Monroe County’s Secret Roadmap To Resegregation

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, Bahama Village, MOST POPULAR ONE  Comments Off on Monroe County’s Secret Roadmap To Resegregation
Sep 262014
 

busses resized

by Naja and Arnaud Girard

It’s 7:30 am at the bus stop on Truman and Emma.  Eleven-year old Dimitri is about to climb into the morning school bus.  Like him, most of the kids sitting on the bus are African American.  Like them, he has a mere 40% probability of graduating from high school with his classmates; a stark difference from his white brothers, who have an 83% graduation rate [2013 data].

When we interviewed parents in Bahama Village about this disparity their responses raised an unexpected red flag.

“I didn’t want my son to go to HOB,” says the mother of a fifth grader, “He’s going to the white school.”

BP:  “The white school?  What do you mean?  What white school?” Continue reading »

The Blue Paper #81

 The Blue Paper #81  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #81
Sep 262014
 

Issue #81 — Friday, September 26, 2014

MONROE COUNTY'S SECRET ROADMAP TO RESEGREGATION

It’s 7:30 am at the bus stop on Truman and Emma.  Eleven-year old Dimitri is about to climb into the morning school bus.  Like him, most of the kids sitting on the bus are African American.  Like them, he has a mere 40% probability of graduating from high school with his classmates; a stark difference Read More...

MONROE COUNTY’S SECRET ROADMAP TO RESEGREGATION

It’s 7:30 am at the bus stop on Truman and Emma.  Eleven-year old Dimitri is about to climb into the morning school bus.  Like him, most of the kids sitting on the bus are African American.  Like them, he has a mere 40% probability of graduating from high school with his classmates; a stark difference Read More...

GUEST EDITORIAL: Mosquito Control Is An Intensive Battle

Let us be clear that Mosquito Control’s focus is to keep the mosquito population at a minimum which is labor intensive and necessary to protect the health of both our residents and our visitors.  Election season is upon us, and as Chairman and an 18 year elected commissioner at Florida keys Mosquito Control I would Read More...

AIN'T NO SUNSHINE…

Is George Neugent on the take? First, George. Second, are the Keys corporate media in full defend-the-powerful mode? Third, are the 60% of voters for George in full denial?  Numbers two and three, I’m sure of. About George, what do you think? George is certainly doing his best to make me believe he has used Read More...

AIN’T NO SUNSHINE…

Is George Neugent on the take? First, George. Second, are the Keys corporate media in full defend-the-powerful mode? Third, are the 60% of voters for George in full denial?  Numbers two and three, I’m sure of. About George, what do you think? George is certainly doing his best to make me believe he has used Read More...

Records Management: The Black Hole in the School District

I am sure that you all have read the press release from Coral Shores High School touting student accomplishments on the various Advance Placement (AP) tests.  Kudos to the Hurricanes for a job well done. I noticed that neither Key West High School nor Marathon High School published or otherwise broadcast their AP results.  Curious, Read More...

IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N ROLL

My daughter the lawyer calls me an “accidental academic.” After high school, there was no way that I could afford to go to college. So I joined the army and learned how to jump out of airplanes. After the army, I used the GI Bill to finance a degree in journalism and landed a job Read More...

IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N ROLL

My daughter the lawyer calls me an “accidental academic.” After high school, there was no way that I could afford to go to college. So I joined the army and learned how to jump out of airplanes. After the army, I used the GI Bill to finance a degree in journalism and landed a job Read More...

GREATNESS

My wife and I just finished watching all seven, two-hour installments of Ken Burns’, documentary on Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. It left me feeling a bit melancholy, for watching any birth-to- death encapsulated in a few short hours will depress, but such Olympian greatness ending like ordinary mortals is an especially bitter pill to Read More...

I DON’T LIKE AMERICAN FOOTBALL

 As I sit down to write this essay, we are one day out from Super Bowl XLVIII. To sit down and write about the Super Bowl has become much more an exercise in socio-cultural behavior than athletic endeavor. If my memory serves me, this would be the 5th time I’ve written about an event that Read More...

