Florida Keys News
Thursday, February 14, 2013
'Ducks,' private boats restricted
Navy closes Truman Harbor to civilians, citing military training needs
BY GWEN FILOSA and ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff

The Navy will close Truman Harbor to all civilian boats on Feb. 25, effectively ending the "duck" tours that recently sprouted up in Old Town and possibly jeopardizing the city's long-held plans for a private marina on the Truman Waterfront.

"Non-federal boat operations create significant, negative impacts to the required national defense mission capability...

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Pretty predictable

Submitted on Sun, 02/17/2013 - 9:17am by Corsair
Most of the comments here are pretty predictable. My guess is that most have never met either Swift or Belland and/or have no idea about the company or the history of them bringing in the Ducks. Here's a little insight....When the original Duck Tours started the lawsuit, HTA went with an attorney who knew franchise law. His advice was to settle. HTA encouraged the city to take that advice but the city leaders decided to "Continue to grind them into the dust" as quoted by the then city attorney. The wasn't abandoned by HTA.... They made a bad decision and it cost us big money. Far forward to the present.... HTA had continually said they don't want to bring Ducks in but in the face of new competition from City View combining forces with the old owner of the Ducks, HTA was not going to be left high and dry. They were forced to bring them in. Any company faces with more competition would do the same thing whether it's a tour company or hardware store. Now the two principals with City View publicly arguing with each other over their Duck operation.... The results were almost inevitable. NO ONE wanted the Ducks here except the ever angry owner of the old Duck company.

MY GUESS is that many who comment here DO know Swift and

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 6:54pm by Tina
MY GUESS is that many who comment here DO know Swift and Belland know EVERYTHING about them. I guess more than a few commenters here have worked for HTA at one time or another and got out because of the filthy nature of their business practices and the way they treat employees. I remember Joe Jarrells once telling a few friends of mine who worked for him, that employees are a dime a dozen and NO ONE is important to HTA. And there are many who worked for HTA at the time when the initial ducks mess was going on. Swift told employees that he had an inside 'deal' with the city to be sure no one like Greyline could come to town and operate tours, and that he and the city would get rid of the ducks. He made it very clear that he had 'paid' for these favors. These statements were distributed amongst family and friend of the employees at that time. So you can make all the silly statements you wish, all separated with ellipses (poor grammar). They are not factual statements.

Laughable you'd try to use lies to cover this up when we ALL

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 1:21pm by *.* CLEARLY the original
KNOW the story. HTA's monopoly is what cost the city so much money. And then HTA pulled a big slimer move and settled quietly, leaving the city hanging for the rest.

As for the lame City View argument, I ask HTA's Swift and Belland "If everyone you knew jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?" The city commissioners did NOT want these ducks but felt their hands were tied. The people of Key West HATE THEM as evidenced by the negative actions towards every vehicle we see. They are flipped off, exposed to negative duck images, shouted at and I understand that air horns are used in one area when a duck comes by. These vehicles block out the sun, make more noise than any other vehicle, can't even turn the widest corners. I've seen them force traffic to back up when making a turn from United onto Whitehead - both very wide streets. AND I find it interesting that HTA feels it's necessary to lock them in a security fence every night. That's a sign that they're aware of the hatred the people of Key West have for them.

Bottom line, there is NOTHING positive about the ducks and the only people who want them are the usual HTA suspects. Good riddance and thank you, US Navy!

They didn't settle quietly.

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 10:17pm by Corsair
They didn't settle quietly. It went down exactly as I wrote it.

It was done out of the public eye and we were never allowed to

Submitted on Tue, 02/19/2013 - 6:23am by *.* CLEARLY the original
see the details of the settlement. No terms. No dollar amounts. I call that 'quietly'.

What B.S.

Submitted on Sun, 02/17/2013 - 12:33pm by Rabbi Flanagan

HTA wasn't "forced to bring them in" as you contend. Furthermore, the hardware store analogy is ridiculous. If one hardware store expands into sex toys, the competition doesn't have to carry sex toys, too. Not offering an amphibious tour would not have impacted HTA's core business.

Your "history" of the lawsuit neglects to mention that HTA had a monopoly which they forced the city to enforce. The situation didn't start with the settlement. It began with the MONOPOLY!

