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Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 on July 22. A statement from his family says he was with his family and surrounded by love. Earlier this month, Osbourne performed for the final time at Villa Park in the United Kingdom. The rocker had been living with Parkinson’s disease.
A swimmer competes in the Special Olympics Florida South Region - Area 8 South Games at Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo on July 19. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly
COUNCIL SEEKS PEACOCK PROTECTIONS
Ordinance could also ban feeding following issues at one homeowners association
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Islamorada’s notorious peacocks could receive protections through a new village ordinance.
Several weeks back, a homeowners association located on the oceanside of Plantation Key sought to remove the birds due to nuisances they were creating on the property. The board of directors for Port of Call approved to bring in two bounty hunters from Georgia to remove them from the property.
A community response in support of the peacocks, however, and efforts by Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney paused the peacocks’ removal. The village council is now eyeing an ordinance similar to one enacted in Miami-Dade County which provides protections for peacocks. The ordinance would essentially make it illegal to harm or take peafowl, their nests or eggs.
Mahoney said she’d like to add language to ban people from feeding the peacocks. Per the homeowners association, the peacock problem at Port of Call came after two homeowners
within the community began feeding them. Numerous violation letters were sent acknowledging a violation of the association’s rules. The owners continued feeding the peacocks, per a letter by the homeowners association’s board to the village.
“They can live their life very well on their own,” Mahoney said. “We’ll keep the beautiful peacocks in Islamorada, which I think everyone wants.”
Vice Mayor Don Horton said he liked the idea of adding language preventing people from feeding the peacocks.
“When it comes to the balance we have to give and take. The give is they’ll stay in Islamorada. The take is we have to give something by not feeding them,” he said.
Several community members praised the village’s efforts to pause the peacock removal. Jeri Wagner told council members the peacocks come by her house during breeding.
“They’re amazing. They’re majestic. They’re incredibly beautiful and they’re fun to watch, especially when they bring their young,” she said.
In other matters, the village council set a tentative millage rate of 3.000, or $300 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, ahead of budget talks in August. The rate can be decreased, but not increased as workshops get underway Aug. 5-7. Village Manager Ron Saunders said he’ll be instituting a hiring freeze for the next two months and eliminating any vacant positions.
“As we cut, we also have to keep in mind the things going on at the state and federal level, specifically FEMA,” he said.
A resolution by Councilman Steve Friedman opposing Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades didn’t receive support from fellow council members.
TAVERNIER MAN DIES FOLLOWING MEDICAL EPISODE WHILE DRIVING IN ISLAMORADA
ATavernier man died after suffering a medical episode before crashing his vehicle in Islamorada.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the 70-year-old motorist was driving southbound on U.S. 1 at MM 78 just before 2:30 p.m. on July 19 when he experienced a medical issue and
lost control of the car. Troopers who investigated the crash say he struck a steel guardrail on the southbound side before entering the northbound lane and striking a raised concrete barrier of the bridge. The vehicle eventually came to rest after hitting a raised concrete barrier on the southbound side of the bridge.
Monroe County Fire Rescue arrived to transport the man to Mariners Hospital where he later died. Troopers say no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
— Keys Weekly staff report
Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney tells fellow council members she wants to see peacocks protected through an ordinance during a July 22 meeting. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly
EYESORES OUT OF THE BLUE
Nearly 250 derelict boats removed in the past year
Monroe County Marine Resources reached a historic milestone in the removal of derelict vessels.
A total of 248 derelict vessels were hauled out of the Florida Keys waters during the past 12 months.
In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the program, funded through a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, has shattered previous removal records. Removing derelict vessels enhances boater safety and protects the marine environment.
Currently, there are fewer than 80 vessels under investigation or pending removal, which is a significant decrease from the historical range of 300 to 400 cases at any given time in the Florida Keys.
The grant began on Aug. 6, 2024, with the first vessel removed just weeks later. In June 2025, a record 36 derelict vessels were removed, marking the highest single-month total.
“This remarkable accomplishment is thanks to the dedication and expertise of pre-qualified contractors working tirelessly across the Florida Keys and the consolidation of our efforts under one comprehensive contract,” said Marine Resources Senior Administrator Brittany Burtner. “We’ve streamlined the removal process, cutting the average removal time from about three months to about one.”
The vessel removal contract will be in effect through the end of 2025. Notable upcoming projects include the removal of a 96-foot submarine in Marathon, a 66foot commercial trawler, “Dena Marie,” off Islamorada and a 53-foot cabin cruiser off Bahia Honda State Park, which can be seen while driving along U.S. 1. — Contributed
The Dena Marie off Islamorada is scheduled to be removed this year. JASON RAFTER/FWC
A 66-foot commercial trawler, the Dena Marie is one of several derelict vessels set for removal. BRITTANY BURTNER/Monroe County
Kearns Construction Company removed this vessel out of Lake Surprise in Key Largo this past June. KEARNS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY/Contributed
A vessel near the Seven Mile Bridge removed in September 2023. MICHELLE ROBINSON/Contributed
ISLAMORADA’S FIRST BUDGET TASK FORCE DIGS INTO SPENDING
Village’s employee total, benefits and overtime among the concerns
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Across the board pay raises and questions whether an employee performance review system was ever implemented. A “gold-plated Rolls Royce” benefits plan for the Village of Islamorada’s employees and their dependents.
These were two of the many observations made by the Islamorada’s first budget task force, which zeroed in on past village government spending, at a July 17 public information meeting inside the Founders Park Community Center.
Composed of five village residents, the budget task force was created by Village Manager Ron Saunders to instill more transparency and citizen input into the village government. Task force members spent time reviewing financial statements while examining current and past budgets; with it came critical questions and recommendations to tackle issues of excess spending.
The task force is also geared to help the village council as they prepare to enter three budget workshops next month. Saunders said each task force member did their financial and budget dives without consulting each other.
“I told them not to speak to each other or have a meeting,” Saunders said. “The reason for that was I wanted it to be an independent review.”
Task force member and past Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin delved into several areas she believes warrant policy change or some kind of action to justify expenses by the village, one being staffing levels and efficiencies. Compared to municipalities of similar size, Jolin said, Islamorada’s staffing levels appear high. It’s something Dr. Larry Dalton also noticed in his review.
“The village has 116 full-time employees. In looking at similar municipalities, this number is high,” he said. “The number of employees should be critically examined by each department head, human resources, the finance department as well as the village manager and council.”
Jolin also raised the issue of across-the-board employee pay raises granted yearly despite uncertainty over implementation of an employee review system. Last year, village em-
ployees received a 5% raise to account for the raise in the cost of living.
Jolin suggested the village transfer to a merit-based raise system to ensure “accountability and high performance.”
In his report, Dalton said the village’s employee insurance offers one option that’s completely paid for by taxpayers. Dalton called the employee insurance the “gold-plated Rolls Royce benefit plan.” He noted most municipalities with a similar budget offer options where the employee pays a portion of the cost.
in each department for GoDaddy.
Per the village’s recent newsletter, the village purchased Microsoft Office 365 services through GoDaddy. Each department had a budget line to cover email and software access for staff. At the end of 2024, the village transitioned away from GoDaddy and began working directly with Microsoft. The shift saved the village $4,605.96 annually by eliminating GoDaddy.
Joe Jiovenetta, CEO for Alma Wealth, submitted questions to the village on cash management policies,
Clearly there are factors that would increase costs but when I look at the budget summary for 2024-2025 and note increased expenditures over year before at 18.6% it begs the question are we overspending and where.
The village pays 100% for vision and dental of each employee. The most egregious part, he said, was the benefits package has the taxpayers footing 97% of the health coverage cost for the employee’s family members. Dalton said eliminating insurance coverage for the employee’s dependents would save close to $1 million a year.
