GOLDEN PERFORMANCE
Canettes dance to 50 years | P. 16
PRETRIAL INTERVENTION FOR GASTESI
Former administrator won’t face prosecution, if he abides by the rules | P. 5
FISHING FOR CATS
Famous backcountry tournament enters 24th year | P. 25
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The only publicly-owned franchise in the National Football League is the Green Bay Packers. According to the team, there are 538,967 shareholders as of 2025. Shareholders vote for directors, and no single person or entity can own more than 200,000 shares.
REIMAGINING FOUNDERS PARK?
The 45-acre Founders Park is the center of the village’s park system, offering sports programs, recreational programs and facilities, sports coaching and training, and facilities for aquatics. FILE PHOTO
New plan shows expanded community center, potential artificial turf at multiuse field
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Islamorada’s expansive, natural and arguably best park could be in line for tens of millions of dollars in upgrades and new development in the next decade.
That’s according to a new Founders Park master plan formulated by a consulting firm the village hired last year to engage with the public on priorities and devise plans for potential improvements and new amenities.
Representatives with the Miamibased Miller Legg firm presented Islamorada council members with the final plan during an Oct. 8 meeting at the Founders Park Community Center. Jack Kardys, Miller Legg senior recreational planner, said he was particularly impressed with the public engagement throughout the process. A total of 860 surveys were completed by the public, equating to 12% of the village population.
“We typically get 1-2% response rates,” said Kardys, adding they were told by residents not to change much at the outset. “And there really isn’t a whole lot that needs to be changed with this park.”
Survey responses detailed enhancing the beach area, potentially adding butterfly gardens and trails and enhancing the marina operation.
In the end, Miller Legg outlined four phases of improvements and new additions to the park over 10 to 15 years at a $22 million price tag.
Phase one proposed to expand the entrance into the park from one to two lanes. One lane would be for village residents who enter for free, while another lane would be for visitors paying their way into the park.
Liudmila Fuentes, project manager with Miller Legg, said the entrance could be automated, with either vehicle license plates or cards being scanned during the week. During the weekends, the main entrance could be staffed.
Phase one improvements include renovating the restroom at the beach, relocating the playground to where the sand volleyball court currently sits and adding artificial turf to the driving range. A putting green would be added near the driving range.
In total, phase one developments and improvements are estimated at $1.1 million.
Phase two details an entrance at the south end of the park that’s dedicated for marina, park maintenance and public works staff. Then
The Coral Shores Canettes dance team performs during the Sept. 12 varsity football game. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
there’s the multipurpose field used by various sports programs. The plan suggests an option for artificial turf, a topic that’s garnered much debate at the neighboring baseball field.
“That would help with the practice areas and expanding the time of practice and usage of the field,” Fuentes said.
Phase two also would improve the amphitheater’s backstage for improved parking and dropoff for equipment during concerts and events. There are also plans in phase two to reformat the marina parking and dock office. Costs associated with phase two of park upgrades total $1.8 million to $2.5 million.
Phase three details an outdoor gym – with a roof but no walls, allowing air circulation – for two basketball courts, eight pickleball courts, two volleyball courts and bleachers, near the community center. It also proposes moving public works maintenance equipment from the current location near the community center to the south end of the park. Plans also show multipurpose path connections and a pedestrian entrance to the neighboring preserve. These improvements, which could take place over seven to 10 years, would cost $7.2 million.
The final phase details expanding the community center to two stories to provide an indoor recreation center on the first floor and office space on the second story. In addition to expanding to a 15,000-square foot facility, the final phase shows 50 additional parking spaces and improved service dropoff, of which all would cost $11.8 million.
Mayor Sharon Mahoney questioned who omitted the baseball field and marina from the master plan.
“I never got the answer, so I’m just going to let that go for now,” she said.
Mahoney added that the master plan is essentially a wish list of improvements they could consider in the future.
“It’s a lot of money. We better have a big piggybank to do all this stuff,” she said.
Councilwoman Deb Gillis said a master plan makes securing grant funds and other sources a little easier.
“Even if we don’t ever do all of it, there are pieces we could and should do,” she said.
WILL THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AFFECT THE KEYS?
National park, federal courts & weather service remain open
By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy
Aweek into the federal government shutdown — and political finger-pointing between Republicans and Democrats — life in the Florida Keys hasn’t changed too terribly, although dozens of government websites and social media accounts tell online visitors the pages and sites will not be updated while workers are furloughed.
Air traffic controllers remain on the job to keep planes in the air, but when previous government shutdowns have stretched through several weeks, absenteeism became a concern for air traffic control, prompting some flight delays and cancellations.
The National Weather Service, which falls under the auspices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is always a concern for Keys residents. But the Keys Weekly stopped by the NWS Key West forecast office on White Street on Monday Oct. 6 and spoke in person with warning coordination meteorologist Jon Rizzo and with meteorologist-in-charge Chip Kasper. Both were still at work and on high alert in the last month and a half of hurricane season.
They are what the government considers “excepted” employees, meaning their jobs are essential, much like air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers. They’ll continue to work through a shutdown, although they may not get paid until the shutdown ends.
“If this continues, then paychecks may be delayed, which would be tough on our lower-level staff,” Kasper said, while emphasizing that the office’s hurricane and tropical weather forecasting has not been affected.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which also is under the umbrella of NOAA, however, has been affected by the shutdown.
The Eco-Discovery Center at Key West’s Truman Waterfront is closed.
“The lapse in appropriations means we are unable to utilize government property, including buildings and vessels,” Scott Atwell, communications and outreach man-
ager for the sanctuary, told the Keys Weekly in an email on Oct. 8.
“This means the Florida Keys EcoDiscovery Center, normally open Wednesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is closed.
“Approximately 25% of our staff are federal employees, and are on furlough. The balance are considered contractors or affiliates, like myself, paid by previous year appropriations and are therefore still working remotely.”
Atwell added that federally owned vessels cannot be operated during the shutdown.
Dry Tortugas and Everglades national parks remained open to visitors as of Oct. 6, and the ferry was running to the Tortugas.
“One problem with nailing down specific closure information (for national parks) is that staff has been furloughed at federal websites where closure notifications would normally be posted,” states an online post by the travel site floridarambler.com. “As a result of the staff issues, visitor centers and ranger stations are not being manned and phones are not being answered.”
Naval Air Station Key West’s usually active Facebook page has not been updated since Oct. 1, when a single post read stated, “There is a lapse of appropriations and there will be limited updates.”
Active-duty service members are considered essential and therefore still working, but most civilian employees have been furloughed. (A furlough is defined as “suspension or discharge of a worker or workers on account of economic conditions or shortage of work, especially when temporary.”)
