Tuesday, September 11, 2012

KEY WEST

Navy readies for two-day UNITAS tours, exercises

Naval forces from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States will kick off the Atlantic Phase of UNITAS 2012, an annual multi-national exercise art 9:30 a.m. Monday in Key West.

Thirteen warships will arrive in Key West Saturday and Sunday to officially begin the exercise Monday at Naval Air Station Key West.

The weekend will include an opening ceremony, community relations projects and ship tours for the public.

Approximately 75 service members have volunteered to work on three community projects in Key West on Monday. Volunteers will make repairs to low-income housing units owned by Habitat for Humanity, rebuild a bathroom at the St. Mary Star of the Sea food pantry and contribute landscaping beautification projects to Sigsbee Elementary Charter School.

Ship tours will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Truman Waterfront. The Navy Rock-n-Roll Band Southeast will perform a free, public concert at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Mallory Square.

MARATHON

Private sector preparedness

The Monroe County Business Recovery Program (BRP), a public-private collaboration, will meet 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway.

Private-sector emergency preparedness will be discussed. BRP is open to all businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions. Guest speaker will be Rick Murrell, former chairman and president of Tropical Shipping. Also, Monroe County Business Recovery Program Liaison C.J. Geotis will be introduced. For more information, call 305-289-6012 or email ocathey-jerry@monroecounty-fl.gov, or contact Geotis at 305-289-0076 or Fishstoriescj@comcast.net.