tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89033362011-12-31T22:46:10.265-05:00Key West local resident's comments on the island's life, politics, play, and people.Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.comBlogger2441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-77076687742962273872011-07-23T12:58:00.002-04:002011-07-29T15:18:24.249-04:00

How out of whack is the Florida Keys' representitive Ileana Ros-Lehtinen when it comes to Cuba policy? She, along with the rest of the hardline, anti-Castro community, want to repeal the rights of Cuban Americans to travel to Cuba to visit their family, along with their ability to send money.  Somehow she is convinced this will help Cubans and punish Castro. Locals in the Florida Keys - by

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24377393415674048932011-07-21T11:32:00.000-04:002011-07-21T11:32:10.865-04:00

Border's Bookstore, which entered bankruptcy in February of this year, was hoping that a buyer would step forward and save the company.   No buyer has emerged.  The auction scheduled for this week has been cancelled.  As a result, Borders has announced they are closing all stores - including the Key West location. The local Borders, actually a scaled-down version named Borders Express, was a

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-2803738619861521302011-07-19T12:12:00.000-04:002011-07-19T12:12:34.718-04:00

Key West is one of the few places in the United States where you'll have a chance to see the last flight of the space shuttle as it travels in the night sky. The shuttle may be visible low over the horizon and only for a few minutes. Here is the schedule for viewing here: THE FOLLOWING SHUTTLE SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM MON JUL 18 TO SUN JUL 24 IN KEY WEST:

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-79855944397575923752011-06-29T11:55:00.000-04:002011-06-29T11:55:37.780-04:00

Call it one of those "only in Key West" stories. Spiderman is due in court today to answer charges that he violated local Key West ordinances. According to a City of Key West complaint, Spiderman is being charged with interfering with the passage of a vehicle and bringing his performance out on the street. What did he do?  Apparently Spidy attached himself to the side of a tourist electric car

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-39750307141251662852011-06-14T11:40:00.001-04:002011-06-14T12:25:41.721-04:00

Tomorrow, June 15, 2011, Cynthia Aguilar will attempt to be the first solo person to paddleboard non-stop from Cuba to Key West. If successful, the 130-mile route will be the world record for the longest distance ever travelled by paddleboard by a single person.  In 2003, a four-woman team known as The Millennium Woman Paddleboard Team successfully paddled from Cuba to Key West, in a combined

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-41671822258355803932011-05-28T12:03:00.000-04:002011-05-28T12:03:46.518-04:00

Real World: Key West.  Who doesn't remember it?  Alright - do you even remember it? Filmed at an uber-swanky waterfront home on Key Haven, the show featured a cast of island newcomers who were oddly tasked with opening a spray-on tanning salon in one of the sunniest places: Key West, Florida. Yes, it does get cloudy in Key West - at least 10 days a year.  And tanning is a lot of work - with all

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-74744452660478285272011-05-26T10:57:00.000-04:002011-05-26T10:57:18.957-04:00

Sure, you can fly to Key West.  Or drive.  Or even arrive by boat, cruise ship, and ferry. But swim? Sometime this summer, when conditions are determined to be perfect, Diana Nyad will attempt to swim from Cuba to Key West - a distance of 103 miles, across the Straits of Florida and the Gulf Stream. It is estimated that this unbelievable journey will take two days of continuous swimming and

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-79971180179139185412011-05-01T12:26:00.000-04:002011-05-01T12:26:38.348-04:00

A bill to designate the Schooner Western Union as the official state flagship has passed in the Florida Senate. The magnificent ship is the current official vessel of Key West, its home port. By unanimous vote on April 29, the Florida Senate passed bill SB726, detailed below:  Florida Senate - 2011                                     SB 726               By Senator Bullard               39-

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-19649867532600040082011-02-16T11:21:00.000-05:002011-02-16T11:21:35.967-05:00

What a wild, wild ride Key West real estate has been on for the past 10 years. Speculators drove prices through the roof, realtors sang the praises of an invincible real estate market, and locals were either swept up or swept away in the frenzy.  The Key West Chronicle blog warned in 2005: Speculative Bubble in Key West Real Estate Due to Pop. No one believed it. Thankfully, it all came to an

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-48804308859114240822011-01-12T16:34:00.002-05:002011-01-12T16:38:35.673-05:00

If you are looking to avoid snow there is only one state in the United States without the white stuff on the ground: Florida! This map is from the NOAA website - showing current snow coverage for the United States.  Check out all-green Florida.  Doesn't it just look warm and inviting. Of course it has never snowed in Key West. Not even close. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Key West

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-73451289193035310092010-11-04T10:33:00.001-04:002010-11-05T16:41:38.591-04:00

Often, when visitors ask how long is the drive between Miami and Key West, knowledgeable locals usually reply "3-hours - without traffic". But how do you know if you are about to face a big delay on US1/Overseas Highway due to traffic? Do what Big Brother does and check in on road conditions by viewing the 36 cameras set up by the Florida Department of Transportation along US1.   There is a

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-26904210869454401032010-10-27T17:26:00.001-04:002010-10-27T17:28:51.144-04:00

It's election season and the mailboxes are filling up with political propaganda. I couldn't help but notice the District 120 Florida House race - pitting incumbant Ron Saunders with former mayor Morgan McPherson. Today's McPherson mailer states: "Morgan McPherson is a successful small businessman and job creator with the real-life business experience we need in Tallahassee." The mailer lists

