Key West and Las Vegas News Archives
AUGUST, 2017
For Thursday, Aug. 31 County to move dog park (Aug. 31) Monroe County will relocate its small dog park across from Higgs Beach after researchers discovered the land may be an old burial ground. The Miami Herald reports the area may contain the unmarked graves of 295 African immigrants who came to Key West in the 1860s. Ground-penetrating radar tests in the area revealed underground spaces. For Wednesday, Aug. 30 Keys officers headed to Texas (Aug. 30) Six Florida Fish & Wildlife officers from the Florida Keys have arrived in Beaumont, Texas, to assist residents in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. FLKeysnews,com reports the six are part a group of 25 Florida lawmen and 12 boats deployed to Texas. They’re expected to stay two weeks. For Tuesday, Aug. 29 Couple arrested after bar fight (Aug. 29) A pair of tourists were arrested last week after starting a fight inside a Key West bar. The Miami Herald reports the man and woman, from Port St. Lucie, Fla., fought with bouncers and a patron of a bar in the 300 block of Duval Street before police were called. Police said the man attacked a patron, and his female companion punched bouncers who were throwing him out. For Monday, Aug. 28 Woman arrested in road rage (Aug. 28) A Miami woman was arrested late Saturday after brandishing a gun while driving on the highway. The Monroe County Sheriff’s office told FLKeysnews.com that the 29-year-old woman pointed a handgun at another driver as she passed him on U.S. 1 near Key Largo. Officers found two guns, drugs and drug paraphernalia in her car. For Saturday, Aug. 26 Duval Street loop set to launch (Aug. 26) The Duval Street loop bus service kicks off this Thursday. FLKeysnews.com reports the pink and blue buses will begin shuttling passengers next week. They’re free to ride, and make 16 stops throughout downtown. The shuttles run every half hour from 6 to 10 a.m., and every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to midnight. For Monday, Aug. 14 Traffic snarled on U.S. 1 (Aug. 14) An overturned drum truck blocked Friday traffic on U.S. 1 leading to Key West last week. The Miami Herald reports the truck hit a median barrier after a tire blew out, and the truck overturned onto U.S. 1 at mile marker 111, about 18 miles north of Key West. Debris from the crash was removed early Saturday. For Friday, Aug. 11 Meteor shower to light up skies (Aug. 11) Key West residents are preparing for the Perseid meteor shower this weekend. The peak of the annual celestial event will be Saturday at just after the moon rises in early evening. Stargazers have a double feature this month, with a total solar eclipse expected to darken skies across much of the U.S. on Monday, Aug. 21. For Thursday, Aug. 10 Pilot rescued after water landing (Aug. 10) The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a Navy pilot after a forced water landing off Key West Wednesday. Fox News reports the Navy F5N jet went into the water 30 miles southeast of Key West at about 1 p.m. A Coast Guard plane and rescue helicopter were dispatched and the pilot was transported to a hospital and later released. For Wednesday, Aug. 9 Model of Tennessee Williams’ home in Key West (Aug. 9) The Tennessee Williams exhibit in Key West has added a model of the famous writer’s home. The Key West Citizen reports a local model maker has created a detailed scale model of the home. It’s on display at 513 Truman Avenue, near Duval Street, though Williams lived a few blocks away in the 1940s and 50s. For Tuesday, Aug. 8 Filmmaker’s cause released (Aug. 8) Authorities say the Canadian filmmaker who died earlier this year near Islamadora was accidental. FLKeysnews reports Rob Stewart died from accidental drowning after passing out at the surface near his dive boat on Jan. 2. Stewart was filming his Sharkwater documentary and passed out after surfacing. For Monday, Aug. 7 Wanted: Iguana catcher (Aug. 7) The state is seeking an iguana catcher in the Florida Keys. The Miami Herald reports that Wish & Wildlife officials posted the job this week. They’re seeking a biologist to help the public manage iguanas on public lands. The reptiles are native to Central and South America, not Florida, but the iguana population is exploding. For Saturday, Aug. 5 Mermaid shed abandoned (Aug. 5) The U.S. Coast Guard won’t rescue the brightly painted she it found floating near Grand Isle, LA. The Associated Press said the shed broke free from its mooring behind the Parrot Key Hotel in Key West and drifted more than 200 miles during Tropical Storm Emily. No one in Key West has stepped forward to claim the shed. For Friday, Aug. 4 Wayward dock found far from home (Aug. 4) A floating dock found adrift near Grand Isle, LA, drifted more than 200 miles from Key West. The New Orleans Times Picayune said the Coast Guard spotted the dock yesterday, and said the dock, complete with a shed and brightly painted mermaid, broke free from behind the Parrot Key Hotel during Tropical Storm Emily. For Thursday, Aug. 3 Lobster Mobsters put on hold (Aug. 3) The case of Key West’s “Lobster Mobsters” may drag on for a year or more. FLKeysnews.com reports prosecutors anticipate long delays in the case of seven men caught with 320 out-of-season spiny lobsters during the state’s two-day “mini-season” last week. An initial court appearance is scheduled for today. For Wednesday, Aug. 2 ‘Mile Zero Fest’ OK’d (Aug. 2) The ‘Mile Zero Fest’ got the green light this week to go forward in February, 2018. The Key West Citizen reports the country music festival will be held at the city’s new Truman Waterfront Park amphitheater from Feb. 7 to 10, 2018. Tickets are not yet available. For Tuesday, Aug. 1 Emily passes quickly (Aug. 1) Tropical Storm Emily made landfall on Florida’s Gulf side yesterday. Key West residents will see cloudy skies and some rain, but are generally breathing a sigh of relief. The storm moved east-northeast at 12 miles per hour, and was in the Atlantic by Tuesday morning. The national weather service is forecasting partly sunny weather today in the Keys. JULY, 2017 For Monday, July 31 Commercial lobster season to begin (July 31) Florida’s commercial lobster season begins Tuesday. Aug. 6. The Miami Herald reports that following a successful two-day “mini-season” for sport fisherman, commercial anglers can place their traps in the water at one minute after midnight tonight, then begin pulling traps on Aug. 6. The commercial season lasts for eight months. For Saturday, July 29 Man charged with snatching sea turtle (July 19) A 24-year-old Key West man was arrested last week after he was found parading a sea turtle on Duval Street. The Blue Paper reported the man was drunk when state Fish & Wildlife officers approached him. The recently hatched sea turtle, a protected species, was returned to the ocean unharmed. For Friday, July 28 Lobster mini-season had few incidents (July 28) Monroe County’s two-day, frantic mini-season for lobster ended yesterday with few incidents. FLKeysnews.com reports a 78-year-old Marathon man was arrested when he was found with 33 lobsters – well over the limit six per person each day. Violators, dubbed “Lobster Mobsters,” will appear in court Thursday. For Thursday, July 27 Short sport lobster season ends today (July 27) Monroe County’s short, two-day sport lobster season ends today. The county sheriff’s office issued an advisory to the public last week for licensed lobster fishermen to take part in catching lobster in the county, which includes the Florida Keys. To view more information, click here. For Wednesday, July 26 Tourist wins Hemingway contest (July 26) A tourist from Texas has won this year’s Hemingway Lookalike Contest in Key West last weekend. The Washington Post reports Michael Groover of Fayetteville, Texas, took top honors at Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Saturday night. More than 150 men took part in the contest during Heminway Days. To see Michael, click here. For Tuesday, July 25 Boat explodes off Stock Island (July 25) A boat exploded in the channel off Stock Island early Monday, seriously injuring two men. FLKeysnews.com said four people were aboard the Contender during refueling at 9:29 a.m. Fire investigators said one of the men may have lit a cigarette just before the explosion. Two were airlifted to a Miami hospital. The other men had minor injuries. For Monday, July 24 Woman bitten by shark near Key West (July 24) A 40-year-old woman swimming in the waters near Snipe Point was bitten by a shark. Fox News reports the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the attack Sunday afternoon and transported the woman to a waiting ambulance on-shore. She was transferred to a hospital with an injury to her foot and is in good condition. For Friday, July 21 Hemingway Days underway in Key West (July 21) Key West celebrates Ernest Hemingway’s birthday today with city-wide events, including the annual Hemingway Lookalike contest. The Associated Press reports more than 60 men entered the contest this year. Past winners will select this year’s best on Saturday night. Hemingway lived in Key West in the 1930s. For Thursday, July 20 Crash shuts down U.S. 1 (July 20) A pickup truck and tractor trailer crashed early Wednesday, shutting down U.S. 1 on the Channel 5 Bridge. The Key West Citizen reported the pickup was hauling lobster traps, which littered the highway around the scene, near Fiesta Key . There were no reports of injuries. For Wednesday, July 19 Bank robber goes on spending spree (July 19) Key West Police arrested a man on Duval Street Monday, moments after he robbed the Centennial Bank. The Miami Herald reports Johnathan Robert Meyers, 45, of Nokomis, Fla., was arrested after the owner of a Duval Street café reported that he was handing out $50 tips. Most of the bank’s money was recovered. For Tuesday, July 18 Small tax hike sought in Key West (July 18) Budget hearings began this week in Key West, with city council members leaning toward a smaller increase in property taxes. The Key West Citizen reported the budget committee floated a 3-percent increase, rather than the proposed 5 – at their meeting Monday. The increase translates to $245 per $100,000 in property value. For Monday, July 17 Conch lands woman in hot water (July 17) A Texas tourist was arrested in Key West last week for harvesting a protected type of conch. Television station WSVN, Miami, reports the woman was found to have gathered 40 Queen Conch on a beach in Key West. She was cited and the mollusks were returned to the water. For Saturday, July 15 Sea turtles hatch at Higgs Beach (July 15) For the first time in 30 years, sea turtles have hatched on a beach in Key West. The Associated Press reported that more than 100 baby loggerhead turtles trudged across Higgs Beach and headed out to sea earlier this week. City officials announced the event – the first since the 1980s – this week. For Friday, July 14 Coast Guard rescues six off Key West (July 14) The U.S. Coast Guard rescued six people from their capsized boat off Key West on Thursday. The Miami Herald reports a distress call came in just before 4 p.m. Thursday, and the Coast Guard sent boat and helicopter crews to the scene 10 miles northwest of Key West. All six people were rescued without injury. For Thursday, July 13 Key West man arrested for drugs (July 13) A 39-year-old Key West man was arrested early Wednesday morning by Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies after they found cocaine inside a stuffed animal in his car. The Miami Herald reports the man was stopped for traffic violations on U.S. 1 when police found 314 grams of cocaine inside a “Cookie Monster” doll in the car. Wednesday, July 12 June saw record rainfall in Florida (July 12) The National Weather Service reports record rainfall in June for some parts of Southern Florida, with 19 inches of rain falling in the first seven days of the month. A single storm on June 7 brought seven inches of rain to the area. Over 10 inches of rain fell in Miami in the first week of June, the Weather Service said. For Tuesday, July 11 Scooter, truck crash in Key West (July 11) The driver of a scooter was hospitalized Tuesday after colliding with a tractor trailer in Key West. The website FLKeynews.com reports the accident shut down Roosevelt Boulevard near Kennedy Drive at just before 1:30 p.m. The scooter driver’s name and condition have not been released as police continue to investigate. For Monday, July 10 Scuba diver dies in Keys (July 10) A 70-year-old tourist from Texas has died while SCUBA diving in the Florida Keys. The website FLKeysnews.com reports the man was in the waters six miles off Key Largo Saturday when he encountered an equipment problem. He surfaced and panicked and began swimming away from his boat. Rescuers found him unresponsive. For Saturday, July 8 Underwater music in the Keys (July 8) The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival kicked off last night on Loee Key. FLKeysnews.com reports the annual benefit supports reef conservation, and features divers pretending to play music underwater. Ocean-themed songs are piped into the water via speakers suspended from boats, and costumed guests celebrate all things maritime. The festival continues today. For Friday, July 7 Key West has state’s lowest unemployment rate (July 7) A new report says Key West and the surrounding area has the lowest jobless rate in Florida. Keysnews.com reports an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent in Monroe County, which includes Key West. The state’s overall unemployment rate is 4.3 percent, with Hendry County had the state’s highest unemployment rate – 6.6 percent. For Thursday, July 6 Texas tourist wins contest (July 6) An attorney from Texas has won this year’s pie eating contest at the Key Lime Festival. Television station KSAT reports Houston attorney Trey Bergman won by finishing off a 9-inch pie in 51.92 seconds without using his hands. The contest is a highlight of the Key Lime Festival, held over the Fourth of July Weekend. For Wednesday, July 5 Uber up and running in Key West (July 5) The rideshare service Uber began operating legally in Key West on July 1. The city had long banned the services, while a few taxi companies held the coveted licenses to operate on the island. Uber and the city reached an agreement earlier this year that is expected to drive down Key West taxi prices, which remain some of the highest in the nation. For Tuesday, July 4 Robber takes “no” for an answer (July 4) A Stock Island cashier refused to be robbed last week, and the would-be robber left. The Miami Herald reports Talia O’Bryan was working at the Chevron gas station when a homeless man came in, brandished a knife, and demanded cash. She refused and he left, only to be caught by police a short distance away. His new home is Stock Island Detention Center. For Monday, July 3 Teen dies while snorkeling (July 3) A teenager has died while snorkeling accident in Key West. FLKeysnews.com reports the 15-year-old was snorkeling in the waters off Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. His family found him unconscious in the water at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday and began CPR. He was taken by ambulance to Lower Keys Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. For Saturday, July 1 Home prices up in Key West (July 1) The average price of a home in Key West is now about $755,000, making the city one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. The website Topixnews notes that based on home sizes, the price translates to $500 per square foot. Area government officials have been wrestling with plans to create affordable housing for local workers. JUNE, 2017 For Friday, June 30 Key Lime Festival kicks off this weekend (June 30) Key West will celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend with the annual Key Lime Festival. Events run throughout the city between Saturday and Monday, and include a pie drop from the top of the Key West lighthouse, a Key Lime cocktail “sip and stroll” along Duval Street, and competitions featuring dishes from local chefs that include – you guessed it – Key limes. For Thursday, June 29 New butterfly arrives in Key West (June 29) A rare butterfly native to Cuba has made its first appearance in Key West. The Miami Herald reported last week that a Poey’s Swallowtail was spotted in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park by a naturalist who photographed it. Experts say it’s not uncommon for large swallowtails to travel up to 100 miles in a day. For Wednesday, June 28 Crash injures four on Route 1 (June 28) A head-on collision on U.S. 1 injured four people Monday afternoon. The Miami Herald reports a southbound car veered into northbound traffic, striking an oncoming vehicle near mile marker 58. Four people were airlifted to area hospitals, including one child in one of the vehicles. For Tuesday, June 27 Key West teen returns lost cash (June 27) A Key West teenager found a big bag of cash last weekend and turned it in to police. The Miami Herald reports the teenager, who lives in a condo on Roosevelt Boulevard with her mother, found a cell phone bag in the condo hallway. It contained $30,000 and a bank deposit slip from a cell phone business. Police located the owner. The paper didn’t mention a reward. For Monday, June 26 Poker Run set for September (June 26) The Key West city commissioners voted last week to approve permits for the 45th Annual Phil Peterson Poker Run. The Miami Herald reports the commission voted 5 to 2 in favor of granting permits to hold the event Sept.15 to 17. Debate in the council centered on problems last year, including a street brawl. The event draws about 10,000 motorcyclists to Key West each year. For Saturday, June 24 Endurance swimmers take to water (June 24) The annual “Swim Around Key West” will kick off this morning from Smather’s Beach. FLKeysnews.com reports that about 175 endurance swimmers will enter the water at 7:15 to begin their 12.5 mile trek around the island. They’ll compete individually or in teams of two or three swimmers. For Friday, June 23 New helicopter on the way (June 23) The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will take delivery of its newest helicopter in August. FLKeysnews.com reports the new Sikorsky S-76 C is at the company’s plant in Connecticut being painted with the county’s unique blue and white livery. County officials expect the new $2.4 million helicopter to arrive August 15, and be used for medical transports, rescues and police operations. For Thursday, June 22 Fuel truck spills at airport (June 22) A truck containing jet fuel overturned Tuesday, spilling part of its load at Key West International Airport. Fire officials told television station ABC 10 Miami that the truck was carrying about 4,000 gallons of jet fuel at the time of the spill. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. For Wednesday, June 21 Uber to open in Key West (June 21) Uber will begin operating in Key West on July 1. FLKeysnews.com reports that the Florida legislature cleared the way for ride share companies, like Uber and Lyft by passing a state law allowing them to operate. Currently, taxi drivers must work for one of a few companies with coveted city permits. Key West has some of the highest taxi fares in the U.S. For Tuesday, June 20 City names poet laureate (June 20) Key West has named local resident Flower Conroy the city’s poet laureate for 2017. The news website Konknet.com reports Conroy, a native of New Jersey, has won numerous awards for her writing, published three books of poetry and led a five-day workshop at the Key West Library. She was named this week by Key West’s mayor. For Monday, June 19 Guns found in guitar case (June 19) A Key West man was arrested last week and charged with carrying an assault rifle and pistol concealed in a guitar case on Duval Street. The Miami Herald reports Tristan Bland, 35, was stopped by police while riding a scooter on Duval Street June 11. Police received a tip about the guns and the man, who is prohibited from possessing guns. For Saturday, June 17 Policy change for Cuba travel (June 17) Area travel companies are anxiously awaiting details of the federal government’s new policies on travel to Cuba. ABC News reports the White House announced a rollback of U.S. travel policy toward the island 90 miles from Key West after some easing during the Obama Administration. Individual travel will be restricted, while tour groups may still be allowed to visit Cuba from the U.S. For Friday, June 16 County to request U.S. 1 toll (June 16) The Monroe County commissioners will consider asking the State of Florida to place a toll on U.S. 1 south of Miami. FLKeysnews.com reports the state is unlikely to support a toll, and has nixed the idea several times. Supporters want toll funds to support local projects. The county council meets June 21 in Islamadora. For Thursday, June 15 Probation for gay basher (June 15) A Monroe County judge has sentenced a North Carolina man to probation and community service after an anti-gay attack in Key West. The Miami Herald reports Brandon Ray Davis yelled anti-gay slurs at two men and crashed his scooter into one in the February attack. He apologized and got four years on probation and 75 hours of community service. For Wednesday, June 14 Key Lime Festival coming in July (June 15) Organizers are gearing up for this year’s Key Lime Festival in Key West. Events include a “pie drop” from the top of the Key West lighthouse, a Key Lime cocktail “sip & stroll,” chefs making dishes with Key Lime, and a tour of the Key West Legal Rum distillery on Simonton Street. The festival celebrates all things "Key Lime," and runs from July 1 to July 4. For Tuesday, June 13, Conch flag sculpture turned down (June 13) The Art in Public board has rejected a proposed sculpture near the entrance to Key West. The Key West Citizen reports Highgate Hotels planned to build an 18-foot sculpture of the Conch Republic flag. The board called it too expensive and not something they’d consider. The hotel may still place the sculpture, but the board won’t help to pay for it. For Monday, June 12 Cocktail Classic bartenders mix for charity (June 12) A bartender from Brooklyn, NY, took home the prize at the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic this weekend. Television station WTHR in Miami reports Kayla Harbrook won the $12,500 grand prize charity donation to split between a Key West charity and one in her hometown. Her winning drink include pineapple and lime juice, vermouth and cucumber. For Saturday, June 10 Duval Loop launch pushed back (June 10) The launch of a free bus service along Duval Street has been pushed back again. The Key West Citizen reports that the loop was supposed to begin service in December, then April, then June. Lack of drivers, printing problems, and now the lack of a special, hurricane-safe bus stop part have been blamed for the delays. For Friday, June 9 Diver attacked by shark (June 9) A 23-year-old Key West man was bitten by a reef shark while spearfishing off Key West this week. The Associated Press reported that Parker Simpson was 6 miles south of Key West when he was bitten by an 8-foot reef shark. He returned to his boat and received 50 stitches to close the gash below his left knee. For Thursday, June 8, 2017 Movie prop bills appearing in Key West (June 8) A cache of fake cash is floating around Key West. Police are warning tourists and merchants about the bills – fake $20s and $100s – being passed on the island. The bills look realistic at a glance, but contain the phrase “For motion picture use only” along the top edge, where “The United States of America” is printed on real money. Another giveaway: Instead of “dollars,” they say “bollars.” For Wednesday, June 7 Poker Run vote postponed (June 7) The city will hold off on its vote to approve this year’s Phil Peterson’s Poker Run. The Key West Citizen reported that some members Key West’s city council expressed concern about noise and the potential for violence after last year’s brawl. The Poker Run remains scheduled for September 17, pending city approval. For Tuesday, June 6 Plane makes safe emergency landing (June 6) A Silver Airways flight from Key West to Tampa landed safely at the Naval Air Station, Key West, on Sunday. The Miami Herald reported there were no injuries to the plane’s 28 passengers, who were driven back to the airport for another flight. The plane experienced engine trouble just after takeoff and landed almost immediately. For Monday, June 5 State eyes pedestrian bridge at Triangle (June 5) The Florida Department of Transportation is looking at plans to install a pedestrian bridge at The Triangle. The Key West Citizen reports that a new study found it would cost $1 million to install a permanent pedestrian bridge over Key West’s busiest intersection. Near the entrance to Key West, the area has seen several pedestrians struck in the past year. For Saturday, June 3 Irving to speak at Mystery Fest (June 3) Acclaimed mystery writer Clifford Irving will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Mystery Fest Key West from June 16 to 18. The news site Konchnet reports Irving, a New York Times best-selling author of such books as “On a Darkling Plain,” and “The Losers,” will join other noted mystery writers and fans at the Doubletree Resort by Hilton Grand Key. For Friday, June 2 UF student pleads in Spring Break case (June 2) The 22-year-old University of Florida student who made headlines for his Spring Break arrest has made a plea deal. The Miami Herald reports the school’s student body president was accused of tipping over scooters and motorbikes while drunk in Key West in March. He’ll do 100 hours of community service and be supervised for 6 months to one year. For Thursday, June 1 Gator to stay on the green (June 1) A seven-foot-long alligator has taken up residence at the Key West Golf Club, and state wildlife officials have decided to wait until it moves on by itself, rather than attempt to move it. The Key West Citizen reports the gator showed up about a week ago, and has been spotted swimming in ponds near the 18th hole or sunning itself in the early morning and evening hours. MAY, 2017 For Wednesday, May 31 Deford dies in Key West (May 31) Longtime Key West snowbird and sports writing legend Frank Deford has died. The Washington Post reported that Deford was at his winter residence in Key West when he died Sunday at the age of 78. He wrote for Sports Illustrated for 50 years, did sports commentary for National Public Radio for 37. Deford wrote 18 books For Tuesday, May 30 Scooter share company applies for permit (May 30) Zapp has applied for a permit to operate a scooter sharing business in Old Town. In return, the city has agreed to drop its code violation complaints against the company. The Key West Citizen reported that city’s hearing board will decide on the permit at its June 15 meeting. Customers use an app on their phones to rent a scooter from Zapp. For Monday, May 29 “Minimal Regatta” adds fun to water (May 29) A fleet of tiny, odd wooden boats took to the water off Schooner Wharf in Key West Sunday for the 26th Annual Minimal Regatta. Teams of six fashioned homemade boats from plywood, two-by-fours, fasteners and duct tape. The goal: cross the finish line first, and stay afloat the whole time. The $20 entry fee benefitted charity. For Saturday, May 27 2018 Race Week cancelled (May 27) The sailboats won’t return to Key West for the 2018 Race Week regatta, organizers said this week. The Key West Citizen reports that the weekend of races held in January for the past 30 years have come to an end. Organizers blamed declining participation, citing a 30-percent drop in the number of boats since 2011. For Friday, May 26, 2017 Tourist dies while snorkeling (May 26) A 58-year-old tourist from Texas died this week while snorkeling off Key Largo. FLKeysnews.com reported the woman and her husband were snorkeling in shallow water when she began having difficulty. She lost consciousness while swimming back to her dive boat, where a doctor performed CPR. For Thursday, May 25 Holiday weekend traffic expected (May 25) Police are warning vacationers that the Memorial Day weekend will bring heavy traffic to the Florida Keys. The Key West Citizen reports that this weekend’s traffic is the heaviest of the year, with thousands of cars on Route 1 south on Friday and North on Monday. Police will also be out enforcing seat belts and impaired driving laws. For Wednesday, May 24 HARC approves Earnhardt’s project (May 24) Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke at the Key West Historical Architecture Review Commission yesterday, and the board approved his plans to renovate his house at 704 Eaton Street. The Key West Citizen reports the retired NASCAR driver will be the subject of a DIY Network show as he fixes up the 130-year-old house. Earnhardt has owned property in Key West for more than 10 years. For Tuesday, May 23 Meteor lights up the Keys (May 23) An unusually bright meteor lit up the skies over the Florida Keys Tuesday night. The Miami Herald reported the meteor was captured on a police dash cam late Tuesday. There were no reports of an impact or damage from the meteor, but several people called 911 after seeing it, the newspaper said. For Monday, May 22 Silver Airways opens route to Key West (May 22) Silver Airways will begin service from West Palm Beach to Key West this week. The South Florida Business Journal announced today that the new route would begin with service Thursday, May 25. The small airline will use 34-seat SAAB SF-340 aircraft for five trips per week to and from Key West – Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For Saturday, May 20 Navy’s Normandy to stop in Key West (May 20) The U.S.S. Normandy is expected to dock at the Truman Harbor in Key West later today, and her 400 crew members will be on leave in town this weekend. The Key West Citizen reports the 567-foot guided missile cruiser is stopping in Key West for a brief break during training. For Friday, May 19 Keys 100 Marathon this weekend (May 19) The Keys 100 Ultramarathon will be held this Saturday and Sunday and impact traffic on Route 1. The Key West Citizen reports the race will take runners south from various starting points – Key Largo, Marathon or Big Pine Key – to Higgs Beach in Key West. The race features 50- and 100-mile courses for individuals and teams of runners. For Thursday, May 18 Hemingway Rum opens in Key West (May 18) The Hemingway Rum Co., is slated to open this weekend in Key West. The Key West Citizen reports local entrepreneurs built a modern, state-of-the-art distillery in a former cigar factory at Simonton and Greene Streets in Old Town. The distillery will open to the public on Saturday and produce a rum branded “Papa’s Pilar” rum. For Wednesday, May 17 Navy pilots land safely in Key West (May 17) Two Navy aviators landed safely at NAS Key West after experiencing oxygen deprivation during a training flight. The Key West Citizen reported the two officers were flying in an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter when they began to feel oxygen-deprived. They added oxygen to their air mixture, landed safely and were checked and released from a hospital. For Tuesday, May 16 Key West Songwriter’s Festival wraps (May 16) Organizers called this year’s Key West Songwriter’s Festival a success this week. The five-day festival brought thousands of music fans to Key West. The festival, in its 22nd year, wrapped on Sunday with a performance by Grammy-winning country star Maren Morris. There were 50 shows featuring 200 artists over five days. For Monday, May 15 Stone crab season wraps tonight (May 15) Fisherman will close out a successful 2017 stone crab season tonight. The Key West Citizen reports an estimated 2.4 million pounds of claws were harvested during the season, generating $26 million in sales. The numbers are off slightly from last year, when 3 million pounds of claws worth $33 million were brought in. For Saturday, May 13 Art in the Garden exhibit opens (May 13) The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden opened its annual “Art in the Garden” exhibit last week. The annual event displays works by local artists whose works blend art nature and includes 20 sculptures and three-dimensional works. The exhibit runs through July at the garden on Stock Island, The Key West Citizen reported. For Friday, May 12 Would-be bank robber’s trial to start (May 12) The trial of man accused of plotting to rob an armored car begins Monday in Key West. The Key West Citizen reports the 58-year-old former resident of Key West’s homeless shelter agreed to buy a pistol from an undercover agent last September. Police say he planned to rob an armored car and flee to Cuba. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted. For Thursday, May 11 Occupancy up, room rates down in Keys (May 11) Average room rates in the Florida Keys dropped 9 percent in the first quarter of this year, and occupancy was up, according to a new report. The Key West Citizen reports the average price of a room in the Keys fell to $315, Some areas, such as Key Largo, saw an increase in the average rate due to the construction of luxury hotels. For Wednesday, May 10 Earnhardt Jr. moving to Key West (May 10) NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr., will host a home renovation show set in Key West. The Key West Citizen reports Earnhardt and his wife purchased a home in Old Town, and will appear on the DIY Network as they change the old property into a luxury retreat. No address was given for the property. For Tuesday, May 9 Navy drill this morning (May 9) The Navy will conduct an “active shooter” drill at Naval Air Station Key West today, with an impact on traffic around the base gates. The Key West Citizen reports the drill will start at 9 a.m. today, and will include some gunfire using blanks. The gate closest to the Triange at Roosevelt Boulevard will close during part of the morning. For Monday, May 8 Tax cut proposal going to voters (May 8) A bill that would cut Florida property taxes is going to a vote next year. The Key West Citizen reports that the bill would widen the use of a tax exemption for homesteading in Florida, upping the exemption limit from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill must still be approved by voters when it hits the ballot in 2018. For Saturday, May 6 (May 6) A woman stayed overnight inside her partially submerged truck Friday after driving it into the Atlantic. The Key West Citizen reported that the woman drove her SUV into the water at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key. When the vehicle became stuck and partially submerged, the woman stayed inside until morning, fearing snakes sharks and alligators. For Friday, May 5 Bike master plan on the way (May 5) The team of experts charged with designing a “car-free Key West” said a plan is in the works for Key West to be more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. The Key West Citizen reported that consultants hired by the city biked and walked the town over three days recently to gather the information they needed to publish a long-term master plan early next year. For Thursday, May 4 Keys to get environmental boost (May 4) The Florida Keys will soon get new funding for environmental projects. The Key West Citizen reports that the state legislature earmarked $13.3 million for environmental projects in the Florida Keys. The money comes from the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and will be used throughout the Keys and Key West. For Wednesday, May 3 New cab rules coming to Key West (May 3) A statewide move to regulate Uber and Lyft drivers could bring new rules for taxi drivers in Key West. The Key West Citizen reports the city will compare its rules to those recently imposed in Florida at large to insure a level playing field. The move won’t permit ride share services to operate in Key West. The island town currently has some of the highest rates in America for taxi service. For Tuesday, May 2 City eyes parking garages (May 2) The City Commissioners will look again at building parking garages in Old Town. The Key West Citizen reports the city proposes two parking garages, in the 600 blocks of Simonton and Greene streets, to ease parking problems in the tourist district. Opponents say the garages will be ugly and block their view. The commission will hash out the issue on May 16. For Monday, May 1 City may end restaurant deal on Mallory Square (May 1) The City of Key West may pull its support for a new restaurant on Mallory Square. The Key West Citizen reports that restaurateur Joe Walsh has been trying to open a new eatery on four parcels in the historic area for the past seven years, but has had repeated delays. The city commissioners will vote to end their permission for his restaurant Tuesday. APRIL, 2017 For Saturday, April 29 Key West eyeing high-tech crosswalks (April 29) The City of Key West would like to install new High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signals at new crosswalks along Roosevelt Boulevard, The Keynoter reported. After a number of pedestrian accidents along the busy boulevard, the city plans to install the new high-visibility beacons to direct pedestrians at three new crosswalks. For Friday, April 28 Bed race down Duval Street Saturday (April 28) The Conch Republic Red Ribbon Bed Race is set for Saturday afternoon. FLKeysNews.com reports the race raises money for AIDS research as teams of racers run down Duval pulling and pushing decorated beds with one team member aboard. There will be a parade of beds at 3, with the race kicking off from the Bourbon Street Pub at 3:30. For Thursday, April 27 Teens won’t face charges (April 27) Prosecutors will not charge any of the 15-year-olds involved in a cyber-threat case that began at Key West High School. A photo of two teens with guns appeared on Snapchap Sunday with the words, “No one go to school Monday,” below it. The teens are actors in a school play, and the words were added by a third student, who faces school discipline, The Key West Citizen reported. For Wednesday, April 26 Manatee released (April 26) A rehabilitated manatee was returned to the waters off the Florida Keys Tuesday. The Key West Citizen reported the male manatee, named “Key3PO,” was rescued in August by Florida Fish & Wildlife officers and the Dolphin Rescue Center, after being struck by a boat. The manatee spent the last eight months recovering. For Tuesday, April 25 Diver dies off Key Largo (April 25) A 61-year-old SCUBA diver died in the water off Key Largo. The Key West Citizen reports the man, a tourist from Michigan, was diving on the wreck of the Spiegel Grove. He became unresponsive and was brought back aboard the dive boat and taken to Mariner’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of his death is pending. For Monday, April 24 Team aims for Keys to Cuba record (April 24) Lucas Oil has enlisted world champion offshore racer Nigel Hook and will attempt to break the world record for a Key West to Cuba trip. The website SpeedOnTheWater.com reports the team will attempt the run in June, 2017. The previous record for the 90-mile run is just under two hours. Launch will be from Key West’s Mallory Square. For Sunday, April 23 Coast Guard rescues passenger (April 23) The U.S. Coast Guard flew a cruise ship passenger to Miami Friday after he experienced chest pains at sea. The 41-year-old man was aboard the Carnival Magic, about 100 miles southwest of Key West, according to the Key West Citizen. He was transported to a hospital in Miami. For Saturday, April 22 Key West suspect arrested in New York (April 22) The man who fled from Key Test Police in a stolen Mercedes last November, then dumped it in a canal in Big Pine Key has been arrested in New York on unrelated murder charges. The Key West Citizen reports that Corey Slattery, 28, of Cisero, New York, is charged with killing a man about one month after the chase in Key West. For Friday, April 21 Duval Street Loop ready to ride (April 21) A free bus in downtown will be ready to take passengers next month. The 16-stop, free city bus loop on Duval Street is designed to carry tourists and cut down on traffic in Key West’s busy downtown district. The Key West Citizen reports the city has hired all the drivers needed for the new route and is readying promotional materials. For Thursday, April 20 Zika-fighting mosquitoes released (April 20) Working with a private company, the Mosquito Control District has released 20,000 male mosquitoes designed to fight the Zika virus. The mosquitoes are infected with a bacteria that will kill their offspring and reduce the mosquito population. They were released Tuesday in a 25-acre area on Stock Island, just north of Key West, the Associated Press reported. For Wednesday, April 19 Delta flight delayed (April 19) A “security incident” delayed a Delta Airlines flight from Key West to Atlanta Tuesday morning. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did not describe what happened, but said all passengers aboard Delta’s 7 a.m. flight to Atlanta deplaned. The Associated Press said something happened during the boarding process to trigger the delay. For Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Bartenders busted (April 18) Two Key West bartenders were jailed on drug charges after they were pulled over for speeding last week. The Miami Herald reported that Destiny Gagliano, 27, and Lindsay Rae Stephens, who also uses the name Lindsay Scarborough, had cocaine and methamphetamine in their car. Police say Stephens ran a stop sign and drove at over 50 mph along Northside Drive. For Monday, April17 City Hall solar saving money (April 17) The solar arrays atop Key West City Hall are saving taxpayers about $900 per month, The Key West Citizen reported. The solar panels cover about 19,000 square feet of roof space, and produced about 11 kilowatt hours of electricitry, or about 10 percent of the building’s energy needs. Officials expect that number to increase as the days get longer. For Saturday, April 15 Robber seeks leniency (April 15) The homeless man who robbed Old Town Centennial Bank last year is asking a judge to go easy on him. The Key West Citizen reports that 36-year-old Stephen Daniel Stump robbed the bank in October by claiming he had a bomb in his backpack. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing in October. His attorney asked the judge for leniency this week. For Friday, April 14 Driver in crash suspected of DUI (April 14) Key West Police are investigating the driver in last week’s fatal crash that killed an off-duty Delray Beach officer and seriously injured another. Police said the 31-year-old woman who turned left into the path of the victim’s scooter on Truman Avenue early Saturday was apparently smoking a joint while driving, The Key West Citizen reported. For Thursday, April 13 Fire on Stock Island (April 14) A duplex fire on Stock Island Wednesday morning filled the surrounding area with smoke. Firefighters from Monroe County Fire Rescue arrived within four minutes to extinguish the blaze, and three residents escaped injury, The Key West Citizen reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation late Wednesday. For Wednesday, April 12 School board meeting not televised (April 12) In an unusual move, the Monroe County School District’s Tuesday meeting was not televised or shown on the web this week. The Key West Citizen reported that the school board meeting in Tavernier was not televised on cable channel 78 due to technical difficulties. Critics suggested the board was keeping its activities secret from the public. For Tuesday, April 11 City set to place statue (April 11) A statue of Swimmer Diana Nyad will be placed near the water where she emerged from her swim from Cuba, The Key West Citizen reported. Key West officials from the Art in Public Places board are considering where to place a larger-than-life statue of the swimmer, whose solo 2013 swim from Cuba to Florida spanned 103 miles and took 53 hours. For Monday, April 10 One killed, one injured in scooter crash (April 10) Two Del Ray Beach Police officers were involved in an off-duty crash in Key West Saturday, police said. One was killed and the other injured when a driver turned left in front of their motor scooter, The Miami Herald reported. Officer Christine Braswell, 40, was killed, and her friend, Officer Bernenda Marc, 25, was listed in critical condition. For Sunday, April 9 Medical marijuana on hold (April 9) The Key West city commissioners placed a nine-month hold on the plan to distribute medical marijuana in the island paradise. The commissioners voted 6-0 at last Tuesday’s meeting in favor of the moratorium, in place until the city can get guidance from the state’s health department on how and where to operate dispensaries. Florida approved medical marijuana last November, FLKeysNews.com said. For Saturday, April 8 Judy Blume wins national award (April 8) Key West author Judy Blume is this year’s winner of the E.B. White Award for Achievement in Children’s Literature. The award, from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, is for Blume’s work spanning the past 50 years. She is the author of children’s books like, “Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret.” Combined, her books have sold over 82 million copies and been translated into 32 languages. Blume is 79. For Friday, April 7 County debates toll booth (April 7) The Monroe County Commission is considering the return of the toll booth along U.S. Route 1. County officials are floating the proposal to the state and federal governments, with proceeds from toll going to pay for road and water projects in the county. The issue would be put to Monroe County voters before a final decision, The Key West Citizen said. For Thursday, April 6 Bicyclist injured in crash (April 6) A 74-year-old bicyclist was injured Wednesday after being struck by a car. Key West Police told The Key West Citizen that the man was bicycling along Roosevelt Boulevard as a motorist drove out of the Home Depot parking lot to enter the roadway, striking him. The cyclist was airlifted to a Miami Hospital with serious injuries. For Wednesday, April 5 Key West plotter tries to avoid life (April 5) Lawyers for the man convicted of buying a backpack bomb to detonate on a crowded Key West beach asked a judge to consider a lesser sentence for him. The Key West Citizen reports 26-year-old Harlem Suarez faces life in prison after his conviction for buying the inert bomb from an uncover FBI agent. For Tuesday, April 4 Storms delay flights (April 4) Several Delta Airlines flights between Key West and Atlanta were delayed Monday due to bad weather in the Peach State. The Key West Citizen reported storms in Georgia throughout the day, causing delays for arriving and departing flights between one and two hours. The National Weather Service said weather conditions will be improving today. For Sunday, April 2 Officials tell Lyft to leave town (April 2) Key West city officials have sent cease-and-desist orders to the board of Lyft, according to The Miami Herald. The rideshare company has yet to respond to the orders, sent Thursday by the city’s code compliance director. Lyft recently began operating in Key West, despite city laws requiring a coveted taxi permit. Meanwhile, taxi fares in Key West remain some of the highest in the United States. For Saturday, April 1 Lobster season closes (April 1) Lobster season closed in the Florida Keys Friday, and fishermen in the Keys were happy to see the 2017 season go. This year’s season was considered lackluster, The Key West Citizen reported. Sellers were getting about $9 per pound this year, as opposed to up to $20 per pound for the past five years. More than 90 percent of the spiny lobsters caught in the U.S. come from the Florida Keys. MARCH, 2017 For Friday, March 31 Bike tour around Key West (March 31) A 1.5-mile bike tour around Key West will focus on historic landmarks Saturday. The Key West Citizen reports that City Commissioner Clayton Lopez will lead the bike tour, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nelson English Park. March is National Transportation month, and the tour will be part of the city’s events. For Thursday, March 30, 2017 Bodies found in Key West (March 30) Two bodies were found in a Key West apartment Wednesday morning. The Miami Herald reports that police were called to an apartment in the 900 block of White Street at just after 9 a.m. Wednesday and discovered the bodies of a man in one room and a woman in another room. The landlord called police. The deaths are under investigation and no details were available. For Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Water main breaks (March 29) A broken water main in Marathon Key left Middle and Lower Keys businesses without water for about two hours yesterday. The Key West Citizen reported that the 30-inch water main in Knight’s Key broke shortly after noon on Tuesday. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority was able to repair the main and restore service in about two hours. For Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Race to shut down bridge (March 28) The Seven Mile Bridge will close for traffic in both directions Saturday. The Key West Citizen reports the Seven Mile Bridge Run kicks off early Saturday morning. The last traffic will cross by 6:30. The bridge is slated to reopen to vehicular traffic by 9 a.m. Last year, more than 1,500 runners took on the 6.8 mile course. For Monday, March 27 Emerald collection goes to auction (March 27) A Key West jeweler will offer a large collection of emeralds at auction in New York next month. The Key West Citizen reports the local owner will be auctioning more than 20 loose emeralds and 13 pieces of emerald jewelry, much of it recovered from the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. For Sunday, March 26 Safety group recommends bicycle helmets (March 26) The Florida Keys Healthy Start coalition is recommending more bicycle helmets. The safety group is calling attention to Monroe County’s rate of fatal accidents between bicyclists and vehicles – about twice the state average and the highest in Florida. The county also has higher incidents of emergency room visits. The Miami Herald reported on the group’s education efforts this week. For Saturday, March 25 Transient rental lawsuit looms (March 25) A Key West landlord has said she’ll sue Monroe County for the right to rent her condo transiently. The Key West Citizen reports Carolyn Sulzmann, who lives in a 22-unit condo, issued a notice of intent to sue. The county says she lacks a permit for a transient, or short-term vacation rental. She claims the county limiting the permits grants a monopoly to a single large developer. For Friday, March 24, 2017 No easy fix for traffic in Key West (March 24) Key West City officials met this week to talk traffic problems at the Triangle. They concluded that fixing congestion at the intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Roosevelt Boulevard – the entrance to Key West – are complex and would not be easy. The Key West Citizen reported that the city would continue to study the problem. For Thursday, March 23, 2017 Abandoned boats removed (March 23) Several agencies are joining forces this week to remove abandoned, derelict and homemade boats from the Marquesas Keys. The Key West Citizen reported the removal of 32 such boats so far, with the project continuing through April 1. Many of the boats were used by Cuban refugees to cross the Straits of Florida. For Wednesday, March 22, 2017 NAS Key West condemns photo scandal (March 22) The commanding officer of the Naval Air Station Key West commented on the recent online photo scandal involving the Marine Corps this week, calling the conduct “unprofessional and inappropriate.” The Key West Citizen reported the statement by Captain Bobby Baker, who said service members must treat each other with respect in order to accomplish their mission. For Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Drunken tourist charged (March 21) A cruise ship passenger has been charged with striking a senior citizen at sea near Key West. Key West police were called to Pier B early Friday morning after a 49-year-old Florida man allegedly struck the senior after an argument over what was on the bar television, The Key West Citizen reported. For Monday, March 20, 2017 City may vote on leaf blowers (March 20) The Key West city commission may vote to regulate the use of leaf blowers this week. The Key West Citizen reported the city looked at health, safety and noise concerns. A study recommended phasing out non-commercial use of gas-powered leaf blowers and setting limits on the times the blowers can be used inside city limits. For Saturday, March 18, 2017 Key West: Park the car. Bring the bike. (March 17) The City of Key West has installed bicycle racks on city streets throughout Old Town in an effort to appeal to cyclists ad make the city more bicyclist-friendly. The move comes as traffic in the resort area has continued to climb. More than 170 bike "loops" for parking and locking bicycles have been placed on Key West's streets in recent months. For Friday, March 17, 2017 Court: Landmark case may proceed to trial (March 17) The Florida Supreme Court has ruled a Florida man may be charged for risking infecting his partner with HIV. The 65-year-old man was arrested and charged in 2011 with forging a lab report to convince a sexual partner he was free from the disease. He challenged a Florida law based on the state's definition of sex as being between a man and a woman. The court ruled the charge of unlawful sexual transmission of a disease may proceed to court. For Thursday, March 16, 2017 County protects waterfronts (March 16) Monroe County has moved to preserve working waterfronts in the Florida Keys. The Key West Citizen reports the county commissioners are considering two measure that would prevent working waterfronts from being turned into posh hotels. The move comes after a developer on Stock Island enlarged his renal complex, displacing several live-aboards. For Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Police release video of arrest (March 15) Key West Police this week released its officers’ body camera video of the arrest of a 22-year-old accused of knocking over scooters and motorcycles in Key West. The suspect is also the president of the University of Florida’s student body. He issued a statement, saying he would be “as transparent as possible,” while some UF students have called for his resignation, TV station WUFT reported. For Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Police seek hit-and-run driver (March 14) Key West Police are searching for the driver who struck a 28-year-old woman while she rode her bicycle early Sunday morning. Police told The Key West Citizen that the newer-model SUV is white, and may be a Mazda or similar vehicle. The hit-and-run vehicle also struck two cars, and may have heavy damage. The woman was injured and is recovering. For Monday, March 13, 2017 Seafood festival in Marathon (March 13) More than 25,000 people feasted Sunday on lobster, crab and a variety of seafood at the Original Marathon Seafood Festival on Marathon Key. The event went on throughout the day and raised money to benefit local charities, The Key West Citizen reported. For Sunday, March 12, 2017 City pushes state for crosswalks (March 12) Key West city officials are pushing the Florida DOT to speed up a project to fix the sidewalks on Roosevelt Boulevard. The Key West Citizen reports two recent accidents on the busy throughway have triggered a new round of debates on the issue while the state continues to study the best way to make crossing the roadway safe. For Saturday, March 11, 2017 Buildings in the Keys may get taller (March 11) Monroe County officials are considering a proposal to raise the height of buildings in the Florida Keys. They’ll hold the second of three public meetings to discuss raising the allowable height by 3 to 5 feet. The Key West Citizen said they want the public’s input before voting on the controversial issue later this year. For Friday, March 10, 2017 UF student leader arrested in Key West (March 10) Key West Police arrested a college student this week only to learn their Senior Week prisoner was the president elect of University of Florida's student body. Police say the 22-year-old was highly intoxicated when he tried to start several parked scooters on Williams Street, and, failing that, tipped over and damaged them. The Key West Citizen reported that he posted bail and was released. For Thursday, March 9, 2017 Spring breakers hit Key West (March 9) Spring break is in full swing this week in Key West as college students descend of the island paradise. Key West Police say they’ve had very few problems with college students as businesses enjoy the economic boost they bring. The Key West Citizen noted that Key West strictly enforces Florida’s drinking age. For Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Suspect fights extradition (March 8) The North Carolina man accused of attacking two gay men in Key West is fighting extradition to Florida. The Miami Herald reports that Brandon Ray Davis, 30, of Richlands, NC, was released on $10,000 bond to await a March 30 extradition hearing. Key West Police said he shouted anti-gay slurs at two bicyclists before hitting one with his scooter on Feb. 23. For Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Lobster limits may go up (March 7) A federal board will consider raising the annual limit on lobsters this week. The Miami Herald reports that the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is meeting in Georgia. The board will consider raising the limit that commercial fisherman can take from the ocean each year, and the limit taken by charter boats. The spiny lobster is an important part of Florida’s economy. For Monday, March 6, 2017 Journalist headlines benefit (March 6) The Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson was the VIP speaker at a fundraiser Sunday in Key West. The Pulitzer-Prize-winning writer spoke at a dinner to benefit “Take Stock in Children,” a mentoring program for underprivileged students. The Key West Citizen reported the dinner raised over $50,000 for the fund. For Sunday, March 5, 2017 “Conch Honk” sounds at Key West’s oldest house (March 5) The 55th annual “Conch Honk” bellowed through Key West Saturday afternoon, as more than 50 contestants blew into conch shells attempting to make music – or something like it. This year’s quirky contest was held in the garden of Key West’s Oldest House museum, and was standing room only. Winners this year were a man from Key West and a woman from Delaware, The Key West Citizen reported. For Saturday, March 4, 2017 Smuggler gets jail (March 4) A Miami man convicted of cocaine smuggling was sentenced this week to nearly four years in prison this week, The Key West Citizen reported. Mario Orlando Brand was one of three men aboard a Grady White boat loaded with cocaine when it arrived in the Florida Keys last July. The men traveled from the Bahamas to a marina in Key Largo before being captured. For Friday, March 3, 2017 Bicyclist stable after crash (March 3) A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized Wednesday after a collision with a flatbed truck in Key West. Key West Police said the crash occurred on Duval Street at Truman Avenue, a busy intersection in Old Town, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The boy suffered head injuries and a broken arm, according to The Key West Citizen. He is in stable condition at a hospital in Miami. For Thursday, March 2, 2017 Tourist arrested in February attack (March 2) A North Carolina man was arrested Wednesday in the Feb. 28 attack on two bicyclists in Key West. The Miami Herald reports that Brandon Ray Davis of Richlands, N.C., was arrested by county sheriffs there on a Florida warrant charging him in the attack. Davis allegedly ran the two cyclists off the road while shouting anti-gay slurs at them. Florida will seek to extradite him to face the charges in a Key West court. For Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Amphitheater construction underway (March 1) City officials tossed the first shovel of dirt Tuesday morning to begin construction on Key West’s new amphitheater. Construction began on the $4 million music venue at Truman Waterfront Park with a groundbreaking ceremony, and is slated to finish in September, 2017. Some area residents opposed the project, objecting to crowds, parking issues and loud music in the area. FEBRUARY, 2017 For Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Car commercial filming on bridge (Feb. 28) A Lincoln car commercial will be filmed on Seven Mile Bridge tomorrow, causing intermittent closures. The iconic bridge will close for brief periods between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., during filming, The Key West Citizen reported. The bridge has been featured as the background for movie and television scenes since it opened in 1982. The original span opened in 1912. For Monday, February 27, 2017 Tourist killed crossing Key West road (Feb. 27) A 61-year old tourist from New Hampshire was struck early Sunday morning crossing Roosevelt Boulevard. The Keynoter newspaper reported that the man was crossing the busy road “between two crosswalks” near Northside Drive when he was struck by a car driven by a Key West man. Police did not name the victim. The paper noted it was the second pedestrian struck on Roosevelt Boulevard in under 48 hours. For Sunday, February 26, 2017 Drunk scooter rider sought (Feb. 25) Key West Police are searching for the moped rider who struck two bicyclists in what is being called an anti-gay hate crime. The victims, a gay couple, were bicycling home from dinner when a drunken man in his 30s on a black Eclipse moped began shouting slurs at them, followed them, and crashed into them in the 1200 block of Duvall Street at 1 a.m. today, the Miami Herald reported. For Saturday, February 25, 2016 Police expect gridlock in the Keys (Feb. 25) The annual Islamorada’s annual outdoor flea market is expected to bring gridlock to the Flordia Keys this weekend. Area law enforcement officials are urging motorists to allow extra time to travel this weekend during the two-day festival along U.S. 1. The Nautical Flea Market kicks off today at Founders Park, according to The Key West Citizen newspaper. For Friday, February 24, 2017 Council meeting interrupted by alarm (Feb. 24) Wednesday’s city council meeting in Key West was halted after someone pulled a fire alarm in the building, The Key West Citizen reported. Police and fire officials are working to determine if the alarm was pulled accidentally, or if it was done to disrupt the meeting or distract from the speaker at the time. There was no fire, and no one was injured. The meeting resumed shortly after. For Thursday, February 23, 2017 Bridge construction set for summer (Feb. 23) Construction will begin in June on the Palm Avenue Bridge in Key West. A city planner spoke this week about the $1.8 million project to refurbish the bridge, according to the Key West Citizen. Contractors will resurface the road and make repairs to lights, sidewalks and support beams. The county expects to select a contractor in May. Construction is expected to last throughout the summer. For Wednesday, February 22, 2017 GMO mosquito test to go forward (Feb. 22) A 10-acre plot of land on the south end of Stock Island will serve as a test site for the release of lab-raised mosquitoes in the battle against the Zika virus. The Key West Citizen reported that the company Mosquito Mate will work with the Mosquito Control Board to release 20,000 genetically modified mosquitoes twice a week for four