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Upper Keys Weekly 26-0903

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“Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.”

September 3, 2026

GENERATION TO GENERATION

Hammon has spent decades teaching in the pool | P. 16 RESTORING ALLIGATOR LIGHT Beloved landmark will soon see attention | P. 10 CUT THE CAMERAS Governor’s decision draws scrutiny | P. 4

Hear More. Live More. Love Every Moment. September is a perfect time to reconnect with the conversations, laughter and everyday sounds that make life feel full. Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation with Dr. Michelle today!

Scan this on your phone to connect directly with Proudly serving the Florida Keys as your trusted hearing healthcare provider! KEY WEST 1010 Kennedy Dr., Ste. 305 In the Kennedy Center

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CALL TODAY TO START YOUR JOURNEY! (305) 247-8227 Visit us online at heardrmichelle.com to learn more about how Dr. Michelle can help!

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

NEW LISTING 100 IROQUOIS DR. 5, ISLAMORADA

NEW LISTING EXEC BAY CONDO #J6, ISLAMORADA

PRICE NEW REDUCED LISTING 74560 WET BUILDING OVERSEASRIGHT, HWY, ISLAMORADA ISLAMORADA

3BR/3BA - 1,710 SQ. FT. - $999,999 MM 74/OCEANSIDE

3BR/2BA - 1,400 SQ. FT. - $999,000 MM 87/BAYSIDE

$500,000 - VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA

NANCY HERSHOFF 305.393.4061

ALINA DAVIS 305.393.0541

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PRICE REDUCED 4 SHORE DR., SADDLEBUNCH

PRICE REDUCED 88540 OVERSEAS HWY #304, PLANTATION KEY

PRICE REDUCED 8775 20 TH ST, LOT 249, VERO BEACH

2BR/2BA - 1,010 SQ. FT. - $630,000 MM15/BAYSIDE

2BR/2BA - 853 SQ. FT. - $619,995 MM88.5/BAYSIDE

2BR/2BA - 1,320 SQ. FT. - $59,000

ELIZABETH JOLIN 305.393.0994

ELIZABETH JOLIN 305.393.0994

PATTI STANLEY 305.393.4433

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 139 GIMPY GULCH, ISLAMORADA

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 352 SOUND DR., KEY LARGO

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 77340 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA

6BR/6BA/3HALF BA - 6,573 SQ FT $13,900,000 - MM 87/BAYSIDE

4BR/3.5BA - 3,622 SQ. FT. $5,199,000 - MM 103/OCEANSIDE

2BR/2BA - 928 SQ. FT. - $3,999,999 MM 75/BAYSIDE

THE NEWMAN TEAM BRETT NEWMAN 305.393.1770

JESUS PARRA 786-282-9281 ALINA DAVIS 305-393-0541

ELIZABETH JOLIN 305.393.0994

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 105 PALO DE ORO DR., ISLAMORADA

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 168 INDIAN MOUND TRAIL, PLANTATION KEY

LUXURY ISLAND PROPERTY 149 LAKE RD, PLANTATION KEY

5BR/3BA - 2,640 SQ. FT. - $3,995,000 MM 86/BAYSIDE

4BR/3BA - 3,204 SQ. FT. - $3,700,000 MM 89/BAYSIDE

3BR/2BA - 2,312 SQ. FT. - $2,750,000 MM 89.5/BAYSIDE

JAMIE ENGEL 305.394.2500 TAYLOR ENGEL 305.393.1232

CAROLINE HENDRIX 786.847.3705

ALINA DAVIS 305.393.0541

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


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Keys Kids Health Centers, we made a promise: every Welcome Dr. Zuba! At child who walks through our doors will be seen, heard,

Welcome Dr. Tabassian!

and cared no matter their family's circumstances.

A child's smile is priceless. So is their health. But for too many families, a toothache or a fever brings a quieter fear: what will this cost us? That fear makes parents wait, hope it passes on its own, and sometimes choose between their child's health and the rent or groceries. We've seen it firsthand, a kindergartner quietly living with a toothache because her parents didn't know where to turn, and couldn't have afforded it if they had. A small cavity left untreated until it became a painful, costly emergency. Never because a parent didn't care. Only because they were afraid of the bill.

Dr. Stanley Zuba has spent nearly thirty years as the pediatrician Keys families trust, caring for children at Florida Keys Pediatric & Adolescent Center in Tavernier since 1997. A Fellow of the American Academy of �ediatrics and board�certified since 1990, he trained at Cook County Children's Hospital in Chicago and has served as Medical Director of Island Dolphin Care for over 25 years. Dr. Zuba is now joining Keys Kids Health Centers, continuing his commitment to ensuring every child in the Florida Keys has a doctor who knows them.

A Promise of Health Care for Our Kids! So we changed the story. Every child we see is treated at no/low cost to their family, before small problems become painful ones. No forms standing in the way, no bill waiting at the end of the appointment, just a child who gets to keep smiling, and a parent who gets to breathe a little easier.

That's what this promise really protects: not just a child's teeth or health, but their family's peace of mind and future. No family should ever have to choose between their child's health and food on the table. We can't keep this promise alone. It's kept by everyone who believes our kids are worth investing in...every donor, every partner, every person who trusts us with their child's care.

Dr. Lilia Tabassian is excited to join the team at Keys Kids Health Centers, bringing compassionate dental care to children throughout the Florida Keys. A Florida native, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and earned her dental degree with honors from the prestigious �arvard School of Dental Medicine, followed by a two-year Advanced Education in �eneral �entistry residency in Nashville, Tennessee. There she developed a passion for public health and for helping young patients feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair. Dr. Tabassian believes every visit is an opportunity to build trust with a child.

Quitting Tobacco T Protects Protects More Than Your Y Lungs You Y Yo u may be eligible for a free Low-Dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening through Keys AHEC Health Centers

it tobacco, u q o t s p e your taking st If you're ready investing in you're al alth. future he

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Ask your TTS if you qualify qualify: f :

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Are you between 35–80 years old Current smoker, r or quit within the past 5 years No Symptoms of Lung Cancer Willing & Able to be referred

In Partnership with

Working together to improve cancer prevention, education, and early detection throughout our community..

&YU

keysahec.org

305-743-7111 Ext 205 TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/QuitYourWay.


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

45

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 BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @KeysWeekly @theWeekly Members of

Books written by Theodore Roosevelt, including his autobiography, a biography of Oliver Cromwell and his best-selling personal memoir of the Spanish-American War, “The Rough Riders.”

Swim instructor Colleen Hammon works with Layne Wagner, 3, during a morning lesson at Founders Park pool on Aug. 31. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

PLATE CAMERAS – USED TO FIGHT CRIME, FIND THE MISSING – ORDERED TAKEN DOWN Governor’s decision comes with a safety cost, sheriffs say JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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or decades, law enforcement agencies in Florida have used a key piece of equipment to track and arrest criminals. They’re known as automated license plate readers (ALPR), and they’re even used to help locate an abducted child, a missing elderly person or stolen car. Ongoing national public outcry over the proliferation of these cameras and privacy concerns, however, prompted Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to revoke all permits for automated license plate readers used by police on state rights of way. An Aug. 31 memorandum from Will Watts, chief operating officer and assistant secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, states all automated license plate readers, like Flock Safety cameras, must be removed within 30 days. Those readers not removed within the established timeframe will be removed by FDOT, the memorandum reads. “While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” the memorandum reads. Discontinuing the use of ALPRs in the Sunshine State has many Florida sheriffs criticizing the decision made by the DeSantis administration. Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said the move essentially eliminates the most effective crime-fighting tool for law enforcement. “They make the community safer.

Automated license plate reader systems are used by law enforcement agencies as a tool to fight crime. They snap photos of a passing car, including license plate number. Police use the searchable logs to look for stolen vehicles or track down suspects. Generated photo

I think in this case, the governor is making a quick, irrational decision that is going to affect the safety of the state of Florida,” Ramsay told Keys Weekly. “As a result, this will only help criminals and will make communities less safe and secure and make it harder for law enforcement to find abducted children and respond to Silver and Amber Alerts.” Ramsay said the sheriff’s office has license plate readers on the state right of way, although they’re not the Flock Safety camera brand. But they operate the same: The reader obtains pictures of a vehicle’s license plate and the vehicle. If the owner of the vehicle has an outstanding arrest warrant, the system will notify law enforcement. If the car owner’s license is suspended, it will alert deputies. “The goal is to get criminals off the streets, so they don’t hurt citizens here or abroad,” Ramsay said. Days before the Aug. 31 memorandum, DeSantis offered comments that were critical of automated license plate readers. Much of the attention nationally has surrounded the Flock Safety cameras. More than 7,000 law enforcement agencies use Flock cameras. Some critics, including the Ameri-

can Civil Liberties Union, say tracking every passing vehicle violates personal privacy without individual consent. “I’m all about having law enforcement to have the tools to hold criminals accountable. But I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state,” DeSantis said during an Aug. 26 press conference at Florida International University. “Whether it’s online with digital surveillance or with cameras, at what point are we just going to be free to not have to deal with any of that? I think it needs to be overhauled for sure.” Before FDOT’s memorandum went out, and before DeSantis’ comments, a large group of state and national law enforcement associations issued a joint statement on how the technology is used every day in communities across the nation, and more importantly how it saves lives. “When a child is missing, a trafficking victim is being moved across jurisdictions, or a violent offender is on the road, every minute matters,” the joint statement reads. “ALPR technology gives investigators a critical lead in seconds — helping law enforcement find someone in danger, identify a dangerous suspect or connect a vehicle to a serious crime before that opportunity is lost.” The joint statement included the Association of State Criminal Investigation Agencies, Major County Sheriffs of America, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, National Sheriff’s Association and the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Directors Association. The Florida Sheriffs Association tried to engage in dialogue with the governor’s office about ALPRs in hopes of addressing the concerns and allowing law enforcement to keep using the equipment. It never came to fruition. Like Ramsay, sheriffs throughout the state have been outspoken about the governor’s decision. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

CAMERAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 “They simply sit in a public place and catch the bad guys,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “To be clear, this technology has helped apprehend murderers and robbers, and saved children from being abducted and found missing people,” said Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. During a recent press conference, Attorney General James Uthmeier said there’s a balance between putting criminals in jail and ensuring these cameras aren’t placed all over communities. But he also said the technology has gone too far with law enforcement officers misusing the database. In Monroe County, deputies twice used the equipment beyond their legal scope of employment. Ramsay said the sheriff’s office identified, investigated and fired former deputy Jennifer Ketcham for using her computer to forward confidential information to suspected drug dealers. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced last November to three years in prison followed by five years probation. There was also the case last March of a deputy who used his com-

puter and license plate reader to pull over a woman he met during a filming of “Bad Monkey” on Big Pine Key. The former deputy, Lamar Roman, was working off-duty security when he ran into the woman. He used the license plate reader system to track the woman who attempted to reject his advances. He ended up speeding — and nearly caused a head-on collision — to intercept her. Roman is currently in a 24-month pretrial diversion program. Ramsay said both officers had their certifications revoked, meaning they will never be officers again. “We’re holding people accountable and we’re being transparent when people are misusing their equipment,” he said. Some argue the governor’s decision is hypocritical, especially given that Florida’s toll roads use the same ALPR equipment to collect money. Florida’s Turnpike relies on cameras and advanced equipment to collect tolls electronically as vehicles pass. Sensors at tolling points determine the number of axles on each vehicle, which establishes the appropriate toll amounts. “This generates millions of dollars

for the state. He (the governor) wants to keep financial generation of funds for the state, and is willing to invade privacy to make money,” Ramsay said. And Ramsay argues the cameras on tolled highways are even more invasive to one’s privacy. Not only do they get a vehicle’s license plate, but they also take pictures of the person behind the wheel and any passengers. ALPR cameras used by the sheriff’s office only get images of the license plate and vehicle, and not an upclose look inside. Contrary to what the governor said, Ramsay said FDOT keeps the information they capture via ALPRs on tolled roads for up to three years. That data has helped law enforcement in many criminal investigations, Ramsay said. “When he (the governor) says the data collected is used to write a ticket, he’s either uninformed or being less than truthful,” Ramsay said. “The data is used by all law enforcement. All they have to do is contact the state and get the information. We’ve used it countless times for criminal investigations to see where they’re going, what car they’re in, who the driver is to possibly ID the suspect.”

