The Blue Paper #74

The Keys’ Dirty Little Secret

By

According to some irritated homeowners, two lower Florida Keys sewage treatment plant operators are playing dirty tricks in their permit applications to inject over a million gallons a day of sewage into shallow injection wells on Cudjoe Key and Stock Island.

They claim that FKAA is using unrealistic old data projections from 2008, advertised it’s legal notices to Monroe County residents in Lee and Broward Counties and would have you believe that “we drink water worse than we‘re producing with Advanced Wastewater Treatment. [Actual quote from County Commissioner David Rice.]

On June 25^th a group of Cudjoe area homeowners filed an administrative petition challenging FKAA’s permit for the Cudjoe plant followed last Tuesday by environmental group Last Stand’s challenge against the privately owned Key West Resort Utility Corporation permit for their Stock Island plant. (more…)

Did You Miss Hometown PAC’s August 4th Candidate Forum?

By Hometown PAC

 

Did You Miss Hometown PAC's August 4th Candidate Forum?

By Hometown PAC

 

Standing Up For ‘Stand Up For Animals’

By Rick Boettger

Note: The following article, published on December 3, 2010, was the first in a series of articles about Stand Up For Animals [SUFA] [the group that once handled animal control services for the Middle Keys] written by Rick Boettger for the original Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper].  As it turns out Rick’s article was amazingly prescient — and effective. As Rick included in his formal complaint to the State’s Ethics Commission, just four days after publication, SHARK [the newly formed group that eventually became the replacement contractor] dropped its leader Gwen Hatoff and the two friends of George Neugent who had given him false dirt on SUFA from their board. [The Monroe County Commission voted last month to end the four-year-old lawsuit with SUFA, offering the nonprofit $ 45,000 to settle the case. SUFA accepted.] 

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Originally printed on December 3, 2010 in Dennis Reeves Coopers’ Key West The Newspaper:

Have you read the heart-warming story about the two cold-weather dogs, Chachi and  Eva, who were suffering from our heat in the Keys, and were shipped from our local shelter to an affiliated shelter in Michigan? The happy ending is that they were adopted out within two weeks of their arrival, and now are both healthy and happy on northern farms.

Unfortunately, you probably read only about the costs of sending them up north, in the context of a critical “audit” of that local shelter, Stand Up For Animals (SUFA).  This highly successful and much-lauded organization has been destroyed by Monroe County’s Clerk Danny Kolhage.  He, illegally in my considered opinion, trumped up false charges to freeze their bank account, containing a quarter million dollars of SUFA’s independently saved donations and grant moneys.  This forced SUFA to close, because they could not pay their bills and employees. (more…)

Standing Up For 'Stand Up For Animals'

By Rick Boettger

Note: The following article, published on December 3, 2010, was the first in a series of articles about Stand Up For Animals [SUFA] [the group that once handled animal control services for the Middle Keys] written by Rick Boettger for the original Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper].  As it turns out Rick’s article was amazingly prescient — and effective. As Rick included in his formal complaint to the State’s Ethics Commission, just four days after publication, SHARK [the newly formed group that eventually became the replacement contractor] dropped its leader Gwen Hatoff and the two friends of George Neugent who had given him false dirt on SUFA from their board. [The Monroe County Commission voted last month to end the four-year-old lawsuit with SUFA, offering the nonprofit $ 45,000 to settle the case. SUFA accepted.] 

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Originally printed on December 3, 2010 in Dennis Reeves Coopers’ Key West The Newspaper:

Have you read the heart-warming story about the two cold-weather dogs, Chachi and  Eva, who were suffering from our heat in the Keys, and were shipped from our local shelter to an affiliated shelter in Michigan? The happy ending is that they were adopted out within two weeks of their arrival, and now are both healthy and happy on northern farms.

