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Church statues defaced, damage in thousands

By TIMES WIRES
Published January 3, 2007

Church statues defaced, damage in thousands 

Vandals trashed four statues at a Spring Hill church last weekend, causing $20,000 in damage. The vandalism happened at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., between 10 p.m. on Dec. 29 and 8 a.m. the next morning, according to the Sheriff's Office. Authorities are still investigating who is responsible. They said there was no indication this was a hate crime or that the church was specifically targeted.

Coalition offers free pit bull sterilization

Want to get that pit bull spayed or neutered? With the launch of Operation Pit Snip, the Coalition for Animal Welfare of West Central Florida has a freebie for you.

The coalition, which includes Animal Services of Hernando County, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, SPCA of Hernando County, Casey's Place and Pet Luv spay and neuter clinic, was formed a year ago to promote animal welfare and provide education to combat animal abuse. Operation Pit Snip is an attempt to slow the growing population of pit bulls and pit mixes, which are often used for dog fighting. To make an appointment to have a pit bull or pit mix spayed or neutered for free, call Pet Luv at (352) 799-9990.

Learn boat skills this month

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer the following courses in January:

- America's Boating Class, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Jan. 11. This is a basic course. Completion satisfies requirements for a Florida boating safety ID card. The cost is $30.

- Boating Skills and Seamanship, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 28. The course includes trailering, "highway" signs, legal requirements, boating emergencies, Florida law and other topics. Successful completion satisfies requirements for a Florida boating safety ID card. The cost is $50.

- Weather and Boating, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13. This course includes basic weather information sources, as well as weather patterns and storm forecasting and precautions. The cost is $10.

All programs are at the auxiliary building, 4340 Calienta St. For information or to sign up for any of the courses, call Ginny at 754-1988.

Residents can take bus to Tallahassee

Residents are invited to participate in the "Rally to Tallahassee," leaving by bus from Hernando County on Jan. 16. Those wanting to attend the first day of the special Legislative session on the insurance crisis are invited.

To reserve a seat for the one-day bus trip, call Pat at 596-8267. The cost is $30. Deadline is Tuesday.

[Last modified January 3, 2007, 06:34:24]