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2012 Election
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FRONT PAGE: [Monroe County Human Services 4.30 | Near Shore Waters 5.5 |
April 30, 2011 - Monroe County - L. E. Shaffer: Essential Human Services are Under the Budget Axe . WestCare Senior Vice President of Florida and Caribbean Operations is Frank C. Rabbito. While that covers a wide area, I want to concentrate on the Middle Keys essential human services. Those critical human services are crisis stabilization that is like a mental health care emergency room, substance abuse intensive inpatient and outpatient care, and mental health care outpatient treatment that is part of long-term care. For far more details of these essential services, go here http://www.gcmk.org/. The Middle Keys Guidance Clinic has 18 beds for critical care and 11 beds for Keys to Recover (KTR). Both programs successes are measured by one person recovered at a time. What is the value of one human life? Priceless. What is the difference between mental health care issues and a broken leg? None! They must be funded and resourced the same. Yet governmental agencies are cutting their budgets from state to county to city on the back of mental health care programs. Yes, you save a dollar, but you lose 10 dollars in the long term because of the lack of adequate human services. Frank Rabbito discussed all the above and more. He is a contractor who manages human services here and in the Caribbean. While many locals hate to hear the word “contractor”, in this case it works well. The emphasis is on people. Even you or I qualify as people. All of us need human services from the person to family to friends, even those who benefit from recovered persons vice ultimate criminal activity or homelessness. What kinds of people need such human services? Homeless, addicts, alcoholics, and many “normal” people. All of us probably regard ourselves as “normal” people. Being normal does not mean that you cannot have a down day or feel a little blue. Most of us have coping skills, family support, and social support. Yet even the most mentally healthy people should seek care if they feel blue over two weeks. Remember, are you going to wait to get your broken leg worked on? It is the same with mental health care, no difference whatsoever. Frank Rabbito told me some good news. Monroe County Commission passed a resolution to keep human services funding and resources at current levels; no cuts. The resolution was sent to the Florida House and Senate. Marathon City Hall is working to sponsor a similar resolution. Don’t underestimate your elected officials influence on those state institutions. Frank explained that everything administrative is streamlined and made more efficient. This effort results in admin costs kept to a minimum. That ensures that almost all the funding and resources go to human services. You need well-maintained and outfitted facilities like our Middle Keys mental health care emergency room. Hint that is what I call the psych ward at the Guidance Clinic. Yeah, I said psych ward. I always use words that might have negative connotations to slap stereotypical thinking right in the face. Rabbito also stressed how important that we have qualified, experienced, and highly trained mental-health care providers from nurses to psychiatrists. That means you have to pay them well. That serves all of us, and keeps money flowing into the local economy. Beware of what budget you want to cut to the bone lest it come back to you tenfold. You need these human services. With funding and resourcing cut, those human services will not be there. I call on everyone to call the Florida House and Senate to insist that human services are not cut and funded adequately to address everyone’s health care locally. Call Representative Saunders at (850) 488-9965. Call Senator Bullard at (850) 487-5127. Calling is the best mode of contact for the most impact. Emails, faxing, tweeting, facebook, and texting do not have the same impact. From personal experience, I know what psych ward residents desire most is caffeinated coffee and cigarettes. I routinely deliver caffeinated ground coffee from various local businesses throughout Marathon. Two of the best businesses involved are Leigh Ann’s Coffee House in Key Colony Beach right next to Sparky’s and Keys Grafix & Sign at Town Square Mall next to Advantage Rehab & Fitness. Want to help? Call me at (305) 743-9648 or go here http://www.gcmk.org/gcmk_donations.html. Call (305) 434-9000 to make direct face-to-face caffeinated coffee or cigarettes donations. I donated cigarettes once, but only do the caffeinated coffee now. I am not a smoker and feel uncomfortable donating something that might be harmful. There are enough smokers out there to donate cigarettes.And completely out of the county but as necessary is the Miami VA 4AB and 4CD psych ward and Urology Clinic respectively. To send caffeinated coffee no cigarettes to these veterans and staff, call me at (305) 743-9648 or snail mail to the address listed below: C/O 4AB WARD &/OR 4CD CLINIC DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER 1201 NW 16TH ST MIAMI FL 33125
Regardless of whom you help Marathoners or veterans; you will help a friend or someone in your family.
LGM Original Swivelers Flag Poles sells specialized equipment for boats and holding their flags and pennants in place. Their product is high quality. Their service is super. Catch them around South Florida at various events.
May 8, 2011 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: May 5th's Near Shore Waters Committee Preliminary Report: The following
All Keys Computers is your go to place for all things computers, laptops, and peripheral devices. You get high quality work at very reasonable prices.