Unfortunately, you probably read only about the costs of sending them up north, in the context of a critical “audit” of that local shelter, Stand Up For Animals (SUFA).  This highly successful and much-lauded organization has been destroyed by Monroe County’s Clerk Danny Kolhage.  He, illegally in my considered opinion, trumped up false charges to freeze their bank account, containing a quarter million dollars of SUFA’s independently saved donations and grant moneys.  This forced SUFA to close, because they could not pay their bills and employees. (more…)

THE WAR TO END ALL WARS STARTED 100 YEARS AGO

By Dennis Reeves Cooper

The fact that various wars, large and small, continue to rage around the world suggests that, sometimes, it’s really easy to start a war. Maybe too easy. Perhaps the classic example of too-easy might be World War I– which started almost exactly 100 years ago. The Great War, the War to End All Wars, started in June 1914, with the assassination of the archduke of Austria-Hungary. Historians did not start calling it World War I until the start of World War II, when it appeared that we were going to have to start numbering our wars. Today, the assassination of a government official of a minor nation might not even be a major news story, much less start a war. But that event triggered a chain of events that would result in the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians in Europe, as well as thousands of Americans after the US became involved in the war. (more…)

Police Investigating Police — Will Not Expose Criminal Cops — Nor — Protect Citizens …

By

by John Donnelly…….

All members of law-enforcement that I’ve spoken with, upon questioning, were willing to address the continuing abuses that are systemic within their agencies, resultant from “cops investigating other cops”.

I challenged them on the extent to which “The Blue Wall of Silence” actually applies. Are there any limits on the types of misconduct covered under this ‘code’?

I mentioned several hateful and savage crimes, and asked if the offending police officer would be shielded from their barbaric conduct by their silence. After obfuscating a clear response and upon being pressed for an answer, they all said (more…)

First Novel by William P. Bahlke: Frisbee Ball Rules

By Arts Editor

William P. Bahlke is pleased to announce the publication of his first novel, Frisbee Ball Rules, a story set in a small college town in the year 1973. The country had just endured the humiliating conclusion of an unpopular war and the scandalous resignation of a once-powerful president. Born through the embarrassment of the lost war, and empowered by the student riots that facilitated its conclusion, came an emboldened generation like none before it. It was a time of rebirth and newfound freedoms. It was a time for growing up. Available at www.williampbahlke.com and online bookstores.

ZOMBIE SWIMMING POOLS…

By Lynda ‘Captain’ Schuh, Candidate for the Mosquito Control Board District 2

There is a crisis in Florida right now and it has nothing to do with politics, immigration, fires or sink-holes. It’s “zombie swimming pools.”

According to an article in “Florida Today” as quoted in the “Huffington Post” Florida leads the nation in  “naked real estate” from foreclosed homes and those where the owners have ‘walked away,’ still owning the property. “Thousands upon thousands” of these properties have swimming pools and, “the sheer number of mosquitoes breeding in these pools is daunting.”

Although the article mentioned trying to combat the larvae with mosquito eating fish, which died, and pesticides, which were marginally effective, it never did mention the use of larvicides, a tool that our own mosquito control uses rather effectively. (more…)

Moving Out of the Comfort Zone

By Kim Pederson

I came across a word recently and stuck it in a draft post to save for a later blog. I’ve just returned to it now. I can’t remember where I saw it but it still seems worthy of a post. The word is “homophily.” It translates to “love of the same” or “the tendency of individuals to associate and bond with similar others.” Although the word encompasses homosexuality of course, it’s the much broader scope of it that I find interesting.

In a 2006 New York Times article, author Aaron Retica notes that sociologists coined the term “homophily” in the 1950s. “The term didn’t catch on,” he writes, “but the concept is now enjoying a renaissance, in part because it has been repeatedly invoked to explain the American electorate’s apparent polarization into equally self-regarding camps.” Retica mentions a 2001 study titled “Birds of a Feather: Homophily in Social Networks.” In it, the authors sum up the nature and the harm of this tendency in their abstract: (more…)

TUNATOONS: ISLAND OF BONES – PART THREE

By Richard [Tuna] Rohe

Back in 1521 , Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the Island of Key West.  The island had been used as a communal graveyard by the Calusa Indians. So he named the island, Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones). Since that time this tiny island has produced so many interesting and crazy stories. This story is about Key West back in the 1970’s and 80’s, when smuggling was at it’s peak. The characters in (Island of Bones) are strictly fictional and do not represent any citizens of Key West !

