Marathon Weekly 23-1214

1¢

Below 70 is the Keys’ version of snow.

ENDING THE GOLDEN ROAD Couple completes 3,000-mile walk | P.6 ROGOS & RENTALS City Council closes 2023 | P.4

GLOWING REFLECTIONS A weekend of boat parades in Marathon | P.18

Scan this on your phone to connect directly with Two trusted names.

One easy solution.

Enjoy the sounds of the season!

Dr. Michelle is here to help!

hear4uaudiology.com

MIAMI 17670 NW 78th Avenue #201 KEY WEST 1010 Kennedy Drive, Suite 305 In the Kennedy Center TAVERNIER 93911 Overseas Hwy., Ste. 5 (2nd Floor) Tavernier, FL 33070

MARATHON 11400 Overseas Highway - Suite 209 Town Square Mall HOMESTEAD Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

CALL TODAY TO START YOUR JOURNEY! heardrmichelle.com

(305) 247-8227

2

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

WE’VE SOLD MORE PROPERTIES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS THAN THE NEXT FOUR COMPANIES COMBINED CALL US TO FIND OUT HOW • 305.743.5181 JUST SOLD! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLER!

JUST LISTED! 15 SOMBRERO BLVD., #108 W, MARATHON

501 E OCEAN DRIVE, #12, KEY COLONY BEACH

ASKING PRICE $359,000 | 1 BEDROOMS & 1 BATH

RICK SERVAIS 305.731.5010

MONICA BARRETT ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

305.433.0349

JUST LISTED! 34 72ND STREET OCEAN, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $250,000 | 1,500 SF LOT

RICK SERVAIS 305.731.5010

MONICA BARRETT ServaisBarrettRealEstateTeam.com

305.433.0349

JUST LISTED! 10877 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, #44, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $1,699,000 | 1 BEDROOM & 2 BATH

LOUIS PAEZ, REALTOR

305.296.7443 | paezluis@hotmail.com

COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

RICK & SHERYL ANN PHILLIPS

Realtor®/Broker Associate 305.942.6771 | hookedonthekeys@aol.com

JUST LISTED! 10694 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $1,895,000 | COMMERCIAL

BRIAN SCHMITT, BROKER 305.289.6482 | brian@cbschmitt.com

JUST LISTED! 7990 PORPOISE DRIVE, MARATHON

ASKING PRICE $634,900 | 2 BEDROOMS & 1 BATH

SAM WILLIAMS, P.A.

call or text 305.942.6069 | www.midkeyshomes.com | #sellitwithsam

Helping Keys Residents since 2002. The Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation was created in April 2002, and is dedicated to helping Keys’ residents whose critical needs are not being met through other means. The funds are donated to the Foundation through the generous hearts of the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate agents, staff, associates, business partners, and the public. www.gooddeedsinthekeys.org

3

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

WELCOME TO DUCK KEY! FLORIDA KEYS MOST BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOODS FIVE UNIQUE ISLANDS WITH OVER 600 HOMES FIVE STAR RESORT ON THE ISLAND CLUB DUCK KEY COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE WITH WELLNESS AMENITIES (OPTIONAL MEMBERSHIP) TWO DEEPWATER MARINAS CRYSTAL CLEAR FLOW THRU CANALS GOLF CART FRIENDLY

NEW ON MARKET! OCEANFRONT! DEEPWATER

NEW ON MARKET OCEANFRONT | PRIVACY GALORE

NEW ON MARKET OCEANFRONT | COASTLINE VIEWS

306 ALAMANDA STREET 4 Bedroom 3 Bath | Pool Triple Lot | 3 Car Garage | $6.4M

260 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE 4 Bedroom 3 Bath | Pool Boat Lift | Guest House | $4.4M

242 W SEAVIEW CIRCLE 4 Bedroom 3 Bath | Pool Remodeled | $3.4M

EXCELLENT VALUE! DEEPWATER CANAL HOME

HUGE HOUSE! DEEPWATER CANAL HOME

NEW ON MARKET! DEEPWATER REMODELED HOME

256 W SEAVIEW DRIVE 2 Bedroom 3 Bath | Pool Remodeled $1.799M

362 E SEAVIEW DRIVE 4 Bedroom 4 Bath | Pool Boat Lift | Financing | $2.950M

228 W SEAVIEW DRIVE 2 Bedroom 2 Bath | Tall Ceilings Bonus Space | $2.1M

KRISTEN BRENNER Principal Broker MARGIE CASEY Broker Associate CALL OR TEXT 305.783.3395

DUCK KEY REAL ESTATE CO FLORIDA KEYS REAL ESTATE GROUP VACATION RENTALS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 11287 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY | MARATHON FLAKEYSREALESTATEGROUP.COM

4

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Diana Striker

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline Tuesday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

@KeysWeekly @theWeekly

Members of

6.6M

AAA projects a record-setting 6.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming year-end holiday travel period, from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. “Despite various inflationary pressures, Americans are still willing to budget for travel,” said AAA’s Debbie Haas.

The Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade on Dec. 8 kicked off a weekend of three aquatic processions. See page 18. RAEGAN ADDY/Mile 0 Media

SHORT AGENDA, BIG ISSUES Marathon City Council weighs wastewater settlement, building allocations and vacation rental consolidation ALEX RICKERT

T

alex@keysweekly.com

he Marathon City Council closed 2023 with one of its shortest agendas of the year on Dec. 12, but not without consequential decisions for the island.

Settling on a deep well Tuesday evening opened with unanimous approval of a settlement agreement with Friends of the Lower Keys LLC (FOLKs), bringing the litigation filed against Marathon in January 2022 one step closer to resolution.

As part of the agreement, Marathon will install a single deep injection well for wastewater disposal at either its current wastewater treatment plant on Coco Plum’s Avenue I – already the site of a shallow well – or at a new site on Crawl Key by the end of 2028.

The decision comes after completion of a feasibility study of changes to Marathon’s wastewater program, which the city agreed to in return for a stay of litigation in the FOLKs case in February. As part of the study, the city considered deep well installation, potable water re-use, traditional re-use or a combination of the three.

Speaking to the Weekly after the meeting, City Manager George Garrett said the city will likely discontinue the use of its shallow injection well at the Area 3 plant next to Marathon Community Park and will eventually use an existing pipeline to deliver re-use water from its Area 4 treatment plant next to the Winn-Dixie plaza to the Florida Keys Country Club, Marathon High School and Sombrero Beach.

While FOLKs’ lawsuit alleges violations of the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act from all shallow injection wells used to dispose of Marathon’s effluent, the Community

Park plant has come under the most intense scrutiny from environmental activists. In a recently-released review

by Penn State University professors Lee Kump and Miquela Ingalls, EPA injection wells were used to conduct dye tracing experiments and track the migration of, and impact from, wastewater effluent into nearshore waters.

Though Marathon officials showed strong early opposition to FOLKs’ suit, Garrett said a 2020 Supreme Court case – in which pollutants from injection wells in Maui, Hawaii were shown to reach nearshore waters, thereby requiring a permit under the Clean Water Act as they were “the functional equivalent of direct discharge” – tipped the scales in favor of settlement.

“Our wastewater plants are absolutely conforming (with the law) … (but) when it got down to it with our attorney, it was his opinion that we had less than a 50% chance of winning this based on the law that was articulated in the Maui case,” Garrett said.

“We decided, like it or not, this was the better alternative.

“I supported doing the monitoring that Lee Kump has done, and supported it being done at our Area 3 plant. The results became the results, regardless. Lee Kump is a very credible scientist.”

Garrett said that projected initial construction costs for the new injection well are estimated at $40 million, but it is still unclear whether the project would be eligible for grant funding.

“You’re required to meet a certain standard, but you don’t have to exceed that standard at (the state’s or the federal government’s) cost,” he said.

“Ultimately, the state is going to say, ‘We’re protecting taxpayer dollars. You want a Taj Mahal instead of being able to just process sewage.’”

City to request building allocations in evacuation model change With the Keys at a major turning point as the state considers modifications to hurricane evacuation models that could result in up to 7,950 additional building allocations throughout the island chain, Marathon is set to petition the state for additional units.

This consideration, as explained by City Attorney Steve Williams, prioritizes protection for Marathon against liability in takings cases if owners of roughly 1,000 otherwise buildable lots sue the city, county and/or state when they are unable to obtain building rights.

“As your attorney, I don’t have an opinion on what they do with the entirety of Monroe County,” said Williams. “As to the city of Marathon … I think you, on record, need to ask for the units to protect ourselves. Takings cases are not imaginary … they are expensive, and in my experience going forward, you will lose every single one of them, because the rules are so written in favor of the property owners.

“I’m not advocating a particular number (of allocations) that you take … (but) get as much from (the state) as you can, so when the day ever comes that you don’t have a permit to give out, you can go on the record and say, ‘Dear state of Florida, please defend this, because we asked for all the units we could and you said no to us.’”

The council instructed Garrett and Williams to attend the Dec. 13 meeting of the Monroe County BOCC, which was set to include discussion of favorable evacuation models and a request for an unspecified number of additional units from the state, in order to voice the city’s concerns with takings cases and its desired direction moving forward.

Second vacation rental consolidation denied Mirroring a similar decision from its September meeting, in which the council unanimously denied a conditional use permit to consolidate an Anglers Drive triplex into a single 11-bedroom vacation rental, it again denied consolidation of a duplex at continued on page 24

5

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

BAIT AND TACKLE

CHRISTMAS

END OF THE YEAR SALE

% 5 1 R B L L A

OFF

20% OFF TIGRESS GEAR

20% OFF

TWO CONCHS BAIT & TACKLE

K C O T S N I S D N A

E D I W E R O T S

TWO CONCHS GEAR

DECEMBER 16-17 th

GILLZ & REEL LIFE GEAR

11499 O/S HWY, MARATHON, FL

305.289.0199

WWW.TWOCONCHS.COM BUBBA BLADE

20% OFF

20% OFF

5 CASE CHUM CARD

10 CASE CHUM CARD

$45/CASE

$40/CASE

MIRACLE!

ANY PURCHASES OVER $200 WILL ENTER YOU IN A CHANCE TO WIN A 1/2 DAY REEF/WRECK FISHING ABOARD THE TWO CONCHS 24’ YELLOWFIN FOR UP TO 4 PEOPLE IN YOUR PARTY! $675 VALUE.

6

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

AT THE END OF THE GOLDEN ROAD

Matt and Grace Grooms complete 3,000-mile walk from Maine to Key West ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

You’ve already walked across America once. Why do it again?

