McPherson's Bold Plan? Go Backwards

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 McPherson stiffly read from a prepared speech that often seemed foreign to him while frequently mispronouncing the text and often reading from it sentence by sentence.

There is little doubt that McPherson is sincere in his drive to take Florida backwards.  His solution to the state's problems?  Cut taxes, cut spending, remove state and federal regulations on business, and lower the corporate tax to the lowest level in the country.  He thinks we are facing an abyss.  He wants to "take scissors to Tallahassee" - the same scissors he states households have been using to trim their budgets.

Morgan wraps up his speech by going biblical,  declaring "we need to take on that Philistine that sits in this seat", referring to Ron Saunders - the current state representative.

Philistine, huh?

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Main Entry: Phi·lis·tine
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia
2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge

Hmmm.  Ron Saunders was born in Key West.  So definition #1 is out - he is not a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia.

So Morgan must be referring to definition #2: a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge.

Yet Saunders has consistently exhibited genuine concern for the Florida Keys above materialism, and supporting protecting the Florida Keys as a state area of critical concern, the arts community, and the diversity of Key West.  He is especially informed about our issues and constantly fights on Key West's and the Florida Keys' behalf in Tallahassee.

Having been ousted by the electorate in the previous election, McPherson somehow feels its time to take losing to the next level.

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Humor: Green Flash at Sunset Explained

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 online comic dedicated to uber-techie humor, posted their own humorous explanation.

(Be sure to hover over the image to see XKCD's embedded joke text)

Enjoy:

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US & Cuba Ready to Make-Up?

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 release is the result of talks between Cuba's Catholic church and international pressure - especially from Spain, who sent a foreign minister to meet with Raul Castro and the Church.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already weighed in, saying: "We welcome this. We think that's a positive sign. It's something that is overdue but nevertheless very welcome."

The pieces are falling into place for a respectable change in US policy.

With the recent news that a House panel has voted to ease Cuba travel restrictions, one has to wonder how long it is before ferry service from Key West to Cuba.

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No Oil in Key West (Fingers Still Crossed)

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 preparing a menu of efforts.

Shoreline cleanups are being held almost daily in the Florida Keys in an effort to rid the shorelines of any debris that normally washes up on the beaches and in the mangroves.

Weeks ago, when this disaster began, local Key West barbers began collecting hair clippings after hearing that hair was one of the best oil absorbers.  Other salons have followed suit, and today at 6:30 pm a "Hair Boom Response Meeting" will be held at Salute's on Higg's Beach.

What can we expect?

NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator Charles Henry answered press questions on the loop current. He noted that in the time it would take for oil to travel to the vicinity of the Florida Straits, any oil would be highly weathered and both the natural process of evaporation and the application of chemical dispersants would reduce the oil volume significantly."

Currently the beaches and seas of Key West are as beautiful as you know them - the stuff of travel magazines.  Seriously, its beautiful out there.  Fish are swimming in clear blue water at the reef, dolphins playing in the nearshore, birds wading for food, and humans enjoying the environment.  It's all the more reason to end drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and end oil's reign over our energy policy (but that is for another post).

While Key West isn't expected to see the type of oil innundation that the Louisiana is now seeing, locals are committed to protecting the fragile Florida Keys ecosystem.

If you are contemplating a visit to Key West, I would not change plans.  The bottom line is there is no oil in the Keys.

Oh, and BP - you suck...big time. (more about that in a future post)

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Think It's Cold? Here Are The Numbers.

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 temperature of 59.1 - a departure from normal of -6.1 degrees.

February 2010, so far has had an average high temperature of 70.2 and an average low of 60.4 - a departure from normal of -5.3 degrees.

Funny that a few degrees can be so dramatic in Key West.  Maybe it's due to Key West's steady daily climate: regardless of the time of year, Key West usually sees only a 10 degree difference between daily high and low temperatures.  Six extra degrees is a 60% change - explaining why the locals are dressed like Himalayan sherpas.

Regardless, Key West remains the warm spot in the U.S. - a break from true northern cold where six degree differences are barely noticed.

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Key West Condo Falls from $294,000 to $77,500 - Still Unsold!

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 today's 5% mortgage rate, you could finance this entire purchase for $416 month.
 
But at $190 per square foot, is it worth it yet?

