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FRONT PAGE: [Birding Festival 8.23 | Journal Week in Review 8.28 |
Gemini Printing has 29-cent color copies. Need I say more? August 23, 2011 - Big Pine Key - James Bell: Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival, 179 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key Prop Tech: Very unique and down-to-earth business on 20th Street. Shop and office are in the same space. Lots of welding going on along with props everywhere. August 28, 2011 - Monroe County - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Journal LLC Journal Week We all remember the Overseas Lounge building story. I thought when I heard the story that eventually after all the ownership problems that the grand old building would make a comeback. Part of the building is currently in use by the Purr-Fect Store on the east side. The city allowed the motel units to become workforce-housing units a while back. The bar [lounge] and liquor store are still there presupposing that those businesses were never abandoned as the city says. One of the foundations of our Comprehensive Plan is that of prior use, densities, and intensities. Councilman John Repetto reinforced that concept all through the Comprehensive Plan creation and vetting. This was the assurance that you could keep what existed before. If you varied from the previous use, then you could request a variance, abide by the current code, or go to court. I am afraid that the city is on track to waste property taxpayers’ money defending an interpretation of the code that is flawed at best. Let us then see just what the code says. By the way, the code is available on the city’s website for all to browse. Short section titles left out for clarity. Marathon City Code ARTICLE 22. - Section 102.138. Unless otherwise provided herein, the Director of Planning is authorized to interpret all provisions of the LDRs. Section 102.139. The Director shall render interpretations of this LDR pursuant to this article. Unless waived by the Director, all formal requests for an interpretation shall be submitted on forms provided by the City. Section 102.140. B. Notice to Property Owner: If the individual requesting an interpretation is not the property owner, the interpretation shall also be mailed to the property owner within seven (7) working days after the Director issues the written response. Section 102.141. The Department shall maintain an official record of all interpretations. The Planning Director in this case did not make a formal interpretation. Therefore, his presentation to the Planning Commission is invalid. If his presentation is invalid, then the Planning Commission received faulty information. Section 100.02. The City has developed these land development regulations to implement the Comprehensive Plan and to protect the character, environment and viability through: … B. Continued utilization of the established mixed-use pattern of the community; … D. Acknowledgement and protection of a character that is unique to the Keys; … J. Protection for the existing uses, densities and intensities; K. Providing new investment and reinvestment opportunities; … As you can see from the list above, the existing Overseas Lounge, Liquor Store, and Hotel are important to the local economy. When are we as a city going to stop screwing with our local economy by impeding lawful business? This is but one example. Another is the adult entertainment facility that practically mirrors this case. Marathon is touted as business friendly. The city’s actions do not support that statement. Do you want to know what this is all about? Nearby businesses, other liquor stores, and certain bars cannot stand the competition, and this is the only way to keep their businesses safe. We are either pro-business or we are not. Please make a decision and stop misleading residents. … Section 100.05. The LDRs incorporate the requirements and regulations to implement the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, and to ensure that all land development activities within the City are consistent with and further the objectives, policies, land uses, densities and intensities in the City's Comprehensive Plan (the "Plan"). It is recognized, however, that situations may arise in the daily administration and enforcement of the LDRs whereby strict interpretation and enforcement of the Code may be contrary to the goals, objectives and policies of the Plan. Such situations may arise due to changes in land development priorities or economics, new issues which were not anticipated at the time the LDRs were drafted and adopted, or the inability to meet competing goals through a single action. ... What the above says is that the Comprehensive Plan trumps the LDRs. And the LDRs are not necessarily subject to “strict interpretation and enforcement.” One other very important consideration “priorities or economics” are pertinent to any of the city’s “interpretations.” Bottom line is what I have been railing about for a long time. Economics are a primary consideration. Always saying no to new businesses or those trying to make a comeback from the recession is not pro-business. On the contrary, it is anti-business. And as such is costing every property taxpayer precious dollars. Section 