Saturday, September 15, 2012

MIAMI

Dozens returned to island nation

The Coast Guard returned more than 50 Cubans to the island nation this week after they were stopped at sea in three separate instances, the agency said. The Key West-based cutter Pea Island, a 110-foot patrol boat, participated.

On Sept. 3, officials picked up 12 Cubans from a 15-foot chug stopped southwest of Key West. The day before, the agency found 20 Cubans on a disabled 35-foot center console boat west of the Bahamas.

An additional 21 migrants were picked up from another disabled boat south of Key West. The report did not specify the date.

Once aboard a cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. They are returned to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba.

FLORIDA KEYS

2 free plant clinics offered

The Monroe County Extension Office offers free plant clinics for those having difficulty with plants, trees or shrubs. Master gardeners also can help identify insects and advise on what to do about them.

Get help at the agency's following free clinics:

• Key West: 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Extension Office in the Gato Building, 1100 Simonton St., Suite 2-260

• Key Largo: 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Extension Office in the Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Suite 244

For more information, call 305-292-4501 or visit http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu.

KEY LARGO

Hear about 11 amendments

The new Upper Keys League of Women Voters will meet 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo, 99701 Overseas Highway. The public is invited.

Keynote speaker will be Kathe Thompson, a past president of the Palm Beach League of Women Voters. She will discuss the 11 amendments to Florida's Constitution. "These are some of the most complicated and confusing amendments we can remember seeing," said Deirdre Macnab, president of the state League of Women Voters.

The group will also discuss organizational topics. For more information, call Carol Keller 305-394-1767 or Vicky Fay at 305-451-5517.