Marathon Seafood Festival Guide 2023

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WELCOME TO THE FESTIVAL

Now in its 47th year, what began with local commercial fishermen in Marathon as a way to get together and celebrate the fruits of their labor is an amazing event that attracts more than 15,000 people every year. From humble beginnings, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival has blossomed into an event that now has over 250 volunteers, more than 200 vendor booths and involves many local groups and agencies that help put the family-fun festival together.

The festival serves as an economic boom for our local businesses by bringing in thousands of people from around the world. It also puts our Islands of Marathon on the map as a premier destination by highlighting our local seafood, amazing people, and Florida Keys and island lifestyle. All in all, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is a win-win for everyone here in Marathon and the Middle Keys, as annual event proceeds of more than $75,000 find their way back to the pockets of local charitable organizations such as food banks, daycare centers, housing initiatives, scholarships, youth sports, and many other worthwhile causes.

In 2023, we are thrilled to partner with a phenomenal family-owned business familiar to all those who travel the Overseas Highway, as Tom Thumb becomes the festival’s first-ever title sponsor.

So enjoy the live music, unique gifts, art, boats, games and rides, and most importantly … the freshest seafood in the world. Come on over and visit us both Saturday and Sunday, March 11-12 at Marathon Community Park.

On behalf of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as our event partner, the Organized Fishermen of Florida (Marathon chapter), we hope you and your family have a wonderful time at the 47th annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Sea you at the festival!

Sincerely,

Daniel Samess, M.S.

CEO, Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com

CONTENTS

FAMILY OWNED 60 years strong

FREE BEER Made you look

HOW MANY? Seafood Fest by the numbers

NAVIGATING THE EVENT

Everything you need to know

THE ART OF THE SEA

Check out our vendors

TURN IT UP! It’s music time

FOR THE KIDS It’s all fun & games

LOOK HOW FAR THEY’VE COME

Updates from scholarship recipients

AROUND TOWN Other things to see and do

6 12 14 20 24 28 32 34 38

ON THE COVER Stone crab claws, a staple at the Seafood Festival, pair perfectly with a special edition oversized “locals only” mug filled to the brim with ice-cold beer.

See page 12. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

12222 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 P. 305.743.5417 , F. 305.289.0183

www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com

www.MarathonSeafoodFestival.com

www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com

Upper Keys Office 91760 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Key West Office 5450 MacDonald Avenue, Suite 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

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ORIGINAL MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SPONSOR

THE FAMILY WAY

Ask any Florida Keys resident about Tom Thumb, and they’ll agree that it’s a local institution. The chain of gas station/ convenience stores is an everyday presence, where we run out quickly to fill up our “Keys Cruiser” and perhaps get a Mountain Dew — and, this being a small, tight-knit community, we frequently run into a friend or two in the process.

However, many locals may be surprised to learn one fact: The South Florida chain has been owned and operated not by some far-away corporation in another state or country, but instead by the same family for almost 60 years — the McCarthys. And for the past few years, the family has been showing its appreciation for the Keys by sponsoring events and fundraising for charities.

Case in point: This year, Tom Thumb (full name: Tom Thumb Food Stores) is the first-ever title sponsor for the Original Marathon Seafood Festival.

“I always hear positive things about the event,” said Rick Klyczek, the chief strategy officer for Tom Thumb since 2019. “It’s a great tie-in, and we’re excited to be a part of it. What’s special and cool in the Keys is the number of people who attend those events, whether in Islamorada or Key West. The community has recognized the value. I’m originally from Buffalo, so I can appreciate a small-town vibe.”

“We are honored and grateful to have Tom Thumb Food Stores as our title sponsor of the Original Marathon Seafood Festival this year,” said Daniel Samess, CEO of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce. “Tom Thumb for a while has been supporting great local charities here in our Marathon

TOM THUMB IS LOCALLY OWNED AND SUPPORTS FLORIDA KEYS CHARITIES

community, and now we get to work together supporting the Marathon Chamber’s and the Organized Fishermen of Florida’s causes through the festival, which will directly benefit the $40,000-plus in scholarships that our organizations award each year.”