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-40681123644265432052010-08-19T15:02:00.000-04:002010-08-19T15:02:09.306-04:00

Hearing of Michelle Casasola's severe injury while snorkeling is so sad and unusual. Locals and visitors have snorkeled countless times - nearly all without incident. So what happened? The family claims that the crew was throwing food, namely bagels, in the water to attract fish. Allegedly as a result, a three-foot barracuda attacked the nine-year old's hand - likely mistaking it for a

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-82144909190865028162010-08-04T11:41:00.001-04:002010-08-05T15:55:27.709-04:00

First off, you really just have to watch it for yourself.  This video is so full of vague and strange statements, one has to wonder is he serious.  Most of what he said/read sounded like it was produced by the tea party, Sarah Palin, and Glen Beck.  Or maybe Tina Fey lampooning all three. Declaring at an Upper Keys Republican Club that he was the candidate to take us "backwards", Morgan

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-43534567212309904052010-07-20T10:16:00.000-04:002010-07-20T10:16:45.400-04:00

The "Green Flash" is an atmospheric phenomenon which occasionally occurs at sunset in Key West -  when the last bit of sun disappears below the horizon and a brief green glow is observable.  This is usually explained by the refraction of light at that angle appearing green and is only visible during specific atmospheric conditions. Or, you could believe something else causes it. XKCD, the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-15715481452383400032010-07-08T15:52:00.000-04:002010-07-08T15:52:32.887-04:00

The dance between Cuba and the US continues further. With a little Cuban cooperation the Obama administration just might reconsider the embargo. All that is required is a gesture by the Cuban government that gives a not to democracy and freedom of expression. That news may have just occurred.  According to reports, Cuba is preparing to free 52 of their 150 political prisoners. The pending

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-19438309147246746692010-05-20T11:04:00.000-04:002010-05-20T11:04:30.721-04:00

If you haven't heard the latest, let's make it clear:  There is no oil on the beaches of Key West.  Tar balls found earlier in the week were tested and shown not be from the BP leak. While oil from BP's Gulf oil leak has not arrived on the Florida Keys, residents and volunteers are not acting complacent.  Reports that a small finger of oil has entered the Loop Current has locals already

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-38523360921458447572010-02-26T15:40:00.000-05:002010-02-26T15:40:07.689-05:00

Brrrr.  It's chilly. Yet, suprisingly, when you look at the statistics, the past two months in Key West are only six degrees colder than normal. Take a look at this chart of Key West's typical weather, with the 2010 stats added for comparison (statistics provided by NOAA/NWS). 2010 is definitely off to a cold start. January 2010 saw an average high temperature of 69.4, and an average low

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-40964611830314260472009-10-22T12:10:00.000-04:002009-10-22T12:10:23.031-04:00

The carnage continues in the Key West condo market. Take the small condo in Key West that sold in September 2004 for $720 per square foot. Must be luxurious you say? Located at 3312 Northside Drive, unit 301 is a studio - meaning no bedroom - and offers 408 square feet of living space. Here is a photo of the building: Last sale was $294,000. Today, this condo is offered for $77,500. And with 

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-74910119132359353922009-10-14T12:04:00.002-04:002009-10-14T12:07:26.550-04:00

At the peak of the real estate bubble in Key West, properties sold for over $1000 per square foot. It was astounding. During that time, the Santa Maria Motel turned into the Santa Maria Resort - offering 35 "luxury" condominiums. Unit 20 was one unit. It boasted 907 square feet, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms.  Pictured is the living room.  Looks luxurious - right?  According to online

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-20943139647352959982009-09-30T10:51:00.000-04:002009-09-30T10:51:49.695-04:00

If you want to travel to Cuba, today is the day to make your voice heard. The Latin American Working Group - one of the nation's longest standing coalitions dedicated to foreign policy - has organized a CubaGO! campaign for today, September 30. Call your representitive and let them know that you support the Freedom to Travel to Cuba legislation currently in committee. People supportive of

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-62174640319229781122009-09-29T17:11:00.000-04:002009-09-29T17:11:27.704-04:00

Morgan McPherson has had 4 years as mayor of Key West. Thank you for your service. But now, it is time for change. Key West needs a change in leadership.  Key West needs a mayor with no special interests, is open to discussion and compromise, and has intelligent ideas for the future of Key West. The island needs a mayor who will listen to the people - not just the developers.  The Bahama

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-1628185223542186992009-09-10T11:05:00.005-04:002009-09-12T12:50:55.964-04:00

Flying in and out of Key West, while convenient, usually comes with a high price. The Key West leg of a flight often doubles the price of air travel. For example, the best price for flying from Key West to Miami in January 2010 will cost you at least $258 round trip + taxes & fees. And that's for a 35 minute American Airlines flight. And yet during busy season, most flights to and from Key

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-81212196235103796012009-08-27T11:38:00.004-04:002009-08-27T12:03:15.154-04:00

When it comes to footwear, Key West is definitely a flip flop town.I pretty much live in mine.My favorite flip flops are made by Simple (sorry Reef sandals).Simple flip flops are super durable, have a firmer sole than Reef's, and don't succumb to the dreaded flip flop funk (imagine if you kept your kitchen sponge for a year...that's what happens to the squishy reef soles). My first pair of Simple

