scoring one run, but the game was over before Marathon could tie it up. Dylan Williams pitched five-and-one-third innings, striking out five, walking one and surrendering five hits and four runs. Gabriele Cirina finished the last two batters with a pair of strikeouts in the 4-3 loss. Cirina doubled while Bradley Buigas and Jack Chapman had one base hit

each. Marathon’s next five games are scheduled at home, including a March 30 matchup with Coral Shores at 7 p.m.

After defeating one and coming close with another of two top-four teams in the region, Marathon head coach Joey Gonzalez felt good about his team’s chances for playoff success.

“Although we would have liked to pick up a couple more wins on the trip, the ultimate goal was to have a game plan come postseason,” he said.

“I think now we have a good idea of what to expect and we have the confidence to know we can compete with the teams at the very top of the state.”

Eighth grader Bradley Buigas is having a big season with the Fins. Buigas went 4-for7 on Marathon’s spring break trip and is hitting .362 through 17 games. JUSTICE LEE ISOM/ Keys Weekly

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Destination Pet Insights located at 6 Baptist Lane, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.

By: Rebecca Baur LLC

Publish: March 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Lien Sale

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described as below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statues (section 83.801-83.809) The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on April 13, 2026 at 11:00am.

Unit 105 – Catherine Rocha – Misc.

Items Will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com. All purchased items are sold as is. Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 48 hours of auction.

Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

BEST LIEN SERVICES: 7290 SW 41 ST MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A RESERVED PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE VEHICLE LISTED BELOW AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO SECTION 713.585 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES.

1974 BAJA VS SMP010710873

SALE: APR.10,2026 AT 9:00 AM LOCATION: PILOT HOUSE

MARINA.13 SEAGATE BLVD, KEY LARGO FL33037 P#:305-451-3142

TOTAL: $3,366.56

ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLE SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES (1-866-299-9391) AT LEAST 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE LIEN SALE.

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File No. 26-CP-000035-P IN RE: ESTATE OF RANDY LEE AIVAZ, A/K/A RANDY L. AIVAZ, A/K/A RANDY AIVAZ Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Randy Lee Aivaz, a/k/a Randy L. Aivaz, a/k/a Randy Aivaz, deceased, whose date of death was October 30, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead St, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

Richard E. Schugar, O.D. Tropical Optical 81933 Overseas Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036

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 March 26, 2026.

Personal Representative:

Marie Frances Jones, a/k/a Marie France A. Jones, a/k/a Marie F. Jones 141 Coconut Row Tavernier, Florida 33070

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Andrew Ponnock

Florida Bar Number: 195420 10100 West Sample Road, 3rd floor Coral Springs, FL 33065

Telephone: (954) 340-4051

Fax: (800) 809-1774

E-Mail: andy@ponnocklaw.com

Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 26-CP-39-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL ANGELO BASSETT

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

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of, MICHAEL ANGELO BASSETT, deceased, whose date of death was 18 December 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate 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. 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 19 March, 2026.

Personal Representative: Savanna Leigh McMahon 12518 West Layton Pl. Morrison, CO 80465

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 44-2026-CP-000077-P

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FRANK M. BARCHIESE

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Frank M. Barchiese, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate 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.

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 March 26, 2026.

Personal Representative: Edith V. Benyovszky 35 Iron Hill Rd New Britain, PA 18901

Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick, Esq.

E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com

Florida Bar No. 0337757

Nicholas W. Mulick, P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-9292

Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE

PLANTATION KEY DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000082-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ALBERT C. CHRISTENSEN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ALBERT C. CHRISTENSEN, 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 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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: March 26, 2026.

Personal Representative: WESLEY T. CHRISTENSEN 4380 3rd Ave SW Naples, Florida 34119

Attorney for Personal Representative: MARK R. KLYM, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 49003 Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP 5811 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 650 Naples, Florida 34108

Telephone: (239) 552-2960

Fax: (239) 254-2947

E-Mail: mklym@hahnlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: cpiglia@ hahnlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: mgonzalez@ hahnlaw.com

Publish: March 26 and April 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000091-P IN RE: ESTATE OF PAUL W. O’SULLIVAN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of PAUL W. O’SULLIVAN, deceased, whose date of death was

December 11, 2025; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000091-P; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: MARCH 26, 2026.