Sheriff Rick Ramsay—Detectives, Deputies & Staff Under His Command—Deliver Commendable Result…

Words are insufficient in describing the extraordinary brilliance demonstrated by Sheriff Rick Ramsay and his magnificent team of officers, when it comes to their apprehending the individual, who allegedly tortured and killed an innocent dog, because it snored. Monroe County Sheriff’s detectives and investigators did not have much to go on in capturing their suspect. Read More...

Sheriff Rick Ramsay—Detectives, Deputies & Staff Under His Command—Deliver Commendable Result…

Words are insufficient in describing the extraordinary brilliance demonstrated by Sheriff Rick Ramsay and his magnificent team of officers, when it comes to their apprehending the individual, who allegedly tortured and killed an innocent dog, because it snored. Monroe County Sheriff’s detectives and investigators did not have much to go on in capturing their suspect. Read More...

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An Open Letter to Mayor Cates and City of Key West Commissioners

Mayor Cates and Commissioners: As members of the Key West Golf Course community, we want to express our extreme displeasure with the recent news that the City of Key West may proceed forward with construction of a homeless shelter at the Easter Seals location on College Road. On August 17, 2014, on behalf of our Read More...

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  NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   THE BURGLAR, THE VIGILANTE, AND THE AXE OF Read More...

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DEATH IN PARADISE:  A YEAR LATER [CHARLES EIMERS MEMORIAL] NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   Read More...

Anti-Smoking Campaign Doesn’t Make Sense

Dear Editor, There seems to be something funny going on. The BOCC’s latest anti-smoking campaign doesn’t make sense to me. They claim that smoking causes 700+ sick days taken by county employees. How does smoking cause one to take a sick day? Also, although they keep ignoring this point, I’d bet that HANGOVERS take FAR Read More...

Anti-Smoking Campaign Doesn't Make Sense

Dear Editor, There seems to be something funny going on. The BOCC’s latest anti-smoking campaign doesn’t make sense to me. They claim that smoking causes 700+ sick days taken by county employees. How does smoking cause one to take a sick day? Also, although they keep ignoring this point, I’d bet that HANGOVERS take FAR Read More...

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART NINE: THE SHRIMP BOAT

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians so he named the island Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key Read More...

HOMETOWN! PAC Final Forum is September 29th at 5:00 pm. Don't Miss it!

A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORUM FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDATES, GROUP 4; MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2; MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD, DISTRICTS 2 AND 5; AND CANDIDATES  FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE WHERE:  LOBBY, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FINE ARTS CENTER ON THE LEFT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS STOCK ISLAND/KEY WEST WHEN:  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, FROM 5:00 – 7:30 Read More...

HOMETOWN! PAC Final Forum is September 29th at 5:00 pm. Don’t Miss it!

A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORUM FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDATES, GROUP 4; MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2; MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD, DISTRICTS 2 AND 5; AND CANDIDATES  FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE WHERE:  LOBBY, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FINE ARTS CENTER ON THE LEFT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS STOCK ISLAND/KEY WEST WHEN:  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, FROM 5:00 – 7:30 Read More...

EQUALITY FLORIDA ACTION PAC ENDORSES GEORGE SHELDON FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

A Sharp contrast to Pam Bondi Equality Florida Action PAC, the largest organization dedicated to electing pro-equality candidates in Florida, has endorsed George Sheldon for Attorney General. “As Florida moves forward towards full equality, the next Attorney General will have a tremendous impact on the everyday lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people Read More...

OIRF Supports Take Stock In Children

Kelly Friend, Old Island Restoration Foundation president, presents a $ 2500.00 check to Chuck Licis, program coordinator and Steve Pribramsky,  MCEF President of Take Stock in Children. Since 1995, non-profit Take Stock in Children has provided a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. OIRF grant funds are Read More...

Take Stock in Children Graduate Story: Paulina Rippere

The Monroe County Education Foundation (MCEF) is looking for volunteers to mentor students in its flagship program, Take Stock in Children. The MCEF has been helping Monroe County students achieve their goal of earning a degree, certificate, or credential since 1995. Here is an example of how mentoring a student for just 30 to 45 Read More...

Conch Poet J.M. Varela Featured Oct. 5 at Blue Heaven

The wit and wisdom of popular Conch poet J.M. Varela takes the stage upstairs at Blue Heaven during the first Sunday monthly meeting of the Key West Poetry Guild on Oct. 5, beginning at 7 p.m. There is no admission fee and all are welcome. Varela, author of the eclectic collection “Inside the Head of Read More...

Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Agenda for the 16th Annual Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival

Every year, the natural habitats of the KWTF&BG serve as a rest and refuel stop on the Autumnal migration route of birds returning from their summer roosts to the warmth of southern latitudes.   The Stock Island site and its staff also host birders and butterfly enthusiasts participating in the annual Birding and Wildlife Festival.  Scheduled Read More...

Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Agenda for the 16th Annual Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival

Every year, the natural habitats of the KWTF&BG serve as a rest and refuel stop on the Autumnal migration route of birds returning from their summer roosts to the warmth of southern latitudes.   The Stock Island site and its staff also host birders and butterfly enthusiasts participating in the annual Birding and Wildlife Festival.  Scheduled Read More...

Support Environmental Education For Monroe County Students: Have Dinner at Mangia Mangia

Support Environmental Education F

4th Annual Habitat for Humanity’s Votes for Notes Musical Competition!

Mark your calendar for Habitat for Humanity’s 4th Annual Votes for Notes fundraiser! Local musician Ray West is lining up musical talent for yet another season of this ever-growing, three-night event. New musical talent and popular pros are invited to compete in order to win $ 250 cash and other prizes at the Grand Finale.  Read More...

United Way ‘Stuffs the Bus’ with School Supplies

United Way of the Florida Keys and its community partners want to make sure that Monroe County students have the supplies they need to succeed at their studies. That’s why they launched “Stuff the Bus,” an effort that produced truckloads of school supplies distributed last week to all 16 Monroe County public schools from Key Read More...

Crown Jules, This is Your Life; ‘Criss Cross’ Screens Oct. 8

In this year’s heating up and always hilarious race for the honor of being Fantasy Fest’s top royalty is a woman who first came to Key West in 1976 and had a brush, of sorts, with Hollywood (the one in California), the motion picture industry and Goldie Hawn. Julie Hanson, born in Montgomery, Alabama, has Read More...

Crown Jules, This is Your Life; 'Criss Cross' Screens Oct. 8

In this year’s heating up and always hilarious race for the honor of being Fantasy Fest’s top royalty is a woman who first came to Key West in 1976 and had a brush, of sorts, with Hollywood (the one in California), the motion picture industry and Goldie Hawn. Julie Hanson, born in Montgomery, Alabama, has Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 6 thru Wednesday, November 12

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Thursday Polar Opposites Opening Reception, 6 PM Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene St. 294-3973. Luckystreetgallery.com James Barr-Nobles, B. Lucy Stevens. (more…)

Official Fantasy Fest® 2014 Artwork Announced

Poster Signing Party is Tuesday, October 21, at 5 pm Fantasy Fest is pleased to announce the artwork chosen for the Official Fantasy Fest 2014 posters and t-shirts. Dozens of fantastic designs were submitted for the poster contest, and with an unrivaled selection of quality work, we are thrilled to announce two separate designs. The Read More...

LIGHTS! ACTION! CAMERA! FORT LAUDERDALE GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES UNPRECEDENTED WHIRLWIND OF FILMS AND EVENTS

FLGLFF 2014 has expanded to seven days, includes more award-winning and diverse films, and features special events and parties that elevate this Festival to a new level, making it one of the most highly regarded LGBT film festivals in the nation. FLGLFF takes place Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12 and resumes Thursday, October Read More...

LEARN ABOUT THE BUTTERFLIES, SEPTEMBER 26th

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints Read More...

The Blue Paper #80

 The Blue Paper #80  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #80
Sep 192014
 

Issue #80 — Friday, September 19, 2014

BLUE WALL OF SILENCE COST CITY ALMOST $300,000!

By now, you have probably read in the daily paper or heard on the radio that the City of Key West has agreed to pay former Key West cop Matt Klosowski $ 287,500 to settle a six-year-old whistle-blower lawsuit. But you probably don’t know the rest of the story. The real significance of this story Read More...

Fraudulent Obstruction of Information Act – FOIA

The U.S. Navy has refused to release a public document that proves they lied. This well-documented chronicle of lies and obstruction is not likely to bring justice, but the beauty of the internet is the lies are very public. Having repeated those lies on October 31, 2013, the Navy has restarted their five-year Statute-of-Limitations clock. Read More...

