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Thomas "Tip" O'Neill - former U.S. Congress Speaker of the House: "All politics is local."
Marathon Florida Keys Journal focuses on the Florida Keys local political stories & such like opinionated stuff.
The FRONT PAGE links below are dated, & the oldest item is on top, the newest on the bottom. These are our most recent postings; click on any dated link to go directly to that article. For a collection of the previous month's submissions, click on PAGE TWO, first item, latest digest titled by the month of the articles. Photo to the left is Tiger born 5.24.10...
Marathon Florida Keys Journal News Queue FRONT PAGE : [Primary Election Results AUG.24 | Shiver Report AUG.27 -- Editor's Notes AUG.28 | Keys Disease AUG.29] PAGE TWO : [August 2010 Digest Letters to the Editor | Headlines | Dolphin Pride | Press Photos | Journal Index | Gas Prices | Recordings | Historical Council ]BACK PAGE : [Advertising | Classifieds | Subscribe | Article Submission | Links | Poll | Quotes | ACRONYMS | Events Schedule | Subscribe Web Calendar | Dull Stuff ] Marathon Florida Keys Journal News Queue * The Queue * Rice and Neugent win over DiGennaro and Coll in County Commission Primary. * The Queue * School Board Primary Results in Two Runoffs in November. Walker Will Oppose Martin; Smith-Martin will Oppose Bowers. * The Queue * Referendum to Direct Hire Superintendent of Schools Succeeds after Failing Four Times in Prior Years. * The Queue * McPherson Moves on to Oppose Saunders in State Race by Defeating Gardi. * The Queue * Ptomey Retains Judgeship by Easily Defeating Efstratiou. * The Queue * Mosquito Control Primaries Result in Wins for Budget Reformers. Rudell, Dombroski, and Bridges Prevail. * The Queue * Mosquito Control Budget Hearings Scheduled in Key Largo 9-10; Marathon 9-20. Sharp Criticisms Leveled at Director Fussell for Proposed 18% Budget Increase at Key West Hearing. * The Queue * Scott Defeats McCollum in Governor’s Race. * The Queue * Leigh Ann’s Coffee Shop Closes US1 Location 8-28, and Reopens in KCB on the Causeway. Owner, Leigh Ann Card, Says Failed Lease Talks with Landlord, Claude Halioua Caused Move. * The Queue * County Submits to FEMA’s Ironfisted Policies, Denying Ground Floor Room for Disabled Citizens. * The Queue * KCB and Marathon Mend Fences on Fire/EMS Service. Five Year Contract Agreement Put in Place. * The Queue * SUFA Withdraws from Animal Control Contract in Marathon and Big Pine. County Scrambles to Replace Services. * The Queue * Marathon Sets Initial Trim Rate at 2.0181, Which Yields about $250K More in Property Tax This Year. * The Queue * Marathon Budget Public Hearings Sept. 9th and 14th at Government Center at 5:30 p.m. Draft Budget Barely Mentioned at Workshops, Available on City Web Site.
August 27, 2010 - Marathon - Blair Shiver: Youth Club Proposes Part Timer at City Park Organization Promises to Remain Self-Sustaining | Courtesy of The Weekly Newspapers |
Councilman Dick Ramsay raised the issue during the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, and Parks & Rec Chairman Luis Gonzalez emphasized that with the first budget hearing less than two weeks away, the group is pressed for time to find money in the budget for additional personnel.
“I’ve met with the directors of each sport, and we’ve asked them to individualize what their needs are for their sports as the needs for football are going to be different from girls’ softball and baseball,” Gonzalez told the council, adding that Parks Director Jimmy Schmitt was in support of additional staff to help centralize registration and administer over youth sports.
According the Gonzalez, youth club programs currently serve approximately 600 kids through baseball, softball, t-ball, football, and soccer. Basketball, which is currently run by city staff during the winter months, serves roughly 100 kids. Gonzalez said the Youth Club would like to expand to include flag football and the new staff person could oversee the co-ed softball league that began just this summer.
The idea is to simplify the operation, Gonzalez said, not only with registration but also with scheduling games in other cities and bulk purchasing of equipment with the city’s buying power.
“We want one person who would know the operation of every single sport on a year-round basis,” he explained.
Local attorney Frank Greenman agreed that the position is a very good idea and administratively wise to consolidate all these activities to ensure oversight.
Though job requirements and qualifications still need to be finalized, the council pledged to support the concept.
“If we reduce our charitable contributions from $90,000 a year down to $70,000, there’s the $20,000 for the position right there,” Ramsay suggested.
Mayor Ginger Snead suggested that all vested parties, including the city attorney, come back with an outlined plan for the new position before the first budget hearing on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 pm at the Marathon Government Center.
In other business:
• Greenman reported to the council on behalf of the Land Acquisition Committee and relatively inactive Affordable Housing Task Force.
“You own five lots between you and the Land Trust,” Greenman told the council. “Three of them have permits ready to be built. There are no takers, and I think the reasons for that are obvious. Right now the market is dead, but there are five lots available whenever a qualified should come up. We also have four or five affordable houses for sale between here and Coral Shores.”
He continued that between the City of Marathon and Florida Forever, the state’s land conservation program, much of the environmentally sensitive property across Grassy Key has been purchased on recommendation of the Land Acquisition Committee.
Greenman added that Patti Childress, the city’s Land Steward, is an asset with an incredible inventory of knowledge.
