Friday, February 26, 2010

CRAIG KEY

Salvage of burned boat ongoing

The Coast Guard and other agencies removed a 250-gallon fuel tank from a 45-foot trawler-style yacht that burned Wednesday near the Channel 5 bridge, between Craig and Fiesta keys, about Mile Marker 71.

A good Samaritan picked up Caleb Boyd, 56, and Lauren Luik, 51, from their life raft after they abandoned the burning Miranda II around 2:45 p.m., reports say.

The Miranda II burned until it broke apart and started sinking around 6 p.m.

Boyd, the owner, is working with salvage companies to remove the rest of the boat, but they have been stymied by poor weather, the Coast Guard reported Thursday. The fire appears to have started in the engine, but the cause remains under investigation.

BIG PINE KEY

Full moon kayak trip offered

Capt. Bill Keogh and his crew at Big Pine Kayak Adventures will offer a sunset/moonrise kayak trip Sunday through the sponge flats, grass beds and mangrove forests of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.

The two-hour trip will depart at 5:30 p.m. from the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp, near the No Name Key Bridge, off Big Pine Key.

The cost is $25 per person, with all proceeds going to benefit all four Florida Keys national wildlife refuges. Bring your own flashlight.

For more information, go to favorfloridakeys or call 305-872-7474.

FLORIDA KEYS

Wesley House classes offered

Wesley House Family Services will begin its 2010 Birth to Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) classes on March 16.

The classes will be offered in Tavernier and Key West, with attendees receiving 120 hours of classroom instruction on early childhood education, lesson planning, professional development and more.

It costs $850, which includes books, a resource file box, and FCCPC observation. Those who want to attend must put down a $200 deposit by Tuesday. Financial aid for those who qualify is available through the TEACH (Teacher Education and Compensation Help) Early Childhood Scholarship Program.

For more information and to register, call Laurie Dunn at 305-809-5000, ext. 231.