Soon enough though, the stereotypes trotted out of people’s mouths. We know quite clearly that this sentiment was filled with racist connotations. Why use the Rock Coalition as the name of this community’s organized effort to influence events in their neighborhoods? You do not bury such terms as bigoted, narrow-minded, discrimination, prejudice, unfair, opinionated, biased, or intolerance. You do not pretend that today they do not exist. You use the stereotypical name “The Rock Coalition” as a slap in the face of stereotypical nonsense. This community is known as a supposedly “poor” neighborhood. When I campaigned during the 2010 election season, I walked all Marathon streets stopping at every business and home. You cannot realize the actual truth until you do that. Have any past candidates done that? No. Then let me share my insight. This community filled out many checks for my campaign. Any big ones? No. Many little ones? Yes. I found contributions from this community to be like gold. I also found few people who were “poor”. A Monroe County Marathon unit deputy sheriff recently stated in a local newspaper that 41st Street was a known drug place. I lived there on 42nd Street with my family for two years. This community has no more or less drug activity than any other Marathon community. Frankly, this community is representative of most communities. Let us slap such connotations in the face. It was suggested that the 36th through 46th Street corridor does not have any homeowners living there and paying property taxes according to an elite few. Not true, once again. There are many long-time homeowners paying their property taxes religiously. There are many renters paying the local property owners rent and thus part of paying property tax dollars. For this tax-burdened community, they receive very little respect or city support. Here are a few examples: 42nd Street floods routinely after almost any rain. We have two historic churches under water regularly. The Comprehensive Plan says that we have to have a historic committee to help owners maintain and show off these historical places. I am not talking about the Key West tree Nazis, but a committee to make things happen with the concurrence of all players involved. Taxpayer homes are flooded as well. While the community and the city attempted talks about adequate solutions, neither side stayed persistent. The final city solution of a French drain was ineffective immediately, a waste of taxpayer money. The city and this community must come together again and make a deep injection well happen not after years, but only months. This community expects fair value for any property needed for a deep injection well. We cannot be the city of “no” and be satisfied with only one try at resolution. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_drain states, “A French drain,[1] blind drain,[1] rubble drain,[1] rock drain,[1] drain tile, perimeter drain or land drain is a trench covered with gravel or rock that redirects surface and groundwater away from an area. A French drain can have perforated hollow pipes along the bottom (see images) to quickly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock. French drains are common drainage systems, primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations. Alternatively, the French drain technique may be used to distribute water, such as a septic drain field at the outlet of a typical septic tank sewage treatment system. French drains are also used behind retaining walls to relieve ground water pressure.” Jesse Hobbs Park is the 36th through 46th Street’s pocket park. This unique park serves not only this community but also all of Marathon. The playground and the basketball court are essential components to any successful community. Infrastructure maintenance and updates are not adequate compared to similar infrastructure citywide. The community has talked about an annual event in the winter with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The city is willing, the community desires such an event, and yet little progress has been made. Both sides need to be persistent and productive. One cannot make things happen in the community without the other. Jesse Hobbs Park’s one embarrassing problem is the clunky port-a-potty, dark, dank, and smelly. This community was promised a unisex permanent concrete restroom maintained and cleaned regularly. Go by the corner of US1 and 41st Street to see that the port-a-potty is still there and likely the same one used for years. Okay, the Rock Coalition and the city must together resolve this embarrassment. 3-on-3 basketball is sometimes referred to as streetball. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streetball states, “Streetball or street basketball is a variation of the sport of basketball, typically played on outdoor courts and featuring significantly less by way of formal structure and enforcement of the game's rules. As such, its format is more conducive to allowing players to publicly showcase their own individual skills. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streetball states, “Some cities in the United States have organized streetball programs, operated similarly to midnight basketball programs. Many cities also host their own weekend-long streetball tournaments, with Hoop-It-Up and the Houston Rockets' Blacktop Battle being two of the most popular. In recent years,[when?] streetball has seen an increase in media exposure through television shows such as ESPN's "Street basketball" and "City Slam", as well as traveling exhibitions such as the AND1 Mixtape Tour and Ball4Real.” Who from the city got permission of narrow-42nd-street residents for big trucks constantly going back and forth with wastewater and stormwater project debris? The answer from the Rock Coalition representing the community is a resounding “no”! 42nd Street is so narrow that trucks clip fences and other property. All this damage and dusty debris goes all the way back at the end of 42nd Street, where it is dumped on Discount Rock & Sand property. Cooperating with the community does not include doing whatever you want along taxpayer properties without notification and permission. My campaign promise, win or lose, was to represent this community that is not unlike all the other Marathon communities. I walked all these communities meeting real people, many living paycheck to paycheck. From 2010 Election Day in early November to now, the 36th through 46th streets community already organized and consistently voting are forming the Rock Coalition to advocate for their community. Others are welcome to join them or found out how to do so on their own. I use the term “The Rock Coalition” and will do so until the community directs otherwise. I have accepted from community leaders the role of speaking out on their behalf, but the Rock Coalition’s power is from their more than 300 bullet votes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_voting states, “Bullet voting is a tactic in which the voter only selects one candidate, despite the option to indicate a preference for other candidates. They might do this either because it is easier than evaluating all the candidates, or (depending on the voting system in use) as a form of tactical voting.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_voting states, “If enough voters bullet vote, almost any voting system functions like a plurality voting system. This is generally considered a poor result, as many voting systems are intended as reforms or improvements that avoid or minimize some alleged disadvantages of plurality (aka first past the post). ...” It is funny now how many former advocates are regretting their decision to vote for this flawed and illegal voting system. A return to “seat” candidate races looks good right now. Until then, a wise candidate uses existing votes assured to them to just vote once for that candidate ensuring each vote is tantamount to three votes. If a wise candidate gets at least 100 voters to bullet vote, that is like 300 votes. Be assured that 300 votes will change many an election outcome. This strategy has been routinely used over the last several years. If a candidate does not use this strategy, they will lose. The Rock Coalition offers more than 300 bullet votes, campaign volunteers, and many little campaign contributions to Rock-Coalition-endorsed candidates. Late September or early October this year, the Rock Coalition will host a candidate open forum most likely the historical BME Church on 41st Street. The political power of this pro-union community cannot be underestimated. Candidates do so at their own peril. Many have contacted me at 305-743-9648 to offer support and assistance. If you or your communities want more details, call me at the above telephone number. I will get you connected to one of the Rock Coalition’s leaders. There is more political power on your street, organized, than one vote at a time. Think about it. handles about anything concerning shipping, receiving, mail boxes, copying, and, well, you get the idea. I use the shipping side of the business for returns, exchanges, and environmental returns. This business is run by local for locals and hires and spends money locally. They like other family-owned and operated businesses are the backbone of the local economy.
