Upper Keys Weekly 26-0820

‘While you can daydream for free, goals don’t come without a price. Time, effort, sacrifice and sweat.’ —Usain Bolt

August 20, 2026

INCUMBENTS PREVAIL

Woltanski, Lincoln return to office | P. 4 & 6 SEEKING SOLUTIONS Insurance issues prompt town hall | P. 9 KEYS DREAM Families get slice of paradise | P. 12

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

NEW LISTING 94825 OVERSEAS HWY, #82, KEY LARGO

NEW LISTING 354 96 TH STREET OCEAN, MARATHON

NEW LISTING PRICE IN KEYREDUCED LARGO OCEAN RESORT

94825 KEY LARGO 74560OVERSEAS OVERSEASHWY, HWY,#50, ISLAMORADA

3 BR/3 BA - 1,725 SQ. FT. - $1,294,999 MM 94.5/OCEANSIDE

2 BR/1 BA - 1,046 SQ. FT. - $525,000 MM 52/OCEANSIDE

VACANT LAND - 1,658 SQ. FT. LOT $275,000 - MM 94.5/ OCEANSIDE

EMILY STRAIN 305.394.4681

SHANTI COPE 305.699.8154

MARIA BARROSO 786.382-3765

PRICE REDUCED – OPEN WATERVIEW 626 ISLAND DRIVE, KEY LARGO

BACK ON THE MARKET-DIRECT OCEAN ACCESS

71 CORAL DRIVE, KEY LARGO

PRICE REDUCED 87 MARINA AVE, KEY LARGO

3 BR/3.5 BA - 1,989 SQ. FT. - $2,998,000 MM 100/ OCEANSIDE

4 BR/4.5 BA - 2,226 SQ. FT. - $1,650,000 MM 100/ OCEANSIDE

4 BR/3 BA - 1,666 SQ. FT. - $769,000 MM 100/ OCEANSIDE

SALLY STRIBLING 305.283.2002

DIANA FIDDES 305.393.0721

PHIL KRAVITZ 305.783.7983

PRICE REDUCED 803 BROWN STREET, KEY LARGO

PRICE REDUCED 500 BURTON DRIVE, #2409, TAVERNIER

PRICE REDUCED 123 OCEAN BAY DRIVE, KEY LARGO

3 BR/2 BA - 1,200 SQ. FT. - $734,900 MM 103/ BAYSIDE

2BR/2BA - 1,224 SQ FT - $895,000 MM 88/OCEANSIDE

3 BR/2 BA - 1,206 SQ. FT. - $675,000 MM 100/ BAYSIDE

SALLY STRIBLING 305.283.2002

APRIL STRUHS 305.399.6297

DIANA FIDDES 305.393.0721

PRICE REDUCED-MOON BAY FULLY FURNISHED W/BOAT SLIP 104350 OVERSEAS HWY, A402, BOAT SLIP#7, KEY LARGO

PRICE REDUCED 500 BURTON DRIVE, #1202, TAVERNIER

2 BR/1.5 BA - 947 SQ. FT. - $769,000 MM 104/ BAYSIDE

2 BR/2 BR - 826 SQ. FT. - $497,000 MM 92.5/ OCEANSIDE

PHIL KRAVITZ 305.783.7983

PHIL KRAVITZ 305.783.7983

BACK ON THE MARKET 969 PLANTATION ROAD, KEY LARGO

4 BR/1 BA - 1,344 SQ. FT. - $389,000 MM 106/ BAYSIDE

SHANTI COPE 305.699.8154

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 / AUGUST 20, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

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 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

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32.27%

Of the registered voters in Monroe County, 32.27% cast ballots in the 2026 primary election. In total, there are 54,625 registered voters. Between vote-by-mail, early voting and those casting ballots on Aug. 18, the total votes cast were 17,629.

Sue Woltanski, pictured center, is headed back to the school board following her primary election win.

Also pictured, from left, are supporters Claudia Stober, Jeff Evans, Margie Smith and Joe Roth. Photo courtesy of Woltanski4Schools

INCUMBENTS PREVAIL IN KEY PRIMARY CONTESTS Lincoln returns to commission, Horan and Woltanski back on school board

By Keys Weekly staff

A

ll incumbents running in key countywide races will return to their seats, following successful re-election campaigns which garnered more voter support than their challengers. A new judge will take the bench following his victory. And the race for Florida governor is set.

With the polls closing at 7 p.m., the results of the Aug. 18 primary election were fully reported by the Supervisor of Elections Office just after 10:30 p.m. Results can be viewed at votemonroeflkeys.gov.

BY THE NUMBERS

17,629

32.27% Percent turnout

TOTAL BALLOTS BY TYPE

Unofficial voter turnout

Ballots by party

Republican 8,242 Democrat

6,648

NPA

2,363

Other

376

7,326 Mail

Early voting

6,220

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Election day

ELECTION RESULTS

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 2

“If you’re a leader, you lead with the truth and with integrity. Hate never wins. Thank you Monroe County voters!” – Michelle Lincoln

4,065

Provisional

Michelle Lincoln (R) 59.67% 9,425 votes Jorge “George” Ignacio-Lopez (R) 40.33% 6,370 votes

News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @KeysWeekly @theWeekly Members of

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1

Darren Horan 51.39% 8,016 votes Theresa Axford 48.61% 7,581 votes CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

A Promise of Health Care for Our Kids!

TUESDAYS

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

ELECTION RESULTS

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 5

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD DISTRICT 2

COUNTY COURT JUDGE

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, displayed a sign, shared a post, talked to a friend — or simply offered a word of encouragement along the way. You have given me the opportunity to serve one final term on the Monroe County School Board. I am deeply honored by your trust.” — Sue Woltanski

Sue Woltanski 64.05% 10,141 votes

“A big thank you to all my supporters for helping get my message out to our community. It is gratifying to see the Florida Keys appreciates the work and science of one of the top mosquito control programs in the world.” – Phil Goodman

Phil Goodman (R) 62.46% 9,337 votes

Chelyn Shaw 35.95% 5,693 votes

Alex Osborn (R) 37.64% 5,612 votes

Kevin McCarthy 65.84% 10,240 votes David Van Loon 34.16% 5,313 votes

FLORIDA GOVERNOR - REPUBLICAN Seven other candidates garnered 8.04 %, or 136,210 of the votes.

FLORIDA GOVERNOR - DEMOCRAT Three other candidates garnered 14.31%, or 178,803 votes.

Byron Donalds 47.79% 810,675 votes Jay Collins 25.16% 426,787 votes

James Fishback 10.47% 177,674 votes

David Jolly 60.96% 761,674 votes Dayna Marie Foster 15.14% 189,234 votes

Dotie Joseph 9.59% 119,837 votes

Paul Renner 8.55% 144,898 votes

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

FLORIDA AG SUBMITS REVISED BALLOT LANGUAGE ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF JIM McCARTHY

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA

jim@keysweekly.com

S

tate officials used all 10 days a judge gave in his ruling to rewrite language that Florida voters would see on their November ballots on tax relief for homesteaded properties.

By Aug. 13, Attorney General James Uthmeier submitted a more straightforward version of Amendment 3 to Secretary of State Cory Byrd. Language in the second version is a change from the “political flier” plaintiffs said the original represented when they filed lawsuits in June. Circuit Judge David Frank, who presided over the case, sided with various parties that sued and called the original draft “akin to a political slogan.”

This year’s property tax constitutional amendment was put on the ballot by the Florida Legislature, which met in a special session to mull the governor’s proposal. Voting on party lines, the Republican-controlled Legislature approved a slightly different version by safeguarding property tax dollars for school districts.

As Uthmeier’s redrafted version states, the amendment would increase the homestead exemption for all nonschool taxes from the current $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. It would then be adjusted for inflation in 2029 and the ensuing years.

In addition, the amendment requires the Legislature to set procedures for counties and municipalities to completely eliminate property tax on homesteads by increasing the exemption to a property’s full assessed value.

Ballot language written by Uthmeier states counties and municipalities will use property taxes “solely for public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond debt service, retirement benefits for employees, and operations and administration.”

Amendment 3 also lowers the annual cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties, like businesses and secondary homes, from 10% to 5%.

Parties have 10 days to challenge the revised version. Frank would preside over any additional challenges.

If no challenges are made, the rewritten language for Amendment 3 would head to the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The measure needs 60% of Florida voters to say “yes” before taking effect.

NEVER BOUGHT. NEVER SOLD. ALWAYS LOCAL. UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 89240 Overseas Hwy Ste 2, Tavernier 305.363.2957

MARATHON WEEKLY 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon 305.743.0844

KEY WEST WEEKLY 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West 305.453.6928

‘This is not as ambitious as I hoped, but I’m for it.

I hope it passes.’

— Gov. Ron DeSantis on Amendment 3

During a recent press conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he hopes the amendment passes even though it’s not as ambitious as he hoped. He noted how the state hasn’t seen a major increase in the homestead exemption since 1980, when it went from $5,000 to $25,000 “I think the taxpayers deserve the relief, quite frankly,” he said.

But several organizations are warning of possible repercussions if the amendment passes. The Florida Chamber of Commerce said local governments could shift the tax burden onto non-homesteaded properties, including local businesses and working families and individuals who rent homes.

“This tax shift is already occurring as non-homestead properties pay 65% of all property taxes collected and homestead properties have a 3% cap on the allowable annual increase of the assessed value versus 10% for nonhomesteaded properties, such as local businesses and renters.”

The Florida Sheriffs Association issued a statement on social media earlier in the month, stating the amendment allows “Tallahassee to control your local budgets.” The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association said the amendment creates uncertainty regarding future funding for fire protection, emergency medical services and disaster response without identifying a sustainable replacement revenue source.

DeSantis said he thinks the arguments against the measure are basically an “argument to say government needs come before the needs of taxpayers.

“That’s not the way our system was designed,” he said.

Since 1970, Burton Memorial United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of faith, fellowship, and service in the Upper Keys. As a Christ-centered congregation, BMUMC strengthens individuals and families through worship, Bible study, youth and family ministries, pastoral care, and community outreach. Its Child Development Center, Food Pantry, and God's Kitchen have made a lasting impact on countless local families, reflecting the church's welcoming spirit and commitment to serving others.

The church's enduring success is rooted in its mission to love God and love people.

Led by Rev. Dr. Charles Fisher and supported by generations of dedicated members, Burton Memorial has built a legacy of compassion, unity, and service.

Whether someone is seeking a church home, spiritual growth, or encouragement during life's challenges, they will find meaningful relationships, opportunities to serve, and a true sense of belonging.

As a proud member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Burton Memorial continues to partner with local organizations, support charitable initiatives, and open its doors for community events. Rich in history and grounded in service, BMUMC remains a trusted place where faith, hope, and community come together.