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-10461434248684685042009-08-15T11:01:00.003-04:002009-08-15T11:17:21.513-04:00

A sailboat race from Key West to Cuba (& back) is planned for November of next year.Small & fast catamarans (18-24 feet) will begin racing at the White Street Pier, covering 95 miles to Marina Hemingway, Cuba. Racers will spend a couple days in Cuba on a mission of cultural exchange focused on sailing. The return trip to Key West is another 95 mile race.Race organizers have set up a Google groups

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-68801350884477665412009-06-25T13:32:00.007-04:002009-06-25T15:08:19.788-04:00

Mosquitoes. No other insect is as deservedly loathed. Worldwide, mosquitoes are responsible for more suffering, disease, and death than any other insect.Here in Monroe County, the Mosquito Control Board has an annual budget of over $20 million dollars. Much of that money is spent on spraying chemicals from planes, helicopters, and trucks.Mosquito Control states that:"The insecticides used by the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-52288616170148863972009-06-01T18:33:00.004-04:002009-06-03T09:32:07.328-04:00

Has the Key West real estate market hit bottom?There are a couple reasons to believe it has.First, inventory of Key West homes is finally dropping. The combination of bargain prices, bank owned liquidations, panicking sellers, low interest rates, and an $8000 tax credit for first time buyers have gotten buyers off the fence.Currently, the Key West MLS is showing 808 properties for sale in Key

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-70545078108565078902009-04-29T15:36:00.008-04:002009-04-29T16:08:30.111-04:00

NBC has cancelled the May 5 broadcast of the Today show in Key West. The network wants to keep the morning show anchors in New York to better cover the swine flu story. (Ironically, Jimmy Buffett's latest novel is called Swine Not?)Personally, I think the coverage is already way over the line. I've barely calmed down over their panicking me about Mad Cow Disease. I had just gotten over deer

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-20563731226089977092009-04-25T20:27:00.003-04:002009-04-26T09:38:25.536-04:00

Despite what many tourists believe, Jimmy Buffett rarely plays live in Key West. And when he does, there is never any advance notice - meaning you never get to see him.Funny - you live in Key West and you never get to see Jimmy Buffett. Everywhere else, he comes around every summer.Until now.The Today Show is promoting Key West as an American vacation destination and will be filming an entire 4-

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-36285301113332991542009-04-22T11:18:00.004-04:002009-04-22T11:24:49.035-04:00

The USS Vandenberg has arrived in Key West and is now snugly berthed at the Truman Waterfront.The ship was welcomed into port by the Conch Republic army, with many locals watching as tugs maneuvered the 520-foot ship into its temporary dockside home.Final preperations to prepare the Vandenberg for sinking will begin immediately. The ship is expected to be sunk in 140 feet of water south of Key

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-4826592026071823792009-04-20T12:48:00.003-04:002009-04-20T13:04:17.951-04:00

The USS Vandenberg should arrive in Key West by Wednesday - if forecasts are correct.Here is the latest update from the organizers and the National Weather Service: This will no doubt be a spectacular site docked on the Outer Mole - 520 ft long and 71.5 feet wide - rusting and looking ready for the sea floor.Interesting fact: The 1999 movie Virus, starring Jamie Lee Curtis, was filmed aboard

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-78537073634985513342009-04-17T10:50:00.002-04:002009-04-17T10:54:45.356-04:00

This week, the Florida Senate unanimously passed a $1 tax increase on a pack of cigarettes.A local Key West convenience store predicted $7 per pack cigarettes soon. A friend mentioned he purchased an $8 pack at a dockside bar/restaurant on Stock Island.Cigar smokers will also see a tax increase - as much as $1 per cigar (tax depends on weight - tax is $1 on 1 oz. of tobacco).Key West once was the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-9477822280529845842009-04-16T20:02:00.004-04:002009-04-16T20:25:46.208-04:00

An op-ed column written by President Barrack Obama appeared in newspapers across the Carribean, Latin American, and the US. "Choosing a Better Future in the Americas", reaches out to regional nations - suggesting the upcoming Summit of the Americas is a new beginning.In reality, the US embargo of Cuba could disappear with the slightest action by Raul Castro & his brother. Just free "some"

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-31715213614950072862009-04-14T10:41:00.007-04:002009-04-14T11:32:06.319-04:00

The USS Vandenberg is underway and on its way to Key West. Hooray!NOAA is providing daily updates of the ships progress, route, and weather conditions. According to the video weather forecast, the ship will encounter a developing low pressure system that will create gale force winds today and tonight, with 25-35 knot winds and seas building to 8-15 feet.Here is the latest NOAA briefing, published

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-87353392157095399912009-04-11T17:38:00.006-04:002009-04-11T18:02:09.486-04:00

Nearly every day another aspect of the Monique Acevedo scandal is revealed. You can't help but think of Blagojovitch - the disgraced impeached senator from Ilinois, indicted for abusing nearly every aspect of his high office.With each new allegation, it becomes harder and harder to believe her husband knew nothing. The latest allegations involve his campaign finances.Meanwhile, the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-51688555746975621252009-02-26T11:25:00.007-05:002009-02-26T13:58:14.836-05:00

Philadepia Daily news writer Patty-Pat Kozlowski recently published an opinion column titled "10 reasons Philly tops Key West".While the writer is obviously a fan of Key West, mentioning she visits twice a year, she managed to amusingly list ten reasons Philadelphia is better then Key West.In response, here are 10 reasons that Key West actually tops Philly:1) Its 72 degrees in Key West today.