April 30, 2011 - Marathon - Christina Belotti: Dancing Classrooms Fundraiser . The Educational Coalition for Monroe County will hold a fundraiser for Dancing Classrooms at the Publix in Marathon, Saturday, May 7, 2011 10am-2pm. ECMC volunteers will be bagging groceries and tickets for the Colors of the Rainbow Team Match will be on sale. There will be a premier performance of the ECMC Youth Ballroom Team. All donations are greatly appreciated and will support the Dancing Classrooms Program in Monroe County Schools. For more information call 305-743-6215 or visit www.educationalcoalitionmc.orgMs. Christina Belotti Marathon Middle School Language Arts/Critical Thinking Teacher Middle School Relay for Life Faculty Advisor (305) 289-2480 ext. 55416 Christina.Belotti@keysschools.com Be the change that you want to see in the world. -Mohandas Gandhi is a tradition in Marathon. They are my personal lawyers and the Florida Keys Journal lawyers. They handle a number of cases from criminal to second amendment rights. They are understanding, professional, and extraordinarily competent.
April 30, 2011 - Florida Keys - Bridget McDonald: Attend GLEE Annual Meeting & Green Living Awards. handles about anything concerning shipping, receiving, mail boxes, copying, and, well, you get the idea. I use the shipping side of the business for returns, exchanges, and environmental returns. This business is run by local for locals and hires and spends money locally. They like other family-owned and operated businesses are the backbone of the local economy.
April 23, 2011 - Islamorada - provided by Dave Purdo: DCA To Hold Education Workshops in Islamorada. State of Florida Public Workshops in Islamorada Impact of Legislative Changes to Wastewater Treatment Requirements
The Florida Department of Community Affairs is coordinating educational workshops for Islamorada residents, business owners and property owners on May 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center. The workshops are intended to assist citizens to better understand recent Rulemaking and the 2010 legislative changes that impact both package plant owners and septic tank owners. The same information will be presented at both workshops. The 5:30 p.m. workshop will be televised live in Islamorada on the Comcast government access channel and the live webcast may be viewed from the Village website at www.islamorada.fl.us.
Representatives from the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Health and Islamorada, Village of Islands will present information and answer questions addressing how development and redevelopment proposals are affected by the changes in legislation for Wastewater Treatment Standards for Package Plants and for On Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (septic tanks). This will include the awarding of additional Building Permit Allocation System points to applications for new single family dwelling units in areas served by central sewer, the extension of the deadline to upgrade existing systems to 2015 and to connect to a central system, examples of proposed development that would require immediate upgrade of existing systems, an overview of the Department of Environmental Protection procedures that will assist package plant owners in meeting the 2015 deadline, the State of Florida Administration Commission Rule and information regarding the Village’s plan to provide central wastewater to the citizens.
Islamorada residents, business owners and property owners are encouraged to attend this informative workshop. For additional information, please contact Barbara Powell at 850-922-1782 or barbara.powell@dca.state.fl.us
Sun Motors - Go Carts Watched go-cart racing between a father and son tourist team today at Sun Motors Marathon Florida Keys. I want to go go-carting myself badly, but I need an excuse to invite some member of my unsuspecting family to come with me. I wonder how slow one can go before the person you invite to race you goes ballistic? Yes, I know this is a Journal advertiser, but I like go-cart racing.
Duncan Auto Mall has been around for over 60 years. The company is an original family owned and operated business hiring locals and shopping locally. Their business acumen in selling and maintaining cars is unrivaled. Be one of the first to purchase or lease the new 2012 electric/hybrid Prius.
May 13, 2011 - Marathon - Joan Manges: Letter to the editor.
