Jason Koler

The excitement of the Best of Marathon reached its crescendo this past Saturday night when the winners of the 2021 people’s choice awards were announced at the Marathon Community Park. For the first time ever, the Best of Marathon was held al fresco – under bistro lighting where a crowd...

The historical significance and cultural impact of the Best of Marathon cannot be overstated and starting Friday, Aug.13 the nomination process begins for the 2021 people’s choice awards.  Since 2008, the celebration of Marathon’s best and brightest has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities while cementing some...

Military service members have no illusions about their profession. Those who volunteer commit their lives to defending the Constitution and the rights of their fellow Americans. Against tremendous odds they prepare themselves to make the ultimate sacrifice by pushing their minds and bodies to the limit.  After picking up “The...

John Murphy is repaying a debt. A debt he incurred about 32 months ago when Hurricane Irma sent a 6-foot wall of seawater through his house.  “Kevin brought a bunch of kids over to my house when I was trying to get the business up and running and cleaned it...

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world economy to a grinding halt and governments are taking unprecedented measures to stave off a global recession with massive aid packages and financial plans. In the Florida Keys, residents and business owners will have programs from all levels of government to help them...

APRIL FOOLS In a confusing and inspiring move of solidarity mixed with a bit of desperation, three Florida Keys municipalities have launched a new job search for a manager they can all share.  “Islamorada and Marathon once shared a fire chief and Baptist uses the same CEO for both hospitals,” said...

At around age 12 or so I discovered the coolest Brut gift set at the local pharmacy and instantly knew my dad would love the after shave, soap-on-a-rope and deodorant. A fond memory for me, but I am sure this did not rate at the top of Papa K’s...

By Jason Koler & Britt Myers The Florida Keys, and more specifically, the Lower Keys have long served as an escape for former professional athletes, artists, public figures, screwballs and those who have danced with a low to moderate celebrity. Long before social media, Amazon Prime and the 2008 financial...

When 38 Special and Chris Janson rock Founders Park on Saturday, Nov. 3 guests have the option of chillin’ in lawn seats or experiencing the music in the exclusive VIP section.  “This is a musical experience never before seen in the Florida Keys,” said event organizer Sharon Mahooney-Ellenwood. “VIPs get...

Five days after Hurricane Irma rolled over the Lower and Middle Keys, a semi-truck overloaded with relief supplies was trailered to the Keys by seven members of the Swansboro Rotary Club. “That’s what Rotarians are for,” texted Swansboro Rotarian Justin Cleve. Earlier this week, the Upper Keys Rotary Club returned the...

FWC Captain David Dipre is a guardian of natural resources – whether he’s apprehending a lobster poacher, protecting saltwater crocodiles or giving his 17-year-old daughter the keys to the car. Growing up in middle class Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the US Army right out of high school, became a medic...

This past Monday evening, the Florida History & Discovery Center opened the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library to “celebrate his decades of historical preservation contributions, collecting and sharing the history of the Upper Keys.” The event coincided with Wilkinson’s 90th birthday, and more than 100 friends, neighbors, elected officials and history...