A text message to NASKW civilian spokeswoman Danette BasoSilvers came with an automated reply stating, “Due to a lapse in federal funding, employees have been furloughed. I will not be able to respond to your message until the furlough has ended.” She did provide a phone number for an active-duty naval service member for emergencies.
Federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 7 that “the federal courts are all open and will not close during the shutdown.”
Check keysweekly.com as we continue to update this story while the federal government shutdown continues.
INDICTED FORMER COUNTY OFFICIAL WON’T FACE TRIAL
Roman Gastesi agrees to supervision for 12 months, or less
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The former top county executive who was indicted and arrested last year on a felony charge of official misconduct will not, it turns out, be prosecuted — as long as he behaves himself.
Roman Gastesi, the former Monroe County administrator, was indicted in August 2024 amid a drug scandal and coverup involving the 2022 theft and loss of more than 600 vials of fentanyl, dilaudid, ketamine and other drugs from the Trauma Star air ambulance service, which is run by Monroe County Fire Rescue.
“Mr. Gastesi is accused of knowingly and intentionally obstructing, delaying or preventing the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony that directly affected the government entity he served,” stated an Aug. 16, 2024 press release from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.
The grand jury’s report, released in late August 2024 following the indictments, states, “What is certain, through the testimony of the various witnesses, is that Mr. Gastesi has used what appears to be boundless power and authority in manners not consistent with the best interests of Monroe County as a whole, but rather for select individuals that align themselves with him. Most recently, Roman Gastesi intervened and stopped HR and Employee Services from conducting an internal investigation by an outside firm of the July 2022 incident and more specifically Andrea Thompson. … Mr. Gastesi must never hold any position with Monroe County.”
If convicted of the third-degree felony, Gastesi could have faced up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
But Gastesi won’t be prosecuted for the alleged crime, as long as he abides by the rules outlined in a pretrial intervention agreement that he signed on Aug. 5 of this year.
Gastesi agreed to 12 months supervision, during which he will report monthly to a county probation officer. After three months, he can ask the state attorney to end his probation early as long as he has completed a re-
Former Monroe County administrator Roman Gastesi will serve 12 months or less of probation stemming from his August 2024 indictment and arrest on a felony charge of official misconduct. CONTRIBUTED
quired ethics class, performed 50 hours of community service and donated $500 to each of two local charities. Gastesi also agreed he “will not use intoxicants to excess,” while under supervision, according to the agreement, which emphasized the words “to excess,” without defining it.
In addition to the two $500 donations, Gastesi must pay $1,420 in court and investigation costs, and $50 for each month of his probation.
“The State Attorney’s Office agrees to (dismiss) the charge(s) in this case after the time set forth in this agreement if the defendant has completed all the terms and conditions of this agreement,” the pretrial document states. “If the State discovers that the defendant has violated any law or any part of this agreement during the period of this agreement then the agreement shall be considered null and void and the State of Florida may recommence prosecution.”
Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward declined to comment on the agreement.
“We still have other defendants in that investigation, so no comment at this time,” Ward told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 7.
The Weekly contacted Gastesi for comment, but had not received a response by press time Oct. 8.
The other defendants include former Trauma Star chief flight nurse Lynda Rusinowski and former Trauma Star division chief Andrea Thompson. Visit keysweekly.com
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KEY LARGO MAN SENT TO PRISON FOLLOWING FELONY DUI
Breath samples show he was nearly three times the legal limit
Ajudge recently sentenced a Key Largo man to prison for a 2023 traffic stop in which he was found to be driving while intoxicated — nearly three times Florida’s legal limit.
According to the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, 43-year old Dustin Lee Pastorius entered a plea of “no contest” for driving under the influence — his third offense in 10 years. On Sept. 5, Circuit Court Judge James Morgan adjudicated Pastorius guilty and sentenced him to 21 months in a Florida prison and 12 months probation upon release.
The State Attorney’s office said Pastorius’ latest DUI conviction stems from a Nov. 2, 2023 traffic stop in which Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies observed him driving north in the southbound lane at MM 99 in Key Largo. Deputies said they noticed clear signs of impairment and found open containers of alcohol in the vehicle, including a half-empty bottle of Tito’s vodka and a box of pinot grigio wine.
Pastorius failed field sobriety exercises and later provided breath samples of .208 and .228, almost three times Florida’s legal limit, which is .08.
In addition to his prison sen-
tence, Pastorius must successfully complete a 12-month residential treatment program, install an ignition interlock device for 2 years, serve a 10-year driver’s license suspension, complete Level II DUI School designed for repeat offenders, perform 50 hours of community service, submit to random urinalysis testing with no alcohol consumption during probation, and pay a $4,000 fine plus court costs and prosecution fees.
“Repeat DUI offenders endanger every driver on our roadways,” said State Attorney Dennis Ward. “I commend Deputies Jean Jacques and Jose Hernandez for their thorough work in this case, which ensured the defendant was held accountable. Their investigation, combined with the efforts of our prosecutors, helped remove a dangerous driver from our community.”
The state attorney’s office said the community plays a vital role in keeping roads safe and asks anyone who sees someone who appears to be driving impaired or in a dangerous way to call 911 immediately.
— Keys Weekly staff report
SAY ‘NO’ TO MID-DECADE REDISTRICTING
To the editor,
Following the example of Texas and at the request of the current administration, Florida is pursuing efforts to redraw our Congressional maps outside of the regular redistricting cycle.
I’m the president of the League of Women Voters of the Upper Keys. We believe voters, not politicians, should decide who represents us. There are a number of solid reasons to say NO to middecade redistricting in Florida. Redistricting is meant to reflect population changes captured in the census. The 2021 redistricting cycle completed the process started with the 2020 Census. Preparation has long been underway for the 2030 Census and 2031 redistricting cycle. Rushing that process or doing it in secret breaks trust with voters and undermines the idea that we all deserve fair representation.
In 2010, Florida voters passed Amendments 5 & 6, also called the “Fair Districts” Amendments, to stop partisan gerrymandering.
The state Constitution specifically states that “Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.” So
far, this mid-decade process has been behind closed doors, without hearings, draft maps or public explanation. Fair maps should be created in a way that is transparent and community-driven. When elected officials rewrite the rules, it’s the public that loses.
On the home front, Keys families are understandably worried about urgent issues such as skyrocketing insurance costs, housing and infrastructure. Taxpayer dollars should be spent on fixing these problems instead of unnecessary redistricting. The last redistricting process cost taxpayers millions of dollars. At a time when state and local governments are slashing funding to cover new budget needs, it doesn’t make economic sense to waste tax dollars on an unnecessary and untimely partisan effort. Redrawing maps for political gain is dangerous. It silences our voices and weakens our democracy.
Let your elected officials know you oppose mid-district redistricting.
