$8,999,000
The magnificent one
This double lot estate offers 138 feet of protected deepwater dockage, complete with a solid concrete seawall designed to accommodate a sportfishing yacht, multiple center consoles, and all of your waterfront lifestyle needs. A true boater's paradise, this property offers both privacy and exceptional access to the Atlantic Ocean. The fully remodeled residence is constructed of concrete with a new roof. Inside, seven spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms provide ample accommodations for family and guests. Coastal-inspired interiors feature wood-look tile flooring throughout, woven statement light fixtures, and soaring ceilings with exposed beams and pecky cypress accents. Expansive impact windows and doors frame sweeping ocean views, bringing natural light into nearly every room. The gourmet kitchen anchors the main living space as the heart of the home, with a striking 12' island that creates the perfect setting for gatherings. Outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, this space is equally suited for everyday living with family or hosting unforgettable evenings of entertaining. Spa-like marble bathrooms further elevate the home, blending comfort with luxury. Designed for both style and function, the property also offers a rare 4+ car garage and abundant storage. Outdoors, a sparkling pool invites afternoons in the sun, while the expansive double lot offers unmatched opportunities for expansion. Whether envisioning a private guest house, a tennis or pickleball court, or exploring the option to build and sell, this rare property provides endless possibilities for both personal enjoyment and investment potential—an uncommon luxury in the Florida Keys. Balancing modern sophistication with coastal simplicity, this sanctuary captures the essence of waterfront living from sunrise over the Atlantic to evenings by the water, in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Florida Keys.
12420 Overseas Highway | Marathon 305.735.4095 | oceansir.com
9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
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The only publicly-owned franchise in the National Football League is the Green Bay Packers. According to the team, there are 538,967 shareholders as of 2025. Shareholders vote for directors, and no single person or entity can own more than 200,000 shares.
Officials gather to cut the ribbon and officially reopen the Marathon International Airport runway on Oct. 6. The airport was closed to fixed-wing traffic for a 50-day period to complete a runway relocation project. See page 10.
KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Contributed
INDICTED FORMER COUNTY OFFICIAL WON’T FACE TRIAL
Roman
Gastesi agrees to supervision for 12 months, or less
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
The former top county executive who was indicted and arrested last year on a felony charge of official misconduct will not, it turns out, be prosecuted — as long as he behaves himself.
Roman Gastesi, the former Monroe County administrator, was indicted in August 2024 amid a drug scandal and coverup involving the 2022 theft and loss of more than 600 vials of fentanyl, dilaudid, ketamine and other drugs from the Trauma Star air ambulance service, which is run by Monroe County Fire Rescue.
“Mr. Gastesi is accused of knowingly and intentionally obstructing, delaying or preventing the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony that directly affected the government entity he served,” stated an Aug. 16, 2024 press release from the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.
The grand jury’s report, released in late August 2024 following the indictments, states, “What is certain, through the testimony of the various witnesses, is that Mr. Gastesi has used what appears to be boundless power and authority in manners not consistent with the best interests of Monroe County as a whole, but rather for select individuals that align themselves with him. Most recently, Roman Gastesi intervened and stopped HR and Employee Services from conducting an internal investigation by an outside firm
Former Monroe County administrator Roman Gastesi will serve 12 months or less of probation stemming from his August 2024 indictment and arrest on a felony charge of official misconduct. CONTRIBUTED
of the July 2022 incident and more specifically Andrea Thompson. … Mr. Gastesi must never hold any position with Monroe County.”
If convicted of the third-degree felony, Gastesi could have faced up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
But Gastesi won’t be prosecuted for the alleged crime, as long as he abides by the rules outlined in a pretrial intervention agreement that he signed on Aug. 5 of this year.
Gastesi agreed to 12 months supervision, during which he will report monthly to a county probation officer. After three months, he can ask the state attorney to end his probation early as long as he has completed a required ethics class, performed 50 hours of community service and donated $500 to each of two local charities. Gastesi also agreed he “will not use intoxicants to excess,” while under supervision, according to the agreement, which emphasized the words “to excess,” without defining it.
In addition to the two $500 donations, Gastesi must pay $1,420 in court and investigation costs, and $50 for each month of his probation.
“The State Attorney’s Office agrees to (dismiss) the charge(s) in this case after the time set forth in this agreement if the defendant has completed all the terms and conditions of this agreement,” the pretrial document states. “If the State discovers that the defendant has violated any law or any part of this agreement during the period of this agreement then the agreement shall be considered null and void and the State of Florida may recommence prosecution.”
Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward declined to comment on the agreement.
“We still have other defendants in that investigation, so no comment at this time,” Ward told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 7.
The Weekly contacted Gastesi for comment, but had not received a response by press time Oct. 8.
The other defendants include former Trauma Star chief flight nurse Lynda Rusinowski and former Trauma Star division chief Andrea Thompson.
Rusinowski in 2023 admitted to stealing drugs and to being addicted to opiates. She faces multiple counts of grand theft of controlled substances and fraud.
Thompson faces felony charges of official misconduct, providing false information to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence and altering patient records.
Thompson’s and Rusinowski’s cases are still pending before Judge Mark Jones and each has a hearing scheduled for Dec. 4.
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WILL THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AFFECT THE KEYS?
National park, federal courts & weather service remain open
By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy
Aweek into the federal government shutdown — and political finger-pointing between Republicans and Democrats — life in the Florida Keys hasn’t changed too terribly, although dozens of government websites and social media accounts tell online visitors the pages and sites will not be updated while workers are furloughed.
Air traffic controllers remain on the job to keep planes in the air, but when previous government shutdowns have stretched through several weeks, absenteeism became a concern for air traffic control, prompting some flight delays and cancellations.
The National Weather Service, which falls under the auspices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is always a concern for Keys residents. But the Keys Weekly stopped by the NWS Key West forecast office on White Street on Monday Oct. 6 and spoke in person with warning coordination meteorologist Jon Rizzo and with meteorologist-in-charge Chip Kasper. Both were still at work and on high alert in the last month and a half of hurricane season.
They are what the government considers “excepted” employees, meaning their jobs are essential, much like air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers. They’ll continue to work through a shutdown, although they may not get paid until the shutdown ends.
“If this continues, then paychecks may be delayed, which would be tough on our lower-level staff,” Kasper said, while emphasizing that the office’s hurricane and tropical weather forecasting has not been affected.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which also is under the umbrella of NOAA, however, has been affected by the shutdown.
The Eco-Discovery Center at Key West’s Truman Waterfront is closed.
“The lapse in appropriations means we are unable to utilize government property, including buildings and vessels,” Scott Atwell, communications and outreach manager for the sanctuary, told the
Keys Weekly in an email on Oct. 8. “This means the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, normally open Wednesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is closed.
“Approximately 25% of our staff are federal employees, and are on furlough. The balance are considered contractors or affiliates, like myself, paid by previous year appropriations and are therefore still working remotely.”
Atwell added that federally owned vessels cannot be operated during the shutdown.
Dry Tortugas and Everglades national parks remained open to visitors as of Oct. 6, and the ferry was running to the Tortugas.
“One problem with nailing down specific closure information (for national parks) is that staff has been furloughed at federal websites where closure notifications would normally be posted,” states an online post by the travel site floridarambler.com. “As a result of the staff issues, visitor centers and ranger stations are not being manned and phones are not being answered.”
Naval Air Station Key West’s usually active Facebook page has not been updated since Oct. 1, when a single post stated, “There is a lapse of appropriations and there will be limited updates.”
Active-duty service members are considered essential and therefore still working, but most civilian employees have been furloughed. (A furlough is defined as “suspension or discharge of a worker or workers on account of economic conditions or shortage of work, especially when temporary.”)
A text message to NASKW civilian spokeswoman Danette Baso-Silvers produced an automated reply stating, “Due to a lapse in federal funding, employees have been furloughed. I will not be able to respond to your message until the furlough has ended.” She did provide a phone number for an active-duty naval service member for emergencies.
Federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow told the Keys Weekly on Oct. 7 that “the federal courts are all open and will not close during the shutdown.”
Check keysweekly.com for updates while the federal government shutdown continues.
BAPTIST HEALTH HOSPITALS DELIVER LIFE-SAVING STROKE TREATMENT
Fishermen’s and Mariners get recognition
Baptist Health has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for its exceptional stroke care through the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke initiative.