• City Manager Roger Hernstadt passed along federal lobbyist Rick Marks’ report from Washington, D.C.
“There are in fact not too many things happening in Washington at this point in time,” with regard to the mid-term elections, Hernstadt reported. But, he commended Marks for his work during legislative session to which Snead quickly agreed.
“He helped us despite the fact that we heard there’d be no money, and he’s delivered more times than not for our city,” she applauded.
• Attorney Bob Miller, speaking on behalf of the estate that includes the long-discussed Hanley Property, said the owner is planning to hire a construction engineer to find out exactly what needs to be done to bring the structure into compliance.
Miller said the structure currently stands without doors and windows because there was an attempt some years ago to put a fish processing plant in the building.
“We want to make it right, and we’re going to take care of it,” he affirmed.
• Council voted to throw out the resulting bids of a Request for Proposals from three companies to perform beach cleanup services along Marathon’s Sombrero and CocoPlum beaches.
Rich Thompkins of Beachcomber of the Florida Keys, LLC who is currently contracted with the city to perform the service said his original contract was to scrape and remove seaweed periodically or combine it into the dune line. He contended that three months ago, city staff told him he would be required to remove the seaweed and that a $15,000 increase in his proposed contract – from $65,000 per year to $80,000 per year – is to cover the cost of dumpsters he’s rented to collect and remove the debris.
“I have stuff here from FDEP that says seaweed does not have to be removed every time I scrape the beach,” Thompkins said.
The council voted to extend Thompkins’ current contract that is scheduled to expire in September. He agreed to meet with Hernstadt and Ramsay, who requested he be present at the negotiating table, to iron out the kinks in the contract.
August 28, 2010 - Marathon - Marilyn Tempest: READY FOR PRIME TIME. th morning briefing for Council, if you tuned out, you missed the fun. The last item generated lively discussion and was demoted from resolution status to a bullet in the manager’s report. The subject of this resolution, you ask? The purchase of a “Centrifuge With Trailer Mount System”, for a mere $622,000. “Excuse me. Wha’s that you say?”
A number of my pet peeves were stroked the wrong way as the facts were revealed.
1. There was a hurry up going on so that we could utilize a grant for about $400K of the price. Now, I love a good grant as much as the next guy, but a grant that locks you into extra personnel, training, maintenance, fuel, insurance and storage problems may not be such a fabulous gift. Just because a grant is out there doesn’t mean we are compelled to use it.
2. No comparative costs study was done for another product or outsourcing. Why not?
3. These large toys get buried in the budgets for Enterprise Funds, i. e. storm water and wastewater utilities, and we think they don’t really impact us, but they do. These utilities make money by charging you and me for capital and O & M. We barely look at the costs being stashed away in these budgets. (The Enterprise Funds budgets are posted at the city web site along with the general operations budget.)
No one thought it an issue that the “main purpose of this piece of equipment is drying out poop! And folks might not want to see or smell this piece of equipment doing its job at Coco Plum Beach or next to Subway.” (This quote is a fairly accurate recall of Vice Mayor Cinque’s reaction.)
Mayor Snead noted that we had in recent years purchased two other large pieces of equipment. She proceeded to give a physical representation of the work they did, which was fun to watch. One cleans out storm water wells, and the other trims brush at the roadside with spinning vertical blades. (It would be a good idea to report on how much money these two items are saving us, but I digress.)
Councilman Ramsay, who often keeps us at the table longer than we would like, apologized as he insisted we needed to discuss this last item. He was right. The resolution had not been properly vetted. In my opinion, staff was careless on this one. Later, at the evening meeting during the manager’s report, it was agreed to delay the decision in order to seek more information. The discussion did not generate the spontaneous laughter it had in the morning, but delay was the right move.
The 10 a.m. brief on City Council Day is my favorite venue for local issues. Council thinks out loud, and gives some insight into their decision making process. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning humor followed by sound action taken at the evening meeting. What we witnessed was a Council at its best, doing what it is supposed to do. As a footnote, I think the mayor and vice-mayor are ready for prime time. Letterman better watch out!
MT editor@marathonjournal.us
August 29, 2010 - Florida Keys - John Bartus - Keys Disease: One Out of Five … | Weekly Columns | Keys Disease | Courtesy of The Weekly Newspapers | Us Boomers will likely remember the old Trident gum commercials that used to start with the phrase, “Four out of five dentists recommend Trident gum for their patients who chew gum.” It always left me wondering about what the other dentist – the one out of five – believed would be better than Trident (Taffy? Tire rubber?). Well, dear readers, it seems like the “one out of five” believes some pretty strange things!
A recent poll showed that one out of five Americans believes that our President, Barack Obama, is a follower of Islam. The fact is that Obama is a Christian. He has been a Christian most all of his life, has attended Christian churches, and one of those churches featured a certain Christian pastor who caused Obama no small amount of political indigestion (remember Rev. Jeremiah Wright?). Still, the belief remains with one out of five of us that Obama is a Muslim. Happy Ramadan.
It gets worse. One out of five Americans can’t identify the United States on a map of the world. I’m not sure if it’s the same one out of five Americans who don’t know who we declared independence from back in 1776, but I bet it is. And I also bet it’s the same one out of five Americans who pee in the pool.