—
Barbara Overton President, Upper Keys League of Women Voters Tavernier
Dustin Lee Pastorius
SAM STEELE, MONROE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2025 PROPERTY TAX ROLL. BOTH REAL PROPERTY AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PAYABLE.
Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online through the Tax Collector’s secure and convenient website, MonroeTaxCollector.com. Online payments made using your bank account (e-check) are FREE and no additional fees are charged.
Early payment discounts are available as follows: 4% if paid in November 3% if paid in December 2% if paid in January 1% if paid in February
No discount is available if paid in March. As of April 1, 2026, the 2025 taxes become delinquent, and any payment must be made in certified funds. If payment is not received by May 31, 2026, a tax certificate will be sold no later than June 1, 2026.
Ownership and current address information are received and certified by the Monroe County Property Appraiser. If you do not receive your tax bill within two weeks, or need additional information regarding property taxes, please call our o ce at 305-295-5044.
SAM C. STEELE, CFC CONSTITUTIONAL TAX COLLECTOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Part high-end cocktail lounge, part neighborhood social club, Crooked Palm Cabana is a polished yet playful space serving unique and exiting specialty cocktails with a twist.
Established in 2024, Crooked Palm Cabana o ers handcra ed cocktails, including house-distilled flavored premium vodkas, complemented by delicious dishes from their wood-fired oven. They also o er a wide selection of Islamorada Brewery & Distillery spirits and beers from their parent company, Islamorada Beverages. Guests can also enjoy fresh squeezed orange juices, cocktails to go, nitro infusions and a sprawling outdoor area with a walk up bar, plenty of seating and sun shades. Come on in to experience the vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, knowledgeable sta and delicious o erings that got them voted the Best New Business in the Upper Keys! 90184 Overseas Highway
Find out next week! Pick up a copy of the Upper Keys Weekly or scan here to access the publication online.
Voting opens Thursday, Oct 16, 12 noon, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 2, 11:59 p.m.
Winners
& Awards Friday, Nov. 14, 6-9 p.m.
TDC INVESTS IN CAPITAL PROJECTS
Tourism agency commits $11M to local improvements
The Monroe County Tourism Development Council (TDC) re-
cently announced funding for tourism-related capital projects designed to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen local infrastructure and support long-term economic growth throughout the Keys. Funded through the TDC’s capital grant program, the projects represent a strategic investment of bed tax revenue collected from overnight visitors.
The TDC is projected to spend over $11 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2026, providing grants to government entities and nonprofit organizations for infrastructure improvements — including repairs, renovations and upgrades — that enhance the Keys as a destination for tourism.
These improvements would generally be funded through property taxes, but thanks to the tourist development tax, visitors — not residents — pay for these community benefits. Tourism spending in Monroe County has a significant economic impact, generating
some $173 million in local taxes from visitors each year.
“These projects directly support our mission to strengthen tourism infrastructure, while also delivering meaningful benefits to our local community,” said Kara Franker, Monroe County TDC president and CEO.
Funding applications are reviewed by each of five District Advisory Committees (DACs) for initial review.
In June, the DACs held meetings to evaluate proposals and voted on recommended funding amounts. These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the TDC board, followed by final approval from the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Final approval by BOCC is still ongoing with contracts being approved during the first quarter of the new fiscal year.
Major projects include:
• City of Key West: Mallory Square Wharf Improvements, more than $2.6 million for repairs to the Mallory Square seawall.
Coral Restoration Foundation, Inc.: more than $475,000 for coral restoration.
Friends of the Pool Inc.: $130,000 for continued preservation of Alligator Reef Light Station.
Islamorada: More than $435,000 for Founders Park pool resurfacing project.
Monroe County: more than $900,000 for Higgs Beach pavilion repairs, Big Pine Community Park & Skate Park and Jacobs Aquatic Center pool renovations.
• Monroe school board: $500,000 for Conch Cafe and Baseball Museum.
• Reef Environmental Education Foundation Center: more than $57,000 for outdoor attractions, a new roof and campus restoration.
• Reef Renewal USA: more than $360,000 for coral restoration.
Projects funded by the TDC include restroom upgrades at Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach in Key West, annual beach cleanings at those locations, as well as at Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Founders Park in Islamorada and Harry Harris Park in Key Largo.
Additional organizations/entities
that were awarded funding for projects include:
• City of Key Colony Beach.
• City of Marathon.
• Dolphin Research Center.
• Dolphins Plus Oceanside Marine Mammal Responder.
• Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust.
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.
• Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project.
• I. Care Corporation.
• Institute Patriótico y Docente San Carlos.
• Island Dolphin Care.
• Key West Botanical Garden Society.
• Marine Resources Development Foundation.
• Miami Dade Historical Maritime Museum.
• Old Island Restoration Foundation.
• Pigeon Key Foundation.
• The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.
• The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.
— Contributed
BRIEFLY
Large amount of marijuana found
A road maintenance crew found seven trash bags containing more than 150 pounds of marijuana at about 2:35 p.m. on Sept. 30 near MM 107 in Key Largo. The bags, which were found behind traffic barricades, contained 156.4 pounds of marijuana, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Museum honors Navy’s 250th anniversary Oct. 11
The History of Diving Museum will hold special guided tours on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tours are included in the admission price, and each will begin with a short presentation by Les Burke, a U.S. Navy veteran and salvage diver.
Free admission is offered to active-duty members of the military, and discounts are available for locals and seniors. October’s tours will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Navy, and feature highlights of military divers and their heroic, often dangerous work. Burke will discuss what it takes to become a Navy diver and take them through the salvage operations he took part in during his service.
Haunted Masquerade bingo at local speakeasy
masquerade mask. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses.
RSVP by scanning the QR code or email adiaz@fkcs.org to reserve your mask today.
League of Women Voters focuses on misinformation
The Upper Keys League of Women Voters will host a video presentation and discussion on misinformation and disinformation at the Key Largo library at noon on Monday, Oct. 20. Whether delivered intentionally or accidentally, misinformation and disinformation are dividing neighbors and undermining our ability to effectively govern through a representative democracy. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Fall fest at Burton
Memorial Methodist Church
Burton Memorial Methodist Church is holding its annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public and will feature food, music, games and activities for the whole family. The festival will also host live judging and presenting of awards for pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie contests, with professional artists and chefs as judges. Costumes are welcome but not required.
The festival will take place at the church, located at 93001 Overseas Highway, with free parking on site.
BAPTIST HEALTH HOSPITALS DELIVER LIFE-SAVING STROKE TREATMENT
Fishermen’s and Mariners get recognition
Baptist Health has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for its exceptional stroke care through the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke initiative.
The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter is hosting an evening of masks, mystery and bingo at the Haunted Masquerade Bingo on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Armory Speakeasy in Key Largo. Attendees may compete for prizes in a costume contest while enjoying bingo, eerie entertainment, raffles, a silent auction and more — in support of children and families across the Keys.