Ramsay said the sheriff’s office will take down the cameras and won’t buck the governor. He said the license plate readers are efficient when they’re located close to the road, and placing them anywhere outside of the right of way wouldn’t be of use to law enforcement. He reiterated his disagreement with what he called a terrible public safety decision. “This will go down as one of the worst decisions in his career as governor,” Ramsay said. “If it’s broken, let’s fix it and make it better. But his answer was emotional, reactionary and politically outspoken.” Ramsay added if the state wants license plate readers off state rights of-way, they should also take down readers on tolled highways. “He says it’s not OK to use for the safety and security of a community, but it’s OK to generate money.” DeSantis said he was hoping the Florida Legislature would discuss the matter, and more specifically his AI Bill of Rights legislation during session. The Senate passed the bill but the Florida House never took it up. FDOT’s memorandum states it will also deny any future requests for ALPR systems within its jurisdiction.


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES TENTATIVE BUDGET Superintendent gets rave reviews FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

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onroe County School Board members approved a proposed spending plan for the next fiscal year and a millage rate during an Aug. 25 meeting at Coral Shores. While the millage rate decreased to the lowest number in more than a decade, the 2026-27 proposed budget went up by 3.8%. The largest part of the increase is going toward teacher and staff salaries and benefits. The proposed budget of $179,920,680 is an increase of $6.5 million from last year. The safety and security line item topped $4 million for the first time. The proposed total millage rate is 2.817, which is 0.13 less than last year, or about $20.82 for every $10,000 of assessed property value. If a taxpayer sees a higher dollar amount on this year’s tax bill, it’s due to an increase in the property’s assessed value. The board will hold a final budget hearing at Marathon High School on Tuesday, Sept. 8. In other matters, the school board members completed Superintendent Ed Tierney’s initial performance review. They unanimously commended his knowledge, initiative and leadership. School board members offered scores ranging from 3, meeting requirements, to 5, outstanding on everything from understanding the budget, promoting the district mission, maintaining high

ethical standards and improving reading proficiency among young learners. “Your evaluation was impressive. It was an incredible first year, and incredibly excited for the second year,” school board member Mindy Conn said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody in their first year get an evaluation like this and I hope you stay with us for a long time to come.” Board member Darren Horan said Tierney is the “most transparent person you could ever imagine.” “He’s always available to the community. You look up transparency in the future, and you’ll see a picture of Ed Tierney,” he said. Chairman John Dick requested the attorney draw up a new contract with the superintendent, extending it another year. School board members are expected to review a new contract at the next board meeting. “Being here is better than what I thought it would be. We’re thrilled to be here and hope to be here a long time,” said Tierney. Tierney and Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo presented a report on academic performance with special notice of improvements in language arts across the district. School board member Sue Woltanski noted that some of the statistical gains might have come from a loss of students who were English language learners. “I’m really proud of the gains that were made, but we’re going to need to know how much of that is a popu-

School board members gave Superintendent Ed Tierney a glowing evaluation during the Aug. 25 meeting at Coral Shores High School. Keys Weekly file photo

lation change,” she said. Acevedo also pointed out that 64% of the eligible students earn college credit, career certifications or both. The majority of students work and learn well above the typical high school level. Tierney emphasized the importance of good science and math programs with strong teachers in the third and fourth grades because it is difficult to catch up later. Many students and parents know that Florida’s Bright Futures program, funded by the lottery, can provide tuition assistance as a reward for good test scores, academic performance and community service. The SAT score of 1330, providing full tuition in a Florida state school when combined with other criteria, is a goal for many students. Tierney emphasized that there are other ways to earn Bright Futures awards. Students who take advanced placement courses throughout high

school can be exempt from the testing requirements for the highest level of Bright Futures awards if they earn a score of three or higher on four AP exams plus specialized research and seminar courses available online. They can earn what is called the AP capstone diploma and receive higher weighted scores on their grade point average. Monroe County students also can take advantage of dual enrollment with the College of the Florida Keys. This program allows high school students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously at no cost for tuition, registration or standard lab fees. There are grade point entry requirements. Some career technical education courses qualify for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment courses have a higher weighted grade point value when figuring the high school GPA. It is possible for students to earn an associate’s degree through dual enrollment that meets the core requirements for Florida colleges and universities. In this academic year, high school students in the district can begin working toward an advanced international certificate of education (AICE) diploma. The program is popular throughout Florida because the Legislature exempted successful AICE diploma students from the Bright Futures standardized test requirements. Students must successfully complete at least seven AICE courses across specific subject areas. They also complete 100 hours of approved volunteer service or paid work to receive the full Bright Futures tuition benefit.

FOUNDERS BASEBALL FIELD PROJECT SECURES PERMIT JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

The Founders Park baseball field will undergo improvements with a new artificial turf installed by Keystar Construction. File photo

ork to upgrade the baseball field at Islamorada’s Founders Park is up to the plate. Islamorada Manager Ron Saunders said the village issued a permit to the Monroe County School District’s contractor, Keystar, to begin the removal of the existing natural grass field and fencing. Considered the first phase of renovations to the baseball facility, Keystar will install a new artificial surface, fencing, dugouts and batting cages. The field serves as the home to the Coral Shores High School baseball program. The $3.8 million project, led by the school district on village property, saw years of discussions among stakeholders in the community. There was also an impasse which lasted months among the governing entities regarding the project’s oversight and control. A license use agreement, which details the respective

rights and obligations of the village and school district related to reconstruction and use of the baseball field, was finally agreed to by the governing boards in late July. The consensus came following a rare joint meeting several days before between the school board and village council. “At the end of the day, I think the most important thing is the safety of the kids in getting this field right,” councilwoman Anna Richards said. Saunders said the village’s building department is coordinating with Keystar Construction on design plans for site work preparation for field drainage and new dugouts. The upgrades are expected to be ready in time for the upcoming baseball season. The project initially included a two-story facility behind home plate for concessions, bathrooms and a press box. Questions and concerns over the building led village and school officials to put that on hold.


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

LINE WORKERS HOSPITALIZED FOLLOWING SHOCK INCIDENT JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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lorida Keys Electric Cooperative said three line workers were taken to the hospital after they were shocked while working on an underground electrical feed on Plantation Key on Aug. 31. The three workers sustained varying degrees of shock, but FKEC said no serious injuries were sustained in the incident. The three workers were

taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier and were undergoing evaluation. FKEC is investigating the incident to determine the cause. Based on preliminary information, FKEC said all appropriate safety procedures and protocols were followed. “We appreciate the concern and support of our community and are grateful that no serious injuries have been reported,” FKEC said. FKEC said it will share more information as it becomes available.

VEHICLE CRASH ON SNAKE CREEK BRIDGE SNARLS TRAFFIC

LOCAL REPORTING BY LOCAL JOURNALISTS

TRUSTED EXPERTS IN THE FIELD For 22 years, Keys Weekly has been the ONLY locally-owned and operated news source covering all of the Keys with our boots on the ground and our butts in the seats at meetings.

Jim McCarthy, Editor Upper Keys Weekly 305.363.2957 jim@keysweekly.com Snake Creek Bridge in an upright position. An early morning crash on the bridge slowed traffic during the early morning hours of Aug. 27. File photo

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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he early morning commute through Islamorada was slowed after a vehicle crashed into Snake Creek Bridge on Aug. 27. First responders were alerted to the incident on the bascule bridge a little after 5:32 a.m. Per Adam Linhardt, of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Transportation, a Kia sedan struck the bridge traffic gate and the traffic barrier that prevents cars from driving into the open span. The car hit the bridge in a way that rendered the bridge inoperable, shutting down traffic between Plantation Key and Windley Key for about an hour. “It was backed up in both directions,” Linhardt said. “The road was full of car parts.”

No injuries were sustained in the crash, per Islamorada Fire Rescue Chief Terry Abel. The Florida Highway Patrol led the investigation. The Keys Weekly reached out for additional information into what led to the crash but hadn’t heard back by press time. Maria Rosa Higgins Fallon, FDOT public information officer, said FDOT evaluated the bridge’s condition and restored traffic. Marine traffic was also affected until FDOT tested the traffic barrier and replaced the damaged traffic gate. Minor tests were conducted throughout the day to ensure the bridge remained operational. FDOT is evaluating the bascule bridge’s replacement with a fixed-span bridge. A project development and environmental study began this year, with the goal to evaluate existing bridge conditions, future transportation conditions and developing plans to replace the current bridge.

Mandy Miles, Editor Key West Weekly 305.453.6928 mandy@keysweekly.com

Alex Rickert, Editor Marathon Weekly 305.743.0844 alex@keysweekly.com


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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ALLIGATOR REEF LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION REACHES MILESTONE After years of fundraising, work may soon begin on beloved landmark

2 3 KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

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t’s being called a turning point in a years-long local effort to restore one of the most iconic structures in the Florida Keys, the historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse. “It really feels like we’re making progress here,” said Rob Dixon, a founder of the restoration effort and a leading voice in the fight to save Islamorada’s treasured lighthouse. “It’s been a lot of fundraising, fundraising, fundraising for years and now we’re actually to the point where we can do something to see a change.” Recently, Save Alligator Lighthouse put out a request for qualifications, or RFQ, for contractors interested in bidding on the first phase of the multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project. This initial phase will cost about $500,000. “The first phase of the project is rebuilding the landing platform, a walkway across and then a stairway up to the keepers quarter level and to secure the structure to keep people off of it,” said Dixon. “Whether that be a fence of some sort or some kind of barrier to keep people from going up there and jumping off, which everybody loves to do.” So far, Dixon says about half a dozen companies have submitted their qualifications for the first phase of this massive restoration project. The RFQ closes on Sept. 10; after that comes the bidding process and the selection of a contractor. “Anybody who feels like they’d like to have their hat in the ring, they send us their qualifications and then we decide who might be the handful we would like to bid on the project,” explained Dixon.

The 153-year-old Alligator Reef Lighthouse towers 136 feet above turquoise waters just about four miles off Islamorada. The lighthouse was first lit in 1873 and was named after the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner that wrecked on the reef in 1822. In 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard declared lighthouses in the Florida Keys, including Alligator Lighthouse, weren’t needed any more. In September 2021, the U.S. Department of Interior granted the local nonprofit Friends of the Pool ownership of the lighthouse with the agreement that it would eventually be restored and made accessible to the public. Not long after, Save Alligator Lighthouse was born. “There’s not a handbook for it, for restoring a lighthouse. I wish there were,” said Dixon. Dixon says Save Alligator Lighthouse has raised roughly $1 million for the restoration and has been awarded four grants from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council totaling $550,000. “It’s Islamorada’s statue of liberty out there. They obviously want to see it be saved as much as we do,” said Dixon of the TDC’s involvement. Dixon said the group is also working with lobbyists to try to secure some state and federal funding. “That’s kind of a maze to navigate, even for someone that knows what they’re doing,” said Dixon. The entire project is expected to cost between $6 million to $8 million. Fundraisers to save the beloved lighthouse continue to bring in the cash. On Sept. 12, as they have done for over a decade, swimmers will make the 8-mile round trip around the lighthouse for the annual Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, taking place from the Amara

Cay Resort. Some swimmers complete the entire 8 miles solo, while others are part of a team. This year, 60% of the swimmers are new to the event. Last year, the swim raised roughly $75,000 and Dixon expects more to be raised this year as 300 athletes from around the country — and as far away as the United Kingdom and Uruguay — take the plunge. The swim also helps jump-start the local economy during the slowest time of the year. “That mid-September is the lowest occupancy rate of the year; we give a little shot,” said Dixon. “We calculated it to be almost a million dollars between all of the hotel rooms and restaurants and things that people come down and spend money on; that’s why we schedule it in September,” he added. For the last five years, longtime Islamorada resident Lorie LaLonde has served on the board of the Save Alligator Lighthouse Foundation. This year she is president and says their work is of great local importance. “Alligator is an icon. Alligator represents Islamorada, plus it’s home to over 500 species of marine life,” said LaLonde. Besides helping with the upcoming swim, LaLonde and her team are busy preparing for the annual Reignite the Light gala that will take place on Nov. 14 at Founders Park. In years past, the event has been hugely successful, raising about $225,000 in the one evening. LaLonde says organizers have been asked why they do not hold the event in the winter months when more snowbirds are in town. “This is a locals’ event. It’s geared toward the locals because the lighthouse represents the locals,” said LaLonde. More information is at savealligatorlighthouse. org.

