Marathon Weekly 26-0514 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

SWAN SONG

Prodigy recital closes with senior’s farewell | P.12

HAPPENED? City, fire chief spar over dismissal | P.4 COURT’S IN SESSION Marathon High’s prom royalty | P.8

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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are 17.9 million people living in areas of the country experiencing drought conditions. About 82% of Florida is currently in a drought. The dry conditions have fueled wildfires, including a recent one near the 18-Mile Stretch.

Dancer, choreographer and Marathon High School senior Savannah Garcia, right, performs in a farewell duet with longtime Prodigy Dance Center instructor Lisa Scobba in the center’s spring recital on May 9. See page 12. ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo

MARATHON, FORMER FIRE CHIEF SPAR OVER DISMISSAL

City leaders stand by firing tied to reporting of April crash

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Ashow of support for recently-fired Fire Chief James Muro from residents and fire rescue personnel, along with a statement from Muro himself, headlined the Marathon City Council’s May 12 session.

Originally hired in 2024, Muro was terminated earlier this month after his alleged involvement in a four-car crash in Islamorada on April 8.

An April 23 press release from the city of Marathon announced that the chief had been placed on administrative leave after being “allegedly cited for leaving the scene of a crash without giving information and careless driving while operating a City vehicle after working hours.”

A traffic infraction for careless driving was filed by the Florida Highway Patrol on April 23. A second criminal citation, alleging a misdemeanor hit-and-run with $39,000 in property damage, while shown to city officials in April, was not immediately filed.

An email obtained by the Keys Weekly from FHP trooper Jihad Hammad to FHP lieutenant Sandra Batie on April 27 stated that Hammad had voided the criminal citation, though it later appeared in Monroe County court records on May 11. It is unclear whether the citation later appeared in error or was re-filed.

According to city documents obtained in a public records request by the Weekly, Muro reported his involvement in the crash to Human Resources Director Evie Engelmeyer the morning after the incident, later writing in a narrative description that he “stayed on scene and assisted with patient care and communicated with Law enforcement FHP on my recollections of the call @ about 22:00 hours.”

Multiple sources confirmed that Muro was the first to report the crash via a radio call.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office body camera footage requested and reviewed by the Weekly shows Muro assisting victims in the immediate aftermath of the incident, later asking a deputy after other first responders arrive “I’ll get out of your hair – stay or go?”

“You’re good,” the deputy responds, after which Muro leaves in his city-provided fire rescue truck.

Later in the same video, victims in the crash allege that a last-minute swerve by Muro to avoid a stationary car played a significant role in the accident, resulting in a head-on collision between two SUVs that totaled both vehicles. Officers agree following the interview with the victims, stating “he wasn’t technically a part of it, but he caused it.”

A second body cam video shows a visit to Muro’s home by MCSO and FHP the night of the crash around 10:30 p.m. In that video, Muro said he was unaware of damage to his city truck, allegedly caused as he swerved off the road and clipped the car stopped in front of him, removing a piece of fender trim.

In the video, Muro tells officers he will “do whatever you need me to do,” and report the crash to city officials along with a drug and alcohol test the following morning. No tests are administered in the course of the video.

Copies of Muro’s alcohol test results from April 9 just before 9 a.m. show a 0.000% alcohol content, while call logs show a call to Engelmeyer shortly before 8 a.m.

A termination letter sent to Muro by interim City Manager Steve Williams cites “significant violations of city policies,” including failing to report the incident according to city procedures and waiting until the next morning for Muro’s report and drug test. The letter states Muro’s report on the accident “contained information that has been determined to be

inaccurate and has been contradicted by findings from multiple reviewing agencies.”

A copy of an after-hours accident policy provided to the Weekly, dated from February 2026, outlines a procedure for employees involved in an accident or suspicion of drug and alcohol use outside of working hours. According to the policy, the city’s fire chief would obtain an order for a suspected city employee to undergo drug and alcohol testing at the Fishermen’s Hospital emergency room, escorted by his or her department head.

Conflicting reports provided to the Weekly make it unclear whether the policy had been fully enacted and consistently enforced in the months prior to Muro’s incident.

Addressing the council on Tuesday night, Muro requested to be reinstated, still under administrative leave,

Former Marathon Fire Chief James Muro addresses his dismissal to the Marathon City Council during the council’s May 12 meeting. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

NEW ANTI-DEI LAW STRIPS FUNDING FROM FUTURE LGBTQ EVENTS IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Thousands of visitors will visit the Southernmost City in less than a month to celebrate Pride. Historically, Key West Pride has received county funds to promote the festivities and attract people outside the island chain and Sunshine State.

A new law signed on April 22 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, slashes those dollars from LGBTQ events like Key West Pride beginning next year.

“Although Key West Pride 2027 won’t be funded by the TDC (Tourist Development Council), we’re not going to allow that to stop us from holding Key West Pride,” said Rob Dougherty, executive director for Key West Business Guild, a nonprofit devoted to promoting Key West to LGBTQ+ travelers.

In March, Florida legislators passed a series of crackdowns on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the state through Senate Bill 1134 by Republican state Sen. Clay Yarbrough. For local municipalities, the new law prohibits government funding, promotion or implementation of DEI initiatives.

“At a time when many Floridians are struggling to afford groceries and gas, millions of taxpayer dollars should not continue to be wasted by local governments on DEI initiatives, even more so because they are failing to do what they claim,” Yarbrough said following the governor’s signing.

Monroe County and TDC officials were required to review event applications and funding allocations to confirm compliance per the new state law. The TDC uses advisory committees in five districts, as well as a cultural umbrella committee, to review and award funds under the TDC event grant program.

Out of the review, grant applications for funding were deemed ineligible under the new state law for the 2027 events Key West Pride, Tropical Heat Key West and Womenfest Key West.

“I think that for many of us, and I’m not just speaking for our staff and board of directors but also LGBTQ+ allies in Key West, we were disappointed by the bill. But after

the abrupt removal of (rainbow) crosswalks, I don’t think we were surprised,” said Dougherty, referring to the state’s earlier efforts to remove rainbow crosswalks from public roads and streets.

Dougherty added that the funding supports media marketing of events.

“It allows the opportunity to engage with communities outside of the Florida Keys and throughout the nation,” he said.

Several events occurring before the Jan. 1, 2027 effective date saw their funding reduced. Those events included Aquanettes: Past, Present and Future, reduced to $20,000 from the original $35,000; Randy Roberts Live, reduced to $8,750 from the original $35,000; Sons and Daughters of Italy, reduced to $3,500 from the original $25,000; and The Birdcage Cabaret starring Christopher Peterson, reduced to $20,000 from the original $35,000. Those events won’t be eligible for funding next year if they maintain the same event specifics, the county said.

County officials said no other events in the Keys were affected by the new law.

Funds are still in place to promote this year’s Key West Pride, Tropical Heat Key West in August and Key West WomenFest in September. TDC funds used to promote events are collected from visitors to the Keys who pay a 4% tourist tax when they stay at a short-term rental, hotel or motel.

“What people fail to recognize is that for every LGBTQ+ traveler, there are two to four allies who

STATE LEGISLATORS CONVENE TO HASH OUT BUDGET

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

State legislators left session in midMarch with no budget approved for the coming fiscal year. On May 12, members in the Florida House and Senate returned to the state capital to hash out $1 billion in spending differences between their proposals.

travel with the same values. Those are seats in restaurants, trolleys, bars and on our beaches,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty said dollars were also cut to support the Gay Key West Visitor Center.

Not all Republicans in the Florida House supported Senate Bill 1134, which passed 25-11 in the Senate on March 4 and 77-37 in the House on March 10. State Rep. Jim Mooney, who represents the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, was one of five Republican House members to vote “no.”

“I understand the pushback that you don’t want government waste. No one wants that. I saw it as there are better ways to take care of fiscal responsibility,” Mooney said. “I grew up in the Keys, so I’m a little different. We care about one another, we’ll do anything for anybody when people or organizations are in need.”

Mooney said the events together bring in tens of millions of dollars to retailers, hotels and bars.

Dougherty said when the going gets tough, Key West pulls together.

“We see it on a regular basis here. Whether there’s a family in need, the community pulls together and helps them. If it’s a nonprofit in need, the community steps up,” he said.

The bill states a county or municipality isn’t prohibited from issuing event permits and providing safety services, or complying with state and federal laws or regulations.

State Rep. Jim Mooney, who sits on the House Budget Committee, said members began a special session with committees meeting to work through discrepancies in spending on certain items. Before the legislature concluded a 60-day session in March, the House passed a proposed $113.6 budget. The Senate proposal was a little higher, $115 billion. Both spending plans were less than Gov. Ron DeSantis’ $117 budget proposal for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2027.

While the special session is planned for 18 days, Mooney expects legislators to get the work done in three.

“I think we’re close. The big stuff has been hashed out,” he said. “We should be out by the end of the week and return after Memorial Day to satisfy the 72-hour cool-off period.”

A cool-off period is the time between the final budget’s release and the vote by the Legislature.

Mooney said he expects the budget will be leaner compared to previous legislatively-approved spending plans. All in all, he said the House and Senate will likely meet in the middle on the $1 billion spending difference.

House and Senate proposals include funding for institutions like the College of the Florida Keys for education and projects including the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority for a reverse osmosis facility on Crawl Key and the school district for an affordable workforce housing project on Trumbo Road in Key West. There’s also $20 million in Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding, which supports water quality projects throughout the island chain. House and Senate proposals include the full funding amount requested by Keys officials.

Once approved, the budget will head to DeSantis’ desk for approval. He also has the ability to veto budget items.

This is the second straight year the Legislature failed to approve a budget before the end of the regular 60-day session.