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or bursts, leading to the death of brain cells. Early detection and treatment are essential to minimizing disability and accelerating recovery.
Among the nine Baptist Health hospitals honored, Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier received the prestigious Rural Gold awards for stroke care.
This achievement highlights
Baptist Health’s dedication to delivering life-saving stroke treatment and prevention programs to the Keys. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, making early detection and treatment critical to improving survival rates and recovery outcomes.
The Rural Gold awards are particularly significant for the Keys, a region that faces unique challenges in delivering advanced medical care due to its rural and geographically dispersed nature. These awards reflect the efforts of Fishermen’s and Mariners in ensuring that worldclass stroke care is available locally.
More information is at baptisthealth.net. — Contributed
Fishermen’s Hospital in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED
Mariners Hospital in Tavernier.
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
It’s the season of pumpkin spice, skeletons and all things spooky in the Middle Keys. For a tiny string of islands, Marathon isn’t short on events to celebrate Halloween – quite honestly, it’s easy to lose track. So don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Back for another year, here is Keys Weekly’s roundup of options in the heart of the Florida Keys, most of which are suitable for all ages.
What: Halloween Art in the Park
When: Oct. 13, 20 and 27, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Oceanfront Park (behind City Hall)
Details: Join Annalise from Marathon Parks and Recreation for Adult Halloween Art in the Park. It's time to start decorating for Halloween, and what better way than to make your own decorations and art? From lighted pumpkin centerpieces to spiders and spooky ghost art, the moon’s the limit. Different projects are scheduled for each Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Oceanfront Park (behind City Hall) between 98th and 99th Street. A registration fee is required to help cover the cost of materials used. Email rosetea@ci.marathon.fl.us and scan the QR code to register:
What: Witches in the Hammock
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Details: Join Crane Point for its annual Witches in the Hammock event. Take a lantern walk through the hammock to a haunted house and watch the witches who live there dance around the fire pit. Have some witches’ brew and ride back to the Crane Point courtyard for all kinds of spooky games. Casper’s house will also be open for a visit with the friendly ghost. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children.
What: Stanley Switlik’s Spooktacular Halloween Carnival
When: Sunday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Stanley Switlik Elementary School
Details: Head over to Switlik for the school’s annual Halloween carnival. Feel free to wear a costume and join the parade at 12:30 p.m. The day includes candy, games, food, crafts, music, a bounce house, the famed cake walk, a silent auction and more. Donors and volunteers can contact ptoswitlik@gmail.com.
What: Double Feature Movie Night at the Park
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Where: Marathon Community Park
Details: Join the city of Marathon for a Halloween double feature movie event for all to enjoy – “Hocus Pocus” and “Hocus Pocus 2.” The movies begin at dark, with the second movie immediately following the first. Bring chairs and blankets, snacks and friends to enjoy the rare double feature.
What: Halloween Kids Costume Run
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.
Where: 1155 Bulevar de Palmas, Marathon
Details: HapynKeys Running’s annual Halloween costume run is back. The 1-mile run will take participants around a local neighborhood loop, and the event will include refreshments, snacks and best-costume and top-runner prizes.
What: Trick or Treat at Aquarium Encounters
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m.
Where: Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Kids in costume will receive free admission to Aquarium Encounters and candy with a paying adult or member. Trick or treat and play games at the exhibits at the aquarium. While supplies last.
What: Trick or Treat at the Beach
When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Sombrero Beach
Details: The city of Marathon will transition its usual Trunk or Treat to a Trick or Treat at the Beach. Come in costume to collect goodies from local groups and businesses who put up displays along the park path. Registration is only required for groups who wish to put up a display or tent. Spaces are limited to a 10- x 10-foot area. Email parksandrecreation@ ci.marathon.fl.us to reserve a spot and for additional display rules.
What: 16th annual City of Marathon
Employee Costume Contest
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: City Hall, 9805 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Come see all the employee costumes and cast your votes. Cost is $1 per vote. All proceeds will be donated to a local charity to be announced.
What: Sinister Speakeasy Halloween Party
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 11 p.m.
(Happy Hour 4 to 6)
Where: The Palm Deck at Grassy Flats Resort
Details: The Palm Deck is reopening for the season soon, and coincidentally it happens on Halloween. On Oct. 31, bring your best costume and your best Halloween spirit to enjoy the festivities, complete with a brand new menu and cocktails. Happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. with live music starting at 6 p.m.
What: Gulfside Village Trick or Treat
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gulfside Village, 5800 Overseas Hwy.
Details: Annual Trick or Treat Halloween party at Gulfside Village. Come enjoy the fun in the fresh outdoors. Candy donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at Flowers By J&J. Any business or organization that would like to set up a table or donate candy may contact Flowers By J&J to reserve a spot. Call 305-743-5459 or email danielle@ keysflowers.com.
What: Grassy Key Halloween
When: Friday, Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Grassy Key on Goodley, Gibson, Bailey and the west end of Morton Street.
Details: Please join the Grassy Key community in passing out candy for trick-or-treaters. All are welcome. Neighbors from outside the listed streets are welcome to set up trick or treat tables at Sunset Park on Morton Street.
What: Trick or Treating Behind the Airport
When: Friday, Oct. 31, starting at dark
Where: Neighborhood off Aviation Boulevard between Dolphin Drive and Harbor Drive. Details: Come join the fun for Marathon’s traditional behind-the-airport trick-or-treating. MCSO deputies will be controlling traffic in the area from 6 to 11 p.m. A one-way traffic pattern will be established according to the map shown here. Parking is prohibited on Aviation Boulevard, but ample parking is available on Gulfstream Boulevard.
MCSO deputies will enforce the typical one-way traffic loop for trick-or-treating behind the Marathon airport.
DEMOCRACY ON DISPLAY
Candidates paint their vision for Marathon at annual forum
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES:
Gerrit Hale: www.gerrit4marathon.com
Lynn Landry: www.lynnlandrymcc.com
David Perry: “Dave Perry for Marathon City Council” on Facebook
Greg Robinson: www.gregformarathon. com
Jeff Smith: “Jeff Smith Marathon City Council” on Facebook
Robyn Still: “Robyn Still for Marathon City Council” on Facebook
Debbie Struyf: “Debra Tyner Struyf for Marathon City Council” on Facebook
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
Candidates in the Middle Keys’ only local election for 2025 shared the dais for the first time on Oct. 1 as the Keys Weekly and Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual political forum in the Monroe County BOCC chambers.
For nearly 90 minutes, incumbents and newcomers laid out their plans for Marathon if elected to one of the three open seats on the city council, from ideas to provide staff oversight to regulating city-sponsored nonprofit grants, balancing tax rates with resident services, code enforcement and, of course, differing views on affordable housing.
Candidates answered a round of eight identical questions prepared by the Weekly and Chamber of Commerce’s community affairs committee, with an additional round of questions individually addressing controversial aspects of each candidate’s campaign (printed below). The Weekly encourages all our readers to view the forum in its entirety by scanning the attached QR code. Additional forum answers will be printed in the Oct. 16, 23 and 30 issues of the Marathon Weekly.
Answers reflect candidates’ views only, and not those of the Weekly or Chamber of Commerce. Answers are direct quotes from candidates, trimmed for length.
Gerrit Hale: Marathon has been one of the most aggressive governments in the Keys in encouraging affordable housing developments. Your campaign announcements posted potential solutions, but many of these are already in place. What new ideas do you have to address the affordable housing issue in Marathon?
I think they’ve been very aggressive, and they’ve done a great job. I know public-private partnerships get bantered around a lot, but when I worked on a public-private partnership, it was where you’ve got a government and you create a nonprofit. The nonprofit is the primary entity. Right now … (groups aren’t) really working together – it’s not cohesive. The plan I have includes the county and all the entities currently involved so that we’re all-inclusive to create long-term solutions, not just putting money in developers’ pockets and calling it affordable housing.
Greg Robinson: Other than purchasing a home, what other types of investments or commitments have you made in Marathon that display your dedication to the community?
Running for city council, for one. As all my running mates can attest to, this requires a lot of time, a lot of energy. Due to our unique situation with our son, I am back and forth between Jacksonville and here regularly, specifically to meet with residents to understand the challenges. Then I put my mind to what solutions we can practically implement, and I’ve put them on my website. I create actual solutions, and I intend on day one to bring resolutions so that we can improve our city.