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-74720479180035252322009-02-20T15:23:00.007-05:002009-02-21T10:31:30.064-05:00

What is the opposite of Key West? Turns out it isn't China - at least not geographically.When I was a kid, for whatever the reason, I thought that you'd reach China if you dug far enough into the ground.Turns out I was wrong. Instead, my digging would have led me to the Indian Ocean.  I'm disappointed. I was hoping for land - a place where people lived.  And as a result of their geography,

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-7127470644352055002009-02-13T09:46:00.007-05:002009-02-13T10:17:30.923-05:00

Less than two weeks after my prediction that the Cuba Embargo Ends This Year a bill was introduced by Rep. William Delahunt [D-MA] into Congress calling for the end of travel restrictions to or from Cuba.Titled "Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act", H.R. 874 will allow US Citizens and legal residents to travel to and from Cuba.Here is a copy of the current text of the bill: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.This

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-28781713316339692032009-02-04T09:19:00.004-05:002009-02-04T09:27:05.513-05:00

The Langerado Music Festival, the largest music festival in South Florida, has been cancelled.The promoters have blamed poor ticket sales due to the sluggish economy. But in reality, it was the abandoning of the majority of its audience that caused the festival's demise.I went to last year's festival, held in the Big Cypress Reserve and had a great time - along with 25,000 other people.

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-48954048127241001772009-01-22T10:49:00.005-05:002009-01-22T11:19:35.455-05:00

You've heard it here first: Cuba will open in 2009. Raul seems willing to change. And Obama is the perfect president to begin a new policy.The embargo of Cuba should end as soon as possible. It is ineffective and is only hurting the people of Cuba is preventing Americans from exercising their constitutional right to travel freely. We are friends with far worse regimes, and an embargo-free Cuba

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-68874126052675814402009-01-20T10:10:00.007-05:002009-01-20T10:18:09.906-05:00

I could not be more proud of America today.Barack Obama is to be sworn in as our nation's first African-American president.Just when it seems like no progress is being made as a society, along comes an event so monumental and progressive that it shatters all notion of stagnation.I look in the face of each African-American person I see and feel a mutual sense of pride - that we truly are moving

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-8974017453276275282009-01-18T08:57:00.004-05:002009-01-18T09:02:49.191-05:00

The theme for this year's Fantasy Fest is:  Villains, Vixens, and Vampires.  (I haven't noticed it mentioned before).Once again, the organizers of the weeklong party have shown an appreciation for assonance - no pun intended.  Last year, "P" was the repeating consonant - again, no pun intended.Fantasy Fest is the biggest party of the year for Key West - drawing tens of thousands of people.This is

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-14566186656056006402009-01-17T11:03:00.005-05:002009-01-17T11:25:22.558-05:00

Prices for Key West residential real estate are falling at an increasing rate. And this may mean we are closer to a bottom than the top of this wild ride. Market price trends often reverse themselves with a sharp spike. When prices are rising, the top is often marked by an even greater run-up of prices. And similarly, when the long-term trend in prices has been falling, look for a sharp spike on

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-38072391349802523372009-01-16T09:30:00.004-05:002009-01-16T10:05:54.301-05:00

Like the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos en espanol), the Key West Chronicle Blog is about rejoin the living.No - I haven't died, left the island, or been forced to refrain from posting. My absence from the blogosphere had its reasons - none of which need to be elaborated here.Now, though, I look forward to regularly posting again.And to commemorate this new beginning I have given the blog a

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-62360815012471042442008-09-16T08:38:00.003-04:002008-09-16T08:47:38.090-04:00

At tonight's Key West City Commission meeting, the Bahama Village Community Land Trust (BCCLT) needs YOUR support.The Mayor of Key West, Morgan McPhearson, is attempting to undo the will of the majority of Key West citizens. We have voted, in a referendum, to lease the BCCLT 6 acres of land at the Truman Waterfront for housing, community centers, and other projects in support of one of Key West's

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-13692898435713938882008-07-23T08:15:00.005-04:002008-12-10T21:09:33.249-05:00

I'm still mystified by the mayor's idea for a "water park" at the Truman Waterfront.I haven't met a local who likes the idea. The Citizen's Voice, our local anonymous rant column in the newspaper, is filled with people questioning the rational of a water park.Who knows? Maybe it's all a move to freak out the Truman Annex crowd - something like: Put up a gate on Southard Street?! Fine! We'll build

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-16436415700134589572008-07-09T22:17:00.006-04:002008-12-10T21:09:33.392-05:00

Street View, a Google Maps project photo-documenting the streets of the world, is now available for Key West.To see the images:Go to www.google.com/maps and search/zoom to Key West.Click the grey "Street View" button on the upper right corner of the map. Next, you'll see blue highlighting on the streets that have images in Street View. Click anywhere on a highlighted street to see the images

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24025382220986031562008-07-03T11:01:00.005-04:002008-12-10T21:09:33.701-05:00

Annoyed by the never-ending credit card offers filling your mailbox?Wouldn't it be great to make them pay for sending you all that junk?You can!Inside every credit card offer is a return envelope - postage to be paid by the credit card company. Mailing this envelope doesn't cost you anything - the credit card company pays for the postage. And depending on the envelope's weight, the more you send

