Marathon Weekly 26-0521

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown

Casa Sirena

A refined waterfront retreat in Marathon offering comfort, privacy, and strong investment appeal. This five bedroom, three bath home includes a convenient outdoor pool bath and is ideally positioned with water frontage on two sides. Boaters will appreciate 100 feet of durable composite dockage, a jet ski lift, and a private boat ramp shared with just one neighbor. The surrounding Vaca Key and Boot Key provide a natural buffer, offering added protection from the elements. Outdoor living is central to the property, with lush tropical landscaping, a saltwater pool, tiki hut, and expansive wraparound patios accessible from all rooms. Inside, the open floor plan connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a comfortable and functional space. Additional features include a spacious two-car garage with ample storage, an extra washer and dryer, a refrigerator, a freezer, and a workbench. The home is offered fully furnished and turnkey, ready for personal use or as a vacation rental. Privacy fencing, a security system, and gated dock and ramp access complete the offering.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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MARATHON EYES FUTURE FLOODING THREATS AND RISING COSTS

Golf course questions, change orders & a new splash pad highlight council session

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

On top of an extensive discussion over Marathon’s recently-terminated fire chief, the city council tackled a packed agenda in its May 12 meeting, approving rising costs for the Sombrero Boulevard drainage project and a new splash pad at Marathon Community Park while hearing updates on the city’s long-term plans to combat sea level rise.

Press for golf course progress

Led by prior city council candidates Dustin Huff and David Perry, public commenters pressed the council and staff for updates on the Florida Keys Country Club property on Sombrero Boulevard.

The property, currently under redevelopment as the Florida Keys Resort, has remained a lightning rod of debate for multiple years, with several long-time residents questioning the property’s silt fence and modifications of its central lake, exterior berm and mangrove shorelines – several of which were the subject of prior warnings or violations from the South Florida Water Management District.

Marathon’s Sophia Hutchins, left, embraces her mentor Hammer Runyon at the 2026 Take Stock in Children graduation ceremony on May 16. See page 20. ROSS SMITH/ Keys Weekly

it will not be granted. If they’re doing things in the interim that they’re not supposed to, (the Department of Environmental Protection) is free to investigate – that’s not our call.”

Rising seas equal major costs

As Marathon works to combat the effects of rising sea levels, king tides and stormwater, already responsible for localized flooding on some city roadways, the council heard an update on its roadway vulnerability study, intended to address 34 identified project areas by the year 2045.

Costs to address the areas total roughly $794 million, representatives from government and utility management consulting firm Raftelis told the council – about $17 million per mile of affected road, primarily using a combination of road raising and sloping projects, barrier walls, collection gutters and pump systems for water disposal.

Those concerns resurfaced at the council meeting, as Huff and Perry renewed their push for updates on the resort’s progress.

“The project was represented to the public as a redevelopment centered around an 18-hole golf course and community amenities. The golf course was not a side issue – it helped justify the approvals and gain community support,” said Huff. “The people of Marathon acted in good faith, but here we are more than 10 years later, and what has the public actually seen? Years of little meaningful progress.”

Building Official Gerard Roussin told the council and commenters that the resort’s development agreement was extended multiple times due to Hurricane Irma and other building extensions, while in-progress inspections each add 180 days to the property’s active permits. He said the project’s current berm and silt fencing were adequate as the resort continues construction.

“Everything that’s going on right now is in the interim,” said acting City Manager Steve Williams. “But when the time, date and place comes when they want (Certificates of Occupancy) for residences or buildings out there, if they don’t meet the approved plans,

Funds for the project, while admittedly a “sticker shock,” could come partially through multiple grant programs and a local match, including the Resilient Florida program, to offset capital costs. Depending on the severity of the issues, the city could choose to upgrade only some project areas, or establish localized taxing units to pay for projects in individual neighborhoods.

Bills rise on Sombrero Boulevard

The council unanimously approved a change order of $266,225 for the Sombrero Boulevard drainage project, presented as one of two options by engineer Steve Suggs of Weiler Engineering.

A first option, at a cost of $57,038, addresses necessary fixes — a pipe support structure for the project’s stormwater injection well, extending driveway transitions to private properties along the road to prevent flooding, and replacing a failing road sub-base at the Manor Lane intersection. The second option, approved by council, adds a leveling course of asphalt to enhance the road’s smoothness and durability – a component that Suggs said was removed from the scope of the original project bids as a cost-saving measure.

Council members said they were concerned with rising costs for the

continued on page 35

The Marathon City Council presents a National Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation to Guidance/Care Center vice president Maureen Dunleavy, accompanied by center staff and community council members. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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FWC BANS EXPORT OF THREATENED MARINE LIFE

Clamps on collection of manta rays and other species come after social media controversy

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Social media outrage over a viral manta ray collection video from 2025 made it all the way to Tallahassee, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted on May 13 to revamp the state’s regulations governing the export of threatened and endangered species from state waters.

FWC made changes to the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program, which allows for the limited collection of high-profile species off-limits to the everyday aquarist or angler for educational or exhibition purposes. The move comes almost a year after videos posted to social media showed the permitted collection of a manta ray by Marathon-based Dynasty Marine Associates in July 2025, intended for export to an Abu Dhabi aquarium.

As currently written, FWC’s Marine Prohibited Species Policy establishes strict guidelines when evaluating requests to collect 23 prohibited species, including 16 that fall under a complete collection ban – whale sharks, Nassau groupers and sawfish, to name a few.

Updates to the policy, unanimously approved in the May 13 meeting, drop the limit for manta ray collections for educational exhibition purposes, previously set to three per year, to one every two years, and banned the export of any endangered or threatened species outside the United States.

Social media cries following the viral video called on state leaders for an outright ban on manta ray captures, while others defended the research opportunities and educational and inspirational value of seeing collected animals in zoological facilities — opportunities that may otherwise never exist.

Following the video, FWC revoked active manta ray permits as the agency continued its revamp of the SAL program, already underway since 2024.

During the 2026 state legislative session, Florida lawmakers introduced a bill dubbed the MANTA Protection Act (House Bill 1171/Senate Bill 988), intended to “(close) a loophole that allows for the legal collection and transport of endangered or threatened marine animal species.” The bill died in March.

But less than two weeks before the May 13 FWC meeting, a letter signed by 18 state and federal lawmakers, spearheaded by state Rep. Lindsay Cross and including Keys state Rep. Jim Mooney, urged FWC chairman Rodney Barreto and commission members to reject any version of the revised SAL program that would allow for future manta ray collections.

“By continuing to permit manta ray capture, the Commission prioritizes the interests of the captive marine animal entertainment industry over the protection of a threatened species,” they wrote. “Florida has long been a leader in marine conservation. Allowing the continued capture of manta rays – animals that are both nationally and globally recognized as threatened – undermines this legacy.”

Addressing the commission, Dynasty president Ben Daughtry called the SAL program a “highly limited and incredibly important public education and research opportunity.”

“(The SAL program) has allowed for common-sense, science-based solutions to rule the day for sustainable fisheries management,” he said. “I believe this organization was built for exactly that, and that’s what (the commission) is here to do today – not bend to political pressures or social media campaigns.

“If we let the outcry of the loudest few dictate the way we manage wildlife in this state, you will see a tidal wave of NGOs and special interest groups that will come in here with their next pet projects, asking and creating political pressure and social media campaigns to change the way you manage wildlife in this state.”

“I do believe that we should not export the manta rays internationally,” said Barreto, adding that the 6.3-million-gallon Ocean Voyager tank at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta serves as the only U.S. exhibit large enough to house the massive rays for their entire lifespan. “I believe they should be here in America – leave them alone.”

Agreeing with most of the rule change elements proposed by staff, Barreto and other commissioners added that future applications for collections of threatened or endangered species should be heard and approved by the commission as a whole, rather than by staff. They said a U.S.-based facility would be denied a permit to replace an animal if they chose to export those currently in their collection.

In his public comments and a phone call to the Keys Weekly following the meeting, Daughtry clarified his company has collected only juvenile animals, not breeding-age females as some suggested. And while numerous SAL permits were issued to facilities, Daughtry said, his company has collected five individual rays over the last decade – the only company to do so, to his knowledge.

Even before the commission meeting, Daughtry said, export of manta rays overseas was under stricter scrutiny as the species moved from Appendix II (at risk of endangerment) to Appendix I (at risk of extinction) on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list. However, he pointed to overseas destinations as countries most in need of education to inspire conservation, as some of the exported species are routinely harvested for consumption in

other areas of the world.

“One of my best examples is that 25 years ago, if you went to China and you went to a wedding, they were serving shark fin soup, guaranteed,” he said. “With the addition of public aquariums, and a very clear campaign on how shark fin soup is bad, less than 30% of weddings now serve the soup. That’s a very clear active role that public aquariums are playing in the conservation of those animals.

“For me, it was about more than just the manta rays – it was about maintaining the precedent that fisheries management in Florida should never be dictated by social media and emotions.”

Daughtry added he was surprised to see Mooney’s signature on the letter to FWC, as the two had not spoken about the manta ray issue. He said he’d attempted to contact Mooney by phone before the meeting, but hadn’t heard back.

Speaking to the Weekly on May 19, Mooney confirmed the same, but said the decision was “a no-brainer” for him as he focused on the state budget.

“Did (the collections) make any sense? No, not in today’s world,” he said. “I didn’t know the guys in Marathon were a part of that program, but it didn’t matter, because I’m not in favor of collecting manta rays.

“We all know that a lot of good things come out of capture and studies, if they’re truly used for studies. … But I think FWC made the right decision, and (permit applicants) have to go in front of them. Transparency is everything in today’s world.”

FROM PRO START TO PRO CHEF

Marathon High grad Chris Gaskill teams up with Scott Taylor to open Dragon & Rooster

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Achef who first sharpened his cooking knives in the kitchens at Marathon High School is already making countywide waves with his plates in Key West.

January 2026 marked the opening of Asian restaurant Dragon & Rooster in Key West, taking the place of the former Pho King Awesome noodle bar at the corner of Angela and Duval streets. Its owner Scott Taylor is already rooted in the southernmost city as the owner of Kaya Island Eats since 2011.

