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Key West to sink Ghost Fleet ship for artificial reef
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The City of Key West, Fla., has agreed to pay $1.35 million for a one-time Ghost Fleet ship docked near Norfolk.
The city bought the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg on Wednesday and plans to sink the ship 6 miles off the coast to use as an artifical reef.
The World War II-era missile range ship was kept at Colonna’s Shipyard on the Elizabeth River as lawyers fought in federal court over unpaid bills.
Colonna’s was owed about $1.6 million for cleaning the ship to make it ready for scuttling.
A $1.6 million grant will be used to pay for the Vandenberg, which was part of the James River Reserve Fleet.
Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show to make comeback
in 2010
FORT LAUDERDALE (AP) — The Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show is back.
City commissioners unanimously approved a contract for two local businessmen to start building the show for a return in 2010.
Among many requirements, the promoters will have to pay all the city’s costs, post a $750,000 bond in case there are problems, and content with environmental concerns. Protected reefs offshore can’t be harmed by boat anchors as they have in past shows.
The annual beachfront spectacle featured fighter jets and bombers, military choppers and stunt pilots from 1995 to 2007. The show ended partly because the promoter at the time lost his title sponsor, McDonald’s.
Mayor Jim Naugle said military leaders told him the show was a great recruiting tool.
Michigan charities could get $330m in Everglades deal
WEST PALM BEACH (AP) — The organization that controls water supplies for most of South Florida has approved a $1.34 billion buyout plan to restore the Everglades.
Four charities in Flint, Mich., that own about half of U.S. Sugar Corp. could get $330 million. They’re the Ruth Mott Foundation, Mott Children’s Health Center, C.S. Mott Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
The South Florida Water Management District met in late December in West Palm Beach and voted for the buyout of U.S. Sugar.
The vote isn’t automatically binding. Florida has a financial escape clause, and the deal is subject to financing. U.S. Sugar must also approve it.
The plan is considered key to restoring natural water flow to the Everglades.
Versace house opens to visitors
MIAMI BEACH (AP) — The iconic South Beach mansion where Gianni Versace lived and died has opened ts doors to the public.
The 26,000-square-foot estate known as Casa Casuarina has begun offering tours for $65.
Tourists get a look at the house’s exquisite central courtyard, dining room, lounges, pool and a marble toilet with a golden seat, billed as one of only three in the world.
But the upstairs bedrooms are off-limits on the tour. Those willing to part with more cash can also stay in one of the villa’s ten suites or join its private club, too.
Versace’s family sold the home three years after his 1997 death. It’s now owned by telecommunications mogul Peter Loftin.
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