SELLING -OUT- THE SUNSHINE STATE

This is a book.

A real honest to goodness book you can buy on Amazon, In fact y'all can just click over on the right side of the Beach House here and there's a little box to make it all easier. Now why would Miss Vero advertise a book? Well, if y'all know anything about us at all, y'all know we love our Florida collectible what-nots and dew-hickeys and touristy pre-disney memorabilia. We love to remember Florida in the days of old and this book cover just caught our eye. Just look at those happy folks frolickin' on the pristine beach!

Now, we know that Florida will never be the same as it was in that time and things sure do have to change and progress and keep up, but one thing that has NEVAH changed is that somebody's always willin' to do sumthin STOOPID just to make a little money. Only, maybe these days it's not a just a little money, maybe it's a whole pile o'money.

With that in mind, let's play a little game we like to call "Connect the internet dots"!

For those of y'all that don't want to play, just skip to the summary at the end, but seriously, unless y'all have a party goin' on, what's more important than gettin' a little education?


Now, why are we havin' to read about Florida things in the Chicago Tribune? They posted this story about potential oil drilling offa Florida's coasts:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-us-offshore-drilling-florida,0,364955.story

And why is our little munchkin, happy-birthday-post-card-sendin', State Senator Mike Harridopoulus (District 26, that's west of the barrier island, so some of y'all can go head and stop reading now) wanting to support this drillin' business?:
http://www.allbusiness.com/government/elections-politics-politics-political-parties/12816048-1.html

Even that-guy-who-used-to-be-funny-but-lost-his-fool-mind-when-he-started-playin-golf-at-Quail-Valley noticed:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/carl-hiaasen/story/1297866.html

But wait! Let's not let those of us on the barrier island be forgotten. Please congratulate our new State Senator, Joe Negon, he got his first assignment!:

"Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, will take King's place leading the communications, energy and public utilities committee. His wife Claudia Diaz de la Portilla lobbies for many clients including the telecommunications industry and Florida Energy Associates, the group pushing for oil drilling. Negron, who won the seat formerly held by Ken Pruitt, also will serve on the energy committee."
http://m.scoopfla.com/roundup/5555/full/%3Bjsessionid=05047727D7DE2F71E6C4784AC6E0DE46.scoopflwap2

Ah yes, Florida Energy Associates, who they y'all ask?:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/article1037146.ece


And why didn't we hear more about the reason President Obama was in, of all places, Arcadia, Florida this week?:
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1047396.ece


"Florida Power & Light, the state's largest electric utility, won a $200 million grant and will install 2.6 million smart meters in homes across the state. The units enable homeowners to monitor their electricity use online by the hour, day, week or month."

"The [Obama] administration's announcement of 100 projects across the country that won federal money to help modernize the power grid comes at a pivotal time for Florida. The state's 11 percent unemployment rate is the highest since 1975, and it has lost nearly 170,000 jobs since February."


"This is what the stimulus money was intended to do: Create jobs and improve the nation's infrastructure."

"As the nation focuses on renewable energy, an army of lobbyists and consultants hired by a secretive oil-drilling group are joining with incoming legislative leaders to push for lifting the ban on drilling in state waters in the gulf."

Read the full article from "The Best Newspaper in Florida" and we tend to agree:

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1047396.ece

And Gubna Charlie didn't have a clue?
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64987-crist-obama-who


Y'all know this is the Sunshine State right? So, why oh Lawd, why are we even talkin' about drillin' for oil off the Florida Coast? Who's puttin' money in who's pockets, hunnies?


And don't that just get y'all to start thinkin' about our local energy sit-che-ation? Honestly kids, why hasn't anyone asked the big question in our own back yard? If a big contract was made quickly with a utilities provider, that would not be in the best interest of the City of Vero Beach, who do y'all think benefited the most?

Would it be ?

A. The City Manager who presented the deal
B. The Ex-Mayor currently on City Council who OK'd the deal
C. Or...?

Cause y'all know this deal like any other energy/politician deal has one thing in common - somebody benefits, and it ain't us kids.

