Marathon Weekly 26-0702

$1,195,000

The one on an expansive corner lot

Perfectly positioned within the exclusive island enclave of Duck Key, this exceptional 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence captures breathtaking ocean view. Set directly across from the ocean and adjacent to a privately owned great lawn, the property enjoys an enhanced feeling of space, privacy, and tranquility. The upper level offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light and showcase stunning water views. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow effortlessly together, creating an airy, sun-filled interior where the outdoors become part of everyday living. Sliding glass doors from both the primary suite and main living area open to a beautiful balcony, where sweeping ocean views create a captivating backdrop from sunrise to sunset. The lower level offers a 1-bedroom, 1-bath layout with laundry and is designated as legal non-conforming–ideal for guests, extended family, or flexible lifestyle needs. Outside, a spectacular private resort-style pool creates a true tropical retreat, complete with a cascading waterfall, spray fountains, and a zero-entry beach-style entrance. Life in Duck Key is about far more than the home itself. This sought-after island community offers walkability, golf-cart convenience, and relaxed coastal elegance. Enjoy two marinas with fuel, boat storage, and watersport access, along with optional Club Duck Key amenities including pickleball, tennis, swimming, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Two island restaurants further enhance the ease of daily living.

9709 Overseas Hwy.

Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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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.

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Members of

250

This July 4 marks 250 years of independence from British rule. On July 4, 1776, the United States separated from the British with the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It came following years of protest against British policies, including the famous “No taxation without representation” unrest in Boston. The Declaration was originally crafted by Thomas Jefferson with edits from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Congress.

Marathon welcomed wheel sports enthusiasts of all ages to a soft opening of the city’s new skate park on June 23, completed, completed three years after the original park closed in 2023. Pictured is skater Devin Artiles. See page 20. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

Good Samaritans respond to the scene after 33-year-old Supraja Alaparthi, her son and her nephew crashed into the Old Seven Mile Bridge on a severed parasail over Memorial Day Weekend in 2022. The captain of the parasail boat now faces a new federal voluntary manslaughter charge this month. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ATTORNEYS SPAR OVER CHARGES

IN FEDERAL PARASAIL DEATH CASE

Daniel Couch faces upgraded voluntary manslaughter trial in July

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Just weeks before the captain in a fatal Florida Keys parasailing accident was set to stand trial, attorneys are clashing over which federal charges he should face.

A jury trial is due to begin on Monday, July 27 in Key West for Daniel Gavin Couch, who captained Lighthouse Parasail’s M/V Airborne during the Memorial Day 2022 tragedy that killed visiting 33-year-old Supraja Alaparthi.

While taking a flight with her 10-year-old son and 9-year-old nephew in Marathon, a strong gust of wind “pegged” the parasail, rendering the boat’s winch unable to retract the chute and dragging the boat toward shallow flats with 13 passengers aboard. Losing control, Couch cut the line tethering the three victims, who were dragged across the water before colliding with the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

Marathon captain John Callion

responded as a Good Samaritan in the area, cutting the three victims free from their harnesses and taking them to shore, where Supraja was pronounced dead.

Already facing civil suits and state manslaughter charges, Couch was indicted in August 2025 on a federal seaman’s manslaughter charge, which applies to cases of unintentional death as a result of maritime misconduct, negligence or inattention. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

But one day before attorneys were scheduled to submit jury instructions for an April 20 trial, federal prosecutors told Judge Jose E. Martinez they intended to supersede the original charge. A voluntary manslaughter charge was filed the following day, defined as an intentional killing without malice, typically reserved for killings committed “in the heat of passion,” when the alleged perpetrator loses self-control. The charge carries a 15year maximum prison sentence.

A motion to dismiss the charge

filed by federal public defender Ian McDonald argued the new charge was “wholly inapplicable to the facts of this case,” adding details absent from the preliminary incident reports obtained in May 2022 by the Keys Weekly.

According to McDonald’s motion, Couch and his mate Tanner Helmers made four attempts to rescue the passengers after severing the line, trying to deploy a “chute wrangler” safety device that would have deflated and stopped the parasail — a device McDonald says was explained to the passengers in a safety briefing before their flight.

In one attempt, Couch dropped Helmers into the water wearing a life jacket to manually grab the chute wrangler, along with other attempts using a boat hook and reaching for the wrangler himself.

McDonald accuses prosecutors of using the addition as a strategic “eleventh hour charge” without any new evidence in the case, arguing that the last-minute change would undo months of work to prepare for an entirely different charge.

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FLORIDA KEYS GET $60 MILLION IN BUDGET SIGNED BY DESANTIS

Funds slashed for college project, transitional housing for older youth

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Astate budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 29 will send tens of millions of dollars to the Florida Keys.

But not all local projects received state funding.

In total, DeSantis vetoed $1.7 billion from a budget the state Legislature approved during a special session in May. With the governor’s cuts, the total spending for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which begins July 1, will be $117.6 billion.

Among the items vetoed were $3.5 million to update the College of the Florida Keys’ air conditioning system. The college, in its request to the state for funding, said the current infrastructure is “increasingly unable to meet the growing demand for cooling services.” The Legislature included the funding in its approved budget.

The veto didn’t necessarily single out CFK, as roughly 30 other college-related projects for about $20 million were axed by the governor.

CFK did receive $11.6 million in operating funds for its baccalaureate programs.

DeSantis also slashed $500,000 for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter to establish a new transitional living program in the Upper Keys. The shelter originally asked for $1 million but legislators approved $500,000, which DeSantis vetoed. The project would have expanded housing and support services for older youths’ (ages 18-22) transition to independence.

“Right now, they don’t have anywhere to go,” said Ben Kemmer, children’s shelter CEO. “It’s pretty disappointing, but we’re going to make it happen within the next year or two. It was the No. 1 goal in our four-year strategic plan, so our board is all in on making it happen.”

Kemmer said the organization plans to work with individuals and foundations in the community to get the project off the ground, but they’ll also look to apply for state funding next year.

Vetoes by the governor can be overturned by two-thirds vote of the Florida House and Senate.

Despite these cuts, Florida Keys municipalities and organizations came away with

Before signing a budget on June 29, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $1.7 billion in spending. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

roughly $60 million in funding from the state.

“I think in the big picture we did really well,” state Rep. Jim Mooney told Keys Weekly following the governor’s budget signing. “I’m always disappointed when stuff gets axed, especially for organizations like the children’s shelter. We’re working with the Department of Health on how to get that request postured for next year.”

“I always said appropriations are not what you run your organization on, as it’s truly icing on the cake,” Mooney continued. “If you get it, good. If you don’t, you should still be able to operate.”

A program supporting water quality projects in the Keys received $20 million. Known as the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, it allows local municipalities to use state dollars to restore and clean murky canals or improve stormwater infrastructure. Funds can also be used for land acquisition.

An affordable housing project in Key West received $5 million. That will allow for the construction of 150 units of housing on land owned by the Monroe County School Board. Employees of the school district would get first priority, followed by local and state government employees and essential service personnel in the county. The district also received $1.75 million for the renovation of Bruce Hall, where staff will relocate from the current administrative building at 241 Trumbo Road, and the historic Reynolds School, the future site for adult education and district maintenance.

A total of $10 million in state funds is going toward the Florida Keys Aqueduct’s Crawl Key reverse osmosis plant. The new facility aims to enhance emergency water supply capacity by 4 million gallons, ensuring a continuous and reliable water service to citizens during times of crisis. The project will also address the need for additional water supply due to population growth

and provide an additional backup water source to curb reliance on the Biscayne aquifer.

Marathon will get $2.5 million for a deep injection well project, which consolidates effluent from five wastewater treatment plants. Key West received $3 million for a Stock Island landfill remediation feasibility study and $2.5 million for stormwater enhancements, wastewater improvements and phase one of a Mallory Square area pump station and resilience project.

Islamorada collectively received $1,375,000 for expansion of the village’s rideshare program, a schools to neighborhood pedestrian project, a breakwater project at Sea Oats Beach and improvements to the North Plantation Key pump station. Key Colony Beach got $475,000 for beach water reclamation facility improvements.

A total of $750,000 was secured for local Habitat for Humanity affordable housing projects. And Keys AHEC, now known as Keys Kids Health Centers, received $500,000 to support its children’s medical and dental program.

Funds were also secured for Pigeon Key — $600,000 for a hurricane restoration and protection project — and $50,000 for a Harry S. Truman Little White House restoration project.

State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez said she was pleased to see Florida Keys projects funded. She said the state’s investments in the island chain will strengthen critical infrastructure, support the local economy, enhance public safety and improve residents’ quality of life.

“While no budget is perfect, I believe this one strikes a responsible balance between meeting today’s needs and protecting Florida’s long-term financial health,” she said.

‘While no budget is perfect, I believe this one strikes a responsible balance between meeting today’s needs and protecting Florida’s long-term financial health.’

— State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez

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THE ‘ACCIDENTAL TEACHER’

Jan Dorl may have stumbled into teaching, but it became a lifelong calling

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Jan Dorl calls herself an “accidental teacher.”

Fresh out of the University of South Florida with a degree in advertising and marketing, she was eyeing a business career. When her husband, Jim, took a job with a Marathon law firm, the pair expected the move would last a year or two.

"I landed at the old airport and thought, 'Where in the hell am I?'" Dorl said. "I even said, 'Why couldn't you at least move somewhere fun like Key West?' I wouldn’t want to live there now.”

That was in 1986. And 40 years later, she’s putting a bow on a career at Stanley Switlik Elementary and Marathon Middle and High School, during which she taught just about everyone and everything.

She worked first at Hawks Cay Resort before traveling from Miami to Key West as a marketing rep for Coppertone. But career opportunities in advertising were scarce in the Keys, and while some suggested a real estate career, family friend Barb Wright, who worked for the Monroe County School District, kept nudging her toward education.

"I'm so glad I listened," Dorl said. "I may have made more money in real estate, but I absolutely

believe this was the job I was meant to have."

