The Blue Paper #90

 The Blue Paper #90  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #90
Nov 282014
 

Issue #90 — Friday, November 28, 2014

DEATH IN PARADISE: A YEAR LATER

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL ON SOUTH BEACH FOR CHARLES EIMERS A hundred or so Key Westers gathered on Thanksgiving night on South Beach for the anniversary of Charles Eimers’ death. Tourist for a day, Mr. Eimers met with a controversial death on November 28th of last year within 24 hours of his arrival in Key West. “I Read More...

GUEST EDITORIAL: The Real Story Behind the Resistance to Deep Well Wastewater Disposal

As a member of Dump the Pumps and worrying that the Cudjoe Regional Wastewater System [CRWS] is deeply flawed, I have been privy to documents and people associated with the group and some people you might want to call “whistleblowers” who are FKAA employees or contractors. Here’s some of what I have gleaned from these Read More...

3rd Annual Chalkfest, Key West [2014]

Sponsored by the Art in Public Places Board of the City of Key West in order “to enhance and maintain the character and identity of our island community through the aesthetic of public art” the third annual Chalk Festival took place this November 19-23, 2014. Key West the Newspaper (The Blue Paper) stopped by on Read More...

With Friends Like These…

Once in a while the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day email comes up with something surprising. Today the “word” was “Job’s comforter.” The term describes “a person who discourages or depresses while seemingly giving comfort and consolation.” The MW people offer this example to illustrate: “Danny, a reliable Job’s comforter, assured Shane that the girl Read More...

Key Changes at the Chorale

The Keys Chorale has gone through a major organizational change this year. It has gone from an independent chorale using the college, to being a part of the college, its “Mixed Community Chorus” offering for-credit units to its regular students as well as continuing education to retirees like me. It also changed its leadership. While Read More...

An Open letter and Prayer for Charles Eimers and His Family

Dear Charles, A year ago today you came to our little island city. I did not know you personally, but like many of us, you dreamed of living in a tropical paradise…To wear flip-flops and T-shirts in January, soak up the sun on a beach and maybe even make friends back home in the north Read More...

Cost of Living in Key West vs. Salary

Dear Editor, The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is currently advertising for a “Child Protective Investigator” in Key West. The salary range is $ 39,600.00 under the “Other Personnel Services” (OPS) status of no benefits except health insurance. All non-Key West applicants should be aware of the October 31, 2014 Key West Citizen newspaper Read More...

SIGN AND SHARE: Petition to Stimulate Rainwater-Harvestng Industry

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION  

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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...

MOST POPULAR

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...

Habitat for Humanity Holiday Parade Party, December 6th!

THE LOVE LANE GANG! They’re Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

THE LOVE LANE GANG! They're Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Friday, November 28 thru Wednesday, December 3rd

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 thru WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys.   Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS SATURDAY Christine Cordone and John Blenkinsopp Opening Reception, 11:30 AM Art@830 Gallery, 830 Caroline St. 295-9595. art830.com (more…)

Three Author Book Presentation and Signing at Smokin’ Tuna, Saturday 3-5 pm

Three author book presentation and signing at Smokin’ Tuna from 3-5 pm this Saturday, November 29. Local authors Joel Narlock, Edgardo Alvarado-Vazquez, and Rusty Hodgdon will present and sign their new novels: Joel, Drone Games; Edgardo, Funerals of Key West; and Rusty, The Phantom Writer. Come and talk to them, review their new and existing Read More...

Three Author Book Presentation and Signing at Smokin' Tuna, Saturday 3-5 pm

Three author book presentation and signing at Smokin’ Tuna from 3-5 pm this Saturday, November 29. Local authors Joel Narlock, Edgardo Alvarado-Vazquez, and Rusty Hodgdon will present and sign their new novels: Joel, Drone Games; Edgardo, Funerals of Key West; and Rusty, The Phantom Writer. Come and talk to them, review their new and existing Read More...