Personal Representatives:

SCOTT O’SULLIVAN 373 Race Street Denver, CO 80206 scott@osullivan-law-firm.com

WENDY O’SULLIVAN 5553 Harford Street Churchton, MD 20733 wendyleeo202@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Representatives: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: March 26 and April 2, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 26-CP-84-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ELAINE KATHRYN RICHARDS Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of, ELAINE KATHRYN RICHARDS, deceased, whose date of death was 1 February 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Co-Personal Representatives and the CoPersonal Representatives’ 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. 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 19 March, 2026.

Co-Personal Representative: Kerry Sheridan 21610 Hawksbill High Circle, Unit 402 Sterling, VA 20164

Co-Personal Representative: Kathryn Golden 1225 Pepper Rd Mount Jackson, VA 22842

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000057-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HELEN J. STEIN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of HELEN J. STEIN, deceased, whose date of death was January 14, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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 sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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 the first publication of this notice is March 19, 2026. Personal Representative: ALEX ESPENKOTTER 3250 Mary Street Suite 204 Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Attorney for Personal Representative: ALEX ESPENKOTTER, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number:

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-000069-P DIVISION: PROBATE

IN RE: ESTATE OF MITCHELL N. HARVEY

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MITCHELL N. HARVEY, deceased, whose date of death was November 25, 2018, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216 - 732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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: March 19, 2026.

Personal Representative: Linda Perloff 1714 Consulate Place #103 West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony A. Velardi, Esq. Florida Bar No. 113917 Key Largo Law 218 Lignumvitae Drive Key Largo, FL 33037

Tel: (305) 453-5277

Fax: (305) 453-4985

E-Mail: anthony@keylargolaw.com

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000052-K DIVISION: PROBATE

IN RE: ESTATE OF HOWARD F. DEURINGER, JR.

AKA HOWARD FREDERICK

DEURINGER, JR.

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Howard F. Deringer, Jr. aka Howard Frederick Deuringer, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was November 18, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER

OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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: March 19, 2026.

Personal Representative: James A. Deuringer 270 Birch Hollow Drive Bordentown, NJ 08505

Attorney for Personal Representative: Bradley S. Cohen, Esq. Fla Bar # 107316

LEX NOVA LAW, LLC

20000 Horizon Way, Suite 750 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 bcohen@lexnovalaw.com (856) 382-8210

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 25-CP-513-K IN RE: ESTATE OF HOWARD N. MCKINNEY III

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of HOWARD N. MCKINNEY, III, deceased, whose date of death was OCTOBER 3, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The 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 March 19, 2026.

Personal Representative:

DENISE M. BAYS

121 LOMA LANE

BIG PINE KEY, FL 33043

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar Number: 0662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC

30410 Sea Grape Terr. Ste. 2 Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.com

Publish: March 19 & 26, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.-

BOAT MISC. FOR SALE

Used NEPTUNE 4-post BOAT LIFT For Sale. 15,000 lbs.+ Located in Marathon. $800.00 260-750-6479

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: Yos@jms .com

Apply in person: 94775 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

Boat Slip &/or Rack for Rent in Marathon at The Boat House, Vaca Key. Call Tony 561-346-6400

EMPLOYMENT

HIRING: Handyman needed for residence in Middle Keys. High Pay! Call: 305-395-0478

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

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

FAMILY MINISTRY DIRECTOR PARTTIME

Kirk of the Keys in Marathon is seeking a part-time Family Ministry Director to help make it simple for families in the Florida Keys to connect to Jesus and one another.

This role works alongside the Senior Pastor to oversee children’s ministry (birth–5th grade), support family discipleship, equip volunteers, and help create an environment where kids and parents are known and welcomed.

10–12 hours per week, flexible schedule, salary based on experience.

To apply or learn more visit: KirkoftheKeys.org or contact Josh Roberts at 484.757.9119

Part-time Office Clerk, $18/hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave

The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and fryers. Selfmotivated, experience very helpful but will train, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com

Coast To Coast Pizza Company is looking for pizza makers and cashiers. Self-motivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-4330515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com

The Guidance/ Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

NOW HIRING: Human Resources Assistant/Recruiter

Well respected national non-profit (WestCare) is hiring to provide Recruiting & HR administrative duties for the Guidance/Care Center.

