 The Marathon Florida Keys Journal
City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise
Volume 11 † Issue 8 † August 2005
[In The Keys] [Kitty Talk] [Guest Articles] [Internet Stuff]
[Poetry Corner] [Hockey Puck] [Twins of the Dark Star] [The Dull Stuff]
The Marathon Florida Keys Journal contains all the old articles, but adds a new focus locally in the Florida Keys. The most popular part of the magazine is Kitty Talk. The lead article is the In The Keys section that offers opinions and even some editorializing. Additionally, there are articles concerning the local political beat. At times these articles were provided to other media for publication, which edit them to suit their needs. The Marathon Free Press/Citizen has used some of these articles. We are always looking for interesting guest articles. We sincerely appreciate your visit and patronage. Please enjoy and come back soon! In The Keys
~some articles have photos, go to http://MarathonJournal.US/press/index.htm~
I sat at the June 14th Marathon City Council, watching Sandler at Greater
Marathon Bay presenting themselves as the second coming for the city. The
only problem is that everyone saw through their lies. Sandler displaced an
entire community, and, frankly, doesn't give a damn about anyone except
themselves.
At the June 28th Marathon City Council Meeting, former Gulfstream residents
told their stories one more time.
Kelli and Lenny Polk spoke about their lost homes and still owe on a trailer
loan. They work at the local post office. While Jay Pulis, nominally the
property manager, harassed them, Eugene Spano, the owner's agent never made
an offer to Kelli and Lenny.
Doris Carden explained that she had finally retired, when she lost her home
to Sandler at Greater Marathon Bay. She had to go back to work to pay on a
FEMA loan for Hurricane Georges damage to a home no longer existing.
While lawyer William DeVane had defended Sandler in the past, Bobbi and son,
Richard, Silva lost their homes. All they want is one of the 18 affordable
homes being built by Sandler in a deal with the city. Bobbi didn't think
that was asking too much. Bobbi works at a women's clothing store, while
Richard works at the radio station at Boot Key.
Karen Melnick talked about the community that was like family that has been
displaced. She also asked for consideration from Sandler, when new
affordable units are built. Karen works at a furniture story and at the
radio station.
City Council members sympathized, but couldn't go against state law. It was
pointed out that a court recorder sat in the front row, and the City of
Marathon could ill afford a lawsuit that it would surely lose.
Sandra Walters, Eugene Spano, William DeVane, and others from Sandler at
Greater Marathon Bay sat with heads bowed; some writing furiously.
There was nothing anyone could do. Over 70 families displaced. Gulfstream
Trailer Park is no more.
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts Middle Keys Arts Alliance held their
regular meeting at the Marathon Community Theatre June 30th at 5:00 PM. The
meeting was well attended by artists from all over the Middle Keys. This
meeting's theme was the performing arts.
First, the group thanked Marathon Community Theatre for hosting this month's
meeting. Currently, the theatre is putting on a comedy called The Vagina
Monologues. For more details, one can go to http://www.marathontheater.org.
Yes, theatre is spelled wrong in the Internet address.
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts mission is to enhance the cultural
environment and economy of Monroe County through development and promotion
of the arts and cultural tourism.
There was some discussion about the group's name change to the Middle Keys
Arts Alliance vice the old Middle Keys Social Membership Group, which was
confusing. The alliance is a social membership group that connects artists
and patrons of the arts with all of the arts and each other.
The next item was talk about the upcoming road trips to various art locales.
A calendar of events can be found at http://www.keysarts.com. There were
several announcements before the fun began.
Everyone helped themselves to the covered dishes brought beforehand. Good
conversation filled the room.
Afterwards, various members of the group conducted different types of
improvisational acting. Pantomime was attempted first with variations tried
as well. Everyone had a ton of fun.
The last item was scheduling the next meetings, including the November
meeting to discuss historical issues. Everyone bemoaned the fact that there
is no historical society in the middle keys. Slowly, the meeting broke up
into smaller groups. The Middle Keys Arts Alliance ended another successful
and interesting meeting.
There was a tailgate party at the Marathon Elks Club on July 2nd, starting
at 5 PM. Those with tickets got to celebrate the summer NASCAR Nextel Cup
race being held at the Daytona International Speedway. The race was being
displayed on all the televisions.
While there was a rain delay at the Pepsi 400, people milled around the bar,
enjoying their Independence Day holiday. The Elks secretary, Stevanna Pratt,
was talking with several members. Stevanna used to work for the Middle Keys
Community Land Trust.
There was a contest started on how many cautions the race would endure.
