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The mosquitoes are flying around, and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control is out combatting the growing number of biters. On May 28, FKMCD said spray trucks covered more than 12,000 acres throughout the Keys to diminish the number of adult mosquitoes. Daily treatment activity can be found at keysmosquito.org.
COMMISSIONERS KILL PROPOSAL
TO ASSESS TWIN LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS OVER CONSTRUCTION COST SHORTFALL
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Ashortfall in construction costs for the Twin Lakes road elevation and drainage project won’t be thrown onto the 100-plus property owners in the Key Largo subdivision.
Monroe County commissioners turned down a proposal by county staff to levy an assessment up to $25,000 against the homeowners to cover capital expenses during a May 21 meeting in Key West.
Frequent and persistent flooding due to heavy rains and high tides, and notably king tides, in past years drew the need for a solution for affected residents. There were times where the inundation of water kept essential services from entering the community.
A $21.9 million project kicked off last August, as contractors with Ferreira Construction are elevating roads some 13 inches while installing a “pump and treat” stormwater drainage system. A federal appropriation of $5.4 million and a $3.9 million Florida Resilient grant partially funded the construction costs. Rhonda Haag, county chief resilience officer, said in a March presentation there was a $10.8 million shortfall — a bid for construction came back double the estimate. With construction well underway, she said the county borrowed money to cover this portion of the project at 4% interest.
Adams Drive resident Stephanie Russo attended meetings over the past 11 years when the county was looking to do a pilot project to address flooding issues in her Twin Lakes community. The only Twin Lakes resident to speak and advocate for the project through the years, Russo told commissioners how she appreciated their efforts to be fair.
She asked the five commission-
ers to again be fair in voting on the proposed assessment by taking into consideration that such an assessment was never discussed by county staff to Twin Lakes property owners.
“County staff said it found the money to make up the shortfall and the board approved breaking ground without ever discussing a dollar figure for capital costs,” Russo said.
Commissioner Holly Raschein said she wouldn’t back an assessment on property owners for the reasons stated by Russo.
“I don’t want to build the plane as we’re flying it, but we’re learning,” Raschein said, adding that discussion never occurred over assessing property owners to cover construction costs.
Commissioner David Rice said part way through the project is not the time to tell people it’s going to cost additional money.
“It doesn’t pass the fairness test to begin a project and establish the fact that, ‘oh by the way, we’re going to bill you part way through the project,’” he said.
Russo said property owners in Twin Lakes were putting blame on her
regarding the possible assessment for construction costs. Russo said it’s not fair to her either, and given the facts, she didn’t believe any amount should be assessed for capital costs.
Commissioner Michelle Lincoln said she was disappointed to hear Russo’s Twin Lakes neighbors were blaming her.
“You have been an absolute cheerleader for the project and been so polite at all meetings,” Lincoln said.
Before the assessment on capital costs for the project was kiboshed, county commissioners approved a resolution to collect $2,131 per dwelling unit in Twin Lakes for operation and maintenance costs associated with the project. Collection of the assessment needs further approval at the June meeting.
A discussion item related to possibly assessing $25,000 on property owners to help cover construction costs on road adaptation projects in their Florida Keys neighborhoods was tabled to a September meeting.
“This is a big deal, so we need a lot of time to consider how we’re going to move forward,” Raschein said.
From left, Jarmoris Davis, Jhonathan Mesa, Pastor Tony Hammon and Eddie Holly gather during Coral Shores Class Night on May 27. CINDY SMITH/Contributed
Shovels and hard hats positioned in front of a billboard during the August 2024 groundbreaking on the Twin Lakes flood mitigation project. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
Protect Your HEALTH
Early Cancer Screening Saves Lives
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County encourages all residents to get screened early. Talk to your primary care doctor and ask what preventive cancer screenings are recommended for you.
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
Breast Cancer
Annual mammograms start at age 40.
Consider earlier screening if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Colon Cancer
Begin annual stool-based screening at age 45.
Ask about colonoscopy or stool-based tests.
Cervical Cancer
Annual Pap tests start at age 21.
Start co-testing (Pap and HPV) every ve years from ages 30–65.
Skin Cancer
Monthly self-exams start in your 20s.
Begin annual full-body exams by age 35, or earlier if you are high-risk.
Prostate Cancer
Talk to your doctor at age 50, or 45 if you’re Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
NEW LAW WILL CURB SOME BOAT STOPS, BUT NOT ALL
Resource checks, Coast Guard operations to remain the same
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Random stops on the water will become less frequent this summer, courtesy of the Boater Freedom Act recently greenlit by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But contrary to some social media discourse on the new law, it’s not a blanket permission to dismiss the blue lights of law enforcement if you think you’ve done nothing wrong.
Signed into law on May 2 and effective July 1, Senate Bill 1388’s marquee provision prevents law enforcement officers from stopping a vessel on the water solely for the purpose of conducting an inspection of safety or sanitation equipment – rather, officers must have probable cause that another violation is occurring to board and search a boat. Violations of safety or sanitation equipment regulations will be moved down to a secondary offense.
“Florida is the boating and fishing capital of the world, and the Boater Freedom Act will ensure that this remains the case,” said DeSantis in a press conference announcing his signature.
The bill governs the FWC and local police forces or sheriff’s offices in state waters, but the mandate to protect Florida’s resources is governed by a separate statute than the one modified by SB 1388 – and that means officers observing fishing gear, spear guns or other harvesting equipment still have probable cause to stop a vessel.
“You can basically break stops down into three categories: safety, resource and operations,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “The last two are still normal. … It’s not giving you carte blanche to just do anything you want, unchecked.”
“We’ll be looking at navigation rules, looking at reckless and careless operation – and through those tools, if there’s a need to make a stop to ensure proper operation and that there’s no safety issue with individuals, we will,” said FWC Capt. David Dipre.
The new law also won’t affect safety stops by the U.S. Coast Guard, governed by federal law, in any waters, whether state or federal.
“If you see a Coast Guard boat with blue lights, stop your boat,” Ramsay said. “If they say ‘Let me see your life jackets and flares,’ don’t argue, and don’t say the law has changed – it hasn’t.”
The new legislation also directs FWC to work with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at the time of a boat’s registration, good for anywhere from one to five years.
Displayed within six inches of the vessel’s registration number, the decal will signal that the vessel’s owner has taken steps to meet safety requirements. Details of how boat owners will prove their compliance with safety standards are still partially unclear, as the bill makes no mention of standards of proof beyond “demonstrated compliance … at the time of registration or renewal.”
“This strikes an appropriate balance between ensuring compliance with boating laws and reducing unnecessary disruptions for law-abiding boaters, making enforcement more practical and effective,” the governor’s press release stated.
DeSantis began drumming up support for the initiative in February, citing cases like a highlypublicized incident in Jupiter in which a captain allegedly driving his boat on full plane through a slow-speed zone was briefly arrested under suspicion of boating under the influence before eventually blowing a 0.0 in a breathalyzer test.
Critics of the bill fear that fewer safety stops
could lead to a greater number of unchecked violations, including boating under the influence and resource violations along with boaters pumping their sewage into environmentally-sensitive waters. As currently written, even common-sense provisions such as wearing life jackets while operating personal watercraft (Jet Skis) would be considered a secondary offense, not a legal reason for a stop.
According to FWC, in 2024, 10 counties in Florida accounted for 59% of the reportable boating accidents, with Monroe County coming in second only to Miami-Dade. A total of 685 reportable accidents and 81 fatalities were reported – 26 and 22 more, respectively, than in 2023.
Other provisions in the bill change the threshold of environmental harm needed to establish protection zones for boat operation, along with the “Watercraft Energy Source Freedom Act,” prohibiting restrictions on the sale or use of a boat or jet ski based solely on its energy or fuel source.
While stops for the sole purpose of checking a boat’s safety equipment will be curbed for FWC and MCSO by a new Florida law, activities such as checking the catch aboard a boat will remain unchanged. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
NETWORKING LUNCHEON
MEMBERS IN MOTION
LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE
HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOLDS REVIVE AWARENESS DAY EVENTS
Learn how to spot signs of overdose
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) invites the public to attend Revive Awareness Day events on Friday, June 6. Pre-registration is not required.
Residents can pick up free Narcan at these events, while supplies last. Business owners can also request Narcan delivery by emailing DOHMonroe@ flhealth.gov.
Learn how to spot the signs of an overdose, how to use naloxone to reverse the effects of an overdose, and what resources and programs are available to support individuals with substance use disorder.
Signs of an overdose
All Floridians need to know the signs of an overdose, which include:
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• Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils.”
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness.
• Slow, weak or not breathing.
• Choking or gurgling sounds.
• Cold or clammy skin.
• Discolored skin, especially lips and nails.
• Limp body.
What to do if you think someone is overdosing
If you suspect someone has overdosed, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and try to keep them awake and breathing until emergency assistance arrives.
What is naloxone?
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Floridians can find naloxone for their community by calling DOHMonroe at 305-293-7500.
The Florida Department of Health’s Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support (HEROS) program provides naloxone to emergency response agencies throughout the state. Any Florida agency that employs licensed emergency responders may apply to the HEROS program.
If you or a loved one need help
The Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network is the first of its kind in the U.S. and aims to eliminate the stigma of addiction and treat substance use disorder as a disease, with the same level of continuous care. Floridians battling addiction can use the CORE Network for stabilization and to receive medication-assisted treatment from a network of specialized medical experts that will help guide them on a sustained pathway to healthy success.
Spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis, “The Facts. Your Future” campaign focuses on supporting students statewide to ensure they receive prevention instruction and encouragement to protect and maintain their health, avoid substance misuse, and discourage risky behaviors so they can thrive and flourish for life. This campaign is an interactive approach to ensure students are informed and can make safe decisions as they grow.
BOATS PACK SANDBARS ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
No major incidents reported by authorities
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Boats packed Upper Keys sandbars during a busy Memorial Day weekend on the water.
On the road, vehicles slowly filed into the island chain from the 18Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road.
Law enforcement reported no major incidents resulting in fatality or serious injury between May 24 and May 26. However, there were a few accidents and citations and an arrest.
First responders were called to a multivehicle crash on the Stretch near
Jewfish Creek Bridge the afternoon of May 26. Florida Highway Patrol said the incident involved three vehicles in rear-end collisions on the southbound side of U.S. 1. No injuries were reported.
Monroe County marine deputies made two notable citations against two men who were fishing. Islamorada marine deputy Nelson Sanchez was on patrol at about noon on May 24 in the Snake Creek area when he inspected a vessel operated by Juan Carlos Iglesias, 42, of Miami, who was reportedly in possession of an undersized dolphinfish or mahi-mahi.
BITER FIGHTERS
Iglesias was given a mandatory notice to appear in court.
Further south, Middle Keys marine deputy Willie Guerra was on patrol at 6:18 p.m. Saturday near the Long Key Bridge when he saw Manel Alejandro Gonzalez Abril, 40, of Opa-locka catch a goliath grouper and then attempt to hide it in the parking lot. Gonzalez Abril was given a mandatory notice to appear in court.
On the road, deputies arrested a 26-year-Coral Springs man after pulling him over and reportedly discovering cocaine on May 24. Deputies say Michael Lopez was stopped at 7:34
New mosquito control measure approved for the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) will put a new mosquito control technique to work this summer when it releases Wolbachiainfected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to lower the population of that species within three 20-acre locations. This technique, developed by vendor MosquitoMate, was approved for commercial use by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Wolbachia is a naturally-occurring bacterium that affects mosquito reproduction in some species including the Aedes aegypti.
