And the Florida East Coast Railway

INSIDE

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com Vol. 3, No. 26 • FREE

Music Gina Maserati : Pretty in Pink. HENRY A7  FLAGLER AND THE FLORIDA EAST COAST RAILWAY Top picks BY MAXINE LOPEZ-KEOULOPEZ-KEOUGHGH Holiday costume swap party and FloridaFlorida Weekly Correspondent Correspondent much more. A8-9 

N JAN. 22, 1912, ON WHAT WE can imagine was a rea- sonably warm day, a man O named Henry Morris Fla- gler arrived in the southernmost city of the United States. Top left: Crowds A dapper gentleman possessing an greet the arrival enormous snow-whitesnow-white moustache of Henry Flagler and an eighth-grade education, Mr. and the first train Flagler had a penchant for oil monop- in Key West on olies and the kind of jaunty newsboy Jan. 22, 1912. caps that would, almost 100 years later, become immensely popular Above: The dap- with teenage girls in middle schools per Henry Flagler Real Estate across America. with snow-white Renovation opportunity at moustache. SEE FLAGLER, A10  816 Ashe St. A18  STATE OF FLORIDA HISTORIC COURTESY PHOTOS OF FLORIDA HISTORIC COURTESY STATE Louie Anderson at the Key West Theater BY LAURA RICHARDSON tral and his career has spanned nearly four Florida Weekly Correspondent decades. He has starred in his own standup specials On Sunday Sept. 30, Louie Anderson is and sitcoms (including in cartoon form), he’s bringing his uniquely loveable brand of com- a best-selling author and he continues to tour edy to The Key West Theater (512 Eaton St.) worldwide. On top of all that, in 2016 he was for two shows that promise to be full of belly cast to co-star along with Zach Galifianakis laughs and warm-and-fuzzies. and Martha Kelly in the hit FX series “Bas- Anderson is so much more than just one of kets” as Christine Baskets, the matriarch of Bartender of the the country’s most recognized and respected the Baskets clan (a performance for which COURTESY PHOTO comics. A three-time Emmy winner, he has he received one of his three Emmy awards). On Sunday Sept. 30, Louie Anderson brings his Week been named One of the 100 Greatest Stand- uniquely loveable brand of comedy to The Key They call him Diamond Dave. Up Comedians of All Time by Comedy Cen- SEE LOUIE, A14  West Theater. A14  A2 WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST OFF OFF DUVAL Editor Owen Killian The most traveled and visible street books.com; 305-294-2904. This [email protected] in Key West is only the beginning, the decades-old boutique bookstore offers a surface, of what the town has to offer. surprisingly varied wealth of current and Publisher Ask the locals about their favorite spots, used titles, from bestsellers to rare titles. Niall Geoghegan stroll through quiet neighborhoods or Often open late, it’s an inviting place to [email protected] down alleyways off Duval and you’ll browse the crowded stacks. begin to dive deeper into the quieter, Reporters more diverse and less readily appar- La Rubia Fine Hats, 510 Fleming Bucky Montgomery ent offerings. Here are eight spots you St. 305-296-6059; www.larubiakey- Laura Richardson might not see at first glance. west.com. This is the Florida Keys’ Jennifer White only importer of authentic Panama hats. Better than Sex, 926 Simonton The owners developed the boutique Presentation Editor St. 305-296-8102; www.betterthan- to carry on the centuries-old tradition Eric Raddatz sexkeywest.com. A great place for of hand weaving hats (which come [email protected] couples. Swing by this dessert-only, COURTESY PHOTO from Ecuador, not Panama, by the way). adults-only restaurant late in the eve- The Mellow Café and Gastro Pub is open for There are styles for men and women Production Manager ning. Indulge your senses with choco- breakfast, lunch and dinner. in a wide array of colors and weaves. Alisa Bowman late dipped wine glasses and cheeky, There’s also a nice selection of wearable [email protected] homemade desserts and beverages such ret St. 305-292-4747; www.cuban- fair trade crafts such as jewelry, ikat as an Ephemere Apple Spiced Ale in a coffeequeen.com. The strong Cuban wraps and shigra bags. Graphic Designers tall beer glass with a signature caramel coffee at this hole in the wall is also Chris Andruskiewicz rim-job. Lick it good. rich in Key West heritage. A café con Little Pearl, 632 Olivia St. 305-204- Paul Heinrich • Scott Sleeper leche paired with a classic Cuban 4762; www.littlepearlkeywest.com. Mellow Café and Gastro Pub, 1605 sandwich or some Havana rice and Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key Circulation Manager Roosevelt Blvd. 305-745-3874; www. beans will keep you going long into a West and away from the bustling down- Michael Gagliardi mellowventureskeywesst.com. Near Key West night. town streets sits this excellent spot for [email protected] the water in Old Town Key West, the fresh local catch and innovative cuisine café is open for breakfast, lunch and Firefly, 223 Petronia St. 305-849- with a tropical twist. It’s new and it’s Sales and Marketing Assistant dinner and offers unique island fare 0104; www.fireflykeywest.com. Being hot. Reservations are required. Tiffany Nagle with a mellow atmosphere to match. that Key West is home to the southern- Operations Manager The menu items are crafted with fresh, most point of the continental United Nancy Forrester’s Secret Gar- Kelli Carico locally sourced ingredients and include States, it’s fitting that the island is home den, 518 Elizabeth St. 305-294-0015; a fresh catch, Havana roasted pork, to a Southern-inspired restaurant. Fire- www.nancyforrester.com. Ms. For- Published by romaine leaf plates and caramelized fly’s plantation-style look and its menu rester has a secret, and it’s not her Florida Media Group LLC banana chocolate tacos. Drink options give it the most down-home feel of garden, per se: It’s what she keeps 100 Grinnell Street • Key West, FL 33040 include a large selection of craft beers, any culinary experience on the island. there. The longtime environmentalist 305.363.1310 11 rotating tap beers, wine, house-made The shrimp and grits, fried chicken and has been caring for orphaned parrots sangria and champagne cocktails. They bacon-wrapped meatloaf are a few fan for more than 30 years. She invites www.FloridaWeekly.com have a great happy hour daily from 5-7 favorites. the public to meet them, take pictures, p.m., and delivery is available. hold them and listen as she educates Key West Island Bookstore, 513 the community about her fine feath- Copyright: The contents of the Florida Weekly are copyright 2018 by Florida Media Group, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without Cuban Coffee Queen, 284 Marga- Fleming St. www.Keywestisland- ered friends. ■ the express written consent of Florida Media Group, LLC.

