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Key West Poker Run Folds Its Hand

Bob Care
/
Florida Keys News Bureau

The annual Poker Run that sees an estimated 10,000 motorcycles travel down the Keys is officially off.

"There will be NO Poker Game or official stops," according to an announcement on the event's web page, hosted by organizer Peterson's Harley-Davidson. "Sorry for all the confusion, we have not been able to get the support of local Charities and Volunteers this year."

But it appears that the event is not permanently gone.

"We will start the process much earlier next year, so that the Poker Run can continue," the website states.

Read more: Key West Not All-In For Annual Poker Run

The Key West Sunrise Rotary group, which had staffed and organized the event's Key West activities, announced last November that it would no longer do so. The event required too much work for volunteers for too little money raised for charity, Rotary officials said.

The Peterson's website had still been promoting the event, promising that the event would happen "auto-magically."

Drew Peterson of Peterson's Harley-Davidson applied for city approval and agreed to pay for police and public works to close Duval Street for parts of the weekend. But city commissioners were dubious because the application was late and no local groups were involved.

Local business owners said Poker Run provides an important infusion of cash during a slow month for tourism.

Eventually the city commission approved the agreement — but then Peterson delayed signing.

The city may still see an influx of motorcycles, from riders who have already booked hotel rooms and want to ride down the Overseas Highway, even without drawing a poker hand along the way or having special events organized in Key West.

But for now the city does not plan on any street closures or other measures during that time.

Nancy Klingener was WLRN's Florida Keys reporter until July 2022.
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