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Brown-Waite opposes 'unless' resolution

By TIMES STAFF
Published February 17, 2007

As expected, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite on Friday voted against a House resolution opposing President Bush's plans to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. The nonbinding resolution passed 246-182. Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, earlier this week called the resolution "useless" and a "toothless effort only meant to provide political cover for Democrats." For more on Congress and the resolution, see Section A.

Rescued female manatee dies

Willoughby, one of two female manatees sent to the Columbus Zoo from the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in October 2005, has died. Zoo officials could not immediately determine the cause of death, although she had been ill since fall. A necropsy will be conducted. Willoughby, thought to be about 15, was originally rescued in the St. Lucie River in 1995 after she was struck by a boat. She was taken to Sea World for treatment and moved to Homosassa Springs in 1996. She was chosen to go to the Columbus Zoo with another Homosassa manatee, Holly, to take part in research on the virus that the Homosassa and other captive manatees have been diagnosed to carry. Art Yerian, manager at the Homosassa park, said the death came as a surprise. He had not been aware that the animal was sick. "Sometimes things happen," Yerian said. "I'm sure they had people around the clock taking care of the manatee."

Bacteria in water; warnings issued

A warning/advisory has been issued for Fort Island Gulf Beach based on the criteria for fecal bacteria adopted by the Florida Department of Health. This indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. It is not uncommon for lakes, rivers and oceans to become contaminated with germs from sewage, animal waste and water runoff after a rainfall. The beach water will be tested again next week, and the results will be available Friday. After evaluating the results, Citrus County Environmental Health will take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the public. For information, see www.citruscounty.org.

[Last modified February 17, 2007, 07:12:24]