In early June, technicians will begin releasing a limited number of Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes in Key Largo, Plantation Key and Key
Colony Beach. Male mosquitoes do not bite.
When the Wolbachia-infected males mate with local female Aedes aegypti, the resulting eggs do not hatch, reducing the number of adult mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrive in urban areas, around humans and are the primary carrier of several diseases including yellow fever, dengue fever and Zika.
The Wolbachia males will be prepared and shipped from a facility in Kentucky; read more at mosquitomate.com
“Protecting public health is one of the main goals of our district, which is why the development of these novel technologies is so important,” said Andrea Leal, executive director.
p.m. near MM 84 for driving on the bicycle path. He was arrested for DUI. Approximately 2.1 grams of cocaine and 3.4 grams of marijuana were found in his possession. He was taken to jail. Lopez was charged with DUI, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A steamy three-day weekend saw a bevy of boats at the sandbar off Islamorada’s Whale Harbor. Hundreds of vessels could be seen situated on the sandy patch during the weekend as marine patrols ensured the safety of all on the water.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of the most common container-breeding mosquitoes in the Keys. CONTRIBUTED
FKMCD has previously examined and worked with other ‘novel’ control measures that use the mosquito itself as a mode of control. In 2022, FKMCD and Oxitec released male Aedes aegypti that were genetically manipulated to reduce offspring. The Oxitec releases and trial ended in 2024. The EPA is still evaluating the Oxitec product for potential registration and eventual expanded use. — Contributed
Left: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office marine vessels patrol the sandbar off Islamorada on May 24. DOUG FINGER/Keys
Weekly Above: Marine deputy Nelson Sanchez shows an undersized mahi found during a vessel stop near Snake Creek Bridge on May 24. MCSO/Contributed
EMERGENCY DIRECTOR WHO GUIDED KEYS THROUGH PANDEMIC TAKES POST AT HER ALMA MATER
Deputy director Schwisow promoted to interim position
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Monroe County’s top emergency management official is departing to lead her alma mater’s emergency planning and response.
Monroe County announced Shannon Weiner’s resignation as emergency management director after she accepted a similar position at the University of Tampa. Her last day as director was May 22.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon for her years of dedicated service to the county and its residents through numerous activations, the building of the new Emergency Operations Center, a global pandemic, and her leadership through numerous hurricanes, including Hurricane Irma,” said County Administrator Christine Hurley.
With Weiner’s departure, the county announced Cory Schwisow as interim emergency management director. An emergency manager at Naval Air Station Key West during Hurricane Irma in 2017, Schwisow was most recently deputy director in county emergency management under Weiner.
Weiner joined county emergency management as senior planner in 2016. Two years later, she was named deputy director under then-director Marty Senterfitt. By 2020, she was named director.
Two weeks later, Weiner was leading a team of municipalities and agencies up and down the island chain through a COVID-19 pandemic. Weiner said she wrote pandemic response plans when she worked with Sarasota Emergency Management in the early 2000s.
“We (Monroe County) had the framework for response, but the reality of COVID turned any type of local response upside down due to the fact it was a global, national and state event,” she said. “Everyone was experiencing the same disaster at the same time. The regular resource chain did not work, and in some cases (there was) no supply chain with businesses shutting down.”
She led daily phone calls with emergency management officials from
the various municipalities and numerous agencies, as then-county health department administrator Bob Eadie provided the latest on the outbreak. Under Weiner, the emergency management team ensured hospitals had the personal protective equipment, or PPE, needed to keep nurses and staff safe. They also worked to get the vaccine to the Keys.
Then there was the shutdown of the Keys, and a controlled reentry with sheriff’s deputies and other government workers staffing checkpoints, to ensure hospitals weren’t overrun by increased infections.
“If we had an influx of people coming in here, which we would have, and we didn’t have medical supplies to support them or support the hospital system, we would have been overwhelmed,” Weiner said.
With assistance from National Weather Service Key West, she also guided the island chain through some close calls as various hurricanes, including Ian in 2022, skirted past the island chain.
“To me, emergency management is the ultimate team sport. It’s not just five people who sit in the building who plan, train and gain more resources in the offseason to get ready for the real season. We have to do this with all of our partners,” she said.
On May 21, Monroe County commissioners named Cory Schwisow Monroe County Emergency Management interim director following Shannon Weiner’s resignation. Schwisow has served as the county’s deputy director since June 2023 and brings 20 years of leadership, management and emergency response experience as a U.S. Navy veteran.
Weiner served as deputy incident commander when Hurricane Irma inflicted its wrath on the Florida Keys in 2017.
“It was life-changing for a lot of us,” she said. “The incredible part was the 700 first responders here helping with response and recovery. When you are that impacted county, people will come from across the country to help you be whole again.”
Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries director, first met Weiner in the days leading up to Hurricane Irma in 2017. In a room of hundreds, her command presence, expertise and openness stood out immediately.
“Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of being at her side during multiple county emergency operations activations. During our community’s most chaotic and uncertain moments, her calm, deci-
sive leadership offered reassurance that all would be well,” Matthews said. “Through both blue skies and gray, Shannon has led with grace and professionalism, forging strong partnerships and inspiring others to follow her lead. She has fostered an emergency response community in the Florida Keys that has carried us through devastating storms, mass migrant landings and a global pandemic. Her absence will be deeply felt and she will be greatly missed.”
County Veterans Affairs director Cathy Crane served on Weiner’s emergency management team as planning section chief during the pandemic and in times of impending storms. She said Weiner was clear and compassionate during an emergency response to a storm, pandemic or establishing a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center in Monroe County.
“Shannon is highly respected amongst her peers, local and state partners and the community,” Crane said. “As Shannon moves on to the next phase of her career, she leaves an indelible mark on our team and community. Shannon’s contributions will be felt for years to come, and her infectious laughter will forever echo through the halls of the EOC in her absence.”
Weiner said she’s excited to take a position where she’ll build a program and plans at the University of Tampa.
“Emergency management, in higher education at college, is a really new aspect in the field ... with all the shootings and riots over the last decade or so; it’s become more in demand,” she said.
Weiner will be returning to a campus in Tampa where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her oldest daughter graduated from the university in 2021, and her youngest daughter will be attending the university following her graduation from Key West on May 30.
“It’s definitely special,” Weiner said.
Despite leaving for her new job, Weiner said she still plans on spending summer and holidays at her Florida Keys residence.
Shannon Weiner speaks during a ribboncutting of the new Emergency Operations Center in Marathon last September.
KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
From left, sheriff’s Lt. Charlene Sprinkle; Sheriff Rick Ramsay; Shannon Weiner, former county emergency management director; Kimberly Matthews, senior director of strategic planning and libraries director; and retired sheriff’s Maj. Don Hiller inside the new emergency operations center last September.
HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE & THE WATER IS WARM
NOAA predicts above-normal storm activity
Forecasters with NOAA’s National Weather Service predict abovenormal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6 to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Laura Grimm, acting NOAA administrator. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
Factors influencing NOAA’s predictions
The season is expected to be above normal due to a confluence of factors, including warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation.
The high activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption.
This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms.
“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”
Improved analysis, forecasts for 2025 NOAA will improve its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include:
• NOAA’s model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, will undergo an upgrade that is expected to result in another 5% improvement of tracking and intensity forecasts that will help forecasters provide more accurate watches and warnings.
• NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center will be able to issue tropical cyclone advisory products up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land, giving communities more time to prepare.
• NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropical Hazards Outlook, which provides advance notice of potential tropical cyclone risks, has been extended from two weeks to three weeks, to provide additional time for preparation and response.
— Contributed
The following names will be used for tropical storms and hurricanes for the 2025 storm season. NOAA/Contributed
REMEMBERING THE FALLEN
ZACK WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com
Speakers highlight sacrifices for freedom
Army
describes the solemn nature of Memorial Day, ‘a day of reflection,’ in his speech.
Ed Davidson and John Donnelly, both veterans of the Vietnam War, have been significant supporters of Memorial Day and Veterans Day services throughout the Keys.
Service veterans and the local community packed the Murray Nelson Government Center auditorium for a Memorial Day service on May 26. With music provided by the Keys Community Concert Band, the service included six speeches along with introductory remarks by John Donnelly, a veteran of the Marine Corps.
Former Army Staff Sgt. Priscilla Johnson, who served from 2000 to 2005, reminisced about a safety patrol trip to Washington D.C., which reminded her of the meaning of wartime sacrifice.
“On every trip, at every sight I’d feel that ache,” Johnson said. “At the Vietnam Memorial, at the Korean War Memorial … that ache is for those who
sacrificed. It’s the hurt for those who answered the call and laid down their lives so that we might be free. They are my reason for Memorial Day.”
Johnson also made note of Memorial Day’s origins, which many historians place in an 1865 tribute to the Union dead, which was performed primarily by African American residents of Charleston, South Carolina.
In his speech, Army veteran Brian Wojciechowski emphasized the inherently solemn nature underlying a day of remembrance and the importance of supporting veterans off of the battlefield in their continued struggles.
“I know of at least eight soldiers I have served with who have lost the battle after they left their service,” Wojciechowski said. An estimated 22 American veterans are lost each day due to suicide. “Let us not forget them as well,” he said.
Wayne Leahy, an Army medic who served in the military in the quieter years following the war in Vietnam, spoke on the importance of the military in shaping his upbringing.
“I am extremely grateful that I did not have to go to war,” said Leahy. “The military gave me structure, discipline and pride.”
Yet, Leahy explained, “Even when there’s no war going on, the military can get you into really bad spots.” Leahy remembered many friends who contracted lifelong health problems following radioactive cleanup efforts in the Marshall Islands.
Marine Corps veteran Dr. Dan Chase told the story of the invasion of the Japanese island of Saipan, which constituted the second-largest landing operation in U.S. military history.
In his speech, Ed Davidson, a former Navy Top Gun flight instructor, touched on his experience in Vietnam.
“We’re all the lucky guys here: we got to come back,” Davidson said. Yet the impact of war remains everpresent in the lives and remembrances of its survivors. “Folks in heavy combat remember forever the comrades who never took the uniform off and who sleep forever on the battlefields of the war.”
John Dick, school board member who worked as a combat engineer, advised the audience to ““Remember the soldiers who gave their lives and remember the families behind them.”
COMMUNITY GATHERS AT THE HURRICANE MONUMENT ON MEMORIAL DAY
Local dignitaries and members of the Islamorada community convened in front of the Hurricane monument to remember the men and women of the military who gave their lives protecting the United States. The May 26 Memorial Day ceremony included a presentation of colors by local Scouts and the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Two Brothers Band, consisting of Vincent and Dante Jiovenetta. Pre-kindergarten students from St. James the Fisherman sang “God Bless America.” The invocation and benediction were given by pastor Tony Hammon, while new Village Manager Ron Saunders shared a few words. The ceremony was led by the Matecumbe Historical Trust and Barbara Edgar. Wreaths by Centennial Bank and the Daughters of the American Revolution were laid in front of the monument. – Keys Weekly staff report
Priscilla Johnson, a former Army staff sergeant, describes the lasting emotion associated with the continued remembrance of wartime sacrifice. ZACK WOLTANSKI/ Keys Weekly
veteran Brian Wojciechowski
Young students at St. James the Fisherman preschool sing ‘God Bless America.’
Local Scouts present the colors. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Left: Councilwoman Deb Gillis sings while Vincent Jioventta sings the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ Above: Wreaths laid by Centennial Bank and Daughters of the American Revolution.