In his written report, Joe Roth, owner of Regan Roth Insurance, noted the spending increase over the years in a village that has not grown in size since its inception, has seen no appreciable growth in full-time residents and hasn’t seen an explosion in new homes since the area of critical state concern designation limited new building.
“Clearly there are factors that would increase costs but when I look at the budget summary for 2024-2025 and note increased expenditures over year before at 18.6% it begs the question are we overspending and where,” he said.
Stephanie Scuderi came up with a list of questions surrounding a number of dollar figures in prior budgets. It ranged from the $180,000 for lobbyists, $750,000 for legal services through Weiss Serota and a line time
— Joe Roth
investment policy statements and policies and procedures on bond refunding.
Work by the task force was well received by village residents attending the information session.
“In the past we’ve been promised to have line item reviews to eliminate indifferences, outdated expenses and nonessential items. It’s wonderful to see we’re now getting to that,” said Joe Wischmeier.
Sue Miller said task force members created more ideas and questions over spending than the village has seen in the last 10 years.
“I’m really pleased with what you’re accomplishing,” she said.
Village council members approved a tentative millage rate of 3.000 for 2025 TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices during the July 22 meeting. Budget workshops are set for Aug. 5-7 at the Founders Park Community Center.
The 2025 gross taxable value provided by the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office is $7,045,812,143. The Village’s 2024 gross taxable value was $6,485,345,287. The village’s taxable value for budgeting purposes has increased $560,466,856 from the prior year.
Stephanie Scuderi
Joe Roth
Joe Jiovenetta
Elizabeth Jolin
Dr. Larry Dalton
FORMER MARATHON MOTHER GETS 13-YEAR SENTENCE FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE CONVICTION
SKia Lynn Cadogan. MCSO/Contributed
tate Attorney Dennis Ward announced on July 22 that Kia Lynn Cadogan, 37, has been sentenced to 13 years in Florida state prison, followed by eight years of probation, including one year of sex offender supervision. Cadogan entered a plea of no contest to sexual battery, incest and child neglect, and was adjudicated guilty by Circuit Judge Mark Jones. The charges stem from a multijurisdictional investigation into prolonged sexual abuse and exploitation that occurred while Cadogan and her family lived aboard a sailboat in Marathon in the Florida Keys. Evidence established that Cadogan not only participated in the sexual abuse of a minor child but also failed to protect multiple children from ongoing harm. During the investigation, a second victim — a teenager — was also identified.
Assistant state attorney Colleen Dunne, the lead major crimes prosecutor, handled the case for the state, presenting extensive forensic interviews, digital evidence and witness statements to establish both Cadogan’s direct involvement and her willful inaction. The investigation was conducted in partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin, where the Cadogans later moved.
“This is one of the most horrifying cases we’ve prosecuted,” said Ward. “The level of betrayal and abuse is almost unimaginable. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our legal team — especially assistant state attorney Colleen Dunne — and our dedicated law enforcement partners, Kia Cadogan is
finally being held accountable. There is no expiration date on accountability. We are not finished.”
Chief assistant state attorney Joseph Mansfield added:
“This wasn’t just child abuse — this was a calculated, sustained campaign of sexual exploitation within what should have been the safest place: a child’s own home. Kia Cadogan’s actions were depraved, and her willingness to expose multiple children to trauma is nothing short of evil. Our job is to stand between predators like this and the children they target — and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
In addition to her 13-year sentence for sexual battery, Cadogan received concurrent five-year sentences for both incest and child neglect. She will be subject to court-ordered supervision and will be required to register as a sex predator for life.
Cadogan’s husband, Eric Edward Cadogan, was previously convicted in federal court in 2024 for the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release.
“Let me be clear: we are not deferring to the federal system,” said Ward. “These were Florida children, harmed in Florida, and they deserve Florida justice. Eric Cadogan will be held fully accountable in this state for the crimes he committed here.”
Although Eric Cadogan is currently incarcerated in federal prison, the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office has filed additional state charges, which remain pending. These include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, child neglect, child cruelty and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
— Contributed
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MAKING DREAMS FLOAT
The Jose Wejebe Foundation offers an escape for foster kids, military families
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation transforms fishing dreams into reality for those facing life’s toughest challenges. Under the dedicated leadership of executive director Krissy Wejebe – the daughter of the legendary angler and “Spanish Fly” TV host Jose Wejebe – the foundation continues its mission of conservation, education and compassionate outreach. Their recent efforts have particularly focused on foster children and military families, offering them an experience designed to heal, inspire and educate.
June proved to be a particularly active month for the foundation, Wejebe told the Weekly, as 15 foster children, accompanied by one active-duty Green Beret military family, were welcomed aboard for unforgettable trips to the serene waters of the Florida Keys.
These aren’t merely recreational outings; they are carefully-curated journeys that extend far beyond the thrill of the catch.
“Our trips are more than just fishing,” said Wejebe. “We incorporate vital educational experiences, taking participants to visit active coral restoration projects and leading marine research centers. The goal is to ignite a passion for conservation in the next generation, showing them the beauty and fragility of our marine environment and empowering them to become stewards of the ocean.”
The impact of these experiences is often transformative, Wejebe said. She shared powerful anecdotes of foster children who, despite their challenging circumstances, found solace and shared deeply personal stories of overcoming trauma during their time on the water. For these children, often from various foster facilities, the foundation’s trips offer a powerful message of care and hope.
“We want to show these children that people care about them, and that there’s a bright future waiting for them,” Wejebe said. “One of the kids even told us that the trip did two major things for him: The first was that it showed that people actually do care about foster kids, and the second was that perhaps his darkest days were behind him. And that right there is why we do what we do.”
The foundation’s ability to achieve such significant outreach with a lean operation is a testament to its passion and efficiency. With just two primary staff members and a dedicated volunteer board, the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation has successfully brought more than 620 individuals out on the water since its inception in April 2012 – the very same month Jose passed away. The total underscores the foundation’s commitment to honoring his enduring legacy, the younger Wejebe said – a legacy built on a profound love for marine life, the joy of fishing and an unwavering dedication to helping others.
Through thoughtfully-designed expeditions, the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation is not only providing unique recreational opportunities, but also fostering a crucial connection between vulner-
CFK STUDENTS BECOME PADI DIVE INSTRUCTORS
Students become teachers for open-water scuba diving
College of the Florida Keys diving students and newly dubbed PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors pose by the college’s Dive Training Lagoon on the Key West campus. From left are: PADI regional manager and instructor examiner Kyle Ingram; community exam taker Ty Paget; CFK students Mark Tobin, Zane Travis, Nathan Rybicki and Eden Noel; CFK vice president of advancement Lana Gaspari, and CFK diving business and technology faculty Lucja Rice. CONTRIBUTED
able individuals and the natural world, sowing the seeds for a new generation of informed and compassionate conservationists. Their work serves as a reminder of how a shared passion can create profound positive change, “one fishing dream at a time.”
“Living in the Keys is expensive,” said Wejebe. “To make all of this happen, we rely on the generous community for donations. The foundation is currently running a Christmas in July online auction that will continue until the end of July. The auction serves as a fundraising event where people can purchase donated items while supporting the foundation’s mission. We welcome any and all donations.”
The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation’s online auction offers an easy and direct way to support its work. Readers can participate by bidding on unique auction items or by donating items to be featured, with donors highlighted on the foundation’s social media platforms. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible.
For more information, visit wwwjosewejebefoundation.org. To visit the Christmas in July auction, scan the QR code.
Four diving students at The College of the Florida Keys have advanced from the role of student to instructor. Each successfully passed the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Instructor Examination (IE) on June 25, certifying them as open water scuba instructors.
