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2012 Election
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January 31, 2011 - Florida Keys - Gary Roberts: OF LIFE AND DEATH
The meaning of life, I suppose, is somewhat vague to most of us. Particularly when we consider that some people are born into a life of ease and luxury while others are born into a life of constant hardship and suffering. Though much has been written on this subject, the various theories are inadequate for complete understanding. Personally, I do not question the reason seriously, though perhaps curiously. All I know is that God gave me life and also gave me direction in what to do with it. My only real concern is in following those directions.
As to death; death is inevitable. It has been written that “we are born to die,” which simply means that if we are physically born, we shall surely physically die. The creation and immortality of the soul is something again that mortal man cannot completely understand. Physical life, as we know it, is completely insignificant in the time span of eternity which is promised by God for the soul. Whether we die in infancy or live to the age of Methuselah is of no consequence as long as we obey God’s commands in the years of accountability. This is the important thing of life. We should not be concerned about how long we live, but rather about these years being in accordance with God’s direction. If we are at peace in conscience with God – death should not be greatly feared. True death, due to its unknown qualities, is feared by all, but trust in God can alleviate these fears. For God has promised that he would not forsake those who trust him, “Oh death where is thy sting, oh grave where is thy victory.” The victory is in immortality which conquers death; therefore, death is actually a wonderful transformation from this mortality to immortality. So let us not pray that we may be spared from death, but rather let us pray that we may understand the real meaning of death.
G. B. (Buster) Roberts March 26, 1914 – February 27, 2004
Buster Roberts was a seven year resident of Marathon. He lived almost 90 years on this earth and now through his Savior, Jesus Christ, he is a recipient of the eternal life with God of which he wrote many years ago,
February 1, 2011 - Marathon - Provided by David Purdo. Marathon Wild Bird
Former intern continues to rescue birds Marathon Wild Bird Center (MWBC) enjoyed two summers with Eckerd College student intern Rob Qually. Rob is a dedicated soul whose passion for birds only became deeper after his experiences in the Keys. When our local residents repeatedly bring us injured birds we dub them “bird magnets” and it seems as if Rob has become one of “those” back on campus. Since returning to school, Rob has rescued a number of injured birds--some he’s spotted himself and others that were pointed out to him by colleagues. Rob transfers the birds to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility in St. Petersburg and often follows up with the staff on their progress. Below is an email we received from Rob recently. He had spotted a pied-billed grebe in a pond on his college campus that had a six-pack holder caught around its neck. Rob made it his mission to help this ailing bird. Consider this Part I . . .
Subject: Operation Grebe . . . failure So I received emails from 25 students saying that they would help me use seine nets through a large two-sectioned pond to capture the grebes. Only six volunteers showed up. I was very unhappy about this, but we tried anyway. We tried to herd them as best as we could into a possible corner for capture, but as I was the only one willing to go swimming, they just easily bypassed us and kept diving and hiding. I was walking through some reeds and saw a brown shadow in the muddy water. I grabbed it with my hands, but unfortunately it was an anhinga so I had to release it back into the pond. I was intrigued to find that this anhinga is not nearly as strong as any cormorant I have handled before.
One volunteer told me that there is a very large seine net that spans the entire width of the pond, so I think that I will try using that after spring semester has started when it is warmer and there are more students on campus, and hopefully more that are reliable to help.
I’m starting to lose the numbness in my fingers and toes now after that cold water so I’m gonna go run my hands under hot water some more, have a great night.
MWBC executive director (and Rob’s mentor) Kelly Grinter responded:
Operation Grebe was NOT a failure!!! You learned a lot from your FIRST attempt and will surely be successful next time! You learned that 1) one-fourth of those who say they will show up actually show up; 2) that your net wasn’t large enough; 3) that the water was dangerously cold on this particular day; and 4) that anhingas are easier to handle than cormorants . . . but to be fair, that needle-sharp bill can take an eye out in an instant so NEVER let your guard down!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!! xoxo Kelly :-)
New intern jumps in as our season takes off Arya Poppema-Bannon is, like former intern Rob Qually, a student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a matter of fact they’re friends! The Qually family graciously made their condo in Marathon available to Arya so she, too, could get some hands-on experience at the MWBC during her winter break. Currently a junior majoring in marine biology Arya has quite a history with birds. She has spent time assisting her mother, who is a wildlife rehabilitator in Maine, and has raised chickens her whole life. She has spent two semesters and one summer doing field research observing Florida shorebirds’ behavior and nesting populations. Having also interned at the Florida Aquarium, Arya hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Her first day with us she observed our volunteers attempting to recondition a rehabilitated Swainson’s Hawk in a field using a technique called “creonse flying.” The bird was tethered to a line and given the opportunity to strengthen its wing muscles. On day two she observed as our local veterinarian, Dr. Geraldine Diethelm, performed surgery on a Yellow-crowned Night Heron in our own hospital. Because her time with us is limited, Arya has been working non-stop since her arrival, but she expects to be exploring the rest of the Keys before she heads back to college at the end of the month.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Can you help us start 2011 on the right foot? A gift of any size helps the Marathon Wild Bird Center continue its efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release birds--and you’ll get a tax break for this current year. It’s easy. You can mail a check of any amount to Marathon Wild Bird Center, P. O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050, or you can visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org to donate online. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donation is tax deductible. Remember: if you ever find a sick or injured bird, please give us a call at 305.743.8382. We answer this line 24 hours a day. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Projects never cease Even though our budget is tight this year, especially without funding from the Board of Monroe County Commissioners, we still have many projects that NEED to be accomplished. Slowly, but surely, we’ve been purchasing the materials, wood and wire, to complete these endeavors. Here’s a summary:
Volunteer Chris Rottier is working hard to revamp our ICU and food prep area. The carport, which was our original “center” before we expanded to include a hospital unit and outdoor habitats, is in dire need of being rat-proofed. Chris is removing the chain link fencing that has enclosed this area since 1995 and is installing one-quarter inch hardware mesh. The project is not only time-consuming, but also a major task for him to complete almost single-handedly.
Volunteer Dave Duraney has designed and will soon start construction on a small bird aviary that will house “lost” pet birds until we can either locate their owners or find them adoptive homes.
Volunteer Ralph Slawson is picking up where he left off last year, finishing a habitat design to display our non-releasable shorebirds. This project has been put off for many years because of lack of funding, but our birds, a Black-bellied Plover, Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstone, deserve to move into a habitat with more natural-like conditions. We also use these birds to make shorebird patients feel at home, which in turn speeds up their recuperation time.
Volunteer Alain Morris is busy checking smaller projects off his to-do list with the latest being a new cover for our hot water heater which just happens to be in our Turkey Vulture habitat.
And, in addition to all his other responsibilities, intern Gunnar Zollinger is constructing a drop-box to be situated at the entrance of Crane Point. This will make it easier for the public to drop off the injured birds they find without having to drive into the hammock. The road to the Bird Center also is part of the nature trail that visitors to the museum use and reducing traffic on this path will help ensure the safety of our guests.
