‘Time travel is easy: Every fall I go back an hour and every spring I go ahead an hour.’
March 12, 2026
UPPER KEYS’ BIGGEST ATTRACTION IS 50 & FABULOUS Robbie’s Marina features storied history, family and adventure | P. 16
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
NEW LISTING
406 S COCONUT PALM BLVD, PLANTATION KEY
NEW LISTING – DOUBLE LOT 9 TRANSYLVANIA AVE., KEY LARGO
NEW LISTING 553 OLDSMAR LANE, KEY LARGO
4 BR/4 BA - 4,144 SQ. FT. - $4,350,000 MM 90/ BAYSIDE
3 BD/2 BA - 1,222 SQ. FT. - $879,000 MM 103/ OCEANSIDE
2 BR/2 BA - 860 SQ. FT. - $564,000 MM 103/ BAYSIDE
APRIL STRUHS 305.399.6297
SALLY STRIBLING 305.283.2002
EMILY STRAIN 305.394.4681
PRICE REDUCED 71 CORAL DRIVE, KEY LARGO
PRICE REDUCED - LG FAMILY HOME-DBL LOT
464 LIME DRIVE, KEY LARGO
PRICE REDUCED 88181 OLD HWY, 21H, PLANTATION KEY
4 BR/4.5 BA - 2,226 SQ. FT. - $1,799,000 MM 100/ OCEANSIDE
5 BR/4.5 BA - 3,785 SQ. FT. - $1,159,500 MM 102.5/ OCEANSIDE
2 BR/2 BA - 1,672 SQ. FT. - $885,000 MM 88/ OCEANSIDE
DIANA FIDDES 305.393.0721
EMILY STRAIN 305.394.4681 HEATHER PABOTOY 305.879.2379
JEANETTE SILVESTRI HABLO ESPANOL 305.619.0112 | INVESTINTHEKEYS@GMAIL.COM
NEW LISTING 88181 OLD HWY #F24, ISLAMORADA
PRICE REDUCED 136 GIARDINO DR., ISLAMORADA
PRICE REDUCED 439 PALM DR., ISLAMORADA
2BR/2BA - 1,330 SQ. FT. - $850,000 MM 88/OCEANSIDE
4BR/3BA - 3,481 SQ. FT. - $3,398,000 MM 86/BAYSIDE
4BR/3BA - 2,294 SQ. FT. - $2,495,000 MM 74/BAYSIDE
CHRISTY HUGHES 305.393.6190
ALINA DAVIS 305.393.0541
CAROLINE HENDRIX 786.847.3705
PRICE REDUCED 143 AREGOOD LN. #D1, PLANTATION KEY
PRICE REDUCED 4 SHORE DR., SADDLEBUNCH KEY
PRICE REDUCED 112 CORTEZ DR., B1 ISLAMORADA
2BR/2.5BA - 1,248 SQ. FT. - $1,150,000 MM 88.5/OCEANSIDE
2BR/2BA - 1,010 SQ. FT. - $675,000 MM 15/BAYSIDE
2BR/2BA - 1,079 SQ. FT. - $635,000 MM 76.5/OCEANSIDE
CHRISTY HUGHES 305.393.6190
ELIZABETH JOLIN 305.393.0994
MELISSA NOWELL 305-394-3210
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS AS THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE realestatefloridakeys.com/customercare@cbschmitt.com
KEY LARGO 100430 Overseas Highway 305.451.4422 ISLAMORADA 85996 Overseas Highway 305.664.4470
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
KEY LARGO | $12,500,000 | LISTING ID: 617061
New oceanfront luxury
Welcome to an extraordinary estate showcasing the perfect balance of modern design, functionality, and refined coastal living. This newly constructed residence is situated on a protected private basin offering the rare, secure deep-water dockage with a sandy peninsula. The basin provides parking for up to six vessels, each equipped with shore power and water, making it a boater's dream. Spanning 6,585 square feet under air, the home features seven bedrooms, seven en-suite baths, and two half baths, including dual primary suites designed for multi-generational living or guest privacy. The interior exudes modern luxury with a custom chef's kitchen, climate-controlled wine cellar, multi-level elevator, four-zone AC system, and comprehensive smart-home automation managing lighting, audio, climate, pool, and security. Every detail was curated for seamless living and entertaining, from the expansive third-floor entertainment suite overlooking the ocean to the open-concept living spaces lined with glass doors and terraces capturing panoramic views. Outdoors, enjoy a resort-style pool and spa, covered summer kitchen, and a tiki hut on your private sandy beach framed by lush landscaping and privacy fencing. Built to last with reinforced, poured concrete construction, impact glass, and a whole-home generator, this residence combines elegance with durability. Set on a .48-acre double lot with flexible suburban/commercial zoning ideal for events and vacation rentals.
81888 Overseas Highway | Islamorada 305.712.8888 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
Investors suffered losses totaling $18 billion in the massive Ponzi scheme perpetuated by stockbroker Bernie Madoff, who pleaded guilty to 11 federal felonies on March 12, 2009. The work resulted in Madoff receiving a 150-year prison sentence, with his associates — several of whom claimed to have no idea about the scam — receiving varying sentences.
KEYS
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89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2 Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada is home of the world-famous tarpon feeding. One of the top attractions in the Florida Keys turns 50. ROBBIE’S OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed
A BILLION APART
Business Development Manuela Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Controller / Lauren Pope lauren@keysweeky.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @KeysWeekly @theWeekly Members of
Florida House, Senate to work beyond session amid budget differences House Speaker Danny Perez, left, and Senate President Ben Albritton preside over a joint session on Jan. 13 ahead of the governor’s address. SARAH GRAY/Florida House
JIM McCARTHY
jim@keysweekly.com
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isagreements over state spending will force legislators in the House and Senate to work beyond the regular 60-day session. Budget proposals approved by the respective chambers show a spending difference of $1.4 billion. Last month, House members approved a $113.6 billion spending proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. The plan spends $4 billion less compared to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ $117 billion budget and $1.3 billion less than the budget approved by the Legislature for the current fiscal year, which ends July 1. A $115 billion budget proposal by the Senate for the coming fiscal year also passed last month. With spending differences still needing to be sorted out, House and Senate leadership have indicated the budget work will not be completed in time for the final day of session on March 13. “We have a fundamental disagreement on what the budget should look
like for the state of Florida,” House Speaker Daniel Perez said last week. “The House believes we should spend less money; the Senate believes we should spend more money.” Senate President Ben Albritton has said the two budget proposals are closer than they were last year. “I view that as very beneficial and would be something Floridians look at and say that’s a good start,” he said during a recent interview with CBS Miami. “If you look at the budget as a whole, there are a couple of silos we’ll figure out. There are lots of places in the budget where we’re not far off.” Kate DeLoach, lobbyist with the Southern Group, said the legislature will either need to extend session or go home and return to complete the budget. DeLoach said there are other matters awaiting legislators. “They will also be back for redistricting, already scheduled for April, and likely for property taxes, which isn’t scheduled yet,” DeLoach said. Per the Florida League of Cities, the largest portion of spending goes to Health and Human Services. The House and Senate’s proposed budgets include $49.3 billion and $49 billion,
respectively. The state’s combined education programs and services received the second-largest proportion of funding, totaling $31.83 billion and $31.80 billion, respectively. Natural resources, the environment, growth management and transportation expenditures represent the third-largest portion of the House and Senate’s proposed budgets, at $18.37 billion and $19.72 billion, respectively. Despite the budget differences, both chambers allocated $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Funds support stormwater, canal restoration projects and other water quality projects from Key Largo to Key West. How that money is doled out remains a point of contention. The Senate’s budget contains specific directions on how those funds are expended, with the distribution plan being consistent with the most recent executed intergovernmental agreement among Islamorada, Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD), Marathon, Monroe County, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), Key West and Key Colony Beach. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
NOW OPEN IN KEY LARGO A Taste of Cuban Tradition at Mile Marker 97
A New Favorite for Locals & Visitors
Vicky Bakery is now open in Key Largo, bringing the flavors South Florida has loved for generations straight to the Upper Keys. From early-morning cafecito to fresh pastries throughout the day, Vicky Bakery is your new neighborhood stop for authentic Cuban baking.
Whether you live in the Keys or you’re just passing through, Vicky Bakery is the perfect stop for a quick bite, a coffee break, or something sweet to share.
Fresh Pastries & Cafecito Made Daily
Grab breakfast before work, fuel up before hitting the water, or bring home a box of pastries everyone will love.
Step inside and enjoy the aroma of warm, freshly baked favorites made the Vicky way with simple ingredients, traditional recipes, and unmistakable flavor. On the menu: • Golden croquetas • Classic guava & cheese pastries • Flaky empanadas and savory bites • Rich Cuban coffee & cafecito • Sweet treats perfect for breakfast, dessert, or the road Everything is prepared fresh daily using time-honored recipes that have made Vicky Bakery a South Florida staple.
VISIT US
TODAY!
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
ISLAMORADA VICE MAYOR MAHONEY, COUNCILWOMAN RICHARDS FILE FOR SEATS JIM McCARTHY
jim@keysweekly.com
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wo familiar names recently filed for a bid to reclaim their seats on the Islamorada Village Council in the November 2026 election. On March 3, Vice Mayor Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney submitted paSharon Mahoney. perwork for re-election to seat 5. Six days later, councilwoman Anna Richards finalized documents for the seat 1 race. As of March 11, all three candidates filing for office are incumbents. Mayor Don Horton filed for re-election to seat 4 on Jan. 29. An Islamorada native, Mahoney entered the village political fray in 2022 when she won the race for seat 5. She secured 43.76% of the vote to beat incumbent David Webb and candidate Tom Raffanello. Two years later, Mahoney returned to the council with no challengers filing for the seat.
“The last two years I’ve gotten a lot of stuff done,” Mahoney told Keys Weekly. “I figure I’m on a roll and have another two years and that’s about it for me.” Mahoney owns Enchanted Forest and founded the nonCouncilwoman profit Casting for Cats, which Anna Richards. holds annual backcountry and sailfish tournaments to raise funds to address the feral cat population. In February 2025, Richards was selected by the council to fill the remainder of then-councilman Buddy Pinder’s term. She’s a longtime resident of the village who co-owns the land surveying business Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping. She’s also a certified floodplain manager and licensed real estate agent. Serving the village a little more than a year, Richards said she wants to continue making “balanced” decisions which benefit the community, from
the residents and businesses to the environment. “We’re making decisions at every meeting and not delaying for another time,” Richards said. “I feel the council is doing really well for the most part. For me, I’m not about entitlement or the bubba system.” Both Mahoney and Richards say they want to finalize agreements between the village and school district in relation to the improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park. The sides are still hashing out differences in a license agreement. Mahoney said she wants to stay on the path of getting issues resolved in the village, including maintaining a rideshare service that takes the financial burden off the village taxpayers. All five village council seats are up for election this November. To qualify, a candidate must be a registered Florida voter and be a resident of Islamorada. If elected, he or she must maintain residency in Islamorada throughout the two-year term of office. Candidates can file now through the official qualifying period, which begins at noon on Aug. 4 and ends at noon, Aug. 11.
CATHY CRANE CAN GET THINGS DONE Wounded Warrior Project honors the veteran & county director MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
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hose who underestimate Cathy Crane do so at their own peril. Although, admittedly, when it does happen, it’s fun to watch. Petite and smiling, with long hair, impressively high heels and impeccable attire, Crane, director of Monroe County Community Services, is accustomed to the presumptions of people ill-prepared for the strength, ability and purpose contained in her barely-over-5-foot frame. Those who know Crane don’t make the mistake, at least not twice. The same is true for the soldiers who served with her in the U.S. Army, from 1995 to 2006, with deployments to South Korea and Iraq.
The leaders of Wounded Warrior Project and its annual Soldier Ride event wouldn’t dare underestimate Crane, who for more than a decade has worked with the nonprofit veterans support group to coordinate its annual Soldier Ride, a nationally recognized rehabilitative cycling event that brings wounded veterans to Monroe County for Cathy Crane physical recovery, mental wellness and camaraderie. Last month, Wounded Warriors Project honored Crane with its prestigious Impact Award to recognize
her commitment to supporting wounded service members and coordinating the annual Soldier Ride. Crane was recognized for her leadership and coordination with community partners and volunteers who line U.S. 1 holding flags and saluting the passing cyclists to ensure a welcoming and impactful experience for participating warriors. “Impact is never the work of one person; it belongs to a community of people who show up for our warriors,” Crane said during her award acceptance in Miami. “We do not honor warriors by what we say about their service; we honor them by how we stand with them after it.” Visit keysweekly.com for the full story
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
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IT’S A SEAFOOD CELEBRATION
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS COUNCIL PAY BUMP
Committee chairman Ty Harris.
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
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slamorada’s seven-person Charter Review Committee is in favor of a ballot initiative to bump council members’ pay. Since the early 2000s, village council members have received $1,000 a month. A proposal approved 7-0 by the committee at a March 4 meeting recommends an increase to $1,500 a month with an annual cost of living adjustment using the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. It’s primarily used by the Social Security Administration to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for benefits. Ultimately, the recommendation would need council’s approval before heading to the voters for who have the final say at the November election. Committee member Craig McBay has been an advocate of bumping council members’ pay since the first meeting on Jan. 26. He’s acknowledged how much time is put into the job — from 20 to 40 hours a week — while also saying it could help attract working members in the community. “It obviously takes a lot of time to do the job,” he said. “For somebody who’s working and may have to give up time from work, having some compensation to make up for that – say I’m a fisherman and now I have to cut out ‘x’ number of fishing trips – that might just help fill the gap.”
