Marathon Seafood Festival

Taste the flavor of the keys March 12 & 13, 2022 46th Annual

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Now in its 46th year, what began with local commercial fishermen in Marathon as a way to get together and celebrate the fruits of their labor, is an amazing event that attracts more than 15,000 people every year. From humble beginnings, The Original Marathon Seafood Festival has blossomed into an event that now has over 250 volunteers, more than 200 vendor booths and involves many local groups and agencies that help put the familyfun festival together.

ON THE COVER: Stone crabs are a deliciously sweet staple of Marathon seafood, but environmental challenges have taken a toll on this year’s catch. See page 11.

CONTENTS

6 11 14 18 20 24

A TITAN OF THE INDUSTRY RETIRES Celebrating the incredible legacy of Gary Graves.

BURIED TREASURE Exploring the ecology of the prized stone crab catch.

NUMBERS DON’T LIE Quantifying the ocean bounty fueling the Marathon Seafood Festival.

FESTIVAL MAP Vendors, food, games and more.

ROCKING THE HOUSE A complete entertainment lineup.

So enjoy the live music, unique gifts, art, boats, games and rides, and most importantly … the freshest seafood in the world. Come on over and visit us both Saturday and Sunday, March 12-13 at Marathon Community Park.

On behalf of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as our event co-organizers the Organized Fishermen of Florida (Marathon chapter), we hope you and your family have a wonderful time at the 46th annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Sea you at the festival!

Sincerely, Daniel Samess, M.S. CEO, Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com

THE ART OF SEA & SEAFOOD Spotlighting some of the festival’s most unique vendors.

Upper Keys Office 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 P. 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

keysweekly.com | MMXXII Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 P. 305.743.0844 | F. 305.743.0866

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The festival serves as an economic boom for our local businesses, by bringing in thousands of people from around the world. It also puts our Islands of Marathon on the map as a premier destination by highlighting our local seafood, amazing people, and Florida Keys and island lifestyle.

All in all, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is a win-win for everyone here in Marathon and the Middle Keys, as annual event proceeds typically top in around $75,000 which then find their way back to the pockets of local charitable organizations such as food banks, daycare centers, medical assistance, scholarships, youth sports, and many other worthwhile causes.

Key West Office 5450 MacDonald Avenue, Suite 5 Key West, FL 33040 P. 305.453.6928 F. 305.509.7347

2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER 12222 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 P. 305.743.5417 F. 305.289.0183

www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com www.MarathonSeafoodFestival.com www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com

CHARTER FISHING RETAIL REPAIR & MORE

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BY: Charlotte Twine

Retired Keys Fisheries vice president took a small-town fish house into the big leagues In 1967, 22-year-old Wisconsin native Gary Graves was asked if he wanted to cut bait at Keys Fisheries. He was working the night shift at a Marathon ice plant, and he figured, what the heck — he might as well do it. So he took a leap of faith and took the job. And little did he know, when he started at Keys Fisheries, what a mark he would leave on Marathon, the Keys, Florida, the United States…even the world.

Over his 54 years at Keys Fisheries, Graves made the fish house with six commercial boats into a successful worldwide institution.

“He built an international business,” said his boss and part owner of Keys Fisheries Stephen Sawitz. The Sawitz family has also owned Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant in Miami Beach for four generations. “Keys Fisheries was to provide stone crab to Joe’s. That was its sole purpose: Get fishermen, and run a fish house. Gary grew it way beyond that, in physical size, in products, in machines, in equipment, in fishermen, in contacts around the world. … it just reached out and had tentacles around the globe.”

Keys Fisheries has handled more lobster in Florida than any other facility — a million, or even 2 million, pounds in a good year. This achievement was through Graves’ direction of the fish house as vice president, the position to which he rose from cutting bait. In addition, he added other businesses to the company to make it more profitable, including a restaurant and bar, an internet

Gary Graves is a pillar of the Marathon seafood industry.

CONTRIBUTED

The festival is great for Marathon because it shows people where seafood comes from, and it shows who does the cooking and serving.”

— Gary Graves

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2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

business and food production — such as conch fritters, six different soups, crab cakes, cocktail sauce and its award-winning Key lime pie.

Tim Daniels is a commercial fisherman who helped start Keys Fisheries and witnessed Graves’s growth from bait cutter to upper management.

“There were eight major fish houses in Marathon when Keys Fisheries came along,” recalled Daniels. “The word on the street from two or three of the biggest ones was that Keys Fisheries was gonna be a joke. The quote was ‘We’ll have Keys Fisheries for breakfast.’ And Keys Fisheries became one of the biggest producers and processors in the county. I guess they didn’t have us for lunch.” Daniels said that Graves had the natural gifts to run a successful business.

“I don’t think he ever met a stranger,” said Daniels.

“He had the natural assets to just go right on and on.

People liked him, and he was very respectful. A nice guy, easy-going and smart…Gary’s my friend and a wonderful person, and I can’t say enough good about him.”

Scott Dekle, the new vice president of Keys Fisheries, has big shoes to fill. But he takes it in stride.

The new guy: vice president Scott Dekle took over after Gary Graves retired.

Keys Fisheries market manager Shay Williams helps run the store of the retail business for the public.

“You don’t replace the person,” Dekle said. “You hire someone to do the job. I consider myself very honored and blessed to follow in his footsteps.”

