JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6, 2019 Jimmy Olson & Kate Miano All Smiles at Waterfront Playhouse’s “IDOL” Florida Keys 3-10 • Upper Keys 11-12 • What's Happening 13 • Real Estate 28 Photo: Larry Blackburn • Cover: JT Thompson LETTER TO THE EDITOR KEY NEWS Why the Lies? Anne Mckee Artist’s Fund Auction on Feb 13th BY ROGER C. KOSTMAYER or were convicted of, lying under oath ttendees can choose from the “This annual event is unique among to Congress or the FBI. Awork of 50 Florida Keys art- the Keys’ fine art auctions, because it he American public does not yet If, as many Trump supporters con- ists, ranging from renowned mas- is supported by artists with the sole Tknow what special investigator Rob- tend, the investigation of collusion with ters to emerging talents, at the Anne purpose of benefiting artists,” said Ro- ert Mueller III knows about Americans Russia is a baseless witch hunt - why McKee Artists Fund fine art auction berta DePiero, president of the Anne conspiring with our foreign adversary. did all these senior Trump officials, and Wednesday, Feb. 13th. McKee Artists Fund’s volunteer board But we do know with absolute cer- Russians, risk serious jail time and per- The annual auction and its as- of directors. “This results in a magical tainty that Russia and Putin cyber at- sonal ruin by lying ? sociated gala raise money for proj- blend of work by premier and emerg- tacked the US with the goal of creating And why is it that the current US ect-based grants to Keys visual, liter- ing artists combined into an exquisite, chaos and illegally helping elect Don- President, a notorious liar who is in- ary and performing artists. This year unusual auction.” ald J. Trump. We know that Russians consistent about everything, been so the auction gala will begin at 7:00 Each participating artist receives 50 p.m. at The Studios of Key West, percent of the proceeds from the sale (many of whom were connected to consistently devoted to the interests of 533 Street, Old Town Key West. of his or her work, while the McKee Putin or Russian intelligence), both Putin & Russia ? Even after the Presi- Under the guidance of auctioneer Fund receives the remainder to award during the campaign and the Trump dent was given detailed confirmation of Stephanie Kaple, attendees can bid to Keys artists for select projects. presidency, interacted with 14 Trump their nefarious acts against our country on original paintings, sculpture, Tickets are $25 per person and $50 associates. We also know the long list of and US interests. photography, fiber art, ceramics, for VIP seating and can be purchased Trump associates who pleaded guilty to, What might the reasons be? mixed media, jewelry and more. in advance at www.mckeefund.org. FURNITURE • INTERIOR DESIGN • WINDOW TREATMENTS KITCHENS • BATHS • FLOORING Stunning design. KEY LARGO MARATHON KEY WEST Worry-free 305-451-5700 305-743-4397 305-295-6400 installation. MM 99 MM 50 Next to Publix, Amazing results! in the Median Oceanside Searstown All work performed by LOCAL, www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com LICENSED & INSURED contractors. 2 www.konklife.com • JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 2019 K E Y N E W S Cates surprises everyone with county commission announcement BY PRU SOWERS filed for District 1, where Commission- of Key West including New Town, “I wanted to let him know first. I re- KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER er Danny Kolhage will be up for reelec- plus Stock Island and Key Haven. The spect his years of service but I feel I can tion in November 2020. The reason for districts are used for candidate residen- bring something to the county,” Cates t was no surprise when the switch? Location, location, location. cy requirements only. Monroe County said, taking the opportunity to tout Iformer Key West May- Cates recently moved into a new house residents are eligible to vote for candi- his mayoral experience working with or Craig Cates filed Jan. on Staples Avenue just west of 10th dates in all of the districts. both county and state officials while 22 to run for Monroe Street, effectively moving his residency Switching potential opponents – representing Key West. “I filed early County Commission in from District 3 to District 1 by about a neither Kolhage nor Carruthers have because I want to get started meeting 2020. What was shocking is who he block. The district switch was almost as announced whether they will run for the people in the Upper Keys. I want may run against. much of a surprise to Cates. reelection – was not an issue for Cates. to know their issues and concerns.” Cates, who termed out as mayor in “It’s my bad. It [new home address] He said he hadn’t planned on cam- Kolhage is serving his second, four- November, had confirmed publicly 11 is so far into town that I took it for paigning