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“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” — Marshall McLuhan

April 16, 2026

SCIENCE & FAITH CONVENE FOR A BETTER EARTH CHURCHES HOST THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL | P. 16

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KEYS

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89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2 Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com 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

13,981

The number of performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest-running show in the history of Broadway. Its 35-year run ended on April 16, 2023.

Competitive divers and the broader community can combat the invasive lionfish during REEF’s annual derby on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. DARYL DUDA/REEF

LEGISLATORS TO CONVENE FOR CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING WITH NO BUDGET APPROVED JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

s talks over a budget agreement loom over the state capital, legislators in the Florida House and Senate will return to Tallahassee to discuss a potential redrawing of the congressional map ahead of the November election. A special session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis beginning Monday, April 20 will bring House and Senate members back to the state capital for the first time since the conclusion of a 60-day session on March 13. Legislators left without approving a budget for the coming fiscal year. And talks over bridging the $1 billion spending difference likely won’t happen between the House and Senate during the special session. The House (HB 5001) and Senate’s (SB 2500) proposed budgets for fiscal year 2026-27 total $113.58 billion and $115.03 billion, respectively. Health and Human Services received the largest portion of funding for the House and Senate’s proposed budgets, totaling $49.33 billion and $49.09 billion, respectively. The state’s combined education programs and services received the second largest proportion of funding, $31.83 billion and $31.80 billion, respectively. State Rep. Jim Mooney, who represents the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, said there haven’t been any new developments in terms of when the chambers will convene and pass a budget. The Florida Legislature is constitutionally required to pass a balanced state budget, known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA), annually during its legislative session, which takes effect on July 1. That means legislators have until June 30 to come to agreement on a spending plan. Mooney said the difference in spending between the chambers is closer than the $3 billion separation between the House and Senate seen

Florida State Capitol. FILE PHOTO

during the previous budget cycle. The Legislature ultimately approved a $117.9 billion budget last June, of which DeSantis vetoed $564 million before signing a $117.4 billion spending plan. “We’re closer and we have plenty of time,” Mooney said. “Everybody wants stuff. The speaker and Senate president want things. The 120 House members and 40 Senators want things.” State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, too, hasn’t heard anything suggesting the budget would be taken up during the special session for redistricting. “The focus, as it stands, appears to be limited to that call,” she said. “That said, I remain optimistic that both chambers will be able to close the gap and finalize a budget before July 1.” In early March, Speaker Danny Perez noted the disagreements in the budget, stating the “House believes we should spend less money; the Senate believes we should spend more money.” Senate President Ben Albritton said the two chambers weren’t too far apart in terms of spending.

State Rep. Jim Mooney said he’s still waiting to hear more about a meeting to discuss the state budget. OFFICE OF JIM MOONEY/ Contributed

“If you look at the budget as a whole, there are a couple of silos we’ll figure out,” he said during an interview last month with CBS Miami. Despite the budget differences, both chambers allocated $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. Funds support stormwater, canal restoration projects and other water quality projects from Key Largo to Key West. “We don’t ask for anything we don’t have a use for,” Mooney said in relation to the project requests for his district. “If you look at some of the projects that have gotten funded in the state, you’d scratch your head and go, ‘What?’ For us, the money gets spent the right way.” Rodriguez said she expects negotiations to continue following the special session.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MILLIONS FROM TOURISM BACK MAJOR PROJECTS

STORM CHASING

Hurricane Hunter aircraft visits Marathon on NOAA Hurricane Awareness Tour

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

early $10 million generated by Florida Keys visitors will support projects serving visitors and residents. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council announced on April 13 that projects will get $9.7 million of tourist tax revenue, distributed from Key West to Key Largo across the five TDC advisory districts in the Keys. “This is an example of putting Visit Florida Keys’ money where its mouth is by investing in projects that are significant to residents as well as visitors,” Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln said. A Key West press release detailed three priority projects for phase one of improvements to Mallory Square that the TDC funds will support, totaling $3.62 million. Of that, $1.92 million will support new public restroom facilities, $1 million for shade structures and $700,000 for landscaping and improved aesthetics. “This investment positions the city to make meaningful visible improvements at Mallory Square,” said City Manager Brian L. Barroso. In the Lower Keys, $1 million will support an artificial reef project. Kara Franker, Visit Florida Keys president and CEO, said the project will help get new scuba divers comfortable around artificial reef structures before visiting real coral reef sites. Franker said there will also be an on-land educational component. Marathon’s Old Seven Mile Bridge will get $562,655 for maintenance. With the one-time funds, the TDC’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $1.3 million for commercial air service at the Marathon International Airport. That includes $800,000 for an access control system and $500,000 to match a federal grant for the small community air service development. Recent upgrades to the county-owned airport are headlined by a $30.1 million runway relocation that was finished in October 2025. The move brought the airfield into compliance with FAA standards, separating the runway from the taxiway so larger planes’ wings could pass while traveling in opposite directions. Islamorada’s efforts to enhance the Founders Park boat ramp will receive $750,000 in TDC funds. The proj-

The boat ramp at Founders Park. FILE PHOTO

ect aims to install a second boat launch next to the current one, along with redesigning boat and trailer parking. Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who’s been working to bring another launch for local fishing guides, said she was elated by the funding, calling the project a win for residents, guides and tourism. And $2 million will support Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s new visitor center and aquarium, in which the state is investing $50 million. The project will include interactive exhibits, a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and wildlife observation areas. Franker said she and TDC chair Diane Schmitt chose “Destination Stewardship” projects in each of the TDC’s five District Advisory Committees (DACs) for these one-time funds. Franker said the projects are so significant to the economy and residents’ enjoyment that they were pulled out of the standard DAC capital funding application process for approval by the TDC and county commissioners. “They rose to a higher level of significance to benefit visitors and residents,” Franker said. Franker added the fiscal year 2027 budget includes a $65.4 million investment in advertising, events, promotions and operations. As for capital grant allocations through the DACs, each will receive a one-time funding boost of 20% to support projects. A total of $400,000 in unappropriated tourist development tax funds will support America’s 250th events in the Florida Keys. In March, county commissioners discussed using unappropriated tourism funds to support events and commemorative activities across the Keys for the nation’s semiquincentennial. The BOCC has determined that this use of funds promotes tourism and is consistent with Florida law.

1 1. A C-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft rests on the tarmac at the Marathon Airport. 2. National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan reminds guests to prepare for hurricane season, set to begin in less than 50 days in the Florida Keys. 3. Flight crews offer tours and equipment rundowns inside the Hurricane Hunter aircraft. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

2 ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

or the first time in more than a decade, the Marathon Airport played host to the massive engines and wingspan of a C130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft on April 14, welcoming public officials, school groups and Monroe County residents for tours. The customized transport plane is used by the U.S. Air Force Reserve to fly reconnaissance missions through tropical storms and hurricanes, gathering crucial data to aid the National Weather Service in accurately forecasting storms and keeping civilians safe. The plane paid a visit as a stop on NOAA’s Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour, bringing together forecasters from the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service Key West forecast office and aircraft

3 crew members on stops around the U.S., Caribbean and Central America. “We’ve made improvements to products and services and forecasting hurricanes in recent years, and a lot of it is due to the data collected by these aircraft you see behind me and the hurricane hunters,” said National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan. “They give us more confidence than ever. “This is the time to prepare for the hurricane season, regardless of what you might hear about seasonal forecasts and how many storms there might be in the Atlantic.” For a complete guide to hurricane preparedness, as well as a deeper dive into the Hurricane Hunter aircraft’s capabilities, see the upcoming Keys Weekly Hurricane Guide, published this June. Hurricane season in the Florida Keys runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

NEW ZONE AIMS TO SLOW BOATS THROUGH NOTORIOUS CHANNEL

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Pictured back row, from left, are Monroe County Sheriff’s Lt. Mario Benedetti and marine deputy Nelson Sanchez. In the front row are Poseidon Marine Towing’s Carlos Galindo and Ilene Perez. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

ears of work to bring added safety to a narrow channel — which many boats traverse as a shortcut off Lower Matecumbe — came to fruition on April 9, as new buoys were placed to mark a new slow speed/minimum wake zone. Installed by TowBoatUS Islamorada/Poseidon Marine Towing and Salvage, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission also assisted in the installation, ensuring vessels remained at slow speeds while the work was underway at Starcks Wheel Ditch. Marine deputy Nelson Sanchez was busy educating boaters passing by during the installation. “Each side of the channel has a set of buoys,” said Peter Frezza, village environmental resources manager. Frezza said the village’s Nearshore Water Advisory Committee discussed issues at Starcks Wheel Ditch for at least three years. According to Frezza, the narrow channel — less than 100 feet in width — is used by many boaters as a shortcut to avoid a longer run around the “swash” area off the Lower Matecumbe bayside. However,

due to increasing traffic, boat size and poor visibility through the channel, the new regulatory zone was recommended to the council by the committee to slow things down. “It’s 100% for safety,” Frezza said. “There have been a number of accidents that occurred in that area over the years — even one fatality. Boats go through there at high rates of speed, and the boats are bigger of course.” Tie that in with poor visibility and a blind turn halfway through, and it makes for a dangerous situation. In early 2025, the advisory committee formally recommended to the council a new zone. An ordinance was proposed and passed on second reading last October. Per Florida law, a vessel is operating at slow speed, minimum wake only if it is fully off plane and completely settled into the water and proceeding without wake or with minimum wake. “A vessel that is required to operate at slow speed, minimum wake may not proceed at a speed greater than a speed that is reasonable and prudent to avoid the creation of an excessive wake or other hazardous condition under the existing circumstances,” the law states.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

