Valerie:

I've realized the past couple of days how worried I am about the conditional use application we have in for the place. It's starting to affect me: my nerves are shot, haven't slept a full night in awhile, and paranoia has sunk in.

This whole bar is basically dependent on one action, that is getting the planning board to approve our conditional use for a bar in a spot that was originally a retail shop. We're taught to believe that we are in control of our own destiny and fate. Nope. Our life will change according to the decision rendered by seven members of the community. Before it gets to that point our application will be throughly dissected by all departments in the city of Key West including Ada, Harc (historic buildings), parking, utilities, traffic, etc. Everyone we have dealt with so far has been very helpful but it's the idea of it all. The waiting for the one decision that could prevent us from pushing forward with our dream.

From the horror stories people love to tell us we have gathered that the littlest thing can put a kink in the works or worse stop everything. We letting the stress and paranoia overtake us. Clayton was out saturday and chatting up someone who had recently gone through the process. He stated that he didn't believe we should be approved. That sent us in complete panic mode. 24 hours later I'm writing a frantic email to our representative in the planning board. She reassures that if any problems arise she'll get a hold of us. I have a feeling she'll be changing her email address before this is all up. I regret that we may end up this highly annoying couple with no patience. We need to Relax..