Her first foray into educational training was a swing and a miss, earning her high school social studies certification from FIU when there were no jobs open in the subject at the high school.

Returning for her elementary education certification, she began what turned into 15-1/2 years at Switlik.

Her first classroom in 1992 wasn’t a gentle introduction.

“Back when I started, there were no class caps. I had 30 kindergartners with no paraprofessional,” she said. “I literally had no clue what I was doing, but I muddled my way through it.”

She recalled bursting into tears in front of newly-elected school board member Luis Gonzalez, then a paraprofessional at Switlik, after telling her kindergartners to “shut up” in a moment of frustration.

“I think in my entire teaching career I’ve said that maybe five times, so I was thinking how terrible a teacher I was,” she said. “That same year I got head lice six times. Jim asked, ‘Are you sure this is the profession you want? Maybe real estate wouldn’t be so bad.’”

Even still, stepping into the school was the first time she felt she fit into the Keys community.

"Before that, I kind of felt like I was just Jim's girlfriend, fiancée, wife,” she said. “I found my own little identity, and I just loved teaching."

Both Jim and Jan fit into Marathon in so many other ways, from Jim’s work with the early beginnings of Forgotten Felines to the couple volunteering with the 7 Mile Bridge Run.

But over the next three decades, Dorl became something of an educational Swiss Army knife –even teaching the children of her first students.

She taught kindergarten, second and third grade before earning an art certification and spending more than a decade teaching the subject at Switlik. When Marathon High School opened its new television production studio, she was recruited in 2008 to teach TV production, web design and middle school art. Later, she added a math certifi-

cation so she could teach sixth-grade math before eventually settling into U.S. history.

"I think the way I stayed fresh was I changed what I did – a LOT," she said. "I know some people who taught first grade their whole career, and they were content with that. But this was the way I was able to stay still loving it. People would ask me if I was counting down the days (to retirement), and I really wasn’t. I know I’m going to miss it when August comes.”

History had always been her favorite class, and she worked hard to make what might otherwise be a dull subject come alive for her own students. And even at the high school, the “frustrated art teacher” – a name bestowed on her by a Switlik colleague before she spent a decade teaching the class – incorporated an artistic angle into every lesson.

"This past year, every chapter we studied, we did an art project, which turned out phenomenal," she said. "Some kids can’t do great on a test, but they can show knowledge in lots of different ways."

That drive to draw knowledge and abilities out, she said, helped her connect with students who might have put up walls with others.

“I found those students endearing who might drive other teachers crazy,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong: On many days, they drove me crazy, but I found a connection with them.”

She even coined a term of endearment for those students: her “Dodo heads.”

When the Class of 2026 graduated this spring, Dorl joked that she was graduating alongside them. She attended senior events, helped build their homecoming float and even surprised some of those former "Dodo heads" with custom paper crowns celebrating the nickname they'd proudly carried since sixth grade.

"They all wanted to claim they were my favorite Dodo head," she laughed.

For someone who stumbled into the profession, she certainly made the most of it, and will now head into a well-earned retirement.

For Jim and Jan, it will begin at a lake home in central Minnesota where Jan’s father grew up. She said she already has an art shed on the way to set up behind her garage, facing the wildlife in the woods.

“I want to start doing stuff for myself, because I spent so much time cleaning up after other kids,” she said.

Any piece of advice that stuck with you throughout your teaching career? Don’t be afraid to say you’re wrong or you made a mistake, especially in front of students. They’ll respect you more if you do.

Who or what will you miss the most? My co-teacher next door, Mary Coleman-Sayer. We’ve been together the last 10 years, and she helps keep me sane. I think it’s reciprocal.

Any words of wisdom for newer teachers? Surround yourself with positive people, because there’s always going to be some new directive that will seem overwhelming. It’s an ebb and flow in education, but if you have (those people) you can weather the storm. Stay involved in the school, but stay involved in your own life too.

Anyone else you want to thank? Arlene Keeney – she’s a retired Switlik teacher who was a mentor when I first began. And the entire first floor at Marathon Middle School – my team, with Mary, Sarah Brady and Mallory Thompson, and Mac Childress, Sara Snow and Laurie Hayes.

Jan gets a photo op with a few of her favorite ‘Dodo heads,’ who wear their crowns proudly. CONTRIBUTED

Jan and Jim Dorl will spend part of their retirement on the lakes of Minnesota with their pup Benny.

S

K A T E

W A K E

The Marathon skate park ju opened come get your gear! Parts, accessories, completes, safety, we’ve got it all!

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It’s summertime get your live paddleboard and accessories today and have the best adventures yet to come! y

Handpicked gifts & goods from the Keys

Tropical plants to bring the Keys home

Ready to hit the cable? We’ve got complete kits just waiting for you

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Snorkeling gear, little trouble kids gear, bernies We’ll get you swagger out! Don’t leave without your Pit Vipers for the best summer look!

MOSQUITO CONTROL: A CRITICAL SERVICE

To the Editors:

I have visited and lived in the Florida Keys since 1955 and have seen many changes; some good and some not so good. One of the incredibly positive changes is the huge reduction of mosquitoes and their diseases because of our mosquito control programs. I have witnessed the transition from a ragtag organization of the 1950s and ’60s to one of the most professionally run and effective government agencies we have in Monroe County, and they have kept us safe. With all the recent discussions in Tallahassee about changes to property taxes, I believe mosquito control must continue to be funded as a critical service.

In the early days, the mosquitoes were so bad that you had to scrape them from your body before going inside. One could look down the street and see the black clouds of mosquitoes. Everyone went about swatting and displaying many red splotches on their face, arms and legs and we were always concerned about getting sick from their terrible diseases. The Keys were not an attractive place to either live or visit. To justify living here then, people were always saying, “We have to remember where we live,” or “We chose to live near the Everglades,” or “It’s the price you pay for living in paradise.” Regardless of the rhetoric, the mosquitoes were very bad and often unbearable. Very few residents of the Keys today were here then to fully understand just how bad.

Today, it is quite different. There are still mosquitoes, but very few by comparison and life is pretty darn good. Many of us would prefer zero mosquitoes, but with all the government-protected land in the Keys, each with its own regulations designed to protect the many endangered species of insects, rats, bees and butterflies, it will never happen.

I live in the Upper Keys, where the protected lands account for most of the total land mass. These state parks, botanical gardens and wildlife preserves are mostly off limits for any type of mosquito control measures. This is part of protecting our environment,

which most of us really appreciate, but it increases the number of mosquitoes in our community.

A major source of mosquitoes in the Keys is the Florida Everglades. I spend a lot of time in the Everglades and at times, the mosquito swarms there remind me of the way the Keys used to be. Today, when the winds are unfavorable, swarms of mosquitoes are blown into the Middle and Upper Keys. Mosquito controllers send out their aircraft and trucks, and the numbers of mosquitoes are reduced significantly. This process is never-ending, and it is complicated by regulatory constraints as well as adverse weather conditions.

I appreciate the dedicated people of mosquito control who come onto our properties, our salt marshes, our offshore islands, etc., take the samples they need, make helpful recommendations and improve our comfort and safety in each neighborhood. It must be a very thankless job, because I see comments on social media from individuals who are frustrated but undoubtedly do not realize the environmental constraints that our mosquito control district must legally abide by.

Even though we still have some mosquitoes, have you looked at the increase in your property values? We have transitioned from a land that few people wanted to some of the most desirable, and therefore most expensive, real estate in the state and nation. This change and the economy it created would never have happened without excellent mosquito control leading the way. If you travel to other parts of Florida, the southeast of the U.S. or other tropical and subtropical countries, you will know what I mean. We must urge Florida’s Legislature to recognize the critical value of mosquito control in their tax legislation.

In closing, I want to simply say thank you to mosquito control for being there every day. You are the unsung heroes who make the Florida Keys a real paradise. Please, keep up the great work.

Sincerely,

Richard Barreto

Key Largo

DEALING WITH THE WEEDS

County offers guidance on sargassum overload

Monroe County is coordinating with state regulating agencies and local partners to publish guidance on the widespread influx of sargassum grass affecting oceanside shorelines and canals throughout the Florida Keys.

Sargassum grass is a naturally occurring seaweed found in the ocean that is essential to protecting habitat for a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, crabs, shrimp and other juvenile sea creatures. Influxes that wash ashore or into canals can become a nuisance, and as the sargassum decays, it produces a hydrogen sulfide gas. This year, the influx of sargassum grass is causing periodic inconveniences in some areas and contributing to fish kills.

The county has been coordinating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which provided staff with an update on current conditions and regulatory guidance. According to DEP, this year’s sargassum bloom is widespread and extends throughout the Keys along the ocean side of the island chain and is expected to continue throughout the summer.

Sargassum grass is protected offshore and regulations govern its removal. Clearing sargassum from canals may provide temporary relief, but it is not a long-term solution. Additional blooms are anticipated, and removed material will likely be replaced by future influxes. While removal is not suggested, residents should be aware of the state regulations governing sar-

gassum removal. These are at myfwc. com/research/about/ear/sargassum/.

Health considerations

The Florida Department of Health advises that decomposing sargassum can produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a strong odor similar to that of rotten eggs. While the gas is generally diluted outdoors, it may irritate the eyes, nose and throat and can affect individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions more severely. Residents experiencing irritation are encouraged to limit exposure, avoid direct contact with decomposing seaweed, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Monroe County Parks and Beaches crews are continuing onshore sargassum cleanup efforts at Harry Harris Park and other county-owned beaches using county equipment, including clamshell trucks.

Report fish kills and environmental concerns

Decomposing seaweed in canals can remove oxygen from the area, causing fish kills. Residents who observe fish kills can report them through the following state hotlines:

• FWC fish kill hotline: 1-800-6360511

• DEP fish kill or fish disease reporting (Southeast Florida Action Network): 866-770-7335

Monroe County, DEP and partner agencies will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.

