As a result of State Attorney Mark Kohl's decision not to prosecute Fantasy Fest flashers, we may now expect to be exposed to the sight of hundreds of breasts, buttocks and penises slightly veiled with "opaque" material
Well, I haven't returned to view the spectacle of Fantasy Fest since my 84-year-old mother-in-law was "flashed" by a frustrated young man in a trench coat, dragging a stuffed ladies' stocking on the ground, in hopes it would appear to be his own anatomy.
It's really embarrassing to get the reaction from people when I say "I am from Key West", and they snicker and sneer. That's the kind of publicity Fantasy Fest brings to this island paradise.
Patricia Chevin Johnson Key West
I am grateful that you courageously featured your article about The Key West Police Department arresting women for "flashing" during the October Fantasy Fest here. I am outraged that these men have been allowed to arrest women without warning, and humiliate and abuse them in the ways described. Psychologically, it borders on sadism, and these men should be held accountable.
Will Tuttle, Ph.D. Healdsburg, CA
I am very supportive of the adult entertainment/child zones for Fantasy Fest. My husband and I have been coming to Fantasy Fest for 12 years and we are also frequent visitors at other times of the year. It is our favorite relaxation/entertainment destination.
We never brought our daughter to Key West during Fantasy Fest because I look at it as an adult entertainment activity. However, there is a need for a children-only area. We have discussed this for years.
This past year was very disappointing because we like to "expose" just a little at the right opportunity, all in good fun. But this year I did not because I saw several ugly instances involving the local police.
I have a lot of respect for the police everywhere and I am sure that they were acting under some type of directive, although maybe a couple of police could have been overzealous.
This year, we are extremely reluctant to come down and may decide not to go unless there is some type of decision, such as you suggest in KWTN. We actually have not been back since Fantasy Fest because the heavy-handed activity by the police scared us and I do not want to spend a night in jail for having a little adult fun. After all, one of the big attractions about Key West is Duval Street at night.
We love Key West very much and I hope your ideas are considered. Keep up the good work and we will continue to subscribe to the paper.
Karen Boyer Ft. Myers