Backcountry Capt. Rich Hastings specializes in light tackle and fly fishing out of Islamorada and Key West. A member of the Florida Keys Guides Association and affiliated with the Bonefish Tarpon
I was born and raised in South Florida, spending three decades immersed in the outdoors and everything the Florida Keys has to offer. Fishing the Florida Keys has been a part of my life since I was a toddler. My lifelong experience in these waters is why I can put my clients on fish and help you land that fish of a lifetime.
Cristina grew up fishing with her dad out of Long Island, NY until she decided she wanted to pursue a career full time at sea. She started as a mate for Montauk charter boat captains & worked deck on the Captain Michael party boat in Islamorada. She worked the deck for 4 years until she started to run a charter boat out of Robbie’s.
Captain Ramiro is known for his keen eye and ability to connect with anglers of all levels. With a strong background in competitive fishing and a commitment to client satisfaction, Ramiro ensures each trip is not just a day out on the water but a thrilling, successful adventure.
Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050
News Deadline
Monday Noon
Advertising Deadline
Tuesday 2 p.m.
A former Miami Heat security officer pleaded guilty in federal court on Aug. 19 for stealing more than 400 jerseys and items from an equipment room and selling them online. According to federal prosecutors, the retired Miami police officer sold 100 stolen items — often below market value — over a three-year period. The remaining 300 jerseys and memorabilia items were recovered by law enforcement.
Left, Sector Key West Commander Josh Empen recognizes outgoing Station Islamorada commander Matt James. New Commander Christopher Rantuccio is at far right. See page 12. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
ISLAMORADA TAKES SWINGS AT FOUNDERS BALLFIELD UPGRADES
New renderings show improvements
Members of
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
New site plan renderings show what $6.1 million in upgrades could do for the Founders Park ballfield, home to the Coral Shores High School baseball program.
A series of drawings by the architect firm Keystar were unveiled during an Aug. 18 meeting of the village’s Baseball Field Citizens Task Force and at the Aug. 19 school board meeting.
Concept images presented by Keystar architect Tyler Kersh showed how new improvements, such as a two-story building behind home plate for concessions and press box, would look at the ballfield. And while the field’s dimensions won’t change, Kersh acknowledged slight modifications were made to the foul territory behind the first- and thirdbase lines to allow for new dugouts and amenity buildings. The changes are also geared to mitigate foul balls from reaching the parking lot and U.S. 1.
“We basically tightened the foul ball system, allowing the netting system to be a little more efficient and catching some of those balls,” Kersh said.
Other plans include new grandstands to seat 300 people, which is roughly how many attend any given game. Design images also show a new single-story, multi-use building attached to the home dugout. The facility would give space to players, coaches and umpires.
Renderings show trees around the ballfield remaining at the village and community members’ request. Kersh said new buildings won’t stick out beyond the tree line, quelling some concerns in the community that new upgrades would bring a stadium-like feel.
“Our intent is to keep those (buildings) low enough to where these are not prominent and sticking out past the trees,” Kersh said.
And plans are still in place to go with synthetic turf, a subject garnering much debate within the Islamorada community. During the village’s task force meeting, resident Cheryl
Culberson said she spoke with two engineers who said cisterns could be implemented to adequately water a natural playing surface.
“We have no more business putting this plastic crap down on the floor than the man on the moon,” she said.
Pat Lefere, executive director of operations for the school district, said they’re well aware of the challenges — and costs — in maintaining artificial grass surfaces not only at Founders Park, but also at playing fields from Coral Shores to Key West. He said the school district is now advising any new playing surfaces should be artificial as opposed to natural grass.
Discussion among the task force, Village Manager Ron Saunders, Lefere and the public lasted three hours. A myriad of topics were highlighted, from synthetic turf versus grass, maintenance responsibilities between the village and school district, and the two new buildings proposed at the field.
A drawing shows a new two-story building behind the Founders Park ballfield home plate for concessions and press box. CONTRIBUTED
Task force member Tony Hammon, a Coral Shores baseball coach, noted the school district approved a conceptual design during a June meeting. The village’s parks and recreation committee voted 7-1 to continue discussions with the district over the ballfield upgrades, and endorsing artificial turf, at its July meeting.
Hammon acknowledged the village can’t afford to leave millions of dollars provided by the school district for the baseball field on the table, as it could be shifted to another program — or school — should the village council elect to not move forward.
“I don’t believe our task is to fuss over the buildings and the number of bleachers. Our task is to say what can we do to move this forward,” he said.
Task force member Alina Davis, a real estate agent and member of the parks and recreation committee who voted “no” on the proposed plans, disagreed with Hammon’s statements. She said the task force should take note of survey results from Miller Legg, the firm hired to conduct a master plan of Founders Park, and a separate survey by Mayor Sharon Mahoney.
Miller Legg’s survey showed that adding artificial turf fields to the park wasn’t a high priority among the 860 people who
COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS MARKS 60 YEARS
Yearlong celebration to highlight 6 decades of higher education
responded. And Mahoney’s survey, which asked if they want to replace the artificial grass surface with synthetic turf, had 112 people say “no” to the 51 who answered “yes.”
“I think that this is really what we need to be looking at – what do the residents want?” Davis said.
Saunders said he wanted the task force to examine the site plan and recommend any changes to aspects such as the buildings, not so much artificial turf versus grass.
“That can be an argument all the way through,” Saunders said.
“I’ve been given direction by my council to see what we can do to get this thing going. There’s still a lot more work to be done, particularly in the design of the buildings.”
In addition to Hammon and Davis, the task force includes Richard Black, backcountry fishing guide; Jamie Engel, local real estate agent; and Andy Cone, fishing guide and former Coral Shores baseball player.
The village owns the ballfield and leases it to the school district for use by the high school baseball team during the season. That’s done through several agreements which need approval from the village council and school board.
On Aug. 19, the College of the Florida Keys launched a yearlong celebration of its 60th anniversary with the start of the fall semester. It marks six decades of providing affordable and accessible higher education throughout the Florida Keys.
Under the theme "Infinite Horizons: Pioneering Success Since 1965," the college will host events throughout the academic year, ending in June 2026. The milestone honors the institution's evolution from a junior college serving transfer students to a comprehensive state college offering programs from high school diplomas to bachelor degrees and workforce training across multiple locations from Key West to Key Largo.
"The college has evolved from our humble beginnings. Yet, it remains steadfast and committed to providing life-changing opportunities to students while responding to the dynamic academic, workforce and lifelong learning needs of the Keys," said Jonathan Gueverra, college president and CEO. "Most importantly, we have fostered meaningful relationships with students, alumni, supporters, community stakeholders, and industry partners that have allowed us to build bridges that strengthen our island chain and have global impact."
In August 1965, Monroe Junior College first offered classes at the former Douglass High School in Key West, giving Monroe County residents an opportunity to earn college degrees
without moving to the mainland. Initial enrollment of about 500 students grew to 1,156 by the end of the fall semester, with tuition at $9 per credit hour for Florida residents.
Early course offerings included general education classes for an associate of arts degree, plus programs in business administration, pre-law, preministerial studies, teacher education, scuba diving, pre-dental, pre-medical and police administration, along with noncredit enrichment classes.
As part of the celebration, the college is developing a historical exhibit to debut Nov. 1 during Community Day at the Key West campus library. The exhibit will feature photographs, news stories and artifacts documenting the college's evolution and impact on students and the community. Alumni, employees and community members are invited to contribute photos, memorabilia and personal stories by emailing alumni@cfk.edu
More information is at cfk.edu/60.
Contributed
Marine engineering program in the 1970s. CONTRIBUTED
College of the Florida Keys, nursing program in the 1960s
From left, Richard Black, Jamie Engel and Tony Hammon during the Baseball Field Citizens Task Force public information session on Aug. 18. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
BALLFIELD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
TRAPPERS IN TROUBLE?
Immigration enforcement, tariffs and imports are leaving Florida Keys lobster fishermen high and dry
By Alex Rickert and Jim McCarthy
In the Florida Keys, immigration enforcement and changing international markets are draining the lifeblood of the island chain’s lobster industry. And locals are sounding the alarm.
For more than four decades, commercial fisherman Bruce Irwin has made his living on Keys waters. Working more than 100 hours per week to provide for his family, at the age of 63, today he said should be enjoying retirement. Instead, he told the Keys Weekly, these days he’s back on his boats, filling the space of legal, documented immigrants at risk of being detained by immigration enforcement operations.
In early August, a social media post by Customs and Border Protection boasted of an arrest of “4 illegal aliens from Nicaragua” aboard a commercial fishing vessel in Marathon.
“Don’t try it … We are watching!” the post said. “Another win for #BorderSecurity.”
While the post generated a fair show of support, other comments from Keys locals weren’t so inviting.
“Show me an American who can keep up with these guys, I’ll hire you right now, then watch you crash on the first trip,” one comment wrote.
“Safe from what? Hardworking individuals who have no prior (arrests) and have legal work permits?” said another. “Legal working permits are being revoked … and those individuals are now being deported.”
Irwin and other fishermen throughout the Keys say that even if workers are here legally, their documents are no longer worth the paper they’re printed on.
“My crew came here seeking asylum. They checked in and did everything right, got their visas and work permits, which are cleared by the Department of Homeland Security. (The crew) come to work, and we’re all legal,” Irwin said. “They (CBP) will do a little raid, take people off the boats, so they scare them all to where they all want to leave. If you fight it, they just detain you indefinitely.
“It’s the most unfair thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Unwilling to send his crew to sea with no assurance they’d return home, Irwin said he’s back on the boat – but there’s no replacing the work he’s lost.
“The labor crisis in the Keys is huge … and we get these people, and we’re ecstatic – they’re the best people we’ve had in so long,” he said. “But my guys haven’t been on my boat. I don’t want to be responsible for you getting deported. I’m not living with that.
“It’s crippling many small businesses across the nation. If you want to take the undocumented people that never did any paperwork, then fine. But the guys who came here and did it right, why wouldn’t you want them here? One guy told me this is the best his family’s ever been in his life, and he’s so grateful for what he’s accomplished here in the country.”
Captain James “Bucko” Platt tells a similar story of his crew aboard the Melissa Keiko, the boat he owns and operates for his business, Marathon Crab and Lobster Company.
“My normal crew that has worked with me for close to 10 years are from Nicaragua, and they’re work-permitted guys,” he said. “They’ve never been in any trouble. They’re family-oriented, religious, non-violent – not the type of people that I was expecting the federal government to be deporting.”
Down in Key West, Keys Fresh Seafood market owner John Buckheim told the Weekly that on Aug. 18, an attempt to help a boat in need turned into a raid that left the vessel stuck at his dock.