Every critter counts For as long as the MWBC has been in operation, since 1995, we’ve been an advocate for the humane treatment of our fellow furry wildlife, namely raccoons and opossums, with squirrels also having been added to that menagerie in the last few years. We act as a liaison with other local rehabbers, Ark Angels in Tavernier and Raccoon Rescue on Big Pine Key. We rescue and administer emergency treatment to injured and orphaned mammals found throughout the Middle Keys but transfer the furry critters as soon as possible. The reason we don’t keep them on-site is twofold. One, we specialize in wild birds and, two, there are already expert rehabilitators available who can provide the animals with the proper knowledge and caging required to rehabilitate them so they can be returned to the wild. Raccoon Rescue has just announced the introduction of their website, which is loaded with simple-to-read, easy-to-understand information for the public. The content is excellent and more photographs will adorn the site soon! Check it out at http://home.earthlink.net/~raccoonrescue/. Also, while you’re surfing the web, check out the Tavernier facility’s site at www.arkangelswildliferescue.com .
Raptor data from Curry Hammock In November 2010, we told you the story about the hawk watch at Curry Hammock State Park, Mile Marker 56. For details, read the November issue of our online newsletter on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marathon-Wild-Bird-Center-Inc/115018061874987. Recently, we received the stats for the raptors counted at this site in 2010 and would like to now share them with you: Black Vulture: 2 Osprey: 444 Bald Eagle: 21 Northern Harrier: 638 Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1,318 Cooper’s Hawk: 227 Red-shouldered Hawk: 24 Broad-winged Hawk: 4,043 American Kestrel: 1,297 Merlin (falcon): 176 Peregrine Falcon: 1,512 Snail Kite: 3 Mississippi Kite: 15 Swallow-tailed Kite: 89 Short-tailed Hawk: 16
That makes for a grand total of 10,098 raptors counted flying over Curry Hammock State Park between September 15th and October 31st! In approximately six weeks, these 10,000 + birds once again made the Middle Keys a major migratory flyway for migrating birds.
Spread the word Enjoyed this newsletter? Please forward it to a friend! And don’t forget to visit these three websites for lots more information and photos: http://www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marathon-Wild-Bird-Center-Inc/115018061874987 http://www.marathonwildbirdcenter.blogspot.com/
Marathon Wild Bird Center P.O. Box 501328 Marathon, FL 33050 MM 50 at Crane Point Hammock Phone: (305) 743-8382 Fax: (305) 743-8172 Website: www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org
February 20, 2011 - Florida Keys - John Bartus Keys Disease - The More Things Change… Imagine, for a fleeting moment, an elected official in Germany who inexplicably would put forth the idea of commemorating an anniversary of a World War II Nazi victory by issuing a special license plate in honor of a Nazi general. How long would that little idea last before getting ripped to shreds by other German elected officials and worldwide media outlets? Now imagine something like that happening in these United States (former Ohio Congressional candidate and SS Trooper-dresser-upper Rich Iott aside). Well, it is happening here, in the state of Mississippi, where the State Legislature will consider a proposal for honoring the sesquicentennial of the Civil War by issuing commemorative license plates. One of these plates, set for 2014, will honor Tennessee native and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Before we delve deeper into Forrest’s background, let me start by explaining, for those who don’t know, that in the Deep South the Civil War is still big business. The War Between the States, or the War of Northern Aggression (as it is known in the South), is highlighted, celebrated, and revered as if the South had won and the Union had been rent asunder. There are Civil War reenactments all over the place. Charleston (South Carolina) was the location of a period costume “Secession Ball” that was touted as a “joyous night of music, dancing, food and drink.” Inside the Municipal Auditorium, descendants of Confederate soldiers and plantation owners celebrated the anniversary of South Carolina’s secession from the United States. Outside the auditorium, descendants of the slaves who picked cotton for the great grandfathers of those inside held their own gathering. Lucky for the rest of us, for the next four-and-a-half years, we’ll be (over-) exposed to every Civil War anniversary, from the firing on Fort Sumter, to the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Back to General Nathan Bedford Forrest: before the Civil War, Forrest was one of the South’s richest men, having amassed a fortune of over $1.5 million – and that’s in 1860-value dollars! He earned his fortune as a riverboat gambler, plantation owner, speculator, and slave trader in his home city of Memphis. Upon the war’s commencement, he enlisted as a private, but quickly rose through the ranks and became a Confederate general. For the South, he was a war hero, a worthy strategist and tactician, and a pioneer of the concept of mobile warfare. The 1864 Fort Pillow massacre, however, made him a war criminal and butcher. After the war, his leadership role and ascension to the title of Grand Wizard in the Ku Klux Klan did little to enhance his legacy. In his later years, he expressed regrets and became an advocate for reconciliation between North and South, and black and white. While forgiveness is perhaps the ultimate virtue, and redemption can be earned, there are things that simply can’t be overlooked. While there are cities, streets, parks, and schools (including one in Jacksonville, Florida) named after General Forrest, I’m not so sure that here in the 21st Century, any state should further honor someone who’s actions at Fort Pillow were described like this by one of his fellow Confederate soldiers (Tennessee cavalryman Achilles Clark): “The slaughter was awful. Words cannot describe the scene. The poor, deluded, negroes would run up to our men, fall upon their knees, and with uplifted hands scream for mercy but they were ordered to their feet and then shot down. I, with several others, tried to stop the butchery, and at one time had partially succeeded, but General Forrest ordered them shot down like dogs and the carnage continued. Finally our men became sick of blood and the firing ceased.” These are not the actions that earn a person a place of honor on a license plate. Let’s spend some time and effort honoring real American heroes, and not continue to embarrass ourselves on the world stage by opening old wounds and showing just how insensitive a people we can be. February 25, 2011 - Collector's Corner Stan Haines Forbids Access to Town Square Mall – L. E.  Shaffer: I am 60 years old and disabled by my military service, but I will not accept dishonorable behavior. I have been asked why no new articles. I have been busy being psychotic for about fifteen days. I committed myself to the Miami VA for 11 days to deal with fibromyalgia pain level of nine. You know the scale; 10 is the doing the harry carry thing. That is not my cup of tea. I also had worsening urologic symptoms. During my 11-day stay, I got the entire pre-op done. You see, I would not leave until Urology took care of my needs.
I have a mass in the bladder and on top of my right kidney along with other things that will be addressed in surgery March 9.
During my Miami VA hospitalization, my meds were changed around. They finally got my fibromyalgia pain level down to 7.5. An increase in dosage of the meds found to actually do something along with other medical actions were the reasons why. With Urology pre-op done and my fibromyalgia slowly, very slowly returning to my 24/7 normal of six I decided to go home to Marathon, my paradise. Many people, friends, and my family were tremendous in their support and understanding. For that, I am very thankful.
There will be an article with three or four parts coming soon. Sourcing everything takes patience and time. Facebook, tweet, and Word Press contain all the lines of investigation going on right now.
After being falsely Baker-Acted, I came out of those five days with renewed energy and ready to get back to the work of muckraking. I’m sure that the few who were not supportive or even took time for an explanation will fill you in on all the details. Just remember though; there is always the other side. You know, Paul Harvey, Page 2, the rest of the story.