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-50825850184136552052008-06-27T09:57:00.003-04:002008-12-10T21:09:33.877-05:00

Seriously, what on earth is the Mayor talking about?A "world class waterpark" on the Truman Waterfront property?What does that mean? Log flume rides? Water slides?Am I the only one who finds the whole thing strange.Key West is an island (meaning surrounded by water). There is certainly no shortage of water to play with/on.Plus, there is a community pool just a short walk from the Truman

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-92196144467859997032008-06-19T14:38:00.008-04:002008-12-10T21:09:34.070-05:00

July 3rd may be the musical highlight of 2008 for Key West when one of New Orleans' favorite bands, The Radiators, play the Ocean Key House pier.The Rads, as they are known by their fans, are no ordinary band - this is a top notch group that has been playing funky "swamp approved" music for nearly 30 years.Many consider The Radiators to be one of the original jam-style bands. Their repertoire is

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-37919782107117596962008-06-11T09:39:00.008-04:002008-12-10T21:09:34.727-05:00

Considering that Key West is an ideal vacation destination, tourists always ask: "Where do you like to go on vacation?"For me, I love to go to the mountains for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and white water river rafting.One of the best trips is with this cool Idaho rafting guide service. Their location is convenient for Sun Valley and Stanley, Idaho vacations and offer some of the best

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-57837409607041656022008-06-02T09:33:00.005-04:002008-12-10T21:09:34.860-05:00

Key West hotel rates are coming down, and this is good news for local businesses and visitors alike.Over the past couple years, as Key West saw many hotel rooms go offline during renovations and conversions to condominiums (and hotel-miniums), room rates went to all-time highs.Now, most of those hotel rooms are back online and rooms rates have come back down to earth.And if you are looking for a

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-39271133183988105582008-05-09T08:35:00.006-04:002008-12-10T21:09:35.185-05:00

Watch out if you have a Citi Bank (Citi Cards) credit card. The big bank is desperate for money due to losing billions of dollars in the mortgage meltdown.Citi Bank is raising interest rates it charges to its best cardholders - regardless if they have a perfect payment history, excellent credit score, and have never been late with any creditors. This month, Citibank inserted a "Notice of Change

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-12677399720397266002008-05-07T13:45:00.011-04:002008-12-10T21:09:35.394-05:00

In January, the Key West Chronicle blog reported that the Harbor House luxury condominium project was not having much success finding buyers.The local MLS, at that time, showed 29 of 32 units available and priced at approximately $1000+ per square foot.Another post questioned if these projects were viable - asking "Will they make it?". A regular and respected commenter erroneously computed the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24736602653991722452008-04-26T11:52:00.006-04:002008-12-10T21:09:35.538-05:00

When you think of Key West, what music comes to mind?For many it's Jimmy Buffett - whose career started here on the island now synonymous with the song Margaritaville. Each year the Parrothead fan club holds its Meeting of the Minds in Key West.For others, it's Bahamian music - reflecting on the island's Bahamian roots, and today still well represented by the Junkanoos.Latin music is also a part

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-71083618392197262992008-04-18T09:29:00.003-04:002008-04-18T09:36:04.827-04:00

Birding enthusiasts should be well rewarded in Key West - if current radar indications are correct.According to radar images, there is a massive bird migration underway from Cuba to Key West, and then on to the Mainland.The radar image, attatched to this post, shows the migration from last night to this morning.So, keep an eye out. Visit Fort Zach and other bird friendly places. You will likely

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-78838771297312746242008-04-10T09:44:00.007-04:002008-12-10T21:09:35.737-05:00

According to a map of Key West generated by the RealtyTrac website, Key West is still deeply in the midst of a foreclosure wave. This will continue to pressure prices for at least the foreseeable future.A search of the Key West zip code (33040) on the RealtyTrac website returns 646 properties: 171 pre-foreclosure, 22 auction, 87 bank-owned, 23 for-sale-by-owner (FSBO), and 343 resale homes. The

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-9344191456435947712008-04-05T13:28:00.005-04:002008-12-10T21:09:36.898-05:00

Countrywide, America's largest mortgage bank, currently has 14,451 REO properties for sale on its website (click here to see the Countrywide website inventory) - these are foreclosures that the bank now owns. This totals nearly $3 billion in current listing price. In Florida alone, Countrywide is trying to unload 1,561 properties they have foreclosed on for a total price of $315,324,354. Key

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-50551560135201494772008-03-25T11:54:00.003-04:002008-12-10T21:09:37.012-05:00

According to an article in the latest issue of Wired Magazine, the Sun is entering a more volatile period, characterized by "solar windstorms" - sunspots that bubble and send plumes of "electrons, protons, and heavier ions toward Earth at nearly the speed of light." (The photo shows the sun "flaring")Periods of higher sun storm activity occur roughly every 11 years and can cause problems with

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-71991188572279660692008-03-12T11:25:00.005-04:002008-12-10T21:09:37.176-05:00

According to a chart provided by Zillow.com, the Key West, Florida residential real estate market is still in a steep decline which has worsened since late-January. The chart, pictured above, details "Market Value Change" in residential real estate over the past 12 months for Key West and the 33040 zip code.The Key West real estate market is still flooded with inventory (more is in development)