“I had a shrimp boat pull into my dock yesterday that needed water. Two plain-clothes guys walked up to the back of the boat. They made one signal, and out of nowhere, a fully tactical guy came running out from behind a car and took a guy down and off the boat,” he said. “I was giving him a free slip and free water, just to do what's right. Now, he’s stuck at my dock for the next week in a 100-foot boat.
“He’s burning 75 gallons a day in diesel running the generator to keep his product in his boat frozen, and now it’s a two-man crew. It’s not safe for them to go back out until they find another guy. We just tied up an American business, and clogged up another business.”
On Aug. 18, the Weekly reached out to the offices of U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody on the recent arrests of commercial fishing crew members by ICE in the Florida Keys. None of the offices responded to questions before press time on Aug. 20.
But a letter by Jerome Young, executive director for the Florida Keys Commercial Fisherman’s Association, to Gimenez’s office regarding the arrests by immigration authorities did garner a response by Beatriz Viera, his director of community affairs and constituent services.
Viera said recent enforcement actions by ICE are the result of the president’s executive order. Signed by the president Jan. 20, the order initially intended to remove illegal immigrants with criminal histories. Among other things, the order also directed the attorney general to prosecute criminal offenses related to anyone illegally entering the U.S.
However, Beatriz said the directive altered prior policies and is being “applied broadly, which is why individuals — even those with work permits — are being detained pending further review of their immigration status.”
“It’s important to know each case is different and not all shall be handled in the same way. Also, having a work permit does not necessarily mean they are admitted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and usually means there is more to discuss on the case,” she said.
Beatriz added they’re seeking clearer guidance from federal agencies to understand the criteria and procedures being used in the apprehensions. The Weekly’s questions, which went unanswered, asked Gimenez, Scott and Moody if they received any clarification on the arrests of individuals, such as the fish crew members in the Keys who had valid work visas.
International market evaporates
Already hard-pressed to protect –or replace – their workforce, the Keys’ commercial lobster fleet has another burden to bear: competing with rockbottom prices of seafood from Caribbean nations, as a changing international landscape cripples the value of their exports.
According to an NBC report, in 2024, Keys fishermen caught nearly 4 million pounds of lobster. In recent years, three quarters of that catch has been exported to China.
That “gold rush,” as one source called it, was made possible in part by a four-year ban on Australian lobster imports to China that began in
The crew of the Melissa Keiko with captain James Platt heads out for an early morning of pulling lobster traps in Marathon. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
November 2020, along with a growing taste for the delicacy from the sea and the popularity of lobster during Lunar New Year celebrations.
In search of new lobster sources, the Chinese turned to the U.S., where spiny lobster from the Keys could easily be taken to the mainland and loaded on jumbo jets for export.
Several sources interviewed by the Weekly for this report said the historical “magic number” for the sale of whole lobster is roughly $8 per pound for a Keys commercial boat to make money, with $9 or $10 providing a more comfortable cushion.
At its peak, lobster prices when exported to China shot well north of $20 per pound, causing some vendors to turn away from more traditional buyers like European cruise lines. Others traded in items like stone crab traps and let other fishing efforts lapse as they capitalized on spiking prices.
With retaliatory tariffs in response to those imposed by the Trump administration, Australian exports that re-opened in December 2024, and new runways and water systems built to export live product from Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua, the overseas market isn’t anywhere near what it once was, and buyers who formerly purchased product from the Keys before the Chinese sales have turned their attention elsewhere.
At the same time, thanks to initiatives like the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) of 2000, many Caribbean countries can continually capitalize on reduced regulations and labor and operating costs while exporting tariff-free seafood to the U.S.
It’s a primary reason why, in an island chain that touts its fresh seafood, most of the products sold locally don’t come from Keys waters.
According to NOAA, the U.S. as a whole imports roughly 70% to 85% of its seafood. The fishermen interviewed by the Weekly for this piece say the percent of imported seafood making it to plates in Keys restaurants pushes that upper limit – and they’re calling for truth in advertising when eateries advertise their “fresh catch.”
“Consumers rarely know they’re being served imported lobster and fish, selected not for quality, but cost,” said Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association executive director Jerome Young in a press release. “We’re forced to operate within a structurally imbalanced market. We believe that if seafood labeling laws made origin transparent, Americans would choose local – even at a higher price.”
Depending on who you ask, today, imported frozen lobster tails can be purchased for $10 to $18 per pound. Comprising ⅓ of the weight of a whole lobster, that’s about $3 to $6 per pound for whole bugs – a price Irwin said would make most local fishermen “go out of business in very short order” with rising supply costs. Today, he said, a single trap alone costs $75, and just to make it through a season comfortably, he’d need to sell whole lobster for $10 per pound.
In fact, he said, when he previously owned Marathon-based retailer Brutus Seafood, “it was cheaper for me to buy Caribbean lobster and sell it than it was to take it off my own boat.”
The lack of a domestic lobster market isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon, and U.S. exports to Europe and China have historically made up the difference. But with these markets drying up, the low-priced Caribbean imports are particularly devastating.
Beyond cries for help for tariffs to level the playing field, local fishermen say it’s time for labeling laws and local retailers to shed light on where customers’ products are coming from.
In a YouTube video titled “Lobster Fisherman Starving at $5 a Pound Ask President For Help,” third-generation Key West fisherman Jorge Blanco said the current landscape isn’t a question of “los(ing) money – we’re going out of business.”
Blanco said he wouldn’t be surprised to see 30% of Key West commercial fishermen leave the industry this year – “and if we get a hurricane, 75%, guaranteed.”
Irwin agreed, adding that heightened trap losses in Key West from recent hurricanes that skirted the Keys have only made matters worse.
“They’re so distraught, they’re ready to sell out and go,” Irwin said. “It’s going to cost some people a lot –maybe their business. If you took out a loan to pay for your business, right now, you’re not gonna make it.”
“I’ve never seen the industry the way it is right now,” agreed Platt. “It used to be that if you worked hard, did everything right, and had a big enough business, you could make a good living, pay your mortgage. Now, it’s pretty much all you can do just to maintain the boat and gear while paying the crew and hope hard work pays off in the end.”
“The only way we fix it is either shut it down completely, give (other countries) a quota, or give them a big tariff,” Blanco added. “The Florida Keys were built on the backs of fishermen, and we’re going extinct.”
OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025
AT 1:00 P.M.
FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
Established in 2023, this woman-owned business o ers everything needed to acquire a drivers license, from driving lessons, written and road exams, permit preparation and tra c courses, lling a void in the Upper Keys for lessons. The experienced certi ed instructors help new drivers master the con dence needed to drive safely behind the wheel.
"We believe that learning to drive takes more than just lessons," said owner Loraine Rivera. "It takes patience, support and a commitment to teaching correctly to every student. We’re here to help learners become not just licensed drivers but con dent and safe ones. Our success comes from the trust we build with each student and the passion we bring to every lesson."
Lessons can be purchased individually or in a package deal, ranging from one hour up ten hours of lessons. Schedules are exible and include weekend lessons.
Located in the Pink Plaza at 103400 Overseas Hwy., #250, Key Largo. 786-589-7076 | drivesafe-ts.com | drivesafe_ts@outlook.com
LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER 305-451-1414 • 1-800-822-1088 events@keylargochamber.org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG
ICE AGENT ARRESTED FOR DUI WITH KIDS IN THE CAR
Scott Deiseroth
mistook Bahia
Honda Bridge for 18Mile Stretch; breath test was twice the legal alcohol limit
An ICE agent from Miami was arrested on the Bahia Honda Bridge on the afternoon of Aug. 13, after a motorist called 911 to report a southbound pickup truck driving erratically on the Seven Mile Bridge and then going south in the northbound lanes after the bridge.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Col. Chad Scibilia and Deputy J. Lane stopped Scott Deiseroth, 42, on the Bahia Honda Bridge at MM 36.5.
Before pulling over the pickup truck, Scibilia “observed the reckless vehicle straddling the middle of the roadway, partially driving southbound in the northbound lane … bouncing between the inside lane and the outside lane, swerving heavily,” states the arrest report.
Once the vehicle was stopped, authorities reported an “overwhelming” odor of alcohol, a driver with glassy eyes, who stumbled when he got out of the vehicle and whose two sons, ages 7 and 9, were in the truck.
Deputies asked Deiseroth where he was coming from, and he said he had driven from Miami to Islamorada and was now on his way back to Miami, the report states.
“I informed Scott he was driving the wrong direction and he informed me that I was wrong,” Lane wrote. “I asked (Deiseroth) where he thinks he is and he began looking around (while sitting on top of the Bahia Honda Bridge) and said, ‘I'm on the Stretch,’ referring to the (18-Mile Stretch) between Key Largo and Florida City.
“I informed Scott he was approximately 70 miles or so away from there and he again informed me that I was wrong,” the report states.
When asked what he had been drinking, Deiseroth reportedly became defensive and said that “he is a federal HSI agent with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and that he had four drinks,” the report states.
He couldn’t tell the officers what he had consumed, only saying that the bartender had made the drinks.
Deiseroth stumbled when exit-
ICE agent Scott Deiseroth was arrested Aug. 13 for DUI and child neglect at MM 36 on the Bahia Honda Bridge. CONTRIBUTED
ing his pickup truck, then failed all roadside sobriety tests after asking the deputies for “professional courtesy” and asking them, “Really? Are we really doing this?" the report states.
He repeatedly resisted arrest and had to be forcibly placed in handcuffs and the backseat of a patrol car, where he began slamming his head on the Plexiglass partition and screaming Lane’s name.
The children in the pickup truck gave the officers their mother’s number and arrangements were made for deputies to take the kids to Islamorada, where they met with the mother and were handed over to her custody.
Deiseroth’s ICE supervisor was notified of his arrest when he arrived at the jail on Stock Island, where breathalyzer tests revealed a blood-alcohol level of .170 and .174 — more than twice the legal limit of .08 in Florida.
“Due to (Deiseroth’s) level of impairment, he almost crashed multiple times and was unable to care for even himself,” the report states. “He willfully failed to provide both of his children with the care, supervision and services necessary to maintain their physical and mental health.
He must have known or reasonably should have known that his culpable negligence was likely to cause great bodily harm or death to both of his children. The Department of Children and Families was contacted and Deiseroth’s supervisor with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was also notified of his arrest.”
Deiseroth faces charges of driving under the influence and child neglect. He has a hearing in front of Judge Mark Wilson on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.
COCAINE WASHES UP NEAR A POPULAR JOINT
Several bricks of suspected cocaine were discovered not far from the popular restaurant in Islamorada on Aug. 16.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a fishing captain found a large black bag containing roughly 25 kilograms, or 55 pounds, of cocaine near Islamorada Marina, which is home to Square Grouper Restaurant.
