November 20, 2025
Best of Upper Keys awards celebrate a special place | P. 4
Woltanski seeks to strengthen schools | P. 9
Project diverts leftovers from landfill | P. 32
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AAA projects 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Monday, Dec. 1. Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving, an increase of 1.6 million compared to 2024. Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year. AAA expects 6 million Americans to fly domestically this Thanksgiving.
The crew from Room Nail Bar in Tavernier celebrates upon winning Best Salon/Spa during the fourth annual Best of Upper awards ceremony on Nov. 14 at Playa Largo Resort. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
Members of
Packed crowd witnesses big wins, support for local children’s shelter
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Aroom packed with dignitaries and community members watched as winners jumped out of their seats to grab their plaques during the fourth annual Best of Upper Keys at Playa Largo Resort on Nov. 14.
From restaurants and local businesses to community icons and nonprofit organizations, the premier people’s choice awards celebrated all the Upper Keys has to offer to guests and residents.
More than 250 attendees spent the evening cheering winners while laughing at the roasts and jokes offered by the hosts, the Keys Weekly’s Jason Koler and Britt Myers.
Square Grouper Islamorada came away the biggest winner in this year’s Best of Upper Keys. The restaurant run by Lynn and Joe Bell secured Best Lunch for the third
time and Best Overall Restaurant for the fourth straight year. Square Grouper also won Best Dessert for the second year in a row. Above the restaurant, Sunset Lounge won a brand-new category in Best Raw Bar.
Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada came away with three wins, including Best Live Music for the fourth-straight year, Best Bar for the third time and Best Beer Selection for the second straight year. C&C Wood Fired Eats in Key Largo took home Best Happy Hour and Best Pizza for the fourth year in a row. Islamorada’s M.E.A.T. Eatery & Taproom took Best Burger for the fourth time.
In the community category, the Upper Keys Rotary Club’s annual Gigantic Nautical Market won Best Festival/Event. Plantation Key Colony secured a four-peat for Best
Neighborhood, as did Reef the fox for Best Local Celebrity and Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein for Best Elected Official. Best Educator went to Key Largo School’s Pam Caputo.
Additional categories resulted in new winners in this year’s Best of Upper Keys. City Hall Cafe in Islamorada came away with Best Wine Selection, while Lazy Days in Islamorada won Best Cook Your Catch. The host of the event, Playa Largo Resort, won Best Resort/Hotel. And Islander Resort in Islamorada hoisted the Best Wedding Venue plaque.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Presented by
Best Bar: Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Best Bartender: Keri Lesko
Best Beer Selection: Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Best Bloody Mary: Hungry Tarpon Restaurant
Best Breakfast: Green Turtle Inn
Best Burger: MEAT Eatery & Tap Room
Best Catering: Chef Drew’s Island Catering
Best Cook Your Catch: Lazy Days Islamorada
Best Cuban Sandwich: Denny’s Latin Cafe
Best Cup of Co ee: Cafe Moka
Best Dessert: Square Grouper Islamorada
Best Fine Dining: Chef Michael’s
Best Fish Sandwich: Capt. Craig’s Restaurant
Best Food Truck: Tacos Jalisco
Best Happy Hour: C&C Wood Fired Eats
Best International Fare: Italian Food Company
Best Key Lime Pie: Blond Gira e Key Lime Pie Factory
Best Late Night Spot: The Armory Speakeasy at The Post
Best Live Music Venue: Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Best Lunch: Square Grouper Islamorada
Best Margarita: Puerto Vallarta Mexican Bar & Grill
Best Martini: Old Tavernier Restaurant & Lounge
Best Overall Restaurant: Square Grouper Islamorada
Best Pizza: C&C Wood Fired Eats
Best Raw Bar: Sunset Lounge
Best Seafood: Key Largo Fisheries
Best Server: Heather Po er
Best Smoked Fish Dip: Key Largo Fisheries
Best Steak: Ziggie & Mad Dog’s
Best Sushi: Num Thai Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Best Vegan / Vegetarian: Seaside Eatery
Best Waterfront Dining: Lazy Days
Best Wine Selection: City Hall Cafe & Wine Bar
Best Wings: Dillon’s Pub & Grill
Best Artist: Pasta Pantaleo
Best Educator: Pam Caputo
Best Elected O cial: Holly Raschein
Best Festival/Event: Gigantic Nautical Market
Best Local Celebrity: Reef the Fox
Best Musician/Band: Micah Gardner
Best Neighborhood: Plantation Key Colony
Best Non-Profit Organization: Marrvelous Pet Rescues
Best Park/Nature Preserve: John Pennekamp
Coral Reef State Park
Best Place to Swim: Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Best Place to Take a Date: Chef Michael’s
Best Place to Take the Kids: Pinfish Entertainment
Best Sunset: Papa Joe’s Waterfront
Best Volunteer: Shylon Martin
Best Accounting Firm: Joseph Molinaro CPA, LLC
Best Art Gallery: Islamorada Art Gallery by Pasta
Best Auto Service / Repair: Price Automotive Key Largo
Best Backcountry Fishing Guide: Whiskey Thro le Charters
Best Bait & Tackle Shop: The Yellow Bait House
Best Bank: SouthState Bank
Best Car Wash / Detailing: I Love Dirty Cars
Best CBD / Hemp Shop: Islamorada Hemp Co.
Best Clothing Store: Miss Monroe Boutique
Best Dental Practice: Everyone Loves A Gentle Dentist
Best Dive Shop: Conch Republic Divers
Best Family or Locally Owned Business: Wire Nuts Electric
Best General Contractor: CBT Construction
Best Gi Boutique: Shell World
Best Health & Wellness Services: Ciao Bella of Islamorada
Best Insurance Agency: Regan Roth Insurance Agency
Best Jewelry Store: DePaula Jewelers
Best Landscape Company: Tim Ma hews Tree & Landscaping Inc.
Best Law Firm: Hersho , Lupino & Yagel, LLP
Best Marina: Robbie’s Marina
Best Marine Detailing: Detailing the Keys
Best Marine Services / Repairs: LeBoeufs’ Marine
Best Medical Doctor: Tom Morrison
Best New Business: Flagler Station
Best O shore Fishing Charter Boat: Takedown Charters
Best Overall Business: Ciao Bella of Islamorada
Best Pet Service: Keys Pet Nanny
Best Photographer: Janne e De Llanos Photography
Best Place to Work Out: Mariners Wellness Center
Best Pool / Spa Service: Islamorada Pools
Best Real Estate O ce: American Caribbean Real Estate
Best Realtor/Team: Lauren Hoefert Dunn, Coldwell Banker Schmi
Best Resort / Hotel: Playa Largo Resort & Spa
Best Salon / Spa: The Room Nail Bar
Best Tourist A raction: Robbie’s Marina
Best Vacation Rental Company: Freewheeler Vacations
Best Veterinary Hospital: Island Hammock Pet Hospital
Best Watersports / Leisure Cruises: Anchors Away Boat Rentals
Best Wedding Venue: Islander Resort
:
Sponsored by:
BUK WINNERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
As for business, CBT Construction won Best General Contractor for the fourth straight year. Other four-peats include Island Hammock Pet Hospital in Key Largo for Best Veterinary Hospital; Tim Matthews Tree & Landscaping for Best Landscape Company; Hershoff, Lupino & Yagel for Best Law Firm; and DePaula Jewelers for Best Jewelry Store.
A complete list of the winners is at keysweekly.com or on page 5.
From Sept. 18 to Oct. 5, residents and readers from the Florida Keys and beyond nominated all their favorites in the food and drink, community and business divisions by visiting keysweekly. com. The top vote-getters in each of the 86 categories moved on to the finalist stage, as people logged in for 13 days to make their picks. More than 235,000 votes were cast during the finalist round from Oct. 16 to Nov. 2.
The fourth annual Best of Upper Keys was made possible thanks to the host sponsor Playa Largo Resort, which provided the venue,
food and drinks for guests. Event sponsors include HNO Productions, First Horizon Bank, Baptist Health South Florida, Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, H&R Block Key Largo, Going Aire and Overseas Media Group.
Proceeds from the event support the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, which serves multiple youth groups throughout the island chain. The shelter in the Upper Keys is located in Tavernier. Ben Kemmer, children’s shelter CEO, said it’s the shelter’s 40th anniversary. Over that span, the shelter has served more than 20,000 kids.
“The Best of Upper Keys is a wonderful community celebration, and it’s awesome to see everyone recognized for their dedication and hard work,” Kemmer said. “We’re thankful for all the support this event provides to the shelter. Every bit helps us keep doing what we do for the kids in our community.”
Stay tuned for what’s in store for the fifth annual Best of Upper Keys.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ENSURING THE EVENT WAS A SUCCESS:
HOST LOCATION
HEATHER
HNO PRODUCTIONS
RICHARD ESQUIEL
RICK
PHOENIX BELLO
PHOTOGRAPHY
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Officials in the Florida Keys remain curious what will come of discussion and debate among state legislators over potentially sending measures to the ballot to eliminate property tax next year.
Government representatives from Key Largo to Key West told state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez during a virtual delegation meeting Nov. 13 that their fiscal stability is vital to deliver quality of life services. Lisa Tennyson, county legislative affairs director, said property taxes are Monroe County’s largest revenue source for operations.
“It’s still early and we don’t know where this issue is headed, but we aim to monitor the proposals produced,” said Tennyson. “Ultimately, this issue goes to the voters at large, but it will be important to shape them before they go to the ballot.”
State House members have submitted an array of property tax phaseout or elimination proposals for the 2026 session. One proposal would exempt homesteaded property from ad valorem taxation, while another would increase the homestead property exemption by $100,000 annually during a 10-year period.
There are also proposals to provide homestead property tax exemptions for those over the age of 65 or those who have property insurance.
All proposals safeguard property tax funding for school districts and law enforcement. But that’s not the case for the county, local municipalities and special taxing districts.
Eliminating property tax in the Sunshine State is something DeSantis has backed numerous times during various public appearances and talks on TV stations.
“I don’t see how government has the right to keep asking you to pony up infinitum to just pay rent to them to just live on the property you supposedly own,” he said during an appearance on June 24.
But cutting property tax rev-
enue from local governments would especially hit special taxing bodies like the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District.
“Our district receives 95% of income from ad valorem,” said Andrea Leal, executive director for the mosquito district.
Islamorada and Key Colony Beach officials stressed the need for state legislators to continue property insurance reforms, including an annual rate cap increase of 10% for policyholders with Citizens.
“We talk about the cost of homeownership and the cost of rentals, that property insurance is what gets in the way,” said John Bartus, Key Colony Beach manager. “If you solve that, then property issues are minimized.”
Mel Montagne, Fair Insurance Rates of Monroe president, is continuing to push for the 10% rate cap on Citizens, as well as eliminating a flood insurance requirement for homes in X zones or above base flood elevation.
“The flood insurance mandate is definitely a pet peeve of mine,” he said.
Local officials are also pushing Mooney, Rodriguez and other legislators to approve another round of Florida Key Stewardship Act funding for water quality projects, as well as an additional $2.5 million for land acquisition efforts.
Sheryl Schwab, Monroe County Domestic Abuse Shelter CEO, is hoping to secure state funding for a new facility in Marathon. Currently, the shelter has a 15-bed facility in Key West. The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter is hoping to gain some support for a transitional living program in the Upper Keys. Ben Kemmer, shelter CEO, said they’re hoping to have a home for those ages 18 to 22 who may be homeless, aging out of foster care or in other situations which limit self-sufficiency.