General admission is $25 and includes one bingo card and a
For more information visit the church’s website at www. bmumc.net or stop by the church on the afternoons through Oct. 25 to buy a pumpkin and sign up for the pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie baking contests.
Law Depot app free with library card
With Law Depot, you can create customized legal documents for a wide range of personal and business needs – free with your Monroe County Public Library card. There are hundreds of legal forms to choose from, including power of attorney, bill of sale, last will and testament, employment contract, prenuptial agreement, landlord/tenant notices and more. More information, including how you can preregister for a library card online and get started right away, is at keyslibraries.org/online. CONTRIBUTED
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or bursts, leading to the death of brain cells. Early detection and treatment are essential to minimizing disability and accelerating recovery.
Among the nine Baptist Health hospitals honored, Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier received the prestigious Rural Gold awards for stroke care.
This achievement highlights
Baptist Health’s dedication to delivering life-saving stroke treatment and prevention programs to the Keys. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, making early detection and treatment critical to improving survival rates and recovery outcomes.
The Rural Gold awards are particularly significant for the Keys, a region that faces unique challenges in delivering advanced medical care due to its rural and geographically dispersed nature. These awards reflect the efforts of Fishermen’s and Mariners in ensuring that worldclass stroke care is available locally.
More information is at baptisthealth.net.
— Contributed
Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED
Mariners Hospital in Tavernier.
THE CANETTES DANCE THEIR WAY TO 50 YEARS
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
With their techniques, moves and synchronization, the Canettes dance team has wowed crowds during many Coral Shores athletic events.
Throughout the years, the Canettes have won countless competitions to create a prestigious program within the Upper Key community.
2025 marks the 50th year of the Canettes. This year’s team is composed of 17 dancers in grades 9-12, and leading the group is former Canette and fifth-year coach Myndie Pais.
“As a kid, I grew up dancing down here,” she said. “I was a pretty proficient dancer as a kid. I was a cheerleader the previous year and broke my arm, so I thought I should stay on the ground.”
Following her dancing career
in high school, Pais went on to be a cheerleader with the Miami Dolphins. Pais said dancing has stayed with her and she eventually came back to work for her alma mater, Coral Shores. She was asked to take the position as coach for the Canettes.
“I cannot do anything remotely close to what the girls do now,” Pais said with a laugh. “I’m so invested in them and so proud of them. I feel like a mom of 17 girls.”
Not long ago, Pais was sifting through a 1975 school yearbook. Inside, she found a photo of Canettes dancer Marlene Douglas (now Bynum) and other members of the first Canettes dance team. Below her photo read “Something new - A delightful addition to CSHS.” It was then when Pais knew 2025 was a special year for the Canettes dance program.
Dancers with the Canettes perform high leg kicks during a halftime performance on Sept. 24, 2021.
The 2004-05 Cannettes dance team.
The Canettes perform during halftime of the football game against Florida Christian on Nov. 6, 2020. Jake Craig, picture at the forefront, has since gone on to study commercial dance at Pace University in New York City.
Marlene Douglas was a member of the first Canettes dance team in 1975.
Canettes dancer Largo Miller during her senior year in 2004-05.
“There were at least 10 of us at the beginning,” Bynum said in an interview with Keys Weekly. “It was a lot of fun. For me, it was really challenging because I didn’t take dance growing up.”
Bynum said the Canettes coach at the time, Marilyn Roebling, was very strict.
“Either you got it or you weren’t there,” Bynum said. “You had to do what you needed to do.”
Bynum’s daughter, Maegan Reda, was also a Canette.
“My mom being one of the first Canettes is definitely a cool element,” Reda said. “For me, it was a very fun environment being a Canette. You were very much a part of a team, a sisterhood of friends.”
Today, Bynum and Reda sit in the stands as they watch a third-generation Canette dance in Kaiya Reda.
“I am definitely proud and amazed that I am watching my daughter do it alongside my mom,” Maegan Reda said. “It’s a very cool feeling.”
Largo Miller was a Canette from 2002 to 2005. A dancer before her high school years, Miller said the team had a legacy they were building.
“It was something I was so wanting to join,” she said. “It was so meaningful during my high school years, creating lifelong friendships and making a deeper connection with the school and community. You’re not just performing; you’re representing the school with pride and heart.”
Miller, too, sits in the stands to watch her daughter and Canette, Saelor, perform.
“It’s a full-circle moment sharing similar traditions and things I did,” Miller said. “I can’t say it enough: they’re athletes as well as dancers. They’re dedicated and spend hours in rehearsal all while excelling in the classroom.”
Bynum said she sees a closer bond between the Canettes and the Coral Shores cheerleading team, which wasn’t always the case in the early days.
“In the beginning it was rough,” she said. “There had always been cheerleaders. The Canettes was a new tradition. There was jealousy at the beginning between the two. It has come a long way. You don’t notice it anymore.”
As coach, Pais said she’s making sure the Canettes are performing at the highest level, and better yet, enjoying the experience with each other. The Canettes are composed of dancers from the three prominent studios in the Upper Keys: On Your Toes, RockStar and Spotlight dance studios. On Your Toes Dance Studio is led by Stephanie Zlockie, whose daughter Brookelyn was a Canette. Her other daughter, Isla, is the current captain. Andrea Galvan is a former Canette who runs Spotlight Dance Studio.
“The Canettes are a family and we take care of each other,” said Pais. “And the connections just don’t stop when they walk across the stage and graduate. We all keep in touch.”
The Coral Shores Canettes perform during halftime of the football game versus SmartEn Sports Academy on Sept. 12.
Former Coral Shores Canette Largo Miller, at right, poses with her daughter and current Canette, Saelor Warren.
From left, Meagan Reda, her mother Marlene Bynum and Reda’s daughter Kaiya Reda are three generations of Coral Shores Canettes.
Photos by Doug Finger, Keys Weekly files and contributed.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH | 6:00 - 8:30PM
CASEY WAYNE WATKINS
1982 - 2025
Casey Wayne Watkins, 43, born in Tallassee, Alabama on Jan. 8, 1982, passed away on Sept. 29, 2025, two days after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke at his home in Islamorada.
Casey was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His infectious smile, his energy, his joy was felt by everyone he met. No one was a stranger; everyone was a friend. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Casey’s journey on this earth was one marked by love, selflessness and unwavering dedication to making his communities a better place. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.
We ask that you remember him for the way he lived and loved, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Casey’s exuberant joy for life and love for people blessed all of us. He cared deeply for others and was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He lit up any space he entered and engaged with everyone as if they were the most important person in the room. He was an enormous help and encouragement to the many charities and organizations he was a part of, including being the “Voice” and PA announcer for Coral Shores High School football; the Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church in Islamorada; Islamorada and Key Largo Chamber of Commerce; Upper Keys Rotary Club; Upper Keys BPW; and so many others.