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Getting around Key West

1. Southernmost Point 5. Truman Little White House www.melfisher.org Audubon are on display in this former The corner of South and 111 Front St. Exhibits include treasures from the home of shipwreck salvager Capt. John Whitehead streets www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com Spanish galleons of 1622 discovered by Geiger. www.southernmostpointwebcam.com The Little White House adds a presi- Mel Fisher and his crew. The city of Key West erected this con- dential luster to the Conch Republic. Orig- 12. Key West City Cemetery crete buoy in 1983 to denote the south- inally built for Naval officers in 1890 and 9. Mile Marker 0 Sign Bordered by Angela, Frances and ernmost point in the continential United used as a command headquarters in three 490 Whitehead St. (corner Olivia streets and Windsor Lane States. wars, the Little White House later served of Fleming Street) 305-292-6718 as lodging for President Harry S. Tru- U.S. 1 begins here in Key West and www.Friendsofthekeywestcemetery. 2. Conch Tour Train man’s winter retreats from 1946 to 1952. continues 2,369 miles north up the East com 303 Front St. Coast before ending in Fort Kent, Me. Stop by the sexton’s office near the 305-294-5161 or 888-916-8687 6. The Ernest Hemingway Stop here to commemorate your visit to entrance at Passover and Windsor lanes www.conchtourtrain.com Home & Museum Key West with a photo next to the iconic and pick up a map that includes a free The iconic train has been winding its 907 Whitehead St. Mile Marker 0 sign. walking tour. way through the streets of Key West 305-294-1136 since 1958. www.hemingwayhome.com 10. Key West Express Ferry 13. Fort Zachary Taylor Take the tour and say hello to one of Terminal State Park and Beach 3. Sloppy Joe’s the 40-50 six-toed cats, all descendants of 100 Grinnell St. At the ocean end of Southard Street 201 Duval St. Hemingway’s cat, Snowball. 239-463-5733 and bordering the Naval Reservation. 305-294-5717 www.Keywestexpress.net 305-295-0037 www.sloppyjoes.com 7. The Key West Butterfly Traveling via the Express is truly the www.Fortzacharytaylor.com A Key West tradition since 1933, this & Nature Conservatory best way to get between Key West, Fort “Fort Zach” is known to locals and bar’s famous patrons include Ernest Hem- 1316 Duval St. Myers Beach or Marco Island. You’ll tourists alike as one of Key West’s best mingway and rum runner Habana Joe. 305-296-2988 or 800-839-4647 enjoy air-conditioned interiors, exteri- beaches. In addition to the expansive www.keywestbutterfly.com or sun decks, couches, tables and even beach, the 54-acre park has nature trails, 4. Mallory Square Sunset More than 50 butterfly species from reclining airline-style seating. There’s a bike paths, picnic tables and grills and Celebration around the world and 20 exotic bird spe- full-service galley, full-service bar and Historic Fort Zachary Taylor. Enjoy the 1 Whitehead St. cies coexist in this climate-controlled, flat-screen TVs with satellite television. beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and 786-565-7448 glass-enclosed habitat that includes the Key West Shipping Channel. ■ www.sunsetcelebration.org waterfalls, flowering plants and trees. 11. Audubon House and Garden This nightly festival begins at water’s 205 Whitehead St. edge an hour or two before sunset and 8. Mel Fisher Maritime Museum 305-294-2116 includes street performers, local artisans, 200 Greene St. www.Audubonhouse.com food carts, palmists and psychics. 305-294-2633 Original lithographs by John James SET SAIL for

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*Minimum 8 day advance purchase, non-refundable fare. Cannot be combined with other offers. Weekend fee applies to any travel Friday thru Sunday. Expires October 31, 2018. Online purchases. GET READY FOR YOUR NAUTICAL ADVENTURE! FASTER THAN DRIVING, CHEAPER THAN FLYING, THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL A6 WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST BARTENDER OF THE WEEK They call him Diamond Dave

BY JENNIFER WHITE been coming down to Key West since soned professional at both Cork & Stogie Florida Weekly Correspondent the 1980s and finally decided to make the and also The Salty Angler just a block permanent move 10 years ago to open up down the road. “If you are looking for a If you can acquire a skill in the frac- a bar and take it easy. There’s also the one good craft beer, good wine and a good tion of time that it takes most people about the aneurysm in his arm that sent cigar to complement what you’re drink- to read the instructions, then you can him straight to the ICU last year. And ing along with a relaxed feel, then Cork rightfully earn a nickname like Diamond then he is also running as a candidate for & Stogie is the place for you. Salty Angler Dave. David Bevens became Diamond king of Fantasy Fest. is a burger and barbecue restaurant with Dave while working for the Dry Tortugas “I’m running for king of Fantasy Fest local fish that is brought in fresh every fast cat ferry. He phenomenally man- because this community has done so day. They also do awesome adult milk- aged to learn boat practices and terms in much for me, especially when I was in shakes, but the food is where it’s at and an unusually short time and the captain the hospital and the Sister Season Fund they have their fair share of good live described him as a rare treasure. helped with my expenses,” he said. “I music too.” “Like with most things I do I just take want to give back. With this I’m fundrais- At Cork & Stogie, where he works most in the knowledge,” Dave shrugs noncha- ing for AIDSHelp, but I’m also trying to Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednes- lantly, “so the captain said, ‘you are like a raise money for suicide prevention as day nights, he is famous for his Bloody diamond in the rough,’ and it just stuck.” well.” Mary that he indulgently garnishes with We are sitting on the front porch of The selfless competition for the annual bacon, drunken shrimp, blue cheese Cork & Stogie, where that Dave works title of Fantasy Fest king is both a presti- stuffed olives, havarti cheese and celery. and which is owned by his parents, Leslie gious and iconic one that holds the utmost At Salty Angler where he can usually be and David Bevens. A couple of regulars respect in the community. For months, a found on Thursdays and Fridays he makes are relaxing at the table adjacent to us and small handful of candidates host a variety JENNIFER WHITE / FLORIDA WEEKLY an “unconventional” rum punch using they, along with the rest of the patrons of unique events to see who can raise the three different flavored rums and a blend inside at the intimately quaint bar know most money. After a final tally, the king parade float and I’ve never even seen one of juices he keeps a secret recipe. that I am here to interview Dave for is honored by riding alongside the queen because I’ve always been bartending.” Regardless of where you find Diamond Florida Weekly as the featured bartender and the runners-up on the anticipated Which brings us back to what this Dave or what drink he makes you I’m sure and they are very excited about it. parade float in the Fantasy Fest parade article is really about — the fact that Dave that he will always have a story or two to With a cold beer in his hand, Dave at the end of the week-long festival. The is our bartender of the week. His career tell you. begins to enthusiastically share story after king also gets to keep the title for the rest in the industry started when he landed his “I’m definitely a personality behind story as I ask my regular set of questions. of the year and appears at various func- first job as a DJ and then found his way the bar,” he admits. “I’m just me all the His answers are involved, as though he is tions and fundraising events. behind the bar at a neighborhood “hole time.” ■ talking to a best friend and I get the sense Dave will be hosting a few more events in the wall” called Stooges back in Ohio Cork & Stogie that he has very much acclimated himself prior to the coronation, including a rave where he grew up. He has since “done it 1218 Duval Street to the laid-back vibe of the island. In one at Sidebar on Sept. 27 and a beach blanket all,” from bar-backing to serving and back www.corkandstogie.com of his stories he is let go from his job in bingo at the Tipsy Rooster on Oct. 13. to being a DJ for over 20 years. the automotive business after retaliating “You put a lot of your time towards a “I learned through trial and error. This The Salty Angler against his father’s involuntary termina- good cause,” Dave explains when I ask older woman taught me how to make 1114 Duval Street tion by playing the military taps melody. him what it is like to be in the running. shots and pour beers and I mastered it www.thesaltyangler.com In another he states that his family has He then adds “and I do get to ride on a very quickly,” he says. He is now a sea- Cultural Day Trips to Havana Cuba!