I stopped in to Keys grafix & Signs to talk to my “father-confessor” Jeff Pinkus. Then in barges Stan Haines from Collector’s Corner; he was a friend I was glad to see again. Stan Haines was my Marathon City Council Campaign Manager for the 2010 elections. Stan talked me into running again; that is not all his fault though. I bought into that “sure winner” thing. I digress.
Stan announced with seriousness of face that I was no longer welcome at Town Square Mall. He told me to leave, or he would call the cops. I made a mistake and actually left. I should have stood up for myself as I always do, as many of you know. That would have forced the issue arrest or not, because he and the owner cannot apply an injunction to keep me, the public, out of the Town Square Mall parking lot or the businesses who welcome me. After polling those businesses, many quite helpful during the 2010 campaign, I found one business that did not want me in their store, Collector’s Corner and Stan Haines.
Now Stan, raising his scariest voice, admonished me about terrorizing the poor Kolers and the Weekly Newspapers staff. Stan told me that the Kolers and Weekly staff had locked their doors when I arrived on scene as it were. Funny thing though Jason and I talked on cell phone about when I could get back to doing his online version. While I was disappointed, he wanted me to wait until I was better. I liked the extra money too, but Jason offered to loan me some. I refused because I really did not need the money. I had just fallen in love with doing their online version of the Weekly Newspapers. I still hope to resume that job when Jason is comfortable that I am well enough, probably after my surgery plus a few weeks of recovery. The bottom line though is that all the above does not indicate what really happened even with Stan telling me in a threatening manner to leave forthwith.
I was becoming concerned that he was going to do me physical harm and not thinking about what was really going on, I left somewhat dazed and confused. As I left, I observed people coming and going at the Weekly Newspapers offices. Why in the world did Stan say the Kolers locked their doors because of me?
There is a post office at Town Square Mall, a federal public place. I am going to buy my stamps from there, because it is the closest post office to where I live on 91st Street. Town Square Mall’s owner and Stan, the man, Haines will just have to call the deputies to drag me out of the post office and off of their public parking lot. Additionally, there are quite a number of Town-Square-Mall’s business that always welcomed me into their shops, and still do. I might get to eat at Frank’s Grille now.
O, but wait, according to Stan, I will get hauled out of there by the deputies as well. Imagine that.
I spent 25 year in the Navy to defend our freedoms and rights. Do you think I am scared to stand up for my rights and those others that exercise those rights every chance they get?
Friends, you know the answer to that. My hallmarks are honor, integrity, and character. Bring it on. --- As I said before, there is a multipart article coming with more details. I am ashamed of nothing. My honor, integrity, and character are still intact no matter what. My 88 days of combat spread throughout my 25-year career are my bona fides!
March 3, 2011 – Florida Keys – L. E. Shaffer: … was here, no hope … written on the wall at the Marathon Florida
I was scheduled for pre-op at the Miami VA Hospital. I had no problem with that. I have urology stuff surgery will take care of. Then my urology symptoms got worse and continued to go downhill. With the worsening urology problems, I tried to get them to see me earlier than my upcoming appointments.
Additionally, I was caught in one of those vicious circles feeding back on itself. My fibromyalgia ramped up to a 9 where 10 is offing yourself. And it would not come down no matter what anyone did. I figured that I had better get help.
Of course, there is a process you have to go through. I went to the clinic. I called the right time but wrong number and left a message with the wrong person. So when I showed up at the Key West VA Clinic, no one would see me. And if I could not wait until tomorrow to try the correct process then go to the ER.
So I went to the Marathon ER, which had no other suggestions or actions, but to refer me to the Miami VA ER. O, I got great x-rays though.
At the Miami VA ER, they gave me at least 20 minutes partial relief with morphine, but you cannot take that all the time. Then the ER wanted me to check out. I refused to leave until Urology took care of my problems. They called the cops, but one cop had better triage training than the ER doctors had and got me help on ward 4AB. Took 11 days but it was worth it.
Yes, VA individuals in Ward 4AB and Urology really helped a lot, walking me through all the pre-op stuff. Doing the newspapers is good therapy for me.
Eventually, after I was stable, an Urologist doc walked me through all pre-op stuff. I go for surgery March 9th to remove a mass from the bladder and biopsy and burn a mass off my right kidney. Then do CT scans to see if it grows back. While they have me on the table, they are going to correct some other minor problems down there. You don’t want to know. Neither do I.
I thought that was the end of it. I take my prescribed meds and make my appointments at the Key West VA Clinic. After the last appointment, I proceed to drive back home to Marathon. As I exit the Seven Mile Bridge into Marathon, I see flashing lights. Okay, now what have I done?
You know, the usual let me see registration and so forth. Get out of the car. They check me for DUI, which I pass. They finally told me that I was stopped for weaving back and forth in my lane, mind you, not outside of my lane. They wanted to charge me with careless driving.
Knowing I was a newspaper guy and a 25-year vet, Don Hiller and Lt Thompson went out of their way to be disrespectful. As many know that is a hot button for me considering how I feel about my integrity, honor, and character, so my reaction was not unpredictable.
That is when I really began to be upset by their behavior. I refused to accept their “careless driving” ticket. When Officer Don Hiller and Lt Thompson put my registration and insurance back into my glove box, without my permission by the way, I found the flimsy ticket later well hidden in my car-packet information. I then took the ticket back to the Marathon Sheriff’s substation, where Officer Joel Slough took the offending piece of paper.
I went back home and proceeded to get cozy in my apartment after a day from hell. Not expecting any company, the harsh knocking on the door made me jump. My ROE, which is rules of engagement training from the Navy and the State of Florida, took over. I picked up my .22 Ruger pistol and took the safety off. I held the weapon behind my right hip and opened the door not knowing what was going on. [Only had the gun the last hour before deputies showed up.]
I have had some very bad situations in combat similar to this situation unfolding and events that unfolded throughout the day. I was scared to death really. I opened the door!
Deputy Sheriff Tom Hill [filed majority of report obtained by Freedom of Information Act], Joel Slough, Deputy Bean, Deputy Minor, and Deputy Martin-Reyes were all involved in some way in ordering me to put the gun down. I put the safety on my hair-trigger gun and put it down. Although I did not have to come out of my house without a warrant, I followed instructions and stepped out onto my porch area. Mr. Joel I presume slams me to the ground and cuffs me. I was not concerned as I was given every indication that once things were figured out, I would be released right there to resume my not so normal life.
I asked that since my front door was wide open, to keep the 14-year-old Abby the white cat from escaping. I noticed that a lot of time was being used with flashlights and under bushes and so on. Yep, they had lost my beloved cat. Days later, she was found at my front door crying to break your heart. My brother put her back inside and calmed her down.
Marathon's large community accepted my explanation about the two-psych wards and even the gun incident. A combination of a prescribed medication and being intentionally doped by substituted liquid amphetamines caused the symptoms that I displayed. A few like Collector's Corner Stan Haines did not afford any time for an explanation. He just told me to leave the public property right away, or he was going to call the cops. So I left. I should have made him call the Sheriff's Office for an officially noted report.