Heffernan Law Office is a tradition in Marathon. They are my personal lawyers and the Florida Keys Journal lawyers. They handle a number of cases from criminal to second amendment rights. They are understanding, professional, and extraordinarily competent. April 18, 2011 - Marathon - Karen Bowers: Good for Goodness Sake Firefighters Local 4396 Union is Marathon's firefighters and paramedics. Monroe County Teacher's Union could learn a lot from Local 4396 regarding press releases about all the good stuff. Marathon's besieged city staffers could learn to finally stand up for themselves by forming their own union. The Rock Coalition is pro-union as well as other similar communities. Request a ride-along. May 14, 2011 - Florida Keys - Joan Manages: "Below find a copy of a Sarasota Herald Tribune article published "The 15 percent reinsurance premium increase allows insurers to make an additional underwriting profit even if they are buying the reinsurance from an "affiliated company" they own or control. Even worse, these 15 percent reinsurance increases are on top of regular increases for projected losses, and will exponentially multiply in the second and future years as these increases become embedded in the base rate. "Homeowners who have no choice but to buy property insurance from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will likely get the annual 10 percent increase, which continues to be authorized by law." Senator Fasano: Insurance bill should be vetoed The legislative session just came to an end and on many fronts I and a few of my like-minded colleagues fought off bad legislation that would have hurt seniors, families and consumers all across the state. Property insurance was a big priority during the session and unfortunately insurance companies, not policyholders, could be the big winners this year. Right now, sitting on the governor's desk is a measure that will change property insurance laws and increase your rates. Unfortunately, we fell two votes short in the Senate of removing an onerous rate increase from the bill, which is why the governor needs to veto this rate increase now. The legislation, Senate Bill 408, virtually guarantees a 15 percent premium "reinsurance" increase for Florida policyholders who have no choice but to buy property insurance on their homes if they have an outstanding mortgage. This is a backdoor tax and fee increase that will hurt most homeowners, consumers and small business owners at a time with very high foreclosure and unemployment rates, and a fragile economic recovery under way. The 15 percent reinsurance premium increase allows insurers to make an additional underwriting profit even if they are buying the reinsurance from an "affiliated company" they own or control. Even worse, these 15 percent reinsurance increases are on top of regular increases for projected losses, and will exponentially multiply in the second and future years as these increases become embedded in the base rate. Homeowners who have no choice but to buy property insurance from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will likely get the annual 10 percent increase, which continues to be authorized by law. This premium increase comes after six years of no hurricanes and when the property and casualty insurance industry has record profits. Profits for U.S. property and casualty insurers rose 63 percent to $27 billion for the first nine months of 2010, according to insurance industry trade groups as reported by the Miami Herald on Dec. 28, 2010. While the 15 percent premium increase is reason enough for Governor Scott to veto this legislation, it isn't the only provision that should concern consumers. The bill contains the following: For people who pay for replacement cost insurance, in cases of hurricane repairs, homeowners will have to pay for some repairs in advance and hope to be reimbursed by the insurance companies. Many families simply can't afford this burden. The bill also reduces the time period to file a claim from five years to three, even though some damage, such as water or mold damage, isn't always detected in the first few years after the storm. Many times, structural damage caused by hurricanes takes a few years to become evident. This change will leave homeowners in these situations on the hook for home damage even when they've made all their insurance payments. Worse yet, this bill allows insurance companies to provide "additional or supplementary" information to the state in rate-setting cases without requiring the top officers at the insurance company to certify that the data backing up their claims for rate increases is truthful. I don't know about you, but I want to see insurance companies raise their right hand and swear to tell the truth before I'll believe their claims! The fact is, the current law, passed just four years ago, has provided accountability of the insurance industry. It has kept rates affordable and ensured that insurance company financial information is truthful, complete and allows consumers to determine that premium rate increases are justified. Quite simply, the bill on Governor Scott's desk is not designed to benefit you. It will instead, increase your rates and increase insurance company profits. Please call Governor Scott today at (850) 488-7146 and encourage him to veto this bill. He will decide whether to sign or veto this bill any day now, so please let your voice be heard today, or trust me, you will be forced to pay higher premiums tomorrow. Mike Fasano is a state senator from New Port Richey. Total Repair Services Co. After 17 years as a dedicated Dell computers customer, Dell has slipped badly in customer service and quality products. Fortunately, I found a company who builds your computer according to your needs and budget constraints. Everything is under warranty as well. You cannot beat TRSCO. Dive-in Movie Party Thursday, May 12
Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival this Saturday
Local paddlers started their practice sessions this past weekend. Sombrero Beach is being groomed by the City of Marathon for Battle In The Bay Dragon Boat Festival this Saturday.
Race action kicks off at 9:00 AM with the Qualifying heats. Teams in these first sets of races are grouped by similar industry and are competing for a Challenge Race medal. All times from the first round are arranged fastest to slowest and teams are assigned to Divisions based on those times. Movement from the Semi-final to the Final round in a Division is based on a seeding system. The top 6 finishing teams from A Division qualify for the 2000 meter endurance race scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM. Division C 3rd Place: Dragon Masters – Keys Hair Masters 2:22.14
Gemini Printing has 29 cent color copies. Need I say more?
May 17, 2011 - Marathon - Firefighters Union Local 4396: Latest News & Announcements.