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BY BUCKY MONTGOMERY during the day, then paint his nails at Florida Weekly Correspondent night? Both the straight and gay com- munities have welcomed me and I feel When you think of a drag queen, great about being part of such a loving, you generally imagine a guy dressed as caring town.” NEW - USED - RARE a girl, all glittered up on an elaborate She is comfortable playing a multi- stage with various props, lip syncing tude of musical styles: jazz, rock, blues, and performing various choreographed swing, funk, country and reggae. She THANK YOU numbers. Not so with this fast and furi- carries within her repertoire a variety KEY WEST FOR A ous Maserati. Gina is the real deal. You of lighthearted parodies such as, “All My can find her fronting bands onstage all COURTESY PHOTO Exes Have Changed Sexes,” “A State of GREAT SEASON OF over town, any time of day, from Shrimp passed, she was playing country music Transition” and “The Devil Went Down LOCAL SUPPORT Road Bar and Grill to the Green Market with “Just Passin’ Thru” in New York to Key West.” You might hear both at Bayview Park. There’s no lip syncing and New Jersey at the Playboy Club, Mt. Frank and Nancy Sinatra when perform- here, either. She sings and vamps and Vernon, Sand’s Casino, and in Atlantic ing “My Way.” Or both Sonny and Cher plays various instruments to the audi- City, even doing warm-up stints for on her version of “I Got You Babe.” One ences’ delight: bass, piano, guitar, flute, Johnny Paycheck and country music of her original songs, “Look like Your and even sometimes the stand-up bass. legend Roy Clark. Then, just before the Mama, sing like Your Papa,” may best Perhaps the best description for Gina ’90s, Gina started heading south. describe her entertaining shtick. Maserati would be “Key West’s (Drag) “I moved to Key Largo in 1989, play- Gina has recorded two albums, “Gina Queen of Rock and Roll.” ing solo and in groups in upper Keys Does Frank,” a collection of standards Born Kerry Tor Cressman in Wash- clubs,” she said. “Snooks, Cactus Jack’s, made famous by Sinatra (as well as ington, N.J., Gina started playing piano Paradise Pub, Caribbean Pub, Plantation Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett), and when she was 4. She started playing Yacht Harbor, Rum Runners, and Holi- “Smoothly,” a collection of originals. 80,000 Books guitar at 10, and then moved on to bass day Isle.” At the time she was doing all- She met Sandy, her wife, in a cab. and we even know at age 13. Her mother, Marilyn, was a original “art rock” with the band Life on They found out that they wear the same dance and music teacher, and her father, Mars, and was president of the Florida dress size and they’ve been together where some of Kaye, was a teacher and drummer. Gina Keys Musician’s Co-Op. ever since. They were together for 10 counts among her childhood musical She started performing occasionally years before being married in August them are. influences The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, in Key West as “Rinee” in 1996. “I won 2010. We will be closed for a well Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater the very first Drag Race down Duval You can see her solo act every Thurs- earned family vacation from Revival and Led Zeppelin. Street and needed a racing name. That’s day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bayview “I played for local rock bands, and where Maserati came from ... and it Park Green Market or in various gigs September 24th and will reopen went on the road with the pop/disco stuck.” around town. “I invite anyone interested October 1st. We look forward to group L.A. Exchange when I was 19.” During the day as her alter-ego, KT, to go to YouTube and check out ‘The seeing you then. From there, she began playing origi- Gina continues to do carpentry and cab- Devil Went Down to Key West,’ one of nal rock with “PanVampa” in the early inet-making (the company’s nickname is my parodies, and ‘Gina Sings My Way,’ 305-294-2904 ’80s in such New York clubs as CBGB’s, Hammer and Nail Polish). where I switch from Sinatra to Gina Copperfield’s, Other End, Village Gate “Key West is wonderful. Where else Maserati during the song.” KEY WEST ISLAND BOOKS and the Lone Star Cafe. As the late ’80s can a building contractor pound nails All hail the queen! ■ 513 Fleming Street, Key West www.KWIslandBooks.com A8 WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST KEY WEST CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Live Music Nightly SPECIAL EVENTS Check the schedule at www.smokingtunasaloon.com Live Music with Dave Bootle Sept. 27, 9 p.m. Sloppy Joes Mangoes 201 Duval St. 700 Duval St. Live Music Nightly www.mangoeskeywest.com Check the schedule at www.sloppyjoes.com Jerrod Issaman and Friends Live Sept. 27, 10 p.m. PHOTOGRAPHY Mary Ellen’s Bar 420 Appelrouth Lane Photographs by Jorge de la www.maryellensbar.com Torriente Ongoing Fantasy Fest Costume Swap De La Gallery Sept. 29, noon. 419 Duval St. Mary Ellen’s Bar www.delagallery.com 420 Appelrouth Lane 305-395-2210 www.maryellensbar.com Homegrown Lip Sync Battle Photographs by Michael Marrero Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. COURTESY PHOTO Ongoing Aqua Nightclub Key West is consistently ranked as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Come Gallery on Greene 711 Duval St. enjoy an interactive tour featuring unusual and entertaining guides on the Ghost Tours and 606 Greene St. www.aquakeywest.com Ghost Hunts, nightly, at 301 Whitehead St. and 1102 Duval St. 305-395-1435 or www.haunted- www.galleryongreene.com keywest.com. CINEMA Irish Kevin’s • Trivia, Tuesday Nights, 6:30 p.m. 211 Duval St. • SIN Night (Service Industry Night), Tropic Cinema Live Music Nightly Wednesdays 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 416 Eaton St. Check the schedule at Mellow Café and Gastropub www.tropiccinema.com www.irishkevins.com Bike Nights, Live Music Check the website for ongoing films MUSIC Ride your bike and get half off your Mary Ellen’s meal LGBT Green Parrot Bar 420 Appelrouth Lane Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. 601 Whitehead St. • Open Mic with Comedy Key West, 1605 North Roosevelt Blvd. Aqua Nightclub Mondays, 9 p.m. www.mellowkw.com Live Music Nightly 711 Duval St. • Drunken Spelling Bee, First Monday Check the schedule at Smoking Tuna • Aqua Idol for Fantasy Fest King of each month, 9 p.m. www.greenparrot.com 4 Charles St. and Queen

