Support
DIRECTORY INSIDE
www.midkeysmarine.com
Unifying an Industry since 1994 Our Membership All Keys Diesel Repair, Inc. Artic-Temp, Inc.
Those who are fortunate enough to live and work in the Keys realize the importance of protecting our greatest assets – the community and environment. For more than 26 years, the Middle Keys Marine Association (MKMA) has been a partner both on land and in the tranquil waters surrounding the Florida Keys. Composed of a diverse collection of marine tradesmen and skilled artisans, MKMA has become a leading supporter of community and civic events and continually offers scholarships to the students of Monroe County. For more information on choosing the right service for your vessel, please look for within this publication, or simply pick up a copy of MKMA’s “Guide to Florida Keys Marine Services, a Boater’s Guide to Professional Marine Services in the Keys.” Available at member facilities and information kiosks throughout the Keys. MEMBER OF
Our Mission
The Middle Keys Marine Association’s objectives are to advance the education of those engaged in the marine industry, to promote prosperity within the industry, to convey to our membership and the public reliable information on matters concerning marine interests, to solicit from our membership problems or issues facing the industry, to promote the general interests of the marine industry and to protect and/or improve conditions related to the marine industries, waterways and related facilities.
Big Pond Boat Works Bottoms & Props Captain for Hire Coastal Docks, LLC
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Davis Marine Systems Hawks Cay Resort & Marina Keys Rigging, Inc. Lazy Days South
Marathon Auto & Marine Services Marathon Boat Yard
Marathon Diesel Repair & Service Marathon Marina Marathon Marine Solutions Co. Marathon Yacht Club
March Hare Marine Services Napa Auto Parts of Marathon Nautiprep Pancho’s Fuel Dock
Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina Prop Tec Marathon, Inc. SALT Service, Inc.
Sea\\Tow Islamorada/Marathon Shoreline Simply Marinas, Inc. South Seas Rigging Southeast Marine Construction Sunset Grille & Raw Bar The Island Fish Company
The Weekly Newspapers TowBoat U.S. – Marathon
Honorary Members College of the Florida Keys Serial Design Group
DINGHY DOCK
HAPPY HOUR DAILY 2-6
• 35¢ Wings • Fried Chicken Livers!
LARGEST DRAFT BEER IN SELECTION THE KEYS!
• Largest Draft Beer Selec tion in the Keys 1/2 OFF from 3-5 • $2 Pints of Yuengling an d Bud Light • $7 Happy Hour Menu - 24 Delicious Selections • Sashimi & Nigiri - Bigger Happy Hour Portions! • Porkbelly, Bacon, Chedda r & Egg Sandwiches on a Cheddar Biscuit
BREAKFAST SERVED DAILY UNTI
L2
• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfa st • Best Sausage Gravy • Va Shots riety of Eggs Benedict
LUNCH & DINNER
• Prime Rib • Stone Crab • Local Lobster • Cook Your Own Catch • Fresh Local Fish
SUSHI
• Toro • Lionfish • Wahoo • Poke • Fresh Uni arrives on We dnesdays
VOTED BEST SUSHI
Reservations Recommended 305-743-6247
1406 Oceanview Ave, Marathon
CONTENTS
Marathon City Council • Mayor Luis Gonzalez • Counci l Member John Bartus • Council Member Steve Cook • Council Member Mark Senmartin • Council Member Dan Zieg • Chief of Police Capt. Don Hiller • Fire Chief John Johnson
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Get to know your staff at the marina | P.5 Rules drive protocol in Boot Key anchorage | P.8 In the Florida Keys, we pump it out | P.10 locate eateries, groceries and marine services | P.16 About the marina, and the harbor | P.18
Point
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7 Overseas Pub & Grill 8 Florida Keys Steak & Lobster
Attractions
9 Hurricane
1 Pigeon Key
10 Food for Thought
2 Turtle Hospital
11 Dockside
3 Marathon Yacht Club
12 Marathon Grille & Ale House
4 Marathon Community Theatre
Personal Services
Marine Services
1 Fishermen’s Hospital
1 Pancho’s Fuel Dock
2 Marathon Library
2 Prop Tech 3 Marathon Auto & Marine Svc.
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3 Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate 4 Ocean Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 5 Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