Dekle has a packed resume himself. From Alabama, he has spent his entire working career around the food industry, including at Bon Secour Fisheries, which is also a multi-generational company that handles seafood (though they dealt with oysters and shrimp). He has goals such as figuring out how to deal with the housing crisis for his staff and adding automation to food production. The automation is not to cut jobs. Instead, it’s to raise profits and, therefore, wages.

Graves is modest when asked about his “legacy.” “Oh…

A nice guy, easy-going and smart…Gary’s my friend and a wonderful person, and I can’t say enough good about him.”

— Tim Daniels

A staff member next to a cart of Key lime pies, ready to be boxed.

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com

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The frozen stone crabs are picked up by trucks and delivered on the day of or the morning after they are caught. The primary customers are Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Keys Fisheries Seafood Restaurant.

In 2000, Graves added a restaurant to Keys Fisheries’ businesses.

Keys Fisheries vice president Scott Dekle and general manager Mike Priebel at the frozen storage for freshly caught seafood. The freezer is just steps away from where fishermen unload their catch.

Staff members make Key lime pie. In the future, vice president Scott Dekle plans to automate some processes of the pie making, to make the business more profitable and raise staff members’ salaries — not to replace jobs.

Staff members pack frozen lobster.

Giant pots are used for cooking Keys Fisheries’ popular seafood soups, including lobster bisque, conch chowder, lobster chowder and stone crab soup.

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2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!

that Keys Fisheries continues and does well and grows, I would be happy with that,” he said. “Without the coworkers and the fishermen, you didn’t have anything.

Contractors, electricians, plumbers … all the people in Marathon…truck drivers. It took a huge effort from a lot of people.”

He did confess that part of his success is due to the fact that he just loves diving into new projects, such as selling Key lime pies and lobster to the Chinese market, and even contributing to the Original Marathon Seafood Festival.

The fish house is responsible for delivering thousands of pounds of fresh seafood and ice over the two days of the event.

“The festival is great for Marathon because it shows people where seafood comes from, and it shows who does the cooking and serving,” he said. “We started in 1976. They expect a tremendous amount of people, I hope.”

Keys Fisheries has handled more lobster in Florida than any other facility — a million, or even 2 million, pounds in a good year.

Ourdocks are open!

LUNCH, HAPPY HOUR & DINNER

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Saturday & Sunday BRUNCH: including chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Champagne Regular menu available

For now, his plans are to play pickleball and relax with his wife of 44 years, Cathy, in Naples, Florida, and perhaps take a few roadtrips. He met his wife in Marathon, too. “Marathon was good to me,” he said. “It was a great place to grow up.”

K L COO WE’L CATCH, YOUR LOBSTER! & FISH BRING E PLEAS AND LEGAL ED CLEAN

Photos by Charlotte Twine/Keys Weekly

NIGHTLY SPECIALS MONDAY: Closed TUESDAY: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila Live Music: Joger Jokela WEDNESDAY: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) Live Music

Staff members put pies in boxes.

THURSDAY: Prime Rib Night Live Music: John Bartus FRIDAY: Abstract Radio SATURDAY: Mini Brunch, 11am-4pm BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Live Music: Roger Jokela SUNDAY: BRUNCH, 11am-3:00pm BOGO Mimosas & Champagne Closed at 3:00pm

www.sparkyslanding.com 305-363-2959 MM 53.5 | Overseas Highway | Marathon Waterfront location adjacent to Fairfield Inn 46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com

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By: Charlotte Twine

about stone crab People just love stone crab claws from the Florida Keys. Even when fetching prices as high as $59.95 per pound, diners will line up at local restaurants the first weekend of the harvest in October and happily take out their wallets to pay for a scrumptious meal centered around the delicacy.

Unfortunately, the harvest is low this year. According to Keys Fisheries general manager Mike Priebel, the fish house’s year-to-date harvest for the 2021 to 2022 season is at 117,507 pounds. This number is down from the previous season, which was 249,828 pounds total.

The reason could be two-fold: warmer water temperatures and less dirt at the bottom of Keys waters.

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“At the opening of the season, on October 15, we saw shed of exoskeleton,” Priebel said. “This is highly unusual.” He explained that when the water is warm, stone crabs shed their exoskeletons and stay buried in the dirt to keep warm and avoid predation by octopuses and groupers. As a result, they aren’t moving around enough to find the bait in fishermen’s traps. And if stone crabs with a shedded exoskeleton are caught, their claws aren’t full of meat at that stage of their life cycle. And less meat equals less pounds.

Bill Kelly, the executive director of the Florida Keys Commercial Fisherman’s Association, explained that the stone crab catch has been off since Hurricane Irma, which stripped the mud off the limestone rock prevalent throughout the area.

“We affectionately refer to stone crab as ‘ditch diggers,’ because they live in the mud,” he said. “What happened is we saw these animals move out of the area.

A typical year, (the total catch) would be 2.9 million pounds or 3.2. And last year, the number was 2.2 million.”

And when the catch is down, it affects local commercial fishermen and their families.

“If you take fish, lobsters and stone crab, the value with turnover is $900 million annually. Next to tourism, (commercial fishing) is the second largest economic engine in Monroe County and second largest employer, with 4,500 jobs,” Kelly said.

Priebel and Keys Fisheries vice president Scott Dekle have hope.

“I think the stone crab catch is cyclical,” said Dekle. “Data collection is done by the government to monitor the species and make sure the species is sustainable and not fished out.”

Priebel agreed that the harvest is cyclical. “I hope it comes back,” he said.

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46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com

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2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

305.743.5999 PIGEONKEY.NET

Marathon's Professional Commercial Fishermen

From our boats...to your table.