09.30 LOUIE 10.14 WHO’S BAD 11.07 OTTMAR 11.15 THUNDER FROM THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL LIEBERT DOWN UNDER ANDERSON JACKSON EXPERIENCE

11.16 LIVINGSTON 11.28 KINGSTON 12.07 PAULA 12.16 JOHN 01.10 THE WAILERS TAYLOR TRIO LEGACY TOUR POUNDSTONE WATERS

01.11 GARY PUCKETT 01.26 SHAWN COLVIN 02.14 LOS LOBOS 01.20 RUMOURS 01.31 DAVID BROMBERG 02.18 JUSTIN HAYWARD A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE 02.02 BEGINNINGS 03.21 GET THE LED OUT A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC THE AMERICAN LED 01.22 HOT TUNA OF CHICAGO ZEPPELIN 01.24 CRAIG ROBINSON 02.06 TRAVIS TRITT 03.23 JOAN OSBORNE & THE NASTY DELICIOUS 02.11 ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN 03.27 JEFFERSON STARSHIP THE MUSIC OF ABBA FOR THE FULL LINE-UP VISIT: WWW.THEKEYWESTTHEATER.COM FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 A9 KEY WEST CALENDAR OF EVENTS #KW

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Drag Shows nightly, 7 and 9 p.m. • Karaoke Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. www.Aquakeywest.com Bobby’s Monkey Bar 900 Simonton St. Karaoke, Nightly, 9:30 p.m. Bobby’s Monkey Bar on Facebook Bourbon St. Pub ■ Three-time Emmy Award 724 Duval St. winner Louie Anderson • Just Jeff (Moss), Thursdays through performs his standup routine at Sundays, 8 to 10 p.m. • Ronnie, Mondays through Wednes- 6:30 and 9 p.m. Sunday Sept. days, 3 to 8 p.m. 30, at The Key West Theater, 512 • The Men of Bourbon, Nightly Eaton St. (Read the full story on www.BourbonSt.pub.com the cover.) 801 Bourbon Bar 801 Duval St. — www.thekeywesttheater.com • Drag Shows, nightly, 9 and 11 p.m. 9.30 • Happy Hour Drag, 5 p.m. Saturdays • Drag Karaoke, 4 p.m. Sundays • Messy Mondays with Mulysa, 1 a.m. ■ Live music with Mondays Dave Bootle, Sept. 27, • Fierce and Fabulous/Dragalicious, 1 a.m. Wednesdays 9 p.m., Mangoes, 700 www.801bourbon.com Duval St. Sidebar at Aqua 504 Angela St. — www.mangoes Kristen McNamara, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. keywest.com www.sidebarkeywest.com La Te Da 10.3 1125 Duval St. • Christopher Peterson, Sept. 29, 9 p.m. • Randy Roberts, Sept. 27, 9 p.m. ■ Lip Sync Battle, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m., Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St. • 3Sum, Sept. 27, 28 and 29 — www.aquakeywest.com • Tea Dance, Sundays 4 to 6:30 p.m. www.Lateda.com AROUND KEY WEST 9.29 Local Farm Stand Wednesdays, 5 to 7 p.m. Mellow Café and Gastropub 1605 North Roosevelt Blvd. Ghost Tours and Ghost Hunts Nightly 301 Whitehead St. and 1102 Duval St. 305-395-1435 www.hauntedkeywest.com Free Nutrition Sessions Wednesdays through October, ■ Fantasy Fest Costume Swap, Sept. 29, noon, Mary Ellen’s Bar, 5 to 7 p.m. Monroe County Library - Key West 9.27 420 Appelrouth Lane — www.maryellensbar.com 700 Fleming St. ■ A10 WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST FLAGLER From page 1

