The city of Marathon is gearing up for the three lobster sport days in 2024. Yes, three days. By order of Gov. Ron DeSantis, there will be an extra mini-season day scheduled for Sunday, July 14, as well as the regularly planned sport season days of Wednesday and Thursday, July 24 and 25.
Launching a boat is free for locals whose boat trailers are registered to a Marathon or Key Colony Beach address. Visitors pay $25 to launch a boat, $25 to retrieve a boat and $20 for a day of parking at the 33rd Street boat ramp and the Quay boat ramp. Failure to pay the launching fee results in a $200 fine for the registered owner of the trailer. If the ticket is paid within 15 days from notice, the fine is reduced to $100.
While local and state officials handle law enforcement, the City of Marathon will dedicate its resources to staffing the three city-owned boat ramps. All three boat ramps will be staffed Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14; Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21; Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25. They each have their own list of rules to follow.
The Quay boat ramp, located near MM 54, has one parking lot entrance located east and one exit located west. When launching, boat captains should avoid blocking traffic on U.S. 1 and observe lane closures marked with traffic cones. Once in the queue, captains should make preparations to launch as efficiently as possible. Limited parking is available; trailers parked illegally will be towed.
At the Harbor Drive boat ramp, located behind the airport, boat captains should access the ramp on heavy traffic days by turning off Aviation Boulevard onto Marlin Drive, turning left onto Tuna Drive and then left onto Harbor Drive. This route applies to both the launch and retrieval of the boat. This route to the boat ramp bisects a residential neighborhood, so be aware of pedestrians and drive slowly. This ramp is limited to small boats launching from trailers with only one or two axles. Auto traffic may use Harbor and Marline Drive in either direction.
The 33rd Street boat ramp will be facilitated by city employees. Traffic is expected to flow smoothly, but boat captains can expect a wait. Paid parking is available at the adjacent elementary school, Stanley Switlick, and the gravel lot on the west side of 33rd Street. When retrieving the boat, use the gravel lot to pause and secure the boat and trailer. Do not stop in front of the Marathon Yacht Club.