Debbie Struyf: Marathon has been incredibly aggressive on affordable housing, with differences in opinion on what is effective. Your campaign materials have criticized larger developments, which seem to be the only projects that have actually been completed over the last few years. Given the unique challenges of building in the Keys, between land, construction costs and development rights, how would you as a council person implement your vision of “a responsible housing policy that keeps working families in Marathon?”
The only way to keep working families in Marathon is to find an affordable workforce housing program. We would have to partner with Habitat or someone like that. I will support any BPAS units to build single-family homes or deedrestricted homes that would allow a pathway to ownership for people who work here. I would support duplexes. I would support a townhouse community. I think cluster buildings are part of the problem we’re having now with our infrastructure.
continued on the next page
Marathon City Council candidates get a photo op with hosts Jason Koler and Daniel Samess at the Keys Weekly and Marathon Chamber of Commerce’s annual political forum on Oct. 1. From left: Koler, Vice Mayor Jeff Smith, Mayor Lynn Landry, Gerrit Hale, councilwoman Robyn Still, Greg Robinson, David Perry, Debbie Struyf and Samess. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly
David Perry: During an interview on U.S. 1 Radio two months ago, you referenced “corrupt people” working in City Hall. Is this a statement you still stand behind and if so, can you please provide concrete evidence of this corruption?
It is something I stand behind. I hate to bring this up, but it goes to the golf course and it doesn’t go to the golf course. I’ve seen things done out at that golf course that were illegal. They got violations from the state. Why did we have to call in the state if our city was doing their job? I don’t want to pick on the golf course, but I’ll just name one (item) that our own city engineer told me we have to do. When you build a property up four feet, you have to put a six-foot berm all the way around it. To this day, it still hasn’t been built. Why?
Jeff Smith: Comments you have made on the dais regarding city staff raises and contractor interactions have triggered strong responses from city staff and the Florida Keys Contractors Association. How can the council move forward with practical solutions on these issues in a manner that does not alienate constituents?
When it comes to the compensation survey, I took it on the chin my first year (on council). I believe we needed to have a formal process, assessments and a compensation survey done to get the proper data. We’ve accomplished all those things now. When it comes to the second comment (to the Contractors Association), we were in the middle of a discussion of trying to schedule a meeting to address complaints that then in the middle of budget season became 90 days before we could get a meeting. My comment was, hey, you have our emails. Send us your complaints so we can address them. I’ve yet to see an email from anybody.
Lynn Landry: In Marathon’s first public budget meetings, you expressed concern that meeting rollback would expose the city to the possibility of a large tax increase for 2026-27. By the next meeting, you agreed to meet the rollback rate. How do you reconcile this decision with concern over a large tax increase next year?
By simply looking at the data and listening to another council person on the dais lay it all out for us. If you look historically, we have been under budget. Last year, with a $374,000 deficit budget, we’re going to put over $1.1 million in reserves. So, it might have been a little bit of a misstatement from the dais, but when you go back and do the research, I don’t think it’s going to be as big a problem next year as I initially had thought.
Robyn Still: In reviewing a development on 107th Street, you exhibited a high level of scrutiny in contrast to previous development reviews that came before you. Please explain why this project elicited such a response and what the people of Marathon can expect moving forward if you are re-elected?
When I heard that that development was going to increase beyond what had already been approved, everything in me just screamed “no.” That was a small area, there’s a neighborhood that’s right there, and I just felt like the developers had already had been approved for an adequate number, and they just wanted more. It felt like they had gotten greedy, and they wanted more development. At that point, everything in me said that was not going to enhance the smalltown feel.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
A review of debated issues from the 2025 forum
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
In an Oct. 1 candidate forum, Marathon City Council candidates referenced a number of items in Marathon’s budget and city charter, along with allegations of environmental violations by private businesses. In an effort to provide factual context to these claims, the Weekly editorial staff offers additional information: Candidates discussed retirement benefits for Marathon City Manager George Garrett, reportedly set at 20% of his annual salary.
• Additional info: Per the city’s budget and Garrett’s contract, renewed in 2024 for three years, Garrett receives 10% in a 401a employersponsored retirement plan, plus an additional 10% in a 457 plan, another employer-sponsored plan for local government employees. According to Finance Director Jennifer Johnson, retirement benefits for city employees dropped from 10% to 5% during fiscal year 2014 – but employees already hired at the time of the change were grandfathered into the higher percentage.
Candidates discussed potentially changing Marathon away from a “council-manager” form of government to place more authority in the council’s hands as a “strong council” form of government.
• Additional info: Marathon operates as a council-manager government, in which a city manager is tasked with overseeing daily operations and city employees, while reporting to a council that dictates city policy. As currently written, Marathon’s charter specifically prohibits council members from interfering in the performance of individual staff members other than the city manager or attorney. A strong council system, or strong mayor system, would place a large deal of the authority now given to the city manager in the hands of elected officials – or, in some cases, specifically the city’s mayor. This shift is possible, but would require a change to Marathon’s city charter, proposed either by the city council or petition from 10% of Marathon’s registered voters. The proposed change would require majority approval in a referendum vote, a process that would likely take more than a year.
Candidates disagreed on whether Marathon has been “over budget” over the last three years.
• Additional info: Assuming candidates are referring to Marathon’s general fund, with ad valorem tax revenues and expenses from general government, public safety and community services, Marathon has come in “under budget” in each of the last three years. From 2022 to 2024, Marathon did initially approve budgets with planned deficit spending (expenses exceed-
ing revenues) that would have drawn down a portion of its reserves. However, since expenses were lower than expected and/or revenues higher than expected, reserves have increased, not decreased, in 2022 through 2024, according to Marathon’s audited financial summaries.
– In 2022, Marathon planned for expenses to exceed revenues by roughly $1.3 million, with $13.9 million in revenues against $15.2 million in expenses. Actual revenues were $16 million, while expenses totaled $13.1 million – turning a $1.3 million deficit into nearly a $3 million surplus.
– In 2023, Marathon planned for expenses to exceed revenues by roughly $337,000, with $16.9 million in revenues against $17.3 million in expenses. Actual revenues were nearly $18.3 million, while expenses totaled $14.9 million –leaving nearly a $3.4 million surplus.
– In 2024, Marathon planned revenues to exceed expenses by roughly $607,000, with $19.5 million in revenues against $18.9 million in expenses. Actual revenues were $20.2 million, while expenses totaled $18.3 million – turning a planned $607,000 surplus into a $1.3 million excess.
A candidate referenced violations during construction of an upcoming resort on the Florida Keys Country Club property and golf course, questioning why a state agency issued violations to the property instead of the city.
• Additional info: The referenced violations involve two regulatory agencies, each responsible for overseeing portions of the project – the city of Marathon, and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).
• On June 20, 2024, the city issued a stop work order to the property due to errors in infrastructure site work and due to fill being improperly placed on the property – issues that were later corrected, and the stop work order lifted.
• An inspection from March 2024 by SFWMD noted no issues on the property. Additional letters sent from SFWMD to the property in April and August 2024 noted trimmed and destroyed mangroves along the property’s southern waterfront and inadequacies with a constructed berm used to retain stormwater on-site. A third letter from March 2025 noted these issues had persisted and required compliance within seven days. Speaking on Oct. 7, resort owner Peter Rosasco and project manager Lexi Connor of Weiler Engineering Corporation told the Weekly that SFWMD verbally confirmed resolution of the issues during a site visit on Sept. 25. The Weekly and Weiler Engineering requested written documentation of the resolution from SFWMD, which had not been sent as of press time. “Corruption is an act whereby unlawful acts occur and someone benefits financially from those acts,” said Rosasco in an email to the Weekly. “Nothing remotely close to that occurred at the golf course.”
VIRTUAL ACADEMIC SHOWCASE E
CITY
COMMUNITY FOCUS
• Challenged 11 Bedroom Vacation Rental displacing 3 workforce rentals.
• Radar speed signs in high traffic neighborhoods.
• Adopted owner occupied workforce housing definition and accepted $6Million TDC funding for workforce housing in our community.
• Code enforcement focus on improving compliance and revenue.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
• Building Department restructure in staffing and fees
• Initiated formal staff evaluations and compensation process.
• Monthly council workshops for public engagement and input regarding community issues.
• Resident feedback process via website and portal.