Now some of you may be thinking that one out of five Americans is only 20% of us, and that it’s not really that bad that 20% of us didn’t pay attention in history or geography classes. Fine. Keep on believing it’s not a horrible comment on (the lack of) American intelligence. Just remember that the next time you’re in a swimming pool with 50 of our fellow citizens, inclusive of those one out of five (or 10 in 50) Americans who are peeing in the pool as we speak. Towel, please.
It still doesn’t get better. One out of five of us believe that the sun revolves around the Earth. And you thought it was only pre-Copernican astronomers, popes, and VH1 divas? In concordance with this return to medieval thinking, one out of five Americans believes that witches are real! With the popularity of the teen vampire and werewolf movies and TV shows, I’m sure that belief in all scary monsters has risen exponentially. But it’s only 20%, right?
Running down some more of the improbable statistics, one out of five Americans believes that alien abductions are real (that would explain the appearance of Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott), that the Apocalypse will happen in their lifetime, and that state-run lotteries are a sound financial investment. No wonder people like Bernie Madoff were so successful.
One out of five Americans doesn’t use the Internet. At all. This time, it’s probably not the same one out of five Americans who are unhappy with their broadband connection speed. But it just might be the same one out of five American males of working age who don’t have jobs. If only someone would come up with a way to sit in front of their computer and use the Internet to make thousands of dollars at home in their spare time… and if only there were a 1-800 number to call for free information… we just might be able to kick this unemployment thing.
I’ve been using the “one out of five Americans” grouping like it’s a bad thing. (If the helmet fits…) It’s not always a bad thing, however, to be outside the norm, apart from the great unwashed, above average, or simply brilliant (like the above average and brilliant people who read this column). In a recent survey done by the McCormick Foundation, a majority of Americans were able to name freedom of speech as one of the freedoms protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. That’s good.
Just a little over one out of five Americans, however, were able to name freedom of religion as one of them. And only one in a thousand could name all five (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly/right to peaceably assemble, and freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances).
What’s worse, a McClatchy-Ipsos poll has found that 51 percent of Americans agree with this statement: “It is necessary to give up some civil liberties in order to make the country safe from terrorism.” And according to a USA Today/Gallup Poll, only one out of five Americans has a problem with TSA/airport security workers gawk at their naked bodies with the new full-body x-ray scanners. How would you feel about it if it were your wife? Your teenage daughter? How far are we willing to go?
Benjamin Franklin once said, “They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.” If only more than one out of five Americans actually believed that…
- John Bartus is a singer/songwriter and former Mayor of the City of Marathon. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, John plays this Friday (tonight) at Dockside, and Saturday at the Key Colony Inn. Thursday finds John performing solo at Sparky’s Landing. www.johnbartus.com .
More news is coming soon. Meanwhile: Marathon Florida Keys Journal August 2010 Digest .
Marathon's Regular Gas Prices on September 1, 2010 at 6:00 PM Chevron at Coco Plum & US1 [east] $2.819 -.02 Citgo at 132nd Street & US1 $2.819 -.01 Shell near 132nd Street & US1 $2.819 .-05 Shell across from 111th Street & US1 $2.819 -.05 Citgo near 110th Street & US1 $2.819 -.01 Citgo near 63rd Street & US1 $2.839 n/c Tom Thumb at Sombrero Beach Road & US1 $2.799 n/c Chevron at 39th Street & US1 $2.839 n/c Mobil just past 11th Street & US1 [west] $2.849 n/c n/l = not listed; n/c = no change; n/a = not applicable; negative sign means price went down; LOWEST ; HIGHEST Trending Down.
Marathon Mayors, Vice Mayors, & Councilmembers: A Look Back. Source: Marathon City Archives Online. Year is when Mayor/Vice elected. When November elections came about, the Mayor/Vice election occurs near the end of the year. So the next year is used for that particular council. Anyone may use this organized information in part or whole provided attribution of "Courtesy of
www.MarathonJournal.US " is included in the part or whole you use. This organized information is the intellectual property of the
Marathon Florida Keys Journal , a subsidiary of SIPCO © 2009, 2010.
2000 2001 [2nd year] 2002 2003 2004 1st end term 2005 end term 2006 2007 (a) 2008 2009 2010 - click link to send email to listed person Mayor Ginger Snead [2] -- Ph 305-304-7842 Mike Cinque [4] -- Ph 305-743-6519 Pete Worthington [7] -- Ph 305-289-0792 Dick Ramsay [2] -- Ph 305-289-1671 Rich Keating -- Ph 305-743-6654 2011 Rich Keating [2] -- Ph 305-743-6654Mike Cinque [5] -- Ph 305-743-6519 Mayor [m] & Vice Mayor [vm] Count & Years > Bob Miller - m 2000, 01> John Bartus - m 2002, 05; vm 00, 01, 04> Randy Mearns - m 2003; vm 02> Pete Worthington - vm 2003; m 08> Jeff Pinkus - m 2004> Chris Bull - vm 2005, 08; m 05, 06> Marjie Mearns - vm 2006> Marilyn Tempest- m 2007; vm 07> Mike Cinque - m 2009; vm 2010> Don Vasil - vm 2009> Ginger Snead - m 2010(a) = She was acting mayor for two council meetings until the council could elect a mayor and vice mayor.
