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11,009
The number of Broadway performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” since its debut on Nov. 13, 1997, making the musical the thirdlongest-running show in Broadway history (as of late October 2025).
Members of
Members of the American Legion Post 145 in Islamorada attend the Veterans Day ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo on Nov. 10. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
NEWMAN PLEADS NO-CONTEST IN CASE RELATED TO PAYMENTS TO UNREGISTERED COMPANY
Former Keys PR chief gets probation, community service
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Former Florida Keys public relations director Andy Newman pleaded no contest in a Key West courtroom on Nov. 3 to a series of charges alleging he made false statements under oath regarding payments for tourism promotion work to a business entity of his that reportedly didn’t exist.
Newman was charged on Aug. 6, 2024 with 14 counts of perjury and 14 counts of false official statements — all first- and second-degree misdemeanors — by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. It all stemmed from a county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year of the county Tourist Development Council and its public relations contract with Newman’s company, NewmanPR.
Ultimately, the hearing concluded with County Judge Albert Kelley sentencing Newman to 42 months probation and 140 community service hours on 14 of the 28 charges, seven for perjury and seven for false official statements. Newman was also ordered to pay some fines and court fees totaling a little more than $1,000. He also received a suspended sentence of 70 days in jail, which means he’ll only serve the time if he violates probation.
Newman told the Keys Weekly he changed his not-guilty plea to no contest during the hearing, giving up his right to a jury trial in a bid to avoid continued litigation fees and mental anguish from a matter that could have dragged on.
Prosecutors, however, were seeking jail time for Newman.
“There has to be some level of transparency, and he thumbed his nose at it,” chief prosecutor Joe Mansfield told Keys Weekly.
The county clerk and comptroller’s audit last year reviewed NewmanPR’s
requests for reimbursement on work performed by Graphics 71, an independent third-party vendor NewmanPR regularly conducted business with on behalf of the TDC. The audit revealed Graphics 71, which provided production, production supervision, distribution supervision and photography services, wasn’t a legal business entity in Florida.
Newman said Graphics 71 was initiated as a separate entity within Stuart Newman Associates to properly document work done outside the scope of work detailed in client contracts with Monroe County and others. Specifically, it focused on photography, print production and an occasional video production project that would otherwise be done by an outside vendor.
An independent, forensic audit by the state attorney’s office led to charges pertaining to “making false official statements,” each categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor. Prosecutors alleged Newman submitted false written certifications to the clerk of court’s office, falsely claiming that payments were made to Graphics 71 to mislead public officials.
Newman turned himself in and was booked Aug. 7, 2024.
“I sat there in the holding cell with my face in my hand thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’” Newman said.
Newman told Keys Weekly he’s satisfied with Kelley’s ruling, given the circumstances and political atmosphere that surrounded the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in previous years. He admits he made a mistake, but said neither he nor the company ever tried to do anything maliciously to deceive the county.
Launched by Andy Newman’s father, Stuart Newman, as Stuart Newman Associates, NewmanPR handled public relations for the Florida Keys’ tourism interests for more than 40 years. The job of marketing the Florida Keys to national and international media outlets by providing video and still news photography of noteworthy events, as well as bringing media to the island chain for such events, included CNN’s annual presence in Key West for New Year’s Eve, worldwide Fantasy Fest coverage and celebritystudded fishing tournaments.
The audit prompted significant changes at the TDC. Board members terminated marketing director Stacey Mitchell and hired Kara Franker as president and CEO of the TDC and Visit Florida Keys. By September 2024, Franker recommended that the TDC board and county commission give NewmanPR a few months’ notice before terminating its contract with the longtime PR firm.
Newman said his late father erred when he did not register Graphics 71, a division of NewmanPR, with the state.
“I should have paid closer attention to internal business aspects, especially after he died in 2019. But regretfully I didn’t and apologized for that,” Newman said.
Andy Newman. FILE PHOTO
John Gallant Matt Turk
Cale Smith Scott Goss
Jerry O'Cathey
John Izanek Dick Barnes (posthumously)
Meghan Miller Max Meyers Don Stier Frank Der er
Meghan Miller Michael Mayer
PROSECUTORS SEEK PRISON FOR FORMER DEPUTY
Jennifer Ketcham pleads no contest to misusing her position, police computers to help her boyfriend
to seek prison time for her and present witnesses to testify on behalf of the request.
