At the Feb. 16 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the overall theme was improvements, whether it was renovating Key West Airport’s Concourse A, introducing advanced technology into the library system or fixing traffic on the Stretch.
David Strickland, the director of county airports, gave an update about the renovations at Key West airport’s Concourse A. He announced that he has been able to slice $2.4 million off the budget by making design decisions that are easier on the wallet: a virtual reality experience will replace an aquarium as a design element; terrazzo floors are being switched with a more cost-effective type of flooring; and a “spider glass” curtain wall of windows will be a cheaper two-panel window instead.
Though the renovations of the concourse are still in the design phase, Strickland showed a video of what they will look like. After exiting their plane, passengers will walk through a virtual reality underwater “experience.” The star of the video caused some chuckles: a huge bar lining the wall of baggage claim.
“You would be surprised how many arriving passengers talk about that,” said Strickland, in response to the laughs. “If they’re new to Key West and have never been before, they want their drink.”
Library director Kimberly Matthews spoke about the new technology being introduced in the libraries as a result of a recent federal grant: $975,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Matthews said that new tech includes self-service machines for printing, laptops and charging stations, and a holds locker that will be available 24/7 outside of the libraries. She also announced 24/7 stand-alone-unit libraries that will contain 340 books and DVDs.
“The purpose is to provide service in underserved areas, like Stock Island and in the Tavernier area,” explained Matthews.
She said staff is currently negotiating to lease a space next to the Tavernier Winn-Dixie. The unit will be available 24/7 and have an LCD screen in front. When Rice expressed concern about vandalism, Matthews replied that these units have scratch-proof exteriors and have been deployed across the country without any complaints of vandalism.
Sheriff Rick Ramsay unexpectedly introduced a light moment when discussing his item: a request to ask FDOT for fencing or foliage at mile marker 109 on the Stretch. The reason? To prevent “lookey loos.”
Evidently, this part of the stretch is called Bikini Beach, and traffic screeches to a halt so drivers and passengers can get an eyeful of the swimmers hanging out on the sand. So a barrier of some sort would prevent the slowdown of traffic by obstructing the view.
“Although we are a scenic highway, that track is a little too scenic?” asked Mayor David Rice, with a chuckle.
“Yes, it appears to be too scenic, Mr. Mayor,” replied the sheriff. He explained that during peak season traffic backs up two miles north and south on the Stretch and a lot of accidents happen as a result, causing police and fire-rescue services to be tied up.
The board resolved to give Ramsey permission to ask FDOT for a visual barrier at MM 109, whether it’s foliage or a fence.
