I am a local businesswoman and a Keys resident for more than 20 years. When I moved to Marathon about seven years ago, then-Marathon animal shelter Director Katie Bentley was one of the first locals I met.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:40 AM EDT

Earth Day was a good day to go to the beach and celebrate our good luck that it's oil free.

Posted - Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

I have been a resident of the Marathon area for six years. During this time, I have been a volunteer for the Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys (the Marathon animal shelter) for approximately two years. I also had a short employment with the shelter in the slow season.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

It was disappointing and upsetting to see that the board of Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys evidently decided to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The forced resignation of Director Katie Bentley was made by a board that I would guess has few members who have participated in the actual operation of the shelter.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

The management and staff of Bahia Honda State Park would like to thank everyone who helped make the park's 18th annual Earth Day celebration a success.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

I am still in shock since learning that the board of directors of Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys demanded the resignation of the shelter director, Katie Bentley. This apparently was decided after two relatively new employees reported that Katie was mistreating the animals. How the board would make such a decision is beyond me.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

When families have the community support they need to provide nurturing experiences for children, those children invariably become productive adults -- and absolutely capable of contributing to a thriving economy. We know that from our own Publix experience with thousands of associates, and we know it in so many other ways.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

I want to put in my strong support for Katie Bentley, a diligent, committed, hard-working, animal-loving, competent animal shelter director. For many, many years, I've volunteered in various animal shelters, including at Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys, and directors don't come any more compassionate and committed than Katie.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

Re: Incorporating Key Largo into its own city: This is an absurd, foolish and destructive idea. It has proven to be a failure.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

It is simply astonishing, the outcome of the Marathon animal shelter's previous executive director, Katie Bentley, whom the shelter board forced to resign. The accusations brought forth are an outrage.

Posted - Saturday, April 27, 2013 10:30 AM EDT

To the editor: I cannot believe the arrogance of the three members of the Key Largo Fire-Rescue and Medical Services District Board in voting to dissolve the Key Largo Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department. Many of these men and women have devoted their entire adult lives to building and strengthening this organization which was formed solely to protect the lives and property of their friends, families and neighbors. They have risked their lives for us; they have given their own money and resources to obtain the most up to date equipment; they have given their time for training in order to become one of the most highly skilled volunteer fire departments in the state of Florida.

Posted - Thursday, April 25, 2013 06:40 PM EDT

Marathon City Council members made the decision to burden Marathon property owners with the obligation to pay for the mandated wastewater and stormwater upgrades at a time when contractual labor and materials were at their peak costs, with little federal or state funding assistance available.

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 11:00 AM EDT

Over the past few months, I started to formulate a plan for the perfect way to pop the question to my girlfriend of three years, Amy Gregor. After looking into a number of possibilities that came up short, I decided to go for it during our favorite running event, the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run. It could not have gone more perfectly and I couldn't have done it without the help of a long list of people.

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:59 AM EDT

As the owners of a wonderful pet from Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys and people who have known former Director Katie Bentley for more than 10 years, we are in shock [she was forced to resign].

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:57 AM EDT

The Marathon City Council says to let city staff make the decisions for the city. Then why is there a need for a manager and council members then? Duh, because it's called oversight and all meeting agenda decisions are made and it is the responsibility of the council as provided in the charter.

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:56 AM EDT

I am in awe of the compassionate spirit of our community. When my friends Tina and Jerry said "we need to have a fundraiser for you," I was reluctant.

Posted - Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:55 AM EDT