Saturday, March 16, 2013

MONROE COUNTY

Warning issued for beach

The Monroe County Health Department's water-quality tests this week showed high levels of fecal bacteria at Higgs Beach in Key West.

The tests measure counts 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 go 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 305-293-1653.

KEY WEST

Keys Energy offers discount to some

Lower Keys residents who are senior citizens or disabled veterans may qualify for Keys Energy Services' discount program. Enrollment is open until March 31, which is the deadline for applications to be completed, signed and returned. They do not need to be notarized, as previously published. Customers who have been in the program must requalify.

A $9.53 discount will be applied to monthly power bills. Senior citizens must be at least 62 years old, and disabled veterans must be deemed totally or permanently disabled, on the date of application. Annual household income cannot exceed $30,396.

Get an application in person at 1001 James St., online at www.keysenergy.com/forms/SrCitizenDiscountApp.pdf, or ask for one to be mailed by calling 305-295-1090. Previous participants should have received their applications in the mail.

BIG PINE KEY

Botanical group meets

The Big Pine Botanical Society this month will host guest speaker John DeMott, owner of Redland Nursery in Homestead.

DeMott is a director on the board of the South Florida Palm Society and an expert on palms and cycads. He will be bringing plants for auction as well as answering questions about growing the species. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lord of the Seas Church, at 1250 Key Deer Blvd.

DeMott will be set up outside, so dress warm if needed. As always, the public is welcome to attend. For more information, call Deb at 305-849-2986.