Several members backed a monthly pay bump to $2,000, or $24,000 a year. Ultimately the committee believed $1,500 a month, or annual pay of $18,000, was reasonable, especially when comparing Islamorada’s neighboring municipality in Marathon, which pays its council members $18,000 a year. Committee member Roger Young said an increase could bring more people, and perhaps younger individuals, into village races. He said he spoke to former council members who said the job takes an average of 35 to 40 hours a week, and sometimes more. Committee member Joe Roth said research he did on council pay in other municipalities showed $1,500 a month as the bare minimum. “I could give an argument for more based on where we’re located. There definitely needs to be some sort of increase,” he said. Vice chair Susan Raffanello said she wasn’t opposed to some increase since there hasn’t been one in many years. In comparison to other municipalities, $18,000 a year was an outlier, but she said the cost of living in Monroe County may support it. Chairman Ty Harris said he’d like to see more young people have the chance to serve on the council. And while it may get shot down by voters, Harris reiterated councilman Steve Friedman’s words from a prior meeting to do “what’s right for the village and not what they think will pass.” Compensation for council members was originally set at $300 until 2005, when the council approved an ordinance to pay $1,000 per month. The new pay took effect in March 2006 following voter approval and has remained at $1,000 since then.
Islamorada Charter Review Committee member Craig McBay. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly.
BUDGET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
Crews backfill Canal 90, located between Hilson and Ivanhoe courts in Key Largo. Florida Keys Stewardship Act funding supports water quality projects, such as canal restoration. FILE PHOTO
The last two cycles of Stewardship funding have involved the Department of Environment Protection distributing through a grant portal. Before that, an intergovernmental agreement served as the mechanism, allowing each party access to greater proportions of funds at different times based on the progress of their individual wastewater projects. Last year, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada, FKAA and KLWTD signed onto a new proposed agreement detailing an even funding split of 12.5% over five years among the signees, unincorporated Monroe County and Key West. Monroe County and Key West, however, viewed the proposal as inequitable. The county prefers the portal, which allows municipalities to compete based on the merit of their projects. The House budget contains no language regarding an intergovernmental agreement, keeping the portal system as the
way for municipalities to submit projects to secure funding. That means the Senate and House will need to come to consensus. Several Keys projects are also included in both budgets, but the funding totals differ. For instance, the Senate has $5 million in its spending plan for FKAA’s Crawl Key Osmosis facility while the House set aside $2.5 million. The Senate also allocated $5 million for the Trumbo workforce housing project in Key West, but the House has earmarked $2.5 million. The House budget proposal includes $2.5 million for Marathon deep injection well project, but no money is allocated in the Senate. Perez said affordability is the defining issue facing Florida families. “This (House) budget is $1.3 billion less than the current year because we believe fiscal discipline is not optional; it is our responsibility,” he said.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
FLORIDA GAS PRICES SKYROCKET ON IRAN CONFLICT PIXABAY
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lorida gas prices climbed rapidly in response to the conflict in Iran. The state average surged 57 cents per gallon last week, and the average of $3.45 in the state and $3.94 in the Florida Keys on March 8 is the most expensive daily average since August 2024. In the Keys, gas prices rose from just under $3 before the conflict to upwards of $3.79 — and more than $4 in places like Key West — as matters escalated. “Prices at the pump moved up quickly early last week as oil prices rallied,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. “With oil taking another large step higher last Friday, motorists should prepare for another round of increases in the days ahead as retailers and suppliers
adjust to those higher costs.” Crude oil prices soared 36 percent last week, marking the largest weekly increase in 20 years. Friday’s closing price hit $90.90 per barrel, nearly $24 higher than the previous week and the highest since September 2023. Gasoline futures rose sharply as well, climbing 67 cents per gallon. These increases pushed gas prices higher early in the week and will likely continue influencing pump prices in the days ahead. Fuel markets are reacting strongly to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil. Traffic there has come to a stop due to safety concerns, limiting global supply and pushing oil even higher. Despite global uncertainties, U.S. fuel deliveries remain uninterrupted, and stations are being supplied as normal. This week’s price increases are driven by rising crude and wholesale gasoline costs, not a lack of fuel. How much further prices rise will depend on how long shipping disruptions persist and where oil prices settle. — Keys Weekly staff report
BRIEFLY Man arrested for disturbing the peace A 52-year-old Key Largo man was arrested on March 6 after reportedly screaming at grocery store customers and making threats. The sheriff’s office was called to the Winn-Dixie in Tavernier at about 3:10 p.m. regarding a man, later identified as Wendell Dearing, outside screaming profanities at customers. Several witnesses stated they were afraid to enter the store. Dearing removed his shirt and took a fighting stance after one witness confronted him prior to the sheriff’s office arrival. Dearing smelled of alcohol. Dearing also encouraged a dog in his possession to attack another witness. The SPCA took possession of the dog. Dearing was arrested and charged for disturbing the peace. He continued to scream profanities at deputies en route to jail. Trespassers arrested after causing scene at resort Three people were arrested at
a Key Largo Resort during the early morning of March 7 after they reportedly caused a scene. Monroe County sheriff’s deputies were called to Reefhouse Resort & Marina at about 7:25 a.m. regarding a trespassing issue. Security footage showed the three suspects enter resort property whereupon the female, Alicia Moore, 35, of Key Largo, removed her underwear. The men, Jeremy Michael Vallies, 41, of Key Largo, and James Crocco, 32, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, became belligerent when confronted by staff as they yelled at employees. The three were not paying guests. All three were trespassed from the property. Crocco could be seen drinking from a can of alcoholic beverage. All three resisted being placed in handcuffs. A baggie of methamphetamine was found in Vallies’ wallet. Vallies was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Croco was additionally charged with possession of an open container of alcohol.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
OCEAN AFTER HOURS Join us every Tuesday 6-8pm for a fun ocean-themed program at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center!
98380 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida www.REEF.org/events/ocean-after-hours
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS! DAILY
Happy Hour 3-6 PM
ORIGINAL LOCATION Breakfast Available All Day! ORIGINAL LOCATION 7AM – 3PM EVERYDAY
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
HISTORIAN TALKS GERMAN FORCES IN THE KEYS DURING WORLD WAR II
SANCTUARY MOVES FORWARD WITH RESTORATION BLUEPRINT IN FEDERAL WATERS Areas like the Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area, pictured here, are subject to new regulations under the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint. New regulations expand the protected zone and prohibit anchoring. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO
Advisory council questions law enforcement, feasibility of new rules A German U-boat. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/Contributed
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n Wednesday, March 18, the History of Diving Museum will host a member mingle and an “Immerse Yourself” lecture by Florida Keys historian Corey Malcom. Attendees can learn about membership and upcoming programs at the museum before learning the history behind German naval forces in the Keys during World War II. Malcom is the lead historian for the Florida Keys History Center, a section of the Monroe County Public Library tasked with exploring, preserving, promoting and making accessible the history of Monroe County. Aside from historical research, Malcom has conducted archaeological investigations of submerged sites throughout the Keys. He was awarded a doctorate by the University of Huddersfield (England) for his research into the shipwrecked Spanish galleon Santa Clara, sunk in 1564. During World War II, German U-boats terrorized shipping and tested homeland defenses throughout the greater Keys. As significant as these events were, they were often kept out of the public eye and are not well remembered. Malcom’s presentation will explore the deadly activities of the submarines, the battles against them and the reminders of their presence that remain today.
ALEX RICKERT
Corey Malcom is lead historian for the Florida Keys History Center. CONTRIBUTED
Before “Immerse Yourself,” the museum’s member mingle will take place from 6 to 6:45 p.m. with light refreshments. Members of the museum who bring in new signups, as well as new members who join that night, will receive a free gift. The featured exhibit, “Dive Into Art: Stories from the Sea,” closes on April 15. This art display showcases works from artists throughout the Keys, both from students and the Art Guild of the Purple Isles. Each piece was inspired by fantastic nautical tales from around the world, and many are available for purchase. Those interested in attending the “Immerse Yourself” lecture either in person or online may visit divingmuseum.org to register. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. This month’s Immerse Yourself sponsors are Bill & Janne Wissel and the Newton Family. — Contributed
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alex@keysweekly.com
ne year after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a comprehensive restoration plan for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in state waters, NOAA officials told the sanctuary’s advisory council they plan to forge ahead with implementing the new rules in federal waters at the council’s March 10 session. Last March, DeSantis used his veto power during a state review process to axe the final iteration of Restoration Blueprint, a comprehensive plan in the works since 2011 to revitalize and protect the sanctuary. The move blocked the Blueprint from taking effect in state waters – up to three nautical miles out on the Atlantic side of the Keys, or up to nine miles in the Gulf. The governor’s final veto was closely tied to a letter sent to sanctuary officials by FWC chairman Rodney Barreto in November 2024, during the Blueprint’s final review stages. It outlined 10 “essential” areas of disagreement between FWC and the sanctuary in the newly-proposed rules – headlined by support for artificial reefs within the sanctuary and disputed regulatory authority over the state’s fisheries. The unaltered Blueprint proceeded through its final review and took effect on March 5, 2025 in federal waters, which make up roughly 40% of the sanctuary – two days after DeSantis took, in former Sanctuary Superintendent Sarah Fangman’s words,
a “sledgehammer instead of a scalpel” to the plan. In the advisory council’s June 2025 session, several members said they were surprised to learn the rule was still technically in effect in waters further offshore. In that meeting, acting superintendent David Burke told the advisory council that the sanctuary faced two basic options: proceed with, in essence, two separate sanctuaries, operating under the new rule in federal waters and the original 1997 sanctuary regulations closer to shore, or scrap Restoration Blueprint entirely if the differential enforcement seemed impractical. On March 10, Laura Grimm, NOAA deputy undersecretary for oceans and atmosphere, told the advisory council the agency plans to announce the Blueprint’s effective date from 2025 in a Federal Register notice, and will move forward with the new rule while working to find areas of consensus with state officials in nearshore waters. “We’re committed to working with the state to understand the governor’s decision regarding state waters,” Grimm said. “We’re going to spend some dedicated time understanding these concerns … and we will be working to find common-sense actions that will address those issues so we can manage this ecosystem together.” Visit keysweekly.com for the full story
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
LEGS UP FOR BREWSTER Rescue undergoes orthopedic surgery, MarrVelous seeks support
Brewster strikes a pose. Brewster is getting surgery to properly align his front legs. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/Keys Weekly
JILL MIRANDA BAKER
I
www.keysweekly.com
t’s a sadly familiar tale. A dog abandoned in a shopping center parking lot on Florida’s west coast left with only a leash, one bowl with food and a second with water, as well as two stuffed toys, found by a compassionate human who coincidentally was affiliated with a pet rescue organization. Yet, this dog arrived with unknown challenges. Now the need is financial to cover anticipated medical bills stemming from two surgeries, one of which is happening Thursday, March 12. Brewster’s tale began on Aug. 25, 2025 when he was rescued by Upper Keys resident Susan Walker, who was visiting family. Walker also happens to be a board member of MarrVelous Pet Rescues, a nonprofit serving the Upper and Middle Keys. “Susan called me from the raindrenched parking lot to ask me if we could take on this dog,” said rescue coordinator Pabla Lorona. “Of course, I said yes.” Brewster’s story is not especially unfamiliar. Most animals that come to the local rescues come from counties outside of Monroe, especially from the southern area of Miami-Dade. What makes the now 1-year old Brewster’s story unique is the angular deformity on both front legs requiring extensive surgery for a pain-free future, identified during his early months in foster care. “After we named and fostered him for about a month, we noticed a visible limp and he was favoring his right front leg,” Lorona said. “We
consulted with veterinarians, identified the deformities and found a vet who performs the orthopedic surgery Brewster needed.” Fast-forward five months, several vet visits, X-rays and CT scans prior to surgery, Brewster has found a foster home providing love, routine and obedience training. He’s been in Marathon since January with foster mother Sharleen Belke, a basic obedience and behavioral dog trainer with The Keys to Dog Training. Brewster is being taught some basic commands and learning self-control. “He is so loveable, snuggly and just so fun,” Belke said about the lat-
est foster for her and her husband. Brewster joined her dog pack of four. Spending time with Brewster, a plott-bassett hound mix, his mixed breed tendencies toward loyalty, alertness, charm, patience and intelligence abound. According to the American Kennel Club, a plott hound is “a rugged, relentless hunting dog who is a mellow gentleman at home but fearless, implacable and bold at work.” The basset hound, a more recognizable breed, is a “low-slung and low-key hound (who) can be sometimes stubborn, but is always charming. … With his remarkably heavy bones, powerful little legs and massive paws, he possesses big-dog strength and stamina.” The veterinarian performing the surgeries is out of Broward County and fundraising is underway to cover the costs, expected between $15,000 and $20,000 for each leg, not including weekly follow-up visits. Without surgery, “Brewster would have lost the ability to walk and become unable to use his front legs within a few months,” Lorona said. Recovery is expected to last four to five months for each leg and include pool therapy, according to Belke. “He surprised me by circling our pool often, showing interest in going in. With little encouragement he jumped right in and swam like a natural,” she said. Donations are being accepted at mprescues.org/donate. Volunteers are always needed and could assist with taking Brewster to his weekly vet appointments in Broward. Call 305-453-1315 for more information.
Showing off his new skills, Brewster sits in his ‘place’ as instructed by trainer Sharleen Belke.
MONTHLY CLEANUPS HONOR THE LATE PASCAL JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
A young Pascal Weisberger during a shoreline cleanup at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier. CONTRIBUTED
C
ommunity members are invited to a series of monthly cleanups in the Upper Keys in honor of the late Pascal Weisberger. On Saturday, March 14, a cleanup organized by Pascal’s father, Ari Poholek, and fellow members of Pascal’s Way will take to the trail across from Founders Park at 87001-87185 Old Highway in Islamorada. This cleanup, which is slated to begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon, was inspired by the Pascal’s Way movement to honor the young boy who was dedicated to service and community action. He was also a big advocate for the environment, often conducting cleanups at Harry Harris Park. The mission continues as a group of community members hosts monthly cleanups every second Saturday of the month at places like Harry Harris and Old Settler parks in Tavernier, and the trail along the Old Highway across from Founders. “In past years it had regularly been cleaned by Treasure Village Montessori on Pascal’s Day of Service,” Poholek said. “Our group plans to start regularly cleaning it up in a rotation with the other parks. We are also going to begin an effort to advocate for it to eventually turn it into a recognized preserve named after Pascal.” Those coming out for the cleanup should bring gloves, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and hat. Trash bags, extra gloves and refreshments will be provided to volunteers.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
GRAHAM NASH APRIL 25 & 26
STEVE EARLE JUNE 9
MAY 9
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
ONE OF FLORIDA KEYS’ MOST FAMED ATTRACTIONS
Turns 50
FUN FACT Did you know that the road leading into Robbie’s was the original path of State Road 4A, the first version of the Overseas Highway, which officially opened to traffic in 1928?
