So sorry to hear about closing. My husband and I have been regular visitors to key West for years. Fast Buck Freddies has been a favorite of ours. My table at home has palm tree candle holders from there. Last year we were so inspired by the upside down Christmas trees we immediately tried to do this at home. We bought decorations for our tree there. This store was part of the Key West we have loved. D Wolf, Ky

much rather bought there than bought elsewhere. However, with them like every other store in town, if I go there to purchase something and it's out of stock for a month or so, then I do have to go online to shop.

I own a business and I understand how this operates. However, you really have to have the inventory to sell it. I ran into this only once at FBF's. I run into it daily at the other stores in town.

What a ridiculously stupid comment. Everyone knows that it was the Republican admin of George Bush that made this mess and you expect it to be cleaned up in 3 yrs.

I posted because I hope that those out there that want to kick people when they're down find some humility, compassion, and learn to take a look at there community and see that not all that is changing is for the better. Key West needs to keep its identity for better growth and look intelligently at our future business endeavors. Locals need to support locals that have really made an impact on the past and future of Key West. I hope our leaders begin to think smart business direction and not just see the greed and dollar signs. Let's keep Key West unique and weird and free-spirited but not degrading and repetitious. I hope many find the chance over the next couple of weeks to stop by Fast Bucks and say something to support the changes coming on for everyone there.

I have to begin first by saying that I am very sorry to see one of the last icons of Key West leaving Duval. To me, that is what we should all be considered and saddened about most of all. It's amazing how the Duval has changed from that unique shopping experience that I had the pleasure of seeing on my first trip to Key West 18 years ago. One that made me feel like I was in a town unlike any other in the United States. I have traveled extensively over the years and I can say that Key West is truly unlike any other town. So why do we locals settle today for letting it slide into a dirty little town filled with shop windows that have one t-shirt after another. What's amazing to me is that we have a board that scrutinizes every home in Old Town to ensure the integrity of keeping that charm from yesteryear but no group to scrutinize the integrity of business development on the main street that occupies Old Town. I understand the process of economics and the needs of a different generation taking over the supply and demand routines that manifest and drive a store's survival, but have those who live here really taken a good look at what the downtown area has developed into over the past several years. A good example sits on Front Street. The cruise ships (that this town seems so divided over) and other tourists are greeted by buildings that have now been divided into three store fronts and all of them occupied by t-shirt shops--with each doorway screaming, "5 dollars! Everything! 5 dollars!" Next, let me say I am disgusted how people quickly forget what this store and its proprietor has given to Key West's community development and support. I know first hand the amount of time, money, and product that has been shelled out over the years in kindness, support, and loyalty to the nonprofits and social groups that occupy this town. It's funny how people have no problem asking for handouts and saying thank you for the support when they get it; as well as, they have no problem becoming bitter when the handouts have to stop. Is Mr. Falcone not one of the few individuals that created our millions of dollar economic stimulator that happens every October. Yes! He was one of about five that created Fantasy Fest. Wow! It's incredible that some forget the amount of time and money that was given by this store and its owner to create Fantasy Fest. Key West, let's not forget what's happening here. A unique, iconic Old Town store that has occupied the historic Kress building since 1978 is closing. A man who loves Key West and played a great hand in its growth is losing a major part of his life. Employees are out of work and dealing with uncertainty and what the next step should be for survival. Key West continues to slide into a boring tourist trap and lose its downtown charm--especially on the lower end! And, we have one more reminder that we are still living in a bad economy. Tony, thank for the charm of a great store and what you have done for the community over the years. Good luck in future endeavors. Buckaroos, good luck in your next step and keep your chin up. Locals, take a good look at what's happening and start using your voice to save the quirky, unique Key Weirdness that we all moved here for!

wake up people.....stop drinking the Jonestown Obama juice!!!!!!Money is going out and not coming in......So many businesses closing and the little ones trying to open are regulated to be doomed.

I would like to say "Thank You" to Fast Buck Freddie's for a wild ride. It has been an honor to be part of this awesome , though sometimes dysfunctional :) family. No one will ever throw a baby shower like the Buckaroos did for me. I will miss being part of something that made Key West so special.

Is it ironic that the web contributed to fast bucks closing, but we are reading and commenting on the same web about them closing ?

I agree that it is sad to see Fast Buck's go, but let's be honest about why the place is closing. The prices were so high that only the extremely wealthy could afford to purchase anything of substance from there. Why wouldn't you shop around for better prices?? The clothing was mainly for the 45+ crowd which is a very specific demographic. Most of the employees had NOT been there for 15+ years, more like 15+ days as they were only paid $10.00 per hour and treated with no respect. NO military price breaks, no local price breaks, no sales equals no "steady" customer base. You have to understand how to adjust your business with the times and if you can't figure out how to do that than you should not be in business. Best wishes to all of the employess who will be looking for work. There are many retail business that are doing quite well here in Key West and I'm sure they are looking to hire.

WE are all to blame when it comes to another small business going out. The internet has made it easy for all of us with prices but the quality and service you get from a small local business is priceless. I'm just as quilty about price, but we need to support our local business as much as possible even if slightly higher in prices.

Sad that another shop different and not a run of the mill t-shirt shop or bar that fills Duval these days is going. I only worked there for a short time many years ago but will miss them. Tony ( and Gypsy) John, Laura etc.. And there great creations for the Fantasy Fest Parade's.

I am so sad to see Fast Bucks go. We are losing our only "tropical department store." I work in a small local store, and Tony is so right. It is shocking how little regard some people have for retail establishments. They will come in and try on product and take a big chunk of your time and then say, "I'm going to see if I can find it cheaper online." They tip their waitress, but don't see anything wrong with running me around for an hour for no compensation. Online stores don't have to have retail space and the employees a store needs. They don't have customers coming in and trying things on, asking for help, needing to have things put away, making messes, using the bathroom, etc. When we have no stores, people will be complaining that we have none. Some seem to have a mentality that people in stores shouldn't get paid, or that they are ripping people off. Running a store is a lot of hard work! We will miss you Fast Bucks.

I can't imagine a day without FBF wonderful store, window displays and contributions to the KW community. After living here in KW for 30 years I now want to leave. FBF's is part of the rock we all love. As a specialty retailer I feel for Tony knowing how disheartening it is to put everything you have into your business only to have people take advantage of you putting out the resources for them to come see the product live and then go buy it on line. We will all be gone some day and the people will complain "there is no place to shop in Key West". Not to mention where will they get all of their donations for their kids or charities. Try getting a donation from the internet! Good luck to you Tony, enjoy your next endevour I know I will be joining you soon.

I've decide not to move to KW or even visit there anymore, as a matter of fact I've decide not to ever leave my room ever again. I'm going to order everything from food to haircuts on my computer. I'm going to get an application to fish and scuba dive from my room. I've just ordered the book by Beach Boy Brian Wilson on how to live in a room

I'm so sad to hear the news. 500 Duval will never be the same.