against Carruthers per se, but year term as county commissioner. months ago that he was planning on granted” it was in District 3, Cates on his own record during his nine years There have been scattered rumors running in District 3, where Heather said. “And nobody told me it wasn’t.” as mayor of Key West, the only elected he may not run for reelection and it Carruthers is serving her third term District 3 covers roughly the west- office Cates has held. He said he called is possible a popular politician like as county commissioner. But when he ern half of the island in the Old Town Kolhage the day he filed, dropping a Cates as an opponent might impact filed candidate papers with the county area plus Dredgers Key off of Sigsbee bombshell on the current Mayor Pro election supervisor on Wednesday, he Road. District 1 covers the eastern half Tem of the county commission. X Continued on page 8 Some Things Just Keep Getting Better HAND-ROLLED CUBAN LEAF CIGARS Come In and See for Yourself: New Treatments, Facilities, Products and More. Ocean Wellness Spa & Salon FL Lic#30205 POINT BREAK CIGAR FACTORY Call (305)320-0500 for reservations or online at OceanSpaKeyWest.com 3 LOCATIONS: • COHIBA • ROMEO Y JULIETA • MONTECRISTO 829 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040 Ample parking off of Olivia St 600 Duval • 921 Duval • 403 Greene • ROCKY PATEL • ARTURO FUENTE 305.295.6110 ~ All Brand Name Cigars ~ AVEDA HAIR SALON NATURAL NAILS ACUPUNCTURE MASSAGE PointBreakCigars.com NATURAL SKINCARE NATURAL BODY TREATMENTS WAXING Hookas, Hookah Tobaccos, & Tobacco Accessories 3 www.konklife.com • JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 2019 j a n u a r y 31 - f e b r u a r y 6, 2 0 1 9 FLORIDA KEYS Published Weekly Vol. 9 No. 57 Alyson Crean receives Chief’s PUBLISHER/EDITOR Guy deBoer Commendation NEWS WRITERS Pru Sowers Key West, Jan 24 Terry Schmida ey West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg awarded PHOTOGRAPHERS KPublic Information Office Alyson Crean a Chief’s Larry E. Blackburn, Ralph De Palma Commendation during last week’s awards ceremony at DESIGN the Grand Key Resort. Nand K. Pandey, [email protected] “For over a decade she has made herself available on nights, weekends, holidays outside of her normal sched- ule,” said Chief Brandenburg. “Ms. Crean goes above PIXEL WRANGLER and beyond to capture the Department’s highlights, JT Thompson festivities, and investigations,” he said, noting that she CONTRIBUTORS always steps up in hard times as well. Jeff Johnson & “Most recently, Ms. Crean organized the changing Paula Forman of command ceremony,” he said. “This event captured a Short Answers milestone in the history of not only the police department Ian Brockway Tropic Sprockets but the city of Key West as well. Adding to the challenge Tammy Fox-Royer of this day, the changing of command was followed by the Florida Keys SPCA promotion of three officers to their new respective ranks. Sylvia Bogart Ms. Crean’s attention to detail, multitasking abilities and Astrologically Yours Chief Brandenburg and Public Joanna Brady planning were on display as the event went flawlessly.” Information Officer Alyson Crean. Reviewer INTERN Divya Navani ADVERTISING RESTAURANT GUIDE & KONK KOUPONS 305.296.1630 Advertising Deadline Every Friday PRINT-READY advertising materials due by Friday every week for next issue of KONK Life. Ad Dimensions Horizontal and Vertical: Full, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8 page, bizcard Ad Submissions JPG, TIFF, PDF — digital formats only Send to [email protected] CIRCULATION Kavon Desilus ASSISTANT Ben Neff ASSISTANT KONK Life is published weekly by KONK Communications Network in Key West, Fla. Editorial materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the network. KONK Communications Network (305) 296-1630 • Key West, Florida www.konklife.com By W. Timothy Carrico Weaver, Ph.D. Co-Owner 4 www.konklife.com • JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 2019 FLORIDA KEYS Security cameras slated for Mallory Square and Outer Mole BY PRU SOWERS Key West City Commissioners vot- during the times when cruise ships are to $111,312. The cameras are part of KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER ed Jan. 15 to accept an $83,484 grant docked and when the dock is vacant,” the Coast Guard security requirements from the state Department of Trans- said Doug Bradshaw, the city’s director for cruise ships, said Carolyn Sheldon, f the idea of install- portation to install five high-definition of port and marine services, in a let- senior grants administrator for Key Iing security camer- cameras in the cruise ship docking ar- ter requesting the grant. “The cameras West. as in Mallory Square eas at Mallory Square and the Outer will also allow police to monitor cruise “Both facilities have been cited by is uncomfortable to Mole.