By Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

ST. PETERSBURG — Preston Towriss, who suffered from a terminal illness his whole life, was a man of many dimensions. He decorated his house with images of Scarface and Jesus.

Before he lost his sight within the past year, he rocked his tricked-out Oldsmobile with frame-rattling hip-hop and gospel music.

The diminutive Mr. Towriss, who stood 5 feet 3 and weighed 103 pounds at his healthiest, also kept a life-sized cutout of Shaquille O'Neal, along with 8-by-10 photos representing each phase of the 7-foot-1, 325-pound center's basketball career.

Doctors diagnosed Mr. Towriss at age 2 with cystinosis, a genetic metabolic disease thought to affect as few as 300 people in the United States and 2,000 worldwide. People with cystinosis accumulate cystine, an amino acid, at 50 to 100 times the normal level. The kidneys, eyes, muscles and pancreas can all deteriorate as a result, according to the Cystinosis Foundation. He lived with the symptoms, including curvature of the spine; and he had a kidney transplant at age 12.

His mother, Barbara Brauer, couldn't have slowed Mr. Towriss down if she wanted to. After graduating from Dixie Hollins High School, he moved into an apartment, then a rented home that reminded her of Cracker Barrel for all of the knickknacks everywhere.

He reached out to athletes he admired, who reciprocated the gesture. Former Buccaneer Mike Alstott was a "casual friend," Brauer said. Wrestler Randy "Macho Man" Savage stopped by Mr. Towriss' house, she said.

All the while, he stocked the dairy shelves at a Publix on 49th Street N, even though he could have decided not to work because of his condition.

"I know the guys kind of helped … him because they knew it wasn't something he was supposed do," Brauer said. "But you couldn't make him stop."

"I love the Lord," Mr. Towriss wrote on Facebook, adding that he also liked women, cars, sports and money.

"Watching him face some of the trials in his life has helped me face mine," said Jing Lou, a close friend.

Mr. Towriss lost his sight over the past year, a result of the cystinosis. Rather than sell his car in the garage, he retreated to it in quiet moments. He sat in the front seat in the dark with his cat, Hank, and prepared to die.

His mother found him dead in his bed Sunday. Mr. Towriss was 25.

"He taught me what it is like to be imperfect and yet perfect at the same time," she said.

Andrew Meacham can be reached at (727) 892-2248 or ameacham@sptimes.com.

By Jamal Thalji, Kameel Stanley and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, August 26, 2010

After an unsuccessful attempt to tow the Makin Waves, the grounded mystery yacht sits on Redington Beach on Thursday night.

REDINGTON BEACH — The 48-foot yacht that ran aground onto this stretch of white sand Wednesday afternoon is named Makin Waves.

It might be time to change its name to the Mystery.

Who stole it from a Mexican port over the weekend and why? Who took it into the Gulf of Mexico and set it on autopilot? Was it used to smuggle drugs or people?

Why was it abandoned at sea? Was it part of some scheme or did something go wrong? And why did Mexican blogs and newspapers — one paper called the affair a velo de misterio, or "veil of mystery" — run amok with speculation about the boat?

The blue-and-white Sea Ray Sundancer — left adrift, engines running, speed set at 3 knots — came ashore behind some homes along Gulf Boulevard. No one was aboard.

Dozens of onlookers watched Thursday as a salvage crew tried but failed to tow it from the beach. A small bulldozer's treads spun in the soggy sand as workers tried to push it into the gulf. The tow line snapped. High tide came and went.

As the sun set, the cruiser was still beached in sand and secrets.

• • •

Residents reported the boat came ashore around noon Wednesday. Pinellas marine deputies searched the area, fearing someone might have fallen overboard. The Coast Guard joined in, but officials called off the search that evening because there wasn't enough evidence to suggest there was anyone to find.

The Sea Ray Sundancer appears to have been built in 2004. That year's model can cost up to $500,000 now. The yacht is from Jupiter and has an expired Florida registration, Pinellas deputies said, but has a current registration in Delaware.

A Mexican flag flew at the bow, a U.S. flag at the stern.

There were no signs of a struggle onboard, deputies said, or signs of contraband. The boat wasn't ransacked of its entertainment or navigational equipment, though four speakers were missing. Deputies hope the boat's GPS will reveal where it has been and where it was going.

Deputies learned the boat was stolen when local residents directed them to coverage of the missing boat in Mexican media.

Blogs and newspapers like Por Esto! ("That's Why!") published unattributed reports that the stolen boat is owned by a Yucatan politician who belongs to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (or PRI: Partido Revolucionario Institucional).

Deputies said Thursday that they had no answers, nor help from the Mexican authorities.

With a 400-gallon fuel tank and the engine on, the boat could have traveled on its own from the Yucatan to Tampa Bay, the Coast Guard said.

• • •

But Pinellas detectives did find a local connection: A Tampa man said that in 2008 he sold it to Arturo Millet Reyes of Mexico.

The 43-year-old owns the Mérida Fútbol Club, a professional soccer team that belongs to Liga de Ascenso, the second level of Mexico's soccer league.

He told the Associated Press on Thursday that the boat was stolen from a private Cancun marina over the weekend. The Mexican coast guard has been on the lookout for the yacht.

"I am was very worried about what had happened," he said. "My first concern was what they were going to do with the boat, if they were going to traffic drugs or something."