Mooney said the next budget cycle in Tallahassee could be even tougher than last legislative session.
“Be prepared for a tight budget,” he said.
Dr. Sue Woltanski has officially filed for reelection to the District 5 seat of the Monroe County school board.
First elected in 2018, Woltanski said she works to ensure every child in the Florida Keys has access to a high-quality public education.
A retired pediatrician and longtime education advocate, Woltanski is a mother of two Coral Shores High School graduates.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made — and I’m committed to protecting and strengthening our public schools for all our Keys kids,” Woltanski said.
During her tenure, Monroe County has achieved A-rated district status, with learning gains across all schools. She has spearheaded initiatives that support the “whole child,” expand mental health services, strengthen arts and career education programs and raise teacher pay through successful renewal of local tax referendums. Woltanski has been recognized statewide, earning the Florida School Boards Association President’s Award in 2024.
As she seeks a final term, Woltanski’s priorities include:
• Promoting learning, creativity and reducing unnecessary testing and screen time.
• Ensuring educators are respected, fairly compensated and able to live in the communities they serve.
• Strengthening mental health supports by expanding the “whole Child” approach and school-based counseling services.
• Maintaining high performance with efficient, transparent use of local tax dollars.
“Our schools thrive when the community works together,” Woltanski said. “With your support, we can continue to build a strong future for our Keys kids.”
The school board election will be held on Aug. 18, 2026. Monroe County School Board races are nonpartisan and countywide, meaning all registered voters in Monroe County can cast a ballot in this election.
More information is at www. woltanski4schools.com (coming soon) or woltanski4schools@ gmail.com.
— Contributed
receives the Florida School Boards Association President’s Award during a state conference in Tampa on June 6. Tina Certain, FSBA president, presented the award to Woltanski. FILE PHOTO
McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
An Islamorada wastewater system plagued in recent years by line breaks and overflows will be resolved, following a state order and subsequent agreement between the village and Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District on the fixes.
At a special meeting on Nov. 17, council members were briefed on a response and remedy plan to the wastewater collection system issues, which were highlighted in a recent consent order by Florida Department of Environmental Protection. An Oct. 15 report by DEP noted a series of violations with the village’s system, including six sanitary sewer overflows and discharges, from May 2021 to as recent as last March. The incidents were in violation of state regulations which prohibit sewage, wastewater or biosolids from being disposed of without treatment.
The consent order also addressed the fact no progress was made to construct an inline booster pump station on North Plantation Key, despite DEP providing a permit for the work in December 2023. An inline booster pump station increases pressure and moves wastewater through the system, especially over long distances to a treatment plant.
Tom Brezezinski, chief business officer of engineering firm Wade Trim, said the wastewater pipe sending effluent from Islamorada to the Key Largo treatment plant has suffered breaks in the area of MM 92 in Tavernier in recent years. He told council members the pipes are breaking longitudinally, and he believes the pipe wasn’t properly installed. Brezezinski explained
the pipe is supposed to be installed roughly halfway into the valve.
“That allows the pipe to move a little bit inside the ground when it has transients (or pressure surges), it allows the pipe to be a little flexible,” Brezezinski said. “When the pipe is installed all the way in, it can’t move. When the pumps turn on at NPK and start pushing water toward Key Largo, everything’s fine. When those pumps stop, all the water energy from Key Largo starts coming back and the water is smashing into one another.”
Brezezinski said they will analyze the transient hydraulic loadings in the pipe and dig up sections where the break occurred and look at these joints.
But the heart of the consent order hones in on construction of a new inline booster pump on North Plantation Key, Brezezinski said.
“If you corner someone at DEP and ask why, it’s because we haven’t built this pump station yet,” he told council members.
Brezezinski said the inline booster is designed to keep a consistent pressure in the conveyance force main to the Key Largo treatment plant.
“Theoretically, it never shuts off, but the flow changes. This will prevent water from crashing into each other,” he said.
Per the consent order, the inline booster station must be built and completed by Dec. 21, 2027. Project costs were roughly $4 million based on an estimate two years ago. Brezezinski said the price tag is expected to be higher with construction costs rising.
Agreement follows tough talks Completed in 2016, the village’s
wastewater system is composed of several vacuum pump stations from Lower Matecumbe to upper Plantation Key. Some areas are served with a lowpressure force main collection system.
Once collected, all effluent is transported via force main to the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District’s plant at MM 100.3 for treatment and disposal. Islamorada is KLWTD’s largest customer.
Past discussions between the village and KLWTD over improvements to address the issues at North Plantation Key pump station and line breaks didn’t yield agreement among the entities’ engineers. KLWTD’s engineers in Weiler Engineering Corporation (WEC), said the village can make immediate wastewater improvements to prevent recurring issues. Those include repairing and coating the existing equalization tank, or a storage tank in wastewater treatment to buffer and stabilize the inconsistent flow of incoming wastewater, and reducing the transient pressure waves during pump shut-down. In the long term, WEC said, the village should build a new, properly designed equalization tank.
WEC said the pump station’s poor condition is outlined by the village’s engineering consultant CHA. Not only are sewage pumps plugging due to rags, but the existing equalization tank, which is a repurposed concrete wastewater treatment plant, is in poor structural condition and will likely fail in the future.
As for Islamorada engineers in Wade Trim, they believe an inline booster pump station reflects a balance of technical, operational and community considerations. Wade Trim said the booster station eliminates odor impacts, improves reliability and reduces long-term capital and operation and management costs while continuing to meet the village’s obligations under the consent decree and interlocal agreement.
Past talks were also affected as the village saw constant turnover at the manager position.
By April 2025, the village hired Ron Saunders as village manager. In the ensuing months, discussions were reopened in hopes of finding a solution. Then came the DEP’s consent order on Oct. 15, which put a clock on addressing issues with the village’s wastewater system.
Peter Rosasco, KLWTD general manager, acknowledged they’re supporting the village’s plan as outlined by Brezezinski.
“I’m happy that we are now working together, communicating regularly and effectively. We’re happy we’re moving with this now,” Rosasco said. “There were some issues that weren’t very pleasant. We’re beyond that now and we’re looking forward to working cooperatively with the village and bringing the project to completion.”
Islamorada Mayor Sharon Mahoney said she’s been pushing for cooperation and collaboration among the entities for the past three years.
“I’m so glad everyone’s singing Kumbaya now. It wasn’t pretty a couple years ago,” she said.
Councilwoman Anna Richards said she’s looking forward to the horrendous smell going away from the North Plantation Key pump station.
In complying with DEP’s consent order, the village is also seeking to conduct an in-kind project in response to the $11,320 in fines imposed. Peter Frezza, village environmental resources manager, said the project will involve the planting of green buttonwoods to restore a disturbed section of land across from Three Waters Resort on Windley Key. Frezza said the property was recently used as a staging area for construction equipment for the water transmission main installation. The inkind project will cost $18,812.50.
DEP’s consent order also requires the village to provide a compliance plan and implementation schedule by Jan. 6, 2026. Progress reports are also required every January and June until the consent order is closed.
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025 AT 1:00 P.M.
FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
UPPER
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During a Nov. 13 meeting in Key West, Monroe County commissioners picked Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln to serve as Monroe County mayor and commissioner David Rice to serve as mayor pro tem for the next year.
Lincoln has been a commissioner since November 2018, and Rice was first elected to the board in 2002 and has been reelected since 2010. Lincoln and the commissioners recognized outgoing Mayor Jim Scholl for his duties over the past year, as well as for leading the county through important budget conversations this year, particularly during the summer months.
The mayor’s title is given to the chairperson of the board of county commissioners based on a majority vote, usually at the November board meeting. A mayor pro tem is also designated to fill in when the mayor is unavailable. The mayor presides over board meetings and serves as the Monroe County representative at ceremonial occasions. The mayor is also responsible for signing and cosigning documents with the county clerk.
— Contributed
Sounds from an airhorn rang out as runners and walkers set off from the starting line at Coral Shores High School for the annual Old Highway Run on Nov. 15. A picturesque morning and a flat course made the annual 5K run and walk an enjoyable one for the 120-plus race participants. Islamorada’s Peter Frezza crushed the course, reaching the finish line first with a time of 18 minutes and 6 seconds. Anthony Pallaria of Islamorada came in second at 19 minutes and 33 seconds. Jessica Mather was the first female to cross the finish line at a time of 21 minutes and 32 seconds. Organized by HNO Productions and Henry Menendez, a portion of the race proceeds will go to Coral Shores High School. View the results at oldhighwayrun.com.
Photos by Jim McCarthy and Doug Finger. Visit keysweekly.com for a full gallery.
Man allegedly threatens to kill deputy
A 30-year-old Davenport, Florida man was arrested on Nov. 15 for allegedly possessing a pair of brass knuckles and threatening to kill a deputy and his family following a traffic stop on U.S. 1.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a Nissan SUV near MM 100 in Key Largo at 8:36 p.m. for failure to move over and failing to slow for another law enforcement officer conducting a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Lucien Alexandre Crooks, did not have a valid driver’s license. An open bottle of tequila and a cup of alcoholic beverage were located near the driver’s seat.
A pair of brass knuckles with a knife attached was found in his pocket. Crooks has two previous felony convictions in Florida. Crooks threatened to murder the arresting deputy and his family while en route to jail. Crooks was charged with possession of a concealed weapon by a convicted felon, resisting arrest, and threatening a law enforcement officer.
A 41-year-old Lake Park man was arrested on Nov. 11 for allegedly possessing 9.3 grams of cocaine following a traffic stop on U.S. 1.
The sheriff’s office stopped a Jeep Wrangler near MM 87 at 9:41 p.m. for a tag light violation. The passenger, Nicholas Ashley Esquivel, had a clear plastic bag containing a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine visible on his waist. Marijuana and paraphernalia were subsequently found. Esquivel was taken to jail.
Commissioners declare Smoking Cessation Month
Esquivel was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a THC vape pen and possession of 4.8 grams of marijuana.
Thanksgiving food distribution set
Feeding South Florida is hosting a Thanksgiving food distribution on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Burton Memorial Church at 93001 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. Open to the public, families will receive turkeys, sides, all the fixings and an abundance of fresh produce. Feeding South Florida is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Monroe County and South Florida.
There are various ways to help those in need, including Feeding South Florida’s “Share Food. Share Joy” initiative, volunteer shifts, Food + Fund Drive and more. More information is at feedingsouthflorida.org/food-fund-drives.
Stream ad-free music with library card
A Monroe County Public Library card includes the ad-free music streaming service Freegal. With 18 million songs to choose from, there’s something for every musical taste – including the entire Sony Music catalog. You can download up to three songs a week. Make your own playlists or check out the curated playlists on the site. Listen on your computer or with the app –available for Android, iOS and Kindle Fire. More information about Freegal and other library offerings, including how to pre-register for a library card online and get started right away, is at keyslibraries.org/ online.
During a Nov. 12 meeting, Monroe County commissioners declared November 2025 as Monroe County Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Awareness month while also recognizing the efforts of the Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) to help residents quit smoking. November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, paired with the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday.
Stacey Mitchell claims her firing and the audit that prompted it were retaliatory
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The former marketing director of the Keys’ tourism agency is suing the county, the county commission and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council for violating the Whistleblower Protection Act by firing her in March 2024.
Stacey Mitchell’s lawyer last month filed an amended complaint that also names county clerk Kevin Madok for alleged negligence and one of his employees, Luanne Verner, for alleged defamation.