In Key West, the seawall along South Roosevelt Boulevard tells the story of this year’s sargassum inundation. SHELLY KREUGER/Contributed

FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLECTS FOR VENEZUELA FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys community members are mobilizing to help the people of Venezuela affected by a pair of powerful earthquakes last week.

Intense searches continue following the 7.2-magnitude and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes on June 24. Buildings collapsed in the capital of Caracas and coastal communities in La Guaira, trapping many people. Death toll reports have grown to 1,700. Some 50,000 people are still missing.

Key Largo Sunset Rotarian Manuela Mobley, whose family lives near the capital, said rescuers are still searching for her cousin and four other people who were in a grocery store in La Guaira during the time of the earthquakes.

“It’s been six days at this point,” she said.

Mobley said the rest of her family is safe and doing OK, although aftershocks are keeping them on edge.

Search-and-rescue teams operating under the U.S. Department of State, including Florida Task Force One and Miami-Dade’s Urban Search & Rescue, descended on the region to help comb through disaster-affected buildings to save the trapped. More than 32 countries are involved in response and relief efforts.

Locally, Mobley has led an effort to establish a collection in the Keys to support the people in Venezuela. She was able to establish a connection with the Caracas Rotary Club District 4370 in order to get food, baby items and other necessities into the hands of those who need them the most.

“My mom helped me to connect with Rotary because her boss is a Rotarian,” she said. “I wanted to reach out because I obviously wanted to help. But I knew shipping anything there would be expensive. That’s when I found out the shipping company Tealca was sending a container of items there.”

The collection effort has spanned from the Upper to Lower Keys with help from local Rotary clubs. Supplies and financial contributions have been pouring in from generous local residents, including visitors who learned about the efforts through a social media post.

“We’re going to keep on going with the goal to fill the shipping container by July 6. From there, it will leave Miami to Caracas, where the Rotary club there will collect the boxes and distribute the items to those in

need,” Mobley said.

In the Upper Keys, people can drop off supplies at the Room Nail Bar at 99348 Overseas Highway, Key Largo; 91865 Overseas Highway, Tavernier; 85960 Overseas Highway, Islamorada; and the Upper Keys Weekly office, 89240 Overseas Highway, Suite 2.

Those who wish to support Venezuela financially can donate money to the Key Largo Sunset Club Foundation by scanning the QR code here, as treasurer Brooke Vega keeps track of the donations. For more information, call Manuela Mobley at 305967-9222.

A similar collection effort is underway in the Middle and Lower Keys with help from the Marathon Rotary Club. People can drop off items at Coldwell Banker Schmitt, 11050 Overseas Highway; Million Air, 8800 Overseas Highway; and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, 12222 Overseas Highway. All donations must be dropped off or arranged for pickup by Thursday, July 9. Supplies will be transported via plane on July 10. For more information, call Jesus Parra at 786-282-9281.

DONATION ITEMS

REQUESTED

• Baby diapers (all sizes)

• Adult diapers

• Baby formula (sealed)

• Non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter)

• Manual can openers

• Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Toilet paper

• Wet wipes

• Feminine hygiene products

• Flashlights (preferably LED)

• Batteries (AA, AAA, D)

• Blankets

• Sleeping bags

• Work gloves

• Heavy-duty trash bags

• Dust masks (N95 if available)

Florida Task Force One teams conduct search-and-rescue operations in Playa Grande, La Guaira, Venezuela, following the devastating earthquakes that hit the region. FLORIDA TASK FORCE ONE/Contributed

Manuela Mobley sorts items collected to help the people of Venezuela. KEYS WEEKLY PHOTO

Manuela Mobley with donors who provided items for the collection effort. KEYS WEEKLY PHOTO

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14 WEEKS UNTIL FANTASY FEST

‘Musical Icons

& Iconic

Musicals’ theme offers endless costume options

Start scrolling through your Spotify and review your Broadway favorites. Fantasy Fest 2026 is only 14 weeks away and there are decisions to be made.

HELP BEN DANIELS IN THE FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE

Dear Editor, This is the story of one of our own.

Ben Daniels is a lifelong Florida Keys resident, Marathon High School graduate, devoted father and someone who has quietly touched countless lives throughout our community through banking, real estate, coaching youth tennis, volunteering and simply being the kind of person who was always willing to help.

Above all else, Ben is a devoted father.

For the past year, Ben dedicated his life to caring for his son Noah, who requires around-the-clock care due to muscular dystrophy. He poured his heart, time, energy and savings into making sure Noah had everything he needed.

Today, Ben is fighting for his life.

About two months ago, Ben’s health began deteriorating rapidly, both physically and mentally. The lack of sleep and constant pressure took a toll, and Ben developed bilateral pneumonia, leading to a hospital admission. After being discharged, his health continued to spiral and he was rushed to Broward North Medical Center. While his treatment has focused on pneumonia, Ben’s condition has worsened to the point that he can no longer breathe without a ventilator. Despite numerous tests, doctors still do not know why he is unable to breathe independently. Now, Ben needs to be transferred to a different hospital for further testing, which can be very costly.

“Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals,” is this year’s theme for Key West’s annual, 10-day costume extravaganza.

Fantasy Fest 2026 runs Oct. 16-26 with the theme ‘Musical Icons & Iconic Musicals.’ The photo shows the Fantasy Fest parade in 2019, when the theme was ‘In Tune But ... Off Key.’ CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed rade”) and Paparazzi Row; the Bahamian Goombay Festival; Royal Coronation of the 2026 Fantasy Fest King, Queen and court; the towering Headdress Ball; the family-friendly Pet Masquerade; a mile-long Duval Street fair; plus concerts, pool parties, theater productions and more.

From Oct. 16-25, tens of thousands of attendees will celebrate music, musicians and musicals in style — from “Hamilton” to ’80s hair bands.

Revelers will see — and be — the spectacle, with celebrations including the worldfamous Fantasy Fest parade; the Captain Morgan Masquerade March (aka “Locals Pa-

The costume options are endless. Fantasy Fest offers 10 days to celebrate all your favorites. And there are 14 weeks to decide and design the best tributes to “Musical Icons & Iconic Musicals.”

More information is at fantasyfest.com.

— Contributed

As Ben remains hospitalized, doctors continue searching for answers while his family faces the unimaginable challenge of caring for Ben and his two sons. Noah’s need for daily care hasn’t stopped simply because his father is in the hospital, and the financial and emotional burdens continue to grow.

The response from our community has been incredible. Friends have stepped in, prayers have poured in and neighbors throughout the Keys have rallied around the Daniels family with love and support. But this journey is far from over.

The Florida Keys has always been a community that takes care of its own. Today, one of our own needs us.

We’re simply asking you to help us share Ben’s story with the community. Whether someone shares his story, keeps the Daniels family in their prayers, or is able to contribute to the family’s official GoFundMe, every act of kindness makes a difference. Ben and Noah rely on this fund for urgent medical costs and keeping their home stable.

Sincerely,

Dani Crowley

Visit Ben’s GoFundMe by scanning the QR code here:

Keys Weekly recently spoke with Ben’s brother, Bill, who confirmed Ben’s struggles. “Just a couple weeks ago we were expecting the worst,” said Bill. “And while he remains in serious condition we all know Ben is a fighter.” Donations can also be made at the Midas Touch as well as an account set up in Ben’s name at Centennial Bank.

• Grossed over $116,000 in 2025

• Over $74,000 already booked for 2026

• Built in 2016 to current hurricane standards

• Turnkey, income-producing property near Sombrero Beach

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FIRE GUTS HOME AT KEY BY THE SEA

No severe injuries in mobile home park blaze

Marathon Fire Rescue crews quickly extinguished a fire on June 29 at the Key by the Sea mobile home park that destroyed a home.

There were no injuries reported, although the home’s resident was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, according to officials. Two dogs

in the residence also escaped injury, officials said.

Smoke from the late-morning fire clouded U.S. 1. After receiving a call at 11:06 a.m., firefighters arrived at 11:11 a.m. and put out the blaze, city officials said, saving numerous other homes and lives in the process.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. – Contributed

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I have been in the Keys for 20 years. I was drawn here by the incredible sense of community, the natural beauty and the opportunity to build a business while enjoying the unique lifestyle the Keys offer.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The people. The Keys have a welcoming, close-knit community where neighbors genuinely care about one another.

What is a strange yet cool item for sale in your store right now? A vintage nautical treasure map replica. It always sparks conversations and reminds people of the rich history and adventure of the Keys.

If you could do life over, what would you be doing right now? I would still be working with people and serving my community, perhaps combining business ownership with even more mentoring.

The title of my autobiography would be… “Turning Opportunities Into Adventures.”

What is one thing you always have in your purse? A notebook. You never know when a great idea, reminder or opportunity will come along.

VIOLET WAHBA Marathon Port Nautical Gifts

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

Our neighbor of the week is Violet Wahba, who is one of the owners of Marathon Port Nautical Gifts and has proudly served the community for the past two decades. In addition to running her business, she is a licensed real estate professional who enjoys helping people find opportunities and connections within the Marathon area. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring local events, traveling and supporting community organizations. She believes in building relationships, giving back and making a positive impact wherever she can.

What’s your favorite smell/ most hated smell? Favorite: fresh ocean air after a rain shower. Most hated: spoiled seafood left out in the Florida heat.

Sunrise or sunset? Why? Both. There is something peaceful and inspiring about ending the day with the beautiful colors that make the Keys famous. Sunrise means starting the day in paradise with an amazing sun coming up .

What is the silliest question a customer has ever asked you? “Do the fish ever get tired of swimming?” It definitely made me smile.

If you were a salad, what type of dressing would you have and why? Italian dressing — full of flavor, versatile and it goes well with just about everyone.

What is your favorite board game and why? Monopoly. It combines strategy, negotiation and a little real estate knowledge, which makes it especially fun for me.

What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? Even though I enjoy working with people every day, I also treasure quiet moments by the water to recharge and reflect.