FINANCIAL DILIGENCE
• No tax increase for 3 consecutive years with enhanced services through detailed analysis of City Budgets.
• Refunded excess building permit fees to residents rather than subsidizing new developers.
• Implemented alternative revenue sources to pay for enhanced services.
‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ TO AIR KEYS-THEMED EPISODE
Iconic game show features 5 Florida destinations Oct. 13-17
‘Wheel of Fortune’ will feature five Florida destinations — Pensacola, Kissimmee, Tampa, Saint Petersburg-Clearwater and the Florida Keys & Key West, on episodes airing the week of Oct. 13-17. CONTRIBUTED
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
It takes four vowels to spell
“Florida Keys” — and don’t forget, there are two Ts in “Jimmy Buffett” and one M in “Hemingway.”
The tips may be useful next week, when the long-running game show “Wheel of Fortune” airs a Florida Keys-themed episode as part of a statewide marketing campaign known as “Live More Floridays” that will feature a Florida destination on each “Wheel of Fortune” episode, the week of Oct. 13-17.
The featured destinations are Pensacola, Kissimmee, Tampa, St. Pete-Clearwater and the Florida Keys & Key West.
Fans can watch the show, now in its 43rd season, and enter the bonus round puzzle at wheeloffortune.com for the chance to win one of five Florida vacations.
Visit Florida, the statewide tourism marketing agency, conceived of the “Live More Floridays” campaign to inspire travelers to to take a fresh look at the Sunshine State.
“While many visitors already know Florida — often through its iconic theme parks and beaches — this campaign invites them to look
COMMERCE CORNEr
beyond the expected and explore new parts of the state,” states a joint press release from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC), Visit Florida and the game show.
“With a reach of 8 million people per episode, working with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ brings our ‘Live More Floridays’ campaign into millions of homes across the country each night,” said Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of Visit Florida.
“We hope to inspire viewers to seek out ‘Floridays’ for themselves with a visit, and we are also proud to offer significant value to our local destination partners by hosting these episodes together.”
“This is a great opportunity to put the Florida Keys in front of millions of viewers in a fun and engaging way,” said Kara Franker, president and CEO of the Monroe County TDC. “We’re excited to share what makes our destination truly unforgettable.”
In the Keys, “Wheel of Fortune” airs weeknights at 7 p.m. on WPLG Local 10. New episodes also stream on Peacock, Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the United States and Crave in Canada the day after their premiere in syndication. The latest five episodes will be available to stream anytime. More information is at wheeloffortune.com.
Dustin Turner Plumbing was established in 2024 after Dustin’s 20 years of experience running a family plumbing business in Amelia Island. Now serving Marathon and the surrounding Florida Keys, we provide expert residential and commercial plumbing services with a focus on quality, reliability, and customer care.
With two decades of hands-on experience, Dustin ensures every job—whether routine maintenance or a complex installation—is handled with precision and pride. Our approach is simple: honest work, fair pricing, and lasting results. We show up, solve problems, and treat every customer the way we’d want to be treated.
What sets us apart is more than just plumbing skills—it’s trust, experience, and a personal touch. From small repairs to major projects, we treat every home like our own and every customer like part of the community we’re proud to serve.
WHEELS UP AGAIN
Marathon Airport & Million Air reopen runway and revamped hangars
ALEX RICKERT
alex@keysweekly.com
After a closure of just 50 days, the Marathon International Airport is ready to welcome visitors from the skies once again.
State and local officials gathered on the morning of Oct. 6 to mark the completion of a $30 million, 40-foot runway relocation project, which began in May. The move brings the airfield into compliance with FAA standards and allows for planes to simultaneously use the airport’s runway and taxiway without interference.
A morning ceremony welcomed guests to a revamped hangar at fixed base operator Million Air, where county airports director Richard Strickland, Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey and county commissioner David Rice acknowledged the supporters and contractors whose work made the quick move possible. Woolsey spoke of the value of private air travel as an economic driver for the Keys and state.
Later the same evening, Million Air welcomed an even larger contingent from the Marathon business community to an open house in its refreshed and repainted hangar. Live music and refreshments surrounded a patriotic display of the American flag and a 1941 Vultee BT-13A Warbird from the Florida Keys Flight Academy’s Sol Bradman.
1. County airports director Richard Strickland commends the work of the Marathon Airport staff.
2. Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey describes the economic value of private air travel.
3. County commissioner David Rice applauds the speed of the runway project, completed with just a 50-day closure.
4. The Marathon High School band leads guests onto the runway for an official ribbon cutting.
5. Million Air executive vice president Gary Buchanan, left, CEO Roger Woolsey, county commissioners Holly Raschein and David Rice, airports director Richard Strickland, county commissioners Michelle Lincoln and Craig Cates, and Million Air Marathon general manager Buddy Gilbert cut the ribbon to open Marathon’s relocated runway.
6. A sunset glow is the backdrop for an evening open house at Million Air.
8. Guests enjoy their turn in the cockpit of a BT-13A
display.
7. Jesus Parra, left, Chris Gleadall, Sydney Meyer, Jill Davis and Million Air line service manager Christian Westdickenberg enjoy the evening.
Warbird on
Photos by Alex Rickert and contributed images.
REEL RECS
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “Downhill Racer” (1969) Why: If you’re looking to revisit a lesser-known movie featuring two great American actors we lost this year – Robert Redford and Gene Hackman – this skiing movie is an interesting option. It’s not the best work from either actor but it does catch them at or near the peak of their careers: Redford starred as the Sundance Kid the same year, and Hackman won a Best Actor Oscar two years later for “The French Connection.” Redford is the brash skier; Hackman, the nononsense coach. The film’s naturalistic style makes it a little hard to connect to the characters, but the ski footage, especially for the time, will raise your blood pressure. And for the older viewers among us, it’s kind of fun to revisit the era when downhill skiing was an exotic sport we only saw in the Olympics every four years or on the random episode of “ABC’s Wide World of Sports.” This film provides a behind-the-scenes view of the ski scene that was rare at the time. And the screenplay is by James Salter, the novelist who wrote “A Sport and a Pastime” among other works.
Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.
How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? keyslibraries.org/contact-us. Recommended by: Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager.
See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/post/reel-recs.
City Council Items
*A. Approval of Minutes
City of Marathon City Council Agenda
9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 5:30 P.M.
(*Denotes Item Is Passed By Consent Upon Approval of Agenda)
* B. Approval of Alcohol in the Oceanfront Park for City Employee Holiday Party on December 6th.
C. Workshop Topic For October 28, 2025
City Manager Report
* A. MCSO Marathon Substation Report
* B. Grants Update
* C. Public Works Report
* D. Park and Recreation Report
* E. Information Technology Update
* F. Marina Report
* G. Code Report
* H. Wastewater Utilities Report
* I. Building Report
* J. Marathon Fire Rescue Report
K. Agreement For Laydown Yard At Property Held By Florida Keys Resort Holdings LLC For The Purposes Of Temporary Storage Of Materials For Phase 1 Construction Of The Transmission Lines For The Deep Well Project (Informational)
Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment
A. Ordinance 2025—06, Amending The City’s Land Development Regulations, Chapter 104, “Specific Use Regulations,” Article 1, “General Provisions,” Section 104.64, “Waterfront Walkways And Docks:”; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Commerce After Final Adoption By The City Council; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Ordinances For First Public Hearing
A. Ordinance 2025-07, Amending City of Marathon’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-42 Titled “Administration”; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; And Providing An Effective Date.
B. Ordinance 2025-08, Amending The City’s Comprehensive Plan, Amending Policy 1-4.1.2 “Specific Standards And Requirements For Workforce-Affordable Housing”; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Repeal Of Conflicting Provisions; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To Florida Commerce; And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By Florida Commerce.
C. Ordinance 2025-09, Amending Chapter 104, Article 1 “General Provisions” By Amending Section 104.02.1 “Affordable -Early Evacuation Residential Unit” To Address Government Agency Management; Providing For The Repeal Of All Ordinances Or Parts Thereof Found To Be In Conflict; Providing For Severability; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To Florida Commerce After Final Adoption By The City Council; Providing For Inclusion In The Code Of Ordinances And Providing For An Effective Date.
Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings
A. Consideration Of A Request For A Development Agreement, For QOF Inc., Pursuant To Chapter 102, Articles 8 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (“The Code”) Entitled “Development Agreement” For The Development Of Four (4) Single Family Affordable Residences; Located At And Around 701 91st Street; Which Is Legally Described As Lots 13 And 14 Sea Crest Heights Subdivision, Marathon, Monroe County, Florida; Having Real Estate Numbers 00350630-000000 & 00350640-000000, Nearest Mile Marker 52.
B. Resolution 2025-92, Consideration Of The Request For A Fourth Amended And Restated Development Agreement Between The City Of Marathon And Marlin Bay Yacht Club, LLC, For The Redevelopment Of Property, Which Is Legally Described As Block 6 Lots 1 Thru 5 & The N 100' Of The S 430' Of Lot 6 And Adjacent Filled Bay Bottom, Marathon Beach Sub Pb2-16 And Block 2 Lots 1 Thru 6 Amended Plat Of Yacht Basin Tracts Real Estate Number 00337010-000000, Providing For Conditions And Requirements Of Development, Including But Not Limited To, Buffers, Building Heights, Setbacks, And Other Requirements; Providing For Assignment Of The Development Agreement And Ownership Interest; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Resolutions For Adoption
*A. Resolution 2025-93, Approving And Accepting Two (2) Quit Claim Deeds Related To Portions Of Property On 33rd Street From The Monroe County Board Of County Commissioners To The City Of Marathon; Approving The Final Distributions And Having No Objection To One (1) Quit Claim Deed Related To A Portion Of Property On 33rd Street From The Monroe County Board Of County Commissioners To The School Board Of Monroe County, Florida; Authorizing Its Recordings In The Public Records Of Monroe County, Florida; And Providing For An Effective Date.
*B. Resolution 2025-94, Approving And Authorizing A One Year Renewal To The Agreement With Carlos Garcia, Attention Media LLC To Provide Public Information Officer (PIO) Services for The City of Marathon In An Amount Not To Exceed $100,000 Per Year; And Providing For An Effective Date
*C. Resolution 2025-95, Authorizing The City To Extend The Agreement With Ballard Partners, Inc. For Professional Consulting And Lobbying Services Before The Legislature Of The State Of Florida; Authorizing The City Manager To Expend Budgeted Funds, And Execute The Extension Agreement; And Providing An Effective Date
*D. Resolution 2025-96, Approving And Authorizing The City Manager To Extend the Agreement With Culver’s Cleaning Company For Cleaning Services At Marathon City Hall, Fire Station And Utility/Public Works Building In An Amount Not To Exceed $53,300 Per Year; And Providing For An Effective Date
*E. Resolution 2025-97 Approving An Interlocal Agreement Between Monroe County And The City Of Marathon Transferring Nineteen (19) Early Evacuation Affordable Housing Residential Allocations For A Project In The Ownership Of Monroe County Located At 490 63rd Street, Having Real Estate Number 00339920-000000; And Providing An Effective Date.
*F. Resolution 2025-98, Approving Change Order Number 1 For Re-Development Of The Marina Finger Piers At Seven Mile Marina In The Amount Of $85,738.00; Authorizing The City Manager To Sign The Change Order And To Expend Budgeted Funds; And Providing An Effective Date.
*G. Resolution 2025-99, Approving A Second Amendment To The Professional Service Agreements Between The City And Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., For Professional Engineering Services For The Required Historic Preservation Work Resulting From Full Replacement of the 117th Street and 116th Street Bridge Contract, and the 112th Street Bridges Contract In An Amount Not To Exceed $14,100.32 Per Bridge For A Total Cost Increase of $42,300.96; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon City Attorney at (305) 289-4130 at least five days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.
COME BY BOAT, BIKE, FOOT OR CAR!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH
11am - 2:30pm
Regular menu available and BRUNCH items including chorizo breakfast burrito, guava French toast, crab benedict and BOGO mimosas & glasses of sparkling wine
HOUR
DAILY SPECIALS
MONDAY Closed TUESDAY Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila
WEDNESDAY Wine Time Wednesday ($15-$20 bottles)
THURSDAY
Prime Rib Night
ABSTRACT RADIO
SATURDAY
Brunch 11am - 2:30pm
BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine
SUNDAY
Brunch 11am - 2:30pm
BOGO Mimosas & Sparkling Wine
We will cook yourcatch, fish andPleaselobster bring
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Michael Ingalsbe who is the maintenance director for the Jolly Roger RV Resort.
MICHAEL INGALSBE
Jolly Roger RV Resort
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I moved here about a year and a half ago after spending the last seven years full-time RVing. I’ve been making my way across the country from Maine to Washington so I could take in some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. These days I’m all about fishing, sunshine and enjoying the water.
What are your top three bucket-list trips?
Thailand - I want to be immersed with the food and culture.
Alaska - For the scale and beauty and obviously for the fishing.
New Zealand - Just to see the countryside and experience the Mãori culture.
What’s your spirit animal?
Definitely an octopus. I’ve always felt a little like an alien in this world, and the octopus is probably the closest thing we have. They can adapt and blend into any environment, which is something I relate to a lot.
If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on? I’d love to use it to make a real difference in people’s lives, like big random acts of kindness that actually matter. But let’s be honest – I’d also snag a shiny new RV for myself, and of course travel with my girl and buy her something nice.
What is one spice in your cabinet you can’t live without? Black garlic powder. It’s incredible! They age it in a smokehouse, so it adds this smoky, earthy depth that makes everything taste better.
What is a quote or piece of advice that has always resonated with you? People will show you who they are. It’s up to us to believe them.
If you could do something different with your life, what would you do? I’ve actually done it! I walked away from running a roofing company, bought an RV six months later and hit the road. These days, I’m chasing experiences instead of possessions, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What is one food you could eat every day? Seafood, especially crab or lobster. It’s light, tasty and gives me way better energy than heavy food.
What’s the strangest thing in your refrigerator? Homemade mango purée. I love using it for margaritas.
What’s your favorite tool in your tool box? Why? The hammer. Because sometimes the problem isn’t subtle, and neither am I.
What is one thing people don’t know about you? You mean something I’d actually want out there? I guess most people don’t know that if I wasn’t fixing things every day, I’d probably be a chef. I love experimenting in the kitchen and creating new recipes.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
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SPECIALTY PLATE RAISES $15K FOR HABITAT
Last month, Florida Realtors’ "Support Homeownership for All" license plate granted Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys $15,000 toward a new duplex build. “This investment into our community to support affordable homeownership for our island is a blessing and vital to the success of our mission,” said Habitat Middle Keys director Chris Todd Young. Since 2015, the specialty license plate has granted over $100,000 to the Middle Keys Habitat affiliate and since 2006 has raised over $2 million to help fund affordable housing programs across Florida. The specialty plate is available at www.homeownershipforall.org or at a county tax collector's office. Pictured, from left: Seafarer Realty’s Alexia Mann, Habitat ReStore employee Kira Mann, Habitat board president Andres Herrera, Young, LPT Realty’s Katie Carrillo, Habitat board director Ivana Micovic, and Homeownership for All license plate grant board member Bob Caldwell. CONTRIBUTED
SAM STEELE, MONROE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2025 PROPERTY TAX ROLL. BOTH REAL PROPERTY AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PAYABLE.
Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online through the Tax Collector’s secure and convenient website, MonroeTaxCollector.com.
Online payments made using your bank account (e-check) are FREE and no additional fees are charged.
Early payment discounts are available as follows:
if paid in November
if paid in December
if paid in January
if paid in February
No discount is available if paid in March. As of April 1, 2026, the 2025 taxes become delinquent, and any payment must be made in certified funds. If payment is not received by May 31, 2026, a tax certificate will be sold no later than June 1, 2026.
Ownership and current address information are received and certified by the Monroe County Property Appraiser. If you do not receive your tax bill within two weeks, or need additional information regarding property taxes, please call our o ce at 305-295-5044.
TDC INVESTS IN CAPITAL PROJECTS
Tourism agency commits $11M to local improvements
The Monroe County Tourism Development Council (TDC) recently announced funding for tourism-related capital projects designed to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen local infrastructure and support long-term economic growth throughout the Keys. Funded through the TDC’s capital grant program, the projects represent a strategic investment of bed tax revenue collected from overnight visitors.
The TDC is projected to spend over $11 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2026, providing grants to government entities and nonprofit organizations for infrastructure improvements — including repairs, renovations and upgrades — that enhance the Keys as a destination for tourism.