M&G: When we did the first walk, it was for the nonprofit Time in a Bottle. Then our social media took off, so we decided, okay, we want to keep going on adventures, but also help out different small nonprofits.

We weren’t planning on doing a second walk, but we found out about the East Coast Greenway, and that was already mapped out.

How many miles per day are you averaging?

M&G: 15 to 20. Our longest day was 33 miles into New York City, and we typically take an off day every 100 miles to catch up on work and let the dogs rest.

Together with their dogs Nemo and Foxy, Matt and Grace Grooms completed their trek through the East Coast Greenway – a journey of more than 3,000 miles from Maine to Key West – as they touched the Southernmost Point Buoy on Dec. 11, after more than seven months of walking. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

S

even and a half months ago, Matt and Grace Grooms touched their feet to the ground in Calais, Maine. On Monday, those same feet reached Key West’s Southernmost Point Buoy, completing a journey of more than 3,000 miles down the East Coast Greenway. No cars. No bikes. Just walking.

For the couple and their two four-legged companions, Nemo and Foxy, however, the journey that began April 20 wasn’t even the first time they’d walked across the country. While COVID-19 ravaged the U.S. in 2020, Matt and Grace were treading a west-to-east path from Huntington Beach, California to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Apart from an epic achievement that stands on its own, their second “Walk Across America” is all about raising funds for Elevate Youth, a Boston nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved kids to explore the outdoors with mentors. With a goal of raising $100,000, the Grooms’ efforts were rewarded in full as they reached their mark on Dec. 9, just two days before making their final trek. By Dec. 12, their total sat just north of $105,000, with donations still rolling in.

The Keys Weekly was fortunate enough to catch up with Matt and Grace for lunch – and a few steps – as they stopped at Marathon’s Irie Island Eats on Dec. 7. We can assure our readers – with this pair, what you see on social media is truly what you get, as we were inspired by their energy and warmth on the final leg of a journey that would leave most utterly exhausted. Here’s what we learned: Why Elevate Youth?

M&G: We liked them because it’s not just like picking the kids up one time for a summer camp. A lot of the kids have been there two or three years, and you can really tell. We wanted to help a nonprofit that helps kids get outdoors, because the outdoors is so important to us.

We’re told the story of how you met is pretty cool. Tell us about it!

Matt: We met at our best friends’ wedding. I was the best man, and Grace was the maid of honor, but we were both dating other people.

I knew right away that the girl I was with wasn’t meant for me, but she was coming to the wedding anyway. I thought Grace was pretty cool, but I wasn’t overstepping boundaries. I broke up with my girlfriend the day after the wedding, and I was praying to God, “Hey, give me a sign Grace is thinking about me.” The next day, she was like “I hope you made it home safe.” I said, “Hey. I wrote you some letters and some poems, and I really need to come convince you that we’re meant to be together.” She broke up with her boyfriend and I flew to Iowa. We met in August 2019, and she moved to California with me in October.

Where did the idea for the first “Walk Across America” come from?

Matt: I read the book “To Shake the Sleeping Self” by Jedidiah Jenkins. He talked about his parents, who had walked across America and National Geographic documented it. Before I was going to work one day at 7 in the morning, I was like, “Hey, would you want to walk across America?”

Grace said, “Well, I’m gonna have to think about that.” I got home, and she had a whole notepad filled out with videos and things she’d watched. We said “All right, let’s sell our stuff, and when our lease is up, let’s do it.”

There’s a big difference between being inspired, and actually going out and doing something like this walk. What is it about you two that pushed you to this?

M&G: We’re both kind of free-spirited, and if we decide we want to do something, we’re just doing it. We’re both like that individually, which made it easier.

Let’s talk about life on the road. How do you decide where to sleep?

M&G: On our first walk, it was a lot more stealth camping, because it was much more rural. This time we’ve really relied on social media. Before the walk, we did a post saying “Would you let two strangers sleep in your backyard?” We got about 400 addresses down the east coast. continued on page 24

7

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

When Only the Best will Do

PLAZA GRILL STEAK & SEAFOOD

ENTRÉES START AT

$24 Tue -Sun 5:00pm - 9:30pm Closed Monday

Now Accepting Reservations for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Congratulations to our Sellers!

SOLD! | 11890 1st Avenue Gulf, #9

5101 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Congratulations to my Sellers!

David Grego

David Grego

BROKER/OWNER, GRI, REALTOR

BROKER/OWNER, GRI, REALTOR

Direct: 305.481.1296

Direct: 305.481.1296

David@islandbreezerealty.com

David@islandbreezerealty.com

SOLD! | 389 N. Anglers Dr. #205

SOLD! | 532 Sombrero Beach Rd.

Congratulations to my Sellers!

SOLD! | 471 8th St., Key Colony Beach

Nate Bartlett REALTOR®

Direct: 305.800.6283 Nate@islandbreezerealty.com

David Grego

For Reservations call 305.743.7874

Saara Staten

BROKER/OWNER, GRI, REALTOR

REALTOR®

Direct: 305.481.1296

Direct: 786-623-7392

David@islandbreezerealty.com

Saara@Islandbreezerealty.com

12220 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050

305.743.8328 | www.IslandBreezeRealty.com

Congratulations to my Sellers!

8

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

SONGS OF THE SEASON 1

2

10

ALEX RICKERT

3

4

7

5

8

Marathon bands present annual winter concert alex@keysweekly.com

T 11

he Marathon Middle and High School bands closed 2023 on a … wait for it … high note.

Under the baton of director Chuck Brooker, five different student ensembles entertained crowds at the school’s performing arts center on Dec. 7 with 18 musical pieces – from classic holiday tunes to Keys-inspired jingles, Caribbean pieces and even Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” The final two student groups showcased MMHS’ steel drum bands, a new offering through the school’s band program that has quickly gained steam since its introduction earlier this year. Following student performances, the musicians changed places with “Marathon Steel,” a brand-new all-ages community steel drum ensemble, for four closing pieces, including the original “Island Vibe” by Brooker himself.

“All music students have worked so diligently to present their best musical performance,” Brooker said. “Our new Marathon Steel Drum program is our newest shining star for what our amazing students can accomplish.

A special thank you to Jen Hagen for spearheading the fundraising dinner and all associated prep. And thank you to band parent president Laura Solsburg and all of our band parents for contributing their expertise to the success of the event.”

1, 2, 8, 9, 11: Students in the school’s Beginning Band, Advanced Band and Wind Ensemble open the concert with 13 holiday tunes.

6

3, 4, 5, 7: Marathon’s middle school and high school steel drum players debut five pieces, capping a semester of progress for the school’s wildly popular new program.

6: Band director Chuck Brooker, right, demonstrates the use of a steel drum.

9

10: ‘Marathon Steel,’ the island’s new community steel drum band, closes Thursday’s proceedings with four pieces, including an original by director Chuck Brooker.

Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ Keys Weekly. See more concert photos at keysweekly.com.

9

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

NEW LISTINGS!

20942 6TH AVENUE WEST CUDJOE KEY | $2,299,000

58734 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY MARATHON | $1,299,000

31342 AVENUE I BIG PINE KEY | $699,000

Stunning canal front home in Cudjoe Gardens, with preferred Southern Exposure, massive 15,600 sq. ft lot, and deep-water ocean access! Outfitted with 125' of concrete seawall with running water, fillet station, swim ladders, 15K boat lift, davits, and turning basin! This expansive 2,772 sq. ft home is well-maintained and boasts an open-concept main living space. Enjoy al fresco dining on the spacious screened-in lanai complete with tranquil views of the pristine canal.

Customize your island dream home on this massive 20,000 sq. ft. lot with stunning ocean views! The existing home on property needs redevelopment and offers a unique advantage as the present building right allows for re-build without proceeding through the BPAS/ ROGO process. Situated on the Oceanside of Grassy Key with approximately 62' of waterfront, this soughtafter location is packed with potential for creating the ultimate oceanfront getaway in the Florida Keys!

Turn-key waterfront retreat with excellent boating access in Big Pine Key! Located just minutes from open water, this location is ideal for the avid angler. Inside, an airy open concept is bright and welcoming, and the spacious screened-in balcony lends itself to entertaining, providing serene views of the pristine canal below.

The well-maintained lot provides covered and open parking, RV and trailer storage!

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

FEATURED PROPERTIES

2083 BAHIA SHORES ROAD NO NAME KEY | $1,289,000

4500 FILER COVE ROAD BIG TORCH KEY | $5,999,000

57805 MORTON STREET MARATHON | $4,999,000

Endless Gulf Views at this spacious, custom-built home on No Name Key offering abundant privacy and incomparable deep draft boating! This renovated home boasts an open-concept floorplan, low-maintenance engineered hardwood flooring and two upstairs screened-in balconies with an open wrap-around deck.

Approximately 35 feet of composite dock, with 50, 30, and 15 amp service, and located on a 60' wide sailboat canal with easy Gulf and Ocean access!

Secluded & private 4BD/4BA Estate with over 2,000 ft. of waterfront situated on over 12 picturesque acres.

2,500 sq. ft. of decking connects the main home & guest house and was designed to maximize the indooroutdoor living spaces. A true boater's paradise located along Niles channel allowing for direct access to either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico is complete with 65 x 15 foot concrete seawall on a deep-water canal, davits, & dock house.

Tropical Bayfront Estate nestled into almost 2 lushly landscaped private acres. Everything you could possibly need is right here! Main house, guest house, pool, pool apartment, storage building, dock, boat basin, boat ramp, and UNBELIEVABLE never-ending turquoise sea views! Well-appointed details found throughout the main home include soaring wood planked ceilings.

The main house is CBS construction with a new metal roof in 2021. Don't miss out on this must-see property!

THE LISA FERRINGO GROUP COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT Office: 305.872.5261 Cell: 305.797.1221 lisaferringo@gmail.com LisaFerringo.com

10

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

COUNTY COMMISSION TO TALK HURRICANE EVACUATION GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

11AM to Close Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 10AM to Close Sat/Sun CLOSED Wednesday

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM

724

$7 Menu

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm * $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM • Unique & interesting menu • $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas • Diver Speared Local Fish • Prime Rib • Local Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Great Seafood Selections

BEST SUSHI & BLOODY MARY

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar • Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

32 BEERS ON TAP MAKE RESERVATIONS AT CASTAWAYFLORIDAKEYS.COM OR FACEBOOK PAGE CASTAWAY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR

T

he Florida Keys’ hurricane evacuation plan, which dictates the rate and amount of new development allowed across the island chain, remains a hot-button issue for the Monroe County commissioners.