SCHOOL DISTRICT, VILLAGE REMAIN STUCK OVER BASEBALL FIELD UPGRADES FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com

ontinued disagreement over a baseball field improvement project by the school district at Islamorada’s Founders Park highlighted the April 7 school board meeting in Key West. School board attorney Dirk Smits said negotiations were “stalled” with the village over the $5 million-plus in upgrades to Founders Park baseball field. “We can just keep plugging away if the board wants, or we can come up with a plan B. I don’t know which one is going to be your preference. We have been back and forth quite a bit,” he said. Smits said that while there have been extensive discussions, the most recent proposal still contains several “deal breakers” for both sides, leaving six or seven major issues unresolved. The fundamental issue is that the village owns the field while the school board will pay for the upgrades — and each wants a large degree of control. A day before the meeting, Superintendent Ed Tierney told Keys Weekly the district is working hard with the village to try and get a deal done. “It’s a complex needle to thread. One entity is putting up money and the other entity has the land,” he said. “We want to get to where the language is palatable for both sides.” The outcome will dictate whether the community can finally move forward with the village council’s proposal or if the school board must pivot to an alternative strategy for the Coral Shores High School baseball team. As of now, the 2027 baseball season will be played on the existing grass field. Pat Lefere, school district executive director of operations, provided a live view of the Rex Weech athletic facility in Key West. The training center structure is essentially complete and stucco work has begun on

the concession and museum building. The project remains on track for completion by Sept. 30. Board members expressed concerns about physical security for students when the museum is open to the public during games, a matter the district office will address as operations are finalized. The school board also honored several community “Great Moments in Education” and received updates on infrastructure and employee benefits. The meeting started with the GEMS recognition of George Fernandez, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, for his commitment to bringing the arts to the Keys. Through his support, nearly 4,000 students experienced live performances this season, including “Jazz at Lincoln Center” and “Puppy Pals.” Key West High School sophomore Zaylee Hayes was recognized for her courage and quick thinking. When a teacher suffered a medical distress, Hayes immediately sought help, an act that likely saved a life. Junior Allens Alexander was celebrated for a stellar wrestling season. With a 37-7 record, Alexander earned a silver medal at the state tournament, becoming only the 14th state finalist in school history. Coach Jerry Harbin received a GEM award for his seven years of volunteer service to the Sugarloaf Lady Sharks volleyball program, which recently captured the Conch Cup with only one loss this season. Following the surprise exit of Illinois-based Optavise from the employee benefits management business, the district conducted a search and announced a recommendation to move to a Tallahassee company, FBMC Benefits Management Inc. Charlene White, executive director of finance, noted that FBMC’s established relationship with the Florida Retirement System will streamline processes for retirees, particularly regarding dental and vision insurance payments. — Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

PARENTS, IT’S TIME TO THINK SUMMER CAMP JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

or students, the days spent in the classroom are slowly drawing to a close. For parents, it’s time to think about summer camps. Throughout the Upper Keys, a number of camps offer a little bit of everything for parents seeking to get their kids out of the house for some adventure and lasting memories. From swimming to music playing, there are plenty of activities for children to enjoy in the Upper Keys this summer as parents head off to work.

Island Music School offers the only live performance music camp in the Keys for students 7-17. ISLAND MUSIC SCHOOL/ Contributed

Island Music School Island Music School, sponsored by Islamorada Community Entertainment, offers the only live performance music camp in the Keys for students 7-17. LIVE! Music Camp is an expedited program that is modeled after our year-round MusicPro LIVE! class designed for upper elementary and high school students. In this week-long camp, students gain the tools to grow as well-rounded musicians — learning to play in a live band at the Founders Park Amphitheater in Islamorada, while also exploring live sound, recording, stage presence and confidence. Most importantly, they develop a lifelong love of music while performing the contemporary songs they love. The 25-hour camp meets Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 5 p.m. Session I runs July 6-10 and Session II runs July 13-17 for $299. Camp includes snacks/drinks, a goodie bag and pizza lunch the last day of camp. The camp concludes with a live performance at the amphitheater on Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. Island Music School also has a “parent and me” camp for children 2 to 5 years old on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, July 6-16, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for $150. Kids will try instruments like piano, guitar, ukulele, harp, accordion, harmonica, desk bells and hand percussion; participate in hands-on, interactive themed music; plus enjoy daily arts and crafts. There will also be a mini-celebration on the last day with food, drinks and a goodie bag.

The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center’s camp will dive into the rich history, unique environment and vibrant culture of the Florida Keys through interactive exhibits, creative projects and engaging outdoor activities. KHDC/ Contributed

Florida Keys History & Discovery Center summer camp Join us this summer, June 1-5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center for an unforgettable, hands-on learning adventure. Campers ages 6 to 12 will dive into the rich history, unique environment and vibrant culture of the Florida Keys through interactive exhibits, creative projects and engaging outdoor activities. Each day is filled with discovery, imagination and excitement perfect for curious young minds ready to learn, explore and have fun in a dynamic and inspiring setting. The camp is $450 for the week. Scholarship opportunities are available thanks to a Community Foundation of the Florida Keys grant. More information is at keysdiscovery.com/events-programs.

A MarineLab summer camp participant prepares to snorkel the waters. MARINELAB/Contributed

Marine science summer camp Join MarineLab’s day camp filled with fun in the sun, snorkeling and science for local children who are rising fourth to eighth grade students, ages 8-14 (Rising eighth, ninth or 10th grade students can apply to be junior counselors for a week). All camp days run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each day includes a boat trip to snorkel the mangroves, seagrasses or coral reef; hands-on science discovery labs, lunch, group games and activities. Each week has its own webpage/registration site: June 10-12 (three-day week); $300/week, $275 for siblings; June 22-26; $495/week, $475 for siblings; June 29-July 2 (four-day week) $395/week, $375 for siblings; and Aug .3-7; $495/week, $475 for siblings More information is at marinelab.org/summercamps. Want to list a summer camp? Email manuela@ keysweekly.com.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

MISSION: REMOVE LIONFISH

REEF’s annual derby targets invader

The festival on Sunday, April 26 features interactive exhibits, lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations and free lionfish tastings. REEF/Contributed

eef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will host its 17th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival April 23-26 in Key Largo. Competitive divers and the broader community are invited to combat the invasive lionfish threatening South Florida’s coral reef ecosystems. The event starts Thursday, April 23, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a captains’ meeting and kickoff party at Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill, 522 Caribbean Dr., Key Largo. Registered derby teams will then take to the water Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, fishing from sunrise to sundown in an effort to remove as many lionfish as possible from South Florida reefs. The weekend culminates Sunday, April 26, with a free, familyfriendly conservation science and arts festival at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center, 98380 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, from noon to 4 p.m. Open to all ages, the festival features interactive exhibits, lionfish fillet and dissection demonstrations, free lionfish tastings, live music from Jake on the Lake, food trucks, science activities, local artists and vendors and the official derby awards ceremony. No registration is required to attend the festival. Derby teams compete in one of two divisions: the Apex Predators division for more competitive par-

ticipants and the Reef Defenders division for recreational divers. Prizes are awarded for the most, largest and smallest lionfish collected, and all teams are entered to win a $500 Golden Fish raffle award. Standard registration is $120 per team through April 23. Teams must consist of 2 to 4 divers. Last year’s Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival removed 1,618 lionfish from South Florida reefs in just two days. More than 36,333 lionfish have been removed from local waters since the events began — fish that would otherwise prey on native species and disrupt the reef ecosystem. “Every lionfish removed from a Florida reef is a win for our native ecosystem. This derby brings together some of the most passionate divers in our community for a cause that truly makes a measurable difference,” said Alli Candelmo, REEF director of conservation science. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ocean Reef Conservation Association and the Monroe County Tourism Development Council for their premier support, which makes this event and its conservation impact possible.” More information is at www. reef.org/derby, via email to lionfish@reef.org or at 305-852-0030. — Contributed

UPPER KEYS COMMUNITY GIVES BACK IN A BIG WAY

Members of First Baptist Church Key Largo and guests from four local churches and community groups celebrated multiple milestones with Operation Christmas Child on April 11. First Baptist Key Largo has served for 20 years as the collection point in the Upper Keys for shoeboxes during National Collection week. Additionally, in 2025, the Florida Keys sent 5,760 shoeboxes to children in need around the world through the generosity of local churches and various community groups. It’s an 8% increase over 2024 and the most ever collected in our island chain. For more information on how to get involved, contact Cindy Smith at 305-923-9984 or visit samaritanspurse.org. DAVID FEJER/Contributed

CONGRESSMAN VISITS ISLAMORADA

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez visited Islamorada last week to meet with Mayor Don Horton and Village Manager Ron Saunders to view projects for which he successfully secured funding. One of the stops was at the Lower Matecumbe canals culvert restoration project, where he is pictured with Horton and Saunders. Gimenez and staff helped to secure annual funding from the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program. During the visit, the congressman also made a stop at Fire Station 19. Gimenez, who had a 25-year career as a fireman in Miami, toured the station and visited with the on-duty fire rescue team. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

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HAVING A BALL Tavernier resident builds a drag queen scene in the Upper Keys CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

t’s official: Drag queens aren’t just in Key West any more. And Upper Keys residents can thank Tavernier resident JD Reinbott, who has been hosting smash-hit drag queen brunch and bingo events at local venues since this past fall. Translation: We don’t have to drive hours down south (or north to the mainland to Miami) to enjoy the drag scene anymore. And possibly, no one is more ecstatic about the success of his events than Reinbott himself (a.k.a. drag queen Double Dietrich). “It’s been amazing,” Reinbott told Keys Weekly. “Going into the first drag show that I hosted and produced at the Catch, I thought, ‘This might just be a room of 20 friends.’ Instead, we had over a hundred people and raised over $2,000 for a fundraiser. That was November 2025, and it really became the blueprint.” From there, Reinbott started approaching local businesses about collaborating on shows. And he is grateful for his drag queen sisters who have supported and/or been showcased in these events: Scarlit Fatale, Brandy B, Kennedy Waldorf, Ariesela, BarbieRose Dixon and Maeve Saint-Couture. “I’ve been in the Florida Keys since 2018, and the lack of a visible queer community has really weighed on me,” Reinbott said. “But instead of giving up, I leaned into that ‘If you build it, they will come’ mindset — overused as the phrase may be. It was definitely a leap into the unknown, but it has been beyond worth it. I’ve had numerous people DM me on Instagram just to say, ‘Thank you for creating a space for our community to exist in.’ I’m eternally grateful to be leading the charge forward, one size14 heel at a time.” He is a marine biologist who is originally from New Jersey, and currently works as a digital strategist for Overseas Media Group. Reinbott started doing drag in the Keys as a way of celebrating the day he came out by hosting a house party called “Dragapalooza.” “Dragapalooza was an excuse for me to buy a wig, put on some makeup, and celebrate my queerness with some of my closest friends in a place where I thought I would never be able to fully express

myself,” he said. “But once the party concluded, everything would be put back into my closet until the following year.” Eventually, Reinbott sashayed into public performances after deciding to sign up for a talent show in Wilton Manors. “That’s where I met the performers I now consider my sisters. It’s really where Double Dietrich fully emerged,” he said. “But living in the Keys created a significant bottleneck. To perform, I’d have to put aside hours to get into makeup, drive north, perform sometimes until midnight (or later), drive south, and then wake up at 7 a.m. for my day job. So when a local organization was planning a fundraiser and asked for ideas, I said, ‘Well, I’m a drag queen. Why don’t we do a drag show?’” It’s been a flurry of lip syncing, wigs, sequins and high heels for Reinbott ever since. He has successfully booked Upper Keys venues including the Catch Restaurant & Bar, Crooked Palm Cabana, Florida Keys Brewing Co., and the Elks Lodge. Florida Keys Brewing Co. co-owner Cheryl McBay has booked Reinbott/Double Dietrich for a few drag bingo events. And she is thrilled. “I love drag queens, and I would drive to Key West to see them. But I thought the Upper Keys were missing out,” she said. “I had been wanting to book a drag bingo show for a long time. I knew JD — he worked next door. But I never knew he was a drag queen. I was like, ‘No frickin’ way!’ It all fell

into place, and the show was fantastic. I’m super happy.” Emily Becker is both a good friend of Reinbott’s and a superfan. “It’s been awesome to see the community he’s built for himself and for the queer community in the Upper Keys,” she said. “The show is phenomenal. It was very special to see the joy on everyone’s faces. I am 100 percent extremely proud of him.” For drag-show newbies, you can expect a lot of lip syncing and comedic banter, and sometimes the queens will unexpectedly pull volunteers from the crowd. A traditional way to praise the artists is to tip them with dollars. “It’s not your typical day in the Keys,” said Reinbott. “Forget the fishing gear and grab the tip dollars!” Reinbott’s next shows are both set for Saturday, April 18. Drag Me to the Keys Brunch takes place at Tavernier’s Crooked Palm Cabana at 11 a.m., followed by Siren Drag Bingo at 8 p.m. at Islamorada’s Florida Keys Brewing Co. Both events have a $15 cover charge. For more information on JD Reinbott/ Double Dietrich, go to @doubledflkeys on Instagram.