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-61962930451549061082008-02-19T14:52:00.010-05:002008-12-10T21:09:37.340-05:00

Today Fidel Castro announced his resignation as President of Cuba. This is certainly good news. But, with the appointment of his younger brother Raul as President, the future of Cuba still remains very much uncertain.Nevertheless, Key Westers are debating the impacts of a future non-embargoed Cuba to Key West.Key West is the closest point in the United States to the island of Cuba - only 90

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-14396487989144280312008-02-14T11:00:00.006-05:002008-12-10T21:09:37.510-05:00

We all know the pleasures of living in the Florida Keys: great climate, fishing, history, lifestyle, acceptance, and inspiration.But there is plenty to be concerned about with Key West and the Florida Keys lately, including:Big budget shortfalls at the state and local level that will likely mean significant cutbacks to services. Cruise ships could abandon Key West should Federal rules currently

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-965993167368263402008-02-08T15:34:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:37.792-05:00

Think my recent post about Pier One & Chase Bank's deceptive store-card program (and credit cards in general) was alarming? (all right, maybe I was the only one alarmed)It's nothing compared to what Bank of America is up to.Be warned - if you have a Bank of America credit card (they are among the largest credit card issuers), your interest rates may soon double - even if you've been a good

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-56168742970807304902008-01-23T20:01:00.001-05:002008-12-10T21:09:37.994-05:00

So how bad is the real estate market? For one of the first times, I suggest you listen to a realtor.According to a local realtor's blog, Gary Thomas writes that much of the real estate market is still overpriced and, like the doomed ship Poseidon, will likely fall further. One property Thomas mentions was listed in 2005 for $1 million. Today it is listed at $395,000. Amazingly, even at this

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-1174497500432118152008-01-22T17:19:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:38.217-05:00

With a straight face, I've heard it said that the Harbor House condos are selling "very well".But according to the current MLS, 29 of the 32 Harbor House condominiums remain unsold.Maybe their problem is the price: pre-construction prices range from $1,950,000 to $3,120,000 .This equals over $1000 per square foot!For that price, maybe it comes with a time machine that will get you back to the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-87356474632269493652008-01-19T12:12:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:38.322-05:00

With the constant headlines about predatory mortgage lending, I've wanted to write about what I see as the biggest predatory lender - credit cards.Now, thanks to Pier One and Chase Bank, I've decided to write something about the abusive credit card industry.Credit card companies are largely unregulated and, thanks to some states' dismal laws, are able to charge interest rates equivalent to loan

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-20562018685125262682008-01-15T11:18:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:38.476-05:00

Prices for Key West residential real estate will continue to fall in 2008 - part of a downturn that may not recover for many more years to come.Prices will be further depressed by too much property for sale, continuing overdevelopment, tightening lending standards, and a lack of buyers.Realtors looking to sell homes are often quoted saying "Its a great time to buy", but the sales statistics

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-83305220794505607302008-01-04T10:12:00.000-05:002008-01-04T12:49:48.817-05:00

Michael Jackson's too-numerous plastic surgeries have left him unrecognizable. But when I saw this video on YouTube, I thought I forgot what the "King of Pop" actually looked like.Will the real Michael Jackson please stand up! This video was produced in Bolleywood, the India film and movie capital. LOL

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-60548482552194947722007-12-27T10:11:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:38.648-05:00

According to a widely watched index, Florida leads the nation in falling home prices. And if forecasts are correct, 2008 will be even worse.The S&P/Case Shiller Home-Price Index released yesterday showed Florida home prices have declined 12.4% over the past 12 months - worse than any other state in the country. Meanwhile, the Housing Predictor website yesterday released its forecast for Florida,

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-27981291464642771702007-12-26T10:21:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:39.106-05:00

Upscale Tourism. Seems everyone is debating it these days.But Key Westers should be asking themselves if it is for real - or is it another speculative bubble, ready to burst?To answer this question, take look at where this Upscale Tourism Bubble came from.The Upscale Tourism Bubble was built atop the Real Estate Bubble. As Key West real estate turned to mania, it propped up the idea that

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-54527144841819443732007-12-12T11:20:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:39.294-05:00

Few stories have raised such suspicion and anger than Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson's surprise move to oust the head of the Tourist Development Council, Harold Wheeler.Wheeler is nearly unanimously appreciated for the work he has done during his 12 years at the helm of the Florida Keys marketing arm. As a matter of fact, he recently received a glowing review and a pay raise in recognition of

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-34696893808302715962007-12-06T11:12:00.000-05:002007-12-06T12:02:14.057-05:00

We've all seen them: get-rich-quick real estate programs hawked on television infomercials promising an easy road to wealth.Typically, some "real estate guru" loosely explains how they made fortunes, and now offers the program for sale - all the while chanting "No Money Down!" and citing huge payoffs.One such program, from Russ Whitney and the Whitney Information Networks, is being sued by people

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-12819393112975766922007-11-30T09:22:00.000-05:002007-11-30T09:53:10.976-05:00

Dreaming of Key West? Maybe your margarita machine broke?If so, here is a selection of entertaining videos, thanks to YouTube, that are related to Key West and the Florida Keys.Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-21342589870333121202007-11-28T17:34:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:39.524-05:00