The PADI IE is a two-day evaluative program conducted by a visiting PADI employee who tests an instructor candidate’s teaching ability, dive theory knowledge, skill level, understanding of the PADI System and attitude and professionalism.
With PADI certification, widely considered the gold standard in the diving industry, these diving instructors will be qualified for attractive diving professional jobs around the world — teaching individuals how to scuba dive.
In addition to earning the respected industry certification, the students are also earning an Associate in Applied Science in Diving Business and Technology and/or certificates in the field of diving at CFK.
— Contributed
Foster children enjoy a day on the water with captain James Taylor. CONTRIBUTED
Boston Whaler 380 Outrage Aquila 47 “Molokai” Scout 530 LXF
CRAVING AN AUTHENTIC GREEK GYRO?
New food truck brings a taste of Greece to the Upper Keys
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
Anastasia Agelis and Joey Torres just returned from a month-long, working vacation in Greece.
“Food, that’s all we think about; morning, afternoon, night, we’re always eating,” joked Agelis.
The foodies have been to Greece many times in the past, but this time was different, this time they were on a mission to learn everything they could to enhance their Mediterranean offerings at their new Key Largo-based food truck.
“This time around we paid more attention to how they did everything, how they made everything, how they kept everything warm, how they sliced everything, how they paired everything,” explained Agelis.
Back in February, the engagedto-be-married couple took a leap of faith and opened their first food truck together, “It’s All Greek 2 Me.”
“We talked about it for about a year,” said Torres of their decision to open the truck. “We don’t have any Greek food down here,” he added of the culinary need he identified in the Upper Keys.
For Agelis, opening a Greek mobile kitchen came naturally. She was born in Key Largo, but raised in Greece. Her father has owned Key Largo’s Tower of Pizza for more than three decades. You could say the restaurant business is in her blood.
Torres, on the other hand, has a background in law enforcement.
He was a Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy for six years. Torres is Cuban, and before meeting Agelis four years ago, he had never been to Greece.
“What people love about Greece is how friendly we are,” said Agelis. “We’re trying to give that here as well, even though he’s Cuban, I’m teaching him,” she added with a laugh.
Torres admits there’s been a bit of a learning curve, but it’s been a rewarding and challenging experience.
“It was a lot to pick up all at once, but once we had our menu down, the cooking part was what I had to really learn,” explained Torres.
“I’ve never been my own boss and being my own boss is refreshing,” he added.
“It’s All Greek 2 Me” prides itself on serving up fresh and authentic Greek fare, like chicken and pork Souvlaki (skewers), falafels and hummus, Greek salads and baklava (a popular Greek dessert made of phyllo dough, sweet syrup and walnuts). They also serve sausage Souvlaki (skewers) and hummus and toasted pita wedges and baklava cheesecake.
But by far, the most popular dishes are the chicken and pork gyros.
“We’ve had people come from Greece and they’ve told us this is one of the best gyros they’ve had outside of Greece,” said Torres.
The traditional Greek dish is slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced onto pita bread. It’s a process that requires timing and skill.
“It takes about half an hour to
45 minutes to get your first cut,” said Torres of the gyro rotisserie. “Once you get your first cut, every 15 to 20 minutes you’re shaving,” he added.
The gyros are served with a mouthwatering, homemade creamy tzatziki yogurt-based sauce and fries.
“The yogurt is the best yogurt you can find,” said Agelis. “Also the fries, I think the fries make the pita. The fries are in the pita and we have the best fries you can find in town.”
The pair says part of what makes the fries so delicious is the fact that they are cooked in beef tallow.
Agelis knows first-hand how competitive and all consuming the restaurant business can be, that’s why she never lets her guard down and always strives to offer a fresh, delicious and well-priced product.
“I think because there is a lot of competition we need to be on top of it constantly, with the quality of the food, the quantity, the prices, and customer service,” she explained.
Torres and Agelis are not ruling out expansion in the future, but admit they have a lot on their plates right now. Both have middle schoolaged children from previous relationships.
“We are thinking about expanding, we’ll see how it is, with the kids right now, life is busy,” said Agelis.
“It’s All Greek 2 Me” is located in the parking lot next to Sundiver Station at 102840 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. They are open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) from 11:30 a.m. until 8:15 p.m. On Fridays
1: Anastasia Agelis and Joey Torres opened their Greek food truck in February of this year. They say their most popular menu item is the gyro, chicken or pork. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly. 2: The pork skewer entrée pictured here is paired with hummus and fries, but can be served with other sides as well. CONTRIBUTED. 3: The gyro chicken is cooked on a vertical rotisserie before being shaved onto fresh pita bread and combined with French fries and homemade tzatziki sauce. 4: Inside the “ It’s All Greek 2 Me” food truck, fresh chicken and pork skewers are prepared daily, along with Greek burgers.
and Saturdays they are open until 9 p.m. To check out their menu or place an order, visit their website at itsallgreek-2me or give them a call at 305-992-0200. “It’s All Greek 2 Me” also offers catering.
The couple hopes customers walk away with more than just a satisfied palate, they hope they leave with a memorable experience that keeps them coming back for more.
“We want people leaving here feeling like they’ve taken a part of Greece with them,” said Agelis.
THE LOBSTER LOWDOWN
Want an all-in-one primer as you get ready to hit the water for miniseason on July 30 and 31? The Keys Weekly staff have you covered.
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
FINE PRINT MATTERS WHEN HUNTING
• Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a current spiny lobster permit. They can be purchased online at gooutdoorsflorida.com or by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).
• Spiny lobster must have a minimum carapace length greater than 3 inches, and the measurement must take place in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding soft tissue and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace. If a lobster gauge can fit over the end of the carapace, the lobster is TOO SHORT. All recreationally harvested lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.
• Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobster must be released unharmed. Stripping egg-bearing females of eggs, and possession of spiny lobster tails from which eggs have been removed, is prohibited. Eggs are orange, yellow, brown or red masses found covering the underside of the lobster’s tail.
• During mini-season, bully netting is the only legal way to harvest lobster at night, defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Night diving is permitted during the regular season, but NOT during mini-season. Possession of bully nets or hoop nets are prohibited in Everglades National Park.
• It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial traps.
• A diver-down flag must be prominently displayed when divers and snorkelers are in the water. Other vessels must slow to idle speed when within 300 feet of a dive flag in open water, or 100 feet in canals.
• It is illegal to create “artificial habitat” for lobsters using items like cement blocks, pipes and other debris. It’s also illegal to harvest lobster from artificial habitat in state waters.
• Recreational trapping is prohibited.
LET’S TALK LIMITS
• The bag limit is six lobsters per active, licensed harvester per day in Monroe County, period. Making multiple trips to harvest the bag limit each time is ILLEGAL.
• Possession limits apply both on and off the water. The possession limit, even when off the water, is six lobsters per licensed harvester on July 30, or 12 lobsters per licensed harvester on July 31 (six harvested per day of mini-season).
• Gear that could puncture, penetrate or crush the shell of the lobster is prohibited. It is illegal to spearfish lobster.
The seasons
Sport season/“mini-season”: the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on day one and ending at midnight on day two (July 30-31 in 2025).
Regular season: Aug. 6 through March 31.
DIVE FLAG DETAILS
Divers and snorkelers in the water must display a diverdown flag. The flag must measure 12 inches by 12 inches if flown from a buoy or float, or 20 inches by 24 inches if flown from a vessel or other structure. Flags must be flown from a vessel’s highest point and must be visible from all directions. Divers should stay within 100 feet of their dive flags in channels, or within 100 yards of their flags in open water. Vessels inside these distances must fully slow down to idle speed.
While Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a first-of-itskind locals-only ‘minimini-season’ in 2024, that season will NOT continue in 2025.
Lobsters bearing eggs, as seen on the underside of the tail, must be released unharmed.