SIGN AND SHARE: Petition to Stimulate Rainwater-Harvesting Industry

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION  

Poetry Guild Spotlights Malcolm Willison, Sunday December 7th

Key West Poetry Guild will, on Sunday, Dec. 7, spotlight the much published international traveler and snowbird Malcolm Willison. The meeting will be held at Andy’s Cabana, a new outdoor venue at 308 Petronia St., beginning at 7 p.m. As featured poet, Willison will read a selection of work that ranges, in his words, “from Read More...

Get Your Tickets for the St. Paul's Annual Christmas Concert

As in years past, St. Paul’s will be pulling out all the stops for our Annual Christmas Concert held every year on the first Sunday before Christmas. This is a family friendly event with a multitude of talented performers. Get your tickets early for this is always a sold out show. $ 20.00 per person. Read More...

Get Your Tickets for the St. Paul’s Annual Christmas Concert

As in years past, St. Paul’s will be pulling out all the stops for our Annual Christmas Concert held every year on the first Sunday before Christmas. This is a family friendly event with a multitude of talented performers. Get your tickets early for this is always a sold out show. $ 20.00 per person. Read More...

Habitat for Humanity Holiday Parade Party, December 6th!

Check Out The Artisan Market – November 30, 2014

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...

DEATH IN PARADISE: Charles Eimers Memorial, A Year Later

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, Charles Eimers  Comments Off on DEATH IN PARADISE: Charles Eimers Memorial, A Year Later
Nov 282014
 

eimers memorial screen grab

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL ON SOUTH BEACH FOR CHARLES EIMERS

A hundred or so Key Westers gathered on Thanksgiving night on South Beach for the anniversary of Charles Eimers’ death. Tourist for a day, Mr. Eimers met with a controversial death on November 28th of last year within 24 hours of his arrival in Key West.

“I myself am just not ready emotionally to attend,” wrote Joshua Eimers, Charles’ youngest son.   Instead, the family sent a wooden cross and a heartfelt message which was read aloud by Rick Boettger. Continue reading »

NOWHERE TO RUN: New Video Devastating to KWPD Credibility

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, Charles Eimers  Comments Off on NOWHERE TO RUN: New Video Devastating to KWPD Credibility
Nov 222014
 

by Naja and Arnaud Girard

A wrecking ball crashed through the City’s defense to the Eimers police brutality case on Friday.  At a scheduled deposition Chief Lee was expected to provide bureaucratic information about the City’s procedures and policies in the wrongful death case filed by the Eimers family against the City of Key West and 13 police officers.

But instead he spent over two hours freefalling into a seemingly endless pit opened by allegations of  “perjury” committed by his officers.  At issue was the surprise new bystander video that showed up this week from Colombia.   Unlike the first video, it shows Eimers arrest all the way to the point of his death.  A fact that turns out to be devastating to the somewhat creative and more favorable stories cooked up by some of the officers.

“Sir, we’ve gone to the trouble, in preparation for various motion practice,” said attorney Robert McKee, “of taking every question and answer of your officers who were under oath and every time their answers were not what the video showed. There are pages and pages of it”…. and down we went. Continue reading »

An End To Fantasy Fest?

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, JD Adler  Comments Off on An End To Fantasy Fest?
Nov 212014
 

 

 

Old City Hall, Key West

by JD Adler

The Bethel Commission

Harry Bethel as commissionerGathered in the Commissioners’ Chamber of the Old City Hall, on November 17, 2014, former City Commissioner Harry Bethel brought together State Attorney Catherine Vogel, Police Chief Donie Lee, and approximately 50 concerned citizens of Key West to discuss the future of Fantasy Fest at a meeting labeled “Key West, Our Island Life”. Sitting behind the polished wood banister alongside S.A. Vogel, beneath a neon 3 minute speaker’s timer that was occasionally enforced, Bethel promptly began the meeting at 6 PM with a short speech that left no doubt as to his agenda.

He began by describing his impetus for this round of discussions on the subject being a massive influx of emails and personal comments objecting to Fantasy Fest becoming increasing lewd. He read into the record four suggestions offered to, not by, him (paraphrased here for brevity):

1.  Outlaw genital painting

2.  Clearly define and publish nudity laws

3.  New marketing ideas Continue reading »

Kathy Smith, FDLE’s Lead Investigator in the Eimers Investigation Put on Administrative Leave

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, Charles Eimers  Comments Off on Kathy Smith, FDLE’s Lead Investigator in the Eimers Investigation Put on Administrative Leave
Nov 212014
 

Issue-58-Mr-and-Mrs-Smith-for-web-800x586FDLE Special Agent Kathy Smith was escorted out of her Marathon office on Wednesday.  She has reportedly been put on paid administrative leave pending investigation of mortgage fraud.