The lawsuit claims Mitchell was fired for speaking out against an unorthodox funding request and subsequent demands from County Commissioner Craig Cates that the TDC contribute $150,000 to the county’s bicentennial celebration, even though county staff had missed the deadline to submit funding applications to the TDC for special events.
Mitchell was fired in March 2024, four months after the county clerk’s office released a critical audit of the Tourist Development Council, where Mitchell had been marketing director since 2017. The audit revealed “repeated noncompliance with Monroe County’s purchasing policy,” and “a lack of controls and management oversight,” among other findings.
Mitchell’s lawsuit, filed by attorney Zachary Zermay, claims the audit and Mitchell’s subsequent termination were done in retaliation for her refusing to support Cates’ demand for $150,000 of TDC funding and for insisting that funding protocols be followed despite “backroom dealings conducted out of the public view,” the lawsuit states.
The suit details the county’s missed deadline to apply for event funding from the TDC. It describes a July 2022 county budget meeting, where Commissioner Craig Cates reportedly told Mitchell that a drone show and concert would take place for the county’s bicentennial, and asked her for TDC funding for the event.
“(Mitchell) reminded commissioner Cates that the deadline to apply for funding was missed, yet commissioner Cates insisted on finding a way
to support the event,” the lawsuit states. “Subsequently, following backroom dealings, meetings and other informal communications hidden from the public, the Board of County Commissioners redirected $150,000 to fund the concert, circumventing the standard approval processes. In violation of (the county’s) own guidelines, rules and regulations, over $150,000 was withdrawn from the TDC’s budget … without the correct transparency processes and public meetings.
“…After the disclosures were made, the drone show occurred, and the checks had been cashed, a campaign of retaliation began against (Mitchell) in the form of audits to serve as a pretextual reason to terminate (her),” the lawsuit alleges.
Verner is named as a defendant in the amended complaint, which alleges defamation on her part, following a social media post she made the day the clerk’s audit was released to the public. Verner wrote that (Mitchell) “has been stealing for all these years and finally got caught,” and included a link to the clerk’s website.
Verner’s statement was “false, defamatory and libelous, because it accused (Mitchell) of criminal misconduct and professional dishonesty. (Mitchell’s) reputation was trashed, causing loss of employment opportunities, pain, suffering and emotional distress,” her complaint states.
Madok is accused in the lawsuit of negligence for improperly supervising his employee, who made the social media post.
In its response to the amended complaint, the county’s and TDC’s lawyers have asked the judge to dismiss the case against the county and TDC, claiming Mitchell failed to prove any whistleblower claims because Mitchell “never authored any written and signed complaint in compliance with Florida’s Whistleblower Act that could form the basis for a valid whistleblower retaliation claim.”
The motion to dismiss states that Mitchell’s attendance at county and TDC meetings, where she spoke against the improper funding request, are not protected disclosures.
“Plaintiff’s simple participation at various meetings does not transform her attendance into participation ‘in an investigation, hearing or other inquiry conducted by any agency or federal government entity’ as enumerated by Florida Statute,’” the motion to dismiss states.
A hearing via Zoom is scheduled in front of Judge Mark Jones on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Roaring laughs and loud applause were heard throughout the night as the community convened for the fourth annual Best of Upper Keys on Nov. 14 at Playa Largo Resort. The evening began with a cocktail and social hour outside the ballroom, coinciding with a live remote with Keys News Talk Radio’s Michael Stapleford. The program began with some wild jokes, the annual top signs you live between MM 70 and Ocean Reef, and the awards.
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Park at Murray E. Nelson Center, MM 102, Bayside, Key Largo
Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
SOS Foundation sees triple the volume of families in need
mandy@keysweekly.com
One of the busiest spots on Stock Island these days is a place no one wants to be.
A surge in new customers signals success for most businesses, but for a food pantry, it’s a sign of deepening struggle. And the Star of the Sea (SOS) Foundation’s food pantries on Stock Island and Key Largo have seen triple its usual volume of visitors over the past few weeks, an increase that CEO Morgan Tracey attributes to the federal government’s cancellation of SNAP benefits, which used to be called food stamps.
“We usually register one or two new clients every day,” said Tracey. “Last week we had 28 new registrations in four days.”
The Stock Island food pantry typically receives an average of 100 to 120 visits per day, but that average has spiked in recent weeks to 200 or more.
“Last Thursday, 225 people came through,” said employee John Hubbard. “And none of them want to be here. They’re all saying, ‘I never expected to need a food pantry. I don’t want to be here. I’m usually the one donating food to other people.’”
But times get tough for everyone, and the SOS Food Pantry, 5640 Maloney Ave., Stock Island, is here to help — no matter how many people need it.
But they can’t do it alone. And fortunately, in a community like Key West, they don’t have to. Tracey said she has been astounded in recent weeks by the number of unsolicited donations they’ve been receiving from people who watch the news and understand the struggle and uncertainty facing thousands of Keys families that depend on the SNAP benefits. The assistance comes in the form of a debit card that gets refilled monthly with an amount that’s dependent on the size of the family and their income. But as of Nov. 1, those cards either didn’t get refilled or the amount was reduced by 35% in response to the federal
government shutdown, which started on Oct. 1 and could end soon if Congress approves a proposed agreement this week.
“In my opinion, food pantries are often the ‘canary in the coal mine’ and when we see an increase in clients, it is an indicator of larger affordability and stressful situations for our residents,” said Leah Stockton, director of development at AH Monroe, which operates the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. It has seen an approximate 30% increase in clients over the past few weeks, most of whom are new clients.
“Clients include teachers, foster parents, military and others, and we typically serve about 250 people per month,” Stockton said. “But again, this has increased significantly in recent weeks. Given this increased need, food pantry operations currently cost about $5,000 per month, so any support for FKOC Loaves and Fish would have a tremendous impact in keeping our community fed.”
Farther up the Keys in Marathon, Marj Roberts serves as the director of Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), which currently serves meals to roughly 80 people a day while providing more than $500,000 in rent and utility assistance to families in crisis in 2025 alone.
She told the Keys Weekly the new challenges compound a squeeze that started after the pandemic, when supermarkets improved their inventory systems to adjust to changing demand in real time, preventing waste and boosting profits. Much of that “waste,” as in unsold food, used to go to local food pantries.
“Where we used to get hundreds of pounds of meat, for example, from Publix and Winn-Dixie, now we get very little, because those inventory systems are getting so good and the stores can plan on a dime,” Roberts said.
In Monroe County, 7.4% of the county’s 34,630 households received SNAP in 2023. That’s 2,562 households, many of which include three or more people. The majority of the households receiving SNAP benefits include at least one working adult.
“A lot of people don’t want to admit to us that they receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, because they’re afraid if they get those benefits, then they won’t be eligible to receive food from us.
Members of the Coral Shores High School Interact club set up a hurricane relief donation site outside of Publix in Islamorada. The cash donations they collected are matched two-to-one by Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys. At the table are Kim Kearns, Karla Gutierrez, Jeremiah Ortiz, Nathaniel Shugarman and Parks Dunn. CONTRIBUTED
Devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic motivated members of the Coral Shores High School Interact Club to set up a donation collection point outside the Islamorada Publix last week. Interact is the high school arm of Rotary International.
The Interact students collected nearly $400 in cash and several times that amount in goods. The Upper Keys and Key Largo Rotary clubs will each match the cash amount and donate to the Rotary District that includes the affected countries. Donations through Rotary go directly to active Rotary clubs whose members live in the area. There is no overhead.
“Our school leadership classes and clubs are participat-
ing in a districtwide collection for countries impacted by hurricane Melissa,” said Coral Shores High School principal Laura Lietaert.
“They have hung posters containing lists of needed items. We have overflowing collection boxes in pods and the front office. We are always happy to help others in need. We have been in their shoes.”
Terry Abel, Village of Islamorada emergency management director, pointed out that recovery from this type of disaster takes years and that having boots on the ground is an effective way to get help where it counts.
Anyone wishing to donate to hurricane relief in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic can find a link at keysrotary.org.
— Contributed
“But that’s not the case at all,” Tracey said, emphasizing that the food pantry turns no one away. They also don’t ask about citizenship or immigration status, she said, adding that an ID and proof of residency in Monroe County are the only requirements.
“Even just a piece of mail addressed to them at a Monroe County address is fine,” she said, while walking through the pantry. It’s set up like a very small grocery store, with a produce section, a large freezer for meats, a rack of bread products and aisles of nonperishable items like cereal, rice, beans, canned vegetables and soups and pasta. The peanut butter and jelly section is essential for families with children, Tracey pointed out.
“We set this up as a selfservice pantry, so our clients can actually select their own items as they would in a grocery store,” she said. “One of our volunteers goes through with them, as there are limits to the number of items in each category that a client can take, according to the size of their household.
In the middle aisle, volunteers were restocking shelves with boxes of macaroni and cheese that had just been donated.
“The donations have surged as much as the demand,” Tracey said. “I’ve never experienced such generosity in any community. People are coming in with the backs of their cars loaded and they’ll say, ‘I got all the BOGOs at Publix, so there was one for me and one for you of each item.’ Other people that couldn’t leave their job to go shopping and drop off a bag of groceries have sent us Instacart orders. And people are now starting to drop off items for Thanksgiving meals. It’s just been amazing.”
But the need never stops, and SOS Food Pantry is always grateful for donations of money, food and volunteer hours.
“A lot of people assume we don’t accept dairy products like milk and eggs because they’ll expire, but no way. Those things are gone the same day they arrive. So we’d love to get more milk and egg donations, as well as loaves of bread, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce and cereal.”
Alex Rickert contributed to this report
SUPPORT SOS FOUNDATION’S FOOD PANTRIES
10th annual Casino Night Friday, Nov. 14 at Beachside Resort, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $150 at the door and include food, drinks and casino games.
SOS FOUNDATION FOOD PANTRY HOURS
Stock Island, 5640 Maloney Ave. Monday & Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Key Largo at St. Justin the Martyr Church
105500 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo Monday: 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes food pantry 2221 Patterson Ave., Key West Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
KAIR
3010 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 305-743-4582
Acommunity decked out in white and silver attire enjoyed an evening on Islamorada’s Tea Table Key on Nov. 15, all to support a big restoration of Alligator Reef Lighthouse. The Reignite the Light Gala proved to be a night to remember, with a live auction, entertainment and dancing and a dinner catered by Green Turtle Inn. First lit in 1873, the lighthouse stands guard in honor of Islamorada’s past, present and future. In 2018, the Coast Guard declared lighthouses in the Keys, including Alligator Lighthouse, weren’t needed anymore. By September 2022, the U.S. Department of Interior granted the local nonprofit Friends of the Pool Inc. ownership of the lighthouse with the agreement that it would eventually be restored. More information is at savealligatorlighthouse.org.
— Keys Weekly staff report
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Snow will fly and Santa Claus will make his annual appearance at Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government Center on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Organized by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, the 16th annual Light Up Key Largo welcomes the community to this free, family-friendly event with a slew of holiday activities. With the return of Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as kids’ activities come a new surprise everyone will need to see behind the center at Peace Park at 5:30 p.m.
Activities kick off at 4 p.m., as kids can witness and play in the fluffy stuff generated by a snow machine. Stations will be set up for the tykes to decorate cookies, and train rides will take families around the grounds. A bounce house and slide will also be available for kids.
The big man in red will again hear the kids’ wishes beginning at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be located toward the front of the Murray Nelson Government Center at Santa’s Enchanted Forest. Families will be able to snap photos while the kids read off their list of wants.
