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We Have A Lot To Be Thankful For

Editorial by: Tom Oosterhoudt

As we all gather with our families to celebrate Thanksgiving Thursday, its truly time for those of us fortunate enough to call the Keys home to be thankful for living in one of the most incredible places on earth. We live on the only tropical islands in mainland America. The temperate weather along with the island breezes this time year could not be more pleasant.

While most of the country suffered through a recession the past couple of years, the Keys economy hasbeenresilient. Outhotelsand motels continue to have the highest occupancy rates anywhere, as much as 85% most of the year. Our season kicked off, as usual with a host of events that put heads in beds and seated customers in restaurants.

Fantasy Fest was one of the biggest ever, filling cash registers all over town. Then there was the Parrrotheads and their guru Jimmy Buffet doing a free concert on Duval Street. Despite some tragic accidents, the world super power boat race championship drew one of the biggest crowds in years as well as the most boast in years. Boats came from as far as Norway, Australia, Sweden, England, Ukraine, and Italy. The head of the Japanese Power Boast Association was on hand to check it all out.

The local arts are going strong as well. Regular Conch Color readers know that local galleries are surging, with galleries like Wylands, De Rubeis, Art Gone Wild, and Gallery On Greene teaming with successful showings and sales. The Key West Symphony Orchestra has miraculously risen from the ashes. And plans a full season this year throughout South Florida. The Waterfront Playhouse has been recognized as the best theater in the state. Joy Hawkins has managed to bring unprecedented offerings at the Red Barn Theatre. It pays to be connected.

The Key West Pops has another stellar season planned. The Impromptu series continues to pack St. Paul’s. Bobby Nesbitt will sell out another season of his “Bobby In The Lobby” series. Frank Wood even has the incredible Tommy Tune coming back this year at Tennessee Williams Theatre. Folks, it just doesn’t get much better!

Out at FKCC, the new dorms are packed, and oceanic science rock star, Dr. Patrick Rice, is in the forefront of marine science at our college. Local students are discovering what a great local community college we have.

At Key West High School, principal Amber Bosco was honored by the Monroe County School district this past week for he wide range of work with the community, building confidence in our schools. Science teacher Josh Clearman has won so many wards this past year, he may have to build a room for all of his plaques and trophies. He has received any number of national and state awards for his creative energy conservation classes.

Take Stock in Children has signed up 54 local students this past week for their amazing scholarship program ranking them best in the entire state.

Finally, in just a month, Conch Color will start its seventh amazing year! Yes, the weekly publication that has always focused on the positive, and the great things happening in the Florida Keys, will be six years old soon. I want to thank all of you who advertise with us for helping make Conch Color possible. By the way, our own Congresswoman was my very first advertiser in the very first issue of Conch Color. I can never thank Ily enough for believing in me. And what a force she has been for the Florida Keys.

Yes, as Conch Color shows every week, we have a lot to be thankful for in the Florida Keys. All of us here at Conch Color wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom Oosterhoudt
Editor & Publisher

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We Have A Lot To Be Thankful For

By: Tom Oosterhoudt - November 25, 2011