ACRONYMS: ACOE Army Corps of Engineers AYSO American Youth Soccer Organization BPAS Building Permit Allocation System BPW Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc CAMP Creative Arts and Music Program CATF Citizen's Advisory Task Force CDBG Community Development Block Grant CBPAS Commercial Building Permit Allocation System CWHIP Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program DAV Disabled American Veterans DCA Florida Department of Community Affairs ECMC Educational Coalition for Monroe County EMS Emergency Medical Services EOC Emergency Operations Center FAA Federal Aviation Administrator FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDOH Florida Department of Health FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FIRM Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe County FKAA Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority FKWAF Florida Keys Wastewater Assistance Foundation FKCC Florida Keys Community College FKEC Florida Keys Electric Cooperative FKSCA Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance FLUM Future Land Use Map FRDAP Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program FWC Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission GIS Geographic Information System GSG Government Services Group H4H Habitat for Humanity HOA Home Owners Association HR Human Resources HUD US Department of Housing and Urban Development ICLEI International Council Local Environment Initiative I-G Industrial General IS Improved Subdivision ILA Interlocal Agreement ISD Improved Subdivision Duplex IT Information Technology LDRs Land Development Regulations required by the Comprehensive Plan LLC Limited Liability Corporation MCSO Monroe County Sheriff's Office MGS Marathon Garbage Service MHS Marathon High School MKCLT Middle Keys Community Land Trust MSTU Municipal Service Taxing Unit MU Mixed Use MUC Mixed Use Commercial NIMBY Not In My Back Yard NROGO Non-Residential Permit Allocation System NSW Near Shore Waters Advisory Committee P Public PSA Public Service Announcement PIO Public Information Officer OVHOA Overseas Village Home Owners Association RBPAS Residential Building Permit Allocation System RFP Request for Proposal RH Residential High RL Residential Low RM-2 Residential Medium - 2 [applies to Coco Plum community only] ROGO Rate of Growth Ordinance ROW Right of Way RV Recreational Vehicle SC Suburban Commercial SHIP State Housing Initiatives Partnership SR Suburban Residential SRF State Revolving Fund TBA To be Announced TBR Transfer of Building Right TDC Tourist Development Council TM Trade Mark TRIM Truth in Millage TSA Transportation Security Administration UR Urban Residential URS United Research Services or URS Corporation WEC Weiler Engineering Corporation YTD Year to Date
Advertising (305) 587-9031 Charter Advertiser
E-mail www.wjheffernanlaw.com/ Map & driving directions Charter Advertiser
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Easy Does It Hair Shop Across from Home Depot @ 1-305-743-3934 USA Charter Advertiser
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Place your ad here!
Something for Everyone 10090 Overseas HighwayCharter Advertiser
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Tyrone's Mobile Car Wash & Detail Charter Advertiser
Cruising Companion Publications http://www.idiyachts.com captmarti@netzero.com Charter Advertiser
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Ezine Listing http://www.ezinelisting.com
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COMMUNITY NOTICES: Arts Schedule from The Florida Keys Council of the Arts
City of Marathon, Community Parks, and Recreation Department /\ http://www.marathonflorida.org/parks /\ Latest Park Newsletter
/\ Native News Ali Adams
News Flash Water Conservation Efforts http://www.savewaterfl.com .
FLORIDA KEYS ECOWEEK 2010 exp NOV.7 http://ecoweekfloridakeys.com Ongoing: MARATHON MOVIE HOUSE www.marathontheater.org .
Marathon Community Theatre: Marathon Community Theater Presents. Tickets available at 743-0994. For more information about opportunities at Marathon Community Theatre, call the business office at 305-743-0408 or visit our website at
www.marathontheater.org .
Marathon Community Theatre is a 501(C-3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to contributing to and enhancing the cultural life of the Middle Keys. Membership is open to anyone who wants to support the activities of MCT through volunteer involvement or by contributions. Tax-deductible contributions may be made to Marathon Community Theatre, POB 500124, Marathon, FL.
For more info visit www.marathontheater.org .
July 24 2010
- Marathon - Jeri Sears: Save-A-Turtle Latest Info & Newsletter .
Latest Turtle Tracks Newsletter . [no expiration Ed. -- Turtles are in the news more and more lately. These majestic creatures deserve our time and care. Support Save-A-Turtle by attending meetings, donating time, and best donating money. Florida Keys Save-A-Turtle is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2010.
If you have any questions or would like to join Save-A-Turtle, check out our website at www.save-a-turtle.org .
Everyone is welcome to come to our monthly meetings. They are the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
If you have any questions or would like to join Save-A-Turtle, please visit our website at www.save-a-turtle.org . Everyone is welcome to come to our monthly meetings. They are the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
Save-A-Turtle, Inc. of the Florida Keys is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of rare and endangered marine turtles and to the enhancement of their habitats here in the Keys and throughout the world.
FROM: President, Save-A-Turtle Hello. Monroe County’s Save-A-Turtle, Inc. is a non-profit organization aimed at educating people about sea turtles. Save-A-Turtle has volunteers that look for signs that turtles have nested and another group of volunteers that assist with sick, injured, or dead turtles.
Come and be a part of the scheduled events. Please come out to join us. We always need people who are interested in helping our Flippered Friends – the sea turtles.
www.saveaturtle.org . Everyone is welcome to come to our monthly meetings. They are the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
Turtle Brochure is brand new from Save-A-Turtle. Looks really good too.