Over the past six years, Klyczek pointed out, Tom Thumb has raised $150,000 for Samuel’s House, a Key West nonprofit for the homeless, in part through sponsoring the Mahi Mayhem corporate invitational and Marathon Offshore Bull & Cow fishing tournament. And every April, Tom Thumb collects donations within its convenience stores to benefit the Coral Restoration Foundation.

Klyczek gives credit where it is due.

“The McCarthys take care of their employees,” he said about the owners. “They still do things the old-fashioned way. We celebrate people.

We don’t have convenience stores — we do customer service. The McCarthys are great people who treat their employees like family.”

Tom Thumb was founded in 1964 by Tom Smith and his son-in-law, Jim McCarthy, who passed away in 2020. His sons Tom and Jimmy bought the company from Jim and his wife, Sandra, in 2015. The first location was in Hialeah, which is now the corporate headquarters. Over time, the company built up a chain of 14 stores, stretching from Fort Lauderdale to Stock Island. Eight of the stores are in the Florida Keys, making the island chain an essential part of the company’s success.

Klyczek said the Tom Thumb booth at the festival will have giveaways and be a chance to say hello to locals. And he mentioned that there is one thing at the event that he is looking forward to the most: “The fresh seafood. There is absolutely nothing like it.”

1. Tom Thumb’s clean-cut stores have the polish to rival a massive corporation while maintaining the local connection of a family-owned company.

2. Tom Thumb Food Stores has been locally owned by the McCarthy family for almost 60 years; seen here are Sandra McCarthy, center, with her sons and current owners Tom McCarthy, left, and Jimmy McCarthy.

3. Tom Thumb Food Stores has been sponsoring Keys events such as the Marathon Offshore Bull & Cow fishing tournament, seen here; Tom Thumb owner Jim McCarthy is fourth from left.

4. The South Florida chain, which has been in operation since 1964, has 14 convenience stores.

Photos courtesy of Tom Thumb Food Stores.

SUNSET CRUISES

Experience the famous Keys sunsets in style! Come join us for a relaxing evening aboard the Marathon Mermaid.

SANDBAR EXPERIENCE

Experience the Keys life like a local! Have a fun & relaxing day at the local sandbar!

REEF SNORKEL

Snorkel the World’s 3rd Largest Barrier Reef! Explore the beautiful ecosystem that the Florida Keys is famous for.

It’s okay. You can call Marathon a drinking town with a fishing problem – locals probably won’t argue with you. In recognition of Marathon’s proud tradition of pairing succulent seafood with ice cold beer, the Marathon Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a larger “locals only” mug for the second time at the 47th Original Marathon Seafood Festival. Built to hold 22 oz. of your favorite frothy delight (the standard festival mugs hold 14), the mugs are offered in a pre-sale to Marathon locals and Chamber of Commerce members, with $8 and $9 refills all day at the festival.

Only 500 mugs are available for just $6. Order by calling 305-7435417, stopping by the Chamber at 12222 Overseas Hwy. or scanning the attached QR code (payment code: other).

The Keys Weekly took a locals mug for a test drive with stone crab claws from Keys Fisheries. Strictly for research purposes, of course. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Unlike other Florida festivals that bill themselves as a “seafood” event, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is the real deal.

Forty-seven years ago, the festival was organized by commercial fishermen. The same holds true in 2023 as the fishermen offer the bounty of the sea, prepared using time-tested recipes.

Original Marathon Seafood Festival

BY THE NUMBERS

Mahi fish fillets will be the fish of the day on the heaping plates of fried goodness. Alive, the fish has a stunning iridescent coat of bluegreen colors. Cooked, it’s a clean white meat with a mild taste and firm body.

KEY WEST PINKS

Shrimp found in local waters can grow to enormous sizes — think small lobster. At the seafood festival, they are served steamed, sprinkled with spices and ready to peel or fried. The shrimp are sweet, plump and tasty.

LOBSTER

Fresh from Keys waters is the Florida spiny lobster, nothing like its northern cousin from Maine. Our “bugs” don’t have claws, nor do they grow as large, and the meat is a bit saltier, sweeter and chewier than the Maine variety.