Monroe County prosecutors will seek prison time at the upcoming sentencing of a former sheriff’s deputy who pleaded no contest to 40 felony counts for misusing her public office, misusing law enforcement computers and databases and unlawful use of a cell phone.
Jennifer Ketcham, 41, was a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office when she was arrested in July 2024, having been hired in June 2021. She has since been terminated.
Ketcham pleaded no contest to the charges on Nov. 5, but was not guaranteed or offered any reduced sentence by prosecutors in doing so. Her sentence, based on the charges, could range from about three years in prison to five years per each of the 40 counts.
Ketcham’s attorney has filed a request for “downward departure” with the court, which, if granted, would give Judge Sharon Hamilton leeway to impose whatever sentence she deems appropriate regardless of state sentencing guidelines. In his request, attorney Dustin Hunter states that Ketcham has been evaluated by two mental health professionals in New York, one of whom is still meeting weekly with her, according to the court filing. Both professionals stated that Ketcham meets the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, Hunter writes in his motion.
“The defense believes that (the doctors’) written reports will serve to qualify Ms. Ketcham for a downward departure under Florida Statute,” Hunter’s motion states.
Ketcham’s sentencing hearing is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, when prosecutors are expected
In discovery documents pertaining to the case, prosecutors presented several pages of text messages between Ketcham and her then-boyfriend, Ryan Hernandez, who was 18 at the time of her arrest.
In the text exchanges, Ketcham tells Hernandez where narcotics officers are patrolling on Stock Island and Big Coppitt Key. She also texted him a photo of one of the narcotics deputies so Hernandez would recognize her, the court documents state. Further, Ketcham texted Hernandez about an arrest she had made that night, and revealed the name of the arrestee, who had agreed to become a confidential informant for the sheriff’s office. Such information is considered sensitive material for law enforcement. Ketcham routinely ran license plate numbers through law enforcement databases at Hernandez’s request and then sent him the vehicle registration information, court records state.
There is no mention in the case records of Hernandez being involved in drug sales aided by Ketcham’s text messages about narcotics officers, and Hernandez is not charged with any wrongdoing in this case. But in a text message to a female friend and fellow deputy, Ketcham says, “(Hernandez) is dealing dope and I can’t be tied into that,’ her arrest report states. The report also alleges that Ketcham advised Hernandez of areas to avoid on Stock Island in 2023 while she was an acting supervisor, who dictated the zones to which patrol deputies were assigned.
More than 11,000 pages of text messages allegedly sent between Ketcham and Hernandez, obtained via a search warrant for Hernandez’s phone, show that a contact named “J” warned Hernandez to “stay out of Big Coppitt Key, letting him know that ‘narcs’ are getting ready for a raid” on Sept. 6, 2023. Two days later, text messages from the same contact allegedly warned that a “narc is on Stock Island for a couple of hours.”
VIRGINIA MAN SENDS POLICE ON INTENSE HIGH-SPEED CHASE
Pursuit went into Founders Park as kids were practicing
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
AGreat Falls, Virginia man is facing numerous charges after police say he led them on a high-speed chase through the Upper Keys, including into Founders Park as kids were at sports practice.
Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were on patrol near MM 102 in Key Largo during the early evening when they spotted a black Range Rover SUV driving recklessly in the southbound lanes — almost sideswiping the side of a patrol car. The driver, later identified as Christopher Brinkley Smithers, momentarily swerved back into the lane but then aggressively cut off another vehicle behind the patrol car, leaving little room for the car to maneuver. The Range Rover almost clipped the patrol car’s rear end.
Deputies made a traffic stop near Tarpon Basin. A deputy approached the vehicle and explained the reason for the stop. The deputy said the
NEWMAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
The state attorney’s office said the acts committed by Newman were a huge breach of trust to the public and TDC. Prosecutors were asking the judge for 180 days in jail for the 14 counts.
“The fact he was certifying every month under oath and submitting invoices to the fraudulent company was egregious in our minds,” Mansfield said. “And he swore by the submissions month after month.”
