Author Archives: M_Blank
Emergency Services – Who, Where and How Much?
Commissioner Heather Carruthers has been spamming us with one idea after another lately. First it was light rail. Then it was the logo contest. Now it’s this emergency services surtax, which thankfully hasn’t gained much traction. It won’t be upon us until 2018, … Continue reading
Posted in BOCC, Fire and Ambulance, Monroe County
1 Comment
Peary Court – Many Questions
Update: There are a lot of people way ahead of me on this. Check out the discussion here. I found the bit about comparable rents especially interesting. The Peary Court purchase is a very small piece of the affordable housing … Continue reading
Posted in Affordable Housing, Bubba System, Key West
Leave a comment
Disappearing Emails?
There’s another Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) scandal brewing – potentially. Apparently the FKAA’s Technical Services Manager sent around an email saying that all emails that haven’t been accessed in one year will be deleted. Here’s the story at KeysNews.com. … Continue reading
Posted in Bubba System, FKAA, Public Records
Leave a comment
Off Topic – the Iowa Caucuses
Found this video about how the Iowa Democratic Caucus works. Now I know! And here’s a link that talks about both the Democratic and Republican Caucuses.
Posted in Off topic
Leave a comment
Peary Court – The Next Big Rip Off?
Update: There’s a nice write-up at goodmorningkeywest.com on this. It actually answers some of the questions I asked below. And here’s a link to the Housing First PAC started by Key West officials to push the purchase of Peary Court … Continue reading
Posted in Affordable Housing, Bubba System, Key West
Leave a comment
Logo Contest Receives Chilly Reception
It’s always interesting to see what grabs people’s attention. Monroe County’s logo contest has generated some discussion over at KeysNet.com. There are some amusingly snarky comments on this particular article. The comment about using a mugshot was my absolute favorite, and it inspired … Continue reading
Posted in BOCC, Bubba System, General Stupidity
1 Comment
Sewer District – Missing the Point
Apparently the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (District) voted to leave the folks in Monroe Park high and dry. The District will not be providing service to that area despite the fact that there is state money available to do … Continue reading
Toppino’s Appointment File
At the end of December I submitted a public records request to the Governor’s Office of Open Government. I asked for Richard Toppino’s appointment file. I got it on Friday. There are a few items of interest, but first some … Continue reading
Posted in Bubba System, Conflict of Interest, FKAA, Public Records, State government
1 Comment
Logo Contest – Disappearing Tax Money!
My Friday habit is to crack open the Blue Paper first thing. It turns out Monroe County is having a contest to update their government seal! I think my entry is a winner for sure. It’s modern with clean lines. … Continue reading
Posted in BOCC, Bubba System, General Stupidity, Monroe County
1 Comment
Like Pulling Teeth -Toppino’s $9.5 Million Subcontract
Updated: Fixed broken link. Getting information from the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) is like pulling teeth sometimes. Good thing I don’t mind pulling teeth. A while back, I asked the FKAA to provide a list of subcontractors on all … Continue reading
Posted in Bubba System, FKAA, Wastewater
4 Comments
The Real Poop 