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According to the latest figures, there are 68,000 women currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. The USAF accepted its first female recruits into the Women in the Air Force program on July 8, 1948.
Penelope and Ayla Castro are queens of the savannah in ‘I Just Can’t Wait to Be King’ from Disney’s ‘Dare to Dream Jr.,’ opening this weekend at Marathon Community Theatre. See page 18. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
NEW DESANTIS-INSTALLED
CFK BOARD SEEKS TERMINATION OF LONGTIME PRESIDENT ‘DR. G’
jim@keysweekly.com
Arevamped college board — with six new members appointed by the governor in only the past six months — is seeking termination of longtime College of the Florida Keys President Jonathan “Dr. G” Gueverra.
Per an audio recording obtained by the Keys Weekly of the June 30 meeting at the Upper Keys Center, the seven-member board unanimously voted to consult with the Key West law firm Smith, Hawks PL to review whether the board has grounds to terminate an agreement between Gueverra and the college. The board would need to provide further approval if costs into examining possible termination exceed $15,000.
Bart Smith, one of the founders of the law firm, told the Keys Weekly on July 8 that the law firm is “still trying to figure out what we can and can’t do, because we already do some work for the college. So I can’t comment further on that as of now.”
The latest development at CFK follows a statewide pattern of moves DeSantis has made to install conservative members on college boards — it was an election pledge to root out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — and install allies as president. Most notably, DeSantis’ hand-picked New College of Florida board was the subject of national attention. The former House speaker Richard Corcoran was chosen to replace the president at the college.
During the meeting, the CFK board seemingly criticized Gueverra over the recent veto by the governor of $3.5 million to update the college’s air conditioning system. The request was also axed by the governor last year.
Some members also believed there was a $2.2 million allocation in this year’s budget that was vetoed by
the governor to expand the college’s marine science programs. That funding request was vetoed last year by the governor, and the request wasn’t included in the Legislature’s approved spending plan this year.
Conversations also revolved around an exchange between college board chairwoman Alexandria Suarez and Gueverra about his contract at a May 26 meeting. Some board members believed Gueverra was being disrespectful toward the chairwoman, saying he called her a liar. Gueverra denied those claims during the June 30 meeting. The Keys Weekly requested the May 26 meeting audio recording and hadn’t received it by press time.
“Dr. G’s done a good job, but he’s been here 13 years. I would move for termination,” Suarez said during the June 30 meeting. Suarez was appointed by DeSantis in 2023 and became chair in February. “I don’t think the college is getting what it needs to get. I think the actions, aside from not getting the appropriations, and the insubordination, and the way things have happened with leadership …”
Suarez added she spoke to Gueverra the Thursday before the meeting to go over the president’s assessment. She was “sincerely expecting an apology ... but I didn’t get it in spite of me stating that,” Suarez told board members at the meeting. “I’m not sure if it falls under insubordination. But, that is neither here nor there. My biggest concern is the college isn’t getting the money it needs.”
In addition to seeking termination, the board approved a motion to give Gueverra the chance to resign within 48 hours. Gueverra has not offered his resignation.
A previous board approved a three-year contract extension with Gueverra during a July 29, 2025 meeting. With the extension came a bump in his annual salary to $250,000. Some board members wanted to know why the contract was renewed prior to the expiration of the existing agreement. At the May 26 meeting, they requested historical contract practices, contract renewal timelines and whether the contract renewal occurred earlier than expected.
Board makeup shifts
On Jan. 30, DeSantis announced four new appointments to the CFK board. They included:
• Eddie Kertis, a U.S. Army veteran who works at the college as captain and divemaster.
• Peter Batty Jr. is president and owner of United Atlantic Insurance Group and co-founder and chairman of the board for Gulf Atlantic Bank.
• Michael Downer is a proprietor at Key West Fine Wines who previously served as a senior lawyer and executive at Capital Group. His wife, Dr. Jessica Johnson, is Republican state committeewoman for Monroe County.
• Bob Broton is a retired director of engineering at Northrop Grumman.
JIM McCARTHY
CFK President Jonathan Gueverra was selected as the college’s sixth president in 2012. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
NEW DESANTISINSTALLED CFK BOARD SEEKS TERMINATION OF LONGTIME PRESIDENT ‘DR. G’
With the appointments, coming off the board were Kevin Madok, who served as chairman, vice chair Sheldon Suga and trustees Mike Puto and Richard Weinstein.
The four new board members were installed at a Feb. 24 meeting, where Suarez took over as chair and Batty became vice chair.
By the June 30 meeting, the governor’s latest appointments — Susan Raffanello, Islamorada resident and shareholder at Coffey Burlington, and Andrew Dulcey, a private practice attorney in Key West — were sworn in. The appointments filled trustee Dan Leben’s seat and a longstanding vacancy on the board.
Suarez is a lawyer and former assistant prosecutor with the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. She’s also the current chair of legislative affairs for the Keys Republican Executive Committee.
Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who chairs the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee, has been closely watching the college board appointments, but denied having any involvement in the attempt to replace college president Jonathan Gueverra.
“I don’t have that kind of authority,” Lopez told the Keys Weekly on July 6. “Y’all are giving me too much credit. But I have had discussions throughout the community and perhaps the college trustees heard me saying that a college president’s main goal is to bring in money for the school, and in this case, that didn’t happen.”
Lopez pointed to the governor’s veto of $6 million in funding that CFK did not receive, although several community colleges’ requests were also left unfunded by the governor’s veto.
Lopez told the Keys Weekly that she thought Gueverra had already been removed from his position. When the Keys Weekly told her the college board instead had voted to hire a law firm to review Gueverra’s contract, Lopez said, “Oh, I think he’s been removed already. I have a strong feeling the board will go in a different direction. But no one is taking orders from me. In my opinion, the president did not have a harmonious relationship with the governor, and that wasn’t good.
“I’ll be happy to work with the college foundation to raise money, because we need it. But the college’s lob-
was completed in 2021. KEYS WEEKLY PHOTO byists failed us. And there’s not a college or university in the country that, if they don’t get millions allocated, then no one’s going to be happy with the lobbyists or the college president. I applaud what Dr. G has done and I look forward to working with the new president.”
Board evaluates Gueverra
While Kertis didn’t object to seeking termination with Gueverra, he recognized how the president of 13 years was “the driving force in where the college is today.”
An assessment of Gueverra by the newly-structured board noted his high level of knowledge in education and how he was able to handle crises, initiate new ideas and change, and demand effective short- and long-range strategic plans.
“As I also noted in my evaluation, almost iconic the level of what he’s done here,” Kertis said.
But there were some criticisms from board members. There were questions about two senior leaders who left at the same time, one who suddenly resigned and a vice president leaving with no explanation. There were also sentiments of disappointment in the assessment of how Gueverra interacted with the board in understanding his contract, as well as the exchange between Suarez and Gueverra at the May meeting.
The Keys Weekly contacted Gueverra for comment, but he didn’t respond by press time.
Suarez told Keys Weekly on July 6 that she wasn’t able to discuss details into the potential termination.
“We’re going through the process right now,” she said.
The CFK board will next meet on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at CFK’s Middle Keys Center.
Gueverra’s track record
Gueverra was selected as the col-
lege’s sixth president in 2012. During his tenure, CFK launched new programs to support vital industries in the Florida Keys, including hospitality and ecotourism management and culinary management in 2015. Guevara also oversaw the first year that the college’s first-ever student housing operated with 100 beds.
By 2017, the college launched the Keys’ first public baccalaureate degree, a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management. With support from the National Science Foundation, the college added an associate in science in engineering technology — renewable energy technician.
Outside of the programing, the college came to the aid of the community following Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The college rallied and helped more than 160 businesses secure more than $6 million in bridge loans through the Small Business Development Center. CFK also launched tuition-free construction apprenticeships in electrical, carpentry, plumbing and HVAC.
In 2019, the baccalaureate-degreegranting institution was renamed the College of the Florida Keys. The same year, the college started a bachelor of science in nursing program in an effort to respond to the needs for highlytrained nurses on the island chain.
“Dr. Gueverra has done a superb job running the College of the Florida Keys. From taking the school from a two-year junior to a four-year institution, and establishing a brand new campus for our Upper Keys residents, the list goes on and on,” said Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln. “He’s an honorable man who’s done more to champion higher education than anyone else in the Keys.”
The expansions continued into 2020 with the college introducing a bachelor of science in marine resource management — the first degree of its kind in the nation. CFK also entered
into the world of competitive sports with new men’s and women’s swim teams and membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association. By 2021, CFK expanded its presence in the Upper Keys from its original location at Coral Shores High School to a new, 38,000-square-foot center in Key Largo. The new center delivers a wide range of programming — from marine science and hospitality to nursing and apprenticeships in trades. Basic law enforcement training at the center offers aspiring officers the ability to complete a 770-hour program. A correctional basic training course at the center prepares students to become corrections officers in Florida, pending passage of a state exam.