Buyer Beware! School District Public Records and The Ultimate Escape Clause

I believe that it is reasonably well known that I often make Public Records Requests of the School District.  Usually these requests are for documents of a financial nature. Superintendent Mark Porter finds my requests tedious and objectionable, but he ultimately complies as Florida’s Public Records laws demand that he do so.  You have to Read More...

Environmentalism, My Opponents, Bees, Dogs, and GM Mosquitoes

As an activist for so many years it warms my heart that both of my opponents refer to themselves as environmental. Twenty years ago being a tree-hugger carried the same stigma as being a Communist.  And whether you feel you are one because you recycle, or because you do beach clean-ups, it doesn’t matter.  What Read More...

Good Morning Florida Keys' Jenna Stauffer Spotlights 'Kids Come First'

Jenna Stauffer spotlights ‘Kids Come First’ an amazing organization here in the Florida Keys that provides clothing, school supplies and personal items to children in need. Videographer: Aaron Harrigan

Good Morning Florida Keys’ Jenna Stauffer Spotlights ‘Kids Come First’

Jenna Stauffer spotlights ‘Kids Come First’ an amazing organization here in the Florida Keys that provides clothing, school supplies and personal items to children in need. Videographer: Aaron Harrigan

Sunset Key Rip-off

Last year I wrote a column praising Sunset Key, titled “Sailing to Wisteria.” It described a wonderful wedding anniversary stay-cation Cynthia and I had with treasured friends, ending with our evening sunset on a beach that reminded us of one on Vanuatu, except riotous Key West was only five minutes behind us on the other Read More...

Shine Your Light—Make It Bright…

The first line of defense against incursions upon our rights and liberties, are law-enforcement officers. Members from policing agencies either protect and serve the citizenry, adhering to a legal and professional standard of conduct, or from the onset, denigrate and deny an individual their Constitutional and God given rights. Just because the violence or intrusive Read More...

That Would Explain A Lot…

No matter what your political affiliation is, haven’t you wondered, “What is wrong with those people? Can’t they see how misguided they are?!” God knows, I’ve said that countless times. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some explanation why political paralysis and polarization are so prevalent? Look no further than science!  Finally we have an Read More...

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Where Are the Vampire Linguists?

If this is a question that’s never crossed your mind, don’t feel alone. It did come up, however, in a recently published Speculative Grammarian, “the premier scholarly journal featuring research in the neglected field [?] of satirical linguistics.” The current issue, for example, has articles on “Linguimericks, Etc.,” “Profuse Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Read More...

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  NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   THE BURGLAR, THE VIGILANTE, AND THE AXE OF Read More...

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DEATH IN PARADISE:  A YEAR LATER [CHARLES EIMERS MEMORIAL] NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   Read More...

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART EIGHT: Bales and the Musician Go Fishin’

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians so he named the island Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key Read More...

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART EIGHT: Bales and the Musician Go Fishin'

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians so he named the island Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key Read More...

Congressman Joe Garcia Introduces Student Loan Bill To Help College Affordability

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday [September 18, 2014], Congressman Joe Garcia introduced the Fairness in Student Loan Repayment Act to provide assistance to students repaying their federal student loans. Congressman Garcia, a strong proponent of college affordability, introduced this legislation as a way of helping students repay their debt with minimal struggle.  Students around the country Read More...

Making Smart Medicare Choices for 2015

As we head into autumn, people with Medicare once again need to consider their options for next year. Even if you like the coverage you have now, you should spend at least a few minutes making sure it will still meet your needs next year. Here are some key questions that people with Medicare should ask. Read More...

New Chief Petty Officers at NAS Key West

Science Friday’s Ira Flatow, NMSI’s Rene McCormick, and Former NASA Astronaut Sandy Magnus among Judges for Sally Ride-Deloitte Award for Teaching Innovation in STEM

Today, Sally Ride Science announced the list of judges that will evaluate submissions and select the winners for the Sally Ride-Deloitte Award for Teaching Innovation in STEM, a program open to all K-12 educators in the U.S. that recognizes innovations in instruction related to science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), as well as STEM careers. Read More...