If so, said Jacksonville private eye Charlie Meacham, then that leaves a bigger mystery: Why would anyone steal a boat from Mexico and bring it to Florida?

Meacham, an expert in hunting stolen boats, said thieves usually do it the other way around.

Human smugglers and drug cartels are known to steal powerful "go-fast" vessels and larger cruisers from Florida to ply their trade. Sometimes they use the faster boats to travel ashore, then rendezvous with larger boats out at sea and transfer their cargo.

"They usually don't steal them in Mexico," he said. "I haven't heard of that. But that doesn't mean it's not possible."

• • •

High tide was at 1:21 p.m. Thursday. The Makin Waves sat parallel to the water. The salvage crew was ready.

A thick cable was tied around the boat and led out to a tugboat, the Resolute. Workers drove a Bobcat onto the wet sand. They used it to nudge the bow diagonally toward the water, then started digging up the stern.

More than 100 people watched. At 1:50 p.m. they heard a sound like a whip. The cable had snapped.

"Ooohh!" the crowd gasped.

It took 40 minutes to reconnect the cable. By that time the waters had receded. The next high tide was at 1:27 a.m., the National Weather Service said.

If they can free it, deputies said, the salvage crew can keep the boat until the owner pays their costs to move and store it.

Times researcher Natalie Watson contributed to this report.

By Shary Lyssy Marshall, Times Correspondent
Thursday, August 26, 2010

SPRING HILL — If you've been harboring "get healthy" goals but can't seem to get started, a new county program starting Saturday might help.

The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department, along with personal trainers Herson and Kim Garcia, are kicking off "Get Out Get Active Saturdays" this week at Anderson Snow Park. The program is free and open to all ages and fitness levels.

Participants will learn exercises to improve health, posture, endurance and body tone. The program is also designed to provide a place where families can get active together; strollers and children are welcome.

"Parents feel guilty for going to exercise and miss being with their kids," said personal trainer Kim Garcia, who owns GIME Fitness with her husband, Herson Garcia.

Organizers plan to educate and motivate people to integrate fitness into their lives. The Saturday morning sessions are just a start, she said. Instructors will focus on exercises that can be done at home throughout the week.

"Our main goal is to inspire people to take small steps or big steps," said Kim Garcia, who has worked as a personal trainer for 15 years.

Garcia said people often think they should be perfect when it comes to weight loss and lifestyle.

"We tell clients to plan for obstacles," she said.

Instead of aiming to lose weight for a reunion or a wedding, Garcia helps individuals to integrate healthy choices fully into their lives — one step at a time and without timelines.

"(When we have fitness goals) we don't put a timeline on how long we're going to live unhealthily," she said. "But we always do it for how long we'll live healthily."

County recreation coordinator Harry Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the program and Garcia's involvement.

"Kim's track record and following have been tremendous," Johnson said.

While classes are free, donations will be accepted, all of which will be given to the Parks and Recreation Department to support the upkeep of county parks and programs.

Participants should wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle.

Shary Lyssy Marshall can be reached at slmarshall.sptimes@gmail.com.

By Rita Farlow, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Nora Gaunt of St. Petersburg plays a victim while confronting SWAT team members and medics Thursday afternoon in Clearwater during a medical training exercise.

CLEARWATER — Bleeding and hysterical, the woman ran out of the building and yelled to the SWAT team members approaching in a single-file line.

"Help! Help! My boyfriend's in there! You have to come do something!"

The sound of gunshots poured out of the open door of a warehouse and drowned out the sound of a man moaning in pain.

By all appearances, the SWAT team was moving in on a workplace shooting with multiple casualties.

But the chaotic scene Thursday afternoon was actually an exercise to train SWAT medics how to deal with "active shooters" and other SWAT situations.

The multijurisdictional training program for paramedics is based on new tactical medical protocols recently adopted in Pinellas County.

Five agencies in Pinellas have medics trained to give care in hostile situations — Clearwater Fire and Rescue, Largo Fire and Rescue, Pinellas Park Fire Department, St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, and Sunstar Paramedics. The medics wear bulletproof vests and helmets and go through SWAT training but do not carry weapons. They respond to tactical scenes along with SWAT officers.

Until now, each team has been operating under its own guidelines. The new protocols will streamline standard operating procedures for all SWAT medics in the county.

The main goal, said Clearwater Fire and Rescue Lt. Chris Hoyne, is to start treatment as quickly as possible to decrease the chance of death.

Hoyne pointed to Dave Sanders, the teacher and coach who died during the Columbine school shooting rampage in 1999. Sanders bled to death while waiting for help to arrive.

Thursday's operation began with a briefing and a short exercise at Clearwater Fire's training facility on Belcher Road.

Then the groups moved on to the workplace shooting scenario. Instructors used fireworks to simulate the sound of gunshots while small groups of medics moved through the darkened warehouse. They treated screaming "victims" and helped subdue "shooters" with the assistance of a SWAT police officer.

Jennifer Leondike, 38, a SWAT medic for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office who works for Sunstar Paramedics, said the exercise got her adrenaline pumping.

Luckily, she said, she's never had to face a workplace shooting with multiple hostages.

But, she said, "nothing other than a realistic, large-scale event for training can prepare you for it."

Rita Farlow can be reached at farlow@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4157.

