Marathon Weekly 26-0716

Rule 1: The captain is always right. Rule 2: If captain is wrong, see rule 1.

1¢

July 16, 2026

FIREWORKS & FIRE CHIEFS Marathon council session gets tense | P.4 TOO HOT TO HANDLE? Warm waters worrisome for corals | P.8

KIDS AT THE HELM

Young sailors meet for Marathon regatta | P.20

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

NUMBER OF THE WEEK The temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, at Vostok Station, Antarctica, on July 21, 1983, the lowest temperature recorded at an inhabited location in world history.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler

The Marathon City Council recognizes Code Compliance Director Ted Lozier for five years of service to the city.

From left: councilman Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf, Lozier, Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo and councilman Kenny Matlock. Not pictured: councilwoman Robyn Still. CHRIS SEYMOUR/City of Marathon

jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

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Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

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Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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Members of

Young skippers grab their rudders and hoist their sails for the 2026 Mixer in the Middle Regatta hosted by Middle Keys Sailing on July 11. See page 20. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

FIREWORKS & FIRE CHIEFS Marathon council works through Fourth of July tensions, James Muro disputes his firing ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

T

he Marathon City Council spent July 14 sorting out two combustible topics: questions surrounding its Fourth of July celebration and a second challenge from former Fire Chief James Muro over his termination.

Councilman Kenny Matlock began with a discussion of the city’s annual festivities at Sombrero Beach on Independence Day, a longstanding partnership between the city and Marathon Rotary Club.

Questions over the event's funding arose earlier this year when the cost of the city's fireworks display exceeded the city manager's discretionary spending limit, requiring council approval for the first time.

Matlock and Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf also questioned event advertising and sponsorship solicitations, saying the city's role wasn't clearly acknowledged and donors could mistakenly believe their contributions directly funded the fireworks display.

While Marathon itself has for years paid the cost of the evening fireworks show and “sky concert,” the daytime celebration, with food, drinks and entertainment, is also funded by an annual $15,000 contribution from the Key West Airport – one of several given to Rotary clubs throughout the Keys in support of July 4 events.

Matlock said he felt wording in county

resolutions suggested the funds should be used directly for fireworks.

Founding Marathon city councilman Randy Mearns, who helped organize and grow the city's fireworks celebration decades ago, said the airport sponsorship was intended to support the overall event rather than specifically pay for fireworks, as donations from the county may not be paid directly to the city. Funds have for years been directed to the Marathon Rotary, which in conjunction with allday fundraising efforts uses proceeds from the event to support community donations and scholarships.

“The end result is that Rotary does good things for the community throughout the Florida Keys,” said Mearns. “The way things are going with property taxes, it’s going to be harder for nonprofits to get any help from the government. This is an avenue that works, and I think we should let it continue to go.”

Rotary Club president Kelly Williams defended the group’s impact in the Middle Keys, detailing more than $450,000 in funds returned through scholarships, disaster relief and nonprofit donations. Marathon attorney and Rotarian Patrick Stevens referenced Monroe County’s initial resolution establishing the airport donations, clarifying that funds could be used for “youth development, tourism, economic development, government relations, community leadership, diversity and inclusion.”

Former Fire Chief James Muro returned to the Marathon City Council chambers for the second time on July 14 to challenge his dismissal earlier this year. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Interim City Manager Steve Williams said logistics for future celebrations, including funding, parking and advertising, could be laid out in an advance resolution for approval by the council.

City manager applicants Williams told the council that scoring is complete by a staff panel for the 69 applicants for Marathon’s vacant city manager post. With multiple council members requesting input on an upcoming round of in-person interviews, HR director Evie Engelmeyer instructed each to submit a list of their top five to 10 qualified applicants, adding that time is of the essence as top candidates could be hired elsewhere.

Councilman Lynn Landry suggested that candidates with incomplete applications should not be eligible for interviews, while multiple members emphasized management abilities over technical knowledge, as the city’s department heads could bring a new manager up to speed on complex regulatory systems.

“I apologize to those out there who think that we’re not doing this in a timely manner,” said Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo. “We’re not going to throw someone in there right away – it’s on our minds every day, and we want to get the right person, not just any person.” continued on page 13

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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6

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

By Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles

TENSE TIMES Meeting includes heated exchange before CFK board’s decision to seek president’s termination

T

he board of the College of the Florida Keys, with six new members appointed

by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year, is seeking legal advice over a potential termination of President Jonathan Gueverra’s contract.

At recent meetings, new members criticized Gueverra over the governor’s vetoes of state funding to upgrade the college’s air conditioning system the past two budget cycles. Some also believed Gueverra was being disrespectful and insubordinate at recent meetings, as some members pressed for more clarity and information on his contract renewal last year. At a June 30 meeting, board chair Alexandria Suarez said Gueverra had called her a “liar” at a meeting the month before. Board member Michael Downer said he, too, believed Gueverra had called Suarez a liar and was being disrespectful.

Gueverra denied calling Suarez a liar, and an audio recording of the May 26 meeting confirmed that Gueverra did not explicitly call the chairwoman a liar during the course of the exchange over his contract. But Gueverra did refute some of Suarez’s recollections.

By the conclusion of the June 30 meeting, the board had agreed to consult with the Key West law firm Smith Hawks PL to explore possible termination of the president who’s led the college since 2012. The motion was made by vice chair Peter Batty, and seconded by Andrew Dulcey, who had just been sworn in as a trustee at the beginning of that meeting.

Comments from Suarez and Downer suggested Gueverra’s insubordination stemming from the May 26 meeting were grounds to potentially end his contract. The audio recording of the May meeting included tense exchanges over Gueverra’s contract among Suarez, Downer and Gueverra.

The contract discussion had started at an April 28 meeting, when Suarez, by then the new chairwoman, questioned Gueverra’s three-year contract. Specifically,

Suarez wondered why it had been renewed a year early in July 2025.

Suarez, who was appointed to the board in 2023 by DeSantis, said the contract otherwise would have expired in 2026 and allowed the new board to consider its renewal.

Gueverra said the former board had voted to extend his contract at a regular meeting that Suarez did not attend.

Discussions of the contract continued at the May 26 meeting, as Suarez and Downer continued their push for more information.

Gueverra said he wasn’t sure what else the board wanted to hear, reiterating that the extension was standard business.

The answer didn’t satisfy Suarez and Downer.

“What happened to the old contract? … What are the circumstances why it was renewed a year in advance? Am I mistaken?”

Suarez said.

“I’m puzzled why you’re puzzled,” Downer said to Gueverra.

“Because we had a very specific conversation about getting more detail about why the renewal was accelerated and all the details leading up to the new renewal.”

Gueverra said the chairwoman put his contract on the agenda, to which Suarez replied the item was placed on the agenda so Gueverra could come back with more facts and circumstances that had led to the early renewal. Gueverra replied the contract was not renewed early.

Downer disagreed.

“I mean, am I missing something? The contract was renewed early,” he said.

Suarez said she remembered when she joined the board in May 2023 that discussions regarding the renewal were for three years. She said she looked back at the meeting minutes and was expecting a contract renewal would be coming to the current board for consideration.

“Then I saw in meeting minutes from last year, I wanna say it was April or July, that the contract was renewed, 2025, a year in advance, which is what led me to question

College President Jonathan Gueverra. FILE PHOTO

what was the reason behind renewing it a year in advance, prematurely.”

“The process seems odd,” Downer added. “We said can you come back and clarify what happened? What I’m disappointed about is you don’t seem to remember that conversation.”

Gueverra replied that the conversation the board raised at the April 28 meeting revolved around why he even had a contract. Suarez interjected that the board asked why it was renewed a year early.

“The contract was not renewed a year early,” Gueverra reiterated.

“You interpret it as being renewed early. I said to you that the board extended my contract by a year, in fact.”

“Is it terminating this year?

Or did they just extend a year for an additional year after?” Suarez asked.

“It’s the same question asked at the last meeting. It was answered then,” Gueverra said.

“It was not,” Downer said.

“Dr. G, you’re not going to win this one. It’s a very simple request.

I just would like to understand the details leading up to renewal.

Because I don’t understand it, and it seems odd, it seems the renewal was done a year earlier. There may be a perfect explanation for it, let’s understand what happened. Now you’re saying you answered the question; well, you haven’t to me to my satisfaction.”

Per the April 29, 2025 meeting minutes, then-chair Kevin Madok asked the board for authority to negotiate another contract for Gueverra. It came after Madok gave an overview and summary of the board’s evaluation on Gueverra. Per the meeting minutes, “The ratings were very high … positive comments … the college is financially prudent … he is responsive and innovative … he is involved in the

College board chairwoman Alexandria Suarez.

community.”

When it came to moving forward with negotiating a contract, Suarez said she “had to think about it.” Then-trustee Richard Weinstein recommended the board move to renew Gueverra’s contract, with Madok negotiating and bringing it back to the board for review and approval.

At the July 2025 meeting, Madok added Gueverra’s threeyear contract renewal as an additional item to the agenda. A motion was made by then-trustee Mike Puto and seconded by Weinstein. Voting in favor were Madok, Puto, Weinstein, thenvice chair Sheldon Suga and then-trustee Dan Leben. Suarez was absent from the meeting.

The Keys Weekly spoke this week with Madok, who emphatically denied any intent by the former board to protect Gueverra’s job by extending his contract early.

“As I recall, it was done to align that contract with other timelines, contracts and project schedules at the college,” Madok said, adding that the former board had no reason to believe Gueverra’s contract would be in jeopardy. “Not at all. It wasn’t done to protect anyone. There was no need. Back then, everything was fine with the board.

We had no idea what was coming with the governor’s new appointments.”

DeSantis replaced Madok with a new board appointee in January with no explanation.