Burton Memorial United Methodist Church 93001 Overseas Highway (MM 93) Tavernier, FL 33070 (305) 852-2581 www.bmumc.net bmumc_office@yahoo.com Join us for worship and experience a welcoming church family dedicated to serving God, serving others, and serving the Upper Keys.

LEGENDARY KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER 305-451-1414 • 1-800-822-1088 events@keylargochamber.org 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

WWW.KEYLARGOCHAMBER.ORG

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

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We’re Ready. Are You? FKEC can keep you informed—but only if we can reach you.

FKEC sends outage and restoration updates through SmartHub, our online tool, using the emails and mobile phone numbers in your Contact Methods. Follow the steps below to receive them. Even if you already receive bill reminders by text or email, please verify your enrollment.

Register for SmartHub

Scan the QR code or visit www.FKEC.com and click Login.

Verify Your Contact Information Go to: Settings → Contact Methods

Verify your mobile phone numbers and email addresses.

Complete the text verification sent to your mobile phone

Turn On Outage Texting

Go to: Settings → Manage Notifications → Service

“Restoring power is what we do.

Keeping you informed is part of the job, too.”

— Tommy White, FKEC Lineman Crew Leader

Need help? Have Questions? Call us at 305-852-2431 | Learn more at www.FKEC.com

9

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

AFTER THE SIGNS COME DOWN Editor’s note: The following letter was submitted to the Keys Weekly in advance of the Aug. 18 primary election.

A

s another summer election season comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting not only on the outcome, but on what recent campaign strategies say about us as a com-

munity.

Democracy depends on spirited debate. We should challenge ideas, question decisions and hold public officials accountable. Healthy disagreement is not something to fear — it is essential to selfgovernment.

But increasingly, even our local campaigns have become less about ideas and more about personal attacks. This election season brought fake AI generated videos, misinformation presented as fact, name-calling and even threats directed at candidates and their families. Regardless of who was targeted or which side benefited, that should concern all of us.

Local elections are different. The people who run for school board, city council, county commission, or other local offices aren’t distant political figures. They’re our neighbors. We see one another at school events, youth sports, churches, local businesses and community gatherings. Long after Election Day, we’ll still be living and working side by side.

When political disagreement becomes personal hostility, everyone loses. Families who never sought public attention become targets. Volunteers think twice before getting involved. And qualified, thoughtful people begin to wonder whether public service is worth the personal cost.

As a school board member and parent, I often think about the lessons we hope to teach our children. We ask students to tell the truth, treat others with respect, disagree without bullying and solve problems through thoughtful discussion. They are watching us. If we expect them to model those values, we must be willing to model them ourselves.

Technology has made this challenge even greater. Artificial intelligence can now create convincing images, videos and audio that never existed. Each of us has a responsibility to pause, verify what we see and resist sharing misinformation simply because it supports our preferred candidate.

This campaign is over, but our community is not.

Tomorrow we’ll still be neighbors, working together to strengthen our schools, support local organizations and build a better Monroe County.

The yard signs will come down, but our commitment to truth, civility and respect for one another should remain.

Sue Woltanski M.D., Monroe County School Board, District 5 The opinions expressed in this column are solely the writer’s and do not necessarily represent the views of the Monroe County School Board or the Monroe County School District.

SEEKING PROPERTY INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

FIRM brings Citizens officials to the Keys for town hall JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

lorida Keys residents, businesses and condominium associations are seeking property insurance solutions. An upcoming town hall with Citizens Property Insurance officials could be the first step.

Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe (FIRM) will host a town-hall-style meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Marathon Government Center. Senior leadership from Citizens will attend to highlight insurance challenges homeowners and condominium associations are facing — especially roof-related matters.

Members of the public and community stakeholders who RSVP’d before the Aug. 15 deadline will hear a presentation from Citizens, while having the ability to ask questions from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Featured presenters include Jay Adams, Citizens chief insurance officer, and Stephen Mostello, Citizens vice president of underwriting.

Those who can’t attend the presentation and question-and-answer period can watch online via Monroe County Television. The forum will also be recorded for future viewing on FIRM’s website and YouTube.

FIRM president Mel Montagne said the town hall grew directly out of the concerns raised at the Citizens board of governors meeting last March in Key West, particularly the challenges of strict roof inspections and nonrenewals in an area with limited contractors and virtually no private-market alternatives.

“After that meeting, FIRM followed up in writing, restated the key issues and formally invited Citizens leadership to a public town hall so they could hear from both government officials and residents. Citizens have been receptive to continued dialogue, and we see this event as part of their ongoing effort to better understand and address the unique roof-related challenges facing Monroe County policyholders,” Montagne said.

“While FIRM understands the need to depopulate Citizens and return policies to the private market, this cannot be done by leaving insured Florida residents without catastrophic windstorm coverage. And Citizens policies carry windstorm/hurricane deductibles of 5% to 10% of the insured value. Thus the cost to replace or repair the coating would never exceed this high deductible threshold.

“Non-renewing coverage on this basis therefore leaves the entire property exposed to catastrophic loss for a risk that is effectively immaterial to both the insurer and the policyholder,” read a letter FIRM sent to Citizens a few months ago.

Since October 2023, policies issued by Citizens have plummeted some 76% from its peak of 1.41 million policies. As of last July, Citizens policies totaled 278,196.

Jay Adams, Citizens Property Insurance chief insurance officer. CONTRIBUTED

Stephen Mostello, Citizens vice president of underwriting.

Event details • Tuesday, Aug. 25 • Marathon Government Center • Community forum: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Watch online via Monroe County TV (scan QR code)

“The Florida property insurance market is again healthy and vibrant,” said Tim Cerio, Citizens’ president/CEO and executive director, earlier in the year. “Most Floridians now have many options as financially sound private insurers compete for their business. Citizens, as it always has, will be there for those policyholders unable to secure coverage in the private market.”

FIRM said it’s important to remember why Citizens, formerly the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association, was created in 1970. At the time, the Legislature established FWUA due to the lack of available windstorm insurance in Monroe County.

More than 50 years later, not much has changed in Monroe County, with private insurers offering limited options. Almost all wind policies in the county historically rely on Citizens.

Before the afternoon community forum, Citizens will have a morning roundtable with representatives from local government. Montagne said he hopes the sessions yield progress on the roof issues, which affect many Monroe County policyholders.

“From the morning government roundtable, we hope to see constructive discussion among local officials and Citizens representation that can lead to clearer processes — such as more flexible timelines for repairs, case-by-case reviews that recognize Monroe’s strong building codes and better coordination given the limited number of local contractors, as well as having clearer guidelines on roof replacements,” Montagne said.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

COAST GUARD, DISABLED ATHLETES TEAM UP AT TRIATHLON Crewmembers help tow contestants in spirited competition JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

M

ore than 200 triathletes descended upon John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for the City Bikes Key Largo Triathlon on Aug. 16. Featuring an Olympics and sprint distance triathlon and duathlon, the event also brought an Olympic distance aquabike race.

There were also displays of camaraderie among disabled athletes and crewmembers with Coast Guard Station Islamorada. Joining in the competition were 10 duo teams, composed of a Coast Guard member and a disabled athlete. The teams competed in the Special Compass sprint solo and relay with a buddy.

Special Compass is a nonprofit serving people with disabilities, and Jim Sayih, founder and CEO, said the collaboration originated following last year’s triathlon with one of the swimmers. Turns out it was Coast Guard Station Islamorada Commander Christopher Rantuccio’s girlfriend.

“Jim and I connected shortly afterward and talked about Special Compass, their mission, and ways our crew might be able to get involved. From that initial conversation, the partnership grew pretty naturally,” Rantuccio said. “When I mentioned the opportunity to my crew about support for their athletes at the Key Largo Triathlon, our members were eager to participate.”

Sayih said six Coast Guard Station Islamorada members volunteered by towing their buddies through the race.

“This powerful community engagement effort fostered new friendships, respect and inclusion,” Sayih said.

Rantuccio said what impressed him most was how readily the crew embraced it.

“Some of our members served as Power Buddies and completed the sprint triathlon alongside Special Compass athletes, towing and pushing adaptive equipment throughout the course. Others volunteered behind the scenes with packet pickup, race-day logistics, and preparing and supporting the adaptive bikes and carts. It truly became a team effort,” he said.

Rantuccio added the collaboration says a lot about the people who serve at Station Islamorada.

“Our crew spends every day serving the Upper Keys in a professional capacity, but they also genuinely care about being part of this community,” he said. “They volunteered their own time, took on physically demanding roles, and did whatever was needed to give these athletes the opportunity to compete.

“For me, that is service at its best. It wasn’t about the Coast Guard being at the event; it was about our members showing up for people in their community and helping make something possible that might not otherwise have been. I was extremely proud of the way they represented Station Islamorada and the Coast Guard, and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Special Compass,” Rantuccio added.

More information about the triathlon is at gameonraceevents.com. More information on Special Compass is at specialcompass.org.

The race was organized by Game On! Race Events.

Coast Guard Station Islamorada members team up with Special Compass to assist disabled athletes during the Key Largo Triathlon at John Pennekamp State Park on Aug. 16.

CONTRIBUTED

ROWELL’S PARK CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION Work underway for phase 2 improvements JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

R

A bicyclist rides into Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo.

Enhancements to the bayside park have faced a delay. The park will be closed through Sept. 1 to allow for construction work. FILE PHOTO

owell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo closed this week to allow for the construction of several improvements.

County officials say the park will be closed through Sept. 1.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this project,” said John Allen, county parks and beaches director. “Due to unexpected delays, the project has taken longer than originally anticipated. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to completing these improvements for the community to enjoy.”

According to the county department, construction at Rowell’s Waterfront Park was halted after an issue was identified that required a redesign of the second phase. During the redesign, the county was awarded additional grant funding, allowing

project management and parks and beaches to incorporate several enhancements beyond the original plan.

A second phase of improvements at Rowell’s Park will include a new dog park and fencing, new field and park lighting and upgraded turf for a multitude of uses, including sports and community events. The parking lot will be expanded, and there will be new trash receptacles, dog water stations, picnic tables and other amenities.

The improvements in the second phase are funded through a Community Development Block Grant.

Once phase two is complete, a third and final phase will bring new shade structures, a new playground and a large tiki hut to the waterfront park.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027.

Phase three is fully funded through a TDC brickand-mortar grant.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

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26th Annual Take Stock in Children

Club of Key Largo

BACKCOUNTRY CHALLENGE

A CATCH & RELEASE TOURNAMENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA KEYS

Presents the 26th annual catch-and-release backcountry fishing tournament to benefit Take Stock in Children and other local scholarships.