State Rep. Jim Mooney

Key West Pride 2025 was highlighted by the Still Rising Parade when Duval Street burst into a sea of rainbow pride. LARRY BLACKBURN/Florida Keys News Bureau

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

And then there were 10. Five strapping gentlemen and five lovely ladies make up the prom court for Marathon High School, with the king and queen set to be decided this Saturday, May 16. Before the court gets dressed to the nines and dances the night away, the Keys Weekly asked each member for their fondest Marathon memory – and a final campaign push as votes are cast.

DANIEL MESSORI:

Favorite Marathon memory: Playing varsity soccer.

I was nominated because I’ve got personality, I guess.

VLANNIER BORREGO

Favorite Marathon memory: Playing little league. We used to be called “The Mustard” because our team was yellow.

I was nominated because I’m probably the funniest one here.

MAX CHILDRESS

Favorite Marathon memory: Competing twice at states for weightlifting.

I was nominated because I’m known for good things, not being a bad person.

THE ROYAL RUNDOWN

Marathon High prom court make their case for the crown

SHAVELY LOPEZ

Favorite Marathon memory: Making all of my friends. When I came here from Key West in eighth grade, I had none.

I was nominated because I’m pretty. I’m humble, but I know the truth.

SHAMAR WRIGHT

Favorite Marathon memory: I think sixth grade was my best year. I was bald, and I went around making a coronavirus video.

I was nominated because I’m a happy person, always smiling no matter what.

Favorite Marathon memory: Going out to the beach with my friends after school.

I was nominated because I can be really outgoing with the people I know, but I’m quiet otherwise.

ROLAND GONZALEZ

Favorite Marathon memory: My friend group over this last year. We would just meet up every day after school and enjoy life to the fullest. Vote for me because I always try to bring positive energy into everyone’s day, and try to show respect and kindness to all my peers.

Favorite Marathon memory: Becoming state champion – three times in weightlifting, and one time in track and field.

I was nominated because I’ve been involved in a bunch of things since sixth grade. I’ve been our class president for two years, student government president and team captain for golf, weightlifting and track.

MACKENZIE

Favorite Marathon memory: I don’t have one specific one, but MHS has been filled with friendships that shaped me into who I am today.

Vote for me because I’m fun, outgoing and always down to make the night unforgettable for everyone.

Favorite Marathon memory: During soccer season on the way to an away game, we went through our bus burning down. But it was a good bonding experience for the team, we made a good day out of it and we ended up winning our game.

Vote for me because I’m a very positive person, very involved in the community and I’ve gotten really close with everyone this school year. I love making memories with everyone, and this would be a great way to end my senior year.

KATERIN ‘KAT’ GUERRA

JUSTICE ‘VOO’ LEE ISOM

BUDI

ADDISON COLLINS

The Marathon High School 2026 prom court. Clockwise from top: Shamar Wright, Kat Guerra, Justice Lee Isom, Addison Collins, Daniel Messori, Mackenzie Budi, Max Childress, Roland Gonzalez and Vlannier Borrego. Not pictured: Shavely Lopez. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

TRAILER REPAIRS & SERVICE

BOAT STRIKE CLAIMS LIFE OF LOWER KEYS DIVER

Jocelyn Brown had a dive ﬂag up when she was hit, authorities said

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

State authorities continue to investigate a boat strike that claimed the life of a Florida Keys diver on May 8 near Little Palm Island off Big Pine Key.

Summerland Key resident Jocelyn Brown, 27, was freediving off the Lower Keys island from an anchored vessel when a 24-foot Twin Vee catamaran struck her around 11 a.m., according to a preliminary incident report provided to the Keys Weekly by FWC.

Two occupants aboard the boat that struck Brown, both residents of Ramrod Key, aided in bringing her to shore, but she succumbed to her injuries and was later pronounced dead at Fishermen’s Hospital.

Brown’s boat had a properly displayed dive flag flown from its highest point, according to FWC records. At press time, criminal charges have yet to be filed in the incident, under investigation by FWC and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Per Florida law, vessels must stay at least 300 feet away from a displayed diver-down flag in open water, or 100 feet within channels or constrained water bodies. If passing the marker within the required radius, they must slow to the lowest speed necessary to maintain steering control.

Brown’s death quickly generated a widespread show of support and grief across the diving and fishing communities in the Florida Keys.

“Words are hard to find as our community grieves the loss of a beautiful soul, Jocelyn Brown,” wrote dive shop Freedive Key West in a Facebook post. “A devoted mama. A talented diver. A light in this community. Gone because a boat operator ignored a dive flag displayed less than 75 feet away. That is not an accident. That is negligence.

“An obvious issue that is apparent throughout the state of Florida is that boater competency is extremely lacking. … Boater education needs to be taken seriously, by rental companies, by law makers, and by every single person who gets behind the wheel of a vessel. Dive flags exist for a reason.”

While early social media posts from friends and concerned locals pledged a GoFundMe or trust fund in support of Brown’s family and young son, posts from Brown’s family later asked for privacy as her loved ones navigate the tragedy.

“We are deeply grateful for the profound impact Jocelyn has had on so many lives on the island, and we cherish the stories everyone has shared with us about her,” wrote Brown’s brother Joey. “Our request is that you grant us the space to manage this situation that has taken our sister and daughter from us.”

A second post clarified that funds set up improperly could disqualify Brown’s son Mikey, who has autism, from receiving proper disability benefits.

Twenty-seven-year-old Jocelyn Brown, pictured here with her young son Mikey, was fatally struck by a boat off Little Palm Island on May 8. CONTRIBUTED

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1. Little ballerinas take the stage for ‘Deep Blue Sea.’

2. Instructor Lisa Scobba gives Addison Tufts and Olivia Banks a pep talk.

3. Young mermaids perform to ‘Under the Sea.’

4. Maxwell Widney, left, Skylor Willis, Jackson Snowden and Kolton Durham get their groove on with ‘Uptown Funk.’

5. Scarlett Chamberlain, left, Lillyana Brink, Maeve Lyne and Ariella Beaver perform in ‘Sugar Sugar.’

6. Young ballerinas channel their inner Moana with ‘How Far I’ll Go.’

7. Dancers hit their poses for ‘Nicest Kids in Town.’

Photos by ROSS SMITH/IslandExposureCo

TINY TOES, BIG SHOW

Students from Prodigy Dance Center brought their ballet shoes – and an overload of cuteness – to the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center stage on May 9 for their spring showcase, “Lights, Camera, Action!”

Toting a plethora of costumes, dancers entertained family and friends with nearly 30 numbers, closing with a special teacher-student farewell duet for longtime dancer, choreographer and MHS senior Savannah Garcia.

“As our first Prodigy graduate, Savannah holds an incredibly special place in all our hearts,” said Prodigy co-owners Maria Banks and Lisa Scobba. “We are extremely proud of her hard work and dedication in both her education as a dancer.”

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Current and prior board members celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. Front row: board chair Laura Lietaert; board members Heidi Morris, Robyn Still and Andrea Spottswood, and CFFK president Elizabeth Brown. Back row: past board member William Porter; board member Warren Leamard; incoming board member Kevin Trapani; board members Jodi Weinhofer, Bobby Highsmith and Larry Nolt; founder and past board chair Tom Clements; board adviser Ron Burd; board member Ken Silverman; past board chair Will Langley; and incoming board member William Monroe. CONTRIBUTED

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF

Charitable organization helps donors help the Florida Keys

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys last week celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gathering at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, where nonprofit leaders, donors, volunteers and residents reflected on three decades of local philanthropy and effect.

Begun in 1996 by residents who believed the Keys could build its own permanent charitable resources, the foundation has helped mobilize more than $36 million in grants, scholarships and disaster relief throughout the island chain. What began as a small local effort has grown into one of the Keys’ largest charitable institutions.

The evening featured a proclamation read by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln designating May 6 as “Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Day,” and recognizing the organization’s role in connecting people, resources and needs across the Keys for nearly three decades.

The celebration included performances by student musicians from the Southernmost Youth Orchestra, led by Irie Monte, and the Island City Youth Choir, led by Crystal Hendricks. Both groups are part of the after-school music enrichment program offered through the Keys Community School of the Arts, which recently received a grant from the foundation to provide scholarships and instruments for participating students.

In 2025, the foundation distributed more than $2.5 million, including more than $1 million through its “In Paradise for Good” community grants program supporting 73 local nonprofits.

GIVING

“The foundation is a connector and convener,” said Elizabeth Brown, president and CEO. “Our role is to help bring people together, strengthen local organizations, and help charitable resources go further.”

The program highlighted stories from several recent grant-supported initiatives, including a partnership between Good Health Clinic and SOS Foundation that combines health care services with nutritious meals for vulnerable residents in the Upper and Middle Keys; CoastLove’s mangrove restoration projects; and the Key West Art Center’s ArtSpark program, which connects local students with professional artists for mentorship and arts education.

“Thirty years ago, some people cautioned that a community foundation would never work here. They thought there were not enough local resources or support,” Brown said. “But the Keys are stitched together by people who care deeply about each other, and that’s why it works.”

The foundation manages more than $44 million in charitable assets through donor-advised funds, nonprofit endowments, scholarships, designated funds, and unrestricted community funds supporting local needs across the island chain.

“Behind every one of those funds,” Brown said, “is a local person, business or nonprofit organization who saw an opportunity and decided to start something good.”

More information is at cffk.org. — Contributed

ALEX RUESCH

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

Our Neighbor of the Week is Alexandra (Alex) Ruesch, a wine and spirits distributor often seen at local festivals. A Duck Key native and Marathon High graduate, Alex earned a dual degree in marketing and business from Stetson University. After a decade in sports and entertainment sales in New York and New Orleans, she returned home during the pandemic, joined Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and met her husband within the industry. This summer, she’s hitting the road in her new camper van with her puppy, Piper, who, fittingly, is named after the champagne.

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? My family moved from Long Island, New York in the late ’90s because Mom and Dad were finally over winter. We were fortunate to have our grandparents, aunt and uncle follow us down. We purchased a local sun care distributorship called Panama Jack and sold hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to businesses throughout the Florida Keys. My significant other would say I am … “The most caring, hard-working and fun-loving person he knows.” (One of the many reasons I married him!)

