Upper Keys Weekly 25-0911

TWO ARRESTED AFTER SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEES VEHICLE PICK UP MIGRANTS

Two men were arrested on Sept. 5 following a migrant landing in Tavernier the day before.

The sheriff’s office stopped a vehicle on Sept. 4 that was observed picking up possible migrants who reportedly had just landed in the area. Multiple passengers admitted they had just landed nearby in a makeshift vessel.

Warrants were obtained for the captain of the vessel, Jesus Herrera Belett, 38, of Key West, and the driver of the vehicle, Jesus Medina Esquijarosa, 56, of Miami. Both were booked into jail on Sept. 5.

Belett was charged with multiple human smuggling

BUDGET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Commissioners subsequently approved the millage rate via unanimous vote and the tentative spending plan via 4-1 vote. Rice was the lone “no.”

County Administrator Christine Hurley acknowledged they went into the budget knowing the state’s priorities related to government spending.

“Some are not popular and we know that and we are sorry for that. But we recognize after the state passed their budget, the governor vetoed a substantial portion of the budget related to nonprofits and the arts,” she said.

In July, Keys Weekly reported some $560 million was axed from the legislatively-approved state budget by the governor. A little more than $5 million in similar health-related funding across the state, identified as “Appropriation 436” in the Legislature’s budget, was cut. It included $975,000 for Keys AHEC, which provides dental services,

counts. Esquijarosa was charged with multiple accessory to human smuggling counts.

“I want to thank the men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Border Patrol who worked hard in partnership on this case,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I am disappointed the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains unwilling to pursue human trafficking incidents in the Florida Keys. Nonetheless, the Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office will continue taking these cases in order to hold people accountable and deter this ongoing human trafficking crisis.”

— Keys Weekly staff report

KEY LARGO ARSONIST GETS PRISON SENTENCE

Man set fire to Pilot House, burglarized the business

Terry Wayne Moore Jr. has been sentenced for setting multiple fires at the Pilot House restaurant in Key Largo, according to State Attorney Dennis Ward.

Moore entered a plea of no contest and was adjudicated guilty by Circuit Judge James Morgan to arson in the second degree and burglary of a structure. He was sentenced to 30 months in Florida prison, followed by 10 years of felony probation. Moore will be required to pay restitution for damages to the restaurant, complete 300 hours of community service, undergo random testing for illicit substances, and pay all court, prosecution and investigative costs. A no-contact order was also issued, requiring Moore to stay away from the restaurant property.

and bar, and then setting it ablaze. Additional footage captured him tampering with propane stoves and drilling into gas lines. Both his wife and the restaurant’s manager identified Moore as the person in the footage. Moore later gave incriminating statements to detectives.

including cleanings, sealings and X-rays, as well as health services, including physicals ahead of the school year, for children in the Keys.

Cuts at the state and county levels are serving as a doublewhammy for Keys AHEC. Michael Cunningham, Keys AHEC CEO, said his organization stands to lose $98,000 in county funds.

“This will have devastating effects on health and social service programs that care for our working class families, children and disabled,” Cunningham told Keys Weekly. “Services currently available for many agencies will be reduced or eliminated and will likely never be able to be restored. We thank those who tried to assist and were supportive.”

A final county hearing on the millage rate and spending plan was set for Sept. 10 at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.

The crimes took place on March 5, 2024, when Moore broke into the Pilot House restaurant after hours and set multiple fires inside and outside the building. Monroe County sheriff’s deputies found shattered glass doors, accelerants poured across the dining room, and stove gas lines tampered with and turned on. A strong smell of propane filled the building.

Moore attempts were unsuccessful and the restaurant only suffered minor damage after the flames extinguished on their own.

Prosecutors built their case on surveillance video showing Moore carrying containers into the restaurant, pouring liquid across the floor

Investigators said the fire was an act of retaliation. Moore had been employed at the Pilot House but was fired in December 2023. He was still living aboard a vessel in the marina when he was served eviction papers on March 3, 2024. Two days later, he attempted to set fire to the restaurant.

“This was a dangerous act of retaliation that could have ended in tragedy,” said Ward. “The Pilot House is more than just a business — it’s part of the heart of Key Largo. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did an excellent job investigating this case, quickly arresting the suspect and providing our office the necessary evidence to reach this result.”

This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Trey Evans in the Plantation Key office.

— Keys Weekly staff report

Terry Wayne Moore Jr. MCSO/Contributed

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office vehicles parked outside Pilot House Restaurant & Marina in Key Largo the morning of March 6, 2024.

FAMILY OF BOY BITTEN BY SHARK CREDITS DAUGHTER, DIVE FIRSTOPERATOR,RESPONDERS

Richard Burrows, 8, is recovering at home after he was bitten by a blacktip shark while snorkeling near Horseshoe Reef off Key Largo on Sept. 1. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

The family of an 8-year-old boy who was recently bitten by a shark is crediting the rescue and response to several individuals.

David Burrows said his son, Richard, and daughter, 10-year-old Rose, were snorkeling in the waters off Key Largo around 3 p.m. on Sept. 1, when a blacktip shark rushed them and bit Richard on his right knee. The injury was significant, but assistance from several people helped address the severe wound.

Burrows said his daughter Rose was instrumental in her brother’s rescue.

“(We) are immensely proud of the strength of character and composure she demonstrated under pressure,” he said.

The family received assistance from the commercial diving company Horizon Divers, which helped apply a second tourniquet to Richard’s leg after Burrows initially applied one. The boy was brought to shore at Garden Cove Marina where Monroe County Fire Rescue

David Burrows said his daughter, Rose, was instrumental in her brother’s rescue.

LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES

rendered aid and transported him to Trauma Star. Richard was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Star. Surgeons were able to save Richard’s leg following surgery. He was released on Sept. 3.

“Richard is recovering well from his surgery and is gaining strength by the day. He is in good spirits. Our hope is that he will be back enjoying his passion for the ocean and marine life with his older sister in no time,” Burrows said.

The Burrows family extended its sincere thanks to Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsey and the sheriff’s office; Monroe County Fire Rescue; Richard Hayden from Horizon Divers Garden Cove Marina; Trauma Star Air Ambulance flight crew and paramedics; and the teams at Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center, led by Dr. Vincente Nelson, surgical critical care; and Dr. Brian Grottkau, chief of pediatric orthopedics.

The Burrows family said they thank everyone for their messages of support and well wishes and assistance. They are now requesting privacy to focus on Richard’s recovery.

At Ready Remotely, security is their top priority. Unlike many remote tech support providers, Ready Remotely doesn't rely on third-party Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms to access systems. Why? Because it is our belief clients deserve to know exactly who has control over data. Support is o ered remotely or in-person, Ready Remotely is ready to provide support on clients' terms.

"We’ve made a signi cant investment in owning our own hardware and software infrastructure," said owner Chuck Butler." Through our remote access tools, we eliminate the risks associated with external SaaS platforms—ensuring your systems are protected by technology that's secure and private."

Staying connected at Ready Remotely, o ers consistent communication and is the cornerstone of world-class service. Staying in contact with customers allows time to: build trust through transparency and reliability; respond quickly to evolving needs and technical issues; o er proactive support before problems arise; as well as strengthen relationships by being a true part of the team.

VIRTUAL ACADEMIC SHOWCASE E

ROTARY CLUB OF

VILLAGE APPROVES TENTATIVE SPENDING PLAN AND TAX RATE

Final hearing set for Sept. 19

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada council members recently approved a tentative $60-million-plus spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

A tentative millage rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which brings in more revenue from property taxpayers compared to the previous year, was also approved during the first of two budget hearings, on Sept. 4.

