Latest news with #KeyWest
CBS News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
South Florida local wins 44th annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest in Key West
Perseverance, a lucky sweater, and an uncanny resemblance to one of the world's most iconic authors. That was the winning formula that helped a 69-year-old man from Key West, Florida, win the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest title this weekend in the Southernmost City in the U.S. A Key West local, Tim Stockwell, captured the coveted title, beating out more than a hundred contestants to make the top 5. And it was in that final round that he offered a compelling story as to why he deserved to be "Papa 2025." His lucky charm? A thick wool sweater, like the one Hemingway wore, which he bravely donned in the sweltering July heat. "This sweater has been worn by seven other previous winners and I'm very grateful and glad to be able to call it the eighth," said Stockwell, who moved to the island from Michigan in 2019 and has participated in the event ever since. This year's contest took place over three nights, starting with 131 contestants, then 24 semi-finalists, and finally the top 5. The location? Sloppy Joe's Bar — a frequent hangout for Hemingway when he lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s. The contest featured three younger look-alikes, including six-year-old Keefer Haynie from Baton Rouge. The whimsical tribute is all part of the annual Hemingway Days Festival that honors the enduring legacy and literary mastery of the author who wrote "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "To Have and Have Not" and other classics during his Key West years. During his plea to judges, Stockwell recounted his favorite story about the iconic author that showcased the author's softer side. He shared that Hemingway formed a baseball team of Cuban youngsters called "Gigi's Stars" and provided a group of boys — including his own sons — with a field on his property. He also gave them new uniforms, bats, balls, and gloves, pitched for both teams, and never kept score. "The way he taught those young men to become young men, how to play fair, how to be honest, how to be straightforward…he taught those kids how to live a life well-lived, and they benefited from his generosity and his kindness," he recalled. Stockwell is the latest ambassador for the bearded brotherhood known as "The Hemingway Look-Alike Society," an organization that combines camaraderie and scholarships to support Florida Keys college students. "He broke all the barriers for those kids," said Stockwell. "They had a great opportunity. I'd like to continue that. And that's why I'm proud to call these guys my brothers."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
$275M Inheritance Fight: What Every Millionaire Can Learn From Jimmy Buffett's Mistake
Renowned singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023, leaving behind a $275 million estate. The bulk of Buffett's assets went into a marital trust with his widow, Jane Slagsvol, as the main beneficiary. Slagsvol is a co-trustee, along with Buffett's long-time business manager, Richard Mozenter. Unfortunately, there's been a massive legal dispute between Mozenter and Slagsvol over that trust. Specifically, Slagsvol is petitioning to remove Mozenter as co-trustee for three primary reasons. The first is that he's failed to generate enough income with the trust's investments. The second is that he hasn't kept her abreast of the trust's various investments, expenses and income. And the third is that, according to her, Mozenter has been 'openly hostile' and appears to be working against her best interests. Check Out: Warren Buffett Offers One Piece of Estate Planning Advice to the Middle Class Read Next: Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On According to Slagsvol, the trust is estimated to receive less than a 1% return rate — not enough to cover her annual expenses. Along with this, Mozenter received $1.7 million in trustee fees in 2024. In response to all this, Mozenter also seeks to remove Slagsvol as co-trustee. If you're a millionaire, you could learn a few things from the way Jimmy Buffett handled his estate so you don't make the same mistake. Choose Your Trustees Carefully When you have a massive estate, it's crucial that you choose your trustee — or trustees — carefully. It's not always enough to pick someone you've known for a long time or who you're married to. 'Choose your trustee like you'd choose a CEO; someone trustworthy, financially literate and emotionally neutral. If you don't have that person within the family, appoint a professional or corporate trustee,' said Craig Parker, assistant general counsel at Trust & Will and a California state bar-certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate Law. With larger, complex estates, having co-trustees can be a good strategy. But you'll want to make sure they trust one another and work well together. If all else fails, you could name a trust protector who will step in if either trustee can no longer perform their role. Learn More: The Estate Planning Secret the IRS Doesn't Want You To Know, According To John Liang Be Extremely Clear With Your Estate Plan The importance of being clear with how you want your assets managed and doled out can't be understated. While Buffett might have believed choosing his wife and business manager as co-trustees was enough, anything that's left unclear can lead to major legal battles down the road. 'Clear, detailed estate planning is essential. That means establishing a comprehensive trust, updating it regularly and communicating intentions openly with beneficiaries,' said Parker. 'Clarity reduces conflict; vagueness invites it.' A couple of ways to prevent conflict is to include a 'no-contest' clause or mediation provisions in your estate. That way, there's no question of what happens with your assets. And if anyone does argue the point, they risk ending up with nothing at all. Choose an Impartial Third Party When you're setting up your trust, it might behoove you to choose someone who's impartial. This means picking somebody who isn't incentivized to use their role as co-trustee to benefit themselves or their business. 'It would be wise to use trust administrators who don't have a financial interest in the trust assets as well as those who aren't emotionally involved in the relationships so they can be more professional,' said Travis Christiansen, attorney at Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions. This could also mean choosing a professional fiduciary or a trust company instead of a personal relation. Even though it can be pricey, going this route can help ensure everything goes as planned. Professional fiduciary fees generally range from 1% to 1.5% of your trust assets each year. Some will charge on an hourly, monthly or yearly basis instead. Put Together a Team Part of the issue is that Buffett had two co-trustees when, in fact, it might have been better to have a full team to administer his estate. 'If you have a massive estate, you need to build a team of professionals to create an estate, tax and financial plan that ensures your wishes are followed. Lack of planning can cost you 40%-plus of your estate in taxes,' said Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP®, founder and visionary of Childfree Trust. Among other professionals, consider having a reputable attorney, trustee and financial advisor involved in your estate planning. More From GOBankingRates 6 Costco Products That Have the Most Customer Complaints Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 10 Used Cars That Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle This article originally appeared on $275M Inheritance Fight: What Every Millionaire Can Learn From Jimmy Buffett's Mistake Sign in to access your portfolio