Kelley announced the sentence after five witnesses took the stand to vouch for Newman. They included Lou Caputo, former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office colonel; Shannon Weiner, former Monroe County Emergency Management director; David Dipre, retired Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission captain;
driver appeared restless and struggled to form coherent sentences and seemed agitated. The deputy asked if he needed medical attention and proceeded to request assistance for a standardized field sobriety test while she gathered Smithers’ license.
Just as more deputies were arriving at the traffic stop, Smithers drove away, south through Tavernier and Islamorada. Florida Highway Patrol troopers joined in the pursuit near MM 90, chasing the driver into Founders Park, where kids were at soccer and baseball practice.
Troopers stayed close to the SUV as Smithers drove across U.S. 1 to the Old Highway before crossing back onto U.S. 1.
The chase ended in front of Founders Park after Smithers struck a center console boat trailered by a pickup truck. FHP patrol vehicles pinned his SUV from the other side to prevent him from driving any further.
No major injuries were reported, although several motorists on U.S. 1 during the chase say the SUV came close to crashing head-on with other vehicles.
Smithers is facing felony charges for fleeing and eluding police and drug possession. He’s also charged with misdemeanors for DUI, moving traffic violations, hit and run, resisting an officer and public order crimes. He’s expected to appear in court for the fleeing and eluding charges on Nov. 19.
Bob Eadie, retired Monroe County Health Department director; and Max Mayfield, former National Hurricane Center director.
“I always say that public relations is what others say about you, not about what you say about yourself,” Newman said. “They know who I am and they know who I am not. The accusations made by the state attorneys’ office was not me. I’m not a criminal.” Newman, who turns 70 on Nov. 28, said he’s looking forward to doing his community service and getting the whole matter behind him. He’s still a Florida Keys resident and he said he’ll continue to volunteer with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. And he said he’ll enjoy time with his new granddaughter.
Jennifer Ketcham.
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Christopher Smithers.
Sam Steele
NOVEMBER
• The 2025 property tax roll is open for collection, and property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. A 4% discount is provided if paid within November.
• If you have not received your tax bill yet, please contact us at 305-295-5044.
• Please visit our website at monroetaxcollector.com for information on our partial payment options and installment plans.
• Due to fiscally responsible operations, the Tax Collector distributed a record $7.5 million in unused FY25 operating funds to the local taxing authorities. Florida law requires these funds to be distributed proportionally to the
taxing authorities, which supports the funding of essential services for our community.
• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the correct tax has been remitted.
• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.
• In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our o ces will be closed on November 27 and November 28. We hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family!
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
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For 22 years, Keys Weekly has been the ONLY locally-owned and operated news source covering all of the Keys with our boots on the ground and our butts in the seats at meetings. Alex Rickert,
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In partnership with the Ocean First Institute (OFI), we engage divers and non-divers in citizen science projects that protect marine life and habitats for future generations. We also host TIDES—a hands-on marine science camp for teens ages 12–18. A er 15 years in Colorado, TIDES now brings immersive learning to young ocean stewards in Key Largo. For professionals, our Sustainable Dive Leader course strengthens knowledge of marine ecology and sustainability, inspiring dive leaders to teach and protect with purpose.
As the industry’s only B-Corp certified dive shop, Ocean First balances purpose and profit through responsible operations that value people, planet, and progress. We proudly partner with Blue Star, Mission: Iconic Reefs, REEF, the Coral Reef Alliance, and SSI Blue Oceans to minimize our footprint and give back to the waters that sustain us. Together, we’re building a legacy of exploration, education, and conservation—ensuring our oceans thrive for generations to come.
LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER 305-451-1414 • 1-800-822-1088 events@keylargochamber.org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG
ISLAMORADA COUNCIL BACKS PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR BALLFIELD UPGRADES
Citizens task force members stress need to approve agreement with school district
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Lengthy discussion over proposed Founders Park baseball field improvements culminated with the Islamorada Village Council voting 4-1 for a preliminary design at a Nov. 10 meeting.
A Monroe County School Districtled project on Islamorada property seeks to inject more than $5 million in upgrades to the home of Coral Shores High School baseball. Preliminary plans, which were approved by the school board Oct. 7, include new dugouts and a facility behind home plate with concessions, press box and restrooms, among other improvements.
A new playing surface is also in the works for the ball players, but what type — natural grass or artificial turf — is still a subject of much discussion within the village. On the school district side, board members approved plans to proceed with artificial turf on the field. Pat Lefere, school district executive director of operations, said the vendor selection for the surface would come in early 2026.