4 SALT Services
6 Keys Animal Hospital
6 Artic Temp
1 Marathon Marina & Resort
7 Coco Plum Real Estate
7 Florida Keys Diesel
2 Marathon Boat Yard 3 Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina
Marinas/Boat Yard
Retail
13 Sweet Savannah’s
5 Crane Point Museum
14 The Island Fish Co.
6 Marathon Chamber of Commerce
15 Sparky’s Landing
7 Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
16 Key Colony Inn
8 The Art Studio
8 Florida Keys Real State
8 Marathon Lumber
17 Havana Jack’s
9 Dolphin Research Center
9 Bike Marathon Bike Rental
9 NAPA Auto-Marine
4 Shelter Bay Marine
4 Marooned in Marathon & Tropical Island Outlet
18 SS Wreck
10 The Lagoon on Grassy Key
10 Key Colony Beach Realty
10 Onboard Rigging
5 Driftwood Marina
5 Island Gift Shop / The KCB
5 Keys Rigging
11 March Hare Marine
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ART&MAP Travis Cready | travis@keysweekly.com John Bartus Designs
9709 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050 phone: 305.743.0844 fax: 305.743.0866 www.keysweekly.com
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SALES&MARKETING Patti Childress | patti@keysweekly.com Anneke Patterson | anneke@ keysweekly.com
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FLAMINGO ESTATES
2 Lazy Days
6 Juice Paradise
CONTENT&DESIGN Sara Matthis | sara@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes | javier@keysweekly.com
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PUBLISHER Jason Koler | jason@keysweekly.com
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Many people and organizations were instrumental in making the 2020/2021 Boot Key Cruiser’s Guide a success. The staff at The Weekly Newspapers would like to thank Sean Cannon and the entire staff at the Marathon City Marina, the Middle Keys Marine Association, the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, the City of Marathon and the Cruisers Net.
1 Sunset Grille
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About this issue
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City of Marathon Jessie Hobbs Park
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ON THE COVER: This is an aerial view of the sun setting in the west over Boot Key Harbor. The city-owned marina’s mooring field is located on the east end of the harbor, one of the best municipal facilities in Florida, located in a thriving water-based community. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly
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1 Pigeon Key Gift Shop
2 Anthony’s Ladies Apparel 3 The UPS Store
6 DK’s Beach Boutique/ DK’s Gift Shop
WHERE MOORING IS A ‘BALL’ DEAR CRUISERS, On behalf of the City Council, welcome to the City of Marathon and our City Marina at Boot Key Harbor. We hope that you will have a great experience here in the Heart of the Florida Keys! City staff is committed to making your stay safe and comfortable. Our harbor offers 360-degree protection. For that, and many other reasons, it is considered by many to be the best harbor in the Florida Keys. For example, our Marina is only minutes away from Sombrero Reef, an internationally renowned diving and snorkeling spot. In addition, the Marina is within walking distance of marine retailers and boatyards, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospital, a public library and restaurants. Many local restaurants offer dinghy access to their establishments.
The Marina is located adjacent to both a beautiful municipal sports park complex and the municipal park/ beach which is accessible by dinghy or kayak. Public bus service conveniently stops nearby and connects to Key West including the Key West Airport and mainland Miami, where public buses and trains are readily available to transport you throughout Miami and Miami Beach including Miami International Airport. Rental cars are available in Marathon if you wish to tour on your own. We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2020/2021 Boot Key Harbor Cruiser’s Guide. We are confident that you will have a great stay and join the ranks of our many repeat visitors.
Contact Information Boot Key Harbor City Marina VHF channel 16 Latitude 24º 42’ 33.8” Longitude 81º 5’ 29.1”
800 35th St., oceanside Marathon, FL 33050 phone: 305.289.8877 fax: 305.289.8876 http://ci.marathon.fl.us www.cityofmarathonmarina.com
SEAN CANNON, Marina & Ports Director & The Boot Key Harbor City Marina
Meet the staff
Matt McJunkin
Assistant Ports Director
Roel Alvarado Marina Tech
Vickie Nelson
Administrative Assistant
Antoinette Smith Marina Tech
Charlie Estrella Marina Tech
Karen Diehl Marina Tech
Danielle Na-o
Administrative Assistant 5
Photos by Ray Crowder
PARADISE FOUND Years ago, I was bumping down the east coast by boat looking for someplace warm to relax for a while. Studying my charts of the Florida Keys, I saw a harbor that on paper looked like the perfect place to find paradise. It was well protected all the way around, looked like it had a good water depth, and had two waterways leading out. Its name was Boot Key Harbor. As is often the case when unrestricted access is given to humans, I found paradise to be a complete mess. It was disappointing and I moved on. Flash forward thirty years when I had to stop in at Boot Key Harbor to meet up with some crazy cruising friends and found that everything had changed. The key of Marathon is a city, most of the harbor is controlled by the municipality and everything is clean. The water is clear and teams with Eagle Rays, Manatees, Dolphins, Ospreys, Eagles and much more. There are pump-out boats that visit every boat every week. They will make special trips to boats that need pump-outs more often at a cost of only $5. There are dump stations for compost heads and trash. There are recycle stations for oil, fuels, batteries etc. The live-aboard community and cruisers have regular get-togethers to patrol the mangroves around the harbor. They collect and dispose of wayward stuff that has been set adrift during the occasional windy night or thunder storm. The Sheriff’s department, FWC and Coast Guard are a regular help for health and safety needs. The entire harbor is a minimum wake area with no wake/idle speed only in the various marina canals. And the whole area is part of a “Marine Sanctuary”. There was a time when everyone used 2cycle outboards spewing oily exhaust into the water. Now, the cleaner 4 cycle engines prevail and many people row or use electric motors to get around. All these behaviors have had positive cumulative effect on the water quality. Sailing dinghies are constantly on the move, running chores or just having fun. Dinghy drifts for the full moon or any other excuse are