The Blue Paper reported last week that Agent Kathy Smith and her ex-husband Scott Smith [at the time a Police Captain employed by KWPD] appear to have signed a false affidavit associated with an advantageous mortgage.  They borrowed $ 461,500 on a house they had purchased in 2004 for $ 132,500.  The home is now facing foreclosure.  In the affidavit the Smiths swore to the lender that they had been “continuously married” even though they had divorced four months previous.

Special Agent Kathy Smith was the lead investigator in the death of Charles Eimers.  FDLE’s failure to secure Eimers’ body for autopsy, to return calls to witnesses volunteering information and to collect and protect crucial evidence, made the investigation ever more controversial. Continue reading »

The Blue Paper #89

 The Blue Paper #89  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #89
Nov 212014
 

Issue #89 — Friday, November 21, 2014

NOWHERE TO RUN: NEW VIDEO DEVASTATING TO KWPD CREDIBILITY

A wrecking ball crashed through the City’s defense to the Eimers police brutality case on Friday.  At a scheduled deposition Chief Lee was expected to provide bureaucratic information about the City’s procedures and policies in the wrongful death case filed by the Eimers family against the City of Key West and 13 police officers. But Read More...

EIMERS DEATH-IN-CUSTODY UPDATE: Missing Video Surfaces

~CAUTION! VIDEO SHOWS DISTURBING IMAGES~ Colombia!  The missing iphone video of Charles Eimers’ death was in Colombia! “Once we had the phone number,” says Darren Horan, it took less than 48 hours to get a copy.”  He is one of the five lawyers representing Charles Eimers’ family in a suit against the City of Key Read More...

KATHY SMITH, FDLE'S LEAD INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE, PUT ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

FDLE Special Agent Kathy Smith was escorted out of her Marathon office on Wednesday.  She has reportedly been put on administrative leave pending investigation of mortgage fraud. The Blue Paper reported last week that Agent Kathy Smith and her ex-husband Scott Smith [at the time a Police Captain employed by KWPD] appear to have signed Read More...

KATHY SMITH, FDLE’S LEAD INVESTIGATOR IN CHARLES EIMERS CASE, PUT ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

FDLE Special Agent Kathy Smith was escorted out of her Marathon office on Wednesday.  She has reportedly been put on administrative leave pending investigation of mortgage fraud. The Blue Paper reported last week that Agent Kathy Smith and her ex-husband Scott Smith [at the time a Police Captain employed by KWPD] appear to have signed Read More...

An End to Fantasy Fest?

The Bethel Commission Gathered in the Commissioners’ Chamber of the Old City Hall, on November 17, 2014, former City Commissioner Harry Bethel brought together State Attorney Catherine Vogel, Police Chief Donie Lee, and approximately 50 concerned citizens of Key West to discuss the future of Fantasy Fest at a meeting labeled “Key West, Our Island Read More...

Key Largo Residents Claim Disproportionate Distribution of Tax Dollars / Request Fair Funding For Wastewater Systems

During the month of November the Tavernir Community Association, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, and the Key Largo Federation of Homeowners, representing a broad cross section of Key Largo taxpayers, passed resolutions respectfully urging the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and the Key Largo Wastewater District to come to equitable terms to resolve “the disproportionate Read More...

Why We Write

A reader posted a poignant comment in response to my depressing litany of horrors arising from our genesis as ruthlessly competitive spermatozoa: torture, drone attacks, police violence, government abuse, etc.  All related to our irrefutable DNA heritage of selfish unconcern for others. He wrote: It is difficult not to lose hope.  I try to remind Read More...

Hold Your Head Up! Hold Your Head Up!