The 30-seat modern bistro boasts a menu of pan-Asian cuisine and fusion plates. Flagship dishes include popular staples like pho, fried rice and ramen, but always with a twist and visual pop – from “Rooster Rice” (pineapple fried rice with chicken) to “Dragon Rice” (shrimp and pork belly) and “yin-yang rice” (jasmine white rice and Chinese forbidden black rice formed into the iconic symbol, with fried fish and a Thai herb sauce on top). A special “Dragon Section” loads up the spice for those who want to test their taste buds.

When designing the dishes for the new spot, Taylor told the Weekly, he broke one of his own unwritten rules, hiring MHS graduate Chris Gaskill as his executive chef.

“I’ve never hired an executive chef to work for my company. Chris broke the mold,” Taylor said. “He’s a Florida Keys success story. I was so impressed with this young man that I decided to collaborate with another chef. That can sometimes be a tenuous, stressful experience for both parties, but it’s been phenomenal.

“I’ve opened a lot of restaurants in my 40-year career, and I’ve never had one so smooth and flawless.”

Gaskill’s culinary training began in the Pro Start kitchen at Marathon High under Carl “Chef Flavor” Stanton, honored just last month with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Monroe ROSE Awards.

Later graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Gaskill continued work with Stanton throughout the Keys for private cater-

ing and events, along with multiple Marathon restaurants and Hawks Cay Resort, before zeroing in on the Key West culinary scene.

Meeting Taylor at Kaya Island Eats while he worked food tours in Key West, Gaskill moved to the southernmost city, working as a bartender at Kaya while renovating Dragon and Rooster.

“The landlord approached us and said, ‘Would you be interested in opening a restaurant here?’ Well, that was music to my ears, because I love Asian food and grew up in Hawaii,” Taylor said. “They don't necessarily eat Hawaiian food, they mainly eat a mixture of Asian food and Polynesian flavors. So I was immersed in Asian food, and Chris had a passion for it.”

“I just asked if he wanted me to go there as a cook, and it ended up with me being executive chef,” Gaskill said. “I love Asian cuisine – Korean food is 100% my favorite – and whenever I was in New York City, my brothers went to Korea Town, Flushing in Queens – some of the best Asian food in America is up in New York. There

was no place like that down here.”

Even as executive chef, he’s handson in every aspect of the kitchen, from prep work to serving as a line cook when needed. And he insists every bit of the menu is made in-house.

“Really nothing I buy is premade,” Gaskill said. “Working with Chef (Stanton), I learned not to accept mediocrity. ‘Why are you doing something unless you’re doing it the best?’ That’s why I insist everything is made here.”

The rest of the county is already starting to notice.

While Gaskill attended the ROSE awards ceremony at Hawks Cay Resort last month to support Stanton, he was up for an honor of his own, nominated as one of the top chefs in the Florida Keys for 2025-26.

“I didn’t even know about it, and the payroll lady here at Kaya told me I was nominated,” he said. “That was a surprise, and I was happy to hear about it.”

“I can’t say enough great things about working with Chris,” Taylor said. “I've graduated to the ‘older guy,’ and it's really great to see some of the

young guns coming up through the business.

“There’s a saying that too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the soup, but that’s not the case here,” he added.

“Chris has been given the room to breathe creatively. I have ideas, he has ideas, usually those are in sync, and we're able to put out a really beautiful product.”

Find the restaurant at 626 Duval St., open from 3 to 10 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit dragonrooster.com or call 305-3951365 for takeout and delivery.

2. An Asian pear salad with homemade sesame garlic dressing.

3.

1. Dragon & Rooster owner Scott Taylor, center, executive chef Chris Gaskill, right, and server Erika Tunay, left, pose outside their restaurant at 626 Duval St.

Executive chef Chris Gaskill cooks up some Rooster Rice at Dragon & Rooster.

Photos by MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

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Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Florida Keys | Monday - Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-4 Follow us @goldenroad keys info@goldenroad keys.com

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FIRE FLIPS SCRIPT ON FIRST RESPONDERS

Police officer & sheriff’s deputy lost everything on Big Pine

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Mike Pettee and Tiffany Rodda aren’t typically the ones calling 911. They’re usually responding to the calls. They’re the ones activating the emergency lights, not watching them illuminate their own front yard.

But in the early-morning hours of May 7, a fire flipped the script — and changed the engaged couple’s lives forever.

Pettee, a Key West police officer for a decade or so, and Rodda, a Monroe County sheriff’s deputy since 2022, awoke to a fire consuming their Big Pine home. The pair both suffered second-degree burns while climbing out a window to escape the flames, then Pettee went back in to try to save the couple’s pets.

Alas, their three dogs and rabbit perished — and Pettee remains hospitalized in Miami for smoke inhalation. The couple shares five children from prior relationships, but none of the kids was home at the time of the fire.

The house was deemed a total loss and the state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire that consumed everything.

“Mike has a long recovery in front of him,” said Jenny Young, a fellow police officer and a president of the Key West Police Love Fund, which provides financial support to officers in the event of an emergency. “They’ve lost everything. And Tiffany is still up with him at the hospital in Miami. Her phone was burned in the fire, so that presents an immediate

Key West Police Officer Mike Pettee’s home on Big Pine Key was a total loss after a May 7 fire that injured Pettee and his fiancee, sheriff’s deputy Tiffany Rodda, and claimed the lives of the couple’s three dogs and a rabbit. MONROE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE/Contributed

challenge, just with getting in touch with people.”

Sheriff Rick Ramsay met the couple at the tarmac before the Trauma Star helicopter flew them out to Miami for treatment, and gave Rodda a shirt and blanket from his car.

A fire feels personal. Its destruction is so thorough, it feels intentional. Malevolent, even.

Nothing is where it once was. Everything you reach for is gone. Cell phone to call the insurance company? Gone. Identification and credit cards you’ll need to file that claim? Gone. Melted in a pile of plastic. Clean socks in a drawer? Gone. Kids’ artwork on the fridge door? Gone. Family heirlooms? Christmas decorations?

And the cars out front? At least they look unscathed. But wait, the key fobs were inside, now melted and useless.

In addition to Love Fund support, Young established a Go Fund Me account, entitled “Rebuilding for Officer Mike and Deputy Tiffany.”

The city of Marathon has announced the opening of the nonprofit funding application period, now until Tuesday, June 30.

The purpose of this funding is to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations delivering programs, projects or services benefiting residents of Marathon.

Funding is intended to support essential community services, enhance quality of life and address documented needs while avoiding duplication of benefits and unnecessary duplication of services.

Funding requests must be directly tied to a specific program, project or service provided within Marathon. Grant requests should be specific and demonstrate nonduplication of benefits.

The link to the application is available by scanning the QR code.

City staff is offering a preliminary draft review process to help ensure applications meet state and federal compliance requirements.

A workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway, to provide organizations an opportunity to meet with city council, discuss the organizations and explain how grant funding would be used. Participation in the workshop is not required but is highly recommended.

For more information or to request a preliminary draft review, contact Maria Covelli at covellim@ci.marathon.fl.us.

Contributed

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Thank you to everyone who donated for Teacher Appreciation Week!

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COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS

Brokerage earns spot on top 500 real estate companies list

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company (CBSREC), based on dollar volume of sales for 2025, was ranked among the most successful real estate companies in the United States, appearing at No. 307 in the RIS Media Power Broker 500 and at No. 340 in the 2026 RealTrends 500.

CBSREC is the only real estate company based in the Florida Keys ever to have been ranked among the top 500 in America. This is Coldwell Banker Schmitt’s 11th appearance on the RealTrends 500 list and 10th on the RIS Media Power Broker 500.

There are over 102,000 real estate sales and brokerage businesses in America, placing CBSREC among the top one-third of 1%.

“Our success in ranking among the top brokerages in America year after year is the outcome of our unwavering attention to our customers’ needs – our agents, our sellers and our buyers whom we prefer to represent as single agents –the extensive, collective experience and professionalism of our people coupled with our robust training programs, and our marketing which is second to none,” said Brian Schmitt, Coldwell Banker Schmitt’s president and broker. “We strive to always provide an exceptional experience for Keys sellers and buyers.”

RISMedia’s 2026 Power Broker Report & Survey is based on an online survey of residential real estate brokerages in the U.S., conducted by RISMedia. The survey ranks brokerages by closed sales volume and transaction sides in 2024. Brokerages

must have a majority ownership interest, inclusive of subsidiaries, to complete the survey, and have had their submissions verified by the associated broker and accountant, CFO or other party who can validate the accuracy of the data submitted.

REALTrends, part of HW Media LLC, is a communications and consulting company issuing analysis and information on the residential brokerage and housing industry. The RealTrends 500 is a leader in ranking the performance of residential real estate services firms. Due to its requirement of independent verification, the RealTrends 500 can be considered a trusted source for information about the performance of these firms.

Celebrating its 70th year, Coldwell Banker Schmitt is the oldest and largest real estate company in the Keys, with six offices in the major market areas. CBSREC also ranks as the 21st largest Coldwell Banker company in the United States and its second-largest affiliate in Florida by adjusted gross commission.

More information is at realestatefloridakeys.com, by email to info@cbschmitt.com, or by calling any of the company’s Keys locations.

— Contributed

Coldwell Banker Schmitt president and broker Brian Schmitt. CONTRIBUTED

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DALLAS MURAL COVERUP IS A WHALE OF A MISTAKE

any have heard or read the recent story of the Wyland mural in Dallas, Texas being painted over to promote the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This is a sad statement on the times in which we live.

Erasing the past under the guise of short-term gratification has become all too familiar, even occurring beyond the arts. It is, however, about the arts I would like to share my thoughts.

As a practicing artist and long-time art educator, I hold the subject of fine art and the importance of visual arts education near and dear to my heart. Having painted hundreds of murals over a span of nearly four decades, I can assure you it takes much more than just lots of paint to make murals happen. It takes a deeply rooted passion, experience, a specific skillset and an often very personal touch. That is not to say the needs and wants of a client will not influence the design concepts, but the painting itself – putting paint to the surface, color choices and even subject placement – all take something found deep within the artist. This is what makes public art so special and what brings vibrance and emotion into the mix.