TUNES FILL THE AIR AT A LOCAL NURSING HOME
Arts council, community foundation help bring music series to Oasis
Leah Sutter’s hour-long set included acoustic covers of an eclectic range of recognizable classics. OASIS AT THE KEYS/Contributed
ZACK WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com
Having received funding from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Oasis at the Keys Nursing and Rehab hosted its inaugural, weekly live music event on May 23.
The first of many planned events for the Tavernier nursing home in the “They’re Playing Our Song” series featured an hour-long afternoon performance from Keys singer-songwriter Leah Sutter, whose enthusiastic playing evoked a positive response from nursing home residents.
Sutter played acoustic covers of an eclectic mix of familiar tunes from several decades, from Bob Marley to Fleetwood Mac, to a crowd of more than three dozen residents. The event was paired with Oasis’ weekly “Mocktail Hour” and generous servings of charcuterie.
“I try to pair the music with other activities, so therefore it’s more engaging for residents,” said Gloria Holmes, the activities manager at Tavernier’s Oasis.
Creating a welcoming social environment at Oasis is crucial for Holmes. Each week, residents are provided a plethora of engaging activities, from church services to ice cream socials.
With the support of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts – which coordinates with popular local artists like Sutter and seeks to provide public, open access to the Keys’ art scene – and the Community Foundation’s grant, Oasis is excited to add weekly music events to its activities roster.
Local artists like DJ Fredy, Adrienne Z and the Mangrove Swamp Band are set to perform in the coming weeks, following Sutter’s enthusiastic reception.
Holmes, who studies memory care, views live music as being specifically engaging to residents.
The recognizable lyrics engaged the audience, who were encouraged by Sutter to sing along with her.
“They really respond to it,” Holmes explained. “I see music as opening up the whole brain, as does reading lyrics.”
The Community Foundation’s grant provides funding for the continuance of this program in both Oasis’ Tavernier location and nursing homes in Key West. A nonprofit with a focus on charity and philanthropy, the foundation collaborates with the Florida Keys Council of the Arts to provide for a more equitable, culturally enriched community.
LOOKING FOR LOOKING FOR
SENIOR SENDOFF
Class of 2025 graduates parade past proud parents
From the back of pickups to the top of convertible vehicles, the Coral Shores Class of 2025 rode in style during a celebratory parade on May 22. Guided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Islamorada Fire Rescue, the procession of vehicles carrying graduates rolled on the Old Highway past parents, family, friends and school staff who were located near the high school. Some graduates displayed their collegiate colors while others donned Coral Shores green. The parade also saw some friendly water wars among the graduates with squirt guns and water buckets.
— Keys Weekly staff report
The Coral Shores Class of 2025 graduates celebrate as they ride past their loved ones and school staff during a senior parade on the Old Highway on May 22. CINDY SMITH/Contributed
Revive Awareness Day
JOIN US
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County invites the public to attend this year’s Revive Awareness Day event to learn more about how to spot the signs of an overdose, how to use naloxone to reverse the effects of an overdose, and what resources and programs are available to support individuals with substance use disorder.
Friday, June 6, 2025
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Key Largo Library, 101485 Overseas Highway, Key Largo Islamorada Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada Marathon Library, 3490 Overseas Highway, Marathon Key West Library, 700 Fleming St., Key West
WHAT IS NALOXONE?
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by attaching to receptors in the brain and reversing and blocking the effects of the drug.
HOW CAN I HELP?
If you know someone in need, carry naloxone and learn to administer safely. Locate naloxone providers in your area and additional resources for community support.
‘GAVEL OF GREATNESS’
American Caribbean’s Leal receives honor
American Caribbean Real Estate’s Lorie Leal recently was awarded the Christie’s International Real Estate Gavel of Greatness, celebrating an agent within the global Christie’s network who exemplifies exceptional use of the brand’s resources, tools and connections while upholding a standard of client dedication and professional excellence.
The Gavel of Greatness recognizes agents who not only leverage Christie’s network to elevate their business but who also serve as brand ambassadors through innovation, collaboration and leadership.
“The Gavel of Greatness Brand Ambassador Award celebrates an agent who truly embodies the Christie’s International Real Estate brand through every facet of their work,” said Katherine Pardo, associate vice president and client relationship manager of Christie’s International Real Estate.
A long-time Florida Keys resident, Leal’s work ethic, marketing and connection to the Florida Keys lifestyle have helped position her as a trusted resource for both buyers and sellers.
“Lorie represents the very best of what it means to be a trusted real estate advisor — her commitment to excellence, authenticity and elevated service sets a powerful standard,” said Joy Martin, broker/owner of American Caribbean Real Estate. “Through her inspired use of Christie’s global resources, she has not only grown her own brand but has become an ambassador for the Florida Keys on the world stage.”
More than 50 Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) members and guests gathered at the Crooked Palm Cabana in Tavernier on May 21 for the organization’s annual meeting and installation of its 2025-26 board of directors.
During the event, the local women’s organization also awarded close to $6,000 in scholarships to local working women and presented a $10,000 donation to the Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter in support of its new emergency shelter project.
Scholarships awarded to five local women
Five scholarships, ranging from $775 to $1,500, were presented to Upper Keys working women. Two of the five recipients qualified for a new BPW empowered woman scholarship, which requires a course of study that supports the BPW public policy platform. The platform’s three planks are economic equity, access to healthcare and equitable voting rights for women.
The empowered woman scholarships were awarded to:
• Financial adviser Alissa Reckard, to pursue a behavioral financial adviser designation that will equip her to better understand how emotions and behavioral patterns affect her clients’ financial decisions.
• Registered nurse Kerry Biondoletti, to pursue a family nurse practitioner program with the goal of expanding high-quality health care options for families in our community.
In addition, three adult women’s scholarships were awarded to:
• Insurance professional Mary Houston, to pursue an associate in insurance account management designation from the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
• Renee Parker, to assist in transitioning to a new career as a certified X-ray technologist through a program at Miami-Dade College.
• Firefighter and paramedic Mia Ruiz, to pursue an associate degree in emergency medical services at the College of the Florida Keys.
“We received so many strong applications this spring,” said Christina Teasley, Upper Keys BPW scholarship chair. “Fortunately, thanks to our endowment fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, we had almost twice as much money to award this time than ever before. It’s an honor to be able to empower so many local women to achieve their career goals.”
BPW donation to sponsor business center at new DAS shelter
The $10,000 donation to DAS will fund a business center at a new emergency shelter
nurse Kerry Biondoletti, financial adviser Alissa Reckard and firefighter and paramedic Mia Ruiz receive scholarships to continue their studies.
serving the Middle and Upper Keys. The business center will provide a dedicated work space, computer equipment and supplies that shelter residents can use to apply for jobs, find housing and secure other resources to help them move forward. The money was raised through the organization’s “Give Hope a Home” grassroots campaign.
“Our members and supporters really came through with dozens of small and large donations to help us reach our goal,” said Patricia Milian, president of Upper Keys BPW. “We are so grateful for their incredible generosity in supporting both our scholarship program as well as this campaign.”
Also at the event, the organization installed its 2025-26 board of directors. The new officers are:
Milian, of Key Largo; Bonnie Barnes of Key Largo, president-elect; Ilja Chapman of Key Largo, treasurer; Elizabeth Brown of Tavernier, secretary; Bernice Dionne of Tavernier, vice president of hospitality; Violet Wahba of Key Largo, vice president of membership; Lauren Zelt of Key Largo, vice president of programs; and board members Victoria Leonard and Amy Young, both of Key Largo.
“For more than 100 years, the mission of BPW has been to achieve equity for working women,” Milian said. “Helping the women in our community advance their careers through education and gain independence after surviving domestic violence are just two examples of how we still live out that mission today.”
More information is at www.upperkeysbpw. org.
Lorie Leal, left, with Katherine Pardo, associate vice president and client relationship manager of Christie’s International Real Estate. CONTRIBUTED
Left: BPW president Patricia Milian, left, and Jill Kuehnert, right, present a $10,000 check to Domestic Abuse Shelter CEO Sheryl Schwab. Right: Registered
The new Upper Keys Business and Professional Women board of directors. CONTRIBUTED
MARINELAB RECOGNIZED AT STATE SCIENCE EDUCATORS CONFERENCE
Chelsea Conley Shaw, incoming president of Florida Marine Science Educators Association and past MarineLab instructor, with Rachel Carrier, MarineLab director of education operations, with the community engagement award.
CONTRIBUTED
MarineLab, a leading marine science education organization based in Key Largo, was recently honored with the Community Engagement Award at the annual conference of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.
The award recognizes MarineLab’s commitment to supporting marine science education and fostering collaboration within the educational community. MarineLab’s involvement in the conference and organization was evident in several ways. Senior vice president Sarah Egner served as immediate past president of the education association. Education operations director Rachel Carrier played a key role on the conference committee, and incoming president Chelsea Conley Shaw is a past MarineLab instructor.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award from FMSEA,” Egner said. “It reflects our longstanding commitment to empowering educators and providing them with the resources and support they
UPPER KEYS ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBER SCOTT GOSS
SSarah Egner, MarineLab senior vice president and immediate past president of Florida Marine Science Educators Association, with Carrier.
need to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and environmental stewards.”
The conference also saw the participation of Martha Loizeaux, a teacher from Ocean Studies Charter School in Key Largo. Loizeaux, a former instructor at MarineLab, exemplifies the strong connection between MarineLab and the local educational community.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, including Sarah and Rachel, and the ongoing partnerships we have with organizations like (the education association) and educators like Martha,” said Ginette Hughes, MarineLab CEO. “We believe that by working together, we can make a significant impact on marine science education and conservation.”
The Community Engagement Award highlights MarineLab’s dedication to not only providing exceptional educational programs but also actively participating in and supporting the community of marine science educators.
— Contributed
cott Goss recently was inducted into the Upper Keys Rotary Club. He is the new executive director for Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys. Previously, he served as an executive manager for the Key Largo Anglers Club. He moved to the Keys in 2018 and finished a 22-year career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard in command of Station Islamorada. In 2018, Goss and his wife Brooke moved to Islamorada with their children Ethan and Riley. Upper Keys Rotary member Tony Hammon pins Goss during his induction at a recent club meeting. CONTRIBUTED
SAVE THE DATE
June 3-4
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road, Islamorada.
Tuesday, June 3
• Summer reading kickoff with “The Misadventures of Pinocchio,” presented by Fantasy Theater Factory at 1:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.
Wednesday, June 4
• University of Florida IFAS Monroe County master gardener volunteers host a plant clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at the Key Largo library.
• Wiggle, shake and explore with MarineLab at 1:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.
• Small Business Development Center at FIU offers no-cost consulting from 2 to 5 p.m. at Key Largo library. Email bbarnes@fiu.edu to make a reservation.
Thursday, June 5
• Key Largo group exercise program: African dance and drum workshop at 9:30 a.m. at the Jacobs Aquatic Center, 320 Laguna Ave. No experience needed and drums provided. Call 202-531-9878 for more details.
June 5-7
• Coralpalooza 2025, a dedicated coral restoration and conservation effort. Learn more at coralrestoration. org/coralpalooza.
Sunday, June 8
• Guided tours through the History of Diving Museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to celebrate World Oceans Day. Visit divingmuseum.org to learn more.
Monday, June 9
• Mote Marine Laboratory BleachWatch training at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada. Register at mote.org/ bleachwatch.
• Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys program welcomes guest speaker fishing captain Skip Bradeen at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, Plantation Key.
Tuesday, June 10
• Islamorada Village Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.
Wednesday, June 11
• Friends of John Pennekamp State Park hosts Friends Night Out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. $20 registration fee for painting.. Register at the Friends website or via the Facebook page.