September 1, 2010 - Islamorada - Pasta Pantaleo: Has Invited You to Grand Opening Celebration exp SEP.4 August 26, 2010 - Marathon - KAIR: Join Us for an Evening of KAIRaoke exp SEP.5
August 26, 2010 - Islamorada - Provided by Dave Purdo: Matecumbe Historical Trust Labor Day Events exp SEP.6 August 26, 2010 - Middle Keys - Toastmaster International: Middle Keys Toastmasters September Meetings exp SEP.28
2nd Tues, Sept 14 - Tavernier MM92 - Tasters Grill
3rd Tues, Sept 21 - Marathon Coldwell Banker Officer 8AM - 9AM
4th Tues, Sept 28 - Islamorada - Tasters Grill 8AM - 9AM
More info at www.MiddleKeysToastmasters.org or (305) 923-6546
September 1, 2010-Big Pine - Chad Anderson: Call to Artists Natural Inspiration Portfolios for Refuge Art Wall exp OCT.15 "Call for Natural Inspiration" Portfolios due by 5pm Friday October 15, 2010 www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer / Portfolios/proposals will be accompanied by our consignment & entry form: http://www.favorfloridakeys.com/FAVOR%20application%20&%20consignment.htm http://www.favorfloridakeys.com/ArtistsWallSubjectsl.htm All art must be accompanied with an environmental message by the artist. Please call the visitor center to arrange for portfolio delivery @ 872-0774. You can also email in 3 digital files (please no larger than 1040 dpi) or send your website of examples to chad_anderson@fws.gov . More info at: www.favorfloridakeys.com .August 31, 2010 - Upper Keys - Audra Hill: Upper Keys Business and Professional Women Political Forum exp OCT.20
The Upper Keys Business and Professional Women are hosting a Political Forum on October 20th . Additional details below. Can you please place this information in the “Candidate’s Corner?”
Save the Date
The Upper Keys Business and Professional Women will be hosting a Political Forum
When: October 20th , 5:30pm
Where: Hilton Key Largo
Cost: $40 pre-sale, $45 at the door
(prices are for non-candidates)
All Candidates running for office in Monroe County are encouraged to attend.
Additional details to follow.
*Attire: Keys Cocktail * Cash Bar
If you have questions, please call Audra Hill at (305) 522-1697 or e-mail bpwpoliticalforum@gmail.com
Thanks so much!
Audra L. Hill, CPA
Keys Office (Please Note the Change
Miami Office:
Please support me in the Komen Tampa Bay 3 Day for the Cure.
August 31, 2010 - Marathon - John Bartus: Marathon Magazine Issue 2 exp OCT.30
By now, I hope you've had a chance to see Issue 1 of Marathon & The Middle Florida Keys Magazine, THE ONLY full color glossy publication dedicated to our Middle Keys community. Well, it's time for Issue 2, and I'd really like to have you as a part of this next publication!
Issue 2 will run throughout the final quarter of the year, from the first week in October through the New Year, stocked and restocked in all of our locations. Fantasy Fest, Marathon's City Celebration, Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season, Christmas, and New Year's will all come to pass during the shelf life of this issue.
From the start, I wanted Marathon & The Middle Florida Keys Magazine to be THE magazine that people picked up and read. Beautiful full color covers, excellent photography, and informational articles and features are combined with agency-quality ads and artwork for our clients. Marathon & The Middle Florida Keys Magazine is locally published and locally printed, and is the only local magazine dedicated to us here in the Middle Keys . This magazine is our showcase of all the great things we have to offer, and it's there to put your business into the best spotlight.
Issue 2 features include The State of Real Estate in the Middle Keys , our Holiday Shopping Guide , and a feature about Restaurants plus Fall & Holiday Events . As before, it will be distributed to over 100 locations just here in the Middle Keys -- places like the Chamber Visitor Center, local resorts, hotels, mom-and-pops, vacation rentals, restaurants, local merchants, real estate offices, and more. We're committed to getting this magazine into the hands of your prospective customers.
I am available at your convenience to discuss how we can make Issue 2 of Marathon & The Middle Florida Keys Magazine work for YOU ! Call me today at 305-731-1177 .
John Bartus
& THE MIDDLE FLORIDA KEYS MAGAZINE
PO Box 2523
Marathon Shores, FL 33052
305.731.1177
September 1, 2010 - Florida Keys - Glee: GLEE News & EcoWeek Updates exp NOV.7
Go Wild for Land Conservation Month!
September 2010
Greetings!
Some people might not know this, but my day job is with The Nature Conservancy. For 12 years I've been working with other conservation land managers from our eleven state parks, four National Wildlife Refuges, Navy, and countless FWC, County and municipally-owned natural areas to keep our island ecosystems healthy.
Myself and other conservation land managers have been tasked with how to make our flora and fauna as resilient as possible. Part A of the strategy involves keeping our natural areas as healthy as possible and Part B involves you helping to add a little bit of wildness to your piece of earth.
Certified GreenThumb Nurseries
Expos Join EcoWeek to Inspire Green Florida Keys Future
Coming to a Key near you, GLEE is planning four fabulous regional Expos in November that will educate and engage both residents and visitors to the Florida Keys. The Expos are part of EcoWeek EcoWeek Updates.... Mark you calendars for these dates!
Key Largo - Green Futures Expo, Monday, Nov. 1st Key West - Green Life Expo - Saturday, Nov. 6th Marathon - Green Business Expo, Saturday, Nov. 6th Lower Keys - Green Homes Expo, Sunday, Nov. 7th Click here to read more details about each of these Expos.
