Marathon Approves 2025-26 Budget: No Change in Property Taxes
The Marathon City Council wrapped up its deliberations on the 2025-26 fiscal year budget and landed on welcome news for residents. During the September 23 session, council members collectively gave the green light to a budget plan that keeps property taxes steady—so no surprises in your mailbox this year. In fact, the adopted budget actually includes a property tax rollback, meaning homeowners can breathe a bit easier knowing there won’t be any increase for the coming year.
City of Marathon Enhances Communication Efforts
Staying in the know just got easier for Marathon residents and visitors alike. The city has recently refreshed its approach to public communication, making it simpler than ever to stay up-to-date on local happenings, safety alerts, and community news.
Heading the charge is Carlos Garcia, Marathon’s newly appointed Public Information Officer. Since joining the team in June, Carlos has been crafting a more robust and accessible communications strategy designed to reach people where they are—whether that’s online, through social media, or via traditional updates.
Look for more timely news, helpful resources, and friendly updates as Carlos leads Marathon into a new era of connection.
Key Issues Spotlighted at the Marathon City Council Candidate Forum
During the October 1st Marathon City Council candidate forum, several hot-button topics made their way into the spotlight—especially those touching on the city budget and its charter.
Budget Conversations
Candidates addressed how Marathon allocates funds, with plenty of discussion around priorities like infrastructure upgrades, funding public safety, and supporting local businesses. Questions from the audience centered on transparency: How are tax dollars really being spent? Is there enough oversight, and are funds distributed fairly among city departments?
City Charter Debates
The city charter—Marathon’s founding document—also drew scrutiny. Some candidates proposed updates to streamline operations or clarify council responsibilities. Others voiced concerns about maintaining checks and balances, so one group doesn’t hold too much sway over major decisions.
Common Concerns Raised
- Allegations & Clarifications:
The forum wasn’t without some heat—allegations of past mismanagement and misunderstandings about existing policies floated through the room. Candidates took time to clear up misconceptions and reinforce their commitment to transparency. - Community Involvement:
How the public can engage with council matters was another focal point. Candidates discussed ways to encourage more resident feedback, so Marathon’s growth reflects the will of the people.
While opinions varied, one thing was clear: this year’s council hopefuls aren’t shying away from the hard questions that matter most to locals.
Marathon City Council Candidate Forum: An Engaging Exchange
On October 1st, Marathon’s city council hopefuls gathered for their annual public forum—a civic tradition as Floridian as conch chowder. Local voters and curious onlookers packed the room, eager to hear candidates share their visions for the future of Marathon.
Highlights from the Night
The discussion spanned everything from the nitty-gritty of city finances to the finer points of Marathon’s charter. Candidates addressed pressing budget priorities, fielded questions about community development, and laid out their approaches to improving public services.
Some topics fueled spirited debate, with contenders clarifying where they stood on funding for local infrastructure and weighing in on recent charter amendments. A few even tackled persistent rumors and allegations head-on—proving that, even in paradise, there’s room for a little political theater.
What Does This Mean for Marathon?
For residents and renters alike, the forum provided a front-row seat to local democracy in action. Whether you’ve got strong feelings about sidewalks or just want to know what the next city improvement might be, it was an evening full of insights (and maybe a few surprises) on where Marathon’s headed.
What Council Candidates Say About Quality of Life and City Management
Curious about what’s on the minds of Marathon’s city council hopefuls? When it comes to quality of life and managing the city, the candidates tend to focus on the essentials that make Marathon such an appealing place to call home.
Many highlight the importance of preserving clean parks and scenic public spaces, ensuring families and visitors alike can enjoy the unique natural beauty. Others emphasize improving city services, such as efficient waste collection, well-maintained roads, and responsive safety measures, to keep life running smoothly from Coco Plum to Sombrero Beach.
A number of candidates point out that smart growth—balancing new development with the character of the Keys—is top of mind. Thoughtful zoning, affordable housing opportunities for locals, and protecting the small-town feel all feature in their plans.
Overall, their answers reflect a commitment to keeping Marathon family-friendly, efficient, and true to its island roots.
Marathon Airport Runway Update
If you’ve been waiting to book your next flight or are just eager for smoother skies, there’s good news: the much-anticipated runway improvements at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport are almost complete. Crews have been working diligently to wrap up the final stages, and the project is on track for completion very soon.
Travelers can expect the newly renovated runway to open before long, making both arrivals and departures more efficient and comfortable. So, whether you’re heading in for a sunny stay or waving goodbye to the islands, the upgraded runway promises smoother landings on your next trip to Marathon.
Recent Improvements at Marathon International Airport
Marathon International Airport has recently completed a flurry of upgrades designed to make your travel smoother than ever. After a brief 50-day closure, the airport is now open and ready to greet visitors with its newly finished runway—perfect for welcoming commercial jets and private pilots alike.
Travelers will also notice a brand-new hangar, providing expanded and modernized space for aircraft storage and maintenance. These improvements are part of an ongoing effort by local and state officials to ensure that getting to (and from) Marathon is as convenient as the laid-back lifestyle itself.
So, whether you’re flying in for a family getaway or heading home after soaking up the Keys sun, rest assured that the airport’s latest enhancements will help your adventure take off without a hitch.
Building Rights in Marathon: An Update
Curious about the status of new developments in Marathon? The landscape for building rights is changing fast—and not always for the better. Right now, Marathon is facing a shortage of available building allocations, and potential projects are bumping into some serious roadblocks.
Currently, legal disputes have put a freeze on fresh building rights throughout the Florida Keys, halting many new permits. City officials and local developers are keeping a close eye on state and federal court decisions that will determine if, when, and how new construction can proceed. Until these legal challenges are settled, anyone hoping to build in Marathon should expect delays and ongoing uncertainty.
This situation affects both residential and commercial builders, making it ever more important to plan ahead and stay informed on the latest local and state updates. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or visitor with an eye for Marathon’s evolving skyline, now’s the time to watch this space for the latest developments.
Marathon Council Debates Affordable Housing Approaches
With local elections on the horizon, the Marathon City Council is deep in discussion about the direction of a new affordable and workforce housing project. Council members are split on how best to address the city’s housing needs.
On one side, some council members are pushing for a plan that maximizes the number of available units, arguing that the city’s workers and families need more housing options as soon as possible. This group favors larger developments, streamlined approvals, and policies that prioritize speed to help ease the housing crunch.
Others on the council are advocating for a more cautious, phased approach. They’re concerned about maintaining Marathon’s small-town feel and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. This faction wants stricter requirements for new developments, additional community input, and stronger protections for local resources.
As the debate continues, the future of affordable housing in Marathon—and the balance between growth and preservation—remains a hot topic leading up to election day.
Marathon Fire Rescue Benevolent Association Wahoo Tournament
Looking for some friendly competition on the water? Mark your calendar: The Marathon Fire Rescue Benevolent Association will be hosting its very first Wahoo fishing tournament on Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th. Anglers of all levels are invited to cast their lines, enjoy the camaraderie, and take a shot at some great prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun weekend out with the family, this event promises excitement for everyone.
