CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BUYERS

ON THIS PRIVATE AIRPORT HOME IN SUMMERLAND KEY. THEY CAN FLY IN AND BOAT OUT FROM THEIR EXPANSIVE AND PRIVATE CANALFRONT PROPERTY IN PARADISE.

LET ME HELP YOU REACH YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS!

CRYSTAL GUTIERREZ, P.A.

Realtor, AHWD, O cer of the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors 786.602.6110 / crystal@luxurykeysrealestate.com luxurykeysrealestate.com

BUYING OR SELLING, THIS IS THE FASTEST WAY TO REACH ME

Spotlighting the amazing individuals who live and work in the Middle Keys

No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.

This week’s neighbor is a familiar face for Marathon’s aviation fanatics, as he works on the propeller plane side of Million Air at the city’s airport. A native of Islamorada and graduate of Coral Shores High School, Landon Pierog worked in the service industry throughout the Upper Keys and spent time in Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning to the states. Dubbed the “Sheldon Cooper of aircraft” by his coworkers, Pierog purchased his own plane and took a job with Million Air almost three years ago.

Landon Pierog

Line service technician, Million Air

What’s one thing that’s on a menu, but you will never try?

Nothing. If I look at a menu and there’s an item I can’t pronounce or don’t know what it is, that’s what I’m going to order.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? Until I got this job at the airport, 95% of the people I knew didn’t know I’ve had my pilot’s license for over 12 years. I started flying when I was 15 and got my solo license at 16.

If there was one chore you could have taken away from you forever, what would it be? Dishes.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My father always told me “never stop learning,” but tying into that was, “If you’re gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.”

What’s the weirdest app on my phone? Probably the fact that I DON’T have Instagram.

My significant other would say I am … Weird. (Editor’s note: We learned that his girlfriend Jessica works for Million Air as well, in the jet center.)

If you could be any character from a TV show or movie, who would it be? Beast Boy from “Teen Titans,” an old cartoon from my childhood.

If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Theodore Roosevelt.

What is one small thing you never want to live without? A pet.

Two truths and a lie. I never get seasick, I’ve been to more countries than U.S. states and my favorite animal is the fox.

AlicePalay, SocialMediaManager, Miami,FL.

WhenIwas8yearsoldIbrokeoneof myfrontteethinanaccidentandhad arootcanalandabondedrestoration. Overtheyearsseveraldentiststriedto getittomatch...nonecould.Afewyears agoIdiscoveredDr.Troxel.Hegave measpectacularsmileIam reallyproudof.Newsofhis skillsshouldbealloverSocial MediaandI'mjusttheperson tomakethathappen.

200 Years of Paradise.

R e p r e s e n t a t i v e J i m M o o n e y & S e n a t o r A n a

M a r i a R o d r i g u e z w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k o u r s p o n s o r s a n d e v e r y o n e w h o h e l p e d m a k e t h i s y e a r ’ s F l o r i d a K e y s D a y a s u c c e s s !

Marathon Youth Club celebrates the opening of Little League

The Marathon Youth Club’s Little League baseball season got underway on March 6 with a celebration at Marathon Community Park. Nearly 200 players, numerous sponsors and countless volunteers gathered for food, music and fun. The 2023 Little League sponsors are Marathon Garbage Service, Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management, Keys Computer Specialist, Reefside Construction, Mid Keys Boosters, Keys All Area Roofing and Construction, Shady Palm Art Gallery, D’Asign Source, Keys Weekly, Sweet Savannah’s, Driftwood Pizza, Wolfe/Stevens Law Firm, American Coastal Vacation Rentals, Marathon Seawalls & Docks, BG Property Solutions, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative

— Jason Koler

1. Opening ceremonies emcee Jason Koler grabs a selfie with Sutton Sayer, who performed the national anthem. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

2. Players, sponsors and volunteers gather at Marathon Community Park for the opening of the Little League baseball season. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

3. The Mid Keys Booster Club works the grill for the hundreds of parents, coaches and players who attended the opening ceremonies. Pictured, from left: Chris Still, Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez, Ed Simms, Councilwoman Robin Still, Ginger Sayer and Jackie Gonzalez.

4. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is just one of many local businesses to sponsor a team. Pictured, from left: Coaches James Simcic, Pete Chapman and Bobby Grostefon with Judah Grostefon, William Chapman and Timmy Worden.

5. Representing the team sponsors, from left: Judah Grostefon, Wyatt Irwin, Artie Hrytzay, Aiden Silva, Joseph Koler, Tristan Norris, Leighonna Shough, Charley Ferreiro and Leeanne Howard.

6. DJ Trae keeps the crowd entertained by spinning hits.

7. The Marathon Youth Club board of directors is made of volunteers who organize youth athletics and include, from left: Kerri Worthington, Holli Harrington, Alicia Hrytzay, Cate Worden and Veronica Mir. Volunteers are needed for the concession stand. Anyone interested in helping can email marathonyouthclub305@gmail.com.