Sunday, May 17, 2009

• Southernmost Solar, a new company focused on the installation of solar photovoltaic electric grid systems and solar hot water systems, recently launched in the Florida Keys.

"I started reading about the solar revolution that's going to take place soon," owner Edward Tausche said. "It makes a lot of sense down here in Key West, mainly because we have some of the best solar days in the country."

Tausche, who also owns Tausche Construc-tion Inc., said he believes everyone should consider installing a hot water panel on their roof.

"[The hot water heater] is usually 25 percent of their electric consumption," Tausche said, adding that the panel usually pays for itself in three to five years. "I think people hear the phrase 'green, let's go green,' and this is about as green as you can get. I don't like to use the catchphrase 'green' because I think it's overused, but this is a way we can really impact what we're using in terms of energy. We can make a dramatic difference."

For more information, go to http://www.southernmostsolar.com or call 305-797-1301.

• Island Joe's Coffee has moved to 519 Fleming St. and expanded to include an Internet cafe, fresh breads and pastries and speciality drinks.

The company formerly operated a small wholesale location on Southard Street. Coffee roaster Joe Wells said customers would always ask his son, also named Joe Wells, who owns the business, to move to a bigger place so they could add chairs and wireless Internet.

"After about three years of requests, we finally decided to do it," Wells said of the move. "It's a place you can come in and sit down and relax."

Island Joe's is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Call 305-294-1190 for more information.

• Franco's Hero & Deli has opened at 1219 Duval St. next to the Banana Cafe.

The deli serves a variety of sandwiches made with Boar's Head meats, Italian dishes such as chicken Parmesan and homemade meatballs, Italian speciality salads, Italian coffee, beer and wine, and antipasto platters for events. Some dinner specials also are available.

The new business is owned by Peter Bologna and his sister, Susan Bologna; several other family members help run the deli. Franco's is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Free delivery is available in Old Town. Call 305-295-9777 or e-mail francosdeli@aol.com for more information.

• First State Bank of the Florida Keys has expanded its "green" lending program. The bank's green loans are available for auto, residential, commercial and marine-related needs for things such as solar panels, cisterns, cars and green businesses.

"The bank's 'Going Green' lending program is a reflection of our local commitment and is designed to help the Keys community become more eco-friendly," said Kurt Lewin, First State Bank executive vice president and senior lending officer.

Call any of the bank's branches for more information.

Anne-Margaret Swary is The Citizen's business editor. Her column runs exclusively every other Sunday. She can be reached at amswary@keysnews.com.