Later, a book on Dale Earnhardt Sr. was raffled along with other racing
goodies.
The lodge was decorated in racing flags and pennants. A Rusty Wallace cutout
stood near the serving area. A round of fried dill pickles was served. They
had a nice flavor for such an unusual appetizer.
Soon thereafter the main meal was served. There was grilled chicken and ribs
along with homemade potato salad complimented with beans and bacon. Corn
bread topped the meal.
The race rain delay continued for a few more hours, but no one seemed to
mind. Many checked the big-screen televisions and either cheered or booed
the drivers being introduced.
This holiday gathering was repeated in many places throughout the keys.
The Joint Marathon Public Library Construction Project meeting started on
time at 1:30 PM on the second floor of Sheriff's Aviation Hangar facility.
This first meeting between the City of Marathon and Monroe County officials
began a long process that should end up with a new public library.
Monroe County Commissioner David Rice led off the meeting by introducing
everyone. He outlined the overall goal of teaming up with the City of
Marathon to build a new public library that will be part of the city hall
complex.
While discussions were tentative at best, generating more questions than
answers, the basic concept has one building being built with parking on the
ground level. Two separate facilities would be in a single building, a
public library and a city hall. The details will require more meetings and a
lot of hard work.
Two handouts outlined the Public Library Construction Grants process. The
first handout was a summary of the State of Florida Construction Grants put
together by Margy McMennamy. She is a county staffer. The other handout was
the detailed Public Library Construction Grants Guideline and Application.
The possible grant would not be the only funding required. City Planner
Director Gail Kenson thought a Community Development Block Grant might be
possible.
There was discussion over what type of structure would be best. City
Councilwoman Marjie Mearns thought that a two-story structure over
ground-level parking would be best. Some discussed the possibility of a
single story building over ground-level parking. City Vice Mayor Chris Bull
stated that more work would be required to accommodate both the city and
county's requirements.
City Manager Mike Puto wanted to expedite the project, because the lease on
the current city hall is time sensitive. That led to a discussion whether or
not to continue with Keith and Schnars, who is currently working on city
hall plans and designs. The possibility of expanding the scope of services
with the engineering firm could save time.
After a number of other issues were introduced, another meeting was
tentatively scheduled for August 24th at 1:30 PM. A public notice would be
published. The items for further discussion were the legal issues, grant
process, and public library needs assessment.
OPINION: Anytime that the county and the City of Marathon can meet and agree
on something, that isn't all bad. Putting Marathon's new public library and
city hall in the same building on the same property is a good thing for the
citizens and the taxpayers. The two facilities would be separate from each
other in one structure. The county would most likely lease their part of the
building for the public library from the city. An interlocal agreement might
be required. The only concerns seemed to be the time constraint and legal
issues. Still, Monroe County and City of Marathon officials are working
together toward a worthy goal. That was in itself impressive. Now let's see
how long it takes for them to reach success.
The City of Marathon Planning Commission met July 18th at 6:30 PM at the
Sheriff's Aviation Hangar second floor classroom. Commissioners Holder,
Smith, and Hill heard planning staffer Katye Parker make a presentation on
the proposed Crystal Bay Development Agreement.
Crystal Bay Resort is located at 4900 Overseas Highway near mile marker
49.5. Jack and Veronica Leggitt own the resort. The property is zoned mixed
commercial use and suburban commercial. There are 5.78 acres of upland and
.78 acres of bay bottom.
The current site is made up of 30 one-bedroom units situated in five
buildings. The proposed site has 27 two-bedroom units contained in three
buildings. A clubhouse with a manager's apartment will be added.
Three affordable housing units are required. The agreement calls for one
housing unit and a monetary contribution to the city's housing fund of
$200,000 in lieu of the other two. A local agency like the Middle Keys
Community Land Trust must income qualify any affordable housing applicants.
Upgraded wastewater and stormwater systems are also required. The proposed
site must meet all FEMA regulations as well.
The Planning Commission forwarded this proposed development agreement to
City Council citing the above conditions. The vote was 3 - 0.
The Crystal Bay Resort project also required an amendment to a Major
Conditional Use according to Marathon's Land Development Regulations. The
proposed site elevations, arch elevation, and plans were presented.
The following are required: additional understory for district boundary
buffer, landscaped parking, submission of a transplantation plan, ensuring
no liveaboards at the marina, installation of fire hydrants, sprinkler
system, and fire alarm system.
The Planning Commission voted 3 - 0 to forward this to City Council,
recommending approval based on the staff report.
OPINION: The City of Marathon Planning Commission is practically useless.
