Sunday, August 24, 2008

SUMMER UPDATES!

Summer is almost over ..... ....... ......

The East Dock/Pier is days away from being FINISHED! We will post pictures when the Contractor is done!

I'd like to put together a collection of pictures from this summer, please email or post them. THANKS!

Gary Adams?

Anybody trying to get in contact with Gary Adams...by any chance?
If so...Hi2gary@aol.com

Ring on the Beach

I found a ring in the water at the west beach. If you lost your ring email me at jgavi50200@aol.com

Fundraiser for the Beach!

Just let everyone know when & we'll be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beach Comment .....

HAS EVERYONE NOTICED HOW CRAPPY THE BEACH LOOKS LATELY? THERE IS FREAKIN GRASS GROWING THROUGH THE SAND.SOON WE CAN CONVERT IT INTO A BASEBALL FIELD! THE BEACH IS OUR NEIGHBORHOODS BEST ASSET. MAYBE IF SOME OF US GET TOGETHER AND PUT TOGETHER A FUNDRAISER OR TOURNAMENT OR PARTY. THE FUNDS GATHERED CAN TAKE CARE OF SAND FOR THE BEACH AND OTHER NEEDED MAINTENANCE. THE RAMP AND JETTY LOOK GREAT BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BEACH?!

New post by "Anonymous"

Monday, July 14, 2008

Comments ...

Hey man dont be retarded, wait till its your kids swimming at that beach, then you wont shoot your mouth off. I was there to, and they were less than 50 feet out plenty of times so dont talk about the police if you dont know what you are talking about

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Changes in Attitudes ........................

It seems that the "Coconut Telegraph" has been around a lot longer than Jimmy after all! We will see you in Key West on July 19th.

From the Conch Republic COCONUT TELEGRAPH

Editorial: Attack of the Land Sharks

In our June issue we reported that Jimmy Buffett's Lawyers,
Greenberg Traurig, are threatening to sue the Coconut Telegraph
for trademark infringement, false endorsement and cyber
squatting because Jimmy claimed that he coined the phrase in
1981 when he wrote a song about it. He put a trademark on it and
uses it on a newsletter he produces of the same name, for the
purpose of promoting his concert dates and selling his clothing
and other products.
The response to our story "Goliath threatens David" was
amazing. The Key West Citizen did a front-page story June 11th
and The Free Press did one as well. Mark Mills from Sun 103
Clear Channel reported it and said, "We are behind you Denise.”
We received another letter from Greenberg, Traurig
overnight on June 11 stating that "If you do not cease all use of
Margaritaville's federally- registered COCONUT TELEGRAPH
and notify us of your intent to desist from any future use of the
mark before 5:00 PM on Friday, June 13, 2008 a federal lawsuit
will be filed against you and Prestige Publishing.
Well, "Son of a son of a bitch!" "Why don't we get drunk and
screw the Conch Republic Coconut Telegraph?" "A publisher looks
at jail?" NOT. Looks like those land sharks think we're rich.
This publication gets by each month from the businesses that
advertise in it. Our rates are low because we have no big fancy
building and huge staff. We do it all in our homes on our
computers. Saves the advertisers a bunch. By no means are we
getting rich though we are however helping our community by
running free ads for benefits and local charities. Is that what
the land sharks want to take away? Jimmy Buffett is a billionaire
yet what has he done for the Conch Republic? We are in no way
associated with Jimmy Buffett or his Margaritaville Enterprises;
we do however promote the Pirates on the Water, a division of
the "Parrot Heads" that do much for the community. They
organize beach cleanups and recently organized the parade and
security for the Jewfish Bridge opening. The Coconut Telegraph
is the only publication that gave them any credit for their
efforts. Gee, sounds like Jimmy wants to "Get drunk and screw
himself". The public opinion is that Jimmy Buffett probably
doesn't even know what his lawyers are up to. They are just
trying to rake up some billable hours from Jimmy. But that is
about to change. On June 20th Diana Reed from Channel 7
interviewed me and is providing the tape for Fox News. Diana
plans to interview Jimmy as well.
The citizens of the Upper Keys are organizing a friendly
demonstration on Saturday, July 26th in Key West to protest
these land sharks. We even have a Jimmy Buffett look alike to do
a spoof on some of his songs. A bus will be leaving the Pilot House
at 11 a.m.; seating is limited (see ad on 8 page) so get your tickets
early. There is a good possibility that we may gain national
attention and make a little history for the Conch Republic. If you
cannot make the “party” in Margaritaville you can still show your
support by thanking the advertisers in this issue.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

4TH OF JULY HAPPENINGS & OTHER THINGS . . . . . .. .

