KEY LARGO -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week will install waterway markers for a new boating safety zone at Jewfish Creek.

The new zone requires that boats operate at "slow speed, minimum wake," meaning that boats are fully off plane, completely settled in the water and making little or no wake.

"We want to slow down vessel traffic in areas where public safety is a concern," said Capt. David Dipre of FWC's Division of Law Enforcement. "Clearly marked zones improve operator compliance. After completion of the project and an education period, officers will begin watching for speed violations within these zones."

The FWC worked with stakeholders before voting in February to amend Florida administrative code to reduce vessel speed limits in the Intracoastal Waterway surrounding Jewfish Creek Bridge.

Boaters should use caution around construction crews installing the new markers.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com and click "Boating" to access state "Boating Regulations," maps of "Boating Restricted Areas" or "Manatee Protection Speed Zones."

GOP hosts Raschein

KEY LARGO -- State Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo, will be the guest speaker at the Upper Keys Republican Club's annual organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Key Largo Holiday Inn.

In addition to Raschein's presentation, the club will hold its annual election of officers.

For more information, call Vicky Fay at 451-5517.