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regular features. Sunsets are church attended from the deck or drifting idly behind the boat on your favorite raft or noodle. I’m always impressed with how many dive flags I see flying during the day by boats with swimmers in the water or cleaning their bottoms. Boot Key itself is mostly mangrove and has a wellmarked, pristine kayak trail that will keep you and your camera busy all day. This is paradise found by way of appropriate management and the natural beauty of it has responded in full scale. Every day I encounter wildlife. The dolphins show up early and an hour or so before sunset to feed on the abundant smaller fish. They often swim beside my dingy just to say hello, I guess, so I say hello back. The Tarpons are here about the same time for the same reason, but they are more on the shy side. Ospreys, Eagles and Frigate birds are a constant presence. I’m not a bird guy, but I do enjoy watching all the Pelicans soaring inches off the water between the boats during their mating season. The Eagle Rays will jump out of the water and land with a splash that can take you delightfully by surprise. And the Manatees with their pups are everywhere, so slow down. There simply is not enough room here for a full discourse, so consider this a teaser. We will give you the full picture when you get here. Until then. Capt’n Mike www.Whensday.us
MARINE SUPPLY, RAIN APPAREL AND ACCESSORY NEEDS Lumber | Plywood | Dock & Deck Material Resin & Mek | Gelcoat | Sanding Aid | Pigment Colors Chopped Glass | Fumed Silica | Fiberglass by the foot Grundéns | Bib Trousers | Jackets | Aprons | White boots Trap Hinges | Trap Latches | Trap Rope Lath Bundles | Funnels | 55 gallon plastic barrels Material for fiberglass repair | Fish cleaning station
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1977 DELIVERY AVAILABLE | GIFT CARDS
EXPERIENCE • SERVICE • QUALITY
11401 1st Ave. Gulf - Behind Town Square Mall | 305.743.3688 | Monday-Friday 7am - 4pm
WWW.MARATHONLUMBER.COM
Anchoring & Mooring ordinance
WELCOME TO ‘THE ZONE’
There are special mooring and anchorage rules in Boot Key Harbor. Began as a pilot program, it was signed into law by then Gov. Rick Scott on Jan. 1, 2017. The main idea is to protect the environment from boater impacts such as raw sewage dumping and sea grass destruction, while keeping the harbor “clean” of derelict boats. There are two mooring fields in Boot Key Harbor that are managed by the City of Marathon in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. (Boats on a mooring ball pay a fee.) There is also a narrow wedge where cruisers can anchor just east of the Boot Key Bridge. The mooring fields are surrounded by a buffer zone where anchoring is prohibited. The entire managed anchorage zone extends from Sister’s Creek on the southside of Marathon through Boot Key Harbor to the west channel opening on the gulfside of the 7 Mile Bridge. Some of the area fronting
Sombrero Beach is also a managed anchoring zone. All vessels in that area must display proof of pumpout when anchored for more than 10 consecutive days and have a marine sanitation device (buckets don’t count!). A minimum of one pumpout per month is required and the boat owners must display a tag or provide
BOOT KEY HARBOR
There is no anchoring within 100’ of Boot Key Harbor’s morning field.
documentation. The harbor managers are also looking for boats in danger of sinking or breaking loose. Vessels that are listing, aground, sinking, dragging anchor, in danger of breaking loose or not able to be used for navigation are not allowed. There are similar managed zones in parts of the Lower Keys. They are the Boca Chica Basin (eastern and western portions), Cow Key Channel, Key West Harbor and the Key West Seaplane Basin.
BOCA CHICA BASIN
COW KEY CHANNEL
The law is designed to regulate pump outs and keep derelict boats from cluttering the harbor.
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KEY WEST SEAPLANE BASIN
2020/2021
KEY WEST HARBOR
ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Marine Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Ice Machines Sales, Service & Installation
305-743-5288 9699 Overseas Hwy., Marathon (across from the airport, corner of 97th Street) Lic & Ins. Contractor #CAC 053827
WELCOME CRUISERS! Please visit us by tender, dinghy, boat or bike!
MARATHON • MM 47.3 (725 11th Street, Ocean) 305-289-0839 www.lazydayssouth.com
Enjoy Relaxing Oceanfront Dining While Feasting On Exquisite Seafood Dishes Prepared by Our Culinary Team
Reservations Recommended
Amazing Sunset Views Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials!
We Cook Your Own Catch! Lunch Begins at 11 am Dinner Begins at 4 pm Happy Hour ~ 4-6 Daily (Bar Only)
TRAILER PARTS SUPER STORE 305-289-9884 MARATHON AUTO & MARINE SERVICE 2525 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON
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Waste disposal
PUMP IT, DON’T DUMP IT Vessel sewage discharge has been prohibited in state waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary since its designation as a No Discharge Zone by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2002. In December 2010, the sanctuary amended regulations to further prohibit discharge of sewage incidental to vessel use and generated by a marine sanitation device in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. A marine sanitation device not secured in a manner that prevents discharge or deposits of treated and untreated sewage is also prohibited.
The Marathon City Marina is in the National Marine Sanctuary and is designated as a Clean Marina. Please be kind to your neighbors, dolphin, manatee and other marine creatures by disposing of sewage and waste properly. The City Marina provides recycling bins and trash receptacles for your convenience and pumpout service to improve the health and cleanliness of our waterways.
Boot Key Harbor is a “No Discharge Zone.” This means it is illegal to dump waste and overboard discharge into the water. Seacocks must remain locked in the closed position.
