Parking Meters Removed from Smathers Beach!

Remains of a parking meter.

All parking meters have been removed from South Roosevelt Boulevard, the road adjacent to Smather's Beach, Key West's largest stretch of sandy beach.

The meters were originally installed, to the dismay of many locals, in 1997.  Two years later it was pointed out that the road is actually the property of the State of Florida, and the City of Key West had no permission to install meters and collect fees.  According to reports in 2009, the meters contributed approximately $37,000 to annual revenues for the city.

City workers were today seen hammering down the stumps of what was left of the meter poles, each of which were cut off at ground level.

Parking is now FREE at Smather's Beach.

City workers flattening meter stumps.

Photo of the now meter-less Smather's Beach

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Coming Soon: Hemingway Hotels & Resorts

The family of Ernest Hemingway has licensed the Hemingway name to developers of a new chain of hotels based on the famous writer's personality.

Hemingway Hotels & Resorts is now seeking hotels interested in being part of the newly formed brand, and is actively seeking submissions from their website.

Qualifications include:

• hotel locations must have a connection with Hemingway (like obvious candidates Key West and Cuba)
• four-star minimum need only apply

According to the developer's website:

"...each Hemingway Hotel must be true to its environment, unique architecturally, and committed to providing guests with active, passionate one-of-a-kind experiences that deeply enrich their lives."

Interestingly, a few years ago, the Chinese announced plans to build a Hemingway Hotel in Cuba, but no word of progress has been recently mentioned and it isn't clear if they will be part of this new brand.

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