Harvesting local seafood for Marathon and the rest of the world for more than 50 years.

Proud sponsors and founders of the Original Marathon Seafood Festival.

Dedicated to the preservation of Marathon's commercial fishing heritage and the protection of its commercial fishermen and their families.

Paul Lebo, President Eddie Cordova JR, Vice President / Director Carlos Moreira, 2nd Vice President Rick Turner, Alternate Director Elizabeth Prieto, Secretary / Treasurer and the rest of the O.F.F. family

Over $200,000 donated to local scholarships.

Currently accepting applications for 2022. Available for children of commercial fishing families.

See the Marathon High School Guidance Office for more info.

14 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

BY THE NUMBERS:

Unlike other Florida festivals that bill themselves as a “seafood” event, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is the real deal. Forty-six years ago, the festival was organized by commercial fishermen.

The same holds true in 2022 as the fishermen offer the bounty of the sea, prepared using time-tested recipes.

MAHI MAHI Mahi fish fillets will be the fish of the day on the heaping plates of fried goodness.

Alive, the fish has a stunning iridescent coat of blue-green colors. Cooked, it’s a clean white meat with a mild taste and firm body.

KEY WEST PINKS Shrimp found in local waters can grow to enormous sizes — think small lobster.

At the seafood festival, they are served steamed, sprinkled with spices and ready to peel or fried. The shrimp are sweet, plump and tasty.

LOBSTER Fresh from Keys waters is the Florida spiny lobster, nothing like its Northern cousin from Maine. Our “bugs” don’t have claws nor do they grow as large and the meat is a bit saltier, sweeter and a bit chewier than the Maine variety.

STONE CRAB Stone crab meat is sweet and delicious and most commonly served with mustard dipping sauce. Did you know the fishery is completely renewable? Fishermen take only the claw before putting the crab back in the sea.

CONCH CEVICHE Ceviche is like a cold salsa made with raw fish. By the time it’s done marinating in the base of lime juice, however, the meat is considered “cured.” Ceviche also features a healthy dose of fresh cilantro and onion.

CONCH FRITTERS Conch is a shellfish, carefully harvested from gorgeous pink-lipped shells. The fish is cut into tiny pieces, or ground, then tenderized. It’s added to the fritter batter and dropped into boiling oil, served piping hot with a side dish of red cocktail sauce.

A note: conch served in the Keys is not harvested here, as the practice has been illegal for several decades.

NEW ADDITIONS In addition to the “staples” of the Marathon Seafood Festival, the food tents have seen new additions in recent years, and 2022 is no exception. After 300 pounds of fried shrimp sold out within hours at the 2020 festival, this item is back on the menu in force for 2022. Joining the tasty crustaceans are fried oysters, blue crab cakes and fish tacos, a brand new addition for 2022.

2,750 CONCH FRITTERS*

1,000 STONE CRAB CLAWS

30 GALLONS CONCH SALAD

30 GALLONS CONCH CHOWDER

300 SMOKED FISH DIP

2,000 LOBSTER TAILS

1,500 LBS MAHI MAHI

1,000 LBS SHRIMP

25 GALLONS OF SHUCKED OYSTERS

1000 BLUE CRAB CAKES

*Note: Numbers are approximate. Keys Weekly did the best we could with the information given to us, and any errors are ours.

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 15

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EVENT MAP

STAGE

LOST & FOUND

GA TE

SWEETS

GAMES & PLAY AREA ATM

DINING TENTS

Steff Castro(Kathira) CRAFT BEER

FROZEN WINE DRINKS

No pets Service Animals only

SEAFOOD

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Please:

BURGERS SODA & BEER FRIES HOTDOGS WATER

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK

FESTIVAL T-SHIRTS Programs by Keys Weekly ATM

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LOCAL TAXI AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY PARK

EVENT PARKING: Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots HOURS: 10 a.m to 9 p.m Saturday • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday ADMISSION: $5 • Children under 12 free with paying adult. Free on Sunday with Military ID 18

2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

VENDOR DIRECTORY SATURDAY-MARCH 12 & SUNDAY-MARCH 13 2022

BOOTH - VENDOR Koffee Kult Koffee Kult Sunsmart Decks & Docks The Greeen House Foutaz Jessica Ann Art Jessica Ann Art Welt & Rheaume, P.A. Migdalia Nautical Sand Sculptures Sunstoppers of Put-In-Bay Hip Klips Mini Purse Fishbone Design Charmed Coco Plum Real Estate-Gables on the Go Unique Pewter Nautical Sand Sculptures Keys Beez Anchoring 4 Life Bajio Sunglasses Bajio Sunglasses Nature Craft Store Nature Craft Store Nature Craft Store Rewine Glassworks Steve Diossey-Marine Artist Steve Diossey-Marine Artist Steve Diossey-Marine Artist Lily Co. Living Towers of the FL Keys Reel Fishy Apparel Conch Aux. Radio Emergency Services Keys Deck & Docks Keys Deck & Docks The Tubazaar The Tubazaar The Tubazaar The Tubazaar Florida Keys Real Estate Group Florida Keys Real Estate Group Reel Down Gear Reel Down Gear An Elegant Touch An Elegant Touch JLC Wood Working Designs Custom Coastal Furniture The Chris Bryk VIP Experience SoCo Swings Noel Skiba Paintings Coastal Docks Coastal Docks Vintage Ship Salvage Vintage Ship Salvage Florida Keys Polarized Glasses Florida Keys Polarized Glasses Southeast Marine Construction Southeast Marine Construction MANG MANG Coconut Critter Coconut Critter Turtle Hospital Ocean Sotheby's