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

If you are in town for the 4th try to make the Parade, it starts at 10am in front of the parking lot at Anthony’s Clothing Store. MM92. If anyone would like to be in the parade please be there between 8:30 & 9am. We are going to be on the Peryam float! After the parade, there is going to be a Picnic at the Key Largo Community Park (behind Blockbuster) hosted by TIB & The Reporter.

Also attached is a flyer for a Meet & Greet the Candidate. Manny Madruga is running for Circuit Judge and you can have a chance to meet him on July 12th at the MM88 Restaurant between 5:30 & 7:30pm. He has many years of experience working as a Asst. State Attorney for over 17 years in Monroe County. Check out his info at www.mannyforjudge.com

SHARE Florida Food Network is a non profit organization that distributes food every month at bargain prices! I checked it out this month and thought it was pretty good. They have a website for more info at www.shareflorida.org. The website has a menu online so you can preorder and lots of information for other sites throughout Florida. You can contact JonWesley Barnhill at 305-451-2265 if you have any questions.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Coconut Telegraph says .....

I feel that if the jetskiers were arrested, they must have been breaking the law. Police Officers don't just arrest people without reason. Secondly, the people that were on the beach that day were dues paying Homeowners and their guests - otherwise, they would not have a key to get into the gate. Lastly, you refer to the person who was too much of a coward to come forward but ... yet .... you sign this "article" as Anonymous ?!?!?

Opposing View on Sunday's Arrests

I personally think that the arrests were uncalled for i was on the each that day and yes the three people riding the waverunners were riding them hard but they were not close to the beach they were out almost at the channel markers. and anyways waverunners were made to be ridden hard and fast and spin around in? the people in question that were arrested were residents of our community that own more than three properties in our park and pay all their dues and fees. they dont bother any of you all and contribute to all your fundraisers. the only reason they were arrested was because someone from our community who is too much of a coward to come forward called the police and had these family men arrested in front of their children for riding a freakin waverunner too fast. i'm sorry if all the old farts that live in our park which half of you don't even pay the association fees and have your properties looking like crap have a problem with acouple of young people having fun with their families. i just hope i have the opportunity to catch one you old farts doing something out of line around one of my properties so that i can show you how it feels to be arrested right in front of your family for no reason. why don't you guys concentrate your efforts on something productive like making our beach look better with some new sand or fixing up all your broke down ugly piece of crap trailers!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Coconut Telegraph Responds to Comments

Yes and they r the same a------- that we see all the time out there so I am happy they got busted!!! As an hoa can we pass or add something to our docs?

Coconut Telegraph Response:

You can bring it up at the JULY General Meeting ....... Maybe it'll pass unanimously. And then you can volunteer to spend your weekends on the Beach enforcing the rules and risking your life in the process !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE RULES ARE THERE IN THE STATUTES. WE JUST HAVE TO GET PEOPLE TO CALL *FWC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT WAY NO ONE NEEDS TO GET INTO FIGHTS WITH THESE PEOPLE. ALSO, AS A HOMEOWNER, IF YOU SEE SOMEONE THAT DOES NOT BELONG IN OUR PRIVATE PARK, YOU CAN HAVE THE SHERIFF ESCORT THEM OUT or TO JAIL!!!!!!


People,People, people! When are you all going to get it through your thick heads? We only pay $125.00 A YEAR!!!!! If you want 24 hour guards, 24 hour watch and someone who will jump when you say jump, then you better be prepared to pay out of your as#@*!!! And on a monthly basis. Because that's the only way. Otherwise, we all have to get involved with the community. When you see something like jetskiers driving wrecklessly, call *FWC. When you see a child driving a golf cart, call the sheriff's office. (305-853-3211) If neighbors are selling drugs on your street, call the police. If you don't like the way a neighbor keeps their house/yard, call code enforcement (305-852-7135) It's that simple!!!!

Encouraging Response to Sunday's Arrests

I applaude the FWC for citing the reckless jetskiers. Residents of KL Village cannot enjoy the beach area because of the jetskiers. Jetskiers, why must you play so close to the beach area? Go out in the middle of Tarpon Basin and kill yourself if you want, but you have no right to endanger kids and adults in the beach area. In the future I will call FWC everytime I see reckless behavior by jetskiers in Tarpon Basin because the life I save may be my own.

Isn’t it a shame that we can’t just have family fun without people causing problems? That is why we hardly ever go to the park anymore .....