The BOCC met at 9 a.m. Dec. 13 in Key Largo with an update on the state’s evacuation models on the agenda. (See keysweekly.com for a complete report from the meeting.)

In November, FloridaCommerce, a state agency formerly called the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), released draft results of newly proposed Keys hurricane evacuation models.

In online presentations, state administrators presented multiple scenarios for evacuation, with future building permit allocations ranging from zero to up to 7,954 additional units — if the hurricane evacuation time is changed.

County Mayor Holly Raschein, who called hurricane evacuation a personal choice, said concerns about public safety and the rate of new building permits are both on the table for the BOCC. “We’re dealing with opposite ends of the spectrum,” Raschein told the Keys Weekly. “The development world wants to develop.”

Evacuation clearance times set the basis for new development in the Keys, where building permits are slowed and controlled by a system meant to protect the environment and allow for residents and visitors to safely leave the Keys in advance of an approaching hurricane.

“Updated data may determine whether additional residential units will be authorized by the State of Florida beyond the existing allocation,” states a staff report to the BOCC. “The only reasonable (clearance time plan) includes Key West residents, and evacuates mobile home residents in Phase 1 (the early phase) of the evacuation.”

In 2013, the state approved 3,550 building permits to distribute over a 10-year period, which ends in 2023. The 2024 Florida Legislature session starts Jan. 9.

Board delays decision on new Publix in Tavernier The BOCC on Dec. 13 pushed he proposed Publix project in Tavernier to a later date. It’s a giant project for the small community. A proposed ordinance would allow for a building much larger than what’s currently allowed on the property at mile marker 92.5, oceanside.

An application sent to the county planning department in November states that the creation of a “Tavernier

Key Overlay District” would allow for up to 49,990 square feet of nonresidential space. Developers now want to build a 49,340-square-foot supermarket and liquor store, plus 86 workforce housing units.

“The project is not necessarily bringing in more people,” Raschein said. “It’s the same people that are here. We’re not building a hotel or vacation rental condos. The Publix will be utilized by locals and obviously tourists.”

Current regulations allow up to 10,000 square feet of nonresidential space per structure on the property at MM 92.5, which is owned by Singletary Concrete Products and Cemex Construction Materials Florida LLC. The sale of the land to Blackstone Group depends on approval from commissioners for an overlay and then another approval from the county planning commission.

Also on Dec. 13, commissioners were expected to vote on whether to buy a 28-unit housing development in Key Largo for $11.5 million to provide employee housing.

The project, called South Cliff Estates, is at MM 96 on the oceanside.

“The developer is willing to consider a payment plan over a period of six years,” according to a staff report that recommends approval.

“We don’t want to lose this opportunity,” Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, of Marathon, said. “We all preach the necessity of workforce housing and we know we need it for our own employees. We need to practice what we preach.”

Key West Airport parking fees may increase Parking rates at the Key West International Airport could rise if the BOCC agrees with Richard Strickland, director of airports, who wants to bump the covered garage rate up $2 to $23 per day, with the weekly rate rising from $126 to $138.

He proposes raising the surface lot rate a dollar to $19 per day, nudging the weekly rate up to $114.

Weekly rates for both include one day for free, and the first hour at the surface lot would remain free, according to Strickland’s report.

For 2023, EYW estimates taking in a little more than $803,000 in parking revenue. The higher rates could add $73,133 each year.

The increases would help the airport “remain self-sufficient and not receive any ad valorem taxpayer funding,” Strickland’s report said.

11

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Karen

KEY TO THE KEYS REAL ESTATE

Bill

EXPERIENCE ISN’T EXPENSIVE…IT’S PRICELESS TOWNHOUSE IN GATED COMMUNITY 1,512 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 .

Stainless appliances, two open balconies.

Swimming pool. In move-in condition.

Covenant to shopping, banks, dining, entertainment, beach and parks. $599,000 MLS#607510

COMMERCE CORNER Established in 1970, Grassy Key Marina and Market offers a wide array of services including dry and wet boat storage, and a well maintained boat ramp. Grassy Key Marina and Market is a one stop shop that includes boat rentals, a well stocked grocery store, live/frozen bait, and all of your tackle needs. The marina is recently under new ownership and an emphasis has been placed on providing the customer service and setting that allows consumers to enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys. Jeff Vastola, owner, says the keys to their success is the upbeat atmosphere and helpful employees. "We are constantly striving to make improvements in our operations and aesthetically so that the marina is a place that suits the needs of all and provides a memorable experience" said Vastola. Grassy Key Marina and Market will never stop pushing to make its service and atmosphere better in hopes of continuing to meet all needs of Keys Residents and visitors alike.

59073 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 7AM to 7PM Daily Bait & Marketplace 305/922-2665 | Office 305/440-3055 www.grassykeymarinaflorida.com

LARGE WATERFRONT HOME

1,920 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 160' of dockage on the ocean side of Marathon. $1,199,000 MLS# 606254

COMMERCIAL LOT

One plus acres with two plus acres of Bay bottom. Currently used for storage, lease expires in August 2024. Owner has plans for OVER 200' OF DEEP WATER DOCKAGE 300 boat storage on Racks and approx. 50 2 BR, 2BA corner waterfront lot with swimming in wet storage using the bay bottom. There pool. Minutes to the ocean or gulf. Covered is a 150 foot dock on the property now. The parking. Convenient to shopping, restaurants & sewage connection is to the property and bank. 2 miles to beach. $1,600,000 MLS#606825 paid for. $3,900,000 MLS#607041

Call with your Questions

305.743.2300

Karen Farley-Wilkinson, Bill Wilkinson

Handel's Messiah December 17th 7:00 pm

Christmas Carols & Cookies December 21st 5:00 pm

December 24th Lessons & Carols 10:00 am Christmas Eve Service 5:00 pm & 11:00 pm

Christmas Day Service Noon, Lunch Follows

May the peace of the Lord be always with you WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl

12

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

ISLAMORADA BOUTIQUE TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY!

1 2

Dr. Seuss icon visits Berkshire Hathaway

Have you ever wanted to own your own boutique?

T

Now's your chance to own one of the most well-known, iconic storefronts in all of South Florida with a loyal client base.

All you have to do is make it your own, open the doors, turn the music up and have fun! For more information, call 305-393-4445 today!

he king of Mount Crumpit seems to be nearly as popular as Santa Claus these days, and on Dec. 8, “the mean one” paid a visit to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services’ Marathon office to snap photos with four-legged companions. Proceeds from the donation-based event went to support local shelter animals at the Marathon SPCA via cash contributions, pet supplies and bedding.

Ready or Not… 1. MCSO’s K9 Coral takes her turn in the photo booth.

3. The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Max pose with the SPCA’s Tara McFarland.

2.Marathon’s event was one of two photo sessions with the Grinch last week, with Berkshire Hathaway’s Big Pine office holding a second event on Dec. 12.

Photos by JERRY ROJAS/Contributed

3

Get everything on your list for less with a low-rate Keys Holiday Loan or Visa Credit Card! Our rates can NEVER exceed 18%APR*.

Everyone who lives or works in the Keys can join!

Call 305-294-6622, go to KeysFCU.org, or visit any branch from Key West to Tavernier.

*Subject to credit approval. Restrictions and processing fee may apply. NCUA insured.

MERRY GRINCHMAS

13

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Christmas at the

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

STARTERS Creamy lobster bisque | 18 Butterfly salad | 19 Caesar salad | 19 Conch chowder | 18 Shrimp cocktail | 22 Lump crab cakes | 24

COURSE 1* Christmas salad Caesar salad Butterfly salad

ENTREES Prime rib | 56 Butterfly pork chop | 48 Caribbean jerk chicken | 46 Grilled salmon | 52 Yellowtail snapper | 48 Linguine pescatore | 49 Scallop risotto | 54 Surf & turf | 75 RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED: 305.289.7177

COURSE 2* Lobster bisque Lump crab cakes Warm goat cheese ENTREES* Cherry Bourbon-glazed ham Lobster tail Prime rib Mahi mahi

COME TRY OUR NEW TRANQUILITY BAY LAGER OR OUR SIGNATURE BUTTERFLY MARTINI

DESSERT* Key lime pie Flourless chocolate cake *Choice of one. $125 per person

2600 Overseas Highway, Marathon, tranquilitybay.com

Live the lifestyle with us!

DAILY LIVE MUSIC 5PM – 8PM ENJOY THE BEST SUNSET 50% O IN MARATHON O

FF

NE AP WITH PETIZER THIS AD

LOCALLY OWNED

Scan here to shop! Enter code KEYSWEEKLY for a 5% discount on your order.

Sam Milazzo Collection Sublimation Printing UPF 40+ Sun Protection Cool Dry Material

TRANQUILITY BAY

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

BEACHFRONT RESORT

LOCALS (WITH MONROE COUNTY ID) RECEIVE 15% OFF ALL FOOD & DRINKS KeysDeep.com

sales@keysdeep.com

2600 Overseas Highway | Marathon | tranquilitybay.com

14

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

JUST THE TIPS

WHEN THE TEMPS COOL DOWN, INSHORE ACTION HEATS UP 1 2

Turtle Hospital celebrates dual release on founder’s 80th birthday

Also known as ‘reef donkeys,’ amberjack can put up a heck of a fight.

NICK BORRACCINO/Keys Weekly

T

he weather is cooling down, and the fishing is heating up.

It’s winter, finally, and that means hot action to be had.

We’re not doing much offshore right now, as the mahi are few and far between. The good news there is that the ones we’ve found are nice-size fish.

There are singles to quad packs of fish in the 10- to 20-pound range on weed lines, but there are hardly any birds out there and not nearly enough fish to warrant driving around looking for them.

I’m also finding it hard to justify going the 20-plus miles to the humps for tuna. The sharks have been ferocious and the tuna are tiny. With tilefish and snowy grouper closed, our offshore treks right now would be primarily targeting swordfish, but that could definitely be well worth the ride.

With that covered, the bay and reef have been very active. On days with good current, the yellowtail in 50 to 90 feet have been quite reliable. As always, chum hard for at least 15 minutes before free lining your small cut bait on 12- to 15-pound fluoro.

