Issuu

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” — Robert Swan

1¢

April 16, 2026

HOLD ONTO YOUR BIB Scenes from the 7 Mile Bridge Run | P.14

HURRICANE HUNTERS Massive plane pays Marathon a visit | P.8

WHO’S THE NEXT CITY MANAGER? Council outlines search process | P.4

WHEN OTHER HOUSES ARE EMPTY, OUR RENTALS ARE FULL. Proven Results, Powered by a Qualified Management Team

vacationrentalsofthefloridakeys.com Luxury Sales | Vacation Rentals | Property Management

CALL OR TEXT 305.680.0139 FOR MORE INFO

FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE GROUP | DUCK KEY REAL ESTATE CO | VACATION RENTALS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

WE’VE SOLD MORE PROPERTIES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS THAN THE NEXT FOUR COMPANIES COMBINED CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW • 305.743.5181 JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYERS & SELLERS!

JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYERS & SELLERS!

338 82ND STREET, MARATHON

1001 W. OCEAN DRIVE, 1-303, KEY COLONY BEACH JOSH MOTHNER 305.942.9519 josh@soldinthekeys.com

WINNER

TERI HILLER

SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.

305.481.0361 terihiller@cbschmitt.com

call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam

JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

1101 W. OCEAN DRIVE, 15, KEY COLONY BEACH

MICHELLE WININGER

860.707.5389 | mwininger@cbschmitt.com

JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYER!

27398 JAMAICA LANE, RAMROD KEY RICK SERVAIS

305.731.5010

MONICA BARRETT

305.433.0349

ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYER!

231 W INDIES DIRVE, RAMROD KEY RICK SERVAIS

305.731.5010

MONICA BARRETT

305.433.0349

ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

JUST SOLD!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYER & SELLER!

12411 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, 43A, MARATHON

AMY PUTO, REALTOR

305.766.1745 | WWW.AMYPUTO.COM

Helping Keys Residents since 2002. The Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation was created in April 2002, and is dedicated to helping Keys’ residents whose critical needs are not being met through other means. The funds are donated to the Foundation through the generous hearts of the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate agents, staff, associates, business partners, and the public. www.gooddeedsinthekeys.org

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

THE BRENNER SCHEEL & CASEY TEAM DUCK KEY OPEN WATER ESTATE OPEN HOUSE SAT 11-1PM & 2-4PM

112 BIMINI DRIVE | $4.5M 3 Bedrooms 3 Baths | 160 Feet Open Water Two Lots | Architectural Masterpiece

LUXURY HOME ADVISORS 305.783.3395

PRICE REDUCED $355K DUCK KEY OCEANFRONT OPEN HOUSE SAT 11-1PM

250 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE | $3.695M 3 Bedrooms 3 Baths | Swimming Pool | Boat Lift Two Car Garage | D'Asign Source Renovation

DUCK KEY OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4PM

NEW ON MARKET! KEY COLONY BEACH OPEN HOUSE SAT 11-1PM

NEW ON MARKET! DUCK KEY OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4PM

219 SCHOONER LANE | $929K

431 12TH STREET | $3.9M

249 W Seaview Circle | $849K

3 Bedrooms 2 Baths | Huge Property Legal Downstairs | Great Location

2 Bedrooms 2 Baths | Open Floor Plan Huge Two Car Garage

DUCKKEY.COM

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

The number of performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running show in the history of Broadway. Its 35-year run ended on April 16, 2023.

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

Ten-year-old Jubilee Wiebe leads a crowd across the ﬁnish line at the 7 Mile Bridge Run on April 11. For a full race recap and local ﬁnishers, see page 14. WILDSIDEONLINE/Contributed

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staﬀ Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Diana Striker keysweekly.com

MARATHON COUNCIL TAKES ON CITY MANAGER SEARCH, UNLICENSED CONTRACTING

Controller

Lauren Pope lauren@keysweeky.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classiﬁeds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

The Marathon City Council recognizes Key Colony Beach Police Department Sgt. Jamie Buxton for using CPR to save the life of a young patient on Feb. 9. From left: council members Lynn Landry and Robyn Still, KCB commissioner Kirk Diehl, Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf, Fire Chief James Muro, Buxton, councilman Kenny Matlock, KCB Mayor Freddie Foster and Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

April meeting addresses laundry list of enforcement issues ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

he Marathon City Council tackled a litany of issues in one of its lengthier sessions on April 14, working through numerous code enforcement issues and ordinance changes while outlining the terms of its search for a new city manager. Manager search begins With a refreshed city manager job description generated by City Attorney Steve Williams and HR Director Evie Engelmeyer, the council will begin a search for its new staff leader after voting 3-2 in February to fire thenmanager George Garrett. Last month, the council appointed Williams the interim manager, with Williams clearly stating – and reiterating Tuesday night – that he had no

interest in maintaining the position permanently. He told council members he recommended starting with a local search for candidates, as familiarizing a candidate from another county or state with Marathon’s complex building rights laws and restrictions could take at least a year. Multiple council members told Williams to list a bachelor’s or master’s degree as a preferred, but not required, qualification, arguing that job experience in similar posts could override a degree in a successful candidate. Councilman Lynn Landry said he preferred a broader search from the start, not limited to local options. “Let’s ask for what we want,” he said. “Let’s get all the applicants at once and go through this one time. … There could be somebody that lived in the Keys, it could be someone in Tallahassee who understands the Rate of

Growth Ordinance.” Williams agreed to advertise the position statewide, with a limited team of staff members including Engelmeyer conducting a preliminary screening of candidates for council consideration. Following individual interviews with council members for top candidates, Williams said, the council could call a public meeting with a select top few or clear top candidate and vote as a group to begin contract negotiations with the chosen manager. Hiring could happen as soon as May or June, he said, but could take longer if needed, as Marathon’s code only requires the council to begin a search for a new manager within 90 days of the vacated position. Salary range and benefits were not immediately specified, with Williams recommending the position be advertised as “pay commensurate with experience.” At the time of his departure, Garrett’s base salary was set at $219,650. continued on page 10

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

LEGISLATORS TO CONVENE FOR CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING WITH NO BUDGET APPROVED JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

s talks over a budget agreement loom over the state capital, legislators in the Florida House and Senate will return to Tallahassee to discuss a potential redrawing of the congressional map ahead of the November election. A special session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis beginning Monday, April 20 will bring House and Senate members back to the state capital for the first time since the conclusion of a 60-day session on March 13. Legislators left without approving a budget for the coming fiscal year. And talks over bridging the $1 billion spending difference likely won’t happen between the House and Senate during the special session. The House (HB 5001) and Senate’s (SB 2500) proposed budgets for fiscal year 2026-27 total $113.58 billion and $115.03 billion, respectively. Health and Human Services received the largest portion of funding for the House and Senate’s proposed budgets, totaling $49.33 billion and $49.09 billion, respectively. The state’s combined education programs and services received the second largest proportion of funding, $31.83 billion and $31.80 billion, respectively. State Rep. Jim Mooney, who represents the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, said there haven’t been any new developments in terms of when the chambers will convene and pass a budget. The Florida Legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced state budget, known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA), annually during its legislative session, which takes effect on July 1. That means legislators have until June 30 to come to agreement on a spending plan. Mooney said the difference in spending between the chambers is closer than the $3 billion separation between the House and Senate seen during the previous budget cycle. The Legislature ultimately approved a $117.9 billion budget last June, of which DeSantis vetoed $564 million before signing a $117.4 billion spending plan.

SHELF HELP

S Florida State Capitol. FILE PHOTO

“We’re closer and we have plenty of time,” Mooney said. “Everybody wants stuff. The speaker and Senate president want things. The 120 House members and 40 Senators want things.” State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, too, hasn’t heard anything suggesting the budget would be taken up during the special session for redistricting. “The focus, as it stands, appears to be limited to that call,” she said. “That said, I remain optimistic that both chambers will be able to close the gap and finalize a budget before July 1.” In early March, Speaker Danny Perez noted the disagreements in the budget, stating the “House believes we should spend less money; the Senate believes we should spend more money.” Senate President Ben Albritton said the two chambers weren’t too far apart in terms of spending. “If you look at the budget as a whole, there are a couple of silos we’ll figure out,” he said during an interview last month with CBS Miami. Despite the budget differences, both chambers allocated $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act.

State Rep. Jim Mooney said he’s still waiting to hear more about a meeting to discuss the state budget. OFFICE OF JIM MOONEY/Contributed

Funds support stormwater, canal restoration projects and other water quality projects from Key Largo to Key West. “We don’t ask for anything we don’t have a use for,” Mooney said in relation to the project requests for his district. “If you look at some of the projects that have gotten funded in the state, you’d scratch your head and go, ‘What?’ For us, the money gets spent the right way.” Rodriguez said she expects negotiations to continue following the special session.

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Murderland: Crime and bloodlust in the time of serial killers” by Caroline Fraser Why: Caroline Fraser makes a compelling case for how industrial-scale poisoning of American land, water and air in the 20th century helped create a wave of serial killers, especially in her native Pacific Northwest. This book is a mixture of true crime, memoir and environmental jeremiad, with Ted Bundy – who grew up and started raping and killing women in the Seattle area – at its center. The true crime recountings in this book are creepy as hell. Fraser’s detailed accounting of the toxins various industrial plants and millions of cars were spewing into the air, ground and water, along with a graphic showing the correlation of the crime rates with preschool lead exposure, are chilling. Where: You can borrow this as a regular and large print book, as an e-book and an e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library. How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/ shelf-help.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

Enjoy your summer while earning credits! ACCELERATED 6-WEEK COURSES • May 18 - June 29 • On-campus, online, and hybrid courses 100% ONLINE 12-WEEK COURSES • May 18 - Aug. 10 8- WEEK HEADSTART FOR NEW STUDENTS • June 3 - Aug. 10 - English Composition I - Preparing for Student Success Want Hands-on Help? Register & Apply In-Person at “One Stop Summer Shop” April 29: Key West Campus April 30: Upper Keys Center 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (both days)

2nd Annual

DOLPHIN & TAIL CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT

April 24-26, 2026 Captain’s Meeting Friday, April 24th 5-7 pm Bent Prop, 457 Drost Drive

Weigh-in at Cudjoe Gardens Marina Saturday/Sunday April 25th & 26th 3-5 PM Awards Ceremony & Fish Fry Sunday, April 26th 5:30-7 pm Bent Prop, 457 Drost Drive REGISTER HERE

Boat Entry Fee $250 If paid by 4/17 $300 if paid at Captains Meeting

APPLY NOW!

Questions? Contact Marissa Owens at marissa.owens@cfk.edu.

Learn more at cfk.edu/futurestudents

Questions? Contact Ken Wente 321-287-6351 Sign Up: cudjoegardens.org

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

STORM CHASING

Hurricane Hunter aircraft visits Marathon on NOAA Hurricane Awareness Tour

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

or the first time in more than a decade, the Marathon Airport played host to the massive engines and wingspan of a C130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft on April 14, welcoming public officials, school groups and Monroe County residents for tours. The customized transport plane is used by the U.S. Air Force Reserve to fly reconnaissance missions through tropical storms and hurricanes, gathering crucial data to aid the National Weather Service in accurately forecasting storms and keeping civilians safe. The plane paid a visit as a stop on NOAA’s Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour, bringing together forecasters from the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service Key West forecast office and aircraft crew members on stops around the U.S., Caribbean and Central America. “We’ve made improvements to products and services and forecasting hurricanes in recent years, and a lot of it is due to the data collected by these aircraft you see behind me and the hurricane hunters,” said National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan. “They give us more confidence than ever. “This is the time to prepare for the hurricane season, regardless of what you might hear about seasonal forecasts and how many storms there might be in the Atlantic.” For a complete guide to hurricane preparedness, as well as a deeper dive into the Hurricane Hunter aircraft’s capabilities, see the upcoming Keys Weekly Hurricane Guide, published this June. Hurricane season in the Florida Keys runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

1 2

1. A C-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft rests on the tarmac at the Marathon Airport. 2. National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan reminds guests to prepare for hurricane season, set to begin in less than 50 days in the Florida Keys. 3,4. Flight crews offer tours and equipment rundowns inside the Hurricane Hunter aircraft. 5. Monroe County marine resources administrator Brittany Burtner takes a seat behind the sticks in the Hurricane Hunter cockpit. 6. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln pops out for a quick hello from the pilot’s chair. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

Nate Bartlett, MBA REALTOR® | Broker Associate VP of Sales, Marathon 305-802-NATE(6283) nate@keysnate.com www.keysnate.com

NEW TO MARKET 150 E 63rd St Ocean Marathon, FL Offered at $985,000

100 E 63rd St Ocean Marathon, FL Offered at $985,000

3BD/2BA 1,342 sq ft NEW RENOVATIONS

3BD/2BA 1,342 sq ft NEW RENOVATIONS OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 18th 10AM-12PM

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 18th 10AM-12PM

ACTIVE LISTINGS

PRICE IMPROVEMENT PRICE IMPRO EMENT

OCEANFRONT ESTATE OCEANFRONT ESTATE

580 & 590 10th St Key Colony Beach, FL Offered at $3,250,000

90 Tingler Ln Marathon, FL Offered at $5,995,000

$200K+ $ + in i Annual al

200K n Ann Reven e Revenue

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE SAT 18th SAT 18th 10AM-12PM 10AM-12PM

NEW CONSTRUCTION NEW CONSTRUCTION

11890 1st Ave Gulf #3, Marathon, FL Offered at $2,575,000

11890 1st Ave Gulf #2 Marathon, FL Offered at $2,545,000

1508 Shaw Dr Key Largo, FL Offered at $2,300,000

CONTINGENT/SHOW CONTINGENT/SHOW

5106 Sunset Village Dr Duck Key, FL Offered at $659,000

116 Avenue K Marathon, FL Offered at $1,049,000

230 13th St Key Colony Beach, FL Offered at $2,649,000

FULL DUPLEX FULL DUPLEX 4901/4903 49th St Marathon, FL Offered at $1,099,000

201 E Ocean Dr, 1-211 Key Colony Beach, FL Offered at $529,990

RECENTLY CLOSED

JUST SOLD

SOLD SOLD

111 Brian Rd Marathon, FL CLOSED $3,250,000

200 5Th St Key Colony Beach, FL CLOSED $1,495,000

1850 Manor Ln Marathon, FL CLOSED $1,507,500

SOLD SOLD

91 Avenue G Marathon, FL CLOSED $1,500,100

JUST SOLD

SOLD SOLD 208 E Bruce Ct Marathon, FL CLOSED $985,000

For more information on the market visit my website © 2025 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MILLIONS FROM TOURISM BACK MAJOR PROJECTS JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

early $10 million generated by Florida Keys tourists will support projects serving visitors and residents. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council announced on April 13 that projects will get $9.7 million of tourist tax revenue, distributed from Key West to Key Largo across the five TDC advisory districts in the Keys. “This is an example of putting Visit Florida Keys’ money where its mouth is by investing in projects that are significant to residents as well as visitors,” Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln said. A Key West press release detailed three priority projects for phase one of improvements to Mallory Square that the TDC funds will support, totaling $3.62 million. Of that, $1.92 million will support new public restroom facilities, $1 million for shade structures and $700,000 for landscaping and improved aesthetics. “This investment positions the city to make meaningful visible improvements at Mallory Square,” said City Manager Brian L. Barroso. In the Lower Keys, $1 million will support an artificial reef project. Kara Franker, Visit Florida Keys president and CEO, said the project will help get new scuba divers comfortable around artificial reef structures before visiting real coral reef sites. Franker said there will also be an on-land educational component. Marathon’s Old Seven Mile Bridge will get $562,655 for maintenance. With the one-time funds, the TDC’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $1.3 million for commercial air service at the Marathon International Airport. That includes $800,000 for an access control system and $500,000 to match a federal grant for the small community air service development. Recent upgrades to the county-owned airport are headlined by a $30.1 million runway relocation that was finished in October 2025. The move brought the airfield into compliance with FAA standards, separating the runway from the taxiway so larger planes’ wings could pass while traveling in opposite directions. Islamorada’s efforts to enhance the Founders Park boat ramp will receive $750,000 in TDC funds. The project aims to install a second boat launch next to the current one, along with redesigning boat and trailer parking.

