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Large number of manatees found in area waters

By Times staff
Published December 16, 2006

Manatee numbers were way up Wednesday in the latest aerial survey conducted over Citrus waters. Staffers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spotted 360 manatees. The number included 187 in Kings Bay, including 24 calves; 41 in the Crystal River, including eight calves; 30 in the Salt River, including three calves; 78 in the Progress Energy discharge canal; three in the Cross Florida Barge Canal; nine in the Homosassa Blue Waters, including one calf; and 12 in the lower Homosassa River. Manatees flock to area waters each winter seeking the warmth of the springs as gulf temperatures cool.

5th Judicial Circuit needs a new judge

Because Circuit Judge Stephen Spivey is resigning, the governor must appoint a replacement. The seat is in Ocala, but circuit judges are authorized to serve throughout the 5th Judicial Circuit, which covers Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Lake and Sumter counties. The circuit's Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications for the position. Candidates must be registered voters, members of the Florida Bar for the past five years and residents of the circuit at the time they take office The commission will screen applicants and send a list of finalists to the governor. Applications are available at www.floridabar.org and from commission chairwoman Lisa Herndon, State Attorney's Office, Citrus County, 110 N Apopka Ave., Inverness, FL 34450. Herndon must receive an original plus nine copies of the completed application and a photo by 5 p.m. Jan. 10. Interviews will be held Jan. 23-24 at the Marion County Judicial Center.

Dog sought after biting a woman

On Sunday, a woman was bitten by a red or tan mixed breed dog that weighed 40 to 45 pounds, had medium-length fur and wore a dark collar. This happened on E Windsong Street in the Lake Magnolia Estates neighborhood. If the dog is not located by Wednesday, the woman must undergo rabies treatment. Anyone with information should call 726-7660.

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 08:06:19]