1: The next Drag Bingo at Florida Keys Brewing Co. will take place on April 18. The cast, from left: Brandy B, Double Dietrich, and Kennedy Waldorf. 2: JD Reinbott as Double Dietrich, top left, hangs out with his drag castmates and the staff of the Crooked Palm Cabana at a recent event. 3: JD Reinbott’s mother, Sue (left), supports her son’s events as drag queen Double Dietrich. 4: Friend Emily Becker (left) has witnessed Reinbott’s metamorphosis as Double Dietrich: ‘I am 100 percent extremely proud of him.’ 5: How can you not smile when surrounded by drag queens? The cast of the Drag Bingo event (plus Reinbott’s mother) poses for a group photo at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. From left: Brandy B; Reinbott’s mother, Sue; JD Reinbott as drag queen Double Dietrich; and Kennedy Waldorf. CONTRIBUTED

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026 Left: Local teachers and students honor our shared home at the second annual faith and science Earth Day celebration, hosted at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. CONTRIBUTED

FROM PEWS TO PLANET Faith and science come together to celebrate Earth Day, Keys style TIFFANY DUONG tiffany@keysweekly.com

e have one planet, one shared home – and we’re all on it together. In the Keys, the challenges of living on a string of islands hanging off the coast of Florida require a bit of faith, a healthy heeding of science and a stalwart belief in community. So, it’s no wonder an Earth Day event can bring together seemingly-distant and opposing communities. Now in its third year, the Upper Keys Earth Day Festival, co-hosted by Burton Memorial United Methodist Church and Coral Isles Church of Christ, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Coral Isles Church, 90001 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. The premise is simple, but not common: bring faith communities, scientists and environmental groups into the same space — not to debate, but to collaborate. To find common ground and work towards a shared future. “By holding the Earth Day celebration on church grounds, we are making the statement that faith and environmentalism do go together,” said David Charlton, Burton Memorial pastor. “I would like to add that faith and science also go together. Faith tells us that we have the responsibility to take care of the Earth, and science tells us how to take care of the Earth.” That intersection anchors this year’s theme: Environmental Awareness: Educating and Empowering Our Community.

For Barbara Overton, the collaboration reflects something deeper than labels. “People find their way into environmental work for all kinds of reasons,” said the Coral Isles chair of the Mission Committee. “But no matter the motivation, the shared goal is the same: reducing environmental harm and building a resilient, healthy planet for everyone.” In a place like the Keys, that shared goal cuts across lines that might feel more rigid elsewhere. “The Florida Keys are ground zero for the effects of climate change,” Overton said, pointing to coral decline, saltwater intrusion and shifting ecosystems. “Yet what stands out is the community’s response. Instead of giving in to frustration, residents, scientists, volunteers and local organizations are working toward real, lasting solutions.” Much environmental work happens in silos, so bringing those efforts together in one place can spark new connections and momentum, Overton said. “One of my favorite moments at the festival is watching the faces of environmental group representatives as they discover what other organizations are doing,” she said. “Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s exactly the kind of exchange we want to encourage. “Our festival aims to bring all this work into one place and to help people discover how they can get involved. It’s an opportunity to see just how much is being done and to

find a meaningful way to join in,” she continued. Jack S. Grove has spent years advocating for this cross-pollination among organizations, disciplines and belief systems. A longtime Key Largo resident, marine scientist and member of the Burton congregation, Grove sees the festival as a rare but necessary bridge. Whether described as biodiversity by scientists or stewardship by people of faith, he points out, the underlying message is the same: care for the living systems that sustain life. In his view, the urgency of environmental challenges leaves little room for division. Debates about origins or ideology matter less than the immediate need to protect ecosystems and communities alike. The consequences of inaction, he said, extend far beyond the loss of species and directly affect human life. That perspective has shaped his involvement in the event since its inception. While he won’t be giving a standalone lecture as in years past, Grove will still participate in the broader Earth Day programming, continuing a conversation he’s carried through decades of research, exploration and public outreach. The festival is part of a much larger global moment. Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the largest environmental movement in the world, with more than one billion people participating annually. Events like the one in Tavernier will be replicated across thousands of diverse communities this April, turning awareness into local action.

Local naturalist and adventurer Jack S. Grove chats with the park service at a past Earth Day event. BARBARA OVERTON/Contributed

The Reef Renewal tent at a past Earth Day event hosts local children. CONTRIBUTED

Attendees can expect booths from local nonprofits and environmental groups, alongside vendors, a plant sale, food, a silent auction and familyfriendly activities like a bounce house. Festival proceeds will continue to build between these two communities, helping both churches install solar panels and undertake other environmentally-focused projects. For Charlton, the event truly makes sense. “We are… called to govern the earth as farmers, not tyrants,” he said. And for Overton, the impact is amplifying. “Standing together creates a multiplier effect,” she said, “that can significantly boost the impact of local environmental efforts and inspire broader community action.” It’s not a typical Earth Day event. And it’s not a typical church gathering. But maybe that’s the point. In the Keys, where the environment touches nearly every part of life, it may be less about sides – and more about simply showing up for the place we all call home.

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A GLOBAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE GOES FUR-FREE

Etsy is the latest company to announce the prohibition of items made of real fur. CONTRIBUTED

O’BRIEN

’Brien is an energetic and affectionate 11‑month‑old boy weighing about 49 pounds. He appears to be a border collie mix and has both the brains and the heart that come with the breed. Once he gets comfortable, O’Brien’s loving nature truly shines. O’Brien has a big story to tell and thrives with patience, understanding and a gentle approach. Give him time to build trust, and he’ll give you his whole world in return. Because he didn’t have the opportunity to properly socialize with other dogs in his past, O’Brien would do best as the only dog in the home, where he can soak up all the love and attention for himself. He is currently undergoing treatment for heartworms and is expected to make a full recovery. With continued care and lots of love, O’Brien has a bright and happy future ahead. If O’Brien sounds like the perfect fit for your family, please fill out an adoption application at mprescues.org/ adoption-application.

Ridley the fox. FILE PHOTO

i friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Gather ’round, my loyal followers, it’s your favorite fur-free REEF icon, here to deliver THE FOX some exceptional news. And no, Reef is a red fox Mom didn’t force that was saved me to write this. from a fur farm. He now lives in I volunteered. Key Largo with Because when the his human, Nicole world starts getNavarro. ting it right, I have thoughts. Lots of them. As you all very well know (because I remind you constantly), we at Pawsitive Beginnings are against all fur. Yes, that includes “vintage,” “heirloom,” “but-it’s-old-so-it’s-okay” nonsense. No loopholes here, my friends. Suffering is suffering, whether it happened yesterday or 50 years ago. I said what I said. Now, on to the good stuff, because the fur-free movement? Oh, it’s not just alive. It’s thriving. First up: New York Fashion Week – yes, that runway of glitz and questionable outfit choices – has officially said “no thanks” to fur starting September 2026. Imagine that. Fashion without

cruelty. Revolutionary. Next, the Emmy Awards. That’s right, the television academy has decided that walking the red carpet draped in someone else’s tragedy is no longer the vibe. Starting September 2026, real fur is banned. I love a good plot twist. And now, my personal favorite, because I do enjoy a little online shopping: Etsy has entered the chat. Beginning in August, it will prohibit the sale of items (vintage and new) made from animals killed primarily for their fur. The Brooklyn-based company really said, “We’re done here.” Let me be very clear: these are not small wins. These are not “cute little steps.” These are major shifts in industries that once treated animals like accessories. This is what happens when everyday people – yes, you – decide they’re done supporting cruelty disguised as fashion. This is what progress looks like. So tonight, I shall raise a (shatterproof, because let’s be realistic) glass of the finest spring water in a toast to compassion, common sense and a future where foxes like me are admired for our personalities, not our pelts. You’re welcome. Until next time. Reef, over and out!

SAVE THE DATE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thursday, April 16 • Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Ways Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada. Friday, April 17 • Beats on the Bay Music series features Crossfire Creek and opening acts from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Founders Park Amphitheater. Scan the QR code for a comprehensive list of arts and entertainment in Islamorada. EVENTS April 17-19 • Helm to Hearth, a celebration of the ocean’s bounty and marine conservation, at Three Waters Resort, Islamorada. Learn more by scanning the QR code. Friday, April 17 • Key Largo Rotary’s Cajun Night fundraiser from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Doc’s Diner, Key Largo. Tickets at KeyLargoRotary.org.