Art loving communities like Brickell in Miami embrace this idea, and their neighborhoods seem more alive as a result. I am proud to see art displayed so readily in the Florida Keys, where public art is respected and not simply discarded on a whim. We learned this with the restoration and preservation of Wyland’s walls here in the Keys in locales known for embracing art in public places – most recently with Whaling Wall #87 on what is now Surf Style in Marathon.

To me, seeing the mural in Dallas erased is heartbreaking given the passion and emotions that culminated in the installation of this grand masterpiece in 1999. The fact that Wyland’s mission from the start was to raise conservation awareness, and that he did this as a gift to a community, only adds to the insulting nature of its removal. Knowing this is being done for short-term gain makes it that much more ludicrous.

In just a couple months, I will head to Italy with my children, where we will visit the Sistine Chapel and look upon the works of Michelangelo, Rafael, Da Vinci and many others, and we will enjoy murals and frescoes done centuries ago. I am sure pleased to know that in days of old, they did not erase commissioned art like some are doing today. If they did, we would have so little to reflect upon, and the world would be rather dull as a result.

As to my friend and fellow artist Wyland, he and I spoke about the absurd and possibly criminal decision made in Dallas. He, always looking at the bright side, said he hopes this can turn into a learning experience for us all. He said: “Maybe it will raise awareness about the importance of preservation of public art moving forward.”

I sure hope it does, and I hope when you look at public art in the future, you will see it as more than just a cool piece of artwork, but as a precious gift and something worth saving.

Sincerely,

Shannon Paul Wiley

Stephan Pavlos,

Cardiologist

Roger Steinfeld,

Cardiologist

MENTORSHIP PAYS BIG DIVIDENDS

Take Stock in Children celebrates 2026 graduation with $2 million in scholarships

Take Stock in Children of Monroe County celebrated the achievements of 69 graduating seniors on May 16, converging on Marathon High School to honor the Class of 2026.

With collective awards of $2 million in Florida Prepaid tuition and dormitory scholarships, made possible through the support of donors, community partners and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 40% of this year’s class will begin their postsecondary educational pursuits at a Florida college, while 60% will attend one of the 12 Florida universities.

Representing 10% of the entire Monroe County School District’s graduating class, the graduates earned a collective grade point average of 3.71, pursued 243 Advanced Placement courses and earned 372 dual enrollment credits.

The ceremony included remarks from three students – Coral Shores’ Pablo Marin, Somerset Island Prep’s Claudia Steling and Marathon’s Brenda Medina Collazo – a speech from Marianne Finizio, newly elected president of the Monroe County Education Foundation (MCEF), and remarks from Ed Tierney, Superintendent of Monroe County Schools.

“I am very proud of our Take Stock graduates and very appreciative of our volunteer mentors who have guided and supported them during their high school career,” said Finizio. “Their success is a testament to what is possible when our community invests in our young people and walks beside them on their journey.”

Take Stock in Children of Monroe County identifies students in middle and high school who show potential but face economic barriers to a college education. Students commit to maintaining strong grades, good behavior and staying drug- and crime-free. In return, they receive a volunteer mentor, college and career readiness support, and a Florida Prepaid scholarship upon high school graduation.

More information is at monroecountyedfound.com or from executive director Chuck Licis-Masson at 305-293-1545 or chuck.licis@monroecountyedfound.com.

— Keys Weekly staff report

1. Chuck Licis welcomes guests to the 2026 Take Stock in Children graduation.

2. Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo escorts her mentee Nqobile Masango.

3. Nadjie Baptiste of Key West gets ready to take the stage with mentor Ebenson Michelin.

4. Coral Shores’ Pablo Marin delivers graduating remarks.

5. Key West’s Shnyka Blanc heads to graduation with mentor Marc Pierre.

6. Marathon’s Tinashay Cunningham gets in a photo op with her mentor, Monroe County Education Foundation president Marianne Finizio.

7. Yaneicee Grimon finishes her Take Stock journey.

8. Seava Lamontagne earns distinction as a Vista Foundation Named Scholar. Presenting her award are MCEF president Marianne Finizio, left, and schools superintendent Ed Tierney.

9. Marathon’s Natalie Rodriguez graduates with the Class of 2026.

ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

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ZIRKELBACH CRUSHES KEYS 100

The Turtle Hospital’s manager has legs of steel. On May 16 and 17, Marathon’s Bette Zirkelbach battled brutal temps and sun to finish all 100 miles of the Keys 100 ultramarathon, arriving in Key West in 30 hours, 24 minutes and 20 seconds. Her time landed her as the second-fastest Keys woman in the race, trailing only Big Pine Key’s Jessica Geide, and the 24th overall female. Of the 42 women who began the race, over 25% did not finish. ‘This was massive for me – my Mount Everest,’ she told the Weekly. ‘Fueled by overwhelming community support and the One Health initiative, proving all living things are connected, I did it. … The pain and intensity of those 100 miles will fade, but the love I felt will last a lifetime.’ Photo contributed

IS THE ‘YUCK’ FACTOR COSTING US MILLIONS?

In August 2014, the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition (FKEC. org) published an article about turning wastewater into potable water for reuse and the value, safety and resiliency benefit of that water for reinjection into our Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority supply line.

Potable water from wastewater can be cleaner in many ways and less expensive than what FKAA provides originally. Recovered potable water has zero PFAS, a carcinogenic and health harming chemical. FKAA is diligently working to implement a PFAS removal upgrade from the compromised Biscayne Aquifer. Monroe County water has 20 times the limit set by the EPA for PFAS, the highest levels in Florida.

Potable water from wastewater can account for about 60% of the water supplied by FKAA originally, with 40% loss from washing cars and watering plants, etc. A reduction of demand on the Biscayne Aquifer is strategically important. The aquifer is a primary water source for several counties in South Florida and has been strained by five to six years of seasonal South Florida drought conditions. Added to elevating sea levels, saltwater intrusion is projected to affect the FKAA treatment facility by 2050. Producing freshwater from saltwater requires added capital and operational expenditures for filtration and increased energy costs.

Monroe County consumes around 22 million gallons of water per day (mgpd). By saving 60% through reuse, demand reduces to 8-9 mgpd. Privately-funded programs can provide the systems for free, with cost and profit recovery from low water reuse fees added. Grant funding can defray the cost partially or completely, with the Levelized Cost of Water (LCOW) nearing $0.006 a gallon according to research on national averages and engineering studies. These options provide for selecting a best fit for our community.

FKAA charges $0.0143 per gallon. With reuse of 60% assumed at $.006 per gallon, this is about a 51% reduction, or about $110,000 a day or $40 million a year in savings. To consumers, the average household consumption is 233 gallons a day or about 7,000 gallons a month, resulting in $36 a month and $432 a year in savings.

“Sludge” is the biosolids part of wastewater. PFAS-polluted sludge

disposal is burdened with increasing trucking cost and fewer facilities to accept it. New Florida regulations are projected to further increase costs. A privately-funded collection and treatment program provide required facility improvements and take all Monroe County sludge, at a reduced cost to the present throw away programs, then convert the sludge into fuel oil, to be distilled for carbon neutral jet fuel, etc. This fuel is “carbon neutral,” recycled from human produced hydrocarbons, versus fossil fuels. The provider’s economic viability requires 100% of Monroe County sludge and a centrally-located processing facility.

Historically, FKAA has expressed reluctance to Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) from our wastewater treatment plants, leaving disposal as the alternative. It surely can’t be that they don’t believe it works. Operational systems globally and in the U.S. have existed for years. Los Angeles produces 130 mgpd of potable water from wastewater, and San Diego produces 80 mgpd. The first system in Windhoek, Namibia in 1968 still provides essential fresh water from wastewater, and our astronauts have lived for decades using Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) without water being shipped to the space station.

Perhaps it is the “yuck factor,” the stigma attached to wastewater, that keeps FKAA from opening the door, or valve, for DPR? FKAA commissions engineered solutions to clean a variety of water sources, but while polluted, it’s not called wastewater, or sewerage. Diving deeper, consider the reverse osmosis (RO) systems at Stock Island and Grassy Key, that use nearshore saltwater to produce potable water. Fish, birds, etc., live and excrete waste into our nearshore waters, which are often designated unsafe to swim in due to fecal coliform from animal waste runoff. The Biscayne Aquifer contains

microbes, pathogens and surface animal waste trickling down, living and dead creatures within the aquifer and millions of septic systems from Central Florida south leaching into ground water. The term “clean water” starts to become a little murky. Technically, all open-water sources are wastewater, until we clean it.

In 2020, Florida passed SB 712, the Clean Waterways Act, and SB 64 in 2021, the Reclaimed Water Act, directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to implement procedures and standards to enable wastewater to potable reuse and incentivizing this goal with Florida water utilities. Made effective in February 2025, Florida Statute §403.064 requires utilities to eliminate routine surface water discharges and transition toward beneficial reuse, with compliance plans required by 2028 and implementation by 2032.

Our state is over the “yuck factor.” The question is, are we? Regulations will require we produce potable water at our wastewater facilities, so will we throw money down the deep injection well drain, or reduce our demand on the Biscayne Aquifer and encourage our neighbors, Miami-Dade, to do the same? Encouragingly, Miami-Dade has started a similar project for their Virginia Key facility.

Let’s hear your opinion. Please participate in a short survey by scanning the QR code. Perhaps the FKAA reluctance is mired in the assumption that people won’t accept DPR water as truly safe potable water.

Please submit public comments with elected officials with FKAA at info@fkaa.com and our organization at support@fkec.org.

Barry Wray, executive director Florida Keys Environmental Coalition

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The Searcher” by Tana French

Why: I had loved Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad books. Her characters and the setting – the city and its police department — contained so many layers. But her newer trilogy, set in the country, has won me over. In “The Searcher,” Cal Hooper is a divorced, retired Chicago cop who moves to a rural Irish village, where he befriends a girl seeking her missing older brother. The setting is not some picturesque idyll – some people are up to no good up in the hills and the townspeople have long grudges and longer memories.

The library also has the other two books in the trilogy, “The Hunter” and “The Keeper,” which was just published in March. But the books don’t end in cliffhangers.

Where: You can borrow this as a regular or large print book, e-book, or e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.

How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager

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

Smooth Sailing for your Savings!