In 2023, the college opened the CFK Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school on the Key West campus.
Madok served on the board for 12 years, with his final meeting being last January. A board chairman for several years, Madok said the accomplishments of the college were “nothing short of incredible.”
“I equate it to the 1971-72 Lakers when they went on a 33-game winning streak. We were on a winning streak and it was very exciting to be a part of it,” Madok said. “He’s a true educator first, and it amazed me how he literally knew the names of every student on campus. He’d sit out on the breezeway and students would come out and talk to him.”
A day after the June 30 meeting, CFK issued a press release stating that it’s fully and solely accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The college has been transitioning to HLC since it was granted initial accreditation in November 2025 — maintaining dual accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) during that time. CFK’s membership with SACSCOC, which has accredited the college since 1968, ended on June 30, 2026.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the determination and dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration. As we conclude our 60th anniversary, completing this transition to the nation’s largest institutional accreditor is a fitting reflection of how far we’ve come — and the strong foundation we have established for an even stronger future,” Gueverra said in a press release. “Our students can be confident that their financial aid, their credits and their degrees are backed by a world-class accreditor, and this positions CFK to continue opening doors for our students and community.”
— Mandy Miles contributed to this report
CFK President Jonathan Gueverra oversaw construction of the Upper Keys Center, which
AN ALL-AMERICAN ISLAND AFFAIR
& Rotary Club of Marathon ring in the
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Any visitor to the Middle Keys will tell you: You’d be hardpressed to find a better small-town Fourth of July celebration than the one right here in Marathon. On America’s 250th birthday, the City of Marathon and the Marathon Rotary Club teamed up to continue an unparalleled tradition, filling Sombrero Beach Road for a morning parade before all-day festivities at Sombrero Beach and a pyrotechnic masterpiece after sundown.
“It was a fantastic day and fantastic turnout for the largest parade that anyone could remember,” said Rotary president and parade organizer Kelly Williams, whose procession drew 44 participants. “A special thanks to the community for being so supportive of us.”
BEST IN PARADE
Rotary Club Awards
Best Overall: Zonta
Most Patriotic: Coral Construction
Most Spirited: The Mead Family
Turtle Hospital Award
Best Truck/Car Float: Middle Keys Sailing Club
Best Golf Cart: BPW
Best Bike: Denise Pankow
Best Kids Bike: Judah Grostefon, Hank McKnight, Luke Cook
1. Randy Mearns runs the show at the city of Marathon’s annual fireworks display and sky concert. CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed
2-6. From golf carts to classic cars, massive bald eagles and body paint, 44 entrants make the Rotary parade the largest in recent memory for the USA’s semiquincentennial anniversary.
7. Members of the American Legion Post 154 fire ceremonial shots.
8. Ava Samess greets fans from the Pigeon Key Express.
9. Judah Grostefon, Hank McKnight and Luke Cook go full body-paint for their parade entry, winning the Best Kids Bike award.
10. Lily Hutchinson, Jubilee Wiebe and Gabriella Wiebe are on candy-throwing duty.
11. Lady Liberty, Betsy Ross, the Liberty Bell and more adorn Zonta’s America 250 float. The club won Best Overall Entry for their efforts.
12. Grand marshal Tina the Turtle, tasked with leading the parade in honor of the Turtle Hospital’s 40th anniversary, rides the Pigeon Key Express with Mia Williams, Sam Williams, Kacey Mearns Hunt and Hamill Hunt.
13. The Marathon BPW earns the Best Golf Cart award, presented by the Turtle Hospital.
14. Judah Grostefon, Hank McKnight and Luke Cook accept their Best Kids Bike award from Rotary president and parade organizer Kelly Williams.
15. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, left, Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo are a portrait of Middle Keys leadership on the Fourth of July.
Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
AXFORD & HORAN VIE FOR SOUTHERNMOST SCHOOL BOARD SEAT
Candidates answer biographical questions
The Keys Weekly wants Monroe County voters to get to know the candidates who seek to represent them at all levels of city and county government. To that end, we’ve asked each candidate for the two school board races — Districts 1 and 5 — to answer the eight questions below in 500 words.
Although each of the five school board members represents a specific region in the island chain, all members are elected by all voters, whether they live in Key West, Key Largo or anywhere in between. The responses here are as submitted by the candidates.
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 1 THERESA AXFORD
How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? My husband and I and our 5-year-old son Rob came to Key West on a vacation in 1976 to visit my sister. When we left Philadelphia, it was 17 degrees quite a contrast to the balmy island breezes of the Keys. We fell in love with island life and decided to close up shop in the Northeast and move to the Keys permanently. It was a very happy decision.
Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? I have two amazing sons, both educated in Monroe County Schools and both very successful. I have three wonderful grandchildren: Layla, 7, and Gage, 9, live in Orlando with parents John and Molly. Isabella lives in Hillsborough, NC with Rob and Rebecca. She recently graduated from Orange High School in Hillsborough and is attending the University of North Carolina in the fall.
What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I
was a member of the Zonta Club of Key West for over 20 years and was president twice during my years in Zonta. During my tenure, the ABC Breast Cancer Walk came into being. When work responsibilities overtook my available time, I retained membership in the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. I was chairperson of the Arts Council from 2012-2020. In that role, working with executive director Liz Young, we created the latest grant program for the council, “Art Builds Community.” These grants make available funds up to $10,000 for grants that support underserved populations in the Keys with opportunities to engage with the arts.
What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I retired from county schools after 38 years on July 31, 2025. My most recent position was superintendent. My sister
Rita lives in Germany so last fall, I traveled there and together we went to France, Belgium, Poland and Germany. She has been living in Europe for 12 years and is an avid traveler. She knows all the right spots, so it’s fun traveling with her.
What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I am very passionate about making sure our students in Monroe County have a high-quality education. I have a great deal of experience with delivering quality systems and I would like to continue doing that work as a school board member.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my two sons – they are great people, respon-
sible, proud Americans and have amazing wives and children. It’s the ultimate reward of all those years of parenting.
Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? My favorite spot in Key West is Higgs Beach. When we arrived, we spent a lot of time at that beach and it always symbolizes new beginnings and happiness for me.
What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? The School Board sets policy, controls budget and oversees the Superintendent. These are consequential duties that deserve the perspective of someone who has lived them, not just observed them. I am the only candidate who has actually worked in Monroe County Schools and I have led schools from every possible level, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Superintendent. I would like to share that wisdom and experience on the School Board.
How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? I’m a 6th generation “Conch” born and raised in Key West. I have lived in Key West all my life, with the exception of leaving for college and law school. My family currently resides near Key West High School (“KWHS”) in a house built by my wife’s grandparents in 1964.
Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? My wife and I are both graduates of KWHS and we have three daughters, one of which also gradu-
ated from KWHS (2020), and the other two are still in school. My parents still live in the same house on Key Haven that I grew up in.
What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I’m the current vice-chairperson of the Monroe County School Board – District 1. I’m a current member and past-president (2019) of the Key West Military Affairs Committee; a former board member for the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce; a former Rotarian; and the former vice-president of the Southernmost Seminoles.
What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? Aside from serving on the Monroe County School Board, I’m the managing partner of Horan Law. Outside of work, I’m usually spending my free time with my family or coaching youth sports.
What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I wish I had a better answer, but the truth is I initially ran for the Monroe County School Board on a dare. Mindy Conn (who currently serves on the school board in District 3) dared me to run at a Christmas party back in December 2021. I’m really glad I accepted her challenge.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Being a dad.
Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? The backyard of my parents’ house. My father and I have spent hundreds of hours back there, smoking cigars and overlooking the canal — all while “solving the world’s problems.” I find peace there.
What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? Navigating a diverse board with varied backgrounds and viewpoints can be challenging, but having already served with other current Monroe County School Board members, I have a better understanding of their opinions and beliefs on certain issues. That insight helps move things along more efficiently.
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 1 DARREN HORAN
Keys Weekly staff
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 5 SUE WOLTANSKI
How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? My husband and I purchased our home in Tavernier in 1999 and became full-time residents in 2008. We chose the Keys to raise our family in a close-knit community where our children could grow up surrounded by nature, great public schools, and extended family.
Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? My husband, Tom, is a recently retired emergency physician. We have two children, both proud Coral Shores High School graduates. We moved permanently to the Keys so they could grow up next door to their grandmother. Although she has since passed away, we still enjoy a steady stream of snowbirding relatives.
What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? Community service is important to me. I am a member of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the Upper Keys League of Women Voters, Upper Keys Business & Professional Women, several local Chambers of Commerce, and a graduate of Leadership Monroe. I also volunteer on local projects and organize our annual “Hello Summer” hygiene drive for students.
What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I am a retired pediatrician turned public education advocate, now serving on the Monroe County School Board. My days are spent visiting schools, meeting with parents, teachers, and community members, attending school and civic events, following education policy, and writing my blog, Accountabaloney, to help others understand Florida education policy.