Gueverra’s contract extension continues his employment at the college through 2028. Suarez and other board members still couldn’t understand why it had already been extended. continued on page 8

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

continued from previous page

TENSE TIMES “We’re talking about a specific issue. It doesn’t seem like you’re willing to help us understand the issue,” Downer said.

Discussions became even more tense as Gueverra said Suarez had called the attorney general’s office about his contract. Suarez denied making the call.

“In fact if we want to go there, I think you called the AG saying I missed meetings,” Suarez said.

“I did not,” Gueverra said.

“It was not my place.”

“And what did I call the AG for?” Suarez said.

“We’re not going to get into that,” Gueverra replied.

“I’ve got nothing to hide,” Suarez said. “I prefer transparency. I love the Sunshine Law. We’re just trying to understand this. If you’re going to accuse me of calling the AG for something, at least tell me what you think it is I called about.”

“I don’t have to explain why you did that,” Gueverra said. “You know why you did that.”

“I think it’s all public record,” Suarez said. “I don’t need to call the AG on you, President Gueverra.”

“You called the AG to inquire about my contract,” Gueverra said.

“I did not,” Suarez replied.

Suarez’s lack of attendance at college board meetings, though, did require Madok to intervene in July 2024. Suarez missed seven of 12 board meetings between June 2023 and July 2024, according to college attendance records.

“Alexandria is confused,” Madok told the Keys Weekly in a July 14 phone call. “She’s

conflating two different things.

No one, neither I nor Dr. G, called the attorney general about her attendance. I did, however, notify the governor in writing, only because state law required me to do so. The chair of a college board is required to inform the governor if one of his appointees misses three meetings in a year. I would never have put a fellow board member in that position if the law didn’t require it. But no. No one called the attorney general about Ms. Suarez.”

The back-and-forth concluded with board members seeking Gueverra’s current contract, as well as the one prior to the extension. The Keys Weekly filed a records request for the contracts, but hadn’t received them by press time.

Suarez added that she wondered if the contract was renewed early by the previous board after its members had become aware of the governor’s veto of college funding, and “wanted to ensure the president would remain.”

“Thinking from a chair’s perspective, is that in the best interest of the college?” Suarez said. “It just denied a new board the benefit of actually rehiring you.”

One board member asked if there’s a clause in Gueverra’s previous contract allowing it to be renewed any time. Gueverra said there were no specifics on when it could be renewed, but that the contracts span three years.

The CFK board of trustees will have an organizational meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at the Middle Keys Center, 350 Sombrero Beach Road.

Graphics comparing summer heat events from 2023 and 2026 show more widespread hotspots and heat accumulation in the early portion of the summer. DEREK P. MANZELLO/NOAA Coral Reef Watch

HOTTER THAN 2023?

Ocean temps around the Keys surpass record-breaking coral bleaching year

F

lorida Keys reefs are heating up.

NOAA Coral Reef Watch is reporting that ocean temperatures around south Florida and the Bahamas are already warmer than they were at this time in 2023, when the region experienced record-breaking coral bleaching.

Current monitoring shows that many reef areas have already reached or exceeded the coral bleaching threshold, and that heat stress has accumulated earlier than it did in 2023.

On July 7, NOAA announced that many areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are at Bleaching Alert Level 1, meaning that bleaching is likely to occur due to accumulated thermal stress.

Sea surface temperatures continue to be closely monitored as conditions evolve.

While it is too early to predict how this season will unfold, weather patterns over the coming weeks, including winds, storms and ocean currents, will play an important role in determining whether temperatures remain elevated or cool.

There is some cautious optimism.

The Gulf Stream is currently flowing closer to the Florida Keys than it has in recent years, which can bring cooler water and periodic upwelling that may help reduce heat stress on reefs.

Scientists will also be watching for possible algal blooms that can sometimes accompany these upwelling events.

The public can help monitor reef conditions. If you are diving or snorkeling in the Florida Keys, report what you see through Florida's BleachWatch program. Reports of healthy, unbleached corals are just as valuable as

Bleaching of elkhorn coral observed in July 2023 at Sombrero Reef, where water temperatures had already reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. MICHELLE DOBLER/Nova Southeastern University

reports of bleaching, helping scientists understand where reefs are thriving and where they may be under stress.

Report your observations by scanning the QR code: The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will continue to share updates throughout the summer as NOAA Coral Reef Watch and other partners monitor conditions across the sanctuary.

Want to track the trends on your own? For water temperature monitoring, visit: https://coralreefwatch.noaa. gov/ — Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

LINCOLN & LOPEZ SQUARE OFF FOR COUNTY COMMISSION Candidates reintroduce themselves to voters

T

he 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 in the District 2 county commission race to answer the eight questions below in 500 words.

Although each of the five county commission 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.

Club, Southernmost Republican Club, and Republican Executive Committee.

I am a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, a past Board member of AHEC, Grace Jones and Zonta.

What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I am retired, but I serve full time as your County Commissioner. My days are spent responding to emails and phone calls, attending civic meetings, staff briefings, and Commission meetings, and traveling throughout the Keys for events so I can stay connected to the communities I serve.

What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service?

I am running for re-election for the same reasons I first ran: to help ensure that our children and grandchildren can continue to call the Keys home.

I want to keep working to make the Keys the best place to live, raise a family, build a business, and enjoy as a visitor.

MICHELLE LINCOLN How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? Our family bought our first home in Marathon in 1998 and moved here full time in 2000. I chose Marathon as my home because of its strong sense of community and connection to the water.

Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? My daughter, Mallory Morton Pinto, graduated from Marathon High School in 2004 and now lives in Marathon with her husband, Michael.

Mallory is a real estate broker, and Michael is a nurse.

What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I am currently active in the Marathon Rotary Club, mentor with Take Stock in Children, and participate in the Chamber of Commerce. I also serve on the Juvenile Justice Board and the Community Alliance Board, and I am a member of the Marathon Republican

nity includes St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church and Reef Chapel, where I stay connected and engaged.

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Personally, I am proudest of raising my daughter, Mallory — I think she turned out wonderfully!

Professionally, I am proud of my work advocating for workforce housing and of becoming the first Monroe County Commissioner elected statewide as President of the Florida Association of Counties.

Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? That is a tough question because I have so many favorites. I enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset, swimming at the Horseshoe, walking the Old Bridge, sharing a meal with friends, visiting Grimal Grove, and spending time on the water on my paddleboard.

What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? While working full time for the Guardian ad Litem Program, I made recommendations to judges based on each child’s best interests. That experience taught me the importance of fact-finding, research, and active listening — skills I continue to use as a County Commissioner.

GEORGE (JORGE) IGNACIO-LOPEZ How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here?

My family has called the Florida Keys home since 1971, when my parents built a house on Sugarloaf Key. Today, my wife Rhonda and I live at ORC, North Key Largo, and we previously owned a home in Key West. We are now planning our next chapter in Summerland Key. The Keys have always drawn me in not just for their natural beauty, but for the strong sense of community and a unique way of life worth protecting and leading forward.

Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? Rhonda and I have been married for over 31 years and have raised two accomplished sons. Noah is a Yale Law School graduate and practicing attorney, and Ben works in cybersecurity. We also have extended family in Summerland and Key Colony Beach. Our family is grounded in faith, service, education, and a strong work ethic values that guide everything we do.

What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I actively serve as a volunteer pilot with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 13-04, supporting critical search and rescue missions. As Monroe County liaison for Liga Contra el Cáncer, I help Hispanic Monroe county families with cancer access life saving cancer care on the mainland. I also support the SOS Foundation, Upper Keys Humane Society, Reef All Charities, and veterans’ organizations. My faith commu-

What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I am a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and former fighter pilot with 22 years of service. Today, I help lead our third generation family business, PECO Intl Elec, distributing American made high voltage electrical equipment across the South, Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. My days start early, often at 5 a.m. working closely with employees, customers, and suppliers to ensure operations run smoothly and challenges are solved quickly. I dedicate any remaining time to my family, friends, and pets.

What made you decide to run for public office? As many in Monroe county, I sense a need for Change.

Without change government becomes complacent. I stepped forward to lead because Monroe County needs experienced, leadership that’s not limited to government experience, but importantly proven private sector experience with a history of desired results. I am committed to improving affordability, strengthening accountability, and providing meaningful tax and insurance relief. I will protect and defend our fragile environment including our latest Big Pine Key CDL development threat to our fragile Key deer habitat Cutting burdensome county expensive regulations that hurt small businesses are a must. I will stand up for our essential workers, first responders, and veterans, and ensure our underserved seniors and children receive the support they deserve.

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Serving as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy is the greatest honor of my life. Equally important is the life Rhonda and I have built raising two outstanding sons and leading by example through faith, integrity, and service.

Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? American Shoal Lighthouse near Sugarloaf Key is a place that represents everything I love about the Keys. Fishing there with my family created lasting memories and reinforces my commitment to preserving this incredible community.

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

Candace Mo Ree Captain, musician

N

o 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 Candace Mo Ree, a boat captain and musician who often performs at Dockside Boot Key Harbor. In her spare time she loves to snorkel and play guitar.

She also loves to restore and renovate things, so you may find her in the middle of a DIY project at any time.

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here?

A sailboat! Around 14 years ago, after a minor cancer scare, I got rid of everything, quit my job, bought a boat and headed south. I used to travel seasonally between here and the Chesapeake, but four years or so ago I gave up the sailboat life and have been here year-round since then.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Keys? The reef, no question. I have seen the coolest things out there. Even when I am snorkeling closer to the island, there are lots of cool things to see. It is my zen.

What’s your hype song and your sad song? I don’t know if I have a hype song. There are so many great songs in the world, it’s hard to pick favorites. I can’t even pick a favorite genre. It just depends on my mood.

