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.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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!
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.
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
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 !
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 !
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!
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!
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