You're right....

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 9:06am by Corsair
My hardware store analogy was poor however the thought behind it it was sound. As for a monopoly being enforced.... Lets call it what it was. A contract and contract management is standard business practice regardless of the content of the contact. The city and HTA had a contract. Was the contract a monopoly? The courts said it was.

Duck Boats

Submitted on Sat, 02/16/2013 - 8:30pm by Lee
I spent 2 weeks in Key West during the holidays. I saw those huge monstronsities driving down Duval with hardly any people in them. Can't see how they made a profit. They better start putting their "Ducks" in a row and go some place else.

A humanitarian award for Capt. Lefere

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 5:25pm by 88maverick
For his actions, Capt. Lefere deserves a humanitarian award. Great to see a commander with cojones standing tall and sending the rats (ducks) scurrying to the sewers.

Doesn't Smell Right

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:44pm by ktl
This navy decision didn't just come out of nowhere. My guess is that it has nothing to do with military preparedness and everything to do with fast tracking a new ramp for the ducks to use on either Simonton Beach or next to the ferry terminal. Those locations would be more central to the sights that tourists really want to see as well as less susceptible to the tides and waves that the ducks now have to fight coming into and out of the Truman Annex harbor entrance. This has already been well planned and there IS an end solution that will be better for HTA.

Embarrassment and Greed.

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 10:44am by *.*
The Spottswoods, Swift and Belland are very Greedy people who think they are mightier than thou. Their attitude is an embarrassment to the Locals and Conchs who live on this island that we all love.

Killer Ducks

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 10:24am by Tarpley
SAVED BY THE MARINES !!!

Note to Mayor and all commissioners:

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 9:27am by Tina
Note to Mayor and all commissioners: DON'T YOU DARE GO TO THE NAVY ON BEHALF OF HTA IN THIS MATTER. You tell us the ducks are awful and that your hands were tied in approving them to begin with. Well, you approved them and now let the Navy do it's job. The people of Key West hate them, their quackers, the dangerous vehicles themselves, their noise and their entire dangerous operation. It's time you listened to ALL of the people, not just Swift, Belland, (and Spottswood too.) Let them build their own ramp and leave us, the taxpayers, out of it. Let the Feds handle this mess.

Do not

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 7:41am by hosed
start your victory dance just yet. I am betting the ramp at the end of Simonton street will be improved by the city to allow the ducks to continue the monster parade through the streets of old town.

uh oh!

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 8:25pm by ezinthekeys
I think you may be on to something here. I wouldn't be surprised if the city commissioners approved some crazy $12 million contract to rebuild that ramp... and everyone already knows who will get that ridiculously overpriced contract... Can't be leaving that "Bubba" out of the taxpayer funded money machine!

So much for Conch Secession...

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 1:44am by Rabbi Flanagan
According to the comment, membership has its benefits.

All I can say is

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 10:42pm by loaded
Good maybe someone can get rid of the annoying trolleys next.

"Duck Tour" closure

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 7:27pm by erin
I particularly love that this is such a lengthy article directed at those awful Navy people. The Citizen, clearly siding with the Bubba's that pay them for said article, are making it very clear that they are pointing the finger at one person. They are making it a Lefere vs. Key West issue. This is ridiculous. How many people in this community, that are not even Navy, actually want those enormous boats driving around on our already congested streets? The article states, "The city has said that revenue from such a marina would support the park. Rossi and Commissioner Lopez both speculated that Lefere's decision could doom the future marina plans." So were the Duck tours going to be a fundraising venture for said marina? I highly doubt that, considering the company (HTA) that is backing them. Or were we going to have a bunch of companies start using the marina to generate revenue? How is shutting down one portion of a company (11 employees according to the article) going to cripple an enormous 15-year project? Of course Belland, the head of the company is going to say that "it important for the economical survival of future generations." Is that a joke? Please consider that your little duck business, under the guise of "Bubba incorporated", & HTA, has been running since November, (less than 5 months)and that you are only pissed because you spent an astronomical amount of money on boats you didn't even have pre-approved. Stop acting like bullies and realize that cities and businesses follow rules, and so should you. If you have a non-profit event, I am sure with prior approval it is fine to host it there. However, considering the Navy has owned that land for years, and use it effectively and frequently, the chance of you trying to monopolize and profit off of one more area in Key West on a regular basis might be slim to none. You may be barking up the wrong tree.

