OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS
CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP
CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA
SMOKED FISH DIP
49TH 49TH
FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED
MARATHON MARATHON
FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE
IN A SEA OF FLAVORS INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS
SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB
FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE
CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS
LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI MAHI OYSTERS LOBSTER TAIL BLUE CRAB SMOKED FISH DIP CONCH SALAD CONCH CHOWDER INDULGE IN A SEA OF FLAVORS CONCH FRITTERS SHRIMP STONE CRAB CLAWS MAHI
WELCOME TO THE FESTIVAL
Now in its 49th iteration, 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 and 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 boon for our local businesses by bringing in thousands of people from around the world. It also puts our island of Marathon on the map as a premier destination by highlighting our local seafood, amazing people and Florida Keys 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, day care centers, housing initiatives, scholarships, youth sports and many other worthwhile causes.
In 2025, we are thrilled to partner with a phenomenal family-owned business familiar to all those who travel the Overseas Highway, as Tom Thumb continues as the festival’s 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 8 and 9 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 49th 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
THE TRADITION
Fishermen like Eddie Cordova Jr. make the Fest happen | P.6
THE SCHOLARSHIPS
Festival funds help local kids | P.8
THE VENDORS
So you can shop all day | P.14
THE FOOD
It’s a seafood festival, after all | P.18
THE MAP
Find your way around | P.24
THE TUNES
To rock your socks off | P.28
THE GAMES
Where everyone can be a kid | P.32
THE TOWN Marathon’s best attractions | P.38
‘WE
HAVE TO PROTECT EACH OTHER’
Marathon’s Eddie Cordova Jr. is a voice for the next generation of fishermen, but still loves the old-fashioned ways
Eddie Cordova Jr.’s father didn’t want him to become a commercial fisherman.
The industry runs deep in the family’s DNA, with at least four generations of watermen going all the way back to Cuba, and Keys roots dating back to 1975. But against his father’s advice, as Cordova tells it, the water has always been his only calling.
“Days that my dad wasn’t going to go out because it was too rough, he went out anyway, just so I could get my ass kicked on the boat,” he said. “The barnacles I had to scrape – anything he could do to turn me away from it, I ended up loving.”
Cordova eventually took control of his father’s lobster and stone crab business, Cordova Fisheries Inc., in 2017 – and got a sobering reality check right away, as Hurricane Irma claimed 1,000 of his 3,000 traps. Today, he said, each trap costs around $60 just in materials to replace. In some cases, it takes an entire season of fishing with that new trap to cover the bill.
“I didn’t have a nest egg big enough to cover that, so it’s been a struggle slowly working my way out of it, but it takes a long time,” he said.
Even still, his life on the boat is something he wouldn’t trade for the world.
“It's the fact that you're out there in nature, seeing the sunrise, and you only have to worry about yourself and three other people,” he said. “I don't like seeing the sunsets too much, because that means we’ve had a really long day. But those are okay too.”
The Keys’ commercial fishing industry is steeped in tradition. But just like mom-and-pop shops and Conch houses have given way to chain businesses and bigger developments, Cordova said Marathon’s community of tried-and-true fishermen are fighting to keep a hold of the deep respect and camaraderie they share – all in the face of tightening regulations and news cycles that want to use them as scapegoats.
“We have to protect ourselves through our organizations, like the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association,” Cordova said, praising both groups as two of the few strongholds for representation in an industry that’s seen more of its fair share of challenges.
“Everybody loves to eat this,” he said, pointing to a plate of stone crab claws at Keys Fisheries’ upstairs bar. “But not everybody wants to look at us as a source of sustainable business. We’re a traditional American industry, but I don’t think people see it that way.
“Everything that happens to the waters of this state, whether it’s our fault or not, we get affected by it. People don’t want to see the red tide, the water quality, the lack of infrastructure for our population, and most of the blame gets thrown on us,” he continued. “All it takes is a signature to shut us down.”
But even in a business where it’s tempting to be ruled by dollar signs, Cordova said, he still loves to see Marathon locals do things the old fashioned way – a get-it-done mindset marked by hard work, mutual respect, support for one another and a long-term mindset for the future of the Keys’ fisheries.
“I'm more of a traditional person. I see what we have and our history, and I don't want to lose that,” he said. “We're a lot stronger if we can all have the same goal and same mentality for this industry, a traditional mentality – for protecting our fishery, and for our prices.”
He spoke glowingly of commercial captain Delvis Novoa, who began in Keys Fisheries’ fish house with the goal of fishing on his own. Eventually, Novoa traded up through a series of boats to start his own company.