Miss Vero has been interested in this issue and we decide to take a look at the redacted (that means parts that they don't want y'all to read are blacked out) contract. We find it interesting that there's a part that says that a committee should be formed with the OUC at a later date and that perhaps someone like, oh, we don't know, a person involved in the contract negotiation could get a position on that committee, for a yet to be determined sum. A pile o'money sum that might be a whole heck of lot more than a City Council or City Managers salary.

Now, of course, Miss Vero don't know nuthin from nuthin and is pure speculating before our morning bloody mary, which can be dangerous. Perhaps we are some sort of alkehaul savant and can see things picture perfect before the first round, y'all decide, OK?

As we promised - THE SUMMARY:

Florida is the Sunshine State, we should harvest our obvious sunshine and not our perhaps oil underwater.

Gubna Charlie hugged Mr. Obama when he received his "Stimulus Package" but was no where to be found when Mr. Obama came around for a second date.

Politicians take y'all's money when ya ain't lookin (and anybody else that'll give 'em any).

The City of Vero Beach City Council, or maybe just a few specific individuals, are up to some serious shenanigans

Vote the incumbents out of office and start askin' questions.

Fix a martini and order a book to soothe our nerves, been thinkin' too much lately.

OK, that last suggestion was for us.

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

VERO'S 90! POSSUM APPEARS AT PARTY - SUMMER OFFICIALLY OVER!

Leave it to Miss Vero to get one picture before the camera breaks. A fella with his pet possum! Yup, that's about right. To see more fabulous photos of folks and read all about the festivities, check out our big time society friend Miss Mary Schenkel's article at Veronews.com.


MWAH!

missvero@live.com

P.S. Charlie hunney, yes, we stole y'all's joke, but since we made it better, it's ours now!

ZOMBIES, CAPITALISM, HEAT WAVE AND POLITICS...

...just another day in Vero.

It's official, the heat has melted our brain and no amount of any cool libation is makin' us any happier. Miss Vero did beat the heat at the fabulous Majestic theater this week. What did we see? Zombieland with Woody Harrelson and Mr. Michael Moore's, Capitalism, a Love Story. One made us laugh hysterically and the other one scared the beejeebees out of us!
Now here's what we want all of y'all nayayers to do. Before we hear one word of criticism concerning Mr. Moore's movie, please have the gumption to actually see it first before you make any snide remarks. Miss Vero promises, that if you pay attention, you will come out of that film a little wiser.

Now on to local politics, yesterday was the big day for City Council candidates. Miss Vero has already told y'all what we think about these folks in our "Vero's Hero's" blog (Sept. 25th). The only thing that's changed is that Brian Heady is actually picking up some steam in the race. No matter, we stick to our original prediction and wonder, how anyone can think that Mrs. Fromang should be reelected. Especially anyone who comes in late and leaves early, as some other bloggers do. Does that mean he only gets half the story?

And speaking of coming in late and leaving early, doesn't this election deserve the attention of our County Commissioners and the seated City Council members? Musta been an all y'all can eat early bird special, cause ole Wesley Davis headed out the door with an hour to go. Mr. Gary Wheeler attended the taxpayers luncheon, but also headed out early and Mr. Flescher was not seen at either event. Perhaps he attended, we just didn't see him. Anybody catch a glimpse of Vice Mayor Tom White? Mr. Solari and Mr. O'Bryan get a check mark for attendance. We don't know about y'all, but we like our elected officials to be present at these type of events, takin' notes and at least pretendin' to be interested. Call us crazy, but we think it's their job.

Funny, but with all the local media hype about stormin' City Hall over utilities, we thought there would be a heck of a lot more folks at both events. Have we all turned into political zombies? Yesirree, Mr. Moore's movie makes a whole lot a sense.


Perhaps the weather will cool off just a little bit for the 90th anniversary festivities tomorrow. We'll be looking for y'all downtown, there's a new place ironically named "Snowballs" where we plan to try out some Cajun food (and perhaps a snowball, if they have martini flavored).

The party starts tomorrow evening at 5:30, click HERE for all the details.


MWAH!

missvero@live.com

TAXPAYERS AND TEABAGGERS ! IT'S Y'ALL'S DAY!