What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I never planned to run for office. My journey began as a parent and public education advocate. As I became
SUE WOLTANSKI & CHELYN SHAW SEEK SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5 SEAT
more involved in education policy and school improvement efforts, I realized I could make an even greater difference by serving on the School Board. I’ve always considered myself a public education advocate first—not a politician—and that continues to guide every decision I make.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Personally, I am most proud of my two children and the creative, thoughtful, and compassionate young adults they have become. Watching them grow into confident adults has been the greatest privilege of my life. Professionally, I am proud to have played a small part in strengthening Monroe County’s public schools for today’s students and future generations. Knowing that the work we do today will continue creating opportunities for children long after my service ends is the most rewarding accomplishment I could hope for.
Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? I love taking a boat out on Florida Bay. I never tire of seeing wild dolphins, the incredible colors of the water, and breathtaking cloud formations. Nest Key is probably my favorite destination, but the journey there is the best part of the adventure.
What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? My medical training taught me to listen carefully, analyze complex information, and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. Before serving on the School Board, I spent years as a public education advocate, engaging with policymakers, building coalitions, learning how education policy is shaped and how collaboration builds meaningful results. Those experiences, and the relationships I’ve made, allow me to effectively advocate for Monroe County’s schools, ensure our community’s voice is heard, and deliver results for our students, educators, and taxpayers.
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 5
CHELYN SHAW
How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here?
I moved to Key Largo in October 2005, nearly 22 years ago, to be close to my family and the beautiful waters of the
have always felt like home to me. The Shaw family first owned property here back in 1946, so I’m connected to this community. I can’t imagine a better place to call home.
Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? Faith in God & love for family is the center of my life. I’m the proud mother of three successful adult children and Nana to seven amazing grandchildren. Four of my grandchildren have attended Monroe County schools from Pre-K through graduation — three have already graduated, and one is still in school today. Watching them grow through our school system has given me a personal understanding of both its strengths and the areas where we can do better.
What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs, or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County?
I believe a life of service is a life well lived. I’ve taught Sunday School for 30 years and volunteer in many areas of my church. I’m Vice President of the Upper Keys Republican Club and serve as a Committeewoman with the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee. I volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary, belong to the Moose Lodge, and I’m active in Southernmost Republican Club and Middle Keys Republican Club. Earlier in my life, I spent many years working with the Boy Scouts and I served on the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department Water Emergency Team many years, where we searched for missing divers, vessels, crime evidence, and assisted with many emergency situations. And when I’m not volunteering, I’m often taking care of my 130-pound “grand-dog”, who definitely keeps me busy!
What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I’m self-employed as a licensed 200-ton U.S. Coast Guard yacht captain. Right now, I’m selling one business while launching another that focuses on yacht and estate management. Every day is different. I’m constantly answering client calls, coordinating repairs, solving problems, and making sure the yachts under my care are safe, maintained, and ready to go. My evenings and weekends are often filled with church activities, teaching, volunteering with the American Legion Auxiliary, and spending time with family. I attend monthly meetings for the civic organizations I serve.
What made you decide to run for public office, and what drew you to public service? Service to others has been foundational in my life. Whether through my career, my volunteer work, my church, or my family, I’ve always believed in putting others before myself. As I listened to parents, teachers, and taxpayers express their concerns about our schools, I realized something needed to change. I sought God’s guidance, and felt called to step forward. I decided to run because I believe our children deserve the very best education possible, our teachers deserve support and respect, and parents deserve to have a real voice in their children’s education.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Without question, my greatest accomplishment is being a mother and a grandmother. Raising three successful children and watching my grandchildren grow into kind, capable young people has been the greatest blessing of my life. Secondarily, I’m proud to be a lifelong learner and to have established a reputation for integrity and hard work.
Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? Anywhere on the water. Whether I’m running a boat, diving beneath the surface, or simply watching the sunrise over the ocean, that’s where I find peace. The water has a way of reminding me what’s truly important. It clears my mind, renews my spirit, and reminds me why I chose to make the Keys my home.
Florida Keys. The Keys
TRISH COX
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
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 Trish Cox, who has worked as a landscape designer for the past 27 years, designing outdoor spaces throughout the Florida Keys, South Florida and the Bahamas. When she’s not working, she homeschools her two children, Micah and Norah, and volunteers alongside her husband and friends in a youth ministry at Calvary Baptist Church called “Impact Youth.” In her spare time, you’ll find her paddleboarding, running or helping coach youth sports.
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve lived in the Florida Keys three different times, totaling nearly 30 years, with the last 20 years being continuous. We moved back after my husband accepted a position as a youth pastor, a calling we both felt God had placed on our hearts. Even after his years in that role ended, we knew the Keys had become home.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The people. The Florida Keys has such a close-knit and diverse community where neighbors genuinely know and care about one another.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given? Years ago, my pastor told me, “Choose a pace you can keep up for a lifetime.” That advice has stayed with me because there are so many things I hope to continue doing for decades such as raising my family, serving others, staying healthy and investing in people. Life isn’t a sprint; it’s about building a sustainable rhythm that lets you finish well.
Does your family have a favorite song that you listen and dance to together? One of our family’s favorite songs is “Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen. It’s one of those songs you can’t help but dance to, sing along with or turn up when you need a little encouragement.
What’s your funniest family vacation story? One of our most unforgettable family stories happened after a hiking trip to Colorado when our son, Micah, was 6-1/2 years old. As soon as we got off the airplane in Fort Lauderdale, we received the phone call we had been praying and waiting years for. There was a baby girl waiting for us to adopt. After that, friends would tease us that we’re the only family they know who left for vacation with one child and came home with two!
My significant other would say I am… A fixer. If you have a problem and you come to her, she’ll immediately give you 10 different ways to solve it.
If you’re having a rough day, what’s the best way to cheer you up? People. I’m a true extrovert, and being around friends or family fills my cup. I especially love spending Wednesday nights with our Impact Youth group. There’s something energizing about investing in middle and high school students that always leaves me encouraged.
What’s your favorite smell/ most hated smell? Favorite: freshcut grass. Least favorite: sewage treatment plants. I don’t think that one needs much explanation!
If you had to give a TED Talk on a totally random topic, what would it be? “One Week Can Change a Life.” I would talk about how taking 42 youths to Camp Living Stones was life-changing, and how placing a young person in a different environment for a week can truly shift the trajectory of their life. At camp, they get to experience things like whitewater rafting, ziplining and rock climbing, while also learning about Jesus and being surrounded by a safe, loving community.
What would the title of a movie about your life be and what actor/actress would play you? “Where Are the Instructions?” So many times in my life, I’ve been thrust into situations where I had no clue what I was doing (adopting, parenting, coaching, building a business). There was no manual, no clear roadmap, and I learned as I went. And somehow, through every season, I figured it out. And here I am!
What is your favorite board game and why? Settlers of Catan. It has created some of our favorite memories with family and friends, and I love that every game is different. It’s the perfect mix of strategy, competition and laughter.
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? People would be surprised to know that I’ve wanted to adopt for as long as I can remember. Since I was about 7 years old, I would tell my friends that my baby dolls were adopted. It was something that always felt natural to me. Thirteen years ago, my husband Jeff and I had the incredible opportunity to adopt our son, Micah, and seven years ago we adopted our daughter, Norah. Adoption has always felt like it was supposed to be part of our family’s story.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
KEYS WEEKLY & MARATHON CHAMBER ANNOUNCE 2026 CANDIDATE FORUM
Q&A session to feature county commission, school board & mosquito control races
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Candidates in critical Florida Keys races will have another chance to make their case to voters at a candidate forum on Wednesday, July 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center BOCC room.
Co-hosted annually by the Keys Weekly Newspapers and Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, this year’s iteration is set before the 2026 Florida state primary election on Aug. 18, which is open to all registered voters for nonpartisan races and others without a Democratic challenger.
The July 22 forum will feature four races: Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, District 2 (Michelle Lincoln vs. George Lopez, open primary), Monroe County School Board Districts 1 and 5 (Darren Horan vs. Teri Axford and Sue Woltanski vs. Chelyn Shaw), and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board District 2 (Phil Goodman vs. Alex Osborne). The candidate forum is open to the public to attend in person, and will be broadcast on Monroe County TV, available as a live stream or on Comcast channel 76, AT&T Uverse channel 99, Hotwire Fision TV and Amazon Fire TV.
WE WANT YOUR SUGGESTIONS! Have questions we should ask our candidates? Email proposed questions to alex@keysweekly.com.
STEAK AND LOBSTER HOUSE FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY
Restaurant aims to remain open during financial reorganization
The Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, one of Marathon’s most popular restaurants, will look to stay open as it develops a plan to satisfy creditors through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
One of the Middle Keys’ staple eateries will look to stay open while restructuring its debts, as the Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this spring.