In total, the village would bring in $18.2 million from property taxpayers with a tax rate of 2.65, or $265 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. The funds go toward the $23.2 million in day-to-day village expenses budgeted for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Hatti Jenkins, village finance director, said they were able to cut roughly $2.2 million from the initial $25 million spending plan, mostly through personnel expenses.

Between fire and law enforcement, public safety expenses account for $12.6 million of the village’s budget heading into the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Last year, the village brought in a little more than $16 million in property tax revenue, at a 2.65 tax rate, to fund roughly $23 million in daily village operations.

Between the day-to-day expenses, capital projects, debt service, enterprise operations and other accounts, the village is slated to spend $65 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Before budget talks began last month, Village Manager Ron Saunders convened a Citizen’s Budget Task Force to review previous spending and recommend possible changes to bring savings. Members suggested adjusting the amount taxpayers foot for health insurance for an employee’s family members, which was 97%. Saunders said the village would now foot 80% of the health insurance cost for family members.

And no pay increases were budgeted for the village’s employees.

“We’d all love big pay increases, but I think they understand this is a tough budget year,” Saunders said.” We’re trying to be fiscally conservative and hopefully next year won’t be as bad.”

There were suggestions by the task force to cut back — and eliminate — overtime expenses. Saunders said they budgeted some overtime to account for emergencies. But the village manager said any overtime would need to be justified by the department head in order to secure his approval.

“I really did want to go to zero overtime, but I was convinced by

staff that it’s not realistic. There are times you have to have overtime but we want to limit it as much as possible,” Saunders said.

Overtime related to management at the Fills was eliminated.

During budget workshops, discussion ensued over outsourcing services such as landscaping and potentially selling the former Island Community Church property to recoup the millions spent by a previous council on the property.

Discussions also included the village’s wastewater budget, an enterprise fund that’s supposed to be paying for its expenses with revenues like user fees. Village officials say it’s been running in the red, and a rate study is warranted to correct the issue.

Vice Mayor Don Horton said he sees this budget cycle as a reset year as the council “goes through correcting sins of the past.” He also acknowledged the village must protect its staff and pay attention to a recent pay rate study, which showed levels at which employees should be paid.

“They care about Islamorada and protecting Islamorada, and we need to be diligent of that,” he said.

A final budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center.

MEETINGS SET OVER MOSQUITOES

Officials will address measures amid active summer season

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) will host three public meetings to address questions and provide information about the current mosquito season, which has been marked by unusually high populations of Aedes taeniorhynchus, commonly known as the black saltmarsh mosquito.

Black saltmarsh mosquitoes

are no strangers to the Keys or to Florida in general; however, mosquito control entities across most of South Florida are documenting much higher numbers of the pest in 2025 compared to recent years. While these mosquitoes are not known to transmit human diseases, they can play a role in transmitting dog heartworm and are a major nuisance to residents and visitors.

The meetings will be held at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., in Key West on Monday, Sept. 15; FKMCD, 503 107th Street Gulf in Marathon on Tuesday, Sept. 16; and at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo on Wednesday,

Sept. 17. All the sessions will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

During each of the sessions, FKMCD commissioners and operational staff will provide facts pertaining to the active mosquito season along with control measures moving forward.

Any members of the public wishing to ask questions will be given the opportunity to do so.

The mission of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District is to protect the public from health threats and nuisance issues that affect the local economy by using control methods that are efficient, effective and environmentally sensitive.

—

SHERIFF’S CAPTAIN COMPLETES FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY

successfully completes the FBI’s infamously tough ‘Yellow Brick Road’ obstacle course during his 10-week stint at the FBI National Academy. CONTRIBUTED

Capt. Jonathan Crane spends 10 weeks at Quantico

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

It’s an honor, a privilege and a rigorous challenge only offered to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office once every seven or so years. And last week, a captain with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was more than up to the challenge.

Capt. Jonathan Crane, operations leader of the sheriff’s office Bureau of Corrections, graduated on Sept. 4 from the FBI National Academy, a 10-week program for senior law enforcement officials from around the country and the world that takes place at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

Since 1935, the academy has offered leadership, advanced education and fitness training to senior law enforcement managers in an effort to standardize and improve law enforcement practices worldwide.

“The program is very focused on college-level academics and extensive physical fitness and agility training,” Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in describing the experience at Quantico, which he completed years ago. “Only about one half of one percent of law enforcement officers in the country are given this opportunity, and we’re only offered a slot every seven

VETERANS GET THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

One-day visit to nation’s capital included a patriotic sendoff

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

years or so. People are always excited to go, but are often surprised by how tough it is academically and physically. But it’s really the pinnacle of your career if you finish it.”

And Crane finished with flying colors, completing the FBI’s infamous “Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course.

Participants from city, county and state law enforcement agencies spent 10 weeks together taking a variety of courses that they choose, Ramsay said.

“It’s truly like a shortened semester of college, where you pick the classes you want to take,” he said. “I wanted Crane to take a specific class in public speaking, in terms of press conferences when it comes to handling crisis events in a community, in addition to four or five other courses.”

This year was the first time Ramsay had selected someone from MCSO’s Bureau of Corrections to attend.

“But Jon Crane is such a leader,” Ramsay said. “He’ll be our next bureau chief of corrections when Major Tim Age retires. Crane has been a captain for a long time, and I want to send people who will come back and use what they learned there for the good of our agency and our community.”

Ramsay added that the FBI pays for the National Academy, “so I just had to pay Crane’s salary while he was gone.”

Additionally, participants in the FBI National Academy must commit to remain in law enforcement for at least three years following their participation in the academy.

They served the country valiantly, during the Vietnam era and beyond. On Sept. 6, Monroe County’s most revered veterans flew to the nation’s capital to view memorials in their honor.

A one-day trip to Washington, D.C. was free, thanks to Honor Flight South Florida, a volunteer organization dedicated to honoring veterans in South Florida. Top priority is given to the most senior defenders of freedom from World War II and Korean War veterans, as well as veterans who are terminally ill. Honor Flight South Florida also serves veterans of the Cold War and Vietnam.

A day before the flight, 10 veterans from Monroe County enjoyed lunch alongside local law enforcement and community members at Dillon’s Pub & Grill. Each veteran received a patriotic sendoff as they departed the restaurant and hopped

on the bus. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol escorted the bus to Coral Shores High School, where students held signs of gratitude, before being guided out of the Florida Keys. The veterans were transported to Fort Lauderdale where they stayed the night. Monroe County’s veterans joined 53 other South Florida veterans in the trip to Washington. Among the veterans from the Keys were Army veterans Donald Scarpa of Islamorada, Peter Hosford and Richard Ford of Key Largo, John Dick and Timothy Pennenga of Marathon and Vincent Formisano, of Key West; Air Force veterans Donald Fritch and Michael Daigle, of Key Largo; Navy veteran Mike Ehlers, of Islamorada; and Army veteran Charles Conn, a Del Ray Beach resident whose son, Army veteran Abe, lives in Key West. All veterans from the Keys served during the Vietnam War. Conn and Fritch also served during the Cold War.