Citizens of Vero Beach! Step away from the hypnotic air coolin' device that has y'all ransomed and come listen to your City Council candidates. Two, yes two opportunities to meet all the candidates. But hurry, this offer is for one day only at the following locations -




The Taxpayers Association of Indian River County
Wednesday October 14 at the THE CLUBHOUSE BAR & GRILL - 4000 Atlantic Blvd., Vero Beach. Speaker: City of Vero Beach Council Candidates
No Reservations - Open to Public.MENU:Your choice of a hot or cold lunch. COST: - $10 - Members; $15 Non-Members / Guests


And in the evening -

The Indian River Tea Party, in conjunction with the Vero Beach High School Government classes, will be hosting a Vero Beach City Council Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the VBHS Performing Arts Center, 1707 16^th Street, Vero Beach.

Seating capacity in the auditorium is 1000, so there will be plenty of seats for everyone and reservations are not required.

All seven of the City Council candidates have accepted invitations to participate in the forum, which will be moderated by a representative of the Indian River Tea Party.

After introductions, the moderator will ask the same question of each candidate. Each candidate will then have an opportunity to ask another candidate a question.

Only three short weeks till election day!

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

OUR DANCE CARD IS FILLIN' UP!

Lot's startin' to happen these days, even though the unbearable October heatwave won't quit. With three events in one night, it almost looks like season!

Tonight -

Join Richard Coulter owner of

Eco-Colour

1865 14^th Avenue in Downtown Vero Beach

Thursday October 8^th

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Bring your questions to the candidate

Refreshments will be served

KEN DAIGE

FOR

VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

And also at the Pearl -

It's all about connection, and FUN!.
On the 2nd Thursday of each month, join us at one of our wonderful Vero Beach "hot-spots.

This month: PEARL
Featured Martini, well drinks, house wine and draft beers 2-for-1.
Chef's choice appetizers.
No Cover, No fee, No Membership...Just Networking!

Bring a door prize and make an impact.
50-50 drawing.

October 8 event only:
Raffle for 2 tickets(value, $300) to the upcoming March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction. $25 per chance

And of course, there's the wine tasting at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, click here for details.

Perhaps Miss Vero will see y'all around tonight!

MWAH!

missvero @live.com


Oh, wait! FOUR events tonight -

Announcing the return of Splash!

When: Thursday October 8^th 2009 5:00 PM - 9:00PM

Splash Description: Remember when you and your loved one, wanted to enjoy an early evening out! Ladies wanted a night out and something fun to enjoy! Dinning was an experience all its own! WOW! The Sight, Taste, Smell & Sound of SPLASH! The awakening of romance and old world charm! Join us for SPLASH @ Costa d’ Este...........You will have a Ball! Fashion show by BEDAZZLED!

HAPPY HOTOBERFEST!

Hey hunnies! Check out Miss Vero's new post at VERONEWS.COM

SOMEBODY GET ME A FAN!

Plenty o'staycation pics over at Miss Vero's Facebook. Just remember, we've never claimed to be a photographer...

DOG DAYS AT THE VERO BEACH HOTEL AND SPA

Miss Vero is swelterin' hunnies, it's 85 degrees with a heat index that makes it feel 91. Forecast for this week - highs of 93 degrees and an extra dose of humidity. Oh, and by the way y'all, it's October. So here we are in the "dog days" of Autumn, not wanting to celebrate Hot-oberfest, a little "staycation" might just be the remedy. After all, it's not quite season, rates are low and the beach area is at it's slowest. Vero Hotel and Spa would just be the answer to our problem and guess who got invited to go along for the ride?


"RIDE???!!!" Who said ride???!!! I heard RIDE!!!!!!!

Pardon my rude outburst, my instincts seem to get the better of me. An introduction is in order, my name is Pupmander Maximillion Moet Pomadour, or, as I am know to my intimate acquaintances, Pup-Pup. Miss Vero has been kind enough to let me have the use of her computer in order to tell my story to her loyal readers. However, I must admit, this has been an arduous labor, taking days to snout out the keyboard, for alas, I am not in possession of opposable thumbs.

A few years ago, I found myself unfortunately incarcerated for what I believed to be youthful indiscretions and a series of unfortunate misunderstandings. Not being able to secure the legal council of one, Mr. Robert Guttridge Esquire, (my financial resources being somewhat unavailable at the time, as my trust fund was far from the point of liquidity) I found myself at the mercy of a local, well, shall we say, "holding pen" with other canine individuals of regrettable circumstance.