According to court records first filed in April by restaurant owner Maria Ely and attorney Chad Van Horn in the Florida Southern District Court, the business lists a total of $6.63 million in liabilities, including $2.76 million in claims by unsecured creditors.
Among 28 creditors listed in the court filings, the most significant totals include an $806,583 balance due to U.S. Foods along with $1.761 million to business financing company Uptown Fund LLC and three separate balances of more than $300,000 to alternative lenders. The filing lists an $85,498 total owed to the Florida Department of Revenue as well as an unknown balance to the IRS.
“The Debtor filed this Chapter 11 case to reorganize its financial affairs, preserve asset value and address creditor claims through a court-supervised restructuring process,” a case management summary states.
Unlike a Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 11 bankruptcy typically allows a business to continue operating while it works to restructure debts and propose a repayment plan.
The filing lists the restaurant’s building at 3660 Overseas Highway at
a $3.23 million appraised value, with a $1.8 million mortgage owed to local real estate developer Bruce Schmitt.
“Steak and Lobster,” as it’s called by most Marathon residents, has remained one of the city’s largest and most consistently popular restaurants year-round since Ely and her late husband John took over the business in 2014, from lunches and happy hour specials to a full sushi menu and more upscale dinners. The eatery has earned more than a dozen wins since 2017 in a litany of categories in the Keys Weekly’s annual Best of Marathon people’s choice awards.
As news of the restaurant’s reorganization spread, locals took to social media to express support for the business, its employees and owner, calling the business a “Marathon institution.”
“Well Marathon, let’s do what we do best and help them – go eat there, and often,” one wrote.
“If we go out, we almost always go here,” wrote another. “This is a fabulous restaurant in Marathon.”
While some floated rumors of the restaurant’s closure or sale, case documents outline a preliminary six-month budget proposed for approval by the court that would govern the restaurant’s operation while preparing a plan to compensate creditors.
At press time, the restaurant remained open and operational, though Ely declined to comment on the court proceedings. A hearing in the case is set for Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. before Judge Peter D. Russin.
MARATHON CINEMA
& MONSTERS
COMMERCE CORNEr
• Local business tax may be renewed beginning on July 1, 2026. The 2026 business tax expires on September 30, 2026.
• Property tax installment bills must be paid by July 31.
• There were 1,963 certificates sold during this year’s tax certificate sale for the amount of $14,078,632.60. In the previous year, there were 1,840 certificates sold.
•
•
Established in 2024, Heeter’s Custom Pools of the Florida Keys is a licensed and certified contractor specializing in concrete pool and spa construction, as well as full-scale pool remodeling. Services include coping, tile, plaster, lighting, equipment upgrades, and automation system installation and service.
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HOUSE OF MOUSE: THE GREATEST HITS
Marathon kids speed through decades of Disney magic in ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
No obscure B-side tunes here. In Disney’s “Dare to Dream Jr.,” a new generation behind the microphone speedruns through nothing but the hits.
More than 40 young performers will have their moment under the lights in Marathon Community Theatre’s summer kids camp production this weekend. The fast-moving musical revue takes the cast through their first day as “Junior Imagineers” at Disney’s Imagineering Studio, showcasing decades of earworm-worthy tunes from “Beauty and the Beast” all the way up to more modern kid favorites like “Encanto,” “Frozen” and “Moana.”
And while the cast may belt out tunes made popular by Belle, Elsa and friends, the stars of the show told the Weekly the magic is getting to be themselves, NOT a specific character, on stage. Each actor is assigned a player number, responsible for bringing different songs or mashups to life.
“I’m Player 14, who’s known as the more goofy character of the show,” said Adrian Garcia. “He has five songs in one in the Nonsense Medley. From Mary Poppins, Tarzan…”
“Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella…” added Carli D’Ascanio, who stars in a “Bare Necessities”/“Hakuna Matata” mashup.
“I know Disney a lot,” she laughed.
“See, she knows my character more than me!” said Garcia.
“I’ve learned more about all the different songs and how they do them,” said Emily Martinez, who chaperones the younger cast members through their Imagineering journey as Player 2. “The younger actors doing their Disney songs know them really well. All the kids know ‘Let It Go,’ so they’re gonna be great at it.”
The cabaret-style show lifts the typical pressure on lines, sets and plot in favor of tunes an entire audience can sing along with, paired with a full ensemble on stage at most times. It’s an environment the actors said they relished during a more relaxed summer show under veteran directors Kara Pascucci and Stephanie Zajac.
“They’re very patient – they go step by step and help us,” said Garcia. “It’s a kids thing – it’s meant to be fun, it’s meant to be for the cast members. It’s a fun time to be here.”
“It’s summer camp, so it’s not like the whole school is going to see it,” added D’Ascanio. “My friends come, but it’s less pressure to be spot-on.”
“The fun of it is that you don’t have to act a certain way,” said Rojas. “In other shows, you’re a certain character, and people are coming to see that character. In this one, you can just be yourself and sing the songs.”
“Dare to Dream Jr.” has limited tickets available for 7 p.m. curtains on Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, plus a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 12. Tickets are $17 including fees, available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.
1. The cast of ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ includes more than 40 young performers.
2. Artemis Peres, left, and Adrian Garcia give Isla Mann a lift.
3. Stars of the show include, clockwise from top left: Ryan Bryk, Artemis Peres, Jubilee Wiebe, Gabbi Doering and Gabriella Wiebe.
5. Jonathan Hackett unleashes his roar.
4. Chloe Pullar shows off her claws in ‘I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.’
6. Ensemble numbers mean maximum stage time for the musical’s huge cast.
by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
Photos
WATERFRONT 4BD/3BA
THANK YOU!
HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
We couldn't do it without you
George & Marlisa Garrett • Keith & Diane Douglass
• Bill Kelly • Erin Arnett • Mike Cunningham • Joy
Wilson • Jen & Cameron Frisch • Charlotte Quinn •
Nicole & Omar Maldonado • Peter Rosasco • Tom Brady • Mike Millard • Nivi & Alyssa De La Torres •
Cynthia McPherson • Tammy Collins • Mazzy
Wensel • Jereme & Kelly Wensel • Natalie & Bill
Danko • Sue Lovley • Wendy Gates • Kiki & Steve
McIntire • Mike & Brandi Card • Carol Shattuck • Kelly & Ron Judd • Jeannine Roedigen • Elianys
Roque • Sam & Kelly Williams • Carolyn Campbell
• Jesus Parra • John & Sarah Bartus • Dakota Mertyris • Braydon Brabenec • Kurt & Lisa Joseph
• Michelle Lincoln • Terry Burroughs • Ken Wolfe •
Marcy & John Long • Bobby & Candace Grostefon
• Carlos Garcia • Mike Puto • Mary Ann Royse and the whole Marathon Rotary Club crew
Many thanks to the wonderful
PYROTECHNICS CREW AND PRODUCERS
Chief Pyrotechnician: Randy Mearns
Pyros: Mike Puto • Lyle Cameron • Billy Diaz
Denise Pankow • Michael Mearns
Buddy Cameron • Hammer Runyon
In loving memory of Chris Pankow
Producers: City of Marathon • Fire Power Displays
Radio Active Productions • Florida Keys Media
Marathon Electric Sign & Light
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
City of Marathon City Council • Monroe County Sheriff Department • FWC • USCG • Marathon Fire & Rescue • Richie Moretti • Bette Zirkelbach & the Turtle Hospital Crew • Scott Williams • Hammer Runyon & City of Marathon Staff • Kelly Vaughn Williams • Coca Cola • Publix • Sunbelt Rentals • Marathon Garbage Service • Eagle Brand of the Florida Keys • First State Bank
EVENT CHAIR & COMMITTEE
Mike Puto, George Garrett, Sam Williams, Kelly Williams, Jesus Parra
AHEC
Brandvold Appraisal
Centennial Bank
Conch Custard, Inc.
David L. Manz
Dot Palm
Campbell Engineering
Faro Blanco Resort & Marina
Firefighters Association
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
Florida Keys Primary Care and Wellness
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
Florida Keys Contractors Association
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 ANN ROYSE AND MIKE HOWIE VASO REALTY CORP
THE DARKER SIDE OF CONVENIENCE
We’ve engineered inconvenience out of almost every part of daily life. Unfortunately, our bodies didn’t get the memo.
HARVEY
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC.
I have absolutely no desire to homestead because I genuinely love modernday conveniences. I think flipping a switch to turn on a light is wonderful, and I believe air conditioning is one of humanity’s greatest inventions. In fact, it’s something I regularly defend in my own house with the love of my life. We all know how that conversation goes. One of you reading this is the person who says, “Oh my God, it’s hot in here!” (Hi, that’s me.) The other, usually the more budget-conscious one, replies, “You’re wearing pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Go change.” I could easily spend the rest of this article talking about household thermostat negotiations, but that’s not where I’m headed.
