The City of Marathon has a busy slate of community events planned over the next several weeks, while its public information office continues working to keep residents informed about city government and activities.
Chris Seymour, the city’s public information officer, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
Seymour, who previously spent more than 10 years working in newspaper journalism with the Key West Citizen and the Free Press, said he has been surprised by just how much activity takes place in Marathon.
“There’s a lot more than I knew of when I was with the Citizen,” Seymour said.
One of the first events on his calendar is Marathon High School’s homecoming parade, which was scheduled for Thursday. The school will face St. John Paul II Academy in Friday’s football game.
Seymour also highlighted Saturday’s Seven Mile Bridge Sunset Celebration, being held as part of Monroe County’s continuing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. near the Old Seven Mile Bridge, with sunset expected at approximately 7:05 p.m.
The celebration is being organized by the City of Marathon in conjunction with Visit Florida Keys and Key West and Monroe County.
Seymour said the event will include Caribbean-inspired appetizers prepared by Marathon High School’s culinary team, along with music and dancing by the Pierce Aught Band.
Grimal Grove will also participate in the event and host the sunset toast, with a variety of its juices available.
The event is free, but Seymour said parking will be one of the biggest challenges for people attending.
There will be no parking directly at the bridge. Some parking will be available at the Pigeon Key Seven Mile Marina area, and van service will be available from the Stanley Switlik Elementary School parking area on 33rd Street.
Seymour encouraged residents to plan ahead for transportation to the celebration.
The event is a recreation of a previous Seven Mile Bridge gathering that was held for Monroe County’s 200th anniversary.
Seymour said the busy schedule will continue after the bridge celebration.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the city will host a float-in movie night at the lagoon on Grassy Key.
Last year’s movie was Jaws. This year, organizers are showing The Perfect Storm.
Those attending the float-in movie will need to bring their own float or kayak. Anyone entering the water will be required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-certified life jacket and complete a waiver.
Seymour also highlighted the annual Trick or Treat at the Beach event at Sombrero Beach on Oct. 23.
The event provides families with an alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating, particularly for parents who may not want their children crossing U.S. 1.
The event will feature candy, costumes, vendors and community organizations handing out treats and other items.
Another Halloween-related event will take place at Marathon City Hall on Friday, Oct. 30.
The 18th annual city employee costume contest will allow residents to vote for their favorite employee costume.
City employees will be photographed in costume, with the photos displayed in the City Hall lobby.
Residents can vote for their favorite costume for $1 per vote.
All proceeds will benefit Peyton’s Promise, a sanctuary for dogs that are homeless, have special needs or are nearing the end of their lives.
The costume contest is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 30.
Beyond community events, Seymour said an important part of his job is keeping residents and the media informed about Marathon city government.
That includes covering City Council meetings, developments involving the search for a city attorney and other city business.
Seymour said his background in journalism has influenced the way he approaches the position. He said his goal is to provide residents with information quickly, accurately and efficiently.
Seymour said the city’s staff has been helpful in providing information, allowing him to focus on communicating what is happening within city government and throughout the community.
He also said residents benefit from having timely information about government decisions and community activities.
The city has continued to release information about meetings, events and other activities through Seymour’s office.
The next Marathon City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Seymour said he expects the coming weeks to remain busy as Marathon continues its schedule of community events and city business.
“I never realized just how busy Marathon is with so many events and such for the community,” he said.