For the saddest song, I would say “Stop This Train” by John Mayer. My dad passed away at 69 years old, and the line about “turn 68, you’ll renegotiate” in that song guts me every time.

What was in the last Amazon delivery that arrived at your door?

Electrical accessories. It was an order of ring terminals and heat shrink.

What part of a boat do you relate to the most and why?

Definitely the anchor, because my heart remains anchored in the beautiful waters. I also relate to the rudder, because I want to make sure I keep my life heading in the right direction.

What’s the weirdest question someone has asked you while at work? Someone asked me before we left the dock if they could smoke a cigarette while they were in the water at the reef (since they aren’t allowed to smoke on the boat). So, yeah. And by yeah, I mean no. We wouldn’t allow it anyway, but it was 2- to 3-foot seas out there that day.

Would you rather always have to sing instead of speaking or always have to dance everywhere you went? Definitely sing – it gives me joy.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

It would be to make people see and accept the truth. Can that be a superpower? There is so much BS flying around nowadays, and I feel as though we would do better if we all knew what was true and were straight with each other. I prefer things to be honest and direct. To paraphrase the quote, it’s “better to have a hard truth than a sweet lie.”

If you were a salad, what type of dressing would you be? Probably a vinaigrette, and no doubt it would be a bit salty.

What are your top three bucket list vacations and why? I would love to visit the Mesoamerican Reef and do some snorkeling there. In the U.S., I have never seen Redwood trees, so I would love a trip to the Pacific Northwest to catch the Pacific Starlight for a scenic ride, and hike out to some giant trees. I do want to see some of Europe, maybe on one of the river barge cruises, or one of the legs of the Camino de Santiago.

What Netflix series did you last binge watch and why? I don’t watch much TV, so I guess the last time I binge watched a show it was “The Last Kingdom.” I love historical fiction, and they did such a great job with Bernard Cornwell’s books.

from page 4

FIREWORKS & FIRE CHIEFS Muro challenges firing Fireworks returned later in the meeting as former Fire Chief James Muro returned to challenge his termination earlier this year.

Addressing the council for the first time since his traffic ticket and misdemeanor hit-and-run charge were dismissed in relation to an April crash on the Overseas Highway, Muro insisted that the decision to dismiss him was made before review of all video evidence for the crash. He objected to alleged violations of city policies relating to drug testing and accident reporting, stating that policies cited by the city were not in effect at the time of his termination, and noted that the city did not issue a correction to its initial press release announcing the charges.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that this was an artful professional assassination, based less on the accident and more (on) a conversation that had been going on for quite a while,” Muro said. “I think this board has the power, regardless of what the charter says, to look at facts, and facts matter. … If you’re wondering why there were so many people willing to speak on my behalf, it was because I cherished the role of leadership.”

While Williams repeatedly stated that he wished to avoid a public exchange with Muro due to pending litigation stemming from the April crash, Matlock and Struyf criticized the effects of extensive email chains between the former fire chief and city staff challenging his dismissal. Matlock specifically cited a memorandum of understanding signed and enacted by Muro and former City Manager George Garrett with temporary staffing changes to Marathon Fire Rescue – a document he said allowed for increased costs and should have instead been approved by the council in a supermajority 4-1 vote.

“I would have liked to believe you were fired because you didn’t follow policy – I was willing to come to bat with you over that simple policy,” said Struyf. “But this has become a push and pull – it’s a personal thing.”

Asked by council members to share greater background defending the city’s decision, Williams

cited public records concerning allegations of harassment during Muro’s previous fire rescue positions in Boca Raton, along with questions regarding his firefighter certification expiration and a previous arrest for grand theft.

According to a South Florida Sun Sentinel article from January 2014, Muro sued the city of Boca Raton after he was fired in 2011 for contacting employees during an ongoing investigation against him. While Muro sought to return to his previous post, the suit was later dismissed.

“I don’t want to dig up any more back and forth – I think we know the outcome of this,” said Del Gaizo. “The morale (in Fire Rescue) has really gone down, and I can’t even walk over there and smile anymore. … I don’t want any more bashing on either side. It’s been months, and it was a disappointing situation.”

In other news: • At the request of Struyf, the council will schedule a workshop session following its budget discussions to explore policy and procedural audits of city departments, especially focusing on permitting and administrative processes.

• After expressing concerns over boat trailers blocking traffic on one of Marathon’s heavilytrafficked roads, the council granted conditional approval for a boat ramp at 62 Coco Plum Drive. Owned by Key Colony Homes LLC, the ramp would not be opened for public use, a condition added by the council.

• The council acknowledged current Code Compliance Director Ted Lozier for five years of service to the city.

• Upgrades to the city council chamber’s A/V equipment, currently an analog system that has seen frequent technical difficulties during council meetings involving virtual appearances, will be discussed during the city’s 2026-27 budget cycle. Landry said he was disappointed the upgrades hadn’t arrived yet, as the council was told the equipment had been ordered earlier this year, while Williams said the upgrade would be a six-figure change to the city’s budget.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

NEW NAME, SAME MISSION

Keys AHEC’s pediatric programs become Keys Kids Health Centers to better connect with families

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Keys AHEC’s dental van. FILE PHOTO

ALEX RICKERT

451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl

alex@keysweekly.com

O

ne of the Keys’ most vital pediatric healthcare options is celebrating a rebirth, of sorts.

Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) isn’t going anywhere, CEO Michael Cunningham told the Weekly, and neither are its longstanding initiatives for adults, including tobacco cessation, its opioid program and continuing education for medical professionals, among others.

But the group that’s become known for ensuring kids’ teeth are in tip-top shape with its friendly dental van parked outside Monroe County schools will shift its pediatric medical and dental services to a new name: Keys Kids Health Centers.

“As we started to do more community outreach and fundraising, people would always ask, ‘Well, what is AHEC?’” said Cunningham. “We’d say, ‘well, it’s the Area Health Education Center.’ The next question was, ‘What’s that?’

When we talk about Keys Kids Health Centers, that’s pretty selfexplanatory.”

The partial rebrand comes with refreshed graphics and logos for the group’s informational literature, website and dental van. It’s all in an effort to catch the eyes of parents and get more kids through the door of AHEC’s affordable offerings – just a $10 fee for many dental visits.

“Now that we say ‘Hey, we have a health center in the schools,’ that sticks better with the patients and the parents, it’s easier to market and easier to talk to investors, donors, grants and contracts,” said Cunningham.

During the 2024-25 school year, the organization saw 1,468 new patients in its medical clinic for 5,965 total visits, paired with 899 new dental patients for 4,146 visits. Most of the families served are from low- or moderate-income homes that may not be able to otherwise afford quality healthcare. According to AHEC’s annual report, 55.5% of patients were uninsured while 43.7% received Medicaid benefits.

“This will streamline the process of getting information about the 10 primary care centers and our full dentistry program,” Cunningham said. “It will take you directly to the health centers, bypassing some of the traditional core AHEC programming. We have primary care, full dentistry with restorative treatment, and our new EKG program for studentathletes.”

For more information, including full clinic availability, visit keysahec.org.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

LOCAL HAITIANS FEAR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE Deportations to dangerous island nation could begin July 24

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL. CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA Connor Freeman, who recently graduated from Key West High School, became an immigrant advocate last year, when a close friend was detained by immigration officials. Freeman organized a July 12 protest on Duval Street to make people aware of the Haitian immigration situation. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

“H

aiti is not home for me anymore,” said a Key West Uber driver who we’ll call Jean.

“I came to Key West in 2016 because Haiti was very dangerous, very poor.

And now it’s worse. I don’t know what will happen. We don’t know.”

Jean is one of about 330,000 Haitian nationals in the United States living in fear of July 24, when the U.S. government is scheduled to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that has allowed immigrants from the troubled island nation to live and work in the United States without fear of being deported.

But a June 25 Supreme Court ruling authorized the Department of Homeland Security to end TPS for Haiti and begin deporting people to a nation deemed too dangerous to visit by the U.S. State Department.

“Do not travel to Haiti for any reason … due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care. … Mob killings and public assaults are on the rise. … Violent crime is rampant in Haiti. … The expansion of gang, organized crime and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence, kidnappings and sexual assault. … There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets. …

There is a risk of terrorist violence. …

There are gangs that are designated

as terrorist organizations present in Haiti,” said the State Department in July 2025.

Florida is home to an estimated 158,000 Haitians, 93,000 of whom are part of the state’s workforce, which now faces a devastating labor loss in industries such as health care, elder care, hospitality and agriculture. In Key West, Haitian workers are crucial to restaurants, hotels, hospitals and nursing homes.

“The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for the more than 93,000 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders who have built their lives in Florida, as well as for the hospitality and tourism businesses and communities that rely on their contributions,” wrote Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), in a statement June 30. “Together, these individuals contribute an estimated $2.6 billion annually to Florida’s economy, underscoring the far-reaching impact this decision could have across our state.”

The FRLA, along with the National Restaurant Association and 11 state associations, warned the Department of Homeland Security in June that restaurants and hotels face immediate workforce challenges.

A bill is pending in the U.S. Senate that would extend TPS for Haitians until April 2029. The U.S. House passed a similar bill, but the Senate has yet to consider Senate Bill 4814, which is awaiting a judiciary review.

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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These divers hit all the right notes at this makeshift concert on Looe Key Reef during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. FRAZIER NIVENS/ Florida Keys News Bureau

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he Florida Keys cranked up the volume this weekend. And the audience had fins.

Divers and snorkelers descended beneath the waves for the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival on July 11. Ocean-themed favorites streamed through underwater speakers as dancing mermaids played guitars, harps and trumpets — all in the name of coral reef conservation.

Colorful tropical fish swam through the melodies, transforming Looe Key Reef, located

in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, into one of nature’s most unusual concert stages.