The new (left) and old (right) Seven Mile Bridge. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who’s been working to bring another launch for local fishing guides, said she was elated by the funding, calling the project a win for residents, guides and tourism. And $2 million will support Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s new visitor center and aquarium, in which the state is investing $50 million. The project will include interactive exhibits, a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and wildlife observation areas. Franker said she and TDC chair Diane Schmitt chose “Destination Stewardship” projects in each of the TDC’s five District Advisory Committees (DACs) for these one-time funds. Franker said the projects are so significant to the economy and residents’ enjoyment that they were pulled out of the standard DAC capital funding application process for approval by the TDC and county commissioners. “They rose to a higher level of significance to benefit visitors and residents,” Franker said. Franker added the fiscal year 2027 budget includes a $65.4 million investment in advertising, events, promotions and operations. As for capital grant allocations through the DACs, each will receive a one-time funding boost of 20% to support projects. A total of $400,000 in unappropriated tourist development tax funds will support America’s 250th events in the Florida Keys. In March, county commissioners discussed using unappropriated tourism funds to support events and commemorative activities across the Keys for the nation’s semiquincentennial. The BOCC has determined that this use of funds promotes tourism and is consistent with Florida law.

from page 4

The Keys Weekly requested a copy of the finalized job description when it was posted for candidates, which was not immediately provided at the council session. Weekend construction crackdown Following concerns brought to council over unlicensed contractors working in the city on weekends, Vice Mayor Debbie Struyf led a discussion to consider prohibiting contracted construction on Sundays. Local contractor and former Code Board member Chad Neller told the council the city faced a twofold problem: unlicensed contractors working on Saturdays and Sundays, knowing city code officers rarely work on Sundays, and workers disregarding common courtesy by using loud equipment in the early morning hours. As currently written, the city’s noise ordinance prohibits loud noise from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. “There are some very extreme things happening, and on top of that, common courtesy is not common any more,” he said, giving an example in which a boat lift was illegally installed with no permit over the course of a weekend. “Our (noise) ordinance is simply that Sunday is the same as every other day, (but) who wants to hear jackhammers and equipment firing up at 6:30 on a Sunday morning?” Council members weighed addressing the issue by targeting construction noise as opposed to contracted work altogether, debating whether a blanket ordinance change could affect homeowners unable to work on their own property on other days or contractors performing quieter work. Williams said the city would coordinate with code staff to begin working on certain Sundays, as well as establish a weekend hotline that would forward complaint calls to an officer. Attempting to differentiate between noise made by residents and contractors, he said, would face legal difficulties. In other news: • Sheriff Rick Ramsay returned unused funds of more than $22,000 to the city from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office annual budget. • Council members and Fire Chief James Muro recognized the lifesaving actions of Key Colony Police Department Sgt. Jamie Buxton, who in February successfully resuscitated a young patient with CPR and an AED until other first responders could arrive on scene. • The council unanimously approved $36,250 to fund the city’s annual July 4 fireworks show, orches-

trated for years by former councilman Randy Mearns and former members of the city’s volunteer fire department. Council members clarified that while the Rotary Club of Marathon organizes food and beverage offerings for the day of celebration at Sombrero Beach and accepts donations to help fund its charitable activities, the fireworks show itself is a budgeted expense by the city. • Due to school graduation events and proximity to Memorial Day, the council will cancel its May workshop session. The city council’s normal monthly meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. • With repeated reports of false alarms from faulty fire signaling devices throughout the city, the council asked Muro to begin more strictly enforcing the city’s penalties if faulty devices and systems are not repaired. Penalties per the city’s ordinance include a warning for three false alarms within a calendar year, followed by $250 fines for each additional alarm. • Williams asked the council for guidance regarding enforcement of the city’s sign ordinance, reportedly violated by multiple businesses along the U.S. 1 corridor. He proposed and received informal council approval for a uniform “sign sweep” throughout the city from Duck Key to the Seven Mile Bridge, advertised in advance, to remove noncompliant signs. • In compliance with Florida’s new Senate Bill 784 and House Bill 927, the city’s planning department, not the council, will administratively review and approve land plats. Williams and Planning Director Brian Shea told the council the new bills brought an unforeseen change to approvals of the legal land maps that contain vital information like utility easements, rights of way, public spaces and more, removing some opportunities for public comment and local control by elected officials and requiring a seven-day turnaround by city staff. Williams said the city would still strive to hold public comment meetings for newly-proposed developments, regardless of whether council members could vote. • A new Report It system will soon allow city employees to anonymously submit workplace complaints to the city’s HR and legal departments without fear of retaliation or threat of termination. The thirdparty service, which Williams said will cost the city less than $2,000 per year, replaces employee names with unique codes for written communication if further investigation of an incident is needed.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MARATHON CINEMA

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE

NOW SHOWING

FOR MORE INFO: 305.743.0288 ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MARATHONCINEMA.COM

SHOWTIMES: FRI, SAT, SUN & TUES 7PM MATINEE SUNDAY 2PM

5101 O/S HWY. MARATHON (BEHIND MARATHON LIQUOR)

COMMERCE CORNEr

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Fri 11am to Close | Sat & Sun 10am to Close

NEW HAPPY HOUR 1-5PM $7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More! • 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm uengling and Bud Light! * $2 Pints of Yuengling

724

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER Established in 1975, Keys Smiles provides comprehensive dental care to meet all your oral health needs. Our dedicated team offers a wide range of services from routine cleanings and preventive care to advanced treatments such as root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you are due for a regular check-up or seeking to enhance your smile, Dr. Foresee and his amazing team are here to help. Our skilled professionals utilize the latest techniques and state of the art equipment to ensure high-quality care and optimal results. At Keys Smiles, we prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, striving to create a positive dental experience for every individual. Schedule your appointment with us today and take the first step towards optimal oral health and confidence in your smile.

305.872.2366 30180 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key office@keysmiles.com Keysmiles.com

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERECE 305.743.5417 • 1.800.262.7284 visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com www.floridakeysmarathon.com 12222 Overseas Highway • Marathon, FL 33050

• New Sandwich Options • Diver Speared Local Fish • Prime Rib • Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

BEST SUSHI & BEST BLOODY MARY

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar • Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

32 BEERS ON TAP

MAKE RESERVATIONS AT CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM OR FACEBOOK PAGE CASTAWAY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

The sweet treat spot in Marathon Cupcakes, Baked Goods, Ice Cream, Award Winning Key Lime Pie, Gift Shop and so much more! GLUTEN FREE MENU AVAILABLE

VOTED BEST DESSERT SPOT! 8919 Overseas HWY, Marathon 305.743.3131 | sweetsavannahs.com

GROUPER OPENER

at the Marina

Fri May 1 • 5pm - 9pm

Kick off grouper season as Hawks Cay Marina transforms into the ultimate waterfront party in the Florida Keys LOCALS FAVORITE FREE ADMISSION

LIVE MUSIC

PERFORMING LIVE

5pm - 9pm

LOCAL VENDORS

down w o h t ide S ontes C l i Docks a t k ’s Coc n i a t p Ca 8pm 7pm -

TASTY FOOD

FEATURED PARTNERS

COLD BEVERAGES

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

Buy well. Sell well. Live well. (305) 912-2177 TRACY@TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM TRACYCHACKSFIELD.COM

OPEN SUN 11-1 FEATURED PROPERTY

1001 W Ocean Dr 1-204, Key Colony Beach $755,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,260 SQ FT

PANORAMIC OPEN WATER VIEW PRIVATE WHITE SAND BEACH GARAGE PARKING

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

Open Sat 11-1

UNDER CONTRACT

97 Coral Ln, Key Colony Beach

1500 Overseas Hwy 204, Marathon

33 Kyle Way S, Marathon

$945,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,290 SQ FT

$699,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,137 SQ FT

$2,395,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,480 SQ FT

© 2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

10 11

1 2

4 5

FASTER THAN THE WIND

Racers battle brutal breezes for third year in 7 Mile Bridge Run ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

top us if you’ve heard this before: It got a little windy out there. For the third time in as many years, racers in the 7 Mile Bridge Run galloped against a gale, battling 25-mph headwinds in one of the country’s most scenic road races on April 11. Familiar faces and a healthy dose of local representation topped the podiums for the 45th annual run. Repeating his 2025 performance, Key West’s Owen Allen broke the tape first overall in 42 minutes, 24 seconds, followed by Fort Pierce native Sullivan Nordheim in 42:32 and Marathon High School sophomore Tony Bursa in 42:38.

Dallas, Georgia native Joanna Stephens kept her dynasty alive atop the women’s standings, leading all female challengers for the fourth year in a row and finishing nearly four minutes ahead of the field in 45:40. Anne Dinsmore of Tavernier crossed in 49:18 for second place, with Melbourne’s Jennifer Halloran finishing in third in 51:11. The course record for the 6.8-mile race is 32:59, set in 1998 by Paul Marmaro. In 2004, Sonja Friend-Uhl set the women's record of 37:15. Racers are tasked each year to “Beat the Bus,” avoiding a shag bus from the Monroe County School District by crossing the line within roughly 90 minutes to allow for timely reopening of the Overseas Highway.

More than 600 volunteers, from packet pickup to start line, water station and finish line crews, combined to make the annual spectacle a success. Entry fees from a field of 1,500 runners, filled within minutes when registration opened online in January, fund thousands in donations by the Marathon Runners Club to Middle Keys schools and youth athletic organizations. For complete searchable results, including finish line photos and videos, scan the QR code here.

1. Denise Pankow welcomes former bridge run champ and Marathon native Aydan Child at the finish line. Child finished 16th overall in the 2026 run. 2. Jessica Mather of Tavernier takes home the top time in the Female 25-29 division, crossing in 54:49. 3. Sarah-Irene Donahue of Clermont, Florida is one of the final racers to ‘Beat the Bus.’ 4. Stiff winds keep the colors waving at the east end of the Seven Mile Bridge. 5. Summerland Key’s Patrick McCarron charges to the finish. 6. Tavernier’s Anne Dinsmore finishes as the second overall female. 7. Key West’s Owen Allen defends his 7 Mile Bridge Run title, breaking the tape in 42:24. 8,9. With 6.8 miles in the books, runners relax with donuts, beer and friends on the lawn at Isla Bella Resort. 10. Mary Ann Nelson crosses the line as the 2026 race’s oldest female finisher. The 75-year-old completed the course in 1:35:12. 11. MHS sophomore Tony Bursa takes third overall. 12. Key West’s Roger Nelson is one of two octogenarian finishers of the 7 Mile Bridge Run, completing the race in 1:46:08. Photos by WildSideOnline and Tom Weber/Smile Event Photography. For more post-race photos, scan the QR code.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

10 11

LOCALS TAKE THE LINE W

hile the 7 Mile Bridge Run draws athletes from all over the world, the strongest contingent always comes from the Middle Keys. The Marathon Weekly salutes all of our locals who braved the bridge and beat the bus. Photos by WildSideOnline 1. Bodhi Childress 2. Hank McKnight 3. Lindsey Garcia and Isabella Filber 4. Michael Alvarez 5. Michelle James, left, and Kassidy McGraw 6. Monica Pettegrow 7. Nick Colella 8. Taylor Lysiak 9. Julissa Culmer 10. Mylana Loza 11. Trace Goodwin

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

CHECK OUT OUR 50% BOGO AREA TODAY!

A familiar face for life’s most important decisions.

Local People. Real Relationships. Trusted Products

Managing all the details of your ﬁnancial life. Trusted Financial Advisor | Thoughtful Planning Investment Management Please contact me today for a consultation

The Right Parts. The Right Advice. The Right Place. If we don't have it we can get it!

Nicole Irwin Financial Advisor 305.743.6095 | Marathon Nicole.Irwin@Chapmanandcardwell.com

www.chapmanandcardwell.com 10085 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

11401 1st Avenue, Gulf | Marathon 305.743.3688 Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm Closed Saturday & Sunday

Secret Sale Scratch-off Thursday, April 16 - Sunday, April 19, 2026

Save up to

50% OFF

Your secret discount (20%, 25%, 30% or 50%) will be revealed at the register by a sales associate just before your purchase. Once the discount is

EVERYTHING

revealed it may only be used for the items you have already selected. If you would like to make additional

IN THE STORE!

purchases simply request another Secret Sale Scratch-Off Mailer.

NO EXCLUSIONS!

Valid 4/16/26 - 4/19/26 Only. Cannot be combined with any other discount. No adjustments made on previously purchased merchandise.