BOOTH - VENDOR A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

OnBoard Bandit Jetsurf Watersports Silent Flight Studios Domestic Abuse Shelter Advanced Urgent Care Just B Woodworks Blue Marble Concepts Feng Shui Garden Travel Smart Vacations WalkedInToABar.com WalkedInToABar.com The Beachwear Lady I See Spain Deboer Propane Fl Keys SPCA City of Marathon Creative Claws Seacamp Association, Inc USCG Auxiliary Rhineland Cutlery Pirate Hat Apiary Key West Spice Eddie Forbes Artwork Eddie Forbes Artwork Florida Keys Brewing Co. Fl Keys Media/Leigha Fox Pete Airbrush Todd's Window Tinting Pete Airbrush Pigeon Key Foundation Peaceramics & Beach Girl Jewelry Peaceramics & Beach Girl Jewelry Isla Bella Beach Resort Spray Rock Building Systems Spray Rock Building Systems Harris Business Solutions, Inc Man O War Fishing Co. Ballapalooza Health Insurance Navigation Program at Epilepsy Florida

BOOTH - VENDOR 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

90 91 92 Marathon Community Theatre & Cinema 93 Go Green with Bamboo Pillows & Sheets 94 Simply Savory Gourmet Blends 95 Simply Savory Gourmet Blends 96 Keys AHEC 97 Last Resort Ministry 98 Stingray Steve 99 Stingray Steve 100 WEAR RAW 101 WEAR RAW 102 Spray Rock Building Systems 103 Spray Rock Building Systems 104 Hunter Skipper 105 Hunter Skipper 106 Florida Keys Mosquito Control 107 Florida Keys Contractors Assoc.

108 Florida Keys Contractors Assoc.

109 Fish Skinz 110 One Stop Hats 111 One Stop Hats 112 Sea Shur Jewelry 113 BNK Island Creations 114 FWC 115 Mount Sinai Medical Center 116

Nauti-Deck 117 Steve Whitlock Game Fish Art 118 DC's Etched Glass Decals 119 Designer Specialties 120 Designer Specialties 121 Dolphin Research Center 122 University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center123 Tiles by the Sea 124 Tiles by the Sea 125 Earlusion 126 Twisted Sea 127 Wild Bird Center 128 Crane Point Nature Museum 129 Rotary of Marathon 130 Rocket Cooling 131 Tropical Epoxy 132 Seafarer Realty 133 Big Pine Bicycle Center 134 Tees by Bo 135 Tees by Bo 136 Chapters Health Hospice 137 Key Largo Lena's Lionfish Jewelry 138 Presents in Paradise 139 Keys Talk 140 Reel Time Gear 141 Key Colony Beach Realty 142 Crushable Hats 143 Chesapeake Jewelers 144 Marlin Bay Resort & Marina 145 Dream Catchers in Glass 146 Keys Greens & Things 147 Rustic Fish 148 Rustic Fish 149 Saltwater Playground 150 Unique Arts 151 J Shipley Art 152 Davis Marine Systems 153 Red Rum International 154 Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club 155 Ocean Dreams Art 156 MCSD Headstart 157 Wrights Impact Window & Door 158 Foozy Socks 159 LandBoat Charters 160 161 Community Health of South Florida, Inc 162 Nica-Art 163 Richard J. Fisco 164 Eco Sparkle Cleaner 165 Kip Kennedy 166 Florida Keys Salt Scrub 167 Chris-Tel Construction 168 The Tackle Box 169 Laura Hackney Designs & Sandra Lee Fine Art 170 Starfish Designs 171 RayMart 172 RayMart 173 RayMart 174 Mobile Mountain

Kids Area

BOATS Unique Marine Seatow Marathon

Boatshow Boatshow

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 19

CARIBE

SATURDAY, MARCH 12 JADE STORM Saturday @ 11 a.m.

Led by singer/songwriters John Bartus and Adrienne Z, Jade Storm brings quite a variety of classic rock as well as John and Adrienne’s original songs from their CDs. Expect anything from quiet acoustic numbers to all-out rockers!

CARIBE Saturday @ 3 p.m.

Yes, we’ve got your salsa, merengue and hot movin’ music here! A must see, Rolando Rojas of Caribe is a local legend within the hispanic music industry! Baila!

I-LAND VIBE Saturday @ 1 p.m.

There are many bands in South Florida that claim to be reggae bands because of the popularity of the Jamaican music form, but the members of I-Land Vibe prefer to think of the group as a Caribbean band since reggae is not the only music form in the islands.

THE RED ELVISES Saturday @ 5 p.m.

In 1995, Igor Yuzov dreamed that Elvis Presley came to him and told him to start playing rock’n’roll. Igor and his Russian friends became the Red Elvises. Evolving over the years, their music has been labeled “Siberian Surf Rock,” which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that force their audiences to dance. Over the past 20 years, the Red Elvises have toured all over the world and produced 12 studio albums.

BRIAN RO

THE ROCK SHOW! Saturday @ 7 p.m. to close A performance by The Rock Show is akin to watching a modern rockumentary based on legendary music and bands from the late ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Including songs from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pat Benatar, Pink Floyd, Heart, Journey, The Rolling Stones and many more. And yes, they look as good as they sound.

BER T S

THE RED ELVISES

20 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

THE ROCK SHOW!

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 BRIAN ROBERTS Sunday @ 11 a.m.

