Retirement Of County Employee Spurs Debate Over Options

In 2012, the southernmost airport in the United States will be losing its manager to retirement. Reggie Paros is a county employee who's been managing the Marathon Airport in the Florida Keys. As the city plans for his replacement, a debate is brewing over the idea of hiring outside management for the facility.

Monroe County Mayor David Rice wonders whether the airport, which is in the black financially but not by much, could benefit from the more aggressive management a private-sector partner might bring. He tells KeysNet.com, "We might be able to get a more efficient operation...they would benefit financially from the success of the airport."

Marathon Vice Mayor Dick Ramsay says he's skeptical, but open-minded. He explains, "I'm not at all sure that everyone at the city is comfortable with it, but we haven't even talked about it at the level of our commission. It remains to be seen whether that option is pursued."

The airport's official website notes that the airport "...boasts a $9 million terminal complete with ample parking, a passenger lounge, car rental agencies, taxi stands and shuttle buses. The airport is located at the mid-point of the Keys, which means nothing is farther away than a 1-1/2 hour drive. And of course, visitors can reach Marathon's accommodations, attractions, cultural venues, fishing fleets and dive-snorkel boats in minutes."

But one big thing Marathon does not have is regularly scheduled commercial airline service. Its 5,000' runway 7/25 sees only a few FedEx flights and general aviation activity.

Ramsey tells KeysNet.com he'd like to explore an airshow as one possible revenue-producing idea.

FMI: www.fla-keys.com/marathon/marathon_airport.cfm