1: Rob Dixon, left, and Larry ‘Lighthouse’ Herlth. The two lead the push to secure the iconic lighthouse off Islamorada when the federal government was looking to give it away. File photo 2: Alligator Reef Lighthouse was turned over to the local nonprofit Friends of the Pool in 2021. Conservationists say roughly $1 million has been raised for restoration efforts. File photo. 3: For 153 years, Alligator Reef Lighthouse has stood in this location about four miles off the coast of Islamorada.


11

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 26th Annual

Take Stock in Children

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

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13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A HEARTFELT THANK-YOU TO THE MONROE COUNTY COMMUNITY To the Editor: I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who supported me during my campaign for the Monroe County School Board. Although I did not win the election, I am deeply honored and grateful for the confidence that 7,581 voters placed in me. Receiving 48.41% of the vote was both humbling and meaningful. I am especially grateful because this campaign gave me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people throughout the Florida Keys. From Key Largo to Key West, I appreciated the conversations we shared at candidate forums, community events and other gatherings. These meetings gave us an opportunity to talk openly about education in Monroe County, the challenges facing our schools and the opportunities we have to make a difference in the lives of our students. As a former superintendent, I have always believed that education is one of the most important investments a community can make. Our schools are not simply buildings where children spend their days. They are places where young people develop the knowledge, confidence, skills and character they will carry with them throughout their lives. The quality of our schools affects not only our children and families, but the future of our entire community. Throughout this campaign, I was particularly touched by the number of people who remembered my years of service in education and took the time to tell me about their experiences. Many people I met already knew me, knew my work or knew someone I had worked with during my career. Their encouragement and support meant more to me than I can adequately express. Elections are ultimately about choices, and I respect the decision made by the voters of Monroe County. While I would have been honored to serve on the school board, I remain proud of the campaign we conducted and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Most of all, I want those who voted for me to know that I do not take your support for granted. Every vote represented someone’s trust, and I am deeply appreciative of that trust. To the many friends, educators, parents, community members and supporters who encouraged me along the way: thank you. It was a privilege to meet you, listen to you and share ideas about the future of education in Monroe County. I will always be grateful for the experience and for the tremendous support you gave me. With sincere appreciation, Theresa Axford

SEPT. 7 SERVICE REMEMBERS DEVASTATING LABOR DAY HURRICANE

T

he Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold its annual Labor Day Service on Monday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, MM 81.5. The public is invited to join in memory of those who perished in the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. The Hurricane Monument memorializes hundreds of local citizens and American veterans whose lives were taken in the 200-mph winds and 17-foot storm surge. After World War I, more than 600 veterans came to the Florida Keys to help complete U.S. Highway 1, along with other projects. The storm hit, resulting in the deaths of almost 500 people, of whom many lived locally along with the veterans who weren’t evacuated in time. Each year, the Matecumbe Historical Trust holds a service to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The service will include the introduction, invocation, presentation of colors, national anthem, guest speakers, history of the hurricane, the laying of the memorial wreath, taps, songs and a benediction. More information is at 305-393-0940. — Contributed

Cinnamon Edgar, left, and Mary Beth Harris lay a wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank during the 2024 Labor Day service. FILE PHOTO

BRIEFLY Raschein appointed to chair environment policy committee Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein was recently appointed as chair of the Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) water & environmental policy committee. She has served on the committee since 2021. The association’s president, Pinellas County ComHolly Raschein missioner René Flowers, appointed the committee’s policy leaders. The policy committees are responsible for proposing, debating and adopting policy positions that focus on improving and preserving home rule of Florida’s counties. “Water quality, resiliency, and environmental protection are not abstract policy issues for Monroe County. They directly affect our residents, our economy, and the future of the Florida Keys,” said Raschein. “I’m honored to continue representing Monroe County on this committee and to help shape statewide policies that recognize the unique needs of coastal communities.” Orchid club hosts FIU graduate student On Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. the Florida Keys Orchid Club will host Emily Jefferson, graduate student at FIU who will share her work on Orchid Island, Taiwan. Attendees can see images showing the Taiwanese orchids and learn about their similarities to those in the Florida Keys. Everyone is welcome. FKAA water project will pause for holiday With the new drinking water line installed in

Islamorada, crews are turning their focus on restoring dug-up areas and paving the highway. Aug. 25 began the overnight paving along U.S. 1, which will go from the Snake Creek Bridge on the Plantation Key side to Julep Road in Tavernier. Crews will work from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. The work will pause Sept. 3-7 for Labor Day weekend. The work is expected to be completed by the end of September. During the paving operation, there will be a rolling lane close from Snake Creek to just south of Tavernier Creek Crossing. One northbound lane and southbound lane will be open to traffic. North of Tavernier Creek Crossing to Julep Road, there will be one northbound lane and southbound lane open. Access to homes and businesses will remain open, but entrances and exits may be temporarily blocked to allow for property asphalt curing. Man arrested for illegal dumping A 42-year-old Key Largo man was arrested on Aug. 20 for reportedly illegally dumping more than 3,000 pounds of debris and trash at a makeshift campsite on Monroe County property near MM 98. Stephen James Dean was charged with illegal dumping. The sheriff’s office warned Dean to vacate and clean up the area in seven days, which included a makeshift structure. The sheriff’s office conducted a follow-up several times, but the site was never cleaned up. A total of 3,500 pounds of trash was removed from the site. A warrant was obtained for Dean’s arrest. He was booked into jail. The case remains under investigation and more charges or arrests may be pending.


14

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

FOUR DECADES IN, GIVING SWIM LESSONS REMAINS COLLEEN HAMMON’S CALLING JILL MIRANDA BAKER www.keysweekly.com

“

I wanna do it again!” Those are the words repeated over and over as Clayton Dickerson, age 2, did the “Tigger Down” exercise during a recent swim lesson with Colleen Hammon at the Ron Levy Aquatic Center pool at Founders Park. With the “Tigger Down” exercise, Hammon pushes him down until his feet touch the bottom. Then, like the famed storybook character, he hops back above the water’s surface, popping up in joy. The student’s eagerness could be but one reason Hammon has been instructing babies to 6-year-olds, and sometimes older kids and adults, for the better part of four decades. She is now teaching the children of her former students. “In 1984, I went to sign up my oldest son for lessons offered by the Red Cross, but there was no room for him or for other kids to learn how to swim,” said Hammon, a former classroom teacher. “I thought, I love teaching, the water and kids, so I said, ‘Train me.’ I still love it all.” She has taught in pools from Key Largo through Islamorada over the decades, recording each year’s location on a looseleaf sheet of paper. It includes

From top, swim instructor Colleen Hammon works with swim student Layne Wagner, 3, and her mother Danielle Sutter during a morning swim lesson at Founders Park Pool on Aug. 31. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Colleen Hammon works with swim student Luna Velunza, 2, and her father Kyle Velunza during a morning swim lesson at Founders Park pool on Aug. 31.

names of long-gone resorts such as Reefcomber, Ocean 80, Plantation Yacht Harbor, Howard Johnson’s, Key Largo Resort, Holiday Isle and Tropical Reef. Some resorts remain in name, if not look: Chesapeake, Cheeca Lodge and Sunset Inn. Once the Village of Islamorada built the community pool at Founders Park in the early 2000s, Hammon approached the park staff about teaching there. It is here she remains, with occasional lessons offered at Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo and in private pools. As Annie Onsgard, assistant director of Founders Park, said, “She teaches generations.” Clayton is one such generational student. His mom, Carolyn Barrow Dickerson, and her younger sister Brooke took lessons from Hammon. “When it came time to put Clayton in lessons, I knew it would be Ms. Colleen,” said Dickerson. “I didn’t even give (husband) Collin other options.” Another example is 5-year-old Charlie Muir. He started lessons just before he turned 2. Mom Erin Dunn Muir is a former student, along with her brother Andrew. All of their kids have lessons with Hammon. Charlie’s older sister Violet, now 9, started at 18 months and took lessons for six years. She has participated in the summer swim camps at Founders Park for the past two years. “I feel Violet was well prepared by Colleen as Violet took part in the first summer swim camp,” Muir said during Charlie’s recent swim lesson. “She tailors her teaching style to the kid to some degree. I see that with my kids, whose personalities and learning styles are so different.” Jana Viergutz, who was born and raised in the Upper Keys and watched Hammon teach over the years as a swimmer and later as a lifeguard at the pool, now has 4-year-old daughter Harleigh in lessons. Her dad, Andy Mazur, a long-time physical education teacher and coach at Coral Shores High School, was the one who first certified Hammon as a Red Cross water safety instructor.


17

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

“He passed on his knowledge of swimming and I am continuing it with my family,” she said. “With my experience swimming, I could teach Harleigh, but it is so much more impactful coming from Colleen. I already told Coach Jon that as soon as Harleigh turns 6, it is his turn to train her.” Coach Jon is Jon Olsen, the 25-year swim and dive coach at Founders and four-time Olympic medalist. “Ms. Colleen teaches the fundamentals and a love of the water,” Onsgard said. “She gets them ready to move on to the summer swim camps and swim teams with Coach Jon.” “Ninety percent of the kids who I’ve coached have come from Colleen’s program,” Olsen said. “She is extremely good at what she does, very patient and structured. She teaches them water safety and all the skills needed to get them prepared for my groups. She is the backbone of competitive and high school programs. My successes are owed to her.” Corley and Layne Smith, accomplished competitive swimmers and now collegiate athletes, got their starts in the pool with Hammon. Corley, a senior at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., was recently elected captain of her swim team, according to her dad Cale Smith. Layne is starting her studies at Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia and will compete with the swim team. “I saw something different in both of them,” said Hammon. “Their demeanor was different, they had really strong kicks and they were always practicing. They put in the time needed to excel.” “We are big fans of Ms. Colleen and owe her a huge debt of gratitude,” Smith said of his daughters’ time with Hammon. “The fact that my girls reached high levels is a testament to her and Coach Jon. It all started with Ms. Colleen.” But it is not always children Hammon teaches. She remembers a couple who came to her when they were both 82 years old. “They never learned to swim; they wanted to learn and I taught them,” she said. Another student in her 60s came from England for a two week visit to the Keys. “She was terrified of the water, afraid even to walk a few steps into the water,” Hammon said. “I assured her I could teach her, she trusted me and at the end of two weeks, she was swimming the length of the pool. Her fear of water was gone.” With the sun as a daily workplace hazard, Hammon long ago established a signature look: swim tights; long-sleeve shirt; gloves covering to the fingers; a sun hat with a wide brim, back and side flaps; and sunglasses. A face shield was added in the pandemic and it continues to serve a purpose of protecting her face from sun, glare and splashes. “I plan my lesson schedule around reapplying sunscreen every two hours,” she said. Hammon raised four children with husband Tony Hammon in their Plantation Key home, where they still live today. In addition to teaching her own children to swim, she has taught an unknown number of kids and adults. “I have no idea but Tony thinks it is in the tens of thousands with hundreds of thousands of individual lessons,” she said. The high school sweethearts graduated from University of Miami, married and returned to Coral Shores School in 1972, before it was exclusively a high school, as intern teachers. The first son, Troy, arrived in 1975, Stephen in 1977, Kathy in 1979 and

Trent in 1987. They have 11 grandchildren. When she is not in a pool, she is focused on her other passion – collecting and creating items for Operation Christmas Child, an annual church and community effort to fill shoeboxes with toys and personal care items that are packed and shipped to children all over the world. “It is a year-round effort. Each week I go to the MARC Thrift Store to collect a bag of donated T-shirts. I cut these into strips to be used to make jump ropes,” she said. “Last year, Melinda Hennessey and I were able to make 425 jump ropes. I do all the prep work and she does all the braiding. I also collect items throughout the year when specific items go on sale.” She also serves as a greeter on Sundays at Island Community Church, where Tony was the long-time pastor. She previously volunteered teaching the 2and 3-year-olds in Sunday school. But the pool is where she can be found five to six days a week. Hammon keeps multiple tools at her disposal to help students learn. “I have a bag full of sinking toys and one filled with squirt toys,” she said. “And one Barbie and one shark.” Muir’s son Charlie appeared happy to be using the “Rocket,” a boomerang-shaped pool noodle with handles. “It gets them horizontal and really helps with the kicking,” Hammon said. “And they can go further and faster.” “We are very happy and proud to have Ms. Colleen teaching here at Founders,” said Maria Bagiotti, director of Founders Park. “She’s a true professional, so kind. We just love what she does. At the end of the day, she is saving lives.” Hammon spent time working with swim student Layne Wagner, 3, and her mother Danielle Sutter during a morning swim lesson at Founders Park pool on Aug. 31. Sutter said Hammon taught her how to swim when she was a little girl, and that every kid is different and she knows what to do with each one. “She’s the best,” said Sutter.