Mr. Flagler was in Key West to celebrate the method by which he had just arrived there: the Florida Overseas Rail- road, which had just carried him, his moustache, his newsboy cap, and his wife, Mary, over 128 miles of railroad via a specially designed Pullman sleeping car train boast- ing three bedrooms, one bathroom, a salon and a kitchen. The ride was most likely bumpy, and — one can only assume — nerve-wracking, as workers had placed the final pieces of the track a mere 24 hours before the Flaglers’ tricked-out train car rumbled across them. On either side of the railroad, a gradient of turquoise and milky blues would have stretched out toward the horizon while, underneath, a chain of limestone islands sped past. The tracks themselves stretched across 42 stretches of open water, 17 miles of COURTESY FRIENDS OF OLD SEVEN PHOTO viaducts and bridges, and over 20 miles of filled causeways. sioning an extended track south. Soon his It was 10:30 in the morning when Mr. Fla- rail system had spread to reach Daytona, gler disembarked from the luxurious train with Mr. Flagler building hotels, schools, car alongside his wife, herself the owner bridges and a hospital in St. Augustine of a collection of truly ridiculous hats. The along the way to ensure the continued two emerged to a crowd of cheering digni- revival of the city to which he’d vowed to taries, residents and local schoolchildren, bring modernity. all of whom had come to greet the first- By 1892, Floridian landowners were beg- ever train to travel from mainland Florida ging Mr. Flagler to bring his railroad even all the way down the Keys. farther south, and he complied; a charter By his arrival in Key West that morning, from the state authorized him to build a Mr. Flagler had spent 27 years of his life rail connecting his existing system all the and $50 million of his fortune to get there. way to modern-day Miami. Florida was, He was almost entirely blind, and as he seemingly, exploding with growth over- emerged from the train car to the cacopho- night; new cities sprung up in the wake of nous crowd gathered before him, he wept Flagler’s recently laid tracks within weeks quietly. He had just turned 82. of him arriving, affirming his belief that Having co-founded Standard Oil along- all of South Florida’s untapped worth had side partners Samuel Andrews and John simply been buried underneath the state’s D. Rockefeller in 1867, Mr. Flagler had wit- then-abysmal transportation system. All it nessed firsthand the company’s extraordi- had taken was one man already trained in nary ascension to the top of the American mining for profit to have the good sense to business world, from its meager begin- uncover it all. nings as an oil refinery to its triumph as the By 1894, Flagler’s railroad — then largest oil company in the world. In just a STATE OF FLORIDA COURTESY referred to as the Florida East Coast Rail- few decades, Standard Oil grew its empire PHOTOS way, or FEC — reached what is today the to include over 20,000 domestic wells and Above: Henry Flagler disem- ritzy community of West Palm Beach. He 100,000 employees. It cut out middlemen, barking the train in Key West built a series of supremely luxurious, out- absorbed its greatest competitors, and by in 1912. rageously expensive hotels (one of them, the end of the 1870s, Standard Oil was in The Breakers, remains one of the most Left: Members of the Key the business of refining over 90 percent of famously grand properties to this day), West Police Department American oil. as well as a quaint 100,000-square-foot There was, of course, a fair amount participating in the parade for Henry Flagler on Duval home for himself. Drawn like moths to of controversy involved with acquiring a Street in 1912. the suddenly brilliant flame, the Gilded monopoly over all the oil refineries in the Age’s most affluent members descended United States, and — thanks to an increas- Below: Crowds greet the ar- on the seaside town, transforming West ingly vitriolic series of lawsuits, muck- rival of Henry Flagler and the Palm Beach from a sleepy Southern com- raker-authored accusations, public outcry first train on Jan. 22, 1912. munity to the preferred location for rich and a growing suspicion of the company’s folks looking to spend the winter getting seeming immunity to the normal pitfalls tipsy on the beach. of the business cycle — by the time the A year later, after connecting them to the 1880s rolled around, Standard Oil was no railroad, building them streets, instituting longer the biggest, baddest kid on the water and power systems, and financing block. Mr. Rockefeller and Mr. Flagler, in their first newspaper, he had to convince an effort to regain their dominance, essen- the residents of the area surrounding Bis- tially invented the oil futures market by cayne Bay not to name their town after issuing certificates against the oil stored in him. They settled for the Native American their own company’s pipelines. It worked; name given to the river that bisected their in 1882, the National Petroleum Exchange city: Miami. opened in Manhattan. Though the town had already proved its The problem was, leading one’s busi- use in the Civil War as a strategic military ness to inconceivable heights was not the port thanks to its deep-water-anchorage- best thing for one’s health. In 1878, Mr. Fla- friendly location in the Florida Straits, it gler’s doctor encouraged him to spend the was not until the proposed construction of winter in Florida. His wife was sick, and the Panama Canal that Key West became Mr. Flagler, by then himself a man of 48, a true candidate for connection to Mr. which back then was basically 75, needed Flagler’s railroad. At the time, Key West the rest. The couple visited Jacksonville, was no primitive islet; between 10,000 where Mr. Flagler was both convinced of and 20,000 thousand residents called the then hired staff to turn on and off the elec- the state’s potential for growth and disap- Mr. Flagler returned to St. Augustine. See- tiny island home, having enjoyed excep- tricity for guests, who refused to flip the pointed by its transportation system and ing that an eccentric and wealthy Bosto- tional wealth thanks to a steady business switches themselves, terrified of electrocut- hotel options. By the time he returned with nian, Franklin W. Smith, had recently con- of turtle farming, sponging, cigars, fishing ing themselves. He named the hotel after his second wife in 1883, Mr. Flagler had structed a flamboyant Moorish mansion and shipwrecking for decades. The island the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, who’d his eye on hotel development, specifically in the city, Flagler offered to purchase the was primed for a railroad depot — the mistakenly discovered Florida in 1513 while surrounding the historically charming but building for his new bride but was repeat- difficulty was figuring out how to build a out searching for the fountain of youth. underwhelmingly developed city of St. edly rebuffed by Mr. Smith. Instead, Mr. 7-mile-long bridge stable enough to sup- Aware that a reliable method of trans- Augustine. He stepped back from the more Flagler began construction on a 540-room, port a multicar train, among other hellish portation was vital to ensuring his ven- demanding day-to-day duties at Standard Spanish Renaissance-styled hotel. obstacles along the way. ture’s success, Mr. Flagler purchased a Oil, and chose instead to focus on the pos- He spent triple what he’d budgeted, As a businessman, Mr. Flagler saw short-line railroad between Jacksonville sible opportunities and assured difficulties invented a new way of building concrete Key West’s position as an opportunity to and St. Augustine, and began the painstak- that developing in Florida posed. structures and installed electricity through- increase trade in the West, Latin America ing process of converting the existing rail- Two years after his first visit to the city, out the property thanks to a few generators and Cuba. But the idea proved, for years, roads to one standard gauge, already envi- while honeymooning with his second wife, supplied by his friend, Thomas Edison. He almost impossible to execute. First, months FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 A11 the of surveying and mapping of the land and southernmost town. a 17-foot storm surge that ripped through ULTIMATE channels over the Keys were required to Technically, the first FEC train to cross one of the route’s bridges in Islamora- discern the least-difficult route, though into Key West was a test car, which rolled da, killing hundreds of workers. Because some of the very methods of construction into town at the ungodly hour of 2:45 a.m., of financial constraints, the railroad was it would take to build the railroad had not crossing the final steel plate placed only never rebuilt to completion again (indeed, SOUVENIR! yet been invented. From there, it would be hours earlier unharmed. When Mr. Flagler’s even later attempts to dismantle some of another eight years before that fateful Janu- car door opened and the legend himself the left-behind parts resulted in the bank- ary morning when Mr. Flagler’s train car stepped out, it began a weeklong celebra- ruptcy of multiple companies, proving the arrived in Key West to rapturous applause. tion in town — parades, banquets, lines of railroad to be both impressively construct- In the meantime, “Flagler’s Folly,” as some Navy officers in crisp white uniforms crack- ed and eternally expensive). referred to the project, was besieged by ing off their salutes to the frail, white-haired Bankrupt, the FEC sold the remaining three devastating hurricanes, each of which man. A letter from President Taft was read; road and bridges to the state of Florida. delayed construction considerably, each the mayor was ecstatic; children sang. Even Eventually, when hauling cargo by truck time endangering the lives of the 4,000 men Mr. Flagler, by then incredibly frail, was became cheaper than trains, there began a employed on the project. Coupled with the moved to make a brief speech at a dinner long conversion of the Overseas Railroad annual summer arrival of yellow fever, the held at the local Marine barracks. to its current form: the Overseas High- railroad seemed at times to be almost bibli- The same day he and his wife had dis- way. New bridges, built in the 1980s, were cally doomed, and Mr. Flagler was raked embarked in Key West, regular passenger erected alongside some of the original over by the press without mercy. service trains began departing the island concrete ones; a few original bridges were Some modern historians maintain that to head north. Soon, the cars would begin left standing to serve as historical mark- Mr. Flagler never set out to reap a profit transporting goods from Cuba, ferried over ers, jogging routes and excellent fishing from the Overseas Railroad — that the first by barge, then loaded into cars; sugar, piers. A local charity, Friends of the Old reason the otherwise extraordinarily suc- molasses, pineapples so bountiful that they Seven, continuously raises money to fund cessful and prudent businessman would required an extra-heavy mountain locomo- the preservation and rehabilitation of the have risked so much of his own personal tive to jump-start the journey. The ride original 7-mile bridge, now listed on the fortune was not because he assumed he became known as the Havana Special, and National Register of Historic places and would make his money back in eventual was soon renowned for its elegance. home to a museum documenting the rail- profits, but for far nobler reasons: Mr. Fla- Oil-powered engines meant the riders road’s construction. gler wanted to create something magnifi- sitting down for a white linen-accessorized To limit Mr. Flagler’s legacy to his being cent, a gift to Florida and to the American meal in the dining car kept their formal- responsible for the Overseas Highway is economy. They posit that, nearing death, wear clean from coal dust. In total, it took to grossly underestimate the man’s effect aware of his own mortality, Mr. Flagler four hours to get from the depot in Key on modern-day Florida. It was Mr. Flagler wished in no small part to be immortal- West to Miami, the same amount of time who possessed the foresight to imagine ized. it does to drive today. Since he’d financed our state’s current identity, world-famous To be fair, others believe this theory to the job himself, the profits, whatever they for our agricultural exports, tourism, biodi- be absolute garbage. were, remained largely unrecorded, closely versity, countless businesses, colleges, hos- Whatever the impetus, Mr. Flagler’s guarded by Mr. Flagler and his inside circle. pitals, restaurants, sports teams, Enrique project stalled in Marathon, long enough The Overseas Railroad soon became Iglesias and the giant golf ball that is for the city to become a boom town, with known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, EPCOT. Mr. Flagler is immortalized in the cargo ships of Cuban limes and pineapples and though Mr. Flagler himself was not rail spikes preserved in the remaining frag- docking island-side where they could then alive long enough to see the railroad’s ments of the railroad he dreamed up over TATTOOS & PIERCINGS be loaded onto the FEC to travel north. By continued success — he died a year after a century ago, but just as much in every For appointment 1910, the first rail spike was driven into the his famous journey down the line — his road, every town, every resident and every dry, rocky earth of Key West. Construction absence may have been a kinder fate; much visitor who is fortunate enough to make 305-295-2556 ramped up, so that by the morning of Jan. of the railroad was damaged beyond repair their way south to the Sunshine State. 712A Duval Street, Key West 20, 1912, Mr. Flagler’s special Pullman car when, in 1935, a Category 5 hurricane, later Not too shabby for a kid in a newsboy cap www.conchink.com left New York City bound for the country’s called “the storm of the century,” produced who never graduated from high school. ■