Hundreds will gather to count down to the lighting of “Holly” the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Recently, volunteers took time out of their schedules to fluff branches in preparation for the building of the 45-foot tree. Elves from Wire Nuts Electric fixed some of Holly’s wiring, while the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative built the tree. Habitat for Humanity of the Upper
‘Florida Man, the Musical’ is a look at the absurd and often illegal behavior of the internet meme, ‘Florida Man.’ It runs for six shows Nov. 21-23 and 28-30 at Tennessee Williams Theater. MATTHEW RAWLS/Contributed
Keys and Rain or Shine Movers also pitched in to help transport the tree to the Murray Nelson Government Center. Publix Key Largo also supported the effort.
All children attending can take their choice of either a free hotdog or hamburger. Free hot cocoa will be supplied by First Baptist Church Key Largo. M.E.A.T. Eatery, Italian Food Company, Sandbar Donuts and Polar Ice will be on hand to supply food and treats.
Parking for Light Up Key Largo will be available at Key Largo School, located at MM 105, with free shuttle service provided.
Light Up Key Largo organizers are seeking volunteers to help make the evening a magical one for kids and their families. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Cari Sanders by texting 305-3992265 or emailing lightupkeylargo@ gmail.com.
More information is at Light Up Key Largo on Facebook.
“Florida Man - The Musical” is a new musical comedy from Pamela Stephenson Connolly, with music by award-winning composer Dan Krysa — the team behind “Bum Farto: The Musical.”
The show is inspired by the widely followed internet meme “Florida Man”— an infamous, larger-than-life character drawn from countless true media reports of absurd, laughable, often substance-fueled and frequently unlawful behavior in the Sunshine State.
The show runs Nov. 21-23 and Nov. 28-30 at Tennessee Williams Theater.
The story follows the antics of six unruly Floridians, including a psychotic meth-head; a plushophiliac with an erotic obsession with Olaf dolls; a man whose girlfriend, Gwendolyn, happens to be an alligator; and a guy who stole the Conch Tour Train because it was his birthday. Their escapades are
chronicled by famous British wildlife naturalist David Attenborough, who’s determined to capture Homo sapiens Floridanus in his natural habitat.
Their pursuits spiral out of control until the gang’s iconic founder — the ghost of brilliant writer and notorious dope fiend Hunter S. Thompson — arrives in Machiavellian style, only to be reined in by the late Jimmy Buffett, the voice of reason in a minefield of manic imbecility.
The production features 18 original songs and 16 dance numbers.
“This is the craziest show I’ve ever created and I believe right now we all need to have a good laugh,” said Connolly. “If you’ve never seen a tapdancing alligator, now is the time. We have an extraordinarily talented cast of actors and singers ready to bring the wild and hilarious world of ‘Florida Man’ to the stage.”
— Contributed
‘FLORIDA MAN, THE MUSICAL’ Nov. 21-23 & 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. Tennessee Williams Theater, 5901 College Road
Test your equipment and change the batteries
Do you have a strong desire to disconnect your smoke alarm because it goes off every time you cook? Don’t do it!
It can be irritating, but please keep your smoke alarm working. Smoke alarms save lives. We preach and teach this because we care. In 38 years working in the fire service, I have never responded to a fire fatality when there was a working smoke alarm in the home.
When the smoke alarm is installed and working properly, the occupants were always alerted to the fire, and always evacuated the home in time to survive. In a modern home, with modern furnishings, fires spread rapidly. You might have as little as two minutes to escape. That is why I will never sleep in a building that does not have a working smoke alarm. It’s that important.
The U.S. Fire Administrations recommends:
Smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Make sure your smoke alarm works. Test alarms every month and replace 9-volt smoke alarm batteries at least once every year. To remember when to change your batteries, we recommend changing them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
“Change your clocks, change your batteries” is a fire safety campaign you have probably heard.
Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.
For more information on smoke alarms and fire safety, contact the Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS District at 305451-2700.
–
William
Lombardo
FDistrict manager, Key Largo Fire & Rescue EMS PIXABAY
lorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners recently approved staff recommendations to advertise proposed rule changes for prohibited green iguanas, including concepts relating to outdoor caging, biosecurity, collection and transport.
Green iguanas are invasive reptiles that are not native to Florida. The rule changes to Florida Administrative Code were proposed to encourage more residents to remove green iguanas from the wild by providing practical and secure alternatives for outdoor caging of the animals possessed by permittees.
The proposed rule changes also include clarifying language on the transportation of prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness and collection and transport of wild-caught green iguanas possessed for sale or eradication. These changes are in addition to previously approved rule changes made in May 2025, which included an allowance for transfer of wildcaught green iguanas to permit holders authorized to sell live iguanas out of state.
To obtain feedback on the proposed rule changes, staff with the FWC’s Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Program obtained input from the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Technical Assistance Group, hosted three virtual public meetings to present proposed changes and gather input from stakeholders, and further solicited input from the public through an online comment form and email address.
“These rule changes will further enable more Floridians to col-
are invasive reptiles. Some adults can take on an orange or pink coloration during certain times of the year.
lect live green iguanas from their established range within the state and facilitate sale of those iguanas out of Florida,” said FWC chairman Rodney Barreto. “Thanks to the great work of staff and input from our stakeholders, these latest rule changes support the continued removal of invasive species from Florida.”
More than 500 nonnative fish and wildlife species have been reported in Florida. Eighty percent of these have been introduced via the live animal trade, with 139 species established in Florida, meaning they are reproducing in the wild. Invasive species management is a high priority for the FWC because these animals hurt native fish and wildlife, cause damage that is costly to repair, and can pose a threat to human health and safety. More information is at myfwc. com/nonnatives. — Contributed
Reef the fox with the ‘Best Celebrity’ plaque at Key Largo’s Pawsitive Beginnings. CONTRIBUTED
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Hi friends, Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Well, would you look at that. Your boy Reef has done it again. For the fourth year in a row, I’ve been voted Best Local Celebrity in the Upper Keys. I would like to thank my adoring fans from around the world, the fine people of Monroe County, and anyone who has ever sacrificed a snack to my greatness. Truly, this is the people’s victory.
Now, while people keep saying this is “cute” and “heartwarming,” I’d like to dig a little deeper. You see, for me, and for animals like me, this kind of recognition means more than just bragging rights or extra quail eggs (though let’s be honest, both are appreciated).
I was born into a world where animals like me are seen as products, not individuals. On fur farms around the globe, millions of foxes, mink, raccoon dogs and other animals are bred and killed for one reason: fashion. Not warmth. Not survival. Fash-
ion. Their short lives are spent pacing on wire floors, deprived of space, sunlight and any form of kindness.
This award, this shiny little plaque, represents something much bigger than me. It shows that humans can evolve and that you are capable of looking at an animal once destined for a fur coat and seeing instead a being with a name, a story and a heart that beats for connection, not fear.
When you voted for me, you didn’t just vote for a fox with a big personality (and, okay, a slightly bigger ego). You voted for compassion. You voted for change. You voted for the belief that animals deserve better … that we all do.
So while I’m over here figuring out where to display my fourth “Best Local Celebrity” award, I also want to dedicate this win to the millions of fur-bearing animals that will never live to see the new year, as the furfarm killing season has now begun across the world.
If my story can make even one person think twice before buying fur, if it can inspire a child to choose kindness, or remind someone that healing is possible after trauma, then that’s worth more than all the trophies in the world.
So here’s to all the survivors, the rescuers and the believers.
Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Zoey is a 6-month-old sweet girl who had a rough start in life as she was abandoned in a crate to fend for herself. Now she is safe and in need of a forever home. She is playful and loves to play with dogs and people. Zoey is friendly and loves to say ‘hi’ with kisses, so get ready to be loved by this sweet munchkin. If you are interested in meeting her please reach out to MarrVelous Pet Rescues 305-453-1315.
Thursday, Nov. 20
• Art walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.
Friday, Nov. 21
• Third annual Reef Revival Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. at the barn of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, Islamorada. Learn more at mote.org.
Saturday, Nov. 22
• 10th annual charity ride, Tour de Keys beginning at about 6:44 a.m. at Key Largo. Visit tourdekeys. donordrive.com for more information.
• 16th annual Light Up Key Largo from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center.
Nov. 25-26
• JOY Center activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
• Pet photos with the Grinch from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices, 85992 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
• 15th annual Plantation Key School PTA fish fry fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lorelei Restaurant, 96 Madeira Road, Islamorada. $10 per ticket. Purchase in advance at the school front desk.
Thursday, Dec. 4
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and Rock the Ocean host a monofilament recycling event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Laura Quinn Sanctuary, 93600 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.
• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s “Yappy Hour” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Buzzards Roost, Key Largo. Dogs must be leashed, vaccinated and well-socialized.
Friday, Dec. 5
• 21st annual Holiday Fest, presented by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Founders Park. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. and parade begins at 7:30 p.m.
As I had planned to continue writing about the Northern Keys this week, I decided to address the geological makeup of Key Biscayne and Virginia Key, and why they are not considered part of the Florida Keys archipelago. Unlike the Florida Keys, which are based on Key Largo Limestone between Soldier Key and Big Pine Key, and Miami Limestone from the Lower Keys to the Dry Tortugas, Key Biscayne and Virginia Key are sandier in nature.
called them Mascaras on his 1742 chart.
In 1743, the Father Alana chart agreed. Mascaras is Spanish for mask. Variations of the spelling appeared on later charts. For instance, William Roberts’ 1763 work “First Discovery and Natural History” identified the group as the Mycaras. In 1772, DeBrahm identified them individually on his chart (north to south): Los Paradizos, Soldiers (though not the aforementioned Soldier Key), Knox and Pollock.
When the government took notice, the light was ordered to be deactivated, as it was not an official beacon and therefore a navigational hazard.
The island was bought and sold numerous times before it became part of the National Park Service. Today, the island is home to a primitive campground with tent sites, tables and grills. Immediately south of Boca Chita is Sands Key. On early Spanish charts, the island is recorded as Las Tetas. A 1743 chart identifies it as Restinga de las Tetas, which basically translates to something along the lines of “coastal forest of the breasts.” William Roberts’ 1763 “First Discovery and Natural History of Florida” used the simplified moniker Las Tetas.
is a respected historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch based in the Florida Keys.
A paper issued by Florida International University’s Department of Earth Sciences summarizes the geology of the barrier islands of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne: “Sediments were carried by longshore currents, and consisted of a mixture of carbonate (shell fragments, coral fragments, etc.) and quartz sand. Progressive accumulation of sands slowly built up the structure of the islands as they exist today.”
Soldier Key, located south of Key Biscayne, is the first of the islands built atop Key Largo Limestone. Having addressed the island, the first of the true Florida Keys, last week, this is an excellent time to explore the next islands in the chain: the Ragged Keys, Boca Chita and Sands Key. While not as exciting as islands like Key West or No Name Key, every island has a story to tell.
The Ragged Keys are a small collection of islands south of Soldier Key. At low tide, it can be possible to walk between them. Juan de Liguera
Two years later, Bernard Romans wrote about the islands on his 1774 chart: “Seven rocks called Mascaras.” He also noted that on some English charts the name had been “ill copied” as Mucares. In 1861, the Coast Survey conducted by Bache identified them as the Ragged Keys, and that is what the islands are called today.