There are only a few weeks left before grouper season closes on Jan. 1, so keep a big bait a few cranks off the bottom on heavy gear. We’ve had some really nice black and red groupers on the reef recently. If it’s a little breezy or the current out there isn’t great, Hawks Channel usually provides great rod-bending action of snappers, mackerels and jacks. There have been some big muttons snooping around

in there too. Live pilchards or ballyhoo on a light wire will get you plenty of mackerel bites, CAPT. NICK and fresh cut balBORRACCINO lyhoo, live pilchards or small pinfish on a is the owner jig head or knocker and operator of rig sitting on the Noreaster Sport bottom will eventu- Fishing in Marathon. A Massachually get gobbled setts native, Nick by a snapper or fished for bluefin grouper. tuna and striped Out in the bay bass before movall the grassy areas ing to the Keys in 2005. are active with Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper, and any structure, bank or channel should have those and also jacks and runners to keep you busy. Live shrimp usually gets it done out there.

Let’s go get ’em!

Just a few weeks remain until all species of grouper will be off limits. NICK BORRACCINO/Keys Weekly

A GIFT TO THE SEA ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

T

1. Turtle Hospital staff and local dignitaries gathered on the beach to commemorate founder Richie Moretti’s 80th birthday with the release of two turtles.

2. Turtle Hospital mascot Tina the Turtle made an appearance on Sunday morning.

3. Now fully recovered following tumor removal surgeries and other treatment, Snow White and Roll were ready to make their way back to the big blue.

Photos by LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

3

he morning of Dec. 10 on Sombrero Beach marked a momentous release for Marathon’s Turtle Hospital as juvenile green sea turtles “Snow White” and “Roll” returned home.

A large crowd on the beach included several local dignitaries and friends of Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti, who celebrated his 80th birthday the morning of the release.

Both suffering from fibropapillomatosis, treatment for Snow White and Roll at the Turtle Hospital before their return to the ocean included tumor removal surgeries, antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a diet of greens and mixed seafood.

15

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LOCAL AND VETERAN OWNED

FUEL UP FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

SS WRECK & GALLEY GRILL YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE FOR GREAT FOOD & SERVICE

COLLEGE & NFL FOOTBALL

COME AND ENJOY DINNER AND DO SOME HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

HE FOR T AYS, HOLID % OFF 20 TAKE CARDS GIFT TOCKING TS GREA UFFERS! ST

20% OFF gift cards, 15% OFF bottled wines, or give our WORLD FAMOUS KEY LIME PIE to that someone special!

DAILY $12 LUNCH SPECIALS 11AM - 3PM CHICKEN SANDWICH, BUFFALO CHICKEN, WINGS OR BURGER SERVED WITH FRIES

BUCKETS OF BEER (4) $14 - DOMESTIC • $20 - IMPORTED DURING FOOTBALL SEASON

GRAB A SLICE OR A WHOLE PIZZA WEEKDAY LUNCH SPECIAL 2 CHEESE SLICES & A CAN OF SODA $8 OPEN 7 DAYS 11AM - 9PM

61 53rd Street, Ocean, Marathon

305-414-8626

FUEL UP FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

L& LOCARAN VETENED OW

HAPPY HOUR 3PM - 5PM MONDAY - FRIDAY $8 FOOD MENU $1 OFF BEER, WINE & WELL DRINKS

MILE MARKER 59, GRASSY KEY

(next to the Dolphin Research Center) 305-517-6484 www.sswreck.com for online ordering & special events

coasttocoastpizzaco

16

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LYNN O.

AIMEE

BROKER/SALES ASSOCIATE

REA LTOR ®

GOODWIN

KORNETTI

Cell: 305.923.9487 lynngoodwinre@gmail.com

Cell: 305.600.9726 aimeekornetti@gmail.com

www.lynngoodwin.com

keycolonybeachproperties.com

NEW LISTING!

200 8th Street, #4, Key Colony Beach 1BD/1BA | 574 SF MLS#607694 $297,500

THE BEACH BAR

SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS

201 E Ocean Dr. #1-306 Key Colony Beach 2BD/2BA | 1,034 SF MLS #606924 $640,000

LIVE MUSIC 7PM - 1OPM DAILY

FULL DUPLEX LOT

LOCALS DISCOUNT

15% OFF*

8th Street Key Colony Beach Vacant Lot | 12,707 SGF MLS#604781 $599,000

EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY & SERVICE

keycolonybeachproperties.com

MAHINA Join us at Mahina, where the Pacific Rim meets Florida Keys seafood, or pull up a stool and catch the ocean breeze at The Beach Bar.

NOW OPEN....

Sushi Cabana - an outdoor, intimate oceanside haven serving fresh sashimi, sushi and sake.

DINE WITH US islabellabeachresort.com 1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47 Marathon, FL 33050 *Locals enjoy 15% off Monday-Thursday.

THIS WEEK’S ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, DEC 14 DONNY MCDANIELS 3PM LUNG 6:30PM FRIDAY, DEC 15 DAN SULLIVAN 3PM DOTTIE KELLY BAND 8PM SATURDAY, DEC 16 PARTY TIME JOHNNY LIVE 3PM SEAN GRIFFIN 8PM SUNDAY, DEC 17 TONY MANFREDI 3PM DOCKSIDE SUNDAY JAM 7PM MONDAY, DEC 18 LAURA THURSTON 3PM DONNY MCDANIELS 6:30PM TUESDAY, DEC 19 TACO TUESDAY ALL DAY COUNTRY NIGHT WITH JIBSEA COWBOYS 7:30PM WEDNESDAY, DEC 20 LUKE SOMMERS 6:30PM

ONLY WATERFRONT DIVE BAR IN THE MIDDLE KEYS • COLD BEER, COCKTAILS & INCREDIBLE SPECIALTY DRINKS • DELICIOUS FOOD - TRY OUR FAMOUS CHICKEN POT PIE OR AUTHENTIC STREET TACOS!

OPEN SUN THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM | FRI-SAT 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR

17

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

OPINION

RESTORATION BLUEPRINT VITAL TO CORAL REEFS AND OCEAN

A

s Mayor of Monroe County, my resolution for the new year is to make this the start of a new chapter for our reefs, and I’m asking you to join me in that commitment. We must embrace the forthcoming changes of the National Marine Sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint, understand what those changes mean for our daily interactions and uses of our local waters, follow the new rules, and help educate others about why these changes are so significant. The ocean and coral reefs of the Florida Keys do so much for us, and now it’s critical we return the favor. We must all unite to make the Restoration Blueprint a success for the Florida Keys.

Monroe County residents and visitors readily welcome this winter season after a scorching summer, which culminated in a historic ocean heat wave. Widespread coral bleaching and, in some cases, coral mortality, was documented in shallow reefs and coral nurseries in the Keys. While some fish fled to cooler depths, many foundational habitat-forming species like corals, sea sponges and seagrasses could not. While we could not immediately counteract the impact of this summer’s extraordinary warming, a herculean effort by many local nonprofits saved many corals by moving them to cooler, deeper areas or laboratory nurseries so we could rebuild depleted populations later. Innovative, science-based coral restoration has made incredible progress toward ecosystem recovery, but additional pieces to a larger management puzzle require long-term solutions.

From Monroe County constructing a billion-dollar sewer system to investing millions of dollars in canal restoration, our community has made great strides and significant investments in improving water quality in the past two decades. Still, we can continue to push forward in these efforts. We must pursue bold action on climate change to protect our oceans in the next few decades. And we must manage our oceans, especially our federal marine sanctuaries and state aquatic preserves, to better withstand the factors contributing to their degradation. For the Florida Keys, this new Restoration Blueprint management plan is our guiding light for our reefs.

Decades of marine science in Florida all point toward making marine life more likely to withstand the harmful

effects of stressors like higher temperatures by reducing other pressures on sensitive ecosystems.

When we get sick during this time of year, we rest, reduce stress and behave healthfully. The same works for marine life. Our oceans benefit significantly from reducing fishing pressure, reducing the overuse of coral areas by even well-meaning snorkelers and scuba divers, slowing boats down to reduce propeller scarring of seagrass beds, giving adequate space to wading birds that nest on mangrove islands, and restoring the normal balance of predators and prey in the water. Marine conservation science shows us that maritime zones with strong protections can reduce the pressure on ecosystems, which works hand-in-hand with restoration efforts focusing on resistance to and recovery from the ill effects of climate change and increasingly severe marine heat waves. Reducing pressure on ocean ecosystems means we can’t manage our marine sanctuaries like “business as usual;” we must change something to make marine life more sustainable. We all – anglers, divers, snorkelers, boaters, businesses and more – must work together to keep our ocean as healthy as possible.

Fortunately for Florida’s marine life, the proposed Restoration Blueprint allows us to change our behavior thoughtfully to create more sustainable oceans. The current zoning and management plan for the Sanctuary dates to the 1990s when conditions in the Florida Keys were very different and much better than they are now.

We have a rare opportunity to embrace a plan for the Florida Keys that can nimbly and aggressively respond to current and future threats. It will be a bold plan that responds to the issues of warming waters and coral bleaching, extreme heat waves, declining abundance of commercial and recreationally important fish, coral disease, overuse of some sensitive regions and dying seagrasses.

If we want Florida’s oceans, especially our beloved coral reefs, to sustain and thrive for future generations, we must strengthen protections and rules for its management now.

I’m ready to take action this new year for what we love most, and I hope you are, too.

Holly Merrill Raschein Monroe County Mayor

GOVERNOR RELEASES BUDGET PROPOSAL Funds in for Keys’ environment but money lacking for resilience JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

F

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis stepped away from the presidential campaign trail and sent a $114.4 billion spending proposal to leaders in the House and Senate on Dec. 5.

In the governor’s budget plan were funds for a Florida Keys program designed to help improve the island chain’s nearshore water quality and protect natural resources enjoyed by locals and millions of visitors. A total of $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act within DeSantis’ spending plan is seen by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez as an encouraging start as legislators prepare for discussions and debate in 2024. A 60-day session in Tallahassee begins Jan. 9.

“That funding is critical for continuing to protect the Florida Keys’ delicate ecosystem and water quality,” Rodriguez told the Keys Weekly.

State legislators began funding the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in 2016. Since then, some $90 million funneled into the program has supported projects from Key West to Key Largo.

Funding steadily rose from $5 million in 2018 to the full $20 million request in 2021. DeSantis vetoed $10 million before signing the 2020-21 spending plan due to budget concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Keys have received $20 million for water quality projects for the last three budget cycles. Lisa Tennyson, Monroe County legislative affairs director, hopes that trend continues as legislators prepare the next budget. “(It’s) always an excellent first step to be included in the governor’s budget,” said Tennyson, adding that funds were also included for a vessel pump out program in the county.

