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The Conch Shell, Skeevy Election Donations from one PAC to another and more!
YOU HAVE THE CONCH SHELL: Buyer Beware: This Election Comes With No Lemon Law
Editor’s note: This letter represents the views and opinions of its author and not those of Above the Fold. To submit a letter to the editor, click here.
OPINION: It’s Not Conchs vs. Newcomers. It’s Right vs. Wrong.
I don’t understand the attempts to paint this election as “outsiders” attacking or trying to destroy “conchs”. Do you? This isn’t about new residents vs. long established residents. It is not about business owners vs. nonbusiness owners. It is a decision about right and wrong. Nothing more. Nothing Less. If this were a true bubba system, then all Conchs should be getting city contracts, favorable permit / code decisions and salaries and benefits above a living wage. I haven’t seen that. The last two years of reviewing the actions of past and current appointed and elected officials show great benefit to a privileged few, at the expense of many.
Early voting enters its final week
Early voting for the Aug. 18 primary continues through Saturday, Aug. 15. Canvassing of vote-by-mail ballots begins today and continues through Thursday. Voters with signature problems have until the designated cure period to correct them. Monroe County Supervisor of Elections
Atlantic disturbance has a 60% development chance
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area of low pressure in the tropical Atlantic. Forecasters give the system a 20% chance of developing within 48 hours and a 60% chance over seven days. It poses no immediate threat to the Florida Keys, but it bears watching as the basin approaches the heart of hurricane season. National Hurricane Center
In Focus
Tennessee Williams Theatre steps in to rescue Tropic Cinema
The nonprofit operating the Tennessee Williams Theatre has assumed responsibility for Tropic Cinema’s operations. The move took effect Aug. 4 and is intended to preserve one of Key West’s most important cultural institutions. Keys Weekly
School Board sets tentative budget and tax rate
The Monroe County School Board’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes mandated increases for teacher raises, mental health services, retirement and school security. About $4.18 million is earmarked for safety and security, including school officers and costs paid to the Sheriff’s Office and Key West police. Keys Weekly
Keys tourism officials roll out off-season discount campaign
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s marketing operation has launched a summer and early-fall savings campaign designed to boost visitation during the slower season. The promotion packages discounts and special offers under the “Keys Season” banner. Keys Weekly
ICYMI
Another suspected cocaine package washes ashore
A package containing approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine was recovered offshore Aug. 4 and brought ashore near Mile Marker 34. It was the latest in a succession of suspected drug packages found in Keys waters. Keys Weekly
Sheriff’s traffic unit recognized after reported 37% crash reduction
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Unit received statewide recognition after the agency reported a 37% reduction in crashes during the past year. Keys Weekly
Religious release-time program plans Tavernier open house
LifeWise Academy will hold an Aug. 15 open house in Tavernier for families interested in its Bible-based program. With parental permission, participating public-school students leave campus for one hour a week of religious instruction. The program is scheduled to launch at Plantation Key School this fall. Keys Weekly
On the Calendar
Fishing Advisory Committee meets Tuesday
The Tourist Development Council’s Fishing Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. Monroe County calendar
Skywarn training offered in Marathon
Monroe County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will offer free storm-spotter certification training from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Marathon library. Monroe County
Weather and Water
Expect mostly sunny skies, highs near 90 and only a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms. East-to-southeast winds are forecast at 10 to 15 mph. Small craft should exercise caution in the Florida Straits until winds subside; seas there are forecast at 3 to 5 feet, decreasing to 2 to 4 feet. National Weather Service Key West