months. For Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Divers find sunken boat (Feb. 21) Divers from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found a rented boat that sank off Key Largo. The Key West Citizen reported that he divers were training last week with Florida State University dive instructors when they found the 26-foot boat using side-scan radar. The boat sank on January 3, after all four passengers aboard were rescued. A salvage company will remove the boat. For Monday, February 20, 2017 Fraud suspects caught (Feb. 20) A man and woman who used multiple identities and stolen credit cards in Key West were arrested in a large federal investigation. The Key West Citizen reported that the arrests came in October, and were only recently made public. The arrests were part of a larger federal investigation of over 100 people using 30,000 stolen identities to steal over $60 million in cash and merchandise. The pair face 30 years in jail if convicted. For Sunday, February 19, 2017 Key West man killed in crash (Feb. 19) A local man has died following a head-on crash in Key West. Key West Police said Toby McRae, 45, was driving a scooter on North Roosevelt Boulevard on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. He was struck by a van as it turned left onto Palm Avenue. The van driver was not hurt. Police are investigating the accident and haven’t said if charges will be filed. For Saturday, February 18, 2017 Coast Guard cleared in smuggler’s death (Feb. 18) The crew of a Key West-based U.S. Coast Guard helicopter has been cleared in the death of an Ecuadorian drug smuggler last August. The man was hit with bullet fragments fired by the Coast Guard to stop his boat as it fled from them north of the Galapagos Islands, The Key West Citizen reported. Drugs were seized and three accomplices pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking charges. For Friday, February 17, 2017 Tourism cuts headed to Tallahassee (Feb. 17) A proposal to cut $200 million in state spending on tourism is headed to the state capital next week. The bill would defund two Florida tourism agencies and end tax breaks and other incentives to the entertainment industry and Major League Baseball. Florida’s governor contends the incentives create jobs, while opponents call the tax breaks “corporate welfare.” For Thursday, February 16, 2017 Navy passes on Key West for drones (Feb. 16) The U.S. Navy will station its new fleet of MQ-4C Triton drones near Jacksonville, a spokesman said this week. Naval Air Station Key West had been on a short list of bases being considered by the Navy for the new unmanned aerial vehicles. The drones will instead be based at NAS Mayport. Also in the running was the NASA facility at Wallops Island, VA., The Key West Citizen reported For Wednesday, February 15, 2017 Historic tree to stay (Feb. 15) A 100-year-old mahogany tree in Old Town will remain after the request to remove it was withdrawn Tuesday night. The city’s Tree Commission opted to put up signs on Simonton Street warning motorists of low hanging branches over the roadway, and keep the tree. Its fate had been a question since an accident in October 2016, when branches were struck by a tractor-trailer, The Key West Citizen reported. For Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Council to vote on tree (Feb. 14) The fate of a 100-year-old tree in Key West hangs in the balance at tonight’s Tree Commission meeting. Branches of the giant mahogany tree on Simonton Street were struck by a tractor-trailer in October, 2016. After the accident, the city paid over $10,000 to repair the tree. The commission will vote on an application to take the tree down, the Key West Citizen newspaper reported. For Monday, February 13, 2017 Baseball legend’s house for sale (Feb. 13) A house once owned by baseball legend Ted Williams is up for sale. The house and estate, at 140 Madeira Road in Islamorada, went on sale last week for $4.2 million. Williams was an avid fisherman, and owned the waterfront home prior to his death at the age of 83 in 2002. Williams gained worldwide fame as a player and manager of the Boston Red Sox and decorated World War II veteran. For Sunday, February 12, 2017 Crime stats down in the Keys (Feb. 12) Crime is decreasing in the Florida Keys. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department published its most recent statistics, showing a steady decrease in violent crime. According to the Key West Citizen newspaper, crime is considerably lower in the Florida Keys than on the Florida mainland, and the trend, year over year, shows crime decreasing. For Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 Tourist arrested for drugs at hotel (Feb. 11) An Arizona man was arrested Friday when he arrived in Key West and tried to pick up a package of drugs he had mailed to his hotel. The Miami Herald reports the 24-year-old mailed himself crystal methamphetamine, addressing the package only to the hotel. A manager opened the package and called police. The man was arrested by a detective posing as the hotel manager when he tried to claim it. For Friday, February 10, 2017 Vote goes against “Visit Florida” (Feb. 10) A state board has voted to eliminate the state’s marketing agencies, “Visit Florida,” and “Enterprise Florida.” The Key West Citizen reports that the Florida house subcommittee voted 10 to 5 to disband the agencies after their spending fell under suspicion. The agencies gave tax breaks totaling $200 million to film crews and entertainers who come to Florida, and Major League Baseball teams who train in the Sunshine State each Spring. For Thursday, February 9, 2017 No changes for Roosevelt Boulevard (Feb. 9) Key West City council this week voted to keep Roosevelt Boulevard a four-lane roadway, leaving its current configuration unchanged. The council was considering a major overhaul to the boulevard, a major route through the city, but opted instead to keep the roadway as is, electing to do only minor improvements. The council voted during a marathon six-hour meeting Tuesday night. For Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Amphitheater project goes forward (Feb. 8, 2017) The Key West City Council has voted 5 to 2 to go forward with the construction of an amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park. The Key West Citizen newspaper reported that the council listened to residents for two hours before the vote. Some were in favor of the $4 million project, while others opposed it, fearing that it would bring unwanted noise and crowds to their neighborhood. For Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Drug dealer arrested again (Feb. 7) A Key West man has been arrested on drug charges for the second time in two weeks. The Key West Citizen newspaper reports that detectives were responding to a tip when they arrested the man Friday at the Casa Marina Resort. The same man was arrested following a traffic stop two weeks ago after a bag of drugs fell out of his shorts. For Sunday, February 5, 2017 Amphitheater plans spark protest (Feb. 5) A group of about 50 area residents protested at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West Saturday, The group rallied against a city proposal to construct a $4 million amphitheater at the park, which they say will bring unwanted concert noise to their neighborhood. The Key West Citizen newspaper noted the high cost of the structure, which does not include seats, lights or maintenance. For Saturday, February 4, 2017 Search ends for missing diver (Feb. 4) Divers from the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department found the body of a missing SCUBA diver Friday afternoon, ending a massive search effort that covered 6,000 square miles of ocean. Rob Stewart, 37, a Canadian documentary filmmaker, had just emerged from a dive when he disappeared into the waters near Alligator Reef last week. For Friday, February 3, 2017 FKCC awarded energy grant (Feb. 3) The Florida Keys Community College has received a $900,000 grant to study tidal energy. The Key West Citizen reports that the U.S. Department of Energy awarded the grant to study tidal energy in the Florida Keys, where strong winds and powerful tides create ideal conditions to create energy. FKCC’s main campus is in Key West, with satellite campuses in two other locations in the Keys For Thursday, February 2, 2017 Diver missing off the Keys (Feb. 2) A Canadian SCUBA diver and documentary filmmaker has been missing since Tuesday after a dive off the Florida Keys. The Miami Herald reports that Rob Stewart, 37, was diving near Lower Metecumbe Key and filming for his Sharwater documentary. Stewart and his dive partner were using rebreathers. The second diver passed out upon surfacing and was rescued. For Wenesday, February 1, 2017 Beach bomb suspect found guilty (Feb. 1) The 25-year-old accused of plotting to detonate a bomb on a crowded Key West beach has been found guilty. NBC News reports that a federal jury found Harlem Suarez of Stock Island guilty of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support for terrorism. He was arrested in 2015 after attempting to buy an inert backpack bomb from an undercover FBI agent. JANUARY, 2017 For Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Accused man takes stand in bomb trial (Jan. 31) The man accused of plotting to detonate a bomb on a Key West Beach took the witness stand yesterday, telling jurors he has no ties to terror groups, and bought a bomb from an undercover FBI agent out of fear. The prosecution rested its case against Harlem Suarez, 25, of Stock Island, last week. Defense attorneys are presenting their case this week. For Monday, January 30, 2017 City may move PAL programs (Jan. 30) Key West city officials said they may move the Police Athletic League’s programs to a newly-renovated community center and demolish the PAL Center at Truman Waterfront Park. The Key West Citizen newspaper reported that the move is part of a long-term construction plan to expand existing buildings at Truman. For Sunday, January 28, 2017 Margaritaville theft an inside job (Jan. 29) A 45-year-old retail manager at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Café in Key West was arrested this week after security video showed her entering the safe and cutting open a bag of cash to steal the contents after closing. Officials said $5,100 in cash was taken from the restaurant in the 500 block of Duval Street. She has pleaded not guilty, claiming she was retrieving a cell phone, the Miami Herald reported. For Saturday, January 27, 2016 New bus service between Key West and Miami opens (Jan. 28) Bus service between downtown Miami and Key West begins next week. “Go Buses” of New Jersey will run one round trip route per day, heading south from Miami daily at 7:30 a.m., and departs north for Miami at 6:30 p.m. The buses feature free WiFi and cell phone charging. The fare for the 165-mile, 3 ½-hour trip is $9 each way. For Friday, January 27, 2017 Suspect drunk driver rolls car (Jan. 27) A 50-year-old Key West woman was arrested last weekend after rolling her car and refusing to take a breath test. Key West police were called to the accident scene Saturday afternoon at South and Alberta Streets and found the black Hyundai Elantra on its side and the woman, along with two vodka bottles, in the driver’s seat, FLKeysnews.com reported. For Thursday, January 26, 2017 Police: Man drops drug stash (Jan. 26) A Key West man was arrested and booked on drug trafficking charges after a bag filled with illegal drugs fell from his shorts. The Miami Herald reports that Key West Police stopped a car for rolling a stop sign, smelled marijuana and asked the driver and passenger to stand outside while a dog searched the car. Stephen Tolar, 39, was the passenger who allegedly dropped the bag. For Wednesday, January 25, 2017 County votes for new helicopter (Jan. 25) Monroe County will soon add a third helicopter to the sheriff department’s fleet. Keysnews.com reports the county council approved the purchase of a third air ambulance, estimated to cost around $2.5 million, rather than paying $400,000 per year for a private firm to provide helicopter service. The sheriff’s department added a second air ambulance in September, 2016. Monroe County includes the Florida Keys and Key West. For Tuesday, Jan. 24. 2017 High winds, high seas in the Keys (Jan. 24) Unusually high winter winds brought rough seas to Key West Monday and Monday night. The National Weather Service recorded wind gusts of up to 70 mph in some areas. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour churned up high seas around the Florida Keys, where navigating can be a challenge in calm waters. The winds began calming overnight, according to Keysnews.com For Monday, January 23, 2017 Backpack bomber trial opens (Jan. 23) The terrorism trial of a Stock Island man opens today in court in Key West. The 25-year-old is accused attempting to buy an inert backpack bomb from an undercover FBI agent, according to the Miami Herald. Prosecutors say Harlem Suarez, a U.S. citizen and Cuban émigré, was inspired by the terrorist group ISIS and planned to detonate the bomb on a Key West beach. For Sunday, January 22, 2017 (Jan. 22) A woman will appear in federal court this week after she allegedly tried to board a flight from Key West to Charlotte, N.C., carrying a concealed box cutter. TSA screeners at Key West International Airport spotted the box cutter inside a hollowed-out book in her carry-on bag, along with cigarettes and a feather, according to Keysnews.com. Few details were available about the woman, who carried a Canadian passport. For Saturday, January 21, 2017 New Fantasy Fest producer selected (Jan. 21) Fantasy Fest has selected a local event planner to be the new producer of Key West’s annual adult-themed, city wide party. Keysnews.com reports that Nadene Grossman Orr will be in charge of planning the city’s biggest party. Orr is president and CEO of We’ve Got the Keys Event Planning and was selected by the Fantasy Fest board this week. Fantasy Fest has been held every year since 1979 to bring tourists to Key West during the slower Fall season, For Friday, January 20, 2017 Tourists save kids from drowning (Jan. 20) A Key West preacher, his neighbor and a visiting tourist joined in to save three children from drowning last week, various news sources reported. The children, ages 3, 4 and 12, jumped in to the pool on Duck Avenue Saturday afternoon. When they failed to surface, the neighbors jumped into action and pulled them, unconscious, from the pool before calling 911. All three children recovered. For Saturday, January 14, 2017 Yacht breaks race record (Jan. 14) The Wizard and her crew took top honors at the annual Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race Thursday afternoon. The yacht sailed 160 nautical miles (just over 184 miles) from Fort Lauderdale to Key West in 10 hours, 18 minutes and 50 seconds to win the prestigious race. Scuttlebutt Sailing News reported on the race. For Friday, January 13, 2017 Budweiser heir pulls gun Jan. 13) The former heir to the Budweiser Beer fortune pulled a gun during a confrontation at a bank on Thursday, Key West Police said. The 52-year-old former CEO and part-time Key West resident, pointed the gun at the ground during a confrontation in a line of vehicles in the parking lot and was not charged, the Key West Citizen reported. The family sold the business to InBev in 2008. For Thursday, January 12, 2017 Crosswalk changes in Key West (Jan. 12) Crosswalks along Key West’s busy North Roosevelt Boulevard may be changed in the coming weeks. The Florida Department of Transportation’s recent study found that two crosswalks along the road should be eliminated, and a button to activate a third should be added. The Key West Citizen newspaper reported on the proposed changes. For Thursday, January 12, 2017 Crosswalk changes in Key West (Jan. 12) Crosswalks along Key West’s busy North Roosevelt Boulevard may be changed in the coming weeks. The Florida Department of Transportation’s recent study found that two crosswalks along the road should be eliminated, and a button to activate a third should be added. The Key West Citizen newspaper reported on the proposed changes. For Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Key West gets iconic sculpture (Jan. 11) The giant sculpture “Embracing Peace” was installed in front of the Key West Customs House Museum this week, according to the Key West Citizen newspaper. The work, by American artist Seward Johnson, depicts the iconic photo of a sailor kissing a woman near Times Square in New York at the end of World War II. The statue joins other artworks surrounding the museum, near Mallory Square. For Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Board votes to pass on NY art (Jan. 10) The Art in Public Places board voted down a proposal to bring seven sculptures from New York to Key West. The statues, created by the Art Students League of New York, are currently on display in parks in the Big Apple. They would have been placed in Truman Waterfront Park. The “no” vote will save the city about $146,000, according to Keysnews.com For Monday, January 9, 2017 Coast Guard plans more cuttters for Key West (Jan. 9) The U.S. Coast Guard plans to add two new ships to its fleet of cutters in Key West. The two new ships will be fast-response cutters, adding to its fleet of six already in Key West. Coast Guard Sector Key West made news recently with a number of high-profile seizures on the high seas, from Florida to the Pacific. The base commander was interviewed by Keysnews.com about long-term plans for the base. For Sunday, January 8, 2017 Key West man gets DUI on scooter (Jan. 8) A 78-year-old Key West resident tried to drop the mayor’s name to get out of a drunken driving arrest, the Key West Citizen reported. The man was driving on a scooter in Old Town when he struck a curb and fell just after midnight on New Year’s Eve. He then claimed to be “good friends with the mayor,” police said. He was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. For Saturday, January 7, 2017 Security increased at airport (Jan. 7) Security was increased at Key West International Airport Friday after the fatal shootings at the airport in Fort Lauderdale. The Monroe County Sheriff’s office announced increase patrols at both Key West and Marathon airports, and airport officials have beefed up screening and other masures in an attempt to prevent another incident and protect passengers. For Friday, January 6, 2017 Tibetan monks visit Key West (Jan. 6) A group of Tibetan monks will arrive in Key West on Sunday as part of a cultural tour to promote peace and harmony. The monks’ “Sacred Art” tour brings them to the Keys for one week, when they’ll conduct lectures, meditation sessions and art classes, according to Keysnews.com. The group comes from a Tibetan monastery in Kentucky. For Thursday, January 5, 2017 Board meets to select Fantasy Fest producer (Jan. 5) The board of the non-profit that runs Fantasy Fest will meet today to select a new producer for Key West’s ultimate adult party. Fantasy Fest has been held each October since its founding in the 1970s as a way to bring tourists to the city in the fall. Its longtime producer retired after last year’s festivities. For Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Vets ready for bike to Key West (Jan. 4) A group of disabled veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project left Miami yesterday on a 48-mile bike ride south to Key West Wednesday. ABC 10 television in Miami reported that the vets were riding custom-fitted bicycles to facilitate their trek south on Route 1, across the Seven Mile Bridge, and into Key West. The annual trip, is called “The Soldiers Ride.” They did not estimate an arrival time. For Tuesday, January 3, 2017 City Hall reopening today (Jan. 3) A newly renovated Key West City Hall officially reopens today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon. Topix News Key West reports the building has been in various stages of construction since 2009, with delays caused by weather and several pauses by city contractors. The historic building, on Whitehead Street in Old Town, will finally reopen at noon today. For Monday, January 2, 2017 Dachshunds on parade in Key West (Jan. 2) Over 200 Dachshunds took to the streets of Key West for the city’s annual “Dachshund Walk” down Duval Street Saturday afternoon. Fox News 13 in Miami reported on the annual wiener-dog fest. Dogs donned creative and timely costumes, including a “mini bus” loaded with hippie dachshunds, and a group of the tiny dogs dressed as Star Wars characters Princess Lea, Chewbacca and a group of storm troopers. -- Compiled from various local news sources, including The Miami Herald, KeysNews.com, and the public information offices of various local agencies.
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AUGUST, 2017