                      Enjoy!   — Big Tuna

PART THREE of Island of Bones Series…  Judge Reef’s Courtroom (more…)

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By Blue Paper Entreatment Department

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Florida Court Orders Immediate Redrawing of Unconstitutional Congressional Districts

By Dale Eisman, for Common Cause

A state judge’s order that Florida must redraw its congressional districts and propose a special election schedule for affected districts is good news for state voters, Common Cause said today.

“[On August 1st] Judge Terry Lewis again protected the rights of Floridians and rejected the legislature’s attempt to have one more election with congressional districts drawn for partisan advantage rather than fair representation,” said Peter Butzin, chair of Common Cause Florida. “Although holding an election based on fair and constitutional districts may create some logistical challenges, protecting Floridians’ right to select the representatives of their choice is a fundamental value that cannot be put off until next election.”

Lewis had ruled on July 10 that the districts violated the Florida Constitution’s prohibition against redistricting “with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent.” Common Cause is a plaintiff in the successful challenge to the districts along with the League of Women Voters and several voters.

Lewis agreed with the plaintiffs that holding an election using unconstitutional congressional districts is unacceptable. He ordered the legislature to immediately begin redrawing district lines and submit a new map by noon on August 15, 2014. Lewis also ordered the Secretary of State and Supervisors of Election to submit a proposed special election schedule for affected districts. A hearing will take place on August 20, 2014 on objections to the map and the proposed special election schedule.

For more information on redistricting developments in Florida, go to www.fairdistrictsnow.org.

‘Sunshine State’ Lags Behind Leading Solar States, Ranking 19th in Solar Per Capita

By contributed

Florida lags behind other leading solar states, according to a new report released today by Environment Florida Research & Policy Center and its national federation.  The report, Lighting the Way: The Top Ten States that Helped Drive America’s Solar Energy Boom in 2013, shows strong solar growth across the nation and ranks the states on the amount of solar per capita through 2013. While solar in Florida grew from 186 megawatts in 2012 to 213 megawatts in 2013 – a 7 percent increase, it lags substantially behind other states, ranking 19th in the nation for the amount of solar per capita in 2013. Nationwide, solar capacity tripled in the last two years to more than 12,000 megawatts.

(more…)

'Sunshine State' Lags Behind Leading Solar States, Ranking 19th in Solar Per Capita

By contributed

Florida lags behind other leading solar states, according to a new report released today by Environment Florida Research & Policy Center and its national federation.  The report, Lighting the Way: The Top Ten States that Helped Drive America’s Solar Energy Boom in 2013, shows strong solar growth across the nation and ranks the states on the amount of solar per capita through 2013. While solar in Florida grew from 186 megawatts in 2012 to 213 megawatts in 2013 – a 7 percent increase, it lags substantially behind other states, ranking 19th in the nation for the amount of solar per capita in 2013. Nationwide, solar capacity tripled in the last two years to more than 12,000 megawatts.

(more…)

I QUIT!

By Contributed

Fundraising Sail for Captain Lynda Schuh for Mosquito Control District 2

By Contributed

On Sunday August 10^th there will be a fundraising Sail for Captain Lynda Schuh for Mosquito Control Board District 2, aboard the Conch Republic Flagship, the Tops’l Schooner Wolf, Located at Safe Harbor Marina, Stock Island, by Hog Fish Restaurant.

Suggested campaign donation $ 25-$ 50 and reservations a must, as seating is limited.  Accepting paypal, check and cash.

Email captainlynda@gmail.com or call 305-756-8886

Appetizers, wine and soft drinks will be aboard, generously donated.