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

The resident of this mobile home was able to get out of the home but suffered smoke inhalation, officials said. CONTRIBUTED

This mobile home at Key by the Sea was destroyed by fire on Monday, June 29. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to other homes in the park.

ATTORNEYS SPAR OVER CHARGES IN FEDERAL PARASAIL DEATH CASE

A photo provided to the Haggard Law Firm by the family of Supraja Alaparthi shows the weather conditions moments after her parasail flight began with her son and nephew.

“The government appears to have added it so the jury might ‘compromise,’ giving Mr. Couch a ‘break’ by convicting on what it perceives as the less serious – un-‘intentional’ seaman’s manslaughter charge, not knowing that it has been the charge all along in the case,” McDonald wrote. “The charge represents such a clear error of law that it should never be allowed in the trial. If it is, the damage will have already been done.”

In response, Assistant U.S. attorney Breezye Telfair argued that the original charge could be vulnerable to dismissal if the defense could prove the court did not have “admiralty jurisdiction” over the “navigable waters of the United States” where the incident occurred.

“I was not the original prosecutor who made that charging decision (for seaman’s manslaughter),” Telfair told Martinez in an April 16 hearing. “I saw that there may be an issue with the admiralty law jurisdiction, and therefore … we made the decision to …

COMMERCE CORNEr

issue a superseding indictment against Mr. Couch.”

Telfair reiterates Alaparthi’s death as a direct effect of Couch’s actions, framing the decision to cut the line as an intentional choice made in a fearful state of mind.

“Evidence presented at trial will establish the multitude of other things that (Couch) could have done and should have done before cutting the line in 25 to 30 mph winds,” she wrote. “(Couch) killed (Alaparthi) in a state of mind fueled by fear and his fear, whether reasonable or not, did not justify his use of deadly force.”

Martinez denied McDonald’s motion on April 21, ruling the additional charge did not infringe on Couch’s right to a fair trial or violate his constitutional rights, and that the captain could still be acquitted of the voluntary manslaughter charge during the course of the trial. Extending the trial’s start date for three months, proceedings will now begin July 27 in Key West.

Established in 2026, Marathon Mermaid Coffee Co is an online coffee, tea, and merchandise retailer. We're committed to offering high-quality artisan coffee, specialty teas, and coastal-inspired products while building genuine connections within our community. Inspired by the Florida Keys lifestyle, we believe great coffee brings people together— and when paired with a greater purpose, it can make a meaningful impact.

Through exceptional products, outstanding customer service, and our partnership with Heroes, Cowboys and Companions, we strive to create more

than a transaction; we create an experience. A portion of every purchase helps support military families, allowing our customers to enjoy products they love while contributing to a mission that gives back.

Guided by authenticity, consistency, and a commitment to quality, we remain focused on celebrating our community, supporting those who have served our country, and creating a welcoming place where every customer feels like family.

HAGGARD LAW FIRM/ Contributed

LICENSE TO SHRED

1. Devin

2. Even in extreme heat, kids (and adults) pack the park after work to shred.

and Lane Norris.

3. Joseph Cabrera tests out the new park.

4. Matt Sexton, one of the driving forces behind the new park, enjoys the fruits of his efforts with his son Auggie.

5. Palmer Sexton is a ham for the camera.

6. Matthew Mejias catches air.

7. Marathon’s newest recreational upgrade draws a crowd nearly every night.

Artiles catches air at the newlyopened Marathon skate park.

Pictured from left: Kris Bonilla, Raymond Paul, Joseph Cabrera, Dathan Conant, Michael Mejias, Devin Artiles, Wes Coffey, Jonathan Herrera, Matthew Mejias, Jonathan Kilbourne

Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Kids try out their best tricks at new Marathon skate park

ids – and “big kids” – in the Middle Keys and beyond have a brandnew spot to test their wheels.

On June 23, the city of Marathon announced the soft opening of its new wheel park at Marathon Community Park, drawing skateboards, scooters, bikes and rollerblades for the first time since 2023.

Landscaping and irrigation work is still in progress around the park’s new features, from rails and quarter pipes to ramps and a “pump track,” but the new facility has seen dozens of daily visitors even in blazing temps since the day it opened.

“The kids just lined up,” Carlos Solis, the city’s director of engineering, told the Weekly. “I even had kids telling me ‘We live up in Key Largo, man, but this thing’s awesome. We’ll be here all the time.’”

Design and construction work for the $1.4 million park was completed by the Platform Group, which held workshops with local skaters to lay out their ideal visions for the completed layout. Costs to the city were largely defrayed by a $265,000 donation from the nonprofit Florida Keys Community Center, started by local entrepreneur Matt Sexton.

The build is a conclusion of an eight-year campaign for Sexton, who relentlessly pursued a vision for the new park and advocated for its recreational value to the city since 2019. Watching his own children at the park on June 29, though, he refused to take the credit.

“I’m just so happy for these guys – it’s awesome,” he said, pointing to more than a dozen kids circling the park. “This has been through three city managers, three city councils. We were doing summer camps here back in 2012 and watching the tiny (old) park degrade.”

He credited Christina and Tina Belotti for championing the original park. “That’s an essential name, because without them none of this would have even existed for the first time,” he said.

Landscape and irrigation work around the park should be complete in the coming weeks, Solis said, while an adjacent splash pad is about to enter permitting. There are plans to build a small restroom and concession stand to serve the redeveloped corner of the park.

And while mountains of concrete aren’t the most visually appealing, Sexton said muralist Claudio Picasso, one of the original skate park’s first contributing artists, is on board to bring an art installation to life across the entire finished setup.

“It’s a full-circle moment,” Sexton said.

The park is currently open from sunrise to sunset, with rolling closures and orange fencing used to mark areas still under construction. It’s open to all forms of non-motorized wheel sports equipment.

City Council

Lynny Del Gaizo, Mayor

Debra Struyf, Vice-Mayor

Lynn Landry, Councilmember

Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

Robyn Still, Councilmember

Clavier, CMC

Please note that more than one Marathon City Council/Board/Committee member may participate in the meetings listed. To view the City of Marathon’s full calendar, please visit www.ci.marathon.fl.us/calendar

City Council Meeting

07/14/26 5:30 pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Firefighter Pension Board Meeting

07/15/26 9:00 am Fire Station 14, 8900 Overseas Hwy.

Code Compliance Meeting

07/16/26 2:00pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Planning Commission Meeting

07/20/26 5:30 pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Special Call Budget City Council Meeting

07/21/26 5:30 pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy

City Council Workshop (if necessary)

07/28/26 5:30 pm Marathon Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

Agendas can be found here https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/meetings

AHEC

Brandvold Appraisal

Campbell Engineering

Centennial Bank

Conch Custard, Inc.

David L. Manz

Dot Palm

Firefighters Association

Faro Blanco Resort & Marina

First State Bank of the FL Keys

Florida Keys Flight Academy

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

3rd Generation Plumbing

American Coastal Vaca Rentals

Appraisal Certified Services, Inc.

Brass Monkey

CHI

Douglass Marine

Ernest Rhodes Plumbing

Florida Keys Air Conditioning

Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce

Insurance O ce of America

ANN ROYSE AND MIKE HOWIE VASO REALTY CORP

Florida Keys Primary Care and Wellness

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Georgies Co ee

Glunz Ocean Beach Resort

Hal Schuhmacher PA

Havana Jacks

Island Pilates

Keys Animal Hospital

Key Colony Beach Realty

Keys Carwash

Keys Federal Credit Union

Marathon Mermaid

Island Fish Co

Jen & Evan Frisch

Kelly Electric

Keys Contracting Services

Keys Fisheries

Main A raction Sportfishing Charters

Marathon & the Middle Keys Magazine

Natalie Ardis PA

Oceanica

Pearls of Wisdom

Marathoners II, LLC

Napa Auto Parts

Paver Dave, Inc.

Porky's Bayside Restaurant & Marina

Rafa Management

Royal Furniture

Steven's Paint & Blinds

Superior Electric of FL Keys

Sweet Savannahs

TikiLIVE Inc.

Wright Barrows PLLC

Frank & Chelsea Young

Promotions Guy

Rapid Permi ing

Regan Insurance Agency

Richard E. Warner P.A.

Sarah Bartus

Sarah Cizmas / Edward Jones

Skylight Management

Spotless Pool Cleaning, Inc.

William J. He ernan

MARY

KITCHEN’S OPEN

Marathon debuts dedicated pickleball courts at Oceanfront Park

was completed by Discount Rock and Sand, which was awarded the contract for the build in October 2025.

At press time, hours for the courts mirror the sunrise-to-sunset hours of Oceanfront Park, but may be changed later in the year if approved by staff and the city council, Marathon officials told the Weekly.

The Oceanfront Park dog park, also currently undergoing renovation, is nearly complete and due to open in July.

You

arathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo and fire inspector Mike Card were the first two official opponents across the net as the city opened its four new pickleball courts in Oceanfront Park on June 29.

The four courts are now available for public use, adding a dedicated pickleball center for the city on top of the multi-use courts at Marathon Community Park. The facility, which includes landscaping and tiki huts to shade resting players, came in at a final cost of $350,000 – down from an estimated $500,000 due to the use of solar-powered lighting fixtures. Work

1. An opening isn’t complete without a ribbon-cutting, a gathering of city officials and residents, and giant scissors from the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. From left: parks and recreation director Scott Williamson, councilwoman Robyn Still, Grimi Betancourt, interim City Manager Steve Williams, fire inspector Mike Card, Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, Aimee Kornetti, Michelle Van Hoose and Chris Van Hoose.

2. Chris and Michelle Van Hoose square off against Grimi Betancourt and Aimee Kornetti at the opening of Marathon’s new pickleball courts.

3. Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo and fire inspector Mike Card snag a photo op after their first official game on the city’s new pickleball courts.

Photos

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

THE HYDRATION ILLUSION

JENNIFER HARVEY

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

In the Florida Keys, hydration gets treated like a personality trait.