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"Luxury" Key West Condo Drops $716,000

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 records of the Monroe County Property Appraiser, on February 23, 2007 the property sold for $1,195,000.

Today that same unit is being offered, as a short sale, for $479,000, a drop of $716,000 from the previous sale.

For those who miss this one, they probably need not worry.  The Monroe County Property Appraiser's online records show 13 of the 35 residential units are owned by Santa Maria Inc c/o Meisel Capital Partners.

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Want to Travel to Cuba?

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 allowing travel to Cuba for all US citizens are asked to call their representitive's office and deliver the following message:

Co-Sponsor and support the “Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act” HR 874.

As a constituent I believe that:

• All Americans should have the RIGHT to travel to Cuba
• A MAJORITY of Americans, a majority of Cuban Americans, and Cuban political dissidents want the travel ban to end
• Major religious and human rights groups say ending the travel ban will help the Cuban people
• After 50 years, it is time to CHANGE our policy toward Cuba – starting with ending the travel ban for all Americans

Key West is the closest point in the United States to Cuba - a mere 90 miles.

Key West's representitive in Congress is Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Unfortunately she continues to support the Cuba travel ban.

If you want to see an end to the travel ban, call her offices at the following:

Washington, DC Office
Telephone: 202-225-3931

Miami, Florida Office
Telephone: 305-668-2285

Next, call your senators. You can reach Florida's senators at:

Nelson, Bill - (D - FL)
(202) 224-5274

and

LeMieux, George S. - (R - FL)
(202) 224-3041

And help spread the word. Tell your friends, family, and associates about today's CubaGO! campaign.

Danny Glover can't do it alone:

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Time for Change: Key West Needs a New Mayor

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 Village lease at the Truman Waterfront was voted on by the citizens.  Years later, the mayor continues to assail the BCCLT.  It would be better to have a mayor that could help and encourage the BCCLT's and Bahama Village's efforts.

Key West needs a mayor with new ideas.  During his tenure, McPherson has put forth very few.  One was his "Big Idea" for affordable housing.  Another, his vision for a "world class" waterpark at the Truman Annex.  The Big Idea has had little discussion in years.  If it is still on the table, why isn't it mentioned on McPherson's campaign website?  Truman Annex waterpark idea seemed out of touch with reality.  Does an island surrounded by warm, beautiful water really need a "water park". Most residents think not.

And too often the Mayor either doesn't articulate his idea clearly or is deliberately trying to be vague.  Recent statements about Key West needing another industry remind this writer of his devotion to real estate and development.

Lately the Mayor has been mentioning making Key West a carbon neutral city.  Sounds like a bunch of election year jawboning.  Regardless, experts in the eco field have dismissed this notion - saying it would be impossible for Key West to be carbon neutral due to the high number of planes, boats, and cruise ships versus its very small amount of land.

Key West is a wonderful place.  Anyone who lives here or visits will tell you.

Thank you Morgan for your service.  But now it is time for change.

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Flying to Key West About to Get Cheaper

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 West are sold out well in advance.

Thankfully, things are about to change with AirTran's announcement that they will provide service to Key West starting on December 17, 2009.

AirTran will fly one of their modern 737s - part of AirTran's all-Boeing fleet of planes - to Key West via Orlando.

Here is a picture of the AirTran 737:

AirTran prides itself on providing discount air travel, inflight ammenities including WIFI and XM Satellite radio, and its young fleet of planes.

AirTran has begun taking reservations for Key West. Already their regular prices are lower than the competition. Future sales may provide even greater savings.

Here is a sample of AirTran flight prices versus the competition (competition fares were provided by Orbitz):

Key West to Orlando – December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$238	$304	$426	$631	$667

Key West to Orlando – January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$238	$338	$338	$720	$558

Key West to San Francisco, December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$558	$555	$818	$550	$943

Key West to San Francisco, January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$398	$486	$702	$420	$729

Key West to New York City (Laguardia) – December 17-20, 2009, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$484	$324	$324	$410	$344

Key West to New York City (Laguardia) – January 17-20, 2010, roundtrip, taxes & fees additional
Airtran	American Air	Delta	Continental	US Air
$324	$324	$324	$399	$560

This looks good for travelers to the Key West Airport.  Future sales will likely bring even more savings.

And with AirTran's extensive route map, you'll have many destinations to fly to.  Here is their latest route map, with Key West now included:

Good luck AirTran.  Welcome to the party.

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