Friday, June 11, 2010

MONROE COUNTY

Only Dem drops out of race

The only Democrat in the race to be the next Monroe County commissioner representing sections of the Middle and Upper keys has dropped out of the race.

Henry Rosenthal announced Thursday that he will not seek the District 4 County Commission seat. He cited "personal reasons," but declined to provide details to The Citizen.

Republicans Mario Di Gennaro and David Rice will face each other in the Aug. 24 Republican primary.

The winner will face two candidates who are running with no party affiliation, Mike Forster and Don Vasil, on Nov. 2.

TALLAHASSEE

Fishing licenses tackled

Florida Keys House Rep. Ron Saunders on Wednesday asked the state to extend the June 30 deadline to renew commercial fishing licenses.

Many commercial harvesters and retailers are delaying the renewal of saltwater products, commercial retail and commercial wholesale licenses due to the uncertainty about oil pollution from the BP/Deepwater Horizon disaster, Saunders said in a prepared statement. "By issuing a moratorium on permit fees, we might be able to allow seafood harvesters and sellers to continue working while they assess the economic uncertainties of their industry," he said.

KEY WEST

Local talent at street fair

A group of local authors and artists will open a one-stop shop on Duval Street during the annual Pridefest Street Fair on Saturday.

Artists Gregg McGrady, Meta "Fizz' Rettew and Bruce Berkowitz will join authors Mandy (Bolen) Miles, Rob O'Neal and Terry Schmida for the artistic venture and book-signing.

The amateur artists and professional writers will combine forces, with book signings to take place between 2 and 4 p.m. The street fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will feature an array of food, crafts, artwork, clothing and other items. Look for the Centennial Bank canopy to find your local favorites.