Times staff
Monday, November 8, 2010
TAMPA — A man was shot in the arm Monday afternoon, but told deputies he didn't know the attacker or why he was shot.
At about 3:15 p.m., Hillsborough County deputies responded to a report of a shooting near E 130th Avenue and N 15th Street.
A man in his 40s had been shot in the left arm, and transported to St. Joseph's Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, deputies said. His name was not released.
A suspect has not been located.
By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A 38-foot sports fishing boat that caught fire late Tuesday morning near the Corey Causeway,
SOUTH PASADENA — Two people and a dog were rescued from a 38-foot sports fishing boat that caught fire late Tuesday morning, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
No one was injured.
The fire was reported at 11:54 a.m. near the Corey Causeway, according to the Coast Guard. The boat was still on fire about 1 p.m.
The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.
Crews were staying back a distance from the boat because of a concern that there were shotgun shells on board.
The name of the boat is Wits End, according to the Coast Guard.
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By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The real estate arm of financial giant UBS has purchased the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Hotel from Hyatt Hotels for $58.5 million.
The 445-room bayfront hotel on the outskirts of Tampa International Airport sold last week for $58.5 million. Hyatt will continue to manage the property under the same name. UBS has committed to fund has an extensive renovation that will take two years to complete, Hyatt said.
"The sale of Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay supports our strategy of recycling capital in order to expand the presence of Hyatt hotels in markets in which we are not represented or are underrepresented," said Stephen Haggerty, Hyatt's global head of real estate and development, in a news release. "While Hyatt expects to be in the market from time to time to buy and sell properties, we will maintain our presence in Tampa Bay with the Grand Hyatt."
The purchase is "a phenomenal deal'' for UBS, said Lou Plascencia of the Tampa-based Plascencia Group, which brokers hotel sales nationwide. UBS already owns Bayport Plaza, an 11-story office building beside the Grand Hyatt and has resources to update the hotel opened in 1986, he said.
"UBS will do the right thing and invest the appropriate amount of capital to return that property to its prominent stature in the community,'' Plascencia said.
The hotel and office were prized projects of Tampa developer Jack Wilson, who built them on a 35-acre nature preserve on Old Tampa Bay and restored the Fish Creek area just south of the airport, said Ron Rotella, executive director of the Westshore Alliance.
Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8128.
Times staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Not sure what businesses and government offices will be closed Thursday in honor of Veterans Day? Here's a rundown.
Government
• All federal offices.
•All state and county offices.
• Offices in the cities of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Gulfport, Kenneth City and Belleair Bluffs will be closed.
• City offices in Largo will be open.
Courts
• Federal, state and county courts.
Buses
• PSTA buses will operate on a normal Thursday schedule.
Garbage collection
• The cities of St. Petersburg, Seminole, Pinellas Park and Gulfport's residential trash pickup will not be affected.
Post offices
• Post offices will be closed.
Schools
• Pinellas County public schools and Eckerd College will be open.
• St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg will be closed.
Libraries
• St. Petersburg library branches will be closed.
Attractions
• The Pier, Great Explorations, Sunken Gardens, the Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts will be open.
Banks
• Banks will be closed.
By Piper Castillo, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Howard Robinson, owner of Gram’s Old-Fashioned Donuts in Largo, loads a tray of apple fritters into an oven Friday. The shop, which is a family-run business, opened about a month ago.
LARGO
For years, Howard and Sharon Robinson talked about opening a restaurant. But the couple never moved forward with the dream.
"My wife and I had always heard that a large percentage of restaurants closed in the first year, and we didn't want that to happen to us,'' he said.
Then shoulder surgery 18 months ago forced Robinson, 55, to leave his job delivering medical equipment. The couple revisited the idea and decided to try their own business.
"We narrowed it down to opening some sort of coffee shop," he said. "We asked ourselves if coffee worked for Starbucks, why can't we make it work for us?''
In early October, the Robinsons opened Gram's Old-Fashioned Donuts at 11987 Indian Rocks Road. The business, located in the 2,000-square-foot storefront that formerly held Jim's Meat Market, is a family endeavor, Robinson said.
To get started, the couple and their adult children — Sonya Massey, Stephanie Reed, Angela Romanski and Michael Robinson — made an initial investment of $155,000.
Gram's is named after Howard and Sharon's mothers, both deceased. The shop includes nine tables and a wooden bar that seats six.
"I want people to come in and forget about the outside world," he said. "Somebody came in the other day and told me they felt they were in Mayberry. That's what I'm going for.''
So far, the business is averaging $400 in sales each day. The busiest time is between 9 and 10 a.m. when about 30 customers are served.
"On one hand, my wife's family was in the bakery business in Michigan, so we were comfortable with what we were getting into,'' Robinson said. "But on the other hand, I myself do not come from a business background, so we are flying by the seat of our pants much of the time.''
For customer Jim Bracewell, it's all about location.
"Before they opened, to get a fresh doughnut, I'd have to go all the way down to Lighthouse Doughnuts on Indian Rocks Beach,'' he said. "I'll be a return customer.''
Customer Dale Schmidt of Belleair agreed.
"I've loved everything I've had here — red velvet cake doughnuts, frosted chocolate and the apple fritters are amazing," she said. "My advice to them is to keep expanding their creations. There's no place like it nearby.''
Robinson, a lifelong resident of Largo, considered opening his business downtown. "But the rent in downtown was more expensive, and it is easier for people to park here,'' he said.
Each morning, he starts making the batter, a family recipe, at 1 a.m. He makes about 60 dozen doughnuts a day.
"I collapse by 5:30 or 6 p.m.," he said. "I've never worked so hard in my life.''
Offerings include both traditional doughnuts, like glazed and Bavarian cream, as well as more unusual offerings, like a peanut butter and jelly filled doughnut.
While still wary of the failure rate for first-time entrepreneurs, Robinson considers Gram's less risky than other endeavors.
"I now see that in this economy," he said, "a shop like this does well because coffee and doughnuts can be a poor man's luxury.''
Times staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Meyer
Fall carnival: Most Holy Redeemer Church kicks off its fall carnival from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday at 10110 N Central Ave. The carnival includes rides, daily entertainment, raffles, food and games. Ride tickets are $20 for 24 tickets. The carnival will continue from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Call (813) 935-1952.
Interfaith conference: An interfaith conference co-sponsored by Refuge Without Boundaries and Unity of Tampa will examine "The Relevance of Religion in the World Today" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Unity Church of Tampa, 3302 W Horatio St. The conference will feature guest speakers representing a variety of faiths who will discuss the benefits of spirituality and spiritual issues people face in modern times. Lunch and refreshments are included. The cost is $30. For more information, visit refuge -without-boundaries.org.
Saturday Night Sing: A night of music featuring the Gospel Truth Quartet, the Three Plus One Quartet and the Promised Land Singers is at 7 p.m. Saturday at Concord Baptist Church, 2224 E Corrine St.
Quaker meeting: The Religious Society of Friends meets for worship at 10 a.m. Sundays at 1502 W Sligh Ave. Call (813) 253-3244.
Meet 'Miss Manners': Judith Martin, better known by the pen name "Miss Manners," is an author and etiquette authority. Meet her and hear her speak at this "wedding reception" brunch sponsored by the Rodeph Sholom Sisterhood at 11 a.m. Sunday at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Blvd. The cost is $20. RSVP to brandy.gold@ jewishtampa.com or visit jew ishtampa.com. Call (813) 837-1911.
Meditation: A class featuring an introduction to meditation in the Kadampa Buddhist tradition is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Angel Heart New Age Gifts, 3401 Henderson Blvd. No. H. The cost is $10 or $5 for students or those with limited income. Call (727) 797-9770 or visit meditation intampabay.org.
Bible study: Bible Study Fellowship, an interdenominational Bible study meeting, meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, 3723 Bay to Bay Blvd. Call (813) 837-1541 or visit palmaceiaumc.org.
Free hot meals (soup kitchen): Oak Grove United Methodist Church has expanded its once-a-month Wednesday night dinners to twice a month, now on the first and third Wednesdays at 2707 W Waters Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Call (813) 935-4471.
Tikvah Talk: Tampa Jewish Family Services will present a talk with Joy Karp, a registered physical therapist, about the challenges faced by parents of special-needs children from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at 13009 Community Campus Drive. Call (813) 960-1848 or visit tjfs.org.
Send items for the religion calendar at least two weeks in advance to citytimes@sptimes.com.
Times staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Choice information meetings scheduled
Informational meetings for the first Hillsborough Choice Options application period will take place through January at several local high schools. Hillsborough Choice Options allows families to apply to a magnet program, a Career and Technical Education program or School Choice. School staff members will be available to assist parents and answer questions at each meeting.
The next meeting will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Strawberry Crest High School, 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover. Meetings also will be held Dec. 2 at Gaither High School, Dec. 16 at Leto High School and Jan. 7 at Blake High School.
The application period for all students begins Dec. 1 and ends Jan. 12 for high school options and March 11 for elementary options. For more information, call (813) 272-4692 or visit choice.mysdhc.org.
By Tony Marrero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
BROOKSVILLE — The margins changed slightly, the results are still the same — but the recount in two Hernando County races will continue.
Retired educator Cynthia Moore was still leading four-term Hernando School Board incumbent Sandra Nicholson, and Ken Fagan was the apparent leader for a second seat on the Spring Hill Fire Rescue board, according to a machine recount of more than 59,000 ballots that ended Tuesday afternoon.
Moore, who had been up by 41 votes at the start of the day, saw her margin shrink to 35 votes. Fagan's margin of seven votes over Guy "Rusty'' Amore shrank to four.
Nicholson and Amore refused to concede, however, triggering a manual recount of ballots that contain so-called over- and undervotes. On these ballots, the voter either did not make a clear selection or made too many choices. Workers will be checking to make sure that valid votes in the two races were not missed.
Supervisor of Elections Annie Williams did not know how many of those ballots there are to check, but by 2:30 p.m., elections staffers had set to work on large piles on a table — and those were just from the absentee ballots. Williams said she expected the process to run through Wednesday afternoon.
"We're talking thousands" of ballots, she said.
Workers finished the machine recount about 2 p.m. Because the margins of victory in both races were still less than 0.25 percent, the law requires a check of the over- and undervotes.
County Commission chairman and elections canvassing board member John Druzbick reached Nicholson by cell phone, while County Attorney Garth Coller walked up to the third floor of the government center, where Amore runs a cafe.
Both candidates wanted to move forward with the recount.
"I'm on a roll," a laughing Nicholson told the St. Petersburg Times by phone a few minutes later. "I'm gaining ground."