Before they flew to the nation’s capital, local veterans enjoyed a lunch and a patriotic sendoff from the community on Sept. 5 at Dillon’s Pub & Grill in Tavernier. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Left: Monroe County Sheriff’s Capt. Jon Crane shakes the hand of FBI director Kash Patel upon graduating from the FBI National Academy on Sept. 4 in Quantico, Virginia. Right: Capt. Jonathan Crane

Florida Keys FISH REPORT

BITES BENEATH THE MATS

Swaths of sargassum holding dolphin, some tripletail

The tuna bite has been great. Early morning and late afternoon have been productive for tuna fishing. Sometimes I prefer the afternoon because there’s so much less boat traffic.

Blackfin have been chewing consistently on the Islamorada hump and 409 hump. The schools of dolphin have thinned out but more quality-sized dolphin are coming up when you find them. Big sargassum mats starting in

FISH TIP

Trevor with a mahi. 3: Trevor and Katie with a blackfin tuna. CONTRIBUTED

Sargassum mats offer fishing opportunities. They act as a mobile floating ecosystem, attracting various fish species like mahi. 1: The Chris

600 feet and debris have been holding dolphin and even some tripletail.

Reef fishing within 60 to 80 feet has been good for yellowtail snapper. Cero mackerel are starting to show up in the slick and big bonitas were smoking live cigars on the flatline. Even though big bonitas aren’t great to eat, they fight hard and make good bait. If you don’t have the whole day to fish, you can put together a nice catch in a half-day trip.

FISH FACT

Per Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the daily bag limit for tripletail is two per person. The minimum size limit is 18 inches. Legal gear: hook and line gear only (no nets or spearing).

Southwick group with a bonita.

ISLAMORADA CHILD CARE CELEBRATES NEW LOCATION

The move to Plantation Key is a win-win for parents and tykes

ith festive scissors in hand, the Alba family snipped the ribbon in front of their new Islamorada Child Care location on Sept. 2

Formerly located on Upper Matecumbe Key, Islamorada Child Care’s move to 288 Gardenia St. on Plantation Key is making it a little easier for parents who are dropping kids off at the nearby Plantation Key and Coral Shores schools as well as at the child care business owned by Alexis and Linsey Alba.

“Most folks have another child to drop off, so it makes it more convenient,” Alexis said.

A celebration marking Islamorada Child Care’s new location on Sept. 2 welcomed members from the community, from parents who enrolled their kids to business and education leaders. Islamorada Child Care staff were also on hand, eager to welcome the community to the new place for child care and learning.

Inside, spacious rooms provide children a cutting-edge learning environment that sparks their imagination and curiosity.

“We are more than just a day care. We are a learning center dedicated to early childhood development,” Linsey said. “Our program follows the Creative Curriculum with our own unique approach, making learning fun, engaging and entertaining for every child.”

Computer and Spanish lessons are also available.

There are also two playgrounds,

one designed for toddlers and another for preschoolers and older children to ensure safe and age-appropriate play for all.

“Above all, our priority is to keep children happy, safe and continuously growing through meaningful learning experiences,” Linsey said.

Islamorada Child Care is enrolling infants to kids age 5. They’re introducing a half-day option for children ages 3 and over, and offering afterschool care for kindergartners and up.

Linsey said they accept financial assistance through Florida’s School Readiness program, giving eligible low-income families the ability for their kids to receive early education and care.

The Albas opened Islamorada Child Care in 2017 shortly before word reached the community regarding Island Christian School’s impending closure. Pastor Tony Hammon and the late Mike Forster talked to the Albas about opening a facility for children to attend and learn.

More information is at Islamorada Child Care on Facebook or 305-741-

7438.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

The Alba family, pictured center, cuts the ribbon to the new Islamorada Child Care location at 288 Gardenia St. in Islamorada on Sept. 2. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

From left, Sandi Bisceglia, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe County member; Linsey Alba, Islamorada Child Care owner; and Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director.

TEAM MEMBER

The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is seeking a motivated, community-minded professional to join our Membership & Marketing team.

This full-time role is all about connection, creativity, and making an impact. Responsibilities include supporting member requests, scheduling email blasts, preparing monthly presentations, prospecting and reaching out to businesses about Chamber membership, and assisting with events and community engagement.

We’re looking for someone who is organized, positive, and excited about building relationships. Basic creative skills are helpful, but what ma ers most is your initiative, professionalism, and passion for helping our business community thrive.

If you’re ready to bring your talents to the heart of the Upper Keys business community, we’d love to hear from you. Email your resume and help us continue the Chamber’s tradition of supporting local businesses.

Contact Suzi Youngberg, president@keylargochamber.org

CROWNING THE BEST

Fourth annual people’s choice awards nears with nominations

Nominations are near for the annual Best of Upper Keys, where the people decide what businesses, food, people and organizations reign supreme.

Now in its fourth year, the Best of Upper Keys gives the people the opportunity to nominate their favorites in town from North Key Largo to Islamorada’s Lower Matecumbe Key. Earning one of the highly-coveted plaques on awards night, or just being nominated, is an honor coming from the community.

As the fourth Best of Upper Keys approaches, the Keys Weekly Newspapers is honored to recognize the island chain’s best, and it’s all determined by the people. Contrary to the annual rumor, the Weekly staff has nothing to do with the nominations or winners. All we do is provide the platform for people to nominate and vote.

Most importantly, the Best of Upper Keys supports a worthy cause. Since the inaugural Best of Keys in 2022, proceeds from the

events — more than $70,000 — have gone to support the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.

“When you have a community event that also raises money for any of our local nonprofits, it always reminds you of what’s important here at home,” said Jason Koler, Keys Weekly publisher. “One of my favorite parts of the Best of Upper Keys is the voting process and, of course, the awards party.”

“Our annual awards gala is one that brings people from all walks of life to laugh with each other and celebrate the Upper Keys community,” said Jim McCarthy, Upper Keys Weekly editor. “It’s just one evening where we can put aside our differences and have some fun with our neighbors and friends. If the last three Best of Upper Keys events are any indication, the fourth will surely bring lots of participation, excitement and pride from the Upper Keys.”

Stay tuned for all the details related to the nomination process and other important updates.

— Keys Weekly staff report

DIVING MUSEUM CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

Co-founder recalls early beginnings during anniversary celebration

Islamorada’s History of Diving Museum celebrates its 20year anniversary next week. A number of events to honor the occasion are free to the public.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, an anniversary celebration reception will be held at the museum from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., with refreshments served. Members old and new will receive a free gift.

The museum’s featured exhibit, “Celebrating 20 Years,” explores how its collection of diving equipment on public display came to be, and what advancements in diving have been made since the museum opened in 2005.

Following the festivities will be an “Immerse Yourself!” presentation by Sally Bauer, museum

co-founder. Bauer will discuss the challenges and joys of putting together a museum.

Saturday, Sept. 20 continues the celebration with guided tours of the museum, free with a person’s admission at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission on Sept. 20 will be free for Islamorada locals and at 12:30 p.m., a special virtual presentation will be held in the library by German historian Christopher Steinbib. Those interested in attending the museum’s lectures or reception may visit divingmuseum.org to RSVP. Presentations will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. This month’s sponsors are Liz Bonness, the Draves family and the Vitale family.

— Contributed

History of Diving Museum co-founder Sally Bauer will discuss the museum’s beginnings during an anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. CONTRIBUTED

CELEBRATING NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH

Community,

organizations to gather on Sept. 24

EG MERKEL www.keysweekly.com

September is designated as National Senior Center Month. With 54% of the Upper Keys population being 50 years old or older, the Just Older Youth (JOY) Center is proud to serve this thriving mature majority.