What I’m really getting at is this: We’ve become so good at making life easier that we barely have to lift a finger to meet our basic needs. Food can be delivered to our front door. Groceries can be loaded into our car without us ever getting out. We have robot vacuums, remote controls, power everything, golf carts, escalators, elevators, online banking, streaming services and apps that save us time with the tap of a screen.
None of those things are bad. In fact, many of them are incredible. I use plenty of them myself.
But every convenience comes with a trade-off. Every time
we remove a little bit of effort from our day, we also remove a little bit of movement. We walk less, carry less, climb less, squat less and generally ask less of our bodies than any generation before us.
For most of human history, movement wasn’t something people scheduled into their calendars. It was woven into everyday life. You walked because you had to. You carried things because there wasn’t another option. You climbed hills, knelt in gardens, scrubbed floors, hauled buckets and got up and down from the ground because life demanded it.
Today, many of us carve out 30 or 60 minutes for a workout, then spend the other 23 hours trying to avoid moving altogether.
We circle the parking lot looking for the closest spot instead of taking the first one we see. We take the elevator up one floor. We send a text to someone who’s in another room. We use the drive-through for coffee, the pharmacy, the bank and dinner. We ask Alexa to turn off the lights while the light switch patiently waits eight feet away. We spend more time looking for the TV remote than we would have spent simply getting up to change the channel.
Individually, none of those decisions matter very much. Collectively, they matter a great deal.
The human body is remarkably adaptable. Give it a reason to become stronger, and it usually will. Give it a reason to conserve energy, and it’ll gladly
do that too. Our muscles don’t know the difference between choosing convenience and being forced into inactivity. They simply respond to whatever we repeatedly ask of them.
That’s one of the reasons we’re seeing more obesity, more Type 2 diabetes, more high blood pressure, more chronic pain and more heart disease despite living in the most technologically advanced society in history. We expected convenience to improve our health because it made life more comfortable. Instead, it quietly removed many of the ordinary movements our bodies still depend on.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up modern conveniences to reclaim some of those benefits.
Park a little farther away. Carry the grocery bags in two trips instead of one. Take the stairs. Walk to your neighbor’s house instead of texting. Mow the lawn. Wash the car. Walk the dog one extra block. Stand up while you’re on the phone. Let your body do a little more of the work it was designed to do.
I’m certainly not suggesting we throw away our air conditioners, cancel Wi-Fi or start churning our own butter. Trust me, I’m keeping my thermostat exactly where I like it, assuming my husband isn’t looking.
But maybe our bodies have been trying to tell us something all along. Maybe they were never asking for life to be harder. Maybe they were simply asking us to move through it a little more. Because technology has evolved. Our physiology hasn’t.
Learn more at summer socials July 21-23
Leadership Monroe County, the educational, nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization, seeks applicants for the upcoming Class XXXIV, which will launch on Oct. 2 and run through May 1, 2027.
The public is invited to attend any of three upcoming summer socials to learn about the program and its components and meet some of the program’s alumni members and board directors.
The socials will each take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are set for July 21 at El Siboney Restaurant, 5501 5th Avenue, Stock Island; July 22 at the Marathon El Siboney Restaurant, 3574 Overseas Hwy; and July 23 at the Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Ocean Bay Drive. Refreshments will be provided.
Leadership Monroe County offers an opportunity for community leaders to experience and learn alongside a dedicated, committed group of peers, and through their engagement measurably increase their future impact within the community.
Celebrating its 34th year, with over 750 graduates, the program is aimed at residents who are active in leadership roles in the private sector, government or nonprofit community. Through a series of one- and multi-day sessions, over seven months, topics include the environment and natural resources, tourism and the economy, government, education, military, the law and judiciary, emergency management, arts and culture, health care, human services, as well as leadership skill development.
The deadline to apply is Aug. 10. Applications are available at leadershipmonroecounty. org/apply.
More information is at 305-394-3804 or via email to info@leadershipmonroecounty.org.
— Contributed
$7 Menu
• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!
• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm
uengling
* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!
BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM
• Unique & interesting menu
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots
LUNCH & DINNER
• New Sandwich Options
• Diver Speared Local Fish
• Prime Rib • Lobster
• Cook Y
• Great Seafood Selections
SUSHI
• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar
• Fresh Uni arrives on
COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEXT ARTIFICIAL REEF DEPLOYMENT
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH
11am - 2:30pm
Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine
This week, Monroe County’s artificial reefs program announced its second reef material deployment off Key West in the Florida Keys. These deployments help create new habitats, enhance recreational diving and fishing opportunities, and support the local marine ecosystem.
At press time, the following deployment was scheduled on July 8, beginning at 9 a.m.:
• Gulfside 8 Mile Reef Site
Latitude: 24.904 N
Longitude: -81.556 W
An additional deployment is planned at the following location, with the date to be determined:
• Gulfside 9 Mile Reef Site
Latitude: 24.899 N
Longitude: -81.606 W
Previous deployment on June 9, 2026:
• Gulfside 5 Mile Reef Site
Latitude: 24.79793 N
Longitude: -81.69104 W
2025 Deployment:
• Gulfside 10 Mile Reef Site
Latitude: 24.886575 N
Longitude: -81.703408 W
The public may watch deployments from private vessels, provided they stay at least 500 feet away. For safety reasons, no one may enter the water during active deployments.
All published locations and dates are subject to change based on weather and sea conditions, contrac-
tor availability or county scheduling needs. Last-minute changes may not be reflected immediately online. Anyone wishing to confirm deployment schedules before traveling to a site should text 786-847-5443 for the most current information.
Monroe County’s artificial reefs program provides valuable habitat for marine life while supporting the region’s world-renowned fishing and diving industries. The Monroe County artificial reefs program is sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the state of Florida. More information is at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/reefs.
On June 9, 32 structures were deployed across four patch reefs at the Gulfside 5 Mile Reef site. There are three different structural styles deployed. The reef sits at a depth of 42 feet. HANNA KOCH/Monroe County
AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD DINE IN | TAKE OUT | DELIVERY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
MONDAY - THURSDAY 7AM - 4PM
FRIDAY - SUNDAY 7AM - 9PM
SCAN ME!
· New members get a free ad in the Keys Weekly, Free Press, 97.7FM and more
· Monthly Networking Events (Business A er Hours, Membership Luncheons)
· We promote/refer your business to visitors and locals
· Beautification, Continuing Education Grants for Members
· Educational Workshops & Candidate Forums
· Annual Awards Banquet at Hawks Cay Resort
· We give back, awarding over $20,000 in grants & scholarships to local students & businesses each year
· Many more benefits to support, promote, and advocate for your business
MONROE COUNTY
CELEBRATES PARKS & RECREATION MONTH
map shows the location and identifications of native plants in Pine Channel
Key. CONTRIBUTED
Pine Channel Nature Park hosts July 11 event
Monroe County Parks and Beaches and Monroe County UF/IFAS Extension Services invite the community to celebrate July Parks and Recreation Month at Pine Channel Nature Park on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The free family-friendly event features the recognition of the 2026 Parks and Beaches Art Contest winners and the unveiling of the new Pine Channel Native Plant Pathway. The event celebrates the importance of parks in bringing communities together while highlighting local art, environmental education and outdoor recreation.
The art contest featured the theme “Under the Sea and Beyond the Shore.” Some 75 students submitted artwork and mascot designs. This year’s winners are two fourth graders, Olivia Sokolov and Tennyson Bozart, from the Basilica School of Saint Mary Star of the Sea in Key West. Their artwork will be showcased at the event.
In addition, guests are invited to walk the new Pine Channel Native Plant Pathway, created through a partnership between Monroe County UF/IFAS Extension Services and Florida master gardener volunteers. The path features a
Olivia Sokolov and Tennyson Bozart, both in grade 4, won an art contest and will be celebrated at the July 11 event.
self-guided walking trail showcasing native Florida Keys plants. Signs describe each plant and include QR codes linking to additional resources from the University of Florida. The celebration will also include informational vendor booths, a hands-on fish art activity, free ice cream from Keys Vineyard Church, free native plant giveaways from the Key West Botanical Garden, and gardening advice from master gardener volunteers.
— Contributed
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CELEBRATES TRIO OF MARATHON HOMEOWNERS
Families
pledge ‘sweat equity’ hours as they move into affordable
builds
Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys recently welcomed its 49th, 50th and 51st families to homeownership in Marathon.
A dedication ceremony was held July 1 at the newly-built duplex on 105th Street, welcoming two families to the home. A third family, who are taking over a previously-built Habitat for Humanity home on 51st Street, also was celebrated during the event at the newest Habitat home.
“Our work is vital to the sustainability of our community and our island,” Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Executive Director Chris Todd Young told the crowd. “Habitat is sincerely grateful to our supporters who made this day possible.”
Young recognized sponsors D’Asign Source and Aquarium Encounters, which donated $200,000 each to the building of the home.
Following opening remarks from Keys Contracting Services owner Chris Gratton and Affinity Modular District Sales Manager Peter Barbuti, Habitat Family Services Manager Meghan Bolen introduced the three families and presented each with a welcome basket from Habitat and a cutting board from Affinity Modular.