In 1972, the British progressive rock group Argent released a single called “Hold Your Head Up.” If you look up the lyrics, that line is basically the entire song, repeated over and over. (For trivia buffs, Argent was founded by Rod Argent, who was with The Zombies before that.) I thought of this song not Read More...

Love

The normal randomness and chaos of everyday life sometimes catches me off guard. To even attempt to make sense of tragedy feels like a form of arrogance. Acceptance is the desired goal when facing the unimaginable, but it’s the process that is hellish. Having children opens up new worlds of bitter-sweet life experience and a Read More...

SIGN AND SHARE: Petition to Stimulate Rainwater-Harvestng Industry

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION  

Candlelight Memorial For Charles Eimers: A Message From Son, Joshua Eimers

Gweko Phlocker has organized a Candlelight Memorial to honor Charles Eimers and his family on the one year anniversary of his death [Thanksgiving Day].  The event will begin at 6:00 pm at South Beach [at the foot of Duval Street] where Mr. Eimers died.  Here is a link to the facebook event. On Tue, Nov Read More...

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MOST POPULAR

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...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Friday, November 14 thru Wednesday, November 19

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Thursday, November 20 thru Wednesday, November 26 Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. ARTS COUNCIL Events Brochure for Jan/Feb/Mar 2015 – Deadline – Friday, November 21 Please check your listings on our calendar at keysarts.mhsoftware.com, and verify that your event information Read More...

More than 800,000 Americans, Hundreds of Businesses Support Clean Water

St. Petersburg, FL – More than 800,000 Americans and 250 small businesses support restoring Clean Water Act protections to all of the nation’s rivers and streams, Environment Florida said as a key deadline to submit comments comes to a close. “Our waters are where we fish, boat, and swim,” said Ally Fields, Clean Water Advocate Read More...

HELPLINE BARBEQUE AT AQUA THIS SUNDAY!

Key West Chalk Festival 2014 Sidewalk Celebration Moved to Sunday

Organizers of the 3rd Annual Key West Chalk Festival, a performance art event where artists use chalk as their medium and the pavement surface as their canvas, have announced that due to persistent rain, the festive Sidewalk Celebration featuring artisans and entertainment, originally scheduled for 10am to 5pm, Saturday, November 22 has been moved to Read More...

The Women’s Journal Writing Group 4-Week Session – Begins December 4th

Do you need a peaceful place to write out your jumbled thoughts or your unspoken dreams?  Do you want to write a family history or more poems? The 4-week Women’s Journal Writing Group, beginning December 4th in Key West, is a place where women can safely let thoughts tumble out of their bellies, leaving their Read More...

SIGN AND SHARE: Petition to Stimulate Rainwater-Harvesting Industry

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION  

THE LOVE LANE GANG! They're Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

THE LOVE LANE GANG! They’re Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

Get Your Tickets for the St. Paul's Annual Christmas Concert

As in years past, St. Paul’s will be pulling out all the stops for our Annual Christmas Concert held every year on the first Sunday before Christmas. This is a family friendly event with a multitude of talented performers. Get your tickets early for this is always a sold out show. $ 20.00 per person. Read More...

Get Your Tickets for the St. Paul’s Annual Christmas Concert

As in years past, St. Paul’s will be pulling out all the stops for our Annual Christmas Concert held every year on the first Sunday before Christmas. This is a family friendly event with a multitude of talented performers. Get your tickets early for this is always a sold out show. $ 20.00 per person. Read More...

Check Out The Artisan Market – November 30, 2014

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 #88

 The Blue Paper #88  Posted by  # Full Issues #  Comments Off on The Blue Paper #88
Nov 142014
 

Issue #88 — Friday, November 14, 2014

KWPD AND FDLE, PARTNERS IN CRIME?

It’s a hell of a thing when an FDLE Special Agent commits perjury.  A hell of a thing. Kathy Smith, lead FDLE agent in the Eimers death-in-custody investigation and KWPD’s Chief of Operations at the time of the arrest, appear to be partners in a perjurious plot to obtain a strangely advantageous home loan. This Read More...

We Are All One Percenters

Today I am going to relate your brief life as a spermatozoa to what I expect will be the lack of a crowd at the Thanksgiving memorial to Charles Eimers. I have an important insight to the nature of your own personal life which I am sure you never thought of, and which you will Read More...