Questions About Recent Arrest of Florida Keys Children’s Shelter Employee

Dear Editor, Why is it that the chief operating officer for  Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (FKCS) had to defer to their lawyer to answer important media questions regarding the recent story of one of their former employees arrested for “interference and custody” of two foster teens in protective shelter of FKCS, while he was employed Read More...

Questions About Recent Arrest of Florida Keys Children's Shelter Employee

Dear Editor, Why is it that the chief operating officer for  Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (FKCS) had to defer to their lawyer to answer important media questions regarding the recent story of one of their former employees arrested for “interference and custody” of two foster teens in protective shelter of FKCS, while he was employed Read More...

HOMETOWN! PAC Announces Fifth and Final Event for the 2014 Political Season

A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORUM FOR: JUDICIAL CANDIDATES, GROUP 4; MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 2; MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD, DISTRICTS 2 AND 5; AND CANDIDATES  FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE LOBBY, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FINE ARTS CENTER ON THE LEFT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS STOCK ISLAND/KEY WEST MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, FROM 5:00 – 7:30 PM Hometown’s Read More...

Key West Resident Running for Cancer Care and Research / Running as Member of the Dana-Farber Team in the 14th Annual B.A.A. Half Marathon®

Katherine Gilmour from Key West, will be running in the 14th annual [Boston Athletic Association] B.A.A. Half Marathon® presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, as a member of the official Dana-Farber team. More than 570 Dana-Farber team members will raise awareness and at least $ 750 to support adult and pediatric patient Read More...

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN IN MONROE COUNTY EARNS PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AWARD

For the second year in a row, the Take Stock in Children program of Monroe County has earned a program excellence award for its outstanding mentor and college success coach services. “This would not have been possible without the dedication of our devoted volunteer mentors and our wonderful college success coaches who go above and Read More...

Womankind Staff Honors Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month By Wearing Teal

Fantasy Fest Parade Openings

The 3Wishes.com Fantasy Fest 2014 parade is sure to be the best yet! Thanks to a couple of last minute cancelations, we are accepting applications for two additional floats and four walking groups. Live out your wildest anime dreams and secure your spot now! Visit FantasyFest.com or call the Fantasy Fest office at (305) 296-1817 Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 6 thru Wednesday, November 12

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Thursday Polar Opposites Opening Reception, 6 PM Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene St. 294-3973. Luckystreetgallery.com James Barr-Nobles, B. Lucy Stevens. (more…)

FANTASY FEST 2014 KING AND QUEEN CANDIDATE EVENT SCHEDULE

  TROPICAL ESCAPADES AND TRANCES WWW.AIDSHELP.CC Ongoing Events: Aqua Idol every Tuesday beginning August 26 – October 14, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – come support the candidates’ singers at Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval Street.  75% of the monies collected will be split among the candidates and 25% would go to the campaign for which Read More...

The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) Holds its Monthly Ice Cream Social and Car Show

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND CAR SHOW this Saturday, September 20th, 5 to 8pm in the evening when its cool. This event is for the lovers of classic, custom, and street rod automobiles of all years and makes, Fords, Chevys, trucks, sports cars, and chrome loaded motorcycles. If it’s cool and on wheels it will be here. Read More...

Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition Holds Quarterly Meeting

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition (FKHSC) will hold a quarterly board meeting on Wednesday, September 24 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at the Marathon Shores IberiaBank, 12640 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL. Our mission is to unite people and resources to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, children, and their families in Read More...

LEARN ABOUT THE BUTTERFLIES, SEPTEMBER 26th

Mangia Mangia Hosts Key West Botanical Garden Fundraiser

Key West Botanical Garden is excited for the 2014-2015 school year and needs your help to make it a success and continue to offer our programs to as many students as possible.  Mangia Mangia Restaurant is generously hosting a fundraiser for us in which they will donate 25% of food sales to the KWBG Education Read More...

LOCAL CELEBRITY BASKETBALL 2014! SUNDAY OCTOBER 5th

Don't Get Your Criss Crossed: Save the Date, Oct. 8

Star power comes to the quest for election as Fantasy Fest royalty, even if once removed. Jules for Queen was in fact the person upon whom the Goldie Hawn character in “Criss Cross” was based. Share a look at Key West in the 70s at a screening of the near-iconic film on Wednesday, October 8 Read More...