SE

PT

EM

BER 2

5 th -

, 20 2 7th

26

Online Registration is Open Angler fees include all social events Friday & Sunday. $150 Adult & Pro Anglers Also Available Online: (Adult artificial lure division) Socials for Non-Anglers: $30 Friday $75 for Junior Anglers (Ages 13 - 17) Appetizers & $60 Sunday Dinner $30 for Kid Anglers (12 and Under) Tickets for Tom Tharp Cooler O’Cheer

• Custom Upscale Trophies Built to Proudly Adorn your Fishing Room

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! In Memory of

Wayne Hanson

• Tom Tharp Cooler O’ Cheer Raffles • Amazing Silent and Live Auction Event

Tournament Schedule Captains & Angler’s Kick Off Party

Dinner and Awards Banquet

Friday | Sept. 25 | 5:00 PM Doc’s Diner

Sunday | Sept. 27 | 6:00 PM Elks Lodge

99696 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL

92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL

TAKE ACTION!

Register Online Serving Florida and the Keys For over 40 Years

www.KeyLargoRotary.org

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

The Doo rly family gets the new resid keys to th ence on eir July 15.

lebrate their d her daughters ce an t et nn Be h ra Sa n with the a July 24 dedicatio new home during ed HfHUK/Contribut local community.

Patrick Cirulli and Lauren Wilder hold a ceremon ial key to mark a new begin ning as homeowners.

A SUMMER OF NEW BEGINNINGS

their ceived the keys to d Rafael Perez re an a nd ira M t ne Ya 25. FILE PHOTO new home on June

Families reach homeownership, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys

D

uring the summer, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys dedicated five homes to local families, celebrating the hard work, commitment and community support that make homeownership possible.

Yanet Miranda and Rafael Perez kicked off the series of summer dedications on June 25.

Perez has been a local business owner for 15 years, while Miranda began her career at Sandal Factory in 2007. Through hard work, she quickly advanced from stocking merchandise to becoming the store manager. After years of giving back to their community, they can now affordably remain in the place they so proudly call home.

The Doorly family received the keys to their new home on July 15. As a Key Largo School teacher and mother of three, Allison Doorly spends her days making a difference in the community and helping shape the next generation of local leaders. Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys had the opportunity to partner with Allison and her family. Through affordable homeownership, Habitat hopes to provide her family with the stability and foundation to thrive.

On July 24, Sarah Bennett, along with her daughters, officially turned her hard work into a home. A pharmacist and proud single mother,

Sarah has spent years caring for others and putting her family first, demonstrating hard work, resilience and commitment to her family. Through partnership with Habitat, she and her family can build lasting memories for years to come.

On Aug. 7, Habitat welcomed Lauren Wilder and Patrick Cirulli, along with their three children, into homeownership. Wilder, a waitress, and Cirulli, an employee of Monroe County, are dedicated members of the Upper Keys community.

Together, they completed over 350 sweat equity hours, turning hard work into a place they can call home.

On Aug. 21, Habitat will celebrate Silvia Eufrasio and her son, Cristobal Gonzalez, as they take another step toward homeownership. Eufrasio came to the Florida Keys from Mexico nearly 15 years ago with her three daughters and son, and has spent those years building a life in the community she now calls home. She has worked at McDonald’s since arriving in the Keys and is a manager at the Tavernier location, while Gonzalez has worked as a chef for the past 15 years and currently works at Sundowners. After 15 years of calling the Keys home, Eufrasio and Gonzalez are coming together to make the dream of owning a home a reality. Their story is an example of the

determination, sacrifice and years of hard work that go into creating a place to call home.

These families represent what can happen when determination, partnership and community support come together. Their stories are a reminder that a home is more than four walls — it is a foundation for stability, opportunity and a brighter future.

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to eliminating poverty and substandard housing worldwide.

The organization has built and renovated over 200,000 houses worldwide since 1976.

HfHUK works in partnership with people in need to build decent, affordable housing. The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys serves Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada.

Habitat partners with CBT Construction on all builds and cites the support of donors: Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health, Ocean Reef Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and Wells Fargo.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

1

ARTISTS UNDER ONE ROOF

2

Exhibit at local gallery showcases plenty of local art

B

uffets are a great way to try different foods without committing. In a buffet there are different WILLIAM foods, appetizDEPAULA ers, breads, main courses and is an artist, desserts. It offers designer and you choice, and gemologist who choice is good, believes in the power of art. especially when you don’t know exactly what you want.

Even with our laidback island lifestyle, many people are still intimidated about going into an art gallery. This is one of the reasons I believe that the Morada Art district is a success. It is a group of artists in a central area where people can look around and find what they like.

The Florida Keys are long and skinny, and going from one island to another takes a while. Gallery hopping doesn’t have the same appeal when driving over 100 miles up and down looking for galleries and artists. That is the beauty of the current show at the Hale Gallery in Islamorada. The show includes many of our favorite Islamorada artists. If you are looking for local art and don’t have the time or want to commit to hours of exploring different artists, “Made on Morada Way” exhibit at the Hale Gallery is the perfect answer to your problem.

“The Hale Gallery is a wonderful, museum-quality venue where a variety of work is displayed. I enjoyed seeing and meeting the creative artists which make up the community, and all under one roof,” said oil painter John David Hawver.

Being an artist is hard. It takes dedication to your craft, you have to promote yourself, you have to constantly work at it. Behind every painting is an untold record of an artist being dedicated to the craft.

Hours of thinking how the work of art would work, not to mention the time it takes to produce it. Each artist at this show deserves credit for stepping up and being dedicated.

I’ve had the pleasure of talking to most of these artists; they did not simply paint a pretty picture. There is a commitment to their craft behind every stroke.

“There’s something truly special about seeing the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District come together under one roof at the Hale Gallery. It was a beautiful reminder that while every artist here has a unique voice and artistic style, our shared sense of community is what makes this place so inspiring,” said artist Lisa Lee. Artists are not just craftspeople.

It is their job to give life, to create a feeling when you see their artwork.

To reach this level, to be represented by a prestigious gallery, they put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

Artists give our homes a soul.

Islamorada artists show a definite love of our island lifestyle. Something that fits perfectly in our coastal homes.

When you go to the show or see art in a gallery, don’t simply tell the artist that you like the work. That is nice, but make a commitment: Buy a piece from the artist if you really enjoy it. You will then have a great piece of art sitting in your home that is made by a local artist. Not something that is generic, made by AI or by a workshop painter in a foreign country paid pennies to make art for the masses.

“Being born and raised here in

3 1: Vernald Edgecombe is one of many artists featured in the ‘Made on Morada’ art exhibit at the Hale Gallery in Islamorada. WILLIAM DePAULA/Keys Weekly. 2: Lisa Lee is a Florida Keys artist with a passion for traditional Japanese printing, known as gyotaku.

3: Oil painter John David Hawver is one of the Florida Keys’ best-known artists.

South Florida with the Florida Keys as my backyard, it’s incredible to see artists appreciate and capture the beauty of our surroundings,” said artist Vernald Edgecombe. “Being part of Morada Way Art Walk every month, this show highlights the artists’ unity, expressions and love for our home, allowing visitors, homeowners and collectors to display our works in their homes. This experience often leads some to become captivated by the Florida Keys.

“It’s an honor to be among the area’s greatest creators, expressing their love for the stunning Keys,” Edgecombe said.

Luckily for us, the Hale Gallery brought together the Morada Way and Islamorada artists under one roof. I am often asked, “Who are some other local artists that you

recommend or where do I go to get local art?” This exhibit beautifully answers.

If you are a favored art collector or looking to buy your first work of art, this exhibition is perfect for you.

Did you just move to Islamorada and want to curate your beautiful home with local art? The Morada Way show at the Hale Gallery is your place to go. It is no accident that the Hale Gallery is located within Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. Shows like this are perfect for you. Like a buffet, you can get a taste of what the art world in Islamorada is like.

Made on Morada Way is a group exhibition celebrating the artists of Morada Way Arts & Cultural District and runs until Sept. 25. The Hale Gallery is located at 81888 Overseas Highway.

15

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

TAVERNIER: THIRSTY SAILORS, FRENCH INNKEEPERS AND BITING FLIES

T

here is no shortage of stories told about the Florida Keys. One Upper Keys favorite that has been passed from barstool to barstool for a long time is the origin of the Tavernier name.

As the story goes, a thirsty sailor came ashore at the southern, Atlantic-facing edge of Key Largo and asked, “Is there a tavern near?”

It is not a true story; it is a good story. There are those, too, who say the name is of French origin; tavernier is the word for innkeeper. While the sailor’s story is colorful nonsense, French might have something to do with the name’s evolution from its Spanish roots. However, it seems more like a linguistic journey than a cultural one.

As for local names, the origin of Tavernier is one of the oldest found along the island chain – though it both looked and sounded a bit different several hundred years ago. Before Tavernier was a name attached to a Key Largo community, it identified the 31-acre island in the Atlantic shallows just offshore. On a Spanish chart dated 1639, it was noted as Caio di Tabanos; in 1742, Cayo Tabanos.

The rough translation of tabanos, from Spanish to English, is horsefly; so, Horsefly Key. One thing that all of the 1,700 islands making up the Florida Keys archipelago have in common is biting insects. Apparently, Tavernier Key was once known for big, biting tabanos.

The transition from Tabano to Tavernier had a lot to do with how the “b” is pronounced in Spanish. It is given a “v” sound. To an English ear, Tabanos would have sounded like Tavanos, which helps explain why William Roberts’ work “First Discovery and Natural History of Florida” (1763)

identified the island as Cayo de Tivanos. A dozen years later, in 1775, a chart by George Gauld identified the island by both its Spanish and English names: Cayo Tabano and Key Tavernier.

As for any French influence, the evolution of Tabano to Tivano to Tavernier does not seem like an FLORIDA uncomfortable stretch – espeKEYS cially when spoken with a French HISTORY accent.

One thing that Tavernier Key WITH offered was a relatively deep BRAD natural harbor, frequently used BERTELLI by sailors and those engaged in Brad is a local historian, author, the wrecking industry. On Oct. 8, 1836, the crew of a schoospeaker and Honorary Conch ner navigated to the harbor who loves sharing and dropped their anchor for the history of the the night. By 1836, the second Florida Keys. escalation of the Seminole War had made an impact in South Florida and the Keys. That day, Indians attacked the schooner; its crew was lucky to escape with their lives.

While they all lived to tell the tale, not all survived unscathed. Two of the crew were wounded in the attack but paddled to safety in one of the smaller auxiliary boats. Left abandoned, the schooner was looted of anything useful and then set afire until the waterline extinguished the blaze.

Tavernier Key needed something more than a favorable harbor to lure the early pioneers who decided to anchor their ships and create something more permanent. It might have had some-

The Barnetts Chapel structure after its move from Planter to Tavernier. Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office circa 1965 when it served as Masonic Lodge No. 336. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library

thing to do with horseflies. Mostly, however, it had to do with land, and Key Largo had a relative abundance of it. A couple of decades later, pioneer families began settling along the Key Largo shoreline and building lives.