MONROE COUNTY TDC/Contributed
DON’T GO THERE…
While there are many spots to catch a sizable lobster, there are also many areas protected by a special set of rules. Know where you’re going before you head out.
Don’t lobster in these areas:
Sanctuary preservation areas (SPAs) Carysfort Reef, The Elbow, Key Largo Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, Coffins Patch, Sombrero Key, Newfound Harbor Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key, Sand Key.
Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas, City of Layton, John Pennekamp State Park Lobster Exclusion Zones.
STAY AWAY
Most Keys cities have invoked special rules to cut down on neighbor-on-neighbor – and especially resident-on-visitor – “turf wars.” Essentially, local rules establish a “no-go” zone to keep lobster hunters away from private property. In the following areas, there is no diving or snorkeling within 300 feet of enhanced residential or commercial shoreline, any man-made or private canal, or any public or private marina.
In Islamorada, Key West and unincorporated Monroe County, the rule applies during the three days prior to the sport season (July 27-29 in 2025), the entirety of the sport season (July 30-31) and the first five days of the regular season (Aug. 6-10). In Marathon, the rule only applies during sport season, and in Key Colony Beach, it applies from the four days preceding sport season through 10 days after the opening of regular season. The city of Layton has a prohibition on harvesting lobster any time from waters within city limits.
KILL LIONFISH, GET MORE LOBSTER
Through successful completion of FWC’s annual Lionfish Challenge, recreational lobster hunters can up their bag limits during each of the sport season days by one lobster per challenge finisher per day. All information, including detailed instructions to submit proof of the minimum 25 harvested lionfish, is at fwcreefrangers.com.
• Increased bag limits ONLY apply to harvesters who complete the challenge, submit their tails, and receive a 2025 Challenge Coin. Please note that while the coin allowed two extra lobsters per day in 2024, for 2025, it has returned back to its original rule of one per day.
• The increased bag limit applies ONLY to the harvester who completes the challenge, NOT all divers aboard a vessel.
ICONIC WEEKLY HAPPENINGS!
MONROE COUNTY TO WRITE ITS OWN FOOD TRUCK ORDINANCE
BOCC rejects proposed code change that would have booted vendors after six months
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
Unincorporated Monroe County will move forward with a law of its own to govern the operation of food trucks, according to a unanimous vote of the county commission on July 16.
The decision came amid heavy opposition from residents and business owners to a proposed county code change that would have required the trucks to either move or meet a hefty list of requirements if they planned to stay on the same property for more than six months.
As currently written, Monroe County’s code does not specifically govern the operation of food trucks. Rather, it lays out requirements for operating a restaurant on a property based on whether the restaurant is in use for more or less than six months, each requiring a different level of permit review and requirements, senior planning director Devin Tolpin told the commission.
The sample language presented Wednesday would have prohibited properties from receiving more than one special building permit for a specific temporary use – meaning that trucks staying in one place for more than six months would be required to meet all standards of the land development code.
In January, the Board of County Commissioners directed county staff to address the lapse in code language after restaurant owners in areas like Stock Island were frustrated by competition with more than a dozen trucks that didn’t share the expenses of their site-built competitors.
Constantly-moving mobile food vendors, such as ice cream trucks, are licensed separately by the state. Certain other Keys municipalities, including Marathon, have adopted regulations specific to fixed-location food trucks – but outlawing them entirely is preempted by the state’s 2020 Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act.
The One Love Food Truck operates on Stock Island. At the direction of the Monroe County Commission, similar vendors in unincorporated Monroe County will have a dedicated ordinance by next year. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
Requirements for temporary permits, Tolpin said, are less stringent than their permanent counterparts, allowing trucks to skirt items like traffic studies, trash receptacles and required numbers of parking spaces, among other items.
“Practically, to have to comply with everything I read (for permanent uses), is the equivalent of prohibiting (food trucks),” said commissioner David Rice.
“People have spent their life savings, and that food truck represents everything they have in the world,” said former county building department employee Larry Chase. “I’ve read those regulations, and I know those regulations. There would be no food trucks in Monroe County if they had to go through that process. It’s too expensive, they can’t afford it, and it’s just a shame, because I think they’re a viable part of the community now.”
“We are not just a place to grab a bite to eat – we are a local family that pays taxes and cares deeply about our community,” said Lyndsay Peterson, the owner of Key Largo’s Seaside Eatery. “In reference to the business impact statement released on this, ‘neither residents nor lawfully-permitted businesses should be affected by this ordinance’ couldn’t be further from the truth. We stand to gain nothing and lose absolutely everything.”
At press time, an anonymouslyauthored Change.org petition titled “Support the Vitality of Food Trucks in Monroe County” had garnered 1,949 signatures. A second, started by Cudjoe Pizza owner Jeff Neary, earned 671 signatures.
But both Tolpin and the commission were quick to clarify that their intention wasn’t to ban food trucks.
BRIEFLY
Suspected drugs found in Key Largo
Kayakers conducting a cleanup in north Key Largo found a package wrapped in black plastic containing a white substance believed to be cocaine at approximately 7 p.m. on July 18. The package was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Man arrested for firing handgun
A 22-year-old Miami man was arrested on July 15 for allegedly firing a handgun during a domestic disturbance in Key Largo. Gabriel Herrera Pesce was charged with discharging a firearm at a residential property.
The sheriff’s office was called to a residence on Dolphin Road at approximately 10:42 p.m. regarding a domestic argument. A spent 9mm shell casing was found near the front door. Herrera Pesce admitted to discharging a 9mm gun into the air near the door after he was refused entry. He claimed he did not intend to harm anyone. He was taken to jail. There were no injuries reported.
Ramps to close for lobster mini-season
Boat ramps at East Ridge Road and Blackwood Drive in Islamorada will be closed for the upcoming lobster mini-season. These ramps will be closed from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. The boat ramp at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina will remain open while parking is available.
Apparel helps ‘fill’ Protect Center’s tank
The Protect Center has launched its Fill the Tank campaign – a summer long community effort to raise the remaining funds needed to complete its new dolphin ICU tank, a life-saving facility designed to rescue and rehabilitate sick or injured dolphins and whales in the Florida Keys.
To power the campaign, limited-edition tank tops, T-shirts and tote bags are available for purchase at The Protect Center in Islamorada, at The Connect Center (31 Corrine Place) in Key Largo and online at connecttoprotect.org/ tank.
Sales from these items are fully earmarked for the $56,000 effort, with sights set on completing
the full campaign by Sept. 1, when the Protect Center hopes to have the new tank “filled.”
The campaign goal represents a dollar for each of the 56,000 gallons that the new rehabilitation tank will hold. At 40-feet in diameter and 6 feet tall, the pool will have the capacity to support multiple dolphins — or even small whales — as they recover and prepare for release back into Florida Keys waters.
But Nancy Cooper, president of the nonprofit organization that holds the license to respond to whales and dolphins in the Florida Keys, says “We never know when a dolphin will strand or become orphaned — and we can’t afford for the tank not to be completed and filled. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a race against time. And now, our community can help simply by wearing their support.”
Pet license required in Monroe County Monroe County reminds pet owners that dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age or older must be licensed and have a valid license tag. Licensing your pets is not only a county requirement but also helps keep your furry family members safe and ensures their quick return if lost.
Under Monroe County Code Sec. 4-65, any person owning or keeping a dog, cat, or ferret in Monroe County must license the animal within 30 days of establishing residency or once the animal reaches six months old. A license includes a certificate and a tag affixed to the animal’s collar or harness. Pets must also have a current rabies vaccination to obtain a license.
Discounts are available for pets that are microchipped or tattooed with permanent identification. Residents who own a service dog may get a license at no charge, provided they submit the necessary documentation.