Don’t Get Your Criss Crossed: Save the Date, Oct. 8

Star power comes to the quest for election as Fantasy Fest royalty, even if once removed. Jules for Queen was in fact the person upon whom the Goldie Hawn character in “Criss Cross” was based. Share a look at Key West in the 70s at a screening of the near-iconic film on Wednesday, October 8 Read More...

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints Read More...

The Blue Paper #79

 The Blue Paper #79  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #79
Sep 122014
 

Issue #79 — Friday, September 12, 2014

BODY CAMERAS FOR COPS?

Apparently, enough is enough. Use of  excessive force by police officers, that is– real or imagined. More and more police departments across the nation are equipping officers with body cameras that can record both audio and video. The increasing use of this new technology has two goals: (1) Help try to catch cops who might Read More...

Finally, A Key West Homeless Forum With Substance

Thursday, 9/11, brought a link to the above video of the recent homeless forum from Father Steve Braddock. (more…)

Impeding Traffic on the Boulevard

It’s official: it is legal, and in fact encouraged, for bikes, and only bikes, to impede traffic on highways. While it is illegal for motorized vehicles and pedestrians to impede the flow of traffic, and they can be ticketed, bikes are encouraged to use the car lanes even if they  impede the flow of traffic. Read More...

In Monroe County, Change Is A Dirty Word

[Note from the editor:  In case you missed Dr. Murray’s article last week [which was inadvertently posted late last Friday – my bad] … here it is again… No one pays attention to School District affairs like Dr. Murray…] Change is a dirty word in Monroe County.  In last week’s election, every incumbent save one Read More...

Life and Death

Recently I read with fascination an article on simple life forms that can survive the harsh environment of space. British scientists are claiming that they discovered single cell algae, Diatoms, living sixteen miles above the Earth. They were discovered when specialized balloons were sent up to collect data on the Perseid meteor shower. Some of Read More...

The Hurrier I Go…

The White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was not a master of time management despite looking at his pocket watch every three seconds or so. I suspect part of the reason he was always late was his OCD impulse to check the time and confirm that, yes, he indeed was late. Whoever said something Read More...

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART SEVEN: LAWRENCE THE LOBSTER

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians so he named the island Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key Read More...

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MUSIC FINE-TUNES YOUNG BRAINS

WHO: Music Together in the Keys WHAT: Brain-developing music classes for newborns to 7-year-olds WHERE: Behind 404 Duval St., in St. Paul’s Rectory WHEN: Fall term starts Sept. 23 COST: $ 185 for 10 weeks includes materials ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fine-tune your child’s brain for success by enrolling in Music Together in the Keys classes, which start Sept. Read More...

Phil Goodman named to Top Environmental Post in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, D7

Phil Goodman of Cudjoe Key, a member of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary in Key West, was recently appointed Staff Officer responsible for all Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Activities in District 7 (D7).  Headquartered in Miami, D7 encompasses The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and most of Georgia and Florida, including Read More...

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DEATH IN PARADISE:  A YEAR LATER [CHARLES EIMERS MEMORIAL] NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   Read More...

MOST POPULAR

  NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   THE BURGLAR, THE VIGILANTE, AND THE AXE OF Read More...

OIRF Contributes To Commemorative Statue

Kelly Friend, board president of Old Island Restoration Fondation presented $ 500 to the Bishop Kee statue fund. Bruce Neff of Historic Markers Inc., accepted the donation. The statue, created by local artist Tom Joris, is scheduled to be unveiled in March of 2015 at the Southernmost Point. OIRF grant monies for preserving Key West Read More...

FANTASY FEST 2014 KING AND QUEEN CANDIDATE EVENT SCHEDULE

  TROPICAL ESCAPADES AND TRANCES WWW.AIDSHELP.CC Ongoing Events: Aqua Idol every Tuesday beginning August 26 – October 14, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – come support the candidates’ singers at Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval Street.  75% of the monies collected will be split among the candidates and 25% would go to the campaign for which Read More...