For Thursday, Aug. 31 Big numbers expected for holiday weekend (Aug. 31) Officials at McCarran International Airport are expecting about 509,000 passengers to pass through the airport between Friday and Monday of the Labor Day holiday weekend. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports this number is about 4 percent more than the same weekend last year. Airport officials will try out a new, faster baggage screening system today. For Wednesday, Aug. 30 Casino guests riot over cash (Aug. 30) Fights broke out outside the Cromwell early Monday after a man threw a stack of $100 bills into the air. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that by 4 a.m., the crowd swelled to about 1,000 people, with some fighting over the cash. Dozens of police officers responded, and two men were arrested. For Tuesday, Aug. 29 Fight brings business, legal and illegal (Aug. 29) Last weekend’s headline fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor brought tourists and business to the Las Vegas Strip, and Las Vegas Metro Police saw a spike in arrests for prostitution over the weekend. ABC 13 News in Las Vegas reports an increase in the number of arrests for the oldest profession over the fight weekend. For Monday, Aug. 28 Casino briefly evacuated (Aug. 28) Guests at The Cromwell hotel and casino were briefly evacuated early Sunday morning after some loud noises were mistaken for gunfire. The website Lasvegasnow.com reported the casino and clubs were full when crew members dropped some velvet rope stands, and the area was evacuated as a precaution. For Saturday, Aug. 26 Big money in town for prize fight (Aug. 26) The wealthy and lowly are flocking to Las Vegas for Saturday’s fight pitting boxer Floyd Mayweather against the MMA’s Conor McGregor. The T-Mobile Arena expects a sellout by Saturday night. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that Vegas Sports books expect a $50 million handle on the fight. For Monday, Aug. 14 Manilow eyes return to Las Vegas (Aug. 14) Barry Manilow is reportedly negotiating a return to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the singer is searching for the right venue in Sin City for shows in 2018, and may appear at an off-strip location. Manilow currently performs in Allentown, PA, and last took the stage in Las Vegas at the Paris Theater in 2012. For Friday, Aug. 11 Man charges stage at Britney Spears show (Aug. 11) A 37-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after he jumped on the stage at Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me” show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Fox News reported that the man was asked to leave by security guards before he jumped onto the stage. He was tackled by security guards behind Spears as she performed. For Thursday, Aug. 10 Security guard stabbed on The Strip (Aug. 10) A security guard was stabbed and critically wounded inside the Palazzo Casino Wednesday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the guard approached a homeless man behaving erratically inside the casino when he was stabbed. The man fled across Las Vegas Boulevard. Metro Police reviewed casino surveillance and arrested a suspect near the Mirage. For Wednesday, Aug. 9 Frampton, Miller playing at the Palace (Aug. 9) Classic rock artists Steve Miller and Peter Frampton take the stage tonight at Caesar’s Palace. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Frampton will open for the Steve Miller Band tonight at the Colosseum. Both groups catapulted to legendary status in the 1970s. For tickets to the 7 p.m. show, click here. For Tuesday, Aug. 8 Slot player hits big on The Strip (Aug. 8) A slot player put $3 into an IGT “Wheel of Fortune” slot machine Saturday night and hit the gigantic progressive jackpot. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the unidentified winner was playing a quarter machine at the Palazzo and played 12 credits for $3. When the wheels stopped spinning, the machine paid $726,763. For Monday, Aug. 7 Former Beatle to play Vegas (Aug. 7) Ringo Starr will play Las Vegas in October. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Ringo and his “All-Starr” band will play at the Planet Hollywood showroom on the Las Vegas Strip. Starr, 77, will release his latest CD, “Give More Love,” on September 15. He gained worldwide fame as the Beatles drummer from 1962 to 1970. For Saturday, Aug. 5 Flash floods wreak havoc in Vegas (Aug. 5) Heavy rains Friday caused flash flooding around Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports one person is still missing, and six were rescued from a wash near The Linq on The Strip. Flood waters closed roads and caused traffic problems throughout the city, and lightning struck a palm tree and triggered a building fire. For Friday, Aug. 4 ‘Pawn Stars’ extended for another season (Aug. 4) Rick Harrison and the cast of “Pawn Stars” will be on The History Channel for a 15th season. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the show, which focuses on Harrison, his family and the unusual items pawned at the Gold & Silver Pawn shop in Las Vegas, signed contracts this week for another 30 episodes. For Thursday, Aug. 3 Stadium planners meet (Aug. 3) The city’s new football stadium is coming, and planners from around the Las Vegas area want to be ready. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports area leaders met yesterday. Tops on their list: Traffic and parking. The 65,000 seat stadium will have parking for only about 2,400 vehicles. The first kickoff will be in the Fall of 2020. For Wednesday, Aug. 2 Wynn launches new sports book area (Aug. 2) Wynn Las Vegas opened its newly renovated permanent sports book yesterday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the area features a gigantic video wall measuring 137 feet wide and 11 feet high, along with another 35 monitors. For Tuesday, Aug. 1 Vegas sex shops may be allowed to expand (Aug. 1) Shops in downtown Las Vegas that sell books, videos and sexual novelties would be allowed to expand under a new city law. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the city council will vote on the new law in August. Expanding or changing such businesses has been prohibited by current city laws. Proponents say allowing expansion will actually help clean up the area. JULY, 2017 For Monday, July 31 Naked man delays flight (July 31) A Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Oakland was briefly delayed after a man removed his clothes during boarding. The Associated Press reports the man “got naked and approached a flight attendant” Saturday afternoon. He was removed from the flight and given medical attention. The plane arrived at its destination 30 minutes late. For Saturday, July 29 Irvine’s restaurant opens at The Trop (July 29) British chef and TV host Robert Irvine was on hand to open his namesake restaurant at the Tropicana Casino Hotel Thursday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Irvine, the host of the CW’s The Robert Irvine Show, arrived by helicopter and cleared the entrance by smashing an ice sculpture of the logo. For Friday, July 28 Pedestrian dies in Vegas hit-and-run (July 28) Las Vegas Metro Police are searching for the white pickup that hit and killed a pedestrian last night. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the woman was crossing West Charleston Boulevard Thursday at about 10:15 p.m., when she was struck. The woman, who was not identified, died at the scene and the driver fled. For Thursday, July 27 No O.J. at Gold & Silver Pawn (July 27) Rick Harrison, the owner of Las Vegas’s famous Gold & Silver Pawn shop, says he won’t deal in O.J. Simpson sports memorabilia. Harrison, who stars with his family in the History Channel’s hit show, Pawn Stars, recently told TMZ that he avoids buying any O.J. sports souvenirs because of the stigma attached to it. For Wednesday, July 26 Chumlee selling house in Vegas (July 26) Chumlee is selling his party house in Las Vegas. TMZ reports Austin Lee Russell, who plays himself on the History Channel’s show Pawn Stars, has put his palatial 6,000-square-foot Vegas home on the market for about $1.8 million. Included: five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a party room with a stripper pole. For Tuesday, July 25 Grand Bazaar Shops go digital (July 25) The Grand Bazaar Shops on the Las Vegas Strip are offering a new way for visitors to shop. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports large digital billboards where shoppers can peruse inventory, make purchases and ship goods worldwide. The Grand Bazaar CEO says she found inspiration from digital shopping billboards in Hong Kong. For Monday, July 24 Two shot at Sam’s Town (July 24) Las Vegas Metro Police are searching for the gunman who shot two people at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported shots were fired at about 12:30 a.m. Monday in a domestic dispute. Two people were taken to hospitals with bullet wounds to the leg and foot. For Friday, July 21 Simpson granted parole (July 21) O.J. Simpson was granted parole at a hearing in Nevada yesterday. The former Heisman Trophy winner was sentenced to 10 to 33 years in has been in jail in 2008 after taking part in a robbery at Palace Station Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. Prison officials say he may be released as early as October. For Thursday, July 20 OJ faces parole board today (July 20) O.J. Simpson will appear before Nevada’s Parole Board today in his bid to get out of prison. Fox News 5, Las Vegas, reports that Simpson will appear by video from Lovelock Correctional Center, where he's been held since 2008. Simpson and four co-defendants were convicted of a robbery at Palace Station Casino in Las Vegas. For Wednesday, July 19 Storms on the way in Vegas (July 19) The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Las Vegas today and tomorrow. A line of strong storms coming through the area could produce heavy downpours and flooding in the desert city. The weather service is recommending residents prepare an emergency kit before the storms. For Tuesday, July 18 2nd suspect arrested in shooting near Planet Hollywood (July 18) The second man wanted in last week’s shooting near Planet Hollywood is in custody. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the 25-year-old turned himself in Monday. The pair stand accused of robbing the Sunglass Hut inside the Miracle Mile shops, then shooting two security guards who gave chase into the Planet Hollywood parking garage last Thursday. For Monday, July 17 Darts championship at the Trop (July 17) The U.S. Dart Master’s Championship was held at the Tropicana Hotel Casino Saturday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports about 1,000 spectators watched as eight players vied for top honors, and the event was broadcast live in the UK. The winner got $45,000 in cash and a new Ford Mustang. For Saturday, July 15 Wynn moves to paid parking (July 15) Wynn Resorts is joining the long list of casinos now charging to park along the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that self-parking at The Wynn will cost between $7 and $15, depending on how long you stay. Wynn is the fourth casino on The Strip to charge for self-parking. For Friday, July 14 Shooting in Planet Hollywood garage (July 14) Two security guards were shot by robbers in the parking garage connected to the Planet Hollywood casino Thursday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the Sunglass Hut in the Miracle Mile shops was robbed, and the security guards chased the robbers into the garage. Both guards were hospitalized and are expected to recover. The robbers are still at large. For Thursday, July 13 Pawn Expo at the Mirage (July 13) The annual Pawn Expo opened yesterday at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that over 120 pawn brokers and other service companies in the industry take part in the annual expo, which is hosted by the National Pawnbrokers Association. The event runs through Thursday this week. For Wednesday, July 12 WSOP in full swing at the Rio (July 12) The World Series of Poker is in full swing at the Rio Hotel & Casino, with more than 8,000 players competing in the annual tournament. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Caesar’s Entertainment will use 500 tables and over 104,000 decks of Copag cards. The buy-in is $10,000. The WSOP’s main event will end on July 22. For Tuesday, July 11 Up in smoke: Fire at pot store near Strip (July 11) An automatic sprinkler system quickly extinguished a small fire at a marijuana dispensary near the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the fire at Reef Dispensaries in the 3400 block of Western Avenue was out before firefighters arrived. Just off Desert Inn Road, the shop is the closest dispensary to the Las Vegas Strip. For Monday, July 10 Pipe bursts at Planet Hollywood (July 10) A water pipe burst at Planet Hollywood Saturday, flooding the main lobby and sending guests scurrying. Casino officials told CBS 8 a pipe that supplies the hotel’s fire sprinkler system burst, sending water into the lobby and a restaurant. Gamblers on the casino floor ignored the commotion, and the pipe was soon shut off. For Saturday, July 8 The heat is on (again) in Vegas (July 8) State and local officials are opening extra cooling stations this weekend around Las Vegas as the latest heatwave bakes southern Nevada. Television station CBS 8 in Las Vegas reports an overnight “low” of 97 degrees, and temperatures are expected to hit 114 on Saturday afternoon before. A total of 12 designated cooling stations will be open around the Las Vegas Valley today. For Friday, July 7 “Blondie” playing Vegas this weekend (July 7) Debbie Harry will headline the “Rage and Rapture Tour” this weekend at The Pearl at The Palms on the Las Vegas Strip. Blondie will play the club Saturday night, along with Scottish grunge rock band Garbage. Blondie was an early punk band that gained crossover fame in the late 1970s and early 80s. Grunge has been touring since 1993. For Thursday, July 6 The Strip reopens after package cleared (July 6) Traffic on the Las Vegas Strip was halted briefly Wednesday while Metro Police investigated a suspicious package on a bus. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports police blocked traffic in front of the Luxor Hotel and evacuated the bus. The package was found to be harmless and traffic resumed by 10:30 a.m. For Wednesday, July 5 Caesars opens soundstage today (July 5) Caesars Entertainment will open the largest soundstage in North America today. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the giant structure just off The Strip near Bally’s is about the size of a football field. It was built to lure production companies to Las Vegas with state-of-the-art facilities and lower costs than Hollywood. For Tuesday, July 4 Downtown Loop now running (July 4) The free downtown loop buses began rolling last weekend, in time for the Fourth of July holiday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the free shuttle buses had a “soft opening” Saturday. Passengers included a showgirl, an Elvis impersonator, and the real former Las Vegas mayor, martini in hand. The shuttles hold up to 19 passengers and make seven stops around downtown. For Monday, July 3 Pot legal in Vegas (July 3) Legal marijuana sales began in Nevada at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported long lines outside a dispensary in the city as Nevada became the fifth U.S. state – along with Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington -- to make it legal. Voters cast their ballots in favor of recreational marijuana less than eight months ago. For Saturday, July 1 Joe Jackson in crash near The Strip (July 1) Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family and father of pop star Michael Jackson, was hospitalized after a car crash near the Las Vegas Strip on Friday. Fox News 5 in Vegas reports Jackson, 88, was a passenger in a car traveling west on Sahara Avenue near Decatur when an eastbound vehicle turned left into its path. Jackson complained of chest pains after the accident. JUNE, 2017 For Friday, June 30 Fireworks illegal in Vegas (June 30) The Las Vegas Metro Police will be actively seizing illegal fireworks this weekend. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that, despite the Fourth of July holiday, police will be patrolling for illegal fireworks in an effort to reduce injuries, fires and the 911 calls that put a strain on emergency services in the city every year. For Thursday, June 29 Bally’s to get mini-gold, bowling (June 29) Bally’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip will soon open a mini-golf and bowling attraction. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the new activities will be part of the hotel’s renovations to its lower level retail shops. Casino officials gave no word on the theme of the new attractions. For Wednesday, June 28 Power out near The Strip (June 28) A power outage hit homes and offices near the Las Vegas Strip yesterday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports about 8,000 customers lost power for about three hours due to an equipment problem. Power was restored in late afternoon. For Tuesday, June 27 Vegas Bally’s missing its “Y” (June 27) The giant, 300-pound letter “Y” was removed from the side of Bally’s, Las Vegas this weekend after guests noticed the letter appeared to be coming loose. Television station KTNV said hotel officials erred on the side of safety, opting to remove the letter despite the obvious amusing result. The letter will be repaired and is expected to be back in place tomorrow afternoon. For Monday, June 26 Car theft suspect surrenders on The Strip (June 26) Las Vegas Police have arrested a man they say tried to steal a car and barricaded himself inside at a casino parking garage Saturday morning. CBS News reports the man tried to steal a guests car from the valet at the Cosmopolitan. When police arrived, he refused to exit the vehicle, but surrendered peacefully four hours later. For Saturday, June 24 Palace Station sign retired (June 24) The neon sign from Palace Station is now part of Las Vegas history. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the casino retired its neon and train signs Friday as part of a renovation. The signs are now on display at the city’s Neon Museum. Construction began on the casino’s more modern look this week. For Friday, June 23 Players hit big at Harrah’s (June 23) A couple playing penny slots at Harrah’s, Las Vegas, won just under $1 million Sunday. The couple, visiting from Phoenix, were playing an IGT “Willy Wonka World of Wonka” penny slot machine when they hit for $944,337.37. NBC 3 Las Vegas reports that guests at Caesars Entertainment properties have won eight jackpots of $100,000 or more since April. For Thursday, June 22 Crash cuts power in Vegas (June 22) About 1,800 people were without power yesterday afternoon after a car crash cut power in the city’s southwest section. Officials from NV Energy told Fox News 5 that the accident cut power in the area of Russell Road and Grand Canyon Drive at 3 p.m. The power was restored by 6 p.m. For Wednesday, June 21 Heatwave continues to bake Vegas (June 21) Temperatures rose to 117 degrees yesterday in Las Vegas, tying a record for the date. The National Weather Service reports the temperature hit 117 at just after 4 p.m. local time Tuesday, making it the hottest day since 2013. The mercury is expected to top out at the same temperature this afternoon as the heatwave continues. For Tuesday, June 20 Some at EDC partied too hard (June 20) Officials said one man died and over 1,000 people were treated by medical personnel at the Electric Daisy Carnival last weekend. Billboard reports thousands attended the carnival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and 15 attendees and an employee needed transport to a hospital. The man’s cause of death has not yet been determined. For Monday, June 19 Hotels adding convention space (June 19) Hotels along the Las Vegas Strip will be adding convention space this year. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the MGM Grand will begin construction this week to add 250,000 square feet of new space, while the Las Vegas Convention Center has a $14 million expansion project underway and Caesar’s Entertainment is adding space at the Linq. For Saturday, June 17 Summer water restrictions in effect (June 17) The City of Las Vegas has begun its annual ad campaign to save water. City officials are asking residents to skip watering on Sunday, and to limit watering on other days to hours before 11 a.m., or after 7 p.m. to prevent losing water to evaporation. The Southern Nevada Water Authority, which serves Vegas, expects the tips to save 400 million gallons of water this summer. For Friday, June 16 Fire fills downtown with smoke (June 16) Smoke from a fire in south Las Vegas enveloped parts of downtown Las Vegas this morning. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that a fire erupted in a vacant building in the 200 block of East Utah Avenue. The fire department was called to the blaze at about 1:30 a.m. Firefighters were still battling the fire at this writing. For Thursday, June 15 Strip “renamed” for carnival (June 15) The Las Vegas Strip was ceremoniously, if temporarily, renamed to “Electric Daisy Lane” this week in honor of the Electric Daisy Carnival. But motorists need not fear getting lost in Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports a single road sign appears near Hacienda Avenue near Mandaly Bay to honor the 3-day music festival, dubbed the nation’s largest. For Wednesday, June 14 Electric Daisy Carnival coming to Vegas (June 14) The Electric Daisy Carnival will kick off Friday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The three-day fusion of music, art, performance and rides takes places June 16, 17 and 18, and will feature nearly 300 performers in venues around the speedway grounds. Three-day tickets are $355. For more info and to buy tickets, click here. For Tuesday, June 13 City elections today (June 13) Las Vegans will go to the polls today to vote in a citywide election for two seats on city countil and one judge. The Las Vegas Review Journal commented in today’s editions that this election cycle has been particularly nasty, with outrageous claims by opponents, claims of election fraud, faked endorsements and outrageous accusations. For Monday, June 12 Dangerous heat returns to Vegas (June 12) The National Weather Service is predicting dangerously high temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley through this week. Forecasters say highs will be in the high 90s today and tomorrow, and climb from there. Daily high temperatures will reach 100 degrees by mid-week, and hit 110 by Saturday. The heat is expected to continue next week. For Saturday, June 10 Guests contract Legionnaires’ (June 10) Two guests at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino have contracted Legionnaire’s disease. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the guests stayed separately in March and April, 2016. The legionella bacteria was subsequently found in the hotel’s hot water system. Hotel officials say the problem has been corrected. For Friday, June 9 Judge Photoshops the Rock (June 9) A local judge has removed a photo from her Facebook page purporting to show her standing with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Municipal Court Judge Heidi Almase’s re-election campaign created the photo using a three-year-old picture of The Rock. The special election is next Tuesday. For Thursday, June 8 Showcase Mall to renovate (June 8) The Showcase Mall on the Las Vegas Strip is preparing a major refurb inside. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the mall obtained a construction permit in May and plans to demolish 22,000 feet of tenant space and remodel it for a single tenant at a cost of $1.61 million. The mall’s owners have been silent on who their heavy-hitting new tenant will be. For Wednesday, June 7 City to install 700 bollards on The Strip (June 7) The Las Vegas Strip will soon sport a new safety feature. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the city is requesting bids to install 700 bollards – steel posts – along the sidewalks of the Las Vegas Strip. The bollards are connected to a steel underground frame, and will stop a flatbed truck at 55 miles per hour. For Tuesday, June 6 Big weekend jackpots in Vegas (June 6) Three Las Vegas players are much richer this week. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports a video poker player was dealt four aces in the high limit room of the Cosmopolitan on Friday, winning $400,000. A slot player at Arizona Charlie’s “Wheel of Fortune” slots hit for $1.67 million Saturday. Another slot player at Wynn, Las Vegas, hit for $343,000 on Sunday. For Monday, June 5 Jerry Lewis hospitalized (June 5) Longtime Las Vegas entertainment legend Jerry Lewis was hospitalized over the weekend. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Lewis was being treated for an infection, and may be released soon. Lewis paired with Dean Martin in the 1940s and 50s and by 1951, the two were the highest-paid comedy team in America. Lewis, 91, last appeared in Vegas last October. For Saturday, June 3 Eurowings opens direct flights to Vegas (June 3) The German airline Eurowings opened its terminal at McCarran International yesterday and began non-stop flights from Cologne, Germany, to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the airline will offer low-cost flights twice each week – on Mondays and Fridays – aboard Airbus A330 jets. Tourism officials say the flights will bring $15 million in new spending to Vegas. For Friday, June 2 Lyft helps cancer patients (June 2) The rideshare company Lyft will partner with the American Cancer Society to offer free rides to Las Vegas cancer patients in June. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports patients can get rides to and from medical appointments or to pick up medications. If enough people use the free ride service, Lyft and the ACS may expand it to run longer. For Thursday, June 1 Well, it is Vegas, after all... (June 1) Las Vegas Metro Police are investigating two burglaries at a warehouse with some unusual loot. According to KTLA news, the thieves stole 30,000 condoms and $15,000 worth of sex toys in two separate hauls between last Friday and yesterday. The victim business, the Swedish sex toy company Lelo, posted a comment calling the burglars “the horniest criminals in world history.” MAY, 2017 For Wednesday, May 31 Casino gaming win up in April (May 31) Nevada’s casinos report a slight increase in their win for April. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the state’s casinos saw an increase of 12 percent to $886 million. Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip collectively saw their win in April go down 3.2 percent to $475 million. The win is the total amount won from all gamblers. For Tuesday, May 30 Weather heats up in Vegas (May 30) The National Weather Service is calling for sunny days and triple-digit temperatures this week in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports forecasters expect the mercury to rise to 101 degrees today, with daytime highs in the high 90s for the rest of this week. Light winds and dry days are expected. Temperatures in Las Vegas hit 99 degrees Monday. For Monday, May 29 Protestors block The Strip (May 29) Protestors claiming to represent the Black Lives Matter group protested in front of the Venetian Sunday and briefly stopped traffic on the Las Vegas Strip. KTNV, Las Vegas, reported that police cleared the street promptly. The group also clashed with a man in a Trump campaign hat, and about a dozen people were detained. For Saturday, May 27 Vegas to get new rules for nightclub workers (May 27) Working at a casino’s nightclub will change this year as the state’s gaming commission considers new rules for nightclub workers. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the board is busy tweaking the current rules, which require workers at nightclubs inside casinos to be registered, similar to other casino employees. For Friday, May 26 State eyes marijuana tax (May 26) As Nevada moves toward legalizing marijuana, the state senate has proposed a 10-percent tax on weed in the silver state. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the state senate will continue discussion of the bill today. Recreational marijuana is legal in Nevada, but the state has yet to set up a dispensary system. For Thursday, May 25, 2017 Fidget Spinner ban in schools (May 25) Some schools in the Las Vegas area have banned fidget spinners, the new handheld toy that’s all the rage among grade-school-age kids these days. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports some schools began issuing letters banning the toys last week. The decision to ban the toys is made at the school level, the paper said, but the bans are becoming more common. For Wednesday, May 24 SLS Las Vegas sells (May 24) A group of casino owners from Reno have agreed to buy the SLS, the former Sahara Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Alex Meruelo and the Meruelo group paid an undisclosed amount for the 1,327-room hotel and 50,000-square-foot casino. The sale is subject to approval by the state gaming commission. For Tuesday, May 23 ISIS calls for attacks in Vegas (May 23) The terror group ISIS is calling for attacks against Las Vegas in its latest propaganda video. The Vegas CBS station Channel 8 reported the video shows several high-profile Las Vegas properties and calls for lone-wolf attacks in the city. The report said U.S. intelligence agencies found the video on an ISIS website this week. For Monday, May 22 Santana plays House of Blues (May 22) Carlos Santana played at the House of Blues at Mandaly Bay in Las Vegas Sunday night, and was joined by his former guitarist, Journey’s Neal Schon. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Schon, who left Santana’s band to form Journey, has long considered Santana his mentor, and was invited to perform with him in front of the sold-out crowd. For Saturday, May 20 “Bookstore Bandit” strikes again (May 20) Las Vegas Metro Police are hunting for a man they’ve dubbed “The Bookstore Bandit,” after he robbed two adult bookstores in the past two weeks. He robbed Hustler Hollywood on Sahara Avenue Wednesday night and made off on a bicycle, according to The Las Vegas Review Journal. For Friday, May 19 Mannequin lawsuit going forward (May 19) A California man is suing Planet Hollywood, claiming he was injured while fleeing a life-size mannequin in his hotel room. CBS News reports the California man was frightened by the mannequin when he entered his darkened room and suffered a long list of injuries as he ran away. The mannequin was dressed in a Miller Lite racing suit inside a glass case. The hotel uses memorabilia to decorate its rooms. For Thursday, May 18 New casino construction to start on The Strip Resorts World will soon begin construction on a $4 billion, 3,000-room hotel, casino and resort where the Stardust once stood on the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the company expects to begin construction on the site later this year. The new, Chinese-themed resort is slated to open in 2020. For Wednesday, May 17 Pink alligator sculpture disappears (May 16) One of six pink alligator sculptures that adorned a Las Vegas intersection has disappeared. Local TV station KTNV reports the fake alligator once stood as part of a group of sculptures in the median at Decatur Boulevard and Flamingo Road as part of a county art program. It has been gone for a month. The county is planning a replacement. For Tuesday, May 16 Taxi ridership down in Vegas, state (May 16) The number of taxi passengers continued to decline in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, a new report says. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports taxi companies say rides were down 16.9 percent in April over the same period last year. They blamed ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. For Monday, May 15 And the winner is… (May 15) Miss District of Columbia took the crown at the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas last night. ABC News reports Kara McCollough, a 25-year-old chemist who works for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, won the title and will compete in the Miss Universe contest later this year. The pageant was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the Las Vegas Strip. For Saturday, May12 “Chumlee” to open candy store in Vegas (May 13) Austin Russell, better known as “Chumlee” on the hit TV show Pawn Stars, will open a candy store in Las Vegas next week. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Russell and his brother, Sage, will open Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard in a former donut shop at Pawn Plaza in Vegas. For Friday, May 12 Robbers flee through casino (May 12) Las Vegas Metro Police are on the hunt for a group of robbers who struck outside the Orleans Casino, then fled through the casino to get away. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the group robbed their victim just after 10 p.m. Thursday near the front of the casino on the Las Vegas Strip. There were no injuries. The suspects are still at large. For Thursday, May 11 Clint Holmes at Golden Nugget (May 11) Singer Clint Holmes celebrated his birthday Tuesday with a show at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the 71-year-old performer joked about his age on the opening night of tour, which will be on stage mid-week through August, 2017. Holmes recently released a new album of covers and jazz music. For Wednesday, May 10 Pedestrian killed on I-15 (May 10) A pedestrian was hit and killed on I-15 near the Las Vegas Strip late Tuesday. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the man was walking on I-15 northbound lanes near Sahara Avenue. The crash snarled traffic in the area, triggering additional accidents and one road-rage incident when a motorist threw a rock and broke a vehicle window, police said. For Tuesday, May 9 Pedestrian hit, killed near The Strip (May 9) A pedestrian was hit and killed on Convention Center Drive near the Las Vegas Strip Monday night. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports a woman in her 50s was crossing between Channel 8 Drive and Debbie Reynolds Drive when she was struck by a westbound taxi. She was not in a marked crosswalk or intersection, police said. For Monday, May 8 Shooting at hotel on The Strip (May 8) Las Vegas Metro Police have released few details of a shooting at a hotel on the Strip late Saturday. Fox News 5, Las Vegas, reports that police responded to the Hilton Grand Hotel and found two people had been shot inside the hotel. One later died at the hospital. Police are investigating, but have no suspects. For Saturday, May 6 Race slated for downtown today (May 6) Pink will be the color of the day todayas runners and walkers take to the streets of Downtown Las Vegas. The annual Susan G Komen Race for the Cure will kick of this morning at 9 a.m. on Freemont Street. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that last year’s event featured hundreds of participants, and raised money to fund breast cancer research. For Friday, May 5 Overnight paving on The Strip (May 5) Workers will be on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday and Monday to repave the roadway, cutting traffic in each direction near Tropicana Avenue. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports lanes on The Strip will be restricted on Sunday and Monday nights from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. The paving is part of a larger project to renovate pedestrian bridges in the area. For Thursday, May 4 Shooting near Stratosphere (May 4) Two people were shot late Wednesday at an apartment complex near the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that Metro Police were called to the complex at 11:50 p.m., and found a man and woman shot. Police have no suspects or motive for the shooting. Tuesday, May 3 High bail for suspected arsonist (May 3) A judge set bail Tuesday for the 28-year-old Las Vegas man accused of setting two separate fires at the Trump International Hotel Casino last week. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Roger Michael Fraley faces multiple burglary and arson charges. Police have not released a motive. Bail was set at $50,000 in his initial court appearance Tuesday. For Tuesday, May 2 Raiders ready to buy in to Vegas (May 2) The NFL’s Oakland Raiders are close to purchasing the land they’ll need for their new stadium in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the team placed a bid on 62 acres of land just west of the Las Vegas Strip near the Mandalay Bay resort. The bid was a reported $77.5 million. The new stadium should be up and running in time for the 2020 football season. For Monday, May 1 Agassi donates $1 m to charity (May 1) Retired pro tennis legend Andre Agassi donated $1 million to the Ruvo Center at Friday night’s “Power of Love” Benefit. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported on the gala at the MGM Grand over the weekend that featured dinner prepared by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and a live performance by Jon Bon Jovi. The Ruvo Center supports people with brain injuries. APRIL, 2017 For Saturday, April 29 M Resort hosts Rock Into Spring (April 29) The M Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip will host a three-day rock ‘n roll music festival this weekend at the M Pool. “Rock Into Spring” will feature 16 live bands, DJs, tattoo artists, food, drinks and prizes. Tickets for the event are $39 per day or $99 for a three-day pass. For more information, click here. For Friday, April 28, 2017 Arson arrest at Trump hotel (April 28) Two separate fires broke out Wednesday night at Trump International Hotel Casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Clark County firefighters responded and quickly extinguished fires in a 17th floor hallway and a pool deck restroom. The fires injured one security guard. One man was arrested after being found with devices rigged to start fires. For Thursday, April 27 Driver critical in crash near McCarran (April 27) A 21-year-old driver was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday after being trapped under a tractor-trailer. Metro Police told The Las Vegas Review Journal that the truck was turning left from Escondido Street onto Sunset Road, near McCarran International Airport, when it was hit by the sedan. Police are investigating. For Wednesday, April 26 Hooters closing in Vegas (April 26) Hooters Restaurant at the Palms Hotel Casino will close its doors some time in mid-May. Las Vegas TV station KTNV reports the Palms will open a new restaurant in its place. The restaurant covers more than 15,000 square feet inside the hotel and can seat more than 500 guests. No word on what is planned for the space. For Tuesday, April 25 Sir Elton cancels Vegas shows (April 25) Elton John has cancelled his planned eight shows at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Sir Elton spent two days in intensive care after falling ill on a flight from South America to London last week. His shows were slated for this week and May 1, 3 and 4. He is now home from the hospital. For Monday, April 24 Metal bands play “Las Rageous” (April 24) Sin City’s newest music festival kicked off this weekend as the stars of heavy metal converged on “Las Rageous.” The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the festival filled the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and spilled out into surrounding streets, with bands performing on outdoor stages around the venue. For Sunday, April 23 Winds sweep Vegas again (April 23) High winds whipped through Las Vegas on Sunday, with the National Weather Service predicting gusts up to 40 mph. A wind advisory was in effect from early Sunday morning through 8 p.m., The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Winds are expected to pick up again Monday, but won’t approach last week's wind speeds. For Saturday, April 22 Light fixture sparked Bellagio fire (April 22) Last week’s fire atop the Bellagio Hotel was caused by a faulty light fixture, fire officials said. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the Clark County Fire Department’s chief announced the cause Friday. The fire stopped traffic on The Las Vegas strip Thursday night after 10 p.m., but was quickly extinguished. Onlookers thought the fire was part of the hotel's light show. For Friday, April 21 Vegas doctor killed in bike crash (April 21) A renowned Las Vegas surgeon was killed in a traffic accident while bicycling near Red Rock Resort. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that Dr. Kayvan Kiabani was cycling in a bike lane next to a tour bus when something in the road caused him to move into the road, clip the side of the bus and fall into its path. For Thursday, April 20 Stabbing suspect captured (April 20) A 32-year-old Las Vegas man was arrested late Wednesday and charged with a spree of random stabbings in the city. Police say Richi Briones stabbed two people and tried to stab a third in three different locations in Las Vegas yesterday. One man died. He was caught at a bus stop near U.S. 95 and Boulder Highway, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. For Wednesday, April 19 Prison for telemarketing scammer (April 19) A Las Vegas man who admitted stealing $12 million by scamming elderly victims will spend 88 months in prison. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Willie James Montgomery, 43, was sentenced yesterday for his five-year telemarketing scheme. He posed as a lottery or sweepstakes official and convinced 66 victims in 22 states to give up cash in order to get larger prizes. For Tuesday, April 18 Fire near Palace Station (April 18) Firefighters evacuated a Las Vegas home late Tuesday night as winds fanned a fire near the Palace Station casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that the fire started in the back yard of a house on Trona Street near West Sahara Avenue. Winds helped the fire jump from the yard to a house. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 30 minutes. For Monday, April 17 City bus cameras change after standoff (April 17) Cameras inside city buses in Las Vegas will soon be able to provide real-time images during emergencies. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that transit officials are changing the cameras to allow law enforcement to see live images, after last month’s standoff on the Las Vegas Strip with an active shooter. One tourist was killed in that incident on March 25. For Saturday, April 15 Boat lands on street (April 15) A large pontoon boat fell from its trailer on Henderson Street Friday night, snarling traffic. The Las Vegas Review Journal said police responded to a boat in the roadway shortly after 5 p.m. The 32-foot boat flipped on its side when the tractor-trailer carrying it turned sharply onto American Pacific Drive. No one was injured, and the boat was removed by 9 p.m. For Friday, April 14 Fire closes The Strip (April 14) A fire at the Bellagio temporarily closed the Las Vegas Strip last night. ABC News reports that flames could be seen coming from the roof of the luxury hotel, and bystanders lined Las Vegas Boulevard to watch the fire. The Clark County Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze in about an hour, despite the difficult location. The Strip was open this morning. For Thursday, April 13, 2017 Parking fees increase (April 14) Frequent visitors know that free casino parking began disappearing in 2016. Now, the cost of parking on The Strip is going up. The Los Angeles Times reported on the increases this week. While MGM properties are still offering the first hour of parking for free, other casinos along the strip now charge between $7 and $15 per hour. For Wednesday, April 12 Chappelle says “no” to cell phones (April 12) Comedian Dave Chappelle is serious about banning cell phones at his upcoming show at Mandalay Bay on May 5. Chappelle has asked fans to leave their cell phones at home, or to place them in locked pouches provided by the tech company Yondr. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports performers are reporting increasing distractions and trouble from fans recording their acts. For Tuesday, April 11 “Yes” to play Vegas this summer (April 11) Two versions of the rock band “Yes” will take the stage in Las Vegas in separate venues in August, 2017, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Members of the long-running progressive rock band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week. Versions of the group will appear at the Hard Rock Café on Aug. 26 and at the Smith Center on Aug. 31. For Monday, April 10 Strait plays T-Mobile (April 10) George Strait and his “Ace in the Hole Band” played T-Mobile arena Saturday night. Strait’s show, “Strait to Vegas,” featured the country singer on a square stage at the center of the area, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. The show comes a week after the Academy of Country Music awards brought thousands of country music fans to Vegas. For Sunday, April 9 Britney to end show in Vegas (April 9) Britney Spears will end her Las Vegas residency this December, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported this week. Her show, "Piece of Me," has been at Planet Hollywood’s Axis Theater, and will continue through Dec. 31, when her contract runs out. Spears has scheduled a summer tour in 2018. Her manager said she had no firm plans, but hinted she is open to continuing the show elsewhere in Vegas. For Saturday, April 8 Man stabbed on The Strip (April 8) A man was stabbed in what police called a “drug-related robbery” on the Las Vegas Strip Thursday. The Las Vegas Review Journal said the robbery happened Thursday night on a pedestrian bridge near Planet Hollywood Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is recovering from a stab wound to the side. For Friday, April 7 Vegas tourism nets young, first-time visitors (April 7) The number of young and first-time visitors to Vegas is on the rise. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that first-time visitors to Las Vegas accounted for about 27 percent of all tourists in he past 12 months. Millennials accounted for about one-third of all tourists in the past 12 months, up from a quarter the year before, bringing the average age of a Las Vegas tourist down to 44. For Thursday, April 6 High winds cancel festival (April 6) The downtown Las Vegas arts festival “First Friday” has been postponed one week due to concerns about the weather. Organizers told The Las Vegas Review Journal that they’ve reschedule the festival after the forecast called for high winds in the Las Vegas area. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph last week damaged structures in the area last week. For Wednesday, April 5 Stadium deal called “worst ever” (April 5) A Stanford economist has called the Las Vegas Raiders stadium deal “the worst deal for a city he has ever seen.” The $2.1 billion stadium includes $750 million in taxpayer money. When completed, the stadium will be the NFL’s most expensive and impressive. Proponents hope the new stadium will bring jobs revenue to the city. For Tuesday, April 4 DWTS does Vegas night (April 4) It wasn’t Vegas, but it looked like Sin City on Monday night’s installment of the ABC mega-hit Dancing with the Stars. The show’s “”Vegas Night,” was live from Los Angeles Monday night. The 11 remaining contestants filled the ballroom with Las Vegas-themed performances, costumes and music, including songs from Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. For Sunday, April 2 Show ticket prices up (April 2) The average price of a show ticket in Las Vegas climbed to $92 in the most recent survey of shows at Las Vegas casinos. That’s up $2 from last year, according to The Las Vegas Review Journal. The survey found Britney Spears to be the highest-price ticket in town. A Saturday night ticket for Britney’s “Piece of Me” tour at Planet Hollywood can run $855. A meet and greet with the star is $2,282. For Saturday, April 1, 2017 Wind storms rock Vegas (March 31) High winds whipped the Las Vegas area Thursday night, knocking out power and causing accidents across the city. The Main Street Station casino’s sign was demolished by winds, and several telephone poles fell into roadways and onto cars. The National Weather Service reported winds of up to 70 miles per hour late Thursday into Friday morning. Flights at McCarran International Airport were cancelled or postponed for several hours. MARCH, 2017 For Friday, March 31 Mayor: Just move iconic sign (March 31) Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman is suggesting a move for the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The sign has been at its current location on Las Vegas Boulevard is actually 4 miles south of the city limits. Goodman has jokingly proposed moving the 25-foot sign to Sahara Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, where a replica sign now stands. For Thursday, March 30, 2017 Wahlburgers opens on The Strip (March 30) Hollywood A-Lister Mark Wahlberg and his celebrity chef brother Paul were on hand to open their first Wahlburgers on the Las Vegas Strip on Tuesday. Several hundred fans stood by to watch Walberg’s arrival at the restaurant at the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Wahlberg said they plan to open a second Wahlburgers in Vegas later this year. For Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Cabbies mapping new routes (March 29) Las Vegas cab drivers are busy mapping new routes off the Las Vegas Strip in preparation for “The Big Squeeze.” The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the new routes will be used when traffic and construction creates gridlock between the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown. The new routes would be used during midday and evening rush hours. For Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Vegas music legend dies (March 28) Vincent Falcone, the master pianist and orchestra conductor who worked with Las Vegas music legends, has died. He was 78. Falcone came to Las Vegas in 1970 to become the house pianist at Caesar’s Palace. His reputation for perfectionism helped him become a music legend in his own right, working with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and other Vegas luminaries until recently. For Monday, March 27, 2017 It’s official: Raiders moving to Vegas (March 27) The NFL owners voted overwhelmingly Monday to allow the Raiders to move to Las Vegas in time for the 2020 football season. CBS Spots reports the owners voted 31 to 1 in favor of allowing the move. The Miami Dolphins voted against the proposed move. The team is now clear to being playing football in Las Vegas when their new stadium is finished. For Sunday, March 26, 2017 Man opens fire on bus, killing one (March 26) An armed man on a double-decker tour bus opened fire on passengers Saturday, killing a tourist from Montana and injuring another person. The Las Vegas Review Journal quoted police as saying there was no apparent motive for the shootings that triggered a four-hour standoff and shut down Las Vegas Boulevard near the Cosmopolitan. The shooter eventually surrendered to police and faces murder charges. . For Saturday, March 25 Shots fired at Bellagio (March 25) Guests fled from the Bellagio Hotel Casino early Saturday after a burglar fired shots inside a retail store in the hotel. Las Vegas Metro Police told The Las Vegas Review Journal that the unnamed high-end retail store was closed when a burglar broke in just after midnight and fired a gun during the burglary. No one was injured and one man was arrested. For Friday, March 24, 2017 Bridge work set to begin (March 24) Work begins next week on the pedestrian bridge between the MEGM Grand and New York, New York casinos. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the bridge, on Las Vegas Boulevard at Tropicana Avenue, begins on the elevators and escalators. The bridge will be closed to pedestrians by July. Work is expected to take three months. For Thursday, March 23, 2017 Wayne Newton joins Penn & Teller (March 23) Wayne Newton took the stage Wednesday night at the Rio to participate in a card trick during a taping of Penn & Teller – Fool Us. The longtime Vegas magicians finished taping the fourth season of their hit CW show Wednesday, and Newton took part in a guest magician’s card trip, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. For Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Raiders move seen as likely (March 22) CBS Sports is reporting that the Raiders will likely win approval from the NFL’s owners to move to Las Vegas. The NFL owners’ spring meeting will be held Monday in Phoenix. Twenty-four of the 32 members must vote in favor of the move to bring the team to Las Vegas. If approved, the Las Vegas Raiders would play at a 1.9 billion stadium near the Las Vegas Strip. For Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Body found on The Strip (March 21) Casino security officers at Caesar’s Palace found a body in the landscaping outside the iconic property. Las Vegas Metro Police told the Review Journal that they were called to the casino early Monday morning. There were no signs of foul play, and the cause of the person’s death is being investigated. For Monday, March 20, 2017 Two stabbed in fight on The Strip (March 20) Two men were hospitalized with stab wounds after a fight broke out in the valet area just outside Paris, Las Vegas. Fox News 5 reported that police responded to the report of a fight outside the casino at about 12:30 p.m. Both men were hospitalized and will recover. Charges are pending while police sort out the details. For Saturday, March 18, 2017 Vegas E-Bay scammers charged (March 18) Luck has run out for two Las Vegas men charged this week with a long-running E-Bay scam. A Clark County court charged the two men, ages 31 and 21, with offering items they didn't have through the internet auction platform, including electronics, musical instruments and collectibles they didn't actually own. The scam ran from 2013 to 2014, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. For Friday, March 17, 2017 Vegas sign goes green (March 17) The iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign lit up green last night in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Irish Dancers and stood aside Vegas show girls and a band from the National Fraternal Order of Police during the ceremonial lighting. This is the fifth year the sign was lit in green for St. Patrick's Day. The sign will stay green through Monday night. For Thursday, March 16, 2017 The “Big Squeeze” starts Monday (March 16) The major road construction project in Downtown Las Vegas billed as “The Big Squeeze” will begin next week. Transportation officials will begin lane closures on U.S. 95 in Downtown on Monday, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. The highway will lose one lane each way between I-15 and Rancho Drive. Closures will continue through January, 2018. For Wednesday, March 15, 2017 Home invasion in Vegas (March 15) Las Vegas Metro Police are investigating a Monday night home invasion in North Las Vegas. Police told The Las Vegas Review Journal that the homeowner and a companion were bound, but he broke free, grabbed a gun and shot the intruder multiple times, killing him. The homeowner is cooperating with police and has not been charged, the paper said. For Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Next residents of Vegas: The Who (March 14) Legendary rock band The Who is coming to Vegas for an extended stay. The British band’s two-week residency at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace will feature six shows in two weeks between July 29 and Aug. 11. Tickets go on sale through Caesar’s Palace on March 17 at noon. Rolling Stone magazine reports more dates are expected. For Monday, March 13, 2017 NASCAR hits Vegas (March 13) Martin Truex, Jr., took the checkered flag in Vegas at Sunday’s NASCar’s Monster Energy Cobalt Cup 400. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, who crashed on the final lap, traded blows after the race. For Sunday, March 12, 2017 Penn & Teller filming “Fool Us” this week (March 12) The magician duo Penn and Teller will be filming the next season of their hit CW show, Penn & Teller, Fool Us, later this week at the Rio Hotel Casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports the shows run from March 14 to 22, and are free and open to the public. If you’re in Vegas this week, you can seek tickets here. For Saturday, March 11, 2017 Shatner joins Cirque cast for benefit (March 11) Actor William Shatner took the stage with the cast of Cirque du Solei Friday night at the Cirque theater at New York, New York. Shatner was in the audience and joined the performers in a song at a benefit for Cirque’s charity, “One Night for One Drop,” which raised money for worldwide clean water projects. For Friday, March 10, 2017 Passenger grounds Vegas to Hawaii flight (March 10) An unruly passenger on a flight from Las Vegas to Hawaii caused the pilot to land the plane in Los Angeles this week. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported a 66-year-old passenger aboard the Hawaiian Airlines flight was upset after being asked to pay a $12 fee for a blanket. When the flight crew couldn’t calm him, the pilot landed in LA. For Thursday, March 9, 2017 Mayor weighs in on stadium plan (March 9) The mayor of Las Vegas has joined the discussion of the Raiders’ new $1.9 billion stadium. The San Jose Mercury News reported that Mayor Carolyn Goodman suggested a stretch of open land behind her office in downtown. The Raiders are eyeing two parcels of land on the Las Vegas Strip and has focused in on one near Russell Road. For Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Man attacks mannequin (March 8) A Las Vegas man has been charged with attempted murder after attacking a mannequin made to look like a sleeping homeless person. Police said Shane Schindler, 30, struck the dummy in the head with a 4-pound ball-peen hammer. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that police placed the decoy in downtown as they search for a suspect in the killing of two homeless men in the past two months. For Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Bank to finance new stadium (March 7) The Raiders have secured bank financing for a new stadium in Las Vegas. NFL.com reports that Bank of America has agreed to finance part of the $1.9 billion needed to build the stadium. Under the plan, the Raiders would put up $500 million, and the $750 million would come new taxes. The bank would finance $650 million. For Monday, March 6, 2017 Working fire near the Rio (March 6) Clark County firefighters worked through the night to extinguish a blaze in a vacant building across the street from the Rio Hotel Casino, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Firefighters are still on the scene and there is no word on the cause yet. Officials said high winds helped spread the fire through the building. For Sunday, March 5, 2017 Las Vegas to get second NASCAR race (March 5) NASCAR may bring a second Monster Energy Cup to Las Vegas in the fall of 2018. Motorsport.com announced the news as NASCAR readies for its first race in Las Vegas next weekend. The website said city and NASCAR officials are planning a second race for Vegas by eliminating one of the existing locations from the rotation. They gave no word on which racetrack in the series might give up a race. For Saturday, March 4, 2017 High speed rail in store for Vegas? (March 4) The high-speed rail company Xpress West is hoping to bring fast train service to from California to Las Vegas by 2035. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the company estimates 11 million passengers a year would buy a $110 round-trip ticket linking Vegas to Palmdale, California, and that state’s rail system. The new route would cost about $8 billion. For Friday, March 3, 2017 Commuters get ready for ‘The Big Squeeze’ (March 3) Nevada highway officials are warning motorists about lane closures on U.S.95 in Las Vegas and have dubbed the plan, “The Big Squeeze.” The closures, from Rancho Drive to the interchange called The Spaghetti Bowl, will last through the end of 2017, according to The Las Vegas Review Journal. It’s all part of a larger project to add lanes to the busy area. For Thursday, March 2, 2017 NASCAR racing in Vegas next this weekend (March 2) The Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host NASCAR’s Kobalt Tools 400 next weekend. The race is slated for Sunday, March 12, with qualifying beginning Friday. NASCAR officials told The Las Vegas Review Journal that traffic outside the race could be an issue, with construction along Interstate 15, which leads to the racetrack. They expect the race to bring an additional 25,000 cars per day to the area. For Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Where will they pawn the stuff? (March 1) Burglars hit the Las Vegas home of Corey Harrison, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. The bearded brother of Rick, whose family gained fame on the History Channel reality TV show Pawn Stars, was not home when three teenagers broke in earlier this week. A neighbor saw them and called police. All three got away before police arrived. Harrison and his family operate Gold & Silver Pawn in Vegas. FEBRUARY, 2017 For Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Crash in Southwest Vegas kills one (Feb. 28) A three-car crash has claimed the life of one man in Southwest Las Vegas Sunday night, police said. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that a driver ran a red light at South Jones Boulevard and West Russell Road and struck two vehicles, killing a 21-year-old man in one. The 19-year-old driver who ran the red light was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. For Monday, February 27, 2017 MGM rolls out new problem gambling program (Feb. 27) MGM will introduce GameSense, a large-scale program to assist compulsive gamblers, early next year. MGM officials told The Las Vegas Review Journal that the program will be high-profile, and be very visible in its casinos, with signs, kiosks and advisors on the casino floors. The program hopes to educate gamblers to make better decisions about their playing limits. Officials compared the program to a "product label" for gambling. For Sunday, February 26, 2017 Apartment fire in Downtown (Feb. 26) An apartment fire in Downtown sent smoke billowing across Las Vegas as city firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze Saturday afternoon. The Las Vegas Review Journal said the fire, in the 1700 block of Karen Avenue near Sahara Avenue and the Maryland Parkway, started in the ground floor of an apartment building. A dog was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and returned to its owner. For Saturday, Februay 25, 2016 Las Vegas still frontrunner for Raiders (Feb. 25) Las Vegas still leads a group of three cities vying for the NFL’s Raiders, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. The paper is reporting that three cities, including Las Vegas and San Diego, are all trying to woo the team, while Oakland is quietly trying to get them to stay. NFL owners will vote on a potential move in March, 2017. For Friday, February 24, 2017 Man attacked in Downtown hotel (Feb. 24) Las Vegas Police say a hotel guest was attacked in his hotel room at Serene Las Vegas late Thursday. The attacker wielded a crowbar and struck the victim several times during an attempted robbery. Police have not yet released a description, according to The Las Vegas Review Journal. Serene is a discount hotel near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For Thursday, February 23, 2017 Golden Knights hold open house (Feb. 23) The NHL’s newest team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, held an open house Tuesday at T-Mobile arena. Fans took part in an early celebration of the team’s arrival, slated for the 2019 season, and bought season tickets. The team is offering various packages, including 11- and 22-game. Organizers said several thousand people visited the open house. For Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Shots fired near Sands Expo (Feb. 22) Las Vegas Metro Police were called to the area of the Sands Expo and Convention Center Tuesday afternoon after someone fired a shot. Police told The Las Vegas Review Journal that two groups of people were arguing when someone drew a gun and fired one round. No one was hit in the incident. The shooter fled. Police are investigating. For Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Traffic low in Vegas (Feb. 21) Las Vegas has very little traffic compared to the rest of the world, a new study has found. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports Vegas at 333rd out of 1,064 cities around the world for the amount of time sitting in traffic – an average of just 21.6 hours per year. The top traffic city was Los Angeles, where commuters spend an average of 101 hours per year sitting in traffic. Other top cities included Moscow and New York. For Monday, February 20, 2017 Record rainfall hits Las Vegas (Feb. 20) Two days of heavy rains brought new one-day records of rainfall to the Las Vegas Valley last weekend. The National Weather Service said nearly a half inch of rain fell on the area in a single day. The amount, 0.43 inches, was a new record for the area, and caused flooding in some places. The previous record was 0.41 inches on Friday. For Sunday, February 19, 2017 Elevator overheats at Treasure Island (Feb. 19) Fire engines responded to the Treasure Island Hotel Casino in Las Vegas Saturday afternoon to find smoke pouring from an overheating elevator motor on the hotel’s 36th floor. Officials with the Clark County Fire Department told The Las Vegas Review Journal that an elevator motor overheated. Two hotel employees suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to a hospital. For Saturday, February 18, 2017 Home prices up in Vegas (Feb. 18) The average price of a home in Las Vegas rose 8.1 percent last year, with prices of some centrally located homes climbing more than 22 percent. The report on 2016 housing prices by Sales Traq, a realty research firm, was published this week and relayed in The Las Vegas Review Journal. The average price of a home in the Las Vegas area is now $238,000 – more than double the 2012 low. For Friday, February 17, 2017 Two injured outside bar (Feb. 17) Two men were hospitalized Thursday morning after a fight and car crash near the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas Now reported that details were sketchy, but the two men were involved in a fight at the Garage Bar on Flamingo Road near the Maryland Parkway. After the fight, someone called 911 to report that one used a vehicle to assault the other. Metro Police were sorting out the incident. For Thursday, February 16, 2017 Driver back in court (Feb. 16) The woman accused of running down pedestrians on the Las Vegas Strip returned to court Tuesday after being found competent to stand trial. Lakeisha Holloway, 25, is accused of killing one pedestrian on the sidewalk near Planet Hollywood on Dec. 15, 2015, and injury 37 others. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that she waived her right to a preliminary hearing in the case. For Wednesday, February 15, 2017 Robbery at the Cromwell (Feb. 15) Two casino patrons were robbed late Tuesday night in the parking garage of the Cromwell Hotel & Casino. Las Vegas Metro Police said the two guests were getting into their car when they were robbed by two men. Las Vegas Metro Police captured both men after a short foot chase near the hotel, in the 3900 block of Las Vegas Boulevard, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. For Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Pedestrian struck on The Strip (Feb. 14) Las Vegas Metro Police identified a pedestrian struck and killed on the Las Vegas Strip last weekend as a 30-year-old former UNLV football player. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Jeremy Geathers stepped off the sidewalk on Las Vegas Boulevard near the SLS and was struck by a limousine. Gathers was a defensive lineman who played Arena Football and in the Canadian Football League. For Monday, February 13, 2017 Wynn meets with Trump (Feb. 13) Las Vegas casino owner and billionaire Steve Wynn met with President Trump last weekend, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. Wynn is the current financial chairman of the RNC, and raised nearly $100 million for Trump’s campaign. The two met at Trump’s Florida estate, but gave no word on what was discussed. For Sunday, February 12, 2017 Lucky Dragon renovating (Feb. 12) The Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino, open barley three months, announced this week that it will begin renovations to add VIP gaming space. The Asian-themed hotel and casino already has high-roller rooms on each of two floors, but will be expanding VIP player space on the second floor. The Las Vegas Review Journal said management gave no timeline for the renovations. For Saturday, February 11, 2017 Vegas Mob Museum turns five (Feb. 11) The Las Vegas Mob Museum celebrated its fifth year in operations Thursday night with a gala event fit for the Don. Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the museum is housed in the former courthouse at 300 Stewart Street in Downtown Las Vegas, where mob trials were held in the 1950s. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $23.95. For Friday, February 10, 2017 McCarran baggage handlers charged (Feb. 10) Las Vegas Metro Police have charged three workers at McCarran International Airport after a rash of luggage thefts. The men were working for a subcontracting company as baggage handlers when the thefts began in January. All three are charged with felonies. The stolen goods included expensive handbags, suitcases, jewelry and guns from bags checked on Frontier and Allegiant Airlines, The Las Vegas Review Journal reported. For Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 Scammers hitting in parking lots (Feb. 9) Las Vegas Metro Police are warning the public about a pair of con artists scamming senior citizens in parking lots. The pair, a white man in his 20s and an older white woman, approach victims backing their cars and claim that their blue Ford Mustang was hit, demanding cash. They also distract the victims and steal items from their cars. For Wedneday, February 8, 2017 Flamingo robbery suspects at large (Feb. 8) Las Vegas Metro Police are searching for six people who robbed two men inside their room at the Flamingo Hotel Casino on Jan. 18. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the men met two women near a hotel elevator and invited them to the room. Shortly after, four men barged in and robbed the men, leaving with the two women. For Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Super Bowl a mixed bag for bookies (Feb. 7) The New England Patriots unexpected come-from-behind win in Sunday’s Superbowl 51 was a mixed blessing for Las Vegas bookies and casinos. The unusual twists in this years game paid bettors on a variety of side bets. Fans who bet the game would be the first to go into overtime won $7 for every dollar bet. Overall, most bookies were disappointed with the outcome. For Sunday, February 5, 2017 Super Bowl betting on pace to set new record (Feb. 5) Wagers on the Super Bowl are pouring into Las Vegas ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl 51. The Associated Press reports Las Vegas bookies took in $132 million on last year’s game, and will likely top that this year. One fan used a cell phone this week to place a $1.1 million bet on the Atlanta Falcons plus 3 points, and will win $2.1 million if the Falcons win the game or lose to the New England Patriots by 1 or 2 points. For Saturday, February 4, 2017 Raiders fan reaches for the Moon (Feb. 4) An anonymous Raiders fan set up a “Go Fund Me” page seeking to raise the $650 million shortfall in funding a new stadium in Las Vegas. The page was set up Friday, after Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson pulled his support for the $2.1 billion stadium deal. A man claiming to be the owner of the “Go Fund Me” site said he set it up as a joke, and will donate the $80 raised to a local charity. For Friday, February 3, 2017 Kidnap victim found alive (Feb. 3) A Las Vegas woman kidnapped from her apartment earlier this week has been found, rescued from her abductors in New Mexico. The 28-year-old woman was taken from her apartment near the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas Metro Police traced the cell phone of her ex-boyfriend and alerted police in New Mexico, who stopped his van and found the woman, chained and beaten, inside. For Thursday, Feruary 2, 2017 Vegas hotels near top of new survey (Feb. 2) A survey by U.S. News & World Report found Las Vegas is second only to New York in luxury hotels. They rated the Mandarin Oriental as the top hotel in Vegas, and said other winning properties included the Aria Sky Suites and the Cosmopolitan. The survey ranked over 3,000 four- and five-star hotels across the United States, according the Las Vegas Review Journal. For Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Police join forces for DUI patrol (Feb. 1) With the Super Bowl set to kick off this weekend, police in and around Las Vegas are reminding visitors to drive sober. Las Vegas Metro, Monroe County and Henderson Police will join forces to conduct roadblocks and patrols to stop drunk driving and driving under the influence of marijuana starting this weekend and continuing through Feb. 15, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. JANUARY, 2017 For Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Adelson pulls out of stadium deal (Jan. 31) Billionaire Sheldon Adelson is pulling his support – and his $650 million – from a deal to build a new 65,000-seat stadium for the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas. Sports Illustrated reported Monday that Adelson issued a statement Monday, saying he was excluded from talks with the city. The move may still happen if Goldman Sachs covers Adelson’s share of the $2.1 billion stadium build. For Monday, January 30, 2017 3-D murals become part of The Strip (Jan. 30) The Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino is inviting people along the Las Vegas Strip to become part of the art. The hotel has placed three life-size, interactive three-dimensional paintings along its sidewalks. Visitors can step inside the vibrant artwork for photos or videos. Dubbed the “trick eye experience” by the artists, the exhibits will be on display through 2018. For Sunday, January 29, 2017 Lawmakers question Raider’s stadium deal (Jan.29) State and county officials weighed in on the proposed stadium deal offered by the Raiders this week. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that the deal includes the team renting the billion-dollar stadium for $1 per year, and controlling branding and signage at the stadium. Proponents of the deal urged lawmakers not to “overreact” as negotiations proceed. For Saturday, January 28, Chinese New Year marked in Vegas (Jan. 28) The Chinese “Year of the Rooster” arrived Saturday with celebrations across Las Vegas. Several Las Vegas Strip properties decorated for the Chinese New Year, including Aria, Palazzo, Bellagio, and, of course, the Lucky Dragon. The strip’s first traditional Chinese casino, the Lucky Dragon opened last year, ahead of schedule, and has been seeing healthy crowds since opening. For Friday, January 27, 2017 Raiders offer $1 to rent land (Jan. 27) The NFL’s Raiders have proposed to rent the land for their new stadium from the city’s stadium authority for $1 per year. NBC Sports reported this week that under the sweetheart deal, the city would own the land, just off the Las Vegas Strip. The team would then build a $1.9 billion stadium complex using $750 million in public money and $1.2 billion in private funding. For Thursday, January 26, 2017 (Jan. 26) NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league would not compromise on any policies if the Raiders move to Las Vegas. Goodell made the comments to Fox Sports during a Wednesday interview. Some have suggested the commissioner was referring to the league’s stance on gambling . The NFL’s owners are expected to vote on the move at the Feb. 2 meeting, with a potential first kickoff in Vegas in the 2020 season. For Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Firm offers whole hotel rental (Jan. 25) The Artisan Hotel on Sahara Avenue has become the first Las Vegas property to offer a “buyout” rate to the public, offering to rent the entire hotel – including pool, bar, wedding chapel and all 63 rooms, for $7,500 per night. The Las Vegas Sun reports such arrangements, usually with conventions or big companies, were done privately as early as the 1960s. The hotel is the first to make such an offer public. For Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Three rescued in flooding (Jan. 24) Three homeless people were rescued Sunday after being swept away by flood waters under a bridge near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The three were part of a group living under the bridge. The Las Vegas Review Journal said the group built a makeshift dam, which broke, causing the incident. Fire officials said it was the second such rescue in three days. For Monday, January 23, 2017 Bike trail proposed for Vegas (Jan. 23) Las Vegas city officials are moving forward with a plan to construct a bicycle and pedestrian path from UNLV to the edge of downtown. The Spencer Greenway Trail would be built on NV Energy property behind Spencer Street at an estimated cost of $2 million to $5 million, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. For Sunday, January 22, 2017 Adult Entertainment Expo wraps (Jan. 22) The Adult Entertainment Expo concluded Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The annual trade show for the adult film industry featured adult film stars and the latest gadgets and technology. The week-long convention drew more than 30,000 fans and business owners to Las Vegas. For Saturday, January 21, 2017 Shooting near Freemont Street (Jan. 21) No injuries were reported after gunfire erupted Friday night near the Freemont Street Experience. Police responded to the report of gunfire at 9:15 p.m., in the Neonopolis shopping Mall on Freemont at North Fourth Street in downtown Las Vegas. The Review Journal said the police were reviewing video from the Denny’s Restaurant there, and that there were no reports of injuries or suspects in custody. For Friday, January 20, 2017 Raiders file papers to move to Vegas (Jan. 20) The Raiders have made it official, filing paperwork with the NFL formally requesting an owner’s vote to approve their move to Las Vegas. NFL.com reports that the league has received the paperwork, and team owners will vote on the proposed move at the March meeting. If approved, the team would arrive in Las Vegas in time for the 2020 football season. For Saturday, January 14, 2017 Two police cars hit near Caesar’s Palace (Jan. 14) Two Las Vegas Metro Police officers were injured Friday night when their patrol cars were struck by another vehicle near Caesar’s Palace. The Las Vegas Review Journal said the crash occurred at 4:50 p.m., at Augustus and Flamingo Roads. The officers were hospitalized. The woman driving the private vehicle was not injured, remained at the scene and has not been charged.. For Friday, January 13, 2017 Raiders have Vegas financing (Jan. 13) The NFL’s Raiders say they have all the financing they need in place to make their move to Las Vegas. The team said this week that the investment firm Goldman Sachs is committed to financing an NFL stadium in Las Vegas, ending speculation about whether the team had the financial backing to pull off the project. Las Vegan and casino owner Sheldon Adelson had earlier backed the project. For Thursday, January 12, 2017 Power briefly out at two casinos (Jan. 12) High winds darkened two casinos on the Las Vegas Strip early Wednesday. Power went out at the MGM Grand and New York New York at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, but was back on in a little over an hour. Power company officials told the Las Vegas Review Journal that high winds likely blew debris into a substation, shorting out power to both properties. For Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Vegas legend Buddy Greco dies (Jan. 11) Buddy Greco, the Philadelphia-born crooner who became a Las Vegas legend in the 1950s and 60s, died last week at the age of 90. Greco performed in the heyday of Old Las Vegas with stars like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., and enjoyed a successful music career. His last public appearance was August, 2016, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal. For Tuesday, January 10, 2017 “Pin Up” to close at Stratosphere (Jan. 10) “Pin Up,” the adult review at the Stratosphere, will perform its final show in March, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported. The show, featuring 2011 Playboy Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair, will end its four-year, 1,000 show run on March 4. The show was a long-running exception in Las Vegas, where 29 shows closed in 2016, the paper reported. For Monday, January 9, 2017 Show closings cause concern (Jan. 9) After a year of recod show closings in Las Vegas, producers and hotel owners are working to attract new shows in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that entertainment professionals in Las Vegas are focusing on attracting Millennials and younger audiences to shows as they consider which shows to book at large venues. For Sunday, January 8, 2017 Snow flurries fall in Vegas (Jan. 8) The National Weather Service reported snow in Las Vegas Saturday morning. The flurries began falling at about 8 a.m. Saturday, and continued through 11 a.m. The flurries changed to rain for the remainder of Saturday. Snow is rare in Vegas, and local residents estimate that the city sees light snow flurries about once every other Winter. For Saturday, January 7, 2017 Passengers had near miss with shooter (Jan. 7) While some stranded Las Vegas tourists are dealing with cancelled flights and extended stays, one planeload of new arrivals in Las Vegas has already been lucky. They left the Fort Lauderdale terminal 12 minutes before a gunman opened fire, killing five and wounding several others. CBS 3 Las Vegas reported on the group, who learned of the shootings while in flight. For Friday, January 6, 2017 Las Vegas breaks homicide record (Jan. 6) The year 2016 was the deadliest on record in Las Vegas, with Metro Police investigating the highest number of homicides in its history. Police said 168 people were killed in Sin City during 2016, the most since at least 1990, the last year for which the department has an accurate count. Police said last year’s numbers included a larger number of teenage victims and suspects. For Thursday, January 5, 2017 Police warn of new scam hitting Vegas (Jan. 5) Metro Police issued a warning to the public about a new scam popping up in Vegas – virtual kidnappings. Victims are told by phone a family member has been kidnapped. The caller demands an immediate payment via a wire transfer, and keeps the victim on the phone, preventing them from learning that their relative has not been kidnapped. Police advise victims to ask to speak to the kidnapping victim or locate them using a second phone. For Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Crash snarls traffic on The Strip (Jan. 4) An early-morning crash snarled traffic on the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday morning. Las Vegas Metro Police responded to the collision, on Las Vegas Boulevard at Flamingo Drive, at about 1:10 a.m. There were no reports of serious injuries. The busy intersection is surrounded by The Flamingo, Paris Casino and Caesar’s Palace. For Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Vegas cleans up after New Year’s bash (Jan. 3) Las Vegas had one of its largest New Year’s celebrations Saturday night, with over 300,000 partygoers ringing in the New Year on the Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that, like many other things in Vegas, all evidence of the party, including several tons of bottles, cups, food and paper, was swept away by mid-day Sunday. For Monday, January 2, 2017 Power fails at Palace Station (Jan. 2) The Palace Station Hotel Casino lost power late Sunday night, plunging about 275 guests into darkness. Power was restored by midnight. Officials from the casino and NV Energy have so far not released the cause of the outage. The Palace Station is the third casino to lose power since November, when Paris, Las Vegas, lost power for several hours. Last week, the Rio also lost power. Both of those outages were due to small fires. -- Compiled from various local news sources, including The Las Vegas Sun, Fox News 5 Las Vegas, USA Today and the information offices of various local agencies.
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