Swim instructor Colleen Hammon poses with one of the many photo albums she created over the decades. This one includes photos of Erin Dunn Muir and her brother Andrew, who took lessons more than 30 years ago. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/Keys Weekly

Two-year-old Clayton Dickerson swims between teacher Colleen Hammon and his dad Collin to retrieve a toy shark. JILL MIRANDA BAKER/Keys Weekly

Harleigh Viergutz, 4, swims toward instructor Colleen Hammon. CONTRIBUTED


18

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 The Most Trusted Name in Florida Keys Real Estate Since 1955.

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20

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

RELOCATING MAKO Pawsitive Beginnings helps rescue fox from New England

Mako the fox was rescued from a New England facility. Following a brief stay at Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo, he was transferred to Fox Tales Florida, where he was reunited with his sister. CONTRIBUTED

H

i friends! Reef the Fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” A couple of weeks ago, mom (Pawsitive Beginnings REEF founder Nicole THE FOX Navarro) brought Reef is a red fox home a 14-weekthat was saved old fox named from a fur farm. Mako. Apparently, He now lives in she thought we Key Largo with might welcome his human, Nicole Navarro. him into our little family. That was adorable. But before we discuss the Pawsitive Beginnings admissions committee’s decision, there’s an important reason Mako came here. Mako and his six siblings were born in a less-thandesirable environment at a facility in New England. This was not a fur farm, but the facility decided it did not want to take responsibility for seven baby foxes. Safe placements needed to be found quickly, and mother agreed to give Mako a place to land. In her defense, there was some logic behind this questionable decision. Our group has successfully accepted baby foxes before, so mother hoped 14 weeks might still be young enough. Narrator: It was not. Mako was initially kept safely separated from us so everyone could see, smell and investigate one another without direct contact. We investigated. We assessed. We held a committee meeting. The vote was 6-0. Absolutely not. And here’s where this becomes more than a funny story about six territorial foxes rejecting the new kid. Foxes are sentient individuals. We have our own personalities, relationships, boundaries and social structures.

Animal care is not one-size-fits-all, and sometimes what worked before simply doesn’t work again. At 14 weeks old, Mako looked like a baby to the humans. To us, however, he was another fox entering an established territory. Mother could have kept trying because she wanted it to work. Instead, she paid attention to what we were telling her. Our stress was increasing, tensions within our group were rising, and continuing would have been about fulfilling a human expectation rather than respecting the animals involved. So the plan changed. Thankfully, there was a pretty wonderful Plan B. Mako went to Fox Tales Florida, where he was reunited with his sister. They spent the first 14 weeks of their lives together and already share an established bond. And the six of us? We remain our strange little family with an apparently very strict admissions policy. Mother learned something, too. There may be foxes she simply cannot help in the future because they are already too old to safely integrate here. That’s a difficult reality when your instinct is always to help. But good animal care sometimes means admitting when your plan was wrong and listening to the animals instead of insisting on the outcome you wanted. Mako wasn’t a failure. He needed to get out of a bad situation, people acted quickly to help him, and ultimately he landed somewhere safe with a fox he already knows and loves. He also helped us make one thing abundantly clear: No vacancy. Until perhaps some tiny baby shows up someday. At which point I assume mother will once again forget that we have opinions. Until next time. Reef, over and out!

OREO

M

eet Oreo, a beautiful 2-year-old, 30-pound sweetheart who is ready to find her forever home. Oreo is full of energy and loves being around people. She has an enthusiastic personality and isn’t shy about showing her excitement, often greeting her favorite humans with happy jumps and plenty of affection. Her joyful spirit and loving nature make her a wonderful companion for an active family. Oreo is already spayed and ready to start her next chapter. She is looking for a dedicated, loyal family who will welcome her as a true member of the pack. With consistency, love and guidance, Oreo will thrive in a home where she can share all the affection she has to give. To apply to adopt Oreo, please visit mprescues.org/adoption-application.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Sept. 3 • MarrVelous Pet Rescues’ “Yappy Hour” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo. Pets must be vaccinated, leashed and well-socialized.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 • “Scale to Grow” business accelerator program, presented by FIU’s Small Business Development Center, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Visit go.fiu.edu/ accelerator to apply.

Friday, Sept. 4 • “Sit and Sew” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Key Largo library. All are welcome.

Thursday, Sept. 10 • Bingo for the Birds from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dive Bar on the Bay, 200 Florida Ave., Tavernier.

Monday, Sept. 7 • Matecumbe Historical Trust hosts the Labor Day Service at 9 a.m. at the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada, in memory of those who died in the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.

Friday, Sept. 11 • Monroe County Fire Rescue holds 9/11 remembrance from 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. at Station 22, 151 Marine Ave., Tavernier. Public is welcome to join.

Sept. 8-9 • 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.

Saturday, Sept. 12 • Swim for Alligator Lighthouse. Learn more at swimalligatorlight. com. • Dominoes tournament, supporting Good Health Clinic, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Keys Latin House Cuban America Cafe, 105970 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.


21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 LAUREN DUNN’S LISTING JUST SOLD FOR $650,000

70 SHORELAND DR., KEY LARGO

PATTI STANLEY’S LISTING SOLD FOR $715,000 51 NORTH BAY HARBOR DR., KEY LARGO

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85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

MEGAN JONES LISTING SOLD FOR $975,000 118 SNAPPER CREEK DR., LAYTON

CHRISTY’S LISTING SOLD FOR $762,500 183 ORLANDO DR., PLANTATION KEY

BUYING OR SELLING? CALL ME TODAY!

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CHRISTY HUGHES LISTING JUST SOLD FOR $750,000 104350 OVERSEAS HWY B-105, KEY LARGO

LAUREN DUNN & PATTI STANLEY SOLD THIS PROPERTY FOR $950,000 143 AREGOOD LN, ISLAMORADA

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THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? GIVE US A CALL TODAY! LAUREN HOEFERT DUNN 305.394.3717 PATTI STANLEY 305.393.4433 hoefertdunnrealestate@gmail.com /patti.stanley@me.com 85990 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

CHRISTY’S LISTING JUST SOLD FOR $730,000 9 TRANSYLVANIA, KEY LARGO

SUSAN ASHMORE’S LISTINGJUST SOLD FOR $280,0000 252 66TH ST., MARATHON

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Florida Keys

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

FISH REPORT

SPONSORED BY

KEYS UNIVERSITY AND FISHING FEVER TOURNAMENT SET TO RETURN

T

he nonprofit Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation will host its Keys University and Fishing Fever Tournament on Oct. 16-18. This event features hands-on instruction, networking, optional fishing charters and tournament competition in the “sport fishing capital of the world.” Held at the Tavernier Elks Lodge, the weekend includes: • Friday, Oct. 16: Fishing and an evening networking social and fundraiser (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). • Saturday, Oct. 17: Educational sessions (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with topics such as offshore, inshore and bottom fishing, tackle, conservation and fishing basics. Hands-on skill stations include knot tying, cast-

ing, dehooking, bait rigging, spin casting and more. • Sunday, Oct. 18: Fishing and Fishing Fever awards. Instructors include captains Lee Lavery, Jeanne Towne, Rob Modys, Betty Bauman, representatives of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and others. On Friday and Sunday, optional inshore or offshore charter fishing trips are offered, or participants can fish from their own boats for the friendly LLGF Fishing Fever Tournament with prizes for top catches. No experience or equipment is needed — everything is provided. In 2025, participants hooked 150 fish including

mahi, redfish, tarpon and more. Registration, including instruction, equipment usage, lunch, welcome social and gifts, is $125 for early signup, $145 for regular and $180 for a VIP package with premium gifts and discounts. Womenwith-teen discounts are available. Charter boat fishing is additional. The host hotel is Sunset Inn, Islamorada. The event venue is the Tavernier Elks Lodge, 92600 Overseas Highway, Tavernier. Local sponsors are Sunset Inn and Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The full list is at ladiesletsgofishing.com. — Contributed

Left: The 2025 winner in the inshore division, Maryann Lemak of Key Largo, with her 30-inch jack crevalle. Center: The 2025 runner-up in the inshore division, Betty Trueba of Key Largo, with her 26.75 inch redfish. Right: Maryann Lemak and Betty Trueba, both of Key Largo, and Helen Kelley of Venice, Florida. CONTRIBUTED


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

‘MO’ROCKIN’ FOR HEALTH CARE ACCESS Clinic’s Big Kahuna Reveal set for Oct. 10

G

ood Health Clinic’s 2026 Big Kahuna Reveal & Celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada. This year’s theme — “Mo’Rockin’ Moroccan Night for Health” — invites guests into a desert-inspired affair where old-world intrigue meets a touch of rock and roll. The event marks the culmination of the annual Kahuna Challenge and celebrates the contestants’ monthslong efforts to raise funds and awareness for Good Health Clinic. The evening will also reveal the top fundraiser, who will be crowned with the title of 2026 Big Kahuna and earn the honor of hosting the Kahuna Challenge trophy for one year at their home or business. The event will include dinner, an open bar and live entertainment. Competing for the title of Big Kahuna are Jaclyn Kelley, of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; Yesenia Moreno, of New Edge Associates; Chelsea O’Connor, of Mariners Hospital; Dr. David Padden, Omni Healthspan Cardiovascular & Musculoskeletal Longevity; and Candace Rybak & Kasandra Ibanez, of Houston Insurance Agency. “More and more of our neighbors working in tourism, hospitality, retail and the trades simply cannot afford health insurance as the cost of living in the Keys continues to rise,” said Kate Banick, executive director of Good Health Clinic. “As the clinic faces deep cuts in local government funding, we are deeply grateful to this community for understanding that investing in the health of our neighbors is an investment in the health and strength of our entire community.” Annual clinic sponsorships are available and are the only way to obtain access to the event. Ranging from $500 to $10,000, sponsorships provide essential funding for Florida Keys residents in need of life changing medical care. Seats are limited, so those wishing not to miss out are encouraged to make their commitments early. Good Health Clinic is a nonprofit that has provided no-cost, compre-

LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY ANNOUNCES CLASS XXXIV

L

Contestants in this year’s Big Kahuna Challenge are competing to raise the most money in hopes of hoisting the carved wooden trophy. The winner will be announced at the ‘Mo ’Rockin’ Moroccan Night for Health’ on Oct. 10 at Founders Park beach in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

hensive medical care to Florida Keys residents in need for more than 20 years. Each year, the clinic serves 700 to 1,000 patients throughout the Keys who would otherwise have no access to essential healthcare. Through its clinics in Tavernier and Marathon, and with the support of a network of more than 100 volunteer physicians, specialists, hospitals and community partners, Good Health Clinic provides $6 million to $8 million in donated medical services and medications each year. Good Health Clinic offices are located at 91555 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, and 5600 Overseas Highway, Marathon. More information is at www.thegoodhealthclinic. org or 305-853-1788. — Contributed

eadership Monroe County (LMC), the Florida Keys’ educational nonprofit community leadership organization, has announced the selection of Class XXXIV. Designed for residents in leadership roles across the private and public sectors, government and community organizations, the program produces a monthly series of intensive single- and multi-day sessions throughout Monroe County. Participants explore key sectors affecting the region — including tourism, the environment, education, government, healthcare, the military, judiciary, law enforcement, emergency management, the arts and media. Sessions begin Oct. 2-3 in Key West. Each is led by subject matter experts, policy makers and regional leaders, offering participants insights, dialogue on current challenges and networking opportunities. Founded in 1992, LMC is a nonpartisan, independent nonprofit committed to building a network of informed, collaborative leaders to help guide the Keys toward a stronger future. Class XXXIV members are: Julie Brown, community outreach specialist, Florida Department of Transportation. Wayne Bush, investigating officer, United States Coast Guard, Sector Key West. Wendy Carter, project manager, Monroe County Facilities Development. Natalie Danko, owner, PhotoDesign by Natalie. Jennifer DeBoisbriand, planning director, Islamorada. Randy Detrick, market manager, Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida. Arlen Dieguez, JIATFS community engagement and development officer. Robert Fowler, case manager supervisor, Guidance Care Center.