Although Casey’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. His light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Casey is survived and deeply missed by his loving partner, Dr. Megan Scallan. He will forever be cherished and remembered by his father, Alan Watkins; sister, Candice Waktins; brother, Nicholas Watkins, sister-in-law, Stephanie Watkins, and their sons Colson and Stephen; and youngest sister, Katrina Reyes, brother-in-law Nate Reyes, and their daughter Lilly; and a host of cousins who shared in his joyful spirit.
He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Juanese Watkins, and grandparents, Robert Wilkerson Sr., Kassolyn Wilkerson, Don Watkins and Georgia Watkins.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Coral Shores High School’s George M. Barley Stadium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church in Islamorada. If you would like to mail in your donation, please make the check payable to The Community Ministry at First Baptist Church Islamorada and addressed to The Community Ministry 81201 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036. For additional information please email info@thecommunityministry.org. The donations raised will go toward touching hearts and continuing to help the community Casey loved so much.
BREWSTER
This happy-go-lucky pup is around 1 to 2 years old and weighs 42 pounds. Brewster is a bundle of joy who lives to play — whether it’s with other dogs, kids or anyone who’s up for some fun. His cheerful personality and boundless energy make him the perfect companion for an active family or someone looking for a playful best friend. Brewster’s heart is as big as his love for playtime, and he’s ready to share it. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring this sweet boy home. Put in an application for Brewster at MarrVelous Pet Rescues and let the fun begin.
Oct. 9-11
• The Key Players present “War of the Worlds: The Radio Show that Changed the World” and “They Came from Earth” at 7:30 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Tickets $20 online and at the door. Learn more at thekeyplayers.org.
Oct. 11-12
• Oktoberfest at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Islamorada. Enjoy German cuisine, Das Boot competition, music and more.
Saturday, Oct. 11
• Guided tours through the History of Diving Museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more at divingmuseum. org.
• Good Health Clinic presents “Tomorrowland for Health” and Big Kahuna celebration at 7 p.m. at Founders Park beach. Learn more at goodhealthclinic.org/bigkahunachallenge.
Oct. 14-15
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
• Fall wine show and tasting from
7 to 9 p.m. at City Hall Cafe, 88511 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. $25 at the door.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
• Haunted Masquerade Bingo from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Armory Speakeasy, Key Largo. $25 for a bingo card, supports the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. RSVP to adiaz@fkcs.org.
Oct. 16-19
• The Key Players presents “War of the Worlds: The Radio Show that Changed the World” and “They Came from Earth” at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center, Key Largo. Tickets $20 online and at the door. Learn more at thekeyplayers. org.
• REEF Fest celebrating marine conservation in Key Largo. Visit reef. org/reeffest for more information.
Oct. 17-18
• Casting for Cats backcountry fishing tournament at Islander Resort and Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar. Visit castingforcats.org for more information.
Thursday, Oct. 16
• Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.
RAMBLING OVER TURQUOISE WATERS
The daunting construction of Bahia Honda railroad bridge
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.
In J.W. Norie’s “Piloting Directions for the Gulf of Florida, the Bahama Bank & Islands,” he states:
“And a large island on the east side, a mile long, with a sandy beach, remarkable for a number of tall palmetto cabbagetrees, the first of the islands you fall in with coming from the westward this island is therefor called CabbageTree Island.”
In Gerdes’ 1849 “Reconnaissance of the Florida Reef and All The Keys,” he stated: “The large Id. called on the chart Cabbage Tree Island is the Bahia Honda Key.” The island is special for several reasons. In terms of spectacles in the Florida Keys, the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge is practically unrivaled.
Though not the longest of the bridges built during the construction of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway, the Bahia Honda Bridge was the most challenging. Work began on the extensive project in 1905 and involved more than building a bridge across the Bahia Honda Channel to West Summerland Key.
Before engineers figured out what to do about the difficult task of building a bridge across the channel, there was the matter of traversing Bahia Honda. The interior of the island had a lagoon that had to be crossed. Also, after crossing the lagoon and Bahia Honda proper, there was a narrow pass to a smaller island. The pass flowed through what is today the general area of the park’s marina.
On this smaller island, a railroad camp called the Bahia Honda Sand Pit Camp housed workers. It is on this smaller island, too, where the iconic bridge was built. But first, another bridge was built. The first bridge was a wooden trestle bridge that started
on Bahia Honda and spanned the pass. The bridge created a gradual grade leading to the high approach necessary to cross the channel. Workers dredged up fill and, over and over, dumped it around the wooden trestles until the rising bridge and the pass disappeared.
The next job was dealing with the bahia honda. Bahia honda is Spanish for deep bay. The Bahia Honda Channel proved to be a particular challenge because it was the deepest pass the right-of-way crossed. It reaches a depth of at least 30 feet. Engineers struggled with how to make it passable. According to Dan Gallagher’s excellent book “Florida’s Great Ocean Railway,” there was talk of ending the line of the Key West Extension of Flagler’s East Coast Railway at Bahia Honda.
The same concept used to create the series of bridges referred to now as the Seven Mile Bridge would have been expensive. To bridge the channel, 64 piers, some 50 feet tall, would have to be built to accommodate the 80-foot steel deck plates used to construct the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually four separate bridge sections). The cost of the project was one reason the engineers decided to go a different route and construct the truss bridge that stands over the water today.
Because the truss sections were longer than the 80-foot steel deck plates, they only had to build 34 piers. Due to the swift-moving currents, creating the piers was hazardous work. One of the reasons the project took so long was that work was restricted to two 45-minute shifts during slack tide, the brief period between high and low tides when the water is still. It was not until January 1912 that the work was completed.
It was Jan. 22 when Henry Flagler boarded his railcar, the Flagler Special, and rode from the mainland to Key West for the first time. The train steamed and chugged up and down the island chain for 23 years. When it passed through the trusses of the Bahia Honda Bridge, passengers were told to keep their hands and heads inside as it rambled and roared 25 feet above the turquoise waters.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane
ended the run of the Over-Sea Railroad when 40 miles of tracks were destroyed Sept. 2. While Flagler’s bridges survived the hurricane’s rage, the train never ran again, and the Florida East Coast Railway sold the right-of-way to the state of Florida.
Because the railroad bridges were so well constructed, many of them were widened to accommodate automobile traffic. Because of the Bahia Honda truss design, widening was not possible. Instead, they paved their way over the top of the trusses. The second version of the Overseas Highway opened to public transit in 1938. When it did, drivers drove 65 feet above the water.
The road ran over the top of the bridge for longer than the train ran through it. In 1972, the modern Bahia Honda Bridge opened, and the highway was rerouted to its present course. It delivers one of the most scenic views the Overseas Highway has to offer. When the old railroad bridge is the only thing standing between the modern highway and the setting sun, the view is spectacular.