For general information about GLEE Expos, contact info@keysglee.com
For more information on EcoWeek Healthy Living Fairs contact Sandy at mcteagues@bellsouth.net
To learn more about other EcoWeek events go to FloridaKeysEcoWeek.com ruthgrace@bellsouth.net
Members Come First! Green Living Expos four Expos GLEE Expos EcoWeek Member registration and sponsorship sign-up will be emailed to members by Sept. 5. Priority placement for business members is available through Sept. 16. Registration and Sponsorship for non-members begins on Sept. 17th. Online registration is required to reserve space. Click here for Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities. KeysGLEE.com info@keysglee.com
Florida Keys Newest Unwanted
Prizes Offered for Finding New Invasive Florida Keys Invasive Species Task Force
Add Cartons and Caps to Recycle List Monroe County Recycling Coordinator Colleen Murphy Recycling Brochure How to Recycle
Community Garden Has Open Plots kwjody@yahoo.com
Travelers Palm Inn is GLEE Certified Travelers Palm Inn & Guest House Click here
Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival Events Planned The 12th Annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival will run from September 22-26th, 2010. Keys-wide events include birding walks, wildlife tours, internationally known ornithologist Pete Dunne, wildlife art show and an environmental fair with a live panther! Learn more at http://keysbirdingfest.org
Hooking Up to Sewer? Put Your Septic Tank to Work Click here for step-by step instructions. Writer Michael Welber is an environmental activist and author of the The Crabby Hermit
Pigeon Key Picnic Potluck Recipe Picks
GLEE's Member Appreciation event at Pigeon Key
Special thanks to those who chose to walk or bike the 2 miles from "the mainland" to Pigeon Key on the old bridge. Each was given a small token of appreciation for reducing Co2 and living healthy active lives. recognition for chefs Bill DeHart (Mango Coleslaw), Jody Smith-Williams (Daikon Beet Carrot Slaw and Collard Chips) and Jen DeMaria (Vegan Cupcakes). The votes for these dishes were, hands down, the highest in both categories! For links to winning recipes, click here. Bee Heaven Farm
A fter lunch, a tour of Pigeon Key by Executive Director Kelly McKinnon took visitors back in time with stories of ha rdship a nd perseveranc e by early Flag ler Railroad workers and their families. Photos in the museum document the pioneer lifestyle with faces that reflect determination despite the hardscrabble existence of the time. The historic significance of Pigeon Key and it's workers can be read in the construction of the buildings themselves, some of which were built to be temporary moveable structures and yet have lasted more than a century. After lunch, guests were cooled by an afternoon rain shower that did not seem to dampen the spirit of sharing and green networking one bit as guests headed home by ferry, foot and bike.
September 2, 2010 - Florida Keys - Overseas Heritage Trail Talk exp NOV.20
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Trail Talk
Welcome to the September 2010 Edition of Trail Talk!
In This Issue of Trail Talk:
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Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Construction Updates
Office of Greenways & Trails staff share information and receive feedback from local business owners about impacts of the trail design.
Progress on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) continues to move forward and, to date, approximately 70 miles of Trail have been completed in segments throughout the 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West. As we work to implement the vision for the FKOHT and carry out the locally developed master plan for this Trail, the DEP Office of Greenways & Trails is actively working to keep the Keys communities informed and engaged. For a project overview, see Construction and Design Projects .Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us .
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Volunteer News and Notes
By Monica Woll, FKOHT Trail Specialist Members of "BoatlessFishing.com" were so excited to have their adopted bridge (Channel 2) reopen following a temporary closure for retrofits and safety upgrades that they scheduled a clean-up project on July 18, just two weeks after the reopening. Fifteen anglers from this club worked together for two hours on cleaning this bridge--what a wonderful gift of stewardship for a valued community resource!
New volunteer Willy Wasik joined in the first "work/play" project on June 29. She took a day off work to help clean both the Spanish Harbor Historic Bridge and boat ramp and the lagoon on Scout Key. Rather than paddle, she opted to go for a swim afterward and considered the time away from the office a worthwhile break.
We've recently welcomed several new volunteers and organizations:Willy Wasik The Big Pine Key Botanical Society Diane Stevens Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us .
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Key West Bike Ride
The first "Flagler" bike tour around Key West was such a success that another is now scheduled for October, in celebration of Florida Greenways and Trails Month.
The historic Flagler bike tour is designed to appeal to those with a special interest in learning about Henry Flagler's Key West legacy by way of a free and leisurely group bike ride to various points of interest associated with Flagler. In May of this year, eight cyclists participated in the introductory tour which featured a 6.5-mile route through Old Town with stops at the museums, sculpture garden, library and the Flagler Historium. Representatives and interpreters were on hand to meet the group at several of the highlighted locations, making the tour an informative and very enjoyable experience.
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A "Palace on Wheels" By Cristina Lindley FKOHT Public Outreach Coordinator
The private carriage of railroad tycoon Henry Flagler is on display at the site of his Palm Beach mansion.
On a recent visit to Whitehall, the 55-room Palm Beach mansion built by Henry Flagler in 1901 for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, I felt as if I had walked onto a movie set of the "Gilded Age." The opulence and grandeur of the mansion's furniture and embellishments were quite impressive and Flagler's private railcar, described as a "Palace on Wheels," was also on exhibit.