THE MOVIES REVISITED

Note: Obviously, this essay was written a number of years ago and the cinematic landscape in Key West has changed, but only slightly. In spite of its age, I find it all still relevant as I hope the reader will. The inspiration for this essay was a piece I heard on National Public Radio commemorating the Read More...

It’s the Thought That Counts

Most people (and this may be wishful thinking on my part) in the United States are familiar with the acronym SCOTUS. If you aren’t, I will give you a quick hint. It does not refer to a male body part. Rather, it refers to a group that includes male body parts but female ones, too: Read More...

It's the Thought That Counts

Most people (and this may be wishful thinking on my part) in the United States are familiar with the acronym SCOTUS. If you aren’t, I will give you a quick hint. It does not refer to a male body part. Rather, it refers to a group that includes male body parts but female ones, too: Read More...

Candlelight Memorial For Charles Eimers Announced

Gweko Phlocker has organized a Candlelight Memorial to honor Charles Eimers and his family on the one year anniversary of his death [Thanksgiving Day].  The event will begin at 6:00 pm at South Beach [at the foot of Duval Street] where Mr. Eimers died.  Here is a link to the facebook event. “I don’t want Read More...

Salt Island Provisions Celebrates Eric Anfinson Paintings 2015 Calendar Release

The new year is looming, and local painter Eric Anfinson knows just how to help people embrace the passing of time. On Saturday, November 15, the artist’s 5th annual calendar of paintings will be released at Salt Island Provisions on 830 Fleming Street from 6pm – 9 pm, with a celebration to include refreshments and Read More...

November is National Home Care Month

Home health care is highly skilled and professional health care, but it provides so much more than what patients & families normally receive from our traditional health care system. Our professional staff meet patients and their caregivers in their home. There is an intimacy and connection that rarely occurs in other settings. Home health care Read More...

Walking On Egg Shells…

Dear Editor: This is my response to the feature story (Nov. 7)  “Charles Eimers Update: Police, Death, and Missing Videotapes” by Arnaud and Naja Girard. After a cursory reading I’m rather out of breath – such an astonishing codification of events surrounding Key West’s most sickening incident of police violence, which has received national media Read More...

My Heart Will Be There For All Of You And The Eimers Family

Thanks as always for your great reporting! The Eimers case is still such a sad thing to read about. Such a senseless death at the hands of the KWPD. And to learn the cops deleted a tourist’s video of the murder – no other way to describe it from this layman’s point of view – Read More...

For Everything There Is A Season

Dear Editor: While this is my response to Alex Symington’s Nov. 7 column entitled “Big Picture, Small Pond”, I must say the opening of his first sentence arrested me:  “When I write, my inclination is to focus on national or global big picture issues…”  Well, this so triggered my imagination, that I’m only impelled to Read More...

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MOST POPULAR

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...

United Way’s ALICE Report: 48% of Keys Households Are Struggling Financially

More than 14,000 Keys households—48% of the total—are struggling to afford basic needs like food, housing and health care, according to a groundbreaking report released yesterday by United Way of the Florida Keys. United Ways in six states commissioned Rutgers University to conduct the research for the ALICE report, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Read More...

Significant Progress Reported on FIRM’s Reduce Insurance Premium Project

Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM) is pleased to announce significant progress in its comprehensive analysis of windstorm risk in Monroe County, Florida. The RIPP (Reduce Insurance Premiums Project) study involves the inspection of a target number of 704 homes from Key West to Key Largo. To date, nearly 500 homes have been inspected, and Read More...

Key West Film Festival Gives Back To The Community With Free Film At The Tropic Cinema

“No Impact Man” Is Open To The Public Through Partnership With Green Living & Energy Education’s “Got Your Bags? Florida Keys” Program For a second year, Key West Film Festival (KWFF) partners with Green Living & Energy Education (GLEE), utilizing the nonprofit’s event greening guidelines and inviting the public to enjoy a slice of the Read More...