It should be stated that it is dangerous to swim under the bridge. The
tide brings strong currents that can be more than a swimmer can stand. Additionally, there is a local legend known as Big Mo to consider.
The old railroad piers provide structure, and, in the underwater world, structure attracts life. Fish, crustaceans, sponges and other organisms build around the structure and create a small ecosystem. Among the fish that gather to hunt for a meal are tarpon. The tarpon is a big fish, growing to be more than 100 pounds and five feet long. However, where tarpons gather, sharks will also patrol in search of a snack.
Big Mo’s legend spans decades and revolves around a big mothersomething hammerhead shark measuring 15 feet in some accounts and 20 feet in others. The shark is associated with Bahia Honda and the old Seven Mile Bridge. As elusive as a skunk ape, Big Mo seems never to have been reeled in. Still, stories abound of that time when Big Mo chomped down on some unfortunate tarpon and, as the two fish thrashed about in mortal combat, red clouded the water and the tarpon became a meal, one piece at a time.
Florida East Coast Railway, Key West Extension. Train crossing Bahia Honda Bridge. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library Collection
CHUM GETS THE BLACKFIN FIRED UP
Plus, a haul of queen snappers at the deep ledges
ur first stop during an offshore trip on Oct. 7 was to the patch reefs, where we successfully loaded up the livewell with fresh pilchards and minnows for the day’s tuna bite. With plenty of bait, we headed out to the hump and got right to it.
Using the live bait as chum got the blackfin tuna fired up, and we had consistent action, quickly putting our limit of quality tuna in the boat.
Once the tuna bite was wrapped up, we made a move to do some deep dropping. We broke out the electric reels and sent our baits down to the deep ledges around 700 feet. The bite was excellent, and we were rewarded with a beautiful haul of prized queen snappers. We also had steady action from banded rudderfish. It was a fantastic day of capitalizing on the great weather.
FISH TIP
A descending device is required on board all vessels fishing for or possessing snapper and grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic. The descending device must be readily available for use and attached to at least 16 ounces of weight and at least 60 feet of line.
FISH FACT
Unlike other snapper species, queen snapper inhabit deep continental shelf waters, typically between 328 and 1,640 feet.
1: Anglers with blackfin tuna. 2: Queen snappers were biting off the deep ledges.
The waters are chummed for blackfin tuna using pilchards and minnows. CONTRIBUTED
Jeanette Silvestri
Keys Kids Fishing tournament champion Felix Stanczyk, 8, stands next to his 26.4-pound kingfish. CONTRIBUTED
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and local captains assist young anglers.
YOUNG STANCZYK WINS KEYS KIDS FISHING DERBY
Islamorada Charter Boat Association’s event welcomes nearly
The Islamorada Charter Boat Association welcomed 95 young anglers up to the age of 10 for the 28th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby on Sept. 28.
Hosted at the Lorelei Restaurant in Islamorada, the tournament allowed junior anglers to fish in offshore, shoreline or backcountry divisions. Lines were in at 9 a.m. and the weigh scales closed at 1 p.m.
Felix Stanczyk was this year’s grand champion with a 26.4-pound kingfish. Stanczyk, 8, took home a fishing rod from Tackle Center of Islamorada, a framed Pasta Pantaleo print, the grand champion tournament trophy, award certificate and a tackle box backpack from World Wide Sportsman, among other prizes.
Forty-five anglers registered for the shoreline division, most fishing from the docks at the Lorelei. Weighmasters Brandon Greenwood and Gage Knopp weighed a 1.5-pound snapper from Tackle Center’s monster truck for 2-year-old Maddie Johnson, winning the 4-and-under age division. Second-place shoreline was Maddie’s sister, 4-year-old Harper, with a one pound snapper followed by 2-year-old Owen Burns with a .7-pound grunt. Winning anglers were awarded fishing rods from Tackle Center of Islamorada, Pasta Prints, tournament trophies, award certificates and lots of other great gifts.
In the 5-7 age group, first place went to Julia Ford, 5, who caught a 1.3-pound snapper, followed by
100 anglers
Raelyn Edwards, 7, who caught a 0.9-pound grunt. Third place went to Brooklyn Sage Tsang, 7, with a 0.8-pound grunt.
Allie MacShane, 10, won the 8-10 age group with her 1-pound snapper, which was weighed a few minutes before Emma Evans, who also caught a 1-pound snapper. Evans finished second. Third place went to 8-yearold Landon Holley with a 0.9-pound snapper.
All fish caught at the Lorelei were released immediately after being weighed.
Backcountry division anglers Beau and Emma Evans both weighed in 0.9-pound snappers. Beau, 4, weighed in first and Emma, 2, would take second place on time. Emilia DeSantis, 3, won third place with a 0.7-pound snapper. In the 5-7 age group, Anneka Douma weighed in a 2.2-pound mackerel to win the division. Gray Garcia took second place with a 1.5-pound jack on time and Ames Douma, 7, took third place with his 1.5-pound jack.
Winner of the 8-10 year olds was 8-year-old Nealey Cockerham with a 1.7 pound jack. Second place went to Fisher Gregory, 8, with his 0.7-pound snapper.
Offshore angler Eli Lambert, 4 won his division with an 8.7-pound tuna. Second place was 4-year-old Claire Stanczyk with a 7.9-pound tuna and Dylan Holsen, 3, won third place with a 1.7-pound snapper. Kneyland Cloyd won the 5-7 age group with an 8.9-pound king mackerel. Hayes
SPOOKY VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED FOR HAUNTED FOREST HAYRIDES
Davis, 6, took second place with an 8.2-pound dolphin and third place went to 7-year-old Sadie Stanczyk with a 5.7-pound tuna.
Jennings Early, 8, won his division with a 16.4-pound bonito. Dalton Biondoletti, 8, landed a 5.9-pound dolphin for second place. Morada Mason, 9, caught a 1.9-pound snapper to take third place.
Award winners received ditty bags full of fishing and other goodies from many local businesses and other donors. Fish Florida gave a fishing rod and tackle box to anglers who did not have them.
There were many outstanding catches this year including tarpon, goliath grouper, redfish, snook and other species. This year’s winner was 7-year-old Robert Handbury, who released his first tarpon.
Local law enforcement officers were on site to talk with the kids and help them fish. A casting contest was held on the beach where anglers won a multitude of prizes. Mote Marine, IGFA, Marine Lab, Florida Keys Wildlife Society and the National Park Service were on hand to educate the kids and adults. Lorelei donated all the food including donuts, water and juice in the morning and hot dogs and sodas in the afternoon.