Thanks to Monroe County Parks and Beaches, JOY Center has its programming at the Plantation Key Community Center.

A celebration highlighting Senior Center Month and the partnerships that make our community strong is taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center. This is an opportunity to see where JOY activities take place each Tuesday and Wednesday and meet organizations that serve our seniors.

Organizations joining the event include Alliance for Aging, AARP South Florida, UM Sylvester Cancer Center, Monroe County Social Services & Veterans Affairs, Center for Independent Living, Griswold Caring Pairing, Alzheimer’s Association, Granny Nannies, Keys AHEC Health Centers, One Blood, Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Neptune Society, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Monroe County’s Key Largo and Islamorada libraries.

Some of the activities at the JOY Center on Plantation Key include mah-jongg, yoga and drum cardio. CONTRIBUTED

Special thanks to Naomi Padigas and Dawn DeBrule with county parks and beaches for their amazing planning, Ralph Ros for assisting with refreshments and for Roy Bogue who will showcase his smooth steel drum sounds during the event. Stop in for information, see your friends, have a snack, and maybe win a prize. Centennial Bank will donate grilled burgers and hotdogs for the event.

The JOY Center is located at the Plantation Key Community Center (the old courthouse) at 5 High Point Road.

HSPOT

e’s 3 years old, super fluffy and loves everyone. Spot is playful, social and loves to swim. He’s great with dogs and people — perfect for busy folks who want a low-maintenance, loving companion. Call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305-453-1315.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, Sept. 11

• 9/11 memorial ceremony from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Key Largo Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, 3 East Dr.

• 9/11 remembrance ceremony from 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. at Monroe County Fire Station 22, 151 Marine Ave., Tavernier.

Sept. 12-13

• Hazardous waste dropoff from 9 a.m. to noon at Founders Park. For Islamorada residents only.

• The Florida Keys Quilters Mini Quilt Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Key Largo library.

Saturday, Sept. 13

• Swim to Alligator Lighthouse at 7:45 a.m. at Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada. Learn more at swimalligatorlight.com.

• Suicide prevention training from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Coral Isles Church, Plantation Key.

Sept. 16-17

• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

• Free “Immerse Yourself” presentation featuring Sally Bauer, History of Diving Museum co-founder, at 7 p.m. at the museum.

Thursday, Sept. 18

• Art walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Saturday, Sept. 20

• Free guided museum tours with admission at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

THE LEGEND OF BOAT CAPTAIN BILL SMITH

Bill Smith holds a special place in fishing history. He showed up in the Keys as a 19-yearold and, in 1928, was approved for a captain’s license by the Coast Guard.

Smith began working as a charter boat captain at Doc Lowe’s Tavernier fishing club. Doc Lowe was Edward Lowe, who served as a medic in the Spanish-American War. Though he was not a licensed doctor, during the building of the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway, Lowe was placed in charge of the hospital for railroad workers in Marathon.

Smith left the Keys in 1930, but came back in 1934 and started working at Ed and Fern Butters’ Matecumbe Hotel on Upper Matecumbe Key. For his guiding services, Smith was given room and board and half of the proceeds from tourists booking fishing charters. It was not full-time work.

Also in 1934, three work camps were constructed in the Upper Keys, one on Windley Key (Camp 1) and two on Lower Matecumbe (Camps 3 and 5). The camps housed men brought to the islands to build a series of automobile bridges. Had the job seen fruition, the system of bridges would have roughly paralleled Flagler’s train tracks between Lower Matecumbe and Big Pine Keys.

Fortunately for Smith, some of the men in charge of the camps and the bridge projects were staying at the hotel. Fern Butters served the supervisors three meals a day. When Smith wasn’t fishing, he helped Fern serve the meals and clean up afterward. One of the supervisors offered Smith a position as a nighttime security guard at Camp 3.

By his own admission, Smith spent most of his time working security inside his car beside a furry terrier that loved boat rides. His primary job was ferrying management between their living quarters aboard the barge Sarasota, anchored just offshore, and the work camp. When someone wanted to leave the Sarasota, they

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.

signaled Smith by turning on a light. It didn’t take long for his dog to make the connection between the light suddenly glowing in the distance and a trip on the boat. If Bill was napping, as he often was, the dog barked to wake him up.

Smith and about 30 others rode out the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane aboard the Sarasota. With bad weather approaching, the barge was moved inside a 1,000-foot canal dredged out months prior – in case of just such an emergency. Heavy anchors with thick lines were secured deep within the mangrove thickets on either bank. The Category 5 storm didn’t care. Sustained winds screamed at 185 mph. The ocean rose more than 17 feet. Battered and yanked from its mooring, the Sarasota was tossed around and damaged, but everyone onboard survived. Few in the work camps would be as lucky.

Like Smith, Doc Lowe survived the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. His account was published in the Miami News on Sept. 4, 1935: “In one corner, huddled in stark fear were Mr. and Mrs. Doc Lowe, their son and daughter-in-law, and the latter’s nine-month-old baby. They were too frightened to talk at first. Doc was wounded in the head, maybe seriously. But they finally told us of the four of them taking turns holding the baby and clinging to a tree for four hours, before they were able to make their way to the Prevo bungalow.”

Like Doc Lowe, Smith stuck around after the hurricane. In 1937, his life changed in a way that has changed many lives. A girl arrived. Her name was Bonnie. Bonnie grew up near Jacksonville, on Pelotes

Bill Smith with

Island, where she speared flounder with her sisters, Beulah and Frankee. All three moved to Islamorada and became fishing guides. They all married fishing guides, too.

In 1939, Smith had a client from Alaska named Mr. Crawford who brought fishing flies he used to catch salmon to the Keys, hoping to hook a tarpon. The silver kings showed zero interest in salmon flies, and, at the end of that first day of the charter, Smith asked another local guide, who was catching tarpon on flies, for his secret. Leo Johnson, the guide, told Smith to wrap a piece of pork rind around the hook.

On the second day of the charter, Smith wrapped a little pork around the fly, and Mr. Crawford caught a couple of tarpons. When he cast the augmented fly at a school of bonefish, he hooked two of those, too. Back at the dock, Smith wanted to weigh one of the fish and brought a bonefish to the local grocery store. There, he ran into writer George La Branche, a respected fly-fishing specialist who believed in a soft touch and accurate placement. The book he is most famous for, “Dry Fly and Fast Water,” was published in 1914. His second book, “The Salmon and the Dry Fly,” was published in 1924.

La Branche had a home on Upper Matecumbe Key, built in 1937. When

Smith saw him, he boasted that he had caught a bonefish on a fly rod. La Branche asked to see the fish, and when Smith presented it, the bonefish still had the original fly embedded through its lip. A sliver of pork rind was still wrapped around the shaft. As soon as La Branche saw it, he called the catch bogus, referring to the fly as little more than bait. Smith took the criticism to heart and spent several months working to perfect a legitimate bonefish fly. Hard work, as it generally does, paid off, and Smith eventually tied a combination of ostrich feathers, brown squirrel hair, red and yellow hackle, red and orange thread, and a 1/0 hook. He called it the Salt-Us after one of his clients who loved catching bonefish, Mr. Saltus.

In the early summer months of 1939, Smith cast the Salt-Us at a school of bonefish in the grassy shallows surrounding Upper Matecumbe Key. As it hit the surface, an 8-pound bonefish bit, and Smith reeled in the first recorded bonefish caught on a fly. It was captured in a photo. The caption written on the image accompanying this story reads: “1939, Capt. Bill Smith with 8lb bonefish. First Ever taken on regulation fly tackle. Caught on bayside of Islamorada, Fla. This is a copy of the original Salt-Us fly that was used.”