What is one thing you love about your job and one thing you don’t like so much? I am grateful for the flexibility of my daily schedule in my role at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. However, because holidays are peak times for our industry, it can sometimes limit the time I spend with loved ones or get to travel.

Any particular weird food combos or drinks that you love? Something that gets my mouth watering are Italian seasoned and pickled mushrooms. I could eat an entire jar. I had them as a garnish in a Bloody Mary once and then discovered they live in the same aisle as pickles. More traditionally, I am a fan of the classics: pizza, pasta and red wine.

If you had to give a TED Talk on a totally random topic, what would it be? How to talk to the Holy Ghost. Any particular liquors you like giving away more than others? Tequila. It always seems to spark a great story from people and always leaves me with a good laugh.

AC blasting or windows open? AC in the morning and windows down on the drive home.

If you were a bottle of liquor, what flavor would you be and why? After several years in the wine and liquor industry, this is the first time I’ve been asked this. I would have to say pistachio liqueur because it can be sweet, salty and a little nutty.

What are your top three bucket-list vacations? I’ve visited over 23 countries, but the next three on my bucket list are New Zealand for the wineries, Peru to climb Machu Picchu, and Curaçao for the incredible scenery.

If you could do one thing every day for the rest of your life what would you do? I actually hope I jinx myself with this statement. I’ve always been a night owl, but I’d love to have the motivation to see the sunrise each morning. I heard this gets “easier as you get older” but it is still a struggle for me.

What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’ve been fascinated by tattoos since I got my first one at 15, and I haven’t stopped since!

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

BAND 8PM SUNDAY, MAY 17

TONY MANFREDI 3PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 LUKE

MARATHON, FORMER FIRE CHIEF SPAR OVER DISMISSAL

and to address the incident under oath. He disputed claims that he had provided an inaccurate narrative or been tested later than ordinary city policy dictates.

“The loss of my job (was) under pretenses that are far from traditional and ignore the facts and principle of just cause,” he said. “I’ve never been asked a single follow-up question about any of the events. … We do not have 24-hour testing, and to be clear, if a fire truck backs into a building tonight, (the driver) will be tested tomorrow at 8:30 at urgent care.

“If they take issue that I called the HR director and not (Deputy City Manager Brian) Bradley or Mr. Williams, I will take full responsibility for that action. This does not match with how a good employee should be treated.”

Five public commenters, composed of Marathon residents and Marathon Fire Rescue employees, spoke unanimously in support of Muro.

“I’m about Marathon, and Chief Muro is about Marathon as much as any leader I’ve met in my life,” said firefighter-paramedic Trace Goodwin. “He came and we had leadership and direction – he has actually put us into the modernization of the fire department.”

Local business owner Wendy Bonilla referenced a letter of support for Muro’s improved narcotics control protocols authored by contracted Fire Rescue medical director Dr. Antonio Gandia. While given to city staff, the letter was not provided to council as it was placed on city letterhead without authorization, Williams told the Weekly.

“I don’t think the policies are crystal clear,” said Randy Mearns, a founding Marathon councilman and former

volunteer firefighter. “I’m told about an ambulance accident that happened – that wasn’t reported for a couple of days, and that person still works for the city, so why is that? … I don’t think it’s good for all of us.”

Multiple council members clarified that the decision to hire or fire all city employees other than the city manager or attorney rests with the city’s current manager. Asked during the meeting if he had further comment on Muro’s dismissal, Williams said he would not elaborate further as the city had already received notice of the crash victims’ intent to file a lawsuit.

“It was my decision based on the facts in front of me,” Williams said. “I believe I made the right decision, and I’d make the same decision today. … It’s just unfortunate.”

Asked in a public records request for any prior disciplinary records for Muro, city officials referenced a letter written by Bradley in December 2025. It referenced what Bradley referred to as mismanagement of a former employee who reported to work after a night of suspected heavy intoxication, along with an overtime policy reportedly resulting in $50,000 per pay period due to an unauthorized modification of the city’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its fire union in August 2025.

Williams confirmed to the Weekly that while Muro was reprimanded for the previous issues, a performance improvement plan or similar discipline was never put into place.

Questions sent to the Florida Highway Patrol by the Keys Weekly regarding the initial dismissal and eventual re-filing of Muro’s criminal citation were not returned by press time.

A screenshot from MCSO bodycam footage shows the aftermath of a four-car crash on April 8 in Islamorada. MCSO/Contributed

SECOND-TIME SAVE

Emaciated manatee calf rescued again by DRC after January release

REELIN’ IN ROOFS

20th annual mahi tourney benefits Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Amad dash to the deep blue on May 9 ended in an awards ceremony at the Marathon Yacht Club for the 20th annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament benefiting Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.

Topping the scales for the day was Pro Division angler Bill Landi, who boated a 15.9-pound fish as the largest in the tournament. But thanks to the generosity of a 2026 tournament sponsor, the ladies in the contest went home with the biggest checks. Reeling in a 12.4-pound fish, top Lady Division angler Adelaide Gonzalez went home with a $2,250 check.

1. Bill Landi, third from left, earns the top Pro Angler prize for his 15.9-pound catch.

2. Top-three junior anglers Justin Toro (second from left, first), Tripp Avera (third from left, second) and Ricardo Sheltra (bottom, third) collect their prizes.

3. Anglers Caidyn Young, third from left, Kristy McMahon and Adelaide Gonzalez finish second, third and first, respectively, in the Lady Division.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

Lady division:

1) Adelaide Gonzalez - 12.4 lbs.

Caidyn Young - 11.9 lbs. 3) Kristy McMahon - 6.5 lbs.

Junior division:

Justin Toro - 7.8 lbs.

Tripp Avera - 4.3 lbs.

Ricardo Sheltra - 3.7 lbs.

Weekend warrior division:

Nate Duncan - 13.6 lbs.

Bill DeWald - 6.3 lbs.

Michael Sessler - 5.1 lbs.

Pro division: Bill Landi - 15.9 lbs.

Karel Lewis - 15.5 lbs.

Shane Devitt - 13.6 lbs.

4. A little helper pulls the winning raffle ticket for Chris Todd Young.

5. Habitat Middle Keys Executive Director Chris Todd Young, right, serves as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Manatee calf ‘Argyle’ is rescued for the second time from John Pennekamp State Park on May 5. Following a release with his mother in January 2026, the emaciated calf had dropped from an estimated weight of 250 pounds down to roughly 70. DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER/Contributed

On May 5, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) responded to an urgent call to assist in the rescue of a severely emaciated manatee calf at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Upon arrival, the center’s trained response team assessed the calf, which was found to be in critical condition and in need of immediate intervention. DRC’s staff veterinarian administered preliminary care at the site of the rescue, stabilizing the animal for transport.

Following initial treatment, the manatee calf was safely transported to SeaWorld Orlando, where he will receive intensive, around-the-clock veterinary care and rehabilitation.

“This was a critical rescue effort where rapid response and collaboration were essential,” said Allie Proskovec, Director of Media & Marketing at Dolphin Research Center. “Our team worked quickly to provide lifesaving support and ensure the calf has the best possible chance for recovery.”

It’s not the calf’s first brush with the Florida Keys’ rescue and rehab teams. In May 2025, the two-day-old young manatee, later named “Argyle,” was rescued with his mother “Stripes” as she suffered from severe entangle-

ment. After a stint at SeaWorld Orlando, the pair were released back into Keys waters just four months ago.

“We had a positive ID on Stripes the other day, but we were unsure if the calf with her was Argyle because of his size difference from release,” Proskovec told the Weekly.

Weighing around 250 pounds at the time of his January 2026 release, she said, the calf’s weight had dropped to roughly 70 pounds at the time of his second rescue. His appearance was so drastically different, she said, that rescuers were unable to confirm his identity until a scan later in the day by an FWC transport team en route to Orlando.

“We have not heard from SeaWorld about the root cause of the emaciation yet, but they have him on formula and we all have our fingers crossed,” Proskovec said on May 11.

DRC remains committed to the protection, rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals throughout the Keys and beyond. The organization encourages anyone who spots a manatee that may be injured, entangled or in distress to call the FWC wildlife alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

– Keys Weekly staff report

Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

Breast Health Awareness For Women and Men

Early Cancer Screening Saves Lives

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County encourages all residents to get screened early. Talk to your health care provider and ask what preventive cancer screenings are recommended for you.

Monroe.FloridaHealth.gov

Turning First-Time Buyers into Proud Homeowners.

Call to discover first home opportunities Llámame para descubrir tus oportunidades

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COLLEGE GRADUATION GROWS

150 grads need two ceremonies

The College of the Florida Keys on May 8 held its 72nd commencement exercises.

For the first time in the college’s 60-year history, two ceremonies were needed to honor more than 150 graduates in CFK’s spring class of 2026.

The celebrations, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West campus, coincided with CFK’s 60th anniversary and the country's 250th.

Student voices

Jessica Rojas, who earned a bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management, delivered the student address at the morning ceremony. Araceli Dominguez, who received her associate’s degree in science in nursing, spoke at the afternoon ceremony.

Yesenia Bathelmy, who earned her associate’s degree in science in nursing, performed the national anthem at both ceremonies.

2026 Instructor of the Year – it’s a tie

Nursing instructors Laura Cox and Michelle Ho were both named CFK’s Instructor of the Year. At the end of each semester, the students vote for an outstanding professor to be recognized at graduation.

A class of stories

2026 Distinguished Alum

Raymond Rodriguez, MD Medical Director, Cardiology Joan Homan, MD Cardiologist

Christina Belotti, who earned her associate’s degree in arts from CFK in 2004, was named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and addressed graduates at both ceremonies. An educator for nearly 20 years, Belotti has taught at Sugarloaf School and Marathon Middle High School.