“Our founder Kathy Lewis just wanted to get kids fishing,” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh. “The Keys Kids Derby’s main purpose is to educate young anglers about fishing. — Contributed
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Organizers of the annual Trunk or Treat at Islamorada’s Founders Park are seeking to revive a scarygood favorite that once spooked event-goers.
As the sun sets over the park, the neighboring Plantation Key Hammock Preserve will transform into a haunted forest on Saturday, Oct. 25. Ghouls, goblins, zombies, aliens and other haunting creatures are encouraged to reserve a spot on the trail to spook hayriders.
Anne Onsgard, assistant park manager, said 2019 was the last time the haunted forest hayride shook Trunk or Treat attendees.
“We need businesses or groups of citizens to decorate a spot on the trail to be the entertainment for the hayride,” she said. “They can decorate to any theme they like and use their creativity to scare and entertain guests.”
Haunted hayrides through the forest are scheduled to go from 6 to 8:30 p.m. To sign up for a spot on the trail, scan the QR code.
A young angler catches a snapper.
Most outstanding catch went to 7-yearold Robert Handbury, who released his first tarpon.
Key Largo Sunset Rotary members pose as zombies as a hayride passes through the spooky Plantation Hammock Preserve during the 2019 Trunk or Treat. FILE PHOTO
OCTOBER CRAZIES
BACKCOUNTRY FISHING TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS CAT POPULATION
Angling teams have shot at winning a skiff
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Young foxes go on a hormonal roller coaster
REEF THE FOX
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Hi friends. Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.”
It’s been a while since I’ve reported on Isla, and that’s mostly because, well, I’ve been too busy trying to survive her. The tiny baby who came into my life on May 21 has officially evolved into a full-blown, snack-stealing, high-pitched screaming menace. She’s now the undisputed queen of chaos at Pawsitive Beginnings. She steals food from everyone, screams for no apparent reason and has zero remorse about either. My mother thinks it’s hilarious. I, on the other hand, am considering ear protection and online therapy.
This behavior isn’t random. We’ve officially entered what the fox world calls the “October crazies.” Every fall, especially in their first year, young foxes go through a hormonal roller coaster that turns them from adorable little fluffballs into rebellious teenagers with tails. Their instincts tell them it’s time to leave
the den, claim territory and prepare for winter mating season.
Translation: chaos, shrieking and destruction of personal property.
It’s nature doing her thing, but it’s also the time of year when many people who thought foxes would make good pets start realizing they were mistaken. This is when a lot of pet foxes get surrendered or abandoned because they act (shockingly) like wild animals.
Here at the sanctuary, we embrace the madness. Mostly because we have no choice. Isla, however, is not your average case. She’s redefining the “October crazies.” This little red streak of terror has been benched from public appearances until further notice, what I like to call “behavioral rehabilitation.”
Isla has two speeds: screaming and scheming.
Despite the chaos, I remind myself this is exactly how it’s supposed to be. Isla’s energy, attitude and wildness are part of what makes her her. She’s learning who she is, pushing every boundary and keeping us humble in the process. So yes, she’s loud. She’s dramatic. She’s benched. But she’s also thriving. And as for the rest of us? We’re just trying to make it through the “October crazies” with our sanity intact.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Apopular, one-day backcountry fishing tournament in Islamorada is back for its 24th year, with funds supporting several causes near and dear to organizer Sharon Mahoney.
Mahoney’s Casting for Cats tournament began in 2001 as a fundraiser to support the feral cat population in the Upper Keys. Once for ladies only, the tournament has since opened to male anglers, providing everyone with a fun day in the backcountry all while helping needy animals and the Shriners, of which Mahoney’s father was a member.
Since its inception, Casting for Cats has helped 8,000 cats get spay and neutering services in collaboration with other organizations like Whiskers and Paws Forever of Monroe County. And roughly 3,000 cats have found new homes.
Mahoney said she remembers a time in which she’d see dead cats on the side of the road as she drove from her Plantation Key residence to her Enchanted Forest business on Upper Matecumbe Key.
“You really don’t see cats like you used to on the side of the highway, crossing the road or by Dumpsters,” Mahoney said. “I know we’ve made a difference. I’m working with the Upper Keys Humane Society to help fund their spay and neuter clinics. I work year-round on it.”
A kickoff party and sign-in is set for Friday, Oct. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Islander Resort, located at MM 82.1, oceanside, in Islamorada. Lastminute registration will go from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and a review of the rules will take place at 7:15 p.m. Anglers can compete in bait, artificial and fly divisions.
Lines will enter the water at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, with lines out at 3:30 p.m.
An awards dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Back by popular demand is the litter
box dig, where anyone from the public can dig for $5 and find coins for prizes.
“There’s a night-stay in Key West that someone’s going to win,”Mahoney said.
Added to the intrigue of this year’s Casting for Cats tournament is the chance to win a Dragonfly Boatworks skiff. Teams composed of two anglers, either two women or a man and a woman, must both successfully reel in a permit, tarpon, bonefish, snook, redfish and catfish. Mahoney said the boat will be on display at the Islander Resort throughout the tournament.
“It’s not easy to do but it’s not impossible,” Mahoney said. “It’s a holein-one golf tournament type thing.”
During the tournament, pop-up tents at Lorelei will feature merchandise from Casting for Cats, and Dolphin Life, the new marine mammal hospital at Islamorada.
In addition to Casting for Cats, Mahoney organizes the annual Poor Girls Sailfish tournament, set for Feb. 3-4, 2026. Like Casting for Cats, all proceeds support the animals and Shriners.
“We are so proud to be partnered with so many wonderful sponsors and community support. Casting For Cats has been able to purchase a new topof-the-line X-ray machine, thousands of dollars in cages and now has aided in the purchase of a new ultrasound machine. It is because of the support of the community and so many giving people this is able to happen,” Mahoney said.
Isla the fox came to Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo last May. CONTRIBUTED
The 24th Casting for Cats backcountry fishing tournament will be held Oct. 17-18 at Islander Resort in Islamorada. Pictured are winners from last year’s tournament with organizer Sharon Mahoney, far right. CONTRIBUTED
The Key Players cast members show off their zany Martian costumes as they prepare for opening night of ‘War of the Worlds/They Came from Earth.’ CONTRIBUTED
and
KEY PLAYERS PRESENT A SCI-FI DOUBLE-HEADER
‘War
of the Worlds/They Came from Earth’ opens Oct. 9
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
Live sound effects, wild Martian costumes and an energetic cast of veteran and first-time actors make for an “out-of-this world” audience experience.
The Key Players production of “War of the Worlds/ They Came from Earth” opens Thursday, Oct. 9 for a two-week run and offers a new take on an extraterrestrial classic.
“The first part is based on the 1938 radio show, so it’s more serious,” said Key Players newcomer Stephanie Snyder. “The second part is a parody and comedic and fun and extremely humorous.”