STONE CRAB

Stone crab meat is sweet and delicious and most commonly served with mustard dipping sauce. Did you know the fishery is completely renewable? Fishermen take only the claw before putting the crab back in the sea.

*Note: Numbers are approximate.

CONCH CEVICHE

Ceviche is like a cold salsa made with raw fish. By the time it’s done marinating in the base of lime juice, however, the meat is considered “cured.” Ceviche also features a healthy dose of fresh cilantro and onion.

CONCH FRITTERS

Conch is a shellfish, carefully harvested from gorgeous pink-lipped shells. The fish is cut into tiny pieces, or ground, then tenderized. It’s added to the fritter batter and dropped into boiling oil, served piping hot with a side dish of red cocktail sauce. A note: conch served in the Keys is not harvested here, as the practice has been illegal for several decades.

NEW ADDITIONS

Besides the staples of the Marathon Seafood Festival, the food tents have seen new additions in recent years. More than 300 pounds of fried shrimp sold out within hours at the 2020 and 2022 festivals, so you can bet they’ll be back for 2023. Joining the tasty crustaceans are fried oysters, blue crab cakes and fish tacos, a popular addition in 2022. Landlubbers, don’t worry: there are still plenty of terrestrial options like burgers and fries to be found!

1,000 POUNDS SHRIMP

1,000 STONE CRAB CLAWS

1,500 POUNDS MAHI MAHI

40 GALLONS OF SHUCKED OYSTERS

1000 BLUE CRAB CAKES

30 GALLONS CONCH SALAD

30 GALLONS CONCH CHOWDER

MAHI MAHI

300 SMOKED FISH DIP

Photo by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.

Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.

Celebrating 30 years of coral research and

restoration at Mote Marine Lab!

Since 1993, Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in protecting Florida's Coral Reef through science-based restoration techniques.

Learn more by attending one of our weekly tours at one of our three Key's locations. Scan the QR code to reserve a spot at your preferred location.

Show your support of Mote's coral reef research and restoration efforts by purchasing a Protect Our Reefs license plate from your local tax collector.

Help fund Mote's coral reef research and restoration programs by visiting mote.org/coraldonation.

Marathon's Professional Commercial Fishermen

From our boats...to your table.

Harvesting local seafood for Marathon and the rest of the world for more than 50 years.

Proud sponsors and founders of the Original Marathon Seafood Festival.

Dedicated to the preservation of Marathon's commercial shing heritage and the protection of its commercial shermen and their families.

Paul Lebo, President

Eddie Cordova JR, Vice President / Director

Carlos Moreira, 2nd Vice President

Rick Turner, Alternate Director

Elizabeth Prieto, Secretary / Treasurer

and the rest of the O.F.F. family

Over $200,000 donated to local scholarships. Currently accepting applications for 2022. Available for children of commercial fishing families. See the Marathon High School Guidance Office for more info.

Enjoy

EVENT MAP

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK EVENT MAP

MAIN

LOCAL TAXI AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY PARK

LOCAL TAXI AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY PARK

EVENT PARKING: Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots

EVENT PARKING: Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots

HOURS: 10 a.m to 9 p.m Saturday • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

HOURS: 10 a.m to 9 p.m Saturday • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

ADMISSION: $5 • Children under 12 free with paying adult. Free on Sunday with Military ID

ADMISSION: $5 • Children under 12 free with paying adult. Free on Sunday with Military ID

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MARCH 11-12, 2023

THE ART OF SEA & SEAFOOD

VISITORS WILL FIND A PLETHORA OF VENDORS AT THE MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, AND MOST ARE AS NAUTICAL-MINDED AS THEIR CUSTOMERS. ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN OF ALL VARIETIES SHOW OFF THE VERY BEST OF THEIR WARES, BRINGING ART AND THE OCEAN TOGETHER AS ONE. HERE IS JUST A SMALL SAMPLE:

RUSTIC FISH

Booth 77/78 | Rusticfish.com @rusticfish on Instagram

At Rustic Fish, Jesse Alfonso creates original hand-crafted oneof-a-kind marine-inspired wood sculptures. By repurposing wood to create unique pieces, each finished product tells a story of “what it was and what it has become.” Every piece has identity, charm and character produced by metal embellishments and advanced patinas. For longevity, every piece is UV-protected for outdoor use.