They were farmers and fishermen who relied on long, narrow docks and shallow draft schooners to link them to the outside world. Along the southern edge of the island, the first families were the Lowes, Alburys and Johnsons. They built homes facing the Atlantic to take advantage of ocean breezes blowing through open windows to cool their dwellings and provide a primitive form of flying/biting pest control.

In the late 1800s, the community wasn’t called Tavernier, but Planter. Tavernier, as it is applied to Key Largo, came about as a result of the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway.

When workers built the train station in the area of MM 92, it was named Tavernier Station. The Tavernier community grew up around it. Hurricanes and Flagler’s train encouraged the residents of Planter to move away from the shoreline and the docks, and closer to the conveniences and reliability of the railroad. The Planter Post Office and church moved closer to the people who relied on the institutions. Planter faded away and Tavernier took root.

Little remains of the old Planter community, except for a cistern or two in the hammocks surrounding Harry Harris Park and a short road branching off Burton Drive called Planter Drive that pays homage to the old farming community.

There is also a popular coffee shop that used to stand on the Albury homestead and service the Planter community.

The building where the coffee shop is housed was built in Planter and served as its Methodist church. A transfer deed for the property where the church once stood was signed and dated Nov. 25, 1887. Robert and Patience Albury transferred the property to the trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church, South: Amos Lowe, Samuel Johnson and Robert Albury. The church was called Barnetts Chapel.

When the community relocated closer to the railroad right-of-way, Barnetts Chapel was deconstructed and moved to better serve the people.

Though the building was destroyed in the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, its pieces and timbers were gathered, along with lumber from other structures that were destroyed, and reassembled. When the church found a better home, the building was left unoccupied. For a time, it served as a Masonic lodge.

In 1981, the Old Tavernier Town Association formed and purchased the building for $1,000.

They paid much more to move it to its present location, where it first served as the Old Church Community Center and Visitor Center. Currently, it is home to Café Moka at 91713 Overseas Highway.

Step inside for a cup of coffee, a croissant and a cool bit of local history.

17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

FIU’S SBDC LAUNCHES FREE ‘SCALE TO GROW’ PROGRAM FOR KEYS ENTREPRENEURS

T REMEMBERING LOUIE THE FOX Louie the fox recently passed away following six years of safe sanctuary and care at Pawsitive Beginnings. CONTRIBUTED

H

i friends.

Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I don’t really have anything funny to say this week. And for REEF THE FOX those of you who know me, you know how unusual Reef is a red fox that was saved that is. from a fur farm.

We’re sad to He now lives in announce our dear Key Largo with his human, Nicole Louie has passed away.

Navarro.

I’ve spent years reporting on the ridiculousness that happens around here. The snacks. The naps.

The scandals. The new arrivals I never approved. The daily injustices I endure as the obvious favorite child. But Louie was here before all of that. Before me. He and Libby were the beginning.

They were the foxes who helped build Pawsitive Beginnings Inc. into what it is. Louie came here carrying a lifetime of things none of us could ever fully understand. He was cautious. Complicated. Sometimes grumpy. He kept parts of himself guarded until the very end.

My mother always respected that about him. She never needed Louie to be anything other than exactly

who he was. For six years, he was safe here. He had good food, soft places to sleep, sunshine, ridiculous amounts of enrichment and a human who loved him enough to never ask him for anything in return.

And then, in his final days, something changed.

Louie let her in.

He let her hold him. He let her pet him. He let her love him in a way he had never allowed before. Maybe he was tired. Maybe he finally understood that the hands reaching for him were the same hands that had protected him all along.

I don’t know. I’m just a fox. What I do know is that things feel different around here without him. His space is quiet. My mother is sad. And for once, I don’t have a sarcastic observation that can make any of it better. Louie deserved the six years he had here. He deserved safety. He deserved dignity.

And when his body could no longer carry him comfortably through this life, he deserved to leave it surrounded by love. And he did.

So this week there are no complaints from management. No investigations. No grievances filed.

Just a little red fox saying goodbye to one of the ones who came before him.

Anywho, that’s all for this week.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

he Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Florida International University (FIU) is accepting applications for the fall session of its Scale to Grow program, a free, seven-week hybrid training series for entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the Upper Keys.

The program, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Key Largo library, is open to anyone with a defined business concept or an established business seeking to strengthen operations and plan for growth.

The program is free as part of the FSBDC’s mission to support Florida Keys-based entrepreneurs looking to start and grow businesses.

“Small business owners in the Keys wear every hat in the company, and financial planning is usually the one that gets set aside,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director of the Florida SBDC at FIU. “This program gives them the tools to understand their numbers, build a real plan and present it to people who evaluate businesses for a living. And unlike most programs, our support doesn’t end at graduation.

Every participant gets access to nocost, one-on-one consulting with our market growth specialists for as long as they need it.”

The accelerator program combines in-person sessions at the Key Largo library with virtual workshop sessions, allowing participants to focus on the sessions and attend without disrupting business operations.

The curriculum covers customer acquisition and retention strategy, business financial health and bankability, hands-on AI tools for small business, operational efficiency and productivity, brand development and marketing strategy and pitch preparation.

Participants build a business action plan over the course of the program and present it to a panel of industry professionals and lending experts during the final session.

The program is facilitated by Nancy Hull and Bonnie Barnes, both FSBDC market growth specialists

Bonnie Barnes and Nancy Hull, market growth specialists with the Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU, will lead the ‘Scale to Grow’ hybrid training for entrepreneurs and business owners in the Upper Keys. CONTRIBUTED

with decades of combined experience in financial services, investment banking, marketing strategy and small business consulting. They have advised hundreds of ownerled businesses across the Keys on startup planning, growth strategy, operations and access to capital.

Previous participants have used the program to launch new businesses, secure financing, refine pricing strategies and make changes that directly improved profitability.

“Scale to Grow provided us the foundation to launch Give 2 Nickels LLC. It created a roadmap for success and structure for us to launch a new business,” said Michael Krause, a spring 2026 program graduate.

The fall session runs Tuesdays from Sept. 1 through Oct. 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with the final graduation session extended through 1 p.m. Sessions alternate between in-person and virtual formats.

Applications are open at: go.fiu.edu/accelerator.

The Florida SBDC Keys office is at 300 Southard Street, Suite 205, Key West. More information is at sbdc.fiu.edu or 305-779-9230.

The FSBDC program is part of a national SBDC program of more than 1,000 small business centers across the country and the Florida SBDC Network of nine regional centers across Florida. The Florida SBDC network is the state’s principal provider of business assistance.

— Contributed

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

EDUCATION AND OCEAN CONSERVATION

Talk explores outdoor learning An art depiction of Cuthbert’s rookery. A free presentation hosted by the Matecumbe Historical Trust on Tuesday, Aug. 25 will highlight unparalleled slaughter of American wildlife in the 1800s and the early 1900s. CONTRIBUTED

LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS ‘AGE OF EXTERMINATION’

T

he Matecumbe Historical Trust’s next free presentation will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Islamorada library. The talk will be on the “Age of Extermination” in South Florida, and the people who fought to stop it.

The period between the late 1800s and the early 1900s is sometimes referred to as the “Age of Extermination” by historians due to the unparalleled slaughter of American wildlife.

As new pioneers headed south to the tip of Florida, the practice known as “plume hunting” followed, in which birds such as the egret, spoonbill and flamingo were killed by the millions to make fashionable hats.

To be conservation-minded was unpopular at the time, and yet even back then there were people who fought to save these creatures from extinction, sometimes paying with

their lives. Julia Sokolow will take attendees through the history of the plume trade and how America’s first game warden, Guy Bradley, died protecting South Florida’s birds.

Sokolow is a local historian and artist with a passion for conservation.

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a degree in evolutionary biology, she has worked for the National Aquarium, the South Carolina Aquarium, and since 2022, has been the museum programs specialist at the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada. There, she has spearheaded the creation of educational programs, guided tours and worked with the curator to create new exhibits each year and has used historic dive gear.

More information is at 305-3930940.

— Contributed

BRIEFLY Woman dies in boat crash A boat crash in the Upper Keys on Aug. 16 claimed the life of a Hialeah woman. According to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, a 35-foot SeaVee with four adults on board was northbound in the Intracoastal Waterway near Tavernier. As the vessel made a turn toward Cowpens Cut, all four occupants were thrown into the water.

FWC said 52-year-old Dianelys Martinez, of Hialeah, died from injuries she sustained in the incident.

Two people on the boat were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. The other person sustained no injuries. The investigation is active, according to FWC.

Teenager arrested in weapon case A 16-year-old Key Largo male was arrested on Aug. 14 after he allegedly displayed a pellet gun during a road rage incident in Marathon.

Two victims stated they were in a vehicle at 11:19 a.m. when they saw a vehicle being driven recklessly. Both victims stated the driver displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

The sheriff’s office stopped the suspect vehicle and a pellet gun was found under the passenger seat. The suspect was taken to jail. The suspect was charged with improper exhibition of a weapon.

T

he next talk in the 35th annual lecture series, “A Delicate Balance of Nature,” will highlight how outdoor learning can influence ocean conservation.

Hosted by the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, the series’ eighth lecture will take place Monday, Aug. 24 at Pennekamp State Park.

The talk “Outdoor Education’s Impact on Ocean Conservation” will be given by Sarah Egner, senior vice president at MarineLab in Key Largo.

Having begun its educational initiative in Key Largo in 1985, MarineLab has gathered stories, data and teacher insight on how students’ experiences out of the classroom have changed their future paths to ones that directly affect our environment.

Visitors can learn more on how outdoor education affects the oceans’ future at the visitor center and aquarium building inside the park, located at 102601 Overseas Highway, Oceanside. Doors open at

6:30 p.m. for a pre-lecture reception provided by the park’s friends group; and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.

Attendees may bring a Sarah Egner, senior cushion for added seatvice president ing comfort. A at MarineLab. CONTRIBUTED sweater or light jacket may be desired. The park asks that attendees not wear fragrances or other scented products.

To attend via Zoom, visit the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Facebook page or pennekampparkfriends.org.

The auditorium is wheelchairaccessible. More information is available from Elena Muratori, park services specialist at the park, at 305676-3786.

More information on Florida’s state parks, is at floridastateparks. org.

— Contributed

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Aug. 20 • Art walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, Islamorada.

Aug. 21-22 • Special Olympics Florida Stand Up Paddle Invitational at Founders Park, Islamorada.

Those wishing to volunteer can scan the QR code.

Friday, Aug. 21 • “Sit and Sew” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Key Largo library.