---
Since the Baker Act allows about anyone to commit anyone else with just a call, I kind of bugged out. I know that Town Square Mall is subject to the Supreme Court ruling that defines what area constitutes "the commons”. The parking lot and the Post Office are public areas not subject to injunctive relief. It is your right to have access to that area and any business that has no objection notwithstanding Collector's Corner Stan Haines' place. I will be putting this to the test even if arrested multiple times.
Where is the end of all this? Stan Haines and the Town Square Mall owner must immediately stop excluding people from commercial businesses at their whim. Then the boycott will stop. I am somewhat overwhelmed how many have gotten on board with this boycott Stan thing. Apparently, Stan is not as well liked as I had thought. Imagine that.
Well, on with the great story of Larry’s psychotic break. If Frank's Grill and Advantage PT and most other businesses there [most supported me in my recent city council campaign, I made many friends at Town Square Mall] do not object to me using their businesses, then any injunctive relief is invalid. But again the Baker Act allows anyone to commit anyone else, no reason required. So I bugged out for my lawyer's office. Yes, I am still allowed to be there, thank God.
Now, I hear you asking why in the world is Stan Haines so anti-Larry all of the sudden. He thinks because I answered my apartment door with my gun in my hand that gives him reason to dictate illegal requests of me. I only had the gun for an hour before the cops showed up. So I never had a gun to threaten anybody with my entire psychotic episode. You see if you don't call me beforehand and I am not expecting you, my 25-year Navy training takes over. I slip the safety off and hold the weapon behind my back. Then I opened the door and there are the police ready to take me to the psych ward at the Guidance Clinic - good people there too on both sides of the Baker Act.
My gun has a hair trigger. I wanted to put the safety of before putting it on the floor as instructed. If I dropped the piece and a shot goes off, I am a dead man. Worse, someone else might be hurt, maimed, or killed.
Once the weapon was laid on the floor, I was asked to come out. Mistake number 1: If I had stayed inside, they would still need a warrant. They had no warrant. Mistake number 2: Even after I asked to see their warrant, the police officer Joel Slough I think went inside my apartment to retrieve the gun, which violated my rights to demand a warrant.
Son: lmao the right to bear arms just not around cops
My dear youngest son [33 yrs old] and everyone else, I have a large and very reliable network of sources [put together over the last 16 years]. Some of these are lawyers very experienced in this type of case.
I always come to the door gun behind me, safety off, when someone knocks, and I did not get a call saying hey this is whoever, and I am coming over. When the knock came, my Navy training took over with Rules of Engagement [ROE] way stricter than the state's ROE.
Florida is very liberal with its gun laws. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office had neither cause or warrant, especially since I asked for cause and the warrant while I was still inside my home. They were obligated to address that prior to any other action.
Once I saw the Deputies, I told them that I had to put the safety on because the .22 Ruger Target Pistol had a hair trigger. If a shot had gone off, I would be deader than if I just dropped the gun on my stone flooring. I took the least bad choice and put the safety on and laid it two feet from my front door; therefore still inside my home which means cause and warrant were mandated by Florida Law not what I thought was right but what is in the law verified by three different lawyers specializing in laws of this sort.
Therefore, whether inside or outside, the law needed cause and a warrant to proceed even to the take down. Turns out that your home includes a certain portion of the outside of your home. So I was technically still "inside" my home, my castle according to the law. Monroe County Florida Keys Sheriff's Office illegally took me down and handcuffed me. It was illegal for a deputy to come inside and retrieve the weapon, even if leaning in at the door to do so, that is still illegal search and confiscation of any item. Also, the take down was illegal as I said.
As far as the Baker Act, it is the opinion of the same lawyers that it is constitutionally indefensible if it ever got to the US Supreme Court. No one may forcibly restrain someone physically without cause regardless of any law.
Whew, that is too many words, huh?
Son: lmao count your blessings dad they could have tased u and take it from me that shit hurts.
Son, your opinion counts with me, but I humbly disagree. I know injustice when it knocks a 60-year-old man disabled by fibromyalgia across the bricks separating the rock from brick from sidewalk from some grass. This is who I am from 25-year Navy Career and 17 years running a newspaper that in off months brings in over 136,000 hits a month. I was ready to sacrifice all to defend our freedoms while in the Navy; I am ready to give everything even my life for our freedoms today. Wrong is wrong; right is right. This is my job, Tommy, until January 2013.
Again, why would Stan Haines be so adamant about me being even in the public parking lot? It is always about the money.
Stan convinced me to run for Marathon City Council again and provided all kinds of stuff from money to advice. He likes to play kingmaker like I used to do. Since two other viable candidates had dropped out, the three incumbents were a sure thing to be re-elected. Yet when I filed to run for Marathon City Council, I and the other 3 viable candidates had to really campaign hard and raise large sums of money.
You see the four viable candidates that included me, spent well over $50,000 total in the local economy. That is not a bad thing. The bad thing is that Stan Haines reaped the rewards by being the only viable campaign supplier in the Keys. He made a lot of money off us four viable candidates. I was beginning to get this bad vibe even before the election, and I discussed this with a number of notables who agreed with me.
Therefore, he and I were tied at the hip in that election. Anything that appeared unsettling looks very bad on poor Stan Haines. His political situation is very compromised. So, now, how to distance himself from me was easy, but he had to make sure that I would not come on the Town Square Mall public parking lot. What if I want a stamp at the Post Office, now what happens to Stan’s illegal injunctive relief? Who is going to prevent me from buying a stamp at a federal facility?
Only one thing, Stan my man, I own a newspaper. Now, my good friends and family, there is Paul Harvey, Page 2, the rest of the story. Funny how politics works, huh?
Some post scripts. The entire police report, which is available for anyone to read from the Journal, was couched in language and exaggerations to make the deputies look as good as possible and be ready for a court case should one be necessary. On the other hand, I was spouting off about things that happened during different combat situation over my career. For example, I was telling everyone that I was going to die in 60 days. What I failed to include was that the doctor considered that worst-case scenario unlikely. My mind was frazzled by prescribed meds combo and the intentionally doping of my diet coke with substituted liquid amphetamines.
The police report description of my not wanting to be dragged into the Guidance Clinic fails to mention several highly inappropriate actions and comments by the deputies present. I have their names, but I will take this up at a higher level of the chain of command. After all, these are young men trying to do a difficult job, but not at my expense, I am here to tell you. While I was in the middle of one drugged induced psychotic break and did not remember certain things clearly, the reporter brain kept logging interesting things. See above.
I believe that Bill and Missy Hollis, my best friends, did the wrong thing in convincing my son, Jeff, to ask for the Baker Act as suggested by Bill Hollis, a former New York cop. The police report reflects that. My son over 2,000 miles away was trying to do the right thing. I am changing my emergency stuff over to my brother. You have to have advocates on the ground with you.
Good people were concerned for me. Many perceived that I threatened them. I was in a medically induced psychotic episode. What am I going to say, sorry? I don’t remember any threats, but can believe that I made them. I was all over the place with bits and pieces of the truth during my combat episodes, but they did not make sense in the present and the manner with which I disclosed such things. I still am in wonderment at how Marathon as a community comes to the defense/rescue of one of its own. Apparently, Stan Haines is the only one on the other side. He had me convinced that I had scared some very good friends to death. He lied. And I never had a weapon until the last hour before the police showed up.