Everyone has a giant water bottle. Everyone is tracking ounces. Everyone is adding powders, drops, minerals, packets, lemons, cucumbers and sometimes what appears to be an entire produce aisle into their cup.

And listen, I love the effort. But somewhere along the way, we started confusing drinking water with being hydrated. They are not always the same thing. Hydration is not just about what goes into your body. It is about what your body can absorb, hold on to and actually use. This matters, especially down here, where summer does not politely arrive. It sits on your chest at 8:30 in the morning and asks if you have any errands to run.

Your body is mostly water, but it is not just a walking cooler. Water helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, support digestion, lubricate joints, maintain blood volume and keep your brain from feeling like it is operating on dial-up internet. So yes, water matters. But the science of hydration is more interesting than “drink more water.”

Your body has a built-in hydration management system, and one of the major players is a hormone called ADH, which stands for antidiuretic hormone. Its job is basically to tell your kidneys, “Hang on to some of that water. We may need it.” When ADH is doing its job, your kidneys reabsorb more water instead of sending it all straight to your bladder.

But alcohol suppresses ADH. That means your kidneys stop holding on to water as well, and you start producing more urine. This is one reason a night of drinks can turn into multiple bathroom trips, dry mouth, a pounding headache and a next-day personality best described as “fragile.”

Caffeine can also increase urine output, especially in higher amounts or in people who are not used to it. Coffee is not evil. Please do not panic. I am not here to take away your morning joy. But if your entire hydration strategy is iced coffee, a spicy margarita, and one emotionally supportive sip of water at 4 p.m., we may need to talk.

Here is where people get confused. They pee constantly and think, “Wow, I must be so hydrated.” Not necessarily. Peeing all the time does not automatically mean your body is hydrated. It may mean water is passing through you faster than your body can use it.

Normal urine output for adults is often around 800 to 2,000 milliliters per day, depending on fluid intake, body size, temperature, activity and health status. Producing more than about 3 liters of urine a day is considered polyuria, which is the scientific way of saying that is a lot of pee.

So, if you are running to the bathroom three times in an hour and proudly announcing it to everyone within earshot, first of all, you do not have to declare every bathroom trip. We believe you. Second, more pee does not always equal better hydration. Sometimes it means your body is losing fluid faster than it can hold on to it.

Now add heat.

When you are outside in 90-degree weather with heavy humidity, your body sweats to cool you down. The problem is humidity makes sweat less effective because it does not evaporate as easily. So, your body keeps trying. More sweat. More fluid loss. More stress on your system. For people working outside, this adds up fast. Hello, construction workers, landscapers, postal workers, boat captains, fishing guides, roofers, pool cleaners, delivery drivers, dog walkers and anyone else earning a living while the rest of us are sprinting from the air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned grocery store.

The CDC recommends that people working in the heat drink about 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. That comes out to roughly 24 to 32 ounces per hour. Multiply that by an eight-hour workday and you are looking at 192 to 256 ounces of fluid, or roughly 1.5 to 2 gallons.

And that is not for someone running an ultramarathon. That is basic heat safety for people doing their jobs in hot conditions. This is why hydration cannot be treated like a cute wellness trend. It is not just about clear skin and matching your tumbler to your outfit. It is blood volume. Brain function. Muscle function. Temperature regulation. Heart rate. Energy. Safety.

And here is the other piece most people miss: Water needs minerals to work well. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride are electrolytes. They help move fluid in and out of cells, support muscle contractions, regulate nerve signals and help maintain fluid balance. This does not mean everyone needs to walk around drinking neon-colored sports drinks. But it does mean that if you are sweating heavily, working outside, exercising in the heat, drinking alcohol, drinking a lot of caffeine or peeing every 14 seconds, plain water may not be enough.

Your body does not just need water. It needs water with a plan.

That plan may look like salting your food appropriately, eating fruits and vegetables, drinking consistently throughout the day, adding electrolytes when sweat loss is high and paying attention to what your body is actually telling you.

Hydration is not a moral victory. It is not a competition. It is not about having the biggest water bottle in the room. It is a relationship with your body. A quiet, daily way of saying, “I am paying attention.” So yes, drink the water. But do not assume every bathroom trip is proof that you are winning hydration. Sometimes your body is not asking for more water to pass through. Sometimes it is asking for help holding on.

... 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.

You think you know a place, and then you don’t visit for eight or nine years, and things start to feel a little foreign.

I’m talking about the Dry Tortugas.

I’ve probably been there 30 or 40 times. Back in the day I used to guide birdwatchers out there on multiday trips. And I used to help with the Christmas Bird Count when they had one. And I’ve made a lot of day trips. But I couldn’t tell you exactly the last time I had made the trip.

It’s not totally my fault. In olden times you could buy a ferry ticket the day before and head out there. You could be practically spontaneous. But in recent years, you have to get your tickets months in advance, especially for the peak songbird migration time in late April and early May. Planning that far ahead is not one of my core strengths.

So when someone offered me a last-minute ticket recently, I did not hesitate.

Seeing the fort materialize as a faint visage on the horizon, then solidify as we got closer warmed my heart a bit, though the day was pretty hot already. The first birds of the trip, if you don’t count the magnificent frigatebirds we’d been seeing periodically on the way out, were the masked boobies, distant pale dots flying over East Key, the first of the sandy islands north of Fort Jefferson.

The first birds we had good looks at were the sooty terns, dozens and dozens of them, twotoned denizens of the open ocean, their markings sharply demarcated, black on top, white below. They flew bouncy little flight lines, mostly over the foredeck of the ferry, but occasionally skirting the bow just above the water. Mixed in, about every 15th or 20th bird, were brown noddies, generally the same size and shape, but a more uniform chocolate brown with a white crown on their round head.

The Dry Tortugas are the only place in North America where sooty terns and brown noddies have significant breeding colonies. It’s also the only place in North America where masked boobies and magnificent frigatebirds breed. There are probably 100 masked boobies, 4,500 brown noddies, and 100,000 sooty terns.

The magnificent frigatebird colony there had never been huge – maybe 100 breeding pairs and a lot of non-breeders – but I’d heard from multiple people that Hurricane Irma, and the storms that followed, did a lot of damage to the small cluster of buttonwoods and other foliage that they relied on for nesting. But I didn’t realize the extent of it until we approached and all that was left were a handful of limbless, leafless trunks, though a small number of frigatebirds were still making use of them.

I looked for brown boobies on the channel markers, but only saw more brown noddies and a lone osprey, who was shredding bits of flesh off

the fish he held in his talons, throwing his head back to gulp them down.

As we pulled up to the dock we could see a small group of men and boys posing with a 6-foot hammerhead shark they’d caught and pulled up onto the sargassum where they were taking photos. By the time the boat had tied up they’d dragged it back into the water and we watched as it swam slowly away below the shimmering surface of the water.

I had been out there in early June a few times, and one of the things I remember was seeing all the young sooty terns – more grayish than black, with rows of white polka dots across their wings and backs – clustered together on the shoreline, or under a sea lavender bush, as if they were in daycare. But this was late June and the difference was the young birds could fly. They didn’t seem to be heading out over the water much, but they were zipping around over Garden Key on their newly functional wings.

One of the old-school names for sooty terns was the wide-awake bird, because their call sounds kinda sorta like someone with a speech impediment and vocal chord damage yelling “wide awake” over and over again.

As I set foot on land, I looked up to see a juvenile sooty tern flying around with an adult. The adult made the wide-awake call, and a second later the juvenile made the same call, but at a much higher pitch. I watched until they disappeared into a small kettle of frigatebirds and other sooties.

Garden Key, the island where the three-story brick fort is, and Bush Key, the island where the sooties and noddies breed, have had a tumultuous relationship, the space between them slowly silting in, then getting blown out by a hurricane every decade or two. But the connection between them has been filling in for close to 20 years in this latest part of the cycle, and it is broader than I have ever seen.

Both the sooty and noddy colonies have spilled over onto Garden Key, and the park staff

THE TORTUGAS

GETTING REACQUAINTED IN

have had to rope off parts of the island where you used to be able to walk. Not that the birds were paying the rope any mind. There were a dozen juveniles huddled together under the nearest picnic table. And a nearby boat trailer was loaded with 40 or 50 adults sitting on it, and another 30 juveniles underneath.

Many of the birds that weren’t in the shade were standing with their bills open (birds, like dogs, dissipate heat through their open mouths) and their wings slightly drooped (a way to allow more airflow over the body) to try and stay cool.

When the sooty terns are present – from February through August in recent years – there tends to be a corona of avian chaos over Bush Key, hundreds if not thousands of birds all on their own missions. It was hard to make out the demographics of all that. But the kettle that had been swirling over Garden Key had grown in the last 10 or 15 minutes, growing from about 40 birds to about 200. In it were five or 10 frigatebirds, with the rest being a seemingly even mix of juvenile and adult sooties.

Sooty terns are precocial and can walk the day they hatch. It takes eight to 10 weeks until they are ready to fly. Once they can, they will start out over land, then make longer and longer forays out over the water. After about 18 days they will set out and not come back, spending the next three or four years in the air, not setting down on the land again until they are adults and ready, or at least near ready, to breed themselves.

The oldest sooty tern ever known lived to be 34. The oldest known bird at the Tortugas was 32. While they tend to return to the colony when they are 3 or 4, most don’t breed until they are 6, and their peak breeding years are thought to be between the ages of 12 and 20.

Seeing all those sooties again made me feel slightly reconnected to the place. Despite not having been out there for so long, there was a good chance I was seeing birds I may have seen in years past. Though it would be pretty hard to say exactly which ones.