The fishing captain’s large cocaine discovery was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
This isn’t the first time that bricks of cocaine were discovered near the Florida Keys shore or out at sea. On July 31, a mariner found some 23 kilograms of suspected cocaine roughly 5 miles south of Islamorada. The mariner contacted law enforcement to report the
A large black bag with suspected cocaine. A fishing captain discovered it on Aug. 16 near Islamorada Marina, which is home to Square Grouper Restaurant. MCSO/ Contributed
discovery. And on July 3, a package containing 1.3 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found near MM 79.5 in Islamorada on July 3. The package was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
— Keys Weekly staff report
HOLLYWOOD MAN ARRESTED AFTER HE REPORTEDLY STOLE AMERICAN FLAG
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies say a man was arrested after he reportedly stole an American flag from a neighboring property in Key Largo.
The incident occurred the evening of Aug. 16, when deputies say they were called to a home on Seagate Boulevard regarding a suspicious person. The caller said a man, who was later identified as Michael Allen Pollock, initially swam across the canal to request music be turned down. The man complied with Pollock’s request. Deputies said Pollock was staying in a vacation rental.
But later that evening, Pollock swam back — this time to snatch an American flag on the property. Deputies say security footage cor-
Michael Allen Pollock. MCSO/Contributed
roborated the victims’ statements. Deputies arrested Pollock and charged him with felony burglary and a misdemeanor for larceny. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 9.
— Keys Weekly staff report
A diver from Reef
SEX AND THE SEA
Timing is everything, especially for baby-making corals
leased by the corals, floating into nets that Nedimyer’s team fitted like hoods over the large fragments.
Sure, you may keep a meticulous calendar, but even the perfectionists among us cannot rival the punctuality of spawning Acropora palmata. Elkhorn corals have an entry in their August calendar for 10:20 p.m. on the fourth night following a full moon, and last week, to the minute, as practitioners working to rebuild reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary watched in wonder, the corals answered their mating call.
“They’re somehow synchronized to the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon,” said Ken Nedimyer, technical director for Reef Renewal USA. “Who knows? But it’s amazing.”
As one of the pioneers of coral restoration techniques, Nedimyer has seen nearly everything, but he was genuinely giddy over the 2025 spawning that took place under the cover of darkness in Reef Renewal’s Tavernier nursery, where the event had never been seen in the reef-building elkhorn species.
Coral fragments that hang from tree-like structures are usually moved to the reefs or land-based locations before they reach sexual maturity, but a confluence of events this year left hundreds of basketball-sized elkhorn coral in Reef Renewal’s nursery as the calendar turned to spawning season.
“We sent the bigger corals to the University of Miami this year, and in years past we’ve sent some to the Florida Aquarium,” Nedimyer explained. “When they said they couldn't take any more, we said, ‘Well, let's go out and watch them and see if they spawn.’”
On two consecutive nights at exactly 10:20, hundreds of thousands of gametes were re-
“They’re called bundles,” he said, “and each polyp pops out this bundle that consists of five to 10 eggs, and then in the middle is a packet of sperm. They're hermaphrodites, so they produce both. Some people say the bundles look like Dippin’ Dots, or a little ball of Styrofoam. They float to the top, and they drift around for about half an hour to an hour before they break open, and then the sperm try to find an egg. They're not really self-fertile, so they have to find the egg from a different genotype.”
The sperm and eggs are reproductively viable for only a few hours, so Reef Renewal rushed them to shore and then to the University of Miami, where the mixing and matching took place. A year from now, they may be large enough to return to the Keys as coral fragments, waiting to be part of NOAA’s Mission: Iconic Reef’s restoration program.
“They were grouping selected gametes,” said Katey Lesneski, Mission: Iconic Reefs research and monitoring coordinator, “and then intentionally mixing them with gametes collected at Elbow Reef, one of the few reefs where healthy populations of elkhorn coral still exist. That’s a sure-fire way to create new genetic combinations that may not happen out on the reef naturally.
“A number of the genets in these nurseries are (supposedly) heat-resistant, so continuing those lineages and mixing them with new lineages is another way to ensure continuation of traits, and even potentially providing different beneficial traits.”
Nedimyer believes elkhorn is the only coral that can rebuild the reefs quickly enough to
keep pace with sea level rise. While heat waves have decimated the species in recent years, the babies born in last week’s spawning are from parents that have demonstrated a resistance to thermal increases.
“We call it selective breeding, or assisted evolution,” said Nedimyer. “Whatever you want to call it, the only hope these corals have in the 21st century is for us to do these spawning experiments and try to find some winners that we can turn around and then propagate asexually.”
Mission: Iconic Reefs partners Mote Marine Laboratory and Coral Restoration Foundation also captured spawning in their Keys nurseries. Their events featured the smaller staghorn species. Reef Renewal’s elkhorn experiment, as successful as it was serendipitous, opens a new opportunity. Collecting gametes in the nursery setting is a safer and more practical approach to leveraging the spawning season, when the calendar turns to the fourth night after the full moon in August. At exactly 10:20 p.m.
Renewal USA examines a coral 'tree' in the nonprofit's offshore nursery near Key Largo, checking for signs of spawning. FRAZIER NIVENS/Florida Keys News Bureau
Practitioners from Reef Renewal USA work during spawning night at their Tavernier nursery on Aug.14. FRAZIER NIVENS/Florida Keys News Bureau
SCOTT ATWELL www.keysweekly.com
ISLAMORADA COAST GUARD TEAM WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER
Chris Rantuccio takes over for Matt James, who retires after 30 years
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada’s new leader, Christopher Rantuccio, was installed during a change of command ceremony on Aug. 15 at Baker’s Cay Resort.
A command change at the station also marked the end of 30 years of service for Matt James, chief warrant officer who oversaw the station the past four years.
A tradition marking the transfer of responsibility and authority from one individual to another, the change of command ceremony signifies the continued leadership with no interruption in the mission and operations.
Inside the resort’s ballroom, the transition from James to Rantuccio was overseen by new U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West Commander Josh Empen. Fellow members of the Coast Guard, including those who retired from service, family members and dignitaries looked on as James guided Rantuccio to inspect and greet the Coast Guard Station Islamorada members.
But before Rantuccio assumed command, James took time to reflect on a career that propelled him into different positions and places around the globe. He enlisted in July 1995 and graduated from
Cape May, New Jersey. In his three decades of service, James moved through the enlisted ranks from seaman apprentice to senior chief boatswain’s mate, before being appointed chief warrant officer in 2012.
James’s first cutter was the Bainbridge Island. He responded to the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City as an operations petty officer with the cutter Adak. He was then deployed to the northern Arabian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Returning home, he served at Station Sandy Hook and advanced to chief boatswain’s mate. He was eventually assigned to the maritime security response team for three years, serving as an advanced interdiction coxswain and the deployable team leader for a tactical delivery group.
In the late stages of his career, James assumed command of Station Calumet Harbor in Chicago, where he served until 2019. He then became operations team leader for Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia and interim commanding officer of Motor Lifeboat Station Barnegat Light, New Jersey before assuming command at Coast Guard Station Islamorada in May 2021.
Josh Empen, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West commander.
Christopher Rantuccio, new commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada, addresses attendees.
Matt James, former commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Islamorada, reflects on his 30 years of service.
Christopher Rantuccio meets members of Coast Guard Station Islamorada. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly.
TEAMS COMPETE IN KEY LARGO TRIATHLON
Station Islamorada came with some unique challenges for James and fellow crew members. Migrant voyages were on the rise from Cuba and Haiti to the southeast U.S. — and more specifically the Florida Keys. Under James’ command, crew members responded to many vessel landings and groundings from Key Largo to Islamorada.
One of the larger incidents occurred on March 6, 2022, when a 50-foot vessel carrying 356 Haitian migrants grounded off Ocean Reef Club in North Key Largo. A little more than 150 Haitian migrants jumped off a grounded boat, attempting to swim to shore roughly 200 yards away. Nearly 200 more remained on the 50-foot boat as the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies responded to the scene.
Just months later in August, another larger vessel packed with Haitian migrants arrived again near Ocean Reef Club. The dilapidated sailboat carrying 300 Haitian men women and children grounded, leading to more than 110 migrants jumping off the vessel and swimming to shore. The rest remained on the boat. A swift rescue ensued by the U.S. Coast Guard, as many migrants in the water weren’t wearing life jackets.
Then there was the harrowing November 2022 nighttime rescue of Haitian migrants who jumped into the water near Islamorada’s Whale Harbor after the vessel they were on grounded in a shallow, sandy patch.
Empen said James’ leadership countering illegal migration off the Florida coast was “absolutely essential” during Operation Vigilant Sentry, which combatted illegal
maritime migration in the Caribbean corridor of the United States.
“Your in-demand training solutions and demanding plans assured the safety and well being of your members and assets, enabling the station to be an unprecedented operational command,” Empen said.
James expressed his gratitude to the many law enforcement partners in the community, the Coast Guard auxiliary and his family for the support along the way.
With James’ retirement, the Coast Guard’s Florida Keys team welcomed Rantuccio as new commanding officer at Station Islamorada. Like James, he was assigned to the Bainbridge Island. He was then assigned to the cutter Maui, which was deployed to the Arabian Gulf during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Returning to the U.S., he was assigned to Station Boston. He eventually took command of the cutter Hawser at Bayonne, New Jersey, which conducted search and rescue missions on the Hudson River and the greater New York metro area.
In June 2020, Rantuccio was appointed chief warrant officer and assigned as executive officer of Station South Padre Island, Texas. There, he managed 70 personnel conducting complex law enforcement and interdiction operations on the nation’s southern border. In July 2023, he took command of the cutter Hawk, in Galveston.
Rantuccio said it’s an honor to be the next commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Islamorada, inheriting a crew, a mission and a reputation shaped by James’ steady hand.
Duos swim, bike, ride and socialize
With the Florida Keys’ aqua waters serving as a backdrop, 17 teams tested their strength and abilities during the Key Largo Triathlon on Aug. 17. Special Compass hosted the twomember squads, composed of a triathlete and a buddy, for a race at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Volunteer guide swimmers pulled rafts with their fellow race companions. Triathletes attached race chairs to their cycles, and they also pushed them during the contest’s running portion. Jim Sayih, Special Compass founder and executive director, said all teams crossed the finish line with smiles. Each contestant received their medal and memories of an adventure with their new friends. The day was capped off with a dinner at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill.
“It was an incredible weekend of socializing, sports and service for inclusion,” Sayih said.