Saturday, April 18 • Swim Across America Florida Keys Open Water Swim at Founders Park beach. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a rolling start at 9:45 a.m. Learn more at swimacrossamerica.org. • Florida Keys Mosquito Control District’s Open House, a free, family event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 503 107th Street, Gulfside, Marathon. Sunday, April 19 • Earth Day guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS April 17-18 • Florida Keys Quilters present “Quilts in Bloom” quilt show at the Key Largo library with demonstrations. The quilt show continues through April. April 21-22 • 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.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

UNITED WAY INVESTS INAUGURAL ‘PICKLEBALL FOR $200K IN 15 KEYS PAWS’ TOURNAMENT NONPROFITS Last year’s grants totaled $188K COMES TO KEY LARGO to 11 Monroe County organizations

Star of the Sea Foundation, which operates SOS food pantries in Key West and the Upper Keys, is one of the 15 Monroe County nonprofits that recently received grant funding from United Way of Collier and the Keys. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

nited Way of Collier and the Keys recently announced an investment of $600,000 in grant funding to 46 nonprofit organizations across Collier and Monroe counties for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Of that $600,000, 15 Monroe County nonprofits will receive a total of $200,000, although the United Way declined to release to the Keys Weekly the specific amounts awarded to each local charity. The funding supports programs that align with United Way’s core impact areas in the two counties: community resiliency, financial security, healthy community and youth opportunity. These areas are designed to meet the needs of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households – working families who earn above the federal poverty level, but still struggle to afford basic needs. “These investments are about strengthening the programs our community relies on every day,” said Tiffani Mensch, United Way president & CEO. “By partnering with local nonprofits, we’re helping ensure individuals and families have access to the resources

they need to navigate challenges, build stability and create brighter futures.” The grant process is led by volunteers who evaluate applications based on its alignment with United Way goals and the potential for measurable outcomes. This year’s Monroe County grant recipients are: • A Positive Step of Monroe County. • Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. • Diocese of Southeast Florida (Hammock House). • Dolphins to Stop Domestic Violence. • Florida Keys Area Health Education Center. • Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. • Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition. • Florida Keys Outreach Coalition. • Good Health Clinic. • Grace Jones Community Center. • Heart of the Keys Recreation Center. • Independence Cay. • Keys Area Interdenominational Resources. • Samuel’s House. • Star of the Sea Foundation. More information is at uwcollierkeys.org.

Grace C. Lopez, who founded Women for Paws, cuddles Pickles, a miniature aussiedoodle puppy and the charity’s mascot. Lopez adopted Pickles from the Upper Keys Humane Society. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

race C. Lopez, founder of Women for Paws, has helped pet owners for the last 15 years through her charity. Now, the part-time Key Largo resident is spreading the word about her upcoming “Pickleball for Paws” charity tournament. She says the money raised will go directly to pet owners in need. This support includes help with unexpected vet bills, pet food purchases or temporary boarding if a pet owner becomes ill or injured. “We’re not a rescue, we’re not a shelter; we give direct assistance to pet owners,” Lopez said. “This is our very first tournament, and we decided to host it in Key Largo, where we help the most pet owners,” added Lopez. Lopez hopes to raise between $6,000 and $7,000 during the tournament on Saturday, April 25 at Key Largo Community Park. Lopez founded Women for Paws after volunteering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation two decades ago. During that time, she saw cancer patients having to give up their pets because they couldn’t care for them during treatment or afford to keep them. She decided to help. Now, Women for Paws works with local nonprofits like MarrVelous Pet Rescues and the Upper Keys Humane Society to support local pets and their owners.

“One thing I want to make very clear: a lot of people think Women for Paws is an organization that only helps women. It is not. It helps all pet owners,” explained Lopez. On a recent visit to the Upper Keys Humane Society to donate cat food, Lopez spotted a miniature aussiedoodle puppy rescued from a breeder in Homestead. She felt she had to adopt her and named her Pickles. “She adopted me,” recalled Lopez. “It dawned on me she would be our mascot and go with me everywhere,” she added. Matthew Peil, a pickleball instructor and owner of Florida Keys Pickleball, is helping Lopez organize the upcoming charity tournament. With pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity, the sport provides a wonderful opportunity to raise money for good causes. “It’s a great way to get people aware of the cause in the community and to get businesses and sponsorships involved,” said Peil. Peil expects 50 to 80 participants in the “Pickleball for Paws” tournament, with a few hundred others coming to watch. There is still time to register for the “Pickleball for Paws” tournament, and the entrance fee is $75. All skill levels are welcome. More information is at womenforpaws.org. You can also check out the pickleball courts at Key Largo Community Park behind Walgreens and scan the QR code on the flyers at the courts.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

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Vicky Bakery founders Antonio and Gelasia Cao, pictured middle, celebrate the 30th Florida location with family during a grand opening on April 9. KEYS WEEKLY

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

recent ribbon-cutting at Vicky Bakery’s newest location in Key Largo marked a celebration of various sorts. Last summer, Vicky Bakery managing partners Pedro and Amy Cao opened the 30th Florida location — the first in the Keys at the former Denny’s at MM 97.6 in the median. But by the time the ribbon was cut on April 9, Vicky Bakery embarked on a new endeavor with the opening of the cocktail lounge, Bar Victor. Named after Antonio Victor Cao, who founded Vicky Bakery with his wife, Gelasia, in Hialeah in 1972, it’s the first full-service bar for the family-owned Cuban bakery. More than 50 years ago, the founders fell in love during their time spent working at the bakery in Cuba, La Vencedora. The couple ended up marrying and migrated to Miami as political exiles. Not long after their arrival, they started a small bakery.

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Upper Keys Weekly MANUELA MOBLEY 305.967.9222

Vicky Bakery staff members. KEYS WEEKLY

“This is a humble story of a family that came to this country because of these two people right here (Antonio and Gelasia),” said Alejandro Santiago, Vicky Bakery managing partner, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Family and friends gathered in front of the bakery and bar, as the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce staff and members joined in the ribbon cutting. Amy Cao acknowledged that every Vicky Bakery team is special. “We have people from all over the world, all over the country who come and join and become a mini-family, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” she said. The bakery is known for its wide array of fresh-baked breads, pastelitos, croquettes, empanadas, cafecitos, cakes, sandwiches and more — all made daily using the family’s original recipes. Next to the bakery, Bar Victor is where the Cuban flavors meet creative flair in every glass. The cocktails honor tradition while keeping things fresh. Additional managing partners include Elizabeth Santiago and Fernando and Carmen Oramas.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 16, 2026

April 16, 2026

LAST CHANCE TO FLY Track teams prep for postseason | P.8

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APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

THE SCOREBOARD

APRIL 6 - 12

Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Baseball

Downtown Doral

4/6

W, 12-1

Coral Shores

Baseball

ABF Academy Hialeah

4/6

L, 3-0

Marathon

Softball

Ransom

4/7

W, 16-1

Key West

Girls Lacrosse

St. Brendan School

4/8

W, 10-9

Coral Shores

Girls Lacrosse

Ransom Everglades

4/8

L, 19-6

Key West

Baseball

Stoneman Douglas

4/9

L, 3-2

Key West

Boys Lacrosse

Coral Shores

4/9

W. 14-5

Marathon

Baseball

Downtown Doral

4/9

W, 10-0

Coral Shores

Softball

Ransom Everglades

4/10

W, 14-4

Key West

Softball

King’s Academy

4/10

L, 5-3

Marathon

Baseball

Miami Country Day

4/10

W, 13-3

Key West

Softball

LaBelle

4/10

L, 8-5

Key West

Girls Lacrosse

Palmer Trinity

4/10

L, 15-5

Coral Shores

Softball

Mater Bay Academy

4/11

W, 18-1

Key West

Softball

Doral Academy

4/11

L, 13-1

Key West

Softball

Stoneman Douglas

4/11

W, 5-1

Key West

Boys Lacrosse

Westminster Christian

4/11

L, 13-6

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

APRIL 16 - 23

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

4/16

Key West

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/17

Coral Shores

Softball

Everglades City

6 p.m.

4/17

Coral Shores

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/17

Key West

Softball

Lake Wales

7 p.m.

4/17

Marathon

Baseball

Possible District Championships

TBA

4/18

Key West

Softball

Lake Wales

11 a.m.

4/20

Marathon

Softball

@ South Homestead

4 p.m.

4/21

Coral Shores

Softball

Marathon

5 p.m.

4/22

CSHS & MHS

Boys Weightlifting

Regionals @ Keys Gate

8 a.m.

4/23

Marathon

Track & Field

Districts @ Palmer

9 a.m.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Max

CHILDRESS

Senior, Marathon Boys Weightlifting

Max has worked tirelessly to perfect his form and become the strongest on the team. He has also matured into a great senior leader. I’m really proud of him and looking forward to watching him compete at regionals.” – Jessie Schubert, Marathon head coach

district titles

715 pounds lifted

ON THE COVER

APRIL 16

Marathon eighth grader Maverick McDonald launches himself in the pole vault event at a last-chance meet at Key West High School on April 10. See page 8. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

Marathon strongman Max Childress may need to clear some space on his shelves. The talented senior added to his growing medal collection of hardware after sweeping both the traditional and Olympic titles at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships. A fixture in Marathon’s weight room year-round, Childress has dedicated himself fully to the sport. He earned his dual titles with three powerful lifts: a 175-pound snatch, a 275-pound clean and jerk and a 265-pound bench, outlifting the competition in both events. Using weightlifting’s pound-for-pound scoring system, Childress placed second in each discipline. With different lifters taking the top spot in each, his combined performance made him the strongest overall lifter in District 16. With his dual district titles, Childress secured a return trip to regionals and, based on his current totals, is in position to make another run at the state meet. For his dedication and relentless work ethic, Marathon’s Max Childress is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Photo by NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026 SPORTS WRITER

tracy mcdonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

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

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

sean mcdonald grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

END OF THE ROAD Lacrosse season comes to a close in playoffs

he Lady Conchs lacrosse squad made it clear that one week can make all the difference in their FHSAA 1A District 16 quarterfinal matchup with St. Brendan School. On March 31, the Sabres beat the Conchs by eight, but Key West used high spirits and impeccable timing to upset St. Brendan on April 8 despite trailing for a majority of the game. Coach Marissa Giacopuzzi said the team was, “locked and loaded, looking for a redemption win,” and that’s just what they got. The Sabres came out with fire and led by five goals at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Conchs fought back, narrowing the gap to two goals by halftime, then just one at the end of the third quarter. Key West hit the gas and never let up, taking the lead with three and a half minutes left in the game and holding on for the win. “Redemption wins are sweet,” said

Giacopuzzi of the 10-9 quarterfinal victory that put the Conchs into the semis. Mavis Bishop led the scoring with four goals. Teagan Shea netted three and Eisley Whitehead, Taylor Gibson and Colbie Turner accounted for the rest. Bishop and Althea Olsen picked up five ground balls each and Gibson added four in the big win. On April 10, it was the Palmer Trinity Falcons who earned the sweet redemption win, defeating the Lady Conchs in the semifinals and earning a playoff bid. The Falcons got off to a furious 8-0 first quarter, leaving Key West with a deficit they could not overcome. The Conchs struggled with possession and took just eight shots on goal. Five found their mark, including three from Gibson and one each from Turner and Shea. Gibson was credited with an assist and Eisley Whitehead assisted on two in the 15-5 loss. The defeat put the Lady Conchs at 7-9

