This Week on the Island 04/26/2009

'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 picture this week (click to enlarge) is ‘The USS Vandenberg’. It is a WWII ship that is to be sunk off Key West and used as a dive site. http://www.bigshipwrecks.com/

Weather: Wonderful. The highs in the mid 80’s and the low in the mid 70’s.

The book this week was ‘Past Mile Zero’. Mile zero refers to the end of US#1 here in Key West. Past mile zero is lower Duval Street and the main party area of town.

Things Tourist Say: ‘How do you keep the island from floating away?’

Monday was ‘A Taste of Key West’ at the Truman waterfront. Lots of good food from lots of local restaurants.

Wednesday I went to Fort Zack waterfront to watch the USS Vandenberg being pulled into port. They used 2 tugboats (another two on standby) and a helicopter and a Coast Guard ship as it came from the reef and thru the shipping channel. After it went by I rode my bicycle to the Truman waterfront. It was docked at Truman waterfront by 9:30 AM. Howard Livingston and the MM24 Band played. For pictures go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/ click PHOTOS then click Vandenberg.

Thursday night Jo and I were in the ‘The World’s Longest Parade’ from ocean to ocean. We dressed as pirates and walked with the Schooner Wharf float. We had a great time.

The US Navy has completed it survival school training in the waters off the Key West Bight.

The ‘Super Yacht Adele’ is in the Weston (used to be Hilton) harbor at the Key West waterfront. http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/1950

Saturday was the bed races on Duval Street next to Hog’s Breath. Saturday evening it was time to dress like a pirate again and go to the ‘Schooner Wharf Hog Roast and Pirate Fest’.

Saturday also was the ‘7 mile Bridge Run’. This year they limited the number of runners to 1,500. Chappy’s, a new tiki bar restaurant next to the 7 mile bridge on the Marathon side, was the headquarters for the run.

---------- Conch Republic Days---------
Lasts week started our 27th anniversary ‘Conch Republic Celebration’. In April of 1982 Key West seceded from the Union and formed the Conch Republic when the US government used the Border Patrol to block US#1 at Florida City.

Monday – Miniature golf at Boondocks at MM27.2.
Tuesday – Captains meeting at Schooner Wharf
Wednesday – Pre Bed Race party at Fairvilla.
Thursday - Dante’s pool party and ‘The Worlds Longest Parade’ from Ocean to Ocean down Duval Street.
Friday – The Bloody Battle in the harbor at Mallory Square, The Conch Republic Naval Parade, and the Great Victory Party at Schooner Wharf.
Saturday – The Craft Show, the Pub Crawl, The 24th Annual Great Conch Republic Bed Race, The Fiddlers Contest at the Green Parrot, The Pirate’s Ball and Pig Roast at Schooner Wharf, The Captains meeting. For pictures of the bed race, go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/ click PHOTOS then click Bed Races.
Sunday – The Great Conch Republic Volleyball tournament at Salute’s on Higg’s beach, The Wreakers Race to the reef and the awards ceremony at Schooner Wharf.


Key West, You have got to love it
'Living the life that others dream'
Doug Bennett
Lat 24.55967N, Long 81.80169W

You may join this group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisWeekontheIsland/

Sassi dancing to Schooner Wharf Bar Dog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Opcx15mmdE