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"Pedal-Paddle" Trails Day Celebration at Long Key
Madison Kauffman (l) and Monica Woll (r) on Long Key Historic Bridge - Photo by Jeff Kauffman
In celebration of National Trails Day®, June 5, 2010, FKOHT Trail Specialist, Monica Woll, guided a Pedal-Paddle event at Long Key State Park. About 20 participants joined in the event, either for the "pedal," the "paddle" or both activities. The route for the bike ride crossed the 2.2-mile Long Key Historic Bridge and the paddling excursion followed along the shallow shoreline to Long Key Point where everyone enjoyed a refreshing swim.
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Fall Calendar Highlights
September 24, Friday, 10 a.m. The kayak rental launch site at Curry Hammock State Park will be the meeting point for a paddle around Little Crawl Key with options to paddle to a beach one mile to the north or south. Plan to bring your own kayak or rent one. The paddle is scheduled to finish at 12 noon in time for a bring-your-own "brown bag" picnic lunch. Continue on with a bike ride along the Grassy Key section of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail from 1-3 p.m. Bring your bike and helmet. Park admission is free. For more information, call Monica Woll at (305) 853-3571 or email Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us . September 25, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail will join with many other organizations in this event at Curry Hammock State Park which features hands-on, outdoor activities for children and families, a wildlife expo and a wildlife art exhibition by local artists. Free admission to the Environmental Fair; some guided tours and programs may require fees. For more information, check out KeysBirdingFest . October 2, Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 Noon Meet at Flagler's Bar, Casa Marina Resort where the tour will begin with a short history of Henry Flagler and his mark on the City of Key West. Cycling tour will continue around Old Town with stops at points of interest such as the Monroe County Library, Sculpture Garden, Customs House, Flagler Historium and Trumbo Point site. The guided tour is a round trip of 6-7 miles, ending at the Casa Marina. Water and reusable water bottles will be provided and the tour is free of charge. To register, contact Cristina Lindley at (305) 360-2532 or email Cristina.Lindley@dep.state.fl.us ; or call the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail office: (305) 853-3571. October 16, Saturday, 9 a.m. Meet at Robbie's Marina parking lot, MM 77.5 bayside and ride across the newly refurbished Channel 2 Historic Bridge before paddling the mangrove creeks. The "pedal" is 12 miles round-trip and the paddle is about three miles. Bring your own bike and kayak, snacks and water. Kayak rentals available at Florida Keys Kayak & Sail, (305) 664-4878. For more information, call Monica Woll at (305) 853-3571 or email Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us . November 1-7 EcoWeek 2010 is a Keys-wide, week-long series of activities designed to promote and celebrate environmental preservation. For more information, see Ecoweekfloridakeys.com .
November 4, Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
This photo presentation and program at the Key West Garden Club is free and open to the public. Monica Woll, Trail Specialist with the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, will review the history of the Overseas Railroad and preview plans for the next year's 100th anniversary of the first train to arrive in Key West. The Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower at 1100 Atlantic Blvd where White St. meets the ocean. To RSVP, contact the Garden Club at (305) 294-3210. November 2-4, Tuesday-Thursday Monica.Woll@dep.state.fl.us . November 6-13 Key Largo to Key West roundtrip, fully supported bike tour. For more information, visit bubbafestbiketours.com .
November 18-20, Thursday-Saturday Miami to Key West bicycle ride fundraiser for the fight against AIDS/HIV. The ride is fully supported and designed to allow riders of all degrees of experience to participate. For more information, see smartride.org .
The Dull Stuff All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this Digest, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, emails, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by the Journal Editor. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of the Shaffer Internet Publishing Company [SIPCO] Daily News & Digest:
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Publication date: August 31, 2010Shaffer Internet Publishing Company http://MarathonJournal.US PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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Letters to the Editor
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August 29, 2010 - Middle Keys - Clyde Burnett: Government Accountability . exp SEP.29
We have all heard the comment recently that we are living in "economic times we have never seen or lived in before", no matter your age. Over the years many businesses and all government have increased and grown disproportionate to the economy. Most businesses are now down-sizing by cutting staff top to bottom, and cutting expenses within, but unfortunately some companies have gone out of business. Families have had to do with less or in some cases without. Government seldom down-sizes to keep pace with the economic times.
Families must live within their budgets as their paychecks (revenue) decline, so must their expenses. Families do not have the ability to raise the revenue side of their budgets as governments do by increasing the taxing rate (millage) or to be able to keep their expenses the same as the year before or to even meet any increases in expenses, so the families must do with less or without. Shouldn't government be expected to do the same? We saw what governments had to do in the mid 70's with the oil embargo crisis, in the 80's with the banking debacle and the atrocious high interest rates, and then again in the early 90's with the recession. Government employees with whom I worked and who were my friends had to be let go as many in private businesses have cut their staff to make ends meet. It all hurts.
Last year, when assessing the declining activity of the departments of the City of Marathon, I spent many sleepless nights contemplating how to trim the budget to meet the loss of revenue due to the declining taxable values of property. Expenses had to be cut and it was very painful for me to have to reduce wages and eliminate 10 positions and related expenses, but operating costs within the budget needed to be trimmed by one-million dollars ($1,000,000) to meet the declining taxable value of properties. Last year, a budget was prepared and the Council members of Marathon adopted a millage rate at 8% below the 'rollback rate' without reducing any services. We are now in the 3rd year of declining property values, a trend which may continue for a few more years, so government must demonstrate the candor and veracity to establish appropriate budgets for essential services to its residents. It is okay to take a little from savings (reserves) for essential services, but only to the point insuring there are funds available for that "rainy day or emergency', and at the very same time curtailing expenses and operational costs. Government managing of resources, including budgeting, is a process that should be ongoing every day paying strict attention to the economic climate and the activity of services of all departments. It should never get to the point when one says, "oh my goodness it is budget preparation time, what do we do"?