Saturday, Aug. 22 • Pascal’s Way monthly cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon at the preserve across from Founders Park, 8700187185 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen and hat.

• Wesley House Family Services’ Big Splash, an event for kids, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5 Homestead Ave., Key Largo. Five waterslides, foam pit and more.

Aug. 25-26 • Just Older Youth Inc. (JOY) activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 • FIRM hosts town hall with Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center. Town hall can be viewed online by scanning the QR code.

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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 Monroe County Fire Rescue Lt. Arturo Aulet. He has been with Monroe County for 12 years, the past six as a lieutenant. Prior to joining the county, he had five years with the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department. He lives in Key Largo and has a 6-year-old daughter, Anastasia, who is in first grade at Treasure Village Montessori.

How long have you lived in the Keys? For 33 years. My family moved here from Miami when I was 3 years old. I went to Key Largo School, Coral Shores High School and the FKCC (now College of the Florida Keys).

What kept you in the Keys after graduating? My family. My mom lived here until recently. One of my sisters lives here with her four kids, which is great for my daughter.

What led you to be in the occupation you’re in? My late father.

He was a firefighter for 27 years. I loved the family aspect of that community. It was such a draw for me while I was growing up and it was a natural career path.

Weirdest experience you’ve had in the Keys? We had an emergency call that took us to a nude beach in the Lower Keys. A guy

Arturo Aulet. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/ Keys Weekly.

who got too drunk needed care.

We trekked about half a mile with our stretcher and medical equipment before we reached this part of the beach. We were quite a spectacle to the beach goers.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? Ernest Hemingway. I’d love to hear about the Keys of his time and of his world travels.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To fly places, especially now that gas prices are so high.

Favorite Food? Steak. I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I love carbs too, rice and pasta.

Favorite movie? “Step Brothers” with Will Ferrell and Adam Scott.

Favorite book? “The Hobbit”

by J.R.R. Tolkien. That book got me into reading.

What are your hobbies? Chasing after my daughter. Spending time with family is important to me.

So is being out in nature and staying active.

Is there a skill/talent you want to master? I think it would be fascinating to be a woodworker. It looks like a peaceful, beautiful craft.

What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? My daughter. She is the single greatest thing I’ve done in my life.

She has an amazing heart, is so kind and sweet. Seeing her grow is a blessing.

Do you have any regrets? I don’t like to think of regrets but rather lessons. Life is full of ups and downs. It is what you make of them.

What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Parenthood. Trying everyday to be the best version of myself.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / AUGUST 20, 2026

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3

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

AUG. 13-16

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Coral Shores

Volleyball (Preseason)

Key West

8/13

W, 2-0

Coral Shores

Volleyball (Preseason)

Marathon

8/13

W, 2-0

Key West

Volleyball (Preseason)

Marathon

8/13

W, 2-0

Marathon

Football (Preseason)

South Miami

8/14

W, 40-0

Key West

Football (Preseason)

Somerset Silver Palms

8/14

W, 21-6

Coral Shores

Football

Coral Springs Charter

8/14

W, 25-21

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jesus

GONZALEZ

Senior, Marathon Football

AUG. 20-27

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

8/20

Marathon

Volleyball

@ Keys Gate

5 p.m.

8/21

Marathon

Volleyball

Westwood Christian

4 p.m.

8/21

Key West

Volleyball

Boca Raton

TBA

8/21

Key West

Football

@ Boca Raton

6:30 p.m.

8/21

Coral Shores

Football

Miami Beach

7 p.m.

8/21

Marathon

Football

@ Wildwood

7 p.m.

8/21

Marathon

Cross Country

@ FNU Conquistador

TBA

8/25

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Marathon

5:30 p.m.

8/26

Marathon

Volleyball

Key West

5:30 p.m.

8/27

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Somerset South Homestead

5:30 p.m.

8/27

Coral Shores

Cross Country

@ Palmer

TBA

Jesus’ toughness, instincts and work ethics are what set him apart from the rest.

He has been waiting for this moment since he was in sixth grade here at Marathon.”

– Sean McDonald, Marathon head coach

152 total yards

ON THE COVER

AUGUST 20

Marathon’s Kevin Ruiz goes up for the catch in preseason action against South Miami on Aug. 14. The Dolphins prevailed, 40-0. See page 8. SEAN WESTERBAND/ Keys Weekly

3

total touchdowns

S

enior Jesus Gonzalez has waited a long time for this season. The quiet leader has been running Marathon’s single-wing offense since middle school, and in the Dolphins’ preseason win over South Miami, that experience showed. Gonzalez rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries while completing four passes for 47 yards and another score. More likely to lead by example than with words, Gonzalez has earned the respect of his teammates through his toughness, work ethic and commitment to the team.

His twin brother Israel shares the backfield with him, but for Gonzalez, the brotherhood extends across the roster. More than individual numbers or accolades, what he wants most is to see the Dolphins succeed. For his selfless play, tireless off-season work ethic and standout performance, Marathon’s Jesus Gonzalez is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

4

tracy mcdonald SPORTS WRITER

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.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West.

Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Manuela C. Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

PRESEASON

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

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

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Se habla español

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Hurricanes make an early statement on the volleyball court

K

eys volleyball teams met in the middle on Aug. 13 to test their grit against one another prior to the official start of the season four days later. The Hurricanes of Coral Shores defeated both Marathon and Key West 2-0 in matches that were close, competitive and full of excitement for the upcoming season.

Head coach Sam Ovalle’s Lady ’Canes enter the season with a young but experienced roster, bolstered by veteran leadership. A talented sophomore class gained valuable experience last season, and if last week’s test is any indication, the Hurricanes could be a factor in FHSAA’s Class 3A District 16. Ovalle praised his team’s energy and noted standout performances from Celene Walker, Alex Burson, Abby Leigh, Coralyn Frimpter, Bella Villalba and Eliyana Mcleod.

Joining the Hurricanes in 3A District 16 are the Lady Conchs, who picked up a pair of wins over Marathon. Coach Kim Butler’s roster is relatively young, but the Lady Conchs have athleticism and size on their side. Helping to guide that young talent are libero Journey Lamb and back row specialist Dianeza Gonzalez, who managed to stand out on a roster full of seniors last season. Despite some preseason miscues, Key West showed plenty of potential while testing different lineups and making adjustments ahead of the regular season.

Marathon has a new coach this season, but it’s hardly a new face. Kevin Freeman returns to the volleyball program to lead the Dolphins in their quest for a Rural District 8 title. Freeman served 15 seasons as head coach of the Lady Fins before stepping down in 2020, and six years later, he’s back on the court and ready for another run. His roster features a healthy mix of veterans and underclassmen eager to prove what they can do in district play. Adelle Bainbridge will shore up the net while Ana Boose and Dahlia Westdickenberg will hold things down on the back line.

Basilica School will compete at the junior varsity level this season after graduating seven seniors last year. With a roster made up entirely of underclassmen, the Mariners will use the season to develop their young players, gain valuable varsity-level experience and begin building the foundation for seasons to come.

5

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

5 6

STORM 7

1 2

1. Hurricane hitter Coralyn Frimpter goes up for a strong hit against Marathon.

2. Kerestin Hults serves the ball for Key West.

3. Hurricane sophomore Jillian Thiery serves the ball to Marathon.

4. Coral Shores’ Jillian Thiery and Marathon’s Adelle Bainbridge leap for control at the net.

5. Marathon’s Anastasia Boose (2) sets the ball during the Dolphins’ preseason match against Coral Shores.

6. Dolphin Adelle Bainbridge (11) jumps to block a Coral Shores spike.

7. Key West’s Miriam McManus (6) sets the ball for outside hitter Kerestin Hults in the Conchs’ preseason match against Coral Shores.

8. Coral Shores coach Sam Ovalle gives his team advice during a break.

8

3

4

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

RUNNING DOWN A DREAM 2025 Athletes of the Year return to the cross country course for another season

A

perfect storm may just be brewing in the Florida Keys.

Last season’s male and female cross country athletes of the year are returning to the course this year, and despite how effortless Ali Wheatley and Lucian Burns make it look, the sport is far more challenging than it seems.

Running standouts almost always fit a mold. They are hardworking perfectionists who excel in all they do, whether in the classroom or outside putting in miles in 90-degree heat. Nobody outworks a cross country star.

Wheatley, a Coral Shores junior chasing down the all-time school record, and Burns, a Marathon sophomore with speed to spare, fit this mold to a T. And both are motivated by the same thing: competition.

“What motivates me is thinking of beating the person in front of me and not having to say ‘what if’ at the end of the race if I didn’t push,” said Burns.

Likewise, Wheatley loves a good challenge. “I really like to race,” she said, also expressing gratitude that she has had a chance to be pushed by some of the finest competition in Florida.

Both champs agree that heat plays a major factor in their times, noting that an unseasonably cool day or some well-timed cloud cover can yield a coveted PR, something Wheatley and Burns are actively seeking.

“This season I am focused on running a time under 19 minutes, and earning a medal at the regional race,” Wheatley said.

Burns, too, is looking to break a minute barrier this season.

“I’m chasing to break 16 in the 5K and in the future, win first at states in the 3200 in track,” he said.

But he’ll have to finish the season healthy in order to achieve those goals. Though it is not unlike Burns to slip off a

Top: Ali Wheatley, cruising to a finish in last season’s regional championships, is poised to make an immediate impact on the cross country circuit this season Below: Lucian Burns makes repeats look easy at a recent practice at Marathon High RICK MACKENZIE and TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

protective boot to run a race with a questionable injury when it’s all on the line, he is doing everything in his power this season to toe the line at states injury-free. This offseason, he’s added strength training, stretching and more intense warmups in hopes of putting his best foot forward at states.

While most Keys kids were lounging around the sandbar this summer, Wheatley headed for considerably higher ground. She attended Smoky Mountain Running Camp in Asheville, North Carolina, where she worked on hill training, something not particularly easy to come by in the Florida Keys and something that will serve her well on the state course in Tallahassee. She also picked up speed and efficiency drills that she is excited to share with her team.

Despite the individual nature of cross country, it is a team sport, too, and that is not lost on either Wheatley or Burns.

Wheatley’s standout career with the ’Canes is highlighted, in her opinion, by her team’s achievements.

“The best thing that happened last season was our team getting to regionals,” she said. “It was so amazing to see all the hard work me and my teammates had put in all season come together as we were able to represent our school on a higher level. Everyone ran really well at districts, which was also one of my best races last season.”

And though she does have high hopes to be a state contender this season, she added, “On top of that, it is really important to me to be the best teammate I can be and support everyone as much as I can.“ Burns also added his teammates to his season goals. He hopes to stand out at the invitationals this season, but also looks ahead to the spring, when he is excited about anchoring the Dolphin 4x800 relay team, which he hopes will outpace the entire region this year.