Okay, I felt that I should not have been Baker acted, but I would not have found out the cause of this psychotic episode otherwise. Clonazepam and maybe being doped intentionally with substituted liquid amphetamines did me no good along with the rest of the meds. My chart is marked now with NO PAMS. And I will watch my diet cokes from now on out in public.
The Guidance Clinic Psych Ward did a pretty good job just like the VA Psych Ward. What makes the Guidance Clinic Psych Ward so remarkable is all they do without proper funding and provision of resources. Break a leg and everyone understands; have a mental issue no one wants to talk to you. Should not be that way.
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Fibromyalgia is actually a recognized general disease group now. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS is a specific fibromyalgia disease. Many of us have multiple specific diseases under the heading of fibromyalgia. I have CFS as well as general fibromyalgia. You learn to adapt, live with fibro, and trust in your health care providers.
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I was asked to provide alternatives to Collector’s Corner run by the Godfather of Town Square Mall Stan the man Haines. Thanks to everyone joining the boycott; it is breathtaking how this has taken off with so many good people. Keys grafix & Signs 305-767-7137 at Town Square Mall [uh oh] 11400 Overseas Highway Marathon FL www.signskeywest.net. Vital Signs 305-451-5133 103400 Overseas Highway Key Largo FL. Marathon Electric Sign & Light 800-749-0922 10690 Aviation BLVD Marathon FL. 7 Mile Signs 305-743-7747 [this on I use cause Marjie Mearns is a nice business woman.] 10694 Aviation BLVD Marathon FL. Signs by Renee 305-743-5152 at 72 Coco Plum DR Marathon FL. Goodness, just see pages 41, 53, 114, 140, 234, 310, 321, 348 in yellowbook 2011 2012 Florida Keys yellow pages and business white pages covering from Key Largo to Marathon www.yellowbook.com. The other two phone books contain the same information. There were way more alternatives than I thought there would be.
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Marathon City Council TV afforded me a way to explain my psych breakdown and inform everyone that now I am forbidden from even being in the Town Square Mall thanks to Collector's Corner Stan Haines and mall owner who has his place up for sale by the way. Stan was a very good friend, but things have changed. I don’t know what I did wrong to go from best of friends to stay off the property.
Really, the end of this story.
March 3, 2011 - Monroe County - L. E. Shaffer: Public Information Officer [PIO] Becky Herin. This is one of
I met with Becky Herin while I was in Key West recently. I just dropped in and expected that she would be available. How crass of me. Yet there she was bright and cheery. She has that professional demeanor full of confidence and experience. There is practically nothing the Sheriff's Office does that does not go through the PIO. Speaking with once voice has served the Sheriff's Office well and ensured transparency with the public.
She did tell me that PIO is just one among many responsibilities that she handled adeptly. I apologized and said that I really only wanted to know about the PIO stuff.
Becky interfaces with all the media outlets in the county. The Journal has kept informed many times due to Becky Herin's public announcements. She answered every crazy request we make. One such incident was nude sunbathers on the eastern edge of Coco Plum Beach in Marathon. Turns out it was FWC flushing out the woods. No arrests were made. That is a good thing, because what do you really do with a nude sunbather?
Other not so funny stories were handled with care and sensitivity. Highway deaths, deputies in fatal crashes, and the occasional violent incidence resulting in death were all handled through the PIO. That is the hard part of the job. We are a small county where
We are lucky to have a Becky Herin. Other governmental entities, like Marathon City, should establish PIO offices. Speaking with one voice is clearly advantageous and supports transparency way better than everyone talking at once. The Journal salutes a true professional.
Odd bits: Becky said to tell you all about their website: www.keysso.net. Some of those many jobs are juvenile family intervention misdemeanors and felonies, school resource officer, crime prevention Crime Watch, and more I am sure. I kind of dosed off while she was listing everything her office handles. Sorry, Becky. She wanted you all to checkout twitter MCSONews, facebook MCSO - Florida Keys, and www.floridakeyssheriff.blogspot.com a Google blog. Don't forget the latest Monroe County Sheriff's Office Annual Report; this one is actually really interesting.
March 4, 2011 - South Dakota - Kathy Zens: WARNING......................CFL LIGHT BULB. Below is a picture of a
I took the bulb to the Fire Department to report the incident. The Fireman wasn't at all surprised and said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. He told me that the Fire Marshall had issued reports about the dangers of these bulbs.
City of Marathon City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy. Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approval of agenda and consent agenda [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.]5. City Council Items *A . Approval of MinutesB. American Red Cross Month Proclamation (Snead)C. Appointment of Additional members to the Community Image Advisory Board (CIAB) as Requested by Peter Chapman and Setting a Special Call Meeting to Discuss Long Range Plans To Beautify Our City (Ramsay) D. Land Acquisition and Parks & Recreation Board Re-appointments (Snead) E. Community Announcements (Snead) 6. Other Reports and Presentations A. Land Acquisition Advisory Committee Update (LACC) (Frank Greenman) B. City Manager Report 1. Quarterly Extension (Automatic under SB1752) Report2. Wastewater Update 3. Code Compliance Report4. Open Container Discussion C. City Attorney Report1. January 2011 Legal Report2. Executive Session Requests A. Marathon Fire Union B. Arch Insurance vs. City of Marathon 7. Citizens' comments on agenda items not scheduled for public hearing and items other than those appearing on the agenda [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item.] TIME CERTAIN TO 6:30 PM OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER
A. Ordinance 2011-02, Creating Section ______, And Section _____ Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon, Florida Requiring The Maintenance Of Fences And Authorizing The City Manager To Abate Nuisances And Correct Violations; Authorizing The Imposition Of Liens; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective DateB. Ordinance 2011-03, Amending Section 22-20, Creating Section 22-24 And Creating Section 22-25 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Regarding Lot Mowing And Maintenance; Authorizing The City Manager To Abate Nuisances And Correct Violations; Authorizing The Imposition Of Liens; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date9. Resolutions for Adoption A. Resolution 2011-17, Extending Ordinance 2009-09 Which Amended Section 107.07 G Of The Land Development Regulations; Providing For The Award Of BPAS Allocations Under The Temporary Procedures As Defined By Ordinance 2009-09 For A Period Of Two Additional Years By Resolution Of The City Council; And Providing For An Effective DateB. Resolution 2011-18, Urging The Continued Funding Of The Florida Ever Program; Underscoring The Success Of The Florida Forever Program In Environmental Conservation, Development Of A Secure Climate For The Sustenance Of The State’s Robust Agricultural Industry, Creation Of Broad Recreation Opportunities, And Protection Of Florida Fish And Wildlife And Threatened Habitats; And Providing For An Effective Date.C. Resolution 2011-19, Approving A Contract Between The City And CEB Construction, Inc. In The Amount Of $329,957.00 For Reconstruction Of The Coco Plum Multi-Use Trail From US 1 To Avenue G; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Contract And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective DateD. Resolution 2011-20, Approving An Agreement With ____________________ In An Amount Not To Exceed $_________ Annually, Plus Reimbursable Expenses, For Professional Consulting And Lobbying Services Before The State Of Florida Legislative And Executive Branches; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date (Continued from 2/22/11 Meeting)10. Citizens' comments [3 minutes per individual - Each individual has one opportunity to speak.]11. Council comments 12. Adjournment The public hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as business permits, in the Marathon Government Center, EOC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion; or, written comments may be sent to the City of Marathon, c/o City Clerk, 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon at (305) 289-5020 at least two days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.March 5, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Mayor Tempest at Leighann's Coffeehouse in Key Colony Then after I get her a mocha latte, whatever the heck that is, we got down to business. She demurred about me using the Mayor moniker. I am a stubborn host though. The fact that you serve as Marathon City Council Mayor for just two council meetings qualifies you for the title. According to general etiquette, we are allowed to use the highest title that we achieved. Mayor Tempest is just the right title, and she earned it. My highest title is Chief Warrant Officer Shaffer USN, Ret. Most folks cannot figure out military gobbledygook. So my highest title would be Planning Commission Chairman Shaffer or just Mr. Chairman. We talked about the Marathon budget process. She is encouraged that the council is starting early so that this year's budget process will be the most transparent in years. I advise the councilmembers to appoint both Marilyn Tempest and John Repetto to the budget "committee" to work with staff. Both achieved excellent results from budgets they managed during their council years. We covered the homeless problems, the Journal status, and various other snippets of the current local political story, or stories actually. There is always a lot going on behind the scenes. Councilmembers cannot talk to each other, but staff and other influential residents make local government work. This is the real world of politics from city to federal. We said our goodbyes, but be assured that Marilyn Tempest and I will be meeting again in the near future, even though we are complete opposites politically. Republicans, Democrats, Tea Party, Independents, and all those party things should, must take notice that civil discourse is not only possible but preferred. March 6, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon's Early Budget Review Process Begins. One must praise the council First, the Marathon City Council must show that it is serious about this budget year. I suggest that they appoint the two best budget busters in town to the budget "committee." That would be Marilyn Tempest and John Repetto. Remember the only dollars coming directly out of your pocket are property taxes; everything else is absorbed by 300 million people plus.
Move all meetings to the main fire station obtaining Marathon's own cable channel and showing every meeting no matter how minor live on TV and streamed on the Internet. The recorded meetings could be repeated to ensure everyone has the opportunity to view. City staff should unionize. They just need to look at the firefighters and EMS to see that being union produces results. Give the staffers a pay raise 1 to 2%. Staff has not had a raise going on three years. You want an economic stimulus, give them a raise and all those dollars are spent locally. Grandfather current staff and change the benefit, hours, and salary packages for new hires. Hire part timers to save money as well. Marathon can designate what hours constitute part time; that is allowable by law. Most cities use 38.5 hours per week. Hiring freeze. Contracts freeze. Restrict travel and training for everyone. Get rid of the money-eating old-cop cars and fulfill a promise to the environment by buying hybrid new cars or even leasing. In ten years the savings will be enormous. Do away with Code Compliance Department and the Code Board. They give violators a free ride; so why pay for this. Buy bulk fuel. Go two-tiered buoy rent, one for permanent liveaboards and the other for the tourist vessels. Well, there is more, but I think you get the idea. Residents are not stupid. We should pay attention and cut spending at all levels. Now is NOT the time to buy new property no matter how well intentioned! March 7, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Mayor Jeff Pinkus & I at Bubba's BBQ. The best part of this interview was that Pinkus was never afraid to represent Marathon's residents even in the face of the minority elitist chatter. He was the face of Marathon increasing the PR aspect of the city government. Well, I could go on, but you get the idea that he was a true innovator as mayor. At our meeting, we talked about the normal stuff: family, friends, and the particularly unique position of being 60. Jeff handles that number way better than I. We ordered our lunch and drinks and the talks continued at a leisurely pace. Now let me tell you that it usually does not take long before we start talking politics. Jeff and I are similar in our perspectives and political leaning. That does not mean that we agree on everything. He knows that he is wrong most of the time. I'm the genius, you know. We closed the meeting wondering at out different paths. Jeff, the expert contractor, now a purveyor of signs, graphics, and, well, lots of stuff like that. As far as my path is concerned, we wondered at how fast the Marathon Florida Key Journal has come. Never fear, Jeff and I meet often. I have to keep reminding him how wrong he is all the time! March 8, 2011 - Florida Keys - Valerie Eikenberg: Forgotten Felines Part II. It's time to put an end to the USDA's Wildlife Services. Please help stop this shameful activity by contacting Tom Vilsack at the US Department of Agriculture/1400 Independence Ave, SW/Washington, DC 20250. Phone number: 202-720-2791. Sincerely,
=================================== Florida Keys Music * John Bartus Newsletter ===================================
Published every now and then and electronically transmitted to a group of highly intelligent people (plus a few ne’er do wells).
Please pass this newsletter along to anyone you think would enjoy my music.
To unsubscribe and depart this list of friends, please scroll to the bottom.
IN THIS ISSUE: - Original Marathon Seafood Festival Saturday, March 12!!! - Storm Watch Update - Schedule - Wit & Wisdom
Original Marathon Seafood Festival!!! Saturday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m., I’ll be performing with my band, Storm Watch, at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival at Marathon Community Park at Mile Marker 49. This two-day festival has become the second largest event in all the Florida Keys, and we’re looking to have another great year. Other performers include rising country star Buddy Brown (and his great band), Howard Livingston and MM 24, The Regs, Island Vibes, Mojito, and a whole lot more. We’re going to have some big fun, so come on down to the 35th annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival! For other gigs, you can find the complete schedule online at http://www.johnbartus.com.
What’s Up With Storm Watch? There are some new things to report with my great band, Storm Watch. Christian Davis’ life on the mainland has finally progressed to the point that he’s too busy to make it down to the Keys on a regular basis (and that’s a good thing!). Veteran drummer (and my friend and partner in crime) Glenn Faast and I are proud to welcome new bassist Jason Poff to the band! Jason has worked with some of the greats in his relatively long career (for such a young guy), and you can find out more about him by clicking through to http://www.johnbartus.com. Keyboard man (and solo entertainer) Chris Thomas will join us for the larger festivals like the upcoming Seafood Festival. Help welcome Jason to the band at the Seafood Fest or any of our upcoming Storm Watch shows, and don’t forget St. Patty’s Day at the Key Colony Inn on March 17!
SCHEDULE – Upcoming Appearances (a busy month)
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 - Salty's Waterfront Grill John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 - Sparky's Landing John Bartus SOLO - 6:30 PM
Saturday, March 12th, 2011 - Marathon Community Park Amphitheater John Bartus & Storm Watch - 3 PM The 35th Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival! Fun for the entire family at the Florida Keys' second largest event, March 12-13!