*Funded in part by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Clean Vessel Act through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The schedule what’s your row? Monday Rows A, J, N, & O Tuesday Rows B, K, L & M Wednesday Rows C, Q & R Thursday Rows D, G, S, T, & P Friday Rows E, F, H, U, V & W
• All Marathon City Marina mooring and dingy customers receive weekly pumpout service free of charge. Pumpouts for vessels on a mooring ball are performed on a weekly schedule (see left). Vessels are automatically pumped on their scheduled day of the week; captains need not be present. • Additional pumpouts can be scheduled for a $5 fee. • Pumpouts for vessels at anchor must be scheduled a day in advance for service Monday through Friday. Captains can call the Marathon City Marina at 305-289-8877 or hail staff on VHF 16 to schedule. As a temporary measure, anchored boats that are neither mooring ball or dinghy dock customers, can also receive a pumpout for $5. Boats will be marked with a sticker that is good for one month. • Dockside pumpout service is available seven days a week and captains must call 305-2898877 or hail staff on VHF 16 before arriving. • Captains are required to keep the waste fitting clear of obstructions such as solar panels, jugs, kayaks, etc.
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Contact information Marathon City Marina 305.289.8877; VHF Ch 16 www.cityofmarathonmarina.com City of Marathon 305.743.0033 http://ci.marathon.fl.us Monroe County 305.743.0079 www.monroecounty-fl.gov Monroe County Sheriff 305.289.2430 www.keysso.net US Coast Guard 305.743.1945; VHF Ch 16 www.uscg.mil/d7/stamarathon Florida Fish & Wildlife 305.289.2320 www.myfwc.com National Weather Service, Key West 305.295.1316 www.weather.gov/key/
FULL SERVICE MARINA 40% MORE BOAT STORAGE CERTIFIED VACUFLUSH DEALER SERVICING / MARINE HEAD MODELS • BOAT DETAILING BOTTOM PAINTING / FIBERGLASS REPAIRS / WELDING • ALGRIP, ALEXSEAL & GELCOAT FINISHES UPGRADED MOBILE MARINE SERVICE • 75 TON TRAVEL LIFT & 12 TON FORKLIFT ON SITE CUSTOM CANVAS & CUSHIONS ELECTRONICS AND RIGGING
BOAT STORAGE AVAILABLE, UP TO 70 FT, FILLING UP FAST
2059 OVERSEAS HWY • MARATHON • MARATHONBOATYARDLLC@GMAIL.COM
Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734
305-289-1150 Visit our Showroom in Marathon, MM48.5 Across from Boot Key Harbor
Marine A/C • Refrigeration • Solar Panels Windturbines • Watermakers • Anything electrical
2992 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 • www.saltservice.net 11
VESSEL SAFETY & THE LAW Boot Key Harbor is a safe and secure neighborhood of cruisers and live-aboard sailors. This is due to the genuine sense of community among the residents and visitors, along with the efforts of local law enforcement agencies to promote safety and curb crime. Here are a few reminders pertaining to Boot Key Harbor:
I can see the light
Make sure your light meets USCG requirements
A common navigation light that you will see near harbors or popular cruising destinations is the anchor light. The anchor light is an all-around light that must be visible for 2 miles in any direction. No other navigation lights should be on while at anchor. Anchor lights are required in Boot Key Harbor even though it is a designated anchorage. The requirement has to do with “colregs” – Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collissions. Colregs demarcation lines are shown on coastal charts as magenta color dashed lines. On the charts, Boot Key Harbor is located in “International Waters.” The colregs demarcation line crosses near Lower Matecumbe Key. From there, south and west throughout the Florida Keys, a vessel is outside of the colregs and therefore in International Waters where it’s required to display an anchor light.
Even if the boat is in a known or designated anchorage area, dinghies and other boats may be traveling in that area and will need to know the location of your boat.
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Required All vessels under 16’ in length must have the following items: • A copy of the vessel registration, except for nonmotorized vessels. (Vessels with inoperable motors are still considered motorized.) • Lifejackets for everyone aboard. • A horn or whistle. • Fire extinguisher, if there is a built-in fuel tank or enclosed portable fuel tank.
• Flares are not required when operating in Boot Key Harbor. • Navigational lights on motorized vessels capable of speeds over 7 knots. (Motorized vessels incapable of 7 knot speeds require only a 360 degree visible white light.)
Know the difference
vs.
Idle Speed-No Wake is the lowest speed necessary to maintain steering. All man-made canals are Idle Speed Zones.
Slow Speed-Minimum Wake means the craft is settled in the water, not plowing, and creating only a minimum wake. Most of Boot Key Harbor is a Slow Speed Zone.
Friendly Service & Free Advice Overlooking The Boot Key Harbor Waterway Complete Mobile Rigging Sales & Service
Dockage • Bait • Tackle Ice Cold Beer • Snacks • Ice Clean, Pre-Filtered & Computer Monitored Marine Fuel
Dealers for: Harken • Schaefer • Profurl • Ronstan • Wichard New England Ropes • Colligo • Spartite • Sta-lok Selden Mast • US-Spars • Furlex Furlers AquaSignal • Forespar • Lewmar
Please visit our website www.keysrigging.com
OFF ¢ 10
el or on Dies per Galle Ethanol-Free n 90-Octa h this ad Gas wit other discounts. y with an 21 Not valid s April 30th, 20 Expire
Marina Hours 7am - 5PM We monitor Channel 16
305.743.5317
Marathon Boat Yard 305.766.7196, keysrigging@gmail.com 2059 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Pigeon Key
Burdines
When in the Keys
Experience the history that built them The island is home to 8 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, some of which remain from its earliest incarnation as a work camp for the Florida East Coast Railway.