This celebration wasn’t all about fun. Between songs, divers heard reminders about protecting fragile coral reefs by respecting marine life, using mooring buoys and practicing responsible diving and snorkeling.

Now in its 42nd year, the festival once again proved that music can do more than entertain.

— Contributed

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

CLOUDS, WINDS & WINNERS Young sailors slice the waves for Mixer in the Middle Regatta ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

U

nder a cloudy break from the brutal summer sun, young skippers caught the wind in the waters off Marathon on July 11 for the Middle Keys Sailing’s annual Mixer in the Middle Regatta.

Featuring sailors ages 7 to 18 from Key Largo to Key West, the day’s races invited four classes of sailboats to navigate their way through the shallow Gulfside course, under the watchful eyes of their coaches and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sailors and their families later retired to the Marathon Yacht Club for a post-race pool party and awards ceremony.

Proceeds from the regatta support the efforts of the Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching fun and safety on the water for kids of all backgrounds. Middle Keys Sailing provides youth and adult sailing lessons, summer camps and scholarships for graduating Marathon High School seniors, along with various events throughout the year.

More information is at www. mycef.education.

ON THE PODIUM OPTIMUS First Place: Luka Holtzerman Second Place: Heidi Rangel Third Place: Audrey Martinez SUNFISH First Place: Tanner Snowden Second Place: Cora Shannon Third Place: Michael Mejias LASER First Place: Reif Wallen Second Place: Kai Delgado Third Place: Kearney Gieda C420 First Place: Alexandra Brehm & Penny Boullton Second Place: Piper Brehm & Oliver Boullton Third Place: Jovanna Garcia & Sasha Garcia Kids hoist their sails and set their rigging for the Mixer in the Middle Regatta at the Marathon Yacht Club on July 11.

NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

1 1. Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach lets a young fan sneak in a photo op with Girl Power.

2. Turtle Hospital manager Bette Zirkelbach, left, and Jory Geib carry Girl Power past the shoreline sargassum inundation and into open water for her journey home.

3. A tradition at all Turtle Hospital releases, kids get a front-row seat to meet Girl Power, ask questions and learn conservation tips from the Turtle Hospital staff.

4. Hundreds line the sands at Sombrero Beach to cheer on Girl Power in her return to the ocean.

NATALIE DANKO/Florida Keys News Bureau

2 3

4

FROM FISHING LINE TO STARTING LINE

S

ome heroes wear capes. This one has flippers – and a really cool name.

A juvenile green sea turtle named Girl Power returned to the Atlantic Ocean on July 10 after overcoming injuries so severe she wasn’t expected to survive.

Rescued in the Florida Keys around International Women’s Day, Girl Power arrived at the Turtle Hospital tangled in fishing line and covered in lifethreatening tumors.

Four months later, she proved resilience can be stronger than any obstacles in her way.

“Girl Power was a long shot,” said Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Turtle

Rescued turtle ‘Girl Power’ returns to the sea

Hospital. “When a turtle ingests fishing line, it can become a mortality event.

Also, she had tumors not only on her body but covering her eyes, so she overcame the odds. We got rid of the fishing line, she passed the fishing line that she ingested, tumor-free, had good, strong eyes, and (she’s) back at sea.”

With a satellite transmitter attached to her shell, Girl Power was released from Sombrero Beach in Marathon. As the Turtle Hospital’s official competitor in the Tour de Turtles race, she will be tracked by Sea Turtle Conservancy, a global research and education program that tracks sea turtle migrations and allows the public to follow each turtle’s remarkable journey.

Her road to recovery was anything but easy. Veterinarians and staff performed multiple tumor-removal surgeries, carefully removed fishing line, treated infections with antibiotics, provided fluids, vitamins and chemotherapy following eye surgery, and helped nurse her back to health with a steady diet of fresh greens and seafood.

As she journeys out to sea. Girl Power’s satellite tag will transmit her location whenever she surfaces, allowing scientists to study her migration while giving people around the world a front-row seat to cheer her on.

“The satellites that are attached to the sea turtles send a signal every time they come up to breathe, and that

signal is then relayed to a station to give us basically a GPS location for the turtle,” said Daniel Evans, a research biologist with Sea Turtle Conservancy.

For roughly three months, she will compete against other rehabilitated sea turtles to see who swims the farthest in this year’s Tour de Turtles.

For more than 40 years, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon has rescued, rehabilitated and returned thousands of injured sea turtles to the wild, giving threatened and endangered species a second chance at life.

To follow along in Girl Power’s journey, visit tourdeturtles.org.

— Contributed

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

FROM THE KEYS, WITH LOVE

JOB SITE TRAGEDY IN MARATHON

Locals answer the call for Venezuela

1

Worker killed after strike by heavy machinery

2 1. Manuela Mobley, left, picks up a car stuffed to the seams with donated supplies from Rotarian Jesus Parra.

2. Rafael Cordova shows off donated supplies. at Coldwell Banker Schmitt’s Marathon office.

3. Rotarian Sarah Bartus, left, Cruz Keween,

3 Dakota Mertyris and Mylana Loza begin checkout at Winn Dixie.

4. Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo poses with donated supplies at the Coldwell Banker Schmitt offices in Marathon.

Photos contributed

W

T

he Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to an industrial, work-related death just before 11:30 a.m. on July 14 at 4250 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

Victor Vivian Cano Franco, 37, of Marathon, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident occurred at an industrial yard where rock is crushed into smaller pieces. The victim appeared to have been struck by a front-end loader. The victim was struck in the mid-section and his body was severed as a result.

Detectives are investigating the incident. Foul play is not believed to be a factor. Autopsy results are pending.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the incident.

– Contributed

hen earthquakes brought devastation to Venezuela in late June, the Keys stepped up to help, led by the example of several Middle and Upper Keys clubs.

Marathon Rotarian Jesus Parra and Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess organized the Help Venezuela Earthquake Relief Supply Drive, collecting a wide variety of food, water, baby/personal care and medical/emergency supplies that were transported through Rotary’s trusted humanitarian network to Rotary District 4370 in Caracas.

“It was massive – we had so much stuff,” Parra told the Weekly after two weeks of donations were complete and on the way to South America.

“Manuela (Mobley) from the Upper Keys and I collected literally a full car from my office, and then I had more supplies on my end from Daniel, then Million Air and Coldwell – it was very successful.”

Monetary contributions poured in from those not able to donate supplies in time, which Parra turned into a trip to the mainland for a cost-effective supply shopping spree.

At the Marathon Rotary Club’s meeting on July 1, a club member volunteered to go shopping and asked if anyone wanted to contribute toward extra relief items. Before the end of the meeting, Rotarians had donated more than $1,000 for the shopping trip.

Shopping assistance was enlisted in the form of current Marathon High School Interact Club president Mylana Loza, past MHS Interact president Dakota Mertyris, and MHS graduate Cruz Keween. The trio hit the local Winn Dixie, and were given star treatment by the store’s staff as they opened up a lane specifically for Venezuela checkout.

Parra said that while local collection efforts have paused for the moment, there will likely be other opportunities for monetary donations.

“I think it will be easier to get money there so people can buy supplies,” he said. “There are a ton of people that get together, buy a bunch of food, cook out and deliver it in town (in affected areas). That’s going to be the most necessary thing down the road.”

The Rotary Club of Marathon is a local service organization that is part of an international network of more than 45,000 individual clubs that have around 1.2 million members.

– Keys Weekly staff report

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

COAST GUARD RESCUES OVERDUE DIVER IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Coast Guard Station Islamorada crews successfully rescue an overdue diver 5 miles off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo on July 11. COAST GUARD/ Contributed

A

Coast Guard Station Islamorada boat crew rescued an overdue diver on July 11, after he was reported missing from a dive vessel 5 miles off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

The Station Islamorada boat crew located the diver within the initial search area and transported him to emergency medical services at Garden Cove Marina in stable condition.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report from the crew of the dive vessel Island Hopper at about 11:45 a.m., that a 45-year-old male had failed to return to the surface about 15 minutes after his scheduled resurfacing time.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a Station Islamorada boat crew to search. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami helicopter crew and Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission air and surface crews also responded.

“The diver was successfully located because he was equipped with a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), which enabled us to identify his position approximately one-quarter mile away,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Damian Burnham, a Station Islamorada boat crew member. “This incident underscores the importance of carrying a DSMB while scuba diving, as it significantly enhances a diver’s visibility at the surface and can greatly improve the speed and effectiveness of locating a diver.”

The Coast Guard encourages divers to carry emergency signaling equipment, remain in communication with their vessel, and ensure someone ashore is aware of their dive plan before getting underway.

— Contributed

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To the editor: Given your coverage of The College of the Florida Keys, I write to make you aware of correspondence I have sent regarding the reconstituted Board of Trustees’ move to terminate President Jonathan “Dr. G” Gueverra, and to offer some context on where the College has come from, in case it is useful to your reporting. I write in my individual capacity, as a former Chair of the District Board of Trustees, a former Chair of the College Foundation and its current Foundation Vice Chair; for more than 15 years my principal service to the College has been to help it raise money.

The correspondence. I have written to Governor DeSantis, twice, once on the fairness and record of the matter and once on its consequences for the College’s fundraising; to Representative Jim Mooney; to Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez; and to each of the seven members of the Board of Trustees individually, urging that the action be reconsidered. I have also written to keep President Gueverra, CFK Foundation Executive Director Lana Gaspari, and Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein informed. I am glad to provide copies of any of these letters.

Where the College has come from. When I first came to the College more than 15 years ago, its finances were in such disarray that the College was compelled to turn to the Foundation, itself of limited means, simply to remain in compliance with the State of Florida and with its regional accreditor. The College was on probation with that accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; the nursing program had lost its accreditation; the College could not enroll international students; and the emergency medical services program was at risk, the College having failed to meet the applicable credentialing requirements. The residence halls ran below capacity and at a loss, tenured faculty taught near-empty sections in programs then in decline, and a standalone Upper Keys campus was not conceivable. The institution operated from scarcity.

Where it is now. Under President Gueverra’s leadership since 2012, the College became a four-year, baccalaureate-degree-granting institution and holds sole accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. It opened the $20 million Upper Keys Center in Key Largo, funded by a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce and by private gifts, without state appropriations. It was designated by the U.S. Maritime Administration as a Center of Excellence in 2021 and again in 2024, the only college in Florida to hold that federal designation. It was named the National Retail Federation Foundation’s 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year. It has reached and sustained the enrollment necessary to its survival, and it is now building student and workforce housing on the Key West campus, a campaign that has already raised five million dollars.

Why the stated rationale does not hold. The Board’s principal concern is said to be the College’s funding. But raising money for the College, and advocating for it in Tallahassee, is a duty the law assigns to the Board itself; the appropriations the Board has faulted the president for failing to secure were decided at the state level, including a $3.5 million chiller-plant appropriation vetoed from the state budget; and the College’s signature building was delivered almost entirely without state dollars. In short, a president is being faulted for the very function the Board is charged with, at the moment he is leading a housing campaign that has already raised millions. As the person whose duty it has been to raise this College’s money, I can tell you that much of its private support is tied to the confidence donors place in Dr. Gueverra, and will not easily survive his removal.

Respectfully, Robert Stoky Former Chair, District Board of Trustees, The College of the Florida Keys; Former Chair and current Vice Chair, CFK Foundation Board

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

NEW SUBSEA HABITAT DEPLOYED AT TENNESSEE REEF Your Health.

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Vanguard deploys the foundation. BRENDAN HALL/Deep Inset top: Deep’s Vanguard sits on a sandy bottom at 56-foot ocean depth at Tennessee Reef. Inset bottom: Inside the Vanguard looking through the hatch from the service area to the living chamber inside.

D

eep’s Vanguard is now installed on the seafloor at Tennessee Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, becoming the first open-ocean subsea human habitat built, tested and deployed in the United States in 40 years.

Vanguard’s deployment involved setting an ocean floor foundation in place, fixing the habitat onto the foundation and securely tethering the surface support buoy nearby. The complete system now sits on a sandy bottom at 56-foot ocean depth. The liveable part of the habitat measures 35 feet long and 8 feet wide and is designed to support crews of up to four aquanauts living and working underwater on research missions of five or more days.

With deployment complete, sea acceptance testing and commissioning are underway – the final steps toward DNV classification. DNV, a global leader in maritime classification, has been engaged throughout the design and build process, providing independent technical assurance that Vanguard meets rigorous engineering standards.

Deep will then turn its focus to habitat support crew training ahead of Vanguard’s first research missions at Tennessee Reef.

“Installing Vanguard at Tennessee Reef was a carefully choreographed marine operation with a lot of moving parts, and the culmination of 18 months of intense design,

build, and testing efforts,” said Norman Smith, chief technology officer at Deep.

Successful deployment enables a continuous human presence in the ocean and is a major step forward in Deep’s mission to make humans aquatic. Tennessee Reef is a critical area of scientific interest. Vanguard enables scientists to live and work at depth for days at a time, dramatically increasing the volume and continuity of research that can be conducted at the reef, accelerating understanding of coral health, ecosystem dynamics and climate change.

“For decades, NOAA has supported using subsea habitats as a platform to reveal ground-breaking discoveries that inform the sanctuary’s management well into the future,” said Eddie Kertis, superintendent of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The deployment of a new subsea habitat within the sanctuary creates additional opportunities for marine science and builds on research infrastructure, resource stewardship, and long-standing collaboration with the scientific community.

Deep is building a long-term program of habitats designed to give humans a sustained presence beneath the waves. As Deep’s pilot habitat, Vanguard provides the real-world experience that informs what comes next: Sentinel, a larger, modular habitat system.

— Contributed

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MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026 A gray kingbird seen this spring at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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

think my favorite sports team names come from weird places. Of most recent high visibility are the New York Knicks, an abridgment from when they were called the New York Knickerbockers, a name derived from the below-the-knee trousers worn by Dutch settlers in the 1600s, girls who were fans of Pat Benatar in the 1980s (at least in my high school), and contemporary golfers who’ve made unfortunate fashion choices.

I could go on about teams named after regional industries, elected positions, natural disasters, geographical features, even hosiery. But this is a column about wildlife, so I’ll try to stay in my lane and focus on teams named after animals,

mostly birds.

All this in service of getting to what I believe to be one of the greatest naming omissions in all of sportsdom.

I love the fact that in the NHL, the league with the most face-punching, the two teams named after birds – the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks – chose birds that are not particularly aggressive to other species and generally considered cute. The bird geek in me cries out to know exactly which species of ducks and penguins we’re talking about, but it is sometimes best to tamp down that voice.

I don’t think the Nashville Predators count as a bird name, because while some birds are predators, so are some mammals, fish, reptiles, insects and, well, humans. (Did they not focus-group the name?)

I briefly considered including the Chicago Blackhawks as an avifauna-based moniker, something that could be slightly irksome to birders, as the common black hawk has never been reported north or east of Kansas. But it turns out, the team is named after a World War I U.S. Army division, which in turn was named after a famed Sauk chief named Black Hawk who fought with the British against nascent America. (There is a whole well of controversy with the name, and especially the logo.)

Major League baseball teams named after birds skew more handsome and brightly colored than cute – Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles. All three songbird species are generally peaceful unless provoked by a predator or an intruding member of their species. They will get aggressive should the need arise.

The NFL, of course, has the most outwardly aggressive bird names – Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, families of birds that survive solely by hunting. The one outlier would be the Baltimore Ravens, named for birds known more for their smarts, their ability to quoth, and for the perceived gothic sensibilities projected on them by humans.

A MODEST SPORTSBALL NAMING PROPOSAL

Interestingly, Major League Soccer doesn’t have any teams named after animals, though respect to Inter Miami CF for having pink versions of Great White Herons in their crest.

I went down this sports-related, bird-inspired rabbit hole after walking my dog through Truman Waterfront Park the other day. A gray kingbird was following from tree to tree behind us, occasionally swooping down at high speed and trying to bite June in the butt. If she had noticed, she might have spooked a bit, as she is not the bravest of dogs. But she seemed happily oblivious to the whole thing, just delighted to be walking somewhere with so many things to smell.

It was not such a nonchalant experience when this had happened with June’s predecessor, Elly, who was a little more keen to the wildlife around her. I once had her trotting along next to my bike.

As we passed the tennis courts in Bayview Park a gray kingbird came in and poked her pretty good on her right flank, inspiring her to bolt and subsequently tow me and the bike behind her. The brakes on that bike weren’t the best, and I had to drag my flip flops on the pavement for quite a few yards to keep us from running into traffic.

Gray kingbirds are tyrant flycatchers, members of the Tyrannus genus. It is a title they’ve held since they were first described to science in 1788. They are one of eight or nine Tyrannus species that occur regularly in North America, though their two main counterparts, behavior-wise, are the eastern kingbird and the western kingbird.

Western kingbirds are rarities in the Keys.

Eastern kingbirds migrate through in the spring and fall. But gray kingbirds breed here. Florida is the north end of their breeding range, which extends down through Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola.

I’m not saying there’s one on every block in Key West, but if you walk five blocks and don’t see one, you’re not paying attention.

Collectively, the natural histories and inclinations of all three kingbird species read like a crime blotter.

Kingbirds have a long history of attacking dogs, something mentioned in most species accounts. But they will also attack humans should they not like the cut of their jib or the shine of their bald head.

Mostly they attack other birds, interlopers into their territories, those they view as competitive threats to their seasonal relationship with their mate, and birds they see as risks to the wellbeing of themselves or their offspring.

It is not hard to find a photo of any of the three species riding hawks or eagles like surfboards, pecking at them, biting them, plucking the feathers from the top of their head. Accounts from the 1950s describe them going after lowflying airplanes.

Just before starting this column I watched a video of a gray kingbird going after a drone in Puerto Rico. I also saw a series of photos showing an eastern kingbird trying to drown another eastern kingbird in a pond.

If you want aggression, tenacity and a penchant for violence, kingbirds are your bird. They have the physical grace, visual acuity and aerobatic dexterity to zip around and pull mosquitos and other larger insects out of a clear blue sky.

Other birds will aggressively try to protect what they consider to be theirs, but few can match the kingbirds in terms of sheer orneriness.

Ounce for ounce, they are among the most formidable and terrifying creatures on the planet.

So why can’t I find any sports team – amateur, high school, college, beer league, professional – called the Kingbirds?

I researched heavily, Googling for a solid 20 minutes, the word “kingbird” attached to the words sports, football, basketball, hockey, soccer, gymnastics and ultimate frisbee. I found nothing.

There is a major opportunity here and I am willing to consult with any up-and-coming, yet-tobe named sports franchise on this. Assuming they can afford my fee.

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

WHEN STACKING ACCESSORIES DOESN’T EQUAL RESULTS

I

think the wellness industry has quietly turned many of us into little health hoarders.

It may not be obvious to anyone else. A dinner guest would never suspect that behind those kitchen cabinets, tucked inside the pantry or hidden beneath the bathroom sink is enough health and wellness gear to stock a small GNC. Throw in a closet full of matching workout outfits, and we're officially in business. If workout leggings suddenly became unacceptable as everyday clothing, I'm honestly not sure what I'd wear.

And don't even get me started on the shaker bottles, fitness apps, smart watches, smart rings, heart rate monitors, resistance bands, massage guns, foam rollers, protein powders, electrolyte mixes, journals, planners and supplement organizers. I've seen it

UNSPLASH

in my own house, I've seen it in my clients' homes and if we're being honest, maybe I've just described yours too.