Were these residents? Jetskiers are totally inconsiderate! I am glad that this happened and maybe now it will stop......

The first question to be asked is how these clowns were allowed to get through the gate. Secondly, the homeowner who let them in should be sanctioned or penalized. Thirdly, the people who supported these clowns should be banned from the recreation area.......

I am very happy to hear of the arrest. I am thankfully that it did not take a tragedy for something to finally get done.......

Yes and they r the same a------- that we see all the time out there so I am happy they got busted!!! As an hoa can we pass or add something to our docs?

JET SKI ARRESTsFinally! The 3 jet skiers deserve the tickets because they have shown complete disregard for the beach area. The riders have all of Tarpon basin to drive recklessly, why do they insist on staying so close to the beach and endangering bathers? We do not want the next news story to read "...bathers killed by erratic jet skiers..." Please drive carefully as the life you save may be yours or your family members.

I’m so happy!!!! Item should be included on agenda for July 26 village meeting – the village people are mad as hell and will not take any more crap from beach abusers!

It's about time someone called!!!!!
The jet ski's are getting out of control! As is the beach in general.
It's all of OUR responsiblities!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR KEYS & PAVILION RENTAL

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEW CONTACT PERSON(s) FOR THE KEYS & PAVILION RENTAL ARE:
NORMA or LILY
YOU CAN CALL THEM IN ADVANCE IF YOU NEED A KEY AT 305-298-4036

***** Please remember that Jet Skis & Boats must be in idle within 300 feet of Shoreline ***** See below!

KLV article in the Keynoter

Rider arrests draw applause


By Kevin Wadlow Senior Staff Writer kwadlow@keynoter.com
Posted-Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:49 PM EDT Email this story

The arrests of three Miami-area men for recklessly operating personal watercraft near Key Largo Sunday reportedly prompted both applause and complaints from witnesses, according to marine officers.

The three defendants - Vilier Nogueira, 28; Yant Garcia, 27; and Silvio Alvez, 21 - face misdemeanors count of recklessly operating a vessel.

“They were doing circles and using their watercraft to spray each other,” said Officer Bobby Dube, information officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “They were riding recklessly near a swim area where women and children were in the water.”


Officer Wade Heffner made the arrests at Tarpon Basin after watching through binoculars. The agency had received “several calls” about the riders.

Personal watercraft are small jet-powered watercraft, including models like the Kawasaki Jet Ski or Yamaha Wave Runner.

“They were operating in a willful and wanton manner close to shore,” Dube said. “If one of them had fallen off their vessel, it could have hit an innocent bystander. It was fortunate nobody was killed or injured.”




A crowd at the subdivision park area, on the bayside off mile marker 101, was divided on the arrests, Dube said.

“There were a lot of happy people there who applauded,” he said. “Some friends and family members were not happy and made a bit of a commotion.”

Heffner said in his report that when the FWC patrol boat approached, the three men jumped off their watercraft and tried to mingle with the crowd.




“It wasn't hard to find them,” Dube said. “They were the wet ones wearing lifejackets.”

They were released after booking at the Plantation Key jail. The charge carries a mandatory court appearance.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Make sure you carry a Life Vest on your Kayak!

This could happen to you!!!! It seems we have a Ranger who takes his job very, very serious. He takes you and your kayak BACK to sure along with fining you, of course, if you don't have a vest on your kayak. Seriously!
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The Conch Republic Coconut Telegraph's Response to Jimmy Buffet!