100.06. In the interpretation and administration of the LDRs, all provisions shall be: ... B. Responsibility: In the event that any question arises concerning the application of regulations, performance standards, definitions, development criteria, or any other provision of the LDRs, the Director shall be responsible for interpretation and shall look to the Plan for guidance. Responsibility for interpretation by the Director shall be limited to standards, regulations and requirements of the LDRs, but shall not be construed to include interpretation of any technical codes adopted by reference in the LDRs, and shall not be construed as overriding the responsibilities given to any commission, board or official named in other sections or Articles of the LDRs. … This one is really telling. When the Planning Director tries to make an interpretation formally in writing that he is to abide by the Comprehensive Plan. Subject to that, his interpretations are really the purview of the Planning Commission, City Council, and circuit court. Pro-business? No. Section 108.09. The use of any building, structure or land that becomes nonconforming because of the LDRs or subsequent amendments shall comply with the LDRs or be approved by the Director as a continuing nonconforming use. ... Interesting, “LDRs or be approved by the Director”? Pro-business? No. Section 108.10. Once a nonconforming use is abandoned, the use's nonconforming status is lost and any subsequent use of the property shall comply with the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located. A nonconforming use will be considered abandoned when any of the following occurs: A. The intent of the owner to discontinue the use is apparent, e.g., written declaration of the owner; B. The use has been discontinued for a period of 18 months or more; C. A demolition permit has been applied for; D. The characteristic equipment and furnishings associated with the nonconforming use have been removed from the premises and have not been replaced by similar equipment within 90 days, unless other facts show intention to resume the nonconforming use; … While there is a weak argument for a couple of line items, the totality of Section 108.10 A., B., C., and D. above actually proves the intent of continuing the allowed nonconforming use. ... Section 108.12. - Nonconforming Density and Intensity. ... B. Protection of Nonresidential Intensity: All lawfully established nonresidential intensities in existence on or before 1996, shall be entitled to existing intensities, subject to the provision of the Future Land Use Element of the Plan. Notice here that the Comprehensive Plan is cited not the LDRs. This is the guiding principle on which the Comprehensive Plan was palatable to existing businesses and the prospect of new businesses. When I was on the Planning Commission for 3.5 years with 1.5 years as the chairman, there were many times that I challenged the Planning Director to make his “interpretations” formalized in writing. He demurred every time. As chairman, I was responsible to ensure that the city’s presentations were non-political, unbiased, and consistent. I, too, like Commissioner Morgan Hill, was part of the creation and vetting of the Comprehensive Plan and LDRs. Is the Marlin Bay property abandoned? According to the flawed interpretation by the city, Marlin Bay is abandoned. Don’t you know that the city will fall all over itself to help whoever owns this failure in the future? Am I a lawyer? No, but I did stay at the Holiday Inn Express. Uh, I mean that I was Marathon’s Planning Commission Chairman for 1.5 years. Considering all the above ranting and raving, the other Journal Week in Review topics will be covered next week. There is always a next week.Marathon Cleaners can clean anything, and do the job well. Personable service and welcoming attitude. They even clean silk shirts. How cool is that? September 1, 2011 - Islamorada - Brenda Edgar: Matecumbe Historical Trust Labor Day September 2, 2011 - Middle Keys - Jessica Mintz: Big black dogs, black cats, FIV+ cats, senior pets, cats with special needs......factors that can make a pet seem "less adoptable". In order to promote these unusual (or, in some cases, too common) animals, Petfinder has designated September 17-25 as "Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week" and has asked shelters and rescue groups throughout the US to participate.
September 2, 2011 - Key West - Hal Howland: Hal Howland's award-winning, critically acclaimed books and recordings--the novels After Jerusalem and Landini Cadence, the memoir The Human Drummer, and the jazz CDs Reiko and 10 Years in 5 Days--are now available at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon, Charlie Bauer's hot new venue at 4 Charles St. in Key West, phone 305-517-6350. After visiting the gift shop, enjoy great food, drink, and local and national entertainment. Howland performs at Smokin' Tuna on Sat., Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., with Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24. For more information, please visit www.halhowland.com. 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.
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. Now that is a lot of fun, and you even get to learn cool stuff.
September 6, 2011 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Journal LLC Journal Week in Review. For the lack of $60,000 Keys to Recovery [KTR] is shutting down soon. This long-term substance-abuse recovery program worked well. For every dollar spent on KTR many clients turned their lives around. That saved property taxpayers in the long term tenfold. Programs to recover individuals save property taxpayer dollars. Otherwise, the need is still there, but now ill-prepared Emergency Rooms [ER] have to pick up the slack. I do not need to tell you how much money is wasted in the ER, especially for urgent care previously taken care by programs such as KTR. The 2011 Truth in Millage [TRIM] Notices is being received by unsuspecting property taxpayers up and down the county. The two biggest taxing agencies are the county and the schools. Within the county portion is the general revenue fund, law enforcement, corrections facilities, judicial system, and health clinics. Everyone will pay into that pot even Marathoners. In the school portion is a state-mandated millage and millage set by the school board. The county is over 34% of your property tax bill. The schools are over 36% of that bill, adding up to over 70%. You want to reduce your property tax bill? Go to the school board and the county commission and state your objection to spending more money for essential services than required. Marathon’s beaches are among our most important assets to locals and tourists alike. Coco Plum beach on the east side can stand some sea grass, as it is a passive beach after all. It is supposed to be natural and rough. Sombrero Beach though suffers daily from lack of or incorrect sea grass raking. Locals and tourists talk amongst themselves shaking their head at this sad state. Proper raking three times a day and removing that sea grass off the beach entirely is what the doctor ordered, you know. The city has tried, but contractors have failed us once again. There was a company squeezed out by a process that unnecessarily restricts the better contractors. There are times who or who not gets a contract is political and financial. Here we thought graft and corruption was not possible in Marathon. I was a Publix shopper through and through. Then a friend suggested Winn Dixie’s fuel perks program. Okay, I will try it out. What could I lose? I already had a reward card. So I have been shopping Winn-Dixie for a while. I then filled up at the city’s only Shell station near Office Depot. I got 20 cents off each gallon. Couple that with using my Capital One rewards card, the savings are significant. Now you have to spend money grocery shopping at Winn-Dixie to build up the per gallon savings. Since all of us have to eat, keeping the fuel perks high is easy. What is all this bitching about candy-cane sewer vent pipes? If you don’t like it, dress it up like the one at Curly’s Coffee at 11601 Overseas Highway across the street from Keys Animal Hospital. If you can find it on the property, you got an eagle eye. Community Development Block Grant - Citizens Advisory Task Force [CDBG CATF] was recreated from the 2001 Marathon Resolution 01-13-01. Resolution 2008-123 accomplished that. The CDBG CATF is supposed to encourage resident input on the plan, procedures, public hearings, and oversight of such qualified programs. One such application was money for sewer hook-ups for low and very low-income residents. Isn’t that still ongoing or is it done? Now a Crane Point zip line feature is trying for a $750,000 grant. The CDBG CATF will be called upon to have public hearings. Deputy Paul Bean has a new Dodge Charger cop car. I cannot help but think that is a reward for his inappropriate sexual behavior. While he stood at my head, he and Tom Hill touched me several times in my private areas. All this while I was restrained arms and legs on a GCMK psych ward table in a completely empty room except for that table. I have cut out Deputy Bean’s photo to show everyone Monroe County’s finest. Still, the nearly 400 Sheriff’s Office employees do not deserve to be compared to the February 15th six.Heffernan Law Office is a tradition in Marathon. They are my personal lawyers and the Florida Keys Journal LLC lawyers. They handle a number of cases from criminal to second amendment rights. They are understanding, professional, and extraordinarily competent. And someone in that office wears a bowtie! So retrograde. September 7, 2011 - Middle Keys - Leslie Valant: Preparing for Turbulence Preparing for Turbulence While investors cannot predict future market instability, they can prepare, says local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Marathon, FL (Grassroots Newswire) 09/06/11 - Recent volatility in the global markets may cause even the most seasoned investors to feel shaken up. But, according to Edward Jones, short-term market turbulence can serve as a reminder that like flying, investing is not always a smooth ride. "It's natural to feel nervous when your investments look like they're losing altitude, but it's important to stay the course," said Leslie Valant, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Marathon. "The best response to market fluctuations is to keep your emotions and your investment strategy steady." Valant offers some perspective on how to keep white knuckles at bay in turbulent times: Turbulence is normal Stock market declines are a normal part of investing. According to recent research, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has dipped by five percent on average 3.4 times a year. Bigger drops occur less frequently, with corrections (10 percent or more) once a year, and bear markets (20 percent or more) every 3.5 years. Volatility happens regularly and is no reason to sell a quality investment. Fasten your seatbelt, not your parachute Bailing out at 30,000 feet isn't the best reaction to turbulence. Similarly, some investors might react by jumping in and out of the market, which can significantly impact investment performance. Historically, the best days often follow the worst days. While no one can predict what will happen in the future, getting out of the markets after the drops may mean missing any potential recoveries. Your destination determines how you travel If you're traveling from the east coast to the west coast, turbulence shouldn't cause you to land in the Take the long view Some passengers react to turbulence better than others. Some ignore it, and others simply sleep through it. Successful long-term investors take the same approach to volatility, focusing on their long-term plans instead of day-to-day fluctuations. "A solid financial strategy is key to riding out these short-term ups and downs," says Valant. "You can make small adjustments along the way, but unless you experience a significant life change, it's essential not to veer off course." For more information about Edward Jones, please contact Leslie Valant, Edward Jones in Marathon, located at 10065 Overseas Highway, next to the new Marathon Vacation Real Estate Office. About Edward Jones Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 11 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2011," is headquartered in
Leslie Valant Financial Advisor Edward Jones 10065 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 (305) 289-3925 EdwardJones by Leslie is where I go for my investments in my 12 grandchildren. You get personalized service. You can trust your investments with Leslie Valant's EdwardJones company. September 8, 2011 - Florida Keys - Jessica Mintz: FORGOTTEN FELINES ADOPT-A-LESS-ADOPTABLE- DATE: Saturday, September 24, 2011 TIME: 10 am – 3 pm LOCATION: Purr-Fect Thrift Store 3580 Overseas Highway, Marathon Across Marathon City Park
Come and meet our wonderful mature, special needs and black cats.
ñ Older cats are mellower than kittens and you don't have to worry getting things knocked over. ñ Dark-furred pets make it easy to accessorize - black goes with everything! ñ Physically challenged pets are often unaffected by their handicap - but you still look like a hero!
Forgotten Felines Celebrates Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Cat Week Forgotten Felines is joining www.Petfinder.com to celebrate Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week September 17 - 25. The theme, "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Not a Kitten, Adopt Me Because I Need You," urges people to adopt those pets who suffer from discrimination. Reasons include breed prejudice, ageism and special needs. Forgotten Felines is having a “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Cat” event on September 24, 2011, from 10-3 at the Purr-Fect Thrift Store across the Marathon City Park at 3580 Overseas Highway to encourage potential adopters to consider cats they might not have previously. www.Petfinder.com launched its first Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet campaign in 2009 after recognizing that approximately 95 percent of shelters and rescue groups have a harder time finding homes for certain pets. “Every day, families walk into shelters or visit www.Petfinder.com and, perhaps unconsciously, bypass some adoptable pets simply because of the way they look, their age, or because they have a condition such as blindness or deafness,” said Betsy Banks Saul, the co-founder of www.Petfinder.com. www.Petfinder.com will also be featuring a gallery of “less adoptable” pets on its Web site during the weeklong event to highlight just how many pets need to be given a chance. Forgotten Felines posts its adoptable pets on Petfinder at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL1050.htmlKandios 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. September 9, 2011 - Middle Keys - Gary Roberts: 3-D’s Been Around a Long, Long Time. The Last Resort It was 1953 and I was only 6 years old. My dear dad decided to treat me to a movie and a new phenomenon called 3 Dimension or 3-D. It was the first 3-D movie from a major American studio – Warner Bros. The movie was “The House of Wax” starring that renowned villain, Vincent Price, and the lovely actress, Phyllis Kirk. We lived in a small town in northeast Texas and drove 15 miles to even a smaller town where the movie was playing. Today, my father could have been arrested for taking one so small to see a movie that at the least would have been rated PG-13. Of course, there was no rating systems back then – I don’t think parents needed it. Things were very different 50+ years ago. The 3-D glasses were flimsy card board, but they did the trick. I think better then than now – although I admit I was a bit more impressionable then. I remember the one scene that I hid my eyes from. It was not the scary scenes, but the one where Vincent Price had strapped Phyllis Kirk on a platform and was going to lower her into the hot wax – Naked ! Of course there was very little shown and I would bet now that she was in a body suit, but it was very shocking to this little boy. How times have changed – and not for the better. Interesting that my wife and I have been to two recently released 3-D movies and both were based on comic book heroes that were popular when I was that same little six year old boy. Where are our heroes now? (Well that’s a subject for another time). This “new” 3-D got me to thinking about wise Solomon and what he said about nothing being new under the sun. ( Bible – Book of Ecclesiastes). He goes on and on about this and seems beside himself about it. Interesting phrase “beside himself” also applied to Jesus in Mark 3:20-21. Usually interpreted that the person is not in his right mind. Or maybe that he has become two – is that bipolar or schizophrenic? Anyway back on the subject of 3-D. I looked up the definition of two dimensions and three dimensions and being a simple person, I’ll use a simple definition. 2-D is length and width and 3-D is length, width and depth. This is what makes 3-D movies so different - we seem to be able to see depth in the picture. And may I say that this is what makes some people more interesting than others – those that seem to have depth in them also. Sometimes even to the point that they seem beside themselves. Remember, people in Jesus’ time thought that he was beside himself. I wondered too, how God might view this. I think that God is certainly 3-D and maybe he looks at the rest of us as 2-D – not much depth. I have never been able to quite grasp the meaning of the Trinity – God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. But I’ve never been able to grasp how a brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk either. I happen to believe both though. Back to Solomon. He finally gets it right at the end of his book. I am tempted not to give you the answer so you’ll have to get a Bible and dust it off and look it up. It’s too easy on the Internet now though. So Solomon ends his short essay on the meaning of life in this way: “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands.” Pretty simple, eh? Jesus added one thing to what Solomon had concluded - not to make it more difficult, but to include us all. For Jesus said that we are to fear God, obey his commands and love one another. Now that’s 3-D ! Keys Animal Hospital is our friendliness advertiser and heavily committed to community service. There are special adoptions, a great working relationship with our local animal shelter, and, of course, high quality common sense health care for our furry friends. September 11, 2011 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Infamous Florida Keys Journal Week in Review. Okay, let's Foreclosing on a family’s dream to own their home is another piece of a stagnant economy. What else are you going to do when every nickel is important to business viability? No winners here. Owen Poole’s iconic Paradise Recycling on 107th Street in Marathon is being challenged about a block down the road. Poole is not worried. Let the best business survive, better yet they both stay in business. What a concept. I thought that I knew Marathon history, until I read Dan Gallagher’s Marathon from 1906 to 1960. National Key Deer Refuge so-called predator cats are being hunted down like rats. Somehow the city’s dealings with FDOT always seems to go wrong, reference the Aviation and US1 T intersection west side. Anyone thinking FDOT would religiously involve Marathon in all the decisions live in a dream world. Sea grass, sea grass, everywhere beach sea grass. Have we not been here before with Marathon’s beaches? Skeeter board is finally cutting costs and reducing spending. Someone has to pay, and employees are top of the list. Way to go, ghost busters. Meeting your doctor by television lacks the face-to-face human interactions. I don’t use tele-med. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority finally reduces their runaway spending. I am afraid too little, too late. Whenever you meet a bunch of suit and ties, you know you are no longer in the Keys. Monroe County Supervision of Elections Harry Sawyer Jr. gets in on a lawsuit to stop anti-voter efforts statewide. Go, Harry, go! Public schools are an easy target. Charter Schools help a few that may be able to afford them. What about all those other students? Aren’t they American too? Haven’t their parents paid property taxes to support public schools? Charter Schools and there like is a short-term gain with bad long-term consequences. Naked woman on US1 is better than retrograde stop signs. More, please. Pro-Business? Stop, shop, stay. Go local, be happy Deputy Paul Bean in Weekly Newspapers. I’m upset that this man who sexually molested me while I was in four-point restraints is lauded by local newspapers. Standby. The coconut telegraph is working quite well, my apologies to http://www.bigpinekey.com/. After my June 1st kidney surgery, I got the pathology report. I have papillary renal cell carcinoma, or plainly kidney cancer. Sympathy is okay; but empathy is better. Advantage Rehab & Fitness is an outstanding wellness center that thrives on community. They treat you like family. Their business hires locals and supports the local economy. Everything is clean, bright, and they manage your rehabilitation and fitness to fit your needs and desires. September 12, 2011 - Big Pine Key: Stop Endangering the Marsh Rabbit. Dear Anne, 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. September 13, 2011 - Key Largo - Unknown: Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Fest Vendor Application. Hello Everyone!
We have updated vendor applications on our website for the festival. It will be held on January 28-29, 2012. Everything is pretty much the same as last year, however, read the new application carefully, as some items have changed. For one, all vendors must have a valid e-mail address, as that is how we will communicate with you. Any special requests will be handled on a case by case basis by the organizing committee. I will communicate those requests as I get them. We cannot guarantee same booth locations as previous years, but we will do our best based on the needs of the festival. The decision to change the layout of the festival could be a factor for example.
We will limit the number of same type vendors as we did last year, i.e. jewelry and clothing. So those of you in that category should get your applications in as quickly as possible. Food vendors will have exclusivity on their particular product as always. Once again, all beverages will be sold through the festival itself. We are not looking to expand our vendor roster this year, so spaces will go quickly, and once sold out, there will be no room for late applications.
We had a great festival last year, and we look forward to seeing everyone again! 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, when Jeff is doing ten things at once. And he is good at too. They are always busy.
Collector's Corner is one of our newest advertisers, but has been doing business for a very long time. As the company's name shows, anything collectible is offered. They have silk shirts, embroidered hats, and election signs in season. Collector's Corner has a large showroom that invites shopping and browsing. September 15, 2011 - Islamorada - Barbara Edgar: Lecture on Monday September 26th at 6:30 pm at Island Edwin O. Swift, III is a founder, President and Director of Historic Tours of America, was in retail for 15 years, active in the community serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce and being one of the foremost and earliest proponents and developers of affordable workforce housing. He is presently working on the Florida Keys Assisted Care Coalition and the September 16, 2011 - Key Largo - Sue Finney: Key Largo Pirates Fest Vendor Application. R. Hendrick Construction is really good with cement cracks. They do everything else well too. Family and community is their byword. September 17, 2011 - Islamorada - George Hertel: Commencement of construction on the new $4.5 million Irving Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History and Conference Center, scheduled to take place yesterday, has been postponed indefinitely as the result of a lawsuit filed by Winn Dixie’s real estate arm, NET5 FDA, LLC, from Atlanta, seeking to stop construction of the museum. As a result, the museum’s future is thrown into doubt and construction workers were sent home. Winn Dixie’s lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the Village of Islamorada Council approved the museum project without following its own permitting guidelines and gave “preferential treatment to the property owner and (for) the personal interests of those comprising the Village.” Museum project spokesperson George Hertel reacted: “This is truly a sad day for the countless residents of Islamorada who put their heart and soul into making this unique insight into Keys history a reality! The museum developers, with legendary Keys historian Irving Eyster's guidance, began work on this project in late 2010 when they first proposed the project to Village planning officials. Any suggestion that they received preferential treatment is ludicrous. As with any ambitious project in the Florida Keys, the permitting and regulatory process is daunting and intense; and for good reason. It weeds out those trying to cut corners and potentially harm our limited, fragile resources. Like any responsible property owner, we knew we had to come ready to work with and follow the process required if we wanted to get the project off the ground. In light of the lawsuit, it is impossible to predict when, or even if, the museum will become a reality.” Winn Dixie’s project has been mired in litigation of its own against neighboring landowners who object to the store footprint and access issues. Their supermarket project appeared all but dead until the museum lawsuit was filed, and appears to be a last gasp, desperate effort to resurrect a project that has lost momentum. Might be a good idea to also call, write, or e-mail Winn Dixie Corporate and let them know you feelings. Paradise Recycling serves Marathon and surrounding communities with recycling all kinds of metal from aluminum to copper. September 18, 2011 - Middle Keys - John Bartus: John Bartus & Storm Watch are the Saturday Night headliners at Conch and Florida Keys Seafood are feature dishes, and there will be ten different beers on tap to quench the autumnal thirst. A vendors market featuring arts and crafts, as well as cooking demonstrations and fun for the entire family will make Conchtoberfest one of our islands' great events! For more information, visit www.keysconchtoberfest.com or www.johnbartus.com Kayaks & Bikes is a versatile, multiple business provider of services and products. I especially like the owner and his perspective of life and politics. Don't get him started. You cannot go wrong stopping by and see for yourself. September 19, 2011 - Middle Keys - Jessica Mintz: We are having 6 adorable young cats (approximately 4 months) flying in from Georgia to enter our rescue and are in need of temporary foster homes for about 2-3 weeks or permanent homes. We provide all of our foster homes with whatever they need such as food and litter and you do not have experience as foster home since we will train you. All you have to do is to go through a home inspection. Being a foster home is very rewarding and since Forgotten Felines does not have a shelter we rely on our volunteers and foster homes. The more foster homes we have the more kittens and cats we can take in that were abandoned, owner-surrendered or strays. If you are able to help or would like more information on how to become a foster home, please contact Jessica at 305-240-5266 or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com. Prop Tech: Very unique and down-to-earth business on 20th Street. Shop and office are in the same space. Lots of welding going on along with props everywhere. September 20, 2011 - South Florida - Brittany Elder: POLLO TROPICAL OFFERS INCENTIVE IN SUPPORT September 25, 2011 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Infamous Florida Keys Journal Week in Review. Okay, let's
Any action to undermine our safety, health, and environment is simply inexcusable. Yet that is what the City of Marathon is doing. The city jeopardizes our lives and property to pinch a penny. The fact that Local 4396 firefighter/paramedic union put an ad in a newspaper is an indictment against the City of Marathon. I cannot support a city manager or councilmember sacrificing our safety and health. If our City Manager persists in this wrong-headed path, I then call on our council to fire him.
Please go to http://www.marathonflorida.org/index.aspx?NID=41 to call and/or email your councilmembers to stop trying to kill one of us in short changing our safety and health.
Once again, bullet voting, at large versus seats, morning meeting prior to evening city council meeting all combine to devalue each voters’ vote. Did we mean to skew our local elections and meetings to be contrary to what Marathon’s residents truly wanted? I think not.
The old TIB bank signs have been changed to the new CB signs. The new logo is an eighth grader geometry mistake from hell. I suppose if that is all I can find to bitch about, the bank is doing very well indeed.
Big Pine Key fire was prescribed burn that got away from the officials in charge. I wonder who is doing PR over there. “Anomaly” was destined to bring more untoward attention than explanation.
The Journal offers a $500 in-kind contribution that includes advertising, promotional services, and a profile platform. All the Key West candidates were offered this contribution. No one has yet to use this valuable contribution. Having been a candidate for two elective offices over the last 8 years, I know that you do not pass up any opportunity to put yourself out there in front of the voters.
Assisted living facilities are key to a future healthy community dedicated to taking care of their own. The problem is who runs the facility and how well they do so. If we cannot or will not take care of our seniors in a dignified way, our society as a whole degrades beyond redemption.
Finally, Dunkin’ Donuts and gas station to be built at the old Miami Subs place. I can’t wait for the daily sugar high.
I have copyrights on all two novels and four poetry collections with a new novel and poetry collection on the way. Until recently, I was adamant about protecting creative property. I’ve changed my mind on my creative property. Everyone else at my online bookstore should keep their copyrights. My copyrights started in 1987. That is 24 years. Time to change the dynamic, here are links to all my creative property for free. That is right, for free. Enjoy. Links as follows:
Paradise Recycling serves Marathon and surrounding communities with recycling all kinds of metal from aluminum to copper. Good payouts too, especially great for individual recycling.
September 26, 2011 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Please join us Monday, October 3rd, for our guest speaker "The Used Turtle Salesman" Jim Gamlin. Jim will discuss the underwater Dry Tortugas, Sea Manatees, and an "Abnormal Sea Turtle". Jim also just adopted in 55th nest - "Double Nickel". 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.
September 26, 2011 - USA - Judy Starr: Dear Editor. Dear Mr. Shaffer, Thank you for your Marathon Journal. Even Just wanted to let you know that based on what I think you've been saying, I don't think I agree with you on bullet voting. The main problem is that it is not weighted, so that voters don't have a first, second, third, fourth, etc. choice. (On this basis, over twenty years ago, I saw a well admired and accomplished chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission lose office; it came as a bit of a surprise -- not to mention disappointment -- to many people.) The other is that there may well be one of more candidates who haven't earned the support of a given voter; in other words, "none of the above" may at times apply to one or more candidates on a ballot. The third (in my opinion) is that in a free country the voter should have the choice of whom to vote for, or not vote for, when s/he enters the booth; alternatively, s/he could stay home and not vote at all, an alternative which I think we would both see as far less desirable. I agree with you that public safety employees serve in a critical capacity, often placing their lives on the line. I freely admit that I don't know enough about Marathon and its public safety employees to discuss personnel or labor issues there with any degree of intelligence. However, in the broader context, as you are probably well aware, there is a major problem in localities across the country in meeting not only salary and benefit employment requirements, but also post-retirement obligations. (Perhaps having a defined contribution rather than a defined benefits program would be helpful; again, I don't know enough to discuss Marathon even semi-intelligently.) Up north where I also spend time, the town is about to contribute $8.2 million to its Other Post Employment Benefits fund, and it is not nearly enough, but at least it's something. The sad fact is that today we have people struggling to hold on to their homes. I seriously doubt that anyone lacks appreciation for public protection employees, but imagine it must be very hard for public officials (including elected ones representing their constituents) to balance such employment and post-employment obligations with the needs of citizens struggling to stay where they are in these difficult times. Well, I guess I've said a lot. I recall from previous emails with you that you served in public office in Marathon, so you surely know much more than I do about that city. I seem to also recall that we are in agreement on basic development issues (e.g. infrastructure capacity should influence development scope and density), but I felt after reading repeatedly about your thoughts on the two above subjects I would take the liberty to share my thoughts in response. By the way, thank you for all your years of service to our country. It is people like you who give of themselves to our military service, often putting your lives on the line for the sake of us and this country, who help to keep us free. Respectfully, 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. Link below is a photo collage; I like the Mustang. September 27, 2011 - Florida Keys - James Bell: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. National Key Deer Refuge, Visitor
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.
September 28, 2011 - Islamorada - Mary Swaney: Village of Islands Town Hall Meeting Media Release.
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.