It's incredible how many wellness products exist today. Everything is wearable, trackable, measurable, rechargeable, personalized and delivered right to your front door.

And yet, here we are.

More than 42% of American adults have obesity. Nearly one in two adults has high blood pressure. Roughly 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and heart disease remains

the nation's leading cause of death.

Clearly, our biggest problem isn't a lack of tools.

For a while I wondered if maybe people just didn't know how to use them. But the more I thought about it, the less I believed that was the answer.

Most of us know exactly what it means when our watch tells us to stand up, take a walk, or move a little more. We understand what a protein shake is for. We know what vegetables are. We know sleep matters. We know exercise matters. The problem isn't that we don't understand the information. The problem is that we've started confusing owning wellness with practicing wellness.

Buying the smartwatch feels productive. Downloading the app feels productive. Ordering the supplements feels productive. Researching the perfect workout feels productive. But none of those things are the workout.

Somewhere along the way, wellness stopped being a verb and became a shopping category.

Please don't misunderstand me.

I love good equipment. I appreciate technology. I think fitness trackers, protein powder and a well-made pair of leggings can absolutely make healthy living easier. They're fantastic tools.

But they're just tools.

No smartwatch has ever built muscle while someone sat on the couch.

No supplement has ever replaced consistent movement.

No perfectly-coordinated workout outfit has ever JENNIFER burned a single HARVEY calorie hanging in the closet. ...is a MarathonThe magic has based ACSMnever been in what certified perwe buy.

It's always sonal trainer and precision nutrition been in what we coach who owns repeatedly do. and operates If your budget Highly Motivated is tight, you don't Functionally need to wait until Caffeinated LLC. you can afford the latest gadget. You can walk in an old T-shirt. You can strength train with a pair of dumbbells you've had for years.

You can write your workout on the back of an envelope if that's what you have.

Your body has never cared whether your leggings matched your sports bra. It only cares that you showed up.

Maybe it's time we stopped collecting wellness and started living it. The healthiest people I know aren't the ones with the most gear. They're the ones who consistently use what they already have.

32

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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• 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths • 2,456 sq. ft. on 9,157 sq. ft. lot • 80’ concrete dock • Direct deep-water ocean access via 60’ wide canal • Proximity to full-service neighborhood marina • Attached 2-car garage • Primary suite retreat with his-and-hers closets

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT Office: 305.872.5261 Cell: 305.797.1221 lisaferringo@gmail.com LisaFerringo.com

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

In July 2025, Juli Berwald and author Tiffany Duong, of Tela Coral, celebrated the historic outplanting with professor Andrew Baker and Fabrizio Conejo of the UMiami Coral Reef Futures Lab. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

HYBRID HOPE Experimental ‘Flonduran’ corals planted in Dry Tortugas TIFFANY DUONG

F

www.keysweekly.com

lorida’s coral reef is getting an injection of hope from some unlikely hybrid corals.

This spring, scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Mote Marine Laboratory, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Park Service outplanted experimental “Flonduran” corals inside Dry Tortugas National Park — a milestone that could eventually inform restoration efforts throughout the entire Florida reef tract, including the Keys. Honduran partner Tela Marine and U.S.based nonprofit Tela Coral helped make the international collaboration possible.

The 2-year-old Flondurans are experimental offspring created by

breeding Florida Keys elkhorn corals with unusually resilient elkhorns from Tela Bay, Honduras. In the latter, scientists have documented rare, robust elkhorn coral populations living in warmer, more nutrient-rich waters than researchers once believed the species could tolerate. Researchers hope the hybrids inherit beneficial traits from their Tela parent corals, including greater tolerance for warmer, nutrient-rich conditions.

The Dry Tortugas deployment builds on another milestone. In July 2025, researchers planted the firstever “Flonduran” elkhorn corals onto an experimental reef off Key Biscayne. Regulators approved that first trial because the Gulf Stream isolates the site from the Florida reef tract, meaning any offspring would be swept out to sea rather than naturally

Left: A researcher removes a protective umbrella – meant to keep predators away – from an older outplant at the Key Biscayne experiment site during the first outplanting of Flonduran corals in Florida. CORAL REEF FUTURES LAB/Contributed. Center: A puck with Flonduran coral outplanted in Key Biscayne in July 2025. Above: Carly Dennison (left) and Jordan Holder from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School prepare to outplant ‘Flonduran’ and Florida elkhorn corals in the Dry Tortugas. BAILEY MARQUARDT/Coral Reef Futures Lab

recruiting onto Florida’s reefs.

One year later, researchers say those corals are continuing to do well, paving the way for testing the hybrids on live reefs in Dry Tortugas, where offspring could eventually become part of Florida’s reef ecosystem.

If successful, the approach could help inform restoration strategies across Florida’s entire barrier reef, the 350-mile reef tract that includes the 120-mile Florida Keys island chain.

The timing couldn’t be more important.

Elkhorn coral, once one of the Caribbean’s dominant reef builders, has declined by more than 95% across the Florida Keys. Following the devastating 2023 marine heat wave, scientists declared Florida’s elkhorn and staghorn corals functionally extinct. They no longer can play a significant role in the ecosystem, cannot successfully reproduce, and/or now lack the genetic diversity to sustain their populations.

“This is a critical step in field-testing measures to help reefs adapt to increased ocean temperatures,” said professor Andrew Baker, the principal investigator for University of Miami and director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab. “By testing these Flonduran and Floridian corals side-by-side on different reefs, we can begin to identify suitable source populations for future breeding efforts.”

Baker’s team developed the hybrids to test whether introducing new Caribbean genetics could improve the long-term resilience of Florida’s remaining elkhorn populations. Scientists will revisit the corals every six months to measure growth, survival and overall health of the young corals while comparing the hybrids directly against Florida-only corals planted at the same sites as controls.

For Tela Marine co-founder Antal Borcsok, who first recognized the ecological importance of Tela Bay’s reefs roughly 15 years ago, the Flondurans represent something much larger than a single restoration project. He said, “I’m optimistic that finally we have gotten over the barriers of introducing coral genetics to other ecosystems; this type of assisted evolution has been done for millennia on land. We may also one day need to receive corals from other places as well. This may be the beginning of something very big.”

His optimism is echoed by Juli Berwald, Tela Coral’s co-founder and president, who connected Baker and Borcsok, launching the international collaboration.

Berwald told the Weekly, “I’m so thrilled that the Flondurans have been planted in the Dry Tortugas. It’s such an important step, not just for Florida, but also for the international collaboration necessary to support the health of the Caribbean’s coral reefs.”

“The Caribbean is one ocean comprising 37 countries, and each one is critical to corals’ future. If these Flondurans inherited the resilience of Tela’s elkhorns and thrive in the Dry Tortugas, then the possibilities for a vibrant future for elkhorns, and all the animals that rely on them for habitat, becomes a reality we can work toward.”

For now, the Flondurans remain an experiment. Whether they ultimately help reshape restoration across the Florida Reef Tract will take years to answer. But their existence on living reefs instead of only in laboratories marks a new chapter in coral restoration science and collaboration.

34

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

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35

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

BRIEFLY Meet local first responders at National Night Out Local law enforcement, military and community partners will host the annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Marathon’s event will be held at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office aviation hangar at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, 9400 Overseas Highway, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Similar events will be held throughout the Keys. Each family-friendly event will feature food, refreshments and an opportunity to meet neighbors, members of local law enforcement agencies and firefighters, as well as members of the military from a wide variety of divisions and special teams, and many others who are all involved in public safety in the Florida Keys. The goal of National Night Out is to bring the community together to discuss how to make neighborhoods cleaner, safer and more secure. Community members can learn how to heighten their crime prevention awareness. Each event — depending on the area — will feature displays of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office elite units such as the dive team, SWAT, and crime scene investigation. Also attending will be by the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Highway Patrol, Monroe County Fire Rescue, Monroe County schools, business chambers and others. Participants can view vehicles and equipment used by many of the agencies and pick up valuable information and personal safety paraphernalia.

KAIR, Feeding South Florida hold food distribution Feeding South Florida Food Bank and the KAIR food pantry have joined to host a food distribution in Marathon on Tuesday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Distribution will occur at San Pablo Catholic Church, 550 122nd Street Ocean in Marathon, with the help of Father Oscar Perez. Food bags will be distributed to 300 families on a first-come, first-served basis and will include fresh vegetables and fruits along with non-perishable items. For more information, contact KAIR at 305-743-4582.

Marathon Moose Lodge collects school supplies The Marathon Moose Lodge's Heart of the Community is collecting 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.

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: Foster parent licensing classes on Aug. 25 Every child deserves a safe, loving and supportive home. Foster parents make that possible by opening their hearts and homes to children in need — including sibling groups who need to stay together.

Wesley House Family Services is offering foster parent licensing classes beginning Aug. 25. 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.

Marathon Rotary to host pop-up sip & shop The Rotary Companion Club of Marathon will host a pop-up sip & shop event on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 Overseas Highway. The shopping event will focus on gentlyused back to school kids clothes and women’s clothing and shoes. Friday hours are from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday shopping is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Rotary’s charitable efforts throughout the Middle Keys and worldwide.

ANDOUILLE 4.5-year-old-male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: This month we’re celebrating Bastille Day at the shelter with berets.

Turnoffs: Dogs. I really, really hate dogs.

ROCKY 3-month-old male kitten.

Looking for: My very first home where I can play all day.

Turnoffs: I might come off a little shy, but give me a toy and we’ll be BFFs.

SWIPE RIGHT

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

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

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

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

MUNCHKIN 10-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Do you want a dog? I swear I’m a dog.

Turnoffs: Andouille made me wear this hat. Excuse me – beret.

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.