Robbie’s Marina is a family affair BRAD BERTELLI
www.keysweekly.com
F
ifty years ago, as America celebrated its bicentennial, Robert Reckwerdt leased a Lower Matecumbe Key marina from Ruth and Buck Starck. The Starcks had lived on the island for decades. They bought the property in 1946, and, in the summer, built two homes, one for their family and one for Buck’s father. By Christmas, the Starcks were the island’s first recorded permanent residents. It was not just homes they built. Ellis Shires, Ruth’s brother, helped build docks and a brick baitand-tackle shop managed by Ruth. Sometimes, the
Fish captain Buck Starck aboard the ‘WAS’ fished with the likes of President Harry S. Truman. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed
boys, Walter and Terry, watched the shop, too. Considering Buck’s given name was Walter, as was his father’s, and both men were legendary charter boat captains, the little marina was called the Walter Starck Fishing Camp. In 1976, Reckwerdt drove across the state from Naples and signed the lease. When it was executed, the era of the Walter Starck Fishing Camp ended, and the one celebrating what is now 50 years of Robbie’s Marina began. It was Robbie, too, who rescued a tarpon struggling near the mangroves at the edge of the marina, scooped the fish up in a net, and discovered that its jaw was detached.
Robbie called a friend, Dr. Roach, who was not a veterinarian but a medical doctor. He packed up a mattress, his wife’s knitting needles and thread, drove to Robbie’s, and performed some reconstructive facial surgery. More than an impromptu operation was involved; Doc Roach created a local legend. The fish, named Scarface, was placed in a bait tank to recuperate. For six months, the young tarpon healed. When they scooped the fish up and released it back into the marina, Scarface did not swim away. Perhaps accustomed to handouts, the fish stuck around for its next free meal. Clearly, the tarpon was not tight-lipped about the handouts,
The Robbie’s property was originally home to the Starck family, who moved to the island in the 1940s.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
and it was not long before word spread beneath the surface, and other tarpon began schooling around the docks waiting for someone to feed them. Hand-feeding tarpon at Robbie’s is a rite of passage in the Florida Keys, but only one of the reasons why the marina is one of the most visited spots in the islands. In addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, cold drinks and the award-winning Trailer Trash Bloody Mary served at the Hungry Tarpon and the Beach Bar, there is shopping, backcountry and offshore fishing charters, snorkeling adventures, ecotours, kayak and waverunner tours and Islamorada’s only glass-bottom boat, Transparensea. The docks are a gateway to Florida Bay, coral reefs, Alligator Reef Lighthouse and three not-sohidden cultural gems, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, and the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park. The docks and the property have changed over the years, but then nothing is like it used to be. The good news is that the Walter Starck Fishing Camp and Robbie’s Marina are still intertwined and will continue to be. It can be easy to visit the property, look past the remnants of the old fishing camp, and just see Robbie’s. However, once you see them, the “remnants” stand out. The small concrete house in the middle of the parking lot might be the biggest one. It is the home the Starcks built for their family in 1946. Inside, the doorjambs are lined with ink marking the heights of the Starck boys, Walter and Terry, as they grew into young men. While the boys moved away, Ruth and Buck lived in their Lower Matecumbe Key home for the rest of their lives. In 2010, they passed away, days apart. Their lives were celebrated on Nov. 29, which would have been their 73rd wedding anniversary. It was 2012 when the Reckwerdts bought the property from the Starck family. For the last 50 years, the one constant has been the Reckwerdt family, who have worked to keep the spirit of the property and the Keys alive – the ramshackle, laidback vibe helps. After Robbie and his wife, Mona, moved to Lower Matecumbe Key, their children, Michael and Jodi, grew up on the property and around Ruth and Buck. The Starcks became like a second family. After all, it is not just the heights of Walter and Terry marked on the doorjamb inside the family house; Michael and Jodi have their marks, too, as well as Michael’s five children and Aeris, the first granddaughter. Also hidden in plain sight is the old bait-andtackle shop. In the years since, the building transitioned into the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, where vinyl-covered booths once lined the wall facing the highway. As the restaurant grew, so did the kitchen’s needs, which now occupy what used to be the old bait shop. Fifty years later, Michael is currently the head of operations for this family-run business. He will not be the last Reckwerdt in that position. An increasingly rare sight these days, a new generation of the family has been learning the ins and outs of the property for years. “This property is more than just a business enterprise. It’s home to myself and my children,” Michael said. Will Robbie’s reach its 100th anniversary? The family’s next generation of caretakers are still in their 20s.
Hand-feeding tarpon is a rite of passage in the Florida Keys. ROBBIE’S OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed
Michael with family, Cailin, Anna, Robbie, and Caroline, swimming at Robbie’s.
Robbie’s dock with the houseboat Michael grew up on in 1977.
Robbie and Michael Reckwerdt with his first blue marlin in 1982.
Young Robbie at Robbie’s Marina dock.
A young Anna at Robbie’s Marina dock.
A young Michael on clean-up duty.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
LET'S TAKE A BITE OUT OF LIONFISH!
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23
Locations at Ocean Reef & Tavernier
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19
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026 ALINA JUST SOLD THIS VACANT LOT FOR $50,000
VACANT LOT SANDY COVE, ISLAMORADA
The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.
NANCY’S LUXURY ISLAND LISTING JUST SOLD FOR $3,750,000 144 SEVERINO DR. ISLAMORADA
NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY OR SELL. CALL ME TODAY! PERSONAL SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL RESULTS!
ALINA DAVIS 305-393-0541
alina@yourflkeysagent.com /alinadavisteam.com 85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
GLADE KREPPER JUST SOLD THIS PROPERTY FOR $209,600
1209 EMORY DR., PANAMA CITY FL
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? GIVE ME A CALL TODAY! NANCY HERSHOFF 305-393-4061 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? GIVE ME A CALL TODAY!
nancy@nhershoff.com nancyh.realestatefloridakeys.com
GLADE KREPPER 305-481-7766
85990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
ps.glade@icloud.com
85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
ASHLEY’S LISTING JUST SOLD FOR $850,000 166 AIRSTREAM LN PLANTATION KEY
©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Real Estate Corporation. © 2026 Coldwell Banker RealAn Estate Corporation. All rights reserved.®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Banker Real Estate Corporation. equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned operated by NRT Incorporated. and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.
The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.
CHRISTY SOLD THIS LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY FOR $2,241,000 104 W PLAZA GRANADA, ISLAMORADA
THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING ? CALL ME TODAY! ASHLEY LINDMAR 305.394.2815 ashleylindmar@bellsouth.net | TheFloridaKeysRealEstateTeam.com 85990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
PATTI STANLEY JUST SOLD THIS PALMS OF ISLAMORADA CONDO FOR $380,000 79901 OVERSEAS HWY #218, ISLAMORADA
YOU DESERVE A DILIGENT, EXPERIENCED, FULL-SERVICE AGENT CALL OR TEXT ME TODAY!
CHRISTY HUGHES 305-393-6190 THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? CALL ME TODAY! PATTI STANLEY 305-393-4433
Patti.stanley@me.com / PattiStanley.com 85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
clc.hughes@gmail.com upperkeysrealtor.com 85990 Overseas Highway, Islamorada ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. All rights reserved. ®,TM and SM are registered trademarks licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An equal opportunity company. Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.
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CFK RECOGNIZES OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
Donating time can be huge help for many Keys nonprofits
T
he College of the Florida Keys recently made the Ocean Reef Community Foundation the first honoree of a new move to recognize an individual or organization for contributions to the college and the community. The Ocean Reef foundation was selected for its partnership, community service and commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the Keys. Pictured from left are Bill Parfet; Linda Owens; Richard Weinstein, Ocean Reef foundation president & COO; and Jonathan Gueverra, CFK president & CEO. CFK/Contributed
KEYS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER WELCOMES PIANIST JAN KAREN PRICE
K
eys Jewish Community Center Congregation Ohr HaYam (light of the sea) (KJCC) welcomed pianist Jan Karen Price, a former student at the New England Conservatory, who played to a large and enthusiastic audience on March 8. Her musical selections included Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Scarlotti, Field, Griboyedov and Mendelsohn. Price also recreated the atmosphere of the early 19th century salon settings in which the pieces were played. She wore recreated dresses and hats of the period, used a set adorned with some original early 19th century objects and spoke to the audience from the perspective of a hostess of the time. Price played on a meticulously maintained and refurbished 1912 Steinway grand piano that was generously left to the synagogue by its former president, the late Elizabeth Hayden. KEYS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER/Contributed
My first day with the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys was three ELIZABETH years ago. I had BROWN volunteered to come down ... is president before my official and CEO of the Community start date to help Foundation with the Unsung of the Florida Heroes event. Keys. The term “blown away” is an understatement. If you’re not familiar, Unsung Heroes is one of the foundation’s signature programs — a lunch and award ceremony that honors volunteers who give their most precious resource – time – to benefit local nonprofits and our larger community. It’s a day filled with positivity and gratitude. Joyful and a little boisterous, it sends everyone out on a high note that, speaking on behalf of our staff, sustains us throughout the year. Recently, we honored 88 volunteers nominated by 95 Keyswide nonprofits. These volunteers, some full-time and some seasonal residents, feed our neighbors, protect our waters, support the arts, mentor youth, care for animals, and more. Their impact reaches every corner of the Keys. Unsung Heroes is more than just a celebration. It is part of how the foundation helps build capacity for our nonprofit partners by shining a light on the people who make their work possible. It is also why we partner with the Keys Weekly Newspapers to feature an Unsung Hero Volunteer of the Week in papers every Thursday throughout the year. Recognition matters. Gratitude fuels service. It surprises many to learn that well over 200 nonprofits are headquartered in or serve the Florida Keys. Most operate entirely with volunteers or with very small paid staff. That means volunteers — from board members providing strategic vision to those greeting guests at fundraisers — are essential to our community’s success. So how can you help? First, say thank you. It’s simple, costs nothing
The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys includes, from left, Kevin Bowes, director of community impact; Laura Lietaert, board chair; Elizabeth Brown, president and CEO; Heidi Morris, board member and grants committee chair; and Ron Burd, board member emeritus and board adviser. CONTRIBUTED
and matters more than you think. Second, consider where you might give some of your time. Life gets busy, but carving out that time to give back is important. Not only does it benefit the organization you’re serving, it also pulls us out of our individual routines and reminds us we are part of something larger. In the song “Seasons of Love” from the show “Rent,” we are reminded there are 525,600 minutes in a year. How many of those might you share with our community? I recently met a volunteer who answers that question with quiet dedication. He spends a day each week helping at a local food pantry, stocking shelves, greeting families and making sure no one leaves empty-handed. What many do not see is that he himself is navigating housing challenges. But he shows up consistently, offering kindness and dignity to others who may be struggling. That is the heart of volunteerism. It reminds us that generosity is not about having extra. It is about choosing to give what you can. Volunteerism is philanthropy in action. It is generosity measured in presence, not dollars. And in the Keys, it is one of the most powerful ways to show that we truly are One Human Family. If there is an organization you admire, reach out and offer to help. If you are new to the area and are not sure where to start, call us. We are happy to connect you. Finally, thank you to the readers who wrote in last month with ideas for future topics. Please keep the comments coming at cffk@cffk.org.
21
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
KEY COLONY BEACH MARINA & RETAIL CENTER
FOR SALE Highlights/Recent Additions:
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company would like to welcome
Teresa Serrott 305-563-8774 realtorteresa@thekeysparadise.com realtorteresa.thekeysparadise.com
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. |
• • • • •
Marina expanded from 17 to 45 slips in fee simple Adjacent retail center purchased and included in sale Newly built waterfront 3,700sf restaurant included available for lease Extra uplands for excess boat storage and parking Includes two Acqua Lodge units for Airbnb
Contact Listing Broker: Michelle Ash, Simply Marinas 305-439-9581 | ash1@simplymarinas.com
100430 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037
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22
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
WORKING ON FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMS LOCAL REPORTING BY LOCAL JOURNALISTS
TRUSTED EXPERTS IN THE FIELD 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.
Jim McCarthy, Editor Upper Keys Weekly 305.850.8034 jim@keysweekly.com
Mandy Miles, Editor Key West Weekly 305.923.6012 mandy@keysweekly.com
Alex Rickert, Editor Marathon Weekly 401.256.0645 alex@keysweekly.com
I.CARE representatives explain the steps in coral propagation in preparation for planting to the reef. DONNA DIETRICH/Contributed
Public gets rare glimpse of efforts to save coral reefs
K
eys Marine Laboratory welcomed guests to discover what lies behind the brown fence in Layton during the annual open house on March 7. Staff and volunteers guided visitors through an afternoon of discovery, featuring interactive displays from leading reef restoration and conservation organizations in the Keys. For more than 30 years, Keys Marine Laboratory has offered a unique location, dedicated on-site scientific support and a comprehensive full-service marine field station. The laboratory is part of the University of South Florida, operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography. Participating in exhibits and activities at the open house were Florida Institute of Oceanography, FWC Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Coral Restoration Foundation, I.CARE, Reef Renewal USA, REEF Conch Republic Marine Army, Surfrider Foundation (Florida Keys chapter) and ReefStarter. The laboratory facilitates collegelevel education and research at local, state, national and international levels. Its primary purpose is to function as a hub facilitating a wide range of academic research and reef restoration. Over 245 organizations, hailing from more than 40 states in the U.S.