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

1. Carlo Vernieri (4) leads Zane Martinez (3) and Nathaniel Shugarman (13) on a chase for the ball. 2. Zachary Payne (7) battles through Coral Shores defenders. 3. Kieran Smith (20), Carlo Vernieri (4) and Brady Wright (12) keep the ball away from Henry Garfield (16). 4. Key West’s Raffael Rice (21). 5. Junior defender Grace Holtkamp (7) and senior captain Colbie Turner (2) disrupt the St. Brendan offense Apr. 8 in the team’s come-from-behind playoff win. 6. Senior captain Adriana Dall takes control in the Conchs’ April 8 quarterfinal game against St. Brendan. 7. Adriana Dall fights for possession in the Conchs’ quarterfinal win against St. Brendan on April 8. Photos by Marissa Owens and Rocky Gonet

for the season, and according to Giacopuzzi, the team will waste no time preparing for the next. “It’s what we do in the offseason that matters, what we do when no one is looking,” she said. For the Lady ’Canes, the journey ended April 8 at Ransom Everglades. The Hurricanes, ranked seventh in the district, faced No. 2 Ransom in the quarterfinals, and despite a strong effort from the team, Coral Shores came up short, losing 19-6 to the Raiders. For Monroe County’s two boys lacrosse teams, there was only room for one team to move on past round one of district play. The teams faced one another in the FHSAA 1A District quarterfinals April 10 in Key West’s Backyard. Key West led early and maintained that lead the entire game, outscoring the Hurricanes 14-5. Carlo Vernieri netted six goals to lead the Conchs in scoring. The junior captain also picked up nine ground balls in the matchup. Zach Payne scored three, Sawyer Hill logged two and Mateo Lopez, Max Louchheim and Kai Woods had one goal

5 6

“The energy, enthusiasm, and heart these girls displayed was exactly the boost we need to play another day. I am so proud of them – the way they rallied together for the team unselfishly and came out on top was so beautiful to witness.” — Marissa Giacopuzzi, Lady Conchs head coach

each. Lopez, the team’s starting goalkeeper, registered 13 saves before trading sticks and storming the field for his goal. While Lopez was taking shots offensively, Roger Mendoza covered the goalkeeping duties, saving two shots. Senior captain Kieran Smith was credited with one assist and picked up eight ground balls, and Raffael Rice and Brady

Wright were dominant in faceoffs, with both winning more than half. Rice won six and Wright five. For Coral Shores, the loss meant the end of the road, but not before seniors Nathaniel Shugarman, Christian Gonzalez and Finn McDonough netted their final goals as Hurricanes. Shugarman scored two while Gonzalez added one goal, one assist and four ground balls. McDonough was good for two assists and three ground balls. Junior James Mitchell scored a pair of goals and senior goalkeeper Brock Bynum was tremendous in goal. Bynum picked up six ground balls and recorded 15 saves in his final high school game. The ’Canes ended with a solid 11-6 record. Key West’s win kept them alive in the playoffs. They played Westminster Christian, the topseeded team in the district, the following day in the semifinals. The Conchs did not have the same momentum that carried them past Coral Shores, and fell to the Warriors 13-6. Key West finished 11-5 in what head coach Alberto Piceno described as “a good season, overall.”

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

2 3

DIAMOND DRIVE M

Keys teams build momentum as they roll into postseason onroe County’s three baseball squads closed their regular seasons with more than a few individual milestones as they looked toward postseason goals. Marathon capitalized on Downtown Doral’s limited space on April 6 with three home runs, but the hitting did not stop there. The Dolphins registered nine hits in total – three from junior Roco Piscetello, who claimed one of the bombs. Eighth grader Miles Murphy and senior Massimo Quargnali accounted for the other two. The shorter outfield on the road wasn’t the only thing sparking the homerun rally. “We looked back and did the math, and the team had five home runs total in six seasons. This season we have eight already,” said Fins head coach Joey Gonzalez. He also said Murphy’s long ball was the first he knows of from a middle school athlete. By the end of the mercy-rule win, Quargnali added another hit and a walk to bat 1.000 in the 12-1 five-inning rout. Dylan Williams, Jack Chapman and Bradley Buigas each singled. Chapman pitched for the win, with one and onethird innings of relief from Piscetello. Three days later, Downtown Doral made the trip to the Keys for a rematch that did not go in their favor. The Fins dispatched the other Dolphins 10-0 in five innings. Buigas and Piscetello registered two hits each, with one each from Chapman, Curren Nicolay, Williams, Reef Rella and Jason Stubblefield. Piscetello and Rella joined forces on the mound. The win was especially sweet as it was the team’s Senior Night and marked a milestone for both head coach Joey Gonzalez and his brother and assistant coach, Luis Gonzalez Jr. The victory was number 100 for the broth-

ers, whose seven years at the helm of Dolphin baseball included a district championship last season and the No. 1 seed heading into this year’s postseason. But the Fins were not finished yet. On April 10, it was another five-inning mercy-rule win for Marathon. Chapman logged his first career homer on an inside-the-park shot that scored two for Marathon. It was one of three hits for Chapman in the 13-3 win over Miami Country Day. Piscetello added a single and a triple and Williams and Murphy had one base hit apiece. Williams got the win in his four innings of work. He struck out nine and walked four, giving up three hits and three runs before Chapman slammed the door on the Spartans. Marathon’s top seed in Rural District 8 earned them a bye in the quarterfinals; on April 15, the Fins faced the winner of the Glades Day vs. Moore Haven game in the semis with a hopeful shot at a district title repeat on April 17 (results not available at press time). Coral Shores played one game last week, losing at ABF Academy Hialeah. A strong Cowboys pitcher stymied the Hurricanes’ hitting, but Keller Blackburn and Brayden Turner each managed a single. Riley O’Berry had his own impressive performance on the mound, striking out four, walking three and allowing five hits and three runs over six innings, but the Cowboys rode away with the 3-0 win, leaving Coral Shores hungry for a playoff win this week. FHSAA’s five-team 2A District 16 made the quarterfinals a breeze for the Hurricanes; the team, ranked third, received a quarterfinal bye. Their first postseason opponent, Keys Gate, was the No. 2 team in the district. The winner of the semifinal game April 15 moved on to the district championships on

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS April 17 (results not available at press time). Key West played just one game last week, making the trip to 7A Stoneman Douglas for what has become a much-anticipated rivalry each season. The teams took a raincheck mid-week but managed to get in a full game later in the week. Donovan Thiery started on the mound for the Conchs, fanning eight, walking three and surrendering four hits and two runs over five innings. Kade Maltz closed it out with one inning of work. Jackie Niles led the charge with two hits while Roman Garcia and Thiery added one hit and one RBI each. Nelson Ong accounted for one Key West hit, but a strong force on the mound for Stoneman Douglas held Key West to five hits. The pitchers’ duel made for an exciting matchup, but unfortunately for Key West fans, it ended in a 3-2 Stoneman Douglas win. The matchup between the schools, particularly their senior pitching talent, did not disappoint. Scouts were in the crowd to check out the pair of aces, both of whom are committed to D1 schools and are raising eyebrows of pro teams hungry for South Florida talent. Gio Rojas, of Stoneman Douglas, will be at the University of Miami next year while Thiery, who toyed with the U and other top schools, chose Florida State for his next stop. According to one scout, the hurlers had comparable arsenals, and Thiery’s giant 6’5” frame and ability to mix up his weaponry garnered mention. Thiery and the Conchs will rely on that arsenal to see them through the postseason as Key West works toward its long-sought 12th state title. The Conchs now turn to the FHSAA 4A District 16 Championships, where they received a well-earned top-seed bye in the quarterfinals. Their first challenge in postseason play will be the winner of South Miami vs. Hialeah-Miami Lakes on April 15 with the title game held the following night.

1. Joey Gonzalez, left, and Luis Gonzalez Jr. reach the 100-win milestone with a victory over visiting Downtown Doral April 9. 2. Key West’s Donovan Thiery, left, and Gio Rojas have more history together than just last week’s showdown at Stoneman Douglas; the pair of aces met up at the East Coast Pro scouting event last August. 3. Scouts in the crowd at Stoneman Douglas have all eyes on the mound as they check out Donovan Thiery and Gio Rojas last week. Photos by Michelle Thiery and Justice Lee

REGULAR-SEASON RECAP Marathon Rural District 8 No. 1 seed 16-8-1 record Key West 4A District 1 No. 1 seed 21-4 record Coral Shores 2A District 16 No. 3 seed 7-9 record

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

FINAL COUNTDOWN Tracksters take their mark in final regular-season meets

n the final week of regular-season meets, Keys teams made their last chances count with strong races and finishing touches as teams head into their respective district championships. Marathon sent a limited crew to Tavernier on April 7 to compete against Coral Shores in the final home meet of the season for the ’Canes. The Hurricanes outscored the Dolphins 70-43 in the boys competition, winning six individual events and two relays. Daniel Fernandez was the fastest man on the track that afternoon, sprinting to an 11.83-second finish in the 100-meter dash. Adrik Mayer won the 200 in 23.77 seconds. Colton Connolly finished the 400 in 54.77 seconds and Alaric Rodriguez completed the 400 hurdle race in 1:01. Xavier Johnson was the 110 hurdle winner, finishing in 16.9 seconds. Mayer, Connolly, Rodriguez and William Roberts joined forces for a win in the 4x100 relay. Roberts replaced Will Theis in the 4x400 for a final win on the track for Coral Shores and Mikel Castellanos picked up the team’s lone field win with a 37’ 8.75” toss in the shot put. In what has become their signature pattern, Marathon’s boys picked up a majority of their wins in the field and distance events. Lucian Burns won the 800 in 2:05 and the 1,600 in 4:37, then ran a leg of the Fins’ winning 4x800 relay, making himself the biggest winner of the day. Kaleb Blakley, Tony Bursa and Landon Anderson were also part of the winning relay. Eian Batzer’s 5’ 5.75” high jump was good for a first, as was Maverick McDonald’s 8’ 4.25” pole vault. Sean Nelson

won for Marathon in the long jump (18’ 7”) and discus (106’ 4”) to round out the Dolphins’ winners. The Lady ’Canes won the meet 45-37 with individual wins on the track from Niveah Howard in the 100 (13.92 seconds), Jenna Mandozzi in the 400 (1:10) and Sammy Bates in the 800 (2:45), plus a pair of firsts in the 100 and 400 hurdles from Julieanna Oddo. Oddo finished the shorter race in 17.81 seconds and the full lap in 1:29. Howard, Oddo, Grace Goodwin and Kate King teamed up in the 4x100 relay for the final team win. Marathon’s Tia Hawkins, a seventh grader, won the 200-meter race in 30.09 seconds and classmate Molly Joly won two events, the 1,600 (6:06) and the 3,200 (13:17). Joly’s 1,600 time broke her own school record. Justice Lee Isom also won two events in the shot put (40’ 9.75”) and discus (107’ 4”). The senior’s shot put toss, a personal best, pushed Lee Isom into the No. 1 spot in FHSAA’s 1A. Key West hosted a last-chance meet on April 10, and three other schools took advantage of the final day of the regular season. The 2A Conchs and ’Canes and the 1A Fins joined 3A Archbishop McCarthy in the Southernmost City, with Key West easily winning the girls competition and Archbishop McCarthy taking the top spot for the boys. Key West’s Walson Morin won the 200-meter dash in 22.39 seconds, then Prometheus Delacerda went the distance in the 3,200, finishing the eight-lap race in 11:21. Jorge Sanchez won the 110 hurdles in 18.54 seconds, then cleared

