KWTN: The Blue Paper

Exotic Palm Sale This Weekend at Nancy’s Secret Garden

The 16th annual Rare andExotic Palm Sale happens this weekend at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden, at the end of Free School Lane, off the 500 block of Simonton Street.— Saturday and Sunday, February 6-7, 9 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. Jeff Searle’s Rainforest Collection provides an opportunity to buy the rarest and most beautiful palms in the world. Admission: $10, $6 locals, members free. Tours of the garden both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Info: (305) 294-0015

SPORTS: Commotion by the Ocean!

It’s time again for one of the most popular events sponsored by the Key West Police Athletic League: Commotion by the Ocean III!

This annual boxing event is the culmination of one of the most popular programs available through PAL. This amateur boxing tournament pits local kids and adults against boxers from all over Florida. It’s a great way to showcase the abilities they’ve honed throughout the year’s training.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, and the first fight begins at 7 p.m. Weigh-ins begin at 2 p.m. And it all takes place in the gym at Key West High School.

Tickets are $9 for children, $10 for adults -- $12 on the day of the show. VIP passes are $25. The proceeds are vital for supporting another year PAL programming for the kids.

“This event is extremely important Key West kids,” said retired Officer Fran Lalama, who heads up the PAL program. “All of our programs are designed to give kids the discipline, skills and self esteem that will make them better adults.”

In addition to boxing, there will be plenty of great food and music.

The Police Athletic League began in 1993. This non profit group is dedicated to supporting a variety of youth activities and providing kids alternative activities that are fun and help them get involved in the community. All of the funds raised at the Commotion by the Ocean support youth sports and education programs.

Tickets are available at the Key West Police Department.

City Transit Announces Final Phase of Real Time Passenger Info System

City Transit Announces Final Phase of the Real Time Passenger Information System The Real Time Information System for public transit is up and running, and the first digital display unit is in the ground and operating at the of US 1 and 3rd Street bus stop on Stock Island. The city plans to install between 8 and 10 digital displays by the end of March 31. This system is entirely grant funded and provides public transit customers opportunities to access real time information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The scrolling digital boards display arrival and departure times for bus routes from any particular location on that bus route. The units are environmentally friendly, because each is powered by solar panels.

The signs provide an LED display that reads out the next bus arrival time as well as the route identification information. In addition, units meet all ADA requirements with an audio access button that provides audio announcements.

NEWS BRIEF: Craft Show This Weekend

THE 25TH ANNUAL KEY WEST CRAFT SHOWs happens this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31. More than 100 artisans and craftmen from all over the United States are expected to be on hand to show their wares. As in past years, the show will be set up on Whitehead Street at Caroline. Hours both days: 10 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m.

NEWS BRIEF: Day of Tennis Benefits Waterfront Playhouse

Tennis anyone? A mixed doubles tennis tournament is set for next Saturday, February 6, at Bayview Park and Higgs Beach courts. All skill levels. Sign-in time: 7:45 a.m. at either court. Play starts at 8. Donation of $40 per person benefits Waterfront Playhouse. Entry deadline: Wednesday, February 3. Info: 393-6273.

Commish Carruthers Sets Town Hall Meeting Thursday

Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers (District 3) will be holding a town hall meeting on Thursday, January 28. The meeting will be at the Harvey Government Center located in the Historic Truman Building at 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West in the Board of County Commission meeting room on the second floor from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The meeting, open to everyone, will be a question and answer format, leading to discussions on current topics, status of County initiatives and goals for 2010 and beyond.

Anne McKee Art Auction Saturday

Acclaimed New England auctioneer Charlie Bailey-Gates will officiate the 2010 Anne McKee Fine Art Auction, Saturday, January 23, at Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Nearly 100 Keys artists – from newly emerging talents to internationally recognized masters – offer their art for the fund that provides project-based grants to Keys artists. Artworks include original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics and more. $25.00 admission includes champagne, open bar, hors ‘d oeuvres. Preview 7 p.m., Auction 8 p.m.

More info at: mckeefund.org.

Craft Show Next Weekend

The 25th Annual Key West Craft Show is set for next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31. More than 100 artisans and craftmen from all over the United States are expected to be on hand to show their wares. As in past years, the show will be set up on Whitehead Street at Caroline.

Last Stand Annual Meeting Saturday

This Saturday evening, January 23, at The Studios of Key West (at the east end of Southard Street), Last Stand will be holding its annual membership meeting. The 6 p.m. meeting will be preceded by a mixer at 5:30. Last Stand, who’s slogan is “Protecting the Keys,” has been a staunch advocate for sound environmental practices and respect for the quality of life in Key West and throughout the Keys for over 20 years.

The guest speaker will be Shannon Estenoz, a Key West native and a member of the Board of Governors of the South Florida Water Management District. As part of her presentation she will provide an update on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project. Info: Last-Stand.org.