MESSAGE CENTER

Key West Storm

A FEW DAYS after Hurricane Wilma decimated parts of Key West, Fla., in November 2006, I entered a small haberdashery on Duval Street. The proprietor had made a sign that said "Thank You Parrot Heads" for the thousands of Jimmy Buffett fans who rearranged flights and hotel reservations that week to return for their annual convention. Though your reporter ["In the Off-Season, It's Even More Laid-Back," Oct. 21] says Jimmy Buffett should be "ashamed" of his landmark Key West shop, it is where we drop a lot of money, thus contributing to maintaining the livelihood of shopkeepers who are the backbone of Key West's tourism industry. Key West has its share of tacky T-shirt shops, but only one Margaritaville.

Joanne Richcreek

Fairfax

SHAME ON Diane Roberts. "Buy a six-pack and sit back" is irresponsible and stupid hurricane advice. Key West is separated by more than 100 miles and dozens of bridges from any land more than a few feet above sea level. With historic storm surges, that six-pack could be scant comfort.

Gary Pensell

Islamorada, Fla.