Experience in recruiting and/or HR req. (preferably in Fl Keys). Marathon office w/ some travel. Must be an organized, accurate & independent professional. Minimum GED/HS diploma required, as well as, background & drug screen. Competitive pay/exceptional benefits. Apply at Westcare.com/get involved/ join our team/job opportunities/location/33050. EEOC/DFWP

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

Experienced Fulltime Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com

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

Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fastpaced setting. Also hiring Full-Time Front Desk Staff - Experience with insurance verification and EMR required. Strong multitasking skills. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com HIRED IN LESS THAN FIVE WEEKS!!!

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE.

$25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645.

HOUSING FOR RENT

Key Largo- 6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/mo. 904-2379090 or 904-338-1207

3/2 Tavernier waterfront & bay views, furnished, 1500 sq.ft. $3,250/ month, no pets, no smoking. 954-728-4699

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

Studio rental in Marathon, long-term, fully furnished, price includes water, electric, internet, gas, pest, and lawn @ $2200 all in. Call or text 3054330515

Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all appliances, renovated, for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,500 - $2,500 month - includes water, sewer, electric & garbage. Call 305-610-8002

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com

Gated storage & dockage available in Marathon oceanside. Starting price $10/foot per month for storage and $20/foot per month for dockage. 305-610-8002

YARD SALES

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

INDEPENDENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE OPPORTUNITY FLORIDA KEYS TERRITORY

An established publisher is seeking an independent sales representative to expand retail placement of two Florida Keys guidebooks throughout the Keys market.

Target accounts include specialty retail, gift shops, bookstores, marine businesses, hospitality venues, and high-traffic tourist locations.

This is a commission-only role offering 50% commission of net profit and repeat sales potential. The ideal representative already maintains an active route within the Florida Keys and can integrate this product line into their existing portfolio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing retail/hospitality client base in Monroe County

• Proven wholesale sales experience

• Strong local market relationships

• Professional presentation and follow-through

Please respond to capyjlj@gmail.com with territory coverage, current lines represented and relevant experience. For more information, please call Jeff at 865-368-3280.

FULL-TIME POSITION

PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

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

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

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Attn.: Michael Guarino

P.O. Box 510141

Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Or email Michael.guarino@keycolonybeach.net

NOW HIRING: ADVENTURE AWAITS AT AMERICA’S FIRST UNDERSEA PARK!

The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, operating within the world-famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, is seeking enthusiastic, ocean-loving individuals to join our team. If you have a passion for the marine environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced, tropical setting, we want to hear from you!

FEATURED POSITIONS:

BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time)

Take the helm of our Glass Bottom, Snorkel, or Dive boats. Responsible for safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience on the water. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/ Monday, and USCG License required.

FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS

The backbone of our maritime operations. Duties include assisting with vessel docking, passenger boarding, equipment maintenance, and ensuring boat cleanliness. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required. For snorkel boat, PADI certification (or other recognized agency), insurance and membership current required

MARINE TOUR NARRATORS

Be the voice of the reef! We are looking for engaging public speakers to provide educational and safety-focused commentary for our guests. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required, Must have a basic knowledge of coral reefs and marine life and experience speaking in front of audiences.

SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for a summer job? We have seasonal openings for Kayak/ Paddlesports Attendants, Snack Bar Attendants, Gift Shop Clerks, and Reservation Counter Attendants. Perfect for those looking to spend a season in the Florida Keys! Customer service experience required for all roles, experience on the water with customers and safety required for kayak/paddlesports role.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Competitive Pay: Rates starting from $17–$30/hr+ (depending on position and experience).

Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life insurance available for full-time employees.

Perks: Employee discounts and the best "of ce view" in the world.

Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation.

HOW TO

APPLY

Ready to dive in? Send your resume and detail on the role that you are applying for to coralreefhr2025@gmail.com. You will be contacted if you are selected to move forward with next steps.

The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Visit us at: www.pennekamppark.com

Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace

This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.

DOCKHANDS

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

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

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

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

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

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

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

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

KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

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

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

I & E TECHNICIAN

& 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.

D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.

Home Décor Sales Consultant

Customer-focused sales professional with experience in retail or customer service. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Help customers discover pieces that turn everyday spaces into something special.

