Thank you for a real good time…

September 4, 2009





Thank you for a real good time…

Kathy & Big Mike

A few months ago, Key West lost one of its most interesting and wonderful citizens with the passing of Robert “Barefoot Bob” Salamone. Bob & his wife Kathy ran what was one of the most prominent Key West watering holes during the 1990s, Barefoot Bob’s at 525 Duval. A memorial service was held at the time, but many of his closest friends and those who worked at the bar couldn’t make it, so Kathy decided to hold a Celebration of Life for Bob on what would have been his 41st birthday.



Shawn & Nicole

Unlike the understandably mournful funeral service, this celebration was just that. A gathering of friends and loved ones at one of Bob’s favorite Key West spots, the beach at Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park where Bob was remembered and celebrated in a fashion that symbolized his life, full of joy, love and friendship with only a few tears.

Randy & Ray

Karen & Justine

Andy, Scott & Carla

Many of his friends and former staffers made the journey down to renew old acquaintances, update their friends on where they have been and share some old tales of those halcyon days at Barefoot Bob’s. Many of them hadn’t been in town in a decade or more and it was a great reunion for a truly unfortunate occasion. Why people seem to only gather in such fashions for weddings and funerals is beyond me, but perhaps it is just the way life is.



Pete, Carla, Andy & Christopher

Buco & Ray

The day was filled with relaxing on the beach, in the water and enjoying great food, music and of course old friends. It was sort of like being in a time capsule that took me back to 1997, which was a time of great joy for me and for Key West. Over time I have somewhat sadly drifted far apart from those dear friends who shared that time with me, even those who are still in Key West. But for a day at least it was like some crazy flashback, one that Bob would have so enjoyed. I kept feeling like he might just show up at any moment.

Toasting Bob



Nicole & Carla

As the sun set, we all gathered in a circle and sang happy birthday to Bob and said goodbye once again, thanking him for bringing this eclectic family together for one more good time.



Michael

Carla & Michael S.

Not content to let the spirit slip away, many of us reconvened first at the Green Parrot bar and later at a private home where some of the out of town guests were staying. It was a chance to hold onto the spirit of Bob for just a few more moments and to share in the friendships that he fostered.

Seasonal Shift

September 3, 2009





Seasonal Shift



The shift from Summer to Fall in Key West is well under way as schools have reconvened, high school football has begun and the annual Fall madness that is Fantasy Fest has kicked off with the first party to announce the King & Queen candidates.







Each year as a lead up to Fantasy Fest, AIDS help sponsors the annual King & Queen competition, candidates vie for the prestigious positions by holding all sorts of benefits, parties and other fundraising events with the crowns going to whoever raises the most money for the charity. It is the single largest fundraiser of the year for AIDS help and it also provides countless opportunities for the community to get in the Fantasy Fest spirit.



The Coopers



This year there are two candidates for each crown and they were all introduced at a kick off party held at the Southernmost House. This year Stacy Stahl & Vicki Gordon are up for Queen with Ralph Garcia and the dual entry of Mark Patterson & Mark Blackburn for King.

Leigh & Howard



The party offered a chance for the candidates to introduce themselves and to perform a short skit to get their campaigns started. The party was a big success and it was a lot of fun to see what they have planned for the run-up to Fantasy Fest. Here is a video of Stacy’s intro that features help from Key West Burlesque.



The other interesting thing that I did this week was go on a 12 hour ride along with a Key West Police officer as part of the Key West Ambassador program. The shift began with a briefing at 6 PM at the main police station and lasted till 6 AM the next morning.



It was really interesting and informative. The officer assigned to me, Nick Revoredo, was an excellent host. The briefing was really fascinating as the Sergeant on duty went over active cases, detailed what was happening as far as criminal activity, and explained about a stake out that Detectives were going to be operating that night.



After that, it was into the front passenger seat and out onto the streets of Key West for a view of the island that was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Our “beat” was Bahama Village, but our patrols extended well outside that area, covering much of downtown and Duval Street.





Whether dealing with passed out homeless, drunken tourists, angry hookers, drug dealers or the exciting few minutes pursuing an armed man near the library, it was a night I will never forget. Watching the even handed and professional manner with which Officer Revoredo handled each situation, I have a new appreciation for our local Police force.

Any citizen who wishes can go on a ride along after passing a background check and signing up with the KWPD and anyone here with any interest in the Police or who just wants an entirely new view of our island should check into it.

King & Queen Candidates