Michael Kahle, Florida Institute of Oceanography director; Cedric McMinn, state Sen. Anna Maria Rodriguez’s legislative aide; and Cindy Lewis, Keys Marine Laboratory director.
and 29 countries, have benefited since the laboratory’s inception in 1992. The organization has launched a $60 million campaign aimed at modernizing and expanding facilities to address the evolving environmental challenges facing our oceans. This initiative will include the construction of new storm-resistant temporary housing for students and faculty, teaching and research laboratories, and lecture and seminar rooms. — Contributed
23
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
LIVE IRISH MUSIC TRADITIONAL IRISH FOOD PLENTY OF IRISH BEER
Spotlighting the people who go above and beyond Annie Onsgard JILL MIRANDA BAKER www.keysweekly.com
N
o matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue. Our neighbor of the week is Anne Onsgard, known to most as Annie. Just before the eighth grade she moved to the Keys with her parents from Englewood, a town on the west coast of Florida. She attended Plantation Key School and graduated from Coral Shores High School. She lives in Key Largo with her husband Mike, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detective, and has worked for the Founders Park since 2005. Mike and she met while working together at Founders and married in 2015. What do you enjoy most about your work? The people. I am a peoplepleaser and really vibe on seeing people having a good time. I love giving people a great place to enjoy with great programs. Around the village, they call parks and recreation the “fun” department. What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? I was living in Broward County and hated it but was looking to get a certification to become a pool lifeguard. No place was offering it so I checked with Founders. I took the weeklong course and was offered a job. I’ve been here ever since, finishing college at FIU while working full-time. I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and grow here. My career happened so naturally, I can’t see my life any differently.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My idol, Carrie Underwood. I love her music and that she stays so down-to-earth. I loved her in “American Idol” and love the show. I grew up in musical theater and once actually tried out for the show. Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? Fantasy Fest was probably about as weird as it can get. I went about five years in a row in my 20s. You see things you just can’t unsee. If you had a superpower, what would it be? To make everyone happy. There are so many things in life to complain about. I wish I could get people to realize the need for the power of positivity. Everyone has that power. Favorite Food? Mexican. Favorite movie or TV show? I like so many things, I just can’t pick just one. ‘What are your hobbies? Water sports. I love anything on the water including hanging at the sandbar and freediving for lobster. Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I wish I could get over my stage fright so I could get back on stage. I also would love to learn to play guitar. What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? I’m turning 40 in a couple months and I can say I am proud of the impact I’ve hopefully had on the kids. Some of those kids who came to summer camps when they were young later came to work here in their teens. I’ve also been able to bring teams together and work through challenges together. Do you have any regrets? No regrets. Keep moving forward and don’t look back.
Ross A. Militello, Esq
Immigration | Family Criminal Defense | Military & Veterans 305.741.7294 ram@ramlegal.com 10095 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050
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24
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
‘SCALE TO GROW’ HELPS LOCAL ENTREPRENEUERS Six-week class geared for new businesses
SOPHIA Last year, 13 small businesses from across the Keys completed a six-week business course designed to equip entrepreneurs with skills to expand operations, improve efficiency and grow revenue. FILE PHOTO
F
lorida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FIU, in partnership with Truist Bank-Key West Branch, has opened applications for the second Scale to Grow, a selective six-week, in-person business accelerator for growth-minded entrepreneurs in Monroe County. The deadline is Thursday, March 19. Beginning March 24 and held each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Grand Key Hotel in Key West, the program is built specifically for small businesses in operation for no more than five years that are ready to focus on strategic growth. The course is facilitated by market growth specialists Bonnie Barnes and Nancy Hull. These local experts work one-on-one with businesses across the Keys. “This is not just another workshop,” said Brian VanHook, SBDC at FIU’s regional director. “Scale to Grow is for serious business owners who are ready to strengthen their operations, understand their numbers, refine their marketing and position themselves for expansion and capital access.”
Business owners will work directly with SBDC Monroe County consultants on operations and productivity for financial efficiency, branding development, financial health and bankability, pitch preparation and growth planning. The program culminates on April 28 with an extended session that includes action plan presentations, lunch and graduation. Participants pitch what they’ve developed to a panel of bankers, community leaders and chamber representatives — gaining visibility, feedback and confidence to implement their next phase of growth. Thanks to support from Truist, the program is offered at no cost to participants. However, enrollment is limited. Applications are open. More information is at go.fiu.edu/truist. “We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen local entrepreneurs and build capital-ready businesses in the Keys,” said Jay Hall, senior vice president of Truist, Key West branch. “When small businesses grow strategically, our entire community benefits.” — Contributed
S
ophia is a 6‑month‑old terrier mix who is ready to bring joy, laughter and endless tail wags into her forever home. With her sleek tan coat, bright eyes and playful energy, she’s the kind of pup who instantly steals hearts. At this young age, Sophia is the perfect blend of fun and curiosity. She loves playing with balls, darting around with excitement during fetch or just entertaining herself with her favorite toys. She’s equally enthusiastic about making new friends — people and other dogs. Whether it’s a playgroup romp, a cuddle session after a long day or learning something new, Sophia is always eager to be part of the action. For more information, call MarrVelous Pet Rescues at 305‑453‑1315.
SAVE THE DATE Thursday, March 12 • Cancer support group at 11:30 a.m. in person at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier or on Zoom. Learn more by calling 305-434-3625. • Quit Your Way with Tobaccofree Florida from noon to 1 p.m. at Islamorada library. • Kids’ Art Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Islamorada library. Drop in to participate in art activities to be completed in one sitting or over a longer period. • Yoga and sound healing at 6:30 p.m. at the Hale Gallery, Islamorada. • Bingo for birds at 6 p.m. at Dive Bar, 200 Florida Ave., Tavernier. March 13-14 • Household hazardous waste dropoff for Islamorada residents, from 9 a.m. to noon at the southern entrance to Founders Park. Friday, March 13 • Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ 23rd annual Cocktail Party at 6:30 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada. Saturday, March 14 • Pascal’s Way community
cleanup at 9 a.m. at 87001-87185 Old Highway, Islamorada (across from Founders Park). • Upper Keys Irish Fest at 11 a.m., with parade at noon, at Caribbean Club, Key Largo. Sunday, March 15 • Kids fishing expo from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Founders Park. Monday, March 16 • Story time with Ms. Chris for children up to age 5 and their caregivers from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Islamorada library. March 17-18 • JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road. Wednesday, March 18 • “Immerse Yourself” lecture with Corey Malcom on German UBoats in the Keys at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, Islamorada. Thursday, March 19 • Third Thursday artwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
DOLPHIN LIFE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
D
olphin Life recently celebrated a milestone — or six, rather — following the successful rehoming of bottlenose dolphins Onyx, Zo, Ripley, Aries, Skye and Ringo from the now-defunct Miami Seaquarium. The first four dolphins arrived on Dec. 6, 2025, marking the first marine mammal transport out of the Miami facility following its bankruptcy proceedings. Shortly after their arrival, Dolphin Life was called on to take two additional dolphins — Skye, a 28-yearold female and Ringo, a 15-year-old male — whose initial placement options fell through. Skye and Ringo arrived safely on Dec. 31, 2025. The animals are socializing well, forming new bonds and participating in enrichment and human playtimes throughout the day, all encouraging signs that they are settling into their new environment. While each dolphin is adapting at its own pace, a few individuals are taking a little longer to adjust to life in an ocean habitat, requiring additional monitoring, individualized care and specialized attention from staff to ensure the continued success of their transition. But with this effort comes a new reality: more mouths to feed, expanded veterinary needs, more habitats to maintain and a growing public eager to learn about dolphin care and conservation. The rapid and unexpected expansion required to welcome these dolphins has stretched the nonprofit’s resources and created a need for dedicated volunteers to support daily operations, guest education and animal care activities at Dolphin Life Key Largo. “Opening our hearts and habitat to dolphins in need is exactly why Dolphin Life exists,” said Nancy Cooper, president of Dolphin Life, “But rescue-style rehoming on this scale takes an actual village. Volunteers are the heartbeat of that village — helping us provide exceptional care while
Following the rehoming of four dolphins in early December 2025, Dolphin Life also brought Skye and Ringo (above) to its Key Largo facility after their placement options fell through. DOLPHIN LIFE/Contributed
Arrival of new dolphins has sparked an increase in visitation.
inspiring guests to care about dolphins everywhere.” Volunteers are especially needed during early mornings (about 7 to 9 a.m.) to help prepare the dolphins’ fish diets. Additional opportunities are available throughout the day assisting with guest education, supporting nonprofit operations, helping in the gift shop and pitching in with essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the facility running smoothly. “We’ve seen a huge increase in guests who want to learn about these animals and support them during their transition,” said Amanda Daniels, Dolphin Life’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s amazing to see that curiosity and compassion, but it also means our team is pulled in many different directions.” Cooper said community members, ocean advocates, students, retirees and anyone passionate about animals or conservation are encouraged to sign up to volunteer at dolphinlife. org/volunteer and complete the online form. Those who want to support the dolphins’ care can contribute to their food, veterinary and habitat needs at dolphinlife.org/miami. — Contributed
What: “Wuthering Heights” (1939, 1970, 1992, 2009, 2011) Why: With Emerald Fennell’s hotly debated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel on the horizon, it’s fun to see the various other cinematic translations that preceded it. Each one acts as a time capsule for how a certain era viewed this enduring text. By far the most famous of these is the 1939 Best Picture winner directed by William Wyler and starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon. This one softens the petty and vindictive personalities of the novel while still recognizably following the first half (few adaptations get into the second half, which focuses on the children of the leads. We’ll note which ones do). Producer Samuel Goldwyn fought with Wyler, and eventually won, over making the production glossy and glamorous rather than gritty and dirty. In a year that’s widely considered to be the greatest in film history, it makes sense for this version to be as grandiose and sanitized as it is. That makes for perhaps the most cinematically satisfying telling, due to its warmth. If you want something starker and more direct, the 1970 version with Timothy Dalton and Anna Calder-Marshall may be more your cup of tea. After several television adaptations, this was the first theatrical version since 1939. In contrast to that version, this one keeps the unsavory qualities of the characters and is less romanticized. The flow in the editing is rather disjointed as it’s trying to tackle more book moments than Wyler’s film did, but it also ends up feeling slower and more pensive. The cin-
ematography, however, is impressive both in its blocking and how it uses its location shooting. The ’90s became an era of sweeping literary adaptations (often with the author’s name in the title to suggest theirs is the definitive version), and the 1992 version is no exception. Notable for being Ralph Fiennes’ screen debut, this one manages an impressive balance between the romanticism people remember about the novel with the dark and toxic behavior the source actually contains. It also stands out as being one of the few to cover the second half of the novel, featuring the next generation of characters (Juliette Binoche plays both Cathys). Because of this, this is arguably the most satisfying adaptation for those familiar with the novel. ITV’s two-parter from 2009 is probably best known for being the project that brought Tom Hardy and his wife Charlotte Riley together. Released in the U.S. as part of PBS’ “Masterpiece” series, this has the stately and polished approach you would expect from that programming. The extended running time allows for this to be the most thorough retelling, and it avoids the reluctance producers have over adapting the second half by using that portion as bookends to the more well-known first half. The last version produced before this year’s high-profile one was writer-director Andrea Arnold’s from 2011. Dark and gritty reimaginings were in vogue during this time, and as such, this is by far the bleakest and most morose of all. This one gets points for casting actors of color (Solomon Glave and James Howson) as both the young and adult Heathcliff. And because it returns to the habit of covering the novel’s first half again, it spends more time than others focusing on the childhood of the leads. Where: These films are available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging into 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: Kelvin Cedeño, library associate, Key Largo branch.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
Florida Keys
SPONSORED BY
FISH REPORT
2 1
GULF STREAM PARKS ON THE REEF AND THE SAILS ARE LOVING IT 1: Anglers show off a sail flag, to represent a successful catch and release, and a blackfin tuna. 2: A group of anglers show off their snappers. 3: An angler with a vermillion snapper. CONTRIBUTED
T
he Gulf Stream has been sitting tighter to the reef than we’ve seen in weeks, and it’s turned the fishing off Islamorada into a full-blown circus. KIT We’re talking MOBLEY clean blue water is a fish captain inside of 8 miles specializing in off Alligator Light deep sea charters — that’s practically off Islamorada. in our backyard. Early this week we ran out to the color change in 100 to 300 feet of water and found exactly what you want to see in March: a hard edge where the dirty green water loaded with ballyhoo meets that warm blue push from the stream. Water temperatures jumped from the mid-70s to 79 degrees in a matter of yards. That temperature wall is stacking bait against the reef, and the sailfish are
3
right there behind them. We’ve been flying kites along the edge with live goggle-eyes and ballyhoo, and the sail bite has been legit. The east wind has been cooperating — 10 to 15 knots most of the week — which keeps the kites up and the baits in the zone. When the current pins bait against the reef like this and you’ve got sails cruising that edge looking for an easy meal, it doesn’t take long to come tight. The kingfish have been smoking along the same reef edges. Slowtrolling live baits or bumping ballyhoo in this chop has been getting it done. We’ve also been picking at wahoo deeper toward the hump on highspeed trolls along the wall. Blackfin tuna have been mixed in around the humps on the tide changes. The bottom bite has been strong too. I rode along with fish captain Conan Yates on the Just Cuz recently and we crushed it deep dropping the Islamorada Hump — boxed a six-man limit of yellow eye and vermillion
snapper plus a pile of banded rudderfish before we even got to the sword grounds. Little to no current on the Hump that day and the bait was sitting right in the zone. Every drop was getting bit. After we filled the fish box on snappers, we ran out to the sword ledge and went two-for-two on keeper swords in ripping current with 12 pounds of lead. The deep water is producing top to bottom right now. The deep water has been producing too. A couple weeks back I jumped on the Miss Penny for a daytime swordfish trip, and we went 6 for 15 — six swordfish released out of 15 bites, with multiple doubles making the cockpit look like a rodeo. Every fish went back. We were dropping in about 1,600 feet of water and the bite turned on like a switch once we found the zone. The daytime sword bite off Islamorada has been as hot as I’ve seen it, and that kind of action tells you the deep water ecosystem is dialed in right now from top to bottom.
