Mandy Miles

An ongoing legal case over painted rainbow fence posts in Key West’s historic district took an odd turn this week, when city officials sent notices of

In the two races for Key West Utility Board, incumbent Mona Clark held onto the Group A seat that she has held for more than 20 years. Clark defeated Jim Marquardt, who had campaigned on televising utility board meetings and the advancements of solar capabilities. Clark said at a candidate forum that she would oppose televised board meetings.

In the Southernmost City, Key West’s cross country teams are entering the season with plenty of new faces and, according to head coach Keara McGraw, a roster that is “full of possibility.” The Conchs will have a talented mix of incoming freshmen, including Hazel Matazarro, Lynn Noah, Noah Taylor, Gage Jangraw and Ella Urrestarazo Jara, who will add a spark of energy as they join forces with the veterans. Returning runners Violet Jangraw, Ryah Bushey, Emma Bradshaw, Sawyer Hill, Alejandro Caridad, Collin Palomino, Charlie Delashmit, Matthew Barrett and Izzy Gotuzzo bring the experience and work ethic needed to provide a solid foundation for McGraw, who will again be doing double duty this season as head coach of both the boys and girls teams. “There’s real talent in this group, and there’s also work to be done to reach it,” said McGraw. The Conchs are putting in that work in the late-summer heat, hoping the miles logged now will begin to pay dividends as the season progresses. Across town, Basilica School also plans to field a team this season. The Mariners enjoyed some success last fall and have already demonstrated their ability to develop young runners. Several athletes now on McGraw’s Key West roster got their start at Basilica last season, giving the small program an early indication that it can help cultivate runners capable of competing at the next level.

Key West Mayor Sam Kaufman takes the oath of office Aug. 26 at city hall alongside his wife, Julia, and son Michael. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Luis Aviles, left, was detained by Border Patrol agents on Aug. 22 while his son, Joshua Aviles, is serving in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln in the Middle East. Following international media attention, federal authorities released the non-criminal Luis Aviles on Aug. 25. CONTRIBUTED

Charter fishing Capt. Pete Collins rescued a liveaboard resident whose dinghy had capsized on Aug. 19 at Garrison Bight. CONTRIBUTED

Officer Santiago Perez is the primary rider of Murphy, the police horse. Although the youngest of the department’s equestrian trio, Murphy has been on patrol the longest. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Fifty or so Key West youth hockey players participate in a free hockey clinic on Aug. 21, with Toronto Maple Leafs player Brandon Duhaime and Reagan Rust, former captain and assistant coach for Boston University’s women's hockey team. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Immigration agents with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have removed at least 65 people from Key West and Stock Island since Aug. 1 as enhanced enforcement efforts continue and additional agents are seen around town.

Key West honors the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on Aug. 23 at the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach. The event featured poetry readings and historical commentary. Photos by LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekl