Digest

interim housing director earns 2-year contract

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 1, 2007

SPRING HILL

When he was hired as interim director of the troubled Brooksville Housing Authority in June, Ronnie McLean was supposed to be a temporary fill-in following the ouster of convicted former director Betty Trent. On Thursday evening, the Hous ing Authority board of directors gave him a two-year contract to lead the agency, according to board chairman Steve Zeledon. He said federal housing officials have expressed confidence in McLean's ability to get the local agency moving in the right direction. Exactly how much McLean will be paid is still being worked out. He is supposed to earn just over $60,000 or whatever amount Trent did at the time she was suspended. Trent was convicted of stealing federal money and is awaiting sentencing. The agency's former project manager Joe Ann Be nnett pleaded guilty to one count of fraud and was sentenced to a year in federal prison.

Derelict vessel poses a hazard

Boaters off the Hernando County coast are advised to watch out for a partially submerged derelict boat that is floating about 12 miles offshore. The 50-foot blue crab boat was last reported at coordinates N28.34.058 and W82.50.754, according to the Hernando County Parks and Waterways Maintenance Department and the Hernando County Port Authority. The vessel does not have a light on it and is considered an extreme hazard to navigation. The Coast Guard will be making broadcasts about the vessel's position on VHF radio Channel 16.

PINE ISLAND

Park will close for annual Doggie Day

Hernando County Parks and Recreation will close Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Park at 10800 Pine Island Drive, Sept. 8 until 10 a.m., when the second annual Soggie Doggie Day at the Park event will start. The event will include dog contests, swimming races, an agility course, photo opportunities and other activities for dogs and their owners. Preregistration is required and ticket sales are limited. Proof of current vaccinations is required. Proceeds will be used to help the Spring Hill Central Rotary Club, in partnership with Hernando County, to build the Rotary Centennial Park, which will include an area for dogs. For details, call the Recreation Department at 754-4031.

Today's picks

Home at Last Pet Adoptions holds cat/kitten adoption event: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Petco, 7223 Coastal Blvd., off Cortez Boulevard, Spring Hill. Adoption fees vary. (352) 476-6832.

NatureCoast Coalition for Peace and Justice to conduct antiwar demonstration: 9 to 10:30 a.m., in front of the Spring Hill Waterfall at Commercial Way and Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

[Last modified August 31, 2007, 21:03:26]