Marathon is enjoying a busy summer season, highlighted by a successful Independence Day celebration, new recreational amenities and continued improvements throughout the city.
Mr. Marathon, Mike Puto, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s been happening.
The city’s Fourth of July festivities drew large crowds despite high temperatures. The Marathon Rotary Club organized the annual parade and festivities at Marathon Community Park, where families enjoyed food, entertainment and an evening fireworks display.
“The heat was pretty tough during the day, but the fireworks were phenomenal,” Puto said. “There was an even bigger crowd at night, and the music and fireworks came together for a great celebration.”
Puto credited longtime fireworks coordinator Randy Mearns and a team of volunteer pyrotechnicians for producing the synchronized display. Unlike traditional fireworks shows, Marathon’s presentation is electronically coordinated with music, with each shell launched individually according to a carefully planned sequence.
Beyond the holiday festivities, Puto said the city continues investing in recreational opportunities and quality-of-life improvements.
The new skate park at Marathon Community Park has opened with a soft launch while landscaping and finishing touches continue. Puto said the facility has already attracted children and adults eager to use the new amenity.
Marathon has also added new pickleball courts at Oceanfront Park on 98th Street, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and making better use of public waterfront property.
Summer programs remain active throughout the city as well, with camps offered through Crane Point, the City of Marathon and Pigeon Key providing activities for local children before the new school year begins.
Puto also noted the anticipation surrounding the upcoming dedication of the newly renamed Michael H. Puto Stadium at Marathon High School. A Marathon High graduate and former city manager, Puto said he is humbled by the honor.
“I’m very honored,” he said. “Being part of this community and seeing the stadium named after me is pretty awesome.”
One challenge facing the Middle Keys this summer is the influx of sargassum seaweed washing ashore along Atlantic-facing beaches. While the seaweed provides habitat for marine life offshore, large accumulations create unpleasant odors and can interfere with sea turtle nesting.
Beach crews have worked to remove the seaweed while carefully protecting turtle nests. Puto praised local turtle conservation volunteers for monitoring nesting activity and helping ensure nesting sites remain undisturbed during cleanup efforts.
Looking ahead, Marathon’s City Council is scheduled to meet July 14, with the Planning Commission following on July 20 as officials continue planning for the city’s future growth and development.
Puto encouraged residents and visitors to stay safe during the summer heat by drinking plenty of water, replenishing electrolytes and taking breaks in the shade when spending time outdoors.
“Take good care of yourself,” he said. “Stay hydrated, slow down a little bit, and it doesn’t hurt to get in the shade.”