Key West Voices: Resistance is Futile - Weekly Wrap-Up

Our Voices

Resistance is futile. Linda Cunningham reviewed the latest in Tallahassee's relentless assault on home rule. Four bills chip away at local control, but it appeared that the awful bill restricting the display of flags at public buildings has died. (Key West Island News)

Jamie Mattingly shared insights about challenging public school teacher recruiting on Facebook. Guess who's become a factor?
A bill that allows landlords to substitute non-refundable tenant fees for security deposits appeared to await the Governor's signature. (Keys Weekly)
Tim O'Hara reported that Florida Keys fared well by gaining $27 million in state funding for projects in the Keys. (Citizen, $)

Getting around. Chris Hamilton reported on the new “Workforce Express” between Stock Island and from Key West Transit Service to begin May 15th. At the same time, the City will phase out its old, North and South line routes with a full transition to the “Key West Rides” Uber-like on-demand service. (Friends of Car-Free Key West)

Chris also applauded the City's plan for new bike lanes on United and South Streets. (Friends of Car-Free Key West)

Noise. More than 80 people attended the first of three meetings held by the City to address growing complaints about a wide variety of noise issues. (Citizen, $)

Property insurance woes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was accused of all too cozy relations with big donor property insurers. Rising and unjustifiably high rates affect everyone's cost of living here. (Guardian)

Which the folks at FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe) have been saying for years. A new requirement imposed by the Florida legislature is costing some Keys residents big time.
We'll all soon be paying more to help insurers.(Citizen, $)

New Schedule. The Key West City Commission agreed to change its meeting schedule. (Keys Weekly)

Sexy Beast. Mark Hedden hung out behind the bathroom at a state park in search of a sexy beast. (Keys Weekly - link not yet available)

Mallory Square. The City sought input on its plans for the iconic tourist destination. (Keys Citizen, $)