The full moon will be rising and the sun setting together. (within 5 minutes of each other)

 Boarding is at 6:45.  Sailing from 7 until 9pm

Key Largo to Key West Motorcade This Sunday / Meet Candidate for Re-election Circuit Judge Mark Jones

By Contributed

Circuit Judge Mark Jones is working hard on the bench and on the campaign trail and wants to meet you.  This Sunday, August 10, 2014 Judge Jones will be in Key Largo in the morning walking and working his way down the Keys with stops that include Islamorada, Plantation, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Summerland Key, Sugarloaf, and Key West.  There will be a motorcade with RV’s, trucks and motorcycles.  Come on out to meet the Judge and enjoy a lemonade, water, tea or other cold beverage.

Find us on facebook.  Search for:   The Committee to Re-Elect Judge Mark Jones, or join the campaign at www.reelectmarkjones.com.

Fantasy Fest Recruiting Parade Ambassadors

By Contributed

Fantasy Fest is accepting applications for Parade Ambassadors for the 2014 3Wishes.com Fantasy Fest Parade. Volunteers will have a front-row view of the fun and chaos during one of the most incredible spectacles in the nation!

Parade Ambassadors are a group of nearly 150 anime-zing volunteers who are stationed along the parade route. These very important people help keep the parade moving and make sure partygoers are safe and out of harm’s way. Volunteers are entrusted with great responsibility and must remain sober during the parade.

These trustworthy-yet-fun-loving people will receive an exclusive, specially-designed 2014 Fantasy Fest t-shirt and the honor of wearing an Ambassador emblem. They will also be invited to attend social events with other entrants, team members, and parade staff.

To join the Parade Ambassadors and earn your official “Animeted Dreams & Adventures” swag, call the Fantasy Fest office at 305-296-1817, email the team at parade@marketsharecompany.com, or apply online at FantasyFest.com.

Parade entrants and partygoers will be forever grateful for your service and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime!

Fantasy Fest Meeting for Non-Profits, August 14th

By Contributed

Fantasy Fest will again offer 10 vendor booth spaces to local non-profits for the lucrative sale of alcoholic beverages during the Street Fair and Promenade on October 24 and 25.  Festival organizers will hold a short meeting on Thursday, August 14, to review policy and procedures for obtaining a booth and for required licensing and insurance for liquor sales.

This informational meeting will take place at 5pm in the Market Share Company offices, Suite 211, at 1111 Twelfth St. (behind Kmart).  Space is limited, so please send only one representative. The lottery for liquor booth space selection with be held at Dante’s, on Thursday, September 11 at 5pm.

For additional information and guidelines, please contact the Street Fair Coordinator Betsy Dietz at 305-296-1817 or streetfair@marketsharecompany.com.

STONE SOUP PARTY AND BIKE PARADE, Sunday August 17th

By Contributed

A Stone Soup party and bike parade to support our friend and neighbor, Mr. Chapman will be held on Sunday, August 17th.

The event will begin with a bike parade starting at Eaton Bikes on Simonton St. and ending at Cowboy Bills and Seadog Tavern. The Bike Parade will be open to anyone who wishes to participate and decorations are encouraged. Entry fee for the parade is $ 10 and all proceeds go to Mr. Chapman.

The Stone Soup Party will start at 3:00 and run until 8:30 at both Cowboy Bill’s and Seadog Tavern on Duval and Angela Streets. The event will include concerts on two stages, a pool tournament, bull riding, a giant  silent auction; raffles, and much more. To top off the day an incredible  “Stone Soup” dish prepared by Jenny Robinson of Seadog Tavern and consisting of delectable ingredients donated by our favorite restaurants will be served to all.

For more information or to donate silent auction items call Jeff Salzman at 305-896-0961 or Stacy Thomason at 305-433-1283.

If you can’t make it you can still help out by donating to ‘Light the Way for Mr. Chapman’:  GoFundMe

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By The Publishers

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://thebluepaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper] or its affiliates. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper] or its affiliates of the viewpoints expressed on https://thebluepaper.com/ pages should be inferred.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

By The Publishers

The expressed opinions, informational content and links displayed on https://thebluepaper.com/ pages do not necessarily reflect a position or policy of Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers. No official endorsement by Blue Pimpernel LLC, Key West The Newspaper [The Blue Paper], its affiliates, or advertisers of the viewpoints expressed on https://thebluepaper.com/ pages should be inferred.