Special Compass assists children and families with disabilities navigate life through education, sports and housing — independently through inclusion. Special Compass provides them with opportunities to participate in a wide range of community and athletic activities, enhancing their confidence, self-esteem and sense of purpose. To learn more, visit specialcompass.org/ — Keys Weekly staff report
Teams composed of triathletes and disabled persons compete in the Key Largo Triathlon at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Aug. 17. CONTRIBUTED
Matt James joins the Coast Guard Auxiliary on May 29, 2021 to familiarize himself with the Upper Keys waters. FILE PHOTO
COAST
KEY LARGO FOOD TRUCK SMOKES THE COMPETITION
Yelp puts Mike’s BBQ 101 among top 10 trucks in nation
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
Tucked behind the bright red food truck stationed outside Key Largo’s Dolphins Plus is where chef Mike Porcari insists the “real” magic happens.
“One of my things is to be as traditional as the Texas barbecue style,” said Porcari, as he showed off his custom-built, wood-fired 500-gallon smoker.
From Texas-style brisket to Carolina-inspired pulled pork to mouthwatering ribs, this smoker churns out roughly 1,000 pounds of succulent barbecue meats weekly.
“You’re constantly having to work the fire, rearrange stuff,” said Porcari.
Over the last eight and a half years, Mike’s BBQ 101 has been satisfying locals and tourists alike. As the name suggests, the food truck is located at MM 101. But the “101” in the name has additional meaning. It is here where Porcari loves teaching his customers an introductory crash course on the power of the smoker.
“I spend hours, just hours, talking with my customers,” said Porcari.
Now the Brooklyn-born, South Florida transplant is receiving national recognition for his meats.
“Yelp was just the icing on the cake,” said Porcari. “It came out of the blue.”
Porcari was stunned to find out his barbecue food truck was ranked No. 9 on Yelp’s 2025 list of the 100 best food trucks in the country. Nationwide, a total of 58,000 trucks competed for a spot on the list. Mike’s BBQ 101 was the only Floridabased truck to make the top 10.
Porcari said it wasn’t the quantity of customer reviews that propelled him into the top 10, but rather the quality of each review, detailing unfor-
gettable gastronomic experiences.
“The amount of verbiage used and key phrases is kind of what put us at the level we got,” he said.
Like most success stories, this one did not come without struggles and sacrifice.
“Talk about paying your dues blood, sweat and tears, no joke,” said Porcari of the road to where he is today.
After working in the restaurant business for years, including prepping food for 2,000 cruise-ship passengers at a time, Porcari became burned out and left the business to drive a tractor-trailer across the country. Six years later, he answered a Craigslist ad for a pitmaster at a Fort Lauderdale-based barbecue joint. Eventually he became frustrated with a lack of career advancement and hopped over to a competing restaurant, where he was later fired.
“I was not where I am now after being fired. It was a stone-cold gut punch,” said Porcari, who believes being fired was probably one of the best things that could have happened to him.
Four months after he was let go in 2017, Porcari and his Brazilian wife, Aparecida de Souza, bought the red food truck he would turn into Mike’s BBQ 101.
For the first two years in business, the couple would make the daily commute from their home in Deerfield Beach to Key Largo. Eventually they were able to rent a place in Key Largo.
Besides the unwavering help and support of his wife, Porcari insists he would also be lost without his right-hand woman in the food truck, Juana Garcia. She’s worked side-by-side with Porcari for the last four and a half years.
Inside the tight space, the two operate like a
1: Mike Porcari and Juana Garcia stand in front of Mike’s BBQ 101. Recently the food truck secured a top 10 spot on Yelp’s nationwide list of the 100 best food trucks. 2: Mike Porcari says all of the magic happens inside his custom-made, 500-gallon smoker located behind the food truck. 3: Besides serving customers at his food truck location in front of Key Largo’s Dolphins Plus, Porcari also provides catering for large and small events alike. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly
finely-tuned machine.
“Once you work with somebody for a couple of years, you don’t need to talk; you just look at each other and you know what you’re supposed to do,” said Garcia.
Besides Mike’s BBQ 101, Porcari is also co-owner of Dani and Mike’s 102 smash burgers located at John’s General Store just across the street from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Porcari sources his prime brisket and smash burger grind from the Meat Shop of the Florida Keys, located in Key Largo at MM 103.
On the day of our interview, Tamara Arrington, an event planner for Dolphin Point Villas, brought a soon-to-be married couple to Mike’s BBQ 101 to sample the barbecue. Porcari also caters large and small events.
“I have a vendor list that I keep,” said Arrington, who is also a chef. “It’s really hard to impress me, but Mike has consistently impressed me.”
As for what’s next for Mike’s BBQ 101, Porcari says he’s exploring the idea of eventually opening a brick-and-mortar location.
“I’d like to be able to expand the menu so people can have something different than they’ve had for the last eight or nine years,” said Porcari.
For now, this pitmaster will continue to do what he does best, delivering when it comes to customer service, consistency and quality.
“It’s my passion. I finally did it. I finally found the thing that I love to do. I don’t feel like I’m going to work.”
Mike’s BBQ 101 is located at MM 101 in front of Dolphins Plus. To phone in an order, call 954654-5259. Mike’s sells out on most days, so calling in an order early is recommended.
SCHOLARSHIP HELPS WOMEN ADVANCE CAREERS
Upper Keys BPW program accepts applicants
Local women looking to boost their careers can apply for scholarships of up to $1,500 from the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW).
The funds can be used to pay expenses related to job training courses, professional certifications or college degree programs.
The Upper Keys BPW adult women’s scholarship program grants individual awards of up to $1,500. To be eligible, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, have lived in the Upper Keys for the past three years and have at least three years of post-high-school work experience. They must also currently be accepted at or enrolled in an education or training program.
The deadline to apply is Sept. 15 and the recipients will be announced at the Upper Keys BPW Celebration of Working Women event on Oct. 15. More information is at upperkeysbpw.org/scholarshipapplication or from ukbpwscholarship@gmail.com.
“Unlike most scholarships that are aimed at recent high school graduates, our scholarships are for women who are already in the workforce,” said scholarship chair Christina Teasley. “We want to remove cost as a barrier for local working women striving to reach higher with their careers.”
The Upper Keys BPW awards scholarships twice a year – in the spring and fall. The spring 2025 recipients were: registered nurse Kerry Biondoletti to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner; insurance professional Mary Houston, to acquire an associate in insurance account management designation; Renee Parker, to assist in transitioning to a new career as a certified X-ray technologist; financial adviser Alissa Reckard, to acquire a behavioral financial advisor designation; and firefighter and paramedic Mia Ruiz, to pursue an associate of science in emergency medical services.
“We are thrilled to support these hard-working women who aspire to continue learning and contributing their valuable skills to our community,” said Teasley.
“The Upper Keys BPW has been a champion for working women in the Upper Keys for nearly 70 years,” said Patricia Milian, the organization’s president. “Our scholarship program is one of the many ways we empower women to reach their full potential. I want to thank our members and community donors for their generous support of this impactful program.”
— Contributed
The soul of the Florida Keys: Why fishing families matter more than ever
The Florida Keys are known for their turquoise waters, coral reefs and laid-back charm — but beneath the surface lies a deeper story. It’s the story of the men and women who built this place with salt on their skin and generations of knowledge in their bones: our commercial fishing families.
For over a century, these families have been the heartbeat of our islands. The historic commercial fishing families didn’t just fish — they shaped our economy, our culture and our identity. They taught us how to live with the sea, not just beside it. From the spongers of Key West to the crawfishers of Marathon, their legacy is woven into the fabric of our communities.
But today, that legacy is slipping away.
The truth is hard to ignore: commercial fishing in the Keys is disappearing. Not because we lack demand or dedication, but because the very conditions that allow us to exist are vanishing. Working waterfronts are being replaced by luxury developments. Affordable housing is out of reach for the next generation of fishermen. Gentrification is pushing out the families who’ve sustained this region for decades.
We’re not asking to expand our industry. We’re not seeking to increase our environmental footprint. What we want is simple: to preserve the generational families who continue this tradition with care, skill and respect for the ocean.
We understand the need for balance. We support conservation. We believe in responsible harvesting and gear innovation. But we also believe that the cultural heritage of the Keys must include those who’ve lived by the sea — not just those who vacation beside it.
If we lose our fishing families, we lose more than jobs. We lose the stories, the stewardship and the soul of the Florida Keys.
So we ask our neighbors, our policymakers and our visitors:
Support working waterfront protections.
Demand and choose local seafood.
Teach your children about the people behind the catch.
The future of the Keys should include the voices of those who’ve weathered its storms, hauled its traps and kept its traditions alive.
The tide is changing — but our story isn’t over yet.
Sincerely,
Jerome Young commercial fisherman & executive director of the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association
From left, Patricia Milian, Upper Keys BPW president; Christina Teasley, BPW scholarship chair; spring 2025 scholarship recipients Kerry Biondoletti, Alissa Reckard and Mia Ruiz; and Jill Kuehnert, Upper Keys BPW immediate past president. CONTRIBUTED
CRUISING TO HEALING
Pawsitive Beginnings Day fundraiser supports human-animal bond
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.
Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Stop whatever you’re doing, because I have important news.
This is not your typical Keys fundraiser. This is not a polite evening of applause and finger foods. This is Pawsitive Beginnings Day, and if you haven’t scooped up your ticket yet, you are on the verge of missing the event of the season.
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, a boat full of humans will set sail on the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat in Key Largo into the sunset with laughter, cocktails and community filling the air, all in support of me and my entourage of rescued foxes. Yes, you read that right. This cruise is for us, and for the healing work we bring to so many lives in the Florida Keys. Tickets are dwindling, and if you wait too long, you’ll be left scrolling regretfully through Instagram seeing photos of the opportunity you missed.
The evening promises powerful voices and inspiring stories. Local 10’s Jacey Birch will bring her passion for animals and advocacy to the stage, while Ben Kemmer, CEO of the Florida
ANNIE & ROCKY
Annie and Rocky are a bonded pair of lovable hooligans who will keep you laughing with their endless shenanigans. This dynamic duo is truly the yin to your yang — perfectly balanced in mischief and charm. Annie is a petite mixed breed with a heart full of sass and sweetness. At around 4 years old, she’s the brains of the operation (or so she claims). Rocky, also 4, is a chihuahua mix with a big personality packed into a tiny frame. He’s Annie’s loyal sidekick and partner in crime. Together, they’re a whirlwind of joy, cuddles and comic relief. Whether they’re plotting their next playful escapade or snuggling up for a nap, Annie and Rocky are guaranteed to fill your home with laughter and love. Call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305-453-1315.
Keys Children’s Shelter, shares his vision for supporting youth in our community. Jackie Ducci, founder of the Human-Animal Alliance, will round out the lineup, bringing her perspective on the profound bond between humans and animals. Together, these speakers will weave a narrative of resilience, compassion and hope – themes that run through everything we do here at Pawsitive Beginnings.
Of course, no fundraiser worth attending comes without good food and good drinks, and this cruise will deliver both in abundance. Guests can look forward to an evening that feels equal parts celebration and purpose, an opportunity to toast to the future while directly supporting the foxes who have already survived so much.