Online shoppers

TAKE 20% OFF your entire purchase

•

Key Largo 98200 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 98-1/2) 305-852-4515 Marathon 5800 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 50) 305- 743-5855

•

STORE HOURS: MON – SAT 9:30-5:30

• SUN 12-5:30

SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE @ anthonysfla.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL. CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 89240 Overseas Hwy Ste 2, Tavernier 305.363.2957

MARATHON WEEKLY 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon 305.743.0844

KEY WEST WEEKLY 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West 305.453.6928

TRAILER REPAIRS

& SERVICE Full Service Facility in the Heart of the Florida Keys

Love, The True Bond of Peace. Everyone is welcome, accepted, celebrated, encouraged, respected, loved here at St. Columba Episcopal Church WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

305.289.9884 MARATHON AUTO & MARINE SERVICE 2525 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON

St. Columba Episcopal Church Service 9:00am & 11:00am 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

LIGHTS OUT, TENSION UP 1

‘Wait Until Dark’ is a start-to-finish thriller at Marathon Community Theatre ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

here are no slapstick gags, singing or romance in the newest show on stage at Marathon Community Theatre. But “Wait Until Dark” will take audiences on an intense ride from lights up to the final curtain. In 1940s Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix finds herself as the target of three con men in search of a diamondfilled doll, unknowingly given to her husband Sam (Mike Wagner) by a now-murdered woman he met while traveling. Staggering through visits from “Mr. Roat” (Lee Lawson), who tears apart her bedroom and steals a wedding photo; “Carlino” (newcomer Ron Pyron), a police detective unnervingly ready to field her distress call; and “Mike” (Gerrit Hale), a way-back war buddy of her husband’s, Susan’s reality warps as she begins to doubt the intentions of all those around her – and realizes how terrifyingly alone she might be against the gang of three continually finding ways into her apartment. Her only hope of outwitting the villains may lie with little Gloria (Landry Sayer and Journey NicholsJones), a bratty child from upstairs

who secretly stole the doll – and her ability to “flip the script” and turn her blindness into a lethal advantage in a pitch-black final showdown. The show is a streamlined, uptempo adaptation of Frederick Knott’s 1966 original script, further popularized by the 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin and Richard Crenna. It’s a show Wagner as director said he’d been “fascinated with” since he saw the Broadway original starring Lee Remick and Robert Duvall – and one that sets a nailbiting tone and challenging dichotomy from the jump, as some intruders lurk in plain sight on stage, but unseen by Susan. “I’ve been working since December with Mike, and practiced what it feels like to be blind,” said Belden. “I’d do the entire first act and parts of the second act completely blindfolded. It taught me how to move, it taught me what my face would be doing. “My initial thought was that it would be switching to mostly listening, and I learned how incredibly important the sense of touch is. I can’t react to anything visual; I have to wait until I feel it or hear it.” “I've been on stage with Noelle a couple times before, and I know what she's capable of,” said Wagner. “What really amazes me about her is the minute she was cast, she started researching how to do it and what to

2 3

1. Gloria (Journey Nichols-Jones) keeps a watchful eye on suspicious characters on the street outside of Susan’s (Noelle Belden) Greenwich Village apartment. 2. She might be a bratty little girl at first, but Gloria (Landry Sayer) may be the only hope Susan has to prove her theories about the men trying to deceive her. 3. Roat (Lee Lawson, left) and Carlino (Ron Pyron) are two of three con men searching for a diamond-filled doll that’s gone missing. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

do, and she really, really put in hours and hours and hours of work.” It’s the third time this season that Hale and Lawson will share the stage, coming off performances in “The Rocky Horror Show” and “The Odd Couple.” But instead of a goldSpeedo-clad science experiment or a buttoned-up neat freak, Hale said the show’s chief villain embraced his most psychotic role yet. “Lee is so good at just ratcheting it up,” said Hale. “He’s Mr. Steady, Steady, Steady. And all of a sudden, when it’s time, he goes to a whole other level.” The show’s limited moments of comedy – by design, amid the murder thriller – come courtesy of Gloria’s petulant moments, portrayed by the split casting of Sayer and NicholsJones to share the role on separate nights. The two young actresses told the Weekly they capitalized on their time not on stage, learning from their counterpart’s performances to make the best version of Gloria and giving one another “a lot” of pointers. “If I don’t think I do a part right, I just make sure that I watch (Landry), see what she does and try to copy it,” Nichols-Jones said. “Wait Until Dark” runs at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April 16 to May 2, with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees on April 19 and 26. Tickets are $33, available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY & SUNDAY | APRIL 18TH & 19TH - 1PM TO 3PM

NEW LISTING

320 Calzada de Bougainville | $1,250,000 Beautiful 2 BD/ 2 BA home with 3 porches and heated pool. Upgraded concrete pad for parking and large storage room. Short walk to the beach. In weekly rental pool with a great ROI. Hosted by Jen Davis 815.236.1328 Jen@lslandbreezerealty.com

Hosted by Kristina Boswell 512.744.8144

12220 Overseas Highway Marathon 305.743.8328 | www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

GLO PICKLEBALL PARTY Sat May 2 • 9pm - 11pm

61 Hawks Cay Blvd Duck Key, FL

SPONSORED BY

Join us underneath the black lights for a neon-lit night of high-energy pickleball games, a DJ, and plenty of food & drinks.

Mr. Pickles Gin and Aperol

ALL SKILL LEVELS • SINGLES OR PAIRS • OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Scan to

Trade the barstool for a GLO paddle!

hawkscay.com/happenings

Event

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

SAM WILLIAMS P.A. Sam.Williams@ColdwellBanker.com

call or text 305.942.6069 ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE OVERLOOKING THE TURQUOISE WATERS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN 87895 OLD HIGHWAY PLANTATION KEY • 5BD/8BA • 9,011 SF • MLS# 617705 • $24,995,000

13.2 ACRE PRIVATE SEAWATCH ISLAND

ISLAND LIVING AT IT’S FINEST ON DUCK KEY

334 E Seaview Drive 3BD/3BA • 1,792 SF • MLS# 614866 $2,395,000

PRE-CONSTRUCTION WATERFRONT RETREAT

HIGH PE RENTAL S

5BD/5B

IN THE

GULF OF MEXICO BOULEVARD • MLS# 613238 • $9,999,999

PRECONSTRUCTION OPEN WATER VIEWS 4800 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, #14 • 4BD/5BA • 2,665 SF • MLS# 615413 • $2,750,000

BREATHTAKING OPEN WATER VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN 11399 6TH AVENUE, OCEAN • 3BD/3BA • 2,452 SF • MLS# 616462 • $2,399,000

1252 24th Street 3BD/3BA • 1,720 SF • MLS# 617567 • $2,199,000

1 Tr 3BD/3B

10 ACRE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

WATE EXCELL

56185 Overseas Highway LOT 43,560 SF • MLS# 614052 $2,100,000

81 2BD/2B

UNDER CONTRACT 9707 Overseas Hwy. • MLS# 614920 TBR MLS# 605181 423 80th St. • MLS# 616190 20771 2nd Ave. Cudjoe Key • MLS# 615567 227 S Anglers Dr. #302 • MLS# 617547 357 23rd St. Ocean • MLS#617088 105 Avenue D #101 • MLS# 615156

5701 Overse 1545 52 800 Jame 5669 Man 4 Sandpip 420 25 856 Copa 900 85th

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

#SELLITWITHSAM

ERFORMANCE VACATION SOMBRERO BEACH AREA

TOP IN SALES FOR 13 YEARS

ATTENTION INVESTORS: FOUR UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING

• 13 YTD SOLD 2026 • 1250 CAREER SALES • OVER 750M IN SALES

EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCE WITH MARINA & GULF VIEWS

OCEAN VIEWS & DIRECT ACCESS TO COCO PLUM BEACH

NT ME T S E INV AT E R G

426 Calle Limon BA • 2,952 SF • MLS# 618246 $1,599,000

500 22nd Street Ocean 1-4 8BD/4BA • 2,780 SF • MLS# 618043 $1,175,000

6201 Gulf of Mexico Boulevard, #201 2BD/2.5BA • 1,602 SF • MLS# 617645 $825,000

133 Coco Plum Drive, #35 1BD/1BA • 656 SF • MLS# 617673 $499,000

OPPORTUNITY E HEART OF DUCK KEY

PRIVATE ESCAPE ON THE EDGE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

FULLY FURNISHED TOWNHOME IN THE SHORES OF COCO PLUM

YOUR KEYS GET AWAY NEAR 7 MILE BRIDGE

rinidad Street, Duck Key BA • 2,456 SF • MLS# 616464 $1,399,000

58950 Overseas Hwy., #13 3BD/2BA • 1,404 SF • MLS# 617240 $1,190,000

117 Coco Plum Drive, #10 2BD/2.5BA • 1,620 SF • MLS# 617431 $729,000

101 11th Street #42, Marathon 2 BD/2BA • 960 SF • MLS# A11930271 $475,000

ERFRONT HOME WITH LENT BOATING ACCESS

800 FT OFF DIRECT OCEAN

GATED COMMUNITY OF OCEAN ISLE FISHING VILLAGE

THE BOAT HOUSE MARINA

188 Aviation Boulevard BA • 1,134 SF • MLS #612863 $1,349,000

6099 Overseas Hwy 83W 2BD/2.5BA • 350 SF • MLS# 618274 $999,000

10877 Overseas Hwy., # 31 1BD/2BA • 850 SF • MLS# 616530 $557,900

12411 Overseas Hwy 36A Boat Slip • MLS# 618667 $134,000

CLOSED

eas Hwy. #2 • MLS #616836 • $280,000 2nd St. • MLS# 617446 • $699,000 es Ave. • MLS# 614589 • $680,000 O War • MLS# 614853 • $1,400,000 per Dr. • MLS# 612959 • $2,499,000 5th St. • MLS# 617461 • $390,000 D Oro • MLS# 614850 • $1,750,000 h St. • MLS# 618523 • $1,600,000

BUYING OR SELLING? THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME!

#SELLITWITHSAM

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

YEARS STRONG

INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

LIFE IS TRICKY BABY, STAY IN YOUR MAGIC DK’S HAS YOU COVERED

303 Sadowski Causeway Key Colony Beach Monday - Saturday 10AM - 5:30PM Sunday 11AM - 4PM 305.922.2493

Your Hometown Tire Experts NEW• REPAIR • ROTATION Cars • Trucks • RVs Boat Trailers • Scooters Fast, friendly service you can trust. Authorized Dealer | Michelin, BF Goodrich, Uniroyal and more! 305.743.8755 1326 107th Street, G • Marathon

kindergarten kin ki nderga derg ga rten kickoff! cko ar ten k ki ic ko k off! MCSD ELEMENTARY & PK-8 SCHOOLS

Join us for our ANNUAL KINDERGARTEN KICKOFF! Helping Helping new new students students && families families feel feel right right at at home! home!

MORNING & EVENING SESSIONS AVAILABLE! KG Kickoff will be held April 20th 23rd

Visit real Kindergarten classrooms Meet our caring teachers & staff Pick up registration packets & information Get your “Play Your Way into Kindergarten” game

WE CAN’T WE CAN’T WAIT WAIT TO TO MEET MEET OUR OUR FUTURE FUTURE KINDERGARTNERS! KINDERGARTNERS!

Scan here for dates and ti times by school:

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

9141 OVERSEAS HWY MARATHON, FL 33050 (305)743-7636 INFO@KEYSREALESTATE.COM

PARADE OF HOMES | OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

Open Sat 10-12

699 116Th Street Ocean, Marathon

100 E 63rd St. Ocean, Marathon

150 E 63rd St. Ocean, Marathon

$749,000 | 2BD/2BA | 1,176 SqFt Miranda Dender (404)456-8359

$985,000 | 3BD/2BA | 1,342 SqFt Nate Bartlett (305)800-6283

Open Sat 10-12

Open Sat 11:30-2

Open Sun 11-1

11890 1st Ave Gulf 2, Marathon

180 Ana Court, Marathon

1001 W Ocean Dr 1-204, Key Colony Beach

$2,545,000 | 5BD/4BA | 2,607 SqFt Nate Bartlett (305)800-6283

$2,499,000 | 5BD/3BA | 2,387 SqFt Teresa Yeider (305)879-5474

$755,000 | 2BD/2BA | 1,260 SqFt Tracy Chacksfield (312)350-4601

Open Sun 11-2

Open Sun 12-3

821 W Ocean Dr 3, Key Colony Beach $1,649,000 | 4BD/3.5BA | 2,828 SqFt The Owen Lucas Team (305)393-0559

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

996 97Th Street Ocean, Marathon

5353 Dogwood Dell St, Marathon

$3,290,000 | 3BD/2.5BA | 1,999 SqFt The Owen Lucas Team (305)393-0559

$675,000 | 4BD/3BA | 2,070 SqFt Teresa Yeider (305)879-5474

VISIT KEYSREALESTATE.COM TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @BHHSKeysRealEstate ©2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

NEW BAGGAGE CLAIM OPENS AT KEY WEST AIRPORT

HOPE SUNSHINE

Carousel A prior to the first arrival of passengers on April 14. CALE HARTLE/Key West International Airport

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

New rental car service desks in the baggage claim area at EYW.

Improvements also include car rental center MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

f you’re checking bags for a flight into Key West International Airport, expect a less frustrating experience retrieving them. One of two new baggage carousels opened Tuesday, April 14 in what used to be the overcrowded, ground-floor departure area. The second new carousel is under construction and is expected to open this fall. “Baggage Carousel A is built to handle EYW’s record-breaking growth and future capacity,” states a press release from airport spokeswoman Katie Atkins. “The first passengers to use the carousel were

impressed by its efficiency after arriving on Delta flight 1281 from Atlanta, and American Airlines flight 3580 from Miami.” New baggage service offices and rental car facilities are integrated in the space with airline support operations also located nearby. “This is another monumental step in the Concourse A and terminal improvements program,” said Richard Strickland, Monroe County’s executive director of airports. “Coincidentally, the opening of Carousel A happened on the one-year anniversary of Concourse A opening, both elements now drastically improving the transition from aircraft to curb.” The airport’s press release states that the new baggage area allows for better passenger flow; centralizes back-of-the-house airline equipment and support; and improves passenger efficiency.

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 Hope Sunshine, who is an artist and boat captain. She creates murals, paintings, fishing gear and functional art and is currently running a commercial vessel fishing for stone crab and lobster. She lives on a 38-foot sailboat and if she’s not working her many jobs, she’s fishing, spearing or just plain snorkeling. Most people say she’s a part-time provider of bad jokes and a full-time ray of sunshine.

How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I’ve been in the Keys for about six years now. I left North Carolina on my boat right before COVID hit and washed up here. Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise, for sure. You get to watch the world wake up, and you’re bombarded with rays of warmth just beaming onto you. It’s slow and creeping and I wish life always moved at that pace. If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why? Underwater breathing. I’d never come back to the surface. What’s your hype song and your sad song? Hype song: “Take a chance on me” – Abba. Sad song: “Air That I Breathe” – The Hollies. Does your family have a favorite song/movie/show to watch/listen/dance to together? Movie: “Twister.” Me and my sisters quote Dusty WAY too often. What’s one small thing you would never want to live without? One small thing I would never want to live without is autopilot for the boat. What’s your favorite smell? What’s your most hated smell? My favorite smell is the exhaust of a 1975 Johnson two-stroke outboard. The worst smell is old cowhide. What’s your go-to excuse when you don’t want to leave the house? My dinghy won’t crank! What’s a hill you’re willing to die on, even if you’re wrong? If you don’t put your time into learning how to fish down here, you shouldn’t be running a charter. If you had to give a TED talk on a totally random topic, what would it be? What the ocean teaches you about control and why you don’t have it. What’s a talent you don’t put on your résumé because it sounds fake? Will say yes first, then somehow make it work. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I was a professional slalom water skier. I won states eight times in a row. Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

DAY

Y FUN A D N U S 810 TH

Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Injured in the Keys?

Please call us today. We want to help.

833-VASTOLA

www.InjuredInTheKeys.com

9141 Overseas Hwy. Suite 3 | Marathon, Florida 33070 | 305.705.6788

NEW LOOK, COLD BEER, SAME GOOD VIBES.

COMING SOON! Don’t worry — we’re still serving your favorite dishes while we upgrade.

AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD DINE IN | TAKE OUT | DELIVERY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MONDAY - THURSDAY 7AM - 4PM FRIDAY - SUNDAY 7AM - 9PM

SCAN ME!

CAT H THE CRC UZA GIRL N FOR TASST TREATS! Y

TY R A P L O O BEACH A&PRPIL 19TH 2026

DJ TRAE DAE JAMS AT OUR OCEANFRONT POOLSIDE TIKI BAR 1-5PM

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

WATCH ALL MLB BASEBALL GAMES ON 16 HDTVS

• World Famous Cheeseburgers • Short Rib BBQ Cheddar Burgers • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • Chili Cheese Dogs

NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE TO-GO ORDERS

DRINK SPECIALS • $3 Coors Light • $7 Key Lime Painkillers & Coladas • $2 Jello Shots 305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

BURN FAT, BUILD MUSCLE, TIGHTEN SKIN Free Consultation Call or text us today! (305) 872-3321 flkeyswellness.com (Previously Big Pine Medical) Same owners - new name!

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

WAIT … WHY DID I WALK IN HERE AGAIN?

L JOEY 8-year-old-male Maltese mix. Looking for: A quiet, loving home where I can be your best friend. Turnoffs: I used to be so skinny.

WEST 2-year-old male Siamese mix. Looking for: I want to be your one and only cat. Turnoffs: Other cats.

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.