Keynote address

Tim Stockwell, “Papa 2025” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society, delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies. Stockwell is vice president of the board for the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. He and his fellow Hemingway look-alikes have tirelessly supported CFK for nearly 27 years, donating more than $250,000 for scholarships that have helped more than 300 students further their education. The society’s $750,000 endowment is the largest at CFK.

Honoring

nurses

CFK nursing instructor Laura Cox pinned nursing graduates and Michelle Fortney, interim dean of nursing, arts, science and hospitality led graduates in the Florence Nightingale Nursing Oath, a tradition marking their entry into the profession.

Upon passing the national licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s exam pass rate consistently ranks well above state and national averages.

The Class of 2026 reflected the range of students CFK serves. Among the graduates were six students from the Project ACCESS program for students with intellectual disabilities, and one alum of the program who returned to complete a bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management.

Thirteen dual-enrollment students from Monroe County high schools received associate degrees and/or certificates. The class also included siblings who earned their associate’s degree in science in nursing simultaneously, and two international students who completed their degrees.

Honoring CFK’s pioneers

In recognition of CFK’s 60th anniversary, two alumni among the college’s earliest graduates received honorary degrees:

Joey Garcia, who earned his associate’s degree in arts in 1967, was awarded an honorary bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management.

Judi Knowles Vaeth, one of the first students to receive an associate’s degree of arts in 1966, was honored with an honorary bachelor of science in nursing.

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys. — Contributed

Group A, top, and Group B from CFK's spring Class of 2026 on the Key West Campus. CFK/ Contributed

ALICIA LUND, P.A., MBA, ABR

Hablo español

HEART OF THE MATTER

AHEC offers mandatory heart screening for high school athletes

TRACY McDONALD www.keysweekly.com

Some Keys athletes will face a new requirement before taking the field next school year, as the state prepares to require heart screenings for high school sports. Beginning July 1, under Florida’s “Second Chance Act,” incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and any upperclassmen who have never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport must complete an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening before competing.

The requirement is designed to detect underlying heart conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. The screenings aim to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac events in young athletes by identifying possible issues early and potentially saving lives.

Locally, families have access to a no-cost option through Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is offering ECG screenings for students new to high school sports. The program also includes the required sports physical if needed.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 305743-7111, extension 210.

Screenings will be offered at the following locations and dates:

• Marathon High School: May 18-22.

• Coral Shores High School: June 1-5.

• Key West High School: June 8-12.

Required forms can be found at: https://keysahec.org/ecg-sports-physical-program/

Students with abnormal results may choose their own provider or be referred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for follow-up care. All ECG results are reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist and may take up to eight days for confirmation.

Parents seeking additional information or screening opportunities can visit whoweplayfor.org, contact their school’s athletic director, or speak with their healthcare provider.

COUNTY OVERTIME COSTS DRAW SCRUTINY

Clerk issues advisory on costs & oversight

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Monroe County’s overtime pay policy, which is more generous than federal requirements, cost the county nearly $365,000 in 2025, and recently prompted a closer look by the county clerk’s finance department.

The clerk’s office last month sent an advisory to County Administrator Christine Hurley outlining its findings and concerns. The county’s overtime policy, enacted in 2021, allows hourly employees to get overtime pay (time and a half) even if they don’t physically work more than 40 hours in a week.

“With the passage of its policy, the county commission broadened the definition of ‘hours worked’ to include holiday vacation, sick time or compensatory time in addition to physical hours worked when calculating an employee’s overtime pay,” the advisory states.

In other words, if an employee works on a federal Monday holiday, and then uses a vacation day on Tuesday, the eight hours of vacation time count toward the 40-hour tally under the county’s policy. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), overtime is only paid when an employee physically works more than 40 hours in a week.

Airport overtime draws scrutiny

The clerk’s advisory also questions the amount of overtime being paid to salaried, non-hourly employees who are exempt from overtime pay except during emergencies.

“While the intent of the policy is that exempt overtime should be a rarity, exempt (non-hourly) employees were paid $209,051 in 2025 when there was no obvious event to necessitate an unusually large amount of overtime,” the advisory states.

More concerning, the review notes, is that two airport managers received 70% of that overtime amount in 2025.

“The assistant director of airports and the deputy director of airport operations and security were paid a combined total of $146,996 in overtime in the past calendar year,” the document states.

In 2025, the deputy director of airport operations and security, Luis Garay, earned a salary of $162,831 plus an additional $91,973 in overtime,

despite being an exempt, non-hourly worker.

Similarly, the assistant director of airports, Scott Guidry, who was hired in March 2025 with an annual salary of $167,213, received an additional $55,023 in overtime in 2025.

Garay did not return messages seeking comment, and Guidry was not listed in the county’s online staff directory as of May 12.

“For the deputy director, whose employment began in September 2019, overtime has been consistently and increasingly inordinate for many years, indicating that the supervisor has not taken effective action to mitigate the recurring charging of overtime,” the advisory states. “Likewise, the assistant director, who was hired in March 2025, is beginning his employment with a similar overtime pattern.”

The clerk’s office review found that the two employees regularly pre-filled their time cards, claiming overtime in advance.

“This practice of pre-filling out timecards includes the observed practice of using the ‘Auto-Fill From Prior Week’ function to copy timecards using the same overtime schedule on multiple successive time periods,” the advisory states. “The recurring and preplanned nature indicates that overtime does not appear to be driven by emergencies or on an as-needed basis.”

The county commission will discuss the overtime advisory at its May 20 meeting in Key West, where they will also hear from the county’s director of airports, who oversees the two positions in question and approves their overtime requests.

“There will be an investigation to see if any wrongdoing took place,” Hurley said when the Keys Weekly asked whether the county intends to investigate any potential fraud, misconduct or falsification of documents.

“During the airport construction there was a serious need for extra ramp control to guide planes and other operations around the construction, which resulted in overtime in a lot of areas,” Hurley said. “Airports Director Richard Strickland will be discussing this at the May meeting with the BOCC.”

County Mayor Michelle Lincoln declined to comment on the matter before she had met with county staff.

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Volunteering just ONE hour a week, you can give a child a college education! Volunteer today! Call 305-293-1546 for details and a Mentor application. MonroeCountyEdFound.org Monroe County’s TOTAL of TSIC Graduates: 1,239!

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We are so proud to announce another 69 New 2026 Graduates in Monroe County!

On behalf of the Monroe County Education Foundation, it is my honor to congratulate the Take Stock in Children Class of 2026! As Board President, after three years of service on the Board and having served as Vice President last year, I am especially proud to celebrate this remarkable group of 69 scholars. Representing 10% of all Monroe County graduates, they now step forward to begin the next chapter of their educational journeys with the support of Florida Prepaid college scholarships.

For more than 25 years, Take Stock in Children of Monroe County has transformed lives across our community, equipping 1,165 academically capable and financially deserving students with the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to pursue postsecondary success. This year alone, the Foundation is awarding an extraordinary $2 million in Florida Prepaid tuition scholarships, which is an investment not only in these students, but in the future of Monroe County.

Behind each graduate stands a powerful network of support. Our Take Stock team, led by our Executive Director Chuck Licis-Masson, and our College Readiness Coaches, work tirelessly in collaboration with our mentors and parents to ensure our program achieves its goals. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our more than 400 volunteer mentors who dedicate their time each week to guide, challenge, and inspire our students. Their consistency and care are foundational to the success of this program.

Equally inspiring is the determination of our students themselves. Balancing academic demands with personal responsibilities, they have remained focused on a clear goal: earning a college degree or career certificate and creating brighter futures for themselves and their families. Their resilience and ambition define the very spirit of Take Stock in Children.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our community partners and supporters from Ocean Reef to Key West, and to the Golden Fleece Founda tion which provides educational experiences beyond our county borders. Your continued investment makes this life-changing work possible.

To the Class of 2026... Congratulations! Your hard work has brought you to this milestone, and we look forward to all that you will accomplish in the next chapter of your life’s journey.

Marianne L. Finizio

Are you wondering how YOU can help change the future of a student’s life... one child at a time?

With just ONE HOUR a week, you can give a deserving local student a COLLEGE EDUCATION Volunteer today! Call 305-293-1546 for details and a Mentor application. THANK YOU!

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PRICE IMPROVEMENT

Greenacres man cited for undersized lobster

Middle Keys marine deputy Willie Guerra issued a mandatory notice to appear in court to Daverne DantesJean, 39, of Greenacres, Florida, for possession of undersized spiny lobster and possession of out-of-season lobster on May 9 at MM 70. Guerra found Dantes-Jean allegedly in possession of six undersized lobster. The sheriff’s office investigated the area after receiving a call about people illegally harvesting lobster.

Hollywood man arrested for sewer camera theft

A 34-year-old Hollywood, Florida man was arrested on May 6 for allegedly stealing a $14,400 sewer camera from a Marathon rental business. Roberto Alain Riera Richard was charged with grand theft. Riera Richard reportedly provided Sunbelt Rentals with a false name and non-valid payment method when he rented the equipment in December 2025. The equipment was never returned and the credit card provided was no longer active. Detectives worked with law enforcement in Broward, Charlotte, Miami-Dade and Osceola counties as well as Mooresville, North Carolina, as part of their investigation. Other agencies said the suspect was committing similar crimes in multiple jurisdictions. Riera Richard was found to be in possession of multiple fraudulent driver’s licenses as well as licenses belonging to other individuals. He was in jail in Miami-Dade County on other charges, and was moved and booked into jail in Monroe County on May 6. The investigation is ongoing and more charges, include those in other jurisdictions, may be pending.

Stream ad-free music with county public library card

A Monroe County public library card includes the ad-free music streaming service Freegal. With 18 million songs to choose from, there’s something for every musical taste – including the entire Sony Music catalog. You can download up to three songs a week. Make your own playlists or check out the curated playlists on the site. Listen on your computer or with the app – available for Android, iOS and Kindle Fire. For more information about Freegal and other library offerings, including how you can pre-register for a library card online and get started right away, go to keyslibraries. org/post/welcome-to-freegal.