Brian performs more than 300 gigs each year from Key West to Key Largo. He continues to write original songs, such as “Semi-Tropical Reasons,” “Barefoot Balladeer” and “All Of This Way.” His music embodies a unique island-rock genre and is a perfect blend of acoustic music and the island lifestyle.

THE LADY A BLUES BAND Sunday @ 1 p.m.

Lady A, with her strong, earthy blues vocal style and harmonica playing, has carved a place all over Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Now, the band has returned to the beloved Florida Keys ready for action.

THE SOUTHERN BLOOD BAND Sunday @ 3 p.m. to close The Southern Blood Band is a “Salute to American Southern Rock,” covering a wide range of music from artists such as The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, The Marshall Tucker Band, Blackfoot, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. Their performance is a throwback to the ‘70s and early ‘80s with signature Southern vocals and dueling guitar force.

THE LADY A BLUE

S BAND

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 21

Your Local Residential & Commercial Construction Specialist CGC1521156, CFC1427749, CPC1458961

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We can turn your home into a Tropical Oasis!

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SMELL THE MONEY WE CAN GET FOR YOUR PROPERTY

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22 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

SC

R AT C - N - S H

F NI

F

TERI HILLER

305.481.0361 terihiller@cbschmitt.com

Best Realtor

THE ORIGINAL MARATHON

SEAFOOD FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY:

Keys Fisheries

Kelly Electric • UPS Store • All Aspects Inspection Services • Homes & Land of the FL Keys • Marathon Lady • Dot Palm • Ernest E. Rhodes Plumbing, Inc. • Publix A n g e l a P a l m a / L o K a t i o n R E • K e y C o l o n y B e a c h R e a l t y • B i k e M a r a t h o n B i k e R e n t a l s • M a r a t h o n P o n t o o n R e n t a l s • M a r a t h o n Ve t e r i n a r y H o s p i t a l • Te w e s M o r t g a g e Jolly Roger RV Resort • Pirate Radio • Cruz-In the Keys Construction • Design Center • Keys Contracting Services • Aquarium Enc ounters • Discount Rock & Sand I n c . • E d w a r d J o n e s – F i n a n c i a l A d v i s o r : S a r a h C i z m a s • R a y ’s C o n s t r u c t i o n S e r v i c e • I s l a n d S k i p p e r F i s h i n g • C r a n e P o i n t • M o u n t S i n a i K e y s A n i m a l H o s p i t a l • I s l a n d P i l a t e s • P r e s e n t s i n P a r a d i s e • D ’ A s i g n S o u r c e • D o l p h i n C o n n e c t i o n • F a r o B l a n c o R e s o r t • F i s h e r m a n ’s H o s p i t a l K e y s F e d e r a l C r e d i t U n i o n • M a r l i n B a y R e s o r t & M a r i n a • K e y s C o m m u n i t y C o n s t r u c t i o n • Wo l f e / S t e v e n s P L L C • U n i v e r s i t y o f M i a m i S y l v e s t e r C a n c e r C e n t e r

Special consideration paid for by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

Visitors will find a plethora of vendors at the Marathon Seafood Festival, and most are as nautical-minded as their customers. Artists and craftsmen of all varieties show off the very best of their wares, bringing art and the ocean together as one. Here is just a small sample:

TWISTED SEA DESIGNS Booth: 127 | @twistedseadesigns on Facebook/Instagram At Twisted Sea Designs & Paper Wolf Art, Kaylee and Eric take pride in infusing a little bit of nature into every piece they craft.

With their Lichtenberg fractal wood art, they take that to the extreme. Pushing up to 20,000 volts of electricity through each piece, they craft truly unique one-of-a-kind pieces that look great on any wall.

24 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

TUMBLER TUBES Booth: 286 | tumblertubes.com Come and check out these sandbar necessities.

The Tumbler Tube was invented for all those whose hands get tired holding their beverages at the sandbar. With six colors and three sizes to accommodate a variety of insulated cups, the tubes also come with a leash and clip so drinks will never float away. Relax and enjoy a hands-free beverage in any body of water.

TROPICAL EPOXY Booth: 132 | @tropicalepoxy on Facebook and Instagram Whitney Simmons creates unique ocean-inspired resin art, functional gift items and wall decor using two part epoxy resin. She uses many media in her pieces, including real sand, mica powders, concentrated paint pigments, tints and glitter. Realistic ocean and beach scenes are her specialty, but she also incorporates occasional geode pours in her collections. Simmons’ plan is to use her talent to inspire coral reef and mangrove restoration. Upcoming classes will see a portion of the proceeds donated to local organizations aligned with this mission.

JUST B WOODWORKS Booth: 54 | justbwoodworks.com Just B Woodworks specializes in portable outdoor tables handcrafted from fine hardwoods, carved with a variety of nautical designs and filled with colorful resin that shimmers in the sun. Customization options are endless, including a “pet collection” that allow furry friends to be added to a piece. Each table comes with a waterproof solar phone charger placed on the back of the table in a wooden box, a waterproof bluetooth speaker, a sand stake, two cup holders, two bottle openers and four footman loops. Stands are adjustable for use at the swimming pool or sandbar, and the tables may be mounted on existing boat hardware.