LUCY 2-year-old female domestic shorthair. Looking for: All the attention you can give me. Turnoffs: I’m a house cat, not a shelter cat.

et me know if you can relate… A late ’90s, early 2000s hip hop song comes on and I know every hook, line and chorus. Oh, you want me to remember who starred in the music video too? No problem. While I’m at it, let me remind you why Palm Sunday is called Palm Sunday and who said what at the Last Supper. But don’t ask me what I ate last night. Or why I walked into the living room. Because that, my friends, is a mystery. If you’ve found yourself standing in a room wondering what your original mission was or opening your phone only to forget why you picked it up in the first place, welcome. You’re not broken. You’re living in 2026. Let’s talk about memory, because not all memory is created equal. There’s long-term memory, the stuff that’s been filed away for years. Song lyrics, childhood moments, random facts you didn’t even know you were storing. That system is surprisingly resilient. Once something is deeply encoded, your brain holds onto it like your favorite pair of broken-in flip flops. Then there’s working memory – your brain’s “sticky note.” This is where you hold onto information temporarily so you can actually do something with it. Like remembering why you walked into the living room. And here’s the problem: That sticky note is getting slammed. Every notification, every text, every email, every open tab in your brain is competing for space. Your brain isn’t failing. It's overloaded. This is what we call cognitive overload. And it’s not just a buzzword, it’s a very real, very physiological response. Your brain has a limited capacity for processing information at any given time. When you exceed that capacity (which, let’s be honest, most of us do before 9 a.m.) things start slipping through the cracks. Not because you’re losing your memory, but because your brain never got the chance to fully encode it in the first place. Translation: You didn’t forget what you had for dinner; your brain never properly logged it. Add in stress, poor sleep, underfueling and constant stimulation, and now your nervous system is running in a low-grade state of chaos. And guess what doesn’t thrive in chaos? Memory. Your brain needs space. It needs

pauses. It needs moments where it’s not being asked to process five things at once. Now, before you spiral and start diagnosing yourself with something terrifying, let’s ground JENNIFER HARVEY this. Occasional forgetfulness? Walk...is a Marathoning into rooms and based ACSMblanking? Forgetcertified perting names, tasks sonal trainer and precision nutrition or why you opened coach who owns the fridge? Annoyand operates ing? Yes. Normal? Highly Motivated Also yes. Functionally But there are Caffeinated LLC. times when memory changes deserve a closer look. If you’re noticing consistent difficulty finding words, repeating the same questions or stories frequently, getting lost in familiar places or major personality or behavior changes, that’s when we stop laughing it off and start paying attention. Those are signals worth bringing to your physician. For the rest of us? This is less about decline and more about demand. We are asking our brains to do more, process more and hold more than ever before — without giving them the basic support they need. So, what actually helps? Simple things. (You knew I was going to say that.) Sleep like it matters, because it does. Memory consolidation happens when you sleep. Eat enough. Your brain is an energy hog, and underfueling it is like trying to run a boat without gas. Take breaks from constant input – yes, that includes your phone. Move your body – blood flow to the brain is a real thing, not a wellness buzz phrase. Slow down – multitasking is not a badge of honor, it’s a memory killer. And maybe most importantly, give yourself a little grace. You’re not losing your mind because you forgot why you walked into the living room. You’re living in a world that rarely lets your brain breathe. So, the next time you find yourself standing there, looking around like you just got dropped into a simulation. Pause. Laugh. Retrace your steps. And if all else fails, just grab a snack. It was probably why you went in there in the first place.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

Waterfront Restaurant • Beach Bar Marina • Gift Shop COME BY CAR, BOAT & EVEN HELICOPTER

A waterfront restaurant with delicious, unique and fresh Island flavors

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BREAKFAST 8A-11A LUNCH & DINNER 11A-10P

$7 BLOODY MARYS & MIMOSAS 8A-11:30A MEXICAN SUNDAYS 11:30A-4P

12648 Overseas Hwy • MM 54 Gulfside Marathon • 305-743-4191 www.islandfishco.co

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MARATHON • KEY COLONY HOME OWNERS

START EARNING MAXIMIZE YOUR INCOME POTENTIAL

JESSICA WILLEY

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

VACATION RENTAL MANAGEMENT

305.240.8433

Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM

BEST HAPPY HOUR 16 YEARS IN A ROW

Best Margarita & Bar! SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11am - 2:30pm

Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine

4-6pm

HAPPY HOUR

DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY Closed

We've got you Covered!

TUESDAY Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: Roger Jokela

What we Fix

THURSDAY Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm • Weekend hours vary. 305.317.3769 • 5160 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

WEDNESDAY Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) LIVE MUSIC

Cracked Screens • Phone Cameras Battery Replacement • Charging Ports Laptops • Desktops • Printers Gaming Consoles and so much more! allkeyscomputers.com

FRIDAY Abstract Radio LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO

SATURDAY Brunch 11am - 2:30pm BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine LIVE MUSIC: Roger Jokela

SUNDAY Brunch 11am - 2:30pm BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

THIS WEEKS ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, APR 9 CANDACE 6:30PM

We wil cook youl catch, ﬁs r and lobst h er Please

FRIDAY, APR 10 FLORIDA FLOYD 3PM STING RAYS 8PM

cleaned &bring legal.

SATURDAY, APR 11 KING TIDES 8PM SUNDAY, APR 12 TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM

LIVEIC MUS

MONDAY, APR 13 JOHNNY LIVE 3PM SHAWN BROWN 7PM TUESDAY, APR 14 TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY JAMES HARTSOE 3PM COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM THANK THANK YOU YOU FOR FOR VOTING VOTING US US BEST BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE! LIVE MUSIC VENUE!

www.sparkyslanding.com 305.363.2959

MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairﬁeld Inn

WEDNESDAY, APR 15 LUKE SOMMERS 2PM PAINT PARTY 5:30PM TRIVA 7:30PM

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OUR WEB CAM IS STREAMING

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

THANK YOU!

April 11, 2026, the efforts of hundreds of people culminated in the success of the 45th Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run. The Marathon Runners Club wishes to say THANKS to all of those people who participated in the planning and execution of the run, as well as the dedicated law enforcement officials who so efficiently carried out their traffic control and safety responsibilities.

Monroe County Commission Mayor Michelle Lincoln Mayor Pro Tem David Rice Commissioner Craig Cates Commissioner Jim Scholl Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein

Thanks to all the captains We wish to acknowledge and their teams! contributions made by: Aid Station #1 - Cindy Perry Rafael Medina Aid Station #2 - Riet Steinmetz, Arjen Holdinga Mike Puto Aid Station #3- Kath Vals Sue Corbin Aid Station #4 - KFCU and “Over The Hump” Gang Zoltan Polgar & Agency 44 Aid Station #5 - Isla Bella Crew Renee and Team Marathon City Council Tina Belo‫מּ‬i - Start Line Marathon Electric Sign & Light Lynny Del Gaizo, Mayor Denise Pankow- Finish Line Pat Kersey Debra Struyf, Vice-Mayor Starting Water Line Station - MHS "I Promise" crew Don Vertregt Lynn Landry, Councilmember Dave Daniels - Safety Team and T-shirts Split Second Timing Kenny Matlock, Councilmember The Sayer Family Florida Keys Electric Co-op Robyn Still, Councilmember Bobbie & Chuck Bayles & Family Rob Christensen Luis Gonzalez Family Denise & Chris Pankow Florida Department of Transportation, Monroe County Marathon Bob’s Rentals Southernmost Runners Club School Board & Monroe County Parks Dept., Monroe Kevin Freeman - Mile Markers Bill Becker/Maggie Sayer County Public Works Dept. Pete Worthington - Communication Team Key West Visitor Center Webber Numbers Aﬞernoon Crew Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina MHS & MMS Coaches & Teams King’s Concrete Repair Thanks to the following good people Best Packet Pickup and Stuffing Team Big Pine Motel who worked tirelessly on the traffic control Hammer and Sco‫ מּ‬at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge and safety aspects of the race: Marathon Community Park Bank of America Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Capt Derek Paul, Nurse Stephanie & Nurse Brandi Crane Point Hammock LT Ben Elmore, Capt Dave E. Smith, LT Donny Barrio Friday Packet Pickup Team Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce FWC Officers Chad Neller/Reefside Construction Marathon Lumber Fishermen’s Hospital Emergency Medical Personnel Tony/Driﬞwood Pizza Wright Barrow Office Crew Monroe County Fire Rescue April Rasmussen CM & Dennis Bishop City of Marathon Fire Rescue Sunbelt Rentals Asst. Fire Marshal Mike Card William and Victor at Dunkin Chief Muro UPS Store Sharon & Pa‫מּ‬y First Horizon & Trich John Bartus Tiffany & Cathy

Thanks to everyone for Your Patience and understanding!

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026 A dubiously named Cape May warbler seen in Key West recently. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

he cadence of a songbird’s daily life, of its moment-tomoment motions, are generally faster than we can follow. The speed at which they hop from place to place, flap their wings, peck at bugs and gulp them MARK down – even the speed at HEDDEN which they mate – is gener... is a photograally too quick for the pokey pher, writer, and human eye. semi-professional Sometimes you can snap birdwatcher. He has lived in Key a picture of them in motion, West for more freeze a moment in time than 25 years and and space and see somemay no longer thing you’ve never seen be employable in before – the way they throw the real world. He is also executive their wings or point their director of the feet. Usually this is when Florida Keys Audu- they are initiating a move bon Society. and leaping up. But exponentially more often than not, you miss the shot. Naked eyed, at best you catch a blur. Mostly what you can see are the brief moments between actions. This gets truer and truer the smaller a songbird is. I was thinking about this the other day at Fort Zach when I was trying to take pictures of warblers and getting frustrated due to their inconsiderate disregard of my intentions. It was all zip zip zip, and then whenever one of them would briefly pause, they would be behind a branch, or only their butt would be sticking out from behind a leaf. It was a bit of a relief when I caught sight of a gray catbird shooting across the path. Even though it was a gray blur, I knew it was a gray catbird because gray catbirds are on the bigger end of the songbird spectrum, which meant it was slightly slower than the warblers I’d been failing to photograph. In a quarter of an instant I could size it and catch the fact that the bird was essentially two shades of gray with not even a whiff of any other field marks. I thought I could gain some traction by getting a decent shot of it, and moving on to the more difficult birds from there. But this bird was too frenetic, more amped up than the catbirds I usually see, shooting back across the path into different random bushes. Gray catbirds fall into the category of Birds With Apt Names because they are gray and their contact calls sound very much like a mewing cat. On a scale of one to five stars, I would give them four stars, because while their name is apt, it is a little dull. (This particular catbird’s freneticism made me think it wasn’t so much of a catbird as a scaredy catbird, but that shouldn’t be reflected in species-wide nomenclature.) But it got me thinking about the aptness of different bird names, and I continued on with the rating of them after that.

BIRD NAMES: A CRITICAL CONSIDERATION

Since most of the birds I was seeing had the word “warbler” in their name, the first question was, how suitable a name is it? The name, of course, comes from the bird’s song. You tend to think of warbles as coming from people or creatures who can’t control their voice, voices that are not confident or competent in their output. A warble is generally equated with a trill or a quaver. This is complicated by the fact that New World warblers were named after their superficial resemblance to Old World warblers, but the two families are not closely related. (This is complicated slightly more by the fact that the olive warbler is in neither family. Because someone always has to be difficult. But in the context of this mission the complication is mooted by the fact that in North America, they are only found in Arizona and New Mexico.) To my ear, though, the songs of the Old World warblers and the New World warblers sound like they are generally in the same avian musical genre, with lots of fast clear notes. So it is possible, by modern definitions, that warbler is not quite fit for the species in both families. Except, if you do a deeper dive on the etymology of the concept of warbling, the definition of the term in the 1300s was of “a stream of clear, rapid, gliding, melodious tones.” At least according to one etymology website online. So I’m going to allow it as a suitable descriptor. The most prominent species I was seeing was the palm warbler. They were flitting around by the half dozen. They are probably the most common songbird you see in the Keys from October through May. Usually they are mellow creatures, stalking around in small groups in the grass looking for bugs. But at the park they were getting all aggressive with each other, chasing each other off for no

reason, even though there is no territory or food supply they needed to compete for here. Most likely it was because their hormones were starting to kick in before they migrated back to their breeding territories in Canada. But the name seems inapt, because they don’t breed anywhere with palm trees, and are not seen in palm trees all that often when they are in more tropical climes. Palm trees don’t seem to have much to do with their lives. And I’ve never seen one land on the inner surface of anyone’s hand. So two stars. There were a couple Cape May warblers around – two males and a female that I saw. Their name comes from the fact that the first one described to science was collected in Cape May, New Jersey. Cape May is a wonderful place to bird (the Cape May Bird Observatory is an ornithological juggernaut). And you have to love any city smart enough to preserve its historical architecture. But the species breeds in boreal Canada and winters in the Caribbean. The name tells you nothing about the species except the place where one of them got shot. One star. I caught a few quick glimpses of a wormeating warbler, a name that has always stuck in my craw. Sure, they eat worms, but so do a lot of birds. Why saddle them with such a judgmental name? Two stars. Lest I come off as a total crank here, I did see at least two black-and-white warblers, a species covered with parallel-ish black and white streaks, all of them as clear and sharp as the text on a page of a newspaper. Simple, elegant, to the point. Five stars. Five species in and I find myself out of space. Considering that there are about 10,000 bird species in the world, and around 800 species in North America, this may have to be an ongoing project. But it’s a start.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026 Don’t forget about our Fuel Dock, next to Restaurant. Great Pricing! 90 Octane Ethanol free Open 7am to Noon • Every Day but Sunday.

Marathon Community Theatre presents

FROM OUR BOATS TO YOUR PLATE! By Frederick Knot t

KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

adapted by Jef frey Hatcher April 16, 17, 18 MATINEE April 19 April 23,, 24, 25 MATINEE April 26

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

April

World Famous Lobster Reuben, house-made soups and chowders, fresh fish sandwiches, and rotating daily specials — all served with front-row views of Florida Bay. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

RETAIL STORE Fresh fish, house-made soups/chowders, and our famous Key lime pie — ready to take home.

30 May 1&2 Tickets $33 Tickets $33 includes fees includes fees

Director: Di rector Michael Wagner Wagner

SCAN FOR TICKETS

STARRING: Noelle Belden || Lee La STARRING: Lawson wson || Ge Gerrit rrit Hale || Phil Vachon || Ron Pyron Pyron || Landry Landry Sayer Sayer || Journey Journey Nichols-Jones Nichols-Jones "WAIT UNTIL DARK (HATCHER) is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)"

JOIN US AT OUR UPSTAIRS RAW BAR OYSTERS | POKE BOWLS FULL BAR AND THE BEST SUNSETS HAPPY HOUR 2M - 5PM

TWO CONCHS BAIT & TACKLE AND MARINA SHIPS STORE

TWO CONCHS CLUB CARD MEMBERSHIP

BIG SAVINGS STONE CRAB NOW AVAILABLE! WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

BEST SEAFOOD! BEST SUNSET! BEST BARTENDER - RACHEL CASUAL DINING • RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED • PETS WELCOMED! OPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK 35TH STREET, ON THE BAY (BEHIND THE STUFFED PIG) • MARATHON • 305-743-4353

FUEL UP AT $3.29 PER GALLON WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP (Regular price $3.49)

Great prices on chum cards with the option to store it for you! Discounts at Two Conchs Bait & Tackle and Marina Ships Store Special Deals on Rod & Reel Rentals, Ice & More! MEMBERSHIPS STARTING AS LOW AS $25 PER MONTH

Two Conchs Bait, Tackle & Marina | 11587 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, Fl 33050 | Mile Marker 53 Oceanside

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

SIMPLY MARINAS

AT THE FOREFRONT OF NATIONAL MARINA SALES

From consultation to closing, we position your marina to achieve maximum value.