Marathon Moose hosts food drive for KAIR

The Marathon Moose Lodge's Heart of the Community is having a food drive for KAIR during May. The community can donate non-perishable food items for KAIR by dropping them off at the lodge (11601 1st Ave. Gulf) after 1 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. There will be a list of urgently needed items in the tote set up in the Social Quarters. More information is available from Fran Hagemann at 252-9955464.

Emergency Management seeks Keys community volunteers

Want to step up and help your community when it needs it most? Curious what really happens behind the scenes in emergency response and how you can be part of it? Monroe County Emergency Management invites residents to get involved and make a difference by joining Volunteer Monroe, a program that supports the emergency management before, during and after emergencies. Volunteer Monroe offers opportunities for residents to assist with community cleanups, support disaster shelter operations and help with recovery efforts following storms and other incidents. The program plays a vital role in strengthening Monroe County’s ability to respond to emergencies and fostering a more resilient, connected community. No experience is needed, just a willingness to help. Training and guidance will be provided to help participants safely and effectively support response and recovery efforts. Residents interested in joining can sign up at www.monroecountyem.com/ volunteer. More information is available from Holly Winhoven at 305-7971154 or via email to winhoven-holly@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

100 ARTICLES LATER … LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO GET IT RIGHT FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

This is my 100th article. One hundred(ish) weeks of conversations about health, wellness, habits, trends, myths, motivation and everything in between. One hundred opportunities to try to make this whole “being healthy” thing feel just a little less confusing and a lot more doable. And for this one, I didn’t want to talk about the newest supplement, the latest workout trend or what’s going viral on social media.

I want to talk about the people who have quietly been doing this right all along. The ones who didn’t need a wellness podcast, didn’t track their macros and didn’t wake up at 5 a.m. to cold plunge and journal. I want to talk about the people who live in what are known as Blue Zones – more specifically, the centenarians.

The term Blue Zones was popularized by Dan Buettner in collaboration with National Geographic to describe regions of the world where people consistently live longer, healthier lives. These places include Sardinia, Okinawa, Nicoya Peninsula, Ikaria and Loma Linda.

And we’re not just talking about people who live a long time – we’re talking about people who live well for a long time, with lower rates of chronic disease, better mobility and strong social connections well into their later years. Many live to be 100 or older, earning them the title of centenarians.

What makes this especially compelling is that it’s not primarily about genetics. While genetics do play a role, research suggests they account for only about 20% to 25% of longevity. The rest is driven by lifestyle, daily habits, environment and the way these individuals live over decades. And this is where things get a little humbling, because when researchers went looking for a secret – some elite fitness routine, some perfect diet, some hidden longevity hack – they didn’t find anything flashy. They found simplicity.

In Sardinia, people move constantly throughout the day. Not because they’re following a structured workout plan, but because their environment requires it. In Okinawa, there’s a phrase, “hara hachi bu,” which encourages people to eat until they are about 80% full, not stuffed. In Ikaria, daily life includes rest, connection and a pace that doesn’t revolve around urgency. In Nicoya Peninsula, there is a strong sense of purpose — “plan de vida” — a reason to get up each morning that goes beyond productivity. And in Loma Linda, community, faith and

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

consistent routines play a major role in reducing stress and supporting longterm health. It’s easy to read about these places and think, “That’s great for them, but I don’t live on a Greek island.” That’s fair. Most of us don’t. But the takeaway isn’t that we need to relocate. It’s that despite being in completely different parts of the world, with different cultures and foods and lifestyles, these communities share the same foundational patterns. They move naturally throughout the day instead of relying solely on intense, structured workouts. They eat mostly whole, minimally-processed foods. They prioritize relationships and social connection. They have a clear sense of purpose. And perhaps most importantly, they don’t live in a constant state of urgency.

Which brings us back to how most of us are living right now. We are over-scheduled, overstimulated, over-caffeinated and somehow still under-recovered. We chase health like it’s something we have to earn or optimize, constantly looking for the next strategy, the next plan, the next thing that will finally make it all click. Meanwhile, the people who are living the longest aren’t hacking anything. They’re living in a way that their bodies don’t have to fight against.

Now, I’m not suggesting you throw out your workouts or stop caring about what you eat. But maybe the answer isn’t always doing more. Maybe it’s doing the basics better and doing them consistently. Walking more. Eating simpler. Spending more time with people you enjoy. Slowing down when you can. Creating a life that supports your health instead of constantly challenging it.

Most people aren’t struggling because they don’t know enough. They’re struggling because the way they’re trying to live isn’t sustainable. And sometimes the solution isn’t more information — it’s a different approach entirely.

The people who live the longest aren’t doing the most. They’re living in a way that makes health feel natural. Maybe it’s time we start taking notes.

JENNIFER HARVEY

MCSO/Contributed

MIKEY

DAILY

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

11am - 2:30pm

2.5-year-old male pit bull mix.

Looking for: Fun. I’m a big, fun, happy guy. Turnoffs: I don’t know how big I am – I think I’m a lap dog.

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.

CHLOE

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.

8-month-old female American bully mix.

Looking for: A pool, a boat and the ocean. All things fun on the water. Turnoffs: I’m very shy at first. I prefer things to be just me and you.

2-month-old male domestic shorthair. Looking for: Anything. Turnoffs: Nothing. Being a kitten is awesome.

BLUEBERRY

ISLAND MOMS, IN THEIR OWN WORDS

From the editor: No matter how many mistakes we try to catch, there are still times when we won’t get it right. The Keys Weekly extends our sincere apologies to Bette Zirkelbach, left out of our May 7 Mother’s Day tribute in error.

BETTE ZIRKELBACH

What’s a moment you thought, “OK… I’ve got this”? And/or one where you absolutely did not have it? I once had to stage a tactical rescue at Publix. When my son was a toddler, he decided the bottom shelf of the cart was a good place to rest, but the narrowing bars had other plans. Shoutout to the kind, fellow shopper who stepped in to help me engineer my son’s escape. I definitely did not have it that day.

What’s the biggest lie you believed about being a mom? You can have it all — energy is finite. Working more than full-time and being a single mother, I realize something’s always got to give … and a lot of time, it’s sleep. What’s something your child does that melts you every time? The compassion Bing and Belle have for all living things.

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

The Cloisters, we figured, were up there somewhere, though we weren’t totally sure where. Intermittently, as we walked, we could see part of a granite tower, and the Cloisters has a granite tower, but what if it was a different granite tower? Manhattan is a big place. Who knows how many granite towers there are?

We took the risk and started up the hill on a path that seemed to be going in the right direction, and after a while we did pass a sign telling us we were on the route to the Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s satellite museum of medieval art and architecture. I suppressed the urge to find a way to move the sign to the bottom of the hill, where it would have been more useful.

It was a gorgeous spring day. Blue skies, light winds, minimal sirens and helicopter traffic. It was perhaps a little crisp, which made my wife and me happy, considering what the next few months would be like in the Keys. Our friend Alicia, who lives in New York and was coming out of a long winter, was a little less invigorated.

I was in a citified mood, not really thinking about nature other than noticing how much green there was in the middle of such an urban area. And then I noticed I was hearing a bird sing a really loud song.

If I’d been out by myself I would have stopped and spent some time trying to suss it out. But I flashed back to this very cold day years ago when my wife and I were walking through a park in England. I stopped and spent 15 minutes going back and forth between my binoculars and my field guide, trying to figure out what bird I was looking at.

It turned out to be a Eurasian robin, which inspired my shivering wife to say, “Great, you’ve identified the most common bird in England. Can we go now?”

And, well, this wasn’t a birding trip. And she had been wanting to go to the Cloisters for as long as I’ve known her. And it really would have been bad form to let my interests torture her the way I had in England. Not to mention Alicia, who had made no vows at all to put up with that kind of truck.

Also, I didn’t have binoculars with me. And the canopy was much taller and more shadowy than anything in the Keys. So if I did catch sight of the songster’s motion, I might be able to get to warbler or sparrow or thrush, but I probably wouldn’t have been able to discern his finer field marks and get to species.

I did have my camera, but in the interest of traveling light I only had a pair of light, short lenses in my bag.

One of the limiting things about being a birdwatcher in the Keys is that we don’t get a lot of birdsong. In other places, people get to

IT’S A WIZARD, IT’S A BIRD, IT’S AN APP

experience the wonders of the dawn chorus, but it doesn’t really happen here. Northern mockingbirds sing. As do prairie warblers and northern cardinals. Common grackles and gray kingbirds make noises, but to my mind they are too ratchet to count as songs. Sometimes out in the backcountry, if you are lucky, you might hear a yellow warbler. White-crowned pigeons, mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves and common ground-doves all make various cooing noises, but they tend to be more underscoring than vibrant. And I can’t really think of much else that adds to our soundscape.

If I lived in the northeast, or had spent more time birding there in the spring, I might have known what I was hearing. But I’ve never been one who can sit around listening to recordings of birds and then remember what they were when I heard them days, months or even years later. I need to hear it in the field, usually multiple times, before I can recognize a bird’s song.

All of which means, walking up that path, listening to those fast-paced melodies, I was officially befuddled. Not my favorite place to be.

Which is when I remembered Merlin.

Merlin, of course, was a mythical wizard who lived in England – or technically the island that became England – during the medieval period. Despite our destination, that is not who I was thinking about. And I wasn’t thinking about the small-but-feisty falcon called the Merlin, which I thought was named after the wizard when I began typing this sentence, but whose name turns out to be a homophone, an identical word with a totally different meaning and etymology.

The Merlin I was thinking about was an app that was named after the bird but not the wizard, even though it has abilities that would seem like sorcery to the medieval mind.

The app created by the folks at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is designed to help birders figure out what they were seeing in the field.