BOAT DOCKING
FISHING PIER
SCENIC FERRY BOAT RIDE UNDER THE ICONIC 7 MILE BRIDGE
SNORKELING & SWIMMING
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
$1.95
Basket of Fresh Cut Fries with this Ad Expires April 30th, 2021
KEYS-STYLE CUISINE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES ALL DAY EVERY DAY
Food So Good It’ll Make Your Tongue Slap Your Brains Out! 305.743.5999 / PIGEONKEY.NET
Come by Car, Bike, Foot or Boat
1200 Oceanview Avenue (end of 15th Street), MM 47.5 Ocean 305.743.9204 • Open 11am – 9pm Daily 13
WHAT CRUISERS NEED TO KNOW APPROACHES
• Via Hawk’s Channel The best entrance into Boot Key Harbor is from the west. Using chart 11451, the channel lies between Boot Key and Vaca Key, running west-east. Deep draft boats should favor the side with the Green ‘1’ to Green ‘9’ markers or stay in the middle of the channel. The bridge that spans Vaca and Boot Key has been dismantled, but a power line at 65’ runs across it. The only other shoal is between Green “19” to Green “21”, which is 6’ at MLW. • Via Florida Bay Boot Key Harbor can also be approached via Florida Bay. From the north, keep Green “17” (Bullard Bank Light) to starboard. Follow the channel southwest to the Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge is 65’. From there, follow the channel south to Hawk’s Channel, and approach Boot Key as mentioned above.
RECYCLE The Marathon City Marina has a very comprehensive recycling program on the premises. It can accommodate almost every type of recyclable waste ranging from householdtype items to materials associated with engine maintenance. The waste is deposited into clearly marked bins that are well kept and emptied regularly. These items must be placed in their respective bins: Waste oil, diesel, gasoline, anti-freeze, used oil and gas filters, oily rags and old starter batteries. Any materials not listed above, such as plastic bags or oily containers, will render the bin as contaminated and it will be discarded as trash. In addition, at the Marina cruisers can recycle: Plastic bottles and containers, No. 1-7. Plastic lids and caps are okay; aluminum and metal cans, clean foil and foil containers; glass bottles and jars (green, brown and clear only; no lids); Paper goods including paperboard boxes, office paper, newspapers, magazines and catalogues.
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2020/2021
MAIL, PACKAGES & FREIGHT City Marina staff will accept mail, packages and freight for current Marina customers only. Please note the following: • Mail must be addressed only to your name, at 800 35th Street Ocean, Marathon FL 33050. Please do not include “City Marina” or a vessel name. • Please do not call the City Marina to inquire about package deliveries. Staff will not sign for packages and special mail deliveries. They are placed in the package room adjacent to the mailboxes. Items are not secure, so make sure important items are picked up promptly. • U.S. mail is sorted according to the first letter of the last name, and is placed in the corresponding box located opposite the marina office. • FedEx requires the recipient’s signature and will not allow marina staff to sign for packages. Recipients must be present. FedEx will leave a slip and will attempt to redeliver three times before returning to sender. • Oversize packages and freight are NOT accepted by staff, but customers may meet drivers or scheduled delivery time and arrange to be at the marina when the item arrives. MASK UP During the COVID-19 epidemic, expected to extend into 2021, the City of Marathon Marina has instituted sanitary measures to keep the public and marina customers safe. Upon entering the lounge, clients must make use of the hand-washing stations. Also, customers who are on marina property — near lounge, restrooms, workshops and dinghy docks — must be masked when in proximity to others.
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7 Overseas Pub & Grill 8 Florida Keys Steak & Lobster