Fagan, who was at the elections office Tuesday, said he understood Amore's decision. "I would have done the same," Fagan said.
Tony Marrero can be reached at (352) 848-1431 or tmarrero@sptimes.com.
By Barbara Behrendt, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
BROOKSVILLE — Frustrated by delays in public discussion of the issue, departing County Commissioner Rose Rocco blasted Clerk of the Circuit Court Karen Nicolai on Tuesday, demanding to know details of the clerk's arrangement with her controversial consultant Lisa Hammond.
Rocco, who was defeated in last week's election, demanded a variety of public documents including details of Hammond's contract with Nicolai and information about how much Hammond, who earns $55 per hour, has been paid to date.
When Nicolai stood up to tell Rocco she couldn't answer all the questions without the list of questions in front of her, the commissioner shot back that Nicolai has had plenty of time to gather information. Rocco said Nicolai had delayed coming to the board twice, ensuring that the discussion would take place after the election.
The heated exchange sets up possible action by the board next week when Wayne Dukes is sworn in as Rocco's replacement in the District 2 seat. The board could not act Tuesday because possible changes to the agreement between the county and Nicolai's office had not been properly advertised.
Rocco has said purchasing duties should come back under the county's control. Nicolai gained oversight months ago when the county eliminated the position of purchasing director.
But Rocco's concerns expanded as the county got into trouble with two huge contracts: the jail contract with former operator Corrections Corporation of America and the dredging contract with Orion Dredging Services LLC.
CCA has taken the county to federal court over nonpayment of fees, while Orion has threatened legal action and the county has pulled the company's bond. Rocco has said that Hammond is not qualified to be a major player on those issues.
Hammond's background has come under scrutiny after the St. Petersburg Times raised questions about the doctorate on her resume, which came from an unaccredited university critics have called a diploma mill. Questions about other parts of her resume remain unanswered.
But Nicolai strongly defended the work that Hammond and the rest of her staff have been doing, both in purchasing and contracts, and in information technology, which Nicolai's office took over earlier.
Nicolai gave a detailed presentation demonstrating ways that the combined clerk and county staff had added more accountability, more efficiency, better planning and cost savings into both departments.
After the presentation, Rocco said bringing Hammond into the picture was "a misappropriation of taxpayer dollars.'' She questioned what else about the hiring process was hidden and whether Nicolai was trying to delay discussion to "sweep the matter under the rugs.''
Then she questioned why County Administrator David Hamilton was still earning a handsome salary when he has been delegating county responsibilities such as purchasing, information technology, emergency management and the jail.
Rocco said she would be at the meeting next week as a private citizen and will continue to ask questions such as whether Hammond did a background check of the firm the staff recommended hiring last week to complete the stalled Hernando Beach Channel dredging project, a firm with questionable subcontractors.
Did Hammond bring the firm to the board knowing the background information or did Hamilton ask her to bring it forward? Rocco asked.
She chided Nicolai for delaying the public discussion saying it was disrespectful and noting, "The taxpayers are the ones who are concerned about this.''
Nicolai, who commented that she had held her elected job for more than 30 years without getting voted out of office, said she would answer Rocco's questions at the next meeting.
Commissioner Jeff Stabins offered his solution to the situation. He asked the commission to consider at next week's meeting a motion to end the agreement and have human resources seek a qualified professional to take over purchasing under the county and not the clerk.
That would save the county the $5,000 a month it pays toward Hammond's consultant fee and the $18,000 annual bump up in salary paid to the county's chief procurement officer Matt Perry for taking on extra duties. Human resources could certainly find a qualified person who earns far less than the estimated $115,000 Hammond's consultant pay would amount to in one year, Stabins reasoned.
Commission Chairman John Druzbick expressed concern that the purchasing department, which has lost several employees, has been getting help from the clerk but some contracts are still months behind. There was also an issue several months ago with bills getting paid so late that some suppliers were threatening to cut off shipments.
Losing the clerk's help could just make that worse, Druzbick said.
Barbara Behrendt can be reached at behrendt@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1434.
By Ileana Morales, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
TAMPA — More than 24,000 tickets — at $158 each — have been issued in Hillsborough County since cameras were installed at six intersections to catch red-light runners, the Sheriff's Office said.
That's a total of $3.9 million generated by the cameras, assuming all the drivers are found guilty.
The number of crashes with serious injuries at Hillsborough County intersections has decreased since the cameras were installed, said Larry McKinnon, Sheriff's Office spokesman. That conclusion is based on observations by deputies. Firm numbers were not available, he said.
Money generated from the cameras goes to the county's general fund, not to the Sheriff's Office, McKinnon said.
The Sheriff's Office released a new video Tuesday showing drivers running red lights. The video was distributed to underscore the importance of the controversial cameras, McKinnon said.
The cameras are installed at certain intersections in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Critics say the cameras do little to improve safety, can actually increase accidents through rear-end collisions and are largely intended to raise money.
"They can see it's not just to generate funds," McKinnon said. "We're actually catching hard-core red light runners that are killing people."
Deputies have issued 24,887 tickets since January. A portion of the money generated by the tickets is paid to a vendor for installing and maintaining the cameras, McKinnon said.
The video shows some drivers caught on camera nearly crash. Some speed up past yellow lights. Others don't stop before making a right turn.
McKinnon said the red light cameras are working because there have been fewer crashes with serious injuries at busy intersections.
