Pier B expansion? - Weekly Wrap-Up - 14 May 2023

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Pier B expansion? The City commission convened an emergency meeting on May 9th to consider its response to a proposed renewal of the Pier B lease that would expand the size of the lease area, and renew the lease for 25 years. Despite angry public comments opposing and in favor of the new lease, City commissioners deferred agreement on an official response to its next regular meeting on May 16th. Public comments will continue that day. (Citizen, $)   

• Safer Cleaner Ships declared its opposition to the proposal, and encouraged the public to attend the special meeting, but there were plenty of empty seats at the meeting. 
• One speaker supporting the move was chastised for bad behavior from the dais.

Go time? Linda Cunningham shared her thoughts about knowing when its to leave Key West. (Key West Island News)

Anchors aweigh. The U.S. Navy commissioned guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee on Saturday in Key West, but its home port will be San Diego. (Keys Weekly)

Residents also count. Ray Warren reflected on the first of three city commission public workshops designed to explore noise issues in the city. Nobody wants to ban live music, but limits must be respected. (Key West Progress)

A sexy beast. Mark Hedden snagged a view of a warbler from behind the bathroom at a beachfront state park. (Keys Weekly)

Our Eyes

Alyson Crean posted a serene beachfront view.

Previously in Key West Voices

Resistance is futile. Linda Cunningham reviewed the latest in Tallahassee's relentless assault on home rule. Four bills chip away at local control, but it appeared that the awful bill restricting the display of flags at public buildings has died. (Key West Island News)

Getting around. Chris Hamilton reported on the new “Workforce Express” between Stock Island and from Key West Transit Service to begin May 15th. Chris also applauded the City's plan for new bike lanes on United and South Streets. (Friends of Car-Free Key West)

Noise. More than 80 people attended the first of three meetings held by the City to address growing complaints about a wide variety of noise issues. (Citizen, $)

Property insurance woes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was accused of all too cozy relations with big donor property insurers. Rising and unjustifiably high rates affect everyone's cost of living here. (Guardian)

New Schedule. The Key West City Commission agreed to change its meeting schedule. (Keys Weekly) 

Mallory Square. The City sought input on its plans for the iconic tourist destination. (Keys Citizen, $)

Resistance is Futile - Weekly Wrap-Up - 7 May 2023

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Resistance is futile. Linda Cunningham reviewed the latest in Tallahassee's relentless assault on home rule. Four bills chip away at local control, but it appeared that the awful bill restricting the display of flags at public buildings has died. (Key West Island News)

• Jamie Mattingly shared insights about challenging public school teacher recruiting on Facebook. Guess who's become a factor?
• A bill that allows landlords to substitute non-refundable tenant fees for security deposits appeared to await the Governor's signature. (Keys Weekly)
• Tim O'Hara reported that Florida Keys fared well by gaining $27 million in state funding for projects in the Keys. (Citizen, $)

Getting around. Chris Hamilton reported on the new “Workforce Express” between Stock Island and from Key West Transit Service to begin May 15th. At the same time, the City will phase out its old, North and South line routes with a full transition to the “Key West Rides” Uber-like on-demand service. (Friends of Car-Free Key West)

• Chris also applauded the City's plan for new bike lanes on United and South Streets. (Friends of Car-Free Key West)

Noise. More than 80 people attended the first of three meetings held by the City to address growing complaints about a wide variety of noise issues. (Citizen, $)

Property insurance woes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was accused of all too cozy relations with big donor property insurers. Rising and unjustifiably high rates affect everyone's cost of living here. (Guardian)

• Which the folks at FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe) have been saying for years. A new requirement imposed by the Florida legislature is costing some Keys residents big time.  
• We'll all soon be paying more to help insurers.(Citizen, $) 

New Schedule. The Key West City Commission agreed to change its meeting schedule. (Keys Weekly) 

Sexy Beast. Mark Hedden hung out behind the bathroom at a state park in search of a sexy beast. (Keys Weekly - link not yet available)

Mallory Square. The City sought input on its plans for the iconic tourist destination. (Keys Citizen, $)

Our Eyes

JAG Gallery in Key West opened an exhibition of photos by Lynne Bentley-Kemp and Mark Hedden.

Lynne Bentley-Kemp Narcissus

Mark Hedden 17120 SE HWY 19

Previously in Key West Voices

• Linda Cunningham hoped that Orwellian anti-drag legislation from Tallahassee doesn't shut down anything here. (Key West Island News) 
• Ray Warren's post about the battle for the soul of Key West also referenced Orwell. (Key West Progress)
• Tony Yaniz fondly remembered the Bull and Whistle on Facebook.
• Gwen Filosa reported on a discrimination lawsuit against 'men-only' Island House resort. The female plaintiff has a history of confrontations at Island House. (WLRN)
• Robin Smith-Martin wrote about his Gonzo Childhood at Louie’s Backyard