Sunday, August 12, 2012

KEY WEST

Beware of new phone scam

The Key West Police Department is warning people about what appears to be a new scam, says spokeswoman Alyson Crean.

According to several reports, scammers are calling people in the area, pretending to be local police officers and offering to install some sort of anti-burglary device. The caller then asks to set up an appointment to come to the home to "do a security check." There is some evidence senior citizens are being targeted. Key West police do not have a program to call people. If a scammer calls, do not reveal any personal information or disclose your schedule, and call the police at 305-809-1111.

MIAMI

25 Cubans sent back

Coast Guard cutter Key Biscayne took 25 Cubans back to the island nation, at Bahia de Cabañas, after they were stopped at sea in two separate incidents.

On Aug. 5, crews reportedly picked up five Cubans from a rustic boat 70 miles southwest of Marquesas Keys.

On Aug. 2, 20 Cubans were embarked on a cutter after being stopped in a makeshift boat south of Key West.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants are provided with food, water, shelter and basic medical attention, officials say. Key Biscayne is a 110-foot patrol boat based in Key West.

KEY WEST

Update on stormwater project

The city will update the community on the George Street Stormwater Basin Construction Project at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the cafeteria of The Basilica of St. Mary.

It's accessible from the parking lot behind the church, at the north end of Virginia Street.

"This is an opportunity for the community to find out the benefits of the project and get answers about the timing and the impact of the work as it progresses," spokeswoman Alyson Crean said in a press release.

The goal is to improve drainage for the neighborhood and alleviate flooding on United, Catherine and Duncan streets.

The project includes a new stormwater pump station, an elevated generator and control panel on the north end of Ashby Street, and an emergency outfall pipeline down Catherine Street between George and Leon streets.