AMY’S ALOHAS

M @BUCKETBRIGADEHATS ON INSTAGRAM

Amy’s Alohas celebrates its 10th season in the Keys with an eclectic collection of vintage Hawaiian shirts, batik and tie-dyed women’s apparel, and FairTrade copper and glass windchimes. Amy’s new line, Bucket Brigade Hat Company, produces one-of-akind reversible bucket hats hand sewn on her tiki porch on Little Torch Key. A regular at events up and down the Keys and the Jersey Shore, always colorful and ready to dress you up in a smile, this is Amy’s first time exhibiting at the Marathon Seafood Festival.

BOOTH

BOOTH 46 | appalachiawood.com

@appalachia_wood on Instagram

Appalachia Wood brings rustic, high-quality charcuterie boards and other wood creations from the heart of the north Georgia mountains. The company never uses stains on its boards in an effort to preserve the natural color of the wood. Each board has a food-safe finish for consumers’ protection. The beautiful and durable handles on each charcuterie board are custom forged by an artisan blacksmith. Appalachia Wood also makes cigar boards to enhance a smoking experience with a favorite beverage and many other creations.

APPALACHIA WOOD

THE KNOTTY DAWG

Booth 106 | theknottydawg.com

@theknottydawg on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

The Knotty Dawg is an apparel and dog accessory company that gives back to animal shelters and rescues in need. Owners Samantha and Kevin Mesa mixed the love of their lifestyle, dogs and charity to create relatable and meaningful products. The brand is dedicated to and inspired by the couple’s two rescue pups, Beau and Buddy. Beau was rescued from the Upper Keys Humane Society in 2017 after being dumped in a garbage can, and Buddy was rescued from Paw Patrol Animal Rescue in 2021 after being given to the rescue a week after Christmas. With thousands of amazing dogs in shelters, Samantha and Kevin want to use their brand to not only share the dogs’ stories but also to inspire and educate people about adoption.

ALMOST AS MEMORABLE AS THE TASTE AND SMELL OF SUCCULENT SEAFOOD AT THE FESTIVAL IS THE SOUND OF THE BANDS THAT ROCK THE MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK AMPHITHEATER FROM MORNING TO NIGHT ON BOTH DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL.

BRING A CHAIR AND YOUR DANCING SHOES AS YOU PREPARE TO TAKE IN THE LOCAL LINEUP.

FOR YOUR

I-Land Vibe

There are many bands in South Florida that claim to be reggae bands because of the popularity of the Jamaican music form, but the members of I-Land Vibe prefer to think of the group as a Caribbean band since reggae is not the only music form in the islands.

The Marshall Morlock Band

One of Key West’s most talented young performers, Marshall Morlock performs with his three-piece band, playing many past music hits and favorites. They will get you dancing and moving with their high-energy music and performance.

ENTERTAINMENT…

The Red Elvises

7 p.m. to close

In 1995, Igor Yuzov dreamed that Elvis Presley came to him and told him to start playing rock ’n’ roll. Igor and his Russian friends became the Red Elvises. Evolving over the years, their music has been labeled “Siberian surf rock,” with humorous lyrics and grooves that force their audiences to dance. Over the past 20 years, the Red Elvises have toured all over the world and produced 12 studio albums.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Brian Roberts

11 a.m.

Brian performs more than 300 gigs each year from Key West to Key Largo. He continues to write original songs, such as “Semi-Tropical Reasons,” “Barefoot Balladeer” and “All Of This Way.” His music embodies a unique island-rock genre and is a perfect blend of acoustic music and the island lifestyle.

Rolando Rojas & Caribe

1 p.m.

Yes, we’ve got your salsa, merengue and hot movin’ music here! A must-see, Rolando Rojas and Caribe are local legends within the hispanic music scene. Baila!

AJ & Southern Stampede

3 p.m. to close

Southern Stampede features a passionate group of musicians dedicated to bringing back rock, funk and blues while featuring original music and covers to fit any venue. Led by AJ Gaytan, the four-piece band based in Homestead cranks out Texas blues and soulful tunes – it’s a feeling, not a style.