And while there is no doubt Wheatley and Burns have the chops to stand out in Tallahassee this fall, both believe in their teams and know they also have the potential to go far. But it’s not going to be easy.

“They will have to understand it will be hard; it will not always be fun. And if you want to be a champion you have to do what no one else will and knowing that will make us successful,” said Burns.

Wheatley had similar sentiments.

“It’s been said that miles in the summer turn into minutes in the fall,” she said.

If Wheatley and Burns are right, plenty of summer miles have already been banked. Now, with two of the Keys’ best runners returning faster, stronger and hungry for more, the perfect storm may be ready to break.

7

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

MILES OF POSSIBILITY

Key West, Basilica runners build for future as cross country season gets underway

Key West (and a few Sugarloaf) cross country runners participate in drills in preparation for the upcoming season. CONTRIBUTED

I

n the Southernmost City, Key West’s cross country teams are entering the season with plenty of new faces and, according to head coach Keara McGraw, a roster that is “full of possibility.”

The Conchs will have a talented mix of incoming freshmen, including Hazel Matazarro, Lynn Noah, Noah Taylor, Gage Jangraw and Ella Urrestarazo Jara, who will add a spark of energy as they join forces with the veterans.

Returning runners Violet Jangraw, Ryah Bushey, Emma Bradshaw, Sawyer Hill, Alejandro Caridad, Collin Palomino, Charlie Delashmit, Matthew Barrett and Izzy Gotuzzo bring the experience and work ethic needed to provide a solid foundation for McGraw, who will again be doing double

duty this season as head coach of both the boys and girls teams.

“There’s real talent in this group, and there’s also work to be done to reach it,” said McGraw.

The Conchs are putting in that work in the late-summer heat, hoping the miles logged now will begin to pay dividends as the season progresses.

Across town, Basilica School also plans to field a team this season. The Mariners enjoyed some success last fall and have already demonstrated their ability to develop young runners.

Several athletes now on McGraw’s Key West roster got their start at Basilica last season, giving the small program an early indication that it can help cultivate runners capable of competing at the next level.

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Conch cross country athletes receive some love from the student body at Key West’s first pep rally. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

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8

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

THREE WINS, THREE WAYS F or the first time since Sept. 20, 2024, all three Keys football teams landed in the win column on the same weekend. Marathon, Coral Shores and Key West did it this time as the programs prepare to navigate three very different paths through the 2026 season.

Marathon gave fans plenty to be excited about on Aug. 14, defeating the South Miami Cobras in the Dolphins’ preseason classic at Tropical Park in Miami. Though the victory will not count toward the Fins’ record, their performance offered an early glimpse of what head coach Sean McDonald has called a season five years in the making.

“These guys have been running this offense since middle school and it’s showing on the field,” McDonald said.

The Dolphins’ veteran backfield is led by senior tailback Jesus Gonzalez, with his twin brother Israel Gonzalez at B-back, junior Garrett Ruddy at fullback and senior Mathew Machado at wing. Most of the group has played together since sixth grade and is now entering its fifth season running Marathon’s singlewing attack.

“The veterans are really understanding the nuances of the offense, and that’s big,” McDonald said, adding that hard work in the offseason has also made a difference.

That experience showed against South Miami. Marathon amassed 422 yards of total offense, with 375 coming on the ground at an average of 10.7 yards per carry. Jesus Gonzalez led the rushing attack with 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Machado added 82 yards and a score on seven carries, while Ruddy rushed eight times for 62 yards. Israel Gonzalez added 43 yards and a touchdown on just two carries, and Gabe Harper rushed twice for 36 yards and another score.

The Dolphins were efficient through the air as well. Gonzalez completed four of nine passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Machado on all four completions. Machado finished the night with 129 total yards and two touchdowns between his rushing and receiving efforts.

Defensively, Maverick McDonald and Aiden Lezcano led Marathon with seven tackles apiece, with Lezcano adding two quarterback hurries. Harper and Tripp Avera each came away with an interception.

The promising preseason performance comes as Marathon enters a new era in postseason competition. With the FHSAA eliminating its Rural classification this season, the Dolphins opted to compete as an independent. Rather than following the traditional district playoff path, Marathon will have an opportunity to qualify for the independent postseason based on its record and ranking.

The change is part of a much larger shakeup in Florida high school football, as schools across the state adjust to a new landscape shaped by classification changes, school choice and player movement. For some Keys programs, including Coral Shores, that has meant choosing a different path forward.

CORAL SHORES The Hurricanes picked up win No. 1 of the season with a 25-21 victory, and unlike the preseason wins and losses logged by their Keys neighbors, this one will remain in the record books. Coral Shores has exited the FHSAA in favor of the Sunshine State Athletic Association, making its season opener not only the first official game of the year, but an important conference matchup.

It was a move head coach Ed Holly did not make lightly.

The dynamics facing smaller schools factored into the decision, and when Coral Shores initially made the leap, programs were

Keys football teams earn preseason weekend sweep

1

6 7

9

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

4

“The veterans are really understanding the nuances of the offense, and that’s big.”

2

– Sean McDonald, Marathon head coach

3

5

8 9

1. The Coral Shores football team opened their season with a win.

2. Ekon Edwards 3. Sterling Keefe 4. Kevin Williams Jr. 5. Marathon cheerleader Amelia Perdomo.

6. Gabriel Harper stiff-arms a defender.

7. Jesus Gonzalez finds the gap.

8. Israel Gonzalez (8) and Garrett Ruddy (9) celebrate a touchdown.

9. Charlie Buttner (3) and Curren Nicolay (12) make a team tackle.

Photos by Sean Westerband, Natalie Goodwin and Natalie Danko

permitted to remain members of the FHSAA while also participating in the SSAA. That option changed after the Hurricanes made their decision, leaving Coral Shores outside the FHSAA and fully committed to its new path.

Holly sees plenty of reasons for optimism.

“The SSAA has a guaranteed playoff format for all teams. They regulate transfers and recruiting, and it’s a new, exciting opportunity for us to play new teams similar to ours and see the state,” he said.

That new era began with a test. Coral Shores trailed for much of its opener, but the Hurricanes did what they have traditionally done well: run the football and keep grinding.

David Beltran powered the Hurricanes’ run-heavy offense, scoring twice in the first half on gains of 12 and 15 yards. Coral Shores went into halftime trailing 14-12.

Quarterback Sterling Keefe added a 10-yard touchdown run, but the Hurricanes eventually found themselves trailing 21-18 and needing one more score.

They got it when it mattered most.

With just over 3-1/2 minutes remaining, Keefe led Coral Shores on an 80-yard drive, finishing it himself with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Hurricanes ahead 25-21 for good.

Coral Shores amassed 301 rushing yards, with Beltran accounting for 200 of them on 28 carries. He added five receptions for 77 yards to finish with 277 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Kevin Williams rushed nine times for 45 yards, while Charles Royal added 33 yards on five carries and hauled in a 25-yard reception. Keefe threw for 105 yards on just seven attempts in addition to his work on the ground.

Royal was equally disruptive on defense, registering five solo tackles, an assisted tackle, two pressures and a sack. Billy Holly and Ekon Edwards were also among the Hurricanes’ leading tacklers.

The win carried additional weight as Coral Shores’ first conference game in its new league. SSAA playoff rankings factor in a team’s overall record, conference performance and strength of schedule.

“Getting a conference win in week one is a huge confidence builder,” Holly said.

The Hurricanes also had to contend with a hot, humid and windy South Florida night on the turf, but they were not without support away from home.

“Coral Shores traveled well,” Holly said. “We had a big turnout.”

continued on the next page

10

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

10

11

12

13

10. Kelly Kasper leads a Conch charge.

11. Matthew Oviedo (5) and James Carey (71) on the scrimmage line with Jayson Michel (2).

12. Allens Alexandre fends off a Somerset defender.

13. Cain Hughes (32) makes sure Chace Gaertner (7) gets the touchdown.

14. Chace Gaertner breaks through the goal-line stand.

15. Khoa Nguyen (44) and Jakobe Williamson (6) stop Travis Jacinthe (2).

Photos by Rocky Gonet

from page 9

Next up, Miami Beach High School travels to Tavernier for a non-conference matchup before Coral Shores returns to conference play the following week against Westminster Academy. With unfamiliar opponents filling much of the schedule, preparation may be more challenging this season, but for the Hurricanes, that is part of the excitement of taking a new path.

14 15

KEY WEST Key West, meanwhile, will stay the course with the FHSAA, remaining in Class 3A District 16 and facing another daunting slate of opponents.

The Conchs will contend with perennial powers Miami Central, Jackson, Miami Springs and North Miami Beach, along with St. Brendan.

Gone from the district lineup is Miami Northwestern, whose Bulls have dominated in recent seasons, but there will be no shortage of challenges remaining on Key West’s schedule.

If the preseason was any indication, the Conchs appear ready for them.

Key West defeated Somerset Silver Palms 21-6 at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium, giving a packed and lively home crowd its first look at a team tasked with replacing a highly talented backfield from a season ago.

What the Conchs have up front should make that transition considerably easier.

Key West boasts a massive offensive line featuring Kelly Kasper, Allens Alexandre, Louden Garcia, center James Carey and Josh Johnson, who is expected to return to full contact in the coming weeks. With multiple members of the unit already committed to Division I programs, the line gives Key West a formidable foundation around which to build its offense.

Behind them, Chace Gaertner showed he may be ready to take on a much larger role. The featured back rushed for close to 150 yards against Somerset Silver Palms and scored twice, breaking loose for a 43-yard touchdown before adding another from six yards out.

Matthew Oviedo added close to 100 yards with a hard-running performance, while quarterback Roman Van Loon showed his own ability to pick up yards on keepers. Van Loon earned the start at quarterback but was forced to the sideline temporarily with cramping. Jayson Michel stepped in and kept the Conchs moving, punching in a 2-yard touchdown run in relief.

The heat has been an issue throughout the preseason, particularly for a Key West roster that will rely on numerous athletes to contribute on both sides of the ball.

“This felt like the hottest summer ever. It was unbelievable,” head coach Johnny Hughes said of preseason camp. “I guess it prepares you, but it was rough.”

For the Conchs, conditioning will be particularly important.

“With guys playing both ways like us, it’s going to be a factor,” Hughes said.

Key West’s defense gave the home crowd plenty to like as well, holding Somerset Silver Palms to six points while forcing a fumble and coming away with an interception. Luis Fernandez and Javi Perez were among the defensive standouts in the preseason victory.

The competition gets considerably more serious this week when Key West travels to Boca Raton for its regular-season opener. With a powerful offensive front, a new group of ball carriers beginning to establish itself and a defense that looked sharp in its first test, Hughes is eager to see how the Conchs match up when the games begin to count.

“It should be a good matchup,” he said.