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IS YOUR WALLET READY FOR THE NEXT DISASTER?
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent.
When disaster strikes, how quickly you recover often depends on one key factor: your financial preparedness. Natural disasters — like hurricanes, floods, wildfires and heat waves — are becoming more common and more destructive, especially in places like Florida. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. faced 28 separate billion-dollar weather events in 2023 alone — a record-breaking year for both cost and frequency.
While we can’t stop these disasters from happening, we can prepare for them — and that includes planning ahead financially. Let’s walk through the essential steps to help make sure you’re financially ready when the unexpected happens.
Start with an emergency fund
An emergency fund is your financial safety net. It can help cover essential expenses if your income is disrupted or your home is damaged in a disaster.
Here’s how to build it:
• Open a separate savings account just for emergencies.
• Set up automatic transfers — even small amounts add up over time.
• Include contributions to your emergency fund in your monthly
budget.
• Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
• Avoid dipping into it for everyday expenses — reserve it for true emergencies.
Also, keep a small amount of cash on hand (enough for about a week), especially in areas prone to power outages. Smaller bills like $20s are more practical after a disaster when businesses and ATMs may not be operating normally.
Review insurance coverage
Disasters can bring massive repair bills. That’s where the right insurance coverage comes in.
What to check:
• Make sure your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is up to date and covers current replacement costs.
• Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowner’s policies — consider adding it, especially in floodprone areas.
• Got valuable items like jewelry or artwork? You might need additional or umbrella coverage.
• Concerned about pets? Animal liability insurance may be worth considering.
Not sure what you need? A licensed insurance agent can help tailor the right plan for your situation.
Plan for repairs before disaster strikes
You probably already know that major disasters can mean expensive home repairs. But even without a crisis, homes need regular maintenance and upgrades to stay strong. Investing in preventive improvements — like storm shutters or reinforced roofing — can reduce damage and lower insurance costs over time. FEMA offers great advice on how
to fortify your home against future threats.
Organize important documents
Imagine trying to file a claim or apply for aid without access to your insurance papers or ID. That’s why protecting key documents is so important.
Here’s what to do:
• Store documents like insurance policies, IDs, bank info and medical records in a safe place — preferably a waterproof and fireproof safe, or a secure digital cloud storage system.
• Create a home inventory with photos, serial numbers and estimated values for major possessions. This makes insurance claims much easier and faster.
Update your plan regularly
Your financial life isn’t static — and your disaster plan shouldn’t be either.
Review your emergency savings, insurance coverage and document storage at least once a year, or any time you experience a major life change (like buying a home, having a child or switching jobs). Staying up to date ensures your plan still fits your needs.
Disaster preparedness isn’t just about food, water and flashlights — it’s also about being financially resilient. By setting up an emergency fund, reviewing your insurance, planning for repairs and organizing your important documents, you’re giving yourself and your family a much better chance to recover quickly and confidently from any crisis.
Remember: hoping for the best is good — but preparing for the worst is better.
BRIEFLY
Beat the Heat events in the Keys
Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Keys. MCFR will be providing a gentle stream of misting water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe and fun environment. It is a great way to meet your neighborhood firefighters, learn about fire prevention and cool off. Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturday, May 31 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Harry Harris Park and Saturday, June 7 at Layton Community Baptist Church
More information is available at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.
Fish captain Skip Bradeen speaks
The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys June program is on Monday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at Coral Isles Church MM 90 Plantation Key (just north of Coral Shores High School). The guest speaker is fish captain Skip Bradeen, who will provide memories dating back to 1964. Bradeen has so much to tell, so come enjoy some fantastic stories that you will enjoy. The program is free and open to the public.
Friends Night Out at the brewery
Join the Friends of John Pennekamp State Park on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Friends Night Out at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Meet and mingle with other park enthusiasts and paint an oyster shell with artist MJ. There is a $20 registration fee for painting (half gets donated to the park). A registration link is on the Friends’ website and Facebook page. There is no fee to come enjoy the venue, enjoy free tastings and talk to other Friends. Islamorada Brewery & Distillery has donated a $25 gift card and there will be a drawing by chance. Visit pennekampparkfriends.org/events/. Skip and Lisa Bradeen, 1979.
ALICIA BETANCOURT
FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS
Functional foods: fad, or the future of nutrition?
If you’ve spent any time lately strolling the grocery store aisles — or scrolling social media — you’ve probably noticed a new buzzword stamped across everything from yogurt to coffee to snack bars: functional foods. What exactly are they, and why is everyone suddenly obsessed?
At their core, functional foods are simply foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Think foods fortified with extra vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fiber or even herbal ingredients designed to “support immunity,” “boost brain function” or “balance hormones.”
Some functional foods occur naturally — like salmon (loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s) or blueberries (packed with antioxidants). Others are the result of food science tinkering, like probioticenriched yogurt, protein-fortified cereals or beverages laced with adaptogens. The goal? To not just fuel your body, but to actively help it perform better, prevent disease and maybe even make you feel like a slightly upgraded version of yourself.
Today’s consumers are more health-savvy (and health-anxious) than ever. We’re not just eating to survive — we’re eating to thrive. After living through a pandemic, navigating a mental health crisis and watching rates of chronic diseases skyrocket, people are demanding more from their food. They want gut health, sharper focus, stronger immunity and better sleep. They want a snack that can do it all. If someone invented a “food pill,” you bet your butt there would be a line of people longer than Appliance Alley after Irma.
JENNIFER HARVEY
...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com
And with social media marketing in overdrive — showcasing everything from “beauty gummies” to “smart mushroom lattes” — it’s no wonder the global functional food market is booming, expected to top $280 billion by 2027.
But before you swap your sandwich for a mushroomprotein-bar with added “nootropic support,” let’s unpack both sides of this trend.
Functional foods do make preventive health easier and give people a simple way to bolster their health without overhauling their whole diet. Instead of reaching for another pill bottle, many can now grab a functional snack and get added benefits like improved digestion or stronger immunity. It’s health support woven seamlessly into daily habits.
Thanks to the explosion of options, from gutboosting kombucha to brain-supporting walnuts, people can now tailor their food choices to their personal goals and needs. Need joint support? There’s a functional beverage for that. Want better skin health? There’s a collagen-enhanced smoothie mix ready and waiting.
Fortified functional foods can also be a lifesaver in populations at risk of deficiencies. Foods enhanced with iron, vitamin D, omega-3s and probiotics can help fill critical gaps without major
dietary changes, which is especially important for busy families, older adults and people with limited access to fresh foods.
But as with anything, there are some drawbacks from overhyped foods. Just because a package promises “immune support” doesn’t mean it’s clinically proven. The functional foods market is poorly-regulated in many places, and companies often exaggerate health claims. Without thirdparty verification or FDA approval, many so-called benefits are more marketing than medicine.
Some functional foods are highly-processed products loaded with sugar, fillers and artificial ingredients, with a few healthy buzzwords sprinkled in for good measure. Ironically, chasing health can sometimes lead people straight into the arms of highly-engineered foods their bodies don’t actually recognize. I am seeing this happening more and more during nutritional consultations.
And let’s be real: functional foods aren’t cheap. A box of collagen-infused energy bars or adaptogen-enhanced teas can cost triple the price of their “regular” counterparts. That makes this health trend largely inaccessible to lower-income populations, further widening the gap between who gets to eat for wellness and who doesn’t.
Functional foods are here to stay, and they can absolutely play a valuable role in modern health. But like any health trend, they require a healthy dose of skepticism. Whole foods — things like leafy greens, nuts, berries and lean proteins — remain the real superheroes. If you want to enjoy functional foods, think of them as a bonus to a strong nutritional foundation, not a magic fix.
As with most things in health, the basics still work. Fancy labeling or not.
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: THE SADDLEBUNCHES
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
The modern Overseas Highway travels over the right-of-way that delivered Henry Flagler’s train to Key West – for the most part. It wasn’t always that way.
When the first version, State Road 4A, opened in 1927, it paralleled the tracks in places but also traveled a much different route – especially through the Lower Keys.
After crossing Cudjoe Key and Bow Channel Bridge, the old road arrived at Sugarloaf Key and went through what is today the parking lot of Mangrove Mama’s restaurant. From there, it did something the road only did twice. It crossed the railroad tracks and continued down the island toward the Atlantic Ocean. It passed Pirates Cove before bending right, hugging the Atlantic coastline and crossing Sugarloaf Creek to Saddlebunch Key. After traversing Saddlebunch, the road crossed a couple of wooden trestle bridges, Bird Key and Saddlebunch Harbor on the way to Geiger Key. While sections of the old road, now identified as 939, are still in use, driving over Sugarloaf or Saddlebunch Key like you could in the old days is no longer possible. To reach Geiger Key, a favorite out-of-the-way spot for cold beer and good food, it is necessary to drive along the modern highway to Big Coppitt Key. From there, it takes a turn to the oceanside at Boca Chica Road to get to the old fishing camp.
Saddlebunch is an interesting name. J.W. Norie, in his “Piloting Directions for the Gulf of Florida, Bahama Banks, and Islands (1828),” wrote, “Saddle Bluff – About six miles to the eastward of Boca Chica there is a small island, with remarkable high bluff trees, appearing in most points of view, in shape of a saddle.”
In 1849 sketches created by cartographer F.H. Gerdes, the “bottom” section of the island group was identified as the Sally Bunces and the top part
Saddle Bluff. In 1861, the Bache Coast Survey named the same group of islands the Saddlebunch Keys.
The opening paragraph to a story titled “In A Sea-Garden,” published in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat on Sept. 18, 1910, stated: “The violet makers of the Boca Chico were all a-shimmer with myriad morning sunbeams, when the graceful yacht Naiad swept through to the Saddle Bunch Keys, that, like a cluster of rare emeralds, encircle the loveliest seagarden in all the length and breadth of the Mexican Gulf.”
The Sarasota Times reported on Oct. 6, 1910: “An English syndicate has started a sponge nursery in the waters surrounding Saddle Bunch Keys. The infant sponges are attached to a series of iron bars and then lowered into the water. When the time for planting arrives they are raised and transplanted in the sponge beds of the company.”
The English syndicate was the Chase Company and their Florida Keys Sponge and Fruit Company. It operated on Sugarloaf Key, headquartered at MM 17, in the area that is today the Sugarloaf Lodge.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, four temporary ground-to-air HAWK missile sites popped up in the Lower Keys: the Salt Pond in Key West, Boca Chica, Fleming Key, and Saddlebunch Key.
While the missiles were removed, some of the bases remained, as was reported in the Miami Herald on Jan. 17, 1965. “Key West – ‘Nearly 1.5 million dollars will be spent here soon to beef up Navy communications and to improve the equipment with which this country listens to communist Cuba,’ government source said Saturday. ‘The communications project involves modernization of facilities in Key West in support of fleet and the shore establishments,’ a Naval Station spokesman said. Specifically, it involves construction of a new transmitter station at Saddle Bunch Key and modernization of existing facilities at the Naval Station and the Boca Chica Naval Air Station.”
According to multiple 1985 newspaper stories: “Saddle Bunch Keys – Naval low and high-frequency communications station transmitting to Caribbean, South Atlantic areas.” The footprint left by the HAWK missiles and the transmitters is visible in aerial photographs. Driving down the highway, after crossing the Lower Sugarloaf Channel Bridge
and reaching Saddlebunch Key, a quick right leads down a road to the old military installation – it is not accessible.
On the left, however, is a true Saddlebunch Key gem, Baby’s Coffee. The local coffee beanery at MM 15 has been roasting coffee beans and serving excellent coffee since 1991. The large eyeball logo makes the location hard to miss. If you are traveling by and need a pick-me-up, they open at 6 a.m.