1. John Bartus & Adrienne Z (Photo by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY)

2. The Lady A Blues Band 3. I-Land Vibe 4. The Red Elvises 5. Brian Roberts 6. Rolando Rojas & Caribe 7. AJ & Southern Stampede

ADULTS COME FOR THE SEAFOOD AND THE MUSIC. KIDS ONLY HAVE TWO THINGS ON THEIR MIND: GAMES AND RIDES.

THIS YEAR, THE ORIGINAL MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE SOME OLD FAVORITES AND NEW FUN.

THE RIDE FEES RANGE FROM $3 TO $10 AND THE ATTRACTIONS ARE SET UP IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK.

Games & Rides

STUNT JUMP

Climb up to a platform 25 feet in the air and then hurl yourself to land on a huge inflatable “bag.” It’s good for adults, too (up to 250 pounds). With 86.2% certainty, we can say this game will be the runaway hit of the kids’ corner.

QUAD JUMP/BUNGEE JUMP

The Quad power jumps can only be called fun. Jumpers are set up in a state-of-the-art harness, connected to the patented bungee cords and raised up for a jumping good time. Cushioned by bounce pads, jumpers can get up to 32 feet high.

SHUTTLE SLIDE

This inflatable two-story slide, in the shape of a rocket, has been coming to the Marathon Seafood Festival for, oh, as long as we can remember. Kids enjoy the climb and then the thrill of barreling down to the bottom.

ROCK WALL

Both kids and grown-ups gravitate to the rock wall. At more than 25 feet high, it’s an extreme climbing experience. The safety features include a four-sided auto belay system that makes it safe. Look for a $50 prize waiting at the top of the wall.

THE MELTDOWN

Similar to the hit show “Wipeout,” participants will make their way across foam platforms as they duck, dip, dive and dodge spinning obstacle arms.

FACE PAINTING

The classic artistic expression.

Photos by SANDRA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/Keys Weekly

By Alex Rickert

& SEAFOOD

BEYOND THE FUN AND FOOD AT THE MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, PROCEEDS FROM THE WEEKEND ARE VITAL IN FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRADUATING MARATHON STUDENTS. BOTH THE MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE MARATHON CHAPTER OF THE ORGANIZED FISHERMEN OF FLORIDA CHOOSE MHS SENIORS EACH YEAR TO AWARD WITH GRANTS FOR PURSUIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION. KEYS WEEKLY TOOK SOME TIME TO CATCH UP WITH A FEW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FROM THE CLASS OF 2022 TO SEE WHERE THEY ARE NOW:

become realities,” she said. “I want to earn my architecture license and a general contracting license.”

Such skills could take Maradiaga anywhere, but she says will never forget the support of her local community and plans to return one day.

BEN HILLER

NORY MARADIAGA

A current freshman majoring in architecture at the University of South Florida, Nory Maradiaga used her scholarship funds to help offset her yearly tuition.

Nory spent her early high school years unsure of where her post-MHS career would take her, but after her junior year, she “knew I wanted to do something with construction.”

“My dad inspired me to work in the industry because I grew up watching him look at blueprints and make those houses

“I am so grateful for getting the help I needed from my community to help me go forward with my academic career,” she told the Weekly. “I am glad I have this opportunity to go to college and experience all these new experiences, like building new relationships, working for a career that I am passionate about, and learning how to be independent. … I plan to return to the Keys and eventually open an architecture firm.”

The Seafood Festival is an important part of her fond Marathon memories. “One thing I love about the Seafood Festival is that it doesn’t get old,” she said. “You have a new experience as you grow up. As a child, I always had so much fun rock climbing or on the bungee trampoline. Growing up, I enjoyed looking at the different tents and trying the food. It was a vital part of my childhood.”

Described as the “heart and soul” of Marathon’s 2022 championship-caliber baseball team by his coach Joey Gonzalez, Ben Hiller has used his scholarship money to help with tuition costs at Florida Atlantic University. Though he says his focus throughout high school was always on sports, academics now command more of his attention as he looks to finish his freshman year.