Christina Geer, health services manager, Keys AHEC Health Centers. Greg Johnson, lieutenant, station commander, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Angie Kemmer, regional director case management, Mariners Hospital. Kris Kennedy, physician, Ret., medical director, treasurer, Womankind. Andrea Leal, executive director, Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. Katie Lindback, community engagement & marketing coordinator, Mote Marine. Adam Linhardt, director of media relations, PIO, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Rose Littlejohn, founder, Lead and Wellness Coach. Melina Miller, owner, MKM Digital Marketing. Manuela Mobley, vice president, marketing & partnerships, Keys Weekly. Veronica Ornelas, director, member services, Florida Keys Electric Co-Op. Melinda Rice, vice president, premier relationship manager, First State Bank of the Keys. Jared Rodriguez, councilman, City of Layton. Melanie Rodriguez, chef storyteller, the Key West Cooking Show. Charlene White, executive director of finance and performance, Monroe County School District. Kelly Williams, real estate agent, Coldwell Banker Schmitt; president, Marathon Rotary. 2026-2027 LMC officers are: George Garrett, president; Cheryl Sullivan, vice president; Kathy McKinney, secretary; Bruce Halle, treasurer. Michael Shields is program coordinator. More information is at www. leadershipmonroecounty.org or via email to mshields@leadershipmonroecounty.org — Contributed


25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

THE END OF THE LINE Recalling the railway and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 Florida East Coast Railroad Station and steamship docks at Trumbo Point, Key West. HERITAGE HOUSE COLLECTION/Monroe County Public Library

I

t is safe to say that Henry Flagler was tickled when his private railcar, the Flagler Special, rolled into the Key West station at 10:43 a.m. on Jan. 22, FLORIDA 1912. Some 10,000 people gathered at KEYS the depot area to HISTORY celebrate the arrival WITH of the 82-year-old BRAD industrialist. BERTELLI While Key West Brad is a local was the terminus historian, author, of the Florida East speaker and Coast Railway, it Honorary Conch was not the end of who loves sharing the line for many of the history of the Florida Keys. the rail cars. Their destination was Havana. Before Flagler hatched the plan to bring his train to Key West, the island was too small to accommodate his vision, so engineers created an additional 174 acres of Key West real estate through a dredge-and-fill project, resulting in what is known today as Trumbo Point. The train tracks came to an end at Trumbo Point. The terminus of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway (F.E.C.) was doing more than acting as a hub for travel between Key West and points north (or east and then north). Trumbo Point also handled 360-foot-long ferries capable of transporting people, cargo and railroad cars between Key West and Havana. Three ferries made the trek back and forth, the Henry M. Flagler, Estrada Palma and Joseph. R. Parrott. Parrott was the president of the Florida East Coast Railway. Each had four sets of parallel train tracks that could carry up to 26 box and refrigerator railroad cars.

The ferry system became operational in 1915. Chugging along at an average speed of 12 miles per hour, the trip took about eight hours. Goods shipped in the cars moving back and forth between the ports included sugar, molasses and tropical fruits, bananas and pineapples, dairy products, fuel, lumber and sugarprocessing machinery. The beginning of the end for the Key West Extension came when competition for rail service developed with the 1929 opening of the New Orleans-based Seatrain. It was not the last piece of bad news. On Oct. 24, 1929, the Wall Street Stock Exchange crashed, ushering in the Great Depression. In 1930, the F.E.C. implemented systemwide cutbacks. In September 1931, the F.E.C. defaulted on its mortgage bond and the company was placed into receivership – a third party appointed to take possession of or manage the operations and finances of a company. The final nail in the Key West Extension’s coffin arrived on Labor Day. It was not the end Henry Flagler envisioned when he paid to have train tracks pounded into the island chain that led to Key West. Flagler never saw it coming. He died in his Palm Beach home, Whitehall, on May 20, 1913. He was 83 years old. Labor Day is summer’s last hurrah. The holiday fills hotel rooms and restaurant seats, and roads and waterways become jammed with visitors and residents out for a good time. For some locals, Labor Day weekend, like all holiday weekends, represents a good time to hit the supermarket early, pack up food and drink and hunker down until Tuesday, when island life returns to a more island pace. In 1935, Labor Day brought something horrific to the Florida Keys. While hurricanes have been pounding the island chain since it

first rose from beneath the surface of the ocean, the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane stands out, still. The eye of the hurricane crossed over Lower Matecumbe and Long Keys on Sept. 2. To this day, it remains the most powerful hurricane ever to make a North American landfall. The storm raged over the Upper Keys with sustained winds in excess of 180 mph and a tidal surge of 18 to 20 feet. No one knows the exact number of deaths attributed to the storm, but it is thought to be in the neighborhood of 500. The Category 5 hurricane altered the history of the Florida Keys. The storm destroyed several bridges in the Islamorada area and 40 miles of railroad tracks. The train never chugged up and down the Florida Keys again. After the hurricane, the railroad ferries moved to the mainland and operated between Havana and Port Everglades. After World War II, the ferries moved up the coast a little bit more to the Port of Palm Beach. Ferry service to Havana ended in 1969. Already facing bankruptcy, the Key West Extension of the railway was abandoned south of Florida City, and the right-of-way was sold to the state for $640,000. When driving along the modern Overseas Highway, the path, with a few exceptions, follows the original rightof-way of Henry Flagler’s railroad. The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane is an excellent example that all storms are not the same. It was a compact storm with hurricane forces being limited to the Upper and portions

of the Middle Keys. Key West and the Lower Keys were relatively unaffected. On that Monday, as the storm ravaged Tavernier, Islamorada, Long Key and Grassy Key, Key West reported 82 degrees at 1:30 p.m., with winds from the north at 18 mph. According to reports from the Weather Bureau, “Hurricane warnings ordered for Key West. It will be attended by winds of hurricane force in the Florida Straits and Florida Keys south of Key Largo this afternoon and tonight.” At 4:30 p.m., Key West reported 83 degrees. Winds were blowing out of the north at 21 mph. “Hurricane warnings for the town of Everglades and Miami to West Palm Beach. Tropical Storm now apparently moving north westward toward Florida Keys and accompanied by hurricane winds over small area. High tides probable. Please notify people in exposed places to take adequate precautions.” At 10 p.m., Key West reported 81 degrees. Winds were out of the northwest at 34 mph. “Hurricane warnings north of Everglades to Punta Gorda. Tropical disturbance of full hurricane intensity but rather small diameter central 8 p.m. near Matecumbe Key moving northwestward accompanied by shifting gales and hurricane winds near center.” In the Florida Keys, people still wonder about what would be different if the train was still chugging up and down the island chain. Labor Day will be a time for celebration, and there will be talk of that tragic day in 1935.

Railroad ferry at Trumbo Point, Key West. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed


26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Here are a few of the community moments we’ve captured while out and about. If you see a Keys Weekly camera,

Anna Richards, Craig McBay and Richard Engel at Islamorada Chamber afterhours at Ocean Drive Indoor Golf.

Grand opening of Eat Florida Seafood in Key Largo with the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.

JD Reinbott, Manuela Mobley, Jim McCarthy, Britt Myers and Jason Koler at Key Largo Chamber lunch at Reefhouse Resort.

James Cordell, Rachael Britton and Ron Burke at Islamorada Chamber lunch at Islander Resort.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Sgt. James Hager and school board member Sue Woltanski at Key Largo School for the first day of class on Aug. 12.

Jacklyn Kelley and Katie Brennan at Islamorada Chamber after-hours at Ocean Drive Indoor Golf.

Patti and Brian Lindback at Islamorada Chamber after-hours at Ocean Drive Indoor Golf.

Rob Stober with ‘Dolly’ at Key Largo Chamber after-hours at Key Largo Civic Club.

strike a pose—you could be featured next!

Karen Gallo and Tonya Salomon at Key Largo Chamber after-hours at Key Largo Civic Club.

Centennial Bank serving hot dogs at Wesley House ‘Big Splash’ community event.

Upper Keys BPW members attend a social event at Bar Victor in Key Largo.

Katie Holly and Gabriela Smith at Key Largo Chamber lunch at Reefhouse Resort.


27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 INDIAN CUISINE KEY LARGO

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David Kay and Elizabeth Kubishen at Key Largo Chamber after-hours at Key Largo Civic Club.

Isis and Bobby Wright from Italian Food Company received the Business of the Year award with the Key Largo Chamber.

Edward Tierney and Sue Woltanski at Key Largo Chamber lunch at Reefhouse Resort.

Lori Bailey, Sara Stanczyk, Richard Engel and Judy Hull at Islamorada Chamber lunch at Islander Resort.

Bailey Ramos and Nola Acker at Key Largo Chamber lunch at Reefhouse Resort.

Emily Rother and Scott Goss at Islamorada Chamber lunch at Islander Resort.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

LIGHT UP THE SKY TDC to fund Independence Day fireworks displays across the Keys

JOY STRIKES GOLD WITH THE PALACE GARDENS E.G. MERKEL

J

Fourth of July fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys, like this one in Key West, will receive a standing $25,000 in funding from the TDC moving forward. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

ALEX RICKERT

F

alex@keysweekly.com

ireworks shows across the Florida Keys are getting a boost from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council in 2027 and beyond. At the council’s Aug. 24 meeting, members voted unanimously to set aside $25,000 per year for each of its five tourism districts to help pay for Independence Day fireworks shows on July 3 and 4, a compromise reached after District Advisory Committee (DAC) 1 declined to recommend funding for a Key West celebration. The Rotary Club of Key West had asked the TDC for $75,000 as a “turnkey” event — $45,000 for fireworks and $30,000 for marketing — but the application scored too low with DAC 1 to advance. While some attendees attributed the denial to confusion throughout the process, others pushed back, stating the “application simply did not score well enough to be funded.” Board members debated whether overriding the work of the DAC’s funding recommendation would set a poor precedent and appear unfair to other applicants. “What I don’t want to see us doing is an end-around where something was already decided, and

then we’re making a consideration,” said DAC 1 chair Steve Robbins. “It has nothing to do with fireworks, it’s about every application that fails to score accordingly.” Instead, the board proposed a broader solution with unanimous support: a flat $25,000 for each DAC, earmarked for Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. They clarified that while the approach mirrors a $15,000 annual donation from the Key West Airport to the Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce in each district in support of Independence Day celebrations, the new funding would not affect the existing amount. While supportive of the new funding, board chair Diane Schmidt reminded the council that the shows wouldn’t necessarily put new “heads in beds” and market the island chain – widely recognized as the goal of the TDC. “(But) I think the visitors that are here enjoy the fireworks, and they would expect it at any destination they go to,” Schmidt said. “This is a way for the TDC to give back to our local families, who sometimes don’t have a very positive view of the TDC or tourist dollars,” said board member Robyn Still. “That would be a way for us to build some relationships.”

www.keysweekly.com

ust Older Youth, Inc. (JOY) is welcoming the Palace Gardens in Homestead as its first gold business sponsor. Through a commitment of $2,000 annually, the Palace Gardens will help support JOY’s mission and programming dedicated to keeping Upper Keys seniors active, connected, healthier and happier. This partnership brings together two organizations that share a commitment to enriching the lives of older adults. The philosophy behind the Palace Group is rooted in the belief that growing older should mean more connection, more joy and more peace of mind. Those at the JOY Center agree. Founded in 1980 by Helen and Jacob Shaham, the Palace began with a 21-bed assisted living facility in South Florida. The family-owned organization has grown into one of South Florida’s most recognized senior living providers, today serving more than 1,600 residents across its communities. The Palace remains a privately-owned family business, with the Shaham family maintaining a hands-on presence and a strong commitment to personalized service. The Palace Gardens is located in Homestead across from Baptist Homestead Hospital and a short drive from the Upper Keys. It provides assisted living and specialized memory care in a welcoming, tropical setting. The community is CARF accredited and has been recognized for its approach to senior living and design. The Palace Gardens is already known and appreciated by many members of the JOY community. “At a recent paint-and-sip event at the Palace Gardens, I met several people whose parents are residents. They were all very pleased with the community and, most importantly, the caring and compassionate staff,” said Denise Downing, JOY founding member and active participant. The new gold sponsorship represents more than financial support — it reflects a shared vision of creating opportunities for seniors to remain socially engaged, supported and connected to their communities.