Licenses are available through Monroe County Animal Control contractors, which include the Florida Keys SPCA in Key West and Marathon and the Humane Animal Care Coalition in Key Largo. Detailed information, including licensing fees, replacement tags, and additional regulations, can be found at fkspca.org/what-we-do/ animal-control/pet-licenses/ or humaneanimalcoalition.com.
and environmental stewardship. CONTRIBUTED
LOCAL KIDS JOIN THE SHARK LAB DECKS
Campers will participate in tagging, data collection
Camp Open S.E.A.S. (Science, Education and Adaptive Scuba), a pioneering initiative of the nonprofit Barrier Free Divers, is collaborating with acclaimed marine biologist — and winner of “All the Sharks” on Netflix — Chris Malinowski for a one-of-a-kind day of shark science tailored for children with autism and physical disabilities.
On July 30, campers will board a working shark research vessel in Key Largo where they’ll join Malinowski, his team at the Ocean First Institute Shark Lab and the Ocean First Key Largo dive shop to become shark scientists for a day. Participants will engage directly in shark tagging, data collection and marine research alongside some of the leading experts in the field.
This historic collaboration marks the first time a professional shark lab has opened its decks to young people with disabilities for direct, hands-on marine research.
Since 2018, Camp Open S.E.A.S. has brought together children with autism and physical disabilities for a transformative summer program centered around scuba diving, marine science, and environmental stewardship. With professional dive instructors trained in adaptive scuba techniques, campers are introduced to the underwater world in a safe and inclusive setting, joining marine biologists in coral restoration, fish surveys and conservation work throughout the Florida Keys.
This summer’s partnership with Malinowski — widely known as one half of the “Shark Docs” duo, along-
SHERIFF RECOGNIZES ‘BUDDY’ COLLINS
side renowned shark scientist Brendan Talwar of Scripps Institute of Oceanography — ushers in a bold new chapter.
“This collaboration is about more than just science — it’s about possibility,” Malinowski said. “We want these incredible young people to see that the ocean belongs to them too. They have a place in its protection and future, and maybe even a career in it.”
Campers will also contribute to coral restoration and reef conservation projects, teaming up with local Florida Keys nonprofits to plant coral, conduct fish surveys and deepen their understanding of ocean ecosystems.
“This kind of access opens doors that many of these kids never thought existed,” said Rosemary Ciotti, president of Barrier Free Divers and cofounder of Camp Open S.E.A.S. “By integrating adaptive diving with real-world science, Camp Open S.E.A.S. gives our campers the chance to experience the ocean not just as visitors, but as future marine scientists and advocates.”
The initiative highlights a growing movement to open the field of marine science to people of all abilities, proving that physical or intellectual differences are not barriers, but strengths, in the fight to protect our oceans.
Malinowski’s team at the Ocean First Institute Shark Lab is committed to breaking down barriers in marine science. By welcoming a group of adaptive scuba divers and neurodiverse campers onto their research vessel, they are helping redefine who belongs in science — and who gets to protect the ocean.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay — on behalf of the Florida Sheriff’s Association — recently honored Walter “Buddy” Collins with Coral Bay Marina, Inc. in Islamorada. Collins is a platinum donor to the Florida Sheriff’s Association. The Florida Sheriffs Association is a nonprofit professional organization comprising 67 of Florida’s sheriffs along with thousands of business leaders and citizens throughout the state. Its mission is to enhance law enforcement through educational and charitable purposes within the state. For more information about the Florida Sheriff’s Association go to flsheriffs.org. CONTRIBUTED
BRIDGE RUN PROCEEDS SUPPORT KEY LARGO SCHOOL
Funds raised from last year’s First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run are going to support Key Largo School. Recently, Henry Menendez, run organizer, visited the school to present at $500 check. Runners and walkers can sign up now for this year’s bridge run, set for Dec. 6, by visiting keylargobridgerun.com. CONTRIBUTED
Camp Open S.E.A.S. allows children with autism and physical disabilities to immerse themselves in scuba diving, marine science,
A ‘FREEDOMVERSARY’ WORTH CELEBRATING
Two foxes reach five years of safe sanctuary at
Pawsitive Beginnings
Hi friends!
REEF THE FOX
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” On July 17, we marked a powerful milestone at Pawsitive Beginnings: the five-year “Freedomversary” of two of our founding foxes, Jasper and Penny. Their journey to sanctuary began in 2020 when they were transferred from a fur farm in Iowa to our facility in Key Largo. Like so many foxes trapped in the fur trade, Jasper and Penny had lived their entire lives confined to suspended wire cages. They never knew what it felt like to stand on solid ground or feel the sun on their backs without fear. Their existence had been one of isolation and exploitation. But on July 17, 2020, everything changed.
When they arrived in Florida, they touched the earth for the very first time. They didn’t know it then, but they were finally free. Free from cruelty. Free from confinement. Free to begin healing. Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed two incredible stories of transformation. Jasper, once emotionally shut down and physically worn from years of forced breeding, slowly emerged as the sanctuary’s
quiet leader. He is calm, observant and dignified. He carries both the weight of his past and the pride of his survival with quiet strength. I like to refer to him as the “wise old wizard.”
Penny, on the other hand, embraced a softer path. Her spirit seemed tired but grateful when she arrived. With time, she has grown into a serene and gentle presence. She prefers the simple joys of sanctuary life: a shady spot to rest, a bit of enrichment to spark curiosity and absolutely no nonsense from the younger foxes. She’s drama-free and proud of it, a rare trait around here.
Together, Jasper and Penny embody everything that Pawsitive Beginnings stands for. They represent resilience, second chances and the belief that healing is possible after trauma. Their presence also paved the way for those who came after them. In a sense, they have become mentors of survival, modeling what it means to trust again. (Though let’s be honest, they’ve also mastered the art of ignoring me when I’m being a bit much, a skill in itself.)
Here at the sanctuary, we often describe ourselves as a family. Not by blood, but by bond. Every fox under our care has escaped a dire fate, and each carries a unique story of survival. We are loud, we are spirited and we are all beautifully different. But we are united by the simple fact that we were given a second chance.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
BENJI
Benji is a 1-year-old shepherd mix, who is the friendliest dog you have ever met. He loves dogs of all sizes and is looking forward to having a human to call his own. Please consider meeting him. He will fill your days with happiness and laughs due to his quirky personality. Call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305-453-1315.
Thursday, July 24
• Village council’s land use meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center.
Friday, July 25
• Community cleanup with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Islamorada at 8 a.m. on Blackwood Drive. Trash bags, gloves and water will be provided.
Saturday, July 26
• I.CARE’s dive-in movie at 7 p.m. at Three Waters Resort.
July 29-30
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.
July 30-31
• Lobster mini-season in Monroe County. Visit myfwc.com/fishing/ saltwater/recreational/lobster for the rules and regulations.
Aug. 5-7
• Islamorada Village Council budget workshops at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
• National Night Out from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Key Largo Community Park and Founders Park, Islamorada.
Thursday, Aug. 7
• MarrVelous Pet Rescues Yappy Hour from 6 to 8 p.m. at Three Waters Resort Marina, MM 84, oceanside.
SAVE THE DATE
Jasper, left, and Penny were retrieved from a fur farm in Iowa and brought to safe quarters at Key Largo’s Pawsitive Beginnings. CONTRIBUTED
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: LOWER MATECUMBE KEY
Former Starck’s Fishing Camp became a notable roadside attraction
Early Spanish charts identify the island as Matecumbe la Vieja. The 1774 Romans chart called it Vieja Matacomb. The following year, on Gauld’s 1775 chart, the name was translated into English as “Old Matecumbe.”