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
UPPER KEYS CELEBRATE ST. PADDY’S
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Kris Bishop and Roger Gray decked out in green for Caribbean Club’s 21st annual Upper Keys Irish Festival. FILE PHOTO
K
A bounty from the sea awaits festival-goers this weekend at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival, presented by the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. Photos by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
The Original THE DETAILS: Marathon Seafood Saturday, March 14 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festival is finally here 10 Sunday, March 15
Green beer on tap, Irish dancers and music take stage
ey Green beer, a St. Paddy’s parade and some Irish flavor are on tap this weekend in the Upper Keys. Irish dancers and green beer return for the 26th annual Upper Keys Irish Fest on Saturday, March 14. Held at Caribbean Club, the festivities will begin at 11 a.m. The event will feature corned beef and cabbage, as well as green beer courtesy of Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. There will also be Irish dancers taking to the stage during the day, along with live music. Event-goers can also enjoy Irish beer and whiskey, a silent auction and raffles and vendors, while a kids zone will be set up to keep the little tykes busy. A signature part of the festivities is a parade that starts at noon. Golf carts and vehicles decked in green will ride past viewers in Key Largo. Parade participants will vie for prizes. The festivities serve as a fundraiser for Teen Intervention Prevention Services (TIPS) of the Florida Keys and its work with Key Largo athletics and Upper Keys students. For more information, visit the Up-
REEL GOOD EATS
per Keys Irish Fest Fundraiser and Parade on Facebook. Patrons visiting Florida Keys Brewing Co. will get their “shamrock” on Tuesday, March 17 with some St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The free event will feature a live Irish band, the Tullamore Dudes, from 5 to 9 p.m. MEAT Eatery will provide Irish fare from noon to 8 p.m. There will be drink specials, including Irish beers on draft, green sangria and some jello shots packed with some luck. On Sunday, March 15, the History of Diving Museum will host guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These tours are included in the admission price and will feature special highlights of treasure divers and stories of salvaging sunken gold in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Learn about the most valuable shipwrecks ever discovered, and what divers went through to retrieve such treasures. Free admission is offered to active duty members of the military, and discounts are available for veterans, Florida Keys locals and seniors. — Keys Weekly staff report
W
e hope you’ve all prepared your stomachs. The Original Marathon Seafood Festival is here. Marathon’s marquee event returns this Saturday and Sunday, March 14, filling Marathon Community Park with fresh seafood, all-day tunes and an overload of vendors in one of the finest Middle Keys community celebrations. And this isn’t just any Seafood Fest – it marks 50 years since the Organized Fishermen of Florida and Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce first dreamed up the festival, in what is now the Publix parking lot, back in 1976. Five decades later, the festival still showcases one of the industries that built Marathon into the city it is today. And as you shop, eat and drink, remember that it’s all for a good cause – festival proceeds pay for scholarships given to graduating MHS seniors by O.F.F. and the Chamber every year. The Keys Weekly is proud to produce and distribute the annual Seafood Festival program, and we’ll be stationed at the front gate to greet guests and hand out the one-stop information book. If you want ALL the details, scan the QR code to flip through the program before you visit the fest. But for those of you who want the SparkNotes, here are the basics:
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. @ Marathon Community Park $5 admission (Kids 12 and under with a paying adult, as well as retired and active military members, are admitted free.) Parking Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots wherever you can find it! Handicapped parking available inside the park. Visitors are highly encouraged to use local taxi services to and from the park. THE FOOD Florida lobster · stone crab · mahi-mahi · oysters · shrimp · conch fritters · crab cakes · smoked fish dip · conch salad · burgers · hot dogs · sausages. THE MUSIC Saturday: John Bartus & Adrienne Z, 11 a.m. · I-Land Vibe, 1 p.m. · Abstract Radio, 3 p.m. · The Marshall Morlock Band, 5 p.m. · Amber Leigh, 7 p.m. Sunday: Dan Sullivan, 11 a.m. · Danny Regalado with Fuego Soul, 1 p.m. · The Red Elvises, 3 p.m. GET THE GUIDE: Scan the QR code to browse the official Marathon Seafood Festival guide, navigate the park and find your favorite vendors:
28
UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL.
CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA UPPER KEYS WEEKLY • MARATHON WEEKLY • KEY WEST WEEKLY
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
Founded by Betty Debnam
Photo by AJ Penrose
Kangaroos are herbivores, or vegetation eaters. They eat grasses, shrubs and fungi. A group of kangaroos is called a mob. Although many of kangaroos’ original predators are now extinct, they can be threatened by dingoes, foxes, feral, or wild, cats, and domestic and feral dogs.
Photo by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos
KANGAROOS Kangaroos are part of the macropod family. There are four species of large kangaroos: the red kangaroo (largest marsupial in the world), eastern gray kangaroo, western gray kangaroo and antilopine kangaroo. These are all found in Australia. Other macropods include tree kangaroos, wallaroos, pademelons, quokkas and rat kangaroos. These comprise about 60 species. Kangaroos are the only large mammals that hop on two feet to move around. The large red kangaroo can hop up to about 40 mph.
KOALAS Koalas may look like bears, but they are not. Their closest relatives are wombats. They are found only in Australia, along the eastern and southern coasts. Koalas spend most of their lives in trees and move around at night. Their only food is the leaves of eucalyptus trees. They may sleep for 20 hours a day. Koalas live to be 13 to 18 years old in the wild. They have few predators, including dingoes, pythons and some birds. Through their lives, their chewing teeth wear down, and eventually they are unable to eat.
Photo by Benhamint444
AT BIRTH When a marsupial is born, it is hairless and weighs less than an ounce. It crawls into the mother’s pouch and attaches itself to her teat, where it nurses and grows until it can live on its own, usually for several months. Even after a joey, or baby marsupial, ventures out from the pouch, it returns there to sleep and when there is danger.
WOMBATS Wombats are well known for the long tunnels they burrow with their teeth and front feet. They are native to Australia. The female has a pouch that faces backward so it does not fill with dirt when she is burrowing. Wombat scat, or poop, is cube-shaped.
Photo by JJ Harrison
You don’t have to travel all the way to Australia or South America to see marsupials. Many of them can be observed at zoos in the Northern Hemisphere. Marsupials (mar-SOO-pee-uhls) are mammals that carry their babies in a pouch on the mother’s abdomen. This week, The Mini Page learns more about these unusual animals.
Photo by Nathan Rupert
MEET THE MARSUPIALS
TASMANIAN DEVILS You may know Taz, the cartoon character, from Looney Toons cartoons, but Tasmanian devils are real animals. In the wild, they are found only on the island of Tasmania, just off the southeastern tip of Australia. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Tasmanian devils are classified as endangered. This means they are likely to become extinct in their native homes. Tasmanian devils are about the size of a small dog. Unlike many other marsupials, Tasmanian devils are carnivores: They hunt prey and eat carrion, or dead animals. They have the strongest bite strength relative to their body size of any mammalian carnivore. One of their favorite prey is wombats. Devils have a bad odor and a loud screech. Their black fur and fierce teeth give them a frightening appearance.
Image courtesy Office of Coast Survey, NOAA
MINI FACT: This koala (on left) was photographed on French Island in Victoria, Australia.
RESOURCES ON THE WEB • activewild.com/list-of-marsupials • bit.ly/3M8sE35 AT THE LIBRARY • “Spotlight on Nature: Kangaroo” by Pamela Dell • “Quokkas!” by Hope Aicher
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
CARNIVORE, CARRION, DEVIL, DINGO, HERBIVORE, HOP, JOEY, KANGAROO, KOALA, MACROPOD, MARSUPIAL, MOB, POUCH, PREY, QUOKKA, TASMANIA, WALLAROO, WOMBAT.
Words that remind us of marsupials are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
C I O A C G R T N R A I I B D O M Y N O D Q W Z V Q V J O E
E R O V I N R A C Y
F V M R Q F E C E A G P U Y O H R L A Q O O C S O N L R R U U S V A I A O P Z L I A G P I L Q M B N A A N S W A A W L A W L P K H T Q A R Y
R H O K N V O R R H
A O O I K K E R E B
L D P O A P P O G R A C D A D M Y O H B
ECO NOTE A 13-year-old pet cow in Austria named Veronika is the subject of the first scientifically documented case of tool use by cattle. Writing in the journal Current Biology, researchers say they observed her using a wooden broom to scratch hard-to-reach parts of her body, deliberately switching between the bristled end and the smooth handle depending on skin sensitivity. Across 70 trials, Veronika repeatedly picked up, oriented and applied the tool in a goaldirected and flexible fashion. Scientists say this behavior meets the criteria for true tool use, a cognitive skill previously documented in animals such as chimpanzees, elephants and crows.
Adapted with permission from Earthweek.com
FIND IT
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / MARCH 12, 2026
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
March 12, 2026
SPIRIT OF THE GAMES Keys Special Olympians meet in Marathon | P.4
KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026
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3
MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS THE SCOREBOARD
MARCH 2 - 7
Team
Sport
Opponent
Date
Result
Coral Shores
Baseball
ABF Hialeah
3/2
W, 3-1
Marathon
Baseball
Ransom Everglades
3/3
W, 5-2
Marathon
Softball
Mater Bay Academy
3/3
W, 14-11
Coral Shores
Softball
AIE
3/4
L, 18-11
Key West
Boys Lacrosse
Westminster Christian
3/4
L, 11-8
Coral Shores
Boys Lacrosse
Gulliver Prep
3/4
L, 11-10
Coral Shores
Baseball
South Homestead
3/4
W, 15-0
Coral Shores
Girls Lacrosse
Coral Reef
3/4
L, 9-7
Key West
Baseball
Gulf Shores
3/5
W, 10-0
Key West
Girls Lacrosse
Westminster Christian
3/5
L, 20-11
Key West
Baseball
Gulf Shores
3/6
W, 1-0
Coral Shores
Baseball
Aubrey Rogers
3/6
L, 12-1
Coral Shores
Girls Lacrosse
American Heritage
3/6
L, 15-3
Key West
Boys Lacrosse
Coral Reef
3/6
W, 11-7
Coral Shores
Boys Lacrosse
Miami Country Day
3/6
W, 9-2
Marathon
Softball
Carrollton
3/6
W, 15-0
Coral Shores
Softball
Ransom Everglades
3/6
W, 15-0
Key West
Softball
Winter Haven
3/6
W, 14-4
Key West
Softball
Winter Haven
3/7
W, 10-0
Marathon
Baseball
St. Edward’s
3/7
W, 11-6
Marathon
Baseball
St. Edward’s
3/7
L, 7-0
Key West
Baseball
Gulf Shores
3/7
W, 3-2
Key West
Girls Lacrosse
Miami Country Day
3/7
L, 8-7
THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS
MARCH 12 - 19
Date
School
Sport
Opponent
Start Time
3/12
Key West
Tennis
Coral Shores
2 p.m.
3/12
Marathon
Softball
@ Carrollton
4 p.m.
3/12
Coral Shores
Boys Lacrosse
Florida Christian
7 p.m.
3/12
Key West
Boys Lacrosse
@ John Carroll Catholic
6 p.m.
3/12
Coral Shores
Baseball
@ Dade Christian
3 p.m.
3/12
Marathon
Baseball
@ Dixie County
7 p.m.
3/13
Key West
Track` & Field
@ Calvary Christian
2 p.m.
3/13
Key West
Softball
Santa Fe
7 p.m.
3/13
Key West
Girls Lacrosse
Archbishop McCarthy
4 p.m.
3/13
Marathon
Baseball
@ Chiefland
7 p.m.
3/13
Key West
Baseball
South Dade
7:30 p.m.
3/13
Coral Shores
Baseball
Schoolhouse Prep
5 p.m.
3/14
Key West
Softball
Santa Fe
10 a.m.
3/14
Key West
Softball
John Carroll Catholic
2 p.m.
3/14
Key West
Baseball
Coral Reef
7 p.m.
3/14
Marathon
Baseball
@ Crystal River
10 a.m.
3/16
Marathon
Baseball
@ Trenton
7 p.m.
3/16
Key West
Baseball
Hardee
4:30 p.m.
3/17
Key West
Tennis
@ La Salle
2 p.m.
3/17
Key West
Baseball
Sebring
7:30 p.m.
3/19
Key West
Baseball
@ Spanish River
1 p.m.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Allens
ALEXANDRE
Junior, Key West Wrestling
We are extremely proud of Allens. Last year when he did not qualify for states, he made it his goal to not just make it this year but get on the podium. Now he’s even hungrier to win a state title next year.” – Conchs head coach Chaz Jimenez
36-7 season record
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record at states
ON THE COVER
Key West junior Allens Alexandre knows what he wants, and he’s not afraid to put in the work to get there. After falling short of his expectations last season, Alexandre doubled down, building strength in the weight room and sharpening his technique through wrestling camps and training programs all summer long. The payoff came on March 7 at the FHSAA 1A State Championships, where Alexandre climbed the podium after earning a silver medal. But for the relentless junior, second place is simply another step in the process. With a state title firmly in his sights for 2027, Alexandre continues to push forward in pursuit of gold. For his dedication to improvement and his refusal to settle for anything less than his best, Key West’s Allens Alexandre is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. Allens Alexandre poses with his state silver medal in wrestling and coach Chaz Jimenez on Feb. 7. CONTRIBUTED
MARCH 12
Horace O’Bryant school soccer player Jacob DeLeon carries the torch in the opening ceremony of Special Olympics Monroe County’s Summer Games on March 7. See page 4. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026 SPORTS WRITER
tracy mcdonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.
Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com
Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com
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Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
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Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com
Business Development
Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Manuela C. Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com
Production Manager
Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com
Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com
Graphic Design
Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com
Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com
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sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
MARKET EDITORS
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844
Se habla español
THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
CHAMPIONS CONVERGE Marathon hosts Special Olympics Monroe County Summer Games ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
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he Keys’ Special Olympians have made waves at the state level in recent years – but on March 7, it was all about friendly in-county competition for Special Olympics Monroe County’s Summer Games. Meeting in the middle at Marathon High School, athletes were treated to an opening ceremony in the school’s stadium with law enforcement partners, local dignitaries and a ceremonial passing of the torch around the track. From there, they launched into a day of games in their chosen sports, including basketball, cheerleading, soccer and track and field. Also in attendance were five Special Olympics cyclists who completed their own time trial in Key West the week before. “This is the first time in history in Monroe that we had every athlete, every coach and every partner in one place for those six sports,” said Ruth Coleman, sports training and competition manager for Special Olympics Monroe. “We are so grateful to our Florida Keys community – they wrapped their arms around our athletes.” Special Olympics Monroe County is still seeking volunteers for upcoming events. To get involved, contact Ruth Coleman at 305-923-0288.