These improvements would generally be funded through property taxes, but thanks to the tourist development tax, visitors — not residents — pay for these community benefits. Tourism spending in Monroe County has a significant economic impact, generating some $173 million in local taxes from visitors each year.
“These projects directly support our mission to strengthen tourism infrastructure, while also delivering meaningful benefits to our local community,” said Kara Franker, Monroe County TDC president and CEO.
Funding applications are reviewed by each of five District Advisory Committees (DACs) for initial review. In June, the DACs held meetings to evaluate proposals and voted on recommended funding amounts. These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the TDC board, followed by final approval from the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Final approval by BOCC is still ongoing with contracts being approved during the first quarter of the new fiscal year.
Major projects include:
• City of Key West: Mallory Square Wharf Improvements, more than $2.6 million for repairs to the Mallory Square seawall.
• Coral Restoration Foundation, Inc.: more than $475,000 for coral restoration.
• Friends of the Pool Inc.: $130,000 for continued preservation of Alligator Reef Light Station.
• Islamorada: More than $435,000 for Founders Park pool resurfacing project.
• Monroe County: more than $900,000 for Higgs Beach pavilion repairs, Big Pine Community Park & Skate Park and Jacobs Aquatic Center pool renovations.
• Monroe school board: $500,000 for Conch Cafe and Baseball Museum.
• Reef Environmental Education Foundation Center: more than $57,000 for outdoor attractions, a new roof and campus restoration.
• Reef Renewal USA: more than $360,000 for coral restoration.
1. Sombrero Beach in Marathon is one of several Florida Keys shorelines maintained with support from Monroe County TDC funding. ALLISON MORGAN/Florida Keys News Bureau
2. A Coral Restoration Foundation diver secures staghorn coral fragments to the reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION/Contributed
3. Alligator Reef Lighthouse, one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic maritime landmarks, is set to benefit from preservation funding through the Monroe County TDC’s Capital Grant Program. CHRISTJEN JOHNSON/Florida Keys News Bureau
Projects funded by the TDC include restroom upgrades at Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach in Key West, annual beach cleanings at those locations, as well as at Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Founders Park in Islamorada and Harry Harris Park in Key Largo.
Additional organizations/entities that were awarded funding for projects include:
• City of Key Colony Beach.
• City of Marathon.
• Dolphin Research Center.
• Dolphins Plus Oceanside Marine Mammal Responder.
• Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust.
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.
• Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project.
• I. Care Corporation.
• Institute Patriótico y Docente San Carlos.
• Island Dolphin Care.
• Key West Botanical Garden Society.
• Marine Resources Development Foundation.
• Miami Dade Historical Maritime Museum.
• Old Island Restoration Foundation.
• Pigeon Key Foundation.
• The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.
• The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.
— Contributed
WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!
RETAIL STORE
Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!
ZUKO
4-year-old male German shepherd.
Looking for: I’m a big, gentle giant that wants to lie on the couch all day.
Turnoffs: People that don’t let pets on couches.
SWIPE RIGHT
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.
See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
Hurricane fosters needed. With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The
ALEXI
2-year-old male Russian blue.
Looking for: Someone to talk to; I’m one chatty kitty.
Turnoffs: I’m lonely, o’ so lonely, won’t somebody love me?
SPANGLE
2-month-old kitten.
Looking for: My very first family can adopt me, and other kittens, for only $13.
Turnoffs: Not a gosh darn thing. I’m just one happy kitty.
CITY REVAMPS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Have a question regarding city-related business? Here’s where to go.
The City of Marathon hired Carlos Garcia as public information officer (PIO) in June to design and implement a broader communications strategy.
Garcia distributes information across various platforms and helps city leaders respond to questions from the community.
There are several traditional ways in which residents can get information from the city, such as:
SPCA provides everything you need; all you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. More information is at fkspca.org/volunteer/becomea-foster-volunteer/ or 305-743-4800.
• Public records request: Residents can contact the city’s clerk, Diane Clavier, to request information about anything including city contracts, meeting minutes, ordinances, emails, policies and processes. Requests can be made directly at the city’s website, ci.marathon.fl.us, or by sending an email to the clerk at cityclerk@ci.marathon. fl.us.
• Email all council members by using the address council@ ci.marathon.fl.us.
• Email or call council members or the city manager individually:
• Lynn Landry: landryl@ ci.marathon.fl.us - 305 3043133.
• Robyn Still: stillr@ ci.marathon.fl.us - 305 9230006.
• Jody Del Gaizo: delgazioj@ ci.marathon.fl.us - 786 6495029.
• Jeff Smith: smithj@ ci.marathon.fl.us - 305 3048359.
• Kenny Matlock: matlockk@ ci.marathon.fl.us - 305 3935914.
• George Garrett (City Manager): garrettg@ci.marathon. fl.us.
• Directly email or call Garcia at pio@ci.marathon.fl.us or 305848-4731.
• Council meetings: Regular meetings are held once a month in the council chambers at 5:30 p.m. and anyone can voice concerns. Meetings are typically held the second Tuesday of each month. Residents
can also participate by watching the meetings online. Scan the QR code to see a calendar of upcoming meetings.
• Workshop meetings: Workshop meetings are held once a month in the council chamber at 5:30 p.m. Residents can also participate by watching the meetings online. Workshops are typically scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Expanded communications
Garcia has expanded existing channels and implemented new communication channels via social media. All accounts are active and information is shared several times a week. Information is posted on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, NextDoor and TikTok under the handle @cityofmarathonofficial. A newsletter is distributed at the start of each month, and all city press releases can be found on the website. Marathon Fire Rescue will have a separate Facebook account @marathonfirerescueofficial.
• Building permits dedicated support: The city now has a dedicated front-desk person to help with any questions permits, track permit progress and help to solve issues. There is also a direct line for permit questions at 305-289-5052.
• All building permits can be viewed at https://marathonfl. portal.opengov.com/.
Garcia has also implemented a new social media policy, which can be found on the website. The city views social media as a method to inform the community, but not to discuss topics, so commenting features are turned off. For questions about content posted on social media channels, contact Garcia directly.
— Contributed
BANNED BOOKS SPEAK VOLUMES
CHALLENGING A BOOK ISN’T THE SAME AS SILENCING IT. THOUGHTFUL PLACEMENT AND OPEN DIALOGUE LET YOUNG READERS GROW.
THE COLLECTOR OF BURNED BOOKS
By Roseanna M. White
KAREN NEWFIELD
First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www. readingandeating. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.
In 1933, book burnings took place at more than 20 universities across Germany. These were not just acts of destruction — they symbolized an effort to remake German culture in accordance with Nazi ideology. Well-known writers and professors fled to Paris, where they created a hidden library filled with books that were banned by the regime. For six years, professor Corinne Bastien found refuge and purpose in this secret and magical library. The Nazis invade Paris in 1940, and Christian Bauer is sent to manage the relocation of France’s books. A sensitive and intellectual man, he must wear the uniform and feign allegiance while quietly working to protect as many books as possible from destruction. What begins as an unlikely friendship between Corinne and Christian grows into an alliance to save the words and ideas that are on the cusp of being lost forever. This magnificent work of historical fiction reflects the courage of the resistance and the broader reality of censorship through books. Filled with intrigue, suspense and a bit of romance, this is a meaningful tribute to the power of ideas and the human spirit protecting our ideals through the darkest times.
By Patricia McCormick
Lakshmi lives with her family in a poor Nepalese village. One day a fancy lady offers to bring Lakshmi to the city where she can work and send money to her family. They wrongly assume it’s to be a maid. After a harsh journey, Lakshmi is brought to Happiness House, where young girls are trapped in the sex trade. The cost of room and board add up to more than they can ever repay. Written in a lyrical style, the short chapters create a narration that handles the tough material with care. The book is often challenged for depicting a minor’s sexual exploitation, but its goal is to humanize trafficking and encourage informed empathy. Librarians build collections using policies and professional reviews; they shelve by age appropriateness. If someone objects, a request for reconsideration is filed; a review follows, inspects the work and expert sources, then they decide whether to keep, relocate or remove. The library’s job is to enable access and place books thoughtfully, not control what others read. Let’s allow librarians to put the books in the proper places, while families and teachers help young readers choose what’s right for them.