Your Health. Your Community. Your Electrophysiologists. Jose Sleiman Morales, MD Electrophysiologist

500MM+

IN RECENT MARINA TRANSACTIONS

TRANSACTIONS

14,000+ MARINA INVESTORS

LIST WITH US Ø Ø Ø Michelle Ash, Broker 305.439.9581 ash1@simplymarinas.com

For appointments at our Marathon location: 305.674.CARE

250+

www.msmc.com *Physician and location subject to availability.

SimplyMarinas.com

George Ash, Director 352.262.5784 george.ash@simplymarinas.com

20TH ANNUAL SINCE 1981

MAY 1 - MAY 3, 2026

1ST PLACE FOR LARGEST BULL & COW COMBINED WEIGHT

GUARANTEED $20,000

We reward for participation, only you can grow the jackpot! Over $46,000 in Cash & Prizes Largest Bull • Largest Cow • 3 Dolphin Combined Largest Wahoo • Largest Blackfin Tuna • Largest Tripletail • Honey Maker Top Female Angler • Top Junior Angler Sportﬁshing

11499 Overseas Highway, Marathon MarathonOffshoreTournament.com

CFC1427241

BACKFLOW TESTING AND INSTALLATION FULL SERVICE PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE Proudly Serving the Community Since 1981 10700 5th Avenue, Gulf, Marathon 305.743.7072 office@ernestrhodes.com www.ernestrhodes.com

3 years!

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

Having Fun in the Middle Keys NOW HIRINGrs Educato

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations NOW ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER@TURTLEHOSPITAL.ORG

Morning Trips Only April 13 to May 17 Shut down May 18 to 22 Night Trips Start May 23

MARATHON LADY DOCKS

U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon

www.turtlehospital.org

RECONNECT WITH NATURE

305.743.5580

$59.95

Summer Schedule Starts May 23 Morning Trips 8:30am to 12:30 pm Night Trips 6:30pm to Midnight

PACKAGE PRICE

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL PACKAGE INCLUDES: 305.783.7551 FULL DAY OF FUN FROM 9 TO 4PM SNORKEL BY KAYAK - ISLAND HOPPING - BIRD ISLAND SANCTUARY PICNIC ON WATER OR LAND - FISH PEDICURE BALD EAGLE RITA - AND MUCH MORE.

Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat Please make sure to call ahead for reservations.

www.MARATHONLADY.net

MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT APPLY*

PROUD TO BE LISTED ON THE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTRY! 305.743.9100 • 5550 Overseas Highway • Marathon MM50 at the stoplight • Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • cranepoint.net

FISHING THE FLORIDA KEYS FOR 28 YEARS

Deep Sea | Off Shore Reef | Wrecks | Gulf BOOK YOUR CHARTER

305.481.3259

johnnymaddoxcharters.com

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

OBITUARY

UNITED WAY INVESTS $200K IN 15 KEYS NONPROFITS Last year’s grants totaled $188K to 11 Monroe County organizations

THOMAS JOSEPH ‘JOE’ DOWDELL III 1939-2026 Thomas Joseph “Joe” Dowdell III, a lifelong Floridian, passed away on April 6. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Joe graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1957, earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1962, and received his law degree from the University of Miami in 1965. In 1966, he moved to Marathon, where he practiced law for more than three decades until his retirement in 2002. Joe’s love of fishing began at age 5 in Biscayne Bay and quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Beginning in 1950, he spent his summers fishing in Marathon, often staying on Conch Key. He went on to become a dedicated competitor in Marathon fishing tournaments. In 1972, Joe earned the prestigious Triple Crown Award for achieving the highest combined points in the bonefish, tarpon and Cay Sal billfish tournaments. A world-class angler, Joe expanded his fishing adventures in the 1980s, traveling to the Yucatán, Costa Rica, Cocos Island, Guatemala, Mazatlán, Panama and near the Galápagos Islands. He even competed in the Rolex Billfish Tournament in Australia. Remarkably, Joe caught every billfish recognized by the International Game Fish Association — twice — and then began catching them again using fly rods. Beyond fishing, Joe was deeply engaged in his community. He was a proud member of the Marathon Yacht Club since 1968, serving twice as commodore and on many committees. He was a past president of the International Order of the Blue Gavel, and a member of the Elks Club. Joe also loved dancing and live music and could often be found enjoying evenings at favorite local spots such as Dockside, Havana Jack’s, and Skipjack Resort. Known for his quick wit, great sense of humor and genuine love of learning, Joe made friends wherever he went. Joe was predeceased by his life partner of 30 years, June Thacker, in 2020. He is survived by his children, Linda Dowdell Mazzeo and Thomas J. Dowdell IV; his son-in-law, Joe Mazzeo; and his three beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas and Michael Mazzeo, of Atlanta. He is also survived by his siblings, Del Miller, Ted Dowdell and Don Dowdell; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Star of the Sea Foundation, which operates SOS food pantries in Key West and the Upper Keys, is one of the 15 Monroe County nonprofits that recently received grant funding from United Way of Collier and the Keys. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

nited Way of Collier and the Keys recently announced an investment of $600,000 in grant funding to 46 nonprofit organizations across Collier and Monroe counties for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Of that $600,000, 15 Monroe County nonprofits will receive a total of $200,000, although the United Way declined to release to the Keys Weekly the specific amounts awarded to each local charity. The funding supports programs that align with United Way’s core impact areas in the two counties: community resiliency, financial security, healthy community and youth opportunity. These areas are designed to meet the needs of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households – working families who earn above the federal poverty level, but still struggle to afford basic needs. “These investments are about strengthening the programs our community relies on every day,” said Tiffani Mensch, United Way president & CEO. “By partnering with local nonprofits, we’re helping ensure individuals and families have access to the resources

they need to navigate challenges, build stability and create brighter futures.” The grant process is led by volunteers who evaluate applications based on its alignment with United Way goals and the potential for measurable outcomes. This year’s Monroe County grant recipients are: • A Positive Step of Monroe County. • Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. • Diocese of Southeast Florida (Hammock House). • Dolphins to Stop Domestic Violence. • Florida Keys Area Health Education Center. • Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. • Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition. • Florida Keys Outreach Coalition. • Good Health Clinic. • Grace Jones Community Center. • Heart of the Keys Recreation Center. • Independence Cay. • Keys Area Interdenominational Resources. • Samuel’s House. • Star of the Sea Foundation. More information is at uwcollierkeys.org.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MARATHON COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN’T

Ross A. Militello, Esq

Immigration | Family Criminal Defense | Military & Veterans 305.741.7294 ram@ramlegal.com 10095 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

ALL ARE WELCOME!

SUNDAY SERVICES

10AM IN THE SANCTUARY Pastor Mary Ashcraft

Monday: Men’s Breakfast 7am at Irie Island Eats. Tuesday: Sisters in Christ 9:45am.

3010 Overseas Highway

305.481.7233

WALK TO EMMAUS. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us." — Luke 24:32

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

OBITUARY

BRIEFLY MCSO: Key West man spit on McDonald’s employee A 46-year-old Key West man who allegedly spit on a McDonald’s drivethrough employee in Marathon was arrested on April 9. Fredrick Charles Gartenmayer was charged with battery. The incident occurred on March 17, around 10:15 p.m. The victim stated Gartenmayer took his food, made a comment and spit in his face. A warrant was obtained for Gartenmayer’s arrest and he was booked into jail. KCB Fishing & Boating Club donates to Marathon Moose On April 3, Joe Schmidt, past commodore of the Key Colony Beach Fishing & Boating Club, presented the Marathon Moose Lodge with two checks. Lodge president Fran Hagemann, accepted a $500 check for the lodge’s building fund, and Ken Hagemann, valued veterans chairman, accepted a $1,000 check for the veterans fund. The fishing and boating club has donated to the lodge for the last three years. AAA: Florida gas prices drop 20 cents in 10 days The state average gas price in Florida declined 20 cents per gallon over the last 10 days, according to AAA on April 13. Sunday’s average price of $4.03 per gallon was 17 cents less than one week ago, 32 cents more than a month ago, and 91 cents more than a year ago. “While drivers are enjoying short-term relief at the pump, prices could remain volatile,” the association said in a press release. “Florida has experienced frequent price cycling for more than a year, with pump prices typically declining for about 10 days before jumping sharply early in the week. That pattern does not guarantee an increase this week, but it remains a possibility.” United Way offers scholarship for seniors The United Way will once again offer a scholarship for seniors graduating from Marathon High School who plan to study health or human services in technical, two-year or four-year programs. The scholarship is designed to help ease financial burdens for local families, particularly those in ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households while investing in the next generation of health care professionals. Strong consideration is given to students who demonstrate a commitment to remaining in or returning to the Keys after graduation to serve the local community. Applications are due by Friday, April 17; scan the QR code to access the application.

Mahjong fundraiser nets $11K for healthy start A fundraiser for the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, sponsored by the Marathon Yacht Club Auxiliary, raised more than $11,000 for the coalition on April 8. More than 52 attendees participated in gameplay, donating baby supplies in addition to the cash from the event. Pictured, from left, are Clif Skoda, Lauren Solon and CM Bishop with some of the donated supplies. County libraries expand Book Club in a Bag The Monroe County Public Library has expanded its popular Book Club in a Bag collection to include books for kids and teens. Library patrons can check out a bag, which includes 10 copies of the same book and a reader’s guide to help get the discussion going. Loans are for eight weeks. Each branch has bags and patrons can browse the collection online and request a bag be sent to their local library branch. The online catalog listings also include publishers’ recommendations for reader age and grade level. “We hope the new collection sparks an interest in book clubbing with our young readers and serves as a valuable tool for homeschooling parents and educators in Monroe County,” said Kim Rinaldi, senior branch manager at the Key West Library. To learn more and see the current available book club bags, go to keyslibraries.org. More than 40 titles are now available, and the library plans to add to the collection. Suggestions are welcome. To suggest a title, go to keyslibraries.org/contact-us. Deputy cited for 100-mph speeds Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy St. Pierre Anilus, 31, was given a notice to appear in court for reportedly driving 106 mph in a 55mph zone in a personal vehicle around 5:30 p.m. on April 11. Anilus was cited by MCSO on U.S. 1 on the north end of the Bahia Honda Bridge near MM 36.5. “I am committed to informing the public of both positive and negative events involving this agency,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Anilus was hired on July 26, 2016.

Marathon Garden Club hosts Desert Rose presentation The Marathon Garden Club will host a free presentation on growing Desert Rose on Friday, April 17. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for socializing and refreshments, followed by the garden club meeting at 1 p.m. Hobbyists Norm and Betsy Phillips will give the presentation, which will also be available for viewing on the club’s Facebook page. Keys Democrats invite public to monthly meeting The public is invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Keys Democrats on Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon Library. The meeting will be a hybrid Zoom and in-person meeting. For more information, including a link to attend virtually, email mid-keys@keysdems.com. AHEC to offer athlete cardiac screenings This spring, Keys AHEC Health Centers will bring cardiac screenings directly to high school campuses throughout the Keys, offering no-cost electrocardiogram (ECG) tests and sports physicals to student athletes. The program, launching on May 18, is designed to identify undetected heart conditions in young athletes before they take the field and it comes at a critical time. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in young athletes, yet many underlying heart conditions show no outward symptoms. An ECG, a simple, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity, can detect conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed until it is too late. The program is open to all students who are new to high school sports for the 2026-2027 academic year. Screenings will be held at Marathon High School May 18-22, by appointment only at 305-743-7111, extension 210. Students with a normal ECG result will receive sign-off from an AHEC advanced practice registered nurse. Results that require additional evaluation will be referred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for specialist review, and cardiology referrals will be arranged for any student with an ab-

GLORIA HOLOHAN 1933-2026 Gloria Holohan, a resident of Marathon for 30 years, died peacefully at home on April 1. She is survived by three children, Donna Jackowicz, Gloria Malandra and David Holohan; five grandchildren, Michelle Malandra Reiff, Dana McLaughlin, Stephanie Dougherty, Kyle Holohan and James Ditsche; and seven great-grandchildren, Alexandra Ramberg, Nathon Taylor, Nicole Reiff, Brigid McLaughlin, Liam McLaughlin, Olivia Dougherty and Liam Ditsche. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the United Methodist Church at 3010 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

normal finding. Participating students must be established AHEC patients. Families new to AHEC will be guided through a simple registration process. Required patient forms, including a sports physical form, must be completed before the appointment. Forms are at keysahec.org/ecg-sports-physicalprogram. Students who already have a current sports physical on file will only need the ECG portion of the screening.

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 Stone Fabricators & Installers Quartz Granite Marble Quartzite Porcelain

Leslie Christensen

305.741.7726

OWNER

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

1400 107th Street Gulf Marathon, FL info@jandymarblegranitedesign.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

#10080583

NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES AND RENOVATIONS

PROUDLY SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS SINCE 2014

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy. A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

LIC# CRC1334580

inparadiseconstruction@outlook.com Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

LIC# RR282812026

www.saltenergy.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm • 6681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keystilestone@gmail.com • www.keystilestone.com • 305.743.7053

Stephanie Cheever Realtor® 305.481.3067 coconuts@frontiernet.net stephaniecheever.kw.com

Mid-Lower Keys Buying or Selling call me for a free consultation

“SELL+SOLD=SMILES”

Rafael Cordova 786.299.8992

Dale Coburn, Attorney 305.743.9858 Coburn@marathonlaw.com 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 3, Marathon

Interior & Exterior Painting CGC1535962

rafamanagementgroupllc@gmail.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess CELL: (954) 801-7883

Interior Designer

Email: interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

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

KAREN RASPE 305.393.9010 kraspe@oceansir.com www.oceansir.com

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

3 0 5 -7 4 3 -7 8 0 0

Authorized Dealer

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

Capt. Brian's

JO ANN COOK

POOL SUPPLIES & SPA STORE WE SELL HOT TUBS! Delivered & Installed Key Largo to Key West

We DO Weekly Pool maintenance & Bi-weekly Landscape service

Exclusive dealer of USA-made Strong spas in the FL Keys!

305.393.9801 10699 Aviation Blvd Marathon, FL Keys

www.captbrianpoolandspa.com

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

305.360.7968 jcook@oceansir.com

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)

Lic#SP-3562

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair

Qualifying Broker

We Do Installations!

12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

289-3019

ALLY KELLEY

James Nagy

Global Real Estate Advisor 727.459.0493 akelley@oceansir.com

james.finish.paint@gmail.com

239.250.4055

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

Interior & Exterior Painting Drywall Repair & Texture Stucco Repair & Texture

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Concrete Staining Pressure Washing Fence Staining & Refinishing

Will Campbell President

BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

CGC1523838

12420 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

Michael Kiraly

EC13015104

CHRIS BRYK

305.509.0925 Licensed and Insured

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL MARINE

Mortgage Lender Supervisor NMLS# 675432

WE ALWAYS SHOW UP!

