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Floats, balloons and performers have entertained spectators on Thanksgiving morning for almost a century. Thursday, Nov. 27 marks the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in Manhattan. It will include 32 balloons, three balloncicles – a balloon and a self-propelled vehicle – 27 floats, 33 clown groups, 11 marching bands, and 26 musical performances.
RJ Gastesi wins the Mister Gingerbread Man contest during the 2024 Holiday Fest in Islamorada. The contest returns Friday, Dec. 5. CONTRIBUTED
UPPER KEYS SEEING STRONG PRESENCE OF IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AGENTS
High school student picked up; construction workers detained
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Federal agents continue to maintain a strong, visible presence in the Upper Florida Keys as more individuals are seen being detained and sent away.
On Nov. 21, a Customs and Border Protection helicopter circled the air in the Upper Keys as agents conducted stops along U.S. 1 on several vehicles — and even a bus. The activity began around 6:30 a.m. and concluded around 9 a.m. The agents and their vehicles, some marked and others unmarked, could be seen at the Key Largo Winn Dixie.
Some witnesses say the helicopter was circling Key Largo School. The activity on Friday came on the final day of class before Thanksgiving break.
From the ground, local resident Nick Rodriguez videorecorded a few encounters where agents pulled over vehicles. One motorist who was picked up reportedly didn’t have their driver’s license with them, even though they had legal status.
“They’re stopping working vans, landscaping trucks and construction vehicles,” Rodriguez told Keys Weekly.
It’s been a common scene the past few weeks in Key Largo, where agents have pulled over numerous
vehicles during the early morning hours. They’ve staked out near Key Largo School as kids bike to school and as buses and parents drop off kids. The presence has especially been seen by motorists the past few Friday mornings.
One stop by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on a white van on Nov. 7 led to a brief lockdown at KLS after one of the occupants fled.
“There has to be a better way to do this operation rather than to design it specifically to take advantage of the slowdown in front of my child’s school every morning,” said one concerned KLS parent.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
A U.S. Customs & Border Protection helicopter, like the one pictured here, was spotted circling the skies of Key Largo the morning of Nov. 21. BENJAMIN APPLEBAUM/DHS
Backcountry Capt. Rich Hastings specializes in light tackle and fly fishing out of Islamorada and Key West. A member of the Florida Keys Guides Association and affiliated with the Bonefish Tarpon
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Cristina grew up fishing with her dad out of Long Island, NY until she decided she wanted to pursue a career full time at sea. She started as a mate for Montauk charter boat captains & worked deck on the Captain Michael party boat in Islamorada. She worked the deck for 4 years until she started to run a charter boat out of Robbie’s.
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Federal agents at the Winn Dixie in Key Largo
There was a report on Nov. 17 of federal agents stopping a vehicle with a Coral Shores student on his way to school. An adult family member, too, was detained by agents and taken away. School officials confirmed to the Keys Weekly that the 16-year-old Coral Shores student was detained. It’s the first report of a Monroe County student being picked up by federal agents.
And recent immigration enforcement activity rocked the Upper Keys Marine Construction company after six of their employees were stopped and detained by federal agents this month. Jill Foley, company owner with her husband, Adam, said two of their workers were picked up in early November. She said both are longtime workers, have Social Security cards and pay taxes. They were even screened by the private-gated and highlysecured Ocean Reef community.
The following week, four more
of their workers were picked up by federal agents. Again, Foley said, the employees had either Social Security cards or visas and were vetted by Ocean Reef security.
“We spent that second week trying to figure out what was going on,” Foley said. “Our guys have no criminal background. It didn’t fit the profile of what kind of the people the administration was seeking to target.”
Foley added they’re working with immigration attorneys to assist their workers through the matter, whether it be getting them the right type of visa and getting them released in cases where they’re legal and have the necessary paperwork.
“We’ve now almost lost two full crews of highly-skilled employees who’ve been doing this for a number of years,” Foley said. “The impact is detrimental. It’s slowed the work to a snail’s pace on the job sites.”
FLORIDA HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPERTY TAX PROPOSALS
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Various property tax exemption and phaseout proposals advanced through a Florida House committee during a four-hour meeting in Tallahassee on Nov. 20.
In total, seven House joint resolutions and one bill were reported favorable by the 36-member committee of Republicans and Democrats. Approvals by the committee set up talks in the upcoming legislative session on which property tax proposals would appear on the November 2026 ballot.
House joint resolutions would ultimately need voter approval since property taxes are embedded in the state Constitution. Considered to be one of the more comprehensive proposals, House Resolution 201 by Republican state Rep. Kevin Steele eliminates all nonschool property taxes on homesteads. Like most resolutions, the proposal maintains school funding across Florida and locks law enforcement funds at 2024-25 or 2025-26 levels, whichever is higher. House committee members voted 34-10 on the measure.
Then there’s a proposal by Republican state Rep. Monique Miller to phase out nonschool property taxes over 10 years. House resolution 203 would increase homestead exemptions by $100,000 annually beginning in 2027. Most property owners in Florida would reach near-zero nonschool property taxes by 2030, giving local governments time to adjust their revenue structures. The proposal was voted out of committee via 24-10 vote.
And Republican Rep. Demi Busatta’s House Resolution 209 would link homestead exemptions to property insurance. Voted favorable by the committee, via 24-9 vote, the proposal would create a $200,000 homestead exemption for properties with comprehensive, multiperil insurance. Rep. Juan Carlos Porras’ House Resolution 205 would provide nonschool property tax exemption for homeowners 65 and older. It was voted out of the committee favorable, 24-9.
Rep. Shane Abbott’s proposal to exempt 25% of the assessed homestead value after existing exemptions was voted out of the committee favorable, 24-10.
The only piece of legislation pertaining to property taxes, Rep. Jon Albert’s House Bill 215, allows any accrued Save Our Homes benefit, the difference between the assessed value and the just or fair market value of a homestead, held by each spouse to transfer to a new home after marriage, up to the existing $500,000 limitation. Save Our Homes is a constitutional amendment passed to cap annual increases on the assessed value of homestead properties to a maximum of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index.
The bill would also require a twothirds vote among Florida municipalities to raise the millage rate. Legislation moved out of the committee with a 24-10 vote. The bill would need the state Legislature’s approval and the governor’s signature to take effect.
Committee leadership highlighted how ad valorem tax collections have risen 46% from 2020 to 2024 — from $37 billion to $55 billion.
“Local government property tax is increasing at an unsustainable rate and is causing undue financial burden on Florida’s citizens, homeowners and businesses,” said House committee chairman Toby Overdorf.
Concerns are growing among Florida fire chiefs, with proposals only protecting law enforcement and not fire rescue and EMS. In addition, fire chiefs say, costs for new equipment are rising; fire engines alone increased from $550,000 to $1.3 million in the past six years.
“Without an established alternative funding source, there will be a direct and unavoidable impact on service delivery, which could include longer response times, possible staffing reductions that would put the lives of the citizens unnecessarily at risk,” said Tripp Barrs, Treasure Island fire chief and Florida Fire Chiefs Association president.
Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties representatives said the proposals offer no revenue replacement mechanism for local municipalities. Concerns were also shared regarding bond ratings and $2-plus billion in existing general obligation debt.
The seven House resolutions and House Bill 215 were referred to the State Affairs Committee for more discussion.
the morning of Nov. 21. NICK RODRIGUEZ/Contributed
Federal agents at the Winn Dixie in Key Largo the morning of Nov. 21.
For 67 years, you’ve trusted Regan Roth Insurance to protect what matters most— and now, being voted Best Insurance Agency in the Upper Keys for the 3rd year in a row is an honor we hold close to heart. Thank you for your confidence, your loyalty, and for allowing us to serve our neighbors generation after generation.
’TIS THE SEASON FOR SOME HOLIDAY MAGIC
Santa, snow and more return to Founders Park
Snow is in the forecast for the 21st annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fest on Friday, Dec. 5 on the great lawn at Founders Park.
“Bundle up your family for one of the most exciting community events on the calendar,” said Chamber of Commerce president Rob Stober. “This will be a great time for everyone to kick off the holiday season.”
Beginning at 4 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m., magical snow blowing from the 35-foot holiday tree will transform the park into a winter wonderland, creating the perfect setting for families and friends to gather and celebrate together.