Captain

the first bonefish caught on regulation fly. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Contributed

COMING TO THE AID OF INJURED DOLPHINS & WHALES

Marine mammal hospital and rebrand celebrated in Islamorada

Florida Keys community members came together on Sept. 1 for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the region’s only whale and dolphin rehabilitation facility, Dolphin Life Hospital, in Islamorada.

What began as the “Labor Day of Love” celebration quickly turned into a history-making moment with the unveiling of a new identity for Dolphin Life, formerly known as Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Respond-

er. With two facilities in the Keys — Dolphin Life Hospital in Islamorada and Dolphin Life Key Largo — the organization provides rescue, rehabilitation and permanent sanctuary for non-releasable dolphins.

Minutes before the ribbon was cut, Hunter Kinney, chief officer of innovation, revealed the rebrand to officials, business leaders and community supporters. As the banner dropped, cheers and applause filled the air.

“Our rebrand brings clarity and awareness to our mission” Kinney said. “Dolphin Life is about improving the lives of whales and dolphins both in our care — and in the wild.”

“With three dolphin facilities within two miles, the community was confused. This rebrand makes clear that Dolphin Life is a nonprofit, independent organization and highlights our commitment to improving dolphin lives,” said Art Cooper, who has been involved since 1990.

At the heart of Dolphin Life Hospital is a 56,000-gallon saltwater ICU habitat, designed for sick, injured and orphaned dolphins and whales. Nancy Cooper, president of Dolphin Life, said construction is nearly complete, with the final fiberglass panel set for installation this month. Once the tank is filled and inspected by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the hospital will be licensed and ready to provide care.

“We hope this tank never needs to be used,” Cooper said. “But if it does, we’ll be ready.”

Guests can now explore a 2,000-square-foot space filled with aquariums, touch pools and handson exhibits. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours offered throughout the day.

A new Backlot Rescue Tour runs daily at 11a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with behind-the-scenes access to the hospital’s inner workings and admission to Dolphin Life Key Largo.

The Key Largo facility remains home to six non-releasable dolphins. Programs there have been redesigned with smaller groups and more intimate interactions.

Dolphin Life also launched a new lifestyle brand. Apparel and gifts are now available through the Dolphin Life Store, with proceeds supporting the high cost of marine mammal care and rehabilitation.

Monroe County residents receive free admission to Dolphin Life Hospital in Islamorada and Dolphin Life Key Largo through September. Discounted rates are also available for interactive dolphin programs with code “DolphinLifeLocal.”

More information is at dolphinlife.org.

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Ferrari” (2023)

Why: Car racing movies carry expectations for obviously propulsive plots as their protagonists court deadly danger while seeking glory. While films like “Rush” and “F1” put us behind the driver’s seat, “Ferrari” shows us the perils faced by a man at the head of the enterprise at a crucial moment: Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) in 1957. His company, built in partnership with his wife, Laura (Penélope Cruz), is struggling to survive, selling sports cars to rich consumers; meanwhile, he’s obsessed with the racing side of the business. His personal life is also headed for a wreck after the death of his and Laura’s son and heir – while he has a secret second family with his mistress, Lina (Shailene Woodley). Not to worry: there are still thrilling (and sometimes shocking) race sequences, along with the gorgeous look you expect from the director, Michael Mann.

Where: This film is available as a DVD and from Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/ keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us.

Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.

Dolphin Life Hospital, formerly the Protect Center, is located at MM 82, bayside, in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

From left, Art Cooper, founder and director of strandings; Nancy Cooper, president for Dolphin Life; Hunter Kinney, chief innovation officer; and Doug Long, assistant dolphin lifeguard.

Will Campbell President

Home and away, YOU can find these great teams

ON these great stations

is your home for Florida Keys Football

HEATING

SCOREBOARD SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 6

Team Sport Opponent

Marathon Volleyball Keys Gate 9/2 W, 3-2

Basilica Volleyball Palmer 9/3 L, 3-0

Coral Shores Volleyball Keys Gate 9/3 W, 3-1

Coral Shores Volleyball Jupiter Christian 9/5 L, 2-1

Marathon Volleyball Silver Palms 9/5 L, 3-0

Key West Football Somerset Canyons 9/5 W, 26-21

Coral Shores Volleyball Suncoast 9/5 W, 2-1

Basilica Volleyball Suncoast 9/5 W, 2-1

Basilica Volleyball Jupiter Christian 9/5 L, 2-0

Key West Volleyball South Fork 9/5 L, 2-0

Key West Volleyball Wellington 9/5 L, 2-1

Marathon Football Westminster Christian 9/5 L, 56-0

Key West Volleyball Suncoast 9/6 W, 2-0

Coral Shores Volleyball South Fork 9/6 L, 2-0

Coral Shores Volleyball Basilica 9/6 W, 2-0

Key West Volleyball Basilica School 9/6 W, 2-0

Coral Shores Volleyball South Fork 9/6 L, 2-0

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS SEPT. 11 - SEPT. 18

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

9/11

9/12

9/15

9/17

9/17

9/18 Coral Shores Football @ Glades Day 7 p.m.

9/18 Marathon Volleyball Key West 5 p.m.

Led by three touchdowns and a two-point conversion from Walson Morin, the Key West Conchs exploded for more than 400 yards on the ground to notch a signature comeback win over Somerset Academy Canyons on Sept. 5. See page 4. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly

GAERTNER

He’s a jack of all trades and great at them all.”

– Conchs head coach Johnny Hughes

Key West’s Chace Gaertner has steadily become a key player for the Conchs this season, with crucial roles on both sides of the ball. Against Somerset Canyons, Gaertner ran for 85 yards, picking them up the hard way. He often carries defenders along for the ride as he fights for extra yardage. Defensively, Gaertner is adept at reading the field and used his skills to pick off a pass in an electrifying shift of momentum for Key West. For his strong football IQ, natural talent and fantastic all-around play, Chace Gaertner is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Chace

Sophomore, Key West Football

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

1. Jeff DeJean makes a run for the Conchs.

2. Walson Morin and Jeff DeJean celebrate Morin’s touchdown.

3. Cheerleaders Janiliah Moore, left, and Avery Batty dance to the fight song after a Conchs win.

4. Matthew Oviedo drags down a Somerset runner.

5. Mathew Delgado ties up a WCA defender.

6. Garret Ruddy runs the ball for positive yardage.

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.

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

7. Jesus Gonzalez escapes the WCA trap.

8. Marathon’s spirits are high at the start of their Sept. 5 game.

Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Justice Lee

tracy mcdonald

MARKET EDITORS

CONCHS CATCH COUGARS Key Wests earns first win of the season in final moments

Head coach Johnny Hughes knew that Key West’s Sept. 5 game against Somerset Academy Canyons was a must-win if his team is to have any chance of making the playoffs. His Conchs delivered with 400 yards of offense on the ground, overcoming the Cougars 26-21.

Hughes credited his offensive line with allowing the backs to stack up big numbers. “We do a great job of blocking and creating holes,” he said.

Jeff Dejean broke loose for a 53-yard run and Walson Morin’s longest was 78. Morin found the end zone three times and added a two-point conversion. Leo Batista touched the ball just twice, but made the most of his possessions. He scored the fourth touchdown of the game, finding daylight for a 24-yard Conch TD.