In the early 1900s, they were owned by a man identified as Captain B.T. Ball. According to a 1910 newspaper story, three of the islands were soon to be purchased by Henry Safford. In 1927, all that could be found on the islands were “coconut trees and a small fisherman’s house.” The Ragged Keys are now managed and owned by the government and are part of Biscayne National Park. One of the Ragged Keys, identified as Number 3, is home to two guest houses, a storage room, an equipment room, an above-ground swimming pool and dockage owned by a Miami man named Tomasetti. Between the Ragged Keys and Sands Key is Boca Chita Key. The latter was privately owned by Mark C. Honeywell, president of the Minneapolis Honeywell Company from 1937 to 1945. It was Honeywell who had a 65-foot mock lighthouse built from native coral rock, which is still standing on the island. He wanted to have a beacon that would make it easier for his boat captain to navigate out to the island. For a brief period, it was lit.
The cartographer Bernard Romans confirmed the island was called Las Tetas (and also the Paps) on his 1774 chart. Romans noted that there were two hills on the island. Because hills are not a common feature associated with the hundreds of islands making up the archipelago, the “hills” were probably mounds associated with a former indigenous presence. In J.W. Norie’s “Piloting Directions for the Gulf of Florida, Bahama Banks, & Islands,” published in 1828, he noted: “Next to the northward of Elliot’s Kay is a little island, having two small hills on it, whence the Spaniards have called it Las Tetas, or the Paps.”
Today, the island is known as Sands Key. The next island south is the largest of the Northern Keys, Elliott Key, a legendary island harboring stories of alleged pirates and juicy pineapples. I explore the piratical aspect of the island’s story in Volume 2 of my “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli” book series. I delve into the subject of pineapples in Volume 1. I will say this. The holidays are nearly upon us, and these books make fantastic gifts for the history lover in your family.
Monroe County, in partnership with SoilMate Composting and sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida, launched a pilot food waste collection program to help Upper Keys residents divert organic material from landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost.
Commissioner Holly Raschein, solid waste director Cheryl Sullivan and recycling coordinator Melody Tuschel joined Ocean Studies Charter School students on Nov. 13 to break in the new bins.
The pilot program will run through Feb. 6, 2026, with three drop-off locations where residents can bring their food scraps for composting. Residents must register at the link here to participate in the pilot program.
Biodegradable bags are available at all collection locations. Residents can drop off food waste free of charge at any of the following Upper Keys locations during the pilot project:
Ocean Studies Charter School – 11-27 Rock Harbor Dr., Key Largo (behind playground).
Atlantic Trash and Transfer –300 Atlantic Dr., Key Largo.
Coral Isles Church – 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier (behind fellowship hall).
To ensure high-quality compost and prevent contamination, only food scraps will be accepted. No yard waste, paper, unapproved compostable bags or foodware (plastics) of any kind will be accepted.
“This program gives residents a simple, convenient way to be part of a solution,” said Tuschel. “Every pound of food waste diverted is one less pound ending up in the landfill.”
Residents can fill out an interest form at your-soilmate.com/ pages/monroe to receive the registration link. Registration includes a brief education session, followed by a unique access code for the drop-off sites.
— Contributed
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “The Ghost Writer” (2010) Why: Every year, the library’s streaming service Kanopy puts together a collection of dark suspense movies called “Noirvember” – this year’s selection includes this tight thriller starring Ewan McGregor as a ghostwriter hired to clean up the memoir of recent British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). Obviously modeled on Tony Blair, Lang is charismatic enough to warrant a $10 million advance on the book – but he’s also facing accusations of handing over British citizens who were alleged terrorists to be tortured by the Americans and their allies. Olivia Williams is fantastic as Ruth, Lang’s extremely smart wife, and the cast is populated by familiar faces, some of them Americans playing Brits (Kim Cattrall) and Brits playing Americans (Tom Wilkinson). Smaller parts go to Timothy Hutton, Jim Belushi — and even Eli Wallach. And the setting – in a Brutalist concrete beach house during a gloomy New England winter – fits the movie’s tone perfectly. If you like book-to-screen comparisons, this film is based on “The Ghost” by Robert Harris, which you can also borrow from the Library.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the Library’s streaming app. How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/ contact-us.
Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager. See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
Baby corals from the Florida Aquarium make their way home to Davis Reef
Volunteers and coral scientists from the Florida Aquarium and Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education (I.CARE) came together in the Keys this past week for a purpose: restoring life to one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.
On Nov. 7, the team outplanted more than 90 brain corals — born and grown at the Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach — onto Davis Reef off Islamorada. These corals are part of Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The goal is to develop the infrastructure, technology, skilled workforce and logistics necessary by 2050 to support the long-term recovery of no less than 25% of Florida’s coral reef.
“This work is about hope and action,” said Rachel Morgan, coral propagation manager at the Florida Aquarium. “Every coral we plant gives us the chance to help nature recover and make a lasting impact on the reef.”
Certified divers and local volunteers joined the aquarium and I.CARE staff underwater to secure the young corals to the reef. Among them were retirees, professionals and lifelong ocean lovers.
Barry Simes, a retired executive, fulfilled a childhood dream of working with coral. Dan and Marilyn Steadman, married retirees from Illinois, shared their skills to help restore the reefs they’ve loved for years.
“When we first dove these reefs decades ago, they were bursting with color and life,” said Marilyn, who’s been diving with her husband for more than 50 years. “Coming back and seeing the decline was heartbreaking — but now, helping to plant new corals gives us hope. It’s our way of restoring the reefs that have given us a lifetime of memories.”
Since November 2023, the Florida Aquarium has donated 2,394 corals to I.CARE to support restoration efforts throughout the Keys. A nonprofit dedicated to reef restoration and conservation efforts, I.CARE involves both residents and visitors as citizen scientists to help with debris cleaning and outplanting efforts.
The newest corals were planted beside thriving colonies from previous outplantings, a visible sign of resilience and recovery. The initiative provides funding for evidence-based propagation and outplanting programs to re-establish hardy populations of native corals that were affected by stony coral tissue loss disease and the most devastating global bleaching event in history.
“This partnership with the Florida Aquarium is creating real, measurable impact,” said Mike Goldberg, co-founder of I.CARE. “Despite the challenges coral reefs face around the world, moments like these remind us that restoration is possible when communities and science come together.”
The outplanting came just weeks after the Global Tipping Points Report warned that coral reefs are “passing their tipping point” in an “unprecedented crisis.” With ocean temperatures finally cooling after another warm summer, conditions were ideal for replanting efforts aimed at helping corals survive and adapt.
Coral reefs are essential to life along Florida’s coast. They provide habitat for thousands of marine species, support the state’s multibillion-dollar tourism and fishing industries, and serve as natural barriers that protect shorelines from erosion and storms.
In addition to the corals planted during this trip, the Florida Aquarium transported more than 600 others to the Keys. These corals will be held at the Keys Marine Laboratory until they are outplanted by volunteers on future I.CARE restoration dives. — Contributed
Have you ever heard of a couple of boys named Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn? These two characters were brought to life in the late 1800s by author Mark Twain.
In his famous books “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Twain gave readers of all ages a look at what life was like for kids living near the Mississippi River in the 19th century.
Mark Twain was born on Nov. 30, 1835. His 190th birthday is coming up this month. The Mini Page celebrates by learning more about Mark Twain and some of his best-loved writings.
Childhood and family
Mark Twain’s real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He was born in the town of Florida, Missouri, two months early, and he was sick for much of his early childhood.
Sam was the sixth of seven children born to John and Jane Clemens. However, only Sam, his older brother, Orion, and his older sister, Pamela, lived into adulthood.
The family moved to Hannibal, Missouri, on the banks of the Mississippi River, when Sam was 4.
For a little boy, the river was nothing but fun: Unusual people,
ADVENTURE, APPRENTICE, BOOKS, CLEMENS, COMET, FINN, HALLEY, HANNIBAL, INFLUENCE, MARK, MISSOURI, NEWSPAPER, OCTAGONAL, RACISM, RIVERBOAT, SAM, SAWYER, TWAIN.
Founded by Betty Debnam
chugging boats and tempting cargo to explore kept Sam and his friends busy. Many of the experiences he had as a child became stories in his books, including some of his real friends and family members.
When he was 22, Sam became an apprentice, or beginner, river pilot. Two years later, he was a licensed pilot.
Sam guided boats up and down the Mississippi River until 1861, when the Civil War began. Both the North and the South wanted control of the river, so there was much fighting along the way. Riverboat traffic almost stopped.
In 1862, he moved to Virginia City, Nevada, to write for The Territorial Enterprise.
At this newspaper, Sam Clemens first used the name Mark Twain. He got the name from his riverboat days, when a marked rope helped pilots judge how deep the water was. “Twain” meant “two,” so “mark twain” meant two fathoms, or 12 feet.
Sam later wrote for The San Francisco Call and The Sacramento Union in California.
His writing influenced, or affected, people all over the world. He was known as a humorist, but most of his writing had serious themes, too.
Words that remind us of Mark Twain are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
MINI FACT: Mark Twain was born the same year Halley’s Comet appeared in the sky. The year he died, it appeared again.
Twain Fact-a-Roonies
• “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is filled with memorable characters — most based on Sam and his family and friends. For instance:
√ Tom Sawyer was mostly Sam, with three other friends thrown in.
√ Becky Thatcher was based on Laura Hawkins, who lived across the street from Sam. They were lifelong friends.
√ Injun Joe was based on Joe Douglass, a half-Osage, half-African American man in Hannibal.
• Mark Twain did a lot of his writing in an octagonal (eight-sided) study at Quarry Farm in Elmira, New York. The farm was the home of his sister-in-law and her family.
• Even though Sam Clemens grew up in a slaveholding state, he grew to be strongly against racism. His book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” published in 1885, is about a young white boy who helps a Black slave, Jim, escape by floating away on the river on a raft.
ON THE WEB
• marktwainmuseum.org
• pbs.org/kenburns/mark-twain/about-twain/
AT THE LIBRARY
• “River Boy: The Story of Mark Twain” by William Anderson
Every breath people take may carry the hidden danger of microplastics so small they can slip into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. A study published in the journal PLOS One estimates humans inhale up to 68,000 of these particles daily, mostly from the air inside homes and cars filled with plastics that break down into dust. Researchers warn that the health toll could be serious, with links to chronic lung inflammation, organ damage and even cancer. Because people spend most of their lives indoors, exposure is nearly constant, and car interiors can have by far the highest levels.
This Thanksgiving season, enjoy top-voted dining, must-see attractions, and the areaʼs most-loved experiences — all just moments from your stay.
Escape for the holidays — Rent, Stay, or Buy with Sun Outdoors Islamorada.
Key West starts postseason with a W | P.4
10 - 16
Team Sport Opponent
Key West Boys Soccer Ferguson 11/10 W, 1-0
Coral Shores Boys Soccer Archimedean 11/10 L, 2-1
Marathon Boys Soccer Coral Shores 11/12 W, 3-1
Marathon Girls Soccer Archimedean 11/12 L, 6-1
Marathon Boys Basketball Southwest (preseason) 11/12 W, 45-39
Key West Girls Soccer Silver Palms 11/13 W, 8-0
Key West Boys Soccer Silver Palms 11/13 W, 3-2
Coral Shores Girls Soccer South Dade 11/13 T, 0-0
Marathon Boys Soccer Westwood Christian 11/14 W, 9-2
Key West Girls Basketball Marathon 11/14 W, 30-26
Marathon Boys Basketball Terra Institute (preseason) 11/14 L, 75-65
Key West Boys Basketball Coral Shores (preseason) 11/14 W, 87-37
Key West Football Cypress Lake 11/14 W, 44-34 Marathon Girls Soccer Westwood Christian 11/14 L, 6-0
Sophomore, Marathon Special Olympics Power Lifting
11/20 Marathon Girls & Boys Basketball Everglades City 5:30 p.m.