The event’s star attraction, the Snow Mountain, returns for the 21st year and brings fun to island kids. Featuring 30 tons of snow, it’s an enchanting experience for many children who are seeing snow for the very first time. Brand-new this year for the littlest visitors: Snowflake Mountain made of tons of whimsical, magical bubbles.
At 7:30 p.m., the Holiday Parade will circle the great lawn, featuring floats, the Coral Shores High School Marching Band, antique cars, and Santa himself on the final float. State Rep. Jim Mooney, a lifelong Keys resident and former Islamorada mayor, will lead the parade as grand marshal. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate, with no fee to enter, and awards presented for first, second and third place based on creativity and adherence to this year’s theme: “A Season for Kindness ... to Every Creature Great and Small.”
The festival also features a holiday bazaar, the perfect place to jump-start your holiday shopping. A highlight of the bazaar is the online auction of handcrafted ornaments, created by more than 60 local artists. Each begins with a blank ceramic mold and transforms it into an original holiday
treasure. The finished ornaments will be judged and displayed throughout the event, with online bidding open from Sunday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on festival night.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the local arts community. The bazaar will also showcase local vendors offering gifts, handcrafted jewelry and artisan crafts.
Returning this year is the Publix Holiday Sweet Shoppe, offering a selection of sweet treats and giveaways. In addition, a wide variety of savory food options will be available throughout the evening from local vendors.
Additional highlights include photos with Santa, live holiday stage performances and the Mister Gingerbread Man and Miss Sugarplum Fairy contests. All participants will take the stage for a festive visit with Mrs. Claus and receive a bag of holiday treats. One boy and one girl will be crowned for 2025. Also returning is the Santa Paws Pet Parade, where furry companions take the stage in their most festive holiday attire.
More information is available at 305-664-4503 or at the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at the entrance to Founders Park. Visitors are asked to bring reusable, non-glass drink containers to help keep Holiday Fest plastic-free.
Holiday Fest features the popular parade around the great lawn. CONTRIBUTED
A family gets a picture with Santa during last year’s Holiday Fest at Founders Park in Islamorada. FILE PHOTO
Sandbar • Donuts Established 2022 • Key Largo, Florida
Sandbar Donuts has quickly become one of the Upper Keys’ most beloved local gems. Founded in 2022, this unique food truck brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite by serving specialty cake donuts and co ee that are made-to-order every single time. With more than 21 avors on the menu—plus rotating weekend specials, fried Oreos, donut holes, vegan options, and seasonal creations—there’s always something new to try. Each donut is customized for the individual customer, giving everyone a personalized and memorable experience.
Owner Lindsay Ashba attributes the business’s early success to strong local connections, learning from experienced small business owners, and staying active in the community through events, catering, and creative social media. From weddings and birthday parties to festivals and community gatherings, Sandbar Donuts brings both great food and an upbeat atmosphere wherever they go. Their constantly evolving menu and innovative avor combinations help keep customers excited and coming back for more.
What truly sets Sandbar Donuts apart is its commitment to freshness, novelty, and community. There’s nothing else quite like it in the Keys. The team loves sharing their product, meeting new people, and brightening someone’s day—one donut at a time. With a loyal following and big plans ahead, Sandbar Donuts is poised for even more growth. And according to them, there are some exciting developments on the horizon that customers will not want to miss. STAY TUNED!
SCHOOL DISTRICT HOOKED BACK ON PHONICS
Superintendent reports clean audit; grad rate needs improvement
FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com
Monroe County schools are reverting to an old, effective tool in phonics programs, said Heidi Roberts, literacy coordinator for the district.
During a Nov. 18 school board meeting at Coral Shores High School, Roberts described a program called Old School Phonics with New School Impacts. Working with the University of Florida Literacy Institute, the school district is using a structured system to teach phonics in kindergarten through second grade.
“Reading is a learned skill, not a natural one,” she said. “We are teaching 4-year-olds how to read and spell.”
Reading intervention teachers in the district can use the same system in higher grades with students who have reading challenges. Roberts showed videos of young learners sounding out words of four or more syllables. The report included positive testimonials from teachers and students.
Each lesson includes eight activity steps and each instructional activity is delivered over two school days for 30 minutes per day.
The University of Florida program is funded by a donation from the author James Patterson, a longtime resident of Palm Beach. He is known for his support of children’s literacy programs.
Roberts talked about the “pendulum” of education swinging back toward more traditional methods of teaching students how to read. School board member John Dick said he wishes that other areas of the curriculum would go back to the old ways.
More information on early learning came from Sandi Bisceglia of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe. After reduced state funding in 2025, the coalition is coming back as one of the top legislative priorities for
2026.
There are 38 early learning centers supported by the coalition in the county. Although they take care of young children all day long, the focus in these centers is on learning, not just babysitting. Each center follows a sophisticated curriculum, receives professional support and must pass evaluations and inspections.
More than 1,000 children from ages 1 through 4 are in programs throughout the Keys. Pre-kindergarten programs significantly improve the odds of success in school and high school graduation. More information is at www.elcmdm.org.
Schools Superintendent Ed Tierney told the board that the state auditor general delivered a clean financial audit for the district. The auditor general was specifically asked to examine the accounts of the school lunch programs across the district and reported no discrepancies in those programs. Board member Mindy Conn said it is difficult to keep down the cost of food to the students and families while the costs to the district continue to rise.
The newly approved salary schedule will provide raises for district employees starting on Dec 15..
Tierney delivered his promised 90-day report to the board. He praised the Keys communities and their support for education. He has been busy talking to “more teachers than I can count” along with staff, community and government leaders, and parents. Looking for areas of improvement, Tierney said the district falls below Florida’s average graduation rate, especially
among English-language learners and students with disabilities.
Patrick Lefere, executive director of operations and planning, provided an update on the Reynolds School renovation after receiving comments during a special community meeting. Plans have been changed to improve the façade and make it blend in better with the Key West neighborhood. New design changes added more brick and less stucco. The grounds will have more of a Key West look with different materials and vegetation. The project is ready to start the development of the final construction documents with a planning budget of $11 million.
Conn again called for an overview of the planned threepart move of staff and resources in Key West that includes Reynolds School, Bruce Hall and an administrative building. Tierney suggested a workshop where more details are available and everyone has a voice.
The board approved an allocation for additional design services for the Founders Park baseball field. Coordination with the Village of Islamorada continues, but plans for the renovation of the building on the first-base line have not started. That work won’t happen on the same timeline as the rest of the project.
The board rotated its officers and assignments and elected Dick as chairman. This is his fifth time serving as board chair over a 20year career on the school board. He does not plan to stand for reelection. Darren Horan will serve a second term as vice chair.
Thanksgiving Zumba class in Key Largo
The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, in collaboration with the Key Largo Civic Center, invites the community to a free Thanksgiving-themed Zumba class led by local instructor Anais Diaz of Grateful Grooves. Set for Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m., this lively, high-energy session is the shelter’s way of thanking the community for its support of local children and families. Attendees can register for a chance to win a basket of holiday cheer.
Pops
Tickets can be found on Eventbrite by scanning the QR code. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
in the Park concert set for Nov. 29 at Founders
Park
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band announces the return of Pops In The Park for its 34th season on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. at the Founders Park Amphitheater. This free monthly band concert series is brought by professional and amateur band members of all ages, who just love to make music. The first themed concert is titled “Things With Wings,” featuring patriotic favorites and more. The flags will be flying in recognition of veterans. Pack a picnic basket and a blanket or chairs, load up the family and fur babies for this hour-long flight of music and fun. The Sunshine Corvette Club will also be on hand.
Holiday Market Dec.
6 in
Tavernier
The Garden Club of the Upper Keys is hosting its annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Francis Tracy Garden Center in Tavernier. Visit vendors displaying arts and crafts, plants, jewelry, clothing, baked goods and more.
Campfire nights at Pennekamp State Park
Join the fun at John Pennekamp State Park’s campfire program, held every Saturday night from Saturday, Dec. 6 through Feb. 28 at the campfire circle near Snook Pavilion. Each evening starts 15 minutes after sunset and features a topic about the park’s natural and cultural treasures, shared under the stars beside a cozy fire. Guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores as part of this classic Florida Keys tradition. Attendees are encouraged to wear long sleeves and bring bug spray and must arrive before the park gates close at sunset. S’mores supplies are provided by the Friends of John Pennekamp State Park for a suggested $5 donation.