While driving over the island, a series of bridges will appear: Saddlebunch No. 2, Saddlebunch No. 3, Saddlebunch No. 4 and Saddlebunch No. 5. It is a peaceful stretch of the highway with unobstructed views of just how low-lying these islands can be. Sometimes, tall white egrets or taller white herons stand in shallows that don’t reach their knobby knees.
Sprays of land are covered in little green trees with loping red roots. They are mangroves, an essential species in coastal tropical and subtropical environments like the Florida Keys. Mangroves are island builders – especially red mangroves. The red mangrove has a distinctive system of prop roots that grow ever-outward and has earned it the “walking tree” nickname.
The prop roots trap debris. Over time, the detritus slowly rises, breaks the surface, dries out, and forms land while the walking tree keeps trekking. Mangroves use special adaptations, allowing them to live in brackish and saltwater environments. In the meantime, other flora take root, including black and white mangroves.
The roots of the red mangrove use a filtration system to exclude most of the salt extracted from the water. Black and white mangroves have specialized glands that push the salt out through the backs of their leaves. Lick them; they are salty.
Mangroves also work to stabilize environments, mitigate effects of storms and erosion, and act as a buffer between land and sea. The ecosystems mangroves create are some of the planet’s most productive and biologically diverse. They mark every island in the archipelago, including the island on the other side of the Shark Key Bridge, Shark Key and the line of railroad fill that connects to Big Coppitt Key, where, after a turn or two, the Geiger Key Fishing Camp is waiting.
Left: Sprays of land are covered in little green trees with loping red roots. They are mangroves, an essential species in coastal tropical and subtropical environments like the Florida Keys. JAMES ST. JOHN/Contributed. Right: Baby’s Coffee, the local coffee beanery at MM 15, has been roasting coffee beans and serving excellent coffee since 1991. FILE PHOTO
MAKING THE CUT CAN HELP YOU GROW
She wasn’t growing. No beautiful flowers were blossoming on my Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), and I desired to see her red flowers. This went on for months.
I watched her daily, watering, fertilizing and sending love, but still nothing. Her sister, who lives downstairs, was in full bloom. Same sun, same care — just happened to be down a level.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Dig!” (2004)
Van Fleet is a business and relationship mentor, bestselling nonfiction author and freelance
Then, one day, it dawned on me that her branches were thicker
than her sisters’, so more energy was needed to fuel the desired flowers. I understood the thick branches were for survival, so she may be stronger than her sister, but they were also holding her back.
So, some branches had to go.
On March 27, cutting hurt. I debated for a few days, but then finally pulled out my clippers and did the thing, apologizing in the process, but hopeful it would work.
Then, I let it go.
Less than two weeks later, blooms started. Five weeks later, it was in full bloom. It happened much faster than I ever thought it would. Full bloom looks and feels amazing.
I write this column because the things in our backyards mirror our lives, and we often don’t take a moment to become aware of them, see them, contemplate them and make a change.
Last year, I made radical cuts in how I was spending my time and money and with whom. The changes have been drastically aligned with my goals and continue to build momentum.
It’s nothing negative about the people, jobs or groups, but if you feel stuck, this could be why. Further, we hang on to things (jobs, groups, people) in our lives out of fear, money or self-worth. Once we see this and sever those ties, we often blossom into what we are meant to be.
Making radical cuts in your life isn’t easy and is often painful. Then, waiting for things to bloom takes courage and strength.
However, strong branches were built for courage and strength. They may just need to be cut to allow that to happen.
Why: I’m not sure why or how filmmaker Ondi Timoner decided to follow two alt-rock bands – the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre – for seven years. I’m sure glad she did. The result is this completely bonkers but fascinating portrait of two bands on the same scene at the same time. Their leaders were kind of friends but also rivals. It’s the classic story of trying to make art and be successful without selling your soul – and a candid look at a brilliant but extremely volatile artist in Anton Newcombe, leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre. And it’s a story of GenX rock stardom –and implosion. If you’re really into it, Kanopy also has an expanded version of the movie that came out last year, “Dig! XX.”
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us.
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
Desert rose from no bloom to full bloom. CONTRIBUTED
Melinda
MELINDA VAN FLEET
WILMA AND THE SURGE, A RECOLLECTION
The composition isn’t bad, but the lighting is terrible, meaning the color is also terrible. And there’s a power line going across the top quarter of the photo, some dead branches in the upper left corner, and you can’t see the expression on my wife’s face very well, or the fact that she’s holding a half-eaten Pop-Tart.
... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
Then there’s all that ugly water at the doorstep of our house. Still, it’s one of my favorite photographs from our marriage.
Years ago, during one of the Keys’ lesser hurricanes, my friend Craig had gone out onto the White Street Pier as the eye passed over to get a little fresh air. It was all pretty calm at first, but then the winds started picking up, and waves started making those big, foamy crashes over the end. People started to panic. “Run!” someone yelled, “It’s the storm surge!” And many people did, in fact, begin to run, though not Craig.
Turns out it was the trailing edge of the eye, the beginning of the third act of most hurricanes.
There was a collective idea at the time that storm surges were fast, that there was going to be a wall of water coming at the island. Possibly because this is what happened during the 1935 hurricane, the one that hit Islamorada and killed more than 400 people.
A short time before I’d taken that photo of my wife I’d gone out onto the front porch and seen water at the intersection of our block, a hundred yards away. Man, the water came close, I thought. Twenty minutes later I’d gone back out onto the porch and seen that the water was at our doorstep.
Oh, damn, I thought. Storm surges can also be slow.
This was during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 – 20 years ago, but a lot of it still feels fresh. It was the fourth hurricane of that year, following the four hurricanes that hit Key West in some fashion in 2004. I’d been hit by a semi truck doing 50 while I was riding my bike a few weeks before, and I was still stiff and bruised and full of staples. Which didn’t make boarding up the house – again – any easier. It had been two years of one damn thing after another.
I don’t remember much about Hurricane Dennis. I do remember Hurricane Katrina, the second one, because it was going north of the Keys, but then somehow unexpectedly quickly ticked south,
dropping a lot of water on us. I was something of a trendsetter on that one, driving our Saturn wagon through a puddle so deep that it sucked a lot of water up into the engine and totaled the car. (Turns out the air intake was under the engine, as opposed to on top. Which is probably one of the reasons you hardly ever see Saturns on the road anymore.)
We, of course, took a minuscule fraction of the hit New Orleans took.
Hurricane Rita left more fatigue than impression. Mostly I remember us lying in the tiny guest room in the back of the house, the walls and floors moving when the heavy gusts hit.
As Hurricane Wilma sent the slow motion storm surge, my wife and I were frankly kind of over it. It’s a bad idea to get blasé about nature’s fury, but even nature’s fury can get tedious after a while. Nan was an editor at the Citizen at the time and was more concerned about work than the rising tide. I felt I had run out of panic.
Not that we were reckless. We carried everything we felt was important – art, documents, computers, etc. – up to the second floor. We stacked things that we valued on top of things we valued less. The TV went onto a chair, which was on top of the dining room table. CDs and DVDs
were in sloppy piles on top of every available elevated surface we had. We hoped the water didn’t get that high, but I remember looking at shelves that contained two rows of my vinyl and thinking, I can let all that go.
We left our ancient pit bull Stu sleeping in a chair. (He could swim, and knew how to use the stairs.)
The water was topping the first step when we got into the car. I drove Nan over to the Citizen base camp at the La Concha. One of the out-oftown TV crews tried to tell us we couldn’t park there, and Nan was maybe a little less sanguine than I thought, because my normally militantly non-confrontational wife said, “I’m a journalist, I live here, and my house is flooding. Heck off.” Only she didn’t say heck.
The water was topping the second step when I got back to the house. Stu was still asleep in his chair. He was old enough that he had lost most of his hearing at that point. A couple storms before we’d come back into the house and Nan had poked him, and he’d jolted awake, spun around, and had his mouth on her arm before he realized it was her. Then he conveyed the idea of, “Oh my Lord, sorry, I didn’t know it was you,” as clearly as a dog could. Which was why I poked him with an umbrella to wake him up this time.
We sat on the couch together, waiting to see what was going to happen.
It was a seven-foot storm surge. The elevation of our house was apparently seven feet, three inches, because the water lapped at the joists and the underside of our floorboards, but then went down.
A few hours later Eaton Street was still flooded. I thought about wearing my shrimper boots, but no doubt the water would just top over them.
A few blocks later I heard someone asking for help. It was a woman not in much danger, but stuck behind her gate because the wood had swollen. I went back to the house, got a drill, and another neighbor and I took the hinges off so she could get out.
The storm surge killed off our key lime tree and our mango tree, and I spent a week or two crawling around under the house, in the land of scorpions and broken glass, repairing all the wiring that had been flooded. But we were so lucky.
People in other neighborhoods had had it far worse. So many houses flooded. People lost everything. Mold grew everywhere. Hundreds of houses had to be gutted. You heard stories about people having to climb out their window and up onto the roof to escape the surge. And of cars whose horns started honking and windows started randomly going up and down due to short-circuiting electrical systems. There were also a lot of stories of insurance companies screwing people over.
For weeks afterward, the sidewalks were lined with damp couches and other furniture.
Almost half the traffic on U.S. 1 looked to be flatbeds hauling two or three totaled cars out at a time.
Some people left town. Most people rebuilt, brought order back to their life, found a way to move on, let the memory recede like an even slower storm surge.
Nan and I got so lucky. I doubt we will ever not appreciate that fact.
MARK HEDDEN
Mark Hedden’s wife, Nan Klingenger, on the porch during Hurricane Wilma in 2005. MARK HEDDEN/ Contributed
What To Read ...
Mini Fact: Your local library tlikely has a summer reading program. Check it out!
When summer is right around the corner, we start dreaming of all the free time we’ll have. Eager readers start making their lists of good books to fill that time!
Let’s dive right into the pool of great new kids’ books on the shelves.
• For children who have experienced being a newcomer in a country, “Outsider Kids” by Betty C. Tang will seem familiar. Three siblings from Taiwan have to overcome language and cultural barriers, plus try to get along with their stuck-up cousin.
• Have you ever played “Ticket To Ride”? Now this popular board game has an adventure-filled book to accompany it. “Ticket To Ride: An Unexpected Journey” by Adrienne Kress tells the story of 12-year-old Teddy, who wins a cross-country trip on the Excelsior Express — a trip that becomes more than he expected.
• It’s 1939, and 12-year-old Atlas Wade and his father are slated to climb Mount Everest just as World War II is getting underway. In “One Wrong Step,” Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the breathtaking story of how Atlas and his fellow climbers must survive the extreme conditions and try to save others from a dangerous avalanche.
• If you know about Mark Twain’s book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” you might remember “Mary-Jane, the red-headed one.” Author Hope Jahren brings Huck’s friend to life in “Adventures of Mary Jane,” as she makes her own trip down the Mississippi River, conquering challenges and adventures along the way.
• Readers who are intrigued with geography and history will sink their teeth into “The Wild River and the Great Dam” by Simon Boughton. The Hoover Dam, finished in 1936, was the biggest engineering success in the country at that time, and it forever changed the landscape in the southwest United States. Boughton’s account also includes the personal side of the dam’s construction.
• “Mawson in Antarctica: To the Ends of the Earth” by Joanna Grochowicz tells the story of the explorer during his harrowing 1912 expedition to the bottom of the Earth.