Monday, March 14th, 2011 - Cabana Restaurant at Banana Bay John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 - Salty's Waterfront Grill John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 - Hawks Cay Resort John Bartus SOLO - 7 PM
Thursday, March 17th, 2011 - Key Colony Inn John Bartus & Storm Watch - 5 PM All Day St. Patrick's Day celebration -- biggest in the Middle Keys! Noon to close!
Friday, March 18th, 2011 - Hawks Cay Resort - Tom's Harbor House John Bartus SOLO - 7 PM
Saturday, March 19th, 2011 - Key Colony Inn John Bartus SOLO - 7:30 PM
Monday, March 21st, 2011 - Cabana Restaurant at Banana Bay John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 - Sparky's Landing John Bartus SOLO - 6:30 PM
Friday, March 25th, 2011 - Hawks Cay Resort - Tom's Harbor House John Bartus SOLO - 7 PM
Saturday, March 26th, 2011 - Key Colony Inn John Bartus SOLO - 7:30 PM
Monday, March 28th, 2011 - Cabana Restaurant at Banana Bay John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 - Salty's Waterfront Grill John Bartus SOLO - 6 PM
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 - Hawks Cay Resort John Bartus SOLO - 7 PM
Thursday, March 31st, 2011 - Sparky's Landing John Bartus SOLO - 6:30 PM
Friday, April 1st, 2011 - Sunset Grille John Bartus & Storm Watch - 6 PM
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011 - Key Colony Inn John Bartus SOLO - 7:30 PM
Find out all the details of where I’ll be playing at http://www.johnbartus.com/calendar.html
WIT & WISDOM WIT: “Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.” – Unknown
WISDOM: “Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.” – Louis Hector Berlioz
© 2011 by John Bartus
March 10, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Boycott No! Collector’s Corner Stan Haines and Florida Keys Journal Larry Shaffer met at Town Square Mall’s Keys Grafix to resolve issues between them. As I said before, upon reflection, and with the help of John Bartus wisdom, boycotts anywhere in our community is simply wrong. Stan and I are always pro business. I just got off track with what initially looked like a good thing. Boycotts in Marathon are not a good thing. We all must support Marathon’s business backbone, the locally owned and operated family businesses or more often referred to as “small mom and pop businesses.” Thanks to all the boycotters who have supported me on both sides of this issue. Boycott, no!
March 14, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: London Ohio 8th Grade Class Photo from 1965. You have to expand the photo to see everyone clearly. See if you can pick me out among all those geeky kids. March 15, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Marathon Florida Keys Elections 101. Five days before the 2010 Marathon
In this economic times, people who promised to vote for me were suddenly confronted with blackening the ovals on the election form. They told me later that the status quo made them more confident. How could I argue with that.
Bullet voting screwed up the numbers as well. Bullet voting is when a voter who may vote for three candidates instead votes just for one increasing their voting power by a factor of three. I was dead last in bullet voting, although I thank everyone who did so.
Most important is I made a crucial error in strategy. Believing I was a genius at politics, I picked who I thought was the weakest candidate and went after him any way I could. Although the sourced information was correct, Marathon voters would have none of it. I lost 400 votes right there, while the candidate I was harassing gained 400 votes.
Lesson Learned: Do not go negative in the City of Marathon in the Florida Keys. It does not work here, and that is a good thing!
March 16, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Kandios Sweets & Treats. They sell ice cream. If you do not like ice cream, then
I hope that Marathon's City Building Official stops running off new businesses that we desperately need for our local economy. He has run off five so far. What happened to bring them into compliance and enjoy the economic stimulus? I digress. Sorry. Here is the link: March 16, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Second Larry-King Type Interview with Capt. Chad Scibilia, Commander of Chad came to Leigh Ann's Coffeehouse sharp in his uniform. The other night at a city council budget meeting, he was dressed in civvies. I almost did not recognize him, but he was well dressed even if out of uniform. The photo at the right does not even look like him. I guess he presents a better look live like in the flesh. We talked about the under use of the Ride-a-long Program. I am going to get a reservation to get over my recent unpleasant experience with local law enforcement. You can use this valuable opportunity by calling 305-292-7116. Because of the local economic situation, retention is no longer an issue. I guess that is the only positive of this so-called Great Recession. Retention is not formally conducted, but is considered in many decisions. The Sheriff's Office does a great job with retention. Scibilia and I guesstimated that the youngest, average, and oldest deputies. The youngest is probably 21. The average age is most likely in the 30s. The oldest is likely a bit over 60. All officers have intense training including in-service training on an on-going basis. Experience level is the most important training factor. We have a great bunch of deputies in Marathon, very professional and efficient. Every deputy is dedicated to serving their community especially promoting the deputy and resident interactions. Getting along, cooperating, and crime watches are key to community support. The Crime Stoppers number is 1-800-346-TIPS. This program has been highly successful in keeping the crime rates low and not concentrated in any one area. Residents are actually making a difference in their neighborhoods. I asked if the Marathon substation was really busy. He could not say that busy was valid. We agreed that low crime rates and nothing happening is a good thing. March 19, 2011 - Florida Keys - Brittany Elder: Take Stock in Children Appoints Anna Taylor to State Office. MIAMI, FL (March 18, 2011) – Anna Taylor has been appointed as Administrator of Program Support and Services of Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of working to help low-income and at-risk youth break the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope. The announcement was made by Richard Berkowitz, State Board Chair of Take Stock in Children.
“We’re excited to have Anna join our dynamic team at the state level,” says Berkowitz. “Her dedication to this organization combined with her professional experience will be a great asset as Take Stock in Children continues to grow and support even more scholars across Florida along the path to success.”
Based in Jacksonville, Taylor is responsible for providing support and serving as the state office liaison for all Take Stock in Children programs located throughout 67 counties across the state. These programs currently serve nearly 8,000 low-income and minority students annually from middle school through college. Taylor will also oversee the development and implementation of Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship, a role model program created in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation that provides deserving students with funds for textbooks and supplies, housing, food, transportation and all other college-related expenses.
Previously, Taylor served as Program Director for Take Stock in Children of Clay County. She has been an integral part of Take Stock in Children for 11 years, and has volunteered as a student mentor for more than 12 years. She graduated from the University of Florida with honors, and went on to earn a master’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from George Washington University.
Students enrolled with Take Stock in Children are identified in middle and high school, and then sign a contract pledging to remain drug and crime free, as well as maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or greater. All students that fulfill these obligations and successfully complete the program then receive full scholarships to a state college or university.