FORMER DEPUTY SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS IN PRISON
Jennifer Ketcham gave then-boyfriend information about narcotics operations
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Aformer sheriff’s deputy who illegally gave her thenboyfriend privileged information about the locations and identities of undercover narcotics officers was sentenced on Nov. 24 to three years prison followed by five years probation.
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg both testified at the sentencing hearing in Plantation Key. Both law enforcement leaders asked Judge Sharon Hamilton not to grant Ketcham’s request for a “downward departure” from sentencing guidelines.
A downward departure is a legal term for a court imposing a sentence that is less severe than what is recommended by standard sentencing guidelines.
Ketcham’s attorney, Dustin Hunter, had requested 84 days in jail and credit for time served, which would have resulted in no jail or prison time for Ketcham. The attorney argued, and a psychiatrist testified, that Ketcham suffered from post traumatic stress disorder that had contributed to her illegal actions.
Prosecutor Colleen Dunne, of the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, asked the judge to consider the timeline of Ketcham’s PTSD diagnosis.
“What’s to say that the diagnosis wasn’t caused by her own actions?” Dunne said. “She started seeing a therapist a year after her arrest. I’m not questioning the doctor, but I think the timeline is important. The state would submit that she brought on the condition. She was facing prison for her egregious actions. Who wouldn’t have PTSD? For 14 months, she regularly, on a daily basis, would pass information to an 18-year-old boyfriend. It all demonstrates a profound breach of trust. She was putting the officers she worked with at risk and damaged public confidence in law enforcement. Now she needs to be treated like everyone else.”
The judge apparently agreed.
When handing down the sentence, Judge Hamilton said, “Ms. Ketcham, this gives me no pleasure. You took an oath to protect the citizens and visitors of Monroe County, but your actions did the exact opposite. Your text messages
show a complete lack of character.”
At the sentencing, the court also heard from one of Ketcham’s former fellow deputies, Detective Sgt. Jenna Moeller. Ketcham shared Moeller’s photo and location with her then-boyfriend, Ryan Hernandez, while Moeller was working as an undercover narcotics officer.
“I never imagined that a threat to my safety would come from inside my own agency,” Moeller said. “The disclosure of my photo, my identity and my location left me feeling exposed, vulnerable and betrayed.”
Ramsay told the judge, “This is a really difficult situation. It’s shocking to see the image of an undercover officer sent to a drug dealer by another officer. It was shocking to see that tags were run through our database on vehicles to confirm they were undercover narcotics vehicles.”
Ramsay added, “Within days of Ms. Ketcham sharing the image of a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement with her boyfriend, that individual was brutally beaten and had to be airlifted to Miami. Ms. Ketcham was helping her boyfriend, a drug dealer, instead of preventing and deterring crime and getting drugs off our streets. We’ll never know the full extent of the damage that was done.”
Ramsay asked the judge not to grant Ketcham’s request for a downward departure in her sentencing decision.
Brandenburg told the judge about a time that Ketcham apparently tipped off her boyfriend about an impending
drug raid on a home on Seidenberg Avenue in Key West.
“The target left the residence just before our SWAT team arrived, and magically avoided them. Ms. Ketcham was on the phone to the target location, where her boyfriend was, during our approach. Had that subject chosen fight instead of flight, someone could have been seriously hurt or killed. Ms. Ketcham betrayed the trust of the Key West Police Department, all law enforcement and this community.”
Ketcham also took the stand and detailed the sacrifices she had made to attend the police academy at night while working during the day. In that time, her marriage failed.
Ketcham also described traumatic episodes while she was a deputy, including a fatal boat fire and a person who committed suicide while she was on the scene.
Dunne confirmed with Ketcham that the sheriff’s office had provided mental health services to all officers involved, which Ketcham took part in.
“The state I was in is a person I don’t even recognize now,” Ketcham said during her sentencing hearing. “I’m very sorry for all the things that happened and it’s something I’ll have to work through for the rest of my life.”
Once the judge announced the sentence, Ketcham was taken into custody and removed from the courtroom in Plantation Key.
She was sentenced to 37 months prison followed by five years of probation. The judge also permanently revoked her law enforcement license.
Former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jennifer Ketcham was sentenced Nov. 24 to three years in prison followed by five years probation. CONTRIBUTED
JOINING THE POD
Seaquarium, Gulf World closures send rescued animals to the Keys
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
The Florida Keys’ marine mammal population recently saw three new additions and could increase by 11 in the coming months, courtesy of the shuttered Miami Seaquarium and Panama City Beach’s Gulf World Marine Park.
According to U.S. bankruptcy court documents filed Nov. 20, the Dolphin Company, owners of the Seaquarium since 2022, plans to transfer 73 dolphins, penguins, seals, sea lions, birds and reptiles to nine facilities across the U.S. – including two nonprofit facilities in the Upper and Middle Keys.
If current plans proceed unchanged, Key Largo-based Dolphin Life Inc. will add four male bottlenose dolphins to its pod: 19-year-old Zo, 23-year-old Aries, 32-year-old Ripley and 26-year-old Onyx.
Further down on Grassy Key, Dolphin Research Center will add two senior bottlenose dolphins – 49-year-old JJ and 39-year-old Samantha – along with two California sea lions in 14-year-old Raleigh and 21-year-old Clyde. For the first time ever, the center will also provide a home for three harbor seals: 15-year-old Cane, 20-year-old Ace and 33-year-old Baby.
In a separate transaction, Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea on Nov. 21 announced the addition of three former Gulf World dolphins –39-year-old Sandy, 12-year-old daughter Capri
and 9-year-old granddaughter Soleil – following a successful auction bid.
As legal processes are still ongoing, Dolphin Research Center media director Allie Proskovec told the Weekly the facility couldn’t yet discuss the details of the transfer, but clarified in a press release that the majority of animals adopted by the Middle Keys facility are elderly or have special medical conditions.
“Dolphin Research Center has a long history of welcoming marine mammals who need lifelong, specialized care,” said Rita Irwin, DRC’s president and CEO, in the release. “We look forward to opening our arms … and providing them with a forever home.”
According to multiple reports throughout 2025, several of the Dolphin Company’s animals spread across dozens of facilities were sold or auctioned, while others received no interested suitors – and that’s where the two Keys nonprofits stepped in.
Dolphin Life founder Art Cooper said he was contacted by a third-party group managing placement of the remaining animals at appropriate facilities amid the corporation’s mounting closures.
“(They) reached out to us and said, ‘If there are animals at the end of this process that still need placement, would you consider being a permanent home?’” Cooper said. “We said, ‘Of course we would.’ It wasn’t important to us which animals or which genders – we knew we
may be asked to provide a home to the more challenging animals.”
Per the terms outlined in court documents, each facility will be responsible for the associated costs of the animal transfers, but the animals themselves will be donated, not sold.
The transfers come at the tail end of a series of marine mammal facility closures around Florida as parent corporation the Dolphin Company declared bankruptcy. While several facilities have already been or are set to be sold, including the Seaquarium, Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach and Marineland Florida in St. Augustine, all but one will undergo redevelopment, forcing the sale or transfer of each park’s animals.
In May, Gulf World closed permanently following multiple animal welfare and building code violations – roughly two months after the Dolphin Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In late October, a federal judge overseeing bankruptcy proceedings approved the sale of the property to resort developers By the Sea Resorts.
Also approved in late October: the $22.5 million sale of the lease of the Seaquarium property, owned by Miami-Dade County, to development company Terra Group. The company’s proposal for the refreshed property includes a marina, a newly-accredited aquarium without marine mammals, an event space and retail and food vendors, among other items.
Twenty-year-old harbor seal Ace is one of seven animals set to be adopted by Dolphin Research Center. CONTRIBUTED
Senior dolphins Samantha, above, and JJ, right, are expected to join the DRC pod on Grassy Key following bankruptcy court proceedings from the Miami Seaquarium.
Cypress Grove Group
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS MORE THAN $895,000 TO LOCAL NONPROFITS
More than $895,000 was recently presented to 73 local nonprofits as part of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys annual awards.
This marks the largest total ever distributed through the foundation’s annual In Paradise for Good community grants program.
In 2020, the foundation awarded $144,500 to 27 organizations. The program has grown each year, fueled by donors.
