http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/flor ... ryid=62179



Fidel Castro

By Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat Capitol Bureau Chief

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Gov. Jeb Bush said Tuesday morning that the state is reviewing an emergency mass migration plan to thwart any potential rush of refugees should instability in Cuba grow along with doubts about dictator Fidel Castro's grip on power.

Castro released a statement through officials that he was undergoing surgery for intestinal bleeding and was turning over the reins of power to his brother, Raul Castro. The news sparked celebrations in Miami, where the Cuban exile community predicted Castro's exit from the world stage.

"We're monitoring carefully what's going on there," Bush told reporters before a morning Cabinet meeting. "There's a lot of people in our state yearning for democracy and freedom in Cuba."

Bush was in Miami on Monday hosting a visit by his brother, the president, and spoke with Coast Guard officials about updating an emergency plan that would turn back waves of immigrants. On April 15, 1980, Castro opened up the Port of Mariel and invited dissatisfied Cubans to leave. By the time the Mariel Boatlift ended Oct. 3, 125,000 Cubans flooded onto the beaches of Miami. Of those, 27 died at sea.

Bush said beefed up Coast Guard patrols would turn back illegal immigrants, and urged Cubans not to leave the island nation.

Any attempt could be disastrous now that Tropical Storm Chris is brewing in the Caribbean, Bush said.

"That's another good reason mass migration is not a good idea," Bush said. "It's hurricane season."

Created: 8/1/2006 10:19:38 AM
Updated: 8/1/2006 10:22:36 AM
Edited by Kevin Ronningen, Producer