“There’s respect for that, when you see a person trying to better themselves through hard work. He’s been doing it through his blood, sweat and tears,” Cordova said. “It’s really refreshing to see that, because you don’t see that type of person anymore. It reminds me of what my dad had to do when he got here to build his business.”
Today, Cordova’s 5-year-old son is already following his family’s generational footsteps – including occasionally refusing to go to school to try and sneak in an extra day on the water.
Asked if he would give his son the same barnaclescraping treatment he received as a youngster, Cordova didn’t shy away from the challenges a next-generation fisherman would face – but struggled to hide a proud smile.
“I want to set my business up for my son, if that’s what he wants to be, because both sides of his family are commercial fishermen,” he said. “Why would I want to go out and catch everything that’s in the gulf? It’s such an awesome life out there.”
And though his son has yet to finish elementary school, it’s not far-fetched to imagine him with the same one-track mind as his father.
“I took an aptitude test one time in high school, and it said I was gonna be a coal miner,” Cordova laughed. “I think fishing is a lot better.”
SUCCULENCE FUELS SCHOLARSHIPS
The Seafood Festival isn’t just about fun, food, tunes and beer. Funded in part by the Fest, both the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and the Marathon chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida choose Marathon High School seniors each year to award with grants for pursuit of higher education, whether it be through college, trade school or other vocational training. Keys Weekly took some time to catch up with a few scholarship recipients from the class of 2024 and see where they are now:
MARQUISHA ABRAHAM
O.F.F.
“I’m currently attending the University of Florida studying business administration on a pre-law track. The area of law I’m considering for law school might be different from what I originally had in mind in high school, and the specialization I want to pursue in business school is evolving too. It’s exciting to see how my interests are shaping my path, and I’m looking forward to discovering where it all leads.
The best part about graduating high school is finally having the freedom to do what really interests me. I get to explore new passions, try new things, and say ‘no thanks’ to what doesn’t excite me. But if I’m being honest, the hardest part is being away from my family and friends back home. Some days are tougher than others, and not having my support system right by my side has been an adjustment.
My time at MHS was filled with so many amazing memories, but my absolute favorite has to be Grad Bash my senior year. It was the ultimate last hoorah — one final, epic night at Universal with my friends, just soaking up every bit of fun before graduation.”
JAYDA LUGO
Chamber of Commerce
“As a Biomedical Sciences major at UCF, I am now making my aspirations come true. My senior quote was ‘the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ and it truly does. My goal of working in healthcare is getting closer with each step I take, and I am gratefully and resolutely enjoying the path. My family, friends and community helped me get here by believing in my dreams, and I will keep working toward my goals with the same dedication.
I am incredibly grateful to the Chamber for believing in me and supporting my journey. Leaving the Florida Keys to pursue my dreams at UCF has been both exciting and challenging, but this scholarship has helped ease my transition and financial burden. I've been able to concentrate on my studies and get active in groups like the American Medical Women's Association, the Association of Pre-Physician Assistants and the American Chemistry Society. Knowing that my hometown stands behind me motivates me to keep pursuing a medical career. Thank you for investing in my future. I will always carry this support with me.”
O.F.F. & Chamber
“I would first like to say it's been a great pleasure to have been given the opportunity to earn the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and O.F.F.’s scholarships. I'm currently attending Miami Dade College and my major is in Business Administration.
The scholarship has helped me with tuition costs and the cost of supplies. Living in Miami has been an adjustment due to it being a more populated area with more traffic than the Keys, but on the other hand, there are more opportunities for educational and career growth along with meeting new people who will most likely have a great impact on my future.”
ALLISON GARCIA Chamber of Commerce
“I'm truly grateful for the scholarship and the help of our community. With the help of our community I was able to further my education and goal of becoming a firefighter and EMT. I’m so thankful to be in a career that gives back to our community and visitors.
“I attended the Monroe County Hot Shot academy in August to become a career firefighter. In December I became a certified firefighter to work in the State of Florida. As of right now I’m currently enrolled in EMT school with Naval Air Station Key West. I will be finished at the end of February. With the scholarship money I was able to purchase my turnout gear as well as my books for the fire academy and EMT school.”