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BY MAXINE LOPEZ-KEOUGH For Captain John Huling Gei- nal Audubon work. The three- Florida Weekly Correspondent ger, a maritime pilot whose ship story home is filled with pre- wrecking success had made cious antiquities and, of course, It’s midway through the tour of Key him one of the richest men in with Audubon’s work, as well West’s stunningly pretty Audubon House the Florida Keys, such wealth as information about the art- and Tropical Gardens that the truth demanded a home of appropri- ist’s life and career. An acre of comes out: John James Audubon—famed ate grandeur. In 1846, after the lush tropical gardens surrounds naturalist painter, whose lifelike paint- rest of the island was mostly the home, featuring hundreds ings of bird portraits line the walls of flattened in a hurricane, Gei- of orchids, a koi pond, and a the museum—never actually lived in the ger chose a prominent lot on replica of the property’s original Audubon House. But don’t let this spoiler which to build his family’s new 1850’s outdoor kitchen building. keep you from visiting; indeed, a visit to home—a lavish American Clas- Visitors are encouraged to wind the Audubon House offers so much beau- sic Revival mansion of tropi- their way through the quiet ty, charm and historical interest, you’ll cal wood at the intersection of brick pathways, taking note of be left feeling only that it was Audubon’s Green and Whitehead streets, the rare tropical plants (care- loss that he was never able to inhabit such with an unobstructed view of fully labeled for those without a magical place. the ocean (and any new poten- extensive botanical knowledge) Amassing a fortune from treasure gath- tial ship wrecks.) It was a grand, and view the medicinal and herb ered from the ruins of shipwrecks might busy estate encompassing 6 COURTESY PHOTO garden, a staple of 19th cen- seem like a job description for a sto- acres, home to Geiger, his wife, tury upscale homes. Though the rybook pirate, but in 19th century Key his children, and a number of slaves mansion would later be constructed. museum and its grounds are located in the West, it was a lucrative and respectable who, in addition to domestic chores, were The Wolfsons began a two-year pro- bustling downtown district, once inside way to make a living. The busy passage made to assist in the wrecking business cess of painstaking renovation, the first the protective foliage of the grounds, the between the Eastern Seaboard and the that fueled Geiger’s wealth. historical renovation of its kind in Key sights and sounds of the outside world are Gulf Coast was a dangerous place for For over a century, Geiger’s home West, at the end of which marked the muffled. Visitors are transported back in ships to sail, and each year saw tens of remained in the family’s possession, until rechristening of the Geiger home as The time, to an island without tour buses or boats wrecked on offshore reefs during Geiger’s great-grandson, Capt. William Audubon House Museum. They filled tee-shirt shops, where fame and fortune the frequent storms that pummeled the Bradford Smith, took up residence. Smith, the house with antiques, including many awaited any man brave enough to watch area. “Finders Keepers” might not mean a Key West Harbor pilot, lived in hermit- items from the Geiger family, as well as the sea for a wrecked ship, and beat his much today, but for those in the wrecking like seclusion without indoor plumbing, numerous original hand-colored litho- fellow wreckers to the prize. ■ industry of Key West, it was law. When a electricity, or cooking facilities, and by graphs by Audubon. Today, Key West is ship ran aground, the first man to reach the time of his death in 1956, the house known for having one of the most color- the boat became the “wreck master,” had fallen into ruin. Slated for demoli- ful and well-protected historical districts who—after saving the crew and passen- tion, it was saved in 1958 by Mitchell and in the United States, with the highest gers, if possible—directed the salvaging Frances Wolfson, who were compelled density of historic frame buildings in the of the ship and its cargo. Back on land, the to purchase the property after hearing it nation. Yet few who visit know that it was The Audubon House recovered haul was auctioned off, with was destined to become a gas station. The the Wolfsons’ renovation of the Audu- >> Location: 205 Whitehead St. the wreck master taking the largest cut Wolfsons had heard the same folklore bon House that began this now priceless >> Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. of the profits. It was a dangerous, highly that speculated James Audubon might movement to protect and preserve the >> Tickets: The museum offers discounted competitive and regulated industry, the have conceived many of his bird portraits island’s oldest architecture. museum tickets to locals. spoils of which helped solidify Key West during a visit to the gardens of Dr. Ben- To this day, the property is cared >> Contact: For more information, call 305- as the richest city in the country by the jamin Strobel, whose home was located for through the Mitchell Wolfson Trust, 294-2116 or visit www.audubonhouse.com. mid-1800’s. on the property where the Geiger family and remains a reputable dealer of origi-