It is basically two shows in one; a double feature.
Act one is the “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast adaptation, which is set in 1938 in the Mercury Theatre; the original, an adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel, was narrated by Orson Welles on Halloween Eve. Delivered as a serious and spine-chilling news bulletin, it sent panic through the streets with reports of Martians invading earth.
“My part is small but dramatic,” joked Amy Collier. “ I’m just terrified because the world’s about to end.”
Act two was written by former Keys resident and Key Players actor and director Jeremy Wilken. “They Came From Earth” is a parody of “War of the Worlds.”
“I love the new script, ‘They Came From Earth,’” said show producer and director Jonelle Kop. “It’s so humorous and so much fun.”
A total of eight cast members play a number of different roles. There are also three performers creating the live sound effects, led by Susan Bazin.
“It’s a whiz-bang pop rattle roll kind of show,” said Bazin, the band director at Key Largo School. “We’re having so much fun on stage.”
Amy Collier and her 18-year-old daughter, Claire, are both new to the Key Players. Claire oversees costumes and makeup. She is currently studying at the College of the Florida Keys and hopes to have a career in the arts. When asked what she enjoyed about the experience, she said, “being around all the artsy people in theater.”
Also new to the Key Players, but not new to acting, is Noah Levine. Levine and his family moved to the Upper Keys from Broward County a year ago. He was very involved in theater on the mainland and enjoys the challenges of this new two-in-one production.
“I have a two-page monologue at the end of each one that is always a beast,” said Levine. “It’s fun to sink your teeth into something like that.”
This will be retiree John Pettit’s second Key Players show. He has multiple quirky roles and is enjoying every second on stage.
“I’m like off the wall,” said Pettit of the characters he plays.
The “War of the Worlds/They Came from Earth” double feature opens on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Cultural Center in Key Largo at MM 102. There will be a total of seven performances.
More information is at thekeyplayers.org.
Levine is new to the Key Players, but not new to acting. He landed leading roles in the production of ‘War of the Worlds/They Came from Earth.’
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Downhill Racer” (1969)
Why: If you’re looking to revisit a lesser-known movie featuring two great American actors we lost this year – Robert Redford and Gene Hackman – this skiing movie is an interesting option. It’s not the best work from either actor but it does catch them at or near the peak of their careers: Redford starred as the Sundance Kid the same year, and Hackman won a Best Actor Oscar two years later for “The French Connection.” Redford is the brash skier; Hackman, the nononsense coach. The film’s naturalistic style makes it a little hard to connect to the characters, but the ski footage, especially for the time, will raise your blood pressure. And for the older viewers among us, it’s kind of fun to revisit the era when downhill skiing was an exotic sport we only saw in the Olympics every four years or on the random episode of “ABC’s Wide World of Sports.” This film provides a behind-the-scenes view of the ski scene that was rare at the time. And the screenplay is by James Salter, the novelist who wrote “A Sport and a Pastime” among other works. Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager. See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
Three Key Players members present quirky live sound effects throughout the performances.
Noah
Stephanie Snyder is new to the Key Players. She said she is both terrified
excited for opening night. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly
The Marvelous Maple
Founded by Betty Debnam
Do you love pouring syrup over your pancakes? Are leaves turning bright colors in your neighborhood? There’s a good chance that the syrup and the bright autumn colors both come from maple trees.
This week, The Mini Page learns more about the marvelous maple tree.
NATURE’S CHANGING COLORS
In the fall, maple trees glow with the brightest colors of all trees. Summers with warm days and cooler nights produce the brightest fall colors.
Sometimes there are even more spectacular autumns when the summers have been dry. When there is little rain, fungi, such as mold, mildew and mushrooms, don’t grow as much, so they don’t suck as much moisture from the trees. Trees that are under stress from drought or insects sometimes change colors earlier in the fall. If conditions are really bad, they might go straight from green to brown, without changing to the reds and yellows.
HELICOPTER SEEDS
All maple trees have papery wings attached to their seeds, which help them travel to new ground each fall. They are often called “helicopter seeds” because they spin in the wind.
TRANSFORMATION
Leaves (and all other objects) get their color from the chemicals they are made of. In the summer, leaves contain a substance called chlorophyll (KLOR-uh-fil), which gives them their green color.
In the fall, cooler temperatures signal the tree to stop producing chlorophyll. As the chlorophyll breaks down, the leaves take on new colors, depending on what other chemical building blocks are still present in them.
The brightest reds appear in the red maple, and not just in the fall. It always has some red on it — either red buds, flowers, leaf stems or leaves.
Chlorophyll helps shield the leaf from sun damage. But even more important, it helps the tree capture sunlight. Plants use sunlight to create food. This process is called photosynthesis (foe-toe-SIN-the-sis).
Chlorophyll is like an engine that uses sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars the plant can eat. It produces oxygen as a waste product. Chlorophyll turns leaves into little factories that produce sugar and oxygen.
Words that remind us of maple trees are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
AUTUMN, CANADA, CARBON DIOXIDE, CHLOROPHYLL, COLORS, DRY, FLOWERS, FUNGI, HELICOPTER, LEAVES, MAPLE, OXYGEN, SAP, SEED, STEMS, SYRUP, TAP, TREE, VERMONT, WATER.
SWEET AND SAPPY
Almost all maple syrup and maple sugar comes from the sugar maple tree. Its sap has more than twice as much sugar as any other kind of maple.
The sugar maple grows naturally only in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. When planted anywhere else, it almost never flowers.
The maple tree is so important to Canada that its leaf is the country’s symbol.
Because sugar maples live for a long time, they can produce a lot of sap during their lives. Some maple trees have been tapped for 100 years and are still producing sap.
MAKING SAP
Around March, when the snow starts melting, tree roots warm up. This signals the trees that it is time to start growing leaves. Trees need to move the food stored in their roots up to the leaf buds so leaves can grow. This food is the sugary sap.
Sap flows for about six weeks. However, there might be only five or six times during those weeks when the sap is actually dripping from the holes made in the tree. These times are called sap runs. A sap run might last a few hours or a few days.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPmaple
At the library:
• “Whiz and the Secret Science of Maple Syrup” by Bumpa and Riley
• “October Is Having a Party!” by Caitlin Friebel
ECO NOTE
Tropical birds are disappearing fast, and scientists say extreme heat from climate change is largely to blame. A new study shows these birds are suffering dramatic population drops — as much as 38% since 1950 — due to more frequent and intense heat waves. Birds in places such as the Amazon face around 30 days of dangerous heat per year, compared to just three in the mid-20th century. While habitat loss is also a major threat to the birds’ survival, researchers warn that climate change is now a bigger driver of declines in the tropics.
The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication
photo by William F. Wood
photo by Stephen Goodhue, courtesy State of Vermont
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