Tuesday, October 16, 2012

MONROE COUNTY

Sheriff says sign tampering is illegal

Sheriff Bob Peryam on Monday issued a reminder to Florida Keys residents and visitors that it is illegal to damage or remove political signs without the permission of the owner.

While the Monroe County Sheriff's Office has not received any formal complaints, Peryam said he and other members of his staff have received informal reports of sign tampering. So far, no one who has mentioned the incidents has wished to file a formal complaint, states a press release from sheriff's office spokeswoman Deputy Becky Herrin.

Peryam said he wants to encourage candidates with signage problems to come forward and make a report so the agency can investigate the allegations.

"Damaging a sign constitutes the crime of criminal mischief and removing one entirely is theft," he said. "We take these crimes very seriously and will investigate them accordingly."

LOWER KEYS

Fire station breaks ground

Monroe County commissioners will host a ground-breaking ceremony for a new and expanded Stock Island Fire Station at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The long-awaited, $3 million station will be re-built at the intersection of Maloney and MacDonald avenues on Stock Island. Fire Chief Jim Callahan has said that expanding the site of the current fire station is the best option, as its location just off U.S. 1 allows firefighters to quickly respond to calls on Stock Island, Key Haven, Big Coppitt and the city of Key West, if needed.

The station was formerly a volunteer operation in the 1970s and 1980s, but now houses four full-time firefighters, a fire engine and a rescue truck.

UPPER KEYS

Commercial shot on Card Sound

Motorists planning to use Card Sound Road Wednesday afternoon should be aware of potential traffic delays due to a planned automotive commercial photography shoot on Card Sound Bridge from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office will coordinate traffic flow for the production crew, who will use about 200 feet of one lane at the top of the bridge. Deputies are to alternate traffic flow during the shoot.

Changes in weather forecasts, conditions or other extenuating circumstances could postpone the scheduled shoot.

Card Sound Road is also known as State Road 905. It offers an alternative to U.S. 1 and the 18-Mile Stretch in the Upper Keys by connecting Key Largo with Florida City.