Data released today confirms that Florida's real estate meltdown is worsening. The number of homes sold in Florida in October dropped 29% compared to the same period last year.The median sales price in October for existing Florida single-family homes dropped 8% compared to the same period last yearThe number of condos sold in Florida in October dropped 20% compared to the same period last

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24114106196209624412007-11-22T10:56:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:39.836-05:00

Key West is traditionally regarded as very inclusive - welcoming all walks of life.Residents mingle - unaware of income strata, occupation, accolades, and sexual preference.And that is why it is so strange that the new, uber-wealthy McCondos and McMansions currently being built here in Key West are usually marketed as EXCLUSIVE.The Associated Press released a story this week about this new

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-19720152571064170402007-11-11T17:03:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:40.885-05:00

The Key West World Championship powerboat races are underway this week.This is the WORLD championship - the Superbowl of offshore racing.According to tour promoters, Key West is the favorite venue for offshore powerboat races - allowing fans to watch the races from shore, mingle with the drivers and check out the boats in the nearby pits, and enjoy typically calm racing conditions.Spectators

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-21671154822663936182007-11-10T09:27:00.000-05:002008-12-10T21:09:41.073-05:00

Traveling down Lazy Lane yesterday, one couldn't help but notice the large construction development in progress. Known as Harbor House, this 32-unit luxury condominium is under construction and will likely change the character of the Key West Bight.The developers website offers "special pre-construction pricing starting at $1,866,750". With units "ranging in size from 1,900 to more than 2,300

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-16762471872842578332007-10-30T17:31:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:41.750-05:00

The theme has been announced for next year's Fantasy Fest!The 2008 theme is: Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals(I can already hear the head shaking)I get the part about politics, given that Fantasy Fest 2008 will be near election time.But the pirate part looks to be more of a nod to the uber-sponsor Captain Morgan.Creativity is what I applaud, and I hope that next year's crop of

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-7529508068530265222007-10-27T12:03:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:42.627-05:00

Fantasy Fest 2007 is well under way and Key West is hopping with partiers, body paint, and sexy costumes. This year's Alice in Wonderland theme is revealing itself (pun intented) with fun body art and creative costumes.Here are a few photos from the Friday Street Fair:

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-44212032766761260082007-10-26T09:25:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:42.797-05:00

A previous post on the Key West Chronicle blog, titled Has Cay Clubs Bitten Off More Than It Can Chew, has received more comments than any other post (148 comments as of now, and growing).The post was published 5 months ago and questioned if Cay Clubs had a sound plan.Late last night, two anonymous comments were submitted. One comment was attributed to "Crystal" (Dave Clark's wife? mistress?

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-37202098426827920872007-10-25T09:55:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:47.699-05:00

The annual Pet Masquerade Contest was held at a waterfront Key West hotel last night as part of the weeklong Fantasy Fest celebration.Once again, the event did not disappoint.Many contestants signed up with their dogs, cats, and other pets dressed up in imaginative and funny costumes. Being Key West, there was a whole menagerie of animals: lizards, Key West chickens, and even a LIVE lobster!Enjoy

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24641550253865622102007-10-23T10:44:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:47.949-05:00

Strange. Today's Key West Citizen editorial, titled "A Keys buyer's market offers opportunities," read as if written by a real estate broker. The editorial makes a case for why it is now a good time to buy. No doubt, the Keys are a wonderful place. But market indicators show that Key West real estate has further to fall before bottoming. Like it or not, the Citizen's editorial staff may have

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-53929656670817836642007-10-05T12:38:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:48.061-05:00

It is now official. The merger of Cay Clubs with Keys Hospitality Acquisition Corp has been terminated. As a result, Cay Clubs may have extreme difficulty in avoiding bankruptcy - given they are already late on payments and near default on large loans. According to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the merger was terminated because of "The deterioration of Cay Clubs'

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-36427286929430817382007-09-25T13:42:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:48.305-05:00

The future of Cay Clubs looks dependent upon the successful merger with Keys Hospitality Acquisition Corp - a shell company formed to acquire other businesses.Shareholders of Keys Hospitality Acquisition will soon vote on whether to acquire Cay Clubs.The merger has significant risks. Filings with the SEC detail those risk factors. These will be distributed to the voting shareholders. According to

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-41071185796306862212007-09-14T16:53:00.001-04:002008-12-10T21:09:48.716-05:00

Occasionally, sad news is reported that a scuba diver has died - most often from an apparent heart attack.And most people assume that the cause was an unfit diver suddenly exerting too much energy.But a study published this week may point to another contributor to the problem.According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, diesel exhaust can change the heart's electrical activity. The study

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-6289306228560517782007-09-08T09:38:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:48.815-05:00

News of the Waterfront Market closing has shocked most people in Key West.Restaurants are stunned. Residents are in mourning.I heard rumors that Buco was throwing in the towel two weeks ago after the last Bight Board meeting. I didn't want to believe it, and I didn't want to spread the rumor. If it were true, it was bad news. But if I was wrong, it would be an awful false rumor to spread.Now that

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-32456488637211747452007-08-30T11:21:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:48.933-05:00

The number of defendants for foreclosure filings in both Key West and Monroe County (all of the Florida Keys) has hit an all-time high, according to the Monroe County Clerk of the Courts website.Key West Chronicle searched the County Clerk’s website for foreclosure filings since 1989 for Key West and Monroe County.Those searches reveal that the number of defendants in foreclosure filings for this