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

WHY YOU TELL YOUR TRAINER EVERYTHING (AND WHY THAT’S OKAY)

Ididn't know that I personally needed to write this article. It started as a topic I'd been researching on my own, for my own understanding. And honestly, to keep myself from feeling like an imposter every time a client says something like "I bet you didn't expect to be my therapist too" or "I don't know why, but I always spill my guts when I'm with you."

Turns out, there's actual science behind why that keeps happening. And once I found it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

When you exercise, your body triggers a cascade of chemical changes that most people never get to hear about, and honestly, they should. Endorphins flood in, reducing discomfort and lifting your mood. Dopamine, your brain's motivation and reward chemical, increases, and with it comes a sense of reward and openness.

Serotonin, the same neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants, gets a boost, which directly affects your ability to regulate emotions and feel emotionally steady. Cortisol, your primary stress hormone, drops. And blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making and selfawareness, increases significantly.

Here is what that actually means for you in the middle of a workout. Your brain is no longer in survival mode. When cortisol drops and the prefrontal cortex lights up, your nervous system shifts out of fight-or-flight and into a state where connection and reflection feel not just possible, but natural. The emotional walls that protect you in everyday life quietly come down.

You are physically moving, yes, but your brain is also doing something remarkable. It is processing. It is softening. And in that state, words that have been sitting heavy somewhere inside you have a way of finding their way out.

What that means in plain English: Your brain gets measurably better at processing emotions while your body is moving. You think more clearly. You feel safer. And sometimes — often, actually — you start talking.

But not right away.

In my experience, brand new clients aren't confessing much of anything early on. Those first sessions are mostly a whole lot of "I'm sorry" for the grunt during a deadlift, for nearly falling off a Bosu ball, or for that very human moment during a Russian Twist that shall not be named. (You know who you are. And I still love you.)

No, the real conversations, the ones that matter, come later. They come after trust is built. After someone has shown up week after week and realized that this space is safe. That they won't be judged. Not ever. Not for anything.

Trust is not a wellness buzzword. It is the entire foundation of a coaching relationship. Research confirms it too. Studies point to trust as the key factor that allows a trainer to genuinely connect with a client, both inside and outside the gym. And that trust? It's earned rep by rep, session by session, long before anyone says anything real. So yes. Sometimes my sessions sound less like a workout and more like a really sweaty therapy appoint-

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

ment. And I want to be clear: I am not a therapist. I know my lane, I stay in it, and I take that boundary seriously. But I am a human being who genuinely cares about the people I work with and sometimes, caring looks like listening. What I've learned over more than two decades of doing this work is that the body and the mind are not separate projects.

You cannot compartmentalize them. People don't walk into a session carrying just their gym bag. They bring everything. The stress, the grief, the frustration, the wins they haven't told anyone yet.

And when someone trusts you enough to share that? When they look at you mid-plank — hold up, if you are talking mid-plank I am going to make it longer the next round, you know that, right?

All joking aside, that is not a burden. That is an honor.

I am deeply, genuinely grateful every time a client lets me into that space. It reminds me that this work is so much bigger than reps and sets. It always has been.

In fact, this article has me thinking about something new. Stay tuned.

JENNIFER HARVEY

In personal training, your clients’ successes – both in the gym and in life – are always moments to celebrate. CONTRIBUTED

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

BANDS TAKE A BOW

Spring concert showcases Marathon High School musicians

The musicians of Marathon High School entertained family, friends and classmates on May 12 with a 12-piece concert to close the spring semester. From Broadway show tunes to medley compositions, the evening showcased nearly 50 students across the school’s beginning, advanced and jazz bands, along with a farewell to seniors Elizabeth Vanderlee (saxophone) and Christopher Paul (guitar/saxophone).

“We’ve had a very successful year, and I was excited for them,” conductor Paul Anderson told the Weekly. “It was a tough program, and these kids really rose to the occasion – they went over and above.”

1. The combined band plays ‘Drive’ by Mark Williams and ‘Blues Machine’ by Carl Strommen.

2. Conductor Paul Anderson leads his bands through a pre-concert rehearsal.

3. Christopher Paul takes a bow after the jazz ensemble’s performance.

4. The Marathon High School jazz ensemble, from left, Christopher Paul, Jayden Davis, Nicholas Show, Elizabeth Vanderlee and Lucian Burns.

6. ‘Guest soloists’ – math teacher Joshua Roberts, left, on the blender, assistant principal Kirsten Burns on the hairdryer and principal Christine Paul on the vacuum cleaner – chip in on ‘The Homeowner’s Guide to Making Music.’

7. Almost 50 students take part in beginning, advanced and jazz band.

8. Jayden Davis helps out the beginning band playing orchestra bells.

9. Cameron Van Hoose adds a vocal solo to ‘My Shot’ from the musical ‘Hamilton.’

5. Conductor Paul Anderson presents senior awards to Class of 2026 members Christopher Paul and Elizabeth Vanderlee.

Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

in memory of

GERALD E. MAYETTE

1944 - 2026

Gerald (Jerry) E. Mayette, 81, of Marathon, peacefully passed away at his home in Marathon on May 12 while surrounded by his sister, brother-in-law and niece.

Jerry was born in Syracuse, New York, to George (Eddie) and Katherine (Kate) Mayette on Nov. 7, 1944. He graduated from Marathon High School as a proud member of the Class of 1962. He married Clara Ann Puccio on December 2, 1967, at Little Flower Church in Hollywood, Florida.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Army, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Ri e Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

A er his military service, he returned to his hometown of Marathon, where he began craw shing and later became heavily involved in stone crabbing. He worked as a commercial sherman, serving as captain and owner of Lady Clara Inc. for nearly 50 years before retiring.

During that time, Jerry, Tim Daniels and Gary Graves founded Florida Traps in the early 1970s, producing plastic stone crab traps for local shermen. In the 1980s, they expanded the business by adding Florida Buoys, manufacturing styrofoam buoys for lobster and stone crab traps. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, they amicably parted ways as business partners while remaining lifelong friends, and Jerry went on to operate the buoy business independently.

An avid outdoorsman, he purchased a farm in Quitman, Georgia, which quickly became one of his and Clara’s favorite getaway places. is was where he and Clara would escape to at the beginning of both turkey and deer season, a time he especially looked forward to. True to his nature, he transformed the property into a working farm, most notably cultivating Leland Cypress Christmas trees, among other ventures.

Out of all of Jerry’s many business accomplishments, he was immensely proud of being a founding member of Marine Bank in 1995. He proudly dedicated 24 years of leadership and service as Director of both Marine Bank and later Centennial Bank following its acquisition of Marine Bank. According to his peers, he was a driving force behind much of what happened at the bank in the Keys. He was a respected and in uential leader within the banking community throughout the Florida Keys.

Jerry was an accomplished businessman. However, his greatest pride, second only to his family and being Clara’s husband, was the friendships he built throughout his life. He had lifelong friends, as well as those he came to know in recent years, spanning every part of his world, from his neighborhood community and walking buddies to banking, shing, farming and hunting world. His friends were truly his greatest treasure, and they meant more to him than any of his business accomplishments.

He was a life member of the Moose fraternity; a 58-year member of the American Legion; a 58-year life member of the Marathon Elks Lodge, where he held the distinguished honor of member #304; a charter member of the Mahi Shrine Club of Marathon; and a member of Masonic Lodge 323 of Marathon.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, George E. Mayette; his mother, Katherine A. Mayette; and his wife of over 56 years, Clara Ann Mayette.

He is survived by his sister Carol, aka “Sis” (Jorge) Betancourt; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Lynn Puccio; brother and sister-in-law John and Michelle Puccio; niece Kim (Stephen) Martin and their children Braden, Cayce (Makayla), Cody, Brianna, Cory and Andrew; two great-great-nieces, Joanna Mae and Clara Ann Cowan; nephew Jerry (Alicia) Betancourt and their children Noah, Olivia and Isabelle; niece Ann Marie Ahearn and her children Mackenzie, Riley, and Grace; nephew Christopher (Leslie) Puccio and their children Ellen (Shane) May eld and Sara Jessup, great-great-nieces Gabby May eld and Morgan Jessup and great-great-nephews Leo, Laban and Ira May eld and Elijah Jessup; niece Antoinette (Servi) Bonachea and her child Giuseppina (“Gigi”); niece Monica Anne Puccio; niece Sebastiana (Ray) Maxwell and their child Misha; and nephew John Edward (Ashley) Puccio and their children Mia and Dominic.

Viewing and receiving of friends took place on May 20 at San Pablo Catholic Church with Father Oscar o ciating. Burial was held on May 21 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Davie, Florida.

In lieu of owers, contributions may be made to Florida Keys Hope Walk/American Cancer Society of the Florida Keys. Please contact Shane Messina at 305-481-0861 for details.

CRUISE CONTROL

THREE BOOKS SET SAIL WITH ROMANCE, NOSTALGIA AND A COZY RIVERBOAT MYSTERY IN PARIS

DOWN WITH THE SHIP

By Chloe Jory

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

Growing up, Stella and her sister Jules were a team and only had each other to depend on. Recently, Jules became engaged to Harry, whose family’s world is filled with private jets and mega-yachts. When Stella is invited to accompany Harry’s family on a cruise, she has no excuse not to go. With her job on an involuntary hiatus, the timing can’t be better. From the moment Stella greets captain Caleb, she knows he is trouble. Caleb is the hottest, most arrogant man she has ever met, with a New Zealand accent to die for. Determined to keep her distance from Captain Cool, Stella focuses on helping Jules make a good impression on Harry’s family. But whether he’s saving her from sharks or plucking barnacles out of her foot, Caleb always seems to come to the rescue. Their chemistry is electric and, really, when was the last time Stella had an actual vacation? The problem is, dating a crew member is completely off-limits — and although the yacht is ridiculously large, Stella ends up falling into his arms at every turn. Consider me fully on board with this swoony sea-com.