Times staff
Thursday, August 26, 2010

SPRING HILL

Deputies search for armed CVS robber

Hernando County authorities were looking for a suspect Thursday morning in the robbery of a CVS drugstore on Spring Hill Drive.

Deputies received a call from the CVS at 11115 Spring Hill Drive and Mariner Boulevard about 2:35 a.m. Thursday reporting that a white male between the ages of 25 and 30 had entered the store, gone to the pharmacy, confronted the pharmacist and demanded "oxys," short for oxycodone. The man displayed a knife, took prescription medication from the shelves, then fled.

The suspect was last seen heading east and then north from the store, but a search of the area was unsuccessful.

The man was described as about 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, with either blue or green eyes and possibly short dark hair. He was wearing a white hooded sweatshirt with a black-patterned design, dark pants and black shoes. He had a white-colored mask covering the lower part of his face. The hood of the sweatshirt covered the top of his head and was pulled down to just above the eyes. He was also wearing white cloth gloves.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Hernando County Sheriff's Office at (352) 754-6830 or the anonymous tips line at 1-866-990-8477.

PINE ISLAND

Swimming advisory issued for park

High bacteria levels in the gulf water at Alfred A. McKethan Park at Pine Island prompted the Hernando County Health Department to issue a swimming advisory on Thursday.

The department received test results indicating the water quality had dropped into the "poor" range. Water with high bacteria levels may pose an increased risk of disease exposure, especially to very young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Times staff
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Countywide

Service academy information session slated

Students interested in attending a service academy and committing to serving the nation's military will have the opportunity to meet with Congressman Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, and representatives from the nation's five service academies about the application and nomination process from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Petersburg College's Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road. Applicants to all service academies, except the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, are required to obtain a nomination to the school from the member of Congress representing that candidate's district, from a U.S. Senator from the candidate's state, or from the Vice President. Rep. Bilirakis and members of his staff will have nomination packets and will answer questions on other requirements and how the nomination process works. The deadline for completing a nomination file is Dec. 1. The five service academies include: U.S. Military Academy (West Point); U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy; U.S. Coast Guard Academy; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ROTC representatives also will be available to answer questions at the fair. Call (727) 773-2871 for more information.

Tarpon springs

Auditions open for opera singers

New Century Opera Company invites children and adults to audition for its productions of Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio and Boito's Mephistopheles at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 South Pinellas Ave. Singers of all ranges and experience are needed. Call (727) 942-5605.

Safety harbor

Nominate someone for Treasures honor

The Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation is accepting nominations of Safety Harbor residents for the Treasures of the Harbor awards program next month. Nominees should be people who have made significant contributions to the community and have demonstrated support of civic, nonprofit, education or religious enterprises, by performing community service in a field not related to their business or profession. The third annual Treasures of the Harbor event to benefit the Library Foundation will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N. The evening will include hors d'oeurves, drinks, music and a silent auction. For more information or to receive a nomination form, call Nadine Nickeson at (727) 725-0660 or Linda Marshall at (727) 797-0542.

Countywide

Call SPCA if you see ill, hurt animal

To report a sick or injured stray in need of medical attention or suspected animal cruelty anywhere in Pinellas County, contact the SPCA Tampa Bay. The shelter offers 24/7 animal ambulance pickup and animal cruelty investigations. Information can be kept confidential. Call (727) 586-3591 for both services. If after hours, listen to the prompts to be connected with an SPCA Tampa Bay representative. Learn more about these programs at spcatampabay.org.

By Barbara Behrendt, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

BROOKSVILLE — County Administrator David Hamilton will present county commissioners with a plan on Tuesday to trim nearly $600,000 from the county's budget by reclassifying top managers, restructuring his leadership team, adjusting salaries and eliminating three jobs.

The reorganization plan, released Thursday, includes some anticipated savings that won't be detailed until a consultant hired by the county completes a pay reclassification study next month.

Hamilton had promised commissioners a plan to better align management with the downsized county staff.

"The overall goal of this exercise was directly related to lowering our cost of operation based on continued and predicted declining revenues in all funds,'' especially the general fund, Hamilton wrote in his memo to commissioners.

But Hamilton said Thursday that he was careful to recommend only those cuts that are necessary at this point.

"I was not out to savage the organization,'' he said.

The recommendation includes immediate reductions, as well as areas for future cuts.

The move is part of the overall budget reduction made necessary by lower property values and falling property tax revenue. As of the commission's last discussion, officials were still scrambling to find another $1.4 million in cuts to balance the 2010-11 spending plan.

With changes made to date, and including Hamilton's proposed staffing reductions, that number is now just over $330,000.

Under Hamilton's proposal, the number of members on his leadership team would shrink from nine to six. Human resources director Cheryl Marsden, budget department director George Zoettlein and business development director Michael McHugh would all become managers with an accompanying reduction in pay once the reclassification study is done.

Hamilton himself will assume oversight of budget, communications, human resources, technology, contracts and purchasing. In those areas, Hamilton further recommends that a support desk supervisor position now held by Tim Grantham totaling $61,604 be eliminated.

He also notes that further reductions in purchasing will come to commissioners next month after they are finalized by the clerk of the Circuit Court.

McHugh would now report to Jean Rags, who directs community services, as would Recreation Department worker Ruby Turner, who would replace retiring tourism development director Sue Rupe. Hamilton wanted to fill the job with someone who understands his philosophy that tourism development should focus on bringing both new visitors and new businesses to the community — something more than just sponsoring events.