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT
By Mark Haddon
Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old math whiz just outside London, tells his story in the first person with razorsharp logic and disarming honesty — he’s even “writing” the very book we’re reading as he investigates who killed his neighbor’s dog. He hates yellow, loves prime numbers, adores his pet rat Toby, and models himself on Sherlock Holmes — amazingly observant of tiny details yet confused by the messiness of people’s feelings. What begins as a backyard whodunit turns into a family mystery, pushing Christopher to break his rigid routines, take the train alone, face overwhelming crowds and test the limits of his courage. Earlier descriptions sometimes use labels like Asperger’s/high-functioning autism, but the novel itself resists these categories. The style — precise, funny, sometimes sad — mixes charts, lists and math in short, highly readable chapters that keep you close to Christopher’s thoughts and feelings. This novel has been frequently challenged in schools for profanity and a few questioning remarks about religion, with some arguing it’s not suited for younger readers. For many, it’s a superb read that deepens our understanding, invites discussion, and reminds us that the truth can be messy.
#WORTHWATCHING I don’t know how I missed “Pleasantville” in 1998 but it’s absolutely a winner. Two ’90s teens are transported into a 1950s sitcom, where the town literally turns to color as people discover desire, art and free will — interestingly, the blank books fill with words the moment curiosity switches on. On Amazon Prime.
SOLD
NOTICE TO REGISTERED VOTERS
Pre-election test of the automatic tabulating equipment for the November 4, 2025 City of Marathon Election, will be held at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC room, 2798 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. as required by Florida Statute 101.5612.
AVISO A LOS VOTANTES INSCRITOS
La prueba preelectoral del equipo de tabulación automática para la Elección de la Ciudad de Marathon, 4 de noviembre del 2025, se llevará a cabo en Marathon Government Center, BOCC room, 2798 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL, el jueves 16 de octubre de 2025, a las 11:00 a.m. según lo exige el Estatuto de Florida 101.5612.
Diane Clavier, Marathon City Clerk, www.ci.marathon.fl.us
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RAMBLING OVER TURQUOISE WATERS
The daunting construction of Bahia Honda railroad bridge
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
In J.W. Norie’s “Piloting Directions for the Gulf of Florida, the Bahama Bank & Islands,” he states:
“And a large island on the east side, a mile long, with a sandy beach, remarkable for a number of tall palmetto cabbagetrees, the first of the islands you fall in with coming from the westward this island is therefor called CabbageTree Island.”
In Gerdes’ 1849 “Reconnaissance of the Florida Reef and All The Keys,” he stated: “The large Id. called on the chart Cabbage Tree Island is the Bahia Honda Key.” The island is special for several reasons. In terms of spectacles in the Florida Keys, the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge is practically unrivaled.
Though not the longest of the bridges built during the construction of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway, the Bahia Honda Bridge was the most challenging. Work began on the extensive project in 1905 and involved more than building a bridge across the Bahia Honda Channel to West Summerland Key.
Before engineers figured out what to do about the difficult task of building a bridge across the channel, there was the matter of traversing Bahia Honda. The interior of the island had a lagoon that had to be crossed. Also, after crossing the lagoon and Bahia Honda proper, there was a narrow pass to a smaller island. The pass flowed through what is today the general area of the park’s marina.
On this smaller island, a railroad camp called the Bahia Honda Sand Pit Camp housed workers. It is on this smaller island, too, where the iconic bridge was built. But first, another bridge was built. The first bridge was a wooden trestle bridge that started on Bahia Honda and spanned the
pass. The bridge created a gradual grade leading to the high approach necessary to cross the channel. Workers dredged up fill and, over and over, dumped it around the wooden trestles until the rising bridge and the pass disappeared.
The next job was dealing with the bahia honda. Bahia honda is Spanish for deep bay. The Bahia Honda Channel proved to be a particular challenge because it was the deepest pass the right-of-way crossed. It reaches a depth of at least 30 feet. Engineers struggled with how to make it passable. According to Dan Gallagher’s excellent book “Florida’s Great Ocean Railway,” there was talk of ending the line of the Key West Extension of Flagler’s East Coast Railway at Bahia Honda.
The same concept used to create the series of bridges referred to now as the Seven Mile Bridge would have been expensive. To bridge the channel, 64 piers, some 50 feet tall, would have to be built to accommodate the 80-foot steel deck plates used to construct the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually four separate bridge sections). The cost of the project was one reason the engineers decided to go a different route and construct the truss bridge that stands over the water today.
Because the truss sections were longer than the 80-foot steel deck plates, they only had to build 34 piers. Due to the swift-moving currents, creating the piers was hazardous work. One of the reasons the project took so long was that work was restricted to two 45-minute shifts during slack tide, the brief period between high and low tides when the water is still. It was not until January 1912 that the work was completed.
It was Jan. 22 when Henry Flagler boarded his railcar, the Flagler Special, and rode from the mainland to Key West for the first time. The train steamed and chugged up and down the island chain for 23 years. When it passed through the trusses of the Bahia Honda Bridge, passengers were told to keep their hands and heads inside as it rambled and roared 25 feet above the turquoise waters.
The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane ended the run of the Over-Sea Rail-
road when 40 miles of tracks were destroyed Sept. 2. While Flagler’s bridges survived the hurricane’s rage, the train never ran again, and the Florida East Coast Railway sold the right-of-way to the state of Florida.
Because the railroad bridges were so well constructed, many of them were widened to accommodate automobile traffic. Because of the Bahia Honda truss design, widening was not possible. Instead, they paved their way over the top of the trusses. The second version of the Overseas Highway opened to public transit in 1938. When it did, drivers drove 65 feet above the water.
The road ran over the top of the bridge for longer than the train ran through it. In 1972, the modern Bahia Honda Bridge opened, and the highway was rerouted to its present course. It delivers one of the most scenic views the Overseas Highway has to offer. When the old railroad bridge is the only thing standing between the modern highway and the setting sun, the view is spectacular.
It should be stated that it is dangerous to swim under the bridge. The tide brings strong currents that can
be more than a swimmer can stand. Additionally, there is a local legend known as Big Mo to consider.
The old railroad piers provide structure, and, in the underwater world, structure attracts life. Fish, crustaceans, sponges and other organisms build around the structure and create a small ecosystem. Among the fish that gather to hunt for a meal are tarpon. The tarpon is a big fish, growing to be more than 100 pounds and five feet long. However, where tarpons gather, sharks will also patrol in search of a snack.
Big Mo’s legend spans decades and revolves around a big mothersomething hammerhead shark measuring 15 feet in some accounts and 20 feet in others. The shark is associated with Bahia Honda and the old Seven Mile Bridge. As elusive as a skunk ape, Big Mo seems never to have been reeled in. Still, stories abound of that time when Big Mo chomped down on some unfortunate tarpon and, as the two fish thrashed about in mortal combat, red clouded the water and the tarpon became a meal, one piece at a time.
Florida East Coast Railway, Key West Extension. Train crossing Bahia Honda Bridge. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Monroe County Library Collection
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
KATHLEEN MARIE STARKEY 1954-2025
Kathleen Marie Starkey (Hiller), 71, passed away Sept. 27 in Stuart, Florida, surrounded by family.
Kathleen was born Sept. 25, 1954, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to the late Melvin W. and Bernadette Grace (Skip) Hiller. After graduating from East Catholic High School in 1972, she went on to become a registered nurse, graduating from Harper Hospital School of Nursing in 1974. She then worked as a nurse in Detroit until moving to the Keys in 1980, where she spent 35 years at Fishermen’s Hospital, caring for her patients with love and compassion. She retired in 2015 to Stuart.
Kathy loved spending time with her family more than anything. She and the love of her life, Kirk, were married for 48 beautiful years (though Kathy had had a secret crush on him since she was 8, when he moved across the street). She was the best mom we could ever ask for, always showing up to every game and event, drying every tear and sharing every laugh. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy, and she doted on them endlessly. She was the best Nana to her “babies,” as she called them. She will be remembered for her enduring faith, her selfless love and care for others, her amazing thoughtfulness, her radiant smile and her brilliant sense of humor.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Kirk Douglas Starkey; her children, Meaghan Kathleen (Cesar Lora) and Nicholas Kirk (Deena); her grandchildren, Janelle Briana, Andrew Luis, Jacob Nicholas, Brandon Kirk, Dylan James and Grace Bernadette; her siblings David (Janice), Patricia (Jon Belanger), Donald (Teresa); her nine nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Daniel and Douglas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity close to Kathy’s heart: the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Monastery of Blessed Solanus Casey at www.cskdetroit.org.