The win was about as exciting as they get for Key West. Down 21-20 late in the fourth quarter, the Conchs scored to take the lead. The outnumbered Conch athletes, many of whom play both ways and were exhausted, held their breath and placed their hopes on Josh Johnson. More than a two-way player, Johnson simply doesn’t leave the field, adding a triple-duty kicking role to his repertoire of skills.

“Fatigue was a factor,” said Hughes. “I was worried I left too much time on the clock.”

The Cougars had already scored on a kick return, and rather than risk them taking another one to the house, Hughes considered an on-side kick. With 53 seconds left in the game, he turned to Johnson, who reportedly said, “Coach, I'll put it in the end zone.” Johnson delivered, blasting a 60-plus-yard bomb on the kickoff.

Key West’s defense held strong in the final seconds of play, stopping the Cougars on their last drive and securing their first win of the season.

The Conchs’ win could just be the beginning of a streak. They kick off against longtime rival Belen Jesuit Sept. 12 and hope to take advantage of the Wolverines’ new spread offense. Belen is 0-3 and hasn’t scored more than one TD in a game this season.

Marathon did not earn their first win of the season against Westminster Christian last week. The unbeaten Warriors handed the Fins a 56-0 loss to keep their record unblemished while the Dolphins were left winless. Marathon will need to turn the tide this week against Zephyrhills Christian in order to keep hopes alive for a postseason bid. Coach Sean McDonald said his team will return to basics in practice this week to catch some new roster additions up to speed and shore up some areas of weakness left exposed by their loss to the Warriors.

Coral Shores did not get a chance to play last week. Their game scheduled with BridgePrep Village Green last week was canceled due to weather, leaving the Hurricanes a game and a half down this season. The Hurricanes had already taken the field for warmups when the foreboding and all-too-familiar sound of the lightning detector horn sounded.

Coral Shores played just one half against Palmer Trinity two weeks ago and will make up the second half later this month. The team hopes to reschedule BridgePrep for later in the season. While the teams work on possible dates, head coach Ed Holly reports that his team is well-rested and blessed to be without injury for their next opponent, SmartEn Sports Academy.

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the field,” said Holly. The SmartEn Goats will make the trip to Tavernier Sept. 12 to give the ’Canes their first action since August.

WEATHERING THE STORM

Golfers brave inclement conditions to complete match at Ocean Reef

Keys golfers managed to get in nine holes between bouts of miserable weather on Sept. 3, and despite soggy greens, athletes managed some solid scores.

In girls action, Key West’s Lexi Finigan was the top golfer, shooting a birdie on hole seven for a total score of 49. In second place was Marathon’s Justice Lee, who was seven strokes behind Finigan. Lee celebrated her firstever birdie at the match on hole two. Teammate Makenna Haines was next, followed by Key West’s Mary Alice Davila and Berkeley Tripp in fourth and fifth, then Valerie Gabriel and Melanie Estevez of Coral Shores in sixth and seventh.

The girls competed as individuals due to smaller rosters, but each of the schools had enough boys to field a team. Key West came in first, scoring a total of 229, with Marathon eight points away. Coral Shores was seven back from the Fins to finish third.

The low score of the day was on Mason Titensor’s card. Titensor’s score of 40 was just four over par and helped boost the Conchs to their team win. Two strokes behind was Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver, followed by Geo Twyman of Key West. Roco Piscetello was Marathon’s top finisher, coming in fourth overall, and Chad Stolka, Ty Hill and Canyon Miller, all Conchs, shored up the fifth through seventh spots. In eighth was Emmett Merryman of Marathon, followed by Colton Young of Coral Shores. Hurricane Dylan Lindmar tied with Dolphins Ethan Wohlers and Jackson Millard for 10th place.

Marathon’s Emmett Merryman hits a ball on hole seven while Coral Shores’ Scout Oliver looks on. MARY COLEMAN/Contributed

Makenna Haines, Lexi Finigan and Valerie Gabriel contemplate hole number three at Ocean Reef.

Weather axes another week of cross country racing

For the third straight week, Monroe County cross country teams endured cancellations due to inclement weather.

Coral Shores, the only Keys team to have completed a race this season, was scheduled to travel to two meets, one on Sept. 2 and another on Sept. 5, both at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami. Hurricane coach Lyndie Meyers said her team was hopeful the latter meet would happen after Tuesday’s cancellation, but it was not to be. Meyers said her team, weather aside, is right where she wants them to be.

“They are strong, fierce and ready to run,” she said.

Marathon and Key West had scheduled the Sept. 5 race, but a travel-weary Conch squad made the decision to skip the meet late in the week. Key West head coach McGraw said she did not want to gamble on the weather, a wise decision in hindsight considering the other teams sat idle as they waited for the race official to can-

cel the contest. Marathon made the drive to Larry & Penny, only to wait it out and be sent home without a race under their belts.

Despite the long travel itinerary and no finish times to show for it, the teams’ spirits are still high. Marathon coach Helena Bursa told her team that the raceless trip was a day off from running, then scheduled them for a team training run the following day on Big Pine Key. The Fins enjoyed the change of scenery with no traffic and a wooded view as they did No Name Bridge repeats, followed by lunch at the No Name Pub.

Bursa said many of the athletes had never been to No Name Key before and that the team, in spite of recent weather challenges, is pumped for their next event.

While it wasn’t in FHSAAsanctioned action, one Dolphin did get a race – and a win – under his belt. Anthony Vargas took to the streets of Duck Key on Aug. 30 to claim gold in the Hawks Cay Heroes Salute 5K, leading the field to finish in 21:54.

Marathon’s boys and girls cross country teams pose for a post-workout photo outside the No Name Pub Sept. 6.

Dolphins cross country leaves their mark at the No Name Pub on Sept. 6 after a hard workout. CONTRIBUTED

Clockwise from top: Marathon’s Anthony Vargas, center, takes first place at the Hawks Cay Heroes Salute 5K. ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

• 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.

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

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

RUNNING DOWN A DREAM

School records within striking distance for some

athletes this season

Cross country is not a sport for the weak of heart – nor the weak of anything, for that matter. To be the best, an athlete must be focused, driven and willing to put their training above all. Even then, record-setting runners are a breed apart. This makes the 2025 cross country season even more exciting, as multiple runners from local schools are on the cusp of making history.

Marathon’s records are some of the freshest on the books, with the time to beat being Jonathan Pitchford’s 15:59 or Vance Bursa’s 15:46, depending on the record keeper. Pitchford ran his personal best in 2018 at states, when he broke the 16-minute barrier with a silver medal performance. Bursa’s time was achieved at the RunningLane XC Nationals in Alabama in December 2024. Though Bursa’s time is not recognized in some record books as Marathon’s fastest as it was outside of FHSAA competition, it was achieved during his senior year of high school. Bursa’s next-fastest 5K, a 16:05 he logged at states in 2024, places him in second regardless of the debate.

Either way, Bursa and Pitchford have set a high bar for future record hopefuls. This season’s best contenders for making the podium of all-time greats are Antonin Bursa and Lucian Burns, a pair of underclassmen with talent and drive. Bursa, the younger brother of Vance, and Burns train together and perform their best in tandem, something that could help them make Dolphin history of their own.

For the Lady Fins, seventh-grader Molly Joly already stands in the No. 2 spot. She is sandwiched between Naomi Valerdi, whose 2010 20:09 is the best all-time finish for Marathon’s girls, and Ella Dunn, who graduated in 2024. Joly is just over a minute behind Valerdi, and with six seasons remaining for her varsity career, a contender to make school history.