The commission serves only one purpose really. It takes public input. Even
that is not done well. Chairman Bill Smith has, on occasion, stifled such
public input. While all other city entities bend over backwards to take
public input, whether on topic or not, pleasant or not, the Planning
Commission does not do so. For example, several meetings ago, one former
Gulfstream resident, Cliff Williams, spoke about Sandler at Greater Marathon
Bay's character. Chairman Bill Smith cut him short. This is inexcusable,
considering the only purpose for the commission is taking such public input.
What's Happening! Hurricane Dennis blew to the west of Key West, doing minor damage. The problems at our  l ittle slice of paradise were some trees down and other debris. The USS Marathon Proclamation was read at the July 26th Marathon City Council meeting. I help write that proclamation. My company published my fourth poetry collection called The Book of Kalian Mysticism. The first photo from my son, Jeff's cell phone, is of his daughter, my granddaughter. Her name is Alexis. She thinks that I am married to Brittany Spears, who is her favorite performer. I have yet to convince her that I was just kidding. The other picture from Jeff is a mystery to me. He must have been driving in the mountains somewhere in the Great USA! It is a pretty picture though. Those cell phone cameras are certainly the cat's meow, don't you think?
Miscellany: Subj: Holiday Sands [This is an email that we received recently.]
NAME: Ann Nickroo
comments: THANK GOD I FOUND THIS WEB SITE. I READ WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR COMMUNITY IN MARATHON, FL AND THE SAME EXACT THING IS HAPPENING AS WE SPEAK IN HOLIDAY SANDS A MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY IN GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA. MR. LANGDON S. FLOWERS OF BS SQUARED, LLC OUT OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA AND REGISTERED IN NOVEMBER OF 2004 SENT A ROBERT E. WIND INTO OUR SUBDIVISION APPROACHING HOME OWNERS ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY WHEN HE WAS ACTUALLY WORKING FOR LANGDON S. FLOWERS AND A MAN B. SCOTT RICH. THEY ARE TRYING TO BUY UP AS MANY LOTS AND GET A MAJORITY OF LOTS AND HAVE HIRED LEGAL COUNSEL TO TRY TO THROW OUT OUR HOMEOWNER ASSOC. BYLAWS AND COVENANTS SO HE (FLOWERS) CAN HAVE A VOTE FOR EACH LOT. IT IS TEARING UP OUR COMMUNITY AND WE NEED HELP. WE ARE A SMALL SUBDIVISION WITH MOBILE HOMES AND RV'S AND NOT WITH A LOT OF FUNDS TO FIGHT THIS KIND OF TAKE OVER. HE WANTS TO GET CONTROL SO HE CAN TAKE OVER THE COMMON AREAS AND SOUND FRONT PROPERTY AND PIER AND DOCK. ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US TO HOLD ON TO OUR PROPERTY/LOTS OR WHO TO SEEK FOR LEGAL HELP. SO MANY ATTORNEYS WANT EVEN RETURN OUR CALLS WHEN THEY SEE WHO WE ARE GOING UP AGAINST. FLOWERS BAKERY, FLOWERS INDUSTRIES, ETC. PLUS LANGDON S. FLOWERS, JR. JUST DID THE SAME THING IN GULF COUNTY, ST. JOE BEACH. LOOK UP THE HIGHLANDS OF ST. JOE BEACH HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. THAT MR. FLOWERS INCORPORATED IN JAN. 2005. HE ATTENDED OUR HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. ANNUAL MEETING AND WAS SO ARROGANT AND WE ARE AT A LOST AS TO HOW TO FIGHT THIS CORPORATE GREED!!! THANKS FOR READING MY EMAIL AND ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE US WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I'M EMAILING YOUR WEB SITE TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR WES VIC HOLIDAY SANDS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. INC. AND THEY WILL PROBABLY BE IN TOUCH We suggested that the only course of action was to get a lawyer who would work with them. We got the following reply:
Larry,
Thanks for your response. Our Board President called over 12 attorneys before we found one that didn't have a conflict of interest with representing up against Mr. Flowers. He has done this same thing in Gulf County, Volusia County, Monroe County and now in Santa Rosa County. He's hired a law firm in Pensacola to have our Homeowners Assoc. bylaws/covenants thrown out. He wants a vote for every lot/parcel he has bought in Holiday Sands. It now reads one vote per property owner and he wants a vote per lot. It's obvious he wants control of the park/common area, pier and roads which are now owned by all the property owners. We know he wants control of the Board and raise assessments so high the rest of the property owners won't be able to afford to pay it. This park has been here since 1975 and has been passed down through families for the past forty years. Anyway, thanks for reading our concerns and any ideas we can take to hold him off will be appreciated. Ann Nickroo Finally: Did you know that Wyoming's state bird is the Meadowlark? The flower is the Indian Paintbrush. The tree is the Plains Cottonwood. The capital is Cheyenne. Statehood was granted July 10, 1890. Lastly, Mary O'Shea's Glass garden features glass art from dishes to fishes among other fine glassware. This Key West establishment is located at 213 Simonton Street. They are open daily 10-5. Their telephone number is 305-293-8822. Call for more details. Their web address is as follows: http://www.keywestglass.com.
