Monroe County School Board Names Marathon Middle-High Stadium for Mike Puto

The Monroe County School Board voted to name the Marathon Middle/High School football stadium the Michael H. Puto Stadium, a formal recognition of a local booster whose ties to Marathon span decades. The board action, recorded as taking place Jan. 27, 2026, was announced by the district in a Feb. 1 release and covered locally afterward.

The district release framed the decision as an honor for Mike "Mr. Marathon" Puto and noted his local roots. The release states, “Puto, who grew up in Marathon and attended Marathon schools, has long supported and raised money for local schools, the School District, and all things Marathon.” Keys Weekly summarized the outcome with local color, saying “Mike ‘Mr. Marathon’ Puto’s name will be forever attached to Friday Night Lights at Marathon Middle & High School.” Board member Sue Woltanski posted on social media, as reported by Keys Weekly, that “Nothing has been easier to vote ‘yes’ on than tonight’s vote.”

The naming occurred during a regular meeting in Marathon where the board also addressed district-wide items. Board members discussed Literacy Week activities tied to the statewide Read, Write and Blue Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida event, and they heard a legislative update from Kate DeLoach of the Southern Group, which “represents and advocates for the Monroe County Schools in Tallahassee,” according to the district. The meeting included recognitions such as Marathon Middle/High School art teacher Shannon Wiley, who was honored for a leaping dolphin mural that beautified the school exterior.

Budget matters were also on the agenda. Keysnews reported Superintendent Theresa Axford presented a 2024-2025 budget proposing total expenditures of $307.37 million, an increase of $6.78 million from the prior year, with an operating budget of $166.76 million comprising 54.25% of the total. The report noted that most general fund revenues come through the Florida Education Finance Program and that about 90% of Monroe’s FEFP funding is from local property taxes. Tentative budget presentation and hearing dates cited in district coverage included Aug. 20 and a hearing held Sept. 10.

Marathon Middle High School serves grades 6-12 and is located at 350 Sombrero Beach Road in Marathon. Publicly available school records list the campus as established in 1957, enrollment of 707 for 2022-23, 45.00 full-time equivalent teaching staff, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.71. The school’s mascot is the Dolphins and school colors are Blue, Gold and White.

For residents tracking school governance and community recognition, the naming underscores how the board balances symbolic honors with routine district business such as budgeting and legislative advocacy. Those seeking the formal board resolution, meeting minutes, or additional details on the naming may contact Monroe County Schools at 241 Trumbo Road, Key West, FL 33040, or by phone at 305-293-1400. The Michael H. Puto Stadium now joins Marathon’s Friday Night Lights as a named civic landmark reflecting local volunteerism and boosterism, and any further installation of signage or dedication plans will be documented in district records and subsequent board communications.