Attractions
9 Hurricane
1 Pigeon Key
10 Food for Thought
2 Turtle Hospital
11 Dockside
3 Marathon Yacht Club
12 Marathon Grille & Ale House
4 Marathon Community Theatre
13 Sweet Savannah’s
5 Crane Point Museum
14 The Island Fish Co.
6 Marathon Chamber of Commerce
Personal Services
Marine Services
1 Fishermen’s Hospital
1 Pancho’s Fuel Dock
2 Marathon Library
2 Prop Tech 3 Marathon Auto & Marine S
3 Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate 4 Ocean Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 5 Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
4 SALT Services
6 Keys Animal Hospital
6 Artic Temp
5 Keys Rigging
15 Sparky’s Landing
7 Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
7 Coco Plum Real Estate
7 Florida Keys Diesel
16 Key Colony Inn
8 The Art Studio
8 Florida Keys Real State
8 Marathon Lumber
17 Havana Jack’s
9 Dolphin Research Center
9 Bike Marathon Bike Rental
9 NAPA Auto-Marine
18 SS Wreck
10 The Lagoon on Grassy Key
10 Key Colony Beach Realty
10 Onboard Rigging
2020/2021
11 March Hare Marine
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Marinas/Boat Yard 1 Marathon Marina & Resort 2 Marathon Boat Yard 3 Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina
Retail 1 Pigeon Key Gift Shop 2 Anthony’s Ladies Apparel 3 The UPS Store
4 Shelter Bay Marine
4 Marooned in Marathon & Tropical Island Outlet
5 Driftwood Marina
5 Island Gift Shop / The KCB Store 6 DK’s Beach Boutique/ DK’s Gift Shop
17
IN MARATHON
Boot Key Harbor is a ‘jewel’
It would be hard to design a more welcoming spot for cruisers than what already exists in Boot Key Harbor. First, it offers 360-degree protection from sea storms, but is easy to access either through Sister’s Creek to the south or perpendicular to Moser Channel alongside the 7 Mile Bridge to the west. In the Florida Keys, there are two high tides and two low tides daily as the waters from the Atlantic sweep to the Gulf of Mexico and back again. By most standards, they are gentle tides — maximum high tides averaging less than 2.5 feet in Boot Key Harbor. The water is clean and clear and averages about 75 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. During the summer months, air temperatures climb but a steady breeze keeps it manageable. And during the winter months, well, there’s no better place to be than sitting under the stars in 70-degree weather. Boot Key Harbor is geared for cruisers. There are many marinas with slips for rent, waterside restaurants and a full complement of marine services ranging from divers that can scrape a hull to marine mechanics to fix an engine. There are no less than five fuel docks in Marathon on the south side of the island. Harbor laws are enforced by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The harbor is governed by the city of Marathon, a small community consisting of yearround locals and visiting “snow birds.” The city has all the amenities — a public library, hospital, two grocery stores and two drug stores. Marathon also has one elementary school and a combined junior and middle high on opposite sides of the island. It has an active theater scene, a movie theater, a yacht club and a garden club.
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2020/2021
The Middle Keys also boasts worldrenowned attractions — the Dolphin Research Center, the historic Pigeon Key, a museum and nature conservancy and even a “cable park” where wakeboarders can practice their skills. There are three enormously popular diving spots just a few miles offshore — Sombrero Reef, Coffin’s Patch and The Thunderbolt, a 188-foot shipwreck located in 120 feet of water. Sombrero Beach is stunning and admission is free. Many cruisers beach their dinghies at the west end to spend the day at the beach. The fishing is spectacular whether anglers are targeting fish in the “skinny” waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the deep blue of the Gulfstream that wanders close to shore depending on the season. Dolphin, manatees, turtles and rays are common sights. The Middle Keys has some of the best kayaking to offer whether it be through the canals of residential neighborhoods to the pristine wilderness of mangrove “trails.” Finally, Marathon has wide, safe and beautiful bike trails from the 7 Mile Bridge all the way to Grassy Key. While most everything cruisers could want in Marathon is accessible on foot or on two wheels, the city has taxi service around town and bus service to Key West. The bus stop is just a couple blocks south of the Marathon City Marina, generally considered by all to be the heart of cruising. — Weekly Staff report
CAPTAIN DAVE MASTER MARINE SURVEYOR MEMBER: ACMS - ABYC - NFPA- MKMA
CERTIFIED MARINE SURVEYS
ABOUT THE MARINA Marathon City Marina is everything it needs to be and nothing more; in a word perfect. Marathon City Marina is in charge of administering 226 mooring balls in the harbor. It also has a limited amount of dockage in the canal on the east side of the marina. The marina offers monthly and daily rates. A weekly pumpout is included in the cost. The Marathon City Marina also offers a pumpout service for vessels at anchor or those that wish to be pumped out dockside. There is no reservation system for the mooring balls or dockage, but sailors may put their name on a waiting list for first-come, first-serve availability during the high-season in winter. (A spot or two opens every couple of days, weather permitting.) The marina has dinghy docks, a project room and storage areas. It also has private showers and bathroom facilities. Rather than a communal facility for men or women, the facilities are “en suite” and accessed via a magnetic card. In addition, Marathon City Marina has a laundry facility that also uses the magnetic card. All marina customers may park one personal vehicle or motorcycle for free. The social center of the Marathon City Marina is the “lounge,” an open-air meeting room with tables, chairs, free wifi, lending library and television. During high season, it’s not unusual for cruisers to organize regular potlucks and cocktail hours. Others conduct exercise or yoga classes and some tend to the marina’s vegetable garden. Many of these activities have been curtailed during COVID-19, however, and will no doubt resume when it’s safe. The marina staff offices are located in the front corner of the lounge and staff members dispense advice, mail and direct newcomers to the island’s resources. For more information about Boot Key Harbor and the Marathon City Marina, peruse the pages of this guide or visit c.marathon.fl.us or tune into the Cruisers Net every morning at 9 a.m. on VHF channel 68. There is also an informal group on Facebook called Boot Key Harbor Cruisers where members share news, weather and more.