AWARD WINNERS
This year’s winner of the John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature is “The First State of Being” by Erin Entrada Kelly.
The Newbery Honor Books are:
• “Across So Many Seas” by Ruth Behar
• “Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All” by Chanel Miller
• “One Big Open Sky” by Lesa Cline-Ransome
• “The Wrong Way Home” by Kate O’Shaughessy
The 2025 winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children is “Chooch Helped,” illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz and written by Andrea L. Rogers.
The Caldecott Honor Books are:
• “Home in a Lunchbox,” illustrated and written by Cherry Mo
• “My Daddy Is a Cowboy,” illustrated by C.G. Esperanza and written by Stephanie Seales
• “Noodles on a Bicycle,” illustrated by Gracey Zhang and written by Kyo Maclear
• “Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei,” illustrated by Yuko Shimizu and written by Anita Yasuda
The Coretta Scott King
Author Book winner is “Twentyfour Seconds From Now ...” by Jason Reynolds.
The King Illustrator Book winner is “My Daddy Is a Cowboy.”
Words that remind us of summer reading are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ADVENTURE, ANTARCTICA, AUTHOR, AWARDS, BOOKS, CALDECOTT, CLIMBERS, DAM, HOOVER, ILLUSTRATOR, KING, LIBRARY, NEWBERY, NEWCOMER, PROGRAM, READING, SUMMER, TIME.
A new study finds that caribou migration paths have significantly decreased in recent decades, with habitat loss and dwindling populations disrupting routes. A University of British Columbia Okanagan study found that southern mountain caribou herds have shortened their migratory distances, durations and changes in elevation. This is said to be primarily due to landscape disturbances caused by human activities rather than climate shifts.
Please contact Theresa at (305) 852-8440 or TDavis@HLYlaw.com
Sun, Sand or City Lights – where will your summer getaway take you? Whether it’s a road trip, a tropical escape, or a bucket-list destination, we’ve got a way to make it happen! A Personal Loan from Keys FCU gives you the flexibility to fund your next vacation with ease:
Upper Keys Rotary Club
Thanks to the 2025 Gigantic Nautical Market and our incredible sponsors, the Upper Keys Rotary Club awarded $200,000 in scholarships to local students. This includes $40,000 to Take Stock in Children, $35,000 to other local programs, and over $100,000 to support 51 Upper Keys students pursuing college degrees. From future engineers and doctors to EMTs and musicians, these scholarships fuel diverse futures, including technical training for Islamorada firefighters. Making College Possible
This impact is only possible because of your support. Thank you!
Thank You, Sponsors!
Alexia Poveda
Dylan Ostenson
Lochlain James Paulina Soca
Fernando Sanchez
Saharra Hernandez
Derek Ramos
Chloe Koval
Brookelyn Zlockie
Andrew Putetti Juliana Rodriguez Angeline DePaula Ethan Arias
Sarina Huerta-Isidor
Corben Dean Corey Dickerson Jazmyn Blassio Connor Dixon
TEAM TAKEDOWN
Hurricanes test the gridiron | P.8
Proudly serving Key West to Islamorada as the ONLY locally owned and operated concrete company in the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re building a large commercial building, FDOT bridge, or a customdesigned home, we have concrete mix designs for every project. Thanks to decades of experience, our team can create custom mixes with high-quality additives for specific project needs. We offer the largest variety of materials and operate the only FDOT-certified ready-mix plants in the Florida Keys. Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.
SCHOOL’S OUT, AND SPORTS WRAP TAKES A BREAK
To our readers:
This edition marks the close of the 2024-25 athletic year with the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap. Thanks to the talents of our local writers and photographers, with the support of coaches and athletic staff from Key Largo to Key West, we are incredibly proud to serve as your most comprehensive source for prep sports coverage and photography in the Florida Keys.
With the school year coming to a close, the Sports Wrap will again be taking a short break for the summer to allow our staff to rest and recharge before an exciting fall season under Friday night lights.
Over the next two months, this section will look a bit different. Instead of weekly prep sports content, the pull-out insert will include a variety of content including comics, games and puzzles, many of which our readers have asked for or told us they enjoyed in the past.
We haven’t forgotten about a few of our All-Keys teams from the 2025 spring season, which we will celebrate as they are completed within the pages of our regular editions during the month of June. And when practices resume in August for fall sports, we’ll go right back to the full-blown Sports Wrap coverage our readers have come to love and expect.
So … enjoy the summer, let us know your feedback, and always: Go ’Canes, Fins and Conchs!
Sincerely,
The Sports Wrap Staff
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
KEEFE
To come into that situation with a team loaded with returning
– Ed Holly, Coral Shores head coach
ON THE COVER
Rising junior Sterling Keefe took his first snaps as Coral Shores’ new quarterback in their spring jamboree, and any concerns as to whether he was ready were put to rest last week. Keefe is a multisport athlete who, according to ’Canes coach Ed Holly, committed himself to getting stronger and improving as a player in the offseason.
The results were apparent in Coral Shores’ snaps against St. Brendan, a team returning most of its starting lineup. Keefe led the young Hurricanes with poise and positivity, setting the tone for an exciting fall season. For facing a trial by fire and proving he has what it takes to lead his team next season, Coral Shores’ Sterling Keefe is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Rising junior, Coral Shores Football
The Coral Shores Hurricanes looked to establish a team identity in their May 22 spring showdown with the St. Brendan Sabres. See page 8. RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly
Photo by: RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
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.
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. 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM
Marathon and Coral Shores programs gained in strength and popularity this season
Monroe County has just two boys weightlifting teams, and this year, both earned a district championship. The Dolphins and Hurricanes share an Olympic title and Marathon won the traditional title outright. Between the teams, there were five district champs winning a combined eight titles, 32 regional qualifiers, two regional champions and four bids to the state meet. Three athletes returned home with medals from the state championships, and two of those athletes return to the weight room next year for another season of lifting.
by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger and Jackson Garcia.
Marathon’s Tanner Ross “has been a pillar of work ethic and excellence on this team,” said Jessie Schubert, Marathon head coach. Ross captured double district gold, then a pair of silver medals at regionals, advancing to the state championships. The two-year state qualifier holds the school record in snatch and secured a pair of FHSAA top-10 finishes, placing ninth in traditional and winning a sixth-place medal in Olympic lifts.
Senior Damian Stasiewicz made his mark at districts, bringing home a pair of gold medals, then followed up at regionals with a gold in Olympic and silver in traditional. He earned a trip to states to cap off his senior year and finished in seventh place in Florida’s 1A in Olympic lifts.
tracy mcdonald
sean mcdonald
Photos
Matthias Martinez-Velez
JUNIOR, MARATHON
139-POUND WEIGHT CLASS
“Don’t let his size fool you, he lifts heavy,” said Schubert. Martinez-Velez was the district champ in traditional and runner-up in Olympic lifts, and struck gold again at regionals in the traditional event while finishing fourth in Olympic. The junior strongman earned a spot at states and came home with a fourth-place medal in traditional lifts.
After a year away from the sport, junior Tyler Bettner was back in 2025. “He has increased his strength significantly and finished third in the region for the Olympic (lifts),” said Hurricanes coach Erin Hamilton. “He is always focused on learning, growing and getting better.” At districts, Bettner won silver in traditional and finished fourth in Olympic, and at regionals, he added a fifthplace finish in Olympic to his bronze in traditional.
Max Childress
JUNIOR, MARATHON 183-POUND WEIGHT CLASS
“Max works hard and dreams big,” said Schubert of the focused junior. Childress’ dreams came true when he won a medal at states for his fifth-place performance in the traditional category of one of the toughest weight classes. His state medal followed up double district gold and double regional silver finishes, and with another year of gains ahead of him, Childress might as well be dreaming in solid gold.
Senior Sebastian Diaz finished fourth in Olympic and sixth in traditional at the district meet in a competitive weight class, but his strong performances at the bar were not his only contribution to the team. “Sebastian was our captain this year. He was an amazing leader and helped our new lifters significantly,” said Hamilton.
Roland Gonzalez
JUNIOR, MARATHON 183-POUND WEIGHT
CLASS
Despite it being his first year in the sport and falling in a highly-competitive weight class, junior Roland Gonzalez held his own this season.
“Roland was picking up steam at the end of the season and is looking to make a bigger impact next season,” said Schubert. Gonzalez finished third in traditional and fourth in Olympic lifts at districts, qualifying for the next round, where he placed eighth in the traditional category at regionals.
Praised for his team-mindedness and positive attitude, Coral Shores senior Zane Rindom brought home a pair of bronze medals from districts and followed up with two eighth-place finishes at regionals. His team spirit was described as an asset that will be sorely missed.
Isaak Vallejo
SOPHOMORE, MARATHON 199-POUND WEIGHT CLASS
Schubert praised Isaak Vallejo’s improvement in his second season on the team. “Isaak has improved and landed in the top 40 in the state, just shy of the big stage,” he said. Vallejo finished second in traditional at districts and third in Olympic, then placed ninth in both events at regionals. The steadfast sophomore hopes to make enough gains in the offseason to punch his ticket to the big show in Lakeland.
JUNIOR,
In his first year as a competitive weightlifter, Coral Shores junior Aaron Lykins made a statement this season. Lykins finished with dual district runner-up finishes, then earned a silver in Olympic lifts and bronze in traditional at regionals. His gains over the season set the tempo for a stellar upcoming senior campaign.
Ian Newton SENIOR, KEY WEST POLE VAULT
Ian Newton placed 10th in pole vault his junior year, then went on a mission to improve. His hard work paid off. Newton struck gold first at districts, where he outjumped the closest competitor by well over a foot. He won at regionals by besting the second-place finisher by over three feet. Newton captured a state championship by clearing the bar at 15’3”, a personal best for the senior and half a foot better than anyone else in the meet.
Senior Peyton Zubieta captured a bronze medal at districts in javelin and matched that place a week later at regionals. His top throw earned him a bid to states, where he brought home a seventh-place medal to complete his high school career on a high note.
Shane Lavallee SENIOR, KEY WEST JAVELIN/SPRINTING
Senior Shane Lavallee was Key West’s fastest 100-meter man this season, but it was a throwing event at which he excelled most. Lavallee brought home a silver medal from districts in javelin, then did the same at regionals, qualifying for states with his best toss. The talented senior won a bronze medal at states in javelin to end his final season in style.
Jeremiah Harvey SENIOR, KEY WEST JAVELIN
Senior Jeremiah Harvey placed fourth in javelin at districts and brought home the same medal at regionals. His regional finish was good enough to qualify for the state championships with an at-large bid. At states, Harvey stepped up to the podium in sixth place, securing a medal and an impressive finish to his senior campaign.
MEET THE 2025 ALLKEYS BOYS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM
Runners, jumpers and throwers build a field of dreams
MJunior Noah Mercer won a district championship in discus and added a bronze medal in shot put, qualifying for regionals in both events. There, he placed third in discus and fifth in shot put. Mercer made the cut for states in discus and finished fourth in the event, for which he holds Key West’s school record.
Senior high jumper Malachi Telisma capped off his high school track career with a trip to states. His third-place regional jump was high enough for an at-large bid to Jacksonville, and Telisma was just a half-inch shy from the school record. He finished in second place at districts, earning a silver medal.
onroe County’s boys track athletes made the most of the 2025 season, amassing an impressive haul of medals. Coral Shores had one district champion and set multiple new records while Marathon sent two athletes to the top spot at the podium. Key West had four district champs and swept the gold medals in throwing events. The Fins sent two boys track athletes to states while the Conchs filled the vans with seven, all competing in field events.