TYLER GARCIA-VALDES
ALLISON GARCIA
MARQUISHA ABRAHAM
JAYDA LUGO
TYLER GARCIA-VALDES
THURSDAY:
MONDAY: Closed
TUESDAY: Jumbo Gumbo Bowls Tacos and Tequila
Live music: Roger Jokela
WEDNESDAY:
($15-$20 bottles)
SHOPA HOLISM
The Seafood Festival, along with being Marathon’s favorite gathering of family and friends, is a two-day extravaganza of indulgence in libations, live music, seafood and a smorgasbord of widely varied vendors. They sell everything from homemade spices to jewelry, patio furniture and nautical decor. We caught up with a few before the big weekend:
BAJIO SUNGLASSES
FISHBONE DESIGNS
Booth N | themetaledge.com
NATURAL BLESSINGS GOAT
LIVING TOWERS FLORIDA KEYS DOC’S TATTOOZ Booths U, V bajiosunglasses.com
Booth 107 naturalblessingssoap.com
Booth 18 docstattoozfloridakeys.com
Booth 6 livingtowers.com Hailing from New Smyrna Beach, Bajío Sunglasses are named for the fl ats the company loves. Their lenses are aimed at blocking out blue light, which creates strain and visual blur — two things anglers can fully attest to after a long day out on the fl ats. The company states that by blocking 95% of blue light, their sunglasses offer the clearest lenses available.
The Dean family at Natural Blessings Goat Milk Soaps has been creating handcrafted natural skincare products for over 12 years using fresh milk from their own herd of freerange dairy goats. Each item is carefully crafted to nourish and hydrate your skin with the natural goodness of goat milk. “We pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients, providing a sustainable, ethical product that’s both nourishing and good for the environment,” they said.
Established in 2000, Doc’s Tattooz is a custom tattoo and body piercing studio with a clean, comfortable atmosphere and a rich local Florida Keys heritage. The shop is eager to join the Seafood Festival for the first time as part of Doc’s 25th anniversary. Tattoo artists Allen Mertsock, Masha Bardakhanova and Mike Kersis are committed to creating original designed tattoos for our customers, from tiny fine-line pieces to large scale work.
Living Towers’ farm in Cudjoe Key is dedicated to producing “clean and green” food with the smallest possible ecological footprint, growing around 1,000 plants and more than 10,000 seedlings while conserving resources. The company empowers others to grow their own food with its Tower Garden, a vertical aeroponic system allowing customers to grow produce indoors or outdoors without weeding, digging or tilling.
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!
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 renewable? Fishermen take only the claw before putting the crab back in the sea.
CONCH FRITTERS
Unlike other Florida festivals that bill themselves as a “seafood” event, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is the real deal.
Forty-nine years ago, the festival was organized by commercial fishermen. The same holds true in 2025 as the fishermen offer the bounty of the sea, prepared using time-tested recipes.
BY THE NUMBERS
2,000 lobster tails
1000 blue crab cakes
300 smoked fish dip
30 gallons conch salad
30 gallons conch chowder
2,750 conch fritters
1,000 pounds shrimp
1,000 stone crab claws
1,500 pounds mahi mahi
40 gallons of shucked oysters
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.
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.
NEW ADDITIONS
Besides the staples of the Marathon Seafood Festival, the food tents have seen new additions in recent years. Fried shrimp have sold out within hours for the last few years, and they’ll be back in 2025. 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!
MAHI MAHI
An important message from Florida Keys Contractors Association
Protect Yourself, Protect Your Home.
Monroe County requires all contractors hold a State or Local Contractor's License, Workers Comp and General Liability Insurance
Ask your contractor
• Do you have a Monroe County License?
• Do you have general liability & workman's comp insurance?
• Are you familiar with Monroe County Building Regulations?
• Will you pull a permit if my work requires it?
• Have you done this type of work before?
• Are you self performing the entire project?
• Will you supply releases of liens for your subcontractors & suppliers?
Work that requires a licensed and insured contractor
Aluminum • Landscaping • Masonry • Roofing • Shutters • Windows & Doors Electric • Seawalls & Docks and more...please call for more information.
Florida Keys Contractors Association
Florida Keys Contractors Association Admin@FKCA.org www.FKCA.org
Service Above Self
In addition to numerous service projects, the Marathon Rotary Club has given over $350,000 back to the community since 2021. Join us in 2025 as we continue to support the community and live by the Four Way Test.
Is it the Truth Is it Fair to All Concerned? Will it Build Goodwill and Be er Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?
For more information on what we do and how you can join the “Irresistible Marathon Rotary Club”, visit our website Marathonrotary.org or scan the QR Code.