That focus would allow for tourism dollars raised through the bed tax to pay for the economic development supervisor position held by Valerie Pianta, who works with both tourism and business development.

Hamilton is also recommending that the Little Rock Cannery be funded through tourism dollars and operated as an attraction.

In addition, his recommendation includes transferring newly hired planner Patricia McNeese to the Community Development Department under Rags. Among that planner's duties will be to work with the community initiative teams for south Brooksville and Hernando Beach "to not only embrace lifestyle and infrastructure needs but also to embrace economic development opportunities to maximize a return on investment that will benefit the entire county,'' Hamilton wrote.

To handle the Rags' additional load, Hamilton is recommending that a human services specialist be reclassified as a health and human services manager.

In environmental services, Hamilton notes that while the $123,979 compensation package for director Joe Stapf is in line with his duties, he questions the other top Utilities Department salaries. Compensation for the five top management positions totals nearly $583,000, and Hamilton notes the structure will be reviewed in the classification study.

Fire Chief Mike Nickerson would become public safety director under Hamilton's plan. His position, the deputy fire chief's job and other leadership positions in fire-rescue would all be scrutinized in the planned classification study.

Calling the cost "excessive,'' Hamilton repeats an earlier concern that the multiple district chiefs have a total compensation package of nearly $600,000.

Immediate changes in fire service are not needed, he said, because the county recently learned that a federal grant may be coming to fully pay for additional fire-rescue personnel for two years. But Hamilton said there is still a need to consider the long term.

In the land services division led by Ron Pianta, Hamilton recommends eliminating one senior planner, Paul Wieczorek, and the recreation coordinator position now held by Harry Johnson. Those reductions would save $178,229.

Hamilton's reasoning is that the existing staff in each of those areas can handle the responsibilities.

Hamilton also echoes the recommendations made by the consultant hired to examine the Department of Public Works earlier this year by asking that interim public works director Susan Goebel be made the director of transportation services and that a new county engineer be advertised for immediately.

He also suggests that the commission consider eliminating the position of engineering services coordinator, which was recently vacated. The county would save $117,755 making that cut.

Commissioners will consider Hamilton's recommendations during their meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Barbara Behrendt can be reached at behrendt@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1434.

By Erin Sullivan, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Diamond, an 8-week-old white tiger, pounces through the grass at Wild Things, a nonprofit zoo just north of downtown Dade City. Though only 20 pounds now, the blue-eyed cat will grow to 600 pounds.

DADE CITY

There's a tiger nibbling on my shoulder.

"Tell her 'no,' " says Kathy Stearns, owner of Dade City's Wild Things, which offers tours and animal encounters at the Stearns Zoological Rescue & Rehab Center. The 22-acre private, nonprofit zoo houses nearly 200 animals just north of downtown Dade City.

The nibbler is 8-week-old Diamond, a white tiger donated to the zoo from G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma. Stearns picked up Diamond when the cub was three weeks old.

"She was the highlight of everybody on the plane that day," Stearns said. The captain heard the commotion and asked Stearns to hold Diamond up to the peep hole at the cockpit, so he could see her. She started to walk away when the pilot called out.

"Wait," he said. "The co-pilot wants to see her, too."

In addition to the regular zoo tour — with bears, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, panthers, cougars, kangaroos, otters, foxes, buffalo, baboons, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, lemurs, prairie dogs, pot-bellied pigs, tortoises and Marvin, a rescued emu with a bad leg and a somewhat even temper — guests can opt to have a personal encounter with animals. For an extra cost, they can see Diamond; Mariah, an 18-week-old Florida Panther cub; Jay Jay, a teeny month-old snow macaque; and Roxie, an 8-week old bush baby, one of the smallest primates, as well as some other not-so-cuddly ones, a year-old alligator, a bearded dragon and a ball python. The zoo always offers the encounter experience, where Stearns talks and answers questions about the animals. You can see them fed and pet them and hold them. But it depends on what animals they have and if the animals like to be around people.

"You have to make sure it's okay for them," Stearns said.

Legally, when Diamond hits 40 pounds, which might be in four weeks or so, she won't be allowed to have close encounters with the public. Right now, she's 20 pounds: Short, somewhat coarse fur, bright blue eyes, big soft paws. She's still not sure on her feet, running sideways, tumbling, pouncing on toys, all energy and moxie.

"They have a determined instinct," Stearns says of tigers. When they focus on something, they stay with the target. Diamond's target Tuesday morning was my shoulder. Lightly nuzzling and sweet; playful, like a puppy or kitten. But Stearns knows this baby someday will be 600 pounds — and, at that size, Diamond cannot think it's okay to playfully nip flesh. So Diamond is learning the signals, the hand up, voice saying "no."

"They grow so fast," Stearns said.

For a free not-so-wild encounter, visit the zoo's gift shop at 37245 Meridian Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. In the house live two rescued cats who are both missing a front leg — Sophie lost her left leg, Phoebe, her right. Both run to the front door to greet visitors, flopping down, rolling, meowing to be petted. No biting was witnessed by this reporter.

Erin Sullivan can be reached at esullivan@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6229.

By Joel Anderson, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

BROOKSVILLE — Robert Jardin repeatedly pounded his fist into his hand. He feverishly squeezed his hands. He took a sip of soda, and leaned forward in his chair.

