Sunday, April 24, 2005

This week on the Island 04/24/2005

'This week on the Island' is written by Doug Bennett and is an update to friends about happenings in Key West last week. Everything is true except for those parts that are lies.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Weather: The temperature is in the 60's at night and the mid 70's in the day. The air conditioning is off and the window are open.

A large number of the members of the Southernmost Parrot Head Club are from out of town. Two of these members came to visit this week. Buddy and Brenda from Sebring, FL. They brought their friends Gary and Mary from North Vermont and they all had a wonderful time. I enjoy having friends that enjoy Key West.

'A Taste of Key West' was held Monday at the Truman waterfront next to the old sub pens. There was plenty of sunshine, great food from many of the local restaurants, and we had a good time.

Another meeting was held at the old town hall behind Sloppy Joe's to discuss the Jabours Trailer Park construction. Many people are against it because it does NOT follow the city regulations about height and density. The city Commissioners approved it. It will be built just behind Schooner Wharf.

A caravan of antique MGA roadsters (1950's - 1960's) left Miami and headed to Key West. They were on display at Hurricane Hole (on left entering Key West), The Pier House (end of Duval) and Monty's (end of Caroline- you know the place with the restaurant/pool and bar). Very enjoyable.

25 years ago was the Mariel Boatlifts when Castro told the Cubans that anyone that wanted to leave Cuba could. He also opened his prisons and sent many prisoners here. The lifestyle of south Florida changed forever. (remember the movie Scarface).

Key West, You have got to love it'
Meet me at the end of the road' - Conch Token's- Jimmy Buffett
Doug Bennett

-------------------------------------------------------History-----------------------------------------
This week end we started the celebration of 'The Conch Republic". We are now 23 years old. In 1982 the US Boarder Patrol blocked US#1 outside of Florida City. They said they were looking for illegal aliens and stopped all cars leaving or entering the Keys. They looked in trunks, under cars and even in glove boxes and ash trays. Since it was the US Border Patrol, Key West felt that the US considered Key West to be outside the US. So Key West succeeded from the Union and started the Conch Republic. (Our motto is 'We succeeded where others failed'). More next week.