By Emma Straub

Recently divorced, Annie is navigating a demotion at work, and facing an empty nest at home. To cheer her up, Annie’s sister books them on American Fantasy, a weekend cruise featuring the 1990s pop band Boy Talk. Once upon a time, Boy Talk posters covered their bedroom walls, and the sisters knew every word blasting from their boom box. At the last minute, Annie’s sister suffers an injury, and she finds herself braving the ship solo. Annie is the least experienced of the “Talkers,” a nickname given to the 2,000 screaming women reliving their teenage dreams. But time stops for no one. The Boys themselves have also aged, and although still handsome and charming, they have their own demons to face. As Annie is swept into the fandom, she is reminded how music made her feel when she was young and in love. Shocked to find herself alone with Keith, Annie realizes that even a superstar can have normal life problems. Instead of her age working against her, Annie’s kind ear may be exactly what her former idol needs. Pack your cassettes and get ready to sail straight back to your teenage heart.

MURDER TAKES A VACATION

By Laura Lippman

As a former assistant to a private investigator, Muriel Blossom is very good at blending into the scenery. She doesn’t care for much attention, especially since losing her beloved husband 10 years ago. Muriel has been living a quiet life, helping take care of her grandchildren and enjoying museums and art history, when the darnedest thing happens. She finds a lottery ticket in a parking lot, and boom — Muriel is a millionaire. One of the very first things she does is book a river cruise through France with her best friend, Elinor. From the moment she boards the transatlantic flight, Muriel’s stomach is filled with butterflies. Not an avid traveler and satisfactorily single, she is surprised to find herself being flirted with by another passenger. His name is Allan, and Muriel cannot resist this unexpected attention. Even more shocking? After Muriel spends a wonderful day with Allan in Paris, he is found dead. Muriel continues on to meet Elinor and board the MS Solitaire, where the mystery is full steam ahead. Charming, quirky characters and an art heist with a French twist — this is a cozy mystery that cruises along from the very first page.

#WORTHWATCHING

“Like Father” is a warm, funny family drama set aboard a cruise ship. Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer are excellent as an estranged daughter and father who unexpectedly take her honeymoon cruise together. Great cast, cruising vibes and a story with a whole lot of heart. Check it out on Netflix.

AMERICAN FANTASY

KAREN NEWFIELD

MARK HEDDEN

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

A tiny piece of plastic broke in our CR-V’s brake pedal, which meant the brake lights didn’t shut off when we parked it at night, which meant the battery was dead in the morning.

I found a replacement tiny piece of plastic, which I learned was properly called a brake stop pad, at the NAPA on the Boulevard, and learned how to replace it from a couple of YouTube videos.

I ran into our neighbor Jack on the street when I’d finished the job and he said he’d seen the lights on and wondered briefly if there was just someone sitting in the car with their foot on the brake pedal.

The thing about jump-starting a car is that it is best to drive it around for a half hour or so afterwards to recharge the battery. That seemed kind of boring, and a poor use of time. So after managing not to shock myself when I unhooked the cables from the battery terminals, I decided to go birding by car.

It’s not a new phenomenon. The 1907 edition of the Auk includes an 18-page article by a man named Milton S. Bay entitled, “A-Birding In An Auto” in which the author describes a five-week, 1,100-mile road trip through California’s San Joaquin Valley in a 16-horsepower Wayne touring car, which in photos looks indistinguishable from every other old-timey car of the era. Along the way, Mr. Bay crossed rivers with no bridges, got stuck in quicksand, almost fell off a 1,000-foot cliff and twice had to wait a week for parts they needed to repair the car.

He said the car was actually quieter than the horse-drawn buggy they used to travel the route previously and named a lot of fun, antiquated bird names such as the Pasadena thrasher, the Anthony towhee, the Santa Cruz chickadee, and the California vulture, which is not to be confused with the California condor, which even then was incredibly scarce, though he did manage to see one. During the trip he saw 111 species.

Bay was a slyly good writer. Describing his and his brother’s efforts to seek shade one afternoon near the St. John’s River, he noted that “the thermometer has an awkward habit here of running up as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit on summer days which we found destructive to ambition.”

I intend to throw the phrase “destructive to ambition” into conversation whenever possible from here on out.

Things have gotten more refined since Bay’s day. I’ve birded by car in places like Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey and Loop Road in the Everglades where you can often see most of the wildlife without even having to put the car in park.

THINGS DESTRUCTIVE TO AMBITION

Key West isn’t really set up for that kind of thing. For a small town we have a very high rate of bustle. But I put my binoculars and camera on the front seat because it would make driving around to charge up the battery feel a little less aimless. Also, the car had 99,978 miles on it, and I didn’t want it to roll over to 100,000 without my wife, because it is important to celebrate milestones in a marriage. So I needed to pay attention to how far I drove. Summer is starting to kick in, and it was getting hot, but not quite destructive-to-ambition hot.

The first place I stopped was the area near where the FAA tower used to be at Higgs Beach. There’s a small pond in the back with some scraggly buttonwoods that can be surprisingly full of birds, though from the car all I could see were a rooster, a hen and a couple of cheeping chicks. I pished a little bit with no luck, though as I drove away I did hear through the open window a red-winged blackbird from somewhere in the cover.

As I pulled up to the fenced-off area a pair of Eurasian collared-doves flew by, then a white-crowned pigeon. Inside the fenced-off area something smaller than a dove hopped around. I lifted my binoculars to see a northern mockingbird leaping up every 10 seconds or so like someone in a kung fu movie, then throwing his wings out in a high-speed avian semaphore, flashing the white patches in a way thought to startle insects and make them easier to catch.

Two other northern mockingbirds showed up and the three chased each other around the green barbed wire, making buzzing noises. If one or two of them had been begging for food I would figure it was a parents/offspring thing. But no one did. So I have no idea what the relational dynamic was.

I stopped at the parking lot near Rest Beach hoping to see a magnificent frigatebird or a brown pelican, but both the sky and the water were empty of them. I put the car in park, rolled the window down, and got out to look for shorebirds in the shoreline sargassum, but it was empty, too.

At the foot of Smathers Beach I caught sight of a double-crested cormorant on one of the three remnant concrete supports that I always think of as the Three Sisters. But there was also something else. I pulled into the first spot I could, but it was still 50 yards back to where the bird was.

Car theft is probably the stupidest crime you can commit in the Keys, what with a 100mile two-lane road and the sheriff’s office a phone call away. But also, this is Florida, a 400-mile-long peninsula full of people who, let’s just say, don’t always think about consequences. Still, I rolled down the window, left the engine running and walked back to check the bird on the concrete support, which was, as expected, a least tern.

I glanced back periodically to make sure no one was going to jump into the car.

I took a quick glance below and caught sight of a black-bellied plover searching in the cracks of the concrete at the base of the seawall for the worms and crustaceans they thrive on.

A little further along the wet concrete was a least sandpiper, a hint of ruddiness coming into its plumage, searching for its next meal.

I zigzagged around the island a bit after that – out past the airport, down Flagler, a quick out and back down Government Road, without seeing much else.

Pulling up in front of the house I realized I hadn’t paid much attention to how far I had driven, and for a moment I panicked. But the odometer read 99,992. There was still eight miles to go.

A least sandpiper hunts for a meal along the Smathers Beach sea wall. MARK HEDDEN/Keys

• 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths

• 2,286 sq. ft. of living space

• 3 ensuite bedrooms with walk-in closets

• Custom heated pool with tropical landscaping

• Turnkey vacation rental, strong income potential

• Walk to Duval Street shops, dining, nightlife

• Impact windows/doors and ample storage

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• Waterfront pool and tiki hut

• Spacious primary suite with walk-in closet

• Gorgeous wood tongue-and-groove ceilings

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• Deep-water dockage with 10K lb boat lift

• Mid-Century Modern design, sold turnkey

• Refurbished resort-style pool

• Whole-house generator, impact windows and doors

• Prime location near full-service marina

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Having Fun in the Middle Keys

from page 4

MARATHON EYES FUTURE FLOODING THREATS AND RISING COSTS

project, which has already seen multiple change orders totaling more than $400,000 for what some felt are predictable expenses. Unanimously approving the change order including the leveling course, they asked that $2,940 in costs for the stainless steel pipe support be paid by contractor Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

In other news:

• Williams updated the council on Marathon’s search for its next manager. Staff received 63 applications by the time of the meeting, he said, which will be scored and ranked by a fivemember internal team. Applications will remain open as the city moves forward with individual interviews with council members for top candidates.

• A splash pad is on its way to Marathon Community Park, with expenses of up to $700,000 approved by the council for construction by SplashPads USA. The pad will be installed next to the city’s new skate park, already under construction. Costs are offset by a $500,000 donation given to the city through United Way. Director of Engineering Carlos Solis told the council that construction on the pad should begin in June after completion of the skate park.

• While continuation of the city’s nonprofit grant funding program remains up for discussion in 2026-27 following strict state guidance of public funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and a potential elimination of property taxes, the council gave direction to move forward with its 2026 funding cycle, already approved in Marathon’s 2025-26 budget. Marathon nonprofits providing essential community services, or enhancing the quality of life while addressing community needs, are invited to apply for a portion of $100,000 in available funds. An application is available by scanning the attached QR code.

• Following several last-minute additions to recent city council agendas, council members committed to providing agenda items to city staff by Monday of the week prior to each council meeting. The reinforced deadline will allow for all items to be included in the city’s published agenda available for public viewing, with the exception of timesensitive emergency items.

• Williams announced that former Keys Citizen executive editor Chris Seymour will serve as the city’s new Public Information Officer, replacing former PIO Carlos Garcia on May 18.

• Following the termination of Fire Chief James Muro earlier this month, current Marathon Fire Rescue lieutenant Shana Rogers will serve as the city’s interim fire chief until a replacement is selected.

• Finance Director Jennifer Johnson laid out Marathon’s schedule to approve its 2026-27 budget. A meeting on Tuesday, July 21 will set the preliminary millage rate — dollars paid by property owners per $1,000 of taxable home value, able to be reduced but not raised at future meetings. Public hearings on Sept. 15 and 22 will discuss the city’s general fund budget as well as special revenue funds, adjusting the millage if needed, and final approval will theoretically come at the close of the Sept. 22 meeting.

BRIEFLY

Marathon man arrested after threat call to FBI

A 54-year-old Marathon man who allegedly threatened to shoot a deputy and later battered an arresting deputy was taken to jail on May 15. David Patrick Williams was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and making threats to kill a law enforcement officer. The FBI notified the sheriff’s office on Friday that they received a report from Williams stating he was going to shoot a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The sheriff’s office responded to Williams’ residence on 4th Avenue at around 9:30 p.m. Williams initially stated he was not going to open the door before opening the door, tensing his body and pulling away from deputies. He reportedly grabbed one patrol sergeant by the throat during the incident. There were no serious injuries reported. Williams admitted to making the phone call to the FBI. He was taken to jail.