“As the process continues, we’ll continue to involve village staff and council in those decisions,” he said.
A synthetic surface is desired by the high school baseball program for
Pat Lefere, Monroe County School District executive director of operations. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
the safety of the players. Current and past coaches have said natural grass and difficulties maintaining a safe playing field have posed issues in past seasons. Some coaches have blamed the state of the playing surface for player injuries.
“My son tore his knee up on this field not once but twice,” said Doug Mientkiewicz, former Coral Shores baseball coach. “It’s unsafe the way it is now. The infield grass was replaced two years ago and it’s already covered in weeds.”
The village council’s vote supporting the preliminary design came with reassurance some members were
WOMAN ACCUSED OF DEFRAUDING ISLAMORADA PUBLIX IN MEAT, SEAFOOD
AHialeah woman was arrested and charged for allegedly defrauding the Publix supermarket in Islamorada of more than $8,000 in meat and seafood.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Yirelys Dominguez allegedly defrauded the store out of $8,364 in meat and sea-
food in March. She was charged with grand theft and making a false report/ knowingly giving false information to a law enforcement officer.
Detectives arrested Dominguez as part of a larger investigation into the use of stolen credit cards to pay for tens of thousands of dollars of meat and seafood from the grocery store on multiple occasions. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be pending. — Keys Weekly staff report Yirelys Dominguez.
Mayor Sharon Mahoney said preliminary design approval is “not anything binding.” Rather, it gives village officials the ability to hash out specifics to the improvements and use of the field.
“I care about making sure we are protected as a community, the park is protected and the school gets the benefits as well,” Mahoney said.
seeking that a license agreement between the sides would be finalized in the coming week. The agreement between the school district and village spells out detailed specifics on the rights and obligations regarding construction and use of the baseball field, as well as the planned improvements.
The lone “no” vote was from councilman Steve Friedman, who said the license agreement should be finalized and approved by both the school district and village before any preliminary plan secured the go-ahead.
“I’m not prepared to move forward until we have a signed agreement,” Friedman said before his vote. “As much as I like or don’t like any of this design, I think it puts us in a weaker position.”
Several members of a baseball field citizens task force also believed the village needed to finalize the license agreement before any approval of a preliminary design. Member Jamie Engel spent much time examining the previous license agreement dating back to 2001, which stated the baseball team had access to the field for practices and games Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. until the end of a game. Any other day and time outside that schedule warranted a request from the school district to the village.
Engel noted that not all village officials had a chance to review the license agreement. Village Attorney John Quick acknowledged that he hadn’t read the latest draft license agreement in full.
FLEEING SUBJECT PROMPTS SCHOOL LOCKDOWN
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Key Largo School was placed on lockdown the morning of Nov. 6 after a person fled from the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers who had stopped a white van.
According to reports, the pursuit led law enforcement toward the school, prompting the lockdown. CBP officers were seen searching a nearby wooded area. The fleeing individual was eventually caught.
By 10 a.m. the school announced a lift of the lockdown, with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office giving the school clearance to resume normal operations for the day.
Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney during the Nov. 10 meeting at the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
CEREMONIES HONOR VETERANS’ SACRIFICES FOR THE NATION
By Jim McCarthy and Jill Miranda Baker
Two ceremonies in the Upper Keys honored the community’s veterans for their service and sacrifice to the nation.
Islamorada Fire Rescue held its annual National Veterans Day Observance to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. During the Nov. 11 ceremony at Fire Station 20, speakers included Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel; Tom Booth, Army veteran and firefighter/EMT; and Matt Turk, Marine veteran, before about 25 community members.
“Veterans Day is a day to honor and show appreciation for all who served in the U.S. military in wartime or peacetime,” said Abel in opening remarks as he welcomed the veterans, first responders, elected officials and community in attendance. Pastor Tony Hammon gave the opening prayer and Booth led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
“It is an honor to stand before you on this Veterans Day — a day that holds deep meaning for me and for so many of my brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform,” Booth said. He served from 1975 to 1983. “In the military, I learned what service, sacrifice and teamwork truly meant, and when joining the fire services, I realize those same values live here too.”