Kandios is the only place to go for Larry's Sundae. Hint it is all chocolate ice cream, brownie, sprinkles, fudge topping, and soon chocolate whipped cream in a can. Death by chocolate, ummm. There is more, much more. Go to the corner of 91st Street and US1 west corner to get all the ice cream you can order. They got lunches too. May 16, 2011 – Middle Keys – L. E. Shaffer: Week in Review or I’m Too Lazy to Write Multiple Articles Now for the week in review: Florida Keys media are better at "innocent until proven guilty”. If you are caught red-handed, on video, have stolen stuff in your bedroom, DNA match, whatever, our Constitution is clear. Even Florida statute 394 says to respectfully treat persons as innocent. That applies until a jury makes a guilty decision, and the court passes a verdict. Now, if a person is violent, then do the least harm to protect that person, law enforcement, and others. Still, innocent until proven guilty! Here is democracy at its best. State to audit Islamorada at request of 20% registered voters. We all knew this was going to happen. With all due respect, Joan [Manages], Marathon must build a hurricane-proof city hall on city land. Renting another building does not reduce the city risk and liability. I am experienced risk assessor. With just a simple risk assessment, Capital Infrastructure Funds are shared by everyone in the state, while property taxes affect only Marathoners. Capital Infrastructure funding is for this purpose. It is good that the council is looking long-term to save money for ten years not just one year. Do anything else, and it will cost you more over the long term. Tavernier neighbors don’t want any income-restricted and unsupervised people living near them. Come on! How stupid can you be? You qualify for such workforce housing if you make $47,200.00 or less of 80% HUD Median Income. That median income is now $47,200.00! That isn’t poor by any means everywhere except for Monroe County. Latest Census figures show many workforce families give up on the Keys and move. From 12,000 when I moved to Marathon from Seminole to 9,000 now is symptomatic. Are we trying to run everyone but millionaires out of the Keys? Don’t answer that. Okay, this is bigotry at its worst, can you say Hallelujah. Thank you, FIRM! You are once again representing Keys homeowners. Homeowners are already on the precipice with the Great Recession. Rate hikes delayed until the 2012 legislature just prolongs the agony. Key economic indicators show a sluggish recovery that will collapse as Gov. Scott wrecks Florida’s economy. You do not lay off people to improve local economies. Why? You are taking dollars out of the local economy making worse something you are trying to fix. Oops, off topic. Sorry. Reduce property tax bill countywide by having the schools keep teachers, spending more on students, and eliminating 50% of administrative jobs by attrition. Bloated administration equals higher property taxes. Weiler Engineering Corporation is doing great job on Marathon’s federally mandated wastewater and stormwater projects. But now they won’t more money. If you bid the project at 75 million even with excessive change orders, you should not be asking for money. Suck it up! Who knew? Marathon’s port of entry project is really making progress. All councilmembers are to be commended even Vice Mayor Dick Ramsay. Ouch! Did I just say that? John Donnelly’s recent letter to the editor is just plain wrong about Navy SEALs. I served as a line officer at an echelon three staff command for over two years. The SEALs are for real; they enter combat at so many places never mentioned. They serve in South America in the war against drug warlords. P. J. Wieting wrote a letter to the editor refuting every stupid thing Donnelly said. I would have never believed that Wieting and I could agree on anything. His missive is dead on. SEALs are the best of the best and do not really want all this media attention. Republicans are blabbing their way right out of office. I thought 2012 would be challenging, but the Repubs cannot stop talking with foot in mouth. Dragon Boat Races! Yawn. But good for Marathon’s local economy. Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses. You have been warned. Eat more lionfish. They are tasty. Will C. J. Geotis ever stop writing columns about fishing? Give it a rest, will ya, C. J. Who am I fooling? I read every column, and I do not fish. There are All Keys Glass, All Keys Gas, All Keys Computers, All Keys Rentals, All Keys [court] Reporting, All Keys Landscaping, etc. Enough already! There ought to be a law against “All Keys”. Well, except for All Keys Glass and All Keys computers, they are Journal advertisers. I always said follow the money! Daffy Doug’s, please stop those full-page ads. Can’t you advertise saying fewer exaggerations? Please. www.KeysWeekly.com’s all-new website is very pretty, less busy, and finally, maybe, competition for the Journal. Gee, I hope not! And, by the way, the Journal interviewed Guidance Clinic’s Frank Rabbito head-guy-in-charge before the Weekly interviewed A. B. Malloy. Good on me. Good on them too. My next interviewee will be A. B. Malloy. Watch for the Journal interview soon. Marathon’s new US1 median palm trees are a really pretty. Good on Marathon. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Colonel Ramsay tied to Vice Mayor Dick Ramsay [well, duh] and both joined at the hip with Internal Affairs boss Don Hiller. Dick is not in the midst of the Journal’s investigative pursuits. The rest though are the subject of the Journal’s investigation that is ongoing. Reliably sourced information was used to make these comments. This is not funny. Total Repair Services is the only way I order new computers or laptops or IPads for that matter. This company is excellent at building you a customized computer for nearly half the price at places like Dell or HP.
May 8, 2011 - Marathon - Christina Belotti: Second Annual COR Event to Take Place in the Middle Keys. The Colors of the Rainbow Dancing Classrooms ballroom dance countywide competition will be held Sunday, May 15th at 3pm at the Marathon High School Auditorium. Countywide 5th grade students will compete. Schools represented are Glynn Archer, Montessori Elementary Charter, Sugarloaf, Stanley Switlik, Plantation Key, and Key Largo School. Showcases will be presented by: ACE/KCA high school students, 8th grade Plantation Key students, and the ECMC Youth Ballroom Team.
Mr. Rodney Lopez from the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom will be emceeing the event. This research based program is chronicled in the films Mad Hot Ballroom and Take the Lead. Jon Landau Academy Award winner, producer of Titanic and Avatar will be a celebrity guest judge. This program was made possible through the Educational Coalition for Monroe County (ECMC) in collaboration with the American Ballroom Theatre NYC and Monroe County School District, sponsored in part by the ECMC Incredible Fruit Stand, State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
Dancing Classrooms began with a pilot program at schools in Marathon in January 2009 and expanded to Upper and Lower Keys schools last spring. The community is welcome at the Colors of the Rainbow Event! Event admission is $4 for students and $8 for adults. Dancing Classrooms is in need of financial support, to make a donation or for more information please call 305-743-6215 or visit www.educationalcoalitionmc.org.