1. Mounted officers from the Key West Police Department greet their fans. 2. Athletes race to the finish in the 100-meter dash.
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10. A rousing chorus of ‘YMCA’ gets the crowd moving.
4. Marathon’s unified cheerleading team shows off their stunts.
11. Linnea Edwards, left, poses with Key West community track program coach Patrick McGuire. Edwards sharpened her skills as she prepares to represent the Keys in bocce at the USA Games in June.
5. Gerald Adams School thirdgrader Leonardo Garcia takes aim with his bocce ball.
12. Key West community track program athlete Ben Cummings launches a shot put.
6. Rosemary Skrobot, an athlete in Key West’s community track program, heads for the finish line with plenty of encouragement.
13. Flynt Holmquist gets his sugar fix.
3. Savannah Phillips shows off her medal.
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9. The Key Largo School cheer squad goes hands-in.
7. Unified Soccer athletes square off at the MHS stadium. 8. Angel Pierce goes on the attack on the soccer field.
14. Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, left, greets Marathon soccer star Alex Chavala. Photos by NATALIE DANKO, For a full gallery, see keysweekly.com.
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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026
HOT START
Keys softball teams dominate competition in early-season action
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Key West’s Allens Alexandre stands on the podium in second place at the FHSAA 1A State Championships March 7. CONTRIBUTED
SILVER LINING Key West wrestler Allens Alexandre finishes second at states
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ix local wrestlers advanced to the FHSAA State Championships in Kissimmee last week, with two finishing among the top 10 in Florida in their respective weight classes. Key West’s Allens Alexandre was the Keys’ best finisher, winning three matches to place him in the FHSAA 1A state championship match against the very same athlete who defeated him at regionals one week prior. Alexandre went 3-1 in the tournament, with his only loss being the title match. Earning a silver medal for his efforts to close his junior campaign, Alexandre has big plans for his senior season. Also medaling was sophomore Gavin Matheis of Coral Shores. Matheis wrestled his way to three wins and two losses at states, finishing in seventh place in the 132-pound weight class. Like Alexandre, Matheis is not finished yet and has all the makings to add to his medal collection in 2027 and 2028. Key West’s Michael Guzman capped off his high school career on the biggest stage in prep wrestling. The senior, who competes at 165 pounds, went 0-2 in Kissimmee after a strong season with the Conchs. Senior Sebastian McCoy of Coral Shores had one win and two losses at states, finishing his career with the Hurricanes at the highest level. McCoy’s dominance in the 120-pound weight class made him one of the program's best athletes. Fellow Hurricane Sterling Keefe, a junior, entered states as the Region 4 champ in the 157-pound class. Keefe was 0-2 at states, but his trip to the big show undoubtedly provided valuable experience as he heads into his senior campaign. Lady Conch Maria Holushko, the Keys’ lone female qualifier, held her own in a pair of matches, lasting until late in the third period in each. The sophomore’s steady improvement makes it very likely she will return to Kissimmee in the coming seasons.
arch got off to a near-perfect start for the Keys’ three softball squads in early-season matchups last week. Marathon put a pair of wins in the books last week, starting March 3 at Mater Bay Academy. The Dolphins beat the Rays 14-11 with 14 hits, two walks and four hit batters. Junior Anastasia Boose had the hot bat, logging a pair of doubles and a single with three RBIs. Trinity McLeod, Madelyn Thornton and Elianys Roque had two hits each in the win. Boose struck out three, walked one and gave up 18 hits, earning the win for the Fins. On March 6, it took just three innings for the Lady Fins to roll Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Fourteen hits, four walks and three hit batters led to a 15-0 mercy rule victory for Marathon. Boose pitched two innings, striking out three and surrendering a single hit, then eighth-grader Sutton Sayer stepped into the circle, fanning two in one inning of work. Madelyn Thornton was perfect at the plate, combining a double and three singles for three RBIs while Boose, Shaina Robinson and Elianys Roque had two hits each for the 4-1 Fins. Coral Shores lost at Academy for Innovative Education on March 4 despite an impressive display of force at the plate. Kayden Costlow had three hits while Mira Jones added three RBIs from a triple and a home run. The ’Canes amassed nine hits, but the Aviators managed a dozen to defeat Coral Shores 18-11. Presley Bagwell and Alyvia Prince shared time pitching, combining for eight strikeouts. Things were different in front of a home crowd two days later. Prince tossed a no-hitter against Ransom Everglades, striking out half a dozen batters in three innings. Prince then went on the offensive, launching three hits in her three at-bats, including a triple. Chloie Stanley and Mira Jones had two hits each and Addison Grady homered in a 12-hit mercy rule win for the Hurricanes. Coral Shores’ 4-1 start this season is the best the team has seen since 2022 and all indicators point to a strong finish for the FHSAA Independent ’Canes. Key West improved to 4-2 after a pair of wins against visiting Winter Haven last week. The Lady Conchs finished off the Blue Devils 14-4 on March 6, then blanked them the following afternoon. In game one, Arianna Garcia had the
Marathon’s Sutton Sayer, left, and Ana Boose shut out Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart last week. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly
hot bat, amassing four hits in four plate appearances. Aaliyah McLeod and Shylo Sanchez had three hits each while Maicee Gage added two. Lucy Katz homered in one of the Lady Conch’s 15 hits against the Blue Devils. Ryleigh Harnish was strong in the circle, surrendering six hits and striking out two in the mercy-rule win. The following day, Brianna Brenner earned the shutout win, striking out six, walking one and giving up five hits in seven innings of work. Gage led the team offensively with two hits, scoring twice and adding an RBI to her stats.
MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
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WINS KEEP ROLLING
Conchs compile 10-0 record, Fins take down Ransom rivals
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s all three Keys baseball squads watch the Ws roll in, Monroe County’s southernmost squad has yet to suffer a loss. Key West kept its perfect record intact last week, but not without a fight, edging out two close games in a three-game series against Gulf Shores High School, a team visiting from Alabama. The teams had their first meeting at the Rex on March 5 in a five-inning mercy-rule romp for the Conchs. Donovan Thiery dominated on the mound, striking out seven, walking one and allowing just two hits in four innings. Cruz Holmes pitched one inning of relief to seal the win. When he was not busy fanning the Dolphins’ lineup, Thiery made good on two hits of his own and added two RBIs. Kade Maltz contacted twice, for a triple and a double, and the rest of the team contributed for a total of 10 hits. The 10-0 win made it look like the rest of the weekend would be a walk in the park for the Conchs. Game two looked a bit different. The Conch bats delivered just two hits in seven innings, and stingy defenses from both teams led to a 0-0 tie until the bottom of the sixth, when Jackie Niles walked and Jackson Bernhard singled to put two on with no outs. Things looked great for the Conchs, but a double play put their prospects in jeopardy. Maltz’s steady bat added a single to score Niles’ courtesy runner, and Key West held on to the single run and their unblemished record for dear life. Maltz, Nelson Ong and Tyrone Cervantes teamed up on the mound for the shutout. Game three saw the Conchs fall behind in the second inning, but a patient Key West team pulled out all the stops to finish the job and protect their record. In the bottom of the third, the Conchs put together a hodgepodge to tie things up. The team capitalized on a walk, an error and a pair of struck batters to even the score, then the bats awoke. Auggy Davila tripled, followed by four Key West singles in the fourth inning to score a pair of runs.The defense then took over to finish off the Dolphins. Patience was the key for Marathon on March 3, when they played a strong Ransom team at home. The Dolphins trailed from the first inning and did not put a run on the board until the top of the sixth, when four hits and three walks scored four runs. The Fins added one more in the seventh inning for good measure and held on to beat Ransom 5-2. Dylan Williams was the starting pitcher for Marathon, striking out nine, walking two and surrendering a pair of hits
KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026 and runs over four innings. Gabriele Cirina finished the final three innings and earned the win after six strikeouts and no walks with just one hit. Cirina also chalked up a pair of hits along with Roco Piscetello. Jack Chapman and Bradley Buigas added one hit each in the win. Marathon hosted the Pirates of St. Edward’s on March 7 in a weekend doubleheader. In game one, Marathon pulled ahead with an early lead and never let up. St. Edward’s rallies in innings six and seven were too little, too late for the Pirates to make up the deficit, and the Fins won 11-6. Cirina earned the win on the mound, striking out eight over fiveand-one-third innings. Chapman finished the game to preserve the win. Jason Stubblefield led the Dolphin offense with two doubles. Reef Rella singled and doubled and Chapman collected a pair of hits. In all, the Fins had 11 hits, eight walks and two hit batters. Game two started moments later, and a new Pirate pitcher proved hard to hit. The Fins’ bats struggled, producing only four hits, two from Williams and one each from Massimo Quargnali and Bradley Buigas. Williams started on the mound and pitched five innings, fanning nine and surrendering two hits. Rella and Roco Piscetello combined for the remainder of the game, striking out one each in the 7-0 loss. Coral Shores hosted ABF Academy Hialeah on March 2 in a game that remained deadlocked until the third inning, when an error cost the ’Canes the shutout. The single run would be all ABF could muster, though, and Coral Shores put together a four-hit fourth inning to score two runs and take the lead. Mason Clark had two hits and two RBIs while Riley O’Berry logged two doubles. Keller Blackburn singled and doubled and Maykol Bonito’s single made it seven hits for the Hurricanes. O’Berry earned the win for the Hurricanes, surrendering eight hits and one run in seven innings. He struck out five and walked one in the 3-1 victory. The Hurricanes kept things rolling two days later when a visiting Somerset South Homestead could not measure up. The Hurricanes amassed 13 hits, including three each from Mailon Aguila and Keller Blackburn. O’Berry and Bonito each added a pair of hits in the 15-0 win. Glade Harrelson started on the mound for the Hurricanes, pitching two innings and striking out five. Bonito and Mason Clark teamed up for another five strikeouts, pitching one inning of relief each. Their three-game win streak came to an end March 6, when a visiting Aubrey Rogers delivered a 12-1 mercy-rule loss to the Hurricanes. Brayden Turner went 2-2 against the Patriots and Bonito and O’Berry had one hit each. Harrelson, Andy Cone and Jack O’Keefe teamed up for five innings on the mound in the loss. Top left, from top: Kade Maltz is averaging .419 this season after three hits in the Conchs’ three-game series against Gulf Shores. Donovan Thiery leads Key West with four wins on the mound. Thiery has struck out 36 of 71 batters faced in the first half of the season. Auggy Davila’s triple started a chain of events leading to a Conch win on March 7. Left, from top: Riley O’Berry (9) leads the ’Canes to victory with a 1-run complete-game performance on the mound. First baseman Jack O’Keeffe (30) catches the ball during a close play. Photos by Natalie Goodwin and Rocky Gonet
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
STUMBLING BLOCKS Lacrosse teams take lessons from losses
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ixed results provided ample coaching tape for the four Monroe County lacrosse squads to start the month. The Lady Conchs fell to 3-4 after a pair of losses last week. On March 5, Key West fell to the Warriors of Westminster. Mavis Bishop scored four goals while Colbie Turner, Tegan Shea and Taylor Gibson added two apiece. Ashlyn Picco Key West’s Mavis Bishop, picaccounted for the final goal tured here in 2025, leads the Lady Conchs in scoring this seain the 20-11 loss. Two days son, netting nearly four goals later, Miami Country Day per game. MAICEY MALGRAT/ delivered the blow to the Keys Weekly Conchs, 8-7. The Lady ’Canes also suffered two losses last week, first to Coral Reef on March 4 in an evenly-matched contest that ended in a 9-7 stumble for Coral Shores. A game against American Heritage on March 6 was more lopsided. The Hurricanes lost 15-3 to the Patriots at home to bring them to 4-3 on the season. Key West’s boys split the week, with their loss coming on March 4 against Westminster Christian. The WarKey West’s Colbie Turner, riors outscored the Conchs pictured here in 2025, is setting 11-8. A March 6 matchup the net on fire this season, avagainst the Barracudas of eraging more than three goals Coral Reef proved more per game. fruitful for Key West, who won 11-7. Key West stands at 6-2 with less than a month to go in the regular season. The Hurricanes also split the week, losing to Gulliver Prep in an 11-10 heartbreaker on March 4. Coral Shores led until the fourth quarter, when the Raiders made good on their name, scoring four and stealing a win. Two days later, the Hurricanes were in top form, blowing by Miami Country Day in a 9-2 win. Brock Bynum saved 13 of 15 shots on goal to help seal the victory and bring the team’s record to 7-3. Teams play this week, then take a rest while schools are closed for spring break. The first order of business after the break will be in-county clashes. The Conchs and ’Canes boys play one another in Tavernier on March 25 while the girls face off the following day in Key West.
NET NEUTRAL Fins and ’Canes trade victories on the courts
Marathon’s Emily Alvear and Shynell McGuire and Coral Shores’ Parker Kelly and Harlee Beeler volley for points in their No. 1 doubles match. MICHELLE THIERY/Contribured
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ith just a month left in the regular season, Keys tennis action is heating up. Last week, Marathon traveled to Coral Shores for a March 3 meetup. In girls action, the Hurricanes stormed away with wins in all five singles matches, while Marathon had the upper hand in doubles. Allyson Rosendale, Harlee Beeler, Parker Kelly, Jillian Thiery and Emily Rosu each picked up wins for Coral Shores in No. 1 through 5 singles. Emily Alvear and Shynell McGuire won in No. 1 doubles for Marathon, then Maleeya Abraham and Shilo Yeider won the No. 2 doubles match to make it 5-2 in favor of the ’Canes. The Fins, however, found their stride in the boys competition. Marathon’s boys made it a clean sweep over Coral Shores, winning four singles and two doubles matches. Tanner Snowden and Matt Delgado won in No. 1 and No. 2 singles, then paired up for a win in the No. 1 doubles match. Kase Daughtry and Eduardo Garcia did the same in No. 3 and No. 4 singles as well as No. 2 doubles. The Lady ’Canes picked up another set of wins three days later at Keys Gate. Emma Sogegian, Rosendale, Kelly, Thiery and Vanessa Gabriel swept the singles matches, then Rosendale and Kaiyenna de Ron teamed up for a win in No. 1 doubles while Sogegian and Gabriel made it a 7-0 shutout with a win in No. 2 doubles. Key West’s matches were canceled last week, but the Conchs, like Marathon and Coral Shores, have plenty of action remaining before the April 11 cutoff for regular-season competition.