After honoring his fellow veterans, Booth acknowledged the families of veterans and first responders with their sacrifices and inspiration to others.
“As the son of a World War II veteran,” said Islamorada Vice Mayor Don Horton, “this day holds deep and personal meaning to me. I remember with gratitude and thank veterans and first responders for their service.”
Turk, who served for eight years, spoke about how Scripture guided him during his time
serving. “As a Marine, I learned that courage isn’t just found in combat - it’s found in compassion. It’s in the medic who runs toward danger, the firefighter who faces the flames, the police officers who protect the vulnerable, and the veteran who carries on with quiet strength. Each act of service reflects the heart of Christ himself, who came not to be served, but to serve.”
The ceremony closed with a prayer by Hammon.
A Nov. 11 ceremony in Key Largo saw veterans from the various military branches rise to applause as the Keys Community Concert Band played the “Armed Forces Medley.” Hosted by Monroe County Veterans Affairs and VFW Post 10211, the ceremony included a presentation of colors by Boy Scouts Troop 914 and invocation by VFW Post 10211 chaplain Tim Link.
Mira Jones, Coral Shores student and Civil Air Patrol cadet senior master sergeant, shared her gratitude for veterans in attendance for their dedication to protecting the country. She also thanked the families of those who served or are currently serving across the globe.
“As said by Abraham Lincoln, ‘Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves as he best can the same cause,’” she remarked.
Master of ceremonies and retired Marine Mark Birk said the nation’s freedoms were paid for by generations of Americans who stood watch in times of peace and fought in times of war.
“These men and women faced unimaginable challenges, whether on foreign soil or the home front, all in service to our freedoms that we hold dear,” he said.
Marine veteran Matt Turk speaks on how Scripture guided him during his time serving.
Islamorada Vice Mayor Don Horton speaks during a ceremony at Islamorada Fire Station 20.
Tom Booth, Army veteran and Islamorada firefighter/EMT.
Pastor Tony Hammon gives the opening prayer. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/Keys Weekly
Islamorada Fire Rescue members and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies attend the Veterans Day ceremony at Fire Station 20. CONTRIBUTED
‘OORAH!’
Armory Speakeasy at the Post celebrates 250 years of the U.S. Marines
With a sword in hand, VFW Post 10211 quartermaster Mark Birk cut the cake to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Marines on Nov. 10 at the Armory Speakeasy at the Post in Key Largo. Birk was joined by Dennis Ward, retired Marine and post commander, and surrounded by fellow Marines and community members. Post 10211’s youngest Marine, Jimmy Cosgrove, was among those honored. The evening included drink specials and tunes from the Keys Community Concert Band.
As stated in the president’s proclamation, the Marine Corps was born when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines by resolution on Nov. 10, 1775. From the first combat action at Nassau in 1776, Marines have proven to be the guardians of liberty and justice.
— Keys Weekly staff report
1: Mark Birk, VFW Post 10211 quartermaster, cuts the cake to celebrate 250 years of the Marines, as Dennis Ward, post commander, and community members gather. 2: Marine Jimmy Cosgrove is honored as he receives a piece of cake. 3: Members of the Keys Community Concert Band play patriotic tunes. 4: A decorative cake celebrates the Marines’ 250th birthday. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly. Full gallery at keysweekly.com.
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NATURALIST TALKS WILLIAM BEEBE’S GALAPAGOS ISLANDS RESEARCH
Grove has researched the remote area for 50 years
Jack Stein Grove will present on the research of William Beebe in the Galápagos on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the History of Diving Museum. CONTRIBUTED
The History of Diving Museum will host Jack Stein Grove as he presents on William Beebe in the Galápagos on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
This year marks 50 years of active conservation work and research for Grove. Employed as a naturalist, dive master and expedition leader across the seven seas, he has explored many of the most remote regions of the world’s oceans. For seven years, he lived aboard the ship Bucanero in the Galápagos, working as a naturalist guide for the National Park Service, and doing research for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History and the Instituto Nacional de Pesca in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
His seminal book, “Fishes of the Galápagos Islands,” was published in 1997, and is the only comprehensive book of its kind. Grove is now executive director of the East Pacific Corridor Alliance. Grove’s presentation will include Beebe’s original research in the Galápagos Islands and what the islands
and their creatures look like today. Before the presentation, the museum will hold its November member mingle. Museum members and potential members are invited to see the “Celebrating 20 Years” featured exhibit; light refreshments will be served. New members will receive a free hat or shirt, as will members who refer them. The event takes place in the exhibits from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by the presentation.