It was there that the lovely Miss Vero saw my predicament and secured the necessary funding and documentation for my liberation. Her timing was impeccable, as the atmosphere of the institution had adverse effects on my personality. I had begun to call my self "Taylor" and screamed "Get your hands offa me, you damn dirty human!" each time I was forcibly escorted into the "yard". I was beginning to rally my fellow guarded brethren and had planned an escape, to be executed in two days time, having procured a tunnel and cleverly camouflaging it with a Beverly Hills Chihuahua poster.

Indeed, Miss Vero's fateful interception and subsequent treatment brought me back to my senses and returned me to the manner of living in which I had been accustomed. Over the past few years, we have traveled extensively together and Miss Vero has been adamant in providing me luxury accouterments of my own. Appreciative as I am, it has somewhat puzzled me, as to her insistence of not being able to share the furniture. I have come to accept this practice, as I believe she is somewhat territorial. Previously recognizing this characteristic in others, I find the best way to solve the issue is to let one "have their space".

On hearing that we would be traveling lightly, just a few blocks away in our neighborhood, I was overjoyed with the idea of fresh scents and new opportunities for sharing my distinguished marking patterns. I whole heartily jumped in our classic convertible and off we went!

We arrived in the late afternoon at the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa and after valeting our vehicle, were immediately greeted in the lobby by a lovely woman, Robin Miller, who directed us to easily accessible bowls of fresh spring water and treats. First impressions do count and how enchanting it was to be welcomed as if the American Express had a paw print instead of a signature!

Escorted to our suite on the 4th floor, I was again overwhelmed by the forethought and hospitality extended, as a bed my size and a gift basket of treats were waiting when we entered the well appointed and luxurious accommodations. I was left alone briefly in the evening, while Miss Vero attended a ritual I believe known as "Yappy Hour". I perused through my gift basket glancing over a welcome card that read - ""First things first, relax and let us take care of you. Second, Little Pup-Pup, jump on the bed and sit on the balcony and take in the fresh salt air! Enjoy!" - it was signed, Joanna Bayley, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Although tempted, my impeccable reputation as a good dog, left me unable to partake in the jumping ritual, but indeed, the balcony proved to be an endless source of entertainment and distraction.
Miss Vero found herself very comfortable with her own sumptuous bedding and the massive marbled room provided for business purposes seemed to hold many delights for her. My own business needs were satisfied on the long walk we enjoyed together that evening. Along Ocean Drive, we stopped to take a touristy photo by the Hotel entrance, she insists on these things and I humor her.

By morning, well refreshed and ready to bid Adieu to our hosts, I requested an audience with the pet Ambassador of the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, a chap named Oliver. I recognized him immediately from across the lobby. He had the air of a well born individual, familiar with the taste of misfortune that I myself, had as well, experienced.
We conversed briefly knowing the pain of incarceration and the unspeakable humility of our shared past, finally commiserating and then rejoicing in our good fortune as the privileged pets we were destined to be. We spoke of politics, spirituality and Dogmanity. If only all the deserving, who are virtuous and unconditionally loving, could realize the existence we have! If only more humans could find it in their hearts and homes to adopt us...

We said our farewells and vowed to meet again...



I was reluctant to leave my new friend, until Miss Vero uttered the unspeakable....TREAT!
Yes, I buckled under her influence of the word! The mere suggestion reduced me to a slobbering beast! Off we went to an establishment called "Cravings", where, once again my base instincts overwhelmed my sense of reason and I caved upon the doggie delight presented to me!


My short term memory loss will be my undoing. Yet, I am truly content, indeed!




Well anyhoo y'all, as we were sayin, it was sweltering and we took our little dog to Vero Beach Hotel and Spa for a little rest and relaxation, but haven't had a chance to post much. Ever since we've been back, the darn dog has been yappin' and a whinin' for a coupla days now. Can't understand what he's yelpin' about, maybe he needs to go to the vet or somethin'. We'll check it out and let y'all know.

We did mention the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, didn't we? They have the most fabulous happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30 with $3 appetizers and $5 martinis! Tom is the most wonderful bartender there. Oh!, and they are totally pet friendly and have great specials right now before season, just check out their facebook page for great local deals, right here.


MWAH!

Miss Vero