Monroe County Same Sex Couple Requests Case to be Moved to Florida Supreme Court

SAVE (Safeguarding American Values for Everyone, formerly SAVE Dade) and State Representative David Richardson will help host Upper Keys MEET & GREET Fundraiser Announced In ISLAMORADA Florida This Meet & Greet fundraising event will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Monday September 15th 2014. SAVE and Representative David Richardson invite you and the Upper Keys and Read More...

Mangia Mangia To Donate 25% Of Total Sales To Habitat For Humanity

WHAT:             Mangia Mangia donates 25% of total sales (food, alcohol, and take-    out orders) to Habitat for Humanity of Key West & Lower Florida Keys  WHEN:            Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, WHERE:          Mangia Mangia 900 Southard Street in Key West Mangia Mangia and Habitat for Humanity – Read More...

Special Offer on Marlins Tickets!

Join Reef Relief for the September 21st Shoreline Clean-up

LOCAL ACTION TO CREATE GLOBAL CHANGE Reef Relief will be celebrating International Coastal Cleanup with a community shoreline cleanup on Sunday, September 21, 2014. We invite locals and visitors interested in protecting our ocean and wildlife to this weekend event. Meet us at the Lazy Dog kayak stand located at Hurricane Hole Marina, look for Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 6 thru Wednesday, November 12

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Thursday Polar Opposites Opening Reception, 6 PM Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene St. 294-3973. Luckystreetgallery.com James Barr-Nobles, B. Lucy Stevens. (more…)

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints Read More...

The Blue Paper #78

 The Blue Paper #78  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #78
Sep 052014
 

Issue #78 — Friday, September 5, 2014

UPDATE: New Charges in Ethics Complaint Against George Neugent

I previously reported on the formal ethics complaint I filed with the state of Florida against George Neugent for his actions bankrupting Stand Up for Animals in order to award their contract to his friends. I also reported on Neugent’s breaking of his signed oath on his financial disclosure Form 6 with numerous errors showing Read More...

Over-Development, Cronyism, and Corruption in the Middle Keys

Cities and towns love development. The more the better. More money – for rich people – more tourists, and more – low paying – jobs. That’s partly why the Marathon City Council rubberstamped a proposal to redevelop the Sombrero Country Club into what will become Florida Keys Resort. The newly approved development may also endanger Read More...

VOTER ALERT: IN THE WAKE OF THE EIMERS GRAND JURY SCANDAL, STATE ATTORNEY VOGEL IS UP FOR REELECTION IN 2016

State Attorney Catherine Vogel’s office is corrupt. This statement might appear to some readers to be an attempt on my part to be a bit sensational. But it’s not. Informed government-watchers reading this are more likely to simply yawn and silently ask, “So what’s your point?” I have been reporting to my readers for years Read More...

Key West Homeless Forum Report From An Ex- Key West Street Person’s Perspective

While The Blue Paper was hard at blue news work, the Key West homeless forum happened on August 28 at the Harvey Government Center. The  four forum panelists’ main thrust was the criminalization of homelessness is the most expensive and least effective way to deal with homelessness. Jailing homeless people costs the criminal justice and Read More...

Key West Homeless Forum Report From An Ex- Key West Street Person's Perspective

While The Blue Paper was hard at blue news work, the Key West homeless forum happened on August 28 at the Harvey Government Center. The  four forum panelists’ main thrust was the criminalization of homelessness is the most expensive and least effective way to deal with homelessness. Jailing homeless people costs the criminal justice and Read More...

In Monroe County, Change Is a Dirty Word

Change is a dirty word in Monroe County.  In last week’s election, every incumbent save one was returned to office.  And the incumbent turned out was a judge in the midst of a tawdry personal scandal who still managed to appeal to nearly 4,000 voters or 23% of the electorate.  The only new face to Read More...

Just Sayin’

My wife and I just returned from a long holiday touring Scotland and Ireland. We have visited Scotland before, but this was our first time on the Emerald Isle. We try to get out of the states every three or four years and see how it’s done elsewhere. We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Read More...

Tick…Tick…Tick

On Friday, Vladimir Putin said this: “I want to remind you that Russia is one of the most powerful nuclear nations. This is a reality, not just words.” He’s also started calling eastern Ukraine “New Russia,” which is a little scary since we have a good idea where that could go and more than a Read More...