The number of tickets issued each month has remained steady. Deputies review footage and a small percentage of drivers escape penalty. And cameras don't activate when a motorist turning right on red rolls unless the car is moving faster than 15 mph, McKinnon said.
McKinnon said deputies aren't trying to sneak up on drivers.
Ten cameras are at these six intersections in Hillsborough County: Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Sligh Avenue and Habana Avenue, Brandon Boulevard and Grand Regency Boulevard, Bloomingdale Avenue and Bell Shoals Road, Waters Avenue and N Dale Mabry Highway, Waters Avenue and Anderson Road.
"We're not out just for numbers," McKinnon said. "We're trying to educate people."
By Anne Lindberg, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
LEALMAN — Jack Latvala is busy working to make good on a campaign promise — to protect this unincorporated area from annexation.
Latvala, 59, a Republican, handily defeated Democrat Nina Hayden last week in the race for state Senate District 16, which covers parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Before the election, he pledged to Lealman voters that the first initiative he would sponsor would be a so-called all-or-nothing bill.
The bill, patterned after one the Legislature passed in 2008 to protect Tierra Verde, would require a city that wants to annex anything in Lealman to take the entire area at one time. And Lealman voters would have the final say on the annexation.
"The people of Lealman convinced me they're being piecemealed to death," Latvala said. "I just think it's important for people to control their own destiny."
Latvala said he is working out details of the bill. One detail could be a lower cap on the tax rate in the Lealman area. The current cap on the fire tax is $10 per $1,000 of assessed, taxable property value. (Taxpayers are charged about $4.48 per thousand dollars of assessed property value on their 2010-11 tax bills for the fire district.)
Ray Neri, head of the Lealman Community Association, which has helped spearhead the fight against annexation, said he was thrilled that Latvala wants to help.
"We have been fending off annexation with one Band-Aid after another. The people of Lealman feel they don't want to be encroached upon," Neri said. "We hope that Jack Latvala will be able to get this through for us."
Neri also liked the idea of lowering the cap on property taxes for the fire district.
It should be capped at $5 per $1,000 of assessed, taxable property value "because frankly this area can't afford more than that," Neri said. "Should it get higher than that, it would be to the benefit of the people of Lealman to seek (another choice). We can't be put out of our homes because we can't afford a fire tax."
Annexation has long been an emotional issue in Lealman, which is located generally between Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg. The area stretches from the interstate to Park Street and is divided in two by Kenneth City.
Although the area has long been touchy about annexation, the issue became a flashpoint around 2000 when Seminole annexed the tax rich property on the west side of Park Street that includes the Target shopping center. That's about the time that Lealman formed an independent fire district and the massive loss of property tax revenue to Seminole prompted protests from residents who were left to shoulder a larger burden to fund the district. During the next few years, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg and Kenneth City also annexed into the area, further eroding the tax base.
Antiannexation activists and fire district officials pleaded with legislators for protection. The Legislature passed a law forcing an annexing city to pay the Lealman property taxes for four years after an annexation. The fire district also sued St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park over annexations.
The result is that few annexations have taken place in recent years — Seminole says it never wants to annex east of Park Street and Pinellas Park has a moratorium on annexations into Lealman for the next few years. St. Petersburg has also not annexed into the area.
But this year, Kenneth City annexed 16 parcels of land with a taxable value of about $7,200 a year. The Lealman Fire District has sued the town. That case is proceeding.
Reach Anne Lindberg at alindberg@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8450.
By Barbara Behrendt, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
BROOKSVILLE - There were plenty of tears as Rose Rocco wrapped up her last meeting as a county commissioner on Tuesday, but it was hard to tell if they were tears of joy or sadness.
Throughout the meeting, citizens and groups including the Democratic Women's Club and the NAACP thanked Rocco for her four years of service as a board member and for many more years of working for Hernando.
Rocco's hopes for a second term ended last week when she lost to Republican Wayne Dukes, who will be sworn in on Tuesday.
During public comment, well-wishers brought white roses to Rocco that she piled on the dais before her. Plaques and accolades were showered on her throughout the meeting.
In her final thoughts, Rocco urged commissioners not to drop projects that she feels are important, such as the community initiative teams she worked with in south Brooksville, Hernando Beach and Ridge Manor.
She vowed to return to commission meetings and be "hell on wheels'' when she had something to say on an issue.
"I'm going to miss you,'' she told her fellow commissioners, "even though you're all Republicans.''
Commission Chairman John Druzbick gave Rocco a big hug.
But the final tribute brought down the house.
The music cranked up to a slide-show of Rocco's tenure, with shots of her swearing in to a wild performance as Dolly Parton in full costume several years ago. There was Rocco milking a goat, riding a horse, hooting it up with her fellow commissioners at the fair and a posing with her husband, Peter.
All the while, a familiar song with unfamiliar words blasted over the speakers as Commissioner Jeff Stabins said goodbye in his own unique way.
Set to the tune of John Denver's classic hit "Country Roads,'' Stabins' revised the lyrics into "Country Rose,'' which he recorded before the commission meeting, accompanied on the guitar by Logan Neill of the St. Petersburg Times.
"Country Rose, take me home, to the place, I belong,'' he warbled. "West Hernando, Rocco mama, take me home, Country Rose.''
The audience howled with laughter especially as the crooning commissioner aimed for the high notes, leading Druzbick to ask later if the noise was Stabins singing or the howls of his dog Rusty.