“This program embodies what it means to be part of a community and particularly to be in the community foundation ecosystem,” said Elizabeth Brown, CFFK president and CEO. “The increase in our impact is made possible by a collection of community giving, including from our donor-advised fundholders, our regional advisory councils, and our legacy donors who chose to leave a gift to benefit future generations. Together we can make an impact larger than any of us could make on our own.”
This year’s applications showed a wide range of needs and opportunities across the Keys. Many nonprofits reported reduced federal, state and municipal funding. Others are looking to grow capacity and expand their programs to reach more residents, often through partnering with other organizations.
“We are proud to support the full spectrum of organizations that make the Keys a thriving community — the arts, environmental stewardship, youth development, education, food access, animal welfare, cultural heritage, and health services,” Brown said. “A community is strongest when all these pieces are healthy and interconnected.”
Collaboration at the center
Nonprofits and donors embraced collaboration this year. Nonprofits are working to stretch resources and expand impact. Donors are joining forces through the foundation’s donor-advised funds and regional future funds, allowing the community to support far more projects than any single source could have funded.
“My favorite thing about this year’s grant program is how many organizations are collaborating in an effort to stretch every nonprofit dollar,” said Kevin Bowes, the foundation’s director of community impact.
“One example is the collaboration between Good Health Clinic and the S.O.S. Foundation. In their program, Good Health Clinic will deliver life-saving medicine to community members in need, while also delivering healthy frozen meals prepared by S.O.S.
By working together, precious resources are saved for each organization. Poor nutrition is often a cause of chronic health issues, so the impact is multiplied exponentially.”
Funding for this grant was provided by the foundation’s Florida Keys Future Fund and the Upper Keys Advisory Council’s Upper Keys Future Fund.
“It is great to see the transformation of the foundation from a small group of concerned residents to the community powerhouse it is today,” Bowes added.
Second-chance grants next
The foundation will open its second-chance grants catalog in the coming weeks for requests that were not funded. Donors will be able to review unfunded proposals and help fill remaining community needs. The
HOLIDAYS BRING FIRE RISK
Real Christmas trees burn fast
The holiday season can be a wonderful time, and it can be fun to decorate for the holidays. But it is also a time to think about how those decorations might increase the risk of a fire in your home and how you can reduce the risk. Candles can be a primary source of fires over the holidays. According to the United States Fire Administration, almost half of home decoration fires in December are started by candles. Christmas day is the peak day for candle fires.
The best practice is to use battery-operated flameless candles. If you choose to use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that burns and never leave them unattended.
Erin Allison, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center executive director; and Sara Read, bird center education and outreach coordination.
catalog will be shared with donors and posted at cffk.org, where anyone can contribute.
The Florida Keys Future Fund is the foundation’s primary funding source for this program. To help increase the effect for next year’s grants, longtime supporters William and Pattye Monroe have offered a $120,000 end-of-year matching challenge for donations to the Florida Keys Future Fund. Every dollar given will be matched, doubling the impact.
Dry natural Christmas trees can be another source of a fire over the holidays. More than one in five Christmas tree fires is caused by a heat source too close to the tree. They can burn very hot and very fast. Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, candles, cooking appliances, fireplaces or heat vents. If you choose to have a live tree, it is critically important to keep natural tree stands filled with water at all times.
Use nonflammable decorations. Only use lighting that is Underwriter Laboratories (UL) listed and read the manufacturer instructions for the number of light strands to connect. Inspect lights for frayed wires and defects before using, and avoid overloading electrical outlets. Do not leave lights on and unattended. Get rid of your tree after Christmas or discard it promptly if it becomes dry.
More information on holiday fire safety is available from the Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS District at 305-451-2700.
Representatives from Upper Keys nonprofit organizations gather with CFFK following the awards. CONTRIBUTED
Elizabeth Brown, CFFK president and CEO, left, speaks to local nonprofits during the awards ceremony on Nov. 20. Also pictured is Laura Lietaert, CFFK board of governors chair.
From left, Laura Lietart, CFFK board of governors chair;
Receive essential info & personal guidance to begin your degree in January!
KEY WEST CAMPUS & UPPER KEYS CENTER Wednesday, December 3 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
KEY LARGO ARTISANS MARKET RETURNS TO DOLPHINS PLUS BAYSIDE
Enjoy locally crafted goods and take in a free dolphin demonstration
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL
www.keysweekly.com
The first Tuesday of the month, from now through April, offers locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to shop for locally made products and enjoy an educational dolphin performance at the same time.
“It’s fun for the public to come watch the dolphins and it’s also great for them to learn a little bit about what we do with the animals,” said Marylou Wright, Dolphins Plus director of education. “We’ve just had really great feedback from the general public, they enjoy the demonstrations that we do.”
This is the second year the Key Largo Artisans Market is being held at Dolphins Plus Bayside located at 101900 Overseas Highway. The event brings together dozens of local artists, bakers and other vendors.
Paula Wittke and husband Jeff Wingate own Pirate Hat Apiary, specializing in Florida Keys Honey. These markets serve as a great opportunity to introduce their products to the local community. Wittke says this venue is extra special, offering the general public a chance to see a free dolphin educational demonstration.
“I love that it’s here and they’re opening their doors,” said Wittke. “I think it’s very gracious for them to do that, I think it’s very important for the kids to get the opportunity to see that.”
Kimberly Smith owns Linking the Keys. She makes clasp-less permanent jewelry that can be applied with a welder in minutes. Smith has a physical location at Cirque Salon Studio at MM 101 in the Publix shopping plaza. Artisans markets, like this one, helped Smith grow the business she started two years ago.
“This is how I started or I wouldn’t have a studio now,” said Smith.
For Smith, this location is also extra special.
“It really is a great venue. I used to be a dolphin trainer here so I’m pretty familiar with the facility as well,” she added.
From jewelry, to food, to one-of-a-kind pieces of art, the market offers a little something for everyone. Key Largo resident Kristel Frimpter fell in love with a painting on display at the market.
“It’s a painting of a woman on the beach and it’s very three dimensional and it’s absolutely beautiful. Totally caught my eye and I needed to have it,” Frimpter said.
The next Key Largo Artisans Market takes place Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. and it’s a special holiday event.
“I’m excited to see how December is going to be because December last year was pretty good,” Smith said.
Kristel Frimpter and Josh Foley hold up the painting Frimpter purchased from a local artist at a recent Key Largo Artisans Market. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly
The Holiday Sunset Soirée is free to the public and will feature live music, a free ornament painting station, food, craft beer and wine and a holiday photo op with Santa Claus. There will be a special dolphin presentation at sunset. More information on this event and future market dates and times is at the Dolphins Plus and Key Largo Artisans Facebook pages.
One of the highlights of the Key Largo Artisans Market is the free dolphin educational performance held at sunset. CONTRIBUTED
Paula Wittke and Jeff Wingate sell their Florida Keys Honey products at a recent Key Largo Artisans Market held at Dolphins Plus Bayside.
Kimberly Smith owns Linking the Keys. She says these markets help her get the word out about her permanent jewelry business.
COMMUNITY PACKS SHOEBOXES WITH GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY
BENEFITING:
embers of the Operation Christmas Child Florida Keys Area Team and Coral Shores High School students loaded more than 5,700 giftfilled shoeboxes collected from Key West to Key Largo. The team said this is a record-breaking number and that they’re humbled and grateful to the community. Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for more than three decades. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe. DAVID FEJÉR/Contributed
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
NICKOLAS PEREZ & MELISSA HELPHREY
The parents and families of Melissa Helphrey and Nickolas Perez announce the marriage of their children on Nov 9, 2025 at the Island Bay Resort in Tavernier. The bride and groom were born and raised in the Upper Keys. Their story began while attending Coral Shores High School and continued as they went on to earn degrees from Florida State University. The newlyweds will reside in Tallahassee. PURELY JOYOUS PHOTOGRAPHY/Contributed
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RACING INTO THE FLORIDA KEYS
Key Largo Bridge Run includes 5K and 10K
This year’s medal includes ribbon artwork by local artist Barbara Hann. CONTRIBUTED
Ascenic run overlooking the Florida Keys waters returns for the 15th year on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Runners in this year’s First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run will race over Jewfish Creek Bridge as they challenge their best times. Walkers will go for a relaxing stroll as the sun rises over the course.