To learn more about Take Stock in Children or to become a valued mentor or supporter, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org. Photo caption; Anna Taylor, Program Support & Services, Take Stock in Children March 22, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Gonzalez Landscaping Not Fulfilling Contract for Sombrero Beach The worst thing is Sombrero Beach is the best tourist attraction in the Middle Keys, and Gonzalez Landscaping is not holding up their end of the contract. This has happened before, and things get better for a while but quickly fall off again. Customer Services are nonexistent. I have long maintained that all city contractors be fired and contract bids let out soon afterward. Include a performance clause to reward good work and customer services or fine them for bad work and customer services subsequently firing them. Our Ad Volorem taxes [property taxes] are being wasted. There is only so much staff can do with the limited manpower and resources. Gonzalez Landscaping and city contractors like them have failed us, Marathon's residents, taxpayers, home owners, and renters who pay home owners. Here are the damning photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2107631&id=1520682211&l=bffcd27b45
1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of agenda and consent agenda [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.] 5. City Council Items *A. Approval of Minutes B. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Proclamation (Snead)C. Water Conservation Month Proclamation (Snead) D. Marathon Airport and Its Part in the Future of Marathon (Ramsay) E. Community Announcements (Snead) 6. Other Reports and Presentations A. City Attorney Report 1. Monthly Legal 7. Citizens' comments on agenda items not scheduled for public hearing and items other than those appearing on the agenda [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item.] TIME CERTAIN TO 6:30 PM OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER 8. Ordinances for Second Public Hearing and Enactment B. Ordinance 2011-03, Amending Section 22-20, Creating Section 22-24 And Creating Section 22-25 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Marathon, Florida, Regarding Lot Mowing And Maintenance; Authorizing The City Manager To Abate Nuisances And Correct Violations; Authorizing The Imposition Of Liens; Providing For The Repeal Of All Code Provisions And Ordinances Inconsistent With This Ordinance; Providing For Severability; Providing For Inclusion In The Code; And Providing For An Effective Date9. Ordinances for First Public Hearing A. Ordinance 2011-04, Amending Section 106.28, Table 106.28.1 ‘Water Resource And Wetland Buffers;’ Providing For Severability; Providing For The Transmittal Of This Ordinance To The State Department Of Community Affairs (The "Department"); And Providing For An Effective Date Upon The Approval Of This Ordinance By The Department In Accordance With State Law.10. Quasi-Judicial Public Hearings Please be advised that the following items on the agenda are quasi-judicial in nature. If you wish to comment upon these items, please inform the Clerk by filling out the available sign-up form. An opportunity for persons to speak on the items will be made available after the applicant and staff has made their presentations on the items. All testimony, including public testimony and evidence, will be made under oath or affirmation. Additionally, each person who gives testimony may be subject to cross- examination. If you refuse either to be cross-examined or to be sworn, your testimony will not be considered. The general public will not be permitted to cross-examine witnesses, but the public may request the Council to ask questions of staff or witnesses on their behalf. Persons representing organizations must present evidence of their authority to speak for the organization. A. Resolution 2011-21, Pursuant To Chapter 107, Article 1 Approving The Final Rankings And Allocation Of The Market Rate And Affordable Residential Dwelling Unit Applications For Period 2, Year 19 Under The Temporary RBPAS Procedures Promulgated In Section 107.07 G Of The City Of Marathon City Code; And Providing An Effective DateB. Resolution 2011-22, Pursuant To Chapter 107, Article 1 Of The City Code Approving The Rankings For The Commercial Building Permit Allocation System (CBPAS) For Period 2, Year 6 ; And Providing An Effective DateC. Resolution 2011-23, Approving The Request By Marathon Petroleum LLC For A Conditional Use Permit, Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (Code) Entitled "Conditional Use Permits", Authorizing The Development Of A Drive-Through Convenience Store Providing Fuel Sales At The Property Located At 7301 Overseas Highway, Ocean, Nearest Mile Marker 51, Which Is Legally Described As Fields Subdivision, Lot 1, Lot 2 & Lot 3, Section 1, Township 66, Range 32, And Tropicana Subdivision, Block B Lot 1, Lot 2, & Lot 3 Section 1, Township 66, Range 32, Key Vaca, Monroe County, Florida, Having Real Estate Numbers 00342240-000000, 00342240-000100, 00342240- 000200, 342730-000000, 00342740-000000, & 00342750-000000.11. Resolutions for Adoption *A. Resolution 2011-24, Approving Certain Purchases In Excess Of $10,000 And Less Than $25,000; Waiving Competitive Bidding On Landscaping Design Contract With Elizabeth Newland Landscape Architecture, LLC, For Landscaping Services For Service Area7 Waste Water Treatment Plant In An Amount Not To Exceed$13,000.00, and Approving an $11,825 Purchase From Kortkat Inc. for Engineered Wood Fiber for Rotary Playground and Sombrero Beach; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith; And Providing For An Effective Date B. Resolution 2011-25, Approving Two Inter-Local Grant Award Agreements Between The City Of Marathon And Monroe County For Sombrero Beach Volley Ball Court Improvements In The Amount Of $20,000.00, And Construction Of An Ocean Front Park Kayak Dock And Boardwalk In The Amount Of $20,000.00; Authorizing The Mayor To Sign The Grant Agreements On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective DateC. Resolution 2011-26, Approving A First Amendment To Assignment And Assumption Of Contract Dated December 14, 2010, Between The City Of Marathon And Fountain Engineering, Inc. In The Original Amount Of $3,178,745.48; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The First Amendment And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective DateD. Resolution 2011-27, Approving Change Order No. 4 To The Contract Dated May 25, 2010, With Fountain Engineering Inc. In The Original Amount Of $3,571,229.67, For The Construction Of The Service Area 7 Stormwater And Wastewater Collection System; Increasing The Contract In An Amount Not To Exceed $56,654.37, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Change Order And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date12. Citizens' comments [3 minutes per individual - Each individual has one opportunity to speak.] 13. Council comments 14. Adjournment The public hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as business permits, in the Marathon Government Center, EOC Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion; or, written comments may be sent to the City of Marathon, c/o City Clerk, 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at such hearing or meeting, one will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; such record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon at (305) 289-5020 at least two days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.April 2, 2011 - Marathon - American Legion Post 154: Fish Tourney.
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those feel-good Larry-King like articles I promised. The one difficulty was a photo of Becky Herin. I spent almost an hour, but the only photo I found was from a 
everyone practically knows everybody. Losing one of our own is really tough on us, but tougher on Becky Herin.
CFL light bulb from my bathroom. I turned it on the other day and then smelled smoke after a few minutes. Four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch! I immediately turned off the lights. But I'm sure it would have caused a fire if I was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.
Jeff Pinkus would pick up the tab next meeting. Jeff Pinkus served as Marathon Mayor during the 2004 City Council. His election as mayor changed the direction of all future councils. Among other improvement, Mayor Jeff increased public input, chaired the meetings in a leadership fashion, and increased the efficiency of council - staff interactions.
you are unAmerican. I got a sundae named after me, because it is all chocolate ingredients except the whipped cream. There is so much more to this locally owned and operated family business. They also hire locals and spend their money locally. We need more businesses like this. 
City of Marathon's Sheriff's Contingent under Contract. Sheriff's website is at 
ph: (305)743-6732
![April 18, 2011 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon’s Firefighter’s/EMS Local 4396 Union. EMS stands for Emergency Medical. The firefighters and EMTs [Emergency Medical Techs] live long arduous shifts at Fire Station #14. This is that nice-looking building that can withstand hurricanes and will save lives in any emergency. I do not want my city short changing the fire department to save money now and cost me my life later.](../images/ADlocal4396logo.jpg)
305-289-6220 11400 Overseas Hwy #108 Marathon FL 33050