Distance specialist Vance Bursa capped off his high school running career with one final trip to states. While most of his competitors focused on one of the longest races, the relentless runner not only ran both, but qualified for states in the 1,600 and 3,200, where he finished 16th and 14th, respectively. Bursa struck gold at districts in the 3,200 and silver in the 1,600. At regionals he placed third and fifth in the events.
Alaric Rodriguez
JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES MIDDLE DISTANCE
Coral Shores junior Alaric Rodriguez is an all-purpose track athlete, posting respectable times in races from the 200 to the 3,200. Rodriguez finished third in the 800-meter run at districts, then fourth in regionals, narrowly missing a bid to states. Rodriguez broke the school’s 1,600-meter record and is part of the school-record 4x400 relay team. This year, he tried the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and broke that record, too.
Mikail “Jay” Marshall added a district championship in the 100-meter dash to his track credits this season, then placed fifth at regionals. Marshall’s time earned him a bid to states, where he finished 13th. Marshall holds the school record in both the 100- and 200-meter races.
REGAN ROTH PUTS THE EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ON
A 3rd generation Conch, Kyra has been working in insurance at Regan Roth for four years - one year in personal lines and three years in commercial lines.
Xavier Johnson
JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES HURDLES
Xavier Johnson’s 110-meter hurdle time did not just earn him a district title; he now owns the Hurricane record in that event. The junior hurdler’s smooth form helped him cruise to a finish nearly two seconds faster than the silver medalist in the high hurdle race.
“When I'm not working, I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, creating art through embroidery and playing with my Corgi. I am looking forward to marrying my best friend this October in Islamorada. My favorite element of working for Regan Roth Insurance is the relationships I get to build with my clients. Every call is a chance to help make their day easier.”
LESSONS LEARNED
Coral Shores and Key West use spring football to test their schemes and athletes
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores had plans to test their young team against a pair of opponents in their annual spring jamboree. Scheduled to play were St. Brendan School and Miami Beach High, but a last-minute change of plans from Miami Beach gave the ’Canes exactly the sort of work coach Ed Holly was looking for. St. Brendan and Coral Shores spent one half of football playing in the typical style, then the teams turned the second half, in which they would have played Miami Beach, into a situational scrimmage.
“We wanted to find out who we are as a team this spring, and we did that,” Holly said. “We wanted to get reps, get experience and get playing time. The spring is for getting the guys excited about playing football.”
If anything gets a team fired up about the season, it’s playing in front of a charged crowd. The annual senior parade preceded the ’Canes’ spring jamboree, making for packed stands and spectators lining the fences. The Hurricanes lost a majority of their starters from 2024, and many of the younger team members spent the spring learning new positions. The team kept it basic this spring, focusing on a smaller number of base plays to build from later.
Their numbers looked good, according to Holly, and the team has a lot of fresh talent from which to draw come fall. Holly praised rising junior Sterling Keefe, who will take over as quarterback for the Hurricanes. Joining Keefe on the gridiron as likely starters in fall will be Ekon Edwards, Austin Vogt, Glade Harrelson, Nick Calveron and Casey Konrad, who Holly said all stepped up and had fantastic springs. Defensive standouts included Marco Gudino, William Roberts and Andres Alvarado.
Now that the Hurricanes’ spring is complete and the team knows who will fill which roles, the real work begins. “We will work this summer so we have what it takes to compete in fall,” said Holly. “Now’s the time to get stronger and faster.”
When asked what the team’s goals are this fall, Holly was clear: “Scheme up and put it all together,” he said. “Our goal is the same as it is every year: be FIFC conference champions.” Coral Shores met that goal in 2024 by earning a Florida Independent Football Conference championship after a stellar 8-2 season.
KEY WEST
Key West’s long-standing tradition of playing an intrasquad scrimmage each spring was put on pause this year. For years, the Conchs’ spring season culminated in a red versus white scrimmage, at which spectators were asked to bring laundry detergent to stock the team for the coming season. This fall, the Conchs will need to hit the sales for their laundry needs, as the team answered the call of Somerset South Homestead, who lost their spring opponent.
Key West traveled to the mainland to play against the Hurricanes in four quarters of modified football. Each team was able to test their offense and defense, but no special teams play was included.
Key West head coach Johnny Hughes said his team’s goal for the spring was “to see what we have.” After losing key players to graduation, the Conchs’ top priority was to see who stepped up to try and fill the gaps. The largest gap was left by Jaden Fox, whose relentless power runs were such a destructive and disruptive force
that the Conchs had portions of their offense molded around him.
In his absence, the team made some modifications and ran enough plays to find out that the talent was there, as Jeff Dejean and Walson Morin ran all over the Hurricanes. “Those two can score any time they touch the ball. They just have to stay healthy,” said Hughes.
Key West must take special care of its athletes, as most players, as on all Keys teams, need to play both ways. “I was surprised how many guys Somerset dressed,” said Hughes, who went on to say that the Hurricanes had separate crews for offense and defense. Key West, on the other hand, played their best athletes on both sides, something Hughes admits is not ideal but, rather, a necessity.
One of those top athletes for the Conchs is Chase Gaertner, who took turns with Roman Van Loon taking snaps at quarterback. Just which athlete will be QB1 is still up in the air, but Gaertner’s performance on defense likely sealed him a starting spot there, for now. At free safety, Gaertner picked off a pass and ran it in for a touchdown.
At quarterback, Gaertner showed strong athleticism, but Van Loon had an edge with the experience he got last season while filling in for an injury. Also making the list of standouts was Jakobe William-
son, who took care of the team’s load-blocking and showed a lot of promise as a rising sophomore at H-back.
Hughes had plenty of praise for his experienced offensive line, which is loaded with high-caliber athletes including Noah Mercer and Josh Johnson – both fresh off medals at the track and field state meet. The pair hold school records in throwing events – Mercer in discus and Johnson in shot – demonstrating the fortitude of the Conchs’ offensive line.
“Our O line did great,” said Hughes. “They can carry us far this year. They rolled people all day.”
With many of the questions the Conchs’ coaching staff had about the upcoming season answered, several things will still need attention.
“We need to work on the backfield,” said Hughes. “We need to work on our depth chart, too. We have to get the number twos ready to play.”
Hughes also listed open-field tackling as an opportunity to improve. The Conchs’ depth chart, at least, may have a partial answer in the team’s youngest athletes. Fresh from the Horace O’Bryant team, the rising freshmen will be tasked with stepping up on at least special teams to give the two-way crew some breaks.
The Coral Shores Hurricanes football team squares off against the St. Brendan Sabres for a spring game at Barley Field on May 22. RACHEL RUSCH/Keys Weekly
Justice Lee
JUNIOR, MARATHON THROWING EVENTS
Marathon’s Justice Lee owned the throwing events, striking gold three times at districts. Lee won three more medals at regionals, with a gold in shot put, a silver in discus and a bronze in javelin. At states, she took eighth place in javelin, third in discus and second in shot. Lee owns all three school records in the throwing events, and with another season, could be the most decorated track and field athlete to hail from the Keys.
Hurricane harrier Ali Wheatley won a district championship in the 3,200-meter run in her first year as a varsity track athlete, then claimed silver at regionals. Her second-place finish qualified her for the state meet, where she placed 17th. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Wheatley has all the talent and work ethic to make even bigger waves in the future.
Ava Merryman
Ava Merryman started competing in pole vault as a middle schooler in the first year the Fins added the event to their track and field repertoire. Since then, Merryman has steadily improved and owns the school record, one she set herself multiple times in the past five years. This season, she added a silver district medal, bronze regional medal and a seventh-place medal from states to her collection.
Daysi Williams
JUNIOR, MARATHON HIGH JUMP
Junior Daysi Williams brought home a district championship in the high jump this season and has another season of competition left to take her talents back to the state championships, where she medaled in her freshman season. Williams holds the school record in high jump and is also a talented sprinter.
Audrey Smith
JUNIOR,
EVENTS
Junior Audrey Smith made a showing in all three throwing events, earning district gold in the discus and javelin events plus a silver in shot put. Smith placed fourth, fifth and 12th in the same events at regionals. Her throws were strong enough to qualify for a pair of at-large bids to the state meet, where she earned a fourth-place medal in javelin and finished in ninth place in discus.
SOPHOMORE,
Coral Shores’ Julieanna Oddo placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at districts this season, punching her card to regionals, where she set a new personal best and shaved half a second off her district finish time. Just a sophomore, Oddo returns for two more seasons of PRs for the Hurricanes.
Hurricane Sammy Bates raced to a second-place finish at districts in the 800-meter event. Her time broke Coral Shores’ 10-year-old school record and qualified her for regionals. There, Bates finished in a respectable 10th place.
Key West sophomore Jordan Greene had an impressive day at districts. The speedy sophomore finished fourth in the 200, fifth in long jump and third in triple jump. Her finishes in the 200 and triple jump earned Greene a trip to regionals in the events.
Ali Wheatley FRESHMAN, CORAL SHORES DISTANCE
Sammy Bates JUNIOR, CORAL SHORES MIDDLE DISTANCE
Julieanna Oddo SOPHOMORE, CORAL SHORES HURDLES
Jordan Greene
KEY WEST JUMPING/SPRINTS
KEY WEST THROWING
MVP
MEET THE 2025 ALL-KEYS GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD TEAM
Putting in miles brings home the medals this spring
After her phenomenal performance at states in cross country earlier this year, Key West’s Caylaa Makimaa continued to be a top finisher in track and field. Makimaa finished first in the district in the 1,600, ran a leg of the winning 4x800 relay and placed second in the 3,200. At regionals, she was seventh in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200. At states, Makimaa finished 15th to cap off a fantastic high school running career.
Monroe County’s girls track and field teams each enjoyed success this season, with top finishes in multiple field events for Marathon and Key West plus broken records on the track for Coral Shores. The Hurricanes sent one athlete to states to compete on the track, while Marathon sent two to represent the Keys in the field. Key West mixed things up with one runner and two field participants qualifying for the big show.
Photos by Barry Gaukel and Rick Mackenzie
Kelly Cardona-Quiche
JUNIOR, KEY WEST HURDLES
Junior Kelly Cardona-Quiche earned a district championship in the 100-meter hurdles this season. Cardona-Quiche placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles as well. Her district gold qualified her for regionals, where she finished with a personal best in the event.
Ariel Newton SOPHOMORE, KEY WEST POLE VAULT
Multitalented junior Colleen Barter brought home a silver medal from districts in the high jump and placed sixth in long jump. Barter also ran a leg of the Lady Conchs’ district-champion 4x400 relay. She went on to place sixth at regionals in high jump.
Sophomore Ariel Newton won a district championship in pole vault and finished second in the 200-meter dash, qualifying for regionals in both events. She secured a regional championship in pole vault, then went on to the state championships, where she came in 10th. Credited for her work ethic and pure athleticism, Newton has the potential to be the next Conch pole vault gold medalist in the coming two seasons.