Oregon man arrested after plane groping incident

A 61-year-old Gresham, Oregon man was arrested on May 16 after allegedly inappropriately grabbing a woman while on a flight to Key West. There were no serious injuries reported. John Gregory Duffy was charged with battery. An adult female airline passenger and witnesses reported Duffy grabbed the victim’s breast while the flight was en route to Key West International Airport. The victim reportedly attempted to leave and Duffy then grabbed her thigh. Duffy was arrested shortly after the plane landed. He was taken to jail.

Keys Democrats invite public to monthly meeting

The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Keys Democrats on Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon library. The meeting will be a hybrid Zoom and in-person meeting. For more information, including a link to attend virtually, email mid-keys@ keysdems.com.

SOS Foundation offers to-go meals for kids

From June 4 through Aug. 9, the S.O.S. Foundation in partnership with Kirk of the Keys Church will offer togo meals for kids. Pickups include two shelf-stable breakfast kits along with two freshly-prepared, then frozen lunches. Meals are available for any child age 18 or younger this summer and are available for parent pickup with proof of children (report cards, birth certificates, mail or similar). Meals are served on Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dive into local history with Florida Keys History Center

When the Monroe County Public Library redesigned its website, the Florida Keys History Center also got a serious upgrade. It’s at keyslibraries.org/keyshistory. You can read the popular “Today in Keys History” column and the “Island Chronicles” feature by lead historian Corey Malcom, or browse the online archive of 24,000 historic photos. The history center has recently added a new online catalog of documents from the archive, including Key West high school yearbooks, city directories, transcripts of oral histories and more. If you want to do your own research and can’t make it to the history center in Key West, check out the selection of “Links We Like” – they include the Sanborn insurance maps of Key West dating back to 1889, digitized archives of historic newspapers from the Keys, admiralty court records and more. Also featured is the history center’s YouTube channel, featuring talks on Keys history from Malcom and the late historian emeritus Tom Hambright.

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. Non-perishable food items for KAIR may be dropped 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 252-995-5464.

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 305797-1154 or via email to winhoven-holly@ monroecounty-fl.gov.

Founded by Betty Debnam

SUMMER READING

Now is a great time to put together a list of books you’d like to read this summer! The Mini Page is happy to help with some fresh suggestions.

• If you’re looking for a summer reset before school starts again, try “Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys” by Amelia Kinsley. This book about self-confidence, friendship and courage shares stories from everyday kids, reminding readers that everyone faces challenges sometimes.

• Summer is a terrific time to take on a project, and actor/ woodworker Nick Offerman wants to help! “Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery” presents 12 projects that kids and adults can tackle, from toast tongs to a hayloft bench.

• For a story you can sink your teeth into, check out “The Forgotten Summer of Seneca” by Camryn Garrett. Rowan, 12, has lost her dad and is spending the summer with her aunt in New York City. While exploring Central Park, she finds a world out of place and time.

• You might not think having to wear an eye patch could give you a superpower — but you’d be wrong! In “Penelope Positano Sees It All,” Penelope’s family is looking for a new dog, and they can’t agree on what kind of dog to get. When she’s wearing her eye patch, Penelope sees things others don’t — like the perfect pet.

• Kestrel, who’s named for a bird of prey, isn’t too happy when her mom relocates them to Montana. She’s afraid of the dogs her mom is working with and mad about her life being upended. In “Kestrel Takes Flight” by Joy McCullough, her story of overcoming life’s complications is told in verse.

• Those looking to explore poetry might want to look for “Melodies of the Weary Blues,” with poems by Langston Hughes and artwork by wellknown Black illustrators.

Langston Hughes (19011967) was a poet, novelist and social activist who was born in Joplin, Missouri. His first published poem was called “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” (1921). To learn more about him, read “Who Was Langston Hughes?” by Billy Merrell.

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

AUTHOR, BLUES, BOOKS, CHALLENGE, DOGS, EMPATHY, FOCUS, HEALTH, HIKE, HUGHES, LIBRARY, LIST, PARK, POETRY, PROJECT, READING, RESERVE, SUMMER, VERSE.

MINI FACT: Reading over the summer can strengthen skills like focus and empathy.

• Did you know that washing our hands is a relatively new practice? “Keep It Clean!” by Don Brown is a colorful graphic novel that explores the idea of public health — using cleanliness to help prevent the spread of illness.

• “A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic: Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm” by Philip Stead might be a challenge, but its creative telling is part of the entertainment. With out-of-order chapters, Latin phrases and moral highlights, Stead’s book makes for memorable reading.

• As Finn Connelly, 13, struggles at school and copes with the loss of his father, he gets a challenge: Hike all 46 Adirondack High Peaks. “The Trouble With Heroes” by Kate Messner tells Finn’s story in verse as he goes “climbing out of trouble.”

SHARE YOUR LIST

What’s on your reading list for summer? Write down some titles, and share your choices with friends. Don’t forget to reserve your favorites at the library!

ECO NOTE

Mexico’s overwintering population of monarch butterflies increased by 64% this year, covering about 7.24 acres of forest — the largest area since 2018. The annual survey by WWF Mexico measured the extent of forest occupied by the insects rather than counting individual butterflies. But monarch numbers remain well under the 15 acres scientists say are needed for long-term survival. Monarchs occupied more than 45 acres of forest in 1995. Habitat loss from deforestation, climate change and herbicide use that kills milkweed continue to threaten the species’ epic migrations.

Photo courtesy Christchurch City Libraries

COMPETITIONSHELLINGTHE FinalConchsin

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

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

BRACHER

Charlie Bracher has been really locked in at the plate driving the ball all over the field and over the fence. Although she is a freshman, she has consistently stepped up in pressure situations and come through. Charlie enjoys the game and the spotlight.”

– Lady Conchs head coach Jason Garcia

Freshman Charlie Bracher has emerged as a major contributor for the Key West Lady Conchs at the perfect time, helping power Key West into the state Final Four.

slugging percentage home runs

With a state title on the line, Bracher has been red-hot at the plate, blasting home runs in two of the Lady Conchs’ last three playoff games. Despite being just a freshman, Bracher has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments and has become one of the team’s most dangerous hitters.

On the season, Bracher is batting an impressive .484 with a .610 on-base percentage and a .968 slugging percentage. She also leads the Lady Conchs in home runs with three.

For her confidence, composure at the plate, big bat and impeccable timing, Key West’s Charlie Bracher is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Charlie Freshman, Key West Softball

Photos by ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

The Lady Conchs are on the doorstep of state glory, taking their talents to the Final Four. Clockwise from top right: Maicee Gage, Brianna Brenner, Lilee Gage, Aaliyah McLeod and Shylo Sanchez. See page 8. Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Rocky Gonet

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

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

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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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

’CANE-DO ATTITUDE

Growing Coral Shores program gets set for fall

Coral Shores is looking to do big things this season in football, and if their numbers are any indication, that is exactly what they are going to do. The Hurricanes had 45 athletes attend their spring season, and according to head coach Ed Holly, the growing program includes a lot of young athletes eager to fill roles for the team.

For their spring campaign, the Hurricanes hosted a strong Westminster squad on May 14. The Warriors marched down the field and scored in their opening drive to set the tone. Undeterred, the ’Canes answered back with a 5-yard touchdown run by Dominik Jimenez, a rising junior Holly said has the potential to be explosive on scoring drives.

The teams traded scores again, and this time, Coral Shores put their points on the board in the air via a 30yard Sterling Keefe touchdown pass caught by Jimenez for his second score of the game. Keefe, a rising senior, enters his second year as the Hurricanes’ play caller and will showcase a fantastic combination of athleticism and intelligence to control the offense this season.

Westminster reclaimed the lead with three minutes to go. The gritty Hurricanes had no intention of giving up and worked their way down field on their final possession of the game. As the seconds ticked off the clock, Coral Shores threw another ball into the end zone, but it did not connect, and the Hurricanes would have to settle for a 2114 loss to Westminster.

Despite the score, Coral Shores’ spring program was a strong indicator that the team is on the right track.

“We had a very good spring,” said Holly. “We have a lot of young kids out there. It’s fun to coach new energy.”

Part of that new energy is Charles Royal, who picked up steam last season as a freshman and is expected to make a big impact next fall. Also returning to the backfield for Coral Shores are John Oughton and David Beltran, a pair of veterans whose toughness was forged on both the gridiron and the wrestling mats.

Holly said his offensive line made major strides during the three-week spring season, with the team’s focus on fundamentals clearly paying off.

Expected starting guard Mikel Castellanos delivered several key blocks throughout the spring campaign, while Freddy Calex Flores, Jacob Muller and Rome Perez bring the size and experience needed to anchor the line this fall.

Adding to the energy and excitement for the team last week was the return of a slew of alumni, including eight former players with collegiate experience. Their presence boosted morale and gave younger athletes a glimpse of what the program hopes to build toward. Holly says the team’s spring showcased “a lot of bright spots” and helped pinpoint just what they will need to work on this summer as they prepare for their kickoff classic this August.

4.

1. The Hurricane offense huddles before a play.

2. Sterling Keefe scans the field for options.

3. Charles Royal, left, sends a Westminster player flying.

Mikel Castellano (74) is ready to defend his QB from the defense.

5. Alex Radovanovic waits for the snap.

CONCHS RELOADED

Key West rolls past Forest Hill with depth and power in spring classic

The Key West Conchs made a loud statement to wrap up their spring football campaign on May 15, traveling to West Palm Beach and dismantling Class 8A Forest Hill 44-0.

For Key West head coach Johnny Hughes, the dominant performance was aided by strong numbers. The Conchs entered spring football with some 70 athletes participating, a number so large Hughes joked the staff was scrambling to find enough helmets and equipment to outfit everyone. The turnout clearly reflects growing excitement surrounding the program’s recent success and gives the Conchs valuable depth heading into the fall.

Against the Falcons, Key West showcased both explosive plays and the physical size needed for a strong line, which has come to define the team in the past few seasons.