Honestly, there is a bit of a stigma in the bird world for people who rely too heavily on Merlin for IDs. Especially when they use photos, because with so many variables – camera angle, lighting, images shot on phone cameras with limited magnification, and changeable bird postures among them – the app is often wrong. Which is fine. The app is designed to lead you in the right direction, not to be definitive and not to replace your critical thinking skills. (The problem usually comes from inexperienced birders who take the app’s IDs as gospel and report rare birds, and then get mad when more experienced birds try to correct them.)

Merlin has a better track record with bird calls, though, where there are fewer variables and subtleties. (Interestingly, as I understand it, the app creates a sonogram of the bird’s song that comes through the mic, then does image search to compare it with other sonograms to make the ID.)

I hit the record button on the phone and watched the sonogram play out like a more scrawly EKG.

Nan and Alicia had stopped just up the path to wait for me.

Please please please don’t be an American robin, the most common bird in the northeast, I thought.

The sonogram showed a lot of minimal bumps from a city’s ambient noises, then a bunch of spikes and dips when the bird began to sing again.

Merlin said it was a black-throated green warbler. I’d actually seen one in migration a few days before at Fort Zach. And it seemed pretty logical that that was what I was hearing, as New York was well within their breeding territory. So I believed it and felt my befuddlement begin to ease.

I put my phone back in my pocket and hurried to catch up.

MARK HEDDEN

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

Founded by Betty Debnam

The President’s Own

Each branch of the U.S. military has a band that represents that part

Americans will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor our service members who have lost their lives while serving in the military.

You might attend a parade or a concert where military bands play patriotic music.

Military music has a long tradition. Thousands of years ago, the Greeks and Romans used drummers to help the troops march in step at the same speed.

Today, the branches of our military have bands that play to entertain and inspire those in the armed services as well as civilians. Military musicians are on active duty.

The U.S. Marine Band is our oldest professional musical organization, founded in 1798 by an act of Congress. It has grown from 32 members to about 130.

‘THE PRESIDENT’S OWN’

In 1801, the U.S. Marine Band played for President Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration. He named it “The President’s Own.” It has played for every inauguration since.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Band is to play for the president of the United States. The band performs at concerts and ceremonial events as well. For instance, the band plays at the White House for the National Christmas Tree lighting, for the Easter Egg Roll and on Independence Day. Marine Band musicians appear at the White House about 200 times each year.

JOINING THE MARINE BAND

Musicians must audition to join the Marine Band. First, a musician performs behind a screen so that the judges can’t see him or her.

FIND IT

A committee from the band then interviews musicians chosen from the auditions. Once accepted, musicians join the Marine Corps. Members of this band are not asked to go into combat.

THE UNIFORM

Members of the U.S. Marine Band wear scarlet, or red, coats with blue or white pants or skirts. Their hats are white. These uniforms have been used since the Revolutionary War, when field musicians were used to send signals on the battlefield and in camp and needed to be easily recognizable.

Along with a large bearskin hat, the drum major wears a fancy sash across his chest called a baldric. He uses his mace, or staff, to signal directions to the musicians.

A new mace arrived in Washington, D.C., in May 2022 from Birmingham, England, where it was

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

The 17th director of the Marine Band, John Philip Sousa (SOO-za), gets credit for developing the band to a high level of excellence. His father was a member of the Marine Band, and as a child he studied many instruments, but he loved the violin.

When John was just 13, he became an apprentice member of the Marine Band, and he remained a band member until he was 20.

In 1880, when Sousa was 26, he was offered the director position with the Marine Band. He was a strict director, and the band got better. Sousa also wrote many marches for bands. Eventually he became known as the March King. Listen for his music at Memorial Day or Independence Day celebrations.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• marineband.marines.mil

• bit.ly/41s7Mrq

• youtu.be/YvnnzDgNj6o

At the library:

• “John Philip Sousa” by Mike Venezia

ECO NOTE

Nineteen cities across Europe, North America and Asia — including London, San Francisco and Beijing — have cut dangerous air pollutants by at least 20% since 2010, with some reducing levels of fine particles and nitrogen dioxide by nearly 45%, according to new research from the Breathe Cities initiative. Measures such as low emission zones, adoption of electric vehicles, cleaner home heating and expanded routes dedicated to cycling were credited with the gains. Beijing and Warsaw led reductions in fine particulate pollution, while Amsterdam and Rotterdam achieved some of the steepest declines in nitrogen dioxide generated by vehicle traffic.

Mini Fact:

of the military.

photo courtesy U.S. Marine Band

photo by Master Sgt. Kristin duBois, courtesy U.S. Marine Band

photo by Staff Sgt. Chase

The Marine Band plays for some funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

made.

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA

photo courtesy U.S. Marine Band

photo courtesy U.S. Marine Corps

John Philip Sousa The Sousaphone is named for John Philip Sousa.

CHAMP STATUS

Lifters, track & ﬁeld stars hit the podium | PGS. 6,8

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

5/14

5/15

BATISTA

Athletes from Marathon and Key West returned from the FHSAA Track and Field and Weightlifting State Championships with medals around their necks. Clockwise from top: Max Childress, Ariel Newton, Isaak Vallejo, Justice Lee Isom, Leo Batista and Audrey Smith. Photos by Natalie Danko, Tracy McDonald and Rick Mackenzie.

— Key West track and ﬁeld coach Dave Perkins

52’2”

shot put place state medal

4TH

Leo is the deﬁnition of a competitor. He went into the state meet up against the best in Florida and walked away with a fourth-place medal and a new school record.”

Key West’s Leandro Batista delivered a standout performance at the state meet last week, breaking the school record in the Class 2A boys shot put and earning a spot on the podium. Batista launched the 12-pound shot 15.92 meters (52 feet, 2 inches), surpassing the previous mark and finishing fourth in a highly competitive field.

Known as a fierce competitor, Batista’s path to success hasn’t been conventional. Once a sprinter, he made the transition to the throwing events and committed himself to mastering the discipline. That work paid off in a big way, as he not only competed with the state’s best but rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

His record-breaking throw and podium finish cap off a remarkable season and highlight the results of his dedication and drive to make Leo Batista the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

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

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Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

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Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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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

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

MARKET EDITORS

SWEET SIXTEEN

Clockwise from top: Key West celebrates their mercy-rule win May 6.

Junior Lilee Gage awaits the batter to bring her home from third base.

Lilee Gage awaits the pitch in Key West’s quarterfinal game against Lourdes. Gage ended the game with two hits and two RBIs.

Sophomore Aaliyah McLeod takes a big swing in the Conchs’ regional quarterfinal matchup May 6.

ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

Lady Conchs chasing state glory after two weeks, two wins

The Lady Conchs lined up with a familiar opponent for their FHSAA 4A regional quarterfinals on May 6. Lourdes Academy made the trip to Key West for another go at the Southernmost softball team, after losing to the Conchs April 29. The quarterfinals proved even more of an overwhelming win for Key West, who defeated Lourdes 15-0 in just three innings.

The Key West bats were ablaze with a dozen hits, including two each from Lucy Katz, Arianna Garcia and Lilee Gage, plus a Charlie Bracher home run. Kaleya Cervantes, Maicee Gage, Shylo Sanchez, Kaleaya Dickerson and Aaliyah McLeod all contributed to the hit count.

The Royal Lions could not touch pitcher Brianna Brenner’s delivery. Brenner struck out five, walked one and tossed three innings of no-hit softball to win in a resounding mercy-rule victory.

Next up for the second-seeded Conchs was a May 12 regional semifinal (result not available at press time) in Key West’s Backyard with third-seeded Somerset Academy, the squad that knocked out Key West’s baseball team this season.

Marathon and Coral Shores each qualified athletes for the FHSAA 1A Boys Weightlifting Championships, held last week in Lakeland, with Marathon turning in a strong performance on the state stage.

The Dolphins were led by senior Max Childress in the 183-pound weight class, who brought home a pair of medals from Lakeland. He placed fourth in the Olympic lifts and sixth in the traditional competition, highlighted by a 265-pound bench press, a 275-pound clean and jerk, and a 205-pound snatch.

Junior Isaak Vallejo also reached the podium for Marathon, earning a fourth-place medal in the traditional division at 199 pounds. Vallejo posted an impressive 335-pound bench press and a 235-pound clean and jerk.

Senior Matthias Martinez-Velez added to the Dolphins’ success, cracking the top 10 with an eighth-place finish in the traditional competition at 139 pounds. He recorded a 245-pound bench press and a 185-pound clean and jerk.

The state championships closed the book on a strong season for both the Hurricanes and Dolphins. Both teams will waste little time prior to hitting the weight room again as they look to carry that momentum into the offseason to continue to develop strength and depth.

ENDING ON A STRONG NOTE

Lifters Childress & Vallejo bring home state medals

Clockwise from top: Max Childress flexes on his competition.

Isaak Vallejo shows off his muscles after winning fourth place at states.

Isaak Vallejo hoists a snatch lift over his head.

Matthias Martinez-Velez prepares for a clean and jerk lift.

Isaak Vallejo, left, Matthias Martinez-Velez and Max Childress show off their state-medalwinning guns.

Photos contributed

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Family owned and operated since 1958

STATE SURGE

Keys tracksters bring home seven medals, break four records at state championships

All three Keys schools sent representatives to the FHSAA 1A and 2A State Championships on May 6 and 7, and when the final race was over, Monroe County athletes made seven trips to the podium and rewrote four records.

Marathon senior Justice Lee Isom did what no other Dolphin had done before; Lee Isom captured a state championship in track and field, striking gold with a 41’ 0.25” shot put throw. The mark set a new PR and school record for the most decorated athlete in Marathon history.

Lee Isom went on to win a second medal, this one bronze, in the discus event with a 112’ 6” toss. Her ninth-place javelin effort was one place shy of a medal, but a trio of top-10 finishes made for a phenomenal end to her high school career.