11/20 Marathon Girls Soccer Somerset Canyons 5 p.m.
11/20 Key West Boys Soccer Marathon 5 p.m.
11/20 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ MAST 5:30 p.m.
11/20 Key West Girls Basketball @ SLAM 5 p.m.
11/20 Coral Shores Girls Soccer St. Thomas Aquinas
11/21 Marathon Boys Basketball @ Keys Gate
11/22 Key West Girls Basketball Barron Collier 2 p.m.
11/22 MHS & CSHS Cross Country @ States 9 a.m.
11/22 Key West Girls Soccer @ Lemon Bay 11 a.m.
11/24 Coral Shores Boys Basketball @ ABF Homestead 7 p.m.
11/25 Key West Boys Basketball NSU University 7 p.m.
Leandro Batista, top, Noah Mercer, center, Gionni Fernandez and the Key West Conchs have a tall task ahead of them after earning their first playoff wins in backto-back seasons since the 1980s. See page 4. MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
He worksalwayshard and strives to do the best in and out of the gym. He loves working out to stay shape.”in
– Cathy Warner, head coach
On Nov. 14, Dolphin weightlifter Alex Chavala brought home the gold from Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Chavala competed for Marathon High School in the Special Olympics 14- to 18-year-old lightweight class. The sophomore strongman combined a 75-pound bench press with an impressive 210-pound deadlift to win the competition, securing a gold medal and respect from the rest of the competitors. For his incredible achievement and willingness to work hard and persevere regardless of any setback foolish enough to get in his way, Marathon’s Alex Chavala is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Key West’s Nov. 14 regional quarterfinal victory against Cypress Lake High School did more than avenge the loss they suffered last season, bumping them out of contention for a state championship. It marks the first time since the late ’80s in which the Conchs captured playoff wins in two consecutive seasons.
Key West racked up nearly 500 yards, all on the ground, to surpass the Panthers in a decisive 44-34 win that places the Conchs in the final 16 teams in FHSAA’s 3A.
and a pair of conversions. Leo Batista had two carries for 24 yards and ran one of those into the end zone. Roman Van Loon added a two-point conversion to make it 44 points for Key West.
The one-two punch of Morin and Dejean has been a deadly combination all season for Key West, and their efforts have placed both on top of the leaderboards for the district, class 3A, and, in Morin’s case, the state.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
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“We played better than the score indicated,” said head coach Johnny Hughes. “We dominated more than what 10 points sounds like.”
Senior running back Walson Morin certainly dominated, racking up 341 yards and four touchdowns. Morin’s total was just 22 yards shy of Ran Carthon’s 1997 school records for most total yards in a game and most yards on the ground. Morin also rushed for a twopoint conversion in the win.
Also dominating was Jeff Dejean, who ran for 111 yards, one touchdown
Morin leads FHSAA’s 3A District 16 in rushing yards with 1,802, total touchdowns with 21 and all-purpose yards with 1,890. Dejean is second in rushing yards with 1,110, second in touchdowns with 14 and third in all-purpose yards with 1,123. Morin is second in all of 3A and fourth in the entire state in rushing yards, and with another game to go, both could climb in their rankings.
But that next game is a challenge, to say the least.
In their regional semifinal game, Key West faces a familiar albeit formidable foe in the Miami Northwestern Bulls. An Oct. 11 matchup between the two teams ended in a 56-0 rout in North-
western’s favor, which barely indicates just what a juggernaut the Bulls are. The Bulls have outscored their opponents 360-54 thus far, not including two forfeits, one of which was most likely to simply avoid playing them. Northwestern has not lost a game since midSeptember of 2024, and last week they ran roughshod over Somerset Academy in a 70-0 win.
But if anyone can topple the defending state champs, it is Key West, with their punishing offense and gritty, hard-hitting line. Morin and Dejean are scoring threats every time the ball is in their hands, and Hughes likes nothing more than to feed his backs the ball. And unlike most pass-heavy teams Northwestern faces, Key West thrives in picking up yardage the hard way, in what Hughes has often described as “three yards and a cloud of dust.”
The season’s prior loss is not detrimental to their odds, according to Hughes. In fact, he believes it will play to their advantage.
“The sense of awe is gone now and that gives us a shot,” he said. “We know we will go in there, play our game, and come home and the intimidation factor is lower this time around.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.
2. Leandro Batista works upfield.
3. Walson Morin and Leandro Batista celebrate Batista’s touchdown.
4. Leandro Batista and Chace Gaertner team up for a tackle.
5. Chace Gaertner punts for Key West.
6. Jeff DeJean runs the ball for the Conchs.
7. Reef Guyet brings down a Cypress Lake ball carrier.
8. Leandro Batista scores a Conchs touchdown.
9. Kaine Dickerson kicks off for the Conchs. Dickerson’s onside kick resulted in a successful recovery for Key West.
Photos by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
On Nov. 14, two talented athletes traveled to Orlando to compete at the Special Olympics powerlifting championships held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Junior Cindy Augustin and sophomore Alex Chavala, both representing Marathon High School, captured gold medals at the competition.
Chavala’s win was an exciting come-from-behind victory after sitting in second place following the bench press portion of the event. Chavala then cleared a strong deadlift to overtake another athlete and win the gold medal. Augustin outlifted her opponents as well to make it a pair of golds for the Dolphin power duo.
Coach Cathy Warner praised the athletes’ dedication, discipline and determination, which, she said, embody the spirit of Marathon High.
“These two athletes gave everything they had,” said Warner. “They worked hard, stayed focused and showed what it means to never give up.”
Warner’s support of the Special Olympics has been unwavering at Marathon, so it is not surprising that she, too, earned special recognition at the event. Warner captured an award for Monroe County for being an inspirational coach. Already honored as Marathon High’s Inclusion Teacher of the Year, Warner is also Marathon’s varsity girls soccer coach, with a roster that includes Augustin.
1. Cindy Augustin powers through a deadlift.
2. Marathon powerlifters Alex Chavala, left, and Cindy Augustin pose outside the ESPN complex.
3. Alex Chavala stands in the winner’s place on the podium after the Special Olympics powerlifting competition.
4. Cathy Warner, second from left, wins the Inspirational Coach’s Award for Monroe County at the Special Olympics weightlifting competition last week.
5. Cindy Augustin wears her gold medal.
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In girls soccer action last week, Coral Shores traveled to South Dade on Nov. 13 to take on the Buccaneers. The match was an intense defensive battle that resulted in a 0-0 tie. Despite not picking up a win yet, the Lady ’Canes remain undefeated after a tie with Key West in their season opener.
The Lady Fins are also looking for their first win, after falling to Archimedean and Westwood Christian last week. The Dolphins lost 6-1 to Archimedean on Nov. 12. Eighthgrader Ashley Strama scored the lone goal for the Fins. Two days later, Marathon kicked off its home opener, losing 6-0 to Westwood.
Key West made the most out of their single match last week, defeating Silver Palms on the road on Nov. 3. The Lady Conchs scored eight goals in the mercy-rule victory. Maddie Kilduff netted two. Suena Marcily, Gabi Rodriguez and Lily Baxter each scored one. Baxter also assisted Lily Andrew on a goal and Capri Miner’s penalty kick cleared the goalie for another. A pass from Keirsten Tate turned into a defensive own goal to
make it eight for the 1-0-2 Conchs, who remain undefeated in early-season action.
In boys soccer, Coral Shores fell to 0-3 after a pair of losses last week. The Hurricanes visited Archimedean Nov. 10, losing 2-1 to the Owls. Maica Avila found the back of the net to score for the ’Canes. Two days later, Coral Shores hosted Marathon in a physical match that resulted in three yellow cards by the end of the game. Both teams battled it out with fantastic effort in a rivalry match that lived up to the hype.
Marathon first-year head coach Christian Saltarin shifted Tariq Simpson from back to forward for the match, a move that paid off quickly. Within the first 20 minutes of play, Simpson netted a pair of goals to stun the Hurricanes. Moments later, midfielder Giordani Prieto added a third goal to give Marathon a commanding 3-0 lead. The Hurricanes responded with a goal from Alexis Polanco Cordero just before halftime, then the defenses stepped up and prevented any further scoring for the final 40 minutes of play.
Saltarin and his Fins wasted no time in picking up their second win to even up their record. The Dolphins hosted Westwood Christian on Nov. 14, winning 9-2 in front of a delighted Marathon crowd. Adiel Nunez, Kristel Morales and Simpson netted two goals apiece. Jayden Rosete, Angel Cardona and Jossu Gomez accounted for the other three. Prieto and Alnier Mendez were credited with three assists each, with Morales assisting on one.
The Conchs also evened their record to 2-2 in the early stage of the season, winning a pair of close matches last week. Key West hosted Ferguson on Nov. 10, beating the Falcons 1-0. Owen Lindley assisted Loubins Fleuridor for the only score of the game. Fausto Paz was credited with the shutout for the Conchs. On Nov. 13, a visit to Somerset Silver Palms resulted in a 3-2 win for Key West. Fleuridor and Sebastian Camargo netted one goal apiece for the Conchs. Nico Sulak and Evens Louis were each credited with an assist. Kieran Smith also added an assist to his stats after a strong throw-in resulted in a Silver Palms own-goal, a mistake that cost them the game and secured the win for Key West.
1. Jenna Mandozzi (2) passes to a teammate.
2. Kai Redruello beats a South Dade player to the ball.
3. Kayla Serota (13) and Jenna Mandozzi box out a South Dade opponent.
4. Gia Champigny winds up for a pass.
5. Marathon poses in front of the scoreboard after a resounding win against Westwood Christian.
6. Alexis Polanco Cordero dribbles down the sideline.
7. Estuardo Godoy reads the field for possible options.
8. Marco Gudino sends a ball downfield.
9. Colton Connolly catches air to head the ball.
10. Finn Chesler breaks through the Marathon back line.
11. Coral Shores’ Marco Gudino, left, and Marathon’s Giordani Prieto battle for possession.
Three Keys schools sent athletes to compete at their respective regional championships on Nov. 14 at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. Key West’s boys and both teams from Marathon and Coral Shores qualified for the meet after fantastic showings at districts one week prior.
Coral Shores’ Ali Wheatley placed seventh overall in her race, cruising to a 19:38 finish and a ticket to states. Wheatley earned an at-large bid to run at Tallahassee's Apalachee Regional Park on Nov. 22, making the cut in 2025 for her first appearance after missing the final at-large spot last season by mere seconds. This year, the speedy sophomore made it undeniable, securing the second of four spots allotted to individual runners.
The rest of the Lady ’Canes will cheer Wheatley on from home after finishing in 13th place overall. The top eight teams qualify, but despite missing the mark for states, the Hurricanes saw marked improvement in their times and finished their season on a strong note. Kate King finished in 22:27, followed by Aria Booton (24:36), Tess HIll (24:39), Olive Welch (24:43), Isabelle Jacobs (25:38) and Hayden Teal (26:32). Every athlete on the Lady Hurricanes’ roster will return next season to continue the success head coach Lyndie Meyers has steadily built with her program.
The Lady Fins finished 15th overall in the 1A race. Seventhgrader Molly Joly was first for the team, finishing in 32nd place with a time of 22:10. Mylana Loza (23:30) was next, followed by Ariella Dworniczak (25:34), Danaica Bessy (26:52), Kayla Skaarup (27:33), Sofia Konyk (29:37) and Natalia Perez Franco (31:07). Like the Hurricanes, every member of Marathon’s Lady Fins team will return next season under the guidance of first-year head coach Helena Bursa. Bursa stated that she could not be
prouder of her team’s improvement across the season. The Dolphins struggled to field a team in the early weeks, picking up runners along the way to finish strong.