In addition to the Stewardship Act, DeSantis’ budget invests $1.1 billion for Everglades resto-

Gov. Ron DeSantis during his State of the State address last March.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

ration and water quality. A total of $64 million in the governor’s proposal aims to reduce harmful discharges and send more clean water south of the Everglades and into Florida Bay. DeSantis also included $550 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which aims to restore, preserve and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing water supply needs and flood protection.

Tennyson was particularly disappointed in the governor’s recommended $100 million for resilience infrastructure. She said the Department of Environmental Protection issued its 2024-2025 list that ranked 198 resilience projects across the state.

“An allocation of $100 million will fund only the first 16 projects on the list,” she said. “He’s proposing a billion dollars in ticky-tack tax breaks. Why not divert that funding for resilience/flooding infrastructure?”

DeSantis’ budget is roughly $2.7 billion less than the $117.1 billion budget approved by the legislature for the current 202324 fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2024. Legislators convening for session next month will face decisions over priorities across the state and specifically how much funds will be expended for programs and projects ranging from infrastructure and education to the environment.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to craft a budget that focuses on improving the lives of our constituents and keeps our ever-growing state on an upward trajectory,” Rodriguez said.

DeSantis’ budget also included a little more than $10.7 million in operating funds for the College of the Florida Keys.

18

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

19

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

GLOWING REFLECTIONS

Three holiday boat parades delight the Middle Keys ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

S

alt water and electricity don’t mix … unless it’s December in Marathon.

The second weekend of the holiday month brought three back-toback boat parades to the Middle Keys, casting their glow over the waters of Duck Key, Boot Key Harbor and Key Colony Beach on Dec. 8, 9 and 10.

DUCK KEY PARADE Now in its second year, Hawks Cay Resort hosted the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade, coordinated by the Duck Key Fishing Club. Nineteen decked-out boats met at Hawks Cay Marina for a pre-parade party where club members and residents could preview the vessels and cheer on their neighbors.

“I’m proud of our old-fashioned small-town Christmas parade,” said Duck Key Fishing Club vice president Margie Casey. “We’re thankful that 16 fishing club members volunteered to decorate their boats alongside three Hawks Cay Resort lighted boats.”

Boats ranging from 16 to 44 feet participated with holiday themes, led

by Hawks Cay dockmaster and parade grand marshall Chris Grooms aboard “Nauti or Nice” and culminating in Santa’s arrival aboard the 39-foot Invincible “Let It Snow.”

Founded in 2022, the Duck Key Fishing Club (duckkeyfishingclub. com) quickly grew to 180 members.

The family-friendly club focuses on fellowship, education and fundraising activities to support the local community. This year the club is projected to raise enough money to send a dozen or more local students to Pigeon Key’s Marine Summer Camp in 2024.

BOOT KEY PARADE What began as a last-minute endeavor by organizer Ilene Clark quickly grew to the Middle Keys’ largest parade, with sponsors and 23 boats lining up to spread holiday cheer and support parade beneficiary Presents in Paradise. When all was said and done, the Boot Key event raised more than $1,500 for the nonprofit helping underprivileged children enjoy a merry holiday season.

“Roger Haines deserves a special thanks for this parade,” said Clark. “I made the original Facebook post to get the ball rolling, but he stepped in, did the legwork and made this happen.”

Best Overall (Over 30’): “SpartyTime” Greg Schafer Runner Up (Over 30’): “Huntress Charters” - Erika & R.D. Goodman Best Overall (Under 30’): “Flat Rate” Donny & Carla Medeiros Runner Up (Under 30’): “Ms. D’Meanor” - John McGrade Best Overall: “New Beginnings” - Ilene Clark Judges’ Choice: “Lobster Monster” Kevin Komoroski Judges’ Choice: Chris Reynolds’ 37’ Grady White Judges’ Honorable Mention: “Last Choice” - Jimbo Simcic Judges’ Honorable Mention: “Knot Responsible” - Jason Seitz KEY COLONY PARADE The weekend’s final parade included more than a dozen boats competing for $2,400 in cash prizes and gift certificates with a procession down KCB’s 7th Street canal. The parade was presented by the KCB Fishing and Boating Club and KCB Community Association, with prize sponsorships from Karen Raspe, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, the Marathon Sail & Power Squadron, Coldwell Banker Schmitt and Key Colony Beach Realty.

“A huge shout-out to the U.S. Coast Guard and all of our sponsors for their support,” said parade organizer Steve DeCrow.

UNDER 30 FEET: Best In Class: “Snowflake” - Jim Stewart Brightest/Most Colorful: “Coco’s” Chelsea Hilsabeck Most Creative: “Charlie Brown” - Carmen & Diane Slusher Most Spirited Crew: “Flat Rate” - Don & Carla Medeiros OVER 30 FEET: Best In Class: “Tacoyo” - Shannon Textoris Simcic Brightest & Most Colorful: Two Conchs Most Creative: “New Beginnings” Ilene Clark Most Spirited Crew: “Checked Out” Chris Reynolds Best Overall: “Izzy Rose” - Bud Fernandes

Photos by Sandra Lee Photography and Mile Zero Media. See more parade and award ceremony photos at keysweekly.com.

20

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Sam Williams PA, REALTOR

#SELLIT

Sam.Williams@ColdwellBanker.com

call or text 305.942.6069 CHARMING HOME ON A DEEP WATER CANAL 835 25th Street, Marathon 2BD/2B • 1,279 SF • MLS # 607727 • $950,000 Boot Key Harbor protection • Easy access to Atlantic & Gulf • Walk or Bike to Beach, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Home Depot • 15,000 Boat Lift • 60’ Concrete Seawall • Fish Cleaning Station, Water & Electric on Dock • Outdoor Shower • Storage/Workshop • Trailer Storage • Ample Parking • Durable Vinyl Siding • Impact Windows • Granite Countertops, Wine Cooler, Ample Cabinet Space, Double Pantry, Stainless Steel Appliances • Wall to Wall Windows for Canal Views & Sun Light • Screened Porch with Fans, 2nd Covered Porch facing Canal • Vacation Home, Permanent Residence or Rental Income • Affordable Waterfront Lifestyle that is hard to beat

58

21

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

TWITHSAM

SAM WILLIAMS

TOP IN SALES FOR 10 YEARS

8 Closed YTD

CHARMING HOME WITH DIRECT OCEAN ACCESS

524 81St Street, Marathon

STUNNING WATERFRONT HOME

105 Pirates Cove Dr. Marathon

1113 Career Sales 152 Closed 2022 109 Million Volume Closed 2022

SPECTACULAR NEW CONSTRUCTION

3 Man O War Drive, Marathon

3BD/2BA – 1288 Sq. Ft. – MLS607148 - $759,000

4 BD/3 BA • 2720 Sq. Ft. • MLS# 605925 - $3,199,999

4 BD/4 BA • 2,780 SF • MLS# 606635 • $3,199,000

METICULOUSLY CONSTRUCTED

FURNISHED CONDO WITH DOCKAGE

CHARMING HOME OFFERS COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

605 Sombrero Beach Rd. #104 , Marathon

493 84th Street, Marathon

8053 Porpoise Drive, Marathon

3BD/2BA • 1,209 SF • MLS# 607528 • $889,000

THREE STORY CONCRETE HOME ON DIRECT OPEN WATER

224 Corsair Road, Duck Key

4BD/ 4.5BA • 3,229 SF • MLS# 606692 • $3,849,000

UNDER CONTRACT 6200 Overseas Hwy. MLS# 603318 150 11th St. • MLS# 606523 TBR • MLS# 605181 TBR • MLS# 602883

2BD/1 BA • 755 SF • MLS# 606573 • $374,000

2 BD/1 BA • 864 SF • MLS#607149 • $499,000

CAPTIVATING AIRBNB WATER FRONT DUPLEX

UNOBSTRUCTED OPEN WATER VIEWS

58080 Overseas Highway

62900 Overseas Hwy #50 Coral Key

4BD/3BA • 1,260 SF • MLS#606424 • $1,824,000

1BD/1BA • 910 SF • MLS# 606962 • $1,099,000

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

CLOSED 7540 Gulfstream Blvd • MLS# 606743 • $668,500 6404 Gulf of Mexico • MLS# 606288 • $1,087,000 1300 52nd St. • MLS# 606226 • $714,800 11563 4th Ave • MLS# 605712 • $1,529,000 111 Ave D • MLS#603090 • $650,000 1199 30th St. • MLS# 605213 • $2,475,000 12411 Overseas Hwy. # 34C • MLS# 604746 • $250,000 610 9th St. • MLS# 606133 • $1,525,000 781 9th St. • MLS# 603186 • $3,005,000 1902 Yellowtail Dr. • MLS# 604944 • $1,100,000 101 11th St. #4 • MLS 605518 • $420,000

22

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LICENSED & INSURED CPC 1459564

DESIGN • INSTALLATION • RENOVATION

SPECIAL WATER FEATURES • DIAMOND BRITE • TILE COPING • RESURFACING

305.440.3282

5190 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON amazingpoolsofthekeys.com

Locally Owned and Operated Serving Summerland to Islamorada

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Enjoy our daily specials.

Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

RAW BAR UPSTAIRS Oysters • Clams • Full Bar THE BEST SUNSETS

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

www.keysfisheries.com

Best Fish Sandwich Best Seafood

Fuel Dock Rec 90 7am to Noon Mon. - Sat.

23

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Holiday Sale!

• 4 DAYS ONLY • THURSDAY, DEC. 14 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 17

• In-store & Online •

TAKE

25% OFF*

Entire Stock of Regular Priced Merchandise *Exclusions apply

Great Gift Ideas!

PLUS

Save Big

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

% 25 OFF Entire Stock of

on new arrivals of sportswear, dresses, swimwear, accessories and petites!

Reduced Merchandise PLUS

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

% 40 OFF All Clearance Merchandise

• In - store & Online •

In-store Only

SHOP NOW @ anthonysfla.com

SIGN UP ONLINE for our EXCLUSIVE EMAILS. FIND & FOLLOW US:

Valid 12/14/23 - 12/17/23 only. *Not valid on regular price Avalin, Bali, Escape by Habitat, Foxcroft, G Lifestyle, Habitat, IBKUL, Look Mode, Oli & Sofia, PBJ Blues, RBX, Robell, Spanx, Terra and Tribal. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

No adjustments made on previously purchased merchandise. All sales final on clearance.