Those interested in attending the lecture either in-person or via Zoom may visit divingmuseum.org to register. The Charles Darwin Research Station has also been invited to join virtually. This session will be recorded and posted to the museum’s YouTube channel. This month’s sponsors are the Misso and Newton families.
The museum, a nonprofit located in Islamorada, has 14 core exhibits plus two annual limited-time featured exhibits as well as a gift shop. More information is at divingmuseum.org. — Contributed
WHY FUR IS NEVER IN STYLE
Each pelt represents a story of pain and suffering
Hi friends. Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report” and annual reminder why fur is never in style.
While many are stringing lights, buying gifts and planning holiday gatherings filled with joy and warmth, an entirely different kind of season is unfolding in silence across the globe. On fur farms, it’s culling season, a time marked not by celebration, but by suffering.
Right now, millions of animals, many of them still babies, will never see their first birthday. Their short lives have been spent confined to wire cages, deprived of space, enrichment or sunlight. They pace in fear, often going mad from isolation and stress, unaware that their final days are approaching. Their only “purpose” in this world, according to those who exploit them, is to be skinned for a coat, a trim or a trinket.
Let’s be clear: I have zero sympathy or empathy for the companies, farms or fashion houses that continue to profit from this cruelty. This is not an industry struggling to survive; it’s one refusing to evolve. People sometimes defend it by saying, “But it’s all they know.” No. It’s all they choose to know.
Fur production operates on a calculated schedule, synchronized with nature’s rhythm not out of respect, but to exploit it. For standard fur production, the timing of the cull is deliberate and brutally efficient: Mink are bred in March and give birth in May. After growing through the summer and fall, they
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.
are slaughtered in November or December, just as their winter coats become thickest and most “valuable.” Foxes follow a similar pattern, bred in the spring, killed in winter when their fur reaches peak density.
This isn’t heritage, culture or tradition. It’s violence disguised as business.
Each pelt represents a sentient being that knows fear, pain and confinement. Behind every furtrimmed hood or “luxury” accessory is a story of suffering. And while companies spend millions on marketing to make fur appear glamorous, the truth remains raw and unglamorous: no animal should die for fashion.
It’s time to evolve. Humanity has access to sustainable, crueltyfree alternatives that are warmer, softer and kinder. We no longer need to take life to stay stylish or comfortable. What we need is awareness and courage to reject cruelty even when it’s disguised as tradition.
This holiday season, let compassion be what we wear. Choose alternatives. Choose empathy. Choose life over “luxury.”
Until next time, Reef, over and out!
SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRAISES MEMBERS
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office held its quarterly Member Awards ceremony in Marathon on Nov. 7. Members were recognized for exemplary service to the agency and to the citizens of Monroe County. Members were also recognized for their years of service to the agency. From left are Misley Quintero, Support Member of the Quarter; Andrew Paskiewicz, Detention Deputy of the Quarter; Sonya Morgan, Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter; and Sheriff Rick Ramsay. MCSO/Contributed
Friday, Nov. 14
• 14th annual Spayghetti and No Balls Gala benefiting MarrVelous Pet Rescues, at 6:30 p.m. at Snook’s Bayside, Key Largo. Learn more at spayghetti.com.
• Beats on the Bay music series welcomes Almighty Queen at 6:30 p.m. at Founders Park Amphitheater. Admission is free.
Saturday, Nov. 15
• Old Highway Run at 7:30 a.m. at Coral Shores High school. Signup at oldhighwayrun.com.
• Guided nature walk at 8:30 a.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve, Islamorada.
• A Night in White to Reignite the Light fundraiser at 5 p.m. at Tea Table Key, Islamorada.
• The Way of Healing, a healing gong immersion, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at Founders Park Amphitheater, Islamorada.
Nov. 18-19
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
• November member mingle from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and “Immerse Yourself” presentation at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.
Thursday, Nov. 20
• Art walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.
Friday, Nov. 21
• Third annual Reef Revival Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. at the barn of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Learn more at mote.org.