At Coral Shores, the girls record has stood the longest. Joanna McCoy broke it at states in 2009, and it’s been 16 years since anyone has cracked the top three spots in the Lady

Hurricanes’ record books, but sophomore Ali Wheatley is currently in fourth and picking up speed every day. Wheatley needs to shave just five seconds from her personal best to take over the No. 3 spot, and while the No. 1 place is more than two minutes faster than her current best, Wheatley is focused and has all the potential to surpass McCoy, especially given a three-year window in which to do it.

Collin Dickerson holds the Hurricane harrier record, with a 16:42.7 time that has held the top spot since 2014. Current senior Alaric Rodriguez has times in the 18-minute realm to his credit, and stands a solid shot at making the top three. Pushing him is a slew of teammates who often trade places at the finish line.

Key West’s Nicole Matysik has held the Conch record since 2017, when her 18:19 set the bar for future runners. To break into the top three, the time to beat is 20:17. While an improvement of more than two minutes would be unusual for a seasoned varsity runner, if anyone can do it, it’s sophomore Violet Jangraw. Jangraw has made steady improvement each season and has the never-say-can’t attitude to overcome any odds.

Key West’s Robert Perdoza surpassed Owen Allen for the best time in Conch history in 2019. Perdoza’s 15:38 is currently the best Monroe County high school finish since decent records have been kept, and will be challenging to beat. To make Key West’s top three, sophomore Sawyer Hill, senior Prometheus Delacerda and the rest of the pack will need to break 16:17, a lofty feat for any distance runner.

And while the current high school athletes work toward writing their own history, the athletes who own the records have not hung up their racing flats just yet. Last year’s 7 Mile Bridge Run was won by Joanna Stevens, formerly McCoy, and Allen, a pair of Keys locals with their names in the books for their respective schools. Vance Bursa, the winner the previous year, was second. Marathon’s

Monroe County boys all-time best cross country times

Monroe County girls all-time best cross country times

third-fastest cross country runner, Aydan Child, founded Peak Pulse, a running club with branches across Florida. He teamed up with both Bursas and Allen to win the Keys 100 last May under the Peak Pulse brand.

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Mia Bottega located at 24 Dockside Lane, Key Largo, Florida 33037, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.

By: Mia Bottega, L.L.C.

Publish: September 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Florida Keys Cleaning located at 123 Pirates Drive, Key Largo, Florida 33037, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.

By: Florida Keys Cleaning LLC

Publish: September 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO: 2013-CP-219-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DARREN GUTTMAN, Deceased.

Estrella Guttman, a personal representative of the Estate of Darren Guttman Plaintiff Vs. Karen Guttman

Defendant NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 28th day of July, 2025, in the cause wherein IN RE: ESTATE OF DARREN GUTTMAN, Deceased. Estrella Guttman, a personal representative of the Estate of Darren Guttman is Plaintiff and Karen Guttman was defendant, being Case No. 2013-CP-219-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described personal property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Stock certificates representing the one hundred percent (100%) ownership interest of Karen Guttman in the following corporations:

Altruistic Endeavors, Inc.

Altruistic Endeavors, Inc.

Cabbies Cab, Inc.

County Cab Services, Inc.

Friendly Cabs of Key West, Inc.

Innovative Cab, Inc.

Key West Taxicabs, Inc.

Maintenance Investigations, Inc.

Mechanical investigations, Inc.

Monroe Cab, Inc.

Prestige Cab, Inc.

Prompt Cab, Inc.

Protector Cab, Inc.

Row Row Cab, Inc.

Safety Endeavors, Inc.

Service Cab, Inc.

Yellow Cab Company of Key West, Inc.

All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 16th day of October 2025, at the hour of 10:00

A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid personal property

at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for CASH IN HAND. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution.

Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 22nd day of August, 2025. Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida By: Donald Stullken Deputy Sheriff

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)8093041

Publish:

August 28 and September 4, 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

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

UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-000341-P IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHERINE T. EBERT, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHERINE T. EBERT, deceased, whose date of death was February 3, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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: September 11, 2025. Signed on September 4, 2025

Personal Representative: MARY M. EBERT 224 Columbine Ave., Unit A Whiting, NJ 08759 Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esq.

Fl Bar No. 1015363

Attorneys for Personal Representative Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-8440 – Telephone (305) 852-8848 – Facsimile VMiranda@HLYlaw.com –Primary kvilchez@HLYlaw.comSecondary bmiller@HLYlaw.comSecondary Publish: September 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025-CP-357-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT T. ROYALL, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT T. ROYALL, deceased, whose date of death was May 2, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: September 11, 2025.

E. Cheryl Culberson

Personal Representative 161 Leoni Drive Islamorada, Florida 33036

Rayme L. Suarez, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0086622

Law Office of Rayme L. Suarez 92400 Overseas Highway, Suite 7 Tavernier, Florida 33070

Email: raymelaw@gmail.com

Secondary email: danrayme@ aol.com

Publish: September 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

FILE NO. 25-CP-000339-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF ANNE HAMILTON GOVE, a/k/a ANNE H. GOVE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Anne Hamilton Gove also known as Anne H. Gove, deceased, whose date of death was December 17th, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2,

Plantation Key, Florida 33070.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 4, 2025.

Personal Representative: Gordon Hislop, Jr 34 Old Post Road Newington, NH 03801

Attorney for Personal Representative: George R. Moraitis, Jr.

Attorney for Petitioner E-Mail Address: gmoraitisjr@ mcklaw.com

Florida Bar No. 0597058 Moraitis, Karney, Moraitis & Quailey 915 Middle River Drive, Suite 506 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Telephone: 954-563-4163

Alternate E-mail: cmiethe@ mcklaw.com

Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

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

UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 25-CP-392-P IN RE: ESTATE OF JUDITH L. MURPHY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JUDITH L. MURPHY, deceased, whose date of death was February 28, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION

OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. 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: September 4, 2025.

Personal Representative: REBECCA A. NELSON 11379 Shaw Road Rockford, IL 61114

Attorney for Personal Representative: Victoria Miranda, Esq. Fl Bar No. 1015363

Attorneys for Personal Representative Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-8440 – Telephone (305) 852-8848 – Facsimile JLupino@hlylaw.com - Primary VMiranda@hlylaw.com –Primary kvilchez@hlylaw.comSecondary Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-344-M DIVISION: MARATHON PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVONNA IRENE CHURCHILL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Davonna Irene Churchill, deceased, whose date of death was April 15, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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 September 4, 2025.