The
Nature Park on Big Pine
Pastor John Krainer led the families – Demetrius, Charmel and Ali, and Jorge, Nicole, and Amelia from the 105th Street home, and Brandon, Nicole, Eli and Leo from the 51st Street duplex – and attendees in the Litany of Dedication before all three families took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Numerous city and county dignitaries and staff were on hand for the event, including Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, Marathon City Council member Robyn Still, City Clerk Diane Clavier and Parks and Recreation Director Scott Williamson.
Additional financial support for the build was provided by Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health, First Horizon Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Florida Association of Realtors, as well as many individual, business, and community donors.
The half-duplexes at the 105th Street location each have two bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms; the home at 51st Street has three bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms.
The families are required to complete 100 hours of “sweat equity” in the building and preparation of the homes.
Young noted each family will put in a total of 350 hours of sweat equity, with an additional 250 hours providing assistance to Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and other local non-
1. Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Executive Director Chris Todd Young takes a moment to thank the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped bring the new home on 105th Street to fruition.
2. Each of the three families received gift baskets from Habitat for Humanity, and cutting boards from Affinity Modular, the home builder.
3,4. Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Executive Director Chris Todd Young welcomed two families – Demetrius and Charmel, with son Ali, joined by April Rasmussen, General Manager at Aquarium Encounters; and Jorge and Nicole, with daughter Amelia, joined by D’Asign Source Director of Finance Jose Castro – to their new homes.
Photos by CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed
BRIEFLY
Marathon woman arrested for threats with knife
An intoxicated 35-year-old Marathon, Florida woman was arrested on July 6 after allegedly threatening deputies with a knife. There were no injuries reported. Jennifer Lynn Secrest was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication. The sheriff’s office responded to U.S. 1 and Sombrero Beach Road at 4:28 p.m. after a caller reported the suspect, identified as Secrest, had a knife and was harassing him. When deputies arrived, Secrest pulled out the knife and began waving it around while threatening them. She put the knife down multiple times, picked it back up, and continued to threaten deputies. They were able to separate her from the knife and Secrest was taken to jail.
Marathon Moose Lodge collects school supplies
The Marathon Moose Lodge's Heart of the Community is collecting school supplies for Stanley Switlik Elementary School during July. The community is invited to help and can drop off donated school supplies at the lodge Tuesdays through Sundays after 1 p.m. The Marathon Moose Lodge is located at 11601 1st Ave. Gulf. More information is available from Fran Hagemann at 252-995-5464.
Narcotics package found on Long Key
A Long Key State Park ranger found a package that apparently washed ashore wrapped in a manner consistent with narcotic smuggling packages on July 5 around 7 a.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced. The package weighed 1.44 kilograms. There was an image of a lion attached to the exterior of the package. It was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Christopher Michael Veit was initially charged with kidnapping/false imprisonment, interference with child custody and unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He faces an additional 31 charges that include multiple counts of possession of obscene material, cruelty toward a child, sexual assault and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The sheriff’s office initially responded to a residence in Key Largo after the victim called 911 to report she was being held hostage. Deputies said they found the victim in a dryer, and she said Veit restrained her, put her there and took her cell phone when she stated she wanted to leave. Major crimes detectives responded to the scene and collected evidence, including several sheets of counterfeit currency. The U.S. Secret Service was notified. Detectives learned there had been ongoing sexual activity between the victim and the suspect. Veit remains in jail. More charges may be pending, including from Orange and Osceola counties.
Book back-to-school physicals with CHI
Avoid rushing to book your child’s annual physical at the last minute. Community Health of South Florida (CHI) provides an affordable way to get your child back-to-school ready. Physicals are offered for kids age 4 and up on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Most insurance is accepted, and additional evening and weekend hours are available. School physicals are $25. Sports physicals are $25 plus the required EKG, completed by a referred outside provider and charged separately by that provider. To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code:
St. Columba to host introductory tai chi class
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.
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.”
Come take a class at the Marathon library
Extra charges added in Key Largo kidnapping
A 53-year-old Key Largo man arrested on June 21 after a teenage female from out-of-county was reportedly found hidden in a clothes dryer in his residence is facing a litany of additional charges. There were no life-threatening injuries.
The parish hall at St. Columba Episcopal Church will host a sixweek introductory tai chi class offered through the American Tai Chi Academy from July 11 through Aug. 15. Classes will take place on Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a $60 donation. 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
The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.
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Discover your own slice of paradise in the heart of Marathon. This fully furnished, turnkey waterfront home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a bonus flex room, making it perfect as a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or income-producing investment.
Offered at $2,250,000
Experience the best of the Florida Keys with exceptional boating access, beautiful outdoor living, and a location that truly lets you live like you're on vacation every day.
Contact me today to schedule your private showing.
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS MAINTAIN ‘A’ RATING
District celebrates growth across the Keys
The Monroe County School District once again earned an “A” grade for the 2025-26 school year from the Florida Department of Education. This achievement comes alongside a rise in overall accountability points from 763 to 774, reflecting districtwide momentum and a shared commitment to student success.
“This ‘A’ rating is especially meaningful because it was earned in a year when the state raised the bar for excellence,” stated Superintendent Edward Tierney. “Rather than being discouraged by higher expectations, our students, teachers, staff and families rose to meet them. This achievement reflects a culture of continuous improvement, an unwavering commitment to student success and the extraordinary dedication of everyone across our district. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished together, and this recognition affirms that when expectations rise, so do we.”
Public schools across Monroe County earned strong marks this year. Poinciana Elementary School celebrated its third consecutive “A,” while Plantation Key School continued its tradition of excellence with another strong “A” rating.
Even with Florida raising the bar for earning an “A,” four schools — Marathon High School, Key Largo School, Sugarloaf School and Coral Shores High School — finished within one percentage point of the new threshold, earning high “B” grades at 64%.
Gerald Adams Elementary and Stanley Switlik Elementary Schools strengthened their performance while maintaining solid “B” ratings. Horace O’Bryant School earned a “C” rating while still showing areas of improvement and Key West High School earned a “C” grade.
The district’s gains were driven by improvements in college and career readiness, graduation outcomes and English Language Arts (ELA) achievement. College and career acceleration rose from 58% to 64%, graduation rate climbed from 88% to 93%, and ELA achievement and learning gains
The Marathon High School Class of 2026 celebrates their first day of senior year. MHS was one of four Keys schools to finish within one percentage point of an ‘A’ rating in this year’s Florida Department of Education district evaluation. WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
increased from 59% to 61%, including growth among the district’s lowestperforming quartile.
Charter schools also contributed to the district’s overall success. May Sands Montessori improved from a “C” to a “B,” Somerset Island Prep and Big Pine Academy both advanced from “B” to “A,” and Ocean Studies Charter maintained its “A” while increasing its overall points.
Additional “A”-rated charters include the College of the Florida Keys Academy, Sigsbee Charter School and Treasure Village Montessori.
With another “A” year secured, Monroe County School District remains focused on strengthening instruction, expanding acceleration opportunities and ensuring every student is prepared for success in school and beyond.
PUPPY CHULO
12-year-old male rat terrier mix.
Looking for: I’m an easygoing senior that loves people and other dogs my size.
Turnoffs: At my age, I’d rather be in a home, curled up on your couch.
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 305-7434800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
TINA
6-year-old female domestic medium hair.
Looking for: I’d be a purrfect family cat. I love attention, pets and cuddles.
Turnoffs: So far I haven’t met a person, or cat, that I don’t like.
ROCKY
3-month-old male domestic shorthair.
Looking for: My very first home.
Turnoffs: Coming from the streets, I can be a little nervous.
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;
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.
THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT
THURSDAY, JULY 9
CANDACE 8PM
FRIDAY, JULY 10
RICK ARRA BAND 8PM
SATURDAY, JULY 11
KING TIDES 8PM
SUNDAY, JULY 12
JOE GARRETT 3PM
DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM
MONDAY, JULY 13
SEAN BROWN 8PM
TUESDAY, JULY 14
TACO TUESDAY ALL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 PAINT
City Council Items
*A. Approval of Minutes
*B. Marathon High School Homecoming Parade Date Changed to October 8th
C. Recognition of Five Years of Service, Theodore Lozier, Code Compliance Director
D. Rotary/July 4 th Discussion (Councilmember Matlock)
E. Audit Discussion (Vice Mayor Struyf)
F. Update On Unlicensed Contractor Enforcement (Councilmember Landry)
G. Update on A/V for Council Chambers (Councilmember Landry)
City Manager Report
*A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
*B. Grants Report
*C. Public Works Report
*D. Park and Recreation Report
*E. Engineering Report
*F. Marina Report
*G. Code Report
*H. Wastewater Utilities Report
*I. Building Report
*J. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
*K. Florida Commerce ACSC Administration Permit Contact Line (Informational)
L. Attorney/Client Session
Scheduled August 11th at 5 PM in accordance with Florida Statute
286.011(8), to discuss the following litigation: Rodney Shands v. City of Marathon, Case No. 2007-CA-99-M
M. Discussion – Class Action
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings
A. Resolution 2026-47, Consideration Of A Request By Key Colony Homes, LLC., For A Conditional Use Permit, Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Conditional Use Permits”, Authorizing The Construction Of A Boat Ramp At The Property Located At 62 Coco Plum Drive, Which Is Legally Described As BK 3 Lots 3 And 4, Coco Plum Beach, Fat
City of Marathon City Council Agenda
9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
Deer Key PB4-166, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Number 00363290-000000, Nearest Mile Marker 54
Ordinances for Final Public Hearing and Enactment:
A. Ordinance 2026-22, Amending The City’s Land Development Regulations, Chapter 104, “Specific Use Regulations,” Article 1, “General Provisions,” Section 104.64, “Waterfront Walkways And Docks”; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Commerce After Final Adoption By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date
Resolutions For Adoption:
*A. Resolution 2026-56, Approving A Request For Qualifications For General Contracting Services To Enter Into A Continuing Service Agreements with Affordable Asphalt, All In One Fire, Inc., Artic Temp, Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc., Coral Construction, Crom, LLC., Ed Sims Development, Kerns Construction Co., Mackenzie Construction & Underground Utilities, Marathon Electric Sign & Light, Marino Construction Group, Inc., Nearshore Electric, Inc., Pabon Engineering, Inc., Reynolds Construction, LLC., Tropical Underground Contracting, LLC And Pedro Falcon Contractors , For General Trade Services On An As Needed Basis; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract; And Provide For An Effective Date
B. Resolution 2026-57, Adopting The City Of Marathon Safe Streets For All Plan; Providing For An Effective Date
*C. Resolution 2026–58, Adopting The Final Rankings For The Selection Of A Professional Engineering Firm For Preparation Of The City Of Marathon Bicycle
ADA Assistance: The City of Marathon is committed to ensuring that all members of the public can participate fully in City Council meetings, programs, and services. We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible environment in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The City will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to attend and engage in Council meetings.
&; Pedestrian Master Plan And Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into And Execute A Contract With The Highest Ranked Firm, Exp Inc.; And Providing For An Effective Date
* D. Resolution 2026-59 Awarding a contract for EMERGENCY repairs of the Area 7 SBR Digester Piping and Header to Reynolds Construction, LLC In An Amount Not To Exceed $38,498.15; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*E. Resolution 2026-60, Awarding a contract for EMERGENCY repairs of the Knights Key Lift station to FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc. In An Amount Not To Exceed $44,851.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*F. Resolution 2026-61, Determining That The Equipment Listed in Exhibit “A” Be Deemed Surplus Equipment and Sold Through a Public Bid Process; Providing For Severability; and Providing For An Effective Date
*G. Resolution 2026-62, Authorizing The Submission Of A Grant Application To The Department Of Environmental Protection’s Clean Vessel Act Grant Program For The Purchase Of A New Pump Out Boat; And Providing For An Effective Date
*H. Resolution 2026-63, Approving The Second Extension To The Residential Lease Between The City And A Monroe County Sherriff’s Officer For A Period Of One Year; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Lease; And Providing For An Effective Date
I. Resolution 2026-64, Authorizing The Purchase Of Real Property
To request accommodation, please contact: Evie Engelmeyer, ADA Coordinator City of Marathon Phone: (305) 289-4122
From Tyrone Leatherwood And Mileydi Mckenzie (Re No. 00353980-000000); Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract For Sale, Negotiate Terms, And To Consummate The Purchase Through All Closing Documents In An Amount Not To Exceed Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000); Appropriating Funds And Providing For An Effective Date
*J. Resolution 2026-65, Approving The Ranking of Qualifications For Professional Engineering Firms To Enter Into Continuing Service Agreements For Multiple Engineering Disciplines. Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract; And Provide For An Effective Date
*K. Resolution 2026-66, Approving an Easement with First Horizon Bank In An Amount Not To Exceed $155,720.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith, Appropriating And Expending Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date
*L. Resolution 2026-67, Approving A Second Amendment To The Contract Between The City And The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office For Local Police Services In An Amount Not To Exceed $3,282,551.00 For Fy 2026-2027; Authorizing The City Attorney To Finalize The Terms And Conditions Of The Contract; Authorizing The Mayor To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date
*M. Resolution 2026-68, Approving A Change To The Agreement Between The City Of Marathon, Florida And Synagro, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
To ensure availability, requests should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting. However, the City will make every effort to fulfill requests received in less time. We welcome public input on how we can continue improving accessibility. If you have comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding accessibility at City Council meetings, please reach out to the ADA Coordinator using the contact information above.
| $2,899,000
• 2 bedrooms | 2 baths
• 1,717 sq. ft. on 10,750 sq. ft. lot
• Cathedral tongue-and-groove ceilings
• 15K lb boat lift, deep-draft access
• Resort-style pool and spa
• Expansive deck areas for entertaining
• Large lower-level enclosure with garage, storage space
27358 JAMAICA LN. RAMROD KEY | $979,000
• 3 bedrooms | 2 baths
• 1,872 sq. ft. on 9,000 sq. ft. lot
• 150’ of waterfront including a deep-water basin
• Quick ocean access
• Close to Looe Key for endless ocean adventures
• Flexible floor plan with separate living spaces
• Screened lanai overlooking the canal
• 2 bedrooms | 2 baths
• 1,001 sq. ft. condo
• Screened porch overlooking the canal
• Canal-front community pool
• Move-in ready with modern upgrades
• First-come, first-served dockage w/ direct ocean access
• 11 bedrooms | 8.5 baths
• 8,515 sq. ft. total living space on a 2.82-acre lot
• CBS main house, 3 detached guest residences
• 100’ dock w/ 10K & 20K lb lifts & yacht dockage
• Resort-style pool, pickleball court, & putting green
• High-end finishes and beautiful coastal modern interior
• Near Marathon International Airport
•
the pool & canal
• Quick boating access to the Atlantic Ocean
• Impact windows & doors
In The Bleachers
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
One Scottish woman’s home has become a local attraction after she decorated it to look like Barbie’s Dreamhouse, the Mirror reported on June 9. Nicole Watt, 27, of Carluke, Scotland, says she was inspired by the Barbie fans in her life: her three young daughters. Watt says she spent six months and 5,000 pounds on the transformation, which included a Barbiethemed mannequin, palm tree, dressing table, sur oard, pink disco ball, flamingos and beach toys. She had some help, though: “The girls’ papa and gran made the house, the sur oards, pantries, lampposts and palm trees -- everything Barbie requires,” Watt said.
Adam Dailies
Brevity
TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS
Ann Radcliffe (1764-1823), author; Matthew Lewis (1775-1818), author; Elias Howe (1819-1867), sewing machine inventor; Donald Rumsfeld (1932-2021), politician; Brian Dennehy (1938-2020), actor; Richard Roundtree (1942-2023), actor; Dean Koontz (1945- ), author; Chris Cooper (1951- ), actor; John Tesh (1952- ), composer/ musician; Lindsey Graham (1955- ), politician; Tom Hanks (1956- ), actor; Courtney Love (1964- ), singer-songwriter; Jack White (1975- ), musician/singer-songwriter.
In 1850, President Zachary Taylor died in office of a stomach-related illness at the age of 65.
TODAY’S NUMBER
1,720 — height (in feet) of the wave surge that hit Lituya Bay in the Gulf of Alaska on this day in 1958. The “megatsunami,” the largest in recorded history, was caused by an 8.3-magnitude earthquake on the Fairweather Fault along the Alaskan coast.
TODAY’S QUOTE
Jack White
“A lot of people in the media, and some everyday people, really aren’t in search of the truth. They’re in search of something worse than that. ... I think the media’s the kind of a thing where the truth doesn’t win, because it’s no fun.” TODAY’S HISTORY
Brevity
Nancy Dailies
Founded by Betty Debnam
Amazing Whales
Did you know whales are found in every ocean in the world? These large mammals can even dive more than 9,000 feet. The Mini Page takes a deep dive into the world of whales this week.
Whale sizes
There are about 90 species of whales in the world. Some are small, like the dwarf sperm whale, which is only 6 to 9 feet in length. However, some whales are huge. The blue whale is nearly 100 feet long and weighs 200,000 to 300,000 pounds, which is about what 30 grown elephants weigh. The blue whale is the largest animal in the entire world. In fact, the top 10 heaviest animal species in the world are all whales!
Types of whales
There are two main types of whales: baleen (buh-LEEN) and toothed.
Baleen whales have baleen plates in their mouths that filter food from the water around them. Have you ever sat on a sandy beach and used a sieve to try to find shells or rocks? The baleen plates in whales’ mouths are similar to that in the way that they sift through material, leaving the bigger pieces behind.
