Page 28 - Fall/Winter Taste Magazine

The Truman Little White House, Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Southernmost Point, 90 miles to Cuba
the daunting task to aid re-building Europe and Japan, and the chang- ing of American foreign policy. All this plus domestic issues were equally challenging such as labor unrest, expansion of the GI Bill for returning veterans, a proposal for National Health Care and the issuing of four civil rights executive orders made Truman not particularly popular dur- ing his terms in office. Sound familiar?! But today, Truman is thought to be one of the best Presidents in U.S. history.
Less than 2 years after being sworn in, Truman developed acute respiratory distress; shortness of breath and wheezing. A friend suggested Truman visit Florida where it was more humid and with cleaner air. Truman's physician recalled: "Whenever President Truman would get into tight pinches, or really clutched up, he would have a little bubbling in the lungs, and he would have a little rale, (the sound of fluid in the lungs), at the base of his lungs." Truman's diary entry for March 7,1947 says: "Doc tells me I have cardiac asthma! Ain't that hell. Well it makes no diff, will go on as before. I've sworn him to secrecy! So
motorbikes on Duval Street with their obnoxiously loud boom boxes. Sunday morning was as it should be, slow! We then walked
the quieter roads and enjoyed some fun, shopping the sales and finally found a Starbucks open, the only coffee place open, so many closed sadly due to COVID...we do hope temporarily. The bars were starting to be in full swing with crowds waiting to get in to Sloppy Joe’s among other popular watering holes. The party never stops here (even during COVID)! We then shopped Fausto’s for our evening dining get together which was just perfect, candle-lit under the trees by the pool at the Key West Bahama House.
On Monday our flight back to SRQ, Dolphin Air, went with- out a hitch, just over an hour. We know we were lucky to enjoy Key West at a quieter time, and in such a special way, not only in September but during the pandemic. But we are sure the city can recov- er we hope, like all others, as soon as possible and reclaim its busy, vibrant, unique atmosphere and business buzz.
This jKust in...breaking news from WLRN...
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to the City Charter on Election Day: limiting the number of people dis- embarking from cruise ships to 1,500 a day, limiting the capacity of ships that can call at Key West to 1,300 people and giving priority to ships with the best environmental and health safety records. All three were approved by majorities of more than 60 percent. The proposed amendments came from a petition drive that started soon after cruise ships stopped sailing in March — due to the COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships. Wish them luck and safety...
CONTACTS:
The Key West Bahama House
What!
ey West voters had to decide on three proposed amendments
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cers’ housing, and with its gardens and safe seclusion with the airport
he Little White House was originally constructed as naval offi-
nearby, Truman enjoyed much time there. He loved it so much that its most important usage was as the winter White House with him spend- ing the many days of his presidency here from 1946 to 1953, and it has been used by six other American Presidents. Truman always felt his health was better there despite still working very long hours.
The historic property is well run, limiting visitors and again, requiring masks. Our guide JP Bacle did a great job of keeping us all, well some, in line, safe and sharing interesting history and anecdotes of this not-so-famous White House!
After a relaxed soak and happy hour in the pool, back at The
Key West Bahama House and respite from the heat, we shared bubbly
and appetisers with Jack and Carol, a toast to our anniversary, and then
took the short walk to increasingly busier Duval Street and for dinner at
the Grand Cafe West in the midst of the action! Dinner choices, the
mahi mahi so well presented and prepared island-style, wrapped and
baked in a leaf, superb medium and moist roast crispy duck, and a
main salad of goat cheese, beets and extras, all excellent. The restaurant
has a very attractive outdoor setting, (inside available too), on the large,
wide terrace, surrounded with lush plantings. With well spaced tables,
we felt comfortable and safe on our outdoor table, staff were great too.
We had a good time, chatting and catching up despite the passing
28 Taste Dining & Travel • Fall/Winter • More online at www.tasteweb.net
keywestbahamahouse.com
415 Bahama Street, Key West, FL 33040
The Hemingway House
hemingwayhome.com
907, Whitehead St. Key West, FL 33-40
The Truman Little White House
trumanlittlewhitehouse.com
111, Front St., Key West, FL 33040
Old Town Trolley Tours
trolleytours.com
1, Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040
Pics by Neal Finelli
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