Thursday, February 14, 2013

DUCK KEY

Sanctuary Advisory Council meets

The Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet Tuesday at Hawks Cay Resort Conference Center on Duck Key, at Mile Marker 61.

Sanctuary Permit Coordinator Joanne Delaney will give a presentation at 9:15 a.m. on potential rule changes; at 11:15 a.m., Bill Cox of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Jon Iglehart of Florida Department of Environmental Protection will discuss the status of the water quality program. Two working groups will give updates at 3 p.m.

The public comment periods are 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The council is under the auspices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

For more information, or an agenda, contact Beth Dieveney at 305-809-4700, ext. 228 or Beth.Dieveney@noaa.gov.

MONROE COUNTY

South Beach advisory lifted

The Monroe County Health Department on Wednesday discontinued a health advisory for South Beach in Key West.

Recent water-quality tests showed all Florida Keys beaches were within normal range, according to a press release from the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

The tests detect levels of fecal coliform and enteric bacteria, which 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 an advisory is issued. For more information, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us, click on A-Z Topics, then choose Beach Water Quality, or call 877-892-9585 or 305-293-1653.

SUGARLOAF KEY

Autocross on Sunday

The Ecurie Vitesse Sports Car Club will host an autocross Sunday at Loop Road on Lower Sugarloaf Key.

It's a "one car at a time" skill-driving contest in which drivers compete against the clock. Anyone with a safe car or small truck may participate; all drivers must have a valid driver's license and wear closed shoes -- no sandals.

A parent or guardian must accompany drivers under 18.

Registration will open at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $35.

For more information, call Skip Taylor at 305-304-4987 or go to EVSCC.com.