Keys Grafix & Sign seemingly can do about anything with signs, A-frames, and magnetic signs. You can always tell a business is rock solid and successful. They are always busy. April 27, 2011 - Key West - Waterfront Theatre: Come as You are Brunch...Too - May 15th. May 18, 2011 - Florida Keys - Brittany Elder: Take Stock in Children Grows Alumni Program with Winn-Dixie Foundation's Support LGM Swiveler Flag Poles specializes in getting your flags and pennants to stay where you put them. Their solutions are high tech and more than reliable. May 19, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Red and Joan Manges educate me at Leigh Ann's Coffee House today. The first thing that we discussed was the early history of the Rock. During the 20s, 30s, and 40s there were icehouses like Royal Palm Ice. Ice was a big thing before ice machines. The Rock area at that time was like the boondocks, all icehouse, and little humanity. Then like the rest of the south, black communities congregated around empty areas of this sort. People would come to the Rock to hire day laborers. Some families now go back five generations. Marathon was a sleepy little village with under a thousand souls. From Seven Mile Bridge to the old icehouses we talked about earlier was known as old town. Marathon actually was born here. It must be why it is called old town, huh. Joan confirmed the history of fisheries in the area as well. Icehouses and fisheries made up the early history of the Rock. As the community grew, the more prominent the Rock became in our local history. Slowly, over time, the community became more diverse with white, Cubans, and a mix of other Hispanics. Hispanics and blacks now compromise over 25% of Marathon’s population. That figure will continue to grow as the rest of the United States grows more diverse as well. That is what makes the Rock Coalition so powerful. About 25% of the vote can more than swing local council election races. Red and Joan gave a brief history of nearby Pretty Joe Rock. I found out that the Rock and Pretty Joe Rock are not associated with each other. It was known as Mick’s Key after the owner. The little island has a nice home built on it along with docks. Pretty Joe Rock? What a name, huh. Publisher: For an in depth look at Marathon's history, checkout Dan Gallagher's books at www.Amazon.com. After talking about the growing political influence from the Rock Coalition, Joan requested that the Rock Coalition encourage its members to sign up for FIRM. It is free and easy. Well, everyone should join. Here is the link http://www.fairinsuranceratesinmonroe.com. Then our little meeting got off subject. That is no problem. The Manges were more than interesting with their historical perspective and opinions. Mountains of wastewater/stormwater dirt, coral, and rock are situated all over Marathon. The “dirt” belongs to Marathon. It is cleaned up and can be sold as fill or other suitable uses. There is currently a mountain of dirt on Rock & Sand property down the narrowest road in Marathon, 42nd Street. What is Rock & Sand paid for that use of its property? More importantly, who is buying the fill and where is the money for Marathon? The Manges and I want to know. American Legion east-side property contains some buildable areas and some environmental areas. The city impedes the Legion from using their own property for the best purposes intended and desired. No environmental areas would be compromised. The building areas would host a number of different structures. Right now, there are naked homeless people making the area their home. Where else are they going to go? So here is this property owned by veterans, but is worthless to them. What happened here? I was asked about what I thought of Duck Key possibly joining the City of Marathon. I first explained that the Journal has repeatedly asked this question of our councilpersons. Everyone says that it is up to Duck Key residents. Councilpersons did not have much interest in the prospect. Yeah, it increases the tax base, but have you seen those bridges? Marathon could lose money on that deal. I do believe that some Duck Key residents are talking about annexation. Apparently, this tax donor community contributes more property tax to the county with little coming back. The county’s effort to provide adequate fire services, repair of crumbling infrastructure, and emergency services is definitely in question. Instead of squealing like stuck pigs of the possible Duck Keys annexation, commissioners should take care of Duck Key concerns instead of siphoning off property tax revenues. This story sounds familiar, right. The City of Marathon was born out of such frustrations with the county. About beaches, Joan explained that the only true Keys-type beach left is the one at Valhalla Beach. That is out there Grassy Key somewhere. Coco Plum beach was man-made with the help of latitudinal drift. Joan explained the latitudinal drift effect on local beaches. Here is a link to an explanation of what she is talking about http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/caribbean/florida.html. Sombrero Beach is far from the “normal” of even ten years ago. While the Manges were not impressed with the improvement, I still think this is one of the bigger of Marathon’s successes. We agree to disagree. There was a lot of that at our very pleasant and worthwhile meeting. I hope we can do that again sometime soon. All Keys Computers is your go to place for all things computers, laptops, and peripheral devices. You get high quality work at very reasonable prices. May 20, 2011 - Florida Keys - Jessica Mintz: Every day we receive phone calls and emails from people that either EdwardJones by Leslie I had Leslie Valant take a look at my investments in my grandchildren's college. I had saved each grandchild some money, but I never expected that EdwardJones by Leslie Valant would have some good ideas for my investments. Municipal bonds seem to be a good bet and still maintain liquidity. Her advice for the grandchildren was spot on too. I look forward to the millions that I will make with EdwardJones helping me out. Who knew someone could help improve my financial future? I always try to conduct my business at the Journal advertisers place of business. May 8, 2011 - Islamorada - provided by Dave Purdo: Billy Pate Memorial . All Keys Glass can do about anything encompass glass. I found the all glass walk-in shower very nice. There is something tropical about a shower like that. There appears to be more open area as well in case you should want to shower with other people. Okay, spouse. Goodness. May 8, 2011 - Key West - Waterfront Playhouse: RED! WHITE & TUNA Opens This Thursday !ALL performances start at 8:30! You'll turn red, white and blue with laughter!  CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS specializes in getting your flags and pennants to stay where you put them. Their solutions are high tech and more than reliable.