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 25

PREMIUM QUALITY ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS UNDERBODY WASH SPOT-FREE RINSE TURTLE WAX OPTION ON ALL WASHES TURBO CHARGED VACUUMS WITH SPOT CLEANER OPTION TRUCKS ARE (No WELCOME Dually) 305-743-8121 (Remote Support)

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HAPPY SEAFOOD SEAFOON SEASON

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26 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

KEYS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT KEYRENTALSONLINE.COM

305-928-7354

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ENJOY EXPERT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

OFFER YOUR GUESTS A VIP EXPERIENCE

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JIM WILLEY 410.937.4071

MARK GABLE 770.561.6091

HANNAH FIELDS 561.704.7011

10875 O/S HWY # 110, MARATHON, FL 305.432.9754

WWW.MYMIDDLEKEYS.COM

LAURIE GABLE 770.314.2893 46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 27

6807 Overseas Highway, Marathon 305-743-9858, marathonlaw.com

Real Estate Closings • Title Insurance, Escrow Services and Title Searches • Property Transactions and Real Estate Closings • Purchase Sale Agreements • Real Estate Contracts, Reviews, Revisions, and Drafting

• Residential and Commercial Leases • Regulatory and Code Compliance • Land Use and Zoning • Corporate and Business Transactions

CHANGING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME! From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West 305.294.9914 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com 28 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

Valid until 3-31-2022

MARATHON SEAWALLS & DOCKS

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GAMES & RIDES

Adults come for the seafood and the music. Kids only have two things on their mind: games and rides. This year, the Marathon Seafood Festival will feature some old favorites and new fun. The ride fees range from $3 to $10, and the attractions are set up in the southwest corner of Marathon Community Park. Due to social distancing concerns, there will be no bounce houses this year

Visit us at Booth 137 to learn how we can support you and your loved one

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE ORIGINAL MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

32 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

STUNT JUMP Climb up to a platform 25 feet in the air and then hurl yourself to land on a huge inflatable "bag." It's good for adults, too (up to 250 lbs.). With 86.2% certainty, we can say this game will be the runaway hit of the kids' corner.

ROCK WALL Both kids and grown-ups gravitate to the rock wall. At more than 25 feet high, it's an extreme climbing experience. The safety features include a four-sided auto belay system that makes it safe. Look for a $50 prize waiting at the top of the wall.

QUAD JUMP/BUNGEE JUMP The Quad power jumps can only be called fun. Jumpers are set up in a state-of-the-art harness, connected to the patented bungee cords and raised up for a jumping good time. Cushioned by bounce pads, jumpers can get up to 32 feet high.

THE MELTDOWN Similar to the hit show “Wipeout,” participants will make their way across foam platforms as they doge, duck, dip, dive and dodge spinning obstacle arms.

SHUTTLE SLIDE This inflatable two-story slide, in the shape of a rocket, has been coming to the Marathon Seafood Festival for, oh, as long as we can remember. Kids enjoy the climb and then the thrill of barreling down to the bottom.

FACE PAINTING The classic artistic expression.

LOCAL AND VETERAN OWNED

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NEW HOURS NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11AM-9PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM-10PM

NEW HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY 3PM-5PM $7 FOOD MENU $1 OFF BEER, WINE & WELL DRINKS

305-517-6484 | MILE MARKER 59, GRASSY KEY (next to the Dolphin Research Center) www.sswreck.com for online ordering & special events 46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 33

SEAFOOD & SCHOLARSHIPS MILLY CRUZ

Born and raised in Marathon, Milly Cruz returned home after graduating from Florida State University a year early in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. “In high school I had originally wanted to become a lawyer,” she said. “I began college majoring in business but didn’t like my classes. I eventually switched my major and thrived once I started studying what I liked.”

Using her scholarship money to pay for books and supplies, Cruz says she was blessed to graduate from Florida State completely debtfree.

MARY RYDER

2021 MHS graduate Mary Ryder is a freshman at the University of Florida working towards a degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology.

She says her scholarship money has been a tremendous help as she sets her sights on the medical field. “The scholarship money has truly allowed me to have the college experience,” said Ryder. “The worst part about going to college is that it is the first time in your life that you are financially independent. However, with scholarships like this one, the stress is eased by the kind community we live in.”

After making her way back to Marathon, Cruz earned her real estate license while nine months pregnant and joined Seafarer Realty, LLC. “I never thought I would be a real estate agent until the pandemic made me move back to the Keys,” said Cruz. “Now I’m in a career that I love!

I feel like I am a natural for this.”

With the help of her scholarships, instead of worrying about excessive student loans or juggling a part-time job, Mary was able to join an Standing Room Only, an a cappella group, as well as the fitness group CHAARG. “The best part of college is being able to truly explore who you are as a person. There truly is a group out there for everyone,” she said.

Milly is extremely excited to attend this year’s festival, telling Keys Weekly she has fond memories of sampling wares from different vendors while snacking on conch fritters and smoothies with her mother. This year, her new agency will even have its own booth.

As a former national anthem singer for the Marathon Seafood Festival, Mary calls the weekend “the local family event of the year.”

“Friends and family gather for an unforgettable weekend,” she said. “The Seafood Festival will always have a special place in my heart.”

34 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

MARISOL CHAVALA

After graduating from MHS, Marisol Chavala chose to stay local, enrolling at the College of the Florida Keys to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing while still working part time as a cashier at Publix. “Since high school, I have always had my mind on forming my career around healthcare professions,” she said. “I am dedicated to making a difference in this community.”

Chavala’s Chamber scholarship has helped her start her college journey “worry-free” as she used the money to cover the costs of textbooks and other supplies. “It has made me happier that I don’t have to worry about the costs of books to succeed in my academic life,” she said.

Marisol has collected quite a few stories from her years attending the Seafood Festival.