Saturday, Nov. 22
• 10th annual charity ride, Tour de Keys beginning at about 6:44 a.m. at Key Largo. Visit tourdekeys.donordrive.com for more information.
• 16th annual Light Up Key Largo from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center.
REBECCA LOVICONI/Contributed
TIP OF THE ISLAND
Not far from Fowey Rocks
Lighthouse is the first key
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse with a lighthouse tender circa 1937. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/ Monroe County Libraries
Roughly 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys archipelago. Key Biscayne is not one of them.
However, historically, it is a significant piece of Monroe County real estate. The county is much smaller than it used to be. When Monroe County was established in 1823, it stretched from Key West north to Lake Okeechobee and west to Charlotte Harbor.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
The Cape Florida Lighthouse remains standing and is the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County. The warning beam of light was extinguished when the better-situated Fowey Rock Light was established in 1878. Congress allocated $100,000 for its construction, as it was better situated to mark the navigational hazard that is the Florida Reef. It was enough money to get the project started, but not enough to complete the project, which required an additional $75,000.
ing on the reef. The Carondelet also wrecked on the reef, startling the workers building the light that would warn sailors of the imminent danger. Fortunately, the crew of the Carondelet was able to float free from their predicament when the incoming tide pushed enough water over the reef to set them free.
The Fowey Rocks Light was first lit on June 15, 1878. The light is 3 miles east of Soldier Key. It is a small island, about two football fields long and 100 yards wide, and is considered the archipelago’s first true key. The Florida Keys are composed of two types of limestone: Miami limestone and Key Largo limestone. The Upper and Middle keys are built atop a coralline foundation called Key Largo limestone. The islands of Florida Bay (and the Gulf of Mexico) and the Lower Keys are built on a Miami limestone foundation, built of oolite and bryozoans – colonizing invertebrates that build limestone exoskeletons.
Soldier Key is located about 5 miles south of Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida and 3 miles north of the Ragged Keys. On modern charts, it is identified as the singular Soldier Key. It has not always been the case, as the number, as well as the name, has varied over the years. Early Spanish charts identified the island as Parida. Interesting word, parida. In Spanish, it can refer to someone who has said something nonsensical or stupid. It can also refer to a mother who has recently given birth.
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
Key Biscayne is a 5-mile-long barrier island located just off the South Florida mainland, just minutes away from Miami. The island’s name is one of the oldest in South Florida. In 1675, it was charted as Caio de Biscainos. The Father Alana chart identified it as Biscaino in 1743. Bernard Romans called it Key Biscay on his 1773 chart. In John Williams’ 1837 work “The Territory of Florida,” he called it Kay Biscanyo.
The island is home to Cape Florida, and Cape Florida is home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The brick and coral-rock lighthouse stood 65 feet tall when it was first lit in 1825. On July 23, 1836, the lighthouse was destroyed in an attack during the second escalation of the Seminole War. Due to the continued Indian threat, it was not rebuilt until 1846. Less than a decade later, the conical tower was raised an additional 30 feet to a height of 95 feet.
Fowey Light was the second to last in a string of six iron lighthouses built to mark the Florida Reef. Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was the first (1852); the others were Sand Key Light (1853), Sombrero Key Light (1858), and Alligator Reef Light (1873). American Shoal Light was the last to be built and first cast its warning light across the water on July 15, 1880.
During the building of the Fowey Rocks Light, Soldier Key was used as a base of operations. Once the iron beams were driven down into the reef and the light’s skeleton was in place, the lighthouse’s platform was constructed. When the platform was finished, workers lived in a makeshift camp atop it to ensure that adverse conditions and rough water would not deter them from reaching the light during the construction period.
Twice, ships ran aground on the coral reef dangerously close to where workers were sleeping. One night, the men were startled from their sleep when the steamer Arakanapka hit the reef, ground through the limestone, and the bow of the ship came to a halt mere feet from the platform. The men undoubtedly watched with wide-open eyes as they considered their mortality. It was not the only time workers were nearly struck by a ship crash-
It is this second interpretation that is interesting. Juan de Liguera and Father Alana also identified the island as Parida on their 1742 and 1743 charts. In 1770, a chart created by O-Carrol named it La Parida y Su Hijo, a name that refers to a mother and her newborn son. In 1774, Captain Barton, in his Observations, identified the islands as the Soldier Keys. John Lee Williams, who wrote the 1837 work, Territory of Florida, identified two islands: “Soldier Keys are the small islands, in a row, six miles south of Biscayo.”