The excitement doesn’t stop onboard. Our online silent auction is live and ready for bidding, filled with treasures that you can claim with just a few clicks. It’s a chance to treat yourself while giving back, whether you’re bidding from the deck of the cruise or from the comfort of your couch.
So here it is, as direct as I can say it: don’t miss your chance. Join us for an unforgettable evening that blends fun, fellowship and fox magic. Tickets are almost gone, and the foxes, particularly me, expect nothing less than a full boat of supporters.
Visit pawsitivebeginnings.org/ events to place your bids and secure your spot before it’s too late.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Celebrations set at Marine Mammal Responder locations Marine Mammal Responder is holding two events at its Upper Keys facilities. On Monday, Sept. 1, the Protect Center in Islamorada will hold a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Located at 82748 Overseas Highway, MM 82, bayside, the center also houses the new dolphin and whale hospital. It’s a historic moment for the Keys and marine mammals needing treatment. A ribbon-cutting will take place at 11 a.m. Attendees can go on guided tours of the hospital, enjoy food and drinks and visit the gift shop.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, the Connect Center in Key Largo will host its sixth annual open house and dolphin birthday party from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. People can spend the day getting to know the local whale and dolphin rescue organization by helping celebrate the 14th birthday of the dolphin Baby Bit. The community can also go on a tour, enjoy snacks from various food trucks and see live dolphin demonstrations.
90th anniversary of the Labor Day Hurricane
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold its annual Labor Day service on Monday, Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument,
MM 81.5 Join in the memory of those who perished 90 years ago in the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. The Hurricane Monument memorializes hundreds of local citizens and American veterans who died in the 200-mph winds and 17-foot storm surge. After World War I, more than 600 veterans came to the Florida Keys to construct U.S. Highway One, along with other projects. The storm hit, resulting in the death of almost 500 people, many who lived here along with the veterans who were not removed and should have been.
Each year the Matecumbe Historical Trust holds a service to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. For more information, please call 305-393-0940 or go to MatecumbeHistoricalTrust.org.
9/11 ceremony set in Key Largo
The public is invited to attend the 9/11 memorial service at the Key Largo Fire House, 3 East Dr. on Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. This event will initiate the opening of the new fire museum located at the fire house. Chairs will be provided in a shaded area. Attendees can share remembrance of the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and pay tribute to the heroic and fearless sacrifices made to rescue them.
Leo from Dolphins Plus with the fox statue he painted for the silent auction. CONTRIBUTED
BRIEFLY
THE GREAT FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP: MARATHON
Railroad town’s naming was influenced by a Romantic poet; a structure related to Adderley Town still stands
Marathon began as a railroad town. During the construction of the right of way for the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway, Camp 10 was built between what is today 33rd and 35th Streets, where Stanley Switlik School is located.
Camp 10 grew into a railroad yard and permanent housing for F.E.C. offices and those men employed to keep the construction operating. The complex grew to include the railroad yard, school, hospital, post office, water tower, coaling station, auditor’s office, mess hall, general office, tennis court, the Marathon Hotel and more. It was also where a railroad wye was established. A wye is a triangle of track that enables locomotives to turn around.
By 1908, the railroad had crossed Key Vaca and Hog Key and had reached Knights Key, and the temporary terminus of Flagler’s train. Daily railroad service was operating between the mainland and Knights Key. According to F.E.C. timetables, there were three stops in the area: Vaca, Knights Key and Knights Key Dock.
It was 1908, too, when the name Marathon appeared. The Marathon Station was in the growing complex that grew from Camp 10 near 33rd Street. The big debate among locals is why the name Marathon was chosen. Some say it was because work on the right of way was like a marathon.
If anyone could break through the legend and lore and deliver some truth, it was the late, great historian Dan Gallagher. In his book “Florida’s Great Ocean Railway,” Gallagher revealed that the F.E.C. Railway’s President Joseph R. Parrott credited the Marathon name to American poet Witter Bynner. According to Gallagher, Parrott invited Bynner
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.
down to the Keys to “plot stations for the railroad.”
Bynner chose to rename the Vaca Station, Marathon Station. When asked why he chose the name, Bynner said the inspiration came from a poem by the Romantic poet Lord Byron, who wrote in his poem, “The Isles of Greece,” “The mountains look on Marathon – And Marathon looks on the sea...”
Marathon was not Key Vaca’s only community. Before Camp 10 was pitched, there was a small community a little over a mile up the right of way known as Adderley Town. George Adderley was the namesake. George left the Bahamas and relocated to the Keys circa 1890. He was 20. At some point, he lived on “Matecumbe Key,” which probably indicates Upper Matecumbe Key, where the small farming community of Matecumbe was developing.
In 1896, he married Olivia. George and Olivia moved to Key Vaca in 1902. They settled in a virgin, sub-tropical hammock on the gulf side of the island, where they purchased 32.25 acres for $100. The house he built resembled a typical, rural Bahamian home. It was a rectangular, masonry structure with a hip roof covered in pressed tin. A homemade form of concrete called tabby held the house together. Tabby concrete was created by burning shells, such as conch shells, to extract lime. The lime was mixed with water, sand, ash and crushed shells until the sticky “concrete” paste was formed.
The structure, built circa 1906, was one of five housing the community’s residents, who worked as fishermen, spongers and charcoal makers. When making charcoal, buttonwood was the preferred tree. The late Florida historian Charleon Tebeau described the process: “Great cone-shaped heaps of neatly stacked wood were built up, sometimes
Marathon from the Florida East Coast Railway Company’s Materials Dock looking south about 1910. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library
containing as much as ten cords for a single burning. This was then covered with grass and sand to make it airtight except for a vent at the top. Enough openings were made around the bottom to fire the wood and burn it so as to drive out the volatile gases and leave charcoal. A cord of wood produced ten bags of charcoal for which there was a ready market.”
Adderley owned a stretch of Key Vaca necessary for the railroad right of way. He sold the strip of land to the F.E.C. with the caveat that a railroad stop at Adderley Town would be created. The railroad made a flag stop. A flag stop is different from a station building with regularly scheduled stops. Flag stops consisted of a platform.
Once a week, if, as the train was roaring across Key Vaca and the engineer saw the flag raised at the Adderley Town platform, he would stop. Remarkably, one structure related to Adderley Town still stands. Though it has been repaired over the years, George Adderley’s house is still there and represents the oldest structure outside of Key West that is still standing in the Florida Keys. The legacy they unknowingly left behind continues to stand and contribute to the rich history of the Keys. The home is part of the Florida Black History Trail, developed in partnership with the Florida Division of Historical Resources and a group of invested citizens. The pamphlet they produce provides “a microcosm of African American landmarks and legacies.”
The home is located where it was first built, at what is today Crane Point Hammock at 5550 Overseas Highway. In 1992, George’s tabby house of vernacular construction became listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When visiting the site, it is possible to step inside and experience the home and an incredible piece of Florida Keys history on a personal level. There is nothing else like it in the Keys. Crane Point Hammock and the Adderley House are hidden gems in the Keys. Marathon has a lot more to offer than a little history about a railroad town and an old tabby house. Next week, we will explore more of the heart of the Florida Keys.
COUNTING POLLINATORS
Residents can take part in a different kind of census
Would you like to participate in pollinator conservation and local citizen science? The Great Florida Pollinator Census is a fantastic opportunity to do just that.
Pollinators are essential animals that transfer pollen among flowers, enabling fruit and seed production. While bees and butterflies often come to mind, the world of pollinators is vast and diverse, including moths, beetles, flies, wasps, birds and even bats.
Pollinators need our help, and citizen-science initiatives are the perfect way to get involved. Citizen science, or community science, allows the public to actively participate in scientific initiatives. This approach increases the spread of study areas and amplifies data collection. It also provides an opportunity for community members to interact with their environment in a new way, gaining knowledge, experience and appreciation for aspects of our ecosystems that typically go unseen.
So, what is the Great Florida Pollinator Census? Created in Georgia in 2019, the census has three primary goals: increase pollinator habitat, educate on the ecological importance of insects and collect valuable data through citizen science. Since its inception, over 2,500 pollinator gardens have been planted, and participants have contributed vast amounts of data to science, fueling emerging pollinator research.
Florida joined the census in 2024 in response to community interest and environmental needs. In
is the University of Florida, IFAS County Extension environmental horticulture agent and master gardener volunteer coordinator. LIAH CONTINENTINO
Florida’s first year, 55 of 67 counties conducted counts, totaling 86,984 pollinators. Monroe County recorded 603 pollinators over the two days. This year, we hope to break that record.
Pollinator populations are declining due to urbanization, agriculture and climate change. A recent study found that more than 22% of North American pollinators are at an elevated risk of extinction. Pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystems, facilitating plant reproduction and food production, and serving as an essential food source for wildlife. Their influence is woven into many aspects of our lives, from environmental health to food security and economic stability. Pollinators are responsible for an estimated one in every three bites of food we eat. Pollinators are also critical to our economy, providing over $15 billion annually in agricultural production.
Scientists need more information on pollinator populations, and citizen science can help fill the gaps. By participating in the census, you directly inform scientific efforts. This statewide project would not be possible without public involvement. By participating, we grow as a community, deepen our connections to nature and further understand the importance of pollinators and their habitat.
The 2025 census will take place on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 and
A honey bee pollinates a sea grape. LIAH CONTINENTINO/ Monroe County Extension
Pollinator census events
Friday, Aug. 22 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway.
Saturday, Aug. 23 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Garden Club of the Upper Keys - Francis Tracy Garden Center, 94040 Overseas Highway; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Key West Botanical Garden.
23. The count itself is simple. Just sit or stand next to a plant in bloom and observe the plant for 15 minutes, making a tally mark on your counting sheet each time a pollinator visits the plant. When your 15 minutes are up, input your findings on the Great Southeast Pollinator Census webpage.
If you are participating at home, you can find the counting sheet and pollinator identification guide at gsepc.org. If you would like guidance or prefer to count in the company of other citizen scientists, consider attending one of the events held by the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Office.
Monroe County master gardeners are hard at work, planning census events throughout the Keys. Event activities include a short introduction to the census, a crash course in pollinator identification, and the pollinator count itself.
For even more fun, try conducting multiple counts and experimenting by choosing different flowers or locations for each one. You may be surprised by the differences you observe among habitats, or even among flowers of varying colors and sizes.