In the Upper Keys, Lower Mat, as the locals call it, was the last island to become home to its first permanent residents. According to the 1870 census, the population of the Upper Keys was: Key Largo, 61; Plantation Key, 9; Windley Key, 4; Upper Matecumbe Key, 13; and Indian Key, 46. Lower Matecumbe registered a population of zero.
More than six decades later, in late 1934 and early 1935, hundreds of people were brought to the Keys to fix a problem. When the first version of the Overseas Highway, officially designated State Road 4A, opened to traffic in 1928, it was incomplete. The road ended at the west (south) end of Lower Mat and did not resume until No Name Key, 40 miles away. The gap was bridged by automobile ferries.
Workers, many of them World War I veterans, were brought in to build a series of automobile bridges between Lower Mat and Big Pine Key. To house them, three camps were constructed in the Upper Keys. Camp 1 was built on Windley Key. Camps 3 and 5 were constructed on Lower Matecumbe Key — Camps 2 and 4 were located outside of the Keys, in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Camp 3 was located at the west (south) end of the island. At the east (or north) end of Lower Mat Key was Camp 5.
It is this end of the island, the east end, that connects to Upper Matecumbe by bridges and railroad fill. The east end of the island, too, became home to the Starcks, the island’s first permanent residents. They arrived in 1946.
Walter “Buck” Starck grew up near S.W. 7th Street and 10th Avenue in Southwest Miami, where his father, also named Walter Starck, worked as a charter fishing captain from the helm of his fishing cruiser Norma II. The elder Starck operated his charter boat out of the Royal Palm docks in Miami, but fished his clients in the waters surrounding Cuba, the Bahamas and the Florida Keys. In the 1920s and early 1930s, he docked the
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.
Norma II at the famed Long Key Fishing Camp.
Buck Starck grew up on the water, fishing with his father. Because of his love of the ocean and his aptitude for math, a retired master of celestial navigation began tutoring him. By age 21, Starck had passed all the tests necessary to become certified as a master mariner. At the time, he was the youngest person with that distinction in the country.
In 1937, Buck married Ruth Shires. The same year, he and his father purchased the Whale Harbor Fishing Camp on the east (north) end of Upper Matecumbe Key. When World War II erupted, Buck volunteered and served with the Navy for three years.
After the war, the Starcks sold the Upper Matecumbe fishing camp and bought 17 acres on Lower Mat. They transported an old Key lime packing house to the property and used it as a base of operations while building homes for Buck and Ruth, as well as Buck’s father, Walter.
By Christmas, they had moved into their new homes, where they raised two boys, Walter and Terry, and ran the Starck Fishing Camp. Though the boys grew up and moved away, Buck and Ruth lived at their Lower Matecumbe home for the rest of their lives. In 2010, they passed away within days of each other. Their lives were celebrated on Nov. 29, what would have been their 73rd wedding anniversary.
The old Stark Fishing Camp is now home to one of the island chain’s great roadside attractions, Robbie’s of Islamorada. Robbie Reckwerdt established the marina in 1976; it has been a legend ever since. As a local attraction, it started when Robbie found a young tarpon struggling in the mangroves. After he scooped it up in a net, he dumped the fish in a bait tank and called in reinforcements.
The fish’s jaw had been torn loose. Doc Roach arrived with twine and his wife’s knitting needles. He stitched the jaw up, and the fish recovered in the bait tank for several months before Scarface, as the fish was named, was set free. Scarface never went far, stuck around for the free food and let all his tarpon buddies in on the secret.
People have been visiting the marina and hand-feeding the tarpon schooling beneath the docks for decades. It is the reason why the marina’s restaurant is called the Hungry Tarpon. Go to feed the tarpon, stay for the backcountry and offshore fishing, snorkeling, eco-tours, the glass-bottom boat Transparensea (check out the moonlight cruise out over the reef), kayaking (mangrove tours and Indian Key), boat rentals, wave runner tours, shopping, rumrunners — it is the No. 1 destination in the Keys for a reason.
After passing Robbie’s, Lower Mat is home to at least two beaches. In the Keys, beaches do not always refer to sandy, oceanfront expanses. Sea Oats Beach is on the left. “Beach” will not immediately jump to mind. In a past life, locals called it Bale Beach because of the bales of marijuana that used to wash up.
The sea oats have all but disappeared, and there isn’t much “beach” left, but it is a great place to stroll the ocean’s edge while looking for the treasured seed pods called sea beans that float across the ocean and wash ashore with the tide. There is no parking. However, moving on down the highway, right before the island ends, is a left and right turn option. The left delivers you to Anne’s Beach and a convenient parking lot. It is an excellent destination to get your feet wet, have lunch in one of the covered picnic pavilions and stroll along the raised wooden boardwalk. While Anne’s Beach excels in natural beauty, bring bug spray. For kiteboarders, this is a great local spot to let your kite fly on windy days.
Just after Anne’s Beach, a right turn leads to a parking lot at the foot of the Channel Two Bridge. From there, you can take a walk down the old railroad bridge, enjoy the breeze, and do a little bridge fishing.
Highway ferry landing on Lower Matcumbe Key in 1930. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SWIMMERS TAKE TO THE POOL IN KEY LARGO
Competitors from Miami and the Keys test their skills
Donning swim caps and goggles, 175 competitors from the Florida Keys and Miami took their marks for the Special Olympics Florida South Region - Area 8 South Games on July 19 at the Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo. Representing Monroe County in the pool was a team of seven swimmers from Key West. Special Olympics swimming events include a variety of distances and strokes, catering to different skill levels. Participants can compete in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, as well as individual and relay events.
A pump issue prevented the games from taking place at Islamorada’s Ron Levy Aquatics Center, resulting in the games being moved up the road to the Jacobs Aquatic Center. Ruth Coleman, sports training manager for Monroe County, said the venue switch was made possible thanks to the community. “If this happened in Miami, the games probably would have been canceled,” she said. “They (the community) jumped through hoops and made it happen.”
Coleman said next year’s swim games will likely see more Florida Keys representation with a new swim team beginning in the Upper Keys. Coleman said they’re seeking more coaches within the Keys community; those interested can email ruthcoleman@sofl.org or call 305-923-0288. — Keys Weekly staff report
1: A
a
in a race. : Volunteer and Florida Keys Swim Club member Ivy Lear, 13, works the Special Olympics Florida South Region - Area 8 South
3:
4:
for fellow competitor and friend
6: Special Olympics Florida South Region - Area 8 South Games
the Ron Levy Aquatic Center at Islamorada’s Founders Park.
swimmer donning
Spiderman cap competes
Games.
A Key West swimmer meets up with his coach.
Tiffany Martinez, 25, at far right, flexes her muscles
Valeria Balen, 26, left, both of Miami, before their 25-meter freestyle swim. 5: Valeria Balen, 26, of Doral competes in the 25-meter freestyle swim.
was moved to Jacobs Aquatic Center at Key Largo Park after pump issues prevented the event from happening at
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly Full gallery at keysweekly.com.
DOOM-SCROLLING AND BRAIN ROT
Let’s be honest — we’ve all been there. You open your phone just to check one thing, and suddenly it’s 45 minutes later, and you’ve been scrolling through a stream of disasters, drama and depressing headlines.
Why it’s time to log off and get outside is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and
Community Development Agent.
Sound familiar? That’s doom-scrolling, and it’s become an unhealthy habit for a lot of us. And then there’s that foggy, tired, “my brain feels fried” feeling afterward — yeah, that’s what people are calling brain rot.
Doom-scrolling is when you can’t stop scrolling through bad news or negative content, even though it’s stressing you out. It got especially bad during the pandemic, but even now, it’s super easy to get stuck in that loop, especially with social media and 24/7 news apps constantly fighting for your attention.
