POUR YOUR HEART OUT AT TROPICAL EPOXY, MARATHON’S NEWEST ARTISTIC OUTLET

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Marathon’s newest creative outlet celebrated its grand opening on July 23 as Tropical Epoxy Vibe and Flow Studio welcomed guests, local dignitaries and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce to its new location at 10694 Aviation Blvd. The studio marks a new evolution for business owner Whitney Simmons, whose epoxy art, countertops and designer finishes can be seen at dozens of businesses and private homes throughout the Middle Keys. Simmons has been hard at work curating a palette of paint pouring and epoxy classes open to the public – no experience necessary. For class details and artwork samples, visit tropicalepoxy.com. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.