Survey Shows Younger Americans Not as “Green” as Older Generations

As America Recycles Day approaches, Harris Poll shows young people are less likely to recycle, understand benefits. While conventional wisdom dictates millennials are more environmentally-conscious than older generations, their attitudes toward recycling begs to differ and suggest they may not be as “green” as we thought. According to a recent survey conducted online in November Read More...

Equality Florida to Introduce “Another Business for Equality” Wednesday, November 19 at noon at Aqua in Key West

Equality Florida, the largest organization in Florida dedicated to securing full equality for the state’s LGBT community, will introduce the Key West business community to Another Business for Equality (www.AB4E.org) at a luncheon on Wednesday, November 19 at Aqua, 711 Duval Street. Another Business for Equality spotlights businesses that have taken a stand for policies Read More...

Climate Change From a Mountain Community Perspective…

Here in the Keys we are pretty focused on climate change… mostly from a rising sea-level perspective.  Here is a peek into the same issue as seen from the mountaintop… “This historic joint climate agreement by China and the US, the world’s two largest polluters, is good news for the future of mountains and snow. Read More...

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Cultural Calendar Friday, November 14 thru Wednesday, November 19

Visit keysarts.com, Cultural Calendar for more listings and events throughout the Keys. ARTS COUNCIL Key West Happenings ARTISTS RECEPTIONS / EXHIBITIONS Friday Key West Art Center Membership Meeting and Artist’s Critique, 3:30 PM 301 Front St. 294-1241. keywestartcenter.com Artists’ critique with Maggie Ruley and Andy Thurber. All artists welcome.   CALL TO ARTISTS (more…)

Love Lane Gang! They’re Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

Love Lane Gang! They're Just Plain Fun!

The Love Lane Gang is a homegrown band that charms and thrills both locals and visitors with their rollicking raucous ruckus. With an age range among the members of over thirty years, they bring a wide variety of experience and musical tastes to bear and appeal to music lovers of all ages. They’ve brought back Read More...

Study Abroad Opportunities for Monroe County Students

The Monroe County Education Foundation and The Experiment in International Living invite parents and students to attend a one-hour information session this Monday, November 17th at 10:15 AM in the Key West High School auditorium. The Experiment offers unique 3-, 4-, and 5- week theme-based educational summer travel opportunities for high school students in Europe, Read More...

Key West Art & Historical Society Offers Special, Discounted Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

This Saturday, November 15, Key West Art & Historical Society will partner with high-speed catamaran Yankee Freedom to offer a trip that every nature enthusiast ought to have on their bucket list.   Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-square mile park 70 miles west of Key West, is mostly open water with seven small islands accessible Read More...

Key West Art & Historical Society Offers Special, Discounted Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

This Saturday, November 15, Key West Art & Historical Society will partner with high-speed catamaran Yankee Freedom to offer a trip that every nature enthusiast ought to have on their bucket list.   Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100-square mile park 70 miles west of Key West, is mostly open water with seven small islands accessible Read More...

OIRF Supports Preserving An Historic Church

Kelly Friend, President of Old Island Restoration Foundation, delivered a check for $ 3,750 to a grateful Fr. Thomas J. Sterner, Pastor of the First Congregational Church.  The brick church located at 527 William Street was built c.1893 and survived major hurricanes in the early 20th Century that destroyed another nearby church and other structures Read More...

City of Key West Sightseeing Franchise Input

The Key West City Commission wants to hear your views and ideas regarding the franchise agreements between the city and sightseeing enterprises. These agreements will be reviewed by all commissioners from now until February. The commissioners want to hear from the community. Please click the following link for the online form. Or you can send Read More...

Paul Cotton's Official CD Release Ceremony Saturday November 15th at Schooner Wharf Bar!

Local music legend Paul Cotton of Poco announces the release of his latest   Solo CD – 100% PAUL COTTON The Paul Cotton Band will be performing at Schooner Wharf , Friday Nov. 14 and Saturday Nov. 15th from 7:30pm until 11:30pm. * On Saturday November 15 * – at 8:00pm he invites the whole island Read More...

Paul Cotton’s Official CD Release Ceremony Saturday November 15th at Schooner Wharf Bar!