1. Marathon’s Kevin Contreras (4) finishes the open 400 in front of Allan Taylor. 2. Ali Wheatley, left, and Aly Camargo sprint it out in an exciting 800-meter race. 3. Conch pole vaulter Maya Gray makes good on her attempt. 4. Marathon’s Colton Huff wins his heat at Key West’s April 10 meet. 5. Coral Shores’ Tomas Gonzalez sprints in front of Key West’s Alvin Annylesse in the 200-meter dash. 6. Key West’s Scotty Meir rides out the final portion of his triple jump. ROCKY GONET/Keys Weekly

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

4 5

Ekon Edwards

Fredy Flores

Isaak Vallejo

Matthias Martinez Velez

Max Childress

DISTRICT DOMINANCE

Coral Shores wins dual championships in boys weightlifting

the bar in pole vault at 12 feet for two Conch wins. Jeff Dejean won the long jump with a 21’ 2” leap, Christopher Barter won the discus event (111’ 6”) and Leo Batista claimed first in shot put (45’ 5”). The Conchs’ 4x400 relay team made for the final Key West win of the day. Hurricane seniors Mayer and Rodriguez each notched a win for Coral Shores. Mayer won the open 400 in an impressive 52.43 seconds and Rodriguez broke the one-minute barrier in the 400 hurdles in 59.93 seconds, setting a new school record in the process. Lady Conch Mirakle Humphrey was the fastest finisher in the shortest race, the 100-meter dash, crossing the line in 13.36 seconds. Violet Jangraw did the same in the longest race, finishing the 3,200 in 13:37. In the field events, Damarla Thompson won the long jump with a 16’2” leap and Jordan Greene’s 32’ triple jump gave her the win. Ariel Newton cleared the bar in pole vault at 12 feet and Audrey Smith tossed the javelin 114’ 11” for the final wins for Key West. Lady ’Cane Ali Wheatley ran the 800 for a PR and a win, edging Key West’s Aly Camargo by two-hundredths of a second in 2:31.33. Julieanna Oddo also had a personal best of 17.78 seconds in her winning 100-meter hurdle race. Coral Shores also won the 4x800 relay event. Joly had Marathon’s only track win, with a 5:56 personal best in the 1,600. Daysi Williams was first in the high jump at 4’10” and Lee Isom won a pair of throwing events, making her the big winner for the Dolphins. Lee Isom tossed the shot 37’ 5”, then threw the discus 111 feet. Key West and Coral Shores headed right into districts on April 15 at Southridge Park (results not available at press time). Marathon competes April 23 at Palmer Trinity.

oral Shores and Marathon chalked their hands and fastened their weight belts on April 11 at the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships, held at Key Largo School. When the final lifts were tabulated, the Hurricanes were crowned dual district champions, while Marathon finished third in both events. Eight individual Keys athletes earned gold medals, securing their spots at regionals and remaining in contention for state medals. Coral Shores’ Kyle Derobertis won both events in the 129-pound class, totaling 280 pounds lifted in Olympic and 325 in traditional. Mason Aussubel was the Hurricanes’ other dual winner, lifting 265 in Olympic and 315 in traditional in the 238-pound class. At 219, Fredy Flores and Nicholas Calderon split titles, with Flores winning traditional (485 pounds) and Calderon taking Olympic (360). Ekon Edwards added another gold for Coral Shores with a 405-pound effort in Olympic at 199. Marathon’s Max Childress was the Dolphins’ lone dual champion. Competing at 183 pounds, Childress won traditional with a 540-pound total and Olympic with 450. Isaak Vallejo captured a district title in traditional at 199 pounds with a 570-pound lift. Matthias Martinez-Velez rounded out Marathon’s champions, winning the 139-pound traditional competition with 400 pounds lifted. Other notable performances for Marathon included Jason Doss, who placed third in both events at 119 pounds. Evan Toman (129) finished second in traditional and third in Olympic, while Roland Gonzales (199) took third in both. Trevor Wofsey (Unlimited) earned silver in both events to round out the top Dolphin finishers. Top Hurricane finishers included Jake Companioni, who earned silver in traditional and bronze in Olympic at 169, and Aaron Lykins, who mirrored that performance at 183. Edwards added a silver in traditional, while Flores and Calderon each earned silvers in their weight class, Flores in Olympic and Calderon in traditional. The eight district champions automatically advance to regionals April 22 at Keys Gate Charter School. The remaining athletes must await results from the other three district meets to determine the wildcard qualifiers.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

RACKETS READY Tennis teams head into districts after strong season on the courts

he Florida Keys’ three tennis squads closed the regular season with familiar rivals to prep for district play. Key West hosted Marathon on April 6 and dealt a courtside crush to the Dolphins. The boys won 6-1, with singles wins from John Picco, Nathaniel Bergh, Hubert Konopka and Jack Bridger. Picco and Andrei Lehene teamed up in No. 1 doubles and Bergh and Ben Delostrinos did the same in No. 2 doubles for another set of wins for the Conchs. Marathon’s Kase Daughtry had the lone Fins win against Key West in the No. 4 singles match. The Lady Conchs didn’t allow any Fins wins, blanking the Dolphins 7-0. Eva Drozdetskaia, Miah Apperson, Avery Batty, Beyza Atilla and Amina Erik won in Nos. 1 through 5 singles; Drozdetskaia and Hamida Muhsinova won in No. 1 doubles and Monea McLeod and Durdona Oblokulova made the clean sweep with a win in No. 2 doubles. The following day, the Conchs delivered another one-two punch to visiting Coral Shores. Wyatt Bartels, Mason Martel and Bridger won in singles, with Bartels and Bridger plus Martel and Daniel Morales teaming up to keep the ’Canes off the scoreboard. The girls matchup was closer, with Key West coming out on top by a single match. Muhsinova won in No. 1 singles for the Lady Conchs, then Kaiyenna de Ron got on the board for the Hurricanes in No. 2 singles. Fellow ’Canes Jillian Thiery and Vanesa Gabriel made it three wins for Coral Shores. But Shihan Ren’s win in No. 5 singles plus doubles wins from Muhsinova and Batty plus McLeod and Ren gave Key West a 4-3 win. On April 9, Coral Shores traveled to Marathon for the final regular-season matches for Keys teams. The Hurricanes got on the board first with a win from Garrett Gomila in the No. 1 singles match and added a second win from Parker Smith in No. 5 singles, but the Fins put five points on the board for the win. Matt Delgado, Graham Murphy and Kase Daughtry picked up singles wins and Daughtry and Tanner Snowden picked up a win in No. 1 doubles. Seniors Delgado and Eduardo Garcia finished their regular season in familiar fashion; the duo, who spent years on Marathon’s offensive and defensive lines on the gridiron together, completed their brotherhood by teaming up on the court for a win in the No. 2 doubles match for the biggest win in Fins history, as far as size goes. In girls action, Marathon’s Emily Alvear started things off strong for the Dolphins, winning in No. 1 singles. After that, the Hurricanes blew past the Fins, winning six straight. Allyson Rosendale, de Ron, Harlee Beeler and Thiery won in singles, then Rosendale and Beeler plus Vanessa Gabriel and Parker Kelly won their doubles matches for a 6-1 win for Coral Shores. This week, the teams will head to their respective district matches in hopes of making the run into regionals the following week.

Top: Eduardo Garcia, left, and Matthew Delgado got their win in tennis. Middle: The Lady ’Canes tennis team takes a break for a group shot after a recent match. Bottom: Coral Shores freshman Jillian Thiery faces Monea McLeod in their No. 3 singles match on April 7 in Key West. Thiery went on to win 8-6. MICHELLE THIERY/ contributed

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

STEALING THE SHOW

Aggressive baserunning fuels big wins for Fins, ’Canes

he Lady Fins of Marathon hosted Ransom Everglades April 7 for what would be their only softball contest of the week. Downpours in Miami deleted a game slated for the following afternoon, but the team made the most of their single outing. Ransom struck first, putting a run on the board early in the first. It was nothing but Dolphin Country from there. Sara Robinson singled, doubled and tripled to lead the offense. Maeve Merryman, Madelyn Thornton, Elianys Roque, Kayla Skaarup and Ana Boose contributed two hits each to what amounted to a 17-hit team total. Nearly everyone on the team registered at least one hit, and once on base, the Fins did not stop; runners stole seven bases, four by Merryman alone. Boose pitched four solid innings, fanning six, walking one and giving up just one hit and one unearned run in the 16-1 mercy-rule win. Key West’s seven-game win streak came to an end on April 10 when the Lions of Kings Academy paid a visit. Brianna Brenner struck out four over six innings, but the Conch bats were unusually quiet, delivering just four hits. Two came from Maicee Gage, with Ariana Garcia and Charlie Bracher owning the other two in the Conchs’ 5-3 loss. Later that day, LaBelle made it a two-game slide for the Lady Conchs, despite a perfect day at the plate from Garcia. The sophomore slugger added a single, triple and home run to lead the offense for Key West. Chloe Kongos added her own two-run home run and Lilee Gage singled in a five-hit showing for the Conchs. Key West tested a trio of pitchers against the Cowgirls, with Brenner, Ryleigh Harnish and Kaleaya Dickerson all seeing time in the circle. The Cowgirls matched Key West in hitting, but discipline and patience at the plate drew a dozen walks for LaBelle, making the difference in the 8-5 loss for Key West. Key West lost their third straight on April 11, their biggest slide this season, to 6A Doral Academy. The Firebirds, ranked No. 1 in Florida for all classifications and No. 20 nationally, held the Conchs to just two hits – one by Garcia and the other off the powerful bat of Lucy Katz, whose home run produced the only point Key West put on the board against the Firebirds. Brenner struck out three and walked one, but Doral’s bats were as fierce as their hurler, resulting in a 13-1 loss for Key West. The Lady Conchs returned to their winning ways hours later against Stoneman Douglas. Brenner was at the helm