Stabins said later he wished the Democratic women who lauded Rocco earlier had stayed for the song because many of them had voted against him over the years and his singing was "my way of getting even with them.''
County Attorney Garth Coller had the last word. After echoing the kind thoughts to Rocco that others had shared, he turned to Stabins.
"If John Denver had not already flown his plane into the ground,'' he said, "he would have today.''
Barbara Behrendt can be reached at behrendt@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1434.
By Rita Farlow, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
CLEARWATER — Two people suffered minor injuries after a man lost control of his Jeep and crashed into a vehicle and a house Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
Clearwater Fire and Rescue was called to the scene at 1610 Lakeview Road at 3:50 p.m.
The driver of the car that crashed into the house was taken by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center with injuries that did not appear life-threatening, according to Clearwater public safety spokeswoman Beth Watts.
The Florida Highway Patrol, which is investigating the accident, said the driver was a 70-year-old Clearwater man.
The man hit a vehicle before crashing into the house, the FHP said. A person in that vehicle was also being hospitalized with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, Watts said.
There was significant damage to the front of the home. Firefighters were working to stabilize the building Tuesday evening.
Residents of the home were in another part of the house at the time of the accident and were uninjured.
Times staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
St. Petersburg
100 dealers will sell wares at antiques market
The annual Patty and Friends Fall Antiques Market is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday on the sidewalks surrounding Patty & Friends Antiques Village, 1241 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. About 100 dealers offer everything from jewelry to furniture. Call (727) 822-2106.
St. Pete Beach
Remodeling resort will sell off furniture
Tradewinds Resort is remodeling its Grand Isle Resort and has hired Hudson 3 Liquidators to sell all hotel furniture. To see what's for sale, go to the Tradewinds Sandpiper, 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, today through Monday. Call (813) 390-0643.
Largo
Bridal shop opens on Seminole Blvd.
Once Around Boutique, a bridal and formal wear consignment shop, has opened at 11310 Seminole Blvd. in Largo. It accepts bridal and prom dresses for consignment and sells new bridal accessories and jewelry. Call (727) 954-8810.
Largo
Chamber networking event set for Nov. 18
The Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours networking event is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at Greektown Grille, 1230 Cleveland St., Clearwater. $10 for chamber members, $20 nonmembers. Registration is recommended. To register, e-mail events@largochamber.org or call (727) 584-2321.
News of businesses and business people can be faxed to (727) 893-8675, e-mailed to neighborhood@sptimes.com or mailed to Neighborhood Times, 490 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Photos can be e-mailed as jpgs.
By Luis Perez, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
PALM HARBOR — Pinellas County sheriff's deputies arrested a Palm Harbor man Tuesday after DNA evidence showed he raped a 14-year-old girl.
Arcel Cabrales-Cruz, 27, of 3832 Cattail Marsh Court, was arrested on one count of sexual battery, deputies said. Cabrales-Cruz was being held at the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Deputies said the victim's mother called the Sheriff's Office to report her daughter was raped while staying at a friend's Palm Harbor home on Oct. 2. Cabrales-Cruz also was staying at the home that night.
The girl is not being identified because of the nature of the crime.
When confronted with the DNA evidence, Cabrales-Cruz admitted to raping the girl, deputies said.
Times Staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
St. Petersburg
African American Health Forum has free screenings
The 13th annual African American Health Forum on Saturday will offer free health screenings for breast and prostate cancers, cholesterol, high blood pressure, sickle cell, dental, foot, chiropractic, memory and more. The forum begins with a "Midtown Walk for Wellness" at 7 a.m. Educational workshops follow at 8 a.m. and free health screenings begin at 10 a.m. at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center on the historic Mercy Hospital Campus, 1344 22nd St. S. For information, call (727) 459-3478.
Largo
Former Ambrosia singer plays Nov. 19
Tickets are on sale for David Pack, former lead vocalist and guitarist for Ambrosia. He will perform at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, at 8 p.m. Nov. 19. Pack's performance will include familiar Ambrosia hits including Holdin' On to Yesterday, How Much I Feel and You're the Only Woman. Tickets cost $30 in advance; $35 VIP; $35 day of show. For tickets, call (727) 587-6793.
St. Pete Beach
Corey Avenue sidewalk sale starts
The Corey Avenue four-day sidewalk sale is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Saturday in downtown St. Pete Beach. More than 17 merchants will fill the sidewalks with merchandise and discounts. There will be live music on the sidewalk and refreshments in participating stores. Parking is free. For information, call (727) 498-8778 or visit coreyave.com.
By David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Barbara Haselden, a mother and grandmother who works in the insurance business, is a registered Republican who was largely politically uninvolved. Then she heeded the call of Glenn Beck to act, joined South Pinellas 9/12 Patriots and never looked back.
ST. PETERSBURG
Barbara Haselden has a pocket U.S. Constitution booklet, a Liberty Bell figurine and a distrust for the establishment media, politicians and political parties. The tea party organizer from St. Petersburg woke up a day after the election to find out that she's not alone. Fueled partly by tea party energy, conservatives swept to wins in the Nov. 2 election. "It was a relief," said Haselden, 58.
Local Republicans single out people like her for helping their party take over legislative and county races — "no doubt," Pinellas Republican chairman J.J. Beyrouti said on election night.