What is brain rot? Okay, it’s not an official medical term, but brain rot is that mental burnout you feel after spending too much time online viewing intentionally nonsensical memes. Voted Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, the term also refers to the type of content that can contribute to such overstimulation. It can lead to brain fog, feeling unmotivated, losing focus and feeling too drained. It’s like your mind is stuck in low power mode.
According to Benjamin Johnson, University of Florida associate professor, brain rot is also a notably self-deprecating term. “It’s like, ‘This is bad for me, but this is fun. This is a guilty pleasure,” said Johnson.
How do these habits affect us? Studies have found that too much time doom-scrolling can seriously mess with your head. It keeps your brain in a constant state of stress, thanks to a hormone called cortisol. That can lead to anxiety, poor sleep and just an overall blah feeling. Not to mention, most apps are designed to keep you scrolling — the more time you spend on them, the better for them, not for you.
The good news: You’re not stuck in the scroll forever. There are some super doable ways to cut back on screen time and refresh your brain.
Set boundaries with your phone
Use screen time tools on your phone to limit how long you spend on certain apps. Try putting social media apps in a folder far from your home screen or turning off notifications — out of sight, out of mind.
Clean up your feed
If you’re going to be online, make it a better place. Unfollow accounts that drain you. Follow people or pages that make you feel good — think nature photography, cozy book talk or calming nature videos.
Take “no scroll” breaks
Make certain parts of your day phone-free — like the first 30 minutes after you wake up, during meals or before bed. Use that time for something calm and grounding.
Spend some time outside
Fresh air and sunlight are like magic for your brain. Even a short walk can clear your head and boost your mood. Bring a friend, your dog or just some music — whatever gets you out the door.
Do something creative
Instead of picking up your phone when you’re bored, try something creative like reading, doodling or making a new recipe. It’s all about retraining your brain to reach for something restorative, not just something stimulating.
Try a little mindfulness Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help you slow down and become more aware of your habits. Even a couple of deep breaths can reset your brain when you catch yourself getting overwhelmed.
Spend time with actual humans
Yep, real-life people. Meeting a friend for coffee or taking a walk together can make a bigger difference than you think. Human connection is powerful and way more satisfying than another comment section argument.
If doom-scrolling has become part of your daily routine, you’re not alone. But that brain foggy, mentally drained feeling doesn’t have to stick around. With a few small changes — more outside time, fewer phone check-ins and better habits — you can feel more present, more energized and a whole lot happier. You don’t have to quit the internet. You just need to take back control.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Shetland” seasons 1-5 (2013-2019)
Why: No one does TV police procedurals like the Brits, from the cozy vicar-solves-crimes shows to the hardboiled series set on the mean streets and precinct stations of London and other cities. “Shetland,” based on books by Ann Cleeves, hits a sweet spot in between those poles. The team on the Scottish islands of the show’s title is led by Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez. His small department has to navigate the closeknit but complicated social layers of their community. With six episodes each season (except for season 1, which only had two episodes), it’s easy to get immersed in the mystery but each season is not an overwhelming commitment. You may find yourself getting attached to many of the characters, especially Perez’ protégé Detective Constable Alison “Tosh” McIntosh.
Where: Seasons 1-5 are available on DVD.
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.
ALICIA BETANCOURT
Freepik
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
A 21-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries on July 6 when he tried to direct a shark back into the sea in Nantucket, Massachusetts. According to the Nantucket Current, the man had been fishing and caught the sandbar shark, which he and others were trying to pull by its tail back into deeper waters. But when he released the animal, it turned and bit him on the leg before swimming away. Beachgoers watched and recorded video as the incident unfolded. A friend took the injured man to the hospital, and he was later transported by helicopter to a mainland hospital.
Adam Dailies
In The Bleachers
Brevity
Simon Bolivar (1783-1830), South American liberator; Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870), playwright/novelist; Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), aviator; Pat Oliphant (1935- ), cartoonist; Gallagher (1946-2022), comedian; Gus Van Sant (1952- ), filmmaker; Karl Malone (1963- ), basketball player; Barry Bonds (1964- ), baseball player; Jennifer Lopez (1969- ), actress/singer; Patty Jenkins (1971- ), filmmaker; Rose Byrne (1979- ), actress; Elisabeth Moss (1982- ), actress; Anna Paquin (1982- ), actress.
In 1959, the “Kitchen Debate” between Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev took place in Moscow.
In 1983, umpires at Yankee Stadium in New York nullified a two-run home run in the ninth inning by George Brett of the Kansas City Royals, due to excessive pine
“We frequently pass so near to happiness without seeing, without regarding it, or if we do see and regard it, yet without recognizing it.”
— Alexandre Dumas, “The Count of Monte Cristo”
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT FY 2026 COMMERCIAL RATES FOR
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, will conduct a Public Hearing to adopt the FY 2026 Commercial Rates for collection, disposal, and recycling in Monroe County, Florida.
The Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 A.M. on August 20, 2025, at the Meeting of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link can be found in the electronic meeting agenda at the following address: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/ default.aspx.
All affected property owners and commercial customers have a right to appear, virtually, or in person, at the hearing, and to file written objections with the County Commission within twenty (20) calendar days of the first publication of this Notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceed-
COUNTY, FLORIDA
ings, and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the Public Hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing 711 for assistance.
If you have any questions, please contact the County’s Solid Waste Department at 305-295-4323 or 305-292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the August 20, 2025, Board of County Commissioners Meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: Gomez-Krystal@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: Monroe County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M., on August 15, 2025, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.
The following schedules reflect the proposed monthly rates for Commercial Waste Generators for:
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO REIMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, (BOCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to consider reimposing solid waste service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025, against certain improved residential properties located within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach, to fund the cost of solid waste collection services, facilities and programs provided to such properties, and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill.
The Public Hearing will be held at 9:00 A.M., on August 20, 2025, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link can be found in the electronic meeting agenda at the following address: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.
All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing, in person or virtually, and to file written objections with the County Commission, within 20 calendar days of the first publication date of this notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings, and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing “711” for assistance.
The total annual solid waste assessment revenue to be collected within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $20,479,325.00. The rate of assessment for the upcoming fiscal year shall be $577.11 per residential dwelling unit. The maximum rate of assessment that can be imposed in the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2025, and future fiscal years, shall be $577.11 per residential dwelling unit. Copies of the legal documentation for the assessment program will be made available upon request by contacting the County Administrator’s Office at 305-292-4441, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
If you have any questions, please call the County Solid Waste Management Department at 305-295-4323 or 305-292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem 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 property, which may result in a loss of title.
A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the August 20, 2025 BOCC meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: Gomez-Krystal@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M., on August 13, 2025, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.
DATED at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 26th day of July, 2025. Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida
Publish: July 24, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
All Contents in:
Unit B-59 – Curtis Drinkard & Laura Herrick
Sale of all goods will be 8/8/25 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on August 4th, 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:
Molina, Emilio 1569
Welsh, William 1730
Cox, Michael 1426
Trent, Cheryl 1203
Ancheta, Jose A 1319
Edwards, Jennifer 1201
Adams, Melinda 1302
Publish:
July 17 & 24, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
LEGAL NOTICES
DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This means no direct involvement by an applicant in a business or economic activity that is dependent upon tourism).
Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:
Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on August 22, 2025. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: July 24, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-250-K IN RE: ESTATE OF RICKY LEE SMITH
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Ricky Lee Smith, deceased, whose date of death was May 12, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Brian Joe Smith 1800 Massachusetts Avenue St. Cloud, Florida 34769
Attorney for Personal Representative:
John Sheldon, O.D. Island Vision Care 6400 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050
Dr. John Sheldon will be closing his optometry practice, Island Vision Care, located at 6400 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, e ective August 8, 2025. Patients wishing to pick up their medical records may do so until August 7th, 2025. Please call 305-743-2020 before August 8th if there are any questions.
