This Week on the Island 04/02/2006

'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.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key West: a city of change. The pictures this week are of Key West after the great fire of April 1, 1886. The fire started at 2:00 AM at the old wooden San Carlos building on Duval Street (which is on the same block as Margarittaville) . The city's only fire truck was in New York for repairs. The fire burned for over 12 hours and spread from roof-to-roof. Now buildings in Key West have metal roofs.

The Weather: Wonderful.

This weeks book was 'Key West' by Burt Hirschfeld. Another murder mystery in Key West. Lots and lots of characters, I had to make a list to keep them straight.

'Blue Heaven' the restaurant in Bahama Village is under the gun. They have seating for greater than 200 people and are approved for less than 100. Their neighborhood is upset about all the noise and traffic they are causing in a residential area.

Schooner Wharf has started serving breakfast (other than beer).

Friday I took the VA van to the VA hospital in Miami. Another long trip for a short appointment. This time to look at my bad knees. The VA has scheduled me to meet with another doctor to talk about knee replacement surgery.

Saturday (April 1st) was 'The Foolish Pet Parade' at Fort Zackery State Park. There were bands playing, a pig roast, cold beer, and of course lots of pets for Wyleigh and Sassi to get to know. We all had a good time.

Key West, You have got to love it
'Meet me at the end of the road' - Conky Tonkin'- Jimmy Buffett
Doug Bennett
Lat 24.5597N, Long 81.8016W