again, tossing for three strikeouts, three walks, four hits and a single unearned run. Lilee Gage singled twice with two RBIs and Shylo Sanchez, Garcia and Dickerson added one hit each in a 5-1 win to put the Conchs at 12-7 with two regular-season games remaining. In the Upper Keys, Coral Shores made the best of foul weather against a trio of unlucky opponents. The Hurricanes rode roughshod over Ransom Everglades on April 10, delivering a 14-4 mercy-rule loss to the Raiders on their home field. The win for Coral Shores was fueled by 15 hits, 10 walks and a hit batter. Natalie Cornaire logged three hits while Arianna Talan, Pressley Bagwell, Addison Grady and Alyvia Prince added two each. Aubrey Killmurray, Bayley Catarineau, Mira Jones and Vanessa Cawley had one hit each. Cawley’s was a double and Jones went yard with her third home run of the season. Prince led the defense, striking out four batters in five innings. The following day, it was two more games and two more wins for the Lady ’Canes. First was a 10-9 16-hit win over Mater Bay Academy. Jones and Addison Grady added three hits each while Prince, Bagwell, Cornaire and Caylyn Gwilliam each logged two. The Hurricanes stole 10 bases from the Rays, four by Gwilliam. Bagwell and Prince shared the pitching duties in the narrow victory. The next contest was not even close. The Hurricanes piled on 14 runs in the second inning to help fuel their win over the Braddock Bulldogs in an 18-1 rout. Grady and Prince had two hits apiece in the team’s total of eight. Killmurray, Jones, Catarineau and Lily Underwood accounted for the rest. The team drew 15 walks and added a pair of hit batters and 19 stolen bases, five by Jones, to overcome a shell-shocked Braddock in the lopsided win.

Marathon’s Maeve Merryman leads the Dolphins with 17 stolen bases this season. NATALIE DANKO/Keys Weekly

THE REGAN ROTH TEAM IS HERE TO PROTECT YOU... YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME!

Family owned and operated since 1958 Tavernier 305.852.3234 | Marathon 305.743.3414 | Email Response@ReganRoth.com

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that CiPro Technology Solutions, LLC, owner, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Pachydermal located at 101425 Overseas Highway, #203, Key Largo, FL 33037, in Monroe County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Publish: April 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE CASE NO.: 26-CP-000125-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: JOSHUA CALVIN LENTZ, Deceased. / The administration of the estate of JOSHUA CALVIN LENTZ, deceased, File Number: 26-CP-000125-P, whose date of death was February 25, 2026, 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 names and addresses of the Petitioner and the Petitioner’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. A 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. 732.216732.228, APPLIES, OR MAY APPLY, UNLESS A WRITTEN DEMAND IS MADE BY A CREDITOR AS SPECIFIED UNDER S. 732.2211. 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 April 16, 2026. SHIELA MOORE 11463 Ruby Mountain Lane Nathrop, CO 81236 Petitioner Attorney for Petitioner James F. Miller, Esq. Miller Legal PL 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1555 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Office: (561) 296-3252 Fax: (561) 828-3115 Email: jmiller@millerlegalpl.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

FILE NO.: 25-CP-000104-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD EDWARD HUBBARD, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Donald Edward Hubbard, deceased, whose date of death was November 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marathon Courthouse, Marathon, 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME 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 having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER 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. A 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 April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: DEBORAH RIBE 212 Holiday Park Blvd. NE Palm Bay, FL 32907 Attorney for Personal Representative: Bart A. Brink, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0363080 Brink Law Firm, P.A. P.O. Box 540351 Merritt Island, FL 32954 321-252-9362 bartbrink@gmail.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: Marjee R. Nathaniel 1 Ocean Beach Blvd. Apt. 608 Pompano Beach, Florida 33062 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 16, 2026. Personal Representative: Lawrence King Wagner, Jr. 22822 John Silver Lane Cudjoe Key, Florida 33042 Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134 RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6022 Fax: (305) 743-6216 E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw.com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com Publish: April 16 & 23, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Start right away. Call Bob at 305-395-0478

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVISION OF ST. CROIX SX-2026-CV-00106 ACTION FOR DAMAGES AND TO FORECLOSE LIEN DIRTY BOTTOM LLC d/b/a ST. CROIX MARINE CENTER, Plaintiff, vs. JORDAN HOPP, Defendant SX-2026-CV-00106 ACTION FOR DAMAGES To: Jordan Hopp 710 Ashe Street Key West, FL 33040 To: Jordan Hopp c/o S/V PENROSE 5063 Gallows Bay St. Croix, VI Pursuant to the March 19, 2026 Order of the Virgin Islands Superior Court, 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 and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you for monetary and other relief as demanded in the Complaint. Tamara Charles, Clerk of the Court Superior Court of the Virgin Islands Bruce P. Bennett BENNETT LAW 63 Calhoun Street Washington Depot, CT 06794 T: (475) 206-1199 F: (475) 207-0117 V.I. Bar #512 bpb@brucebennettlaw.com NOTE: The defendant, if served personally, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service. The defendant, if served by publication or be personal service outside of this jurisdiction, is required to file his answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period publication nor personal service outside of the jurisdiction. Publish: April 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

Exhibit “A”, record owners, their heirs, guardians and assigns, of the unit week(s) as showing thereon, all located in and governed by that certain: Declaration of Condominium for FLORIDA BAY CLUB OF KEY LARGO, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq. Public Records, Monroe County, Florida. Based upon default in assessment payments and pursuant to the Claim of Lien filed by THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida notfor-profit corporation, recorded at O.R. Book 3362, Page 949 in the Public Records of Monroe County Florida, STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ WILL CONDUCT A SALE OF EACH AND EVERY UNIT WEEK LISTED ON THE ATTACHED LIST BEGINNING AT 11:00 A.M. ON April 23rd, 2026, AT: 103500 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida 33037. Unit Week Owner Name(s) Address Default Year Amount Due Per Diem C02-03 Betty J. Pearson 7016 NW 169th Street, Hialeah, FL 33015 2023 $4,229.89 $2.09 A02-03 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III Julian Mitchella/k/a Julian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903, Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B04-02 James Lewis Mitchell III a/k/a James Mitchell III Julian Mitchella/k/a Jullian Berry Mitchell 801 South Street, Unit 3903, Honolulu, HI 96813 2024 $2,946.78 $1.45 B03-44 Eartha Hill 18460 SW 82nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157 2023 $4,021.96 $1.98 A01-06 Christopher Ian Meyerson 4136 Shadowood Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 2020 10375.85 $5.12 A01-09 Clifford E. Brown Linda K. Brown 8205 Rio Bend Ct., N. Richmond Hill, TX 76182 2023 2947.39 $1.45 Obligors and junior lienholders showing on Exhibit “A” may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured by the Association’s lien on their unit week(s) as reflected in Exhibit “A” together with trustee’s fees and interest through the date of payment in cash or certified funds to TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™ at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale on the above date. GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY. STAACK & SIMMS, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE 900 DREW STREET, SUITE 1 CLEARWATER, FL 33755 PHONE: (727) 441-2635 FAX: (727) 461-4836 Website:www.staacklaw.com Publish: April 9 & 16, 2026 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006

NOTICE OF SALE To: All members of the general public including all persons on

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH

IN THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity: INVITATION TO BID (ITB) GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: ITB-26-10 GMX WORK PROGRAM NO.: 40052-000.060

GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR SR 924 OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AT NW 32 AVENUE TO WEST OF NW 27 AVENUE For detailed information please visit the Procurement Department website at http://www.gmx-way.com/business/solicitations, or call the Procurement Department at 305-637-3277 for assistance. Publish: April 16, 2026. The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-126-M DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF NEIL T. NEVILLE Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Neil T. Neville, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.BOAT MISC. FOR SALE

2 Suzuki 60hp 2013 motors for sale - 4 stroke, low hours, with controls & wiring harnesses. Currently on boat if you want to test run. $6,900 OBO for the pair. Will separate. Gary 305-393-1415 Used NEPTUNE 4-post BOAT LIFT For Sale. 15,000 lbs.+ Located in Marathon. $800.00 2 6 0 - 7 5 0 - 6 4 7 9 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

BOATS FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 26-CP-118-K DIVISION: LOWER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE K. WAGNER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Lawrence K. Wagner, deceased, whose date of death was March 2, 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. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S

22' Mako Center Console Aluminum like new float on trailer, 2001 250hp Yamaha, hull 1979, 2 stroke, runs great, many extras. Asking $12,999 OBO Gary 305-393-1415 21' Mako Center Console Float on Aluminum Trailer, 250 2 stroke Yamaha 2005?, hull 1979, New Transom, $10,999 OBO Gary 305-393-1415 PLACE YOUR AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or E-mail: Anneke @keysweekly.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

EMPLOYMENT Hiring for busy pediatric office in Tavernier. Full-Time Medical Assistant/RN Pediatric experience preferred. Must multitask in fast-paced setting. Pay is commensurate with experience. Email resume to: flkeyspeds@gmail.com Safety Staff- We are seeking a reliable, dedicated, and responsible Safety Staff member to join our team. Full-time & Part-time availability starting at $18/hr. To apply, call 305-664-4860 Ext 1, e-mail: aaron@orlk.org or apply in person at Outdoor Resorts at Long Key, 65821 Overseas Hwy, Long Key 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

PART-TIME USCG CAPTAIN – MARATHON - Local captain needed to run owner’s 55’ twin engine trawler while owner fishes. Sunrise–2/3 PM typical. Good opportunity for newer captain to log hours on a larger boat. Pay DOE. Call/Text 970-901-1138 Groundskeeper/ Maintenance person, KCB, Sea Isle Condominium, 20 hrs. per week, $27 per hr., apply by e-mail to HardingThomasL@aol.com, text or call 734-476-0531.

HIRING: Office Administrator in Marathon. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), experience with QuickBooks or other accounting software preferred and must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Full time – Mon-Fri. Pay TBD - based on skill. Email: Natalie@cecflk.com The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and fryers. Self-motivated, experience very helpful but will train, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com Part-time Office Clerk, $18/ hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave Experienced Full-time 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. S e r v e / B a r t e n d 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. Paver Dave how hiring a Job Supervisor/Sales in the Lower Keys. Must have a driver's license. Bob Cat experience a plus. Call for more information 305-741-7688. Paver Dave now hiring Part-Time Office Help. Working some days in Marathon and some days in Big Pine Key. Call for more information 305-741-7688. Key West Cooling Company is hiring HVAC technicians and installers. We are looking for dedicated individuals that are ready to work. For more information, please call or text us at 305-912-2293 or send an email to keywestcoolingcompany @ gmail.com Compensation is based on experience.