Kitchen Design Specialist

Individual who brings creativity, functionality, and style together in kitchen and bath design. Design kitchens that become the heart of the home.

Associate Interior Designer

Detail-oriented and creative individual to assist with residential design projects. Education or experience in Interior Design required. Help bring inspired residential interiors to life.

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

DIVE INSTRUCTOR

$160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission. Affordable employee housing available. Dive Instructor

No bad weather days! Full-time, Part-time Flexible Schedule

Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

(ELECTRONIC SYSTEM KEY WEST)

Electronic Maintenance Tech wanted. Lower Keys position, reporting in Key

APPLY IN PERSON AT: Bone sh Bay Motel & RV Sites 12565 Overseas Highway, Marathon or Email: bfb@bone shbayresort.com

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO

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.

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Construction Project Manager, FL

- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus

- Environmental Tech, Environmental Services, $5k Bonus

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

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

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

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

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

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

- Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Pharmacy Tech

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus

“Uplifting

NOW HIRING: Human Resources Assistant/Recruiter

Well respected national non-profit (WestCare) is hiring to provide Recruiting & HR administrative duties for the Guidance/Care Center.

Experience in recruiting and/or HR req. (preferably in Fl Keys). Marathon office w/ some travel. Must be an organized, accurate & independent professional. Minimum GED/HS diploma required, as well as, background & drug screen. Competitive pay/exceptional benefits. Apply at Westcare.com/get involved/ join our team/job opportunities/location/33050. EEOC/DFWP

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

THEME: PLANTS

ACROSS

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

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

- Social Work Case Manager, Per Diem, 9:30A-6P

- Security Officer, FT, 6A-6:30P

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT

- Driver, Marathon/Keys Supply Chain, FT

- Manager Environmental Services, FT

- Medical Staff Coordinator, FT

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

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

- Patient Schedular, Surgery, PT

- Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses

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

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus

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

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

- Security Officer, Per Diem

status.

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

1. Canvas primer 6. Chlorofluorocarbon, acr. 9. Heroin, slang

13. Poetic although 14. Indochinese language 15. Part of a whole 16. Like certain suspects 17. Rainbow, e.g.

18. Not mainstream, as in art

19. *Coast ____, world’s tallest tree 21. *Vanilla-producing plant 23. Classic film production company, acr.

24. ____ in the neck

25. ____ the season!

28. Ready and eager

30. “Reader’s ____” magazine

35. “Do ____ others...”

37. Rubber bulb on an old bike

39. “Lord of the Flies” shell

40. Bear’s den

41. *Colorful daisy-like bloom

43. *The corpse flower emits a foul one

44. Spouse’s parent

46. EU money

47. Unadulterated

48. Fish food unit

50. Karl of politics

52. Between NE and E

53. Fat Man or Little Boy

55. Major time period

57. *Fastest-growing plant

60. *Coffea ____ a.k.a. coffee plant

64. Dam

65. Slovenly abode

67. More painful

68. Change the Constitution

69. Old Man’s turf, according to Hemingway

70. Black tie one

71. Shakespeare, a.k.a. ____ of Avon

72. Kum Ba follower

73. What defense does, after presenting

DOWN

1. India’s wild ox

2. Something ____

3. Poker variety

4. Medieval oboe

5. Study of bird eggs

6. Armor-____

7. Distant

8. Cold-weather drink

9. Hyperbolic sine

10. Ghana money

11. Battery fluid, e.g.

12. “Wow!”

15. Alfresco meal

20. Nebraska’s largest city

22. Antonym of keep

24. Throw out of kilter

25. *It once was more valuable than gold

26. Absurd

27. Static picture

29. *U. S. national flower

31. Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand

32. Empower

33. Open disrespect

34. *Leaves of ___, let them be

36. Non-written exam

38. Infamous Roman tyrant

42. Space exploration vehicle

45. Like duck’s foot

49. Likewise

51. Pencil tip

54. *Covered with sphagnum

56. Beyond’s partner

57. Pulpit predecessor

58. Affirm with confidence

59. Darn a sock, e.g.

60. Nursemaid, in India

61. Wraths

62. One-tenth of a dime

63. Liberal pursuits

64. Blood testing site

66. *Camellia sinensis drink