11

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

SWIMMING DOWN MEMORY LANE Key West alumni reunite as Lori Bosco celebrates 30 years coaching the Conchs

I

t had been a decade since generations of Key West swimmers gathered for an alumni meet, but on Aug. 10, former Conchs had a reason to get back in the pool together.

The veterans made their return with an appropriate amount of self-deprecation, entering the College of the Florida Keys pool area by bursting through a breakaway banner emblazoned with “WASHED UP.” They took to the water for an evening designed to reconnect former teammates and celebrate the legacy of Key West swimming.

The reunion also provided an opportunity to recognize Lori Bosco, who is celebrating her 30th year coaching swimming at Key West High School.

Former assistant coach and longtime friend Judd Wise “had the pleasure of coaching with her for 14 years” and said her impact on the program extends well beyond the pool.

“She is a tireless worker. She is there for her swimmers,” Wise said. “She knows swimming, but more importantly, she

Top: Conch alumni pose for a photo after their first alumni meet 10 years ago.

Above: Longtime Key West swim coach Lori Bosco addresses the crowd Aug. 10 at the Key West Alumni Swim Meet Photos contributed

wanted her athletes to know they were students first and athletes second.”

Wise said the coaches emphasized doing things the right way, a philosophy they summed up for their swimmers with a simple saying: “Do it right, do it light; do it wrong, do it long.”

For many of the former swimmers, the meet offered an opportunity to reconnect with teammates they do not get to see nearly as often as they would like. The last alumni meet was held 10 years ago, making this year’s gathering a long-awaited return to the pool.

The alumni shared the evening with the current Key West swim team, alternating events with the Conchs as they swam 50-yard races and the 100 individual medley. The alumni did not compete directly against the current team, but the format gave Key West’s swimmers an opportunity to practice their starts and record some early-season times while sharing the pool with those who came before them.

The evening also included a tribute to former Conch swimmer AJ Hally and a moment of silence honoring other members of the Key West swimming family who died too young.

More than simply a return to competition, the alumni meet served as a celebration of the relationships built through the program and the generations of swimmers who have represented Key West High School. For a program spanning decades, the evening brought past and present together in the same pool, even if one group was willing to admit it was a little more “washed up” than the other.

Cayo Provisions sponsored the meet by covering the pool fee, while Berkshire Hathaway sponsored a potluck pizza party following the swimming events.

12

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Misfit located at 504 Angela Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Jennifer Portier of Blanche Enterprises, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: August 20 & 27, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-CP-000313-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAM JONES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Charles William Jones, deceased, whose date of death was May 4, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s.

732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is: August 20, 2026.

Personal Representative: Susan Kurdziel 21072 6th Avenue Cudjoe Key, FL 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Dawn Ellis, Esq., Attorney for Personal Representative E-mail Address: Dawn@ MyFloridaProbate.com Florida Bar Number: 091979 My Florida Probate, PA Dawn Ellis, Esq., for the firm P.O. Box 952 Floral City, FL 34436-0952 (352) 726-5444 Publish: August 20 & 27, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000404-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARVIN A. BLUMENFELD Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARVIN A. BLUMENFELD, deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000404-P; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: AUGUST 13, 2026.

Personal Representatives: JEFFRY A. BLUMENFELD 290 Laramie Blvd.

Boulder, CO 80304 jeff@blumenfeldpr.com ROBERT M. BLUMENFELD 12 Robin Hill Road Mount Kisco, NY 10549 bobby@blumenfeldgroup.com Attorney for Personal Representatives: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, P.A. JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: August 13 & 20, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Plaintiff Vs. MICHAEL T. GUERRA, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Oresme Gil Guerra, Defendant AMENDED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE (TO CORRECT A SCRIVENER’S ERROR) NOTICE IS HEREBY given that pursuant to a Writ of Execution issued in the Circuit Court, of Miami Dade County, Florida, on the 19th day of March, 2026, in the cause wherein ALEX JESUS ANTON, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Beatriz Rodriguez Guerra is Plaintiff and MICHAEL T. GUERRA, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Oresme Gil Guerra, was defendant, being Case No. 2022-002703-CP-02 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 The following described land, situate, lying and being in Monroe County, Florida, to-wit: Legal Description: Lot 12, Block 32A, BIG PINE COVE, as recorded in Plat Book 3, page 131, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida.

AND A tract of baybottom land in Bogie Channel, East of and adjacent to Lot 12, Block 32A, BIG PINE COVE, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 3, page 131, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCING at the N.E. corner of Block 32 of SANDS SUBDIVISION, as recorded in Plat Book 1, page 65, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and bear East for a distance of 540 feet, more or less, to the mean High Water Mark of Bogie Channel; continue to bear East for a distance of 400 feet; thence bear South 112.1 feet, to the Point of Beginning of the tract of baybotton hereinafter described; thence continue to bear South 87.9 feet to a point; thence bear West for a distance of 280 feet, more or less, back to the mean High Water Mark along the Easterly boundary of Lot 12, Block 32A, of the aforesaid BIG PINE COVE; thence meander the Mean High Water Mark in a Northwesterly direction to a point due West from the Point of Beginning, thence bear East back to the Point of Beginning.

Property Address: 31641 Avenue D., Big Pine Key, FL 33043 (the “property”) Parcel ID/Folio# 00308710-000000 All bidders must have a valid Driver’s License with them and must register with the civil 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 30th day of September 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 the exact amount of the bid, 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 14th day of August, 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 days prior to the proceeding at (305)809-3041 Publish: August 20 & 27 and September 3 & 10, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

not known to be dead or alive, his several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through, or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Complaint has been filed against you by the Plaintiff in the above-style court for the purpose of quieting title to the following described property situate and being in Monroe County, Florida: Parcel 1: The Northeasterly one-half (1/2) of the following described parcel of land: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West, being a part of Tract 5 according to William A. Whitehead's map delineated in February, A.D. 1829, said land being more particularly described as a part of Lot 7 of Block 2 of W.C. Maloney's Estate Subdivision according to Plat Book 1, Page 2 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCE at the intersection of the Northeasterly Right-ofWay line of Elizabeth Street and the Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street and thence N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 71.00 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, said point being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence continue N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S13°50'04"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.26 feet to the Southwesterly corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S76°21'50"W for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Southeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence N13°50'04"W along the Northeasterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe

County, Florida, for a distance of 100.25 feet back to the Point of Beginning ("Parcel 1").

Parcel 2: The Southwesterly one-half (1/2) of the following described parcel of land: A parcel of land on the Island of Key West, being a part of Tract 5 according to William A. Whitehead's map delineated in February, A.D. 1829, said land being more particularly described as a part of Lot 7 of Block 2 of W.C. Maloney's Estate Subdivision according to Plat Book 1, Page 2 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows: COMMENCE at the intersection of the Northeasterly Right-ofWay line of Elizabeth Street and the Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street and thence N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 71.00 feet to the Northeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, said point being the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land hereinafter described; thence continue N76°09'56"E along the said Southeasterly Right-of-Way line of Olivia Street for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Northwesterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S13°50'04"E along the Southwesterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.26 feet to the Southwesterly corner of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3179, at Page 968 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence S76°21'50"W for a distance of 3.00 feet to the Southeasterly corner of the lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida; thence N13°50'04"W along the Northeasterly boundary line of the said lands described in Official Records Book 3157, at Page 2228 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, for a distance of 100.25 feet back to the Point of Beginning YOU ARE REQUIRED to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard J. McChesney, Esq., Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood, & Sterling, PLLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 500 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040, on or before the following date: September 14th, 2026, and to file the original with the Clerk of the Court either before 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 7TH day of August, 2026.

Kevin Madok, CPA as Clerk of the Court By: Britney Bethel as Deputy Clerk Publish: August 13, 20 & 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the vessel below will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed for storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 328.17.

SALE DATE: August 28, 2026 at 10AM LOCATION: Caloosa Cove Marina, 73501 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036 VESSEL: 1986 Catalina Sailboat, HIN: CTN3361G586, Registration: FL5492GX BALANCE DUE: $9,257.04 OWNER: Michael Zutevez Caloosa Cove Marina reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.

Publish: August 13 & 20, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (from Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) 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 V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing angela@fla-keys.com.

Completed applications should be emailed to angela@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 20, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2022-002703-CP-02 ALEX JESUS ANTON, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Beatriz Rodriguez Guerra

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity: INVITATION TO BID (ITB) GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: ITB-27-01

GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: SYSTEMWIDE PAVEMENT REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance.

Publish: August 20, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE#: 44-2026-CA-000780-KW JUDGE: TIMOTHY J. KOENIG PINEAPPLE HOUSE LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, DAVID RICHARD STACK AND TREVA STACK, Plaintiff, Vs. ROBERT H. GIVENS, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under or against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or not known be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming by, through or under those unknown natural persons; and the several and respective unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees or any other person claiming by, through, under or against any named defendant; and all claimants, persons or parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact legal status is unknown, claiming under any of the abovenamed or described defendants or parties or claiming to have any right, title or interest in and to the lands hereinafter described, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: ROBERT H. GIVENS, deceased, his unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors, and all other parties claiming by, through, under and against the aforesaid parties; and all unknown natural persons, if alive, and if dead or

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: RFQ-27-01

GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance.

Publish: August 20, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-790-K KASSANDRA MAE MANGUBAT, Petitioner, and NAJEE D. STITH, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: NAJEE D. STITH RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it

13

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

PUPPIES FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

YARD SALES

on KASSANDRA MAE MANGUBAT, whose address is 3333 DUCK AVE, APT. G101, KEY WEST, FL 33040 on or before SEPTEMBER 10, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: August 4, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Britney Bethel Deputy Clerk Publish: August 13, 20 & 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Publish: August 20 & 27 and September 3 & 10, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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.

ANNUAL RENTAL - Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/month 7 8 6 - 2 5 8 - 3 1 2 7

MOM & DAD HAD BABIES! German Shepards For Sale.

Avail. in September w/ health certificate. Duck Key resident. Call Glenn at 305-481-1316 or Email glenn.3232@yahoo.com

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

YARD SALE: SAT & SUN 8/22 - 8/23 11am- 5pm. 217 Coral Rd. MM86.8, Ocean off old rd. Couch w/elec. recliners, chairs, bench, ladder, new King sheet sets, New King bed in bags, towels, New flash lights, glassware, baskets, Americana, Wicker Shelf, storage units, towers, 3 pc. patio set, office supplies, Lucite flyer racks, new color copy paper & lots more!!!

NO EARLY BIRDS!