Veteran contributors Matthew Oviedo and Chace Gaertner helped lead the offense, with Oviedo scoring once and Gaertner finding the end zone twice. Cavane Herron added another touchdown, displaying speed and quickness sharpened during a successful track season.

Jaylyn Annylus crossed the goal line twice, and according to Hughes, will likely become one of the program’s most intriguing young weapons. Annylus came off a strong wrestling season and brought that toughness to the gridiron this spring. “He’s going to be special,” Hughes said.

Replacing last season’s explosive rushing duo of Jeff Dejean and Walson Morin was one of the team’s biggest offseason concerns, but Hughes believes the Conchs have the personnel to do it collectively. Rather than relying on a single feature back, Key West plans to rotate multiple athletes through the backfield this season, particularly since several of them are also expected to contribute heavily on defense. To do this, the Conchs will need to stay healthy, something which has plagued them in recent seasons. But with numbers on their side, this may be the season Key West breaks for a long run deep into the postseason.

Kaden Savedra is expected to take on the kicking duties, and last week Savedra, who comes from a baseball background, had no problem transferring his athleticism to the gridiron. He was good for one field goal and added extra points throughout the night.

Backing their new arsenal of weapons will be a sizable line again this season. Key West boasts imposing size and strength, including that of rising sophomore Louden Garcia, who is already turning heads. “You can’t coach size,” Hughes said of Garcia.

The Conchs also return Josh Johnson, a University of Miami commit who sat out the spring with an injury but is expected to be cleared for full contact in July. Allens Alexandre, Key West’s state silver medalist heavyweight wrestler, continues drawing attention from multiple Division I programs, while center Jakobe Williamson anchors the middle of the line. Kelly Kasper and Kascper Kowalik, both wrestlers, add toughness up front, with Hughes crediting wrestling coach Chaz Jimenez for helping develop the program’s physical identity. With spring now complete, Hughes said the focus will shift toward installing more of the offense and continuing to develop younger players throughout the summer.

1. Roman Van Loon calls the cadence. 2. Kimani Poitier finds a gap in the defense.

Kaden Savedra delivers a kickoff.

Calvin Mercer assists with the tackle.

Cavane Herron runs toward the sideline for a Conch TD.

TOUGH TWENTY

Dolphins build momentum in spring finale

The Marathon Dolphins closed out spring football with a competitive road battle on May 15, falling just short in a 21-20 loss to the Oxbridge ThunderWolves.

The Dolphins matched Oxbridge stride for stride throughout much of the night and entered halftime tied 7-7 after rising senior Jesus Gonzalez connected with Kevin Ruiz on a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Oxbridge pulled ahead in the second half with a pair of scores, but Marathon responded with late momentum as the offense began to grind away. Rising senior Mathew Machado broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run, and Gonzalez later added a rushing touchdown of his own to bring the Fins within striking distance.

Marathon had opportunities in the closing moments, but came up just short after a missed extra point and a last-second field goal attempt.

Gonzalez finished his spring campaign strong, rushing for 199 yards on 21 carries while adding 64 passing yards and two total touchdowns. Machado added 92 rushing yards on eight carries, punctuated by the 60-yard scoring run, while adding four receptions for 44 yards. Curren Nicolay chipped in 32 yards on four touches. The Dolphins’ air game was notable, as the single wing offense the team deploys has relied on groundwork for the past few seasons.

“We haven’t changed the system; we just had the personnel to add that facet to the offense,” said head coach Sean McDonald. “Having those weapons will be big for us this fall.”

Defensively, the Dolphins received contributions from several underclassmen and returning players. Mel Val, a rising junior, recorded three tackles and a sack, while eighth grader Kase Daughtry added three tackles and two quarterback hurries. Machado finished with four tackles on defense as well.

Sophomore Charlie Buttner and eighth graders Alnier Mendez and Maverick McDonald each posted five tackles to help lead the defensive effort.

Despite the narrow loss, McDonald says the Dolphins are beginning to build momentum after a difficult 2025 campaign.

“We knew coming into spring that we had to raise the intensity level,” McDonald said. “Football isn’t for everyone, and we lost some players along the way, but the kids who stayed are the ones who want to compete.”

McDonald referred to the group as the “Tough Twenty,” a small but committed roster on which every player has a role and each athlete saw significant playing time last week.

“When you’re a small school, there’s nowhere for players to hide,” he said. “Everybody has to

contribute, and that’s exactly what happened at Oxbridge. Every one of those kids played a big part of what we did and I think they saw that it doesn’t matter how many guys we have out here, it matters which guys we have out here.”

The veteran coach said he believes the Dolphins’ smaller roster could ultimately become a strength because of the group’s toughness, conditioning and familiarity with the system.

“We may not have huge numbers, but we’ve got kids with big motors, heart and a real desire to turn around last season’s record,” McDonald said. “We’ll lean heavily on our senior leadership, and these eighth graders already have a ton of experience in our offensive system from middle school and they stepped right in and made plays. All the coaches love what they’re seeing with this group.”

1. Charlie Buttner brings down an Oxbridge ball carrier.

2. Kase Daughtry pressures the Oxbridge quarterback.

3. Jesus Gonzalez breaks a tackle.

4. Kase Daughtry makes the tackle.

5. Kevin Ruiz holds up the football after his TD catch.

SHUTOUTS & SHOCKWAVES

Lady Conchs stun American Heritage to reach Final Four in extra-inning tiebreaker

As this paper hits newsstands, the Key West Lady Conchs softball team is taking their talents to the state Final Four.

The Lady Conchs continued their postseason march with a dominant 8-0 victory over the Somerset Academy Panthers in Key West in the FHSAA 4A regional semifinals on May 12.

The Panthers were the same Somerset program that ended the Conchs’ baseball season earlier this spring, but the Lady Conchs avenged that loss on their own diamond.

Key West pounded out 11 hits in the shutout win, led by Kaleaya Dickerson’s three-hit performance. Maicee Gage and Shylo Sanchez each added a double and a single, while freshman Charlie Bracher continued her postseason power surge with two hits, including a home run. Lilee Gage and Kaleya Cervantes accounted for the remaining hits as the Conchs kept pressure on the Panthers throughout the evening.

Key West ace Brianna Brenner tossed a completegame shutout, striking out seven batters while allowing just four hits over seven innings. She did not issue a single walk as Key West controlled the game from start to finish.

The win secured the Lady Conchs a spot in the FHSAA 4A Region 4 finals, placing Key West among the final eight teams still competing for a state title. However, weather delays across the state forced the team to wait before learning who their next opponent would be.

Once the weather cleared, the matchup was set: The Lady Conchs would travel to Plantation on May 15 to face the regional top-seeded American Heritage Patriots with a trip to the state Final Four on the line.

Key West was the underdog in that matchup, but someone forgot to tell the Lady Conchs. Brenner took control from the start, and, with a defensive wall behind her, led Key West through seven scoreless innings and into overtime play.

Key West’s lone senior, Shylo Sanchez, was not about to let the Patriots end her final shot at a state title. Sanchez led the offense, going 2-for-3 and drawing a walk for the Conchs. Sanchez now holds the school record for most walks in a single season with 20. Bracher again delivered at the plate with a solid double, but neither athlete was able to round the bases to put Key West on the board.

That distinction would go to Lilee Gage, who made the final out in the seventh and was placed on second base at the start of Key West’s offensive half of the overtime inning according to playoff tiebreaker rules. Dickerson laid down a sacrifice bunt to put Gage in scoring position with one away.

A fly out made it two down with Gage still waiting on third when her twin sister Maicee stepped up to the plate. Maicee had two strikes against her when she made contact for a solid single, sending Lilee home and giving Key West the go-ahead run. But the Patriots had the final at-bat.

Whether fatigue would become a factor for the untouchable Brenner would remain a mystery; the cosmos aligned for Key West in a two-pitch, three-out series of unusual events. Like Key West, the Patriots started their half of the inning with a runner on second, and one pitch

later, a bunt sent a pair of runners in motion. The baserunner on second did not even hesitate at third, sprinting all the way home and tapping home plate while the hitter made her way halfway around the bases.

But for unclear reasons, the on-deck hitter for American Heritage came onto the field to retrieve a bat, making contact with the Conch catcher, Sanchez, and a savvy umpire ruled the would-be tying run out due to offensive interference. On the same call, the hitter was sent back to first, and with one out down, Key West buzzed with excitement. Brenner’s next pitch turned into a double play between Cervantes and Lucy Katz to end the game, sending the Conchs into the Final Four and ending the season for the stunned Patriots.

Just one game now separates the Key West Lady Conchs from a berth in the state championship

game, and the obstacle standing in their way is a familiar one. The Lake Wales Highlanders, a team that defeated Key West twice during the regular season, enter the state semifinal with a 24-6 record and hopes of completing the season sweep against the 17-9 Conchs.

But the Lady Conchs believe this matchup could look very different from the previous two meetings.

“This past Friday was as hot as it gets,” said head coach Jason Garcia. “Pitching and defense showed up and showed out. Brianna (Brenner) was outstanding and the players behind played flawless. For us to be successful against Lake Wales we will have to bring the same intensity, focus and never give up mentally. Pitching and defense will be the key.”

While the earlier losses may favor the Highlanders on paper,

Key West enters the Final Four playing its best softball of the season. The Conchs’ offense, which was still finding its rhythm early in the year, has come alive during the postseason, while Brenner has been dominant in the circle. Both teams also posted similar results against Winter Haven this season, suggesting the semifinal matchup could be much tighter than the earlier scores between Key West and Lake Wales might indicate, and if fan bases have any measure in the outcome, it is notable that the entire island chain has turned its focus on the southernmost softball crew. Should the Conchs prevail, they will play May 23 against the winner of the Columbia vs. Seminole game for the FHSAA 4A state title.

Thus far, Key West has scored 24 runs off 27 hits this postseason, and in addition to Sanchez’s record, two more have fallen in the

past week. Brenner set a program record with 19 innings of scoreless ball. The junior hurler has not given up a single earned run in the team’s trek toward a state title, and has been a major piece of Key West’s record-breaking nine team shutouts this season.

