This Week on the Island 09/23/2007

'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.
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The picture this week is sort of interesting . In the background is rain over the Gulf. Closer in is the old railroad bridge that Flagler built (1909-1912). Even closer in is a reflection of the MM41 sign which means we were on the 7 mile bridge (MM40-MM 47) headed toward Key West.

The Weather: Fall is in the air. The temperature is in the high 80's and the 90's hopefully are gone for this year. The 'Big Chain Department Stores' have their winter garments advertised. I think I will run out and look for an overcoat and snow boots. Bet there aren't any here.

This weeks book was 'The Island' by Heather Graham. A murder mystery in south Florida.

Sept 19th was 'Talk like a Pirate Day' http://www.talklikeapirate.com/howto.html

Interesting Buffett web site http://www.squidoo.com/jimmy_buffett/

Film of 'Minimal Regatta' on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqOqp-AoQc0

Pretty quite on the island this week.

Things Change: The cleared lot across the street (more condos being built) now has an 8 foot plywood fence around it. The city is thinking about buying PT's restaurant and building another parking garage. The Fresh Market on the Bight is going out of business (or maybe not), the city wants more $ for rent. The condo construction has started where the old Atlantic Shores used to be. Across Simonton Street from the old Atlantic Shores is Santa Maria (another new condo development). Many investors put down payments on condos and planned to sell before the final payment came due. The housing market fell apart and now they are stuck with a hugh outstanding bill and no one is buying. They are trying to sue the marketing outfit that sold them the condos. The VFW from Elizabeth Street has opened on North Roosevelt. The condo's at the end of Caroline Street in the old steam plant are selling. The city is thinking of building 'teacher housing' in that same area. The Navy is building out on Trumbo Point. They have destroyed some of the old piers. One of the building on the bight near Turtle Kraal's has it's roof missing.

Things Remain the Same: The local Parrot Head Club had our monthly social at Conch Republic Seafood on the Bight on Wednesday night. MM24 Band played at Sloppy Joe's Thursday & Saturday night. Michael McCloud is still at Schooner Wharf. Sloppy Joe's is still here. Hog's Breath is still here. Margaretville is still here. Rick's is still here. Irish Kevin's is still here. Finnegan's Wake is still here. Mallory Square is still here. Pepe's is still here, B. O.'s is still here. Turtle Kraals is still here. Half Shell Raw Bar is still here. The sunsets are still beautiful. The Conch Train is still rolling. The cruise ships are still docking. The tourist keep coming.

What do you call a waterspout when it hits land? A tornado. One came ashore north of here and did a lot of damage.

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

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