If you've complained that there seems to be more Navy fighters flying over the island here and disrupting your tranquility—you're right. Capt. L.S. Cotton, commanding officer of the Naval Air Station (NASKW) here, confirmed that in a letter to the media on Wednesday. He explained that NASKW is the Navy's premier pilot training facility for transient tactical aviation squadrons on the East coast.
"Wind patterns during the winter sometimes require our planes to fly nearer to adjacent
neighborhoods than at other times of the year," Cotton said. But he emphasized that pilots are not free to
fly anywhere or any way they want, and flight patterns are specifically designed to minimize noise and
maximize safety for the air crews and people on the ground.
Reacting to recent incidents involving attacks on gays here, violent and otherwise, City
Commissioners Tom Oosterhoudt and Jeremy Anthony are hosting a community meeting today, Friday, Feb. 2, at
5:30 p.m. at Old City Hall, 510 Greene St. "The purpose of this meeting is to promote tolerance in light
of recent disturbing incidents," Oosterhoudt said.
This Sunday Feb. 4, is Locals Day at the Key West Aquarium, Key West Shipwreck Historeum, Flagler Station Over-sea Railway Historeum, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Schooner Western Union. With proof of residency, all Monroe County residents get free admission to all of these attractions. Reservations are required for a sail on the Western Union and the complimentary ticket for locals is for the day sail only. Western Union reservations: 292-1766.
Locals can also sign up for a free Historic Tours of America Hometown Pass. This gives locals free admission anytime as long as they bring a paying guest. Applications are available at any of the attractions.