Caylaa Makimaa SENIOR, KEY WEST DISTANCE
Colleen Barter JUNIOR, KEY WEST JUMPING/SPRINTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on June 18, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider approval of the following Monroe County resolution:
Monroe County, Florida
Twin Lakes Roadway Improvement, Sea Level Rise and Flood Mitigation Program Final Assessment Resolution
Twin Lakes Neighborhood, Key Largo
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT AND SEA LEVEL RISE AND FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM; IMPOSING ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN TWIN LAKES AREA IN KEY LARGO WITHIN THE TWIN LAKES ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT AREA MUNICIPAL SERVICE BENEFIT UNIT; ESTABLISHING LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS DETERMINING THAT SUCH REAL PROPERTY WILL DERIVE A SPECIAL BENEFIT FROM THE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND THE ONGOING OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE THEREOF AND THE REASONABLE APPORTIONMENT OF THE ASSESSMENT; ESTABLISHING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE AND COLLECTION COSTS; ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT AND TERM OF THE ANNUAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT OPERATIONS AND OPERATION ASSESSMENT FOR EACH PARCEL OF PROPERTY TO BE ASSESSED BASED ON THE METHODOLOGY SET FORTH HEREIN; DIRECTING PREPARATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING AND DIRECTING THE PROVISION OF NOTICE THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A geographic depiction of the properties subject to the assessment is below: Twin Lakes Benefit Area Key Largo, FL
The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments and collection of the assessment on the ad valorem tax bills. All affected property owners have the right to appear and provide input at the hearing and may file written objections with the County Attorney’s Office at any time within twenty (20) days following publication of this notice.
The Assessments have been proposed to fund ongoing maintenance costs for the roadway improvement project, including, but not limited to, the cost of maintenance for pump station equipment and related services. The assessment for each parcel of property will be based upon the number of dwelling units and undeveloped parcels in the Assessment Area. The estimated assessment rate for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025, is $2,131.00 per dwelling unit or undeveloped parcel. A more specific description is set forth in the Initial Assessment Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on May 21, 2025.
The assessments will be collected by the Tax Collector on the ad valorem tax bill, commencing with the tax bill to be mailed in November, 2025, as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the real property, which may result in a loss of title.
If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Haag at (305) 453-8774 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The proposed Final Assessment Resolution may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the June 18, 2025 meeting, which will be posted beginning on June 6, 2025, at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. The resolution may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s Office, at 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the June 18, 2025, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/default.as px.
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice-impaired, call “711”.
Live Closed- Captioning is available at our web portal at: https://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/ default.aspx, for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
Dated at Key West, Florida, this 21st day of May, 2025.
AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 24-CA-000594-K Darreth Dellagnese Plaintiff, Vs William H. Foster Defendant, AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 16th day of July, 2024, in the cause wherein Darreth Dellagnese is Plaintiff and William H. Foster was defendant, being Case No. 24-CA-000594-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida towit (With certain exceptions): Legal Description(s) –The southerly 15 feet of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. PARCEL B – “LESS AND EXCEPT” – (AUTHORED BY THE UNDERSIGNED PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY TONY ANDRE) A portion of Lot 30, WHISPERING PINES PLAT NO. 3, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 59 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and being more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the Southeasterly corner of the said Lot 30 and run thence S89°53'00"W along the Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 99.00 feet to the Easterly face of an existing pool coping, said point also being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence N0°01'48"E along the said Easterly face of an existing pool coping for a distance of 0.78 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence N89°58'12"W along the Northerly face the said existing pool coping for a distance of 21.77 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the said existing pool coping; thence S0°01'48"W along the Westerly face of the said existing pool coping for a distance of 0.83 feet to a point on the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30; thence N89°53'00"E along the said Southerly boundary line of the said Lot 30 for a distance of 21.77 feet back to the Point of Beginning.
(Containing 45.15 Sq. Ft +/-) Copy of Exhibit A available upon request from the Sheriff’s Office and on the date of sale.
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY:
KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 29, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for CASH IN HAND. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution. Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 1st day of May, 2025.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, By: Donald Stullken Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041.
Publish: May 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.585.
OWNER: BRITT BOBALI Southern Marina Stock Island reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids. Publish: May 29 & June 5, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is hereby given that on June 9th, 2025, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: Date: June 9, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Location: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Truffa, Richard 1501 Trent, Cheryl 1180, 1203 Schofield, Brian 1270, 1316 Castillo, Alexander 1678 Valverde, Nathan 1341 Murgas, Alex 1580 Publish: May 22 & 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
Vacant Sands Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33040 All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale.
I shall offer this property for sale, at Monroe County Court House located at 500 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 18th day of June, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE BEST LIEN SERVICES: 7290 SW 41 ST, MIAMI, FL 33155 WILL SELL AT A RESERVED PUBLIC SALE AT 9:00 AM THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS TO SATISFY LIEN PURSUANT TO SECTION 328.17 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES. DATE: JUNE 13, 2025 AT 9:00 AM LOCATION: CATAMARAN B. Y. INC., 36 EAST SECOND ST, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 P#:305852-2025 2022 SPG VS SMNME111I122 OWNER/LIEN HOLDER: MICHAEL RAYMOND HOST/NONE ANY PERSON(S) CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE VEHICLES SHOULD CONTACT: BEST LIEN SERVICES (1-866299-9391)
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED
The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, Room, 1st Floor Media Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.
Publish: May 29, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Request for Proposals-Public Defender’s Office Monroe County, Florida
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the
“Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.
us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: May 29, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR FOOD SERVICE MEAL CATERING SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
*Nutrition Programs are funded pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (Nutrition Program for the Elderly) (Pub. L. No. 89-73).
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on Monday, June 23, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Questions regarding this RFP must be transmitted in writing to Lourdes Francis and Jonathan Cline; Address: 1100 Simonton Street, 1-190, Key West, FL 33040; Email: francislourdes@monroecounty-fl. gov, and monroecounty-fl.gov,cline-jonathan@ respectively.
Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days (from bid opening date), whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on
the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Monday, June 23, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile: +16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)
+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location:
+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: May 29, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO.: 25-CP-208-K
DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA MAE JACOBSEN
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Donna Mae Jacobsen, deceased, whose date of death was March 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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 other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: May 29, 2025.
Personal Representative:
Janet Rogers 1507 Watson Blvd. Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134
RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A.
12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-6022
Fax: (305) 743-6216
E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com
Publish:
May 29 & June 5, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-527-K VINCENT DUFOUR, Petitioner, and PENNEL GRACE SORIANO SANTORIA QUINTONG, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: PENNEL GRACE SORIANO SANTORIA QUINTONG
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 632 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Vincent William Dufour, whose address is 2013 Fogarty Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 on or before June 14, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: May 9, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA
Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
1972 MGB Convertible White w/tan, 4-speed Turnkey survivor. Garage kept. Located in Homestead. $14,000 305-972-4055
PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Available 1 May 25 thru Oct 25, possibly long term lease. $1,400/ mo. Please contact Vern Rozier, 904 626 5279, or 904 626 8224 and leave call back info. Or email vrrozier@yahoo.com.
EMPLOYMENT
ALL KEYS GUTTER HIRING INSTALLERS
$25/$35hr - Holidays Off -BenefitsTavernier. Apply: call or text Jay 305-587-1581
Night Monitor – FREE Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
NOW HIRING in Marathon. Front DeskSaturday only from 9am5pm. Call 305-289-6500
Fantastic part-time Housekeeper position available in Key Colony Beach! Immediate start date. Primarily on weekends, with excellent pay for the right candidate. Reach out to Continental Inn Beachside at Vivian 952-208-2850 or Cheryl 305-505-8747
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring for the following positions: Resident Care Supervisor with min. 3 yrs. experience of an LPN, Housing Manager- FTMarathon, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
HELP WANTED: Two Conchs in Marathon is now hiring a Full Time Retail Sales Person in our Tackle Shop/Marina. Competitive wages. Contact George 305-289-0199 HIRED
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches
June 15th.
near CVS. Traveling
working professionals only. No pets,
or drugs. Gated,
with parking & a pool. Fully furnished w/private bath, smart TV, washer/ dryer. House and kitchen privileges always with fridge and cabinet space. All included... Monthly rent $1200.00 and Security deposit $1000.00 at move in time. Call 305-797-5600
2/2 single family home in Pirates Cove, Key Largo on the water. Fenced & fully furnished. Short and long term available. From $3800/month. Credit check required. 28 day minimum. Call 305-588-6723
Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Furnished, kitchen, dining, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002
1BR/1BA Upstairs adorable condo for rent on 8th Street in Key Colony Beach. $2,300/mo + $150 credit/background check fee. Avail. June 1st. Call 630-330-1610
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Avail June-Jan. $5,500/mo. 618-559-9143
Studio rental in Marathon, long-term, fully furnished, price includes water, electric, internet, gas, pest, and lawn @ $2200 all in. Call or text 3054330515. RENTED IN LESS THAN A MONTH!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
VACATION RENTAL
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
Key Colony Beach7 night min., 2BR/1BA, max. 3 guests per rental agreement. Starting $175/ night + cleaning fees & taxes. 786-285-9476 fjvillegascpa@gmail.com
SARA’S ESTATE SALE at oceanfront Upper Keys Waterfront estate featuring curated collection of designer furniture, décor, tools & toys. Sale is Fri, May 30 and Sat, May 31 from 9a to 1p, both days at 374 Bahia Ave., Key Largo. Showstoppers: leather Robb & Stuckey living set & Baccarat centerpieces. Kitchen features brands like Mikasa, Reidel, Breville, Reed & Barton – dishes, glasses, small appliances & flatware. Art from FL artists & “highwayman” statement piece. Quality costume jewelry by Brighton, Christian Dior. Tools: Stihl Kombi w 3 attachments, grinder, air compressor, wheelbarrow, hitch cargo carrier & lots of outdoor furniture: swivel chairs, benches, bar cart, cantilever umbrella. Excellent French door fridge & full, upright freezer, Yeti cooler, & matching Trek cruisers. Turn off U.S.1 at Valero gas station onto Laguna Avenue, follow signs, park with consideration. More photos at estatesales.net.
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE
AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!
Pease call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have the following opening available. Scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE
(Full-Time, Permanent)
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package. DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program. DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
COME JOIN THE
FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
Assisting our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement - Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.*
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER (FT)
Must be well-versed in all areas of Human Resource Administration- payroll, benefits, recruitment, onboarding, personnel files, employee relations, WC, FMLA. etc. Must be computer proficient (Access, Excel, Word, Adobe) and possess high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position reports directly to Executive Director. Experience is a must with a minimum of an associate degree.*
DIRECT CARE STAFF – NIGHTS/WEEKENDS – GROUP HOMES 24/7 (FT)
These positions are available at our Windsor and Von Phister Group Homes. Providing direct-care services and support to our clients in their home. Must be willing to work flexible shifts including overnights. This position requires a minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours of college coursework.*
DIRECT CARE STAFF/DRIVER AT ADULT DAY-TRAINING PROGRAM (FT/PT)
This position is available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service and support for our clients in the day program. Requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. Prefer experience with caregiving or working with adults with disabilities*
*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS: Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license. EOE
online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
ACCOUNTING PERSON
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
HIRING TICKET SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (FT/PT)
This position is responsible for face-to-face customer service, inbound calls and email inquiries for this tourism company located in Key West, FL.
A well-quali ed applicant must be self-motivated, have excellent sales & customer service skills, be computer literate, have sound knowledge of telephone etiquette, ability to maintain con dentiality and must read/write/speak clear English. For application by email contact Brett@YankeeFreedom.com.
Apply in person at 100 Grinnell Street, Suite 200, Key West, FL 33040
(Under new management) Stop in for an application at 1791 Bogie Drive Big Pine Key, FL 33043 305-872-2241
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team!
Full and part-time. Public speaking and & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start.
Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
HVAC TECH WANTED
Upper Keys position, reporting in Tavernier. Full time job with benefits,
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 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 (Children)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children Forensic, Adult) (FT,PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Prevention Specialist
Front Desk Specialist
Advocate
MARATHON
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
Maintenance Specialist
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
EEOC/DFWP
COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org
Search Employment/Portal/Location/zip
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required.
DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
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
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