11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 214 & 215 Marathon, FL 33050

MKiraly@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 942-1756 Office: (305) 676-3019

MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

U.S Transport & Tow Cars | Boats | Equipment & More

Removal of Junk/Inoperable Cars

305.743.7454

We pay cash upon pick up

Y. Alberto Pena 386.365.2292 Helping to keep the Florida Keys clean and pollution-free.

Rachel Keller TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM FLORIDA KEYS Airports: EYW, MIA & FLL PARTY BUS • VAN • SUV | fkes2011@gmail.com

SALES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

MARATHON WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

OPEN HOUSES & FEATURED PROPERTIES OPEN HOUSE SAT., 4/18, 11A–1P

OPEN HOUSE SAT., 4/18, 11A–1P

1631 SUNRISE DR. BIG PINE KEY | $2,200,000

17215 E. BONITA LN. SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,449,900

REMODELED WATERFRONT BUNGALOW 17151 MARLIN DR. SUGARLOAF KEY | $ 1,199,000

• 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms • 1,804 sq. ft. on 11,625 sq. ft. lot • 75 ft. concrete dock, private cut-in boat slip • Heated saltwater pool • Air-conditioned downstairs bonus room • Quartz counters, stainless, appliances, wine cooler • Open floor plan with expansive water views

• 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms • 1,528 sq. ft. on 8,154 sq. ft. lot • Brand new dock with direct ocean access • Primary suite with en suite bath & walk-in closet • Oversized lot with pool potential • No rear neighbors, canal privacy • Fully remodeled with modern coastal finishes

• 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms • 1,522 sq. ft on 12,500 sq. ft. lot • Private primary suite, loft retreat • 3 porches, screened lanai, hot tub • 80 ft. canal, quick ocean access • Covered patio, outdoor shower, garage storage • Located just 15 minutes from Key West

NEWER CONSTRUCTION WATERFRONT HOME

OPEN HOUSE SAT., 4/18, 11A–1P

DEEP-WATER CANAL-FRONT

SERENE CANAL-FRONT HOME

PRICE REDUCTION

PILOT’S PARADISE HOME

WATERFRONT LOT WITH PERMIT

104 SIRIUS LN. GEIGER KEY | $749,000

195 W SHORE DR. SUMMERLAND KEY | $849,000

17215 KEYSTONE RD. SUGARLOAF KEY | $599,000

• 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms • 1,666 sq. ft on 7,017 sq. ft lot • Rare corner canal-front with 152' dockage • 5' control depth with quick ocean access • Whole-house generator • Dramatic 2-story great room with loft bedroom • Minutes from Key West dining, shopping, nightlife

• 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms • 1,500 sq. ft. on 12,425 sq. ft. double lot • 37' x 27' airplane hangar for aircraft • 2-car garage with expansive driveway • Private end-of-airstrip location in Summerland Key • Warm wood finishes with spacious kitchen • Concrete block home with warm wood finishes

• Oversized 27,716 sq. ft. build-ready parcel • No-bridge access to open water • Cleared and filled, ready to build • Engineered dock drawings available • Plans for 2,790 sq. ft. home included • Rare canal-front opportunity in Sugarloaf Shores • 15 minutes to Key West

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

April 16, 2026

LAST CHANCE TO FLY Track teams prep for postseason | P.8

CONCRETE CONCRETE MADE TO LAST

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

GET IN TOUCH

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

Key West

Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.

Monroe Concrete 155 Toppino Industrial Drive Key West, 305-296-9934 Monroe Concrete Marathon 1500 107th Street Gulf Marathon, 305-743-5800

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

APRIL 6 - 12

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Baseball

Downtown Doral

4/6

W, 12-1

Coral Shores

Baseball

ABF Academy Hialeah

4/6

L, 3-0

Marathon

Softball

Ransom

4/7

W, 16-1

Key West

Girls Lacrosse

St. Brendan School

4/8

W, 10-9

Coral Shores

Girls Lacrosse

Ransom Everglades

4/8

L, 19-6

Key West

Baseball

Stoneman Douglas

4/9

L, 3-2

Key West

Boys Lacrosse

Coral Shores

4/9

W. 14-5

Marathon

Baseball

Downtown Doral

4/9

W, 10-0

Coral Shores

Softball

Ransom Everglades

4/10

W, 14-4

Key West

Softball

King’s Academy

4/10

L, 5-3

Marathon

Baseball

Miami Country Day

4/10

W, 13-3

Key West

Softball

LaBelle

4/10

L, 8-5

Key West

Girls Lacrosse

Palmer Trinity

4/10

L, 15-5

Coral Shores

Softball

Mater Bay Academy

4/11

W, 18-1

Key West

Softball

Doral Academy

4/11

L, 13-1

Key West

Softball

Stoneman Douglas

4/11

W, 5-1

Key West

Boys Lacrosse

Westminster Christian

4/11

L, 13-6

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

APRIL 16 - 23

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

4/16

Key West

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/17

Coral Shores

Softball

Everglades City

6 p.m.

4/17

Coral Shores

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/17

Key West

Softball

Lake Wales

7 p.m.

4/17

Marathon

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/18

Key West

Softball

Lake Wales

11 a.m.

4/20

Marathon

Softball

@ South Homestead

4 p.m.

4/21

Coral Shores

Softball

Marathon

5 p.m.

4/22

CSHS & MHS

Boys Weightlifting

Regionals @ Keys Gate

8 a.m.

4/23

Marathon

Track & Field

Districts @ Palmer

9 a.m.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Max

CHILDRESS

Senior, Marathon Boys Weightlifting

Max has worked tirelessly to perfect his form and become the strongest on the team. He has also matured into a great senior leader. I’m really proud of him and looking forward to watching him compete at regionals.” – Jessie Schubert, Marathon head coach

district titles

715 pounds lifted

ON THE COVER

APRIL 16

Marathon eighth grader Maverick McDonald launches himself in the pole vault event at a last-chance meet at Key West High School on April 10. See page 8. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

Marathon strongman Max Childress may need to clear some space on his shelves. The talented senior added to his growing medal collection of hardware after sweeping both the traditional and Olympic titles at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships. A fixture in Marathon’s weight room year-round, Childress has dedicated himself fully to the sport. He earned his dual titles with three powerful lifts: a 175-pound snatch, a 275-pound clean and jerk and a 265-pound bench, outlifting the competition in both events. Using weightlifting’s pound-for-pound scoring system, Childress placed second in each discipline. With different lifters taking the top spot in each, his combined performance made him the strongest overall lifter in District 16. With his dual district titles, Childress secured a return trip to regionals and, based on his current totals, is in position to make another run at the state meet. For his dedication and relentless work ethic, Marathon’s Max Childress is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026 SPORTS WRITER

tracy mcdonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

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

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

END OF THE ROAD Lacrosse season comes to a close in playoffs

he Lady Conchs lacrosse squad made it clear that one week can make all the difference in their FHSAA 1A District 16 quarterfinal matchup with St. Brendan School. On March 31, the Sabres beat the Conchs by eight, but Key West used high spirits and impeccable timing to upset St. Brendan on April 8 despite trailing for a majority of the game. Coach Marissa Giacopuzzi said the team was, “locked and loaded, looking for a redemption win,” and that’s just what they got. The Sabres came out with fire and led by five goals at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Conchs fought back, narrowing the gap to two goals by halftime, then just one at the end of the third quarter. Key West hit the gas and never let up, taking the lead with three and a half minutes left in the game and holding on for the win. “Redemption wins are sweet,” said

Giacopuzzi of the 10-9 quarterfinal victory that put the Conchs into the semis. Mavis Bishop led the scoring with four goals. Teagan Shea netted three and Eisley Whitehead, Taylor Gibson and Colbie Turner accounted for the rest. Bishop and Althea Olsen picked up five ground balls each and Gibson added four in the big win. On April 10, it was the Palmer Trinity Falcons who earned the sweet redemption win, defeating the Lady Conchs in the semifinals and earning a playoff bid. The Falcons got off to a furious 8-0 first quarter, leaving Key West with a deficit they could not overcome. The Conchs struggled with possession and took just eight shots on goal. Five found their mark, including three from Gibson and one each from Turner and Shea. Gibson was credited with an assist and Eisley Whitehead assisted on two in the 15-5 loss. The defeat put the Lady Conchs at 7-9

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

1. Carlo Vernieri (4) leads Zane Martinez (3) and Nathaniel Shugarman (13) on a chase for the ball. 2. Zachary Payne (7) battles through Coral Shores defenders. 3. Kieran Smith (20), Carlo Vernieri (4) and Brady Wright (12) keep the ball away from Henry Garfield (16). 4. Key West’s Raffael Rice (21). 5. Junior defender Grace Holtkamp (7) and senior captain Colbie Turner (2) disrupt the St. Brendan offense Apr. 8 in the team’s come-from-behind playoff win. 6. Senior captain Adriana Dall takes control in the Conchs’ April 8 quarterfinal game against St. Brendan. 7. Adriana Dall fights for possession in the Conchs’ quarterfinal win against St. Brendan on April 8. Photos by Marissa Owens and Rocky Gonet

for the season, and according to Giacopuzzi, the team will waste no time preparing for the next. “It’s what we do in the offseason that matters, what we do when no one is looking,” she said. For the Lady ’Canes, the journey ended April 8 at Ransom Everglades. The Hurricanes, ranked seventh in the district, faced No. 2 Ransom in the quarterfinals, and despite a strong effort from the team, Coral Shores came up short, losing 19-6 to the Raiders. For Monroe County’s two boys lacrosse teams, there was only room for one team to move on past round one of district play. The teams faced one another in the FHSAA 1A District quarterfinals April 10 in Key West’s Backyard. Key West led early and maintained that lead the entire game, outscoring the Hurricanes 14-5. Carlo Vernieri netted six goals to lead the Conchs in scoring. The junior captain also picked up nine ground balls in the matchup. Zach Payne scored three, Sawyer Hill logged two and Mateo Lopez, Max Louchheim and Kai Woods had one goal

5 6

“The energy, enthusiasm, and heart these girls displayed was exactly the boost we need to play another day. I am so proud of them – the way they rallied together for the team unselfishly and came out on top was so beautiful to witness.” — Marissa Giacopuzzi, Lady Conchs head coach

each. Lopez, the team’s starting goalkeeper, registered 13 saves before trading sticks and storming the field for his goal. While Lopez was taking shots offensively, Roger Mendoza covered the goalkeeping duties, saving two shots. Senior captain Kieran Smith was credited with one assist and picked up eight ground balls, and Raffael Rice and Brady

Wright were dominant in faceoffs, with both winning more than half. Rice won six and Wright five. For Coral Shores, the loss meant the end of the road, but not before seniors Nathaniel Shugarman, Christian Gonzalez and Finn McDonough netted their final goals as Hurricanes. Shugarman scored two while Gonzalez added one goal, one assist and four ground balls. McDonough was good for two assists and three ground balls. Junior James Mitchell scored a pair of goals and senior goalkeeper Brock Bynum was tremendous in goal. Bynum picked up six ground balls and recorded 15 saves in his final high school game. The ’Canes ended with a solid 11-6 record. Key West’s win kept them alive in the playoffs. They played Westminster Christian, the topseeded team in the district, the following day in the semifinals. The Conchs did not have the same momentum that carried them past Coral Shores, and fell to the Warriors 13-6. Key West finished 11-5 in what head coach Alberto Piceno described as “a good season, overall.”

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

2 3

DIAMOND DRIVE M

Keys teams build momentum as they roll into postseason onroe County’s three baseball squads closed their regular seasons with more than a few individual milestones as they looked toward postseason goals. Marathon capitalized on Downtown Doral’s limited space on April 6 with three home runs, but the hitting did not stop there. The Dolphins registered nine hits in total – three from junior Roco Piscetello, who claimed one of the bombs. Eighth grader Miles Murphy and senior Massimo Quargnali accounted for the other two. The shorter outfield on the road wasn’t the only thing sparking the homerun rally. “We looked back and did the math, and the team had five home runs total in six seasons. This season we have eight already,” said Fins head coach Joey Gonzalez. He also said Murphy’s long ball was the first he knows of from a middle school athlete. By the end of the mercy-rule win, Quargnali added another hit and a walk to bat 1.000 in the 12-1 five-inning rout. Dylan Williams, Jack Chapman and Bradley Buigas each singled. Chapman pitched for the win, with one and onethird innings of relief from Piscetello. Three days later, Downtown Doral made the trip to the Keys for a rematch that did not go in their favor. The Fins dispatched the other Dolphins 10-0 in five innings. Buigas and Piscetello registered two hits each, with one each from Chapman, Curren Nicolay, Williams, Reef Rella and Jason Stubblefield. Piscetello and Rella joined forces on the mound. The win was especially sweet as it was the team’s Senior Night and marked a milestone for both head coach Joey Gonzalez and his brother and assistant coach, Luis Gonzalez Jr. The victory was number 100 for the broth-

ers, whose seven years at the helm of Dolphin baseball included a district championship last season and the No. 1 seed heading into this year’s postseason. But the Fins were not finished yet. On April 10, it was another five-inning mercy-rule win for Marathon. Chapman logged his first career homer on an inside-the-park shot that scored two for Marathon. It was one of three hits for Chapman in the 13-3 win over Miami Country Day. Piscetello added a single and a triple and Williams and Murphy had one base hit apiece. Williams got the win in his four innings of work. He struck out nine and walked four, giving up three hits and three runs before Chapman slammed the door on the Spartans. Marathon’s top seed in Rural District 8 earned them a bye in the quarterfinals; on April 15, the Fins faced the winner of the Glades Day vs. Moore Haven game in the semis with a hopeful shot at a district title repeat on April 17 (results not available at press time). Coral Shores played one game last week, losing at ABF Academy Hialeah. A strong Cowboys pitcher stymied the Hurricanes’ hitting, but Keller Blackburn and Brayden Turner each managed a single. Riley O’Berry had his own impressive performance on the mound, striking out four, walking three and allowing five hits and three runs over six innings, but the Cowboys rode away with the 3-0 win, leaving Coral Shores hungry for a playoff win this week. FHSAA’s five-team 2A District 16 made the quarterfinals a breeze for the Hurricanes; the team, ranked third, received a quarterfinal bye. Their first postseason opponent, Keys Gate, was the No. 2 team in the district. The winner of the semifinal game April 15 moved on to the district championships on

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS April 17 (results not available at press time). Key West played just one game last week, making the trip to 7A Stoneman Douglas for what has become a much-anticipated rivalry each season. The teams took a raincheck mid-week but managed to get in a full game later in the week. Donovan Thiery started on the mound for the Conchs, fanning eight, walking three and surrendering four hits and two runs over five innings. Kade Maltz closed it out with one inning of work. Jackie Niles led the charge with two hits while Roman Garcia and Thiery added one hit and one RBI each. Nelson Ong accounted for one Key West hit, but a strong force on the mound for Stoneman Douglas held Key West to five hits. The pitchers’ duel made for an exciting matchup, but unfortunately for Key West fans, it ended in a 3-2 Stoneman Douglas win. The matchup between the schools, particularly their senior pitching talent, did not disappoint. Scouts were in the crowd to check out the pair of aces, both of whom are committed to D1 schools and are raising eyebrows of pro teams hungry for South Florida talent. Gio Rojas, of Stoneman Douglas, will be at the University of Miami next year while Thiery, who toyed with the U and other top schools, chose Florida State for his next stop. According to one scout, the hurlers had comparable arsenals, and Thiery’s giant 6’5” frame and ability to mix up his weaponry garnered mention. Thiery and the Conchs will rely on that arsenal to see them through the postseason as Key West works toward its long-sought 12th state title. The Conchs now turn to the FHSAA 4A District 16 Championships, where they received a well-earned top-seed bye in the quarterfinals. Their first challenge in postseason play will be the winner of South Miami vs. Hialeah-Miami Lakes on April 15 with the title game held the following night.