Not that he or other leaders should settle into complacency, thinking Haselden is now forever comfortable in her belief that the country is safe. She espouses a view that America is at risk — whether it's rising entitlement spending, immigration or corruption — and conservatism is the only solution. She supports the unorthodox view of repealing the 17th Amendment — the one giving voters the choice of a U.S. senator but allowing governors interim replacement. Why? It opens up corruption and takes away state rights.
Is the country corrupt, a reporter asked.
She paused to choose her words carefully. "I think the corruption is pretty widespread. I think a lot of the most corrupt ones lost elections, or at least they did Tuesday. But they're still there. There's plenty of snakes in the woodpile."
Some Democrats accuse tea party activists like Haselden of fear-mongering at the expense of the facts, such as President Barack Obama's birthplace. But after last week's election, they acknowledge that the party reflected the most strident end of public anxiety, causing Democrats to lose and upending efforts like Hillsborough County's sales tax referendum to build light rail.
"I think one of the issues out there is that there is a real frustration, a real frustration, with government," said Ramsay McLauchlan, chairman of the Pinellas County Democratic Party.
Haselden, an Indiana native who moved to Florida in 1987, is a registered Republican who wasn't that involved in politics until recently.
"I held a sign for Ross Perot years ago on Gandy Boulevard," she said, "and then I woke up the next morning and said, 'Oh, my God, what did I do?' "
In the previous decade, she didn't contributed to a single Florida campaign. She wrote a few letters to the editor, one supporting Jeb Bush and another bashing Hillary Clinton. This year, she gave $70 to newly elected state Rep. Larry Ahern. He was a favorite of her tea party group, whose leaders include Ahern's wife, Maureen.
But Haselden, a mother and grandmother who works in the insurance industry, heard TV and radio host Glenn Beck's call to act, and she went for it. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the McCain-Obama presidential race, the economy and federal bailouts were too much for her, she said.
She attended her first South Pinellas 9/12 Patriots meeting at Ferg's sports bar in March 2009. She said 200 people came. Now, 940 people are members.
The South Pinellas 9/12 Patriots website warns against the "hijacking of our government" and says you're not alone in fearing for the future of the country. Message board posts trade on Obama and the mosque near ground zero.
"If You Are Tired of Yelling at the TV, You Have Come to the Right Place!" the front page shouts.
But even some of her tea party kindred spirits can make her say "whoa!" — like when former Florida House candidate Marg Baker suggested illegal immigrants be forced into camps.
Indeed, the extreme examples of tea party members worried some Republicans and left some Democrats dismissing them as more noise than results. Then the results appeared Nov. 2.
"Can you hear us now?" Haselden asked, smiling.
David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8779.
By David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
As a candidate, newly elected Pinellas County Commissioner Norm Roche decried the "spend it or lose it mentality" in government.
Now that he's taking office, Roche is asking for an executive assistant even as the board is trying to phase out the job as part of budget cuts.
Roche, who will be sworn in Tuesday, says he needs the extra help as a new commissioner with tough issues on tap, such as extending the tourist tax for a possible new Tampa Bay Rays stadium and another year of budget cuts.
"I have considerable expectations to go in there and do a lot of work, and I'm going to need those eyes," Roche said late Monday following the monthly Pinellas Republican Party meeting. "Trust me, I'm going to go to work on the 16th."
Each of the seven commissioners has an aide paid $44,000 to $64,000, depending on experience. Last summer, the board decided that any vacancies among the aides would go unfilled, and the remaining aides would share work.
Outgoing commissioner Calvin Harris' assistant Kimberly Williams is leaving with the 13-year commissioner, as is custom with top aides. She makes almost $62,000 and $22,000 in benefits.
Roche initially told a Times reporter on Monday he'd hire his brother Brian Roche as an aide. The new commissioner talked about how much of a trusted adviser his brother had been as part of running a bare-bones campaign from the candidate's garage. In fact, Brian Roche, working as the manager of a gentlemen's club, ran as a write-in candidate in 2006 to help the second of his brother's three failed campaigns to be a commissioner.
But Florida's anti-nepotism law bans a commissioner from hiring a relative or appointing a family member. After a reporter Tuesday questioned the legality of such a hire, Roche said he never intended to hire his brother and wasn't clear during the interview.
"I mixed playing around with you with reality. That's my bad," Roche said, adding that as a former county utilities employee, he understood the law.
Nonetheless, Roche said an aide is a justified and practical cost, though he said he hasn't chosen the person. Besides helping him acclimate to the job, an aide would reduce the chances of violating the state's open meetings law, Roche said. Commissioners are barred from trading information on policy issues via another employee.
"I think we're just asking for trouble with that," Roche said.
When the board decided at a June 15 workshop against filling vacancies, the commissioners had resisted layoffs — which happened to 200 county workers — and a second year of pay cuts to some aides.
The board will discuss Roche's request at a Nov. 16 work session. But the public won't hear the discussion because the group will break away in a conference room away from public television broadcast but with a court reporter. Seel said it was appropriate to go off camera because notes would be taken and other personnel decisions usually aren't made in public meetings.
Commissioner Ken Welch said he was comfortable with Roche hiring an aide, adding that the board ought to focus on bigger issues. Seel supported leaving any openings unfilled with more spending cuts ahead.
"I stand by what we discussed at the work session," Seel said. "Everybody's been tightening their belts across the county."
David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8779.