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LA: I think that I have been just lucky LOUIE and fortunate and not that smart. I think From page 1 I’ve worked hard to be a really good stand- up and I’ve tried to be a really good person and I think that the fact that people are Sharing the ups and downs of his child- coming to see me from all different situ- hood experiences as one of 11 children in ations — “Life with Louie” fans, “Tonight Minnesota, he crafted comedy routines Show” fans, fans of the “Young Comedians that rang true for his early club audiences Special”, readers of my books, Family Feud and ultimately led him from his career watchers — means that there is some part as a counselor to troubled children to his in all of that that seems to resonate with national television debut on “The Tonight them. I try not to be a big shot about it, Show” with Johnny Carson in 1984. Leno, but I am proud of myself and my accom- Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig plishments. I worked really hard to do all Ferguson, “Comic Relief” and Showtime, the stuff I did and didn’t take anything HBO and CMT specials followed, includ- for granted. I wanted to be successful and ing hosting the legendary game show, Fam- popular and a great comic and I feel like ily Feud, which made Anderson a house- I’ve accomplished those things and I did it hold name and opened doors for him as on my terms. an actor. In 1995 Louie put his creative energies to FWKW: And you did it across genres, work on the Saturday morning animated too. series “Life with Louie.” The long-running LA: You know, I got a lot of flak for series based on Louie’s own childhood and doing Family Feud, but we used to watch his life with his father won three Humani- it as a family. I’m not going to pass up an tas Prizes for writing on a children’s ani- opportunity to host a game show that we mated series, making him the only three- loved, so I did it and I did great. It was so time recipient of this award. It also earned much fun doing it — it was the most fun a Genesis Award for its depiction of the job. Now I’m playing this part on TV that is proper treatment of animals and, most COURTESY PHOTO Louie Anderson said he has never been to Key West. “I love the idea of performing in places resonating with people — they love it. It’s significantly, two Emmy Awards. that I’ve never been.” just another git from the universe to me. I His best-selling books include “Dear try to celebrate that that many people are Dad - Letters from an Adult Child,” a great hope. There are also — given his the road! Have you ever been to Key West so happy to see me. Wow, how lucky am collection of alternately touching and inimitable voice — laugh-out-loud stories before? I that they get excited? It’s such a treat! I outrageous letters from Louie to his late and observations on life’s absurdities, the remember when comics would show up Louie Anderson: You know, all these father, and “Good¬bye Jumbo ... Hello kind only he could make. at The Comedy Store, like Richard Pryor, years I have never made it down there Cruel World,” self-help for those who In advance of the show, we here at the Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Rodney — that I can remember! I love the idea of struggle with self-esteem issues, and his Florida Weekly Key West Edition were Dangerfield … I’m not trying to put myself performing in places that I’ve never been. latest installment on family, “The F Word, lucky enough to be the recipients of some in their category, but it’s a really nice feel- I started doing comedy on Oct. 7, 1978, so How to Survive Your Family.” His most of those one-of-a-kind observations — and ing to just be appreciated. this is my 40th year coming up and I’m recent book, “Hey Mom,” pays tribute to a lot of good feels, too. his mother, who he has channeled in his really excited about still doing comedy and FWKW: Speaking of family, you grew that I can still bring it. stand-up routine for decades. “Hey Mom” Florida Weekly Key West Edition: up in a family with ten siblings — what was is Louie’s way of catching her up on his We’re so excited to have a comedian of that like? Did it inform your comedic style? FWKW: What’s the secret to your lon- triumphs, disappointments and continuing your caliber all the way down at the end of challenges. There is heartache, but also gevity in the industry? LA: It was crazy, but it was fun. My dad

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COURTESY PHOTO Louie Anderson says, “I worked really hard to do all the stuff I did and didn’t take anything for granted.”