“Around the age of eight or nine, I went through the big spaceship inflatable with other kids while I had a loose tooth,” she recalled. “I didn’t think anything of it until I got to the bottom. The impact from coming off the slide was enough to knock my tooth out. It flew up and landed right in my palm. Instead of panicking, I laughed so hard out of pure shock and amazement.”

Beyond the fun and food at the Marathon Seafood Festival, proceeds from the weekend are vital in funding scholarships for graduating Marathon students. Both the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida choose MHS seniors each year to award with grants for pursuit of higher education. Keys Weekly took some time to catch up with a few of these scholarship recipients to see where they are now:

ABBY GRACY

Abby Gracy is in the home stretch as she eyes a spring 2022 graduation from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Health Science degree.

She credits her Chamber scholarship for helping her cover housing expenses during her freshman year. “This allowed me to focus on academics and research without having to worry as much about finances,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the community’s support, which gave me the freedom to pursue my interests and find my place at UF.” Transitioning from Marathon High School to a massive university was admittedly challenging for Gracy, but she says it only made her appreciate the close relationships and sense of support she felt in her tight-knit island community. “That has been hard to replicate in college, but the best part has been the opportunity for growth and self-discovery,” she said.

After graduation, Abby plans to take a gap year working as a research assistant while applying to medical school. She hopes to attend the Marathon Seafood Festival, an event she has always looked forward to, for the first time since 2019.

RACHEL MATTHIS

JONATHAN PITCHFORD

The running superstar is in his third semester at the University of Florida. A computer science major, he has balanced his academics while training and competing for the Gators’ cross country and track teams.

Another 2021 MHS graduate, Rachel Matthis, is putting the finishing touches on her freshman year at the University of Central Florida as she pursues a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Film. She says her scholarships have helped her cover significant textbook expenses.

Pitchford says he used his scholarship money to cover housing expenses during his first semester, and his goals of using a computer science degree to land a job in the “broad technological field” remain unchanged.

“I am still working on the same goals I set at the end of high school: to get more involved on film sets and get my film degree,” said Matthis. “One day I hope to produce more of my own written scripts.”

While she enjoys the people and opportunities around her at UCF, Matthis says it’s tough being so far from home. Her memories from the Marathon Seafood Festival mostly revolve around the children’s fun zone, where she enjoyed attractions like the bungee jump, rock climbing wall and bubbles floating on water. “I remember once I missed and fell into the water,” she recalled. “It was a bit tragic, but very funny to my friends and family.”

He has taken the transition from small-town island life to UF’s massive community in stride.

“The best part is becoming immersed in a completely different environment where you can be whoever you want,” he said. “But the worst part is being away from my family and pets.”

Like the other scholarship recipients, Jonathan loved his time at the seafood festival…and nearly got into trouble a few times. “One funny memory I have was trying to get my sister to sneak smoothies to me while she was volunteering at the smoothie booth,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I was consistently turned down.”

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 35

An important message from

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Home.

Monroe County requires all contractors hold a State or Local Contractor's License, Workers Comp and Visit us at Booth General Liability Insurance #108 & #109

Ask your contractor

• Do you have a Monroe County License?

• Do you have general liability & workman's comp insurance?

• Are you familiar with Monroe County Building Regulations?

• Will you pull a permit if my work requires it?

• Have you done this type of work before?

• Are you self performing the entire project?

• Will you supply releases of liens for your subcontractors & suppliers?

Work that requires a licensed and insured contractor Aluminum • Landscaping • Masonry • Roofing • Shutters • Windows & Doors Electric • Seawalls & Docks and more...please call for more information.

Florida Keys Contractors Association

Florida Keys Contractors Association 305-743-9409 Admin@FKCA.org www.FKCA.org

You've got the Project...

We've got the Material, Quality, and Service Commercial • Residential • Marine

11401 1st Avenue, Gulf, Marathon 305-743-3688 www.marathonlumberandbuildingsupply.com

36 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

©2022 Sea Tow.

Being a Sea Tow® member supports your local Sea Tow franchise.

Membership dollars stay local, in your community, to keep your Sea Tow Captains & crew standing by ready to assist.

Are you a member?

MEET YOUR CAPTAINS IN THE BOAT SHOW AREA Sea Tow Marathon \ 305-289-2055

FROM OUR BOATS TO YOUR PLATE! KEYS FISHERIES RESTAURANT MARKET & MARINA

Don’t forget about our Fuel Dock, next to Restaurant.

Great Pricing!

90 Octane Ethanol free Open 7am to Noon Every Day but Sunday.

JOIN US AT OUR UPSTAIRS RAW BAR

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy our daily specials like Taco Loco Wednesday, Homemade Soup or Chowder, Stone Crab, Stone Crab Roll, Stone Crab Mac & Cheese, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fresh Stone Crab, Fish, Lobster, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

WILD CAUGHT KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP - ALL SIZES!

BEST SEAFOOD & BEST SUNSET!

OYSTERS | CLAMS | STONE CRAB CLAWS FULL BAR AND THE BEST SUNSETS

STONE CRAB CLAWS STILL ONLY $4!

THE FRESHEST IN TOWN!