With the annual 5K comes the return of the 10K event, giving participants the chance to trek the final part of the 18-Mile Stretch — the gateway to the Keys. The mostly flat course brings picturesque views overlooking Florida Bay and Barnes Sound.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. from Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club, just off the Jewfish Creek Bridge at MM 107.8, race participants will run or walk a course that takes them onto Jewfish Creek Bridge. Runners will turn around and head back over the bridge and return to the access road leading to Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club, where they will reunite with friends and family and enjoy music, drinks and food. The race will end around 9:30 a.m.
“We’re always stressing and promoting health and well-being within our community,” organizer Henry Menendez said. “In addition, we encourage everyone to enjoy the beautiful sights from the top of the bridge while admiring one of the most spectacular views of our beautiful island.”
Due to limited on-site parking, participants and spectators are encouraged to use the free parking and shuttle service at Key Largo School, MM 104, oceanside. Pre-race shuttles will depart from the school between 6 and 7 a.m., and travel from the finish line back to the school between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
The awards ceremony is scheduled immediately after the race at the Anchorage Resort. Awards await the top three male and female overall finishers, masters male and female finishers and the top three finishers in different age groups. Each participant earns a medal on completion.
Participants take off from Anchorage Resort in last year’s Key Largo Bridge Run. FILE PHOTO
This year’s medal ribbon features artwork by Barbara Hann. She said her love for art began in grade school.
“I paint whatever speaks to the soul. Usually, it’s some form of nature,” she said. “I’m drawn to meditation, so the natural transition is painting another form of meditation.”
More information is available by scanning the QR code here.
— Contributed
Tavernier residents Gabriela Urbina, left, and Marguerite Collins participate in last year’s Key Largo Bridge Run. FILE PHOTO
‘THANKS-LIVING’
Holiday brings reflection of the past, gratitude to supporters
FOX
Hi friends!
Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” As many of you prepare for Thanksgiving, we foxes here at Pawsitive Beginnings celebrate something a little different:
“Thanks-living” — the holiday where we take a moment to appreciate the simple miracle of still being alive after the absolute nonsense we endured early on.
While humans argue over stuffing versus dressing (it’s stuffing), my fox family and I are reflecting on how far we’ve come. Once upon a time, our future was so uncertain you could’ve written a Netflix drama about it. Cages, torture devices, chaos. … and now? Sunshine, soft beds, fresh chicken and an entire human who exists solely to cater to our every need. (Mother insists she has “other responsibilities,” but I’ve seen
ZOEY
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.
the schedule. It’s 90% fox and 10% pretending she has free time.)
What am I most thankful for? Ah yes, the part you’ve all been waiting for. What could a fox of my fame and status possibly be thankful for? Let’s review. First, my fans, of course. You keep my ego appropriately fed. I’m also grateful for winning Best Local Celebrity for the fourth year in a row, truly iconic behavior. I’m thankful that mom, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro, did not put me in a turkey costume for photos this year. I heard her mention it, and I promptly hid under the bed.
I’m grateful that I don’t have to hunt for my food. I simply give mom the look and food magically appears. It’s incredible, really.
But most of all? I am thankful I got a second chance at life. Thankful that someone saw value in a little fox who was once deemed “just a pelt.” Thankful that my story, and the stories of my six fox friends, show the world that life after trauma is not only possible. It can be downright fabulous.
May your holiday be full of joy, compassion and lots of leftovers.
Until next time, Reef, over and out!
Saturday, Nov. 29
• Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park at 4 p.m. at Founders Park amphitheater.
Dec. 2-3
• 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.
Saturday, Dec. 6
• First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run at 7:30 a.m. Visit keylargobridgerun.com for more information.
• Garden Club of the Upper Keys Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Francis Tracy Garden Center, 94064 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.
• Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks presents a Lignumvitae Christmas from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lignumvitae Key State Park.
• Chi Sigma’s seventh annual Bike, Walk and Wagon ride at 5 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, Islamorada. $25 per person.
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
SAVE THE DATE
Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo provides safe sanctuary, and living, for foxes once held captive at northern fur farms. CONTRIBUTED
PALM + PAR INDOOR GOLF CLUB OPENS
Members get 24/7 access
Palm + Par Indoor Golf Club, the first 24/7 members-only indoor golf club in the Upper Keys, held a ribbon-cutting with the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce the evening of Nov. 11. The event marked the club’s introduction to the local community and showcased its state-of-the-art Trackman simulators, relaxing social atmosphere, and membersonly amenities.
Guests were served golfinspired cocktails, Arnold Palmers and John Dalys, along with light bites from Cayos A La Carte while mingling and exploring the facility. The evening brought together Chamber members, local business owners and friends.
Founded by lifelong locals Shelby and Eddie Price, Palm + Par was created with the Keys lifestyle in mind, where long drives to the nearest golf course aren’t always realistic between work, weather and life on the water. The club was designed to bring the game closer to home, offering a convenient, private and elevated environment for adults who love golf. Members enjoy exclusive 24/7 access, cuttingedge Trackman simulators and a lounge atmosphere designed for playing, socializing and unwinding without ever leaving the island. Palm + Par further is an adultsonly, members-only club with a limited number of memberships available. Designed for those seeking a true club environment rather
CELEBRATE KEYS HISTORY IN HOLIDAY STYLE
Lignumvitae Christmas set for Dec. 6
Celebrate the holiday season and the rich history of the Florida Keys with a festive boat trip to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park for Lignumvitae Christmas, set for 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
than general public use, Palm + Par focuses on community, continuity and the convenience of having a dependable place to golf at any time.
Beyond the game, Palm + Par was created to feel like a comfortable retreat. While the Trackman technology offers opportunities for experienced golfers to improve, the club is equally welcoming to those who simply want to relax, enjoy time with family or hang out with friends. The setting encourages connection as much as play.
Located in the heart of Islamorada, Palm + Par Indoor Golf Club embodies its tagline, “Where the Palm Meets the Par.” The club will also host members-only events, lessons, league nights and social gatherings.
More information is at palmandparindoorgolf.com or by following @palmandpar on social media.
— Contributed
The secluded island off Islamorada preserves a rare virgin tropical hardwood hammock environment once common throughout the Upper Keys. It is named for the native lignumvitae tree — whose wood is one of the world’s densest and has historically been used for items such as bowling balls, steamship propeller shafts, gears and mallets.
Visitors can tour the historic Matheson House, a century-old coral rock and Dade County pine caretaker’s home that now serves as the island’s visitor center.
Guided nature hikes are scheduled throughout the day, departing every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. Guests may choose the one-hour, 1.2-mile extended hammock hike or the shorter .42-mile, 30-minute hike.
Additional activities include holiday arts and crafts, seasonal live music by the Mangrove Swamp Band, and nostalgic 1930s-era games such as croquet and jacks.
Florida Keys historian and writer Brad Bertelli will share stories throughout the day about early residents of Lignumvitae Key, the island’s connection to nearby Indian Key and other topics.
Attendees can enjoy complimentary cookies and limeade. Hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks will be
available for a modest donation, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunches. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
“Lignumvitae Key is what the Florida Keys looked like before they were developed,” said Bertelli. “It is one of the few islands left with a natural hammock.
“It offers a great deal of history including early pioneers such as the Matheson family,” he said. “To have it protected as one of Islamorada’s state parks is incredibly special.”
The event is presented by the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks as a “friend raiser” to support volunteer participation and fundraising for seven local state parks: Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Long Key State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, Curry Hammock State Park and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Tickets are $25 per person (free for children 6 and under) and include round-trip ferry transportation from Robbie’s of Islamorada, 77522 Overseas Highway. Each ticket comes with a one-year membership in the Friends group. Tickets must be purchased in advance by scanning the QR code here.
More information is at friendsofkeysparks.org/event-6414279 or 305-664-2540. — Contributed
Volunteers from the Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks assist in decorating the Matheson home at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. ANDY NEWMAN/Contributed
Founded by lifelong locals Shelby and Eddie Price, Palm + Par was created with the Keys lifestyle in mind. CONTRIBUTED
Eddie and Shelby Price, middle, cut the ribbon to their new Palm + Par indoor golf club on Nov. 11.
FILLING PAGES WITH HISTORY
Iwas sitting at my desk signing books, filling orders placed by Shell World, the Kayak Shack at Robbie’s, the Oldest House Museum and the Key West Island Bookstore. My wife put her hand on my shoulder. “That must feel good,” she said. “Signing your books.”
The idea of it is everything. When I left Southern California in 1989, the only plan was to live on an island and write. Except for six years in the middle, when I went back to school, it has been a successful adventure. I’m signing books, and the column I’ve been writing for the last decade is currently in front of you.
I love the idea of signing books, but not the physical act of moving the pen across the page. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of deciphering my handwriting, sometimes I even have a hard time reading what I’ve written. As someone taking notes about history, it is a horrible trait. Fortunately, those notes were taken from the historical record and have, at the very least, a secondary verification.
Back in my days taking lunch and dinner orders at the restaurant, there were times when I could not read what I had chicken-scratched onto my waiter’s pad (blessed by the keyboard and computer screen). More than once, my interpretation of what I thought I wrote proved not to be what the customer ordered.
Michelle is right. It does feel good. I love having books to sign, knowing people buy them and receiving orders from the wonderful shops and
museums up and down the Keys that support my work. However, the actual signing comes with a bit of trepidation because I have the penmanship of a 4-year-old.
What I love most of all is telling the stories that fill those books. My introduction to the island chain was Joy Williams’ excellent work “The Florida Keys.” It was my first course: Florida Keys 101. I was hooked, not just by the brilliance of the island chain but by the stories she told about it. There has been no greater influence on my work than Joy Williams.
When I was introduced to Williams’ book, I was working on my master’s in creative writing at the University of Miami, and driving down to the Keys from my SW 92nd Avenue apartment for day trips and the occasional weekend. I didn’t see the same things then that I do now, 24 years later. The longer I live here and the more I learn about the history, the more I see — even from the seat of the Jeep while traveling a little over 45 mph along the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.
Some things are obvious and stand out like the world-famous Caribbean Club, the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge (especially when the sun is sinking behind it) and the Alligator Reef and Sombrero Key Lighthouses standing up against the horizon. There are six iron reef lighthouses; two are visible from some of the highway bridges.
Other history reveals itself with more subtlety. One of my favorites is the remnants of the right-of-way of the Key West Extension of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railway. It took years of hard labor and dynamite to clear the land and build a path down which the train would steam, rock and roll across the island chain. Their efforts and much of the bed on which Flagler’s right-of-way was built are hiding in plain sight beneath the asphalt of the highway.
It is easiest to see from the southbound lane
of the modern highway, which roughly follows the route the train used to take over most of the Keys. There are a couple of obvious exceptions, like Bahia Honda, where the original line traveled through what is now Bahia Honda State Park. There is a good reason the bed is raised and ditches have formed along most of what is today the highway, and increasingly so as the line approaches the bridges connecting one island to the next. The locomotive required a gradual grade over which to pull the train cars between the mainland and Key West.
Once you start to see it, the railroad right-ofway materializes. I love what studying the local history has revealed to my curious eyes. Because I have worked so hard to understand how and why the Keys are what they are today, I probably see more than most people. Also, I am actively seeking landmarks and historical evidence, and for the last 10 years, I’ve been sharing my observations in this history column.
This will be the last one for 2025. It requires a tremendous amount of time and commitment, and I need to take a break. It might be that I need a month off to catch up on other projects and not feel the heat of a deadline. It might be that I need longer. Also, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Volumes 4 and 5 of my history series have no plans to finish all by themselves, and until they get done, I can’t get back to the project I really want to dive into.
I’m not sure what 2026 has in store. I love sharing this column, and from what I’ve been told, there are people out there who like to read it. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to tell me so. That part is super cool. In the meantime, enjoy the festivities of this last stretch of 2025. This Thanksgiving, I’ll be thankful for everything that I have. I hope you are, too. Happy Holidays.
is a respected historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch based in the Florida Keys.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Creating the right-of-way for Henry Flagler’s Key West Extension circa 1906. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed
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Nov. 29
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Things with Wings
ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
Santa's Musical Workshop
ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
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ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
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ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
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ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, Bayside, Islamorada
Outdoors:
Bring a Blanket or Lawn Chair
Fun-filled Family Entertainment
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UNWRAPPING HOLIDAY WASTE
Keeping the Keys green this season
The holiday rush is here, and with it come mountains of shipping boxes, bubble wrap, shopping bags, food waste, singleuse plastics and decorations.
As deliveries and holiday calendar events pile up, so does our responsibility to manage the waste. So, let’s “unwrap” the holiday season and explore simple ways we can celebrate sustainably in the Florida Keys.
Recently, I received a package adorned with that famous happy-arrow logo. Inside? Layer upon layer of packaging. Sound familiar? Let’s break down what to do with all those materials:
Holiday packaging — what goes where?
• Cardboard boxes are recyclable — flatten and remove packaging. Tape and labels can stay on.
• Plastic shipping bags, bubble wrap and air pillows: Recycle at retail stores that accept plastic bags. These are not accepted in curbside recycling. Reuse when possible; it works great for the puppy park pick-ups.
• Foam peanuts & protective foam: Recycle at Publix foam recycling bins (where available).Not accepted in curbside recycling.
• Gift wrap & bows: Glitter, foil and embellished paper and ribbons cannot be recycled. Use newspaper, craft paper or magazine pages instead.
• Envelopes: Recyclable, even with the plastic window.
• Greeting cards: Recyclable if free of glitter or garland.
MELODY TUSCHEL
is the Monroe County recycling coordinator and outreach liaison.
Holiday meals = food waste
The holidays bring feasts and festivities — and a lot of food waste. According to the EPA, about 33% of the food produced in the United States ends up in landfills. Let’s change that!
• Plan meals and avoid overbuying.
• Ask for RSVPs and delegate dishes.
• Share leftovers — send guests home with reusable containers.
• Donate extra food to neighbors or local kitchens.
When preparing meals, collect your food scraps in a reused coffee can or dairy container. Freezing scraps is ideal until drop-off — it reduces odors and keeps pests away.
Food waste drop-off
Now through Feb. 4, 2026, Monroe County residents are invited to participate in a free food waste drop-off pilot program in the Upper Keys. Sponsored by Baptist Health, SoilMate Compost Farm will collect food waste from three designated collection sites for composting.
Dropoff sites are: Atlantic Trash & Transfer, 300 Atlantic Dr., Key Largo; Coral Isles Church (behind fellowship hall) 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier; and Ocean Studies Charter School (behind playground) 11-27 Rock Harbor Dr., Key Largo.
More information is at your-soilmate.com/ page/monroe.
In the Lower Keys, check for community compost sites at MakeSoil.org.
Choose reusables, ‘Skip the Stuff’
Another simple way to reduce holiday waste is to use reusable dishes and cutlery whenever possible.
Did you know, according to Forbes Magazine, approximately 40 billion plastic utensils are discarded each year in the U.S.? Most are single-use and end up in landfills — or our oceans.
When ordering takeout, remember to “Skip the Stuff”:
• Say no to single-use utensils.
• Decline condiment packets, straws, plastic bags and napkins.
• Bring your own reusable bag.
Holiday lights recycling
Every December, we dig out the decorations — and inevitably find strands of lights that worked last year but not this year. What to do? Good news! You can recycle broken or old holiday lights. Holiday lights recycling collection is going on now through Jan. 15 at Home Depot stores in Marathon and Key West. These lights will be recycled and given a second life in the electronics industry. Give the gift that keeps on giving — sustainability. Wishing you a joyful, sustainable holiday season in the Florida Keys!
Questions can be directed to tuschel-melody@ monroecounty-fl.gov.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
Parade signup is free; entrants can win cash prizes
Lighted boats decorated to this year’s “The Grinch in the Keys” theme will illuminate Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound for the 2025 Key Largo Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Presented by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the 40th annual lighted boat parade will culminate with a fireworks display.
Boats can enter the lighted parade for free, with $5,000 in cash and prizes on the line — up from $2,500 last year — in various categories for small and large vessels. Boats will vie for Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Use of Theme, Best Business, Best Boat Under 25 Feet and Best Boat Over 25 Feet.
Entrants into the boat parade will be entered for a separate $500 cash drawing.
“This year’s theme opens the door for boat parade participants to get creative with decorations, costumes, and music,” said Lisa Feliciano, Key Largo Sunset Rotary president. “With plenty of prizes and gifts up for grabs, it’s the perfect opportunity to join in the fun and showcase your holiday spirit on the water.”
Boat registration and check-in will go from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at Florida Bay Outfitters. Rules will be provided, as will each boat number and snacks.
With assistance from Sea Tow, boats will line up near Dusenbury Creek Green Marker 41 around 6:30
p.m. in anticipation of a 7:30 p.m. start. Spectators can get a good glimpse of the boat parade from bayside destinations like Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowners, Caribbean Club and Reefhouse Resort & Marina. Boats will continue the procession to Riviera Village, MM 104.
“We appreciate the assistance from our friends at Sea Tow for ensuring all boat parade participants know what to expect and where to go,” said Feliciano.
An awards ceremony will begin at 9:30 p.m. at Sundowners.
Those wishing to sign up their boats for the parade can visit keylargoboatparade.com and click on the parade entry form at the top of the page. Boat parade entrants get a ditty bag stocked with wine and other items.
More information is available by following the Key Largo Boat Parade on Facebook.
Proceeds from the boat parade go to support the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club’s efforts to assist the community. The Rotary club holds a monthly social with the residents at Oasis at the Keys Nursing & Rehab on Plantation Key. In addition, the club supports organizations throughout the Upper Keys, including Coral Shores athletics, Key Largo School, MarrVelous Pet Rescues, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter and Wesley House Family Services.
What: “Water Moon” by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Why: One of my favorite reads this year! A hidden pawnshop lies behind a cozy ramen restaurant in Tokyo. It only reveals itself to people who need it, and deals in regrets rather than items. On her first morning as the pawnshop’s new owner, Hana finds it ransacked and an important acquisition is missing, along with her father. This book is filled with whimsy, lovely writing, and the chapters aren’t too long, which made the flow delightful. Truly, I never wanted this book to end; I always drank it in with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa and was taken on a magical adventure trying to figure out this mystery. I’m kind of jealous of anyone who gets to read it because I wish I could read it for the first time again. If you are looking for a cozy book that gives Ghibli vibes and also has a touch of mystery, romance, and magic, this just might be it!
Where: You can borrow this in regular and large print, as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library.
How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org.
Recommended by: Jessica Penepent, library assistant, Big Pine Key library branch.
See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/post/shelf-help.
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “24 Hour Party People” (2002)
Why: What an amazing confluence of director (Michael Winterbottom), lead actor (Steve Coogan) and subject (the Manchester music scene from the late 1970s-early 1990s). Coogan is Tony Wilson, a real guy who makes lightweight feature TV stories about northern England, when he happens to be one of the few people at an early Sex Pistols show. This inspires him to create a record label, Factory Records, and a legendary club, the Hacienda, where he promotes bands like Joy Division (which became New Order) and Happy Mondays. Watching things explode in a good way and then a bad way makes me simultaneously envious of those who witnessed that scene and grateful to have missed the chaos. And it’s got one hell of a soundtrack. Full disclosure: this movie is about sex and drugs and rock ’n roll (and punk and New Wave) – it’s rated R for a reason. 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.
Lighted boats and a fireworks display can be viewed on Blackwater Sound in Key Largo on Saturday, Dec. 13. FILE PHOTO
CORAL SHORES FLAMETHROWER SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH FLORIDA STATE
Thiery first ’Cane to get full D1 scholarship
Coral Shores standout pitcher Donovan Thiery made program history on Nov. 12 by signing a national letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Florida State University.
Thiery, whose fastball has been clocked at 97 mph, is projected to contribute as a pitcher and as a designated hitter/first baseman for the Seminoles. He is the first player in Coral Shores baseball history to earn a full Division 1 scholarship.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Coral Shores and winning the first district championship last year,” he said. “I want to thank my parents, my sister, my teammates and all my coaches who have helped me along the way. I want to especially thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”
Thiery said he loved FSU’s coaches, facilities and the campus. His parents, Michele and Andrew Thiery, said they could not be prouder of their son taking this next step in his baseball journey. They said he has put in a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to get to this day.”
Joe Szymanski, head baseball coach for the Hurricanes, Joe Szymanski said it’s an exciting time for everybody.
“We are all proud of Donovan; he is a coach’s dream. He will be successful at the next level and beyond,” Szymanski said.
Thiery enters his final year as a Hurricane coming off a stellar year on the mound and at the plate. He recorded a 7-1 record as a pitcher with one save. He struck out 101 batters in 49 ⅔ innings. Offensively, he led the team in batting average with a .482. He hit four home runs and recorded 37 RBIs.
Tony Hammon, Hurricanes associate head coach, said Donovan is the strongest, most promising pitcher he’s coached in his 40-plus years as a high school coach. Ed Holly, Coral Shores athletic director, said Donovan is a
Front, Coral Shores pitcher Donovan Thiery and his mother Michele; rear, his father Andy and his sister Jillian during the Nov. 12 signing. CONTRIBUTED
tremendous athlete who maximizes his ability through his exceptional workethic and commitment to “doing the right things.”
“Florida State is not just getting an outstanding baseball player; they’re also getting a first-rate young man,” Holly said.
Rich Russell, former Coral Shores athletic director and baseball coach, said Coral Shores’ baseball put the school on the map athletically around the state of Florida.
“Coach Roger Allen laid an amazing foundation for the program and started a pattern of success that included 46 consecutive winning seasons, consistent Top 10 state rankings, countless players moving on to playing collegiate, and a handful of major league draft picks. I say all of that to say, Donovan is the most talented and most accomplished player in our program’s history. Beyond that, he is the ultimate role model; his character and value system is beyond reproach,” he said.
Contributed
Coral Shores pitcher Donovan Thiery delivers a pitch. FILE PHOTO
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Golden Buffalo Sports Grill located at 103360 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL.
By: Cross Key Holding
Publish: November 27, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be:
JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com
Membership Committee
Meeting
December 3, 2025, at 10:00
AM Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom. us/j/ 83426481409?pwd
=bAa02HW6udj7
MpwWXLa4Two7iQ5qHZ.1
Meeting ID: 834 2648 1409
Passcode: 287548
Art In Public Places
Committee Meeting
December 16, 2025, at 4:00
PM Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom. us/j/ 82391660246?pwd
=05fF5N6P7F9sA4
RXSbvwXB4dGJlhJP.1
Meeting ID: 823 9166 0246
Passcode: 264470
Executive Committee Meeting
December 18, 2025, at 3:00
PM Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom. us/j/ 84711045271?pwd
=OtnOOOftvUbiE6
CqB9SnSZNGHtNS7T.1
Meeting ID: 847 1104 5271
Passcode: 882876
Publish: November 27, 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 OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023-CA-747-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5824, Week 30, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I, II entered in a case pending in said Court, the 4TH day of November 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE II, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST MARY ANN AMARAL, DECEASED; BRIAN PARICK AMARAL, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARY ANN AMARAL; AND MARY CLAIRE AUAYANG, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO MARY ANN AMARAL
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2023-CA747-K
WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 10TH day of November 2025
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 2024-CC-688-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E23, Week 1, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. JOAN ELAINE FARINACCI AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOAN ELAINE FARINACCI, DECEASED
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC688-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish:
November 27 and December 4, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-658-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit E23, Week 46, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM
SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) II entered in a case
pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025
Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST JOHNSIE H. HUDSPETH, DECEASED AND DANA SHEPHERD, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO JOHNSIE H. HUDSPETH
Defendant
And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC658-K
WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025
KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Shonta McLeod
Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-658-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE
SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit:
Unit C22 Week 48, Beach House, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).
Pursuant to IN REM
SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AS TO COUNT(S) I entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025 Style of which is: BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER, DECEASED; JENNIFER MERTZ, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER; AND JEFFREY KUESTER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO WILLIAM GERSTNER KUESTER
Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC658-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.
Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CC-569-K NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Florida, will, on the 15TH day of December 2025 at 11 o’clock a.m., at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the Following described property situated in Monroe County, Florida, to wit: Unit 5813, Week 13, Annual Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”). Pursuant to IN REM SUMMARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE entered in a case pending in said Court, the 9TH day of October 2025 Style of which is: WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Plaintiff vs. ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, ADMINISTRATORS OR AS OTHER CLAIMANTS, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST SHEENA HOULT SHUMATE, DECEASED AND TERRY GALLAGHER, AS POTENTIAL HEIR TO SHEENA HOULT SHUMATE Defendant And the Docket Number of which is Number 2024-CC569-K WITNESS my hand and the Official Seal of Said Court, this 31TH day of October 2025 KEVIN MADOK Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Florida Statute 45.031: Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish: November 27 and December 4, 2025 The Weekly Newspapers
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
AUTOS FOR SALE
2013 Cadillac ATS, 125k miles, needs tires & A/C, 2 owners, serviced at dealership. Located in Marathon.
$4,000 Contact: yogaforpeacellc@yahoo.com
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
BOATS FOR SALE
GREAT DEAL: Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. $15,000 Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906 SOLD !!!