I'd love to have the mailing address (or email address) for

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 1:56pm by *.* CLEARLY the original
Key West Navy commander Capt. Pat Lefere. I want to thank him for actually using COMMON SENSE when it comes to the outrageous and tacky vehicles / vessels that HTA chooses to put out there for 'tourist consumption', and encourage him to hold his ground.

Go to the FB page for the Navy in KW.

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 6:55pm by Tina
Go to the FB page for the Navy in KW.

Am I missing something?

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 4:40pm by Ninja Jane
Why does Mayor Cates think this is an issue that the city should address with the Navy? It seems to me that this decision benefits the city by getting at least some of the oversized behicles off the streets without the city having any liability for it. The Navy is still willing to allow special events and it appears that the only loser in this case, is HTA and I suspect that the rest of us aren't going to lose any sleep over their plight.

It's about time

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 12:25pm by Ocho
FINALLY someone does something about these ridiculous Ducks. Since the city "officials" are way too entwined with HTA they wouldn't listen to the concerns of the citizens over these massive intrusions on our little city. I'm sure I'm not just speaking for myself when I say "THANK YOU US NAVY & CAPT. LEFERE"!!

Karma

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 11:00am by *.* CLEARLY the original
I am just remembering the time many, many years ago when a train driver was fed up with Swift and took his train with passengers, parked it in front of Swift's house on Key Haven and left them there, along with the train. That's a strong message, any way you look at it. I'm sure Swift didn't want any of 'those people' in front of HIS house, now did he?

Bravo, Navy! I believe Key West is brighter today knowing that these blue beasts are soon to be off our streets.

At last! Amazing news for Key West!

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 10:57am by Tina
At last! Amazing news for Key West! This is justice in so many ways. For the first time, Swift and Belland have been unable to sleeze their way into private property for the purpose of lining their own pockets. (For this reason, I have long objected to their 'ownership' of Wall Street and property on Eaton by the post office, as well as other publicly owned properties.) They have never exhibited anything but arrogance and total contempt towards the residents and taxpayers of this town and done as they pleased. I'm thrilled to see the Navy has put a stop to this. It is laughable that they want the city to go begging on their behalf. The city has already learned that the Navy can do as they please with the entire Mole Pier issue and the city needs to stay out of it! NO ONE in this town wanted them on the streets and it takes the Navy telling them they don't want them on THEIR land or waters to get rid of these dangerous monstrocities. If he wants to keep using these horrid vehicle/vessels that aren't even historic, I suggest that Swifty build a boat ramp and ticket booth by his house on Key Haven and use that.

Thanks Navy!

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 10:25am by water worker
Those monstrosities do not belong in Key West.

Yippee!! Yea!! Thank you

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 10:20am by Chi
Yippee!! Yea!! Thank you Navy!! On both accounts =-))

Truman Waterfront honestly to be public access?

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 9:45am by mango
crap, bet Spottswood's and Swifty have their panties in a twist over this one...But alas some kinda back door deal will happen, and the powers to be will not only get their 4 acres/ private marina and Duck boat but an expansion to what was first dreamed up. Stay tuned...

Finally ; Good News !

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 9:00am by trapper
Mayor Cates , needs to sequester himself on this one. Backing the ducks might be political suicide.

Welcome news!

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 8:57am by Mac

Congratulations to the base commander for exercising the military authority necessary to cease or severely limit commercial activities in our Truman Harbor. Now if he could only halt cruise ship traffic.

But now Belland and his group think they can commandeer the docks at the Toxic Triangle. Got news for ya, Chris... Coast Guard isn't going to be happy about that. Although I know the School Board is ready to hand over its Trumbo Road property to the highest bidder.

If duh mayor will stop being so pig-headed, this move by the Navy offers the City a legal "out" from the court-ordered issuing of licenses fairly to duck tours. City, take advantage of this opportunity!

So wait...