Property owners have received their TRIM (Truth In Millage) notice regarding proposed property taxes. It is election season for many governments and we taxpayers need to be asking those candidates seeking election or re-election the tough questions such as what have they done, what will they do, or what will they demand of staff in these 'economic times we have never seen or lived in before' to command government responsibility and accountability to the citizens.
Clyde Burnett
Former Marathon City Manager and Mayor of Key Colony Beach
August 26, 2010 - Marathon - Joan Manges : exp SEP.6 To the Editor: This question of building a Mosque is a real test of our conviction of our belief in our constitution the basis of our country. We were founded on religious freedom ... how can we justify denying this to any group for any reason?
The twin towers that fell were called the "WORLD TRADE CENTER". That sounds to me like some of the 3,000 were not citizens of the USA. Quite possible some were Islamic.
I have always been disturbed by the way this loss was handled; I feel the international character of the loss should have been stressed. How many countries are represented in the loss and of what religious beliefs?
Again I ask how many souls were of the Islamic Group, as you call them. I am more interested in asking who is funding this very costly venture. I fear we are on very touchy ground. Joan Manges
August 22, 2010 - Marathon - Larry Shaffer: Leigh Ann's Sad News exp SEP.2
On the other side of the issue, these are troubled economic times. I like to give the benefit of the doubt to the owner. Having a business survive is good for all of us. The news is that the owner is going to open up shop something along the lines of a traditional Coffee Shoppe. New businesses are welcome as well. I do not see any major competition between the two that I can see. Leigh Ann's is more than a coffee house. We need both in our community.
Is there more here than meets the eye? Well, of course, there is. I prefer to see those two and the rest of us move on. There is more important business to do. Economic recovery is critical to stop the bleeding of residents and businesses from Marathon. Do I sound like a politician? Of course, I do. The middle ground is not necessarily evil incarnate. As former county Mayor Wilhelmina Harvey used to say, "Can't we all get along?"
Larry Shaffer, Candidate for Marathon City Council
July 28, 2010 - Marathon - Pete Worthington: KCB Fire Services. exp August 31 I am hopeful that this issue gets a In regards to some comments made.
In 02 the Marathon fire budget was 1.2 million dollars. KCB was paying the city 350 K for Fire. in 2010 Marathon Fire budget was 2.6 million dollars and KCB paid 434 K. Our budget went up more than 100% in 8 years and KCB portion went up less than 30%? That sounds like we had some poor negotiations going on for several years. This is the thanks we get for treating KCB so well for all these years? They drop us on the day of setting our trim millage. For more money and less service with the county! And we are the ones accused of not being cordial?
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Various Videos & Sound Recordings of Selected Marathon Events
06.11.10 US Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Speaks from the Floor of the House about Oil Spill Crisis05.11.10 Marathon City Council Meeting at the Government Center EOC Room04.27.10 Marathon City Council Meeting at the Government Center EOC Room04.19.10 Marathon Planning Commission Regular Meeting at Fire Station #1404.13.10 Marathon City Council Meeting at the Government Center EOC Room03.23.10 Marathon City Council Meeting at the Government Center EOC Room03.23.10 Marathon Council/Staff Meeting 10AM Firehouse Training Room03.10.10 Marathon City Code Compliance Board Meeting at Fire Station #1402.23.10 Marathon City Council Regular Meeting held at Government Center EOC Room02.17.10 Marathon City Planning Commission Regular Meeting held at Fire Station #1402.09.10 Marathon City Council Pre-Meeting Before the Real Meeting held at Fire Station #1401.26.10 Marathon City Council Regular Meeting held at Government Center EOC Room01.25.10 Marathon City Council Special Call Appeals Hearings One & Two 01.22.10 Marathon City Council Interviews Nine City Manager Applications 01.13.10 Marathon Code Board hearing at Marathon Fire Station #1401.12.10 Marathon City Council Regular Meeting at the Marathon Government Center EOC Room01.11.10 Marathon City Council Prospective City Manager Workshop at Fire Station #1401.11.10 Marathon City Council Vacation Rental Workshop at Fire Station #1412.08.09 Marathon City Council Meeting held at the Government Center EOC12.08.09 Marathon City Council Pre-meeting Before the Real Meeting held at Fire Station #1410.27.09 Marathon City Council Pre-meeting Before the Real Meeting held at Fire Station #1410.20.09 Marathon City Council Special Call Meeting on the City Manager held at Fire Station #1410.19.09 Marathon Planning Commission Meeting at Fire Station #14
8Then the earth quaked and rocked, the heavens' foundations shuddered, they quaked at his blazing anger.9Smoke rose from his nostrils, from his mouth devouring fire (coals were kindled at it).10He parted the heavens and came down, a storm-cloud underneath his feet;11riding one of the winged creatures, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind.12He wrapped himself in darkness, his pavilion dark waters and dense cloud.13A brightness lit up before him, hail and blazing fire.14Yahweh thundered from the heavens, the Most High made his voice heard.15He shot his arrows and scattered them, his lightning flashed and routed them.16The very springs of ocean were exposed, the world's foundations were laid bare, at the roaring of Yahweh, at the blast of breath from his nostrils! The New Jerusalem Bible: Reader's Edition, (New York: Doubleday.) 1990.
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