Also medaling for Marathon was freshman Lucian Burns, whose PR in the 3,200-meter race sent him to the podium. Burns’ 9:58 finish was good for eighth place. Senior Caleb Shelar cracked the top 10 in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing in 59.06 seconds for a new PR and school record to cap off his senior season in style.

Marathon set the tone May 6 in the 1A competition, but they were not the only Keys team to shine at states. Key West and Coral Shores competed the following day in the 2A division, and junior Ariel Newton soared to a silver medal in the pole vault event. Newton’s 11’ 9.75” mark tied with the gold medalist, but a miss at an earlier height gave the other athlete the advantage in the rankings.

Finishing in fourth place for a medal and a trip to the podium was senior Audrey Smith, who tossed the javelin 121’ 8”. Classmate Leandro Batista’s 52’ 2.75” shot put throw reset the school record and landed Batista in fourth place as well. Jeff Dejean medaled in the long jump, leaping 21’ 0.75” for seventh place.

The final broken record came from the Lady Conchs’ 4x100 meter relay team. Despite not medaling, the foursome ran the fastest time in school and Monroe County history, finishing in 49.56 seconds. The team of Jordan Green, Ariel Newton, Demarla Thompson and Mirakle Humphrey are all juniors and will have a chance to shave off even more time next season.

1. Justice Lee Isom stands atop the podium in first place in the 1A shot put competition.

2. Key West’s Jordan Greene, Ariel Newton, Demarla Thompson and Mirakle Humphrey are the new school 4x100 meter relay record holders.

3. Leandro Batista holds up his fourth-place medal from states in the 2A shot put competition.

4. Jeff Dejean is all smiles with his state medal in long jump. Dejean finished seventh in the 2A competition.

5. Audrey Smith shows off her state medal from the javelin event.

6. Marathon freshman Lucian Burns finishes strong in the 3,200-meter race.

7. Marathon senior Caleb Shelar sails over a hurdle in his record-breaking race.

8. Justice Lee Isom hurls a school record-breaking shot put, winning the Dolphins’ first track and field gold medal in school history.

9. Jeff Dejean defies gravity with his seventh-place long jump.

Photos by Rick Mackenzie

Redruello, a team captain, led her squad in scoring and anchored the offense throughout her four-year career. Her leadership and attacking presence set the tone for her team and made her a constant threat in the final third.

Engelmeyer was a key piece of her team’s defensive unit and a four-year starter who will next play at Briar Cliff University. Her consistency and awareness helped anchor the back line and limit opposing opportunities.

Mandozzi controlled play from the midfield, and was a team captain and four-year starter who will continue her career at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Her vision and composure helped dictate tempo and connect play across the field.

2026 ALL KEYS GIRLS SOCCER TEAM

Monroe County’s girls soccer season featured competitive district play across three classifications, with Key West and Coral Shores both making runs into the district semifinals. Key West finished 10-6-4 in Class 4A District 16, opening the season with a tie against Coral Shores before earning a win in the rematch and sweeping Marathon during the regular season. The Conchs advanced through the district quarterfinals before falling in the semifinals. Coral Shores posted a 5-7-2 record in Class 3A, tying Key West once, defeating Marathon twice, and reaching the district semifinals after a quarterfinal victory. Marathon completed the year at 3-12-1 in Class 2A District 16, finishing without an in-county win and exiting in the first round of district competition.

Searcy and Jim McCarthy

Goodwin was a steady presence in the back line and an integral part of her team’s success as a captain and four-year starter. Her leadership and reliability made her a cornerstone of the defense.

A four-year starter for the Lady Conchs, Kilduff capped her senior season with an outstanding 22 goals and six assists, leading the offense with consistency and versatility. Equally effective at striker and in the center midfield, she proved to be a dynamic playmaker, combining a high work rate with exceptional vision and passing ability to elevate the entire attack. Whether finishing chances or creating opportunities for her teammates, Kilduff was the engine that kept Key West’s offense running smoothly.

Beyond the stat sheet, Kilduff’s leadership and positive presence made her an invaluable part of the program. Her energy, composure and understanding of the game set the standard for those around her.

Kilduﬀ will continue her soccer career at the collegiate level, a well-earned opportunity that reflects years of hard work and commitment to her craft.

Photos by Natalie Danko, Jen

Collins, a captain, was a steady presence in the midfield, helping control tempo and contributing on both ends of the field. Her experience and leadership were vital in guiding her team throughout the season. 16 14 14

| MHS

A newcomer who made an immediate impact, Skaarup brought intensity and consistency to the back line, earning recognition as a top defender. Her relentless effort and physical play helped disrupt opposing offenses throughout the season.

Rodriguez emerged as a freshman with a dominant defensive presence, earning team MVP honors while anchoring the back line. With her composure and strength, she shows the potential for a very bright future.

McKnight developed, over four years of starting, into a physical and reliable center back, leading the defense with strong decision-making and consistency. Her toughness and leadership helped define the team’s defensive identity.

| KWHS

Andrew contributed both defensively and in the midfield over four years, providing leadership and stability throughout the season. Her ability to adapt and lead made her an invaluable presence on the field.

Gage contributed across multiple positions, tallying eight goals and three assists while also stepping into a key defensive role. Her adaptability and competitive edge brought a new dimension to the team’s lineup.

Searcy stepped into the goalkeeper role and recorded five shutouts, providing steady play and leadership from the back. Her calm presence and continued growth make her a key athlete moving forward.

Montilla recorded six goals and four assists as a midfielder, while helping drive the team’s offensive flow. With her technical ability and field vision, she is poised for an even bigger impact in the seasons ahead.

Alondra

Maicee

• Access and manage your account from anywhere in the world with mobile banking.

Adam Dailies

In The Bleachers

Brevity

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Half Shell Raw Bar located at 231 Margaret Street, Key West, Florida 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Moro Management Inc.

Publish:

May 14, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Robbies Key West, Inc. claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels:

Owned by Lana Nichole Savage and Ricky Alton Savage for unpaid storage fees: a 1998 26’ Bayliner (HIN: BL1B76STA898)

Sealed bids will be accepted on May 27th , 2026 at Robbies Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040.

Robbies Key West, Inc. reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Publish:

May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-000147-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RAYMOND RENE VAN EDEMA, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RAYMOND RENE VAN EDEMA, deceased, whose date of death was March 5, 2026, 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: May 14, 2026.

Personal Representative: NICOLE ELIZABETH GIRARD

1241 SW 84th Terrace

Pembroke Pines, FL 33025

Attorney for Personal Representative: TERRY ABRAMS BERGER, ESQ.

Florida Bar No.: 046000 BERGER LAW, LLC.

P.O. Box 60519

Palm Bay, Florida 32906

Telephone: (321) 574-5295

Facsimile: (321) 574-5551

e-mail: tab@berger-lawllc.com

secondary e-mail: abodden@ berger-lawllc.com

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 26-CP-000064-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DANIEL BRIAN ULMAN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Daniel Brian Ulman, deceased, who died on January 16, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Probate Division, whose address is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The Personal Representative’s name and the name and the address of 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 DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

A Personal Representative (or Curator) has no duty to discover whether any property held at the

time of the Decedent’s death by the Decedent or the Decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida 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 or a beneficiary as specified under s. 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is May 7, 2026.

Personal Representative: DAVID L. ULMAN

4876 East Robin Court Rolling Prairie, IN 46371

Attorney for Personal Representative:

DONALD C. SIDER, ESQ.

Florida Bar No. 308978

6751 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Telephone: (561) 391-1100

Email: dsider@siderlaw.com

Publish: May 7 & 14, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 26-CP-000165-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: MICHAEL JOHN MITZNER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Michael John Mitzner, deceased, whose date of death was December 25, 2025, 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 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

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-proﬁt organizations for capital projects.

The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:

Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes. The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonﬁre platform.

For more information, please email grants@ﬂa-keys.com.

Publish: May 7, 14, 21 & 28 and June 4, 11 & 18, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

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 May 7, 2026.

Attorney for Personal Representative: ALEX CUELLO

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar Number: 84778

Cuello & Hernandez

2655 S. Le Jeune Road, Suite 1008 Coral Gables, FL 33134

Telephone: (305) 567-0799

E-Mail: acuello@probatesfl.com

Secondary E-Mail: csh@probatesfl. com

Personal Representative: Richard Lee Mitzner

15740 SW 98th CT Miami, Florida 33157

Publish:

May 7 & 14, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-145-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF ANTONIO ROBERTO GRAZIANO MELIA

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Antonio Roberto Graziano Melia, deceased, whose date of death was March 24, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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.

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: May 7, 2026.

Personal Representative: Francesca Bologna 13 Ibis Lane Marathon, Florida 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A.

12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: May 7 & 14 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 26-CP-171-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH THOMAS JURKOWSKI, JR., Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JOSEPH THOMAS JURKOWSKI, JR., deceased, whose date of death was February 25, 2026, Case: 26-CP-171-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: May 7, 2026.