A toothed whale has teeth, and it eats things such as squid, fish and sometimes other marine mammals.
With whales often being so large, they need to eat a lot, and they need to eat often. Whales consume a variety of things.
According to NOAA Fisheries, some whales take large gulps of water that contain their food, or prey. Eating this way is called lunging (LUNjing). Blue and fin whales eat their food this way.
Humpback whales can make bubble nets around a group of fish, called a school, and then the humpback whales rush through the bubble net to capture their food.
Right and bowhead whales are skimmers, which means they swim through the ocean with their mouths open and strain out their prey. They typically eat small fish or crustaceans (crusTAY-shunz). A right whale needs to eat more than 2,000 pounds of copepods (KOH-puh-pods) per day to get energy. A copepod is a type of crustacean.
Baby whales
A baby whale is called a calf. Depending on the type of whale, a mother can carry a calf for 9 to 16 months.
A newborn blue whale calf is about 25 feet long and weighs 6,000 to 8,000 pounds.
Whales are marine mammals, so calves drink milk. It doesn’t dissolve in water because it is as thick as toothpaste. Baby whales learn to swim within 30 minutes of being born.
Words that remind us of whales are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
by Vaidehi
Threats to whales
Whales face many threats, including pollution. According to Earth.org, more than 8 million tons of plastic make their way into the oceans each year. Whales, as well as other marine animals, sometimes mistake plastic for food, which can cause blockages in their stomachs and breathing passages.
Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act was put into place to help protect endangered or threatened animals and their ecosystems. Twelve species of whales are on the list, including the North Atlantic right whale. There are fewer than 400 of this type of whale left in the world due to whale hunting in the 1800s, getting caught in fishing gear and accidents involving ships and boats. Ocean noise levels from human activities can block whales’ communication, which can also lead to harm.
We can help save the whales by using less plastic, telling others what we learn about whales and joining adults at beaches to help clean up litter.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/4285Bda
At the library:
• “Whales: An Illustrated Celebration” by Kelsey Oseid
ECO NOTE
Volunteers in southwest England have recorded sightings of the rare whiteletter hairstreak butterfly after planting hundreds of elm trees to restore its habitat. The butterfly had not been seen locally since 2008, but at least 11 individuals and several caterpillars have now been recorded. The species has declined by about 80% since 1973, according to the U.K. Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. The conservation group Friends of the Quantocks planted more than 400 disease-resistant elms across dozens of sites, addressing losses caused earlier by Dutch elm disease.The effort highlights how targeted habitat restoration can help revive species once thought to be disappearing.
Mini Fact: Whales leap out of the water for many reasons, including to communicate over long distances.
photo by marneejill
photo
Shah
FICTITIOUS NAME
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of EValet located at 24 Mutiny Place, Key Largo, Florida 33037 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By: Tropical Keys Holdings LLC
Publish:
July 9, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on July 15, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, 33050, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE MONROE COUNTY CODE, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE VII THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the July 15, 2026, meeting, which will be posted beginning on July 7, 2026 at: https://www. monroecounty-fl.gov/695/BOCCMeetings-Agendas. The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040.
The public can participate in the July 15, 2026, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://mcbocc.zoom.
us/j/89204098700, or Live Closed Captioning is available via the MCTV portal at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/ monroe/video/60832c9dcf67bb7a c0c21791?page=HOME&type=live.
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m. — 5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board of County Commissioners with respect to any matter considered at such meetings or hearings, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record is made of the proceedings, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Dated at Key West, Florida, this 4th day of July, 2026.
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: July 9, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO: 26-CP-62-P
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FONDA SMITHWICK OLIVER
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of, FONDA SMITHWICK OLIVER, deceased, whose date of death
was 12 January 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is 9 July, 2026.
Personal Representative: Athena Eitneier
139 S. Hammock Rd. Islamorada , FL 33036
Attorney for Personal Representative: Tom Woods, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 0525197 116 Porto Salvo Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036 Phone 305.664.2200 Fax 2205
Publish: July 9 & 16, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 21-CP-000277-K Division
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: RICHARD JAMES COLEMAN Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of RICHARD JAMES COLEMAN, deceased, whose date of death was MAY 22, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 9, 2026.
Personal Representative
Kathryn H. Coleman
2123 Spanish Channel Drive Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Attorney for Personal
Representative
Michael Feldman
Attorney
Florida Bar Number: 665401
Feldman & Feldman, Counsellors at Law, P.A.
5491 North University Drive, Suite 102
Coral Springs, FL 33067
Telephone: (954) 227-7320
Fax: (954) 227-7552
E-Mail: michael@feldmanesq.com
Seondary E-Mail: laurie@ feldmanesq.com
Publish:
July 9 & 16, 2026
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NUMBER: 26-CP-318-K
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAVID EUGENE MECK, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of David Eugene Meck, deceased, whose date of death was April 4, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, 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 July 9, 2026.
Personal Representative:
PAMELA J. MECK
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: July 9 & 16, 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. 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: 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 OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 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 27TH 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: LOT 23, BLOCK 2, AMENDED PLAT OF COPPITT SUBDIVISION, (A RE-SUBDIVISION OF PLAT BOOK 3, AT PAGE 116) LOCATED ON GOVERNMENT LOT 5, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 37 S., RANGE 26 E., BIG COPPITT KEY, MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, AT PAGE 50, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. PARCEL ID NO.
00149800000000226726 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 728 PRADO CIRCLE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 Pursuant to ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE SALE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 12TH day of June 2026 Style of which is: FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION Plaintiff VS. JOSEPH PATRICK CLEMENTS A/K/A JOSEPH P. CLEMENTS AND DEBRA LYNN CLEMENTS A/K/A DEBRA L. CLEMENTS A/K/A DEBBIE L. CLEMENTS; ET AL.
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2012-CA-363-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 17TH 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: July 9 & 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 44-2025-CA-1181-P MARKEY MARINE SERVICE, INC., a Florida corporation, Plaintiff, vs. JOANNE FERNAN, her Estate, her successors-in-interest, and all others in possession or claiming an interest by, under or through her,
Defendant.
NOTICE OF ACTION (formal notice by publication) TO: JOANNE FERNAN, deceased, and all unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all other parties claiming by, through, under, or against JOANNE FERNAN, deceased, whose last known address, residence, and whereabouts are unknown: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title to the following property in Monroe County, Florida, has been filed against you: A part of Lot 2, according to the Plat recorded in the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, in Plat Book 1, Page 59, and being more particularly described by metes and bounds, as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southeasterly right-ofway line of U.S. Highway No. 1, and the North line of Section 5, Township 62 South, Range 39 East, bear Southwesterly along the Southeasterly right-of-way line of U.S. Highway No. 1 for a distance of 556 feet to the Point of Beginning of the part of Lot 2 hereinafter described: from said Point of Beginning, continue bearing Southwesterly along the Southeasterly rightof-way line of U.S Highway No. 1 for a distance of 22. 98 feet to a point; thence at right angles and Southeasterly for a distance of 150 feet to a point on the Northwesterly right-of-way line of Old State Highway No. 4A; thence at right angles and in a Northeasterly direction along the Northwesterly right-of-way line of Old State Highway No. 4A for a distance of 22. 98 feet to a point; thence at right angles and in a Northwesterly direction for a distance of 150 feet, back to the Point of Beginning. Containing approximately 3,447 sq. ft., more or less. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action on Plaintiff's attorney, Nicholas W. Mulick, P.A., whose address is 91645 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, Florida 33070, and file the original with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Monroe County, Florida, at 88770 Overseas Hwy, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070, on or before August 10th, 2026. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Signed on this 6th day of July 2026. Kevin Madok, CPA as Clerk of the Court By: Destiny Johnson as Deputy Clerk Publish: July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 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)
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
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
PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
EMPLOYMENT
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. FullTime Medical AssistantPediatric 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
Part-time help needed for small projects in the Marathon area. Call for information: 305-395-0478
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
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. Full-time. 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. 305-699-2555 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 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
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, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Part-time help needed for small projects in the Marathon area. Call for information: 305-395-0478
Safety Staff- We are seeking a reliable, dedicated, and responsible Safety Staff member to join our team. Full-time & Part-time availability starting at $18/hr. To apply, call 305-6644860 Ext 1, e-mail: corrine@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key HIRED!!!
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
HOUSING FOR RENT
ANNUAL RENTALKey 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
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
VACATION
RENTAL
3BR/2BA Contemporary Home for rent on Big Pine Key. Pool, 40' dock w/davits, screened-in porch. Sleeps 6 ppl. Avail. month of July & Sept. 2026. $7,000/mo. Call Brian at 267-374-7063
PLACE
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
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
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
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.
FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER
• 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.
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
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
IS HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT 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.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP
PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE
We are now hiring for the following positions:
Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers
Applicants must apply in person to be considered.
4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Cardiology, Upper Keys, $5k Bonus