Ben’s love for sports hasn’t left him as he attends FAU full-time, however. His goal is to find a career involving athletics, and he’s currently weighing his options as he decides between a business or sports management major.

Like most who grow up on a tiny island, Hiller said the past year of not being able to see his friends and family every day has been difficult, but “the best part of going off to college is realizing what the real world is like.

“It makes you grow up and gain maturity really quick,” he said.

His fondest Seafood Festival memories? “When I was younger, running around with all my friends and going on all the rides. … The Seafood Festival is always a great time when it comes around.”

ESMERALDA PRIETO

Esmeralda Prieto originally used her scholarship funds for tuition at EMT school in the American Medical Academy. Though she wants to keep her career in the vein of helping others, she says her career plan has begun to shift in the direction of animal care.

Esmeralda has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and travel to new places while attending school on the mainland. But as she tells it, when you come from a tiny island town with a single highway where everyone knows everyone, the worst part is “not knowing where you’re going or how people are going to treat you.”

For Prieto, the highlight of the Seafood Festival is right there in the name.

“The food is fantastic, and working at the Cuban coffee booth is a blast, especially with the live music and all the cool games,” she said.

be in the cards soon. While she still plans to finish her associate’s degree in criminal justice, she’s considering finishing her bachelor’s degree with a health science major as she continues to explore her options and zero in on a career she’s passionate about.

As she moved away from Marathon, Boski said she enjoyed the freedom and small sense of adulthood after all her hard work in high school. But she still misses the friends she grew up with, many of whom would accompany her to the Marathon Seafood Festival every year.

“I always had a blast walking around the seafood festival with friends and family,” she said. “It’s an overall good environment and fun time to make memories. It’s a tradition in Marathon and starts a tradition for friends and family.”

“I was in elementary school and I attempted to rock climb for the first time ever,” she said. “Well, I got about ¾ of the way up and started hysterically crying because I looked down and was completely terrified. I stayed there for a solid three minutes in the same spot holding on because I was too scared to go up or down. I haven’t rock climbed since then!”

BROOKE BOSKI

An FAU freshman like Hiller, Brooke Boski used her scholarship money to square away her books and supplies lists as she moved through the early stages of her criminal justice major.

Like Prieto, Boski feels a career pivot may

EMILY SUAREZ

Emily Suarez currently attends school at Valencia College, where she’s working hard to wrap up her prerequisite classes and apply to the school’s nursing program. Suarez used her scholarship money to pay lab fees attached to her science courses. After spending a few years as a travel nurse, she has her eye on a career in anesthesiology, but is open to see where her passions take her.

“I love the fact that I am working towards my goal on my own terms with my own motivation,” she said. “It pushes me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Suarez takes every opportunity to visit Marathon, see her family – including her siblings, whom she calls “the light of my life” –and pick up shifts at the Island Fish Company.

Her most distinct memory of the Marathon Seafood Festival is funny now, but probably not so much when it happened.

DANTE SENMARTIN

Known as a tech and mechanical whiz in his time at MHS, Dante Senmartin is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at the University of South Florida.

He’s put his scholarship dollars to work defraying housing costs, a decision he says has helped him meet a diverse group of close friends.

Senmartin is already immersed in the college community, joining USF’s Formula SAE team and using 3D modeling programs to design and manufacture parts for the group’s race car. He balances this involvement with a heavy engineering course load as he works toward his goal of employment with an auto manufacturer.

“You have to put so much time and focus into each class that it’s very easy to get overwhelmed,” he said.

Senmartin’s fondest Seafood Festival memories include volunteering at the smoothie tent in 2022 with MHS Drama Club members.

“I fondly remember the fun and lively vibes,” he said. “The music playing, jamming out and making smoothies while talking to visitors to see where they were from was probably my favorite part.”