Contact Liah Continentino, UF/ IFAS Monroe County environmental horticulture extension agent, at Continentino-liah@monroecounty-fl. gov or 305-998-9580.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992)
Why: There are enough “Dracula” adaptations out there (both official and unofficial) to form their own union. But what makes this version stand out is how stylized it is. Director Francis Ford Coppola leans hard into the lavish grandeur of the production design and the theatrical lighting in the cinematography. To match, the performances here (particularly Gary Oldman’s titular character and Anthony Hopkins’ Van Helsing) are heightened to the point of camp, and that’s not a bad thing. It romanticizes the horror (well, save for Keanu Reeves’ accent), making the whole venture a sweeping and highly entertaining gothic concerto.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries. org/contact-us.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
Will Campbell President
ISLAMORADA LIBRARY TO UNDERGO MAKEOVER
Building once served as shelter during Hurricane Donna
The Monroe County Public Library’s Islamorada branch will close for about five weeks, starting Sept. 15, to receive extensive interior repairs and a refresh, including new flooring, repainting all interior walls, cleaning and lighting improvements.
The work requires the removal of all material, shelving and furnishings.
During this time, staff from the library will be providing outreach services at locations throughout the community. That information and any updates on the project will be available at keyslibraries.org, and on the Islamorada library branch Facebook and Instagram (@islamoradalibrary) accounts.
Patrons can get library materials from the Key Largo and Marathon branches, both of which have pickup lockers that are accessible 24/7. They can also borrow books and DVDs from the library lending machine at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Library patrons can get e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming video and much more any time online. More information is at keyslibraries.org/online.
“We are delighted to give this branch the care and attention the Islamorada community deserves,” said Kimberly Matthews, county senior libraries director. “We take our role as stewards of this important piece of Keys history very seriously. This work will help this building continue serving the Islamorada community,
The Monroe County Public Library Islamorada branch, circa 1966. MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY/Florida Keys History Center
as it has for almost a century, and as we prepare to celebrate its 60 years of service as part of the Monroe County Public Library.”
The oldest building in the Monroe County Public Library system, the Upper Matecumbe Key structure was built after the 1935 Labor Day hurricane as one of two “community houses” meant to shelter the local population in the event of another catastrophic storm.The building opened in 1938 as the Matecumbe Grammar School. It later served as a meeting place for local churches — and a community refuge during Hurricane Donna in 1960. In 1966, it became the Islamorada branch of the Monroe County Public Library system.
The county has made two additions to the building, in 1983 and 1999, including a room that hosts library and community events, art exhibits and the Monroe County Elections Office during voting. — Contributed
The Islamorada library will be closed for five weeks as it undergoes a refresh. The structure, which served as a shelter during Hurricane Donna in 1960, became the Islamorada branch of the Monroe County Public Library system in 1966. CONTRIBUTED
Gridiron gangs ready for Week 1 | P.8
Canes, Conch & Dolphin Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Accounts are perfect for wherever life takes you!
• Earn CASH BACK for you and your school.
• Get FREE nationwide ATM transactions.
• Learn about money with FREE online and mobile financial education programs.
• Access and manage your account from anywhere in the world with mobile banking.
8/25 Marathon Volleyball @ Florida Christian 5:30 p.m.
8/25 All Schools Golf @ Key West 1 p.m.
8/25 Coral Shores Volleyball South Homestead 5:30 p.m.
8/26 All Schools Golf @ Ocean Reef 1 p.m.
8/27 Coral Shores Cross Country @ Palmer Trinity 5:45 p.m.
8/27 Coral Shores Volleyball Mater Bay Academy 4:30 p.m.
8/27 Marathon Volleyball @ Posnak 4:25 p.m.
8/28 Key West Volleyball Coral Shores 5:30 p.m.
8/28 Marathon Football IMG Blue 7 p.m.
Keys teams knocked the rust off in preseason action this week, and now the Conchs, Hurricanes and Dolphins are ready for their Week 1 opponents. See page 8. Photos by Natalie Danko, Doug Finger and Maicey Malgrat.
– Conchs’ head coach Johnny Hughes
Walson is explosive; he’s a threatscoring every time he touches the ball.”
With a knack for making defenders miss, Key West’s Walson Morin used his speed and elusive moves to rack up over 200 rushing yards for the Conchs last week in their kickoff classic. Morin carried the ball across the goal line twice in that contest.
“He’s definitely something to watch,” said coach Johnny Hughes, who relies on Morin on both sides of the ball plus kickoff return. The stealthy senior has no trouble breaking long runs and is powerful enough to punch it in through traffic, too. For his exceptional performance and stellar athleticism, Key West’s Walson Morin is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
Photo by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys
fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
ROCKED ’EM LIKE A HURRICANE
After a brief hiatus as head coach, Sam Ovalle is back at the helm for Coral Shores’ volleyball team, and he could not be more excited about the upcoming season.
“Win or lose, this team has great energy and great chemistry,” he said prior to preseason action Aug. 14 in Marathon.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
A few minutes later, the Lady ’Canes defeated Key West 25-19 and 25-15, showcasing their teamwork in a collective effort to beat the Conchs. After the game, Ovalle noted the team’s confidence as part of the recipe for success, praising upperclasswomen Celene Walker, Violet Matthews, Shelby Lynn, Ivy Tiedemann and Niveah Howard for immediately stepping up and leading by example. That example was followed by the newest members of the team’s roster and the results were clear: Coral Shores is the team to beat this season when it comes to in-county court action.
The Hurricanes also defeated Marathon in two sets, 25-8 and 25-15. The Lady Fins roster is seven seniors strong, and despite the results of Thursday’s matches, the Dolphins are
tracy mcdonald
Coral Shores dominant in preseason volleyball action
1. Conchs’ outside hitter Audrey Smith reaches for a block against Marathon.
2. The Hurricanes celebrate a crucial point against Key West.
3. Conch setter Adriana Heinrichs (9) sets up a hit for Tess Wright.
4. Coral Shores’ Niveah Howard (2) hits the ball past a wall of Conchs.
5. Middle hitter Niveah Howard clears the net to deliver a pow-
6. Key West libero Journey Lamb (5) watches for the serve in their match against Coral Shores.
7. Marathon libero Mackenzie Budi (1) saves the ball with a big dig.
8. Marathon’s Sara Strama (2) hits as Key West’s Summer Bailey goes up for the block.
TRACY
not despairing. Coach Kelley Cruz is focusing on using the results of last week’s preseason action to reach the team’s goals this year.
“The expectation of the season is to intentionally get better as individuals and as a team,” she said. Cruz hopes to balance hard work and fun with her team to produce results on the court. The Fins will be putting lots of miles on the school vans this year with a grueling road schedule.
“We have a lot of away games this season, so we need our community to come together and support these girls,” said Cruz. “They have worked hard all summer and are ready to play.”
After falling to the Hurricanes, Key West regrouped and defeated Marathon 25-8 and 25-15. Key West’s roster is senior-heavy and includes seven athletes in their final year of high school action, including last year’s Keys Weekly Player of the Year, outside hitter Audrey Smith. Three juniors and a pair of freshmen round out a roster of well-balanced and well-coached athletes.
In last week’s preseason test, the Conchs made it clear that they had all the technical skills and raw athleticism to go far this year. Once they settled in and found their footing, Key West put on a display of hard-hitting offense, and the Conch front has some great vertical ability for blocking.
Not present was Basilica School, which opens the season against Coral Shores on Thursday, Aug. 21. The Mariners were 7-12 last season, their first, and look to improve in year two under the leadership of coach Robert Wright. Basilica School went undefeated at the middle school level in 2021, and this season the core of athletes from that team return to the court as seniors, making for an interesting and exciting in-county series this fall.
Preseason classics ended Aug. 16, clearing the slates of all teams as they head into regulation play. Regular-season action winds down mid-October, when district playoffs begin. Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores will have opportunities to play for FHSAA state titles in their individual classifications. Key West, the largest school in the county, will play at the 4A level. Coral Shores is classified as 3A, while the much smaller Marathon is part of the Rural classification. Basilica School, still in the earlier stages of building a program, has not yet declared itself part of the FHSAA.
erful blow to Key West.
MCDONALD/Keys Weekly
Key West ties beginning of season to past gridiron hero in Ran Carthon Kickoff Classic
HOMETOWN PRIDE
For the second season, Key West honored a hometown hero in its preseason matchup. The contest, now dubbed the Ran Carthon Kickoff Classic, pays homage to one of the Southernmost City’s finest athletes. So just who is the namesake of Key West’s preseason classic?
“Ran was one of the fastest and purest runners I've ever seen,” said former teammate Chaz Jimenez, who currently serves as Key West’s wrestling coach. “It literally looked like he was floating on air when he was in the open field.
Jimenez was part of the magic that paved the way for several Conch records owned by Carthon. Despite being injured for a portion of his senior season, Carthon managed to break numerous Conch records and reached a level on par with Key West great George Mira. Both athletes’ numbers are retired, both had successful collegiate and professional careers, and Carthon’s senior season began with a kickoff classic named after Mira. Now over a quarter century later, it’s Carthon’s game.
After missing the first half of the 1998 season, Carthon returned with a vengeance and made for a memorable game for Jimenez.
“His first game back that season was homecoming,” said Jimenez. The contest was against longtime Key West rival Belen Jesuit, and Carthon set about making history against the Wolverines. “Ran broke off a record-breaking 99-yard run from our own goal line. That 99-yard touchdown run is one of my greatest Conch football memories,” Jimenez said.
That run was just one of Carthon’s school records. He is the only Conch in history to cross the single-game 300-yard mark. The 375-yard feat made for two records – one for most offensive yards in a single game and one for most rushing yards, as he earned every inch of those 375 yards on the ground. Carthon also holds the record (2) for most games with 200-plus rushing yards in a single game. He did it in back-to-back games.
1. Former NFL player and Key West High School alum Ran Carthon gives the team a speech at the end of its preseason game. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
2. Ran Carthon is Key West’s Best All Around Senior in the 1999 Conch yearbook. Carthon shares the honor with Carly Brevaldi. CONTRIBUTED
3. Arandric “Ran” Carthon as he appears in the Key West High School 1999 yearbook.
Key West athletic standout Ran Carthon lifts weight as a high school senior.
His contributions and leadership on the field carried over to every aspect of his life, and Carthon’s positivity is remembered fondly by another former classmate and Monroe County sports personality, Marathon athletic trainer Luis Leal.
“Off the field he was a super chill and down-to-earth guy. Seemed to get along well with everyone and spoke to everyone,” Leal said. “On the field he was a beast, a man amongst boys. You could tell just by watching him play that he was just different. Everyone that watched him play knew that he would be playing at higher levels after high school.”
“Ran was one of the fastest and purest runners I've ever seen. it literally looked like he was floating on air when he was in the open field.”
— Chaz Jimenez, who currently serves as Key West’s wrestling coach.
Leal could not have been more correct in his observations.
After a successful career with the Conchs, Carthon turned his talents to the University of Florida and turned heads there as the leading rusher for the Gators his senior season. His athleticism caught the eyes of numerous professional teams, and Carthon appeared on the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions rosters before hanging up his helmet.