1. Gage twins Lilee, left, and Maicee, right, proved to be a dynamic duo May 15 against American Heritage. Maicee had the game-winning RBI, driving in Lilee for the only run of the regional semifinal win.

2. Maicee Gage waits at first base for Aaliyah McLeod to hit.

3. Kaleaya Dickerson shoulders the bat in the Conchs’ quarterfinal game May 15.

4. Kaleaya Dickerson follows Charlie Bracher to home plate.

5. Key West’s outfield waits for the next hit.

6. Shylo Sanchez lets a ball go by.

ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

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

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050.

The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person

The FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) announces an opportunity for public comments. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dated May 22, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway administration and FDOT.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six (D6), in partnership with the City of Key West, is proposing a flood mitigation project located along State Road (S.R.) 5/U.S. 1/North Roosevelt Boulevard at Jose Marti Drive, in the City of Key West, within Monroe County, Florida to preserve and extend the roadway’s service life, improve safety and increase stormwater system effectiveness. The project also includes additional signalization, upgrades to pedestrian facilities, pavement markings, substandard signs, and lighting. As part of these improvements, one (1) perpetual easement will be required on the northeast corner of Bayview Park, located at 1320 Truman Avenue. The FDOT has coordinated the proposed work with the City of Key West Parks and Recreation Department.

PURPOSE: Bayview Park, located along Truman Avenue, offers amenities including open green space, a playground, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor tennis courts, a pavilion, softball field and restrooms. The proposed project improvements will involve the use of properties protected under 23 U.S.C. § 138 and 49 U.S.C. § 303, collectively known as Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act. The improvements proposed within the boundaries of Bayview Park include:

• An area of approximately 0.007 acre (310.82 square feet) within Bayview Park will be included in a non-exclusive perpetual easement. This area will be utilized to remove the existing traffic signal infrastructure (mast arm, traffic controller and UPS) and to install and maintain the new traffic signal mast arm, pedestrian signal assemblies and traffic signal pull boxes. All affected

requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish: May 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Hangar Development – MTH Monroe County, Florida There will be a mandatory pre-bid

conference on Thursday, June 9, at 2:00 pm, The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, 9400 Overseas Highway, Suite 200, Marathon, Florida. Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/

concrete sidewalks will be replaced and improved. Figure 1 shows the area of impact located at the northeast corner of the park.

• Reconstruction of park bench concrete pads and the surrounding areas harmonized with sod along Jose Marti Drive.

• Reconstruction of the six-foot sidewalk and concrete pathway with resodding along Truman Avenue.

Based on the limited impacts of the proposed action on the activities, features and attributes that qualify Bayview Park for protection under Section 4(f), along with the implementation of measures to minimize and mitigate harm, the FDOT intends to pursue a Section 4(f) de minimis finding for the proposed use of land within the park. As an important part of making this decision, FDOT is seeking public comments regarding the potential effects of the proposed action on the park’s activities, features, and attributes.

We look forward to receiving community input on this proposed project and the anticipated effects to the abovementioned resource. Public input will be taken into consideration prior to a final determination for these 4(f) protected properties in accordance with 23 CFR § 774.

mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate is asked to advise the agency by contacting: Dat Huynh P.E. at 305-470-5201 or in writing: FDOT, 1000 N.W. 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, email: Dat.Huynh@dot.state.fl.us. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

CONTACT: Cynthia Turcios FDOT Communications Specialist 1000 NW 111 Avenue, Miami, FL 33172, (305) 470-5225, Cynthia.Turcios@dot.state.fl.us

*FDOT is accepting public comments on this proposed work for a 14-day period from May 21, 2026 to June 4, 2026.

FDOT Project Manager Joaquin de la Cruz P.E Consultant Project Manager Rafael Aguilar P.E Choice Engineering Community Outreach Specialist Jeff Baquedano EXP U.S. Services, Inc 786-330-2053

not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, July 30, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

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Publish: May 21, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Countywide Chiller Maintenance and Service-Multiple Locations Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: |Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

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Publish: May 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Invasive Exotic Plant Removal Project at Marathon International Airport Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/ mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING Date: 06-03-2026

Time: 10:00 AM, EST Location: West end of the Marathon Airport, at Gate 16, accessible via Aviation BoulevardLat/Long: N24.7217838º, W -81.0628388º

Day of Meeting-Contact Beth Bergh at 305-304-4442 if you have trouble locating meeting site. Publish: May 21, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICES

(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.

com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform

LEGAL NOTICES

at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 5:00

P.M. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 9:00 A.M., on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. You may

LEGAL NOTICES

call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

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Publish: May 21, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-180-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS J. DOWDELL III

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

LIBRARY MEDIA BOX SURPLUS SALE

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at: https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com, no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 (San Jose)

LEGAL NOTICES

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of THOMAS J. DOWDELL III, deceased, whose date of death was April 6, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is May 21, 2026.

Personal Representative: Linda D. Mazzeo 3521 Ridgewood Road Atlanta, Georgia 30327

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 21 & 28, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 26-CP-000201-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT M. REHBOCK

Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Robert M. Rehbock, deceased, File Number: 26-CP-000201-M, whose date of death was March 7, 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.

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 PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE 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 Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is May 21, 2026.

Personal Representative Janet Militello 1029 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94133

Attorney for Personal Representative Sean Langton, Esq. Florida Bar No. 84414

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP 1905 NW Corporate Blvd., Ste. 310 Boca Raton, FL 33431

Email Address: sean.langton@ nelsonmullins.com

Telephone: (561) 343-6861

Publish: May 21 & 28, 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 OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-366-K

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

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

Key Largo Library = 11821

1500G

For information or to schedule a viewing of these units & equipment listed above, please contact Anne L. Rice, 305-292-3594, rice-anne@monroecounty-fl.gov

Publish: May 21, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

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 County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5532, Week 33, 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)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 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 F14, Week 2, 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 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 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

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-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

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 5523, Week 19, 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)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 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 F34, Week 27, 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) 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

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 D24, Week 27, 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) 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 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 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

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2018 Ford Transit Van For Sale. Only 25k miles. Located in Marathon. $23,000 Call George at 305-783-0886

2001 Dodge Dakota Van For Sale. ONLY 49k miles, 4 seats, mechanically sound, cold A/C, White in color, paint in good condition. Located in Summerland Key. $5,000 OBO 305-394-2777

BOAT MISC. FOR SALE

PRICE DROP! 2 Suzuki 60hp 2013 motors for sale - 4 stroke, low hours, with controls & wiring harnesses. Currently on boat if you want to test run. $6,000 OBO for the pair. $3,400 single motor. Located at MM74. Gary 305-393-1415 SOLD IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!

Used NEPTUNE 4-post BOAT LIFT For Sale. 15,000 lbs.+ 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

BOATFORSLIP/RACK RENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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 305-6644860 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.

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 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana

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

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 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

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

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

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. 305-431-0577 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. 904-2379090 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

STORAGE

AVAIL.

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

WANTED TO BUY

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

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

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

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

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

BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time)

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

FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS

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

MARINE TOUR NARRATORS

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

HR GENERALIST (Temporary)

Looking to support our team of enthusiastic, ocean-loving employees with our people needs? We are hiring an HR Generalist to manage the full employee lifecycle and ensuring smooth HR Operations for Coral Reef Park Company.

SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

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

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

Perks: Employee discounts and the best "of ce view" in the world. Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation.

HOW TO APPLY

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace

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.

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

COME JOIN THE FAMILY! Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

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

SUBSTATION

ELECTRICIAN

(High

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.

THE 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.

BENEFITS!!!

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

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

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

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

- Medical Assistant, Cardiology, Upper Keys, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Ortho, Key West, $5k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

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

- Medical Assistant, Outpatient Procedures, $5k Bonus

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

- Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem

- Clinical Partner, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $3k Bonus

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Customer Service & Membership Coordinator, Mariners Wellness Center

- Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- 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, (CT & X Ray), $25k Bonus

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

- Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

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

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

- Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT

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

- Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem, 7A-3:30P

- Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

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

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus

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

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

- Security Officer, Per Diem

THEME: GRADUATION

ACROSS

1. “____ Louise”

5. Unsolicited email

9. Parentheses, e.g.

13. Not mainstream, as in art 15. Heap

16. Chesterfield, e.g.

17. Not sharp

18. Katy Perry’s hit 19. Grammy of sports

20. *Bachelor of Arts, e.g. 23. Autumn mo.

24. Opposite of outs

25. Muslim ruler, respectfully

28. Retirement safety net (2 words)

31. Completely isolate (2 words)

33. “That feels good!” exclamation

34. Programmer’s bane

35. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo”

36. *Same as #11 Down

40. #me____

42. Paleozoic or Victorian, e.g.

43. Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no ____”

44. River port in Belgium

47. Not figurative

51. Wavelike patterned silk

52. “For ____ a jolly...”

53. Bass product

54. *Student speaker at graduation, usually

59. Regrettably, exclamation

61. Immanuel ____, German philosopher

62. Fortune teller’s props

63. Welcome ____, pl.

64. “Cogito ____ sum”

65. Subdivision of an act

66. Olden day “you”

67. Whitetail, e.g.

68. Late actor Kristofferson

DOWN

1. Type of ape

2. Twist together

3. Not products, in chemistry

4. Dietary mineral

5. Spring, ____, sprung

6. Devoutly religious

7. Winglike

8. F te des M res honoree

9. Industrial plastic

10. Luxury furniture wood

11. *Part of graduation regalia

12. Slovenly abode

14. Pilot’s estimate, acr.

21. Fire starter

22. Santa ____ winds

26. Half of NFL

27. *BA alternative

29. Same as Dao

30. “Friends, Romans.., lend me your ____,” sing.

31. *Stand-in teacher

32. Self-centered one

34. Undergarment

36. *What guest graduation speaker is supposed to do

37. Dadaist Jean ____

38. *A in #27 Down

39. Marbled toast

40. *#36 Across for PhD recipient

41. Lennon’s widow

45. Fish family

46. Sushi restaurant staple

47. *Professor, technically

48. Faultfinder and scoffer

49. *Former students

50. Part of eyeglasses, pl.

52. Door holder

55. Barely got by

56. Foolhardy challenge

57. Roman goddess of fertility

58. Nordstorm’s outlet

59. Invoice qty.

60. Note that follows soh

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