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 26-DR-902-P CLAIRE GUAZZELLI SEHNERT, OBO LCL, Petitioner, and In Re: Name Change, Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD) TO: PHILIP LOVKA III RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 1530 TALLY CIRCLE, OVIEDO, FL YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD) has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on CLAIRE GUAZZELLI SEHNERT, whose address is 178 CORAL AVE, TAVERNIER, FL 33070 on or before SEPTEMBER 21, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 88770 Overseas Hwy, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

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

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: August 17, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Katherine Soto Deputy Clerk

AUTOS WANTED AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483 BOAT SLIP/RACK FOR RENT Boat Slip &/or Rack For Rent in Marathon at The Boat House, Vaca Key. Call Tony 561-346-6400 PLACE YOUR BOAT SLIP FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com EMPLOYMENT HIRING: Office A d m i n i s t r a t o r 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 HANDYMAN WANTEDSeeking a reliable handyman in Marathon for general home repairs & misc. maintenance items. This is a part time position and hours may vary. Must be dependable, expierenced, and have references.

Call 305-395-0478 Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a Line Cook. 20-30 hours a week at a private club, primarily dinner shifts, Tuesday-Saturday. $24/hr or negotiable based on experience. Must provide photo ID, social security card, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

Experienced FT 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.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Journeyman Electrician, Protective Service Aide, Grounds Caretaker, Custodian (Marathon), HCV Assistant, Superintendent (Middle & Upper Keys), Assistant Project Manager. 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.

LOOKING FOR EXTRA CASH? Part-time help needed in Marathon & Lower Keys. Must be able to lift 50-70 lbs.

Starting pay $22.25/ hour. Pay rate will rise at intervals.

305-743-5555 catlabflkeys@gmail.com HIRED!!!

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, evening shifts TuesSaturday, 4-8 pm. Pay raise negotiable if you can also help with prep work. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Email office@ marathonyachtclub.com or call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview.

HIRED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!!

Specialty Hardware of Marathon - Looking for full time or part time person.

Hardware knowledge an absolute must. Must have knowledge of hardware, plumbing and electrical. Apply in person at 10730 Overseas Hwy. Marathon 1-305-743-3382 HIRED!!!

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com

2 BR / 1 BA for rent in Key Colony Beach. 800 Sq Ft, fully furnished, public beach access and tennis/ pickleball courts nearby.

6 month min. $2,975/ month F/L/S 786-285-9476 3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach.

75' premium dock. $4,000/month + utilities.

F/L/S 786-229-0228 LONG TERM RENTALS: EFFICIENCY, $1,400/ month, 1 Bedroom $1,950/ mo, 2 Bedroom $2,200 limited elect. included.

Located in Marathon. On the water, gated property.

Section 8 possible. First/ Security Call 305-610-8002 Studio Rental in Marathon, long-term, partially furnished, price includes internet, water, electric gas, garbage, pest, and lawn @ $1,800/ mo + utilities. Call or text 305-433-0515 RENTED!!!

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy!

Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com LOT FOR SALE Lot with active permits.

Stilts in place. Save money, time, hassles with this private (Hammocks behind, no rear neighbors, ocean beyond) lot cleared, electric, walk to Harry Harris, boat ramp, beach.

186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. $350,000 OBO Owner/Agent 305-9339594 Contigius lot avail.

MISC. FOR SALE Scooter For Sale excellent condition, 7,541 miles, all service records, individually owned. $400 OBO. Located in Key West.

Call Denny 305-294-5568

HOUSING FOR RENT CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

VACATION RENTAL

2 BR/2 BA Half Duplex for rent in Key Colony Beach.

On canal with dockage.

Newly renovated & furnished. 3 - 6 month rental. $5,500 month for Winter 26/27.

Call 239-285-1639

TURN YOUR CARDS INTO CASH! Marathon collector buying any and all Pokemon cards & collections.

Call 401-256-0645.

YARD SALES

YARD SALES

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, RISK MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC RECORDS MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE The Monroe County Attorney's Office is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Executive Assistant to support the County's Risk Management and Public Records functions. This position provides essential administrative support to the Risk Manager and County Attorney's Office staff, ensuring that insurance schedules, claim files, and public records responses are handled accurately, confidentially, and in full compliance with Florida law.

The salary range for this position is $55,354 to $85,798, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Monroe County offers an excellent benefits package and is a member of the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

Apply online: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV/JOBS. For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305-292-4554.

Deadline: open until filled. Veteran’s Preference Available. E.O.E.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

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 eliteboatrentalsmatt@gmail.com.

Please include contact information and any relevant experience.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER 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.

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

14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / AUGUST 20, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 YARD SALES

YARD SALES

SARA’S ESTATE SALE: SUMMER SPLASH This estate sale is for beer makers, wine lovers, food growers & DIYers who embrace a coastal vibe and love every shade of blue!

The sale is Fri & Sat, Aug 21 and 22 from 9a to 1p at 354 96th St, Marathon. Raised bed planters, pots, composter & huge smoker plus porch fridge & freezer, canning jars. Full size frangipani & pineapple plants for sale. Lots of totes! Full complement of Ryobi tools, plus vac, air compressor, etc. and camo hunting gear. Beautiful nautical art, pretty L-shape blue couch, white king

bed/mattress & bunkbed/ mattress & nautical sideboard. Home office: desk, bookcases, monitor, supplies, crafts. Home brew kits and all the accessories for enjoying wine at home. So much bedding and small appliances i.e. rolling room ac, dehumidifier, tower fan, treadmill (fits under bed!), carpet cleaner, etc. Follow the signs and park with consideration.

PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com

NOW HIRING: EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT WHO IS DEDICATED TO CHILDREN'S CARE! Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? Our Dental Center is looking for a Chairside Dental Assistant to join our dedicated team delivering Dental Care in the Florida Keys across multiple sites.

Candidate must have dental experience and being bi-lingual is a plus.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a promise to our Kids. You’ll work hands-on with children who may otherwise go without essential dental treatment. Services are delivered at multiple school and office sites countywide. This program brings high-quality, accessible care directly to patients who need it most.

• Position is in the Florida Keys, full Time (4 days per week) • Competitive hourly wage + health insurance + travel pay • Work with compassionate professionals in a supportive team Send your resume to michael@keysahec.org

WE’RE HIRING 3

NEW KEY LARGO LOCATION NOW OPEN: PIZZA MAKERS

A Great Place to Bank, is a Great Place to WORK!

MARATHON: PIZZA MAKERS

Key West

Full Time Teller

Pizza maker experience is a must. Applicant must be self-motivated, quick learner and team player.

Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience.

Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

Stock Island

Full Time Teller Assistant Branch Operations Manager

WITH HAZMAT ENDORSEMENT

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Rockland Key ask for Cheryl, 305-296-5606 ext 126

NOW HIRING! wants you to join their team!

RETAIL GIFT SHOP ASSOCIATE Full-time. $19/hour to start.

EMAIL resume to: TurtleHospital@TurtleHospital.org APPLY in person: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

Islamorada

Customer Service Representative Assistant Branch Operations Manager

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Apply Online @

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)

KeysBank.com/Careers

Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $48.47/hr. - $54.28/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.

NOW HIRING CDL DRIVER

SUNSET GRILLE NOW HIRING BARTENDERS WAIT STAFF - HOST/HOSTESS BUS PERSONS Apply in person at

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR EOE-M/F/V/D

7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers

• TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT • GUEST SERVICES

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission.

Affordable employee housing available.

Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

15

AUGUST 20, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844

D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals.

Overtime and benefits are available.

Home Décor Sales Consultant Customer-focused sales professional with experience in retail or customer service.

Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Help customers discover pieces that turn everyday spaces into something special.

Kitchen Design Specialist Individual who brings creativity, functionality, and style together in kitchen and bath design.

Design kitchens that become the heart of the home.

For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

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 NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 53 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 (Child, FT) Case Manager (Adult)

KEY WEST Crisis Counselor (PT) *Mental Health Technician (FT)

MARATHON Maintenance Specialist (FT) Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT) Registered Nurse (PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT, PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (FT, 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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Cardiology, Upper Keys, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Ortho, Key West, $5k Bonus - Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST - Director Nursing Services, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Outpatient Procedures, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Scheduler, Operations Support Key West, $5k Bonus - Pool Radiation Therapist

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem - Clinical Partner, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $3k Bonus - Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Customer Service & Membership Coordinator, Mariners Wellness Center - Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, (CT & X Ray), $25k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem, 7A-3:30P - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - 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: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACROSS 1. Thanksgiving tubers 5. ____ Patrol 8. Boohoos 12. Burn soothing plant 13. “Frat Pack” member Wilson 14. ____ ligation 15. Sound an alarm 16. Marvin, Majors and Greenwood 17. O. Henry’s specialty 18. *Marilyn Monroe: “Happy Birthday, Mr. ____” 20. Sporting sword 21. Blue pencil marks 22. Knight’s title 23. *One for every year 26. Custodian 30. Be in debt 31. Stay clear of 34. Accompanies relief 35. #1 Down, pl.

37. Owned 38. Subway in Paris 39. Shore extension 40. Per ____ 42. Even, poetic 43. City in Netherlands 45. Like voice during laryngitis 47. Barents or Laptev, e.g.

48. Noah’s passengers 50. Type of code 52. *Astrological sign for those born on New Year’s Eve 56. Black one and white one, for Tchaikovsky 57. Crematorium jars 58. “The Odyssey,” e.g.

59. Make this, not waste 60. Let it stand, to proofreader 61. Governmental space agency, acr.

62. The windows to the soul 63. Money in Myanmar 64. Theodora or Dorothea

DOWN 1. Bark or yelp 2. Relating to armpit 3. *”...and many ____” 4. Detected 5. *Like 16 6. Hiking sandals of a certain brand 7. Of the present month 8. *Greeting to the birthday honoree, sometimes 9. Bassoon cousin 10. Misery cause 11. Canny 13. Dated tunes 14. Make a logical connection (2 words) 19. Runs without moving 22. Lumberjack’s tool 23. Another word for nutria 24. Look forward to 25. Not as old 26. George Lucas’ warrior-monk 27. Concentration of a solution lab test 28. Shrek and Fiona, e.g.

29. Cotes du ____, wine region 32. Online room 33. As opposed to mishap 36. *”We want your presence, not your ____” 38. New Zealandian minority 40. Cuban dance syllable 41. *Quench it with punch 44. Precedes desist 46. Antonym of descent 48. *Traditional birthday celebration 49. Sleeper’s woe 50. Up, up and there 51. Level a building 52. Crescent point 53. Colorful fish 54. Greet the judge, e.g.

55. March Madness org.

56. Pronoun

CONCRETE CONCRETE MADE TO LAST

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

GET IN TOUCH

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

Key West

Call us for all ready-mix concrete, block, aggregate, rebar and bagged good needs.

Monroe Concrete 155 Toppino Industrial Drive Key West, 305-296-9934 Monroe Concrete Marathon 1500 107th Street Gulf Marathon, 305-743-5800