"Orwellian Tallahassee" - Weekly Wrap-Up - 30 April 2023

 Our Voices

• Linda Cunningham hopes that Orwellian anti-drag legislation from Tallahassee doesn't shut down anything here. (Key West Island News) 
• ...and Ray Warren's rousing post about the battle for the soul of Key West also referenced Orwell. (Key West Progress)
• Tony Yaniz fondly remembered the Bull and Whistle on Facebook.
• Mark Hedden sang praise for the mockingbird. (Keys Weekly)
• During the month of Judy (Blume), among countless other press mentions, Judy was lavished with lengthy praise in the New Yorker. ($)
• Did Dion's close? The hive mind on Facebook was confused, but the Citizen had the story. See photo below ($)
• Several of us posted a link to a 23 minute 1970 TV special on Key West. Fort Jefferson and Mario Sanchez are featured. The Sanchez segment starts at 16:56 and is priceless.
• Gwen Filosa reported on a discrimination lawsuit against 'men-only' Island House resort. The female plaintiff has a history of confrontations at Island House. (WLRN)
• Tim O'Hara wrote that State legislators are considering two bills that would preempt local governments from having a say in saving historical structures, and the legislation could have profound impacts on preserving local architectural history in places like Key West and the Florida Keys. (Citizen, $)
• A Florida gay rights group issued travel warning about Florida. (Keys Weekly)
• The City Commission extended Ram's Head management contract for the Amphitheater. (Keys Weekly)
• The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for 2 May at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will consider approving a significant change to the schedule for City Commission meetings.
• The 27th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival runs May 3-7. 
• MJ Taylor surfaced an interesting history of Bill Butler Park, (South Florida Times)
• A new hurricane evacuation model may be on the way, with massive implications for continued development in Monroe County. (Keys Weekly)
• A while back, the City's planning consultant posted a slick web site showing the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Master Plan.
• Back in January, Mandy Miles appreciated GPS, and then imagined hers talking back. 
• The Mouse that Roared? Disney sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, claiming 'government retaliation' (NPR)
• Florida Republicans were poised to pass more voter restrictions (Guardian)

Our Eyes

• Nance Frank posted a graceful image of the Miss Key West at anchor.

Previously

• Robin Smith-Martin wrote about his Gonzo Childhood at Louie’s Backyard 
• Linda Cunningham's own takes on DeSantis, Disney, Tallahassee, and sargassum.
• Ray Warren launched his new blog, Key West Progress, with a rousing post about the battle for the soul of Key West, and another about what it means to be a local. 
• Chris Hamilton examined the interruption of the Southard Street bike lane by reserved parking for county officials. 
• Mark Hedden looked at owls. 
• Mandy Miles covered a challenge to the Aqueduct Authority.