Marathon’s boys did secure a spot at the start of the big show. The Dolphins managed their 11th consecutive qualification for the state meet by running to a fifth-place team finish. Leading the charge was freshman Lucian Burns, whose 17:20 time was good for 12th place overall. Teammate Tony Bursa was right behind Burns, finishing in 13th place in 17:28. Allan Taylor (18:08), Caleb Shelar (18:22), Anthony Vargas (19:31), Landon Anderson (19:44) and Thomas Torres (24:13) rounded out the state-eligible finishers for Marathon.
The Hurricane boys finished 13th overall, and the senior-heavy squad had big performances for their final meet of the season. Jamie Cary led the team, finishing in 40th place with a time of 18:03. Behind Cary were Garrett Gomila (19:34), Alaric Rodriguez (19:57), Tristan Rios (19:57), Nathaniel Shugarman (19:58), Adrik Gadea (20:04) and Tristan Sanchez (20:52). Head coach Gabe Suarez will have some recruiting to do in the offseason, as his entire crew except for Sanchez, a junior, and Gomila, a sophomore, graduates.
The final team to qualify for regionals was Key West’s boys. The Conchs pulled off an upset at districts to secure the final team entry for regionals with multiple personal bests, some by large margins. To drop more time was improbable, but that’s exactly what several athletes did.
Sawyer Hill was first for the Conchs, finishing in a personal-best 18:35 – a 20-second improvement from his previous record. Next was the team’s lone senior and captain, Prometheus Delacerda, with an impressive 35-second PR. Delacerda completed the race in 18:37. Alejandro Caridad was next (21:35), followed by Colin Palomino (22:27) and Charlie Delashmit (23:55). Delashmit shaved off 45 seconds from his prior personal best for a strong finish for the Conchs, who placed 15th at the meet.
Head coach Keara McGraw led both the girls and boys of Key West in what should have been a rebuild year. But McGraw’s young teams showed that despite their youth, they have what it takes to compete amongst the best.
Wheatley and the Dolphin boys have a quick turnaround this week. They will travel to Tallahassee for the state championship meet on Nov. 22 to race against the best athletes in the state of Florida.
1. Marathon’s Danaica Bessy, left, and Ariella Dworniczak pace one another.
2. Marathon freshman Lucian Burns leads a pack of runners.
3. Dolphin junior Mylana Loza runs strong.
4. Coral Shores runners pose for a pre-race photo.
5. Key West athletes await the gun for the start of the 2A Region 4 Championships.
6. Ali Wheatley wears her regional medal with Coral Shores head coach Lyndie Meyers. Wheatley qualified for the state meet with her performance.
7. Coral Shores senior Jamie Cary leads teammate Alaric Rodriguez early in the race.
8. Adrik Gadea leads Nathaniel Shugarman at South County Regional Park.
RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed
or the third time in as many meets, Key West’s Lady Conchs bested Marathon and Coral Shores in both the traditional and Olympic weightlifting competitions on Nov. 12. This time around, the Conchs had the home gym advantage, as they hosted their county rivals for their first home meet of the season.
At 101 pounds, Althea Olsen of Key West edged out teammate Courtney Ward for first place in both events. Both athletes had total lifts of 110 pounds in the Olympic event, but Olsen’s lighter body weight gave her the advantage and the win. In the traditional event, Olsen outlifted Ward by 15 pounds.
Emily Hurt of Coral Shores took first place in the 110-pound competition. Hurt won both events and Key West’s Riley Grogan finished second.
Key West’s Cayla Moore was a double winner at 119 pounds. Moore’s 125-pound clean and jerk lift gave her a strong advantage, as that lift is tabulated in both events. In second
place for the traditional event was Mallory Hughes of Coral Shores. Sofia Konyk was second in the Olympic competition.
Ella Evans of Marathon was a double winner at 129 pounds, outlifting teammate Rilynn Richards, who finished second in both events. Evans’ bench press and clean and jerk lifts both surpassed her body weight, a mark of true strength in girls weightlifting.
Marathon senior Tinashay Cunningham won first place in both events in the 139-pound weight class. Kai Lamontagne and Ava Walker, both of Key West, shared the runner-up spots. Lamontagne was second in the Olympic competition while Walker claimed second in traditional.
At 154 pounds, Marathon’s Adelle Bainbridge was first in both events, with Karla Gutierrez taking second. Camila Linares and Evalyn Norwood of Key West claimed the top spots at 169 pounds. Linares won by just 5 pounds in the Olympic event, making it a close competition for the teammates.
At 183, Marathon’s Justice Lee Isom combined some incredible lifts to claim a pair of firsts. She benched 160 pounds, clean and jerked 185 and snatched 155 to also win the strongest lifter of the meet. Notably, Lee Isom is not throwing up her best weights in the events and will not do so until later in the season, a strategy which has paid off for head coach Jessie Schubert’s Lady Fins. In second place for both events was Key West’s Jazlyn Lyons.
Aaliyah McLeod of Key West outlifted Elaina Kerns of Coral Shores at 199. McLeod won both events and Kerns was the runner-up. In the Unlimited class, Coral Shores’ Vanessa Gabriel was a double winner. Key West’s Monea McLeod was second.
Girls weightlifting continues regular-season meets through mid-January, when district meets begin. The culmination of the season is the state championships Feb. 11-13 at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center.
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FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Traveling with Tricia located at 1404 Cedar Street, Niceville, FL 32578 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
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The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
QUARTERLY MEETING NOTICE: LOCAL COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED
The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the TransportationCommunityCoordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the
meeting.
Publish: November 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
DIVE AND ECOTOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council has openings for Diving and Ecotourism Representative Related Business or Knowledge –
Any person, business, or organization engaged in the provision of goods, services, training, programs, or experiences related to scuba diving, snorkeling, underwater exploration, sustainable travel, environmental conservation, naturebased tourism, or habitat restoration; or possessing prior experience through participation in, organization of, or representation of such activities. This definition expressly includes dive shops, charter operators, training and certification entities, marine research and conservation organizations, environmental nonprofits, aquariums, museums, educational institutions, and wildlife or marine life tour providers that advance diving safety, responsible exploration, environmental awareness, or ecological stewardship. There are openings in all Districts: District I encompasses the city limits of Key West District II from the city limits of Key West to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge District III from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge District IV between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker
90.939 District V from mile marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County line and any mainland portions of Monroe County
Any person wishing to participate on the Dive and Ecotourism Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by sydney@fla-keys.com.emailing
Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@ fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Dive and Ecotourism Advisory Committee Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040
Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday January 16, 2026. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: November 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: International Public Relations Agency for Monroe County Tourist Development Council Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal.
The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.
The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting
The following is an upcoming GMX procurement opportunity:
INVITATION TO BID (ITB)
GMX PROCUREMENT/CONTRACT NO.: ITB2603
GMX WORK PROGRAM NO.: 30041-000.060
GMX PROJECT/SERVICE TITLE: CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR SR 878 LED ROADWAY LIGHTING CONVERSION
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: November 20, 2025. The Weekly Newspapers
https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
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Publish: November 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Jacobs Aquatic Center Activity Pool Renovations
Monroe County, Florida
Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on December 18, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 18, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156 Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
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Publish: November 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE TO CREDITORS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF CARMA JEAN YELL, DECEASED.
DATE OF DEATH: JUNE 24, 2025 RESIDED: 23A NORTH OCEAN DRIVE, KEY LARGO, FLORIDA 33037 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, acting as representative of the Estate of Carma Jean Yell, hereby gives notice pursuant to Sections 733.2121 and 733.702, Florida Statutes, to all persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the estate, whether or not their claims are contingent or unliquidated, are notified that they must file their claims in writing with the undersigned 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, Florida Statutes, 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 name and address of the estate representative are: Mark. A. Hutchings / Representative 216 Hibiscus Avenue Key Largo, Florida 33037
Date of first publication: November 13, 2025
Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2025-000092-CP-02
SECTION: PMH05 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN D. DANNELLY, JR Deceased. __________________/ FORMAL NOTICE TO: PATRICK MICHAEL DANNELLY 555 OCEAN WAY KEY LARGO, FL 33037 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION and a PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD STATUS OF REAL PROPERTY have been filed IN THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MIAMIDADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION. You are required to serve written defenses on the undersigned within 20 days after service of this notice, exclusive of the day of service, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of the above court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded in the pleading or motion, without further notice.
Dated: October 28, 2025. Respectfully, Carlos Linares, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1051061 Sylvana Rosende, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1025248 ROSENDE PAUL PLLC. Attorneys for David Sean Dannelly 8200 NW 41st Street, Suite 318
Doral, FL 33166
Phone: (305)701-2099 carlos@rosendepaul.com sylvana@rosendepaul.com
Publish: November 6 , 13, 20 & 27, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NUMBER: 24-CP000608-M
DIVISION: MARATHON
FLORIDA BAR #980810
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY M. BITZER Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the
estate of DOROTHY M. BITZER, deceased, whose date of death was October 6, 2024, 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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 November 13, 2025.
Persons Giving Notice: Cindy L. Casey 15 Ibis Lane Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Persons Giving Notice: Christopher B. Waldera, P.A. Christopher B. Waldera Florida Bar No: 980810
Attorney for Personal Representative 5800 Overseas Highway, Suite 7
Marathon, Florida 33050
Telephone: (305) 289-2223
Facsimile: (305) 289-2249 email: chris@cbwpa.com
Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 25-CP-000473-P
Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID M. FINDLAY, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of David M. Findlay, deceased, File Number 25-CP-000473-P, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070.
The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives are set forth below. The name and address of the Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes section 733.702(1), if not barred by Florida Statutes section 733.710, no claim or demand against the decedent’s estate that arose before the death of the decedent, including claims of the state and any of its political subdivisions, even if the claims are unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated; no claim for funeral or burial expenses; no claim for personal property in the possession of the personal representative; and no claim for damages, including, but not limited to, an action founded on fraud or another wrongful act or omission of the decedent, is binding on the estate, on the personal
representative, or on any beneficiary unless the claim is filed in the probate proceeding on or before the later of the date that is 3 months after the time of the first publication of the notice to creditors or, as to any creditor required to be served with a copy of the notice to creditors, 30 days after the date of service on the creditor, even though the personal representative has recognized the claim or demand by paying a part of it or interest on it or otherwise. ALL CLAIMS NO SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
In addition to the above described limitations period, Florida Statutes section 733.710 provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Florida Probate Code, 2 years after the death of a person, neither the decedent’s estate, the personal representative, if any, nor the beneficiaries shall be liable for any claim or cause of action against the decedent, whether or not letters of administration have been issued, except for a creditor who has filed a claim pursuant to Florida Statues section 733.702 within 2 years after the person’s death, or as otherwise provided in Florida Statutes section 733.710. 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 Florida Statutes Sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211. The written demand must be filed with the clerk of the court. Date of first publication of the Notice to Creditors was November 13, 2025, and the Decedent’s date of death was August 28, 2025.
Co-Personal Representative: James Findlay 121 Nassau Street, Apt. #25A New York, NY 10038
Co-Personal Representative: Alexandra Young 53 Hunt Terrace Greenwich, CT 06831
Attorneys for Personal Representatives: Benjamin D. Babcock, Esquire Florida Bar No. 93181 GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. 401 East Las Olas Boulevard Suite 2000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Telephone: 954-765-0500
Facsimile: 954-765-1477
Primary Email: babcockb@ gtlaw.com
Secondary Emails: heventhala@gtlaw.com geistc@gtlaw.com
Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 25-CP-000488-K IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GREGORY LOGAN GARDINER, deceased, whose date of death was October 3, 2025, File Number 25-CP000488-K, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, the address of which is Mounroe County Courthouse, Probate Division, 302 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the
personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.