MARCH HARE MARINE SERVICES CERTIFIED SURVEYS FOR RECREATIONAL & COMMERCIAL VESSELS APPRAISAL – PRE-PURCHASE INSURANCE – ACCIDENT – FISHING/CFR46 YACHT MANAGEMENT SERVICES YACHT DELIVERY SERVICES SAIL CHARTER SERVICES TITAN CERTIFIED WARRANTIED OIL ANALYSIS (Boats, Generators, Autos, etc.) LOCALS DISCOUNT
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WELCOME CRUISERS! MARINA SLIPS & STORAGE AVAILABLE - 832.332.5393
19
CAN I GET A SLIP? Marathon is probably one of the most marine-friendly cities in the Florida Keys. There are numerous restaurants where boaters tie up for dinner, and the city’s “downtown” is within easy walking distance of Boot Key Harbor. Below are the major facilities that can accommodate transient cruisers. • City of Marathon Marina
Clinics & Pharmacies • Baptist Health Medical Group 1st Professional Centre No. 17 5701 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 305-434-1400 • Community Health Inc. 2805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 305-743-4000
226 Mooring Balls, 14 slips, oceanside 35th St, oceanside | 305-289-8877
• Walgreens @ 10870 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 305-743-6929 @ 5271 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 305-359-3634 • Publix Pharmacy @ 5407 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 305-289-2920
Supermarkets
• Marathon Marina & Resort | 112 slips 1021 11th St, oceanside | 305-743-6575
• Publix. 5407 Overseas Hwy, 305-289-2920 • Winn-Dixie. 5585 Overseas Hwy, 305-743-3636
• Hawks Cay Marina | 85 slips 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, oceanside, Duck Key | 305-743-9000, Ext. 2 • Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club | 74 slips 1996 Overseas Hwy, gulfside | 305-743-9018 • Marlin Bay Resort & Marina | 74 slips & 25 boat lifts 3800 Gulfview Ave, gulfside | 305-731-2207, Ext. 2 • Sombrero Marina (“Dockside”) | 57 slips 35 Sombrero Blvd, oceanside | 305-743-5663 • Skip Jack Resort & Marina | 54 slips 19 Sombrero Blvd, oceanside | 305-289-7662, Ext. 2
Supplies • West Marine 2109 Overseas Hwy, oceanside 305-289-1009 • The Home Depot 4555 Overseas Hwy, oceanside 305-289-1966
• Marathon Lumber 11401 401 First Ave, gulfside 305-743-3688 • NAPA auto parts 12188 Overseas Hwy, gulfisde 305-743-5106
• The Boat House | 40 wet slips & 275 dry slips 12399 Overseas Hwy, oceanside | 305-481-0653 • Banana Bay | 34 slips 4590 Overseas Hwy, gulfside | 305-432-1122 • Black Fin Resort & Marina | 27 slips 4650 Overseas Hwy, gulfside | 305-743-2393 • Yacht Haven Marina | 24 slips 5 Sombrero Blvd, oceanside | 305-393-5073 • Burdine’s Waterfront | 22 slips 1200 Oceanview Ave, oceanside | 305-743-5317 • Marathon Yacht Club* | 21 slips 825 33rd St, gulfside | 305-743-6739 • Coconut Cay RV Park and Marina | 12 slips 7200 Aviation Blvd, gulfside | 305-289-7672 [*Those seeking a slip must be members in good standing with the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC) and the American Registry of Yacht Clubs (ARYC)].
FUEL • Marathon Marina & Resort 1021 11th St, oceanside 305-743-6575 • Faro Blanco Resort 1996 Overseas Hwy., gulfside 305-743-9018 • Pancho’s Fuel Dock & Supplies 1280 Oceanview Ave, oceanside 305-743-2281 • Burdines Waterfront 1200 Oceanview Ave, oceanside 305-743-5317 • Captain Hooks Marina 11833 Overseas Hwy, oceanside 305-743-2444 • The Boat House 12399 Overseas Hwy, oceanside 305-481-0653 • Valero* (*This is a landlocked location, but it sells nonethanol gas and has a wide turnaround area suitable for trailered boats.)
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2020/2021
BOOT KEY HARBOR FOCUSES ON SAFETY AND SANITATION Sheriff’s Office, FWC and Coast Guard partner to begin special mission
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay recently announced that his office — working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard — has begun an operation in Boot Key Harbor in Marathon aimed at improving safety and sanitation as well as enforcement of the laws relative to public safety. Residents and liveaboards of Boot Key Harbor will notice a dramatic increase in law enforcement on the water by all three agencies as they establish a constant presence there and in the immediate area. They will be looking for derelict vessels, safety violations, illegal sanitation discharges as well as any illegal activity, including but not limited to littering and drug sales. The sheriff’s office and its partners will be looking for compliance, but those who do not resolve any issues could face fines or arrest. “I know that many liveaboards in this community are good people who are following the rules and the law,” said Ramsay. “Nonetheless, the residents of Monroe County and the sheriff’s office will not tolerate overt lawlessness on or off the water. I want to thank those mariners who do follow the law. I appreciate their partnerships just as much as those of other law enforcement agencies such as the FWC and U.S. Coast Guard.” If you live on the water in Boot Key Harbor and the surrounding area: Now is a good time to make sure you’re properly pumping out your waste, your safety gear is up to date, your registration is paid and all the other things required for legal living on the water. It’s also a good time to pay any citations or fines you may have and resolve any warrants. — Contributed
Cruisers are locals too ask for Local’s Discount! open daily at 11am
www.sweetsavannahs.com 8919 overseas hwy Marathon 305-743-3131 21
AREA EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS COURTESY OF THE GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Attractions
Parks & Beaches
• Crane Point Museum, Nature Center MM50.5, gulfside 305.743.9100 | cranepoint.net
