Honey Fitz...Floating History
Growing up in Boston during the 60’s as I did, I have always been very well versed on Kennedy lore; and while I hadn’t thought about it in many years, I was very aware of the "Honey Fitz" and President Kennedy’s attachment to this beautiful motor yacht.
Fast forward to today. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to report on the official "re-launch" of this iconic piece of American History used by one of the most intriguing presidents of the 20th Century, much less be aboard her for the event. But I was there, walking the decks where the President and his family spent many happy times, and I had a front row seat as she embarks on the next chapter of her very colorful story.
If this ship could only talk! Indeed, if ships docked at Rybovich Marina in West Palm Beach could merely talk amongst themselves out of reach of our hearing, every other vessel there could do a lot of boasting. They might say things like, “…look at my sleek new modern lines,” “…I can travel around the world without refueling or restocking anything,” “…I was built for a famous family,” “…my on-ship 'garage’ houses many smaller craft worth fortunes on their own,” “…I have three elevators on board,” “…I was made from the best materials and most advanced technologies,” “…I can do top speeds in access of 40 knots,” and they could make lots of other claims as well.
However, there is a fairly new, much smaller arrival sitting mostly unnoticed amongst them that has just finished undergoing a major refit; and if she could join the above conversation, she probably wouldn’t so as not to brag. But if she did, her story would trump all of them and those 'sea queens,’ beautiful as they are, would have no choice but to bow in humility to even be in her presence.
I imagine she’d say something like:
“…since I was built in 1931, I’m ancient by ship standards; my career includes a number of years spent on the Great Lakes with original owner Sewell Avery of Montgomery Ward; I’m a veteran warship of the U.S. Coast Guard, having been fitted with guns and rocket launchers and proudly saw service during WWII patrolling the coast, I was then returned to 'civilian’ duty as a presidential yacht.”
What an evening in West Palm Beach on Sunday. Starting around 4:30, something near 2000 people turned out to hear Rock n’ Roll legend and lead singer of ‘The Monkees,’ Micky Dolenz take to the stage and perform not only some of his greatest hits, but also some great hits from artists he’s known through the years. Not the least of which was Jimi Hendrix, who had opened for The Monkees when they were on tour before he made it big himself.
A lot of people in Palm Beach County don’t realize that there is an election next month. Well there is, and in Palm Beach Lakes either David Levy, who has previously held positions on the city council and has been mayor or political newcomer James D’Loughy will be elected on March 12, 2013.
The candidates were asked a number of questions regarding local issues, however it was their opening statements that made me and others in the room sit up and take notice. 
Faith and Freedom Coalition Founder and President Ralph Reed was greeted to a warm reception this evening hosted by the Palms West Republican Club along with co-hosts from the Palm Beach Faith & Freedom Coalition, Today's Federated Republican Women's Club, Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County, Delray Beach Republican Club, Jupiter Tequesta Republican Organization, Republican Club of the Northern Palm Beaches, The South Florida 9-12, Catholic Outreach, and Veterans and Military Families Outreach.