Jardin told Hernando detectives that he would love to speak with them — about an alleged bar fight.

But the July 2008 interrogation took a much different tone when detectives started probing about the stabbing deaths of an elderly Masaryktown couple in late October 2006.

"Am I being charged with a crime here?" Jardin asked the detectives in the videotaped interview. "I don't know these people. I can't help you."

Authorities remain convinced that Jardin knows exactly what happened in the home of Patrick, 84, and Evelyn, 79, DePalma. On Thursday, in the fourth day of Jardin's double-murder trial in Hernando Circuit Court, the state juxtaposed video of Jardin's repeated denials with evidence showing that he had been placed at the grisly crime scene.

After yet another meticulous, and at times tedious, eight-hour presentation to jurors, Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino told Circuit Judge Jack Springstead that he rested his case.

Defense attorneys will begin bringing witnesses forward today. The trial is expected to break for the weekend and resume Monday.

Jardin, 35, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, armed burglary and grand theft. If convicted of murder, he could face the death penalty.

Dr. Kyle Shaw, an associate medical examiner, wrapped up the day Thursday by going through a painstaking presentation of the fatal injuries suffered by the DePalmas. Magrino had Shaw approach the jury box and show the jury pictures of the couple, describing the wounds in great detail.

Prior to that, Magrino called several detectives from the Sheriff's Office to present more forensic evidence showing that Jardin was in the DePalmas' home at the time of their murders.

Chief among the evidence presented Thursday was the roughly 45-minute video of Jardin's interview at the Sheriff's Office in July 2008.

Jardin went to the office after being summoned there by deputies, who told him they were investigating a bar fight. He agreed to speak with detectives, eagerly telling them that he'd been in lots of bar fights, but not the one about which they were inquiring.

"Everyone has some skeletons in their closet that they don't want to come back and bite them in the a--," Jardin told detectives. "I got some demons."

Jardin initially signed a Miranda waiver form and agreed to speak with detectives, but soon grew concerned as questioning shifted to the murder case.

On the video, Detective Phil Lakin continually pressed Jardin to give them information about the murders, even as Jardin insisted that he knew nothing. Lakin made reference to Jardin's self-admitted drug problems, then implied that detectives already had evidence implicating him in the crime.

"These folks are a victim of drugs, just probably in a different way," Lakin said. "We've been investigating this for a while. … Sometimes people think they're smarter than science."

Jardin continued to insist he had never been to the DePalmas' beige stucco home at 333 Korbus Lane, only a short drive from the Hernando-Pasco county line.

"How would I have any information about this?" Jardin told Lakin. "I never even heard of this murder until today."

But according to court documents, Jardin later admitted that he was at the home the night of the murders and saw the couple lying dead in a hallway.

Jurors did not get to see that portion of the interview. Circuit Judge Jack Springstead last week ruled that those statements should be suppressed, saying that detectives should have advised Jardin of his Miranda rights a second time once the interrogation shifted to a "custodial interrogation."

Instead, Janel Borries, formerly a DNA analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, pointed to a milk jug found in the DePalmas' kitchen that Jardin allegedly drank from while in the home.

Borries said there was a 1-in-180 quadrillion — that's 180 followed by 15 zeroes — chance that someone other than Jardin took a swig from that carton.

However, Borries also told jurors that authorities found DNA from David Alan Bostick, an 18-year-old distant relative of the DePalmas', on boots that were in the home. Bostick was the first suspect arrested in the case, about three months before Jardin, but was later released because of a lack of evidence.

Though authorities have identified only Jardin publicly, court affidavits and hundreds of pages of documents reveal that other suspects remain at large in the deaths.

But on the witness stand Thursday, Lakin admitted that the Sheriff's Office declared the case inactive as of April 15.

Defense attorneys will get their chance to poke holes in the state's case today. At the end of testimony Thursday, public defender Alan Fanter noted to Springstead that Magrino had not been able to prove that Jardin had actually participated in the murders of the DePalmas.

Also, the state has not offered a motive or produced a murder weapon, though Shaw, the medical examiner, surmised it was most likely an instrument at least 6 or 7 inches long.

Joel Anderson can be reached at joelanderson@sptimes.com or (352) 754-6120.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

LAND O'LAKES

15-year-old accused of molesting boy, 6

A 15-year-old boy was arrested this week on charges of sexually molesting a 6-year-old boy.

The incident happened Tuesday night in Land O'Lakes, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The Pasco Times is not naming the teen due to his age.

The 15-year-old is charged with lewd and lascivious battery and was taken into juvenile custody.

Times staff
Thursday, August 26, 2010

NEW PORT RICHEY — An insurance agent is accused of filling out hurricane mitigation forms to get lower premiums for his customers — then forging the signature of a licensed contractor at the bottom.

Homeowners can hire a contractor to fill out the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, which can reduce their insurance premiums. But authorities say Daniel S. Knapp, 42, filled out the forms for more than 52 people — collecting $125 from each one — even though he is not a licensed contractor.

Knapp stole the license numbers from two contractors and forged their signatures on the inspections, according to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report.

The scam unraveled by coincidence: One couple who paid Knapp for an inspection noticed that the name signed on the form was that of Jeffrey Breadbanner, their neighbor across the street. Breadbanner is a licensed contractor who had nothing to do with Knapp's inspections. Knapp had obtained a copy of that contractor's license from an acquaintance who had done work with Breadbanner, the Sheriff's Office said.