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Travel + Leisure
7 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
Spirit Airlines Just Launched a Flight to This Tropical U.S. Island Getaway—and Flights Start at $79
Spirit Airlines will launch a new route from Fort Lauderdale to Key West in November, making it easier to reach the Florida vacation destination. When it takes off, the new flight will be short with a duration of just 50 minutes, connecting Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with Key West International Airport (EYW), according to the carrier. It will operate four times each week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays starting Nov. 6 and increase to daily service starting Dec. 18. Spirit said this new route will become the only direct flight between the two airports. "Key West is a one-of-a-kind beach destination, and now travelers can easily access this island paradise and enjoy Spirit's elevated Guest experience along the way," Spirit Airlines' Vice President of Network Planning John Kirby said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. The new flight will feature a variety of cabins on board, including the airline's version of first class: "Big Front Seats." These seats feature extra leg room, an included carry-on and checked bag, reserved overhead bin space, complimentary snacks and drinks, access to Wi-Fi, and more. Travelers can also book premium economy seats, which come with extra legroom or a blocked middle seat for extra space; as well as book the airline's "Value" seats, which require passengers to pay for extras like seat selection and carry-on bags. The new flight offers Florida travelers an alternative to the drive, which can take more than 4 hours (without accounting for potential traffic during peak tourism days). And best of all, travelers can save on the new route since Spirit is celebrating with introductory one-way fares starting at just $79. To take advantage, travelers must book by Nov. 19, purchase their tickets at least 21 days in advance, and travel between Nov. 6 through Dec. 17 (minus blackout dates from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2). Known for its crystal-clear water and white sand beaches, Key West—and the surrounding Florida Keys communities—boasts a variety of adventures for every traveler. Popular activities include snorkeling, canoeing, and hiking. The island is also famous for its coral reef, which is the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, according to the Florida Keys tourism website. The tropical destination is also home to top hotels and accommodations, including the Sunset Key Cottages, The Perry Hotel, and the Ocean Key Resort & Spa (a T+L World's Best Award winner).
CTV News
21-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Jimmy Buffett's widow accuses financial adviser of breaching fiduciary duty in US$275M trust battle
In this Feb. 9, 2023, photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett performs during a concert in Key West, Fla. (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Jimmy Buffett 's widow has accused her late husband's financial adviser of failing to administer the singer's multimillion-dollar trust in good faith and ignoring what she believed were her best interests for the US$275 million estate. Jane Buffett on Monday asked a judge in West Palm Beach, Florida, to stop Richard Mozenter from trying to remove her as a trustee and instead sought an order removing him from overseeing the estate, according to court papers. Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock and created a 'Margaritaville' empire of restaurants and resorts, died Sept. 1, 2023, at 76. His widow and Mozenter have since been embroiled in a battle over who controls the trust, with each accusing the other of mishandling funds in lawsuits filed in both California and Florida. The dispute is similar to another going on with the estate of another beloved singer, Tony Bennett. Two of the late crooner's daughters sued their brother over his handling of the family trust. Jane Buffett's filing on Monday accuses Mozenter of 'repeatedly' breaching his fiduciary duty by failing to provide her with basic information about the trust's assets and its investments while taking 'unreasonable fees and costs in the context of the services provided.' On May 30, Jane Buffett's lawyers provided Mozenter's lawyers a copy of a petition they planned to file in Los Angeles Superior Court if he did not resign as cotrustee by June 2, the filing states. Mozenter's counsel instead filed a petition June 2 in West Palm Beach, seeking Buffett's removal as cotrustee, documents show. Jane Buffett's complaint was filed June 3 in Los Angeles, where Mozenter is managing director at Gelfand, Rennert and Feldman LLC. 'Notably, Mr. Mozenter only brought this (and his other) retaliatory, baseless action after Mrs. Buffett had informed him that, absent his resignation, she would initiate litigation against him to seek his removal as co-trustee,' the complaint said. Mozenter claimed in his lawsuit that Jimmy Buffett established the trust with Mozenter as an independent trustee because he was concerned about his wife's 'ability to manage and control his assets.' The complaint filed Monday in Florida says the relationship between Jane Buffett and Mozenter is 'untenable,' and asks the judge to remove Mozenter as cotrustee. 'Jane will not play into Mr. Mozenter's hands by litigating this dispute in two separate courts across the country, which would drain the very trust money that Jimmy specifically set aside for her care,' said attorney Matt Porpora. 'Instead, Jane is bringing the fight to Florida, where she and Jimmy called home. Jane is confident she will prevail regardless of where her claims are heard, and her decision to move her claims from California to Florida illustrates that she is the only co-trustee looking to conserve — not waste — trust assets,' Porpora said. Mozenter did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Freida Frisaro, The Associated Press
CBS News
19-07-2025
- CBS News
Key West man arrested after officials say he uploaded child abuse material, bestiality videos on Snapchat
A man was arrested on Friday in Key West for possessing child abuse materials and engaging in sexual activity involving animals, police said. Jorge Tyler Perez, 28, is charged with one count of possession of child sexual abuse material and 14 counts of sexual activities involving animals, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. According to Perez's arrest form, in November 2024, FDLE agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children that a Snapchat user, who authorities confirmed later was Perez, uploaded files showing child sexual abuse material. Authorities found during an investigation that Perez also uploaded videos involving bestiality. On Friday, authorities conducted a search warrant and seized an electronic device. Tyler Perez was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Jail. Homeland Security Investigations and the Key West Police Department assisted with the investigation. This is a developing story.