A Coast Survey chart from 1855 identified the islands as Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key. If there is one thing that mangrove islands like the Florida Keys do, it is grow. Over the last 150 years, Soldier Key and Little Soldier Key have merged and become the single island appearing on nautical charts today.
Soldier Key is the northernmost of the islands called the Northern Keys. It is one of nearly 50 islands before the largest of the islands in the archipelago, Key Largo, appears. For those driving down from the mainland, Key Largo serves as the gateway to the Florida Keys, connected to the mainland by both the Card Sound Bridge and the Jewfish Creek Bridge. It is easy to see why people assume it is the first island in the chain.
SMART TRAVEL: PROTECT YOUR DEVICES ON THE GO
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent.
As travel-
ers prepare to head out for fall getaways, cybersecurity experts are warning that hackers may be tagging along — virtually. From airports to hotel lobbies, digital threats like public Wi-Fi scams, Bluetooth attacks and “juice jacking” are targeting travelers’ personal devices more than ever.
“Any time you connect to a public network or plug into a shared charger, you’re opening a door to your private data,” said cybersecurity analyst Mark Daniels. “A few small precautions can make all the difference.”
Public Wi-Fi: Convenient but risky
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and coffee shops is a common amenity
— and a common target for cybercriminals. Hackers can easily monitor unsecured connections or create fake “free Wi-Fi” networks designed to steal login credentials and personal data.
Experts recommend avoiding logging into banking or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your connection. Turn off file sharing and make sure your firewall is enabled. When possible, rely on your mobile data or personal hotspot instead.
Hidden threats in plain sight
Bluetooth connections are another easy access point for hackers, particularly in crowded spaces like airports and conference centers.
Stay protected by turning off Bluetooth when not in use. Also, ignore unfamiliar pairing requests. Set your device to “non-discoverable” mode so it doesn’t appear to nearby users.
Juice jacking: Don’t get plugged in Security agencies, including the FBI, have warned travelers about
“juice jacking,” a scheme where public USB charging ports are used to install malware or steal data.
To stay safe, carry your own wall charger or portable power bank. Use a USB data blocker or charge-only cable. If you must use a public station, power off your device first.
Offload, update before departure
Before heading out, take time to review your device’s security settings and apps. Unused apps can collect data or expose you to privacy risks.
Offload or delete apps you don’t plan to use. Install the latest software updates and enable a screen lock or encryption. Back up important files to the cloud or an external drive.
Travel light — digitally
Minimizing the number of devices and sensitive accounts you bring reduces your exposure. Log out of apps that store personal or financial information and avoid saving passwords directly to your device.
While cybersecurity might not be the first thing travelers think about when planning a trip, experts say it should be part of every packing checklist.
“Just like you pack sunscreen to protect your skin, you need digital protection to safeguard your data,” Daniels said. “The goal is to travel smart and stay safe — both offline and online.”
“To me, it’s not about turf or natural grass,” Engel said. “It’s about doing it the right way. The baseball field license agreement stipulates who pays for what, if something happens on the field, (and) how much insurance is going to be there if someone gets injured. It’s just all of the basics, it’s very specific.”
Task force members Alina Davis and Richard Black agreed with Engel that a license agreement needed to be signed off from both sides.
Pat Lefere, school district executive director of operations, said one of the bigger objections in the draft is a provision of written notice two years in advance should the school district seek to terminate the agreement for use of the Founders Park field.
“Having everything the school board has gone through in this particular project and discussions … finding somewhere else to play baseball in the vicinity of Coral Shores baseball, we think it would take significantly longer than two years to figure something out. We’d ask for something more than that,” he said.
Lefere added the proposed license agreement needs to be hashed out on other issues like maintenance costs. He said additional discussion is needed on a new provision for 30 days’ notice by the school district to use the field outside of baseball season.
If all goes as planned, Lefere said construction would begin once the 2026 high school baseball season ends, and that could be sometime between late April and mid-May.
Vice Mayor Don Horton made the motion to accept the preliminary design of the ballfield improvements. In his comments, Horton said the village will make the license agreement work for the citizens of Islamorada.
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