Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Samess joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM to talk about what’s going on in Marathon.
Monroe County businesses are preparing for another busy lobster mini season. The annual two-day lobster mini season provides an important boost for local businesses following the Fourth of July holiday while urging visitors to prioritize safety on the water.
“It’s going to be busy. We’ll have a lot of folks here. Everyone will have their tickle sticks and lobster nets,” Samess said. “Please be safe out in the water. Abide by all the rules, look for those dive flags, go slow, take your time.”
While there will be increased traffic and congestion that accompany mini season, the event provides a significant economic benefit throughout the Keys.
“It’ll be great for all of our businesses. That’s who we represent as the Marathon Chamber, and I always love seeing all of them thrive and do well from all the visitors that come in for lobster mini season every year,” Samess said.
He also praised the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and Visit Florida Keys for promoting responsible tourism while highlighting the economic value visitors bring to the region.
“Kara and her team, and Ed and everyone, just do such a great job,” Samess said. “The marketing, advertising and public relations they’re doing is really paying dividends.”
According to Samess, tourism indicators have remained strong throughout 2026.
“Most of this entire calendar year we’re up year over year as far as occupancy, average daily rate and RevPAR, which is great to see because it’s a tougher market out there,” he said.
Visitor-generated bed tax revenues help fund tourism marketing while also supporting capital improvement projects throughout Monroe County.
“Because of all the good work our TDC does, it basically subsidizes almost $11,900 per property owner in various taxes they would be paying if it were not for tourism,” Samess said. “Sometimes people start looking at what they think is low-hanging fruit and say, ‘Let’s just take some TDC dollars.’ But to rob Peter to pay Paul on something that gives so much back economically would be extremely short-sighted.”
The chamber also hosted a sold-out monthly luncheon Monday featuring State Rep. Jim Mooney, who was scheduled to provide a legislative update, including discussion of Florida’s proposed property tax referendum.
Samess said the chamber’s monthly luncheons provide members with opportunities to network while learning about issues affecting the local business community.
The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Keys Weekly will hold a candidate forum scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Marathon Government Center.
The forum will feature candidates for Monroe County Commission District 2, Monroe County School Board Districts 1 and 5, and Mosquito Control District 2.
“We like to ask good, tough questions,” Samess said. “What we really want to know is, what are your actual ideas, and how are you going to implement them? Because when you’re one of five on any commission or board, you have one vote. You have to work with your fellow board members.”
The forum will be open to the public and broadcast live on Monroe County Television, with on-demand viewing available afterward.
For more information, click here: https://floridakeysmarathon.com/