Kitty Talk
These journals are dedicated to Kitty GreyCat's spirit. She is at RainBow Bridge now along with her human friends, Leo and Doris. We all loved you, Kitty! Click the cat graphic to visit her Memorial page. Kitty born June 6, 1982. Died July 9, 1997. Please use our email form linked below to make suggestions or offer praise. Now, really, the cats have thoughts and meows that are badly interpreted by a human for publication here. So believe what you will, but enjoy nonetheless. All complaints, flames, and such like will end up in the litter box! >^..^<  Ebony: I like the bird channel in the other human bean's bedroom. There are birds in a cage that are infinitely interesting and eatable. The only problem is that these two human beans spray water on me with a spray bottle. All I want is to watch the bird channel. When I run back to my human bean's room, he is trying to figure out how I got all wet. I know, but I am not going to meow to him about it. I like my bird TV, I really, really do like it, meow. >^..^<
Abby: I got to admit that the bird channel is nice and all, but I would rather chase Ebony and bite her. That is so much cat fun, I meow. What is more fun than bird TV is to get close to human beans and sit on their lap and purr the day away. Ebony used to be untouchable. She not like to be cuddled at all. >^..^<
Ebony: Yes, I used to be like that, but now I like to curl up with the girl human bean. She has soft pillows. I like it when she puts her arms around me. I feel so safe and warm. I like to be warm, because I an older. >^..^<
Abby: Now that is very true. Ebony is so old and such a bad cat. I like the catnip bowl first, and Ebony tries to horn in on my catnip. I chase her away. Then when I am done, Ebony comes back and gets catnipped. >^..^<
Ebony: I feel so very good on catnip. I roll in it and snuff a lot. Abby is so mean to hoard it. I get so mad that I run and hide in the pet carrier our human bean got for Abby. I like the pet carrier. It's safe and dark. >^..^<
Abby: Meow, I like the pet carrier more than you, Ebony. When we went to the vet beans, I felt safer in there. The vet beans couldn't get me out, even when they tipped the pet carrier. They had to pull me out. At least I took my shots bravely, before going back into the pet carrier, what is safe, dark, and comfortable for me. >^..^<
Ebony: I hissed and growled when I got my third shot from the vet doctor. Three shots is three too many, I meow. The vet beans liked Abby's tattoo. She has an S tattooed in her ear, meaning her baby-making stuff is removed. My baby-making box is removed, but I not got one tattoo or clipped ear or nothing. I like it that way, I do. >^..^<
Abby: Ebony, I heard enough meows about my tattoo. I missed our human bean when he was up north. He ought not to leave us even for a minute or two. We are so very important, you nose? >^..^<
Ebony: Luckily, our human bean was here to protect us from that evil thing what called Hurricane Dennis. The wind and strange sounds make us both stay very close to human bean. We stayed close to him, when three human adults with a baby bean came visiting from the Ohio place, where Kitty came from and buried now. I did escape on the newbie human beans three times, I think. That was powerful fun for a cat. >^..^<
Abby: You and I don't like company much. We don't like the muggy heat either. We no sooner get outside, and we have to beg our human bean to let us back inside to cool off. It is even hot in the shade, it is. >^..^<
Ebony: I nose that you got sick for a long time. I am glad you feel better, even if you are an evil cat. >^..^<
Abby: What gets me feeling better is laying on newspaper and any scrap of paper really. It feels good. It seems to aggravate human bean some too. That is extra fun, when that happens. Ebony hogs papers too, especially the papers that human bean wants to read or work on at the very time we are laying on them. Well, that's all. >^..^<
Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com: Team America: World Police: Uncensored and Unrated is the worst movie. It is so bad that at times, unintentionally, the film is even funny in certain places. House of Flying Daggers is an extraordinary film about the dance of death. The sadness of a love triangle permeates the whole story of life and death. It is a brilliant movie. Undertow is a grim movie about two brothers who can’t get put their past behind them. The two kids bare the brunt of the consequences. The movie was beautifully filmed, even though the story was gritty and a bit too realistic. It was still a good movie and thought provoking. As Time Goes By: Complete Series 7 follows the romantic British comedy of an endearing couple and all their unique friends and relatives. This series is too good to pass up. Assault on Precinct 13 is a very good action movie with great characters. The realism is unsurpassed. This film is definitely entertaining and even thought provoking. Coach Carter is an excellent movie about student athletes reaching beyond their potential and succeeding in life. The basketball scenes were realistic and exciting. Rory O’Shea Was Here is a special movie about two severely physically handicapped men who strike out on their own. While predictable, the film was very heartfelt and real. Interesting websites we visited recently: We registered our Motorola cell phone at http://www.hellomoto.com/us. We also got more minutes for our prepaid TracFone at http://www.tracfone.com.