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MARATHON COMMUNITY PARK EVENT MAP
HOURS: 10 a.m to 9 p.m Saturday • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday EVENT PARKING: Stanley Switlik Elementary, 3400 Overseas Hwy. and neighboring lots ADMISSION: $5 • Children under 12 free with paying adult. Free on Sunday with Military ID
VENDOR DIRECTORY
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 fishing heritage and the protection of its commercial fishermen and their families. and the rest of the O.F.F. family
Paul Lebo, President
Eddie Cordova JR, Vice President / Director
Carlos Moreira, 2nd Vice President
Rick Turner, Alternate Director
Elizabeth Prieto, Secretary / Treasurer
Sponsored by
Over $225,000 donated to local scholarships. Currently accepting applications for 2025. Available for children of commercial shing families. See the Marathon High School Guidance O ce for more info.
ENTERTAINMENT
A festival that serves as an allday party for locals and visitors alike deserves the perfect backdrop of live music. From morning to night on both days of the Fest, bands rock the Marathon Community Park amphitheater with tunes that make their crowds get up and dance. Bring a chair and your dancing shoes as you prepare to take in the powerpacked lineup.
SATURDAY
JOHN BARTUS & ADRIENNE Z
11 a.m. Saturday
This pair of singer/songwriters brings quite a variety of classic rock as well as John and Adrienne’s original songs from their CDs. Expect anything from quiet acoustic numbers to all-out rockers!
UNCLE RICO
1 p.m. Saturday
Uncle Rico was formed in the Florida Keys in 2011 by Alex Caldwell. The focus of the band was to play a diverse collection of music to entertain any crowd ranging from classic rock, pop, reggae, country, alternative, funk, and grunge spanning the ‘50s to current.
I-LAND VIBE
3 p.m. Saturday
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.
SILVER SPINE
5 p.m. Saturday
Hailing from Miami, Silver Spine is a south Florida rock band playing all your favorite classic rock, classic heavy metal, classic ’80s tunes and more.
MONSTER
7 p.m. to close Saturday
Monster is based on legendary music and bands from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, including songs from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Queen, AC/DC and much more. Monster is a collection of music that you can expect to take you on a journey down the road to rock with some of the greatest songs of all time. If Monster doesn’t get your blood pumping, then you may be dead already – just get here and see for yourself.
Airplane Mode
Bill Todd
Marshall Morlock Band
SUNDAY
BILL TODD
11 a.m. Sunday
The music of versatile performer Bill Todd is informed by 30 years in the South Florida, Los Angeles and Nashville music scenes.
This versatile musician presents his own Caribbean-influenced jazz originals but is fluent in the styles of Jimmy Buffett, Sting, Van Morrison, sea shanties and more.
AIRPLANE MODE
1 p.m. Sunday
Embark on a thrilling musical journey with Airplane Mode, South Florida’s magnetic rock cover band. The band is dedicated to keeping fans on the edge of their seats, surprising them with unexpected tunes that traverse the rock music landscape of the last 50 years.
THE MARSHALL MORLOCK BAND
3 p.m. Sunday
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.
Uncle Rico
Silver Spine
I-Land Vibe
John Bartus & Adrienne Z
GAMES & RIDES
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 all the time-tested favorites from years past, plus a few new additions that are sure to become instant hits.
The ride fees range from $3 to $10 and the attractions are set up in the southwest corner of Marathon Community Park.
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. 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.
MECHANICAL BULL
Hold on for the ride of your life!
ROPE LADDER
Test your balance and climbing ability with this fair classic.
FACE PAINTING
The classic artistic expression.
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 / 305-407-3262
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 / 305-7435999
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
MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE & CINEMA
Established in 1944 as a traveling troupe, MCT now boasts the only live theater and cinema showing first-run movies within a 50-mile radius. Each “season” from July through June offers four fulllength main-stage productions, along with monthly Drag Queen Bingo, murder mysteries, dance classes and showcases, children’s theater camps and numerous one-night events. MM 49.5, oceanside / marathontheater.org / 305-743-0994
OLD 7 MILE BRIDGE
Reopened in January 2022 after a sixyear 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, basketball and tennis courts, with pickleball courts on the way. 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.
DATES
• March 8-9: Original Marathon Seafood Festival at Marathon Community Park.
• March 13: “Nunsense” opens at Marathon Community Theatre; runs through April 12.
• 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 5: 7 Mile Bridge Run.
ROTARY CHILDREN’S PARK
The 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 handicappedaccessible. It’s located on U.S. 1 between 75th and 76th streets, oceanside.
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).