A juvenile sooty tern resting at the Dry Tortugas. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

YOUNG SKIPPERS ‘MEET IN THE MIDDLE’ ON

JULY 11

Junior sailors are off to the races on Saturday, July 11 for Middle Keys Sailing’s Mixer in the Middle Regatta. Open to skippers ages 7 to 17 throughout the Florida Keys, the races span five eligible classes of boats: Blue Dragons, Optis, Sunfish, Lasers and C420s. All boats race single-handed except C420s, which will be sailed by one skipper and one crew member. Races will start to the northwest of the Marathon Yacht Club at 825 33rd Street Gulf in Marathon. The $35 registration fee includes entry into the races, a light poolside meal after the event, and a T-shirt. The C420 fee of $50 includes shirts and meals for both sailors. Advance registration ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, with same-day registration subject to an additional $3 fee. For more information and to register, scan the QR code. Boaters should take caution when navigating the gulfside waters near 33rd Street on the day of the event, and the city of Marathon will close the public boat ramp from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. Pictured are young skippers at the 2025 Mixer in the Middle event. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

JETHRO

7-year-old-male miniature pinscher.

Looking for: I would love a calm, relaxed house with another dog to be my friend.

Turnoffs: Let’s just keep things easy and chill. No party houses please.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

Hurricane fosters needed. With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA provides everything you need;

CONNORS

13-year-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: If there was an option to live in a cave, I’d take it. I love being cozy.

Turnoffs: I’m a nervous guy. Go slow and give me plenty of love.

BORIS THE TORTOISE

10-year-old Russian tortoise.

Looking for: A lifelong home. I can live to be 50 to 100 years old.

Turnoffs: Every tortoise has its own needs — we’re not just living rocks.

all you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit https://fkspca.org/volunteer/become-a-foster-volunteer/ or call 305-743-4800.

MEET THE 2026 ALL-KEYS BOYS TENNIS TEAM

Healthy blend of veterans and newcomers combine for strong season on the courts

TRACY McDONALD www.keysweekly.com

The Florida Keys continue to produce outstanding tennis talent season after season. From experienced players competing on national and international stages to rising stars developing through dedication and hard work, Monroe County's athletes proved they can compete with anyone. This year's All-Keys Boys Tennis Team features a blend of proven veterans, emerging underclassmen and selfless leaders who helped elevate their teammates and helped secure key victories and postseason success at the district level while representing their schools with pride.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ANDREI LEHENE

Sophomore, Key West

The Conchs' No. 1 player brought elite experience and a high level of play to Key West's lineup. The sophomore narrowly missed a trip to the district finals and consistently challenged the area's top competition. Despite a demanding travel schedule and opportunities to compete at a high level in Miami and internationally, Lehene remained committed to his school team. A leader by example, he willingly shared his extensive knowledge with teammates, helping elevate the level of play around him.

JOHN PICCO

NATE BERGH

Senior, Key West

Senior, Key West

GARRETT GOMILA Sophomore, Coral Shores

JACOB SANCHEZ

Freshman, Coral Shores

As Key West's No. 2 player, Picco was known for a serve that combined power and precision. The senior covered the court well and used his experience to help anchor the Conchs' lineup. Alongside Lehene, he advanced to the district semifinals in doubles and provided steady leadership throughout the season.

Bergh held down the No. 3 position for the Conchs and enjoyed an outstanding season, finishing undefeated in regular-season singles play. He reached the district semifinals in both singles and doubles and was known for his strong work ethic and leadership. Always willing to put in extra practice time, Bergh set a positive example for his teammates.

TANNER SNOWDEN

Freshman, Marathon

Snowden took over the Dolphins' No. 1 spot and showed tremendous growth throughout the season. The freshman developed greater strength and improved shot placement, finishing with a 7-4 singles record and a 6-4 mark in doubles. His rapid improvement and competitive mindset make him a key piece of Marathon's future.

Gomila served as Coral Shores' No. 1 player and team captain, showcasing maturity beyond his years. A wellrounded athlete, he competed with resilience and mental toughness while taking on the Hurricanes' toughest opponents throughout the season. His leadership and determination helped set the tone for the team.

In his first season with the Hurricanes, Sanchez quickly made a significant impact. A team-first player with an upbeat attitude, he brought positive energy both on and off the court. Known for his strong work ethic, Sanchez was often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, making him a valuable part of Coral Shores' success.

MATT DELGADO Senior, Marathon

Playing the No. 2 position, Delgado provided consistent play and invaluable leadership for the Dolphins. He finished the season with a 5-5 singles record and a 5-4 doubles record. More importantly, Delgado's positive attitude, sportsmanship and dedication made him the type of teammate every coach wants on the roster. His presence will be missed.

GRAHAM MURPHY

Sophomore, Marathon

Marathon's most consistent player, Murphy occupied the No. 3 spot all season and compiled a 6-2 singles record and a 4-2 doubles mark. Despite having only two years of experience in the sport, he has produced winning records in both seasons. Focused and dependable, Murphy has established himself as one of the Dolphins' most reliable players.

MARATHON CINEMA

Stephan Pavlos, MD Cardiologist Roger Steinfeld, MD Cardiologist

BRIEFLY

Expect extra traffic for Fourth weekend

Expect an increase in visitor traffic on U.S. 1 over the Fourth of July weekend. Deputies will be out in force to provide a larger law enforcement presence throughout the Keys, including roads and on the water. Please designate sober drivers for both cars and boats, and be patient at sandbars and boat ramps as they are expected to be busy. Leave fireworks to professionals. Parts of the Overseas Highway will be closed for the Key Largo Fourth of July parade. Northbound U.S. 1 will close at MM 97 between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m., with traffic diverted to southbound lanes at 9:45. Delays are expected until roughly 1 p.m.

Multiple anglers cited in wildlife cases

Several men visiting the Keys were cited by MCSO for wildlife violations in recent weeks. A 22-year-old Wake Forest, North Carolina man spearfishing near Tom’s Harbor Channel Bridge on June 26 was given a mandatory notice to appear in court for allegedly possessing an undersized hogfish, an undersized mangrove snapper and harvesting a porkfish — the last being a regulated species that is required to be kept alive. Middle Keys marine deputy Willie Guerra said he saw Joseph Nathan Abraham loading the fish into his vehicle. All the fish were speared and dead. Abraham admitted he had not measured the fish, Guerra said. Two days later, Pedro Rojas, 64, of Hialeah, was given a citation for alleged possession of an undersized red grouper. Lower Keys marine deputy Luis Guiardinu saw Rojas cleaning fish at Sunshine Key RV Resort when he was found to be in possession of the grouper. The same day, Yosvel Fiallo, 47, of Miami, was given a citation for alleged possession of six over-the-limit mangrove snapper. Lower Keys marine deputy Luis Guiardinu saw Fiallo in possession of the snapper near the South Pine Channel. Fishing regulations are at www.myfwc.com.

St. Columba to host introductory tai chi class

The parish hall at St. Columba Episcopal Church will host a six-week introductory tai chi class offered through the American Tai Chi Academy from July 11 through August 15. Classes will take place on Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a $60 donation. Improve balance, strength, agility and coordination in this beginner-level class. More information is at americantaichiacademy.org.

Foster parent licensing classes on Aug. 25

Every child deserves a safe, loving and supportive home. Foster parents make that possible by opening their hearts and homes to children in need — including sibling groups who need to stay together.

Wesley House Family Services is offering foster parent licensing classes beginning August 25th. If you can offer love, stability and support to a child or sibling group, you can be a foster parent.

To take the first step, call Amy Eichen at 305-809-5020 for more information about becoming a foster parent.

Sheriff’s office: E-dirtbikes aren’t street legal

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office encourages the Florida Keys community to familiarize themselves with the laws governing the use of electric dirt bikes. These bikes are not street legal; they are classified as off-road vehicles, are not eligible for registration, are not equipped with operable pedals and have motors exceeding 750 watts, capable of speeds over 28 mph. These bikes are not allowed on roads, sidewalks, bike lanes or paths, or public rights of way. Riders may be cited, vehicles may be impounded, and possible criminal charges may follow for improper use.

July 20 is last day for voter registration

Monday, July 20 is the last day to register to vote or change a political party for the upcoming primary election, according to Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies. Anyone who is not a registered voter by this date will not be eligible to vote on Tuesday, Aug. 18. In partisan races with no qualified candidates in one party, the winner of a primary vote will win the election.

33rd Street boat ramp to close on July 11

The 33rd Street boat ramp will close temporarily on Saturday, July 11, for the Middle Keys Sailing’s Mixer in the Middle regatta. Organizers have requested two closure periods that day: from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and from 3 to 3:30 p.m. The event is a youth regatta for ages 7-17, and eligible classes of boats are Blue Dragons, Optis, Sunfish, Lasers and C420s. It is sponsored by the Marathon Yacht Club Education Foundation. For information, visit https://mycef.education, and click on “Events.”

GRAND JURY INDICTS CUDJOE KEY MAN FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

Bradly Shadduck to be charged for killing his wife, Lynne Shadduck

AMonroe County grand jury has indicted a Cudjoe Key man, Bradly Shawn Shadduck, 56, for the first-degree murder of his wife, Lynne Shadduck, on May 28.

Shadduck was arrested the night of the murder, and faced a second-degree murder charge until the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office completed its investigation.

“The indictment supersedes the previously filed second-degree murder charge,” states a press release from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. Shadduck remains in jail on Stock Island, and is being held without bond.

The indictment states that Shadduck beat his wife to death at their Cudjoe Key home the night of May 28. The sheriff’s office was called to the scene when Bradly Shadduck showed up at his neighbor’s house, wrapped in a blanket, but naked underneath. He allegedly told

Bradly Shadduck

the neighbor to call 911, because there was “blood everywhere.”

Lynne Shadduck was found unconscious with injuries to her head, face, neck and hands. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

“An indictment is a formal charging document returned by a grand jury upon a finding of probable cause,” the state attorney’s office stated. “The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”

Major Crimes Assistant State Attorney Colleen M. Dunne will prosecute the case.