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 8:50am by TheHatchet
...so the Navy waited for the Duck tours to invest all that money in boats and personnel, and then right after it was all set up, they closed it, effectively costing the company hundreds of thousands, if not millions? Something fishy here. Did HTA not do any due diligence in all the years of fighting to get the tours to ensure they'd have water access? Did they act on an assumption that turned out to be wrong? Or did they have a deal that fell through after people saw how the tours actually work? I can't believe that with all the fighting that has gone on for years about these ducks, that this is the unforeseen result and all the investment is down the drain. Maybe it is...I guess the concept of having that kind of money to lose is just unimaginable to most. Where's the rest of the story?

I doubt that the Navy paid any attention to what HTA was

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 1:34pm by *.* CLEARLY the original
doing until they started dumping their blue monsters into the Truman Harbor. The Navy doesn't give a damn about HTA's investment, thank goodness.

Are you saying it's a massive Federal government ploy to make HTA lose money for it's continued stupidity and arrogance and entitlement attitude? Yah. Right.

It appears your main concern is that Swift, Belland and their company has lost money. Really? Is that all you can think about? The investment wasn't what you think, Bubba. The vehicles can be easily moved to other 'duck' operations that HTA owns in San Diego and Washington DC. The current paint job was a redoux of the San Diego Seals paint job. They built no stations. They've not rented any city properties to operate on. They hired people but I understand that they are already finding other jobs for a multitude of reasons not related to the Navy decision. EVERYONE eventually finds a good job after a short stint with the evil, greedy HTA.

Bottom line, there is absolute JOY in Key West that the ducks have been drummed out of our waters and off our streets and absolutely NO ONE cares what Swift and Belland put into this. No one cares what it took to repaint and transport ducks from elsewhere. No one cares what bribes they had to pay. No one cares that they just made greedy assumptions as to where they could operate. And no one cares that they've lost money. They lose money every day and refuse to pay their bills to the taxpayers. It's time that they are seen as the losers they are.

I dont think thats what "Hatchet" meant. . .

Submitted on Wed, 02/20/2013 - 1:26pm by mac
Although I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the 1st time. I believe Hatchet meant the HTA wouldn't have spent that much money unless they were fairly sure they had a pretty good idea what the final results would be. I say dont get too excited yet. No doubt there is more to this story. Stay tuned.

Good Morning!

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 8:50am by 666
This made my day. Now lets see if our mayor and City Commission do the bidding of Ed Swift, or realize virtually every Old Town Resident hates these things and let The Navy rule stand.

Great News! Ding Dong the Duck is dead.

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 7:41am by Jo Mama
Let the citizens rejoice. Duck season is officially open and the sharp shooting military is the first to shoot and bag some ducks. I propose this Valentines Day massacre of the Ducks be declared a local holiday. An annual event should be held to celebrate the day the ducks died. The celebration shall include a duck bar-b-que, duck shooting gallery, and parade down Duval with everyone humming their duck kazoos. Let's hope this new wrinkle also scuttles the mega marina causing the waterfront plan to be revised back to what the Navy intended when they originally transferred ownership to the City of Key West; a park and related public amenities for the citizens of Key West. Quack Quack Heart Attack. Dead Ducks in a gunny sack. Dry them carcasses on a smoker's rack.

Where's the button to 'fav' your comment?

Submitted on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 1:37pm by *.* CLEARLY the original
I have to say, after hearing them disturb my day so often, I've got some creative ideas where the duck quackers can go. As for the ducks and their smug owners, hang 'em high!

That is awesome!!!

Submitted on Sun, 02/17/2013 - 12:53pm by erin
That is awesome!!!

LOL

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 1:41am by Rabbi Flanagan
;)

How's it feel?

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 6:45am by cwew
Karma.

Bravo, NAVY!

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 6:20am by *.* CLEARLY the original
Hallejuah!!!!!

"It's important for the economic survival for future generations," said Belland. Nonsense. It is only important for the pockets of Swifty and the portly Belland . It's also encouraging to suspect the Spottswood's private marina idea is gone too.

Truman Harbor

Submitted on Thu, 02/14/2013 - 6:05am by Cafe Conleche
If this means no "Ducks" you can count us in.

Nice to see some agree and

Submitted on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 1:48am by loaded
Even salute one of our navy heroes (to me all servicepeople are heroes).
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