Tuesday, March 19, 2013

LONG KEY

Three hurt in Saturday wreck

Three people were taken to the hospital after two cars crashed nearly head-on on the Long Key Bridge Saturday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Rebecca Ucciardo, 22, of Jacksonville, was driving a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus southbound in the northbound lane when it struck a northbound 1999 Toyota Avalon driven by Horatio Smith, 62, of Tamarac at Mile Marker 65 at 8:20 p.m. Saturday.

The crash caused the Cirrus to catch fire, according to an FHP press release.

Ucciardo and passenger Molly Batchelor, 22, also of Jacksonville, were taken to the hospital, along with the passenger in the Toyota, Clara Samuels, 52, of Tamarac.

Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash. Crews worked to clear the scene for an hour.

MARATHON

Mitigation strategy meeting

Monroe County Emergency Management will host the first 2013 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group meeting 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway.

Guest speaker Alison Kearns, mitigation planner for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, will discuss the role and relationship Monroe County shares with state and federal partners. The meeting is open to city and county agencies, private and civic organizations, trade and commercial support groups, property owners associations, Native American tribes, water management districts, independent special districts and nonprofits.

Anyone needing assistance at the meeting is asked to call 305-292-4441 at least five days' prior; hearing or voice impaired should call 711.

MARATHON

Farewell reception for pastor

A farewell gathering for Pastor Donald Roberts, pastor of Martin Luther Chapel in Marathon for 21 years, will take place from 2-5 p.m. April 6 at the Martin Luther Chapel Fellowship Hall, 325 122nd St., behind the Napa Store. A reception will be held from 2-3 p.m., with dinner at 3 p.m. Pastor Roberts has served as chaplain for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and made hundreds of weekly visits to minister inmates at the jail. Pastor Roberts and his wife, Paula, have been active in the community, the church and Marathon Lutheran School.

They will retire to Leesburg, Fla. to be close to their grandchildren. All who have been impacted by Pastor Don and Paula are invited to the reception and/or dinner. Call 305-289-0700 to make a reservation. Email sreiss1276@aol.com for more information.