was an alcoholic, so it was a little rough. people and say, “Hey, I love you and here’s I have all these different feelings about some jokes and I hope that they make you it, but it was mostly I think fantastic in happy and I hope that you forget your the sense of learning what’s important. I troubles for an hour and a half.” cherish those memories and realistically I think that that’s how I developed my act. FWKW: Your comedy also appeals to a I must have been watching all these crazy wide age range. people interact and I remembered enough LA: It suited me better to talk about fam- to create all these memories. It was a crazy, ily and to include grandma and to include beautiful big stew on the stove in a pot and your parents and the kids. I think there’s a I think I was there stirring it at the right multigenerational element to my comedy time. and I think you see it when you see my crowd. There are young people, middle- FWKW: Are you still close to your If you’re a standup, you have to do it. It aged and older people who are all Louie siblings? eats at you if you don’t. I’m glad there’s fans for different reasons and that’s really an outlet for the comics there and I think LA: I’ve lost a lot of them but I love special to me. there should be a mental health element them and I miss them all. I think what’s brought in. A lot of comedy comes from a really great is how close we all are and FWKW: Thanks to some entrepreneur- need to purge. how much we cherish each other now. My ial comedians here in Key West, we have brother and sister were born on the same a rapidly expanding comedy scene on the FWKW: So where does all of that posi- day a year apart and they just celebrated island. Any advice for Comedy Key West? tivity in your stand-up come from? their birthday and it was so nice to have LA: I think that it’s really great that them still around in all their beauty and LA: I just think it’s really important to they started that. I always say to comics, glory. It’s fun for us every time I get to go live your dream and live with serendipity “Start your own night — why not? Don’t back to Minnesota to see them all. and live with fun in your life. Commit to it let people dictate you doing stand-up and and go for it. My concentration every day being happy.” FWKW: How did you develop the char- is to live a joyous life — move on if some- acter of Christine Baskets? thing doesn’t work out. FWKW: You project such sunniness LA: I’m definitely channeling my mom — how do you reconcile that with the FWKW: Aside from shooting “Baskets,” there. It feels so great to have this situation darkness that lurks in some of your books what’s next for you? where I can go, “Wow! This is my mom!” and other interviews? Do you think there’s And to add stuff to the character myself a connection between comedy and dark- LA: Season 4 of “Baskets” premieres in and be kind of like, “Hey Mom, what do ness? February, so I may shoot another special you think of this? Do you like it?” I just feel after the new year. I’m doing some writ- LA: My thing is that yes, my father was like she’s there channeling back to me and ing and looking at producing some shows, an alcoholic and there were a lot of sad telling me, “Hey, don’t do this! Do that!” but I’m figuring all that stuff out now. One situations and honestly, I got a lot of help. I of my criteria on taking on new projects did a lot of therapy — don’t hesitate to do FWKW: Where do you draw your is, “Will this make me happy?” And if it a lot of therapy and don’t be afraid to reach inspiration from? won’t, I won’t do it. I always ask myself, “Is out; that’s the hard thing. When you’re this something I want to put my emotion LA: My problems are mashed potatoes down in depression, you don’t feel like you and effort into?” I only do things for real and gravy — I can’t get into the pants I have anyone or you can do anything and reasons. bought. Or get out of them! That’s where people can get really despondent. Suicide my comedy comes from — I’m able to is a permanent solution to a temporary You can get tickets to see Louie Ander- make people feel good, like they can kind problem it happens so much it makes me son (and his opener, the irreverent Myke of let go kind. I talk about the things I’ve sad. Comedy Key West is a huge thing — Herlihy) at www.thekeywesttheater.com been through to try to make people feel they opened themselves up to learning or at The Key West Theater box office, great, like they aren’t alone. I want people and growing and living their joyous life, located at 512 Eaton St. Showtimes are 6:30 to feel loved. My my thing is to reach out to because stand-up is a wonderful thing. and 9 p.m. ■ A16 WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST KEY WEST GALLERY GUIDE SALT Gallery shakes things up with works by Kreg Kelley SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Doc Rivers and actress/comedian Jane pieces is the juxtaposition of the old Lynch. and the new. SALT Gallery shakes things up Upon moving to Key West, Kreg “The way he utilizes salvaged through September with a new collec- immediately became an active member antiques overlaid with modern artistic tion of whimsical mixed media paint- of the Anne McKee Art Fund and The techniques is absolutely fascinating,” ings by Kreg Kelley. Studios of Key West. Ms. Richardson says. “We’ve never fea- A Key West-based artist since the Over the years, he has donated more tured anyone like Kreg at SALT. We are summer of 2013, Kreg won his first than $25,000 in artwork to organiza- so excited to expose more of the island art award at the age of 12 with the tions including The Florida Keys SPCA, to his masterpieces.” Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards the Sister Season Fund, the Key West Kreg says the exhibit is comprised Program for a drawing he called “Holo- Wildlife Center, the Special Olympics mostly of new works “that still involve caust.” Throughout his teen years he of the Florida Keys, WOMANKIND, my classic elements of antiques mixed experimented in different artistic medi- Grimal Grove-Big Pine Tree Conser- with acrylics. ums, but it wasn’t until 2003 that his vation, the Trevor Project and AIDS “This series is much more influenced art became more of a full-on hobby. HELP Key West. by Key West and island life, with an Aside from abstraction and 3D works Although he spent many years living array of subjects like antique postcards on canvas, he incorporates damaged in urban areas, Kreg adjusted quickly of Key West, flowers, sea and marine antique engravings and artifacts from to island life. life.” Also touching on the theme of the 18th and 19th century into his piec- “One of the main reasons I moved to “Time Flies,” many of the pieces fea- es. Several of his works are in world- Key West was so I could focus on my ture antique clocks from the 1800s.” renowned Chef Gerry Garvin’s restau- work,” he says. “The tropical beauty of SALT Gallery has an eclectic collec- rant in Hollywood, and he participated Key West is not only relaxing but also tion of local art, local sea salts, jewelry, in a group show in NYC featuring conducive to my creative process. pottery, wine and Florida Keys honey. works by Yoko Ono. In the summer of “While D.C. was a fantastic part of Ms. Richardson and co-owner Maria 2010 his painting of “Washington, DC: my life, with some of the best inspira- Sharpe showcase a new artist each Night in the City Series” was chosen tional art in the world available to me month. ■ for the national calendar for the Ameri- at the Smithsonian Institute and the can Civil Liberties Union. Philips Collection, island life is much Kreg’s works hang on walls across more my cup of tea,” he says. “I prefer SALT Gallery the world: Amsterdam, Canada, Brazil, the stop-and-smell-the-roses way of 830 Fleming St. Greece, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Aus- life, and this environment is perfect for 305-517-6088 tralia, France, Japan, Italy, Spain and the that.” www.saltislandprovisions.com UK. Most notably, his works hang in Gallery co-owner Laura Richardson the homes of the former King of Spain, says what she loves most about Kreg’s

Michael Harrell

"Sailing Off Simonton Beach” Oil on Canvas

606 GREENE STREET - KEY WEST, FLORIDA, USA 305.294.1669 | FAX 305.294.7747 [email protected] www.galleryongreene.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com WEEK OF SEPT. 27-OCT. 3, 2018 A17 CAUGHT IN KEY WEST THIS WEEK

■ Wild Bill Charters: ■ Capt. Scott Irvine: ■ Gulfstream Fishing Key West: Some nice tripletails for dinner. Determination pays off! Bonefish on fly last Here are some pics from this week. week with Lori and Neil Sunday! — Capt. Artie Duplessis 1801 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West — Captain Scott Irvine — Gulfstream Fishing Key West 305-744-7957 Historic Seaport, Key West 1801 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West www.wildbillkeywest.com www.timeflysfishing.com 305-296-8494 305-797-5638 www.gulfstreamkeywest.com

■ Key West Florida Fishing: ■ Zia Charters:Charters ■ Fishbusterz Retail Seafood Market: Nice fish! Great sandbar day! Come in and get your delicious fresh local Cobia at the market for $16.50 per pound. — Capt. Mike Weinhoffer — Capt. Jeremy 305-395-3474 6000 Peninsular Ave, Key West — Fishbusterz Retail Seafood Market www.keywestfloridafishing.com 305-923-1446 6406 Maloney Ave., Key West www.ziacharters.com 305-294-6456 www.keywestseafooddepot.com

AMSTERDAM’S Curry Mansion Inn A Historic Bed & Breakfast with a daily cocktail party and a nightly happy hour. Located half a block from Duval Street with renowned restaurants, legendary bars, live music, theater and shopping.

Self-Guided Tours Daily 8:30AM to 5:00PM (Adults: $5.00 donation, Children under 12 are free. $OOSURFHHGVEHQHÀWWKH)ORULGD.H\V63&$ House tours available for non guests 28 Unique Rooms To Choose From All Inclusive Price With Room & Breakfast &$52/,1(67.(<:(67 (305) 294-5349 www.currymansion.com KEY WEST FLORIDA WEEKLY REAL ESTATE

A18 | WWW.FLORIDAWEEKLY.COM WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3, 2018

Renovation opportunity 816 Ashe St. — $740,000 (reduced by $35,000)

This historic gem has been in the same family since being built in 1923. It features Dade County pine, heart pine floors, a first-floor master bedroom, plus an attached laundry room/workshop. There are two spacious front porches to relax and enjoy the quiet pace of Old Town Key West life. And there’s also off- street parking. A perfect historic renovation project. ■

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