Nature photographer to speak at Botanical Society meeting
The Big Pine Key Botanical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Big Pine United Methodist Church, 280 Key Deer Boulevard. The group’s speaker, Mischa Perez, is a nature photographer and the administrator of the Florida Keys Birding and Butterflies Facebook group. She also has a YouTube channel where she spreads awareness about birds, wildlife, conservation and migration. Her presentation will focus on bird migration, documenting routes, and the variety of birds and other wildlife passing through the Keys at this time of year.
Refreshments and a 50/50 raffle will follow the meeting. All are welcome.
Free line dance classes at Big Pine Community Park
Monroe County Parks and Beaches will host free line dancing classes at Big Pine Key Community Park every Monday and Wednesday starting Oct. 20. Classes are open to all levels and led by volunteer instructor Maryse Hill. To dance, sign a quick waiver before joining the fun. Each session is broken into skill levels so everyone can learn at their own pace. Steps from 1 to 1:30 p.m., beginner from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., improver from 2:15 to 3 p.m. and intermediate from 3 to 4:30 p.m. No registration is required; walk in and enjoy fun moves to a variety of music genres. For more information, call 305453-8748 or email ParksandBeachesFun@MonroeCounty-FL.gov.
College of the Florida Keys hosts virtual academic showcase
The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will host a virtual academic showcase for anyone interested in learning what programs can help them achieve their career goals and how to succeed in college. The event will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. The showcase is designed for anyone exploring their next educational step, whether they are graduating from high school, changing or advancing their career or returning to the workforce. Prospective students will learn how they can earn their bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or a certificate and will have the opportunity to ask questions directly of faculty members. CFK’s academic deans, faculty and students will share insights into a wide variety of programs. Participants will receive both guidance in selecting a program that aligns with their goals and support in navigating financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment options that make education accessible. All participants will receive
a code to waive the $30 application fee. Applications are due by Dec. 1 for spring semester classes that start on Jan. 6. Registration at cfk.edu/ futurestudents is required. For more information or to schedule a personal information session, contact Marissa Owens, CFK Manager of Recruitment, at recruiter@cfk.edu or call 305-8093207.
Volunteers needed for Joy on the Rock festival
Marathon’s annual Joy on the Rock Family Festival is back on Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 6 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. This free, family-friendly event features live Christian music, food vendors, local nonprofits and plenty of activities for all ages. Volunteers are needed to help with parking, merchandise tents and general event support. Email joyontherock@ nlkeys.church or scan the QR code here.
Habitat for Humanity opens homeownership application
Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys has opened the application process for their homeownership program. Until Oct. 15, pre-applications will be accepted for one 3-bedroom half-duplex home. The pre-application can be downloaded at www.habitatmiddlekeys.org/homeownership. More information is available via email to fsm@habitatmiddlekeys.org or call 305-743-9828.
Submit your artwork for Anne McKee fine art auction
The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys Inc. announces a call to artists for the 2026 fine art auction. The vintage Key West-themed auction will be held on Friday, Feb. 27 at The Studios of Key West. The call to artists and submission for artwork close on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Applications and accompanying photo(s) can be submitted at www.mckeefund.org. Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than Dec. 1. The art dropoff is Jan. 31 with the auction preview hosted at The Studios of Key West from Feb. 5 through 26. Each participating artist receives 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder to award to other Keys artists. The annual art auction raises money for grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. Attendees can bid on original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more. More information is at www.mckeefund.org.
The Marvelous Maple
Founded by Betty Debnam
Do you love pouring syrup over your pancakes? Are leaves turning bright colors in your neighborhood? There’s a good chance that the syrup and the bright autumn colors both come from maple trees.
This week, The Mini Page learns more about the marvelous maple tree.
NATURE’S CHANGING COLORS
In the fall, maple trees glow with the brightest colors of all trees. Summers with warm days and cooler nights produce the brightest fall colors.
Sometimes there are even more spectacular autumns when the summers have been dry. When there is little rain, fungi, such as mold, mildew and mushrooms, don’t grow as much, so they don’t suck as much moisture from the trees. Trees that are under stress from drought or insects sometimes change colors earlier in the fall. If conditions are really bad, they might go straight from green to brown, without changing to the reds and yellows.
HELICOPTER
SEEDS
All maple trees have papery wings attached to their seeds, which help them travel to new ground each fall. They are often called “helicopter seeds” because they spin in the wind.
TRANSFORMATION
Leaves (and all other objects) get their color from the chemicals they are made of. In the summer, leaves contain a substance called chlorophyll (KLOR-uh-fil), which gives them their green color.
In the fall, cooler temperatures signal the tree to stop producing chlorophyll. As the chlorophyll breaks down, the leaves take on new colors, depending on what other chemical building blocks are still present in them.
The brightest reds appear in the red maple, and not just in the fall. It always has some red on it — either red buds, flowers, leaf stems or leaves.
Chlorophyll helps shield the leaf from sun damage. But even more important, it helps the tree capture sunlight. Plants use sunlight to create food. This process is called photosynthesis (foe-toe-SIN-the-sis).
Chlorophyll is like an engine that uses sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars the plant can eat. It produces oxygen as a waste product. Chlorophyll turns leaves into little factories that produce sugar and oxygen.
Words that remind us of maple trees are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
AUTUMN, CANADA, CARBON DIOXIDE, CHLOROPHYLL, COLORS, DRY, FLOWERS, FUNGI, HELICOPTER, LEAVES, MAPLE, OXYGEN, SAP, SEED, STEMS, SYRUP, TAP, TREE, VERMONT, WATER.
SWEET AND SAPPY
Almost all maple syrup and maple sugar comes from the sugar maple tree.
Its sap has more than twice as much sugar as any other kind of maple.
The sugar maple grows naturally only in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. When planted anywhere else, it almost never flowers.
The maple tree is so important to Canada that its leaf is the country’s symbol.
Because sugar maples live for a long time, they can produce a lot of sap during their lives. Some maple trees have been tapped for 100 years and are still producing sap.
MAKING SAP
Around March, when the snow starts melting, tree roots warm up. This signals the trees that it is time to start growing leaves. Trees need to move the food stored in their roots up to the leaf buds so leaves can grow. This food is the sugary sap.
Sap flows for about six weeks. However, there might be only five or six times during those weeks when the sap is actually dripping from the holes made in the tree. These times are called sap runs. A sap run might last a few hours or a few days.
RESOURCES
On the Web:
• bit.ly/MPmaple
At the library:
• “Whiz and the Secret Science of Maple Syrup” by Bumpa and Riley
• “October Is Having a Party!” by Caitlin Friebel
ECO NOTE
Tropical birds are disappearing fast, and scientists say extreme heat from climate change is largely to blame. A new study shows these birds are suffering dramatic population drops — as much as 38% since 1950 — due to more frequent and intense heat waves. Birds in places such as the Amazon face around 30 days of dangerous heat per year, compared to just three in the mid-20th century. While habitat loss is also a major threat to the birds’ survival, researchers warn that climate change is now a bigger driver of declines in the tropics.
The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication
photo by William F. Wood
photo by Stephen Goodhue, courtesy State of Vermont
Leadership That Listens. Decisions That Make
Local, Community Advocate
"Debbie" "Debbie"
Debra Tyner Struyf Debra Tyner Struyf
Strong Voice for Youth & Families
Raised four kids and twelve grandkids right here (6 that remain here). Debbie knows what our local families face, because she is one.
Experienced Business Owner
Debbie understands Marathon’s challenges from both the homeowner and small business side. She brings real perspective, not politics.
Independent & Accountable
Debbie owes no favors. Her only priority is doing what’s right for Marathon, not what’s easy or politically safe.
She’s spent decades coaching, mentoring, and fighting for safe spaces and strong programs for kids and teens.
Balanced on Growth
We’re not anti-growth, we are pro-community. The solution isn’t more overbuilt “projects” that push locals out while claiming progress on paper. It’s responsible housing policy that keeps working families in Marathon and gives the next generation a future here.
“I’m not just running for office , I’m running for my grandkids’ future.
If we don’t take care of Marathon now, we risk losing everything that makes it special.” Let’s protect what makes Marathon unique
, not just for today, but for tomorrow.
MARATHON CITY COUNCIL
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