Local music legend Paul Cotton of Poco announces the release of his latest   Solo CD – 100% PAUL COTTON The Paul Cotton Band will be performing at Schooner Wharf , Friday Nov. 14 and Saturday Nov. 15th from 7:30pm until 11:30pm. * On Saturday November 15 * – at 8:00pm he invites the whole island Read More...

Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition Holds Annual Tot Swap: An “Everything Kids” Consignment Sale and Fundraiser

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition invites all Keys families to shop for their children at the annual Tot Swap: An ‘Everything Kids’ Consignment Sale and Fundraiser from November 12-16, 2014. This is a great chance to buy quality children’s items at a discounted price while supporting a good cause.  Sale dates are: ·       Early Read More...

Southernmost Car Club Holds Its Monthly SHOW & SHINE CAR SHOW

The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) holds its monthly SHOW & SHINE- CAR SHOW this Sunday, November 16th, Noon to 4pm 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 cool Read More...

Southernmost Car Club Holds Its Monthly SHOW & SHINE CAR SHOW

The Florida Keys Southernmost Car Club (FKSCC) holds its monthly SHOW & SHINE- CAR SHOW this Sunday, November 16th, Noon to 4pm 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 cool Read More...

5K to Benefit For Montessori Children’s School, Supports Family Fun

The 5K season is upon us, with The Montessori Children’s School of Key West’s annual 5K set for Sunday, November 16 at 8am. The scenic, measured course begins and finishes at Higgs Beach and trails fast and flat along the Atlantic Ocean on Atlantic and South Roosevelt Boulevards. The fundraiser event, organized by Amy Bradshaw Read More...

Key West Chalk Festival Amps up for 3rd Annual Event

Registration is now open for Chalk artists and artisan vendors for the 3rd Annual Key West Chalk Festival, presented by the Key West Art in Public Places Board and set for November 19-23 along the Truman Waterfront promenade, adjacent to the USCGC Ingham Museum. Chalk artists may download a registration form from the AIPP website Read More...

MASON JENNINGS TO PLAY BENEFIT CONCERT AT COAST ON STOCK ISLAND

Concert to Support Reef Relief is Nearly Sold Out On Friday, November 21, singersongwriter and internationally recognized touring artist Mason Jennings will play an intimate concert at Stock Island’s COAST with ticket sales supporting Reef Relief. The event is being brought to the community with the help of local sponsors, including the title sponsor, the soon to open Marker Waterfront Resort. Read More...

Check Out The Artisan Market – November 30, 2014

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CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotape

 Posted by  * Featured Story *, Charles Eimers  Comments Off on CHARLES EIMERS UPDATE: Police, Death, and Missing Videotape
Nov 072014
 
Charles Eimers Photo provided by Treavor Eimers

Charles Eimers Photo provided by Treavor Eimers

No trial yet, but the weeklong depositions of Key West police officers involved in the in-custody death of Charles Eimers were filled with eye-popping revelations and admissions about possible excessive force and cover-up.  Officers had to admit that only one of the long-awaited 9 [or so] police cruiser dashcam external microphone recordings is available, multiple dashcam videos have gone missing, and crucial footage captured by Officer Gary Lee Lovette’s Taser has been erased.  Finally, allegations surfaced that a witness saw police officers on scene deleting a second bystander video that showed footage of the entire arrest.  Officers’ testimony also confirmed a tense altercation had occurred on scene between a KWPD officer and a vacationing New York police officer who had described what he saw as “legalized murder on the beach.”

The death of the 61-year old tourist, Charles Eimers, while in the hands of Key West police officers captured national attention last year.  Eimers was dead before the end of the first day of his vacation in Key West.  CBS News reported his “Death in Paradise” after a bystander video was published in The Blue Paper contradicting the police department’s official version of events. As it turned out Eimers had not collapsed from a heart attack while running away from the police as was originally reported by KWPD.  Rather, the Medical Examiner listed his struggle, beneath the weight of multiple police officers, as a contributing factor in his death.

And this week, the six-foot tall, 220-pound [on average] officers were tip-toeing around the difficult exercise of demonstrating to the Eimers family attorneys that they could not have suffocated the old man and actually had done everything by the book. Continue reading »