May 17, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Journal Week in Review. I had a Duncan Auto appointment for the 10K maintenance on my leased Toyota Prius and later a Key West VA Clinic appointment. So I some time to kill between appointments. I walk from Whitehead Street to the end of Duval Street and back again. I had an excellent breakfast at the Six-Toed Cat. They serve breakfast, lunch, and gifts. Pretty neat, huh. Check it out at 823 Whitehead Street, (305) 294-3318, www.sixtoedcatkeywest.com. The same business recommended Seven Fish at 632 Olivia Street, www.7fish.com, and (305) 296-2777. I ended up almost walking eight miles. Wow.
I had Leslie Valant take a look at my investments in my grandchildren's college. I had saved each grandchild some money, but I never expected that EdwardJones by Leslie Valant would have some good ideas for my investments. Municipal bonds seem to be a good bet and still maintain liquidity. Her advice for the grandchildren was spot on too. I look forward to the millions that I will make with EdwardJones helping me out. Who knew someone could help improve my financial future? I always try to conduct my business at the Journal advertisers place of business. Here is a direct link to our local EdwardJones office - http://www.edwardjones.com/en_US/fa/index.html&CIRN=523661.
Although not really newsworthy, I got my pre-op checklist completed today. The surgery is scheduled for June 1st at the Miami VA Hospital. I am having a right kidney mass biopsied and removed. I will be in the hospital for 3 - 5 days after a 24 - 48 stint in ICU. As many of you may recall, this is the surgery that was scheduled for May 3rd, but rescheduled at the last minute. The only surgeon that can do my procedure was out sick. You cannot complain about that; who plans on getting sick. So, anyway, prayers are appreciated. For those who know my cell phone number, you can text me "get well" wishes June 1st, or not. I will have a post-operative report after June 1st obviously.
Our local school system is in disarray and top heavy in useless administration. One true friend of students and taxpayer money is John Dick. We agree that the priority is to spend more per student and retain our experienced teachers. My proposal is to cut administration by more than half the next five years by attrition. Essential to this proposal is starting at the rollback tax rate in the annual budget fray. No room after starting at rollback but to go below that. I extend this idea to Monroe County, the water district, and Mosquito Control. You notice Marathon is not listed as they are only around 18% of the property taxes collected.
It is mid-May, and the Keynoter has already published a hurricane-preparation guide. Please say it isn't hurricane season already. Unfortunately, June through November is not far off. Preparation is the key to survival and saving a life. Don't forget your pets. We all know that they are valued members of a family, and their loss is devastating. Do not underestimate the power of a storm surge even if we survived hurricane-force winds. There are not a lot of high areas in Marathon where you can park your vehicle. Home Depot parking lot, Seven Mile Bridge parking area right before the old Seven Mile Bridge, and Publix parking lot.
Governor Scott cannot be so stupid as to appoint former skitter boss, Ed Fussell, to the late Dick Rudell's seat on the Mosquito Control Board. With this one, Governor Scott should force the state attorney to indict the infamous Ed Fussell. His complete disregard for property taxpayers is criminal.
Keys Grafix & Sign seemingly can do about anything with signs, A-frames, and magnetic signs. You can always tell a business is rock solid and successful. They are always busy.
LGM Swiveler Flag Poles specializes in getting your flags and pennants to stay where you put them. Their solutions are high tech and more than reliable.
May 20, 2011 - Marathon - Diane Clavier: City Council's Regular 4th Tuesday Meeting at Government Center. Police or Fire Rescue Emergency, call 911 / (Police Non-Emergency call 305-289-2430) Wastewater Emergency, call 305-517-6704 or 305-481-6183 After Hours City Emergency, call 305-747-0387. City of Marathon City Council Regular Meeting Agenda. Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. 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 MinutesB. Students Working Against Tobacco Proclamation (Snead)C. Aviation Bike Path Lighting (Ramsay) D. 31 st Annual 7-Mile Bridge Run RequestE. Community Announcements (Snead) 6. Other Reports and Presentations A. City Manager Report 1. Right of Way Permit Renewal (ECMC/Incredible Fruit Stand)2. Quarterly Permit Extension Request ReportB. City Attorney 1. Monthly Legal Report 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 THEREAFTER8. Resolutions for Adoption *A. Resolution 2011-37, Supporting An Enhancement Grant Application To The Florida Department Of Transportation In The Amount Of $100,000.00 For A Bypass Pedestrian Bridge On Coco Plum Drive, Committing $12,500.00 In Matching City Funds, Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Application And Appropriating Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective Date*B. Resolution 2011-38, Approving Certain Purchases In Excess Of $10,000 And Less Than $25,000; Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into Agreements In Connection Therewith And Expend Budgeted Funds (In The Amount Of $11,662) For Light Duty Ford Ranger Truck # 1; Appropriating $11,662 Out Of The Vehicle Replacement Fund For Light Duty Ford Ranger Truck # 2 And Authorizing Expenditure Of Such Funds; Appropriating $11,425 From The Capital Infrastructure Fund For Gonzales Landscaping To Complete Required Wetland Mitigation And Authorizing Expenditure Of Such Funds; And Providing For An Effective DateC. Resolution 2011-39, Approving An Amendment To The Building Department Fee Schedule To Add A Permit Fee For Abandonment Of Septic Systems Or Cesspools; And Providing For An Effective DateD. Resolution 2011-40, Approving Change Order No. 1 To The Contract Dated July 27, 2010, With Wharton-Smith, Inc. In The Original Amount Of $4,227,000.00 For The Construction Of The Service Area 5 Wastewater Treatment Plant; Increasing The Contract In An Amount Not To Exceed $70,471.00, And An Additional 30 Days Added To The Term Of The Contract; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Change Order And Expend Budgeted Funds On Behalf Of The City; And Providing For An Effective DateE. Resolution 2011-41, Approving An Agreement With Siemens Water Technologies Corp. For The Re-priming Of The Treatment Plant Tank Utilized In Service Area #7 Wastewater Treatment Plant In An Amount Not To Exceed $30,000; Authorizing The City Manager To Execute The Agreement On Behalf Of The City And Expend Budgeted Funds; And Providing For An Effective Date9. Citizens' comments [3 minutes per individual - Each individual has one opportunity to speak.] 10. Council comments 11. 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.Sun Motors - Go Carts Watched go-cart racing between a father and son tourist team today at Sun Motors Marathon Florida Keys. I want to go go-carting myself badly, but I need an excuse to invite some member of my unsuspecting family to come with me. I wonder how slow one can go before the person you invite to race you goes ballistic? Yes, I know this is a Journal advertiser, but I like go-cart racing.