•

Key Largo 98200 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 98-1/2) 305-852-4515 Marathon 5800 Overseas Hwy. (M.M. 50) 305- 743-5855

•

STORE HOURS: MON – SAT 9:30-5:30

• SUN 12-5:30

SHOP OUR ONLINE STORE @ anthonysfla.com

Surprise Them in

Paradise H O L I DAY G I F T C A R D S

Create lasting memories this holiday season by gifting a Hawks Cay experience. Treat your friends and family to seaside dining, soothing spa sessions, thrilling offshore fishing, and more.

Stop by the Island Time Gift Shop, or call 305.743.7000 to purchase a gift card today!

24

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023 from page 6

from page 4

CITY COUNCIL 574 Sombrero Beach Road into another 11-bedroom rental in a split vote.

Recommended for approval by the city’s planning commission, the proposed conditional use would have permitted a maximum of six vehicles and one boat trailer parked at the residence.

However, debate among the council centered around making an exception to Marathon’s code, which requires one parking space per bedroom for larger vacation rentals.

“We’re trying, on an 8,430-square-foot lot, to cram in 11 bedrooms and parking, and not have any under the structure,” said councilman Jeff Smith. “I’m not sure that I’m comfortable just simply saying, ‘Well, the solution is I’ll just require you to only have six cars.’”

“If you don’t do this, we actually have no conditions on us,” said builder Chad Neller.

He argued that if the property remained split as two smaller units, the one-space-per-bedroom requirement would not apply and the property would only be required to maintain four parking spaces, with permission to park as many vehicles as possible within the boundaries of the property and driveway. “We’re imposing our own conditions here. … We’re asking you to take it from a duplex to a single family, which also means it can never be anything more than that – it can actually only get smaller.”

“We just turned down an 11-bedroom request with ample parking,” said councilman Kenny Matlock. “I feel we set a precedent at that point, and the other 11-bedroom could come back and say, ‘Well, you let them do it. Why can’t we do it?’”

“I think that we moved to approve a zoning in progress for a reason,” said Vice Mayor Lynn Landry. “I believe there are places where an 11- to 13-bedroom will fit in this community. I’m just not sure it’s this.”

The council voted 3-2 to deny the request, with Mayor Robyn Still and councilman Luis Gonzalez voting for approval.

GOLDEN ROAD Pumps to be added to Sombrero Boulevard storm drainage With the approval of Resolution 2023-122, the city will move forward with adding active pumps to the existing stormwater injection wells on Sombrero Boulevard, a site of increasing concern with repeated road flooding during rain events and high tides.

Though Matlock said he viewed the addition of pumps over raising the road as more of a “Band-Aid” fix, Garrett said the pumps mirror long-term fixes used in problematic areas of Key West.

Finance Director Jennifer Johnson said the pumps and road raising were both included in Marathon’s 2023-24 budget, with Landry adding that further measures to raise the road around the golf course were still on the table if the pumps were not effective.

In Other News: • Garrett reported that although the barriers at the bottom of the homeless encampment on 20th Street have not yet been moved up the street, as requested by the council, the city has installed additional lighting on the street. He said the city plans to install two bulletproof security cameras and place a larger Dumpster from Marathon Garbage Service on the street.

• Grants Coordinator Maria Covelli reported that the city has submitted two grant applications to mitigate regular flooding on 92nd Street – one under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and another under the Resilient Florida Program.

• Unanimously approved at its first hearing, Ordinance 2023-23 will allow Sheriff’s Office deputies to issue a trespass warning for first-time violators of the city’s prohibition on consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking at Marathon’s parks and beaches.

• Courtesy of a grant agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Marathon’s Community Park basketball courts will be resurfaced and restriped with new fencing. The grant, which also includes striping for pickleball courts within the basketball courts, will pay $92,212 of the projected $122,950 cost.

Do you have any self-imposed “rules” for your walk?

M&G: The only rule we have is that we have to connect the whole path. If someone offers for us to stay but says “Hey, I live 10 miles off the path,” we’ll say yes, but we need you to drop us off exactly where we left off.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on the road?

Grace: In Maine, we were walking down the road and someone was coming towards us with a stroller. We wondered if she was doing the same kind of thing as us, but she had strapped a cage to her stroller and there was a parrot in it. We weren’t totally in the middle of nowhere, but kind of. There wasn’t a lot out there.

Any sketchy experiences or moments you felt unsafe?

M&G: People always ask us this, but nothing really. We’ve had some close calls with cars, but we’ve had no bad experiences with people, and it’s going to be close to 6,000 miles of walking in 25 states. Even in cities where people have said to be really careful, we say good morning and everyone’s been super friendly.

You spend so much time together, and we can see the amazing relationship you have. But be honest … are there days when you’re sick of each other?

M&G: We always talk, but there are some days that we’re dragging a little more than others. We don’t really get mad at each other, but sometimes we just get so overstimulated because we’re just trying to go, go, go. The only time we ever really bicker with each other is if we’re hungry.

How far ahead do you plan?

M&G: We usually plan no more than a week at a time, because you don’t want to be bogged down with having to be somewhere on a certain day. We’ll do a Facebook post seeing if we have anyone in the few spots ahead.

Have you dealt with any injuries on a 3,000-mile trip?

Grace: Not really. Although I did get sick in Massachusetts one time. I just woke up in the morning and wasn’t feeling good, and I started throwing up. We kept walking and I kept throwing up on the side of the road over and over again. We got to a trail and needed to go another 13 miles to get to a motel room, and I didn’t know if I could go any further. We posted on Facebook that I was sick, and within 15 minutes there was someone on their way to pick us up.

What are the most “walkable” states?

M&G: Florida and Connecticut.

What are your favorite states?

M&G: It’s hard to pinpoint a spot. We really liked Georgia, and northern Florida is similar to that vibe.

With such a large social media following, are companies trying to partner with you on these walks?

M&G: We reached out to some beforehand just for some gear.

But during the walk, honestly, we can barely keep up with anything like that. We learned how to handle the social media attention from our last walk, which made the balance much better this time. We want to be present with our walking.

Curious about Matt and Grace’s journey? Learn more and donate to Elevate Youth at theggoldenroad.org.

25

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

MARATHON COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PERFECT CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T

SUNDAY SERVICES

10AM IN THE SANCTUARY Pastor Mary Ashcraft Monday: Men’s Breakfast 7am at Irie Island Eats.

Tuesday: Sisters in Christ 9:45am. All are welcome!

3010 Overseas Highway

305.481.7233

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16

marathontheater.org

26

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

BUY KIDS A LUNCH (OR 20) WITH COLDWELL BANKER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

A FAREWELL AT SEA Friends and family honor Bennett Orr in his final return to the ocean

O

n Dec. 1, friends and family gathered to pay final respects to Marathon fishing icon Bennett Orr. In a ceremony led by Marathon Church of God pastor Nick Vaughn aboard the vessel “Miss Jackie,” Orr’s ashes were placed in a biodegradable container and lowered in a lobster trap into the reef area where Bennett made his living as a commercial fisherman. The trap was retrieved two weeks later to prevent any potential marine debris.

– Alex Rickert The Coldwell Banker Charitable Foundation is running a Jess Tree to benefit Monroe County students for the holidays. Those interested in participating can stop at any Coldwell Banker Schmitt office to pick a lunch box off the tree. Donation amounts range from $25 to $1,000, which will cover anywhere from eight to 350 lunches. Funds raised will go directly to Monroe County schools to help pay for student lunches.

Please make donations payable to Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation and drop off at any Coldwell Banker Schmitt office or mail to 29967 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. Pictured is Coldwell Banker’s Big Pine office’s Jess Tree. CONTRIBUTED

From top: Bennett Orr’s friends and family prepare to temporarily lower a lobster trap with his ashes into the reef area where he made his living.

Placed inside a biodegradable container, Bennett Orr’s ashes were put inside a lobster trap and released into the ocean. The trap was retrieved two weeks later.

White roses and a commercial trap buoy mark a fitting final resting place for Bennett Orr. Photos by LARRY BENVENUTI/Contributed

27

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

YOUR LOCAL LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLY STORE

Residential | Commercial NOW STOCKING PVC PIPE & FITTINGS

COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR! Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00am - 10:00pm

BEST HAPPY HOUR 14 YEARS IN A ROW

& BEST MARGARITA

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Regular Menu Available and BRUNCH items including Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Guava French Toast, Crab Benedict and BOGO Mimosas & Glasses of Sparkling Wine

HAPPY HOUR 4-6pm

SPECIALS

Your Holiday Shopping Headquarters

Monday: Closed Tuesday: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila LIVE MUSIC: ROGER JOKELA Wednesday: Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles) Thursday: Prime Rib Night LIVE MUSIC: JOHN BARTUS Friday: Abstract Radio LIVE MUSIC: ABSTRACT RADIO Saturday: Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine COLLEGE FOOTBALL Sunday: Brunch BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine

We wil cook youl catch, fis r and lobst h er Please

cleaned &bring legal.

LIVEIC MUS

Cutlery • Coolers Grills • Fans • Cookware w re wa r Utensils • Tervis Visit Marathon Lumber’s er’s er’ ’s new houseware department tmen tme ment and receive a free reusable abl able plies last last.

Grocery bag. While supplies

www.sparkyslanding.com 305.363.2959

MM 53.5 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida Waterfront Location Adjacent To Fairfield Inn

11401 1st Ave Gulf, Marathon 305.743.3688

marathonlumberandbuildingsupply.com

28

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

ORGANIC CAFE

& NATURAL MARKET ACAI & PITAYA ENERGY BOWLS • SALADS & WRAPS SMOOTHIES • ORGANIC COFFEE • FRESH JUICES

GOING ON NOW!

TRUCKLOAD

MATTRESS CLEARANCE “United Suspiro” FIRM Twin Set $595 $349 Full Set $695 $449 Queen Set $795 $499 King Set $995 $699

Store Mon - Sat 8:30am - 5:30pm (cafe closes at 5pm) 5800 Overseas Hwy, Ste 23 • Gulfside Village • Marathon www.foodforthoughtflkeys.com

“United SENZIL” PLUSH Twin Set $795 $479 Full Set $895 $599 Queen Set $1195 $699 King Set $1495 $999

Jeff D. Vastola, Esq.

JVastola@VastolaLegal.com

Injured in the Keys?

Please call us today. We want to help.