But his retirement from active play did not end his work with the NFL. Carthon worked in the front offices of the Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers and served as the general manager for the Tennessee Titans for two seasons. Today, you can catch him on CBS as an NFL analyst. His ascent to the highest realms of professional football have not caused him to forget his hometown, and the rebrand of the Conchs’ kickoff classic proves that Key West certainly has not forgotten Carthon, either.
Christine Thing
Linda Griswold
Redding
From left: Ekon Edwards carries the ball in for a Coral Shores TD.
Nick Calderon closes in for a sack.
From left: Josh Johnson connects with power on a Key West kick.
Walson Morin churns out some positive yardage for the Conchs.
Jeff DeJean and Chace Gaertner team up on a tackle.
From left: Marathon's Matthew Delgado (#78) and Matthew Machado (#1) double-team a North Broward Prep defender.
Steven Stotts (#21) runs the ball up the middle.
Senior Steven Stotts celebrates the first touchdown of the year.
Photos by Doug Finger, Maicey Malgrat and Sean Westerband
CLEAN SLATES
All three Keys teams enjoyed home contests on Aug. 15 in their preseason classics. The Key West Conchs and the Coral Shores Hurricanes came out on top, while the Marathon Dolphins floundered. With preseason in the books, all the records are wiped clean as Monroe County’s teams start week one undefeated.
KEY WEST
Lessons learned in preseason games as two Keys teams prevail in kickoff classics
his lineman number in order to play fullback. Stotts scored the team’s lone touchdown last week and amassed 30 yards. Garrett Ruddy and Jesus Gonzalez both had carries at tailback. Gonzalez joins his brother Israel in the backfield, and both have football savvy and lots of athleticism. Ruddy, a sophomore, had never played football until last season, but that doesn’t diminish the expectations for him. “His intensity is great,” said McDonald. “He’s going to do big things for us in the next few seasons.”
Classic, making a statement against the 6A Homestead High School Bron-
In a 35-34 nailbiter, Key West prevailed in the Ran Carthon Kickoff Classic, making a statement against the 6A Homestead High School Broncos. Head coach Johnny Hughes had two goals going into the contest: to remain injury-free and to see how physical his team was. According to Hughes, both goals were met.
“We had a few bumps and bruises, but nothing major,” he said. As for the physical gut check? The Conchs managed to hold their own until the final whistle, despite facing a roster of over 60 Broncos.
“Most of our guys play both sides of the ball,” said Hughes, a fact that makes it far more difficult to compete against large schools.
One of those two-way athletes, senior Walson Morin, ran for a pair of touchdowns. Fellow senior Jeff DeJean had a pair of his own and junior Roman VanLoon, who earned the nod as starting QB, connected with Reef Guyet for a 24-yard touchdown pass. The scoring made it clear that the Conchs have figured out exactly what they need to do and have the finesse to execute.
Also helping them in their win was a lack of turnovers, something that plagued the team at times last season. With that out of the picture, and athletes who are showing out despite double and sometimes triple duties, the season could be something special for Key West.
Up next for the Conchs is Barbara Goleman. Goleman, a 7A school with at least two Division I commits, will test Key West in week one, but Hughes is optimistic.
“If we shore things up and have no turnovers, we should do well,” he said. Kickoff is Friday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Stadium.
MARATHON
Marathon coach Sean McDonald knew it was a gamble to schedule North Broward Prep, but a review of their spring game film eased that decision a bit.
“When they unloaded the bus, it was quite a different team,” said McDonald. But true to Dolphin form, Marathon fought hard from pillar to post.
Also not in the Fins’ favor was the fact that the team had just 10 collective carries in game action among all of their rostered athletes prior to the matchup.
“We graduated our ball carriers (from last season) and we were untested as far as carries go,” said McDonald. “I knew we would have some challenges there, and I knew there would be miscues. That’s what a kickoff classic is for.”
The Dolphins struggled to find their groove, and did not move the ball as much as they had hoped, yet the experience was an important lesson, according to McDonald.
“It was important to get that out of the way,” McDonald said, referring to several Fin fumbles. “Anytime you have a new ball carrier, there’s bound to be a fumble, and it’s better to have this in the preseason than when it counts.”
Marathon coach Sean McDonald knew it was a gamble to schedule colthere’s season it
This season, the Dolphins will continue their single wing offense with new role players. Steven Stotts, the team’s center last season, traded in
lone touchdown last week and amassed 30 yards. Garrett Ruddy and was one of the few players going into last week's game who had experiball game are enough to overcome Pompano Beach, a team which has be-
Playing wingback this season is junior Matthew Machado. Machado was one of the few players going into last week's game who had experience running the ball for the Fins, but his role this season will be far more crucial. McDonald noted Machado’s leadership and tenacity. Christopher Paul will replace Stotts at center, helping to shore up an offensive line that will feature Eduardo Garcia, Aidan Gilday and Matthew Delgado, a trio of seniors with experience holding the line.
Marathon will find out if the lessons learned from their preseason game are enough to overcome Pompano Beach, a team which has become a great rivalry for the Fins.
“We should match up well against Pompano,” said McDonald. “If we play aggressively and ditch the hesitation, we should have a great game.” The Dolphins play at Pompano at 7 p.m. on Aug. 22.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores head coach Ed Holly found himself scrambling for a kickoff classic after Miami Coral Park canceled at the last minute. Fortunately for the ’Canes, Miami Southwest had suffered a similar setback and agreed to travel to Tavernier for some preseason action.
“Going into the game, our goal was to find out who we are,” said Holly, whose team graduated a multitude of seniors last season. For the Hurricanes, that goal was achieved quickly. “True to Coral Shores, our identity was being able to run the ball and be physical at the point of attack,” he said.
Coral Shores struck first, with a 9-yard touchdown run from John Oughton in the first quarter. Miami Southwest answered in the beginning of quarter two to tie the game. With moments to go before the half, Ekon Edwards exploded for a 23-yard touchdown run to put the ’Canes ahead 14-7 at the half.
Southwest tied it up again in quarter three, making for an exciting back-and-forth game until Jake Campanioni punched it in for the goahead TD. A missed 2-point conversion made the score 20-14 until the final quarter, when Sterling Keefe ran one in and David Beltran added two to make the final score 28-14.
Edwards exploded for a 23-yard touchdown run to put the ’Canes ahead the the
As with all south Florida teams, with the exception of the Keys, Holly one
As with all south Florida teams, with the exception of the Keys, Holly really did not know what to expect with his most recent opponent. The rule modifications allowing open transferring of athletes from one school to another make knowing exactly what you will face each week a bit of guesswork.
“They had a lot of speed,” Holly said, adding, “They were a good team with good coaching.
“We had a good camp this season. We fought through the heat. We have a good nucleus and we’re excited for what’s in front of us,” he said.
“We had a good camp this season. We fought through the heat. We up. They’ll need that grit as well as the heat conditioning from their camp
The Hurricanes, having met their preseason goal, head into week one with some confidence, knowing they can do what has become Coral Shores’ trademark in recent years: play hard, dig deep and never give up. They’ll need that grit as well as the heat conditioning from their camp against Somerset South Homestead on Thursday, Aug. 21 at Harris Park in what will likely be a scorcher, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
SCHEDULES, SCORES AND SPORTSMANSHIP
County ADs weigh in on the 2025-26 school year
School started for students Aug. 13. But county athletic directors have put in countless hours throughout the summer to fill staff openings, compile paperwork and build schedules. A quick check-in with each school has confirmed that athletics are heading in the right direction Keys-wide.
CORAL SHORES
Coral Shores begins the year with a new athletic offering. Competitive cheerleading, coached by Samantha Rodriguez, will be available as a winter choice.
Another change this winter for the Hurricanes will be the head basketball coach. This season, Jim Best will lead the program. The ’Canes’ cross country teams, led by Lyndie Meyers and Gabe Rodriguez, have been running throughout the summer after building their rosters last year. Both teams are likely to have a fantastic showing this season. Swimming and diving return to the pool this week with lots of talent, and volleyball and football are already in full action.
Head football coach and athletic director Ed Holly is proud of Coral Shores’ student-athletes and, as always, is stressing their roles as future leaders.
“We are showing them how getting good grades and increasing their GPA sets them up for college,” he said. “We are showing them how good grades equal opportunities at the next level.”
MARATHON
New at the helm this fall at Marathon are cross country coaches Helena Bursa and Shannon Wiley. Bursa’s running experience will be crucial for the rebuilding Dolphin teams, and if anyone has what it takes to shape beginning runners into champions, she does. Bursa is the mother of state medalist and 7 Mile Bridge Run champ Vance, and she has finished first in her age group multiple times.
Marathon is also adding a new program this year in the winter: boys and girls wrestling. Dolphins athletic director Lance Martin says the mat is on campus, a coach has been secured, and the students are excited for the new opportunity.
Another area of excitement for the Middle Keys this winter is the girls weightlifting program. All eyes will be on senior Justice Lee, who hopes to defend her back-to-back state titles and add another gold to her vast collection of medals.
BASILICA SCHOOL
Basilica School will return with more athletic offerings in the second year of operations at the high-school level. Athletic director Clark Cascio will oversee five varsity-level programs this year. For the fall, the Mariners will field teams in volleyball, cross country and golf. This winter, boys and girls basketball will return to the courts to join the rest of the Keys schools to compete for county bragging rights.
KEY WEST
It’s business as usual at Key West High School this year. Conch teams are staffed and ready to go for all three seasons of competition. With no new program offerings this year, Key West will focus on continuing the tradition of Conch Pride.
“We are going to be experienced in a lot of our sports this year, where kids have been starting since their freshman year, and that experience should help us make deep runs in many of our programs,” said athletic director Andrew Freeman. “Most of our teams are going to be junior- and senior-led.”
Freeman will likely have his hands full working on transportation, as numerous teams have the capacity to make it deep into playoff territory.
Contributed
Andrew Freeman
KEY WEST
Clark Cascio
BASILICA SCHOOL
Lance Martin
MARATHON
Ed Holly
CORAL SHORES
SPORTS GUIDE
KEYS
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Wicked Good located at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.
By: Outta the Blue Marine
Publish: August 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Beverly and Stanley Stewart located at 1004 House Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.
By: James R. Jones
Publish: August 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Acts (EPCRA), the South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee (SoFlaLEPC) announces the availability of the following information: Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier 2) Forms, Hazards Analyses for Facilities with Extremely Hazardous Substances, SoFlaLEPC Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, How-to-Comply Information for Hazardous Materials Users, and other public education materials. The SoFlaLEPC serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To obtain information, please contact the SoFlaLEPC Coordinator at (954) 924-3653.
Publish: August 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Lien Sale
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described as blow to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the Florida Self Storage Facilities Act Statues (section 83.801-83.809) The undersigned will sell online by competitive bidding on August 29th, 2025, at 10:30am.