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-12370034062073453162007-08-25T13:46:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:51.387-05:00

Gloria Estefan treated Key West to a free concert as part of a television production for the Univision Network.The grammy award winning singer sang on the waterfront of a local Key West hotel. Key West is closest point in the United States to her homeland of Cuba.The concert was part of the debut of Gloria Estefan's new album "90 Millas" - a reference to Key West's nearby island neighbor.She was

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-91631604514380918132007-08-23T09:31:00.001-04:002008-12-10T21:09:51.589-05:00

Fellow local blogger Rock Trueblood has has called shenanigans on the Key West Citizen.The lead article in yesterday's local paper detailed significant problems the "frenzied" developer Cay Clubs is facing. The problems are so serious, the Citizen writer speculated Cay Clubs has bankruptcy looming.But today, all traces of the article have disappeared from the Citizen's website. There is no

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-24591423509141769002007-08-14T21:33:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:51.723-05:00

Flippers, who in a frenzy bought up Key West and drove the affordable housing problem to crisis level - are now taking big losses.Here are a few of the many properties that are selling at a loss:AddressDate PurchasedPrice PaidCurrently Offered For$ Loss1116 Whitehead StreetApril 2004$485,000$309,900-$175,1001213 Watson StreetAugust 2005$580,000$369,000-$211,0001013 Howe StreetSeptember 2004

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-49765015146486989192007-08-11T09:39:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:52.072-05:00

Now that we are done fighting over the old Jabours Trailor Court property and the developer's plans to build luxury condos there, lets take a look at how sales are going and the Key West condo market in general.The current Key West Multiple Listing Service shows 21 of the 32 Harbor House units for sale. There may be more, but that is all that is in the MLS. The developer, Keys Caribbean, has been

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-56703148874555655332007-08-04T17:25:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:52.273-05:00

The proposed merger/acquisition of Cay Clubs by Key Hospitality Acqusition Corp has been renegotiated down reflecting the stumbling second home market in South Florida.According to Securities and Exchanges Commission filings this week, Cay Clubs' owners Dave Clark & David Schwarz will receive 46.7% less shares than previously proposed. This, according to the filing, "makes the proposed

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-895328331915195832007-07-15T18:09:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:52.904-05:00

According to the real estate site Zillow.com and their metric "Value trends", residential Key West real estate saw a 14.1% decline over the past 12 months. (According to Zillow, "Value trends are based on Zestimate and Zindex values, not sale prices".)I've included their 10-year chart of "market value change" - showing the market peaked in early 2006 at approximately $740,000.Today's value,

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-19234820046846844402007-07-11T09:20:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:54.204-05:00

The number of passenger arrivals to Key West via cruise ships declined dramatically in May, down 28.1% compared to May 2006.That decline marked the 6th consecutive month that Key West saw a drop in cruise ship passenger arrivals.Less ships are coming to Key West: May 2007 saw a 27.6% decline in the number of port calls compared to May 2006.Data from Key West Airport arrivals also showed

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-9435728928179118712007-07-06T11:59:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:54.435-05:00

The real estate bubble was mainly a result of record low interest rates followed by a complete relaxing (forgetting?) of sensible lending standards.Basically, the entire real estate bubble was dependent on lowering interest rates.Without lowering interest rates, properties no longer rose in price. Once prices began to fall, banks closed the spigot of lending money.So, if you want to know the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-13649981799982948952007-06-27T08:41:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:54.755-05:00

The residential real estate market continues to show worsening deterioration in the United States.Statistics released Monday reveal that sales of existing homes dropped by more than expected while inventories of homes for sale have continued to increase. The inventory of homes is up 23.5% above the past year - and increased another 5% from April to a record 4,430,000 properties. According to the

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-29594944336196312432007-06-16T12:30:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:55.002-05:00

Don't blame me for the real estate meltdown. I didn't create it, and I surely cannot fix it. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you have seen that I warned about this real estate bubble and its negative effects on Key West. With that said, I think it is in the best interest to tell it like I see it - and hopefully people will gain from it. (Oh, and by the way, if you need real

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-42522792649289530142007-06-11T20:30:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:55.162-05:00

How out of touch is the real estate pricing in Key West?How far will this housing market fall? Expect prices to fall at least another 25%.This is due to:the wave of interest-only loans expiring over the next 15 monthstighter lending standardshuge oversupply of houses currently on the marketmany more houses/units currently being developed and offered by developersthe real possibility the Fed may

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-10975944030952501142007-05-29T18:22:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:55.377-05:00

First, I'm not a lawyer (hurrah!). Fortunately, it appears the City of Key West has a good one.Eminent domain is defined by wikipedia as:Eminent domain in common law legal systems is the inherent power of the state to seize a citizen's private property, expropriate private property, or rights in private property, without the owner's consent. The property is taken either for government use or by

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8903336.post-36457831250810831082007-05-26T13:12:00.000-04:002008-12-10T21:09:55.522-05:00

With two big bottles of contact lens "juice" on my shelf I hear the news that AMO Complete Moisture Plus contact lens solution is being recalled. Not just some manufacturer lots. No, the entire product line. China has already banned the product - a notable move given the US's scrutiny of Chinese product safety (dog food, toothpaste). Amusing world.If you have some of the product, the company

Cayo Davenoreply@blogger.com1