Times staff
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
ST. PETERSBURG
'Biggest Loser' finalist to speak at fitness night
A free Fall Into Fitness night will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Greater St. Petersburg YMCA, 3200 First Ave. S. Amanda Arlauskas, Biggest Loser season eight finalist, will talk about her weight loss. Nutrition and fitness experts will be available. For information, call (727) 767-6923.
ST. PETERSBURG
Ornament sale will benefit Florida Hospice
Start your holiday shopping with art gifts at the Annual Hospice Ornament Sale and Benefit from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Artlofts, 10 First St. N. All receipts will be donated to Florida Hospice. Sale continues through Dec. 11. For information, call (727) 391-8908.
ST. PETERSBURG
Salvation Army band to perform free concert
The Salvation Army Retired Officers Association Band will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church, 212 Third St. N. The free concert is open to the public. For information, call (727) 550-8080, ext. 332.
ST. PETERSBURG
Israeli politician, author to speak at forum
Yael Bayan, Israeli politician, author of five novels and human rights activist will speak at the 2010 Social Action Forum at 7 p.m. Thursday at Temple Beth-El, 400 Pasadena Ave. S. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for general public and free with a student ID. For information, call (727) 347-6136.
ST. PETERSBURG
Cakewalk presents glass, pottery exhibit
Cakewalk artists' co-op will present From Earth and Fire, an exhibition featuring glass art and pottery, Saturday through Dec. 7. There is a meet-the-artists reception from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Cakewalk, 1114 Central Ave., in collaboration with the Downtown Arts Association Gallery Walk. For information call (727) 825-0515.
ST. PETERSBURG
St. Anthony's is taking award nominations
The St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation is accepting nominations for the Roy G. Harrell Jr. Leadership Award and the Helen D. Roberts Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Nov. 17. Nomination forms can be downloaded at stanthonysfoundation.org. They can be submitted through e-mail, gail.cass-culver@baycare.org, faxed to (727) 825-1184 or mailed to the St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation at 1200 Seventh Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33705. For information, call Gail Cass-Culver at (727) 820-7895.
ST. PETERSBURG
Thrift shop to celebrate grand opening Saturday
Daystar Thrift Shoppe, 513 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N, is hosting a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It will include prizes, refreshments and shopping. Proceeds will provide basic necessities to those in need through Daystar Life Center. For information, call (727) 894-5323.
ST. PETERSBURG, LEALMAN
Church will host annual Christmas Bazaar
Transfiguration Catholic Church, 4000 43rd St. N, will host its second annual Christmas Bazaar and flea market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Santa will be there. For information, call (727) 526-7915.
PINELLAS PARK
Nina Harris School will hold fundraiser auction
Nina Harris School's Annual Auction/Fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the school, 6000 70th Ave. N. Previewing of items starts at 5:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the programs and activities at this special needs school. For information, call (727) 547-7850.
LARGO
Seminar to help with grief during holidays
St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, will host a "Surviving the Holidays" seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The program is designed to help those grieving the loss of loved ones handle the holiday season. For reservations or information, call (727) 595-4610.
LARGO
Crafts, other items to be sold at church
St. Dunstan's Anglican Church, 401 West Bay Drive, Largo, will hold a craft sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Offerings will include quilts, books, candles and holiday times, jellies and jams. Refreshments will also be sold. For information, call (727) 581-1435.
LARGO
Veterans Day ceremony will be hosted by city
The city of Largo will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Military Court of Honor in Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. The program will include a color guard presentation and keynote speaker, Kerrie Witty, regional director of the St. Petersburg Veterans Affairs office. For information, call (727) 587-6775.
LARGO
Lifeguard class set at Southwest Pool
The Largo Recreation, Parks and Arts Department is conducting an American Red Cross Lifeguarding class scheduled for Dec. 6-17 at Southwest Pool, 13120 Vonn Road. Classes will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday for two weeks. This class is open to ages 15 or older who wish to begin a career in lifeguarding. This course teaches the skills necessary to become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard. The cost is $125 for residents and $156.25 for nonresidents. A Largo recreation card is required. The deadline for registration and payment is Dec. 3. For information, call (727) 518-3126 or visit largopools.com.
GULFPORT
Casino to host free patriotic concert
The Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, is hosting a free Patriotic/Military Salute Concert by South Pasadena Community Band on Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free. For information, call (727) 344-3722.
COUNTYWIDE
Radio host to speak at Democrats meeting
The Greater Pinellas Democratic Club will hold its next dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Banquet Masters, 8100 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. The guest speaker will be Rob Lorei, director of news and public affairs for WMNF-88.5 FM and host of Florida This Week on WEDU-TV. The event starts with a cocktail reception with the dinner and program to follow. The cost is $15. Reservations are required. Call Betty Morgenstein at (727) 360-3971.
COUNTYWIDE
Formal dress donations needed for program
Belle of the Ball Project, a nonprofit organization that provides homecoming and prom dresses and accessories to low-income high school girls in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, will be having a "Pay it Forward" dress collection and donation. The program will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Seminole Mall, 11201 Park Blvd. N. Items needed are plus-size dresses, 18 and up, dressy shoes, purses and costume jewelry. No pickups are available. For information, visit belleoftheballproject.com or call (727) 560-7001.
COUNTYWIDE
Volunteers wanted to prepare taxes
The AARP Tax-Aide program is looking for volunteers to prepare federal taxes. Volunteers receive IRS-certified training (five or six days in January) and reimbursement for mileage. Computer knowledge is necessary. A minimum commitment of four hours a week during February, March and early April is required. For details, visit aarp.org/taxaide.