Marathon Community Park is located on Overseas Highway and 36th St, oceanside, adjacent to the City Marina. Inside the park you will find restrooms, picnic tables and a covered pavilion for large gatherings. The park has two Little League baseball fields, four tennis courts, and a combination basketball court/inline hockey rink, toddler playground and skate park. The park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dolphin Research Center MM59, gulfside 305.289.0002 | dolphins.org • Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters MM53, gulfside | 305.407.3262 floridakeysaquariumencounters.com • Historic Pigeon Key Two miles west of Knight’s Key 305.743.5999 | pigeonkey.net • The Turtle Hospital 2396 Overseas Highway 305.743.2552 | turtlehospital.org • Marathon Visitor Center 12222 Overseas Hwy | 305.743.5417 info@floridakeysmarathon.com floridakeysmarathon.com • The Lagoon on Grassy Key 59300 Overseas Hwy MM 59.3 305.414.8245 | keyscable.com • Florida Keys Country Club Phone: 305.743.2551 4000 Sombrero Blvd, MM 50 • Key Colony Beach Golf & Tennis Phone: 305.289.9859 8th Street, MM53.5, oceanside Diving • Adelaide Baker - Historic shipwreck features a pair of huge stacks in only 25 feet of water • Sombrero Reef - This traditional favorite of the Marathon dive portfolio is marked by a 140-foot lighted tower
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Jesse Hobbs Park is at the corner of U.S. 1 and 41st Street, gulfside. The park is a neighborhood hangout for kids enjoying the playground or shooting hoops. Hours are 8 a.m to 10 p.m. City of Marathon / Rotary Children’s Park is located at 7575 Overseas Highway (corner of U.S.1 and 75th Street, oceanside). Built with the combined efforts of Marathon’s Rotary Club and the City’s volunteers, there are swings, a climbing wall, toddler playground,
Events
monkey bars, slides and many play elements. Hours are 8 a.m. to dusk. Sombrero Beach MM50, oceanside A lovely sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean frames a shady park with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms and showers. The beach is open from 7 a.m. until dusk. Coco Plum Beach MM54.5, oceanside Established as a natural beach area with an adjacent wetland area, Coco Plum (like Sombrero) is also a turtle nesting beach. A popular spot for local’s and their pets, Coco Plum has basic restroom facilities and is open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. Oceanfront Park 98th & 99th streets This park, located behind City Hall on the oceanfront, features a fenced run for dogs, and a series of pavillions for fishing or relaxing. There is also a kayak launch.
COVID-19 has impacted many local events that are near and dear to the Middle Keys community. Please visit keysweekly.com or visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com for event details and cancellations.
Dec 12, 2020 Boot Key Harbor 24th Annual Lighted Boat Parade Parade starts at 6 p.m. from the west end of Boot Key Harbor (7 Mile Bridge side) and will slowly wind its way east into the harbor towards Sombrero Marina Dockside. Parade continues until 8 p.m.
Mar 5, 2021 - Mar 7, 2021 Sombrero Beach Run Weekend Runners and walkers from around the country come to the Middle Keys for the Sombrero Beach Run, a mixture of athleticism and beach fun. For Saturday’s main event, kids and adults of all ages can participate in a 5k, 10k or 15k.
Jan 22, 2021 - Jan 24, 2021 Island Boat Show Boating and watersports aficionados can browse among top boat brands at the event, staged at Hawks Cay Resort, mile marker 61 on Duck Key. Show features major boat brands and vendors. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Mar 13, 2021 - Mar 14, 2021 Original Marathon Seafood Festival Shrimp, spiny lobster, stone crab claws and fish, all “fishermen-to-fork fresh,” are to headline the attractions for attendees. For over 40 years, the taste bud–tempting outdoor feast has drawn seafood lovers and Keys families to gather at the Marathon Community Park.
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center 12222 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050
Apr 17, 2021 40th Annual Seven Mile Bridge Run The annual race is staged on the longest of 43 bridges along the Florida Keys’ renowned Overseas Highway. The race is one of the most popular running events in the southeast United States, attracting a field of 1,500 runners from around the world. Apr 30, 2021 - May 2, 2021 Marathon Offshore Bull & Cow Dolphin Tournament Up to $30,000 in cash and prizes awaits the top anglers who catch the largest bull and cow combined, while other prizes are awarded to anglers catching the largest dolphin fish, wahoo, tuna and tripletail.
FloridaKeysMarathon.com visitus@FloridaKeysMarathon.com 305.743.5417 • 1.800.262.7284
EXPERIENCE MARATHON MARINA CLEAN & GREEN ALL-IN-ONE MARINA IN THE HEART OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
MARINA | FUEL DOCK | BOAT YARD RV PARK | VACATION RENTALS
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S o ci a l d is ta n ci n g w it h ta b le s 6 ’ a p a rt
1021 11TH STREET OCEAN, MARATHON, 305.743.6575
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! SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY, 11 AM - 11 PM AND FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11 AM - MIDNIGHT 35 SOMBRERO BOULEVARD OVERLOOKING BOOT KEY HARBOR 23
Mobile rigging services Onsite Swaging Service Largest cordage inventory in Keys Competitive prices for full re-rigs Rigging inspections Electrical and electronics Splicing Anchor line and chain
Chandlery Opening January 2021
305-998-4300 www.onboardrigging.com