833-VASTOLA

LIMITED STOCK — HURRY IN!

www.InjuredInTheKeys.com

9141 Overseas Hwy. Suite 3 | Marathon, Florida 33070 | 305.705.6788

www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

O H Su p p o ch l Fr n-Th en l a ris tt ida i & S ur Da at 11a ily tm er y as s n De 11am-m -9p pr ow sser 10pm m eo ava t a rd il nd er ab s by le.

happy Holidays from Sweet Savannah’s your one stop shop for thIS holiday season!

gifts family books toys puzzles for the whole

sweetsavannahs.com

305-743-3131

12/

18

Ice Cream bake goods custom cakes 8919 O/s HWY

mm 51.8

29

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

WE ARE READY FOR YOU!

Welco me B Over $10 Million in New Merchandise in Stock! Snowbaicrkds!

READY FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

Tropical

CHIC l a t s a o C

y r a r o p m e Cont

SELECTED ITEMS UP TO

50 OFF %

*

SUGGESTED RETAIL * Limited quantities at each location

Call Today for Your Complimentary In-home Design Consultation: 305-481-1790 www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com

KEY LARGO

MARATHON

KEY WEST

305-451-5700

305-743-4397

305-295-6400

MM 99 Median

MM 50 Oceanside

Searstown by Publix

30

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

TURNING OUT BADLY Some just don’t get the signal…

R

egular readers know that one of my favorite mottos is “World peace begins with your turn signal.” I have a sticker on the back of my van that proclaims exactly that. Regular readers also know that usually once a year, when the tourists and snowbirds return, I write a column about the importance of using that lever on the steering column. It’s common courtesy, and it could save lives.

I expect that there is a variable number of drivers who just won’t use the directional signals that do indeed come as a standard feature of every automobile made today. Maybe it’s an act of rebellion against the rules of society. Perhaps it’s that these drivers value their privacy and don’t want any of us to know where they’re going. Or maybe they’re just uncourteous louts.

What’s even worse is when someone driving a law enforcement vehicle can’t be bothered to flip their flippin’ turn signal lever. A week ago Wednesday, I was heading south on U.S. 1 in Marathon in the left lane, with the goal of turning left down 53rd Street. Well before I got there, I was passed on the right by a Miami-Dade Police cruiser, way over the speed limit.

He was driving so fast, he had to hit the brakes hard to avoid rearending the car in front of him.

(Yes, I know this passes for “safe driving” in Miami-Dade County.)

The person driving this police cruiser then came into the small (but safe) space between me and the car in front of me in the left lane. No turn signal was issued to warn me of his impending lane change.

The officer (?) then decided to turn down 53rd Street as well — again, no signal indicating his intentions was forthcoming.

A signal-less right turn (blowing through the Stop sign) onto Sombrero Boulevard followed,

and finally this driver turned right between the condos and the resort. No signal.

Is it just me? Do I have some sort JOHN of warped BARTUS magnetism John Bartus is a that attracts all singer-songwriter the turn signal and the former scofflaws into mayor of Maramy sphere of thon. existence? Or are there just that many of these inconsiderate motor vehicle operators out there?

What makes this one worse is the fact that the driver in this incident was operating a police cruiser — and still couldn’t be bothered (not even once) to use his turn signal. When the people we entrust with our highway safety deliberately ignore the rules of the road, it’s a very sad day indeed.

I can only hope that this driver’s conduct isn’t indicative of the driving habits of the rest of the Miami-Dade Police force. Driving in Miami-Dade County is like playing a scary VR version of the Fast and Furious video game, and no one needs the cops to become the worst drivers on the road.

I’ll close this annual rant with some turn signal humor that’s out there in the Internets: “If you don’t use your turn signal, I automatically assume you’re a d*******g in every other aspect of your life.”

And this: “What do condoms and turn signals have in common? If people used them, there would be fewer accidents!” There’s more: “The Lord moves in mysterious ways. But you don’t. Use your turn signal.” And finally: “When civilization finally crumbles and society devolves into a nightmarish hellscape, I will still use my turn signal.

Because I am not a jerk.”

And please remember: World peace does indeed begin with your turn signal.

— John’s Perpetual Island Tour stops this Wednesday at Brutus Seafood, Thursday at Sparky’s Landing, and Sundays at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Check out John’s music anywhere you stream or download your music! Or point your browser to: johnbartus.hearnow.com

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

10 THINGS TO ASK YOUR NUTRITION COACH

I

n the quest for a healthier lifestyle, many individuals turn to nutrition coaches for guidance on their dietary journey. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, muscle gain or simply better overall well-being, having the right nutrition coach can make a significant difference. But how do you ensure you’re making the best choice?

Here are 10 crucial questions to ask your nutrition coach.

1. What is your educational background in nutrition?

Understanding your nutrition coach’s educational background is vital. Look for someone with a degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related field. A solid educational foundation ensures that your coach has a deep understanding of the science behind nutrition and can provide evidence-based advice.

There are also advanced certifications that require year-long programs and examinations as well.

2. Do you have experience working with clients with similar goals?

Experience matters. Ensure your nutrition coach has successfully worked with clients who share similar objectives, whether it’s weight loss, athletic performance or managing specific health conditions. This indicates that they have practical knowledge and can tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

3. How do you stay updated on the latest nutrition trends and research?

Nutrition science is dynamic, with new research emerging regularly. A competent nutrition coach stays informed about the latest trends and findings.

Ask about their commitment to continuing education and staying updated on advancements in nutritional science.

4. What is your approach to nutrition?

Different coaches may have varying philosophies on nutrition. Some may follow a more flexible approach, while others may advocate for specific dietary frameworks. Understand your coach’s approach to ensure it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.

5. Can you provide references or success stories from previous clients?

Requesting references or success stories allows you to gauge the coach’s effectiveness. Hearing about other clients’ experiences can provide insights into their coaching style, communi-

cation skills, and ability to deliver tangible results.

6. How do you tailor nutrition plans to individual needs?

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely JENNIFER works in nutrition.

BOLTZ HARVEY A skilled coach should be able to ...is a Marathoncustomize nutribased ACSMtion plans based on certified peryour unique goals, sonal trainer and precision nutrition preferences and coach who owns any existing health and operates conditions. Inquire Highly Motivated about their process Functionally for personalization.

Caffeinated LLC. 7. What role does jenniferlynnboltz@gmail.com behavior play in your coaching?

Nutrition isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about changing habits and behaviors. A good nutrition coach should address the psychological aspects of food and help you develop sustainable, long-term habits.

8. How do you handle setbacks or plateaus in progress?

The journey to better nutrition may encounter setbacks or plateaus. Understanding how your coach approaches these challenges can give you confidence in their ability to provide support and guidance during tough times.

9. What communication and support channels do you provide?

Clear communication is crucial for a successful coaching relationship. Ask about the frequency and modes of communication your coach offers.

Whether it’s through regular check-ins, email support or a dedicated platform, ensure it meets your needs.

10. How do you empower clients to make informed decisions beyond the coaching period?

A great nutrition coach not only guides you during your sessions but also empowers you to make informed choices independently. Ask about their approach to education and how they equip clients with the knowledge and skills for sustained success.

Choosing the right nutrition coach is a significant step toward achieving your health and wellness goals. By asking these 10 essential questions, you can make an informed decision and embark on a journey to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Be proud of yourself for taking this step.

31

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

YOUR ISLAND BOUTIQUE DESTINATION

10875 OVERSEAS HWY, OCEAN (TURN AT 107TH)

OBITUARY

CARL CLINTON MOORE 1943-2023

E! L A S Y HOLIDA

• Casual, Beach & Career Wear • Certified Fair Trade & Designer Brands • Sizes XS to 3X • Family Swimwear • Jewelry & Accessories

E

WID F STORE F O % 0 3 EK THIS WE

SHELF HELP

HOURS: OPEN TUES - SAT 9AM TO 6PM CLOSED SUN & MON

S

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “Starling House” by Alix E. Harrow Why: This has been the perfect winter season read, resplendent with an opinionated haunted house, exasperated heroine and plenty of monsters, both real and supernatural. Opal carries the burden of her fractured family close to her heart.

She battles her inner demons while standing up for loved ones (she might not always get it right, but she tries). I fell in love with the characters and their struggles with small-town Americana, its ghosts of past trauma, and the persistent yearning for real connection. Harrow is so talented at gripping the reader’s whole heart and whisking them away into a story.

Where: This is available in regular and large print, as an e-book and as an e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff.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: Riona Campbell, library associate, Key West Library

C

arl Clinton Moore II was born in Moundsville, West Virginia in 1943 and moved to Marathon, Florida shortly after in 1948. He graduated with the very first graduating class of Marathon High School (after the school was built in Marathon) and also attended Florida College, where he obtained an associate of arts degree.

He spent two years in the Army after being drafted in 1965. During this time he spent a year in Vietnam and had an honorable discharge in 1967. He then went to work for the United Parcel Service in 1967 and became the very first UPS driver in the Florida Keys and stayed with UPS until his retirement in 1999.

Carl was a Mason as well as a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, American Legion, Lions Club, Disabled American Veterans and Shriners. He is survived by his son, Carl Clinton Moore III and girlfriend Dyann Putman. A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.

on a

TopNotchKeysFishing.com

BOOK SALE

COMING IN FEBRUARY, 2024!

The Marathon Friends of the Library are looking for donations of gently used books.

Please drop off at the Marathon Library or for pick up of larger donations, call Bruce at 912.634.6277 All proceeds from the sale go directly to the Marathon Library to support many special events and programs!

32

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LAYING BRICK SINCE 2005

DJ TRAE DAE JAMS AT OUR BEACH & POOLSIDE TIKI BAR FROM 1 TO 5PM

O H O H OLIDAY H BEACH &

BBQ POOL PAR1T7,Y2023 DEC. MARATHON’S NFL SUNDAY TICKET HEADQUARTERS WITH ALL NFL GAMES ON 16 HDTV’S!

GRILLED ON THE POOL DECK

INSTALLATION DRIVEWAYS, POOL DECKS AND RETAINING WALLS CLEANING AND SEALING paverdaveinc.com License #SP3573

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? JOIN OUR TEAM!

TH

689 DAY SUNDAY FUN

• Complimentary Lobster Grilling Services • World Famous Cheeseburgers • Blackened Bleu Cheese Burger • BBQ Baby Back Ribs • Bacon Wrapped Lobster • Grilled Ribeye Sandwiches • Grilled Bratwurst • Blackened Dolphin Sandwiches • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Scallops • Chili Cheese Dogs

RESERVE NOW FOR OUR CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER & NEW YEARS EVE!