1. Joey Gonzalez, left, and Luis Gonzalez Jr. reach the 100-win milestone with a victory over visiting Downtown Doral April 9. 2. Key West’s Donovan Thiery, left, and Gio Rojas have more history together than just last week’s showdown at Stoneman Douglas; the pair of aces met up at the East Coast Pro scouting event last August. 3. Scouts in the crowd at Stoneman Douglas have all eyes on the mound as they check out Donovan Thiery and Gio Rojas last week. Photos by Michelle Thiery and Justice Lee

REGULAR-SEASON RECAP Marathon Rural District 8 No. 1 seed 16-8-1 record Key West 4A District 1 No. 1 seed 21-4 record Coral Shores 2A District 16 No. 3 seed 7-9 record

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

FINAL COUNTDOWN Tracksters take their mark in final regular-season meets

n the final week of regular-season meets, Keys teams made their last chances count with strong races and finishing touches as teams head into their respective district championships. Marathon sent a limited crew to Tavernier on April 7 to compete against Coral Shores in the final home meet of the season for the ’Canes. The Hurricanes outscored the Dolphins 70-43 in the boys competition, winning six individual events and two relays. Daniel Fernandez was the fastest man on the track that afternoon, sprinting to an 11.83-second finish in the 100-meter dash. Adrik Mayer won the 200 in 23.77 seconds. Colton Connolly finished the 400 in 54.77 seconds and Alaric Rodriguez completed the 400 hurdle race in 1:01. Xavier Johnson was the 110 hurdle winner, finishing in 16.9 seconds. Mayer, Connolly, Rodriguez and William Roberts joined forces for a win in the 4x100 relay. Roberts replaced Will Theis in the 4x400 for a final win on the track for Coral Shores and Mikel Castellanos picked up the team’s lone field win with a 37’ 8.75” toss in the shot put. In what has become their signature pattern, Marathon’s boys picked up a majority of their wins in the field and distance events. Lucian Burns won the 800 in 2:05 and the 1,600 in 4:37, then ran a leg of the Fins’ winning 4x800 relay, making himself the biggest winner of the day. Kaleb Blakley, Tony Bursa and Landon Anderson were also part of the winning relay. Eian Batzer’s 5’ 5.75” high jump was good for a first, as was Maverick McDonald’s 8’ 4.25” pole vault. Sean Nelson

won for Marathon in the long jump (18’ 7”) and discus (106’ 4”) to round out the Dolphins’ winners. The Lady ’Canes won the meet 45-37 with individual wins on the track from Niveah Howard in the 100 (13.92 seconds), Jenna Mandozzi in the 400 (1:10) and Sammy Bates in the 800 (2:45), plus a pair of firsts in the 100 and 400 hurdles from Julieanna Oddo. Oddo finished the shorter race in 17.81 seconds and the full lap in 1:29. Howard, Oddo, Grace Goodwin and Kate King teamed up in the 4x100 relay for the final team win. Marathon’s Tia Hawkins, a seventh grader, won the 200-meter race in 30.09 seconds and classmate Molly Joly won two events, the 1,600 (6:06) and the 3,200 (13:17). Joly’s 1,600 time broke her own school record. Justice Lee Isom also won two events in the shot put (40’ 9.75”) and discus (107’ 4”). The senior’s shot put toss, a personal best, pushed Lee Isom into the No. 1 spot in FHSAA’s 1A. Key West hosted a last-chance meet on April 10, and three other schools took advantage of the final day of the regular season. The 2A Conchs and ’Canes and the 1A Fins joined 3A Archbishop McCarthy in the Southernmost City, with Key West easily winning the girls competition and Archbishop McCarthy taking the top spot for the boys. Key West’s Walson Morin won the 200-meter dash in 22.39 seconds, then Prometheus Delacerda went the distance in the 3,200, finishing the eight-lap race in 11:21. Jorge Sanchez won the 110 hurdles in 18.54 seconds, then cleared

1. Marathon’s Kevin Contreras (4) finishes the open 400 in front of Allan Taylor. 2. Ali Wheatley, left, and Aly Camargo sprint it out in an exciting 800-meter race. 3. Conch pole vaulter Maya Gray makes good on her attempt. 4. Marathon’s Colton Huff wins his heat at Key West’s April 10 meet. 5. Coral Shores’ Tomas Gonzalez sprints in front of Key West’s Alvin Annylesse in the 200-meter dash. 6. Key West’s Scotty Meir rides out the final portion of his triple jump. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

4 5

Ekon Edwards

Fredy Flores

Isaak Vallejo

Matthias Martinez Velez

Max Childress

DISTRICT DOMINANCE

Coral Shores wins dual championships in boys weightlifting

the bar in pole vault at 12 feet for two Conch wins. Jeff Dejean won the long jump with a 21’ 2” leap, Christopher Barter won the discus event (111’ 6”) and Leo Batista claimed first in shot put (45’ 5”). The Conchs’ 4x400 relay team made for the final Key West win of the day. Hurricane seniors Mayer and Rodriguez each notched a win for Coral Shores. Mayer won the open 400 in an impressive 52.43 seconds and Rodriguez broke the one-minute barrier in the 400 hurdles in 59.93 seconds, setting a new school record in the process. Lady Conch Mirakle Humphrey was the fastest finisher in the shortest race, the 100-meter dash, crossing the line in 13.36 seconds. Violet Jangraw did the same in the longest race, finishing the 3,200 in 13:37. In the field events, Damarla Thompson won the long jump with a 16’2” leap and Jordan Greene’s 32’ triple jump gave her the win. Ariel Newton cleared the bar in pole vault at 12 feet and Audrey Smith tossed the javelin 114’ 11” for the final wins for Key West. Lady ’Cane Ali Wheatley ran the 800 for a PR and a win, edging Key West’s Aly Camargo by two-hundredths of a second in 2:31.33. Julieanna Oddo also had a personal best of 17.78 seconds in her winning 100-meter hurdle race. Coral Shores also won the 4x800 relay event. Joly had Marathon’s only track win, with a 5:56 personal best in the 1,600. Daysi Williams was first in the high jump at 4’10” and Lee Isom won a pair of throwing events, making her the big winner for the Dolphins. Lee Isom tossed the shot 37’ 5”, then threw the discus 111 feet. Key West and Coral Shores headed right into districts on April 15 at Southridge Park (results not available at press time). Marathon competes April 23 at Palmer Trinity.

oral Shores and Marathon chalked their hands and fastened their weight belts on April 11 at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships, held at Key Largo School. When the final lifts were tabulated, the Hurricanes were crowned dual district champions, while Marathon finished third in both events. Eight individual Keys athletes earned gold medals, securing their spots at regionals and remaining in contention for state medals. Coral Shores’ Kyle Derobertis won both events in the 129-pound class, totaling 280 pounds lifted in Olympic and 325 in traditional. Mason Aussubel was the Hurricanes’ other dual winner, lifting 265 in Olympic and 315 in traditional in the 238-pound class. At 219, Fredy Flores and Nicholas Calderon split titles, with Flores winning traditional (485 pounds) and Calderon taking Olympic (360). Ekon Edwards added another gold for Coral Shores with a 405-pound effort in Olympic at 199. Marathon’s Max Childress was the Dolphins’ lone dual champion. Competing at 183 pounds, Childress won traditional with a 540-pound total and Olympic with 450. Isaak Vallejo captured a district title in traditional at 199 pounds with a 570-pound lift. Matthias Martinez-Velez rounded out Marathon’s champions, winning the 139-pound traditional competition with 400 pounds lifted. Other notable performances for Marathon included Jason Doss, who placed third in both events at 119 pounds. Evan Toman (129) finished second in traditional and third in Olympic, while Roland Gonzales (199) took third in both. Trevor Wofsey (Unlimited) earned silver in both events to round out the top Dolphin finishers. Top Hurricane finishers included Jake Companioni, who earned silver in traditional and bronze in Olympic at 169, and Aaron Lykins, who mirrored that performance at 183. Edwards added a silver in traditional, while Flores and Calderon each earned silvers in their weight class, Flores in Olympic and Calderon in traditional. The eight district champions automatically advance to regionals April 22 at Keys Gate Charter School. The remaining athletes must await results from the other three district meets to determine the wildcard qualifiers.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

RACKETS READY Tennis teams head into districts after strong season on the courts

he Florida Keys’ three tennis squads closed the regular season with familiar rivals to prep for district play. Key West hosted Marathon on April 6 and dealt a courtside crush to the Dolphins. The boys won 6-1, with singles wins from John Picco, Nathaniel Bergh, Hubert Konopka and Jack Bridger. Picco and Andrei Lehene teamed up in No. 1 doubles and Bergh and Ben Delostrinos did the same in No. 2 doubles for another set of wins for the Conchs. Marathon’s Kase Daughtry had the lone Fins win against Key West in the No. 4 singles match. The Lady Conchs didn’t allow any Fins wins, blanking the Dolphins 7-0. Eva Drozdetskaia, Miah Apperson, Avery Batty, Beyza Atilla and Amina Erik won in Nos. 1 through 5 singles; Drozdetskaia and Hamida Muhsinova won in No. 1 doubles and Monea McLeod and Durdona Oblokulova made the clean sweep with a win in No. 2 doubles. The following day, the Conchs delivered another one-two punch to visiting Coral Shores. Wyatt Bartels, Mason Martel and Bridger won in singles, with Bartels and Bridger plus Martel and Daniel Morales teaming up to keep the ’Canes off the scoreboard. The girls matchup was closer, with Key West coming out on top by a single match. Muhsinova won in No. 1 singles for the Lady Conchs, then Kaiyenna de Ron got on the board for the Hurricanes in No. 2 singles. Fellow ’Canes Jillian Thiery and Vanesa Gabriel made it three wins for Coral Shores. But Shihan Ren’s win in No. 5 singles plus doubles wins from Muhsinova and Batty plus McLeod and Ren gave Key West a 4-3 win. On April 9, Coral Shores traveled to Marathon for the final regular-season matches for Keys teams. The Hurricanes got on the board first with a win from Garrett Gomila in the No. 1 singles match and added a second win from Parker Smith in No. 5 singles, but the Fins put five points on the board for the win. Matt Delgado, Graham Murphy and Kase Daughtry picked up singles wins and Daughtry and Tanner Snowden picked up a win in No. 1 doubles. Seniors Delgado and Eduardo Garcia finished their regular season in familiar fashion; the duo, who spent years on Marathon’s offensive and defensive lines on the gridiron together, completed their brotherhood by teaming up on the court for a win in the No. 2 doubles match for the biggest win in Fins history, as far as size goes. In girls action, Marathon’s Emily Alvear started things off strong for the Dolphins, winning in No. 1 singles. After that, the Hurricanes blew past the Fins, winning six straight. Allyson Rosendale, de Ron, Harlee Beeler and Thiery won in singles, then Rosendale and Beeler plus Vanessa Gabriel and Parker Kelly won their doubles matches for a 6-1 win for Coral Shores. This week, the teams will head to their respective district matches in hopes of making the run into regionals the following week.

Top: Eduardo Garcia, left, and Matthew Delgado got their win in tennis. Middle: The Lady ’Canes tennis team takes a break for a group shot after a recent match. Bottom: Coral Shores freshman Jillian Thiery faces Monea McLeod in their No. 3 singles match on April 7 in Key West. Thiery went on to win 8-6. MICHELLE THIERY/ contributed

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

STEALING THE SHOW

Aggressive baserunning fuels big wins for Fins, ’Canes

he Lady Fins of Marathon hosted Ransom Everglades April 7 for what would be their only softball contest of the week. Downpours in Miami deleted a game slated for the following afternoon, but the team made the most of their single outing. Ransom struck first, putting a run on the board early in the first. It was nothing but Dolphin Country from there. Sara Robinson singled, doubled and tripled to lead the offense. Maeve Merryman, Madelyn Thornton, Elianys Roque, Kayla Skaarup and Ana Boose contributed two hits each to what amounted to a 17-hit team total. Nearly everyone on the team registered at least one hit, and once on base, the Fins did not stop; runners stole seven bases, four by Merryman alone. Boose pitched four solid innings, fanning six, walking one and giving up just one hit and one unearned run in the 16-1 mercy-rule win. Key West’s seven-game win streak came to an end on April 10 when the Lions of Kings Academy paid a visit. Brianna Brenner struck out four over six innings, but the Conch bats were unusually quiet, delivering just four hits. Two came from Maicee Gage, with Ariana Garcia and Charlie Bracher owning the other two in the Conchs’ 5-3 loss. Later that day, LaBelle made it a two-game slide for the Lady Conchs, despite a perfect day at the plate from Garcia. The sophomore slugger added a single, triple and home run to lead the offense for Key West. Chloe Kongos added her own two-run home run and Lilee Gage singled in a five-hit showing for the Conchs. Key West tested a trio of pitchers against the Cowgirls, with Brenner, Ryleigh Harnish and Kaleaya Dickerson all seeing time in the circle. The Cowgirls matched Key West in hitting, but discipline and patience at the plate drew a dozen walks for LaBelle, making the difference in the 8-5 loss for Key West. Key West lost their third straight on April 11, their biggest slide this season, to 6A Doral Academy. The Firebirds, ranked No. 1 in Florida for all classifications and No. 20 nationally, held the Conchs to just two hits – one by Garcia and the other off the powerful bat of Lucy Katz, whose home run produced the only point Key West put on the board against the Firebirds. Brenner struck out three and walked one, but Doral’s bats were as fierce as their hurler, resulting in a 13-1 loss for Key West. The Lady Conchs returned to their winning ways hours later against Stoneman Douglas. Brenner was at the helm

again, tossing for three strikeouts, three walks, four hits and a single unearned run. Lilee Gage singled twice with two RBIs and Shylo Sanchez, Garcia and Dickerson added one hit each in a 5-1 win to put the Conchs at 12-7 with two regular-season games remaining. In the Upper Keys, Coral Shores made the best of foul weather against a trio of unlucky opponents. The Hurricanes rode roughshod over Ransom Everglades on April 10, delivering a 14-4 mercy-rule loss to the Raiders on their home field. The win for Coral Shores was fueled by 15 hits, 10 walks and a hit batter. Natalie Cornaire logged three hits while Arianna Talan, Pressley Bagwell, Addison Grady and Alyvia Prince added two each. Aubrey Killmurray, Bayley Catarineau, Mira Jones and Vanessa Cawley had one hit each. Cawley’s was a double and Jones went yard with her third home run of the season. Prince led the defense, striking out four batters in five innings. The following day, it was two more games and two more wins for the Lady ’Canes. First was a 10-9 16-hit win over Mater Bay Academy. Jones and Addison Grady added three hits each while Prince, Bagwell, Cornaire and Caylyn Gwilliam each logged two. The Hurricanes stole 10 bases from the Rays, four by Gwilliam. Bagwell and Prince shared the pitching duties in the narrow victory. The next contest was not even close. The Hurricanes piled on 14 runs in the second inning to help fuel their win over the Braddock Bulldogs in an 18-1 rout. Grady and Prince had two hits apiece in the team’s total of eight. Killmurray, Jones, Catarineau and Lily Underwood accounted for the rest. The team drew 15 walks and added a pair of hit batters and 19 stolen bases, five by Jones, to overcome a shell-shocked Braddock in the lopsided win.

Marathon’s Maeve Merryman leads the Dolphins with 17 stolen bases this season. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

THE REGAN ROTH TEAM IS HERE TO PROTECT YOU... YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME!