Knapp worked for Carney Insurance in New Port Richey, which had to spend $1,650 in re-inspection fees for their customers after learning of the forged forms, the Sheriff's Office said.

Knapp, of New Port Richey, was arrested Wednesday on charges of scheme to defraud and criminal use of personal identification information. He was released from the Pasco County jail Thursday on $52,000 bail.

By Tom Marshall, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 26, 2010

Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School third-graders Tatiana Restrepo, left, and Nayeli Aleman, both 8, discover that spinning a basketball on your finger is a lot easier when your teacher is Harlem Globetrotter Aundre “Hot Shot” Branch.

TAMPA

There are days when life is not much fun at Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School.

About 40 percent of the elementary school's student body lives in the neighboring homeless shelter that shares its name. Nearly as many students have spent time there. On some days students come to school tired or upset, and teachers say they're often not quite sure what happened the night before.

Thursday was not one of those days.

The kids were nearly hopping with anticipation as they made their way to the YMCA gym next door. All wore brand-new orange T-shirts and backpacks.

And when they walked in, their new heroes were waiting: three members of the Harlem Globetrotters paying them a private visit. The students had won a national contest sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels and Inns — "The Give Happy Challenge" — along with $15,000 to spend on much-needed programs, supplies and field trips.

"All of America voted, all of Canada voted, and all of Puerto Rico voted," said Rui M. Barros, a senior vice president for the hotel chain. "And you were No. 1."

The three Globetrotters — Aundre "Hot Shot" Branch, "Slick" Willie Shaw and Anthony "Buckets" Blakes — towered above their young audience.

They played a little basketball, of course, and led a few rowdy games.

But they also brought a message: Success in life doesn't just happen. You have to work for it and take care of yourself.

Every member of the famous team graduated from college, and students talked about that all week, fifth-grade teacher Patti Ferlita said.

"Eat well, get plenty of rest and plenty of exercise," Branch advised.

He offered a quick history lesson on the Globetrotters, which were founded 85 years ago in Chicago. Turns out life wasn't so easy then, either.

"Back in those days, African-American players couldn't play in the NBA," Branch said. "We played all over the world, but we couldn't play on the South Side of Chicago."

Parent Henry Caywood came to watch the show with his wife, Debbie Sheppard. They lost their home and lived for a time in the shelter with their four children, but they're back on their own and living in Sulphur Springs.

"I love being involved with the school," which is part of the Hillsborough County district, he said. "I think it's very positive. All children need mentors."

Ten-year-old Kaianna Mathieu couldn't stop smiling.

"I think I'm famous, too," she said.

Tom Marshall can be reached at tmarshall@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3400.

By Kameel Stanley and Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writers
Friday, August 27, 2010

REDINGTON BEACH — It looked as if the yacht would never move.

But after a day and a half, Charlie Rice had an idea.

Using a semi-truck tire strapped to a Bobcat, he sidled up to the 48-foot luxury boat that had been sitting on the beach since noon Wednesday.

As his father used a tugboat to put tension on the boat from a few hundred feet out in the gulf, Rice used the Bobcat and tire contraption to push against the vessel.

Progress was slow, but after about 30 minutes of work, the yacht started to move.

Just before midnight, as the tide rose and thunderstorms moved in, Rice and his crew finally freed the boat from shore.

"It was a nice challenge," Rice said. "But we accomplished it."

Rice works for a company called Oak Environmental out of Seminole. The company was called in to help Joe's Towing and Recovery, a Largo salvage company called to remove the boat, which mysteriously washed ashore Wednesday afternoon on auto-pilot and with no one aboard.

For more than a day, authorities tried to solve the mystery of how the boat, called Makin Waves, came to be on the beach. Its owner, a man from Mexico, said Thursday that the yacht was stolen from a Cancun marina over the weekend.

Crews tried all day Thursday to remove the boat, but ran into problems and couldn't free it during that afternoon's high tide. It sat stuck in wet sand for another 10 hours.

As they prepared once again Thursday night — just in time for high tide expected early Friday morning — nearby residents gathered to watch.

"You have to give them credit," said Colleen Moore of nearby Redington Shores. "They just keep trying."

Rice said the stormy weather actually helped the crews free the boat. With storms moving in, the tide started to rise and the wind picked up.

"The weather was in our favor tonight," he said. "When a wave comes up, it pushes the boat up. There's a suction underneath. We just rocked the boat back and forth until it worked."

After crews got the boat moving, they planned to tow it to John's Pass. From there, it will be handed over to U.S. Customs until the owner can retrieve it, Rice said.

As the boat slowly floated off the shore, the small crowd that had gathered broke out into applause and cheers.

No one was happier than Gene Borg, who first spotted the boat Wednesday as he ate breakfast and watched it come aground in his backyard. That was 36 hours ago.

"I'm glad to see it gone," he said.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

TRINITY

Write-in Grady Peeler drops out of race

Now it's official: State House 45 write-in candidate Grady Peeler has dropped out of the race, leaving Republican primary winner Richard Corcoran with no opposition in November's general election. Peeler said all along he had no interest in running. A Republican, he entered his name as a write-in candidate only to close the House 45 primary to GOP voters. Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley confirmed Thursday he had received notice from the state Division of Elections that Peeler had withdrawn. Corcoran on Tuesday won the primary race for the seat, which represents parts of north Pinellas and south Pasco, over rivals Kathryn Starkey and Fabian Calvo. He will replace Tom Anderson, who must step down due to term limits.