Is Jimmy Buffet afraid our
newspaper might give people the
mistaken impression that we have
some association with HIM?
Believe it or not, The Coconut
Telegraph has received a letter
via Federal Express from
Greenberg Traurig, Jimmy
Buffet's lawyers, accusing us of
Trademark Infringement, False
Endorsement, and Cybersquatting.
In short, he’s claiming
WE stole HIS name.
The letter reads, "As you are
likely aware, Jimmy Buffet
coined the phrase ‘Coconut
Telegraph’ in 1981, the year he
released an album and published
a hit song of the same name.
Since 1981, Jimmy Buffet has
performed the song countless
times before live audiences. In
June 1985, Margaritaville began
using THE COCONUT TELEGRAPH
in connection with a
newsletter".
What we ARE aware of is
that we, the Conch Republic
Coconut Telegraph Dining and
Entertainment Newspaper have
been in business since November
2006, and came up with the name
all by ourselves. We freely admit
we have no affiliation what so
ever with Margaritaville Enterprises,
LLC. We are great fans of
Jimmy Buffet; however, we do
not believe he “coined” the term
“Coconut Telegraph". It has been
around the Keys longer than most
of us have been alive. To put it
simply, he stole the phrase from
the Conch Republic and made a
whole bunch of money on it. It
has been reported that he still
owns a home in Key West and a
membership at the Ocean Reef
Club, but other than maybe
paying property taxes in Monroe
County, what does he give back
to this wonderful community
where he made his fortune?
The Coconut Telegraph
Newspaper is another story. Our
purpose is to serve our community.
We run free ads for
benefits, charities, and businesses
in need of help. We print
stories about organizations that
provide therapy for kids. We’ve
organized benefits for birds,
cats, and other critters; plus we
print pictures of shelter pets
who need homes. We’re currently
raising funds for Mariner’s
hospital through sales of Dive
With Vengeance and we support
The Pirates on the Water Parrot
Head club because they do a lot
for the community. We believe in
giving back, not taking away.
I turned the letter over to
our lawyers, our "Keys Dream
Team" and they were amused.
We did a little research and
found countless independent and
unrelated "Coconut Telegraphs"
on the internet, from websites in
Honduras to blogs in American
Samoa. One is even a newsletter
in Key Largo! Is Jimmy going to
sue them all? So should we run
scared of the big bully and
change the name to the Coco-not
Telegraph? Hell no! As one of our
writers said, "Chinese buffet,
Warren Buffet, Jimmy Buffet–
we’re not associated with any of
‘em!"
Jimmy, we’re no threat to
you. We paid for the name and
own it fair and square. Instead
of sending more lawyer letters,
come see us in person. We cordially
invite you to perform a free
concert in the Upper Keys to
benefit charities in our community.
How about it? We really
don’t want to be forced to get
out our slingshot and fight back.

Monday, April 7, 2008

CONTACT INFORMATION:

FOR PARK KEYS, PLEASE CALL:
305-453-1992 OR 305-453-0464

FOR PAVILION RESERVATIONS , PLEASE CALL:305-453-1992

FOR ANY OTHER VILLAGE BUSINESS, PLEASE CALL:305-451-3926

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

A RESOUNDING YES!

The turnout was a record high and the vote to repair and rebuild both Parks was nearly unanimous with just two NO votes! The Committee has already met with TIB Bank to notify them of the voting results and we anticipate work to begin as early as next week! We are trying to make the West Park Dock a PRIORITY since that is our only functioning ramp at the moment and we realize boats are getting abused there.
The Board would like to thank everyone who turned out for this important meeting and for your positive support. We'd like to thank the Volunteers and especially Dale Gibson (Gibby) for his hard work putting all this together. Check the Blog for progress and sign up to receive notification on new postings, somewhere on this page!

*** UPCOMING EVENTS ***
MEMORIAL WEEKEND BASH ..... details to follow !

A RESOUNDING YES!!!!!

 
 
 
 
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Sunday, March 23, 2008

IMPORTANT NEWS!! VOTE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH.

Hi Everyone!
The day has finally arrived when we can decide the future of the East Dock! This coming Saturday, March 29th at 4:00pm you will get the chance to vote.
We have been able to secure a loan from TIB bank for $125,000 and along with the money that we already have set aside for this project, we will be able to build the Pier, fix the existing Ramp and replace the Tiki Hut. In addition, we can also repair the Ramp, Jetty & Driveway at the East Dock!
IMPORTANT, the dues do not need to be raised for years to come as both Parks will not be in need of any repairs.
It is very important that everyone understands that the loan from TIB is an UNSECURED loan. That means that they are NOT requiring any collateral. No property will be liened, no fees will be assessed to do these projects. TIB has offered this financing to the Village based on our long standing relationship with them and because they are a Community oriented bank and know that Key Largo Village has a sound reputation. We were very lucky to get this financing offer from them. Now, it is up to you, the Members to decide whether you want these repairs made to our two beach areas.
Attached to this mailing is the Newsletter that was mailed out last week and the breakdown for the East Dock Project. The repairs to the West Dock are as follows:
$3,500 to repair the Dock area of the Ramp
$4,500 to repair the Jetty
$8,000 for approx 60’ of concrete to repair the Driveway.
This bid is from Construct All.

To sum up the total cost of both Parks,
$114,610 East Dock Pier Project
60,000 East Dock Ramp
4,500 Jetty (West Park)
3,500 Dock Repair (West Park)
8,000 Concrete Pavement (West Park)

Total construction costs: $190,610
TIB loan 125,000

KLV funds: 99,000
Which means the Village will still have $33,390 in reserves. We do not anticipate raising the dues for years to come, as all the Parks will have the repairs done to keep them in good condition for awhile.