S

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Outrageous” (2025) Why: If you came up with the Mitford sisters for a melodrama, the characters would probably be dismissed as over the top. The 20th century aristocratic British family included a successful novelist (Nancy), two committed fascists (Unity, who adored Hitler and shot herself when Britain and Germany went to war, and Diana, who left her wealthy husband for British fascist Oswald Mosely), a communist (Jessica, who eventually moved to the U.S. and wrote the bestselling exposé of the funeral industry “The American Way of Death”), and a duchess who restored one of England’s most impressive stately homes (Deborah, who became Duchess of Devonshire and mistress of Chatsworth). This sixepisode series is set in the 1930s, as the sisters are coming of age and fascism is ascendant in Europe and threatening Great Britain. It’s dishy and disturbing in equal measure and even if it’s not 100% historically accurate, it’s an entertaining portrait of a remarkable family during a tumultuous time. Where: This series is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to keyslibraries.org and click on Kanopy to learn how to set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager. See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.


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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

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32

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

PENNEKAMP Paddle Day

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KAYAKING

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INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS

LUNCH

SNORKELING

CHOCOLATE DIPPED KEY LIME PIE

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3

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

AUG. 24 - 30

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Marathon

8/25

W, 3-0

Key West

Volleyball

Marathon

8/26

W, 3-0

Coral Shores

Volleyball

South Homestead

8/27

W, 3-2

Coral Shores

Football

Westminster Academy

8/28

L, 42-20

Key West

Volleyball

Westminster Academy

8/28

W, 2-1

Key West

Volleyball

South Fork

8/28

L, 2-0

Key West

Football

Palmetto

8/28

L, 35-7

Key West

Volleyball

Wellington

8/29

W, 2-1

Coral Shores

Volleyball

South Fork

8/29

L, 2-0

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Christina

RICE

Sophomore, Key West High School Swimming

SEPT. 03 - 10

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

9/3

Coral Shores

Volleyball

@ South Dade

5:30 p.m.

9/3

All Keys Schools

Cross Country

@ FNU Invitational

4 p.m.

9/4

Marathon

Football

Oxbridge Academy 7 p.m.

9/4

Marathon

Volleyball

Horeb Christian

4 p.m.

9/4

Coral Shores

Football

@ Pine Crest

7 p.m.

9/4

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Tourney Opponent 3 p.m. TBA

9/5

Key West

Football

@ Miami Jackson

9/5

Coral Shores

Volleyball

Tourney Opponent 8 a.m. TBA

9/8

Marathon

Volleyball

International Studies

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

9/9

Key West

Swimming

@ Wellington

3 p.m.

9/9

All Keys Schools

Golf

@ Ocean Reef

Noon

9/9

Key West

Volleyball

Coral Shores

5:30 p.m.

9/10

Coral Shores

Swimming

Westminster

4 p.m.

9/10

Coral Shores

Volleyball

@ Silver Palms

4 p.m.

9/10

Marathon

Volleyball

@ Pinecrest Prep

5:30 p.m.

Although she is only in her second year, Christina has a natural talent for swimming, a strong competitive drive and a genuine desire to lead and encourage those around her.” – Conchs coach Lori Bosco

ST 1

place 50-yard freestyle

ON THE COVER

SEPTEMBER 3

Coral Shores’ Bella Villalba goes up for a kill against Marathon in the Keys teams’ matchup on Aug. 25. The Hurricanes prevailed 3-0. See page 8. NATALIE GOODWIN/ Keys Weekly

ST 1

Christina Rice wasted no time making her mark for the Conchs this season. Last week, the sophomore was a dominant force in the pool, earning a pair of first-place finishes in each of Key West’s two meets. “Christina Rice is a returning swimmer who has made an immediate impact for the Conchs,” said coach Lori Bosco. “She earned first-place finishes in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle in both meets and has been a key contributor to our relay teams.” With four individual wins in just two meets and contributions to Key West’s relay efforts, Rice has established herself as an early-season standout and is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

place 100-yard freestyle

Photo by ROCKY GONET/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 / SEPTEMBER 3, 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

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

TOUGH TESTS

Conchs and Hurricanes battle loaded opponents as Dolphins prepare for a rematch

K

ey West football got off to a late start on Aug. 28 as the Conchs awaited what was scheduled to be a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Tigers of Palmetto High School. It turned out to be a late night for both teams, especially the Tigers, who made the trip to the Southernmost City from Bradenton. That trip would prove well worth their time, however, as the Tigers drove home with a 35-7 win over the Conchs after nearly two hours of lightning delays pushed the start to just before 9 p.m. Key West coach Johnny Hughes was well aware that the Tigers were stocked with talent. What he did not fully appreciate was the bonus Palmetto received when Booker High School’s varsity football program folded for the season and athletes there landed at nearby programs, including some top-notch talent at Palmetto. Booker’s program issues stemmed from recruiting violations, but the fallout ultimately strengthened

neighboring rosters, leaving the Conchs facing an even more formidable Palmetto squad than anticipated. From a 6-foot-5 quarterback to a 6-foot-3, 250-pound receiver and comparably imposing tight end, the Tigers dominated up front. And despite Key West’s own sizable defensive line, Palmetto proved to be the stronger force last week. “They were loaded,” Hughes said of the Tigers’ roster, which included a slew of Division I commits. It was not all doom and gloom for the Conchs, though. Junior Matthew Oviedo scored Key West’s lone touchdown on the ground, and this week’s matchup, the Conchs’ first district test, should offer a much more evenly-matched opponent. The Generals of Miami Jackson will host Key West in the first of a three-week road series for the Conchs. “We match up well,” Hughes said of the Generals.

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

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

1 2


5

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

David Beltran

Jack Brown

3

5 4

7 6 1. Xavier Perez (1) stops a Palmetto Push. 2. Kelly Kasper (51) gives chase to Kemari Hinds (8). 3. Matthew Oviedo (5) pushes through Benny Williams’ (25) tackle. 4. Matthew Oviedo (5) tries to break the Tigers’ defensive line. 5. Roman Van Loon (13) breaks into Tiger territory. 6. Roman Van Loon (13) escapes Josh Tresalu’s (44) clutches. 7. Allens Alexandre (50) takes a much needed water break 8. Coach Hughes gives a pep talk.

8

Photos by Natalie Goodwin and Rocky Gonet

CORAL SHORES Coral Shores hosted Westminster Academy Aug. 28, holding its own against a team projected to remain a powerhouse among South Florida’s smaller schools. The Lions jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but some tough defense and an 8-yard touchdown run from Kevin Williams Jr. opened the gates for Coral Shores. On the Lions’ next possession, Hurricane Jack Brown tackled Westminster’s quarterback in the end zone for a safety, and Charles Royal capitalized on the Hurricanes’ momentum with a 3-yard scamper into the end zone to tie things up. Marco Gudino’s quick interception made it look as if the comeback might turn into a reversal of fortunes for Coral Shores, but one play later, a fumble led to a Westminster touchdown just before the half. In the final two quarters, David Beltran powered through the Lions’ defense for an 8-yard touchdown run, but Westminster tacked on three touchdowns of its own, making the final score 42-20 in favor of the Lions. The Hurricanes racked up 316 yards on the ground, including 179 from Beltran, who also caught a 16-yard Sterling O’Keefe pass to finish just five yards shy of 200 all-purpose

yards. Royal gained 86 yards on 12 carries, while Williams added 58 yards to the team total. ’Canes coach Ed Holly was proud of his team’s tenacity, particularly its unwillingness to give up after falling behind. And though the Hurricanes now stand at 1-2, Coral Shores remains undefeated in league play and has the potential to make a deep postseason run if the ’Canes can eliminate some mistakes and continue their upward trajectory. “We played better week three than week two,” Holly said. “We played better on offense, defense and special teams. This has been a great learning experience for us.” This week, Coral Shores hits the road for Pine Crest, where the Hurricanes will look to stop the Panthers’ strong spread offense. “If we can tackle in the open field, it’ll be a great game,” Holly said. “If not, it’ll be a long night.” MARATHON The Dolphins had an early-season bye last week, but return to action at home against Oxbridge Academy in a rematch of their spring classic. In that contest, the ThunderWolves escaped with a one-point win, giving Marathon plenty of reason to believe this week’s rematch could be another exciting one.


6

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

OFF THE BLOCKS

1 2

3

Key West swimmers dive into the season with a pair of home meets

K

ey West dove into its season with a pair of home swimming meets on Aug. 28 and 29. For their home opener, the Conchs dispatched the Pirates of Port Charlotte in both boys and girls competition. The Lady Conchs outscored the Pirates 81-23, with strong times and performances from a talented group. Mary Searcy, Amelia Korzen, Georgia Houze and Christina Rice started things off with a win in the 200-yard medley relay. Rice went on to anchor the winning 200 freestyle relay alongside Houze, Korzen and Veronica Ter Azaryan, then beat out a large field of individual competitors in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Rice finished those races in 26.27 and 58.50 seconds, respectively. Houze won the individual 200 IM in 2:45 and the 100 butterfly in 1:18. Korzen picked up an individual win in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:19, while Searcy won the 100 backstroke in 1:23. Taylor Thomason went the distance in the 500 freestyle, finishing in 7:22, then teamed up with Ter Azaryan, Summer Smith and Morgan Kennedy to win the 400 freestyle relay. The boys team sent the Pirates off the plank, outscoring Port Charlotte 88-8. Blake Southgate, Hugo Blinckmann, Haven Andrade and Max Blinckmann got the Conchs on the scoreboard first with a win in the 200 medley relay.

1. Key West swimmers sing the national anthem prior to their home opener against Cooper City. 2. Mary Searcy (lane 4) and Charlotte Murray (lane 6) take off in the girls 200 medley race. 3. Mary Searcy shouts words of encouragement to a teammate. 4. Filip Hrabec edges out a Cooper City competitor at the Conchs’ home meet. 5. Hugo Blinckmann holds up the length number for a teammate in the 500 freestyle event. 6. Kennedy Morgan dives in for her race against Cooper City. 7. A crew of Lady Conchs dives in. JEN SEARCY/Contributed

The Blinckmann brothers also swam legs of the winning 200 freestyle relay with the help of Filip Hrabec and Santiago Gonzalez. Hugo Blinckmann went on to win the 50 freestyle in 23.76 seconds, while Hrabec won the 100 breaststroke in 1:14. Andres Aguero won the 200 IM in 2:39, then teamed up with Haven Andrade, Gonzalez and Mason Lark for a win in the 400 freestyle relay. Gonzalez had a pair of individual wins to complement his relay victories. The senior won the 200 freestyle in 2:02 and the 100 freestyle in 52.67 seconds. Andrade added wins in the 100 butterfly (1:03) and 500 freestyle (6:49). The following afternoon, the Cowboys of Cooper City rode away with the wins, defeating Key West’s girls 81-74 and boys 97-61. Rice was the big winner for the Lady Conchs, finishing first in a pair of events. The speedy sophomore touched the wall first in the 50 freestyle in 26.30 seconds and won the 100 freestyle in 57.95. Houze won the 200 IM in 2:49 to round out the first-place finishes for the girls team. Hugo Blinckmann was the fastest Conch in the pool Aug. 29, claiming first place in the 50 freestyle in 24.12 seconds. Blinckmann was the lone individual winner for the Conch boys, but the 400 freestyle relay team outswam a quartet of Cowboys. Andres Aguero, Jamie Konecny, Mason Lark and Santiago Gonzalez made up the winning team in that event.