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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37

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

This week has been about CHRIS new beginnings, McNULTY fresh intentions is an astrologer, and initiating wanderer, barplans for our tender and advocate for queer physical and emotional welljustice. He is a loquacious Gemini being. Perhaps with a cozy Cancer you’ve decided to rising. Find him at prioritize a health hearthandheraldroutine because astrology.com you want to feel better in your body, or you’re being honest with yourself and your loved ones about some feelings that need to be addressed. Maybe you’re reorganizing your living space to bring fresh energy into your personal sanctuary.

The new moon in Cancer on July 14 was an invitation to take care of yourself in whatever way you needed. Listening to your body is listening to yourself. What are you trying to communicate? We also have Venus in Virgo forming a 90-degree square to Uranus in Gemini. This planetary configuration represents a challenge between relationship and independence. You may receive surprising news from a lover about their hopes for the relationship.

Perhaps a friend pulls an unexpected stunt that makes you question your friendship. Uranus always involves an element of the unforeseen, so whatever caught you off guard this week is offering you the opportunity to practice agency in your relationships. A choice must be made.

Here are your horoscopes for the Cancer new moon and the Venus-Uranus square. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CANCER June 21 - July 22 New moon, new you. You are reigniting yourself this week, bringing a fresh perspective and an energy of rebirth as you step out into the world. Consider this week your personal cotillion or debutante ball as you emerge fresh onto life’s stage. At the same time, your closest friends and siblings may be gnawing

at your peace and quiet. You choose your priorities with a firm decision.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 Alone time can be incredibly nourishing or incredibly challenging, depending on your relationship with yourself. Do you like your own company? This week is about forging a fresh connection to yourself in the quiet spaces. Listen to your body when you’re alone. There’s also the high chance you’ll encounter an unexpected expense this week coming from your friends. It’s your currency, so you decide what’s best.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Friends and social networks can very well be mirrors of ourselves.

This new moon invited you to look in the mirror. Did you like what you saw? Perhaps you’ve ingratiated yourself into a new group, or doubled down on your relations with a fresh perspective. You are also being challenged to choose between your self-love and the independence your career provides. You are the architect here.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Quiet repose and the call to adventure are very distinct and different modalities, and yet this is the choice you’ve been contending with. Do you choose the balance of loving retreat or the independence of grand exploration? Tap into what you truly need now. You are also getting a reset at work. Whether or not you are receiving a promotion, you get to show up as if you are.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 The way we invest our time, energy and funds can either help us accelerate or hold us back. This week is about realizing whether you are free to chase your goals or if you’ve hampered yourself through your obligations. Where do your priorities lie? At the same time, you are set-

ting the stage for a fresh adventure.

Where will you go and what will you learn?

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 One of the earliest lessons that we learn in school is how to share.

The lesson doesn’t always stick, but it is still true that humans are beings who share resources. There are many different ways to do this: vulnerably sharing time and truth, investing in shared purpose, sharing food, etc.

You decide how to share with others, and this week is a fresh beginning in that arena.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 This new moon brings novelty in your partnership. You are starting fresh, whether with a new person or a new approach to a familiar person.

How do you want your partnership to move forward? Simultaneously, there is an imminent challenge between your big-picture beliefs and the minutiae of your daily routines.

Follow the beliefs that offer grace and the routines that offer freedom.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 You need not keep doing things the same way. Even if you’ve been doing the same routine for years, if it is no longer serving you, change it up. This week is a fresh start when it comes to your wellness habits and your mundane routines. You also have commitments that challenge your creative outlets and joy. It can be so hard to choose, but your time is yours to prioritize.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Play is perhaps the most important thing we can do for ourselves as humans. We are thrown into a wondrous world when we are born, and as we get older we are encouraged less and less to play in the magic surroundings of this planet. This new moon encourages you to be creative and play with fresh vigor. At

BEGINNINGS AND CHOOSINGS

the same time, there is a challenge between a partner and your home/ family. Choose and communicate what’s best for you.

ARIES March 21 - April 19 Reconnect to your roots with this new moon, Aries. This week is all about finding a fresh start with your personal space and the people you call family. Shake out the stagnant energy and begin again. What is your method of watering your roots? At the same time, your desire to stick to your routines is clashing with excitement and freedom being offered in your local neighborhood.

What do you really need?

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 This week is a great time to start a new writing project, begin a daily ritual, or connect deeply with the people and places in your immediate surroundings. It is high time to do the familiar things differently.

Money and creativity are not always the coziest bedfellows. You may have to choose between the financially prudent thing and the creative joyful thing this week. Which will serve you the best?

GEMINI May 21 - June 20 This week is a fresh financial start, Gemini. Are you applying to new jobs, starting a new side hustle, or monetizing a hobby? Perhaps you are realigning your personal values in a way that helps you understand your position better. At the same time, your personal independence is being challenged by the love of your family. What you sacrifice now is not gone forever.

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844

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phone 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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Sportfishing Adventures

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39

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

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40

MARATHON WEEKLY / JULY 16, 2026

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1

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

In The Bleachers

Brevity

Adam Dailies

NEWS OF THE WEIRD A pair of Russian climbers have been charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal tampering, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct after climbing to the very top of the Empire State Building spire, some 1,454 feet (443 meters) above the ground. Reuters reported that around 12:30 p.m. on July 1, daredevils Angela Nikolau, 33, and Vanya Beerkus (also known as Ivan Kuznetsov), 32, raised a black banner with white lettering that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” Their daring feat concluded with Beerkus appearing to propose to Nikolau and the couple embracing. NYPD closed the streets below the building, and the couple was taken into custody. The building has an observation deck on the 102nd floor, and official policy is that visitors are not allowed to go higher than that. How the pair gained access beyond that remains a mystery. An Empire State Building spokesperson called it an “unauthorized incident.” Meanwhile, Nikolau’s father, an acrobat himself, had a more relaxed take on the climb. “I think it is normal to climb up a roof in any country, including the United States, according to any constitution,” he said. “Why should I be worried? I climb up roofs myself.”

2

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

Nancy Dailies

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1945, the United States successfully detonated a test nuclear weapon at the Alamogordo Air Base in New Mexico, an event now considered to mark the beginning of the Atomic Age. TODAY’S FACT

Brevity

The world’s first parking meter, installed on this day in 1935 in Oklahoma City, charged 5 cents per hour.

TODAY’S QUOTE

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Roald Amundsen (1872-1928), explorer; Kathleen Norris (1880-1966), author; Orville Redenbacher (1907-1995), farmer/businessman; Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990), actress; Ginger Rogers (1911-1995), dancer/actress; Jimmy Johnson (1943- ), football coach/broadcaster; Tony Kushner (1956- ), playwright; Miguel Indurain (1964- ), cyclist; Will Ferrell (1967- ), actor; Barry Sanders (1968- ), football player; Adam Scott (1980- ), golfer; Carli Lloyd (1982- ), soccer player.

“Hope has an astonishing resilience and strength. Its very persistence in our hearts indicates that it is not a tonic for wishful thinkers but the ground on which realists stand.”

— Kathleen Norris, “Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life”

3

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

Founded by Betty Debnam

Counting Birds

They’re counting on you!

Are you ready to count? The Mini Page provides some ideas to help you get started.

Mini Fact: This Iceland gull was photographed in Cleveland Harbor, Ohio.

Twenty-nine years ago, when the internet was Word Nerd brand-new, bird experts Ornithology at National Audubon is the study of Society and Cornell Lab of birds.

Ornithology had a question: Would ordinary people count birds and contribute their results to an online survey?

Of course! In 1997, Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) found 13,000 people from North America entering checklists of birds.

The 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count will take place Feb. 13-16. Will you help count birds?

photo by Dan Pancamo

Why count birds?

Birds are always on the move. Many species migrate, or travel, to find warmer weather or better sources of food. It would be impossible for one scientist or even one team of scientists to study the movements of so many birds over a short time. With information collected from bird counts such as the GBBC over many years, scientists can answer questions they have about birds and their This Carolina chickadee was environments. photographed in Houston, Texas.

photo by Victor W. Fazoio III

What have we learned?

In 2025, the GBBC counted almost 8,100 species of birds from 217 countries or subregions. The Cornell Lab estimates that more than 830,000 people participated.

Past GBBCs have provided useful information not only about birds, but also about our environment.

Scientists look at a species’ range, or where it’s spotted, to learn about climate change and diseases, such as the West Nile virus.

How to join in You can get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count on your own or with your family, either in your yard or away from home. You can also make the GBBC a project for your Scout troop, classroom or youth group.

1. Count birds anywhere you want for at least 15 minutes. Keep track of the kinds of birds you see and how long you watch.

Include the type of count you did. Traveling means you walked a trail or drove around a wildlife refuge. Stationary means you stayed in one place (perhaps watching a feeder from your window). Incidental means you saw a bird while doing something else.

2. Make an estimate of how many birds you see of each species.

3. Create an online account at birdcount.org.

Enter your data there.

To watch birds, you might use: • a guidebook to help you identify species • a camera • comfortable clothing • binoculars• a small notebook or checklist to record birds you’ve seen.

It’s important to use good birding manners, including: • Be quiet! This will also help you listen for bird calls.

• Take extra care when you come upon nesting areas.

When setting up a feeder: • Make sure there’s cover close by for the birds, such as a bush.

• Also provide water for birds.

• Use several different types of bird feed and different kinds of feeders if possible. This will help you attract different kinds of birds.

Good luck counting!