PLACE YOUR BOAT FOR SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Slip For Rent in Key Largo - Oceanfront Marina - Up to 46’ x 11.5’ - $20/ft/month. No Liveaboards. 330-219-5313
Dockage up to 60’ Islamorada - Bayside, 50 amp service. Call 860-982-4517
Boat dockage, 29th Street Canal, Marathon. Up to 33' - water & electric. 305-240-3270
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
EMPLOYMENT
NIGHT MONITORFREE 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/
Retail - Tues-Sat 3:00 pm-9:00 pm in Marathon. Must be able to lift large boxes of tee shirts. More hours available if needed. Inside Airstream with AC. Email Carolynsparkyslanding@aol.com
Handyman needed for residence in Marathon. High Pay! Call: 305-395-0478 bbrayman@proton.me
Boat rental company in Marathon looking for help with boat detailing & boat cleaning. Call 305-481-7006
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.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
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 404-2193359 and ask for Dave HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!
PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old
Model Military
Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
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 Bedroom - All new - AND - StudioFurnished - Available for rent in Marathon. Section 8 ok. Call for pricing. 305-610-8002
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-7430844 or Email: Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
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 builtin 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
RENTED IN LESS THAN 4 WEEKS!!!
2BR/2BA with outdoor patio for rent in Marathon. $2,100/month F/L/S Taking applications. 305-849-5793
RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!
PLACE YOUR HOUSING FOR RENT AD HERE. $25/ week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email: Anneke@ KeysWeekly.com
VACATION RENTAL
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
YARD SALES
PLACE YOUR YARD SALE AD HERE. $25/week for up to 5 lines of copy! Call 305-743-0844 or Email Anneke@ keysweekly.com
SARA’S ESTATE SALE @ CANALFRONT HOME on Big Pine Key @ 29462 Geraldine St.,Fri, Nov. 28 & Sat, Nov. 29 from 9a-1p both days. Lots of standouts in this sale for longtime local: Ryobi tools & lawnmower, MidMod dining table & chairs, Pebble Beach Fostoria orange glasses & Russell Woodward 70’s spun fiberglass outdoor set. Plus outstanding antique rounded glass hutch & 2 craftsman oak dressers. Also, old coins, stained glass, art, kayak, bike, work tables, shelves, books, reclining couch, 4-pc queen bed set, silverplate tableware, pots, plants & bar stools.
Follow the signs, park with consideration. More photos at estatesales. net. (Take Key Deer Blvd to Big Pine Street to Koehns Ave to Geraldine St, follow signs).
First Annual Community Yard SaleSat. 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
IS HIRING
IN THE UPPER KEYS
ACCOUNTING PERSON
Must have experience with Excel. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
NOW HIRING!
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
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!
SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN
NOW HIRING
3 yrs or more experience required. EXPERIENCED
(High Voltage Substation Electrical Technician)
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 Transmission & Distribution Department:
OPERATOR/MAINTAINER
Starting pay rate for this position, depending on qualifications and experience: $40.15/hr - $44.97/hr
For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please visit their website at www.KeysEnergy.com.
KEYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEYS promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.
Certain service members, veterans, the spouses and family members of service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment, and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.
All positions Monday-Friday with overtime possible.
Please apply in person at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Drive, Key West. Or contact Cheryl at 305-296-5606 ext. 126 or cheryl@charleytoppino.com
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
ARE CENTER, Inc.
IS HIRING!
JOIN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT HELPING PEOPLE COPE AND CHANGE FOR 52 YEARS!
We provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs to the Florida Keys community while valuing and rewarding our employees.
KEY LARGO
Behavioral Health Therapist (CAT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children)
Behavioral Health Counselor (CAT)
KEY WEST
Case Manager (Adult)
Mental Health Technician (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) (PT) Crisis Counselor
MARATHON
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.
Background and drug screen req. EEOC/DFWP COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!
Apply at guidancecarecenter.org - Get Involved/ Join our team/Job Opportunities/location/zip
DUI FRONT DESK CLERK & EVALUATOR/INSTRUCTOR
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.
OPENINGS AVAILABLE
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
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.
TO APPLY
HOW
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.
Founded by Betty Debnam
Meet the Mountain State
West Virginia, our 35th state, was once a part of Virginia. But when Virginia voted to secede, or leave, the United States in 1863, West Virginia stayed loyal to the Union. It became its own state on June 20, 1863.
About 1.8 million people live in West Virginia. Charleston is the capital, with about 50,000 people.
EARLY HISTORY
Native Americans have lived in the area of West Virginia for thousands of years. Over the centuries, native people were hunters and gatherers, grew corn and other crops, made pottery and built mounds. In 1671, the first Europeans arrived in the region.
NATURAL RESOURCES
West Virginia is known for its natural wonders. It attracts many outdoorloving tourists, especially from eastern cities. It is the only state to rest entirely in the Appalachian Mountains. Mountain biking, hiking, fishing and rock climbing are some favorite activities.
Underground beauty is found in caves such as Seneca Caverns, Smoke Hole Caverns and Lost World Caverns. Organ Cave is the 16th-longest cave in the U.S.
Oil, natural gas, stone and salt are also important resources.
WORKING IN WEST VIRGINIA
The state is the largest producer of coal in the U.S.; the energy from coal powers not only West Virginia but other states. Mining coal has been an important industry for West Virginians for many decades.
People also work in the lumber industry, in agriculture, in health care and manufacturing.
Many world-famous glass studios are in the state, including Blenko in Milton and Fenton Art Glass in Williamstown. The Huntington Museum of Art, the West Virginia Museum of American Glass in Weston and the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum in Wheeling are famous for their exhibits of art glass.
SPORTS
West Virginians are fans of football and basketball teams from West Virginia University and Marshall University. Minor league baseball, hockey and soccer teams also compete in the state.
Words that remind us of West Virginia 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: Mountain streams draw fishers, who catch catfish, walleye and bass.
WEST VIRGINIANS TO KNOW
• Chuck Yeager is best known for being the first person officially to fly faster than the speed of sound, flying nearly 700 mph in 1947. He became most famous for this feat after author Tom Wolfe wrote about him years later in “The Right Stuff.”
Yeager broke the sound barrier when he was a test pilot for the U.S. Air Force. He had served as a fighter pilot during World War II. He was born in Myra, West Virginia, and grew up in West Hamlin, West Virginia.
• Anna Jarvis helped turn Mother’s Day into a national holiday. She lived in Grafton, West Virginia, and later in Philadelphia. The first national Mother’s Day was celebrated in those two cities in 1908.
• Steve Harvey, a famous comedian and game show host, was born in Welch, West Virginia. His father was a coal miner. Harvey is also an author and has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards. He has hosted a television series for kids called “Little Big Shots.”
ON THE WEB • bit.ly/3Wuu6OK
AT THE LIBRARY • “Animals of West Virginia!” by Hope Aicher RESOURCES
ECO NOTE
Insects are rapidly disappearing even in places far from farms or cities. A 20-year study of a remote meadow in Colorado found that flying insect numbers have fallen by more than 70%, with hotter summers as the strongest culprit. The discovery adds to mounting evidence that climate change is eroding biodiversity on a global scale, undermining food webs and threatening species that rely on insects for survival. Their decline has farreaching consequences for agriculture and human health.
photo by Anthony
photo by Valerius Tygart
photo courtesy Oglebay Institute
photo courtesy Library of Congress
photo by Angela George
The “organ” formation aat Organ Cave in West Virginia.
Blowing glass at the Oglebay Institute Glass Museum.
Chuck Yeager
Anna Jarvis
Steve Harvey
This holiday season, donʼt just host.
Enjoy top-voted dining, must-see attractions, and the areaʼs most-loved experiences — all just moments from your stay.
Escape for the holidays — buy, rent or vacation with Sun Outdoors Islamorada