May 19, 2011 - Marathon - Patti Childress: In April of 2010 the Marathon City Council established the Community Image Advisory Board (CIAB) to offer recommendations that would enhance the image and quality of the City. The CIAB is reaching out to the community for your ideas and input at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 26th at the Fire Station at 5:45 pm. Please pass on the attached flyer and plan to attend.
May 16, 2011 - Marathon - FL Keys GLEE Bridget McDonald: Marathon Looks to Improve Image. Residents
Firefighters Local 4396 Union is Marathon's firefighters and paramedics. Monroe County Teacher's Union could learn a lot from Local 4396 regarding press releases about all the good stuff. Marathon's besieged city staffers could learn to finally stand up for themselves by forming their own union. The Rock Coalition is pro-union as well as other similar communities. Request a ride-along.
May 28, 2011 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Interviewing Councilman David Purdo at the Island Grill. The Marathon
All Keys Glass can do about anything encompass glass. I found the all glass walk-in shower very nice. There is something tropical about a shower like that. There appears to be more open area as well in case you should want to shower with other people. Okay, spouse. Goodness.
May 20, 2011 - Islamorada - David Purdo: Memorial Day Service @ Hurricane Monument Monday May 30th. The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30th beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, Mile Marker 81.5 Overseas Highway, adjacent to the Matecumbe United Methodist Church. The monument was dedicated in 1937 to honor the Veterans and civilians killed in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
Marathon Cleaners can clean anything, and do the job well. Personable service and welcoming attitude. They even clean silk shirts. How cool is that?
ACRONYMS:
 The Dull Stuff Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this Digest, company, or its advertisers. Emails & letters are subject to editorial approval. Submittals may be edited for content, length, & become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of the Shaffer Internet Publishing Company [SIPCO] Florida Keys Journal Daily News & Digest:
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Florida Keys Journal Digest of Last Month's Daily News
WELCOME TO THE JOURNAL'S MONTHLY DIGEST
are from my personal notes and I make no claim as to the correctness of the information:
Do you want to build a Marathon City Hall, NOW?
For more information contact:
May 13, 2011 addressing an bill sitting on Gov Scotts desk. Bill 408 that will allow increasing premium on property insurance in addition to other changes in law. Read my snip from the letter i received. Below this snip i have copied the letter omplete."
Dragon boat races, a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit, is one of the three largest Chinese festivals of the year. The Awakening the Dragon Ceremony or Eye Dotting Ceremony is traditionally performed to cleanse and bless the area of the competition, the competitors and their boats. It also gives the boats and their crew the strength of the Dragon and the blessing of the Goddess of the Sea. Being the person to dot the eye is a high honor and we couldn't be prouder than to have our top individual philanthropist leading the ceremony.
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The May 19th meeting with Red and Joan Manges contained a wealth of history. They are long-time Marathon advocates. We met at Leigh Ann’s Coffee House.
have a cat they no longer can keep and need to find a home for, have strays roaming the neighborhood or need assistance with spay/neuter expenses. These people turn to Forgotten Felines since they say that they do not trust animal shelters. They have heard of the sad fact that 5-6 million of cats and dogs enter animal shelters every year and 3-4 million of these cats and dogs get euthanized in shelters each year. Another sad fact is that a cat can populate faster than a dog since it can get pregnant as early as 6 months of age with an average of 3 litters per year. So, no surprise to us that 1 female cat and her offspring can yield 420,000 cats in only seven years.%20version.jpg)
Florida Keys Journal covers the Middle Keys from Big Pine Key to Marathon through Islamorada. Councilman Dave Purdo met me at Island Grill to discuss Islamorada issues. Island Grill at 88.5 mile marker ocean side was the meeting place. Island Grill can be reached at 305-664-8400. See their website at 
We talked about the annual difficulties of processing the budget. Even at rollback, the specter of more taxes to keep the spending at the previous year’s level is going to be hard. When is it enough to cut spending before you go too far, and someone loses their life or home to a fire. Dave and I agreed that SHE is a very important consideration. That is Safety, Health, and Environment. 
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.](file:///C:/Users/Larry/Documents/RoA.com/journal/images/ADlocal4396logo.jpg)
305-289-6220 11400 Overseas Hwy #108 Marathon FL 33050
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