SOME JAZZY TUNES

MHS band performs spring concert

The Marathon High School band’s “Jazz in Marathon” concert brought the school’s finest musicians to the stage on April 27 for the band program’s final performance of the year. Led by band director Chuck Brooker, ensembles and soloists from all grade levels filled the MHS Performing Arts center, culminating in a combined full-band finale.

Briefly

‘Hurricane Hunter’ open for tours during awareness event

The 2023 NOAA Hurricane Awareness Tour will come to Marathon with a stop at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport on Friday, May 5. Media and the public can meet NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members, and tour the U.S. Air Force Reserve WC130J “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft that help forecasters keep citizens safe.

Public tours of the aircraft will be conducted from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

MCSO deputy arrested for DUI

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Jonathon Michael Lane, 27, was arrested for DUI after he was found asleep while off-duty behind the wheel of a private vehicle parked at a Ramrod Key gas station at approximately 2 a.m. on April 29, according to MCSO.

“We will investigate this fully and take appropriate action,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I was disappointed to hear of this incident, but I am committed to keeping this community informed of significant events that occur in this agency — good or bad.”

Lane was placed on administrative leave without pay pending an internal affairs investigation.

Habitat for Humanity to hold applicant info sessions

Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys will hold an informational meeting for residents of the Middle Keys interested in applying for their homeownership program. The meeting is on Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Marathon fire station, 8900 Overseas Hwy. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend prior to applying for Habitat’s homeownership program. Spanish translators will be available. Contact 305-743-9828 or fsm@habitatmiddlekeys.org with questions.

America’s Boating Club to offer NASBLA course

America's Boating Club is offering a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating course necessary to obtain the required Florida State Boater ID Card. The course qualifies participants for rate reductions from many insurance companies.

America’s Boating Course teaches the basic skills of boat handling and seamanship, boating regulations, safety skills, aids to navigation, charting, weather, radio operation and the Florida boating regulations. Students will also learn to use flares, tie some knots, and learn facts about local waters.

This 1-1/2 day course will be offered on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $70, or $85 for two students sharing materials. Class will be held at the America’s Boating Club building at 5205 College Road, Stock Island. Saturday will include a free lunch followed by a guest speaker from Florida Fish and Wildlife. To reserve a place in this class, please call Vince Melendy at 305-296-1126.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

MHS band seeks instrument repair sponsors

The Marathon High School band currently has many older wind instruments that are in need of repair to work properly for students. There are 65 instruments that are in need of repair. Most repairs are more than $100 each. The band is asking for sponsors to “adopt an instrument” for repair. Each sponsorship is for $75 and will include a brass engraved name plate on the instrument case with the sponsor's name, foundation name or business name in a prominent location. Each instrument repair sponsor will also be listed in the band concert programs for the remainder of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. Community support will help keep participation in band and music classes free for every student. Sponsors may write checks payable to “Marathon Band” with “instrument repair sponsorship” in the memo line. They can be mailed to the high school, dropped off, or picked up if requested. Contact morris. brooker@keysschools.com for more information.