APRIL 16, 2026 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

STORAGE AVAIL.

WANTED TO BUY

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician, Housing Assistant & Project Manager. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: greenel@kwha. org or 305-296-5621 ext. 225. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1 9 6 8 .

Key Largo- 6 months+ canal front rental on Blackwater Sound. 40' dockage, 1 BR/1 BA Trailer with 1,000 sq. ft. living area. $2,300/mo. 904237-9090 or 904-338-1207

LONG TERM RENTALS: Furnished Studio AND 2 Bedroom unfurnished, all appliances, renovated, for rent in Marathon. On the water, gated property. Section 8 possible. $1,500 - $2,500 month - includes water, sewer, electric & garbage. Call 305-610-8002

Gated storage & dockage available in Marathon oceanside. Starting price $10/ foot per month for storage and $20/foot per month for dockage. 305-610-8002

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

HOUSING FOR RENT

2 bed 1 bath rental in Marathon, long-term, unfurnished, price includes internet, water, electric, pest, and lawn @ $2800 all in. Parking on premises. Call or text 305-433-0515

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

3BR/2BA Tavernier Hammer Point. Waterfront Mobile with Bay Views, Furnished, 1500 sq.ft. $3,500/mo. 954-728-4699 1BR/1BA for rent in Marathon. Long term, unfurnished. $2400.00/ mo F/L/S 305-930-9121

LOT FOR SALE REDUCED $395,000 OBO Save money, time, hassles with this private (Hammoks behind, no rear neighbors, ocean beyond) permitted lot, cleared, electric, foundation stilts in place, walk to Harry Harris, boat ramp, beach. 186 Dove Creek Drive, Tavernier. Marcia, Realtor 305-303-0238 Contiguous lot avail.

VACATION RENTAL 3BR/2BA Contemporary Home for rent on Big Pine Key. Pool, 40' dock w/davits, screened-in porch. Sleeps 6 ppl. Avail. month of July & Sept. 2026. $7,000/mo. Call Brian at 267-374-7063

WANTED TO BUY SWORDFISH BILLS - Fresh or aged. Located in Key Largo. Call 305-990-0619

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

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING: ADVENTURE AWAITS AT AMERICA’S FIRST UNDERSEA PARK!

DAYTIME CASHIER/ ASSISTANT MANAGER Full-time day position, 40 hours/week. Must be self-motivated, quick learner and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience.

The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, operating within the world-famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, is seeking enthusiastic, ocean-loving individuals to join our team. If you have a passion for the marine environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced, tropical setting, we want to hear from you!

PIZZA MAKERS Experience is a must. Please call Nicole at 305-433-0515 or email nicole@themoongroupfl.com Coast To Coast Pizza, 61 53rd Street, Marathon

SUDOKU SOLUTION

FEATURED POSITIONS: BOAT CAPTAINS (Full-Time & Part-Time) Take the helm of our Glass Bottom, Snorkel, or Dive boats. Responsible for safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience on the water. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/ Monday, and USCG License required. FIRST MATE / DIVE MASTERS The backbone of our maritime operations. Duties include assisting with vessel docking, passenger boarding, equipment maintenance, and ensuring boat cleanliness. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required. For snorkel boat, PADI certification (or other recognized agency), insurance and membership current required. MARINE TOUR NARRATORS Be the voice of the reef! We are looking for engaging public speakers to provide educational and safety-focused commentary for our guests. Working Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday required, Must have a basic knowledge of coral reefs and marine life and experience speaking in front of audiences. SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a summer job? We have seasonal openings for Kayak/ Paddlesports Attendants, Snack Bar Attendants, Gift Shop Clerks, and Reservation Counter Attendants. Perfect for those looking to spend a season in the Florida Keys! Customer service experience required for all roles, experience on the water with customers and safety required for kayak/paddlesports role.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Competitive Pay: Rates starting from $17–$30/hr+ (depending on position and experience). Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision, and Life insurance available for full-time employees. Perks: Employee discounts and the best "office view" in the world. Community: Work with a team dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation. HOW TO APPLY Ready to dive in? Send your resume and detail on the role that you are applying for to coralreefhr2025@gmail.com. You will be contacted if you are selected to move forward with next steps. The Coral Reef Park Company Inc, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Visit us at: www.pennekamppark.com Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace

D'Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available.

Home Décor Sales Consultant Customer-focused sales professional with experience in retail or customer service. Creativity and interest in home décor a must. Help customers discover pieces that turn everyday spaces into something special.

Kitchen Design Specialist Individual who brings creativity, functionality, and style together in kitchen and bath design. Design kitchens that become the heart of the home.

Associate Interior Designer Detail-oriented and creative individual to assist with residential design projects. Education or experience in Interior Design required. Help bring inspired residential interiors to life. For complete details and to apply, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

NOW HIRING! GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent) GUEST SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekends) DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals. DRC provides for the well-being of its employees with a competitive package including: a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays/vacation/sick days, an employee assistance program, in addition to, life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee. EOE

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP/LEGALS & CLASSIFIEDS / APRIL 16, 2026

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

Work with the BEST

Voted BEST BANK 2014 - 2025

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

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE I Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $23.93/hr. - $26.80/hr. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.

Key West Full Time Teller Marathon Full Time Teller Islamorada Assistant Branch Operations Manager

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.

HIRING IN THE UPPER KEYS CARPENTERS & LABORERS • Must have own hand tools and transportation. • Long-term employment in the Upper Keys. • Top pay for quality minded individuals.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Hard working individual to part of a property management team for large estates in the Upper Keys. • Must have reliable transportation. • Top pay for the right individual. CALL 305-852-8000 OR EMAIL SUE@DOOLEYCONSTRUCTION.COM

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

Key Largo Full Time Teller

SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN

Apply Online @ KeysBank.com/Careers

(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician) Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.

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KeysBank.com

For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

WE ARE HIRING Cooks (Mornings) Cashier / Barista / Server Apply in person at: Vicky Bakery 97630 Overseas Highway (mm 97) Key Largo, FL 33037 KeyLargo@VickyBakery.com

NOW HIRING FRONT OFFICE/ MANAGER APPLY IN PERSON AT: Bonefish Bay Motel & RV Sites 12565 Overseas Highway, Marathon or Email: bfb@bonefishbayresort.com

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

NOW HIRING • DIVE INSTRUCTOR Pay: $160.00 per day Guaranteed Pay + Tips + Commission. Affordable employee housing available.

• TOUCH TANK ATTENDANT • GUEST SERVICES Call 305-407-3262 or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

APRIL 16, 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.

KEY LARGO

Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT) Driver (CDL NOT required)

KEY WEST

Case Manager (Children) Crisis Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Prevention Specialist Mental Health Technician (PT or FT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)

MARATHON

Mental Health Technician Driver (CDL NOT required) (FT, PT) Registered Nurse (FT, PT) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult, PT) *Support Worker (Assisted Living) (FT) *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

HEAVY EQUIPMENT DIESEL MECHANIC We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Detroit Diesel, etc. Monday-Friday with some overtime available. Sign on bonus after 90 days; top pay and housing assistance available. Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc., 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West or online at https://charleytoppinoandsons.com/careers/apply/?job

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Ortho-Tavernier, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus - Medical Assistant, Upper Keys Internal Medicine, $5k Bonus

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

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus - Construction Project Manager, FL - Exercise Assistant, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem - Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem - Food Service Worker, Dietary, $5k Bonus - MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus - Mechanic, FT, 7A-3:30P - Medical Staff Coordinator, Mariners Hospital, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (Echo & Vascular w/Ultrasound Preferred), $25k Bonus - Pharmacy Technician, Mariners Hospital, $4k Bonus - Physical Therapist, $25k Bonus - Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem - Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem - Pool Medical Technologist - Registered Nurse, ICU, $15k Bonus - Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15k Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 6A-6:30P - Security Officer, Security/Safety, FT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, PT - Driver, Marathon/Keys Supply Chain, FT - Lead Med Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus - Manager Environmental Services, FT - Medical Staff Coordinator, FT - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $25k Bonus - Patient Care Manager (Nurse Manager), Surgery, $20k Bonus - Patient Financial Associate, Admitting, $1k Bonus - Patient Schedular, Surgery, PT - Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem - Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Various Shifts & Statuses - Registered Respiratory Therapist, $25k Bonus - Registered Respiratory Therapist, PT, $12,500 Bonus - Security Officer, FT, 7A-7:30P - Security Officer, Per Diem All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net

THEME: INSECTS ACROSS 1. Ira ____ of NPR 6. Mr. Turkey 9. Gives the boot 13. Between octet and decet 14. Ginger one 15. Spherical bacteria 16. Popular ursine meme star 17. Public health org. 18. Mountaineer’s tool (2 words) 19. *Fly larva 21. *World’s noisiest insect 23. Comic book shriek 24. Like some excuses 25. Food safety org. 28. Man Ray’s genre 30. Temporarily, legally speaking (2 words) 35. Like unpleasant awakening 37. 4th down kick 39. Quarter-round molding 40. Computer operating system 41. Metal bar 43. Mine passage 44. Antonym of exhume 46. Expert 47. Strip of wood 48. Throws 50. It will 52. Concurrence word 53. Silo contents 55. Romanian money 57. *Bee’s bounty 60. *Boll weevil, e.g. 63. Aquarium scum 64. *Lightning bug trap? 66. Brandish 68. Part of a flower 69. Bonanza find 70. Courtroom excuse 71. Whiskey grain, pl. 72. Coniferous tree 73. #52 Across, pl.

DOWN 1. Econ. measure 2. Good earth 3. Wintour of “Vogue” fame 4. Marsh plant 5. Not impromptu 6. Diplomat’s asset 7. Antediluvian 8. Hajj destination 9. Cocaine plant 10. Got an A 11. March Madness org. 12. *Number of legs on an insect 15. Famous Roman orator 20. Giraffe’s striped-legged cousin 22. Mischief-maker 24. Opposite of energetic 25. *____ fly, first living creature sent to space 26. “I don’t know,” casually 27. #43 Across, pl. 29. *____ beetle, world’s strongest insect 31. *Shape of a ladybug or carpet beetle 32. Not tomorrow, not yesterday 33. Like basketball’s final eight 34. *Lepidoptera members, not butterflies 36. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, e.g. 38. Reason for suit 42. Tutu fabric 45. Duran Duran’s 1984 hit, with The 49. “Monkey ___, monkey do” 51. Wiggle room 54. “Have a great time!” 56. Useful 57. Performance with acts 58. Lecherous look 59. “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One” brand 60. Tea or beer 61. Hawaiian flower garlands 62. Major European river 63. Acronym, abbr. 65. “Roses ____ red” 67. Bad-mouth, slangily

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