RESOURCES On the Web: • bit.ly/4qlA0yI At the library: • “Kids’ Field Guide to Birds” by Daisy Yuhas • “Bird Count” by Susan Edwards Richmond

The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication

FIND IT

ECO NOTE

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

BACKYARD, R P Q N S A Z X D K R D N M A W K R R R O R C E I E BINOCULARS, BIRD, K C N E S J A N I A D S S CAMERA, CLIMATE, O O M G F D C L B R E E T COUNT, DISEASE, ENVIRONMENT, FEEDER, M A N N E R S O U T E A I INCIDENTAL, MANNERS, C L I M A T E X U C F S N NESTING, NOTEBOOK, K O O B E T O N Q N O E G ORNITHOLOGY, RANGE, D R A Y K C A B J S T N Y T N E M N O R I V N E P I SPECIES, TRACK. T C O R N I T H O L O G Y

S P E C I E S S K B

L A T N E D I C N I

Scientists say millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa are carrying less energy for their journeys, raising concerns about their ability to survive long-distance migration. A study by Durham University and the British Trust for Ornithology, analyzing 40 years of data from 286 sites, found declining “migratory fuel loads,” or fat reserves, among 33 species of birds that fly between Europe and Africa during fall migration.

The decline was not seen in spring, suggesting worsening European summer conditions are limiting birds’ ability to build energy stores. Researchers also found that birds in northern Europe are fattening earlier.

4

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

Join us for

2-4-1 HAPPY HOUR TAPAS MENU AVAILABLE

DAILY 5-7 PM

IN OUR BAR AREA ONLY PLUS A FREE ENTRÉE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

3841 N Roosevelt Blvd | Key West | 305.296.8100 | www.tavernntown.com

5

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Waves of Color Dye Co. located at 41 Jewfish Ave. Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Marlies Tumolo Publish: July 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Manoj Kumar Siripuram at mas@legocc. com.

Publish: July 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

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

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

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE “Non-Judicial Sale of Vessel” to take place on Friday August 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 on the following vessels: 1) "Villa Flamingo" 50' Destination Houseboat - HIN - IYD50213C819, last known owner Angler House SHM 2) “Villa Mahi” 50’ Destination Houseboat – HIN - IYD50212C819, last known owner Angler House SHM 3) “Villa Tarpon” 50’ Destination Houseboat – HIN – IYD50200E617, last known owner Angler House SHM Inspection may take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, between 9:00 and 10:00 AM at Safe Harbor Islamorada, 80461 Oversees Hwy. Islamorada, FL 33036.

The vessel will be sold to the highest bidder. Ten percent deposit by cash or cashier's check is due at time of sale; balance by cash or cashier’s check is due by 12:00 PM on Friday August 21, 2026, at which time the vessel shall be removed from the premises by buyer. This sale is pursuant to section §328.17, Florida Statutes.

Publish: July 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS Invitation to Bid LEGO Construction Co. and Monroe County School District (MCS) cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by 11th August 2026, no later than 03:00 PM, for the following project/bid packages: Reynolds School Renovations SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any trades. This invitation includes the following trades: Trades: Mechanical/HVAC Structural Steel Finishes Electrical Sitework Concrete/CMU (Shell) Roofing Millwork Doors and Hardware Specialties Demolition Fire Protection Plumbing A non-mandatory pre-bid conference followed by a site visit will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Bid opening will take place at LEGO’s Miami office and will also be accessible online.

Interested subcontractors may contact Manoj Kumar Siripuram for additional details.

The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, bid opening details, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Manoj Kumar Siripuram at mas@legocc. com or at 305-381-8421 Ext 111.

All bids must be received no later than 11th August 2026 @ 03:00 PM at LEGO Construction Co. office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road, Suite 905, Miami, Florida 33136.

Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for the Reynolds School Renovations”, along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid.

Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 26-CP-326-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHESTER HARRY KALB II, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHESTER HARRY KALB II, deceased, whose date of death was June 7, 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 representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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 16, 2026.

Personal Representatives: GERDA CHARLOTTE KALB PETRA COHEN GRAHAM COHEN c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representatives: 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 16 & 23, 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,

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

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 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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-671-M ATASHIA JERODIEN BELLE, Petitioner, and JARVIS JABARR MCGEE, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: JARVIS JABARR MCGEE RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 4753 NW 42ND STREET, LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL 33319 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ATASHIA BELLE, whose address is 1685 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, APT. 4, MARATHON, FL 33050 on or before JULY 25, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: June 10, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Publish: June 25 and July 2, 9 & 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers CROSSWORD SOLUTION

BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR 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.

Full-Time Medical Assistant Pediatric experience preferred.

Must multitask in fast-paced setting.

Pay is commensurate with experience.

Email resume to: flkeyspeds@ g m a i l . c o m 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 NOW HIRING Workers in Marathon & Lower Keys. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs.

Starting pay $20/hour.

Pay rate will rise at intervals. 305-743-5555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com

6

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES OFFERED

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 305-7436739 to schedule an interview.

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

CAREGIVER available in Coral Gables or Key Largo area. Available Live-In 7 days a week. Call Dinorah 856-620-8717

HOUSING FOR RENT

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

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.

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!!!

ANNUAL RENTAL Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/ month 786-258-3127 3BR / 3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon available Aug-Dec 2026. $3,500/ month. 2BR/2BA also available Aug-Dec 2026.

Call 618-559-9143 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

WANTED TO BUY

TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections.

Call 401-256-0645.

305.743.0844

HANDYMAN WANTED Seeking a reliable handyman in Marathon for general home repairs, landscaping and misc. maintenance items.

This is a part time position and hours may vary. Must be dependable, experienced, and have references.

NOW HIRING

EXPERIENCED PIPE LAYER/LABORER SKILLED LABORERS LOADER/OPERATOR

Call 305-289-5862

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING

YARD SALES

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

CONCRETE MIXER DRIVERS

ADMIN ASSISTANT/ SCALE MASTER

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

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

BRANCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Edward Jones is a financial services firm focused on meeting the needs of individual investors. Our Marathon branch office has an opening for an entry-level administrative assistant. Excellent organization, communication skills, and the ability to work independently are required to perform Administrative, marketing, and client service responsibilities.

We offer competitive benefits and a comprehensive on-line training program.

To be considered for this position apply online at: careers.edwardjones.com Job #116417BR Marathon, FL Location.

Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

FULL-TIME POSITION

POLICE OFFICER Requirements • Current Florida Law Enforcement Certification • 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.

7

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This full-time, on-site position provides leadership for the Chamber's daily operations while working closely with the Board of Directors, chamber members, community leaders, and local businesses.

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a motivated professional with strong leadership, communication, budget and organizational skills who enjoys building relationships and making a positive impact in the community.

Experience in nonprofit management, tourism, economic development, membership organizations, or a related field is preferred.

Local knowledge is highly desirable.

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 office to fill 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 HIRING! wants you to join their team!

RETAIL GIFT SHOP ASSOCIATE Full-time. $19/hour to start.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and three professional references to director@islamoradachamber.com

Work with the BEST

Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025

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

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS

Key West Full Time Teller

Apply in person at

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

Islamorada Assistant Branch Operations Manager

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

FIRSr# srATE

MNK

KeysBank.com

Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission.

Affordable employee housing available.

• TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT • GUEST SERVICES Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

NOW HIRING!

GIFT SHOP (PT, Weekends) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org

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

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

8

KEYS WEEKLY COMICS, LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / JULY 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 53 YEARS! We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT) Case Manager (Adult) Mental Health Technician

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (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 COMPETITIVE 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 - Medical Assistant, Ortho, Key West, $5k Bonus - Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Director Nursing Services, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Outpatient Procedures, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Scheduler, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem - Clinical Partner, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $3k Bonus - Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Customer Service & Membership Coordinator, Mariners Wellness Center - Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, (CT & X Ray), $25k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem, 7A-3:30P - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Security Officer, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: BEVERAGES ACROSS 1. Every which way 5. *Whole milk has about 8 grams of this per cup 8. Sound rebound 12. Not yet final, in law 13. Tibetan teacher 14. Twig of willow tree 15. Bad wishes 16. Like certain tradition 17. Separated 18. *Fermented tea 20. Trampled 21. Hermey and Buddy, e.g.

22. Pronoun 23. *Bee’s favorite beverage 26. Like blabbermouth 30. Freud’s concern 31. Becoming 34. Uncontrolled swerve 35. Type of heron 37. Unidentified John 38. Pocket change 39. Ding follower 40. Kenya’s neighbor 42. “Five down” fighter pilot 43. Cuddle, romantically speaking 45. Eras 47. Film director’s cry 48. Opinion 50. ____ Bora 52. *Blended fruit beverage 55. *Most-consumed beverage 56. Abbreviation, abbr.

57. Miniature whirlpool 59. The Brady Bunch, e.g.

60. Hanukkah gift 61. Came by horse 62. “For ____ the Bell Tolls” 63. Schiller’s famous poem, e.g.

64. One-armed bandit

DOWN 1. “Wheel of Fortune” purchase 2. *Most popular choice for official state beverage 3. Nobel Peace Prize capital 4. It’s meant to be 5. Travesty 6. Wet nurses 7. Samoan money 8. *Caffeinated “shot” 9. Bye, in Palermo 10. *Group of bovine milk producers 11. Table scrap 13. Mona Lisa’s home 14. Presidential promises, e.g.

19. Detonation 22. *Plant-based “milk” choice 23. Must-haves 24. Encourage (2 words) 25. Cornua, sing.

26. Late country singersongwriter Campbell 27. Relating to ilium 28. *Popular party beverage 29. Affirmatives 32. Competitive advantage 33. New Zealand’s bygone bird 36. *Milk+carbonated water+syrup 38. Head of a body part, anatomically speaking 40. Preceding month 41. Send back to mother country 44. Road-crossing helper 46. Not these or those 48. Implant 49. Like duchess or count 50. Johann Sebastian of music fame 51. Sgt. Snorkel’s dog 52. Palm starch 53. Object of worship 54. Starchy tuber 55. “Amazing!”

58. Thus far