446 - Jennifer Davis - Personal Property
OP1 - Holly Tracker-Personal Property OP49, OP74 - Daniel AdlerPersonal Property Will be auctioned online by Storage Treasures via website at storagetreasures.com. All
purchased items are sold as is.
Items are located at Big Pine Storage at 30677 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 and must be collected within 72 hours of auction.
Publish:
August 14 & 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on September 8th, 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: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Stutznan, Pam 1207 Valverde, Nathan 1550, 1341
Murgas, Alex 1580
Publish:
August 21 & 28, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Notice of Sale of Surplus Equipment
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be auctioning off surplus equipment via sealed bids. All bids must be received by 10:00am on Wednesday September 3rd, 2025. The bids will be opened publicly on Wednesday at 10:30am on September 3rd, 2025.
A list of equipment to be sold may be viewed on our website; www.keysso.net/ auction.
Equipment list is subject to change. Bidding instructions and required bid forms are available on the website or can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building 1st floor reception, or by Michaelcontacting: Cabot, MCSO Fleet Manager Phone- (305) 293-7477
Cell- (305) 797-0115
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
5525 College Road Key West, FL 33040
The Property to be sold is open to the public for inspection at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Headquarters building at 5525 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 on the following dates and times below: August 26th, 2025 8:00am –10:00am August 28th, 2025 2:00pm –4:00pm
The Sheriff’s Office makes no representation or guarantee of mechanical condition.
All sales are, as is, no warranty. All sales are final.
Equipment List is subject to change.
Publish: August 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
QUARTERLY MEETING
NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION
DISADVANTAGED
The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the TransportationCommunityCoordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.
Publish: August 21, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida scheduled to commence at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff.
The Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade applications and the Industry Input Section. All public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting.
Meeting Agenda and Zoom Webinar information is available 7 days prior to meeting date on the Monroe County Web Calendar and
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects for a second round for only District II (from city limits of Key West to west end of Seven Mile Bridge) and District V (from Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any portions of mainland Monroe County).
The project/facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:
Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary, or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions set forth in the Florida Statutes.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2025, and applications must be downloaded from the County’s Bonfire platform. For more information, please email maxine@fla-keys.com.
July 31 and August 7, 14 & 21, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
the Contractors Examining Board webpage: monroecounty-fl.govwww.
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.
NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language. Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Jamie Gross, Senior Contractor Licensing Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: August 21, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-SC-482-M PLAINTIFF: Fazoli Brothers, Inc. 5409 Overseas Highway, # 310 Marathon, FL 33050 305-849-8063 kissick1@gmail.com VS. DEFENDANTS: Thomas Larson Tony Larson 1111 Sombrero Boulevard Marathon, FL 33050 262-903-8905 tommy@teronomy.com
STATEMENT OF CLAIM
The Plaintiff sues the Defendant for Money owed Plaintiff by Defendant for: Work done, and materials furnished by Plaintiff to Defendant: Additional information to support the cause of action: Work was 100% completed on March 17. 2025 as per the Work Order Agreement dated October 1, 2024. The customer has failed to render the final payment due for the completed contract. The lump-sum agreement included all Plumbing labor, wiring, and equipment necessary to relocate the pool system and bring it into full compliance with current electrical code. Upon performing the contractually-required and legally-mandated electrical upgrades, a latent defect in the customer's pre-existing pool pump was discovered. This defect, which was not the fault of the contractor, made the pump incompatible with the required GFCI safety breaker. Separate from the unpaid balance for the primary contract, additional work hours were then required to diagnose and make the customer's defective equipment operational, for which compensation is also due.
Invoice 1371
$5,000.00
Invoice 1363
$7,219.00
Whereof Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant for damages in the
LEGAL NOTICES
amount of $7,999.99, (must be less than $8,000.00) together with court costs, interest and attorney fees if applicable. The undersigned states that he/she is the Plaintiff, that the foregoing is a just and true statement of the amount owing by the above-named Defendant to said Plaintill, exclusive of all setoffs and just grounds for defense. Plaintiff states that the suit initiated by the foregoing Statement of Claim is brought in good faith and with no intention to annoy the above Defendant, and further states that the Defendant is not in the military service of the United States.
Signed: John Kissick
Plaintiff’s Signature State of Florida County of Monroe Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence, this 25th of June, 2025.
BY: Vicmarie Gonzalez
Notary Public – State of Florida Commission # HH 360945
Expires Feb. 12, 2027
Publish: August 21 & 28, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000327-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DIANNA B. HOWIE, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of DIANNA B. HOWIE, Deceased, whose date of death was June 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE 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 THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this Notice is: August 21, 2025.
Personal Representative: Donna P. Bailey 53 Conway Court Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576
Attorney for Personal Representative: R. Wesley Bradshaw BRADSHAW & MOUNTJOY, P.A. 209 Courthouse Square Inverness, Florida 34450
Telephone (352)726-1211
FBN: 977845
Publish: August 21 & 28, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000303-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD S. BRIGHT, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DONALD S. BRIGHT, deceased, whose date of death was February 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
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 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: August 14, 2025.
Personal Representative: Patricia M. Bright 508 W. Wilson Creek Dr. Trent Woods, N.C. 28562 Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esq. Florida Bar No. #1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 VMiranda@hlylaw.com –Primary kvilchez@hlylaw.comSecondary Publish: August 14 & 21, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-278-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CELESTE YSABEL RUSSELL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Celeste Ysabel Russell, deceased, whose date of death was April 6, 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.
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: August 14, 2025. Personal Representative: Sonja Russell Gates 1213 14th Street, Lot 261 Key West, Florida 33040 Attorney for Personal Representative: Gregory D. Davila, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 886998 Law Office of Gregory D. Davila, P.A. 1111 12th Street, Suite 411 Key West, Florida 33040 Telephone: (305) 293-8554 Fax: (305) 294-9913 E-Mail: E-Filing@ keywestlawoffice.com Secondary E-Mail: gdavila@ keywestlawoffice.com Publish: August 14 & 21, 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-877-P JUDGE: JAMES MORGAN IN RE: FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS: A 2015 Gray Lexus RX350 SUV, VIN: 2T2ZK1BA7FC194338, FL Tag# NQUJ62, herein “Subject Vehicle” NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Antonio Alvarez, and ALL PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN the Subject Vehicle. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act has been filed by Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, on August 8, 2025, in Monroe County, Florida, and you are required to serve a copy of your answer asserting any affirmative defenses with the Clerk of this Court and Petitioner's attorney, CHRISTINA CORY, ESQ., at MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, 5525 College Road,
Key West, FL 33040, on or before 30 days after first publication; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
Publish: August 14 & 21, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 25-DR-805-M
RICARDO HERRERA TORRES, Petitioner, and ADIANES GOMEZ, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: ADIANES GOMEZ
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN
ADDRESS: UNKNOWN
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 Ricardo Herrera Torres, whose address is 240 Sombrero Beach Road, Apt. D8, Marathon, FL 33050 on or before September 7, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: July 29, 2025
Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Leslie Rodriguez
Deputy Clerk
Publish:
August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 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 great - have svc. records from 89k miles, A/C works. REDUCED to $3000 - OBO
Bring an offer! Located in Marathon. Call Evan 305-417-0169 SOLD!!!
PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
17' Montauk Whaler, 90hp Yamaha-50 hours only, GPS, Depth Finder, Radio, Aluminum Trailer, excellent condition. Located in Marathon. $11,000 OBO 305-849-5793 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!
PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
FOR SALE: Charter Boat Business & Equipment for sale. Located in Marathon, Florida. CALL 305-240-3270
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/
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call:305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me
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.
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
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
Furnished one bedroom efficiency in Marathon. Quiet neighborhood. 1 person only. $1500 mo. including water/electric. 1 yr lease. 305-481-6735
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228
3BR/3BA fully furnished home for rent in Marathon. Available now. REDUCED to $3,300/mo. 618-559-9143
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Completely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. $2700/mo for 2+ ppl.- $2,500/mo if less, incl. electric only. F/L/S Dock available for sep. fee. 305-610-8002
Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Bedroom/livingroom/ kitchen all sep rooms. Furnished & appliances, newly renovated. No pets. $1,299 + utilities F/L/S 305-610-8002
2BR/1BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793
RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!
Furnished Studio Apt. for rent in Marathon. 1 person only. No smoking. No pets. $1,100/ month incl. water and electric. 305-743-9876
RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!
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
5th Wheel 27' Forest River Travel Trailer For Sale. Located in Key West. $9,500 OBO 305-848-7070
PLACE YOUR RV FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
VACATION RENTAL
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport. com
YARD SALES
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-4170871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
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.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, 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.
PART-TIME POSITION CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Part-Time Code Enforcement O cer is responsible for enforcing municipal codes and ordinances related to property maintenance, zoning, signage, public nuisances, rentals, and other related regulations. The O cer seeks to obtain compliance with City codes through citations or warning notices while assuring due process to violators. This position involves conducting eld inspections, responding to complaints, and ensuring compliance to maintain the health, safety, and appearance of the community.
Salary: Competitive Salary
Quali cations: High school diplomas or equivalent and a valid Florida drivers license. Prior experience in code enforcement, law enforcement, or a related regulatory eld is desirable but not required. Ability to interpret and apply city codes, ordinances, and regulations; strong communication and con ict resolution skills; ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement; experience using computer software and applications; active position including standing/walking/bending/kneeling/crouching throughout the day in varying climate conditions.
Application forms can be found at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “I WANT TO” then “APPLY FOR A JOB.”
Equal Opportunity Employer
Submit resume and application by mail or in-person to:
FACILITY MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
– FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS.
40 hours per week at the Keys Marine Laboratory (KML), Layton, Florida.
KML supports research and academic programs conducted by universities/colleges throughout Florida, the US, and internationally. Duties include all facility maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment (e.g. janitorial, preventive, repair).
To apply for this opening visit: Careers@USF and search for Job ID 41130.
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!
NOW HIRING
DOCK HAND
We are looking for a Dock Hand with excellent customer service to join our team. You would assist with the daily operations of our marina. Responsibilities include assistance with the daily marina tasks including helping guests arrive and depart from their dock, guiding guests over the radio, navigation, marina amenity cleaning, pressure-washing, assisting guests with golf cart rides and requests, and maintaining the marina. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!
D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.
Interior Designer
Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess history of achievement in quality projects and a strong sales background.
Warehouse Receiver
Responsible for receiving, inspecting, and processing incoming shipments in a timely and accurate manner. This role ensures that all materials and products are accounted for, properly labeled, and stored in the correct locations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.
Project Foreman
For complete details and to apply, please visit:
DAsignSource.com/careers
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
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.
$19/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
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