CASUAL DINING • RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED • PETS WELCOMED! • OPEN 11 A.M. - 9 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK 35TH STREET, ON THE BAY (BEHIND THE STUFFED PIG) • MARATHON • 305-743-4353

46th Annual | marathonseafoodfestival.com 37

ATTRACTIONS CRANE POINT HAMMOCK & NATURE CENTER The museum features several exhibits, a nature path to the gulfside shore, gift shop and a restored Conch home available for tour. It is also home to the Marathon Wild Bird Center. MM 50.5, gulfside / cranepoint.net / 305.743.9100 DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER. This facility offers visitors a variety of ways to enjoy dolphins. There are several exhibitions daily, plus packages to interact with the dolphins more closely. The center has about 25 dolphins, three sea lions and a splash park for kids. MM 59, gulfside / dolphins.org / 305.289.1121 FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS Guests submerge in huge, saltwater tanks with a variety of reef fish and creatures, plus feed larger fish (like sharks!) through a small opening.

Sting ray and nurse shark encounters are offered, plus a lagoon swim. MM 53, gulfside / floridakeysaquariumencounters.com / 305.407.3262 HISTORIC PIGEON KEY. Once used as a camp for workers constructing the 7 Mile Bridge, the tiny island in the center of the span is now a marine science camp, research facility and historical monument. Visitors can take a ferry from Faro Blanco Resort. MM 47, oceanside / pigeonkey.net / 305.743.5999 TURTLE HOSPITAL. This Middle Keys facility does many things — it rescues injured sea turtles, rehabilitates them and returns them to the wild when possible; and educates visitors about the animal and its plight. Visitors can tour the turtle pens and the hospital to learn about sea turtles indigenous to the Florida Keys. MM 48.5, oceanside / turtlehospital.org / 305.743.2552

38 2022 Original Marathon Seafood Festival

THE LAGOON ON GRASSY KEY. Reimagined in 2020, The Lagoon on Grassy Key has rapidly expanded its offerings for environmentallyconscious recreation and dining. The complex features a wakeboard park, full service board sports pro shop, mangrove trails, multiple gardens, and Bongos Cafe and Botanical Beer Garden. MM 59, oceanside / ridethelagoon.com / 305.414.8245 PARKS OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE. Reopened in January after a six-year closure, the newly renovated Old Seven Mile Bridge is a Marathon icon, perfect for walking, running and biking. Offering arguably the best sunset views in Marathon, the bridge is also the connection between the city and Historic Pigeon Key. It’s located on the south end of Marathon’s gulf side.

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK. This city-owned park features a playground, ball fields, a skate park, basketball and tennis courts. It also has an amphitheater and is the site of town festivals, such as the The Original Marathon Seafood Festival. It’s located at U.S.1 and 36th Street.

OCEANFRONT PARK. Marathon’s newest passive park features a kayak launch and oceanfront boardwalk with information panels about our native habitat and marine life. It’s a perfect spot for fishing or simply enjoying an ocean breeze, plus there’s a fenced dog park, too. It’s located behind City Hall between 98th and 99th Street Ocean.

ROTARY CHILDREN’S PARK. Kids love the Thomas the Train climbing apparatus plus all of the other multi-level climbing, swinging and sliding equipment for children of various ages and abilities. It features a shade pavilion and a restroom. It’s located on U.S. 1 between 75th and 76th streets.

BEACHES SOMBRERO BEACH. This city-owned beach is the jewel of the Middle Keys. It features a long, white beach, clear blue waters, restrooms, a playground, picnic pavilions, fishing pier and volleyball courts.

Sombrero Beach Road (near MM 50).

CURRY HAMMOCK STATE PARK. This state park is more popular among kayakers and paddleboarders than sunbathers. It’s within paddling distance of several beautiful mangrove islands and a pristine white sandbar. The park features a playground, restrooms and picnic pavilions. And, it’s been discovered by kiteboarders. Crawl Key, just north of Marathon, (near MM 56).

COCO PLUM. This oceanside beach is left almost entirely in its natural state and facilities are minimal.

It’s popular among dog owners and shell collectors.

It has fewer visitors than other area beaches and is often deserted. Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, (near MM 54).

DATES • March 12-13: Original Marathon Seafood Festival at Marathon Community Park.

• March 17: Key Colony Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 5 p.m. from Sunset Park to First Street and East Ocean Drive.

• March 24: “The Outsider” opens at Marathon Community Theatre; runs through April 16.

• April 2: Seven Mile Bridge Run.

Marathon Garbage Service, Inc. 305-743-5165

Recycle Right in the Florida Keys Recycle the following items Plastic Bottles & Containers #s 1 - 7 Plastic lids and caps are OK!

Paperboard Boxes Office Paper Newspapers Magazines Catalogues Phone Books Aluminum & Metal Cans Clean foil and foil containers Paperback book Junk Mail Cereal Boxes Corrugated Cardboard Paper Milk, Juice and Soup Cartons Glass Bottles & Jars

(green, brown & clear only – no lids)

Location

Pick-Up Day

Knights Key

Tuesday

11th - 30th Ocean Side 12th- 52nd Gulf Side

Thursday

48th St Ocean - 74th St Ocean Side Wednesday 60th, 61st, & 70th Gulf Side 75th - 117th Ocean & Gulfside Behind Airport & Aviation Including Stirrup Key

Friday

Sombrero Beach Road

Wednesday

Sombrero Blvd & Flamingo Island

Thursday

Vaca Cut- Coco Plum

Saturday

Grassy Key, Duck Key, & Conch Key

Saturday

Key Colony Beach

Tuesday

Long Key - Layton

Thursday

(emptied and rinsed)

Let’s Keep the Keys Clean!

orters Proud supp inal of the Orig Marathon l stiva Seafood Fe

These items will not be accepted

Paper Plates • Plastic Bags • Aerosol Cans Window Glass • Toys • Tires • Hoses • Dishes Styrofoam • Ceramics • Oil Containers