Personal Representative:

Raymond G. Churchill 150 Coco Plum Drive, Slip 23 Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173

Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2025-CA000024-A0-01-PK JOSE ROBERTO TRIANA, and MARILYN GONZALEZ PlaintiffS, v. MANGROVE MARINE HOLDINGS, LLC, d/b/a GILBERTS, and MANNY DORTA, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Manny Dorta Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County, Florida, regarding the motor vehicle accident occurring on September 29, 2024, on 107900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Kendrick Almaguer, Esq., Attorney for the Plaintiff, The Hachar Law Group, whose address is 7900 Oak Lane, Suite 401, Miami Lakes, FL 33016, and file the original with the clerk of this court at Clerk of the Circuit Court, 5000 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040 on or before September 29, 2025. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Dated this 18th day of August, 2025. KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod As Deputy Clerk Publish: August 28 and September 4, 11 & 18, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-1320-K

DIVISION: FAMILY STACY ANNE PAULWELL Petitioner, and TAVERES DENARD WATLEY

Respondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: TAVERES DENARD WATLEY 2821 Windsor Forrest Ct, College Park, GA, 30340 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 STACEY ANNE PAULWELL, whose address is C/O Law Office of Wayne Dapser, 300 Southard St, Suite 208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 11, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: September 5, 2025 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: September 11, 18 & 25 and October 2, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25-DR-918-K EDWIN ANTONIO AMADOR MIRANDA, Petitioner, and AMELIA BEATRIZ AMADOR BELETA, Respondent. AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: AMELIA BEATRIZ AMADOR BELETA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: COL. 14 DE SEPT DEL SUPEREXPRESS 4 C AL S ½ ABAJO, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA 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 EDWIN ANTONIO AMADOR MIRANDA, whose address is 5582 1ST AVE, APT 201, BOX 5, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before September 29, 2025, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the

WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff vs. KATHLEEN A. WELLINGTON

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC272-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 7TH day of August 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CA-61-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of September 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit A33, Week 46, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) VIII entered in a case pending in said Court, the 24TH day of June 2025 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ALANEL JO KREUSCH, DECEASED AND DUANE C. KREUSCH, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO ALANEL JO KREUSCH Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CA61-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23RD day of July 2025.

KEVIN MADOK

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CA-61-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of September 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit A14, Week 2, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 8TH day of July 2025

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THOMAS PORCHER RAVENEL, DECEASED Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CA61-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23RD day of July 2025. KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: September 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-42-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of September 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5433, Week 25, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public

LEGAL NOTICES

Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 26TH day of June 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE HUYDUK FAMILY REVOCABLE TRUST DATED MARCH 26, 2003 AGAINST DARWIN STUBBS, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO SHIUKI STUBBS; DANIEL C. STUBBS, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO SHIUKI STUBBS; DENISE GALLARDO, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO SHIUKI STUBBS; AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIR, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SHIUKI STUBBS, DECEASED

Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC42-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 5TH day of August 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-97-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of September 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5533, Week 40, Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNIT 5533, WEEK 40 entered in a case pending in said Court, the 26TH day of June 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff

vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARGARET SUSAN THOMAS, DECEASED; KATHERINE THOMAS, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARGARET SUSAN THOMAS; AND SARAH STEPHENSON, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARGARET SUSAN THOMAS Defendant

And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC97-K

WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 2ND day of July 2025

KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida

By: Shonta McLeod

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

Publish:

September 4 & 11, 2025

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 2024-CA-61-K

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

SALE

BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT

COURT

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 22ND day of September 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:

Unit A14, Week 42, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) X entered in a case pending in said Court, the 8TH day of July 2025

Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARIA FIORE WILSON, DECEASED; ASHLEY WILSON, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARIA FIORE WILSON; AND CASEY STEINBERG, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARIA FIORE WILSON

Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CA61-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 23RD day of July 2025. KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County, Florida By:

Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: September 4 & 11, 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 $3000OBO 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 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOATS FOR SALE

GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/ trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. $15,000 Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

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 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517

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 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

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/

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer serviceoriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

PAVER DAVE INC. is now hiring in the Lower Keys. Must have Driver’s License. Bobcat driver experience helpful. Pay depends on experience. Call 305-304-3966

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 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

Beautiful Studio Apt. on the water w/ pool, furnished, W/D. Professionals & Military welcome. $1,800/mo 1 person, $2,200/mo 2 persons, All utilities included. No Pets. Non-smoking. F/L/Security negot. Big Coppit Key, MM10. 305-849-0693

UNFURNISHED 2/2 HOUSE FOR RENT ON CANAL, MM27, Ramrod Key, recently refurbished and painted, w/d, utilities paid by owner, $2,750/month, fenced yard, available now. Pete 786-649-9833 or pprm1119@aol.com

3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228

Shonta McLeod

HOUSING FOR RENT

2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock. $4,500/ month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 4 months - JanApril. 727-278-1105

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

Looking for a friendly, dependable team member who can handle a busy retail environment with a great a itude. Customer service experience and willingness to learn our sales system is ideal. Duties include assisting customers, restocking, placing orders, and keeping the store clean and organized.

This is an hourly position with pay based on experience. Flexible hours with a consistent weekly schedule. Morning and a ernoon shi s available.

Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.

KEYS ALL AREA ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION IS CURRENTLY SEEKING

A WAREHOUSE MANAGER / DRIVER FOR OUR LOCATION IN MARATHON.

Full Time Mon-Fri. Must have a clean driving record, ability to lift 50+ lbs., exp. hauling dump trailers, attention to details is a MUST. Will be responsible for receiving incoming deliveries, deliveries to job sites, mgmt. of warehouse & yard materials, trucks & trailers. Assists crews with materials as needed.

Additional duties;

*Make safety inspections of warehouse and equipment.

• Follow best practices for safety, while on the road and when loading or unloading trucks.

• Act as positive representative of our company. Displaying strong customer service and a friendly demeanor towards all people.

• Assist in completing all documentation related to warehouse compliance and audits.

• Maintain the warehouse, in a neat and orderly condition, including frequent trash removal, ensuring access to products and proper rotation.

• Ensure pallet tags are neat, legible, and accurate.

• Other related duties as assigned.

Apply in person at Keys All Area Roofing, 12235 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL or call 305 743 4400.

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com

YARD SALES

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-417-0871 or email Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com

LOOKING FOR A PRIVATE CHEF/STEW ON A 90 FT YACHT LOCATED IN KEY LARGO

This is not a charter vessel - it’s for a very easy-going family. Would like to find someone in Key Largo or within a daily driving distance. Duties would include menu writing , food preparation and upkeep of interior of yacht.

I am the captain Chad and we have a full-time mate!! Duties are shared by all for food service and upkeep. Position is available from the end of October thru the end of April - could be longer. Please send resume to cwkibler68@gmail.com or call Chad @ 239-707-2803

Look forward to chatting with you. Compensation will be discussed.

NOW HIRING PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Marathon Boat Yard is looking for a Part-Time Administrative Assistant to perform the following duties: Answering the phone, basic bookkeeping, basic data entry and some customer service. Basic computer and email skills are required. QuickBooks experience is a plus. Bilingual is also a plus. Pay will be based on experience.

MARATHON BOAT YARD 2059 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY

MARATHON, FL 33050, 305-735-4594 MARATHONBOATYARDLLC@GMAIL.COM

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!

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent)

Weekends)

wants you to join their team!

Full or Part-time. $19/hour to start. EMAIL resume to: Bette@TurtleHospital.org APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program,

COME JOIN THE FAMILY! Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org

JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NON-PROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!

We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Therapist (CAT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children, Adult) (FT)

Prevention Specialist

Advocate

MARATHON

Advocate

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver (CDL not required) (PT)

RN/Licensed Practical Nurse (FT,PT)

*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT,PT)

*Night Monitor (Assisted Living - Free Housing)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.

Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR

The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.

Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required.

DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.

Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier

- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C) Medical Oncology, Per Diem

- Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus

- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $50k Bonus

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus

- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem

- Pool Medical Technologist

- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, PT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain

- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $50K Bonus

- Patient Care Nurse Supervisor, PT, Nights

- Patient Scheduler 3, Surgery, PT

- Pool Occupational Therapist

- Pool Pharmacy Tech 2

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, PACU, $15k Bonus

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus

- RRT 2, Respiratory Therapy, Per Diem

- Security Officer, Per Diem

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon