Wednesday, October 31, 2012

LOWER KEYS

Bicyclist airlifted after crash

A New Mexico woman was struck and seriously injured by a vehicle on U.S. 1 Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Mary Ann Morrissey, her age was not listed, from Capitan, N.M., was riding a bicycle south in the bike lane at Mile Marker 23.8 at 11:27 a.m. when she was struck by a large side-view mirror on a 2010 Ford driven by Jose Francisco Rodriguez of Key West, according to a Highway Patrol press release.

Morrissey was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center and then airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami.

Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash.

Rodriguez was cited for failure to drive within a single lane, the release states.

There were no other vehicles involved.

MARATHON

Kids fly free on Nov. 10

Local pilots and the Southernmost Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will offer free introductory flights for children ages 8-17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10.

The annual "Young Eagles Rally" takes place at the Aviation Museum Hangar at the Marathon-Florida Keys Airport on Overseas Highway in Marathon. Free food and drinks will be provided.

A parent or guardian must sign a flight permission form. Registration for the flights will take place at the Air Museum Hangar. The local EAA chapter 1241 is based in Marathon and covers the Florida Keys, with about 210 members. For more information, call 305-942-1426.

FLORIDA KEYS

New 'Waterways' episode is released

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in partnership with Everglades National Park and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recently released a new episode of the television series "Waterways."

Produced and directed by filmmaker Erik Hutchins for more than a decade, the series highlights South Florida eco-systems and conservation efforts.

Hutchins' latest installment focuses on the sanctuary's marine preservation zones that protect sensitive parts of the ecosystem while allowing compatible activities.

The "Waterways" episode features various marine zones and highlights the successful Tortugas Ecological Reserve located 70 miles west of Key West, where scientists have documented the return of spawning fish and other ecological improvements.

"Waterways: Marine Zones and the Tortugas Ecological Reserve" has started airing on public and government channels throughout Florida. Check local listings. The show can also be seen on Waterwaystvshow YouTube channel.