NORFOLK (AP) -- The Navy says its preferred location for a proposed sonar range to train submarine hunters is in Florida waters instead of the coast of southeastern North Carolina.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported Monday that the Navy says the 625-square-mile Florida site is outside an area of ocean frequented by endangered right whales. Environmental groups contend the sonar can harm the whales anyway.

The site in northeastern Florida, the Jacksonville operating area, is Navy's Site/Alternative A.

Hearings on the plan are scheduled to run this week. The first hearing is Monday at Chincoteague, near the Virginia proposed site. The Virginia Capes site is called Navy's Site/Alternative D.

It will be at the Chincoteague Center, 6155 Community Drive. The open house is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The two-hour hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.

A North Carolina hearing is scheduled Wednesday at Morehead City, N.C., and two more hearings are scheduled early next week in South Carolina and Florida.

OTHER HEARINGS:

October 1, 2008 - Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.
Open house 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Hearing 8:00 pm to 10:00 PM

October 6, 2008 - Sheraton North Charleston – Convention Center, 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston, SC
Open house 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Hearing 7:00 pm to 9:00 PM

October 7, 2008 - UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL
Open house 5:00 PM to 78:00 PM; Hearing 78:00 pm to 9:00 PM

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)