COUNTYWIDE
Program seeks mentors for at-risk teenagers
Adults can have a positive impact on a teen's life by volunteering one hour a week as a mentor for Goodwill's GoodGuides youth mentoring program. GoodGuides helps 12- to 17-year-olds who face risk factors such as school failure, family violence and other challenges. Young people are paired with mentors who lend a supportive ear and offer guidance to help them finish school and build career plans. For information call (727) 423-1379 or e-mail goodguides@goodwill-suncoast.com.
COUNTYWIDE
Clothes To Kids is in need of items for boys
Clothes To Kids is critically short of boys tennis shoes sizes 12 to adult 13 and boys pants sizes 6 to 16. These items along with any other clothing donation can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at two Clothes To Kids locations:
• St. Petersburg, 3251 Third Ave. N, Suite 145.
• Clearwater, 1059 N Hercules Ave.
Cash donations are also welcome. Clothes To Kids is a nonprofit that provides free clothing to low-income, school-age children in Pinellas County. For information, call (727) 441-5050 or go to ClothesToKids.org.
COUNTYWIDE
New equipment for blind, hearing impaired
The Deaf and Hearing Connection recently announced the addition of several new telephones, TTYs and captioned telephones available through its no-charge equipment distribution program. Deaf and Hearing Connection offers amplified telephones and related equipment at no cost to permanent Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech-impaired. For a complete list of distribution locations or to schedule an appointment, call (727) 399 -9983 (voice) or (727) 399 -9422 (TTY) or visit dhctb.org.
COUNTYWIDE
Donation expands grief services to Pinellas
The Life Center of the Suncoast has expanded its grief and traumatic loss counseling services to Pinellas County because of a donation from the Katie Froeschle Foundation. Services are now available at 10707 66th St. N in Pinellas Park. Call the Tampa office at (813) 237-3114 to schedule an appointment.
By Michele Miller, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Student Support and Assistance Program leader John Engelke seemed a perfect fit for the program, says Gulfside’s principal.
HOLIDAY
This week's featured newsmaker is John Engelke, who serves as a leader of the Student Support and Assistance Program at Gulfside Elementary School.
His job is to help students who might be at risk for dropping out.
Maybe a student is acting out in class. Perhaps he or she has issues with anger management or bullying. Maybe there's something going on at home that's affecting schoolwork, like a recent death or divorce.
It starts with classroom teachers who refer students to a panel that includes Engelke, principal Chris Clayton and behavior specialist Summer Wool. Once a student is approved, parents are contacted to give the go-ahead before Engelke begins trying to get to the root of the problem.
"Sometimes that means just stopping by for a chat or to give a kid a pat on the back or just a smile for doing something good," Engelke said. "Sometimes it means taking them outside to shoot some hoops so they can talk. Sometimes I try to provide them with skills just to get through that day."
"It's all about getting to kids early," said Clayton. "John basically serves as a buffer but he's also a positive male role model for students who might be having problems with things like staying on task or haven't been responding to social skill instruction in the classroom setting.
"When kids struggle in math, we teach them," he said. "When kids struggle in English, we teach them and sometimes we need to teach them proper behavior."
Florida's Positive Behavior Support Project is a state and federal initiative to improve the culture at schools and is being implemented in Title 1 schools in Pasco County. Engelke's position, which is funded by Title 1, is just one facet of the program that offers positive reinforcement for good behavior.
It's already making a difference at Gulfside, Clayton said, where last year disciplinary referrals topped out at 276.
"That was way too many for an elementary school," he said, noting that the goal is to cut that number in half this school year.
That could be reachable. Hudson Elementary started the program during the 2009-10 school year and has seen good results, said Hudson behavioral specialist Shirley Eyers. Last year, Hudson and Mittye P. Locke Elementary were honored by the state for their exemplary programs.
"It increases student engagement and social skills," Eyers said. "Our referrals have decreased, which really impacts students being engaged in the classroom."
Particularly when parents buy in.
"There are parents here that are looking for help," Clayton said, noting that 82 percent of Gulfside students qualify for the free or reduced-price meal program. "A lot of our parents are working two or three jobs just trying to put food on the table and pay their bills."
Engelke seemed to be the perfect fit for the program, Clayton said. "I saw how he interacted with the kids and the parents.
As a former police officer from Long Beach, Calif., Engelke had some experience to draw on.
"I worked in a high-crime, multicultural neighborhood," he said. "I'd been in their houses; watched the gangs take kids and watched the kids die in the gutter."
After retiring from the police force, Engelke went on to become a substitute teacher in California and Ohio before moving to Florida, where he worked as a full-time math and science teacher at Schwettman Education Center and an ESE (exceptional student education) teacher at Seven Springs Middle before landing at Gulfside two years ago.
These days, he draws on those skills and tries to get kids on track by offering support and some fun activities and rewards for positive behavior such as "completing tasks on time, taking turns and keeping their hands, objects and feet to themselves at all times."
The words of one mom in particular have served to fuel his passion for the program and keep him on track, too.
"I'll always remember what she said to me when I talked to her about her son," Engelke said. "She told me, 'I will allow you to see my son as long as you don't quit on him because every male in his life has quit on him.'
"I promised her I wouldn't."