CALL 305.396.7235

DRINK SPECIALS

• $3 Coors Light Drafts • $5 Blueberry Pina Coladas • Bucket of Beer Specials • $2 Jello Shots 305.396.7235 • 7 KNIGHTS KEY BOULEVARD • MM 47 (AT THE FOOT OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE, OCEAN) • SUNSETGRILLE7MILEBRIDGE.COM

TOP PRODUCER

sam willimas MARATHON OFFICE FOR september 2023 #1 Listing & Selling Agent

12 years in a row! #SELLITWITHSAM sam williams Realtor® Call or text 305.942.6069

Lifetime Production Closed sides 1062

Sam.Williams@coldwellbanker.com

Closed Volume

For all your real estate needs, stop by our office at 11050 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

#1 Agent at the #1 Office in the Florida Keys!

over ½ Billion in sales

www.MidKeysHomes.com

33

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Jan. Jan.14 &15

#FKSF Bayview Park Key West

10

$

Admission is good for both days

11 am 7 pm 11 am 5 pm

www.FloridaKeysSeafoodFestival.com

We’re searching for individuals who are passionate about digital marketing, have a strong work ethic, and are committed to excellence.

LOOKING TO HIRE?

MCSD IS HOSTING A CAREER FAIR!

If you have a drive to succeed and a desire to contribute to a company that values innovation, teamwork and growth, we want to hear from you!

CONTENT CREATORS

ATTENTION EMPLOYERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS!

overseasmediagroup.com Key West | Marathon | Upper Keys

LOCALLY OWNED AMAZING GIFT SHOP

ARE YOU LOOKING TO HIRE NEW EMPLOYEES? Meet local high school seniors and juniors who are looking for work in our communities!

OPEN SUNDAYS 11AM - 5PM THRU DECEMBER

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HERE FOR THE HOLIDAYS VOTED BEST IN MARATHON FOR OVER 15 YEARS

YES WE SELL FINE CIGARS

11528 O/S HWY, MM53 305-289-0255

CHECK US OUT AND FEEL HAPPY IN THE KEYS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Fantastic Array of Festive Holiday Ornaments & greeting cards Keys Island Accessories • Fun T's & SPF Shirts • Cotton Tropical Shirts & Dresses (Baby & Adults) • Fun Beach Bags & Purses • Large selection of glassware and serveware for the Holidays • Local Art, Cigars & Much More!

February 27, 2024 Coral Shores HS February 28, 2024 Marathon HS

12420 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MM 53.7 • 305-743-2420

Employers/Businesses click on QR Code to register.

Or contact MCSD at caroline.bleske@keysschools.com

February 29, 2024 Key West HS

34

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

COME CELEBRATE 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS WITH US! DECEMBER 16 12PM-4PM

FUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FREE FACE PAINTING BUILD A BEAR YOU STUFF IT 50/50 RAFFLE TO SUPPORT A LOCAL SPORTS TEAM DJ AND MORE!

RECREATIONAL CANNABIS IN MARATHON

Beyond "Dispensary Strength" THC Products 100% Money Back Guarantee 21+

$10 GIFT CARD

ENTIRE ORDER

No Restrictions!!!

No Restrictions!!!

Coupon has no cash value. No change given. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.

Expires 1/31/24

Coupon has no cash value. No change given. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.

Expires 1/31/24

keysweekly Flower

Pre-Rolls

Vapes

Cartridges

Tinctures

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON OUR MENU, MUSIC & EVENTS 5800 OVERSEAS HWY 305.743.5888

Expert cardiology care

right here in Marathon

% 30 OFF

keysweekly Topicals

Chocolates

Gummies

Pet Products

10875 Overseas Hwy Suite 110 ∙ Marathon, FL 33050 305-453-6597 | Open 7 Days a Week | 10am - 9 pm 532 Duval St ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-735-4380 431 Front St. Unit 4 ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-257-9351 211-A Duval St. ∙ Key West, FL 33040 ∙ 305-735-4230 82751 Overseas Hwy ∙ Islamorada, FL 33036 ∙ 305-257-9351 99304 Overseas Hwy, ∙ Key Largo, FL 33037 ∙ 305-257-9351

Mount Sinai offers high-quality, convenient, and comprehensive cardiology care, close to you.

Schedule today at msmc.com or call 305.674.CARE

Marathon

*Physician and location subject to availability.

35

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

G R A S S Y K E Y

Rhum R Rhum Runner unner

Aqua P Aqua Park ark

Learn how to wakeboard or show off your skills! Keys Cable has unique, 2-point cable systems that are independently operated, making it perfect for anyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Great for groups or solo riders!

Open daily 9am to 4pm.

From floating trampolines to towering climbing walls, our aqua park obstacle course has something for everyone.

So come splash, slide, and conquer your way to an unforgettable adventure!

Open daily 9am to 4pm.

Sessions start on the hour and last 50 minutes, $35 per person.

Bongos is an oasis of tropical fruit trees and herb gardens offering over 20 craft beers on tap. Swing in our hammock chairs, stroll through the botanical garden, or play lawn games while enjoying light fare that uses many of our “Grassy Grown” ingredients!

Food truck open daily 10am to 5pm, drinks til 6pm. Live music on weekends 11am to 3pm!

59300 Overseas Highway | 305.414.8245 | RideTheLagoon.com

The Place to Be

Upscale oceanfront dining featuring craft cocktails, exceptional wines, and local seafood.

Open daily 5 to 9pm, Fri. & Sat. open til 10pm. at Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club

Advance reservations for resort guests and Beach Club members only.

Same-day reservations available to the public.

58182 Overseas Highway | 305.998.4590

36

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Having Fun in the Middle Keys

RECONNE CT WITH NATURE • 63 ACRES OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD HAMMOCK • 1.4 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS • NATURAL FISH PEDICURE STATION • BUTTERFLY GARDENS

• NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM • THE HISTORIC ADDERLEY HOUSE • BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE BAY • HISTORIC CRANE HOUSE

Proud to be listed on the National Historic Registry!

Museum & Nature Center

305.743.9100 • 5550 O/S Hwy • Marathon MM50 at the stoplight • Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays • cranepoint.net

Morning Trips 8:30am - 12:30pm Aﬞernoon Trips 1:30pm - 5:30pm

NOW HIRINGrs Educato

MARATHON LADY DOCKS

U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53, Marathon

305.743.5580

OPEN for programs MEET SEA TURTLES AT THE TURTLE HOSPITAL

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CALL 305-743-2552 FOR RESERVATIONS. 2396 Overseas Highway Gulf, Marathon Now accepting online reservations NOW ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER@TURTLEHOSPITAL.ORG

www.turtlehospital.org

START YOUR PIGEON KEY ISLAND ADVENTURE ON OUR TRAIN

GUIDED HISTORIC ISLAND TOURS FAMILY FUN | SNORKEL FROM SHORE GIFT SHOP | MUSEUM | FISHING 1090 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY | MARATHON | 305.743.5999 | PIGEONKEY.NET

Marathon Lady • 73’ Party Boat Please make sure to call ahead for reservations.

www.MARATHONLADY.net

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

37

38

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743-0844 I come to you!

Leslie Christensen OWNER

phone 305-743-6881 AmericanCoastalRentals.com Leslie@AmericanCoastalRentals.com 9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Helping Paws Grooming Services

330.727.6264 Janet White

Professional Groomer

Lighthouse Pilates Arlene Mirabella

Align • Stretch • Strength • Control Classical Pilates Instructor & Fitness Coach 305.481.7922 lighthousepilates8@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

When it comes to solar and power storage for your home in the Florida Keys, turn to the Florida Keys Local Experts at SALT Energy.

A division of SALT Service, serving The Keys since 1989

305-289-1150

www.saltenergy.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734 Florida Electrical Contractor EC13008657

Barbara Sanchez

Tewes ewes Mortgage

Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

“We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Excellent References Upon Request

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

www.TewesMortgage.com

your project, our specialty... pool decks driveways retaining walls patios & walkways repair, renovation & new installation

SALES | INSTALLATION | SERVICE Lic & Ins SP3696

SPECIALIZING IN REMODELS & NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

305-849-1630

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm • 6681 Overseas Hwy, Marathon keystilestone@gmail.com • www.keystilestone.com • 305.743.7053

keyspavers@outlook.com/ floridakeyspavers.com

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277 EVA FALCONE 5 61. 271.104 5

Dale Coburn, Attorney

305.743.9858 Coburn@marathonlaw.com 6807 Overseas Hwy, Marathon FL

Seashore Home S E R V I C E S

305-504-7877

Cleaning • Home Watch • Errands • Dependable & Trust Worthy

39

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 MARATHON • KEY COLONY OWNERS

START EARNING 305 3902315

WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM OFFER YOUR ENJOY EXPERT MAXIMIZE GUESTS A VIP PROPERTY YOUR INCOME EXPERIENCE MAINTENANCE POTENTIAL

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Karen Raspe, PA

ALL KEYS GLASS

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-393-9010

Sales Associate

Keys Real Estate

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

3 0 5 -7 4 3 -7 8 0 0

Authorized Dealer

karenraspe@bellsouth.net www.karenraspe.com

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

WILLIAM JONES

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

305-912-2177

HOME INSPECTOR

305-998-8953

305-619-2754 wjones2@terminix.com 625 U.S. Hwy 1, Ste. 101 * Key West, FL 33040

tracy@keysrealestate.com

CGC1523838

9141 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL

middlefloridakeysrealestate.com

Insured • Professional • Reliable

A member of the franchise system of BHHS Affiliates, LLC

Lic No. SP1481

CGC1523838

When It Rains It Pours!

Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON 305-743-0506

KEY LARGO 305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

We Do Installations!

Serving Key Largo to Key West

Will Campbell

Lic#SP-3562

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

SPALLING EXPERTS

(Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

President

BUiLDiNG iNSPECTiONS & PLAN REViEW PRiVATE PROViDER

Broker Associate

WiLL CAMPBELL - PRESiDENT

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

The Florida Keys 305-481-5156 Brenda@KeysIslandSales.com KeysIslandSales.com

Michael Kiraly

Mortgage Lender Supervisor NMLS# 675432 MKiraly@My100Bank.com Direct: (305) 942-1756 Office: (305) 676-3019 11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 214 & 215 Marathon, FL 33050 MY100BANK.COM | Centennial Bank

James Nagy james.finish.paint@gmail.com

239.250.4055 Interior & Exterior Painting Drywall Repair & Texture Stucco Repair & Texture

Concrete Staining Pressure Washing Fence Staining & Refinishing

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Rachel Keller

SALES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076

Proud member of:

INTERNATIONAL

CONCRETE REPAIR INSTITUTE

40

MARATHON WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

C OFFEE BUTLE R AMPH ITHEATE R