SFFB is joining with the Miami-Dade Parks Dept. and the Ocean Conservancy for the International Ocean Cleanup on Saturday September 19th.  As Haulover's largest user group, naturists need to be prominent in this activity.

 

Show you care and volunteer!  The cleanup is from 9 AM to Noon, but volunteers are asked to assemble at 8:30 AM for orientation.  Bring gloves and water.  Note that this is not a clothing-optional event, as you may be assigned a cleanup area in the park outside the c/o beach area.  Register online using the link below.  Be sure to enter "South Florida Free Beaches" under organization name.  Registered volunteers will receive information by email regarding the assembly point and other details.  To save time, print the "Volunteer Release Form" and bring it with.  There is a link to the form at the bottom of the registration page.

 

 

Cleanup participants will receive a free Ocean Cleanup tee shirt while supplies last.

 

There will be a free party for all Cleanup participants at the Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key from 12:30 to 4 PM, including food, music, and free access to all Seaquarium exhibits and shows.

 

 

 

 

As noted in our last enewsletter, on July 21st the Key West City Commission voted 4 to 2 to place the issue of a clothing-optional beach as a referendum on the October 6th municipal election ballot.

 

On August 4, the Key West City Commission voted down the referendum on a second reading.  However, as written, the referendum, if passed, would have had no real force other than indicating citizen approval, as it still left the issue to the discretion of the Commission, who already have that discretion and voted against exercising it at the July 21st meeting.  Commissioner Bill Verge noted Key West's anti-nudity ordinance would have to be changed first; however, that change would be minor and need only include an exemption for designated public places, just as it now includes an exemption for walled private courtyards, and an exemption, of sorts, for the annual Fantasy Fest.

 

 

One plus:  Two commissioners now most favorable to a c/o beach are not up for re-election till the 2011 election:  Teri Johnston & Mark Rossi.  Commissioner Gibson also remains till 2011.  Gibson seems moderately favorable, and voted for the initial referendum.     Up for re-election this year are: the mayor and three commissioners.

 

Another plus:  Commissioner Pais, District 3, the most vocal opponent of a c/o beach, is retiring and not running.

 

The Key West Business Guild, which backs the c/o beach, will be asking each candidate whether he/she favors designating a c/o beach or not.   A change in the commission and the mayor can make a difference, as we need 4 commissioners, or 3 commissioners plus the mayor.

 

 

District 3:  SFFB backs the candidacy of Tom Lavender. 

Tom is a naturist and his presence on the commission would be of enormous help on our issue.  Tom has identifed sound financial management as his #1 campaign issue.  He has a business background, and has served on the boards of a number of Key West community nonprofits and business organizations.  As such, he is a recognized name in the community.  However, his opponent is a retired fire chief with similar name recognition.  Tom has been advised he needs $20,000 for a successful campaign.  The Lavender campaign plans an intensive appeal to the approx. 2,500 voters of District 3 through mail and door-to-door.  Personal or corporate donations are limited to $500.  SFFB has already made a $400 contribution from its Political Action Fund.  Contributions in any amount are appreciated. 

 

Please send contributions to:

 

Tom Lavender Campaign Fund

PO Box 4004

Key West, FL   33041-4004

 

Please note SFFB on memo line, and include your name, address and phone number.  If elected, Lavender will replace Commissioner Pais, who opposed the c/o beach.

 

Mayoral Candidates:  Incumbent mayor Morgan McPherson, standing for re-election, is an opponent of a c/o beach.  There are 3 other candidates:  Craig Cates, Mike Mongo, and Sloan Bashinsky.  Bashinsky is a public supporter of a c/o beach.  However, the likely outcome is a McPherson win, or a runoff election.

 

 

After its initial application several years ago, on August 4, 2009 Lake Como Resort became the first nudist resort in Florida to be certified by the Florida Division of Forestry as a Stewardship Forest.  Certification requires that forest lands be managed within the context of a long-term plan with objectives that are economically viable, conservative of natural resources, and socially, environmentally and ecologically responsible.

 

The Lake Como Co-operative property includes 25 acres of old cypress stand, 26 acres of pine (planted over the last 10 years), and 60 acres of wetlands.  The Lake Como Forest Stewardship Management Plan was written by the Florida Division of Forestry and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to meet the objectives set forth by the Lake Como community.

 

Bare Buns Bikers & Friends of Gunnison invite you to

 

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