September 30, 2011 - Islamorada - Dave Purdo: Good Health Clinic. October 1, 2011 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Florida Keys Journal Week in Have you really taken a good look around Marathon lately? My favorite drive is down Coco Plum Drive all the way to the turn around. Vaca Cut is amazing with the currents and sights both the gulf and the ocean. The best is a ride down Sombrero Beach Drive to Sombrero Beach and use the roundabout. There are more spots that are amazing in Marathon, but those are my favorite three. September digest is being put together as I write this. The link is http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/2011/090111.htm. The digest might be under construction/destruction the first days of October, but never fear the digest will be published. Key West Mayor Cates endorsed by the Keynoter. Wow, such accolades are startling. Expect more trees for Marathon’s US1 median from 107th Street to Coco Plum Drive. It is astonishing how trees in the median can make Marathon look. None of those trees have been blown away yet. A new book is out on how to raise teens. Good luck with that! Teenagers, God love them, are a train wreck at least weekly. Fire Chief Wagner let go by Marathon; Islamorada has to come up with money in tight budget to pay Wagner salary that was being paid by Marathon. Fire Chief Wagner is one fantastic fire chief, but the Islamorada council played politics and lost. Re: Key Colony Beach. Please, Marathon, don’t screw up this fire chief search. Consult the Local 4396 firefighter/paramedic Union. Otherwise, you are just digging the hole even deeper. Has any councilmember considered promotion from within? Crane Point Zipline equals 21 jobs. This one is a no brainer. Considering the Crane Point jobs including the new Walgreen’s 20 local jobs, can we all say local economic improvement? Fishermen’s Hospital changes its name. Will parking in the ER parking lot still cost $3,000? Naming the old hospital Fishermen’s Community Hospital does not cancel high costs to patients and does not improve its community image. Urgent care and emergency care keys-wide sucks. If my arm is amputated, I will put the arm on ice and drive up north. Leave those dragonflies alone, they eat mosquitoes. They don’t waste one red cent of property taxpayer’s money either. Mr. Marathon Mike Puto often makes it in local newspapers. His photo pops up and we learn of another good thing that he is doing in his beloved Marathon. Has anyone followed him around during a typical day? I bet you would not last the morning! I’m exhausted just reading all the articles on his latest exploits. I bet you he is working on Marathon’s 12th birthday bash scheduled November 12 at the community park. The Journal will be there, will you? I applaud Winn-Dixie’s commitment to leave Irving Eyster alone along with the museum coming on line soon in Islamorada. The USS Spruance was commissioned Saturday in Key West. Four Florida Keys Journal tickets went to people who appreciate the event’s historical significance. Go Navy! O, one more thing, the USS Spruance (DDG-111) is not a “cruise ship” as one local newspaper printed. The Spruance is a guide missile destroyer. The ship is named after Admiral Spruance who played an important role during WW2 in the Pacific War theatre. Monroe County Board Chairman John Dick has overseen a reduction of administrative jobs mostly by attrition. He favors a referendum January 31, 2012 to allow some Capital Infrastructure money to be transferred to the general fund. You never tap into Capital Infrastructure money as that funding keeps our future capital infrastructure projects on track. Yet this has become necessary. Let us hope this is temporary. 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, when Stan is doing ten things at once. And he is good at too. They are always busy.
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 LLC Daily News & Digest:
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Florida Keys Journal
FL 33043. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BIRDING FESTIVAL SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
CAT ADOPTION EVENT. 
Ministry - Gary Roberts. 
Community Church. The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host with month's lecture on Monday,
Calling all Vendors! Key Largo Pirate's Bazaar, Oct. 22-23, MM 104, Key Largo. 
Conchtoberfest 2011, held at Hawks Cay Resort at Mile Marker 61 on Duck Key, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. In addition, John will play two solo sets, Friday evening at 5:00 p.m., and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. "We're excited to be a part of this festival in its second year," John says, "and everyone should try and make an excuse to come to the Keys for this great fall event!"
OF TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN’S “STRIDES FOR EDUCATION” 5K WALK/RUN ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
rare and endangered marine turtles and to the enhancement of their habitats here in the Keys and throughout the world.
though I do not live there, it is interesting to read your thoughts about events in Marathon. 
Center, 175 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key Plaza, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, Phone: 305/872-0774. Fax: 305/872-2154, 
To help kick off the week’s activities, National Key Deer Refuge will participate in the 17th Annual ‘The Big Sit!’. The Big Sit! is hosted nationally by Bird Watcher’s Digest and is touted as “Bird Watching’s Most Sedentary Event”. It’s an outdoor game designed to encourage anyone interested in learning more about birds to get started in a casual atmosphere. The ‘rules of the game’ are simple: bring a chair, identify and count the birds you see, meet your neighbors and have fun! 
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
305-743-4456