— Contributed

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY,

CHRIS McNULTY

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

This week is chock full of astrological activity that should propel us all forward while also having us take a look back. We had a full moon in Capricorn and Mercury stationing retrograde on June 29. Jupiter moved into Leo after a full year in Cancer the next day, and Mars is conjoining Uranus on July 4. Let’s break this down a bit. The full moon in Capricorn represents a release of emotional burdens that hold us back from achieving security and success — the imposter syndromes, the victim narratives, the savior complexes. This past full moon was an opportunity to look our emotional barriers square in the face and choose our practical well-being over emotional blackmail. Mercury turning retrograde in Cancer is an opportunity to tap into the power of nostalgia as a force to propel us forward. We can appreciate where we’ve been, while continuing to move forward and write new stories. Mercury retrograde lasts for three weeks, so use this time to honor the magic of memory, but be mindful about travel and communication hiccups. Jupiter has been in the sign of its exaltation for the past 12 months, which means joy, expansion, bounty and luck have all been made abundant. In essence, it made everything bigger. With Jupiter’s ingress into Leo, we can expect the constant hyperbole to diminish a bit. Finally, on July 4, we have one of the most explosive meetings in all astrology. Mars, planet of fire and action, meets Uranus, the planet of electricity and the unexpected. A powerful surprise is upon us this Fourth of July. Let’s hope it’s catalytic rather than catastrophic.

Here are your horoscopes for this highly active week in astrology. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

You’ve just completed an expansive year. It was a leveling-up in some ways and probably fairly

exhausting in others. The high energy is now tapering off and you can breathe a bit better. Now you just have to take stock of what happened and where you’ve landed. Be very tender with your mental and emotional health this weekend. A shock is afoot that may try to throw you off kilter, but you have the ability to maintain your balance.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

After a year of quietly and internally amping yourself up, you can finally unleash your brilliance into the world. You are embarking on a larger-than-life year. You will be heard. You will be seen. Use your stage wisely. Take some time to integrate and appreciate all you’ve experienced in solitude this past year. This weekend, a blowup in your friend group is likely. Be ready for damage control.

Virgo

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Something big and explosive is taking place at work this weekend. You can either be part of the collateral damage or use the energy to make big moves for yourself. You’ve had a big year of friends and supporters showing up for you, and now you are embarking on a journey of inner well-being. Enjoy the quieter energy and remember the people who got you here.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

After a huge year related to your work and public reputation, take some time to reminisce about how far you have come. This upcoming year is going to be bountiful in friends and supporters, so lean in to the people who surround you. This weekend, be ready for an event that will propel you into a new adventure. Something shocking and unexpected will change your path. Be adaptable.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

What adventures has this past year taken you on? I see lots of travel or study in your recent history. Reflect on how far you’ve come and

how much you’ve learned, and get ready for a year of largesse in your career. Big things are coming your way at work. Over the weekend, you will likely have a big vulnerable moment that can serve as a catalyst to new connections. Embrace your truth.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Prepare for a big surprise with an important partner in your life. This weekend, you could either have an unexpected problem to solve together or a relationshipaltering fight. How will you choose to navigate this energy with your important someone? After a year of building your capacity for vulnerability, you’ve got this. You are embarking on a year of expanding your horizons.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You’re completing a year of joyful partnership. That doesn’t mean your partnership is over, but it does mean that your joy is shifting into new investments and shared resources. Reflect on the year you’ve had with your partner and how much you’ve gained. This weekend, an explosive event will compel you to change up your routine. Don’t fight the lesson.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You’re on the doorstep of a huge year in relationships, whether that is romantic or platonic. Your partnerships will be the locus of your greatest joy and bounty. As your attention shifts from your daily routines and wellness practices to relationships, take some time to integrate what you’ve learned. You have a burst of creative energy coming your way this weekend. Figure out how to direct it without burning out.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Over the upcoming weekend, be prepared for some aggressive activity to happen with home and family. Conflicts arise, sometimes completely randomly, but how you

PROPULSION AND NOSTALGIA

choose to respond can make all the difference. After an incredible year of creative joy, take some time to do a personal retrospective. What did you make this past year? Be proud of yourself. Now turn your attention to your routines.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Some shocking news is coming your way this weekend. It could involve a sibling or your local community. Use caution when deciding how to respond because adding fire to fire will only cause more damage. After a year centered on the joy and bounty of your home, you are entering a year of immense creativity. Soak in this energy and become a maker.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

A wildly unpredictable event or a sudden shift will probably shake up your finances, resources or material stability. Don’t panic. Look at it as a lightning strike clearing out old, stagnant habits around how you value yourself. You’ve spent the last year expanding your mind and connecting deeply with your local community. Now, your focus shifts toward building a joyful, deeply abundant sanctuary right at home.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

This weekend, you are the lightning rod. Your actions are likely to cause quite the commotion, so do your best to be intentional rather than erratic. Be as authentic as possible and the fallout will be the best it can be. Take some time to reflect on the financial decisions you’ve made this past year. You’ve likely experienced some great bounty. Now that you’ve managed your material needs, you can focus on writing and expressing yourself.

In The Bleachers

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

Lisa Catalano’s quest for love has finally paid off. The California woman went viral last year for putting up billboards along U.S. Highway 101 with her photo and a link to a website where potential suitors could submit dating applications. Eight months and almost $7,000 later, Catalano is off the market, People reported on June 24. She footed the bill for advertising -- including billboards, taxi ads and the website -- along with wardrobe, makeup, video shoots and related equipment. She received about 4,000 dating applications between September 2025 and May 2026. After all of that, she ended up meeting her new beau through a dating app back in January. An update on her website reads: “Applications closed! Lisa’s in love and has a boyfriend.”

Adam Dailies

Brevity

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Hermann Hesse (1877-1962), author; Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993), Supreme Court justice; Pierre Cardin (1922-2020), fashion designer; Medgar Evers (1925-1963), civil rights activist; Richard Petty (1937), NASCAR driver; Larry David (1947- ), writer/actor; Jose Canseco (1964- ), baseball player; Johnny Weir (1984- ), figure skater; Lindsay Lohan (1986- ), actress; Alex Morgan (1989- ), soccer player; Margot Robbie (1990- ), actress.

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing major forms of discrimination.

TODAY’S NUMBER

10,955 -- Walmart stores (including Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club and Walmart International) worldwide, as of June 2026. The first Walmart store opened in Rogers, Arkansas, on this day in 1962.

TODAY’S QUOTE

“Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.”

Hermann Hesse, “Siddhartha”

Brevity

Nancy Dailies

Founded by Betty Debnam

Summer Safety Tips

Mini Fact: Staying safe is an important part about enjoying summer.

Lots of people look forward to summer, but it can be a dangerous season. Experts say that between May and August, more kids are injured or die from accidents than at any other time during the year. This week, The Mini Page is sharing some safety tips to help keep everyone safe this summer.

Swimming safety

While a lot of kids look forward to summer and spending time at the pool, lake or ocean, it’s important to be careful. Experts say more drowning deaths occur in the summer than at any other time of year.

Tips: Walk around a pool (don’t run); don’t go swimming alone; make sure if you dive that you’re diving in areas that are clearly marked for it; never swim under a diving board; and always make sure an adult is near and watching when you’re swimming.

Sun safety

With the warmer weather during the summer, people often spend more time outside, but again, it’s important to be safe.

Experts recommend applying sunblock 30 minutes before you go outside. The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more your skin will be protected from the sun.

Tips: Wear hats; apply sunblock; drink lots of water; take breaks; and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Poison plants safety

Some plants cause itchy rashes for 1 out of every 2 Americans. Poison ivy and poison oak are vines or low shrubs with leaves growing in groups of three. Plants can have greenish-white berries.

Poison sumac is a short tree with pairs of leaves of seven to 12 leaflets. It has grayish berries, which it drops. Harmless sumacs have red berries.

Tips: Be cautious about which plants you touch outside. If you think you have touched one of these plants, wash with soap and water right away. Your clothes should be washed, too.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks are pretty to look at but can be dangerous. They should be handled only by adults.

Did you know sparklers can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees and can easily set clothes on fire and even melt some types of metal? According to experts, sparklers are responsible for 1,400 eye injuries per year.

Fireworks that don’t go off should be soaked in water.

Tips: Read all fireworks’ directions with an adult before using them; keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies; and never point fireworks at anyone.

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

BIKE, DIVE, FIREWORKS, GRILL, HATS, INJURY, IVY, LAKE, OAK, PLANTS, POOL, PROTECTION, SAFETY, SPARKLERS, SUMAC, SUMMER, SUNBLOCK, SWIM, WATER.

Tips for adults

• Make sure that all fence gates and doors will latch securely.

• Before children use their bikes, skateboards or Rollerblades this summer, make sure they have helmets that properly fit and have straps that fasten for safety. Check to make sure brakes are working correctly. Go over bike safety precautions with children to make sure they understand.

• Check that play equipment is in good working order, including bolts and hooks on play sets.

• Lock up grills, gasoline containers, lighters and matches.

• Never leave children alone in or near water. Kids can drown in just a few seconds in as little as 1 inch of water.

• Don’t let kids dive or jump into water that is less than 9 feet deep. Also, remind children not to jump into the water toward other people.

• Learn CPR.

• Keep emergency service numbers in your phone.

• If visiting the ocean, be aware of underwater currents and waves. Don’t allow children to dive facefirst into waves.

RESOURCES

ON THE WEB

• bit.ly/4neKcZB AT THE LIBRARY

• “Would You Rather? Summer Edition” by Lindsey Daly

ECO NOTE

A new artificial intelligence technique is allowing scientists to map ocean currents in unprecedented detail by analyzing temperature patterns from weather satellites, according to research led by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The method, called GOFLOW, tracks subtle shifts in ocean surface temperatures to reveal small, fast-moving currents that were previously difficult to observe. Researchers say the new discovery could improve climate models, weather forecasting and the understanding of marine ecosystems.

Poison ivy Poison oak Poison sumac

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:

INVITATION TO BID (ITB)

GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: ITB-26-13

GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: TRANSPORTATION

MANAGEMENT CENTER (TMC) OPERATIONS

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

Publish: July 2, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

MEDIA BOX SURPLUS SALE

NOTICE OF CALLING FOR BIDS OF SURPLUS

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 Wednesday, July 22, 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 Wednesday, July 22, 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)

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend.

Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts. com

Membership & Development

Committee Meeting

July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85644 191713?pwd=paGfQQZCXO33BsN LFWygwbyl4SAqAY.1

Meeting ID: 856 4419 1713

Passcode: 132658

Executive Committee Meeting

July 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81232 521250?pwd=CrZMKL1oJhWCyDL ZwvGhBYbIUH55HR.1

Meeting ID: 812 3252 1250

Passcode: 747508

Art In Public Places Committee

Meeting

July 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81830 937276?pwd=tk5Mchz7KPe9lakdi STGvaMwh29QvU.1

Meeting ID: 818 3093 7276

Passcode: 052099

Membership & Development Committee Meeting

July 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88498 912227?pwd=pKb3leXpsNSXQPvr qemfSzzYa4ltg2.1

Meeting ID: 884 9891 2227

Passcode: 850136

Grant Panel Review – ABC July 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82254 030418?pwd=W2ghuJjYah2eTQcR 8brESc4zYXGz87.1

Meeting ID: 822 5403 0418

Passcode: 219386

Grant Panel Review - AIS & SP Jul 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89829 848881?pwd=keDzalOWKLoOmCP acG9VpQBbUTJRPY.1

Meeting ID: 898 2984 8881

Passcode: 404554

Membership & Development Committee Meeting

July 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88498 912227?pwd=pKb3leXpsNSXQPvr qemfSzzYa4ltg2.1

Meeting ID: 884 9891 2227

Passcode: 850136

Publish: July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Key West Library Roof Replacement 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.

LEGAL NOTICES

electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on July 28, 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 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the followingK 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)

Publish: July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-000268-K IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBIN WHITLEY HOOD, II

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robin Whitley Hood, II, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

Robert J. Naberhaus III, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 476684

Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, P.A. 7380 Murrell Road, Suite 200 Melbourne, Florida 32940

Telephone: (321) 259-8900

Fax: (321) 254-4479

rnaberhaus@deanmead.com probate@deanmead.com

Publish:

July 2 & 9, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-000234-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF ALAN RANALD THOMSON

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ALAN RANALD THOMSON, deceased, whose date of death was February 17, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000234-P; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: JULY 2, 2026. Personal Representative: ALAN C. THOMSON 556 Bonito Ave Key Largo, FL 33037 alan@swensonrealty.com

Attorney for Personal Representative: John Michael Lynn, PA JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish:

July 2 & 9, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000167-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF ALBERT H. ENOS, JR., Deceased.

Rachel Enos Manos, Trustee of The Enos Trust dated February 14, 2012 202 Suffield Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009-4620 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. The date of first publication of this Notice is June 25, 2026. Attorney for Person Giving Notice: John A. Garner, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0569992 Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 9130 Galleria Court, Suite 101 Naples, FL 34109-4381 Telephone: 239-497-8362 Primary email: jagarner@taftlaw. com Secondary email: jstarnes@taftlaw. com Person Giving Notice: Rachel Enos Manos 202 Suffield Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009-4620

Publish: June 25 & July 2, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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: July 2, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

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

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 July 2, 2026.

Personal Representative: Robert J. Naberhaus III 7380 Murrell Road

Suite 200

Melbourne, Florida 32940

Attorney for Personal Representative:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Albert H. Enos, Jr., deceased, File Number 26-CP-000167-K; by the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040; that the decedent’s date of death was March 16, 2026, that the total value of the estate is $25,000.00, and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name/Address

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE NO.: 44-2025-CP-000536A0-01KW PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA TROSSET, a/k/a SANDRA E. TROSSETT, a/k/a SANDRA LYNN TROSSET, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that a Petition for Summary Administration has been filed in the estate of SANDRA TROSSET, a/k/a SANDRA E. TROSSETT, a/k/a SANDRA LYNN TROSSET, Deceased, File Number 44-2025-CP-000536A0-01KW, in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Monroe County Courthouse, 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040; that the Decedent’s date of death was July 7, 2025, that the total value of the estate is $43,297.71 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it will be assigned by an Order of Summary Administration are: Name/Address ROBERT F. TROSSET, III 23 Cactus Dr. Key West, FL 33040 CHRISTOPHER LYNN TROSSET 62 Bay Dr. Key West, FL 33040 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the Decedent

APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY

CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is June 25, 2026.

Person Giving Notice:

ROBERT F. TROSSET, III 23 Cactus Dr. Key West, FL 33040

Attorney for Person Giving Notice:

SHELBY L. LOVELESS Florida Bar No. 125061

Weaver Loveless Law

240 E. Park Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853

Tel.: 863.676.6000

Fax: 863.678.1515

E-Mail: sloveless@lakewaleslaw.net

Secondary E-Mail: jimweaver@ lakewaleslaw.net

Publish:

June 25 & July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 26-CP-000119-M

DIVISION: MARATHON

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN A. WARNER, SR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of John A. Warner, Sr., deceased, whose date of death was March 9, 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 June 25, 2026.

Personal Representative: John A. Warner, Jr.

900 Plantation Way

Gallatin, Tennessee 37066

Attorney for Personal Representative: Meghan E. Miller

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1003898

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: memiller@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: kobrien@floridakeyslaw.com service@floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

June 25 and July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

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

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 26-CP-276-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF VIVE A. LEROY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of VIVE A. LEROY, deceased, whose date of death was February 13, 2026, Case: 26-CP-276-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: June 25, 2026.

Personal Representative: JULIA D. CLOPTON

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

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

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

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

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

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

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

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish: June 25 and July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000397-K

AMENDED 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 9nd day of July 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 F11, 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) VI entered in a case pending in said Court, the 26th day of May 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 RICHARD LISLE WALKER, DECEASED AND MELISSA WALKER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO RICHARD LISLE WALKER

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000397-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of June 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: June 25 and July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000384-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 9nd day of July 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 F24, Week 39, 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 26th day of May 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 JOHN BUBOIS, DECEASED AND KAREN DUBOIS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN DUBOIS

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000384-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of June 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: June 25 and July 2, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000413-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 9th day of July 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 5531, Week 29, 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)II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 26th day of May 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 JOHN P. SCHINAS, DECEASED; DAVE SCHINAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN P. SCHINAS; DAWN SCHINAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN P. SCHINAS; ROB SCHINAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN P. SCHINAS; AND CARRIE SCHINAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHN P. SCHINAS

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000413-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 8TH day of June 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: June 25 and July 2, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-671-M

ATASHIA JERODIEN BELLE, Petitioner, and JARVIS JABARR MCGEE, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: JARVIS JABARR MCGEE

RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN

ADDRESS: 4753 NW 42ND STREET, LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL 33319

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 ATASHIA BELLE, whose address is 1685 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, APT. 4, MARATHON, FL 33050 on or before JULY 25, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS

HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 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: June 10, 2026

Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk

Publish:

June 25 and July 2, 9 & 16, 2026

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

Dodge Dakota For Sale. ONLY 49k miles, 4 seats, mechanically sound, cold A/C, White in color, paint in good condition. Located in Summerland Key. $4,500 OBO 305-394-2777

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

BOATFORSLIP/RACK RENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

Handyman needed for residence In Marathon. High Pay! Start right away. Call Bob at 305-395-0478

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time maintenance person. 12- 15 hours a week. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@marathonyachtclub. com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

- Concrete Field Testing Technician needed. Fulltime. Year round. We train you to go to various job sites and collect samples. Vehicle provided. Must speak English and have clean driving record. Starting pay $20/hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals. Benefits included. 305-6992555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician, & Custodian (Marathon). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha.org or 305-2965621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Experienced FT 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 serviceoriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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 HIRED!!!

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTAL - Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/ month 786-258-3127

3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available June 30. $3,500/month 618-559-9143 2BR/2BA available in August.

Studio Rental in Marathon, long-term, partially furnished, price includes internet, water, electric gas, garbage, pest, and lawn @ $2,200/mo all in. Call or text 305-433-0515

LONG TERM RENTALS: HUGE EFFICIENCY, 650 SF, partially furnished $1,650/month AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all appliances, renovated, for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $2,000 month. First/ Security Call 305-610-8002

WANTED TO BUY

REAL ESTATE CLOSING POSITION

Busy law office on Big Pine Key seeking a highly organized, detail and customer serviceoriented individual, who is computer savvy and can handle a fast-paced environment. Duties include managing closing files, coordination with Realtors, sellers, buyers and lenders, regularly updating all involved parties. Prior experience a plus. Salary, health insurance, bonuses, overtime pay and 401k.

Email resume to: greg@oropezastonescardenas.com

WE’RE HIRING

PIZZA MAKERS, PREP & CASHIERS

FOR THE NEW KEY LARGO LOCATION, OPENING SOON.

Pizza Maker experience is a must.

For all positions, applicant must be selfmotivated, quick learner and team player.

Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience.

Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com

NOW HIRING

DOCK HAND

We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

NOW H I RI NG!

wants you to join their team!

RETAIL GIFT SHOP ASSOCIATE

Full-time. $19/hour to start.

EMAIL resume to: TurtleHospital@TurtleHospital.org APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

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

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

Home Décor

Sales Consultant

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

Kitchen Design Specialist

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

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

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) (FT, PT)

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician

Driver (CDL NOT required) (PT)

Registered Nurse (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT, PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians (FT, PT)

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

- 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.

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),

- 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,

- Registered Nurse, Surgery,

- Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT

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

- 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,

- Registered Respiratory Therapist,

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

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

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

Requirements

• Current Florida Law Enforcement Certi cation

• Ability to successfully complete a background investigation, drug screening, medical exam, polygraph, and psychological evaluation

Salary & Benefits

• Starting Salary: $75,000

• Full Health & Dental Insurance

• Florida Retirement System (FRS)

• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

Email resume to: Chief of Police Jamie Buxton chief@keycolonybeach.net

For more information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

City of Key Colony Beach

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer and a drug- and nicotine-free workplace.