7

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

4 5

1 2

3

6

1. Marina Daniel (23) reaches at the net for Coral Shores. 2. Bella Villalba (5) and Kyla Myers (3) block. 3. Bella Villalba (5) spikes the ball for a point. 4. Coralyn Frimpter (55) powers the ball over the net for the Hurricanes. 5. Miracle Woods (7) makes a play. 6. The Coral Shores volleyball team celebrates a win for the first home game of the season. 7. Marathon’s Shaina Robinson (9) and Key West’s Sofia Niles (3) and Kenley Rey (9) battle it out at the net. 8. Marathon’s Adelle Bainbridge stretches to block Sofia Niles’ hit in their Aug. 26 match at Marathon. 9. Katie Vanderlee hits toward Summer Bailey (10) in the Marathon/Key West match. 10. Kaya Hughes-Struyf reaches back for a hit. 11. Elisa Carillo hits the ball toward Kenley Rey (9) in Marathon’s home match against Key West. 12. Kenley Rey makes contact in a strong serve toward Marathon. 13. Gabriella Pichardo gets some serious air as she hits toward the Fins. 14. Summer Bailey dives to save the ball in the Conchs’ 3-0 win. 15. Isabelle Magarth clears the net. Photos by Natalie Goodwin and Sean Westerband


9

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

8

9

SERVE IT UP

10

In-county clashes and Conch Cup action keep Keys volleyball teams busy

A

7 11

13

12

14

15

ll three of Monroe County’s volleyball teams tested their skills last week, with multiple in-county matchups as well as tournament action. To start things off, Coral Shores hosted Marathon on Aug. 25, defeating the Dolphins 3-0. The Hurricanes saw action from 11 players, with strong serving and hard hits becoming synonymous with the Keys’ team to beat this season. Abby Leigh served up five aces and registered three kills, three digs and a dozen assists against the Fins. Celene Walker was perfect at the service line with three aces, adding 11 kills and a dozen digs of her own. Coralyn Frimpter logged a pair of aces, 10 kills, eight digs and a block, while Maddie Jordan was also perfect at the line, adding an ace, nine assists and five digs. Two nights later, South Homestead made the trip to Tavernier to try its luck against Coral Shores. In a battle of Hurricanes, Coral Shores dispatched South Homestead 3-2, with strong performances from multiple athletes making the win possible. Leigh dropped seven aces and added four kills, a block, 21 assists and 17 digs. Marina

Daniel registered seven kills, a block and a dig, while Jillian Thiery had six kills and a dig. Jordan had another perfect night at the service line, adding 17 assists and five digs. Frimpter had two aces, 16 kills, nine digs, a pair of blocks and an assist, while Walker added an ace, nine digs and an impressive 19 kills to her stats. After taking care of business on their home court, the Hurricanes lost a pair at the Conch Cup on Aug. 28 and 29, falling to Wellington 2-1 and South Fork 2-0. The Lady Conchs also found the win column last week. Key West met its closest neighbor, Marathon, on the Dolphins’ home court on Aug. 26, defeating the Fins in three sets. But the match was no walk in the park for the Lady Conchs. The Fins took them to extended play in the third set, but Key West prevailed 3-0 to pick up an in-county win before hosting its annual Conch Cup tournament. Key West won again Aug. 28 against Westminster Academy in a 2-1 match, but lost to South Fork 2-0 later that night. The following afternoon, the Lady Conchs got back on track with a 2-1 win over Wellington, picking up momentum as the young team continues to find its groove.


10

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

1

BURNS NOTICE Marathon sophomore sets a new personal best as Keys runners open the season

T

he Lady ’Canes kicked off their cross country season Aug. 27 at Palmer Trinity School in a meet that almost was not. All-too-familiar late-summer lightning delays postponed the start of the girls race long enough to prompt race directors to combine the boys and girls races. The extra runners on the course, coupled with some already-anxious racers, led many of the top girls participants to run some extra distance. It made for a great training run, and though the times were solid for a first meet of the season, some racers were disappointed when they saw the clock at the finish line. Ali Wheatley led the pack for Coral Shores, finishing fourth overall in 23:40, respectable even with the extra yardage. Hayden Teal was next, finishing 36th in 28:00. Isabelle Jacobs finished in the top 50 and under the 30-minute mark, while Catalina Armstrong, Ainsley Golden, Kiri Crockett and Emma Sogegian crossed the line in rapid succession. Meilani Redruello also clocked in for the Hurricanes, giving the team eight strong competitors in the early-season run. The following evening, Marathon traveled to Pine Crest for its first official race of the season. The Fins had been set to run the week prior, but the weather had other intentions. The Lady Fins registered three varsity finishes, with many of their rostered athletes opting for the middle school race. One eligible runner who did not enter the middle school competition

2 3

was eighth-grader Molly Joly, who led her team with a 21:45 performance – less than half a minute off her PR in her first meet of the season. Rebecca Merryman and Ariella Dworniczak each turned in solid performances, with Merryman crossing the line in 25:37 and Dworniczak close behind in 25:58. The boys had enough varsity finishers to register a team placement, and Marathon’s gentlemen did not disappoint, finishing ninth out of 24 teams, many from much larger schools. Leading the Fins and finishing sixth overall was Lucian Burns, who broke his PR in 16:37. According to coach Helena Bursa, Burns still had fuel in the tank when he crossed the finish line. Behind Burns was Antonin Bursa, who crossed the line in 17:37, about 18 seconds shy of his best race. Next came Allan Taylor (18:24), Landon Anderson (20:47) and Anthony Vargas (20:49) to round out the top five. Brayden Anderson finished his first cross country race in 22:13, counting as the Fins’ sixth man. This week, weather permitting, the race schedule kicks into full swing. All three Keys schools will compete at Larry and Penny Thompson Park for the FNU Invitational, while Marathon and Coral Shores will return to Miami Sept. 10 for King of the Hill at Tropical Park. 1. Coral Shores’ girls pose after their season opener Aug. 27 2,3. The Dolphin varsity cross country teams pause for a photo before their Aug. 28 meet at Pine Crest. Photos contributed

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that Big Pine Storage, pursuant to the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Florida Statutes (Section 83.801–83.809), will sell at public sale by competitive online bidding to satisfy the owner’s lien for unpaid rent, fees, and other charges. Sale to be held online at 11:00 AM on September 18, 2026, at storagetreasures.com. Contents of the following unit(s) will be sold: Unit 310- Farzan Nabbie, 295 Sunset Ridge LN, Lexington, NC 27295 – Personal items. Property is stored at Big Pine Storage, 30677 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. All items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of purchase. Publish: September 3 & 10, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Code of Ordinances. DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:00 AM LOCATION: Temporary Meeting Place for the City of Key Colony Beach at The Key Colony Inn, Back Patio, 700 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, Florida. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2026-515], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER FOURTEEN OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, SECTION 14-6 MONTHLY RATES AND CHARGES, AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, September 17, 2026, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to the City Clerk, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Please take notice that in accordance with Florida Statute 328.17, Robbies Key West, Inc. claims a possessory lien on the following described vessels: Owned by Lana Nichole Savage and Ricky Alton Savage for unpaid storage fees: a 1998 26’ Bayliner (HIN: BL1B76STA898) Sealed bids will be accepted on September 11th , 2026 at Robbies Key West, 7281 Shrimp Rd, Key West, FL 33040. Robbies Key West, Inc. reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING “SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2026-515” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s

LEGAL NOTICES Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record. To be published: On or before September 7, 2026 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach Publish: September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 26-CP-000436-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: RALPH PLACENCIA, JR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RALPH PLACENCIA, JR., deceased, File Number: 26-CP-000436-K, whose date of death was November 7, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040. The name and address 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

MEETING NOTICE

MONROE COUNTY LAND AUTHORITY Notice is hereby given that the Governing Board of the Monroe County Land Authority will hold virtual/hybrid public hearings on the adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2027. The hearings will be held using Communications Media Technology (CMT) in the form of a Zoom Webinar platform on September 9, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. and on September 14, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. Members of the public may participate in the September 9 hearing online by typing https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/ 89204098700; or via telephone by dialing 1-646-518-9805 and entering Webinar ID 892 0409 8700; or in person at the Murray E. Nelson Government Center located at 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL and the September 14 hearing by typing https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/89204098700; or via telephone by dialing 1-646-518-9805 and entering Webinar ID 892 0409 8700; or in person at the Harvey Government Center located at 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL. The meeting agenda, the proposed budget, and additional details about accessing the hearings are available at www.monroecounty-fl.gov. For additional information or to submit written or other physical evidence for consideration at the meeting, contact John Beyers via phone at 305-295-5180; via email at Beyers-John@MonroeCounty-FL.gov; or via mail to Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 207, Key West, FL 33040. ADA ASSISTANCE If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The 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 sections 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is September 3, 2026. Personal Representative Thomas Charles Grassi 1605 Trinidad Dr, Key West, FL 33040 (305) 797-5055 Attorney for Personal Representative Gabriel Bodner, Esq. Florida Bar No. 43340 Bodner Law Group, PLLC 382 NE 191st Street, PMB 18238 Miami, Florida 33179 Telephone: (305) 963-7211 E-mail Address: gabriel@ bodnerlawgroup.com Publish: September 3 & 10, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NUMBER: 44-2026-CP000408-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARK R. ANDRE SR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARK R. ANDRE SR., deceased, whose date of death was March 3, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 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 27, 2026. MARK R. ANDRE, Petitioner 33 Holmes Farm Road Oakland, ME 04963 KENNETH A. NORMAN, Esquire Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No. 0742864 McCARTHY, SUMMERS, WOOD, NORMAN, MELBY, SCHULTZ, WOOD & VANVALKENBURGH P.A. 2400 S.E. Federal Highway, 4th Floor5 Stuart, Florida 34994 Telephone: (772) 286-1700 Primary Email: KAN@ McCarthySummers.com Tertiary Email: CRB@ McCarthySummers.com Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

By: Kimberly Rolle Tonya C. Saffir, Esq. (Attorney for Plaintiff) NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this summons, excluding the date of the service. The defendant, if served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction. Publish: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this summons, excluding the date of the service. The defendant, if served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction. Publish: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-000399-P IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE D. WILLISON,III Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of LAWRENCE D. WILLISON, III, deceased, whose date of death was June 21, 2026; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 26-CP-000399-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 27, 2026. Personal Representatives: LAWRENCE DAVID WILLISON, IV 1740 Malcolm Ave #104 Los Angeles, CA 90024 ldwillison@gmail.com BRIAN JON WILLISON 321 Sked St. Pennington, NJ 08534 Willison.brian.j@outlook.com Attorney for Personal Representatives: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN Florida Bar No. 0147273 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, FL 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

SUMMONS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX CASE NUMBER: CV-2025-SX-196 ACTION: DEBT AND FORECLOSURE Association of St. C Condominium Owners Plaintiff vs Joseph Estes, Heather Estes and Vagabond Holdings, LLC Defendant To: Joe Estes Address: 4200 Estate St. John Unit A-201 St C Condominium St. Croix Within the time limited by law (see note below) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and answer to a complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the complaint. Witness my hand and the seal of this Court this October 9, 2025. Tamara Charles Clerk of the Court

