Monday, October 1, 2012

FLORIDA KEYS

Beaches OK for bacteria

The Monroe County Health Department's water-quality tests last week showed none of the county's beaches had high levels of bacteria.

Fecal coliform and enteric bacteria are normally found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

The Health Department says high levels may come from runoff or sewage from pets, wild animals or humans. It can cause disease, infections or rashes. Don't swim in the water if a warning is issued.

For more information, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us, click on A-Z Topics, then choose Beach Water Quality, or call 305-293-1653.

KEY WEST

ACLU will meet in Key West Oct. 13

Constitutional election issues including the proposed Amendment 8 and merit retention of judges, plus the recent Bill Bradford Memorial Essay Contest top the agenda when the local American Civil Liberties Union chapter resumes its monthly meetings at 11 a.m. Oct. 13 at the Unitarian Universalist hall, 801 Georgia St., Key West.

"Amendment 8 would repeal our constitutional tradition of separation of church and state," said Kimberly Sloan, president of the Lower Keys chapter of the Florida ACLU. "The proposed amendment would delete an essential sentence ... of the Florida State Constitution, which prohibits state revenue from being used in support of religious institutions.... The amendment provides no oversight or accountability for how the taxpayers' funds are spent. If passed, this amendment would allow public tax dollars to be used in support of private religious organizations and could force taxpayers to fund religious views they may oppose."

Amendment 8 is one of several important constitutional issues to be discussed at the Oct. 13 ACLU meeting. Potential members and interested observers are welcome. For more information, call Kimberly Sloan at 352-870-8809.