Patient’s medical records will remain with Dr. John Sheldon. He will be joining Key West Optical, located at 1444 Kennedy Dr, Key West, Florida 33040, beginning on September 2nd, 2025. Please call 305-294-9711 to schedule appointments, to request records or for any questions starting September 2nd.
Publish:
July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
Tracy Hensel, M.D., J.D.
Attorney for Petitioner
Florida Bar Number: 127358
HENSEL, BAILEY & HARRIS, PA 701 13th Street
Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Telephone: (407) 957-9686
Fax: (407) 386-7451
E-mail: tracy@hbhlawfl.com
Secondary E-Mail: heather@ hbhlawfl.com
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, CASE NO.: 25-CP-37-P UPPER KEYS DIVISION JUDGE: MORGAN IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRUCE HORN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of BRUCE HORN, deceased, whose date of death was December 19, 2024 is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, FL, Upper Keys Division; Case Number: 25-CP-37-P; the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and his/her attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is: July 24, 2025. Personal Representative: Lynda Munshower Attorney for Personal Representative: JORGE JAILE, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1020005 Los Cayos Law, P.A. 100410 Overseas Hwy, Suite 303 Key Largo, FL 33037 Tel.: (305) 204-8814 Email: jorge@loscayoslaw.com Publish: July 24 & 31, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 24, 2025.
Personal Representative: Tiffany Irene Moe 101644 Overseas Highway, #25 Key Largo, Florida 33070 Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick, Esq. E-mail Addresses: reception@ mulicklaw.com and Lisa@mulicklaw.com
Florida Bar No. 337757
Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070
Telephone: (305) 852-9292
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 25-CP-000134-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SUE FOLTZ DICKES
a/k/a SUE F. DICKES
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The Administration of the Estate of Sue Foltz Dickes
a/k/a Sue F. Dickes, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands
against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 24, 2025.
Personal Representatives: Kimberly D. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Frederic L. Kenney 140 Southbrooke Court Decatur, Illinois 62521-3740
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624
Telephone: (813) 902-2119
Fax Number: (727) 290-4044
Email: filings@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Secondary Email: cortney@ FLprobatesolutions.com
Publish:
July 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-290-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF DOMINICK E. ARICCHI
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Dominick E. Aricchi, deceased, whose date of death was March 19, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate 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. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: July 17, 2025.
Personal Representative: Anita L. Aricchi
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:
July 17 & 24, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 25-CP-000277-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WELDON JOSEPH CUMMINGS, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Weldon Joseph Cummings, deceased, whose date of death was March 30, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
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 July 17, 2025.
Personal Representative: Cassandra Cummings Bogatz 731 44th Ave. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Attorney for Personal Representative: Kit Van Pelt, Esq.
Florida Bar Number: 106754
Older Lundy Koch & Martino
200 N. Garden Ave. Clearwater, FL 33755
Telephone: (813) 254-8998
Fax: (813) 839-4411
E-Mail: kvanpelt@ olderlundylaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: camatucci@ olderlundylaw.com
Publish:
July 17 & 24, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCIIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY
CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K
Premier Capital, LLC Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado
Defendant, 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 21st day of May, 2025, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA129-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 to-wit:
Legal Description(s) –On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said right of way boundary line of United Street a distance of 100 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described, thence at right angles in the Northwesterly direction 84.17 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction 26.3 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southeasterly direction 84.17 feet to a point in the Northwesterly direction along the said right of way line of United Street a distance of 26.3 feet back to the point of Beginning. SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY:
421 United Street Key West, Florida 33040
All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 28th day of August, 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 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 9th day of June, 2025.
Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida
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: July 17, 24 & 31 and August 7, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-677-K DIVISION: FAMILY BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, Petitioner, and ANTHONY D. HENDERSON, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: ANTHONY D. HENDERSON RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: NEVADA 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 BEKA MTCHEDLISHVILI, whose address is 926 TRUMAN AVENUE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before August 11, 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: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: July 2, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Sheryl LaTorre
Deputy Clerk Publish: July 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2025-CA-342-K HENRY GUERRIOS an individual,, Plaintiff and FREDERICK J. HUGO, Defendant.
NOTICE OF ACTION TO: FREDERICK J. HUGO 1408 SE 2nd CT Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Key West, FL 33040 (last known address)
Current address unknown
Current residence unknown
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a lawsuit for breach of contract
has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on JOHN MARSTON, Esquire, attorney for plaintiff, at 1011 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040, on or before August 4, 2025 and file the original with the clerk of this court immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.
Dated: June 23, 2025
KEVIN MADOK
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: July 3, 10, 17 & 24, 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
2003 Ford Explorer. 174k miles, runs greathave svc. records from 89k miles, A/C works. REDUCED to $3000 - OBO Bring an offer! Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
19’x40’ slip in Marathon, could handle somewhat larger boat with approval from dockmaster. Desirable location in marina, easy in, easy out. Available 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.
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
EMPLOYMENT
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/
Boat rental company in Marathon needs workers – Boat drivers, Truck drivers, Boat cleaners & Boat detailing. Call 305-481-7006
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-FT-Marathon, Carpenter-FT, 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.
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. Call: 305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO DAYS!!!
HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE
COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
UNFURNISHED 2/2 HOUSE FOR RENT ON CANAL, MM27, Ramrod Key, recently refurbished and painted, w/d, utilities paid by owner, $3000/ month, security negotiable, fenced yard, available now. Pete 786-649-9833 or pprm1119@aol.com
HOUSING FOR RENT
Furnished Studio Apt. for rent in Marathon. 1 person only. No smoking. No pets. $1,100/month incl. water and electric. 305-743-9876
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available now. $3,500/mo. 618-559-9143
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Tile & carpet floors, new appliances, gated property. No pets. Avail in July. $2700/mo incl. electric only. F/L/S Dockage available for sep. fee. 305-610-8002
2BR/1BA for rent in Key Colony Beach. 800 sq. ft., fully furnished, across from park, one block from beach. 3 month min. REDUCED to $2750/month + sales & TDT taxes if less than 6 mos.. F/L/S 786-285-9476 fjvillegascpa@gmail.com PENDING!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
RV FOR SALE
2017 Fleetwood Discovery 39F Diesel Pusher For Sale. Only 35k miles. Located in Grassy Key. $135,000 757-477-2450
5th Wheel 27' Forest River Travel Trailer For Sale. Located in Key West. $13,000 OBO 305-848-7070
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
YARD SALES
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@KeysWeekly.com
FOR SALE
$3,000 OBO. 174k miles, runs great, A/C works. Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169
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.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
IS HIRING
IN THE UPPER KEYS
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
is accepting applications for the following position in its Engineering Department:
ELECTRICAL PROJECT ENGINEER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $136,979/annually$140,815/annually
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
wants you to join their team!
Full-time. $19/hour to start.
EMAIL resume to: TurtleHospital@TurtleHospital.org
APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA
MARINA CASHIER
Looking for a friendly, dependable team member who can handle a busy retail environment with a great a itude. Customer service experience and willingness to learn our sales system is ideal. Duties include assisting customers, restocking, placing orders, and keeping the store clean and organized.
This is an hourly position with pay based on experience. Flexible hours with a consistent weekly schedule. Morning and a ernoon shi s available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
NOW HIRING
GENERAL OFFICE HELP
Captain Pip’s & their sister properties are looking to hire for general of ce help.
Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
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.
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon wants you to join their team! EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GUIDES/GIFT SHOP SALES
Full and part-time. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $19/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org NOW HIRING!
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
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS
HIRING!
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, Adult) (FT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT)
Prevention Specialist
Advocate
MARATHON
Prevention Specialist
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)
*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/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
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Radiation Therapist, $12k Bonus
- Pool Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C), Medical Oncology, Per Diem