ZEPHYRHILLS

Police: Man used scissors on ATM

The ATM ate his debit card. So on the evening of July 10, authorities said, Louis Dotti went about getting it back himself. The 43-year-old got some scissors from his pickup and used them on the machine at First National Bank of Pasco at 37215 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. When that failed, he pounded on the machine with his fists, causing $2,182 damage to the ATM, a report states. Dotti, of 5241 Portland Drive in Zephyrhills, was arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal mischief. This is his fifth arrest in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. His previous arrests were on charges of DUI and driving with a suspended license. He was released from the Pasco County jail Wednesday night on $2,000 bail. Dotti did not want to comment Thursday about the incident. A bank official would not comment about what happened or why Dotti's card was stuck in the machine in the first place.

PORT RICHEY

Club has rain barrels for sale

RESORCE Recycling Club, Inc. is taking orders for rain barrels that can supply free, clean water for outdoor use. The barrels cost $35 for an undrilled and unscreened barrel, or $60 for one that's been drilled, screened and fitted with a spigot. Residents who fill out a RESORCE membership form can save $10 off a drilled barrel. Orders and cash payments must be made by Sept. 9 at Stop-n-Play, 10933 U.S. 19. Rain barrels will be distributed there at 6 p.m. Sept. 17. People must bring a large enough vehicle and tie-downs to safely transport the barrel, as the 55-gallon drums are too big to fit in the back seats of most cars. For information, visit resorce.net or call (727) 857-0039.

By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

As forecasters follow a strengthening tropical storm and major hurricane in the open Atlantic, a third system is expected develop into a tropical depression off the coast of Africa in the next two days.

None of the systems appear to pose a threat to land.

"This is the most active we've been during this year's season," said Bay News 9 meteorologist Juli Marquez.

That's to be expected, she said.

Hurricane season peaks Sept. 10, Marquez said, and activity typically picks up beginning in mid-August.

"This could be an indicator of the season becoming more active as forecasted," said National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Davis.

Earlier this month, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the season is still expected to be more active than usual.

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicted 14 to 20 named storms, eight to 12 hurricanes and three to six major hurricanes (with winds of at least 111 mph).

All three systems developed off the west coast of Africa, Davis said. This signals the start of the Cape Verde season, when hurricanes develop off Africa and head west across the Atlantic.

With storms that develop so far away, it's more likely that other systems will push or pull them north into the open Atlantic.

"There's a lot steering them away from the U.S.," Davis said.

Hurricane Danielle is expected to turn north, staying to the east of Bermuda, before moving east into the Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Earl is expected to follow a similar path behind Danielle, according to Bay News 9 meteorologists.

Earl is expected to strengthen into hurricane by Saturday night as it moves west across the open Atlantic, according to hurricane forecasters.

The central Atlantic storm is still far away from land. Projections still showed it moving mostly to the west over the next two days, then curling northwest as it nears the Leeward Islands.

The fifth named storm of the season, it maintained its 45 mph sustained winds and direction throughout the day Thursday and early Friday. Its foreword speed stayed constant around 17 mph.

Tropical force winds extend 85 miles from Earl's center.

Another system forming off the Cape Verde Islands was expected to become a tropical depression. Forecasters said there was a 60 percent chance the system could become a tropical cyclone in the next two days.

Also in the open Atlantic, Hurricane Danielle strengthened to a Category 4 Hurricane with sustained gusts of 135 mph. Category 4 hurricanes have winds between 131 and 155 mph.

Projections don't show it coming near North America.

Follow This Just In on Twitter.

By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

WIMAUMA — The Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County is expected to flood Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

It is not expected to flood any roads or houses, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Davis. The flooding will only impact low-lying areas near the river.

The river is expected to crest at 11.4 feet sometime this morning. The river's flood stage is 11 feet.

As of 7 a.m., the river was around 10.5 feet.

Follow This Just In on Twitter.

By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

WIMAUMA — The Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County is expected to flood Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

It is not expected to flood any roads or houses, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Davis. The flooding will only impact low-lying areas near the river.

The river is expected to crest at 11.4 feet sometime this morning. The river's flood stage is 11 feet.

As of 7 a.m., the river was around 10.5 feet.

Follow This Just In on Twitter.

By Demorris A. Lee, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

Family and fellow Marines honor Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J.A. Schultz after the fallen soldier arrived at MacDill Air Force Base Friday morning. Schultz was killed last weekend during combat operations in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

TAMPA — A small crowd was already gathering early Friday, waving flags along Bayshore Boulevard to honor a fallen soldier.

The body of Marine Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J.A. Schultz, who was killed in Afghanistan, arrived at MacDill Air Force Base at 9:30 a.m. and will be escorted to a Riverview funeral home.

Schultz, 19, was killed Saturday. He was from Safety Harbor and had graduated from Countryside High School in Clearwater in 2009. He also attended the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor as a teenager.

After the body of Schultz landed at MacDill, the family gathered around the casket. The hearse left the base shortly before 10 a.m.

At the corner of Rome Avenue and Bayshore, 18-year-old Shawn Booker of Safety Harbor came to remember his friend, whom he met at the youth ranch. He last saw Schultz at Countryside Mall, he said, and Schultz talked about how he loved being a marine and even tried to convince Booker to join.

""In a million years, I would have never thought I would be standing out here waiting for his body to come by," Booker said.

Around 10:20 a.m., the hearse rolled by slowly, headed for downtown Tampa and State Road 60.

The body will be taken to the Serenity Meadows memorial park, funeral home and crematory at 6919 Providence Road in Riverview.

The route of the honor escort will be:

From MacDill Air Force Base, north on Bayshore Boulevard, east on Platt Street, north on Florida Avenue, east on Jackson Street, north on Jefferson Street, east on Twiggs Street to Channelside Drive, east on State Road 60, south on Kings Avenue, west on Lumsden Road, then south on Providence Road to Serenity Meadows.

A viewing will be held at Serenity Meadows from 5 to 9 p.m. today.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road in Brandon. A second viewing will be held an hour before the funeral.

After the funeral, Schultz will be taken to Sarasota National Cemetery, where he will be buried with honors.

Donations may be made in Schultz's honor to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32604.

By Demorris A. Lee, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

TAMPA

Shawn Booker stood along Bayshore Boulevard in disbelief.

Booker, 18, had seen his friend Nate Schultz at a local mall this summer before Schultz started a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Schultz had talked of his love for the Marine Corps. The two knew each other from having lived at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor.

But on Friday morning, Booker stood by the roadside among a group of friends and youth ranch staffers as they clutched American flags in their left hands and held their right hands over their hearts. A hearse carrying Schultz's body snaked its way down the boulevard.

Lance Cpl. Nathaniel J.A. Schultz, 19, died Saturday during combat operations in Afghanistan's war-torn Helmand province. His body landed at MacDill Air Force Base early Friday.

His immediate family gathered around his casket while his youth ranch family waited at the corner of Bayshore Boulevard and Rome Avenue. The hearse took Schultz's body to a Riverview funeral home for a viewing Friday night.

"He just talked about how much he enjoyed it," Booker said of Schultz's love for the Corps. "In a million years, I would have never thought I would be standing out here waiting for his body to come by."

The Sheriffs Youth Ranch is a voluntary program that helps students better their lives. Cindy Deer is a cottage parent there and spent time with Schultz. She, too, waited along the edge of the street peppered with small American flags.

"He worked so hard to get there, to become a Marine," Deer recalled. "It's hard for us. We watched him struggle. Even when something didn't go right, he'd get back up and redo it."

"We are so honored that he died for our country, and we know it was a sacrifice for all of us," she said through tears.

Schultz came to the youth ranch in 2007 and left in 2009, just before joining the Marines.

The 30 youths who are at the ranch are not court-ordered to be there, said its program director, Scott Halbach. "We will not take youth who are made to come to us. We help those who want help."

A 2008 profile of Schultz in a youth ranch magazine said, "Before coming to the ranch, Nate was hanging out with the wrong crowd and making some poor choices."

In the profile, Schultz said, "Everybody here helps you … they know who you are and can see what you can become."

His friend Booker recalled that Schultz was a talented musician who could listen to a song on the radio and then play it on his guitar, substituting humorous lyrics.

"He would make up these hilarious songs off the top of his head," said Booker, who worked with Schultz on maintenance jobs at the ranch. "And he was always the peacemaker when there was an argument."

Last year, Schultz graduated from Countryside High School in Clearwater and joined the Marines.

He was an assistant gunner assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward.

He was deployed to Afghanistan in June and promoted to lance corporal Aug. 1. He was killed 20 days later.

Mary Lou McDonald works at the youth ranch and saw Schultz right after he completed basic training. He knew he was heading to Afghanistan.

"He was looking forward to it," she said. "I gave him a hug and a kiss, and I told him, 'You will stay in our prayers forever.' I'm glad I got a chance to see him."

Contact Demorris A. Lee at dalee@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4174.

By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010

Four airport executives have been picked as finalists to replace former Tampa International Airport executive director Louis Miller, who resigned six months ago.

The group includes the bosses at airports in Fort Lauderdale and Providence, R.I., but no one from Tampa International. TIA interim executive director John Wheat and at least one other senior executive applied for the top job.

Michael Bell of the search firm Spencer Stuart forwarded resumes of the four candidates to Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board members earlier this week. The finalists are scheduled to appear before the board nest Friday, with a final decision expected at the October board meeting.

The finalists are:

• Kent George, director of Aviation for Broward County, which operates the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. He previously served as executive director of Pittsburgh International Airport.

• Kevin Dillon, chief executive of T.F. Green Airport in Providence. He was deputy executive director at Orlando International Airport in 2007 and 2008.

• Lester W. Robinson, former top executive of Detroit Metro Airport from 2002 until the Wayne County Airport Authority decided not to renew his contract in May.

• Joseph Lopano, executive vice president of marketing at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. He previously worked in executive positions at Lufthansa Airlines and Continental Airlines.

Wheat and any other local candidates might not be out of the running yet. Al Austin, chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, said he would consider current TIA executives if board members aren't overwhelmed by any of the four finalists.

"I would not rule John Wheat out,'' he said. "I always like to leave the door open.'' But Austin didn't know if the other four board members would agree to open the field of candidates.

Miller resigned in February after clashes with some members of the aviation authority board.

Earlier this week, he was named among three finalists for the top staff job at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's largest airport. Robinson also is a finalist for the position.

Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3384.