Thursday, January 3, 2013

MARATHON

3 rescued off Long Key

The Coast Guard pulled three people, who were wearing life jackets, from the water at 2 p.m. Monday after their 29-foot Donzi boat capsized about six miles south of Long Key, the agency reported.

The 1999 boat was registered to Larry Thompson, 54. His address was not available, reports say.

A good Samaritan spotted the trio in the water, and a Coast Guard Auxiliary air crew on a training flight saw them as well as the boat, spokeswoman Lt. Kara Lavin said. Rescue boats from the Islamorada and Marathon stations were dispatched.

No injuries were reported. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate the incident and oversee salvage, spokesman Bobby Dube said.

KEY WEST

Firehouse museum to open

The Key West Firehouse Museum will hold a grand opening at 6 p.m. Jan. 26 at Fire House No. 3, at 1026 Grinnell St., on the corner of Virginia Street.

It was an active fire station from 1907 to 1998, one of the oldest in Florida. Items displayed include a 1929 American La France fire engine, a bell dating back to 1906, historic photos and an early alarm system that indicated a fire's location.

Uniforms, helmets and other items belonging to men once stationed at the firehouse are displayed in the old sleeping quarters. The station also contains what's believed to be one of the nation's only two remaining coal pits, which date back to the days when fire engines were horse-drawn steamers. A ribbon-cutting will be followed by light refreshments, beverages and a silent auction. For more information, email kwfiremuseum@aol.com.

KEY WEST

Power company offers discount

Enrollment for Keys Energy Services' discount program for residential customers who are senior citizens or disabled veterans is open now through March 31. Customers previously in the program must requalify.

Once qualified, a $9.53 discount will be applied to their monthly energy bills in 2013.

The customer must be at least 62 years old on the date of application. Eligible veterans must be deemed totally or permanently disabled on the date of application. Annual household income for 2013 cannot exceed $30,396, a figure based on maximum Social Security benefits paid.

Applications must be completed, signed and returned by March 31; the application must be notarized if not completed at Keys Energy. Find an application at 1001 James St., www.keysenergy.com/forms/SrCitizenDiscountApp.pdf, or by calling 305-295-1090.