You will be asked to either Vote YES to repair the Parks or NO to leave everything as it stands. This is an important decision so please try to attend this meeting on Saturday. If you have any questions or would like additional documentation, please feel free to contact a Board Member or simply email us back and we will try to answer any questions you might have before the Meeting on Saturday.

Key Exchange 10am to Noon @ the East Park

Meeting @ 4pm @ the West Park.

*** DUES NEED TO BE UP TO DATE IN ORDER TO VOTE ON SATURDAY ***

Followed by a Pot Luck Social! Mmmmmm!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Thought for the Day

I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the time he killed himself...... Johnny Carson

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Minutes from the General Association Meeting-January 26th, 2008

Key Largo Village Association, Inc.
General Association Meeting
Election of Officers
January 26, 2008

Meeting called to order by President Steve Cacciatore at 10:10 AM

Welcome and Pledge to Flag.

Crime Watch: Capt Heller and Det David Carey addressed the assembly. Advised of arrest made in our Village relative to recent break-ins and fire setting in the area. Our neighborhood has been relatively quite. Concern of owners regarding increased traffic with the road expansion. Marine equipment theft being watched.

Treasurer reported Operation Account balance of $38,986.36, Fundraising Check account $15,944.15. $10,498.16 was left over at the close of the 2007 fiscal year. 2008 Budget will be presented to the General Membership for their review and approval at the March 29 General Association Meeting. The 2007 checkbook ledger was examined and all was in order.
Report accepted as presented.

Minutes of Past General Association Meeting approved as read.

Steve Cacciatore asked those present who were on the ballot to serve the Village stand and introduce themselves. Alice Butler, Magda Gonzalez, Lily Fontan, and Alina Cabrera were present. The general assembly was then asked to mark their ballots and turn them in for tally.

Old Business:
Steve Cacciatore advised that the bibs for the East Dock Project have increased. Prior bids of $187.000 now $194.000 - $198,000 now $208,000 Island Marine came in with $126,000, for E bay material $135,000 and other finishing applications up to a total of $153,000. Decisions need to be made regarding this expenditure and project.

Esther Fernandez made a motion and Dale Gibson seconded to form an East Dock Renovation committee to review this entire project.

Esther Fernandez made a motion, Julie Landin seconded to form a committee to look into and secure costs for repairs to the West Park launch areas of concern.

Results of Ballots cast.

Robert Burt - Vice President; Carolina Contreras - Treasurer; Alice Butler, Alina Cabrera and Magda Gonzalez - Board Members were elected for a two year term each. Those present, Alice Butler, Alina Cabrera and Magda Gonzalez were sworn in by President Steve Cacciatore.

Steve Cacciatore - President; Patsy Chaisson - Secretary; Esther Fernandez and Esther Harrison - Board Members make up the remainder of the 2008 Elected Board of Directors for the Key Largo Village Association, Inc.

Meeting adjourned at 11:22 AM

Patsy Chaisson
as Secretary

GENERAL ASSOCIATION MEETING RESULTS

Hi Everyone!

Hope that everyone had a great Holiday season. We had a nice turnout at the January Meeting. Thanks to the new members of our newly formed East Dock Restoration Committee. They will be reviewing all the existing bids as well as getting new bids for the Dock. The Committee will be presenting a report at the next General Meeting on different options available to us and hopefully we can decide on how to proceed with this project. The names and contact info for the Members are below in case anyone has any questions ,would like to participate or put in a Bid for the repair of the Dock. We would like to know how you feel about this project. Attached is a Survey that you can fill out and either deliver it to 169 Buttonwood or email it back to us.
There was also a Committee formed by Julie Landin to put together bids on repairs needed at the West Park. Her number is 305-552-6720.
Attached you will be able to read the Minutes from this Meeting along with a flyer for an event on Sunday Feb 10 in which you will get a chance to meet John Peryam. He is running for the position of Monroe County Sheriff. It will be a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and more importantly you’ll get a chance to meet some of our Law Enforcement Officers.

East Dock Renovation Committee

Alina Cabrera
169 Buttonwood Ave
(305) 281-6081

Dale Gibson
30 Avenue C
(305) 451-9564

Julie Landin
12250 SW 31 St
Miami, Fl.
(305) 552-6720

Esther Harrison
(305) 815-8365

Mila Lopez
(786) 417-7050

Vicky Fay
(305) 451-5517

Robbie Burt
(305) 451-4694