COUNTY SUPPLIES LITTER COLLECTION TOOLS AT BOCA CHICA BEACH

OTHER PARKS AND BEACHES MAY GET EQUIPMENT, TOO

Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has hired a company called Osmose Utilities Services to conduct an extensive pole and facility inspection from Key West to Shark Key that will begin on Monday, April 3.

The project will take about three months and include 7,000 utility poles.

Osmose crews will inspect each pole, sometimes hammering, drilling and digging around the base of the pole to gain information. The work being done will not affect electric service; however, crews may walk through private yards and other property to gain access to utility poles.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday work, if needed, will occur from

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make up lost time due to inclement weather.

Contractors who work for KEYS, as well as all KEYS employees, are required to carry identification. If someone claims to be a KEYS contractor or employee, customers are urged to ask to see their identification. While they may need to enter private yards, at no time will a contractor or employee need to enter private residences or businesses. Additionally, all contractor vehicles will have decals indicating they are a “Contractor of KEYS.”

KEYS customers who are uncertain about an individual’s association with KEYS are urged to call 305-295-1010 or 305-295-1000.

— Contributed

“To help keep this park clean and dapper, grab a bucket and a nabber. So everyone can join the fun, please return it when you’re done.”

A new system to help with litter accumulating from things that wash ashore is on trial at Boca Chica Beach. It is possible that the system, which can be easily duplicated, will be coming to other Monroe County parks and beaches soon.

“This beach bucket system has been pretty successful in other South Florida beach counties, so we figured we would try it,” said Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “The kids had a great time using it and exploring the beach while helping out, and we have so many eco-minded people in our community, we think this will be a big hit.”

— Contributed