ATTRACTIONS

CRANE POINT HAMMOCK & NATURE CENTER

The museum features several exhibits, a nature path to the gulfside shore, gift shop and a restored Conch home available for tour. It is also home to the Marathon Wild Bird Center. MM 50.5, gulfside / cranepoint.net / 305-743-9100

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

This facility offers visitors a variety of ways to enjoy dolphins. There are several exhibitions daily, plus packages to interact with the dolphins more closely. The center has about 25 dolphins, three sea lions and a splash park for kids. MM 59, gulfside / dolphins.org / 305-289-1121

FLORIDA KEYS AQUARIUM ENCOUNTERS

Guests submerge in huge, saltwater tanks with a variety of reef fish and creatures, plus feed larger fish (like sharks!) through a small opening. Sting ray and nurse shark encounters are offered, plus a lagoon swim, and the aquarium began on-site manatee rehabilitation just last year. MM 53, gulfside / floridakeysaquariumencounters.com / 305-4073262

HISTORIC PIGEON KEY

Once used as a camp for workers constructing the 7 Mile Bridge, the tiny island two miles out is now a marine science camp, research facility and historical monument. With the Pigeon Key Express train now operational, visitors can catch a ride from the parking lot of the Seven Mile Marina/former Salty’s property. MM 47, gulfside / pigeonkey.net / 305-743-5999

TURTLE HOSPITAL

This Middle Keys facility does many things — it rescues injured sea turtles, rehabilitates them and returns them to the wild when possible, and educates visitors about the animal and its

plight. Visitors can tour the turtle pens and the hospital to learn about sea turtles indigenous to the Florida Keys. MM 48.5, gulfside / turtlehospital.org / 305-743-2552

LAGOON ON GRASSY KEY

Reimagined in 2020, the Lagoon on Grassy Key has rapidly expanded its offerings for environmentally-conscious recreation and dining. The complex features a wakeboard park, full service board sports pro shop, mangrove trails, multiple gardens and Bongos Cafe and Botanical Beer Garden. MM 59, oceanside / ridethelagoon.com / 305-414-8245

parks

OLD 7 MILE BRIDGE

Reopened in January 2022 after a six-year closure, the newly renovated Old 7 Mile Bridge is a Marathon icon, perfect for walking, running and biking. Offering arguably the best sunset views in Marathon, the two-mile bridge is also the connection between the city and Historic Pigeon Key. It’s located on the south end of Marathon’s gulfside.

MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK

This city-owned park features a playground, ball fields, a skate park, basketball and tennis courts. It also has an amphitheater and is the site of town festivals, such as the Original Marathon Seafood Festival. It’s located at U.S. 1 and 36th Street.

OCEANFRONT PARK

Marathon’s newest passive park features a kayak launch and oceanfront boardwalk with information panels about our native habitat and marine life. It’s a perfect spot for fishing or simply enjoying an ocean breeze, plus there’s a fenced dog park, too. It’s located behind City Hall between 98th and 99th streets on the oceanside.

ROTARY CHILDREN’S PARK

The brand-new Rotary Park was a true labor of love as the Marathon community came together with hundreds of volunteer hours to complete the build throughout the summer of 2022. The new park includes elements for big and little kids alike, and several elements are handicapped-accessible. It’s located on U.S. 1 between 75th and 76th streets, oceanside.

beaches

SOMBRERO BEACH

This city-owned beach is the jewel of the Middle Keys. It features a long, white beach, clear blue waters, restrooms, a playground, picnic pavilions, fishing pier and volleyball courts. Located at the end of Sombrero Beach Road (near MM 50).

CURRY HAMMOCK STATE PARK

This state park is more popular among kayakers and paddleboarders than sunbathers. It’s within paddling distance of several beautiful mangrove islands and a pristine white sandbar. The park features a playground, restrooms and picnic pavilions. And, it’s been discovered by kiteboarders. Crawl Key, just north of Marathon (near MM 56).

COCO PLUM

This oceanside beach is left almost entirely in its natural state and facilities are minimal. It’s popular among dog owners and shell collectors. It has fewer visitors than other area beaches and is often deserted. Located on Coco Plum Drive, Marathon (near MM 54).

dates

• March 9: “Desperate Measures” opens at Marathon Community Theatre; runs through March 25.

• March 11-12: Original Marathon Seafood Festival at Marathon Community Park.

• March 17: Key Colony Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 5 p.m. from Sunset Park to First Street and East Ocean Drive.

• April 1: Seven Mile Bridge Run.