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Kindred Acknowledgements–Spur Curiosity, Intellect & Optimism…

Anguish and struggle are  a part of life.  It doesn’t mean that we are doing something wrong or need to be saved. If we’re willing to acknowledge that these experiences are integral components of life, the fear and despair associated with these states of mind can be eliminated. Focusing on exterminating or avoiding any mood, Read More...

Kindred Acknowledgements–Spur Curiosity, Intellect & Optimism…

Anguish and struggle are  a part of life.  It doesn’t mean that we are doing something wrong or need to be saved. If we’re willing to acknowledge that these experiences are integral components of life, the fear and despair associated with these states of mind can be eliminated. Focusing on exterminating or avoiding any mood, Read More...

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DEATH IN PARADISE:  A YEAR LATER [CHARLES EIMERS MEMORIAL] NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   Read More...

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  NOWHERE TO RUN:  NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY [CHIEF LEE DEPOSITION VIDEO] EIMERS IN-CUSTODY-DEATH UPDATE: MISSING VIDEO SURFACES KATHY SMITH, LEAD FDLE INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE PUT ON ADMINITRATIVE LEAVE KWPD & FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME? CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes   THE BURGLAR, THE VIGILANTE, AND THE AXE OF Read More...

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OFFICER GARY LEE LOVETTE: “ME, I DROPPED LIKE A F***ING BOMB ON HIS HEAD… WE KILLED HIM” COULD KEY WEST REACH THE FERGUSON FLASHPOINT? GRAND JURY CLEARS OFFICERS IN EIMERS DEATH-IN-CUSTODY CASE THE CASE OF MATTHEW MURPHY:  ANOTHER COVER-UP? “SLANDER” OR THE FACTS? Formal Ethics Complaint Filed Against George Neugent [by Rick Boettger]   THE Read More...

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART SIX: The Musician and Judge Reef

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians so he named the island Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key Read More...

Help Yourself Adopts “Got Your Bags? Florida Keys” Program

Help Yourself, the natural and organic market and restaurant became the first Key West retailer to “Take The Pledge” and promote the use of reusable shopping bags as part of nonprofit Green Living and Energy Education’s “Got Your Bags? Florida Keys” program (GYB). That pledge takes a big step toward reducing single use plastic bag Read More...

JIATF PAO joins Key West Sunrise Rotary

Key West Sunrise Rotary installed Jody Draves as its newest member on Aug. 29. Draves serves as the Public Affairs Officer for Joint Interagency Task Force South. The ceremony included Membership Committee Chair Sue Fowler, President Ron Demes and Draves’ sponsor Jim Smith. The Key West Sunrise Rotary Club in the Conch Republic meets on Read More...

Key West Breast Cancer Prevention Advocate Named to National Cancer Summit

Susan Wadia-Ells, breast cancer prevention educator and Key West resident will speak at the 2nd Annual Cure to Cancer Summit next week. The September 3-19 on-line, international conference headlines: Bernie Siegel, M.D., The Art of Healing;  Kelly Turner,  Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds; Thomas Seyfried, The Metabolic Theory of Cancer; Bill Henderson, Cancer Read More...

Tropic Cinema Presents "Sea Siren" a Multi-Media Show of Film, Art & Music [Adults Only]

Tropic Cinema Presents “Sea Siren” a Multi-Media Show of Film, Art & Music [Adults Only]

Wesley House Fundraiser at Mangia Mangia, September 8th

TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN NOW ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS [Deadline: Fri Sept 12th]

Take Stock in Children, a college scholarship program for high-performing, low-income students, is now accepting applications for the 2014-15 school year. Motivated students, grades 7 – 10, with the desire and potential to attend college or learn a trade should apply. “This is an outstanding program that offers more than a college scholarship to qualified Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 6 thru Wednesday, November 12

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Thursday Polar Opposites Opening Reception, 6 PM Lucky Street Gallery, 540 Greene St. 294-3973. Luckystreetgallery.com James Barr-Nobles, B. Lucy Stevens. (more…)

PHIL PETERSON’S KEY WEST POKER RUN, SOFLA’S BIGGEST BIKER PARTY OF THE YEAR

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://keywestthenewspaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints Read More...