The Fire Academy Set to Return in August

The Key West Fire Department is bringing back the fire academy, a two-year program that trains future firefighters while they’re attending their final two years of high school. Last week, Chief David Fraga and Division Chief of Operations Michael Davila attended Key West High School’s curriculum night to show students the advantage of the academy.

The academy will kick off in August with the new school year. A total of 18 students will have the opportunity to work toward a career in firefighting while finishing up their high school diploma. Here’s how it works: students come to the fire station every school day, spending two class periods learning from certified instructors at the Department. Then the cadets return to Key West High School to finish out their regular classes. After two years in the academy, they will have the equivalent training of a certified firefighter I, halfway through the training required to become a Key West Firefighter, says Davila.

NEWS BRIEFS: Click It or Ticket

The Key West Police Department is once again joining a statewide effort to educate motorists about the importance of using seat belts. The Click It or Ticket campaign is a two-week program aimed at reminding drivers that seatbelts save lives. Between March 15 and March 31, law enforcement officers throughout the state will be conducting round-the-clock sweeps for motorists who fail to fasten the safety belts.

During this campaign, it’s also a good time to remind parents that child restraints are vital, and they must be used properly. In order to help educate the community, several Key West patrol officers are attending training specifically designed to conduct community outreach sessions that help parents use child restraints effectively.

But children are not the primary audience for the Click It or Ticket campaign. Statistics show that young men between 18 and 34 are least likely to wear seat belts. This year’s campaign dovetails with spring break, the perfect target audience for the Click It or Ticket message.

The campaign, coupled with Florida’s recently intensified seat belt law, has proven successful over the years. It’s estimated that about 85 percent of motorists now use seat belts. Florida law requires the use of safety belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles, with some very limited exceptions.

A statewide advertising campaign provides an educational period before law enforcement begins cracking down and issuing tickets. During this period, people are reminded that seat belts save lives. And if that’s not enough of an incentive, motorists should think of the financial impact— tickets can be expensive!

Just Too Cool!

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 made a stop at NAS Key West’s Boca Chica Field during a long distance training flight Feb. 28. The aircraft departed the air station for their home field this morning. Named the “Blue Knights,” the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Their visit to NAS Key West marks the first time the tiltrotor aircraft operated at the southernmost naval air station in the continental United States. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 Michael McNabb

GardenFest 2011 Set for Next Weekend

“The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden on Stock Island is celebrating its 75th year. The festivities kick off with GardenFest 2011, a fair featuring plants from South Florida growers, arts & crafts by local artists, “green” products and lunch in the Garden. It is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday February 19-20 from 10 a.m. ‘til 4 p.m. OIRF February House & Garden Tour ticket holders are invited to make the historic Garden their “last stop” on the tour.

Friday, February 18, from 5-8 p.m. is a “members only” Gardenfest opening night and 75th Birthday celebration under the full moon. Music, hors d’oeuvres, birthday cake and 15% discount on sales are benefits of Membership — but you can join at the gate!. Come celebrate and add some plants, art, jewelry, or decor to your collection.”

What Does It Take to Be a Fire Fighter?

One of 12 candidates vying for one position with the Key West Fire Department is put to the test. The applicants donned heavy bunker gear and faced a grueling set of physical tasks on Tuesdaytasks that included hauling heavy hose and climbing the 75-foot high ladder truck. This agility test ensures the new hire will be physically fit for the challenges that face a firefighter.

99th Anniversary of the Railroad That Went to Sea

The Key West Art & Historical Society will celebrate the 99th anniversary of Flagler’s Railroad arrival in Key West with a member’s reception in its newest permanent exhibit, “Flagler’s Speedway to Sunshine,” at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street, on January 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The exhibit opens to the public on January 23.

The museum will sponsor special events and programs throughout 2011, culminating on January 22, 2012, with the 100th anniversary of Flagler’s arrival in Key West.

“We want visitors to learn about this incredible project, considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World,” said Claudia Pennington, CEO of Key West Art & Historical Society. “This exhibit will introduce the railroad workers, cooks, doctors, wives, and children who came to this distant outpost to help create a marvel of modern engineering— the railroad that went to the sea.”

CRB Meeting Set for Monday

If you’ve ever wondered what the city’s Citizen Review Baord (CRB) is all about, you’re invited to attend any of the CRB’s meetings. The next meeting is Monday, January 24, at 6 p.m. in Old City Hall, 510 Greene Street. Visit the City’s Legistar service at http://www.keywestcity.com for viewing any of the case files/documents or call Executive Director Stephen Muffler at (305) 809-3887 for more information. This is a public meeting and all are welcome to attend.

Want to Learn How to Have a Conversation with Your Dog?

According to Mary Getten, a well known animal communicator based in Washington state with clients around the world, telepathic communication with animals is a skill you can learn and will increase the bond and understanding between you and your pets, and help you deal with behavior problems and other issues.

The Florida Keys SPCA is hosting a two-day animal communication workshop in Key West on Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd and 23rd, noon until 5 p.m., at the VNA/Hospice Conference Room, 1319 William Street. The workshop is limited to 20 participants and the total cost is $150, which includes a donation to the FKSPCA.

Pre-registration is required and checks for the full amount should be sent to: Florida Keys SPCA, 5230 College Road, Key West, FL 33040, indicating that it is for the workshop. For more information on Mary Getten’s work and her workshops, visit her website at http://www.marygetten. com, or call the FKSPCA at (305) 294-4857.

NEWS BRIEF: Ambassador Classes Set to Start

How do police officers know whether there’s a warrant out on that guy on the corner? Why is Old Town considered an historic treasure? Where do tax dollars actually go once you’ve paid them? The answers are just some of the knowledge you’ll gain as a Key West Ambassador.

There is no better way to get to know city government than through the Key West Ambassador’s Academy. Registration is now underway for Class 16, which starts on Janaury 20, with weekly classes for 14 weeks. The Ambassador program first convened in 2003. Originally sponsored by the city manager, volunteer ambassadors now coordinate the entire program. During the weekly sessions, representatives of various city departments meet with the group to give an in-depth understanding of the workings of city government.

Pet Food Pantry Has Moved

The pet food pantry, previously located at the Salvation Army, has been moved to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Outreach Mission at 5640 McDonald Avenue on Stock Island.

The pantry will be open during the normal opening hours of the Outreach Mission. Call (305) 292-3013 for details.

The pantry was set up last August to help needy local people affected by the economic downturn who may be considering giving up the family pet because they can no longer afford pet food. The Florida Keys SPCA continues to see more animals being brought to the shelter for economic reasons.

Local businesses have kindly allowed boxes to be placed on their premises where people can place donated food – Albertsons, Pampered Pet, and Fausto’s on Fleming Street. Pet food can also be taken directly to St. Mary’s Outreach Mission.

To make a monetary contribution, the FKSPCA has set up a dedicated account. Checks should be made payable to the FKSPCA Pet Food Pantry and sent to 5230 College Road, Key West, FL 33040. Credit card payments can be made by calling (305) 294-4857.