Poetry Corner
"The Storm Comes"
July 24, 2005
Darkening clouds gather
Gentle winds grow
Into angry dust swirls
Dust devils dance
Upon the ground
As large raindrops
Splatter, making
Pelting sounds
As thunder vibrates
Everything around
And dark shapes
Scurry about
Faster and faster
The storm comes
From depths of
Utter despair
To heavens of
Intense delight
The standing clouds
Grow black and
More angry
The shapes
Melting into
Sheets of rain
Dark and forbidding
Not knowing where
The storm begins
And our life ends © 2005 L. E. Shaffer
Guest Articles
Stuff not written by us. As always everything is copyright of the author.
yes... it's true... me, the mighty Spartacus, is officially a whole year old!!! And I'd like to invite you all to my party!!! It's being held at http://1year.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/index.jhtml Hope to see you there!!!
Oh... while I'm at it, I might as well invite you all to a wonderful Picture Show, starring your truly amongst a lot of other kitties... You'll find the super piccie show at http://www.photoshow.net/educat/cats
But most of all... I'd like to wish you all a wonderful summer! I hope all is well, and that you're all happy and healthy!!! Purries from Spartacus, a whole year old!!!
See Scotland through my eyes! http://spartacusscotland.4t.com Have a laugh, check out Brindle and mines postcard from Europe: http://spartacusluvsbrindle.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
© 2005 Spartacus Group Novel
As an experiment for fun, we are writing a group novel at the world famous and so very special Area 52B forum. © 2005 L. E. Shaffer, Kim Young, Linda Hall
Hockey Puck
The NHL finally settled their labor dispute, but the owners raked the players over the coals. At least hockey will be back. I'm still a fan, but how many will come back to the NHL? Lance Armstrong won his seventh consecutive Tour de France, and then retired. Lance is a class act. Venus Williams won the Grand Slam at Wimbledon, avenging her sister, Serena’s, earlier loss. The Pepsi 400 at Daytona saw Dale Jr. finish 3rd, while Jeff did a respectable 7th. Danica Patrick won the pole at Argent Mortgage Indy 300 at Kansas City. Tiger finished second at the Western Open. Dale Jr. won the Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR NEXTEL race. Jeff Gordon didn’t finish, but ended up 33rd. The MLB All-Star game is on tonight, very boring really. The NASCAR NEXTEL New England 300 results included Dale Jr. finishing 9th and Jeff 25th. Tiger Woods wins his tenth major at the British Open. Ricky Williams is back with the NFL's Miami Dolphins; let's see if that makes a difference. Jeff finished 13th, while Dale Jr. placed 32nd at the second Pocono NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race. That's it for sports now.
Twins of the Dark Star
Book One Tears from Ao and four poetry collections, Pages of Life, Visions of Life, Moments of Life, and The Book of Kalian Mysticism are available electronically at http://RunesofAo.com/aobp/. The Runes of Ao project, Book Two The Mountains of Ao novel is currently in final edit. Book Three Twins of the Dark Star novel in early stages and Falling Star poetry collection are works in progress. A collaboration with K. Young on a novella called Dragon Embers is now published on the fan site known as Runes of Ao.com. Finally, in collaboration with K. Young and Linda Hall, a group novel project is in progress and currently titled Starsongs.
The Dull Stuff
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine, company, or its advertisers. Inputs, email, suggestions, and letters to this journal are subject to approval by Ebony and Abby. Submittals may be edited for content and length and become the creative property for the one-time nonexclusive publication of: Shaffer Novels/Poetry Company
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www.RunesofAo.com/LarryShaffer/ Publication date: July 28, 2005
Author: L. E. Shaffer
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