Personal Representative: NGOC LAN MURPHY

JOHN MURPHY

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal Representative: Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service: Service.Probate@samkaufmanlaw. com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: May 7 & 14, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE COUNTY COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO.: 26-CC-221-M NOTICE BY PUBLICATION CENTENNIAL BANK, an Arkansas banking corporation, Plaintiff, -vs.LISA TIPSWORD, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE ANGELINA M. BLANCO TRUST UNDER WILL DATED MAY 15, 2017 OF GIOIA MANCINELLI F/K/A GIOIA M. PERKALL, ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY BE HEIRS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, ASSIGNEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS OF GIOIA MANCINELLI f/k/a GIOIA M. PERKALL, DECEASED, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST HER AND ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY; COUNTY OF MONROE, ANGELINA M. BLANCO and UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICEPROPERTY

TO: All unknown persons who may be heirs, devisees, legatees, grantees, lienors, creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants of Gioia Mancinelli f/k/a Gioia M. Perkall, deceased, residence unknown, if alive, and if dead, Gioia Mancinelli f/k/a Gioia M. Perkall’s heirs, devisees,

legatees, grantees, lienors, creditors, trustees, assignees or other claimants and all other parties claiming interests, by through, under or against Gioia Mancinelli f/k/a Gioia M. Perkall, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property herein described. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to the above-styled foreclosure action by the abovenamed Plaintiff and encumbering the following described property in Monroe County, Florida: Lot 12, Block 41, CRAINS SUBDIVISION OF GRASSY KEY, according the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 51, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. has been file against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any to it on Plaintiff’s attorney, Richard B. Storfer, Esquire, of the firm of Lorium Law, whose address is 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1800, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301, on or before June 6, 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act you are advised that his law firm is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purposes. WITNESS my hand and seal of said court at Monroe County, Florida, this 24th day of April, 2026. Kevin Madok, CPA As Clerk. Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez

Deputy Clerk of Court

Publish: May 7 & 14, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-366-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 2nd day of June 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit C11, Week 10, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10th day of April 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARYLYN DEE FRANK GEORGIAN, AKA MARYLYN D. FRANK, DECEASED Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-366-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-397-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 2nd day of June 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit F12, Week 11, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) VII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10th day of April 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST PETER JOHN GENTILE, DECEASED; JEROME R. GENTILE, JR., AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PETER JOHN GENTILE; AND SUSAN DIAMANTOPOULOS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO PETER JOHN GENTILE Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-397-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-399-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 2nd day of June 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe

Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to the IN REM

SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S)I

entered in a case pending in said Court, the 13th day of April 2026.

Style of which is:

WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION

NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST GENEVA THURSFIELD GOUGH, DECEASED; RICHARD W. GOUGH, JR, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO GENEVA THURSFIELD GOUGH; AND CHRISTOPHER GOUGH, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO GENEVA THURSFIELD GOUGH

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-399-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-397-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff

vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN

PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MAUREEN ANNE JACOBS, DECEASED; MELANIE BARNEY, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MAUREEN ANNE JACOBS, AND JASON JACOBS, AS POTENTIAL

HEIR TO MAUREEN ANNE JACOBS

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-397-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2025-CC-384-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 2nd day of June 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E24, Week 3, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10th day of April 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST BARBARA JULIANO MEYERS, DECEASED

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-384-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-399-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S)V entered in a case pending in said Court, the

13th day of April 2026.

Style of which is:

WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff

vs. BARBARA THOMPSON PHILLIPS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST DONALD DE WAYNE PHILLIPS, DECEASED

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-399-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-399-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 2nd day of June 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5733, Week 19, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S)VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 13th day of April 2026.

Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. PAULA J. CARMODY, AKA PAULA CARMODY SAMORIS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SAMIR SAMORIS, DECEASED

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-399-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk

Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2025-CC-397-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 10th day of April 2026. Style of which is:

BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff

vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST BETTY ROSE SCHRYVER AKA BETTY R. SCHRYVER, DECEASED; DAVID ROJAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO BETTY ROSE SCHRYVER AKA

BETTY R. SCHRYVER; AND FRANCIS ROJAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO BETTY ROSE SCHRYVER AKA

BETTY R. SCHRYVER

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-397-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Publish:

May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2025-CC-397-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) V entered in a case pending in said Court, the 13th day of April 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE

OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ROBERT JARRETT STANKIEWICZ, DECEASED; RACHEL MCOWEN, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO ROBERT JARRETT STANKIEWICZ; AND DEAN STANKIEWICZ, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO ROBERT JARRETT STANKIEWICZ Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-397-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 4TH day of MAY 2026

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

May 14 & 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE#: 44-2026-CA-452-K

JUDGE: TIMOTHY J. KOENIG

ERIC TEVES AND MICHAEL SCOTT BURAU, Plaintiff, Vs. CONRAD MCKINNEY, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under and against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, AND ROY HAMLIN, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under and against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: CONRAD MCKINNEY and ROY HAMLIN, deceased, their unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under and against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, or under those unknown natural persons; and the several

and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described,| YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you by the Plaintiff in the above-style court for the purpose of quieting title to the following described property situate and being in Monroe County, Florida: Parcel 1: On the Island of Key West, and known as Part of Lot Two (2), Square Two (2), Tract Three (3). Recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 47, Public Records, Monroe County, Florida. Commence at a point Ninety-seven (97) feet from the Northeast corner of Olivia Street and Baptist Lane and running thence in a Westerly direction Forty-five (45) feet; thence at right angles in a Northerly direction Seventy-nine (79) feet; thence at right angles in an Easterly direction Forty-five (45) feet; thence at a right angle in a Southerly direction Seventy-nine (79) feet to the point of beginning. Parcel 2: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West, and known as Part of Lot Two (2), Square Two (2) Tract Three (3) according to William A. Whitehead’s Map of said Island delineated in February 1829, said parcel being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commence at the intersection of the Northwesterly right of way line of Olivia Street with the Southwesterly right of way line of Baptist Lane and run thence Northwesterly along the Southwesterly right of way line of Baptist Lane for a distance of 97.00 feet; thence Southwesterly and at right angles for a distance of 79.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence Northwesterly and at right angles for a distance of 45.00 feet; thence Southwesterly and at right angles for a distance of 5.20 feet to an existing chain link fence; thence Southeasterly and at right angles along the said chain link fence for a distance of 45.00 feet; thence Northeasterly and at right angles for a distance of 5.20 feet back to the Point of Beginning, containing 234 square feet, more or less.

YOU ARE REQUIRED to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard J. McChesney, Esq., Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood, & Sterling, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, on or before the following date: June 8, 2026, and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this

Court on 4TH day of May, 2026. Kevin Madok, CPA as Clerk of the Court By: Shonta McLeod as Deputy Clerk

Publish: May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-440-K CARLOS ALBERTO MEDINA JIMENEZ, Petitioner, and ILIANA MIRABAL CARDENAS, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: ILIANA MIRABAL CARDENAS RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN

ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on CARLOS ALBERTO MEDINA JIMENEZ, whose address is 2307 PATTERSON AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before May 30, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE

Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: April 23, 2026

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson

Deputy Clerk Publish: April 30 and May 7, 14 & 21, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Located in Marathon. $800.00 260750-6479 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

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

BOATS FOR SALE

PRICE DROP! 22' Mako

Center Console Aluminum like new float on trailer, 2001 250hp Yamaha, hull 1979, 2 stroke, runs great, many extras. $10,999 OBO Located at MM74. Gary 305-393-1415

PRICE DROP! 21' Mako

Center Console Float on Aluminum Trailer, 250 2 stroke Yamaha 2005?, hull 1979, New Transom, $8,999 OBO Located at MM74. Gary 305-393-1415

BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR RENT

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com

Safety Staff- We are seeking a reliable, dedicated, and responsible Safety Staff member to join our team. Full-time & Part-time availability starting at $18/hr. To apply, call 305-664-4860 Ext 1, e-mail: aaron@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key

Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Looking for full time or part time person. Hardware knowledge an absolute must. Must have knowledge of hardware, plumbing and electrical. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382

Groundskeeper/Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 hrs. per week, $27 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol. com, text or call 734-476-0531.

Paver Dave now hiring PartTime Office Help. Working some days in Marathon and some days in Big Pine Key. Call for more information 305-741-7688.

Paver Dave how hiring a Job Supervisor/Sales in the Lower Keys. Must have a driver's license. Bob Cat experience a plus. Call for more information 305-741-7688.

Experienced Full-time 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service- oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician, Housing Assistant & Custodian (Marathon). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha.org or 305-2965621 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.

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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave HIRED!!!

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

2BR/2BA waterfront furnished & equipped apt. for rent in Key Colony Beach. Nice patio, open water view & dock. No Pets. Long term lease. $3,000/ mo + utilities. 786-251-0954

3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available June 30. $3,790/month incl. utilities 618-559-9143

2BR/1BA Condo Unit at Schooner Condominium for rent in Marathon. Newly renovated, furnished. Pet negotiable. Annual lease. $2,900/mo F/L/ Security negotiable. 305-4310577 alicia@keysrealestate.com

LONG TERM RENTALS: 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

Key Largo- 6 months+ Canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/mo. 904237-9090 or 904-338-1207 RENTED!!

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

VACATION RENTAL

3BR/2BA Contemporary Home for rent on Big Pine Key. Pool, 40' dock w/davits, screened-in porch. Sleeps 6 ppl. Avail. month of July & Sept. 2026. $7,000/ mo. Call Brian at 267-374-7063

WANTED TO BUY

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

SWORDFISH BILLS - Fresh or aged. Located in Key Largo. Call 303-990-0619

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

YARD SALES

BIG YARD SALE this Sat. May 16th from 8am - 2pm, 17 Kyle Way East, Marathon. Baby items, Cigar boxes, toys, games, some furniture and lots of miscellaneous items.

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

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.

Must be able to multitask in greeting guests, managing incoming calls, handling mail and providing

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

wants you to join their team!

Full-time. $19/hour to start.

EMAIL resume to: TurtleHospital@TurtleHospital.org

APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 53 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) Case Manager (Adult)

Mental Health Technician

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Crisis Counselor

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician

Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT)

Registered Nurse (FT, PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians (FT, PT)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier,

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

- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Director Nursing Services, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus

- Patient Access Scheduler, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus

- Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist,

- Construction Project Manager, FL

- Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Food Service Worker, Dietary,

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

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

- Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

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

- Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus

- Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Registered Nurse, ICU,

- Registered Nurse, Surgery,

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

- Security Officer, Security/Safety, FT

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

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT

- Driver, Marathon/Keys Supply Chain, FT

- Lead Med Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus

- Manager Environmental Services, FT

- Medical Staff Coordinator, FT

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

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

- Patient Financial Associate, Admitting, $1k 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 Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus

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

Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P

- Security Officer, Per Diem