Coral Shores’ Jillian Thiery, left, and Marathon’s Shilo Yeider keep it cordial on the court after their singles match on March 3.
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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026
TRIPLE THREAT
Conchs, Fins and ’Canes leave their marks in different areas at Falcon Relays
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n March 6, all three of Monroe County’s track teams traveled to Palmer Trinity School in Miami to participate in the annual Falcon Relays. In all, 21 schools attended, and when the final event was complete, the Keys had a lot to be proud of. The Conchs shined in jumping events while the Fins’ throws dominated and Hurricane harriers outpaced stiff competition. Key West’s boys finished first overall, and the Lady Conchs were runners-up. Cavane Herron proved to be the fastest sprinter in the Keys with an 11.20-second fourth-place finish in the 100-meter race. Herron then teamed up with Jeff Dejean, Walson Morin and Roman Van Loon to finish second in the 4x200 and third in the 4x100 relays. Morin went on to place third in the high jump and Dejean won the men’s long jump with Herron finishing third. In the triple jump, Alex Sarazin was third. Jorge Sanchez won the pole vault with a 12’ 9.5” clear. Teammate Ian Torreaba Lopez was third. Josh Johnson’s 120’11” discus toss was good for second place. For the Lady Conchs, Violet Jangraw was fifth in the 1,600-meter race. The Lady Conchs’ 4x100 relay team of Mirakle Humphrey, Jordan Greene, Capri Miner and Janiliah Moore placed fifth. Moore, Humphrey and Greene then teamed up with Ariel Newton to finish fourth in the 4x200 relay. Lilly Good, Christ Charles, Katelyn Sambrana and Alondra Montilla took fifth in the 4x400 to round out Key West’s wins on the track. In the field events, Newton brought home a first-place finish in pole vault with an 11’ 9.75” jump. Good was fourth and Naveah Key was fifth in the same event. Miner and Colleen Barter each placed second in jumping events. Miner was the runner-up in triple jump and Barter in high jump. Senior Audrey Smith had a fantastic day in the throwing events. Smith won the javelin competition, unleashing a 131’ 4” toss, just over two feet shy of her own school record. She then added points to the team total with a second in discus and a fifth in shot put. Marathon’s girls finished fifth overall, fueled by a slew of points from Justice Lee Isom. The senior hurler started with a win in the shot put with a 38’ 2” toss. Lee Isom also won the discus event with a 107’ throw, six feet beyond the next-best athlete but well under her own record. In javelin, Lee Isom
finished in second place, making her the top-scoring athlete for the Keys with 28 points. Senior Daysi Williams won the high jump, clearing the bar at 4’ 11.75”. Eighth grade teammate Amelia Roberts finished third in the same event. Ava Merryman picked up six points with her third-place finish in the pole vault. The Dolphin boys placed ninth in the meet. Lucian Burns had the best finish, capturing second overall in the men’s 1,600-meter race. Shamar Wright was fourth in the long jump and eighth grader Maverick McDonald finished fourth in pole vault, breaking his own school record in the Dolphins’ first meet of the season. Eian Batzer was fifth in the high jump to round out the top Fin finishers. Coral Shores’ girls were eighth overall while the boys finished 13th. Ali Wheatley picked up 10 points for the Lady ’Canes by winning the 1,600-meter race in 5:30. Wheatley beat her closest competitor by 11 seconds. Once her four laps were complete, she teamed up with Sammy Bates, Olive Welch and Kate King to take second place in the distance medley relay. Xavier Johnson finished fourth in the men’s
110 hurdles. His 16.11 finish is a new personal best for the senior. Colton Connolly, Adrik Gadea, Jaime Cary and Alaric Rodriguez placed second in the men’s 4 x 800 relay. Then the same athletes won the men’s distance relay in a finish so close that multiple readings of the finish line photos could not determine a winner, resulting in a rare track tie. Cary, the anchorman, was credited with a full-throttle pace and last-minute lunge to catch the lead runner.
Clockwise from top left: The Conchs pose with their firstplace trophy, won at Palmer Trinity School’s Falcon Relays. Key West’s Jeff Dejean stretches for extra inches in his firstplace long jump. Coral Shores’ Jaime Cary battles for position in the boys’ distance medley relay. Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom, left, and Key West’s Audrey Smith, right, are making waves in the throwing events. Ali Wheatley of Coral Shores cruises to a first-place finish in the 1,600-meter run. RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:
NOTICE OF CALLING FOR BIDS OF SURPLUS PROPERTY MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Surplus Equipment Sale – FY 2026 County ID Fleet ID 6262 SSA6262 5935** 1 FAC5935 7580 FMS7580 9194** P&B9194 4638** 1 FAC4638 7333 INF7333 9524 P&B9524 5535 FMS5535 1145 FMS1145 FMS40000224 40000172 (BLG9058) FMS40000073 20001800 (FAC7351) SSA40000045 R&B20001791 40000164 (P&B7896) 40000061 (R&B5173) 40000055 (R&B5174) 40000054 (R&B5175) 40000047 (R&B5176) 40000377 (ENG9366) 40000286 (TRA7059) 7487** P&B7487 6761 1801/6761
Description 2008 Ford Ranger 2007 Detroit Diesel Generator 2013 Ford F150 2017 Ferris Zero Turn Mower Kohler 80kw Generator 2012 Ford Fusion 2018 Ford F150 2006 Ford F250 2003 Ford F350 2013 Ford F150 2017 Ford Escape 2013 Ford F150 2013 Look Trailer 2008 Ford Ranger 2013 Look Enclosed Trailer 2014 Ford F150 2006 Mack Dump Truck 2006 Mack Dump Truck 2006 Mack Dump Truck 2006 Mack Dump Truck 2018 Nissan Frontier 2011 Ford Fusion 2013 Scag Turf Tiger 2009 GMC G3500 Bus
VIN or Serial # 1FTYR14D28PA47545 1T9AG232X7M615470 1FTMF1CM1DKE83674 2017757568 395843 3FADP0L32CR177596 1FTMF1CB8JKE95430 1FTNF20586ED40262 1FTWF32P33EB91425 1FTMF1CM9DKE05904 1FMCU0F71HUC54371 1FTMF1CMXDKE83673 53BTE1428DU005592 1FTYR14U18PA99118 53BLTEB23EU008269 1FTMF1CM9EKD40733 1M2AL02C66M003629 1M2AL02C26M003630 1M2AL02C46M003631 1M2AL02C66M003632 1N6BD0CT9JN707411 3FAHP0HA3BR268755 F5400121 1GBJG316191139148
Est. Value $2,000.00 $0.00 $3,600.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1000.00 $3,059.53 $1,500.00 $0.00 $4,630.00 $2,730.00 $4,630.00 $0.00 $4,661.00 $0.00 $4,247.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,854.00 $2,463.00 $0.00 $5,484.00
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2004 Sanford 670kw - 25 GPH Generator M031041554-1
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305.743.0844
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that Boujee Girl, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, located at 157 N. Coconut Palm Blvd, Tavernier, FL 33070, in Monroe County, intends to register the fictitious name: Islamorada Luxe Charters with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, Florida, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. Dated this 1st day of March, 2026. By: Boujee Girl, LLC Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, pursuant to the Fictitious Name Statute, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State the following fictitious name: TEE IT UP Under which the undersigned is engaged in business at 1028 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040, Monroe County, Florida. The owner of the above fictitious name is: KEY WEST VIRTUAL GOLF LLC 1028 Truman Avenue Key West, Florida 33040 Florida Document No. L26000058644 Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, April 23, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Skin Sanctuary located at 626 Josephine Parker Way, Suite 211, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. By: Diana Darlow Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, pursuant to the Fictitious Name Statute, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State the following fictitious name: CLUB FOREPLAY Under which the undersigned is engaged in business at 1028 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040, Monroe County, Florida. The owner of the above fictitious name is: KEY WEST VIRTUAL GOLF LLC 1028 Truman Avenue Key West, Florida 33040 Florida Document No. L26000058644 Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (from the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists.) Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Airport Financial Consultant Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/ mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 23, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.
Roth BuildingUpper Keys
For information or to schedule a viewing of the generator listed above, please contact Charles (CJ) Reginelli at 305-747-2391
®
DISCLAIMER: Above listed assets with a ** - winning bidder will be taxed an additional 7.5%. 1 - will be sold without a Certificate of Origin or a Title. Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Richard E. Schugar, O.D.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.
81933 Overseas Highway
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at: https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 9, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.
Tropical Optical Islamorada, Florida 33036 Effective March 31, 2026, Dr. Richard E. Schugar
Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
will be retiring and will no longer be practicing
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, April 9, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:
Florida 33036. Please call 305-664-2665 to
JOIN ZOOM MEETING https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 (San Jose) Publish: March 12, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers
at Tropical Optical, 81933 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036. Patients’ medical records will remain at Tropical Optical, 81933 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, schedule appointments, to request medical records or for any questions starting March 31, 2026. Publish: March 5, 12 19 & 26, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Airport General Consultant Services Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/ mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
12
KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Cudjoe Key Transfer Station New Storage Building Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices. com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecountyfl.bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/ mailed/physically delivered bids/ proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156 One tap mobile: +16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose) Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Publish: March 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE NO. 25-CP-000411-P IN RE: ESTATE OF LLOYD MERLIN LANDMAN Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS & NOTICE OF ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE AND ALL OTHER PERSONS INTERESTED IN SAID ESTATE:
LEGAL NOTICES YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the ancillary administration of the Estate of LLOYD MERLIN LANDMAN, Deceased, of KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN File number 25-0411 is pending in the Circuit Court in and for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is the Monroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 88770 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The Ancillary Personal Representatives of this estate are TODD L. LANDMAN, of 7591 N. Noffke, Caledonia, MI 49316, SHAWN G. LANDMAN of 8864 Vincent Ave SE, Alto, Mi 49302 and KELLY L. LANDMAN of 3809 Murray View Drive, Lowell, MI 49331. The name and address of the attorney for the Ancillary Personal Representatives is set forth below. All persons having claims or demands against this estate are required, WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE, to file with the clerk of the above court a written statement of any claim or demand they may have. Each claim must be in writing and must indicate the basis for the claim, the name and address of the creditor or his agent or attorney, and the amount claimed. If the claim is not yet due, the date when it will become due shall be stated. If the claim is contingent or unliquidated, the nature of the uncertainty shall be stated. If the claim is secured, the security shall be described. The claimant shall deliver sufficient copies of the claim to the clerk of the above styled court to enable the clerk to mail one copy to the Ancillary Personal Representative. Any and all creditors of the decedent and any other persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate must file their claim WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The dated of the first Publication of this notice is March 12, 2026. Signed on this 22nd day of January 2026. TODD L LANDMAN DUBOW, DUBOW & WALLACE Attorneys for Petitioner 215 North Federal Highway Dania Beach, Florida 33004 (954) 925-8228 By: DAVID J. WALLACE Fla. Bar No.: 064890 email: david@ddwlaw.net Signed on this 22 day of January, 2026. SHAWN G. LANDMAN DUBOW, DUBOW & WALLACE Attorneys for Petitioner 215 North Federal Highway Dania Beach, Florida 33004 (954) 925-8228 By: DAVID J. WALLACE Fla. Bar No.: 064890 email: david@ddwlaw.net Signed on this 27 day of January, 2026 KELLY L. LANDMAN DUBOW, DUBOW & WALLACE Attorneys for Petitioner 215 North Federal Highway Dania Beach, Florida 33004 (954) 925-8228 By: DAVID J. WALLACE Fla. Bar No.: 064890
LEGAL NOTICES email: david@ddwlaw.net Publish: March 12 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-51-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NORMAN CARL HENNINGER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Norman Carl Henninger, deceased, whose date of death was December 4, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 12, 2026. Personal Representative: Eric Henninger 212 E. Palm Ave. Orange, California 92866 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: March 12 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO: 2025-CA-129-K Premier Capital, LLC Plaintiff, Vs Carolyn M. Delgado and William J. Delgado Defendant, NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Pluries Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Monroe County, Florida, on the 29th day of January, 2026, in the cause wherein Premier Capital, LLC is Plaintiff and Carolyn M. Delgado and William
305.743.0844
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
J. Delgado was defendant, being Case No. 2025-CA-129-K in said court, I, Richard A. Ramsay, Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida have levied upon all right, title, and interest of the defendant, in and to the following described real property to wit: SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: From the warranty deed that states the following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida to-wit: Legal Description(s) – On the Island of Key West, Monroe County, Florida, and known on William A. Whitehead’s map delineated in February A.D. 1829, as part of Tract 11 but better known as part of Lot 3, Square 9, Tract 11 according to Charles W. Tift’s Map of said Island recorded in Deed Book “L” Page 564, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the Southwesterly right of way boundary line of Duval Street with the Northwesterly right of way boundary line of United Street and run in a Southwesterly direction along the said right of way boundary line of United Street a distance of 100 feet to the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described, thence at right angles in the Northwesterly direction 84.17 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southwesterly direction 26.3 feet to a point; thence at right angles in a Southeasterly direction 84.17 feet to a point in the Northwesterly direction along the said right of way line of United Street a distance of 26.3 feet back to the point of Beginning. SPECIFIC LOCATION OF REAL PROPERTY: 421 United Street Key West, Florida 33040 All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the clerk at location of sale prior to start time of sale. I shall offer this property for sale, at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters building located at 5525 College Road, Key West, Florida 33040 in the County of Monroe, State of Florida, on the 2nd day of April, 2026, at the hour of 10:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as possible. I will offer for sale all of the said defendant’s right, title, and interest in the aforesaid real property at public auction and will sell the same subject to all taxes, prior liens, encumbrances and judgments, if any, to the highest and best bidder for cash or cashiers check in hand. The proceeds to be applied as far as may be to the payment of costs and the satisfaction of the above described execution. Dated at Key West, Monroe County, Florida this 10th day of February, 2026. Richard A. Ramsay Sheriff of Monroe County, Florida By: Donald Stullken Deputy Sheriff In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Civil Division no later than seven says prior to the proceeding at (305)809-3041. Publish: February 19 & 26 and March 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