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 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME 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 SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION
733.702 OF THE FLORIDA
PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Florida Statutes 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes 732.2211.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 13, 2025.
Personal Representative: WILLIAM L. GARDINER, III 936 Intracoastal Drive, #17B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Attorney for Personal Representative: DOUGLAS F. HOFFMAN FL BAR ATTY #964980 RUDOLF & HOFFMAN, P.A. 615 Northeast Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Telephone: 954-462-2270
Facsimile: 954-462-2274
dhoffman@estateandtrust.net
Publish: November 13 & 20, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS WANTED
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
PLACE YOUR AUTO FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
BOAT MISC FOR SALE
Two 425 XTO Yamaha outboard motors for sale. Low hours, excellent condition, professionally maintained. $30,000 for both. Located in Marathon. Call for details 305-747-4227
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
Boat dockage, 29th Street Canal in Marathon. Up to 33', water & electric. 305-240-3270
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Full-time Carpenter, Electrician & Housing Assistant. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: wrightk@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 ext. 224. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
The SS Wreck & Galley Grill (mile marker 59) is looking for a line cooks and prep & dish. Self-motivated, will train, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.
Coast To Coast Pizza Company is looking for pizza makers. Selfmotivated, experience very helpful, quick learner, and team player. Salary includes 401k match up to 6% and negotiable based on experience. Please call Nicole at 305433-0515 or email nicole@ themoongroupfl.com.
Maintenance Manager needed. The Cabana Club, a private membership swim club, is seeking a full time, hands-on Maintenance Manager. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: pool maintenance (training can be provided), general plumbing and electric, light carpentry, opening and cleaning daily, general "handyman skills". Qualified person is organized, works well independently and observes surroundings in need of attention. Great pay plus benefits. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404219-3359 and ask for Dave
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm 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.
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING
NIGHT MONITOR - FREE
Private Room in exchange for overnight availability at our Assisted Living Facility in Marathon. 5 nights on, 5 nights off 10pm-8am plus weekly stipend, Drug & background screen required. www.westcare. com/join-our-team/
2-3BR/2BA Beautiful home for year-round rental on Duck Key. Furnished, full size W/D, stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. Gorgeous pool with built-in bar stools, waterfall & Jacuzzi, 1 car garage, and covered porch for outdoor dining w/ views of the canal. $3,800/ month. Avail. Dec. 1st. Address: 243 W. Seaview Dr, Duck Key, MM 61. Text/ call 774-263-8759 Email: dongamache@comast.net
Studio House with Queen size bed available in Marathon. Bedroom/ living room/kitchen all separate rooms. Furnished & appliances, newly renovated. No pets. 305-610-8002
2BR/1BA house for rent in Marathon. Completely remodeled. All appliances. No pets. Dock available for separate fee. 305-610-8002
Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet CarolineSeaport.com
Do your X-Mas shopping at SARA’S ESTATE SALE @ WATERFRONT ESTATE on Knights Key in Marathon @ 43 Kyle Way (at the foot of the 7 Mile Bridge). Fri, Nov. 21 & Sat, Nov. 22 from 9a-1p both days. Tools, motorcycle & inflatable boat for the boys & jewelry and home decor for the ladies! Selling 10’ inflatable Mercury boat, an ‘03 “Chief” Indian Motorcycle and high-end jewelry. Corded & battery tools, tile saw, Ryobi edger, 65mm jack hammer, shallow well pump, chop saws, jack stands, work lights, light fixtures, lightbulbs. Lots of “kits” for dry wall, plumbing, electrical, tiling and other DIY projects. This sale also features high-end jewelry, beautiful art and housewares plus
some auction-house worthy surprises (think art, vintage vases and lamps and other collectibles). Follow the signs, park with consideration. More photos at estatesales. net, keep checking back for more photos to drop.
First Annual Community Yard Sale - Sat. Dec. 13 starting at 9am. Behind the Airport in Marathon - start on Porpoise Drive and work your way around!
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@keysweekly.com
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
FAIR INSURANCE RATES FOR MONROE EMPOWERING CONSUMERS THROUGH EDUCATION, PROTECTION, AND REFORM
NOW HIRING: General Manager – Full Time
Key West , Florida with possible occasional travel in the county and outside Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As General Manager, you will serve as the operational backbone of FIRM, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and collaborating closely with our President on strategic vision.
Strategic Leadership & Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations, including program development, delivery, and evaluation, with a focus on insurance policy research, consumer complaint resolution, and advocacy campaigns.
Financial & Resource Management: Lead budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, including grant procurement and management, fundraising initiatives, and donor stewardship.
Team & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate relationships with board members, regulators, industry partners, and community stakeholders to amplify advocacy efforts, such as lobbying for consumer-friendly insurance reforms.
Advocacy & Impact Measurement: Spearhead public awareness campaigns on insurance issues (e.g., rate transparency, claim denials), leveraging data-driven insights to influence legislation and corporate practices. Website and Social Media management.
Risk & Compliance Oversight: Ensure organizational adherence to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards, including data privacy in consumer interactions and risk management for advocacy activities. Serve as a key spokesperson, representing FIRM in media, hearings, and coalitions.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Non-Profit Management, or a related field; Master's or MBA preferred. 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in non-profit management, with at least 3 years in advocacy, consumer protection, or insurance-related roles.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews starting in late November. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your vision for leading FIRM’s next phase, and three professional references as a single PDF. Use the subject line: "General Manager Application - [Your Last Name]." E-Mail address: Mel.Montagne@ioausa.com FIRM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience in underserved communities, as well as those from varied backgrounds in insurance, policy, or non-profit sectors. www.FirmKeys.org
NOW HIRING FULL TIME POSITIONS
• EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING
• LICENSED (or will train) ACCOUNT PROCESSOR/ACCOUNT MANAGER
Amazing benefits available that include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Long Term/Short Term Disability, 10+ PAID Holidays PLUS Vacation & Sick Pay, 401K Plan Available, Paid Insurance Licensing/Training, Paid Continuing Education & Bonus Potential (Profit Sharing).
Apply by email Jennifer.Roth@ReganRoth.com
Regan Roth Insurance, 90144 Overseas Highway, Tavernier. Family-owned business that will treat you like family!
preferred. CDL required. Applicant must apply in person at:
SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
SERVICES STAFF (Full-Time, Permanent)
SERVICES STAFF (Part-Time, Weekend)
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 Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Transmission & Distribution Department:
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $46.38/hr. - $51.94/hr.
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
Keys Energy Services, in Key West, Florida, is accepting applications for the following position in its Generation Department:
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com. KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
1 yr or more experience required.
2 yrs or more experience required.
All positions Monday-Friday with overtime possible.
Please apply in person at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.
Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West. Or contact Cheryl at 305-296-5606 ext. 126 or cheryl@charleytoppino.com
EQUIPMENT DIESEL MECHANIC
We are hiring a Heavy Diesel Mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, Detroit Diesel, etc. MondayFriday with some overtime available. Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West, ask for Cheryl. 305-296-5606 ext 126
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
Behavioral Health Therapist (CAT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
Case Manager (Adult)
Mental Health Technician (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (PT) Crisis Counselor
Mental Health Technician
Care Coordinator (PT)
Driver (CDL not required) (PT)
Driver (CDL required) (FT)
Registered Nurse (FT, PT)
*Support Worker (Assisted Living) (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians – 3 shifts (FT, PT)
*Night Monitor (ALF – Free Housing vs. Salary)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands necessary.
BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
The Advocate Program DUI school is hiring for part time positions.
Front desk: 3 days a week, high school diploma and computer data entry skills required.
DUI instructors and evaluators: 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required.
Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN-PA-C)Surgical, Ortho, Tavernier
- Medical Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, Upper Keys-Gastro, $5k Bonus
- Medical Assistant, LPN, EMT or Paramedic, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus
MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE KEY WEST
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN/PA-C) Medical Oncology, Per Diem
- Pool Radiation Therapist
- Registered Nurse, Oncology, $15k Bonus
TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL
- Clinical Pharmacist, $5k Bonus
- Cook, Dietary, $5k Bonus
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, CT Scan, $50k Bonus
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Echocardiography, Per Diem
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (Mammo & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, MRI, $50k Bonus
- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $20k Bonus
- Pool Clinical Pharmacist, Per Diem
- Pool Medical Technologist
- Pool Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab
- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, PT
MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
- Inventory Control Administrator, Keys/Marathon Supply Chain
- MC Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 2, (MRI & X Ray), Radiology, $50k Bonus
- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech 1, (CT & X Ray), Radiology, $50K Bonus
- Patient Care Nurse Supervisor, PT, Nights
- Patient Scheduler 3, Surgery, PT
- Pool Occupational Therapist
- Pool Pharmacy Tech 2
- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $15k Bonus
- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Per Diem
- Registered Nurse, PACU, $15k Bonus
THEME: THANKSGIVING
ACROSS
1. Fresh Prince: “____ ya later!”
6. Say “no”
9. “Nana” author …mile ____
13. Capital of Vietnam
14. The home of the brave, acr.
15. Increase rpms (2 words)
16. Like yesteryear
17. Rejuvenating spot
18. Like a solder at attention
19. *Pumpkin pie or pecan pie, e.g.
21. *Plymouth ____
23. Seek damages
24. Light on one’s feet
25. Like The Beatles
28. Certain blast’s origins
30. *What tom said
35. Iranian money
37. Precedes GPT
39. Water nymph
40. Wisconsin’s western neighbor
41. One tenth
43. Mountain, in Germany
44. The Statue of Liberty island
46. Cat sound
47. Instinctive motive
48. 1970s dance clubs
50. Do like buffaloes
52. Distress acronym
53. Opposite of genuine
We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers
Applicants must apply in person to be considered.
4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
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55. Bow or bolo
57. *Moisturizing kitchen tool
60. *Turkey prepared certain way
64. Bottom line
65. Pub offering
67. Alley cat, e.g.
68. Extreme suffering
69. International help, e.g.
70. Bullwinkle J. ____
71. Fitness facilities
72. July-August sign of Zodiac
73. More so than #12 Down
DOWN
1. Not barefoot
2. Gender checkbox
3. Peters out
4. Loamy deposit
5. Form a queue (2 words)
6. Head and shoulders sculpture
7. Venomous snake
8. Civil rights organization, acr.
9. Whole number between -1 and
1
10. *Biscuit baker
11. *She took away the football from Charlie Brown
12. Mentally quick, e.g. 15. Put trust in (2 words)
20. Respond
22. Website address ending 24. Eminence
25. *Deep-____, turkey prepared certain way
26. White condiment
27. Sheds tears
29. *Mayflower
31. Hindi courtesy title
32. Coffin holders
33. One of Florida Keys
34. Ruler sides, e.g.
36. Not of the cloth
38. Through, to a poet
42. Muse of love poetry
45. “Killing Me ____ with His Song”
49. Fraternity letters
51. Unwholesome atmosphere
54. Cattle enclosure in African village
56. Bar, legally 57. Unidentified aircraft
58. Niels Bohr’s study object
59. Without, ‡ Paris 60. Overhaul
61. *Turkey ____, 5K run 62. “At ____!” military command
Indigo user 64. “You’re it” game 66. Rest in state
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