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The Key West City Commission is composed of six commissioners and a mayor. The mayor votes when there is a tie vote of the commission. Naturists have three firm votes in favor of a designated clothing-optional beach. The mayor has stated he would vote against a designated beach if there is a tie vote, even though recent local Florida Keys polls have been favorable to a designated naturist beach.

This coming Tuesday, July 21, City Commissioner Bill Verge intends to offer a resolution that would place the issue of a designated naturist beach on the ballot for an October referendum vote, in which the citizens of Key West would cast their ballots directly on the issue. An unfavorable referendum vote would have serious delaying consequences. The strategy of Commissioner Verge is to preempt the City Commission with a vote of the people, forestalling the Commission’s future consideration of a designated beach.

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NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
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http://www.naturistaction.org
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Copyright 2009 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.

DATE   : July 19, 2009
SUBJECT: Florida: Key West
TO     : Naturists and other concerned citizens

Dear Naturist,

Together with local naturist groups, the Naturist Action Committee is asking for your immediate action on an important matter in Florida. With permission and by request, this NAC Action Alert follows (and is largely taken from) a similar alert released by South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association, B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation Institute and the Florida Keys Free Beaches Committee.

NAC asks that you email and/or fax a letter immediately to Key West city officials, requesting designation of a clothing-optional beach in the City of Key West. Details follow.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

South Florida Free Beaches (SFFB)/Florida Naturist Association (FNA), B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation Institute and the Florida Keys Free Beaches Committee have been working to establish a designated clothing-optional naturist family beach in Key West, a European-style facility in the tradition of Haulover Beach. The selected section of beach is located at the east end of Smather’s Beach.

For the past several months, the local naturist team has met with members of the county and city commissions, the city manager, and other community leaders, providing them with information required to make an educated and informed decision. Comparative information shows an economic impact of about $900 million annually with 2008 parking revenues of $1,770,834 from Haulover’s clothing-optional beach.

On Tuesday, July 7th, naturist leaders spoke before the Key West City Commission, presenting the economic impact that would be the projected
result of a designated naturist beach.

CURRENT STATUS

The Key West City Commission is composed of six commissioners and a mayor. The mayor votes when there is a tie vote of the commission. Naturists have three firm votes in favor of a designated clothing-optional beach. The mayor has stated he would vote against a designated beach if there is a tie vote, even though recent local Florida Keys polls have been favorable to a designated naturist beach.

This coming Tuesday, July 21, City Commissioner Bill Verge intends to offer a resolution that would place the issue of a designated naturist beach on the ballot for an October referendum vote, in which the citizens of Key West would cast their ballots directly on the issue. An unfavorable referendum vote would have serious delaying consequences. The strategy of Commissioner Verge is to preempt the City Commission with a vote of the people, forestalling the Commission’s future consideration of a designated beach.

Some Commissioners are already concerned that a Commission vote in favor of a designated beach will result in a church-sponsored backlash among registered voters. However, there are other ways to facilitate a clothing-optional beach without requiring Commissioners to vote directly for the issue. One alternate path includes a carefully crafted revision of the City’s existing anti-nudity code.

NATURIST POSITION

This issue does not require a voter referendum. Commissioners are elected to make the tough decisions, and this decision is not as difficult as many others. The establishment of a clothing-optional beach would not even require the expenditure of city money.

Naturists have the support of the Lodging Association, the Hotel Association, the Business Guild and most members of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the support of local media.

Key West greatly values visitors and the city relies on the tourist trade. Naturists who send their E-mailed comments immediately to the City Commissioners will create additional awareness and help affirm the idea that naturists and others will spend money in Key West if they have a designated naturist beach to visit.

WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?

The Naturist Action Committee is asking you to do just ONE thing:

1) Immediately send your comments by e-mail, supporting a
clothing-optional beach in Key West. Send your E-mail
to Key West’s mayor and city manager, to members of
the Key West City Commission and to two important
local agencies.

WHO SHOULD WRITE?

NAC is asking ALL NATURISTS and other concerned individuals to write, regardless of your residence. Key West recognizes the value of attention (and dollars) from tourists and other visitors.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Time is short. Please e-mail your comments immediately to:

Mayor Morgan McPherson - mayor@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Bill Verge - Bverge@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Mark Rossi mrossi@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Barry Gibson - bfgibson@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Teri Johnston - johnston@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Clayton Lopez - clopez@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

Commissioner Joe Pais - jpais@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3886

City Mgr. Jim Scholl - jscholl@keywestcity.com
Fax: 305-809-3771

Tourist Development Council (TDC) - research@fla-keys.com
Fax: 305-296-0788

Keys Tourism Agency - webeditor@fla-keys.com

NAC would enjoy the opportunity to read your notes. Please send a copy to:

NAC
P.O. Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
flkeys@naturistaction.org

WHAT TO SAY?

Here are some suggested points you may wish to make:

1. Identify yourself. Anonymous correspondence is often
disregarded. If you are a past or prospective visitor
to Key West, please say so prominently.

2. Be brief and polite.

3. Request that the commissioners themselves vote on the
issue and NOT refer it to a ballot referendum.

4. Remind the Commissioners that you would visit Key West
if it had a naturist beach. Skinny-dipping and nude
sunbathing are valid recreational choices.

5. Your vacation dollars are primarily (or exclusively)
spent in cities or countries where there are naturist
facilities.

6. You visit South Florida because of Haulover Beach’s
legal clothing optional status.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the Web site of the Naturist Action Committee.

http://www.naturistaction.org

Select “Alerts” and find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts. There you will find the agenda for the July 21 meeting of the City Commission, as well as the complete text of the proposed anti-naturist ordinance.

You will also find valuable information at the Web site of South Florida
Free Beaches: http://www.sffb.com .

PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!

Of course, local naturists are accepting donations to support this effort. Additionally, however, South Florida Free Beaches has indicated that it may have to call on NAC for help as this issue moves forward. Richard Mason, President of SFFB has suggested that you consider a contribution to NAC to assure that NAC will be able to help.

The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you. To donate to NAC, use the address below

NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903

Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/

Thank you for choosing to make a difference.

Naturally,

Michael Kush
Morley Schloss
Board Members
Naturist Action Committee

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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton       - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Michael Kush       - michael@gatorlake.net
Board Member Morley Schloss     - morleynaturist@hotmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick  - naturist@sunclad.com
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