3350, Page 1898 as Instrument Number 2519862, Florida, I will sell, to the highest and best bidder for cash, at MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II RESORT Manager’s Office, 4560 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 on the 14th day of APRIL, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the following described real property located in MONROE County, Florida, to wit: Annual Timeshare Periods as set forth below in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 859, at Page 786, as amended in Official Records Book 874, at Page 2169, all of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all subsequent amendments and exhibits thereto. Unit Number: Use Period: A 102 33 A 202 12 B 101 44 C 101 04, 05 C 201 23, 24, 39 D 202 28, 45 E 201 40, 41 TO: Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address Annual Timeshare Use Period(s): Amount due: Gary R Albritton and Vicki L Albritton 7618 Krupp Road Belding, MI 48809 C201/23 $1,3521.08 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 Christie Alotta 110 Long Pond Road Wading River, NY 11792 A 102/33 $2,565.36 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from February 2, 2025 C 201/39 $2,565.37 with a per diem amount of $1.27 from February 2, 2025 Manuel Cantero and Maria Cantero Calle 37 Num 64-15 Medellin, Colombia C 201/24 $3,269.453 with a per diem amount of $1.61 from February 2, 2025 Mollie Childs P.O. Box 573 Bridgeville, DE 19933 A202/12 $1,521.08 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 B101/44 $1,521.08 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 Mollie Childs and James Witzenburg P.O. Box 573 Bridgeville, DE 19933 B 202/45 $1,521.08 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 Carol Cole 136 NW 10th Court Boynton Beach, FL 33426 C101/04 $1,521.10 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 C101/05 $1,521.10 with a per diem amount of $0.75 from February 2, 2025 Brandon M Duhon P.O. Box 608 Lake Charles, LA 70602 E201/40 $5,891.39 with a per diem amount of $2.91 from February 2, 2025 E201/41 $5,891.39 with a per diem amount of $2.91 from February 2, 2025 Paul Knight and Margaret Knight 4 The Green, Drayton Abington, Oxfordshire OX14 4JA England D 202/28 $3,269.53 with a per diem amount of $1.61 from February 2, 2025 The assessment lien created by the Claim of Lien was properly created and authorized pursuant to the timeshare instrument and applicable law, and the amounts secured by said lien are as set above. You may cure the default at any time prior to the public auction by paying the amount due, as set forth in this notice, to the undersigned Trustee at the
address set forth below. THIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/ SALE is dated this 2nd day of MARCH, 2026. I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of this NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE has been furnished by regular First-Class U.S. Mail to each of the obligors at the above listed addresses on this_2nd_ day of _MARCH_, 2026. THOMAS L AVRUTIS, AS TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, 2nd Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 Telephone (941) 955-7300 Facsimile (941) 953-7625 email: john@timesharenjf.com Publish: March 12 & 19, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
AND SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM. more commonly known as 105 Avenue D, Apartment 110, Marathon, FL 33050. This action has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, upon LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 750 Park of Commerce Blvd., Suite 130, Boca Raton, FL 33487, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice and file the original with the clerk of this Court either before April 4, 2026 with service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 26TH day of February, 2026. Kevin Madok,CPA Circuit and County Courts By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711. KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O’mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711. Publish: March 5 &12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC. MONROE County, Florida Non-Judicial Timeshare foreclosure process NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION/SALE FOR NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to an action for nonjudicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien, which is dated October 7, 2025 and was recorded October 24, 2025 in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida in Official Records Book
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE #: 25-CA-001240-M Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Plaintiff, -vs.Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Creditors, Lienors, and Trustees of John Paul Rao a/k/a John P. Rao a/k/a John Rao, Deceased, and All Other Persons Claiming by and Through, Under, Against The Named Defendant(s); Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz; Unknown Spouse of Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz; Coco Plum Terraces Condominium Association, Inc.; Katherine Melinda Rao; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s); Unknown Parties in Possession #2, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) Defendant(s) NOTICE OF ACTION FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS-PROPERTY TO: Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz: 2521 Southwest 71st Terrace, Apartment 206, Davie, FL 33317 and Unknown Spouse of Kimberly Lynn Rao a/k/a Kimberly Rao a/k/a Kimberly L. Rao-Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Rao Paszkiewicz a/k/a Kimberly Lynn Paszkiewicz: 2521 Southwest 71st Terrace, Apartment 206, Davie, FL 33317 Residence unknown, if living, including any unknown spouse of the said Defendants, if either has remarried and if either or both of said Defendants are dead, their respective unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, and trustees, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant(s); and the aforementioned named Defendant(s) and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants as may be infants, incompetents or otherwise not sui juris. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage on the following real property, lying and being and situated in Monroe County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: CONDOMINIUM UNIT NUMBER 110, COCO PLUM TERRACES, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF, FILED. ON NOVEMBER 13, 1990, IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 1150, PAGES 1955-2015 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA; TOGETHER WITH AN UNDIVIDED SHARE IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS APPURTENANT THERETO
NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO FORECLOSE To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns, record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for FLORIDA BAY CLUB OF KEY LARGO, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida. You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation. You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Truste at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •
305.743.0844
LEGAL NOTICES
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING FOR RENT
Unit/Week Owner Name Address City, State, Zip Default Year Amount Due Per Diem C02-03 Betty J. Pearson 7016 NW 169th StreetHialeah, FL 33015 2023 $4,229.89 $2.09 A02-03 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III, Julian Mitchell a/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903 Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B04-02 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III, Julian Mitchella/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903 Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B03-44 Eartha Hill 18460 SW 82nd Ave. Miami, FL 33157 2023 $4,021.96 $1.98 A01-06 Christopher Ian Meyerson 4136 Shadowood Parkway SE Atlanta, GA 30339 2020 $10,375.85 $5.12 A01-09 Clifford E. Brown, Linda K. Brown 8205 Rio Bend Ct., N. Richmond Hill, TX 76182 2023 $2,947.39 $1.45 If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien. STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE 51 S. MAIN AVENUE, SUITE 319 CLEARWATER, FL 33765 PHONE: (727) 441-2635 FAX: (727) 461-4836 Website: www.staacklaw.com Publish: March 5 & 12, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers
HIRING: Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBD - based on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com
Experienced Fulltime Line Cook needed at the Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club. 10AM - 5PM, Good Pay. Small friendly staff. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. FullTime Medical Assistant/ RN - Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Also hiring Full-Time Front Desk Staff - Experience with insurance verification and EMR required. Strong multitasking skills. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com HIRED IN LESS THAN FIVE WEEKS!!!
Key Largo- 6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/mo. 904-2379090 or 904-338-1207
AUTOS WANTED AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Price LOWER than marina. Call 860-982-4517 EMPLOYMENT PART-TIME USCG CAPTAIN – MARATHON. Local captain needed to run owner’s 55’ twin engine trawler while owner fishes. Sunrise–2/3 PM typical. Good opportunity for newer captain to log hours on a larger boat. Pay DOE. Call/Text 970-901-1138 Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and fryers. Self-motivated, experience very helpful but will train, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com Coast To Coast Pizza Company is looking for pizza makers and cashiers. Self-motivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave. The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Grounds Caretaker, Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
NOW HIRING 81043 MAINTENANCE WORKER (ELECTRONIC SYSTEM KEY WEST) Electronic Maintenance Tech wanted. Lower Keys position, reporting in Key West. Full time job with benefits, vacation time and holidays.
Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com HOBBIES/COLLECT.
PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578 TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections. Call 401-256-0645. HOUSING FOR RENT
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228 Studio rental in Marathon, long-term, fully furnished, price includes water, electric, internet, gas, pest, and lawn @ $2200 all in. Call or text 3054330515.
SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
NOW HIRING! FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent)
2BR/1BA Duplex in Big Pine Key for rent. With boat & wildlife reserve access. Furn. $3500/ mo - unfurn. $3300/mo. Call Ray 413-6953043 or 305-897-0563
is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.com
DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
YARD SALES PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT is accepting applications for the following positions:
FOG TRUCK DRIVERS
Part-time, On-call position. $27.00/hr. For more information visit: keysmosquito.org/ current-openings 305-292-7190
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
NOW HIRING! OUTSIDE SALE REPRESENTATIVE
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL
NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission. Affordable employee housing available. Job Description: Dive Instructor No bad weather days! Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Flexible Schedule Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON
SALES LEADER WANTED Custom Window Treatment Showroom Seeking experienced professional to manage sales, measuring, and daily operations.
Company car & cell phone provided, salary $50k-$90k. Must be bilingual.
Must be confident, organized and client-focused.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Full-time. Excellent income potential.
Customer service, full-time, we will train.
Apply: 607-661-5925, blinds@stevensfl.com
Apply by e-mail: keylargo@jmsfl.com Apply in person: 94775 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
Stevens Paint & Blinds 236 Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon
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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / MARCH 12, 2026
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844
Work with the BEST
Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Finance Department:
ACCOUNTING REPRESENTATIVE Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $27.37/hr - $30.66/hr For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Key West
Full Time Teller
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Marathon
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
Full Time Teller
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers
(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.
FIRSr# srATE
MNK
KeysBank.com
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
NOW HIRING FRONT OFFICE/ MANAGER APPLY IN PERSON AT: Bonefish Bay Motel & RV Sites 12565 Overseas Highway, Marathon or Email: bfb@bonefishbayresort.com
The Guidance/ Care Center, Inc. a division of
“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”
NOW HIRING: Human Resources Assistant/Recruiter Well respected national non-profit (WestCare) is hiring to provide Recruiting & HR administrative duties for the Guidance/Care Center. Experience in recruiting and/or HR req. (preferably in Fl Keys). Marathon office w/ some travel. Must be an organized, accurate & independent professional. Minimum GED/HS diploma required, as well as, background & drug screen. Competitive pay/exceptional benefits. Apply at Westcare.com/get involved/ join our team/job opportunities/location/33050. EEOC/DFWP
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA MARINA CASHIERS
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS
Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & afternoon hours available.
BOAT RENTAL STAFF
Flexible hours & competitive wages. Need to have experience driving boats and a working knowledge of the Islamorada area by water. Duties include taking reservations, giving captains lessons and routine boat maintenance. Email Matt at islamarinamatt@gmail.com Please include contact information and any relevant experience.
I & E TECHNICIAN
INSTRUMENT & ELECTRICAL Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hour - $51.94/hour For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at
SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:
Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
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MARCH 12, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”
THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.
IS HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS! We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT) Prevention Specialist Case Manager (Adult)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Children) Mental Health Technician (PT or FT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist
MARATHON
HR Assistant/Recruiter Mental Health Technician Driver Registered Nurse (FT, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 Shifts (PT) *No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary. Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
NOW HIRING! FACILITIES MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE (Full-Time, Permanent) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL
OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Pool Radiation Therapist
TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL
- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Construction Project Manager, FL - Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus - Environmental Tech, Environmental Services, $5k Bonus - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $25k Bonus - Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Pool Pharmacy Tech - Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Social Work Case Manager, Per Diem, 9:30A-6P - Security Officer, FT, 6A-6:30P
MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
- Cook, Dietary, PT - Driver, Marathon/Keys Supply Chain, FT - Manager Environmental Services, FT - Medical Staff Coordinator, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Patient Care Manager (Nurse Manager), Surgery, $20k Bonus - Patient Schedular, Surgery, PT - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, Per Diem, 7P-7:30A - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Security Officer, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.
APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net
THEME: SINGERS & SONGWRITERS ACROSS 1. Comprehend 6. It has no staying power? 9. Auditioner’s hope 13. Prevention measure? 14. Ill temper 15. Poetic although 16. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York 17. Downhill equipment 18. Beau 19. *”What Was I Made For?” singer 21. *”Fast Car” singer 23. Part of URL 24. Peephole glance 25. Morning drops 28. 1920s art style 30. Reduce, as in standing 35. Big Bang’s original matter 37. Lad’s counterpart 39. Connection 40. Milton Bradley’s game 41. Tea from certain region of India 43. Some bent pipes 44. Rose oil 46. Zeus’ wife 47. Remove from a manuscript 48. What bird did, homewise 50. Hyperbolic sine 52. “____ and the City” 53. Prejudice 55. “Wow!” 57. *”Song Sung Blue” singer 61. *”I Just Called to Say I Love You” singer 64. Barrel racing meet 65. ____ Maria 67. Shockingly graphic 69. Not upright 70. Bathtub libation 71. Food contaminant 72. W on a light bulb 73. Consume 74. Ayes
DOWN 1. Former Portuguese colony in India 2. Deceptive maneuver 3. Naysayer’s favorite prefix 4. Upbraid 5. 1/3rd of a hockey game 6. Phish homophone 7. One of Indiana’s quests 8. Prepare for winter takeoff 9. Alka-Seltzer sound 10. Nucleus plus electrons 11. Actress Perlman 12. Tattered’s partner 15. Rouse 20. Inscribed pillar 22. He had 24. Own 25. *”Hurricane” singer 26. Like March Madness’ eight 27. Hair extensions 29. *”Folsom Prison Blues” singer 31. *”Walk on the Wild Side” singer 32. Wheel shafts 33. Tutu fabric 34. English county 36. Source of protein 38. Delhi wrap 42. Popular lassi fruit 45. Restart computer 49. Clamor 51. *”The Boys of Summer” singer 54. “Bad news travels fast”, e.g. 56. Draw a conclusion 57. Pull out a pistol 58. Letter before kappa 59. Type of mine passage 60. Cheesy sandwich 61. Hit the road 62. Cupid’s counterpart 63. Rub the wrong way 66. Road, in Rome 68. Bad-mouth, slangily
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