SUMMONS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX CASE NUMBER: CV-2025-SX-196 ACTION: DEBT AND FORECLOSURE Association of St. C Condominium Owners Plaintiff vs Joseph Estes, Heather Estes and Vagabond Holdings, LLC Defendant To: Vagabond Holdings, LLC Address: 4200 Estate St. John Unit A-201 St C Condominium St. Croix Within the time limited by law (see note below) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and answer to a complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the complaint. Witness my hand and the seal of this Court this October 9, 2025. Tamara Charles Clerk of the Court By: Kimberly Rolle Tonya C. Saffir, Esq. (Attorney for Plaintiff) NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this summons, excluding the date of the service. The defendant, if served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction. Publish: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers SUMMONS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DISTRICT OF ST. CROIX CASE NUMBER: CV-2025-SX-196 ACTION: DEBT AND FORECLOSURE Association of St. C Condominium Owners Plaintiff vs Joseph Estes, Heather Estes and Vagabond Holdings, LLC Defendant To: Heather Estes Address: 4200 Estate St. John Unit A-201 St C Condominium St. Croix Within the time limited by law (see note below) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and answer to a complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the complaint. Witness my hand and the seal of this Court this October 9, 2025. Tamara Charles Clerk of the Court By: Kimberly Rolle Tonya C. Saffir, Esq. (Attorney for Plaintiff) NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his answer or other defense with the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE #: 26-CA-000241-M Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. Plaintiff, -vs.Michael F. Papish; Unknown Spouse of Michael F. Papish; United States of America Acting through Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Unknown Parties in Possession #1, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s); Unknown Parties in Possession #2, if living, and all Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under and against the above named Defendant(s) Defendant(s). NOTICE OF ACTION FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS-PROPERTY TO: Michael F. Papish: 57463 Goodley Street, Grassy Key, FL 33050 and Unknown Spouse of Michael F. Papish: 57463 Goodley Street, Grassy Key, FL 33050 Residence unknown, if living, including any unknown spouse of the said Defendants, if either has remarried and if either or both of said Defendants are dead, their respective unknown heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, and trustees, and all other persons claiming by, through, under or against the named Defendant(s); and the aforementioned named Defendant(s) and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants and such of the aforementioned unknown Defendants as may be infants, incompetents or otherwise not sui juris. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage on the following real property, lying and being and situated in Monroe County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: LOT 18, BLOCK 3, SUNSET BAY, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5 AT PAGE 46 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. more commonly known as 57463 Goodley Street, Grassy Key, FL 33050. This action has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, upon LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 750 Park of Commerce Blvd., Suite 130, Boca Raton, FL 33487, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice and file the original with the clerk of this Court either before October 5, 2026 with service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on the 27th day of August, 2026. Kevin Madok,CPA Circuit and County Courts By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.540 Notices to Persons With Disabilities If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact


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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

Cheryl Alfonso, ADA Coordinator, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. SPANISH: Si usted es una persona discapacitada que necesita alguna adaptación para poder participar de este procedimiento o evento; usted tiene derecho, sin costo alguno a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Favor de comunicarse con Cheryl Alfonso, Coordinadora de A.D.A Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652 por lo menos 7 días antes de que tenga que comparecer en corte o inmediatamente después de haber recibido ésta notificación si es que falta menos de 7 días para su comparecencia. Si tiene una discapacidad auditiva ó de habla, llame al 711. KREYOL: Si ou se yon moun ki kokobé ki bezwen asistans ou aparêy pou ou ka patisipé nan prosedu sa-a, ou gen dwa san ou pa bezwen péyé anyen pou ou jwen on seri de èd. Tanpri kontakté Cheryl Alfonso, Co-ordinator ADA, Court Operations Manager, 502 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, 305-295-3652O'mwen 7 jou avan ke ou gen pou-ou parèt nan tribunal, ou imediatman ke ou resevwa avis sa-a ou si lè ke ou gen pou-ou alé nan tribunal-la mwens ke 7 jou; Si ou pa ka tandé ou palé byen, rélé 711. Publish: September 3 & 10, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000399-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15th day of September 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5411, Week 18, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2026. Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SONDRA LOREE STONE-FAGERBERG AKA SONDRA L. STONE, DECEASED Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000399-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 21ST day of August 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SONDRA LOREE STONE-FAGERBERG AKA SONDRA L. STONE, DECEASED Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000399-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 21ST day of August 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5333, Week 21, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) III entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2026. Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST CHARLES F. ZAMBITO, DECEASED; CHRISTINE EVERLOF, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO CHARLES F. ZAMBITO; FRANK ZAMBITO, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO CHARLES F. ZAMBITO; AND NICOLE MANCINI, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO CHARLES F. ZAMBITO Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000399-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 21ST day of August 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 43 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2106 STAPLES AVE, KEY WEST, FL 33040 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in a court proceeding or event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Cheryl Alfonso, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, 33040, (305) 292-3423, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days: if you are hearing or voice impaired call 711. Dated this 20th day of August 2026. KEVIN MADOK, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: August 27 & September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000660-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of September 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit B11, Week 42, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. EDWARD FRANCIS MORRISON AND BARBARA DENISE MORRISON Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000660-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 21ST day of August 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000399-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15th day of September 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5431, Week 19, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) IV entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2026. Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT UNDER THE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000686-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of September 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit D34, Week 26, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to the IN REM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AFTER DEFAULT entered in a case pending in said Court, the 3RD day of August 2026. Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. JOELLE BALMIR THEVENIN AKA JOELLE THEVENIN Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2025-CC-000686-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 21ST day of August 2026 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: August 27 and September 3, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000399-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15th day of September 2026 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 26-CA-000156-K LEHMAN XS TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-15, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. FRED M. UHLIG A/K/A FRED MCGEE UHLIG; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC.; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF FRED M. UHLIG A/K/A FRED MCGEE UHLIG Defendants. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), KEVIN MADOK, CPA as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for MONROE County shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at the, KEY WEST COURTHOUSE (ALL SALES), 500 WHITEHEAD STREET, KEY WEST, FL 33040, 11:00 AM on the 15 day of September, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: ON THE ISLAND OF KEY WEST, AND KNOWN AS LOT 11 OF A SUBDIVISION OF SQUARE 4, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 2, PAGE 112 MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA RECORDS, SAID SQUARE 4, BEING SHOWN ON KEY WEST REALTY CO'S SUBDIVISION OF PART OF TRACT 21 AND LOTS 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 5, AS RECORDED

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 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;

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 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


13

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

AUTOS WANTED

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483

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 305-7436739 to schedule an interview.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Journeyman Electrician, Grounds Caretaker, Superintendent (Middle & Upper Keys). 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.

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!!!

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 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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 44-2026-DR-000695A0-01-KW ROBERTO LEONARDO DOMINGUEZ SAINZ, Petitioner, and YANET ANDARCIO RIVERO, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: YANET ANDARCIO RIVERO RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 6535 WATERFRONT XING, UNIT 04-210, LAKE WORTH, FL 33467 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ROBERTO LEONARDO DOMINGUEZ SAINZ, whose address is 27962 SNAPPER LANE, SUMMERLAND KEY, FL 33042 on or before SEPTEMBER 25, 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 20, 2026 Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Sheryl LaTorre Deputy Clerk Publish: August 27 and September 3, 10 & 17, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

WE’RE HIRING

PIZZA MAKERS, PREP & CASHIERS NEW KEY LARGO LOCATION – NOW OPEN: PIZZA MAKERS* PREP & DAYTIME CASHIERS MARATHON: PIZZA MAKERS* *Pizza maker experience is a must. For all positions, 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

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 COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

PRIME COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ON US 1 available for rent in Marathon. 3,000 SF and 2,000 SF avail. Let's make a deal! Call or text Tony at 860-428-1506 R 2 t p i n c @ gm a i l. co m EMPLOYMENT

HIRING: Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBD - based on skill. E m a i l : Natalie@cecflk.com

S.S. Wreck on Grassy Key – looking for management, line cooks, fryers and prep. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave. 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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, INC. “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

IS HIRING for The Heron Assisted Living Facility! Interested in gaining health care experience in a comfortable canal front home? Like giving care & assisting with life skills for 16 residents? Well-rounded team player able to handle a variety of responsibilities? Able to make meals, do paperwork, and hold a clean three yr. driver’s license? Available for PT or FT shifts 8am-4pm, 2pm-10pm Monday-Sunday? If so, you would be a great SUPPORT WORKER! No experience required for this position, we will train. A caring heart and helpful hands are necessary.

We offer flexibility; a minimum 16 hrs. & shift differentials! Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, evening shifts Tues-Saturday, 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 305-7436739 to schedule an interview. HIRED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!! H A N D Y M A N WANTED- Seeking 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 HIRED!!!

PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTAL - Key Largo - 3BR/2BA new kitchen, Spacious Doublewide modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community $3500/ month 786-258-3127 3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $4,000/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228 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 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!!!

SUDOKU SOLUTION


14

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HOUSING FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

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

Scooter For Sale excellent condition, 7,541 miles, all service records, individually owned. $400 OBO. Located in Key West. Call Denny 305-2945 5 6 8 SOLD IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS!!!

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & W a t c h e s . Call 305-743-4578

PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com

PLACE YOUR AD HERE! $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com VACATION RENTAL

HOUSING WANTED

WANTED TO RENT: Long-term rental at Cobia Point, Marathon. Will pay top dollar. Current Daytona Beach resident. Former Keys resident who wants to return. Call Jan Burch 251-978-6267

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 & c o l l e c t i o n s . Call 401-256-0645. YARD SALES

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

WANTED TO BUY

MISC. FOR SALE

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

NOW HIRING

Lead Receiver Seeking an experienced Lead Receiver: 2+ years in warehouse receiving and inventory, forklift required. Must be detail-oriented, efficient, and computer literate. Bilingual (Eng/Span) a plus. Competitive pay and benefits. Full-time, non-climate-controlled environment.

Aquarium Encounters is looking for friendly, dependable, and enthusiastic individuals to join our team! Full-time and part-time positions are available. Benefits available for full-time employees. Guest Services • Welcoming guests, providing excellent customer service • Processing admissions and retail transactions • Answering questions about encounters and programs • Assisting with reservations and guest needs • Maintaining clean and organized guest areas • Working cooperatively with other team members Touch Tank Attendants • Answering questions about habitats, encounters and programs • Educating guests about touch-tank animals and proper interaction Level 1 Biologist • Front of house husbandry • Guest interactions which would include educational tours, public feedings and encounters, answering questions about habitats and marine life • Daily husbandry and tank cleaning tasks • Multi tasking • Open Water Cert. or Dive Instructor status is a plus • Affordable employee housing available for full time employees Dive Instructor • Pay: $160 per day • Guaranteed pay, tips plus commission • Affordable employee housing available

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

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

D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. Home Décor Sales Consultant Seeking a 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. Finish Carpenter Experienced finish carpenter needed for high end residential work. Must have own tools and reliable transportation. Attention to detail and dependable work ethic required. Interior and Exterior work. Competitive pay and benefits.

NOW HIRING 81029 CARPENTER/ MASON Maintenance Lower Keys/Bruce Hall, reporting in Key West. Full-time job with benefits, vacation time and holidays.

Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53458

NOW HIRING 81024 AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION MECHANIC

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.

Upper Keys, reporting in Tavernier. Full-time job with benefits, vacation time and holidays.

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

Apply at keysschools.com or call 305-293-1400 ext. 53398

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

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

SUNSET GRILLE & RAW BAR 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon


15

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of “Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING! JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 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.

3

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child, FT) Case Manager (Adult)

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Patient Access Associate, Multispecialty Marathon, $5k Bonus - Radiology Technologist, Ortho Surgical, Key West, $25k Bonus

KEY WEST

MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST

KEY LARGO

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

Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) 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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

- Pool Radiation Therapist

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

Full Time Teller Assistant Maintenance Manager

Stock Island

Assistant Branch Operations Manager

Islamorada

Customer Service Representative Assistant Branch Operations Manager

Key Largo

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Chaplain, Chaplaincy Spiritual Care, Per Diem - Director of Nursing Services, Intensive Care Unit/Oncology, $20k Bonus - Food Service Worker, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $25k Bonus - Medical Technologist, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem & FT - 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, $7k Bonus - Physical Therapist, Outpatient, $25k Bonus - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, ICU, $25k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist 2, $25k Bonus - Supervisor Chef, Dietary

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, FT - Diet Concierge, Full Time - ED Team Coordinator, PT & FT - Lead First Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT & X Ray, $25k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT & X Ray, Radiology, $25k Bonus - Manager Food Services, Dietary - Manager Plant Operations, Facility Operations - Medical Assistant, Urology, $5k Bonus - Medical Technologist 2, $20k Bonus - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Patient Care/Nursing House Supervisor (MH/FCH), $20k Bonus - Patient Financial Associate, $10k Bonus - Patient Scheduler, Surgery, FT - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Sr Phlebotomist, $10k Bonus 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.

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