Family owned and operated since 1958 Tavernier 305.852.3234 | Marathon 305.743.3414 | Email Response@ReganRoth.com

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CiPro Technology Solutions, LLC, owner, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Pachydermal located at 101425 Overseas Highway, #203, Key Largo, FL 33037, in Monroe County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Publish: April 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 26-CP-000125-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: JOSHUA CALVIN LENTZ, Deceased. / The administration of the estate of JOSHUA CALVIN LENTZ, deceased, File Number: 26-CP-000125-P, whose date of death was February 25, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the Petitioner and the Petitioner’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. A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OR CURATOR HAS NO DUTY TO DISCOVER WHETHER ANY PROPERTY HELD AT THE TIME OF THE DECEDENT’S DEATH BY THE DECEDENT OR THE DECEDENT’S SURVIVING SPOUSE IS PROPERTY TO WHICH THE FLORIDA UNIFORM DISPOSITION OF COMMUNITY PROPERTY RIGHTS AT DEATH ACT AS DESCRIBED IN SS. 732.216732.228, APPLIES, OR MAY APPLY, UNLESS A WRITTEN DEMAND IS MADE BY A CREDITOR AS SPECIFIED UNDER S. 732.2211. 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 April 16, 2026. SHIELA MOORE 11463 Ruby Mountain Lane Nathrop, CO 81236 Petitioner Attorney for Petitioner James F. Miller, Esq. Miller Legal PL 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1555 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Office: (561) 296-3252 Fax: (561) 828-3115 Email: jmiller@millerlegalpl.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 25-CP-000104-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD EDWARD HUBBARD, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald Edward Hubbard, deceased, whose date of death was November 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marathon Courthouse, Marathon, 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: DEBORAH RIBE 212 Holiday Park Blvd. NE Palm Bay, FL 32907 Attorney for Personal Representative: Bart A. Brink, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0363080 Brink Law Firm, P.A. P.O. Box 540351 Merritt Island, FL 32954 321-252-9362 bartbrink@gmail.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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 April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: Marjee R. Nathaniel 1 Ocean Beach Blvd. Apt. 608 Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: Lawrence King Wagner, Jr. 22822 John Silver Lane Cudjoe Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVISION OF ST. CROIX SX-2026-CV-00106 ACTION FOR DAMAGES AND TO FORECLOSE LIEN DIRTY BOTTOM LLC d/b/a ST. CROIX MARINE CENTER, Plaintiff, vs. JORDAN HOPP, Defendant SX-2026-CV-00106 ACTION FOR DAMAGES To: Jordan Hopp 710 Ashe Street Key West, FL 33040 To: Jordan Hopp c/o S/V PENROSE 5063 Gallows Bay St. Croix, VI Pursuant to the March 19, 2026 Order of the Virgin Islands Superior Court, within the time limited by law (see Note below) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and answer to a Complaint filed against you in this action and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you for monetary and other relief as demanded in the Complaint. Tamara Charles, Clerk of the Court Superior Court of the Virgin Islands Bruce P. Bennett BENNETT LAW 63 Calhoun Street Washington Depot, CT 06794 T: (475) 206-1199 F: (475) 207-0117 V.I. Bar #512 bpb@brucebennettlaw.com NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service. The defendant, if served by publication or be personal service outside of this jurisdiction, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period publication nor personal service outside of the jurisdiction. Publish: April 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Exhibit “A”, record owners, their heirs, guardians and assigns, of the unit week(s) as showing thereon, all located in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for FLORIDA BAY CLUB OF KEY LARGO, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida. Based upon default in assessment payments and pursuant to the Claim of Lien filed by THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida notfor-profit corporation, recorded at O.R. Book 3362, Page 949 in the Public Records of Monroe County Florida, STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ WILL CONDUCT A SALE OF EACH AND EVERY UNIT WEEK LISTED ON THE ATTACHED LIST BEGINNING AT 11:00 A.M. ON April 23rd, 2026, AT: 103500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida 33037. Unit Week Owner Name(s) Address Default Year Amount Due Per Diem C02-03 Betty J. Pearson 7016 NW 169th Street, Hialeah, FL 33015 2023 $4,229.89 $2.09 A02-03 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III Julian Mitchella/k/a Julian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903, Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B04-02 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III Julian Mitchella/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903, Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B03-44 Eartha Hill 18460 SW 82nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157 2023 $4,021.96 $1.98 A01-06 Christopher Ian Meyerson 4136 Shadowood Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 2020 10375.85 $5.12 A01-09 Clifford E. Brown Linda K. Brown 8205 Rio Bend Ct., N. Richmond Hill, TX 76182 2023 2947.39 $1.45 Obligors and junior lienholders showing on Exhibit “A” may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on their unit week(s) as reflected in Exhibit “A” together with trustee’s fees and interest through the date of payment in cash or certified funds to TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale on the above date. GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY. STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE 900 DREW STREET, SUITE 1 CLEARWATER, FL 33755 PHONE: (727) 441-2635 FAX: (727) 461-4836 Website:www.staacklaw.com Publish: April 9 & 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

NOTICE OF SALE To: All members of the general public including all persons on

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH

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

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity: INVITATION TO BID (ITB) GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: ITB-26-10 GMX WORK PROGRAM NO.: 40052-000.060

GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR SR 924 OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AT NW 32 AVENUE TO WEST OF NW 27 AVENUE For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance. Publish: April 16, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-126-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NEIL T. NEVILLE Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Neil T. Neville, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.BOAT MISC. FOR SALE

2 Suzuki 60hp 2013 motors for sale - 4 stroke, low hours, with controls & wiring harnesses. Currently on boat if you want to test run. $6,900 OBO for the pair. Will separate. Gary 305-393-1415 Used NEPTUNE 4-post BOAT LIFT For Sale. 15,000 lbs.+ Located in Marathon. $800.00 2 6 0 - 7 5 0 - 6 4 7 9 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

BOATS FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-118-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE K. WAGNER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Lawrence K. Wagner, deceased, whose date of death was March 2, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S

22' Mako Center Console Aluminum like new float on trailer, 2001 250hp Yamaha, hull 1979, 2 stroke, runs great, many extras. Asking $12,999 OBO Gary 305-393-1415 21' Mako Center Console Float on Aluminum Trailer, 250 2 stroke Yamaha 2005?, hull 1979, New Transom, $10,999 OBO Gary 305-393-1415 PLACE YOUR AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR RENT

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

EMPLOYMENT Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com Safety Staff- We are seeking a reliable, dedicated, and responsible Safety Staff member to join our team. Full-time & Part-time availability starting at $18/hr. To apply, call 305-664-4860 Ext 1, e-mail: aaron@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Looking for full time or part time person. Hardware knowledge an absolute must. Must have knowledge of hardware, plumbing and electrical. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382

PART-TIME USCG CAPTAIN – MARATHON - Local captain needed to run owner’s 55’ twin engine trawler while owner fishes. Sunrise–2/3 PM typical. Good opportunity for newer captain to log hours on a larger boat. Pay DOE. Call/Text 970-901-1138 Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 hrs. per week, $27 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.

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 The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and fryers. Self-motivated, experience very helpful but will train, 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 Part-time Office Clerk, $18/ hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave Experienced Full-time Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave. S e r v e / B a r t e n d on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave. Paver Dave how hiring a Job Supervisor/Sales in the Lower Keys. Must have a driver's license. Bob Cat experience a plus. Call for more information 305-741-7688. Paver Dave now hiring Part-Time Office Help. Working some days in Marathon and some days in Big Pine Key. Call for more information 305-741-7688. Key West Cooling Company is hiring HVAC technicians and installers. We are looking for dedicated individuals that are ready to work. For more information, please call or text us at 305-912-2293 or send an email to keywestcoolingcompany @ gmail.com Compensation is based on experience.

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

STORAGE AVAIL.

WANTED TO BUY

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician, Housing Assistant & Project Manager. 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 1 9 6 8 .

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

LONG TERM RENTALS: Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all appliances, renovated, for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,500 - $2,500 month - includes water, sewer, electric & garbage. Call 305-610-8002

Gated storage & dockage available in Marathon oceanside. Starting price $10/ foot per month for storage and $20/foot per month for dockage. 305-610-8002

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

2 bed 1 bath rental in Marathon, long-term, unfurnished, price includes internet, water, electric, pest, and lawn @ $2800 all in. Parking on premises. Call or text 305-433-0515

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

3BR/2BA Tavernier Hammer Point. Waterfront Mobile with Bay Views, Furnished, 1500 sq.ft. $3,500/mo. 954-728-4699 1BR/1BA for rent in Marathon. Long term, unfurnished. $2400.00/ mo F/L/S 305-930-9121

LOT FOR SALE REDUCED $395,000 OBO Save money, time, hassles with this private (Hammoks behind, no rear neighbors, ocean beyond) permitted lot, cleared, electric, foundation stilts in place, walk to Harry Harris, boat ramp, beach. 186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. Marcia, Realtor 305-303-0238 Contiguous lot avail.

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

WANTED TO BUY SWORDFISH BILLS - Fresh or aged. Located in Key Largo. Call 305-990-0619

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

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

NOW HIRING

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

DAYTIME CASHIER/ ASSISTANT MANAGER Full-time day position, 40 hours/week. Must be self-motivated, quick learner and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience.

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

PIZZA MAKERS Experience is a must. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com Coast To Coast Pizza, 61 53rd Street, Marathon

SUDOKU SOLUTION

FEATURED POSITIONS: BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time) Take the helm of our Glass Bottom, Snorkel, or Dive boats. Responsible for safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience on the water. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/ Monday, and USCG License required. FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS The backbone of our maritime operations. Duties include assisting with vessel docking, passenger boarding, equipment maintenance, and ensuring boat cleanliness. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required. For snorkel boat, PADI certification (or other recognized agency), insurance and membership current required. MARINE TOUR NARRATORS Be the voice of the reef! We are looking for engaging public speakers to provide educational and safety-focused commentary for our guests. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required, Must have a basic knowledge of coral reefs and marine life and experience speaking in front of audiences. SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a summer job? We have seasonal openings for Kayak/ Paddlesports Attendants, Snack Bar Attendants, Gift Shop Clerks, and Reservation Counter Attendants. Perfect for those looking to spend a season in the Florida Keys! Customer service experience required for all roles, experience on the water with customers and safety required for kayak/paddlesports role.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Competitive Pay: Rates starting from $17–$30/hr+ (depending on position and experience). Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life insurance available for full-time employees. Perks: Employee discounts and the best "office view" in the world. Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation. HOW TO APPLY Ready to dive in? Send your resume and detail on the role that you are applying for to coralreefhr2025@gmail.com. You will be contacted if you are selected to move forward with next steps. The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Visit us at: www.pennekamppark.com Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace

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

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

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

Associate Interior Designer Detail-oriented and creative individual to assist with residential design projects. Education or experience in Interior Design required. Help bring inspired residential interiors to life. For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

NOW HIRING! GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent) GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, 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

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

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

Work with the BEST

Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Customer Services Department:

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $23.93/hr. - $26.80/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.

Key West Full Time Teller Marathon Full Time Teller Islamorada Assistant Branch Operations Manager

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.

HIRING IN THE UPPER KEYS CARPENTERS & LABORERS • Must have own hand tools and transportation. • Long-term employment in the Upper Keys. • Top pay for quality minded individuals.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Hard working individual to part of a property management team for large estates in the Upper Keys. • Must have reliable transportation. • Top pay for the right individual. CALL 305-852-8000 OR EMAIL SUE@DOOLEYCONSTRUCTION.COM

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

Key Largo Full Time Teller

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.

FIRSr# srATE

MNK

KeysBank.com

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.

WE ARE HIRING Cooks (Mornings) Cashier / Barista / Server Apply in person at: Vicky Bakery 97630 Overseas Highway (mm 97) Key Largo, FL 33037 KeyLargo@VickyBakery.com

NOW HIRING FRONT OFFICE/ MANAGER APPLY IN PERSON AT: Bonefish Bay Motel & RV Sites 12565 Overseas Highway, Marathon or Email: bfb@bonefishbayresort.com

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at

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

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR 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

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• 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) Driver (CDL NOT required)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist Mental Health Technician (PT or FT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT) Registered Nurse (FT, PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (FT, PT) *No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

HEAVY EQUIPMENT DIESEL MECHANIC We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Detroit Diesel, etc. Monday-Friday with some overtime available. Sign on bonus after 90 days; top pay and housing assistance available. Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc., 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West or online at https://charleytoppinoandsons.com/careers/apply/?job

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, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus

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

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Construction Project Manager, FL - Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - Food Service Worker, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus - Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 6A-6:30P - Security Officer, Security/Safety, FT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT - Driver, Marathon/Keys Supply Chain, FT - Lead Med Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus - Manager Environmental Services, FT - Medical Staff Coordinator, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Patient Care Manager (Nurse Manager), Surgery, $20k Bonus - Patient Financial Associate, Admitting, $1k Bonus - Patient Schedular, Surgery, PT - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - 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: INSECTS ACROSS 1. Ira ____ of NPR 6. Mr. Turkey 9. Gives the boot 13. Between octet and decet 14. Ginger one 15. Spherical bacteria 16. Popular ursine meme star 17. Public health org. 18. Mountaineer’s tool (2 words) 19. *Fly larva 21. *World’s noisiest insect 23. Comic book shriek 24. Like some excuses 25. Food safety org. 28. Man Ray’s genre 30. Temporarily, legally speaking (2 words) 35. Like unpleasant awakening 37. 4th down kick 39. Quarter-round molding 40. Computer operating system 41. Metal bar 43. Mine passage 44. Antonym of exhume 46. Expert 47. Strip of wood 48. Throws 50. It will 52. Concurrence word 53. Silo contents 55. Romanian money 57. *Bee’s bounty 60. *Boll weevil, e.g. 63. Aquarium scum 64. *Lightning bug trap? 66. Brandish 68. Part of a flower 69. Bonanza find 70. Courtroom excuse 71. Whiskey grain, pl. 72. Coniferous tree 73. #52 Across, pl.

DOWN 1. Econ. measure 2. Good earth 3. Wintour of “Vogue” fame 4. Marsh plant 5. Not impromptu 6. Diplomat’s asset 7. Antediluvian 8. Hajj destination 9. Cocaine plant 10. Got an A 11. March Madness org. 12. *Number of legs on an insect 15. Famous Roman orator 20. Giraffe’s striped-legged cousin 22. Mischief-maker 24. Opposite of energetic 25. *____ fly, first living creature sent to space 26. “I don’t know,” casually 27. #43 Across, pl. 29. *____ beetle, world’s strongest insect 31. *Shape of a ladybug or carpet beetle 32. Not tomorrow, not yesterday 33. Like basketball’s final eight 34. *Lepidoptera members, not butterflies 36. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, e.g. 38. Reason for suit 42. Tutu fabric 45. Duran Duran’s 1984 hit, with The 49. “Monkey ___, monkey do” 51. Wiggle room 54. “Have a great time!” 56. Useful 57. Performance with acts 58. Lecherous look 59. “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One” brand 60. Tea or beer 61. Hawaiian flower garlands 62. Major European river 63. Acronym, abbr. 65. “Roses ____ red” 67. Bad-mouth, slangily

Canes, Conch & Dolphin Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Accounts are perfect for wherever life takes you! • Earn CASH BACK for you and your school. • Get FREE nationwide ATM transactions. • Learn about money with FREE online and mobile financial education programs. • Access and manage your account from anywhere in the world with mobile banking. *E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured.