By Curtis Krueger, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

LARGO —- A judge on Wednesday urged attorneys to keep preparing for a Dec. 12 trial date for Nicholas Lindsey, the teenager accused of murdering St. Petersburg Police Officer David S. Crawford.

That would amount to lightning speed in the court system. Murder cases in Pinellas County often take two years or more to go to trial. Crawford was shot Feb. 21, so a Dec. 12 trial would be less than 10 months later.

Defense attorney Dyril Flanagan said during Wednesday's court hearing he was not sure he could be ready so soon. He said in preparing for trial he wants to make use of a mental health expert, and possibly a DNA expert and private investigator, which could take time.

Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Thane Covert listened to comments from Flanagan and prosecutors and said that for now the Dec ...

By Erin Sullivan, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

TRINITY — Within five years, a manager at an urgent care clinic pocketed more than $58,000 in cash paid by patients, authorities said.

Nancy L. Albiter, 46, was arrested Tuesday and charged with scheme to defraud. According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Albiter worked as a shift leader at the Morton Plant Mease Immediate Care Center at 1306 Seven Springs Blvd. Between January 2005 and February 2010, Albiter stole the money by altering the "daily patient sign in records by deleting patients that paid in cash," a Sheriff's Office report states. Albiter also stole money intended to be deposited in the bank, the report states.

This is Albiter's first arrest in Florida. She did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday.

Beth Hardy, spokeswoman for Morton Plant Mease, said the agency did an internal investigation ...

By Nova Beall, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Eagle Scout Andrew J. Case, of Palm Harbor, receives a certificate from SAR Compatriot Art Hays.

Eagle Scout Andrew James Case, son of Richard and Pamela Case of Palm Harbor, received a certificate of recognition for outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership and citizenship from the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Clearwater Chapter. SAR Compatriot Art Hays presented the certificate at Case's Court of Honor ceremony Sept. 24 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Clearwater.

Case's family heritage includes several ancestors who fought for freedom in the American Revolution.

The 16-year-old member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 26 is a junior at Palm Harbor University High.

• • •

Esther Connell, a talented and energetic 94-year-old Clearwater Beach woman, enjoys knitting and crocheting for people she loves.

Last winter, Connell heard about Clothes to Kids, a local charity ...

By Robert Napper, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY — Five months ago James Steffens was introduced to City Council as a newly hired lieutenant in the New Port Richey Police Department.

This month he becomes interim chief.

Steffens, 43, will take the reins upon the departure of police Chief Jeffrey Harrington, who is becoming the major of road patrol operations at the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Harrington starts his new job Oct. 17.

"In May, I told you New Port Richey felt like home," Steffens told City Council on Tuesday night. "I've come to find it is home."

Steffens may be relatively new to the department, but he has two decades of law enforcement experience. He recently retired as lieutenant with the Clearwater Police Department, where he worked his way up the ranks from patrol to detective, and eventually supervisory roles over SWAT and police ...

By Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

River Ridge High School principal Maria Swanson has been cleared of accusations that she had an improper relationship with a subordinate employee, authorities announced after a two-week investigation.

Multiple interviews turned up no evidence that Swanson carried on an affair with a teacher during school hours or on school property while she was an assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School, district employee relations director Kevin Shibley said.

"We received no information other than that which (former assistant superintendent Jim) Davis handled already," Shibley said on Wednesday. He referred to Davis' informal verbal reprimand of Swanson in 2009, after she self-reported having an affair with a teacher she supervised.

Swanson did not respond to requests for comment.

Superintendent Heather Fiorentino called for the investigation last month after new allegations emerged in the midst of dismissal proceedings of Sunlake High ...

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY — Police are at a standoff with a man who barricaded himself inside a home at 6117 Wyoming Ave.

They have not released the name of the man, who is wanted on felony charges. The standoff began this afternoon when New Port Richey officers came to the home to arrest him, Lt. James Steffens said.

There are no hostages, police said.

Check back with tampabay.com for updates.

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY — A 28-year-old man surrendered peacefully Wednesday evening after an hours-long standoff with New Port Richey Police.

The ordeal began about noon, when a resident in the triplex at 6117 Wyoming Ave. discovered Raymond Robert Hetman, a fellow tenant, in the attic, drilling a hole into her unit, Lt. James Steffens said.

The resident called police, but Hetman barricaded himself in his apartment. Believing he could be armed, police evacuated the other tenants and called out the SWAT team.

About 5 p.m., the SWAT team shot two tear gas canisters into Hetman's residence, Steffens said. Moments later, Hetman walked out, and police took him into custody without further incident.

He was being interviewed Wednesday evening. Police planned to book Hetman at the Land O'Lakes jail on a charge of attempted burglary, and said additional charges could be filed.

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Countryside Kiwanis Club has changed it's name to the Top of the Bay Kiwanis Club.

At its recent installation dinner, 2011-12 officers and directors were installed by the incoming Kiwanis Division 12 Lt. Gov. Mary O'Connor. The new officers are Eddy Tamayo, president; Tom DuLaney, vice president; Chuck Winscott, secretary; and Bill Barnett, treasurer. Newly elected directors are Dick Luce, Dave Lindeman, Frank Ward, Wilber vanScoik, Lyle Williams, Elmer Luoma and Mark Lightsey.

Top of the Bay Kiwanis Club is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of service-minded men and women volunteers who respond to the needs of the community.

• • •

The Clearwater All American Sertoma Club conducted its Past Presidents Award Program on Aug. 18 at Clearwater Country Club.

Past president Bill Niels, who served July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, received an album with photos and accomplishments during his ...

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

TAMPA — A former University of Florida basketball star was arrested Tuesday, accused of not paying his child support.

Dametri Antonio Hill, 37, was detained at Tampa International Airport on a warrant of contempt of court. He was booked into the Orient Road Jail and was also charged with violating probation for two previous charges of marijuana possession.

Hill was well known for leading the Gators to the Final Four in 1994. His signature hook shot in the lane was affectionately coined "Da Meat Hook."

By Emily Nipps, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

CLEARWATER —A 9-month old girl whose father dropped her on a tile floor because she wouldn't stop crying, according to police, has died.

The charge against her father, 22-year-old Joseph Kenneth Oliver Jr., was upgraded to first-degree murder.

Clearwater police said physicians at Mease Countryside Hospital noticed the abuse when the girl, named Aaliyah Sile, was brought there for treatment early Monday. After discovering that the girl suffered serious injuries from blunt force trauma, she was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, where she was listed in very critical condition, police said.

She died Wednesday afternoon at St. Joseph's.

Police arrested Oliver and initially charged him with aggravated child abuse. Oliver admitted to dropping the girl out of frustration at least two times while caring for her, police said.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

BROOKSVILLE

you're invited to world habitat day celebration

Habitat for Humanity of Hernando County will celebrate World Habitat Day from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. today at the Habitat office, 19490 Cortez Blvd. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to share information on the home-ownership program, as well as the new Brush with Kindness program. Refreshments will be served at 2 p.m. and a question-and-answer session will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Call (352) 754-1159.

Learn about hospice at ice cream social

HPH Hospice will host a volunteer recruitment ice cream social from 2:30 to 4 p.m. today at the Grande, 725 Desoto Ave. Visitors will learn about various volunteer opportunities with hospice. For information, call (352) 796-2611.

Animal shelter needs volunteers

Hernando County Animal Services is recruiting volunteers. There are openings for rescue coordinators, lost and ...

By Drew Harwell, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

CLEARWATER — A baby who was dropped to the floor twice by her mother's boyfriend, who was frustrated by her crying, died Wednesday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital, police said.

Joseph Kenneth Oliver Jr., 22, was babysitting 9-month-old Aaliyah Siler when he intentionally dropped her face-first onto his bathroom's tile floor, police said. He is charged with first-degree murder.

Aaliyah was on life support with fractures to her skull and a wrist and bleeding in the eye and brain when she was hospitalized Tuesday morning, an arrest report said. Doctors did not expect her to survive.

Oliver was throwing Aaliyah in the air Monday night at his apartment on N Fernwood Avenue off Drew Street when he accidentally dropped her, a Clearwater detective wrote in a report.

When she would not stop crying, Oliver took her into the ...

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

SPRING HILL — The day after authorities say Osmany Ramos exposed himself to a 17-year-old girl at Spring Hill Regional Hospital, he was accused of trying to break into several vehicles.

As the girl picked up coffee and tea from a vending machine in the hospital emergency room early Tuesday morning, reports say she noticed Yamera staring at her and masturbating. He was later arrested on two counts of indecent exposure and held on $2,000 bond.

While standing in a holding cell at the Hernando County Detention Center, a report says, he stared outside the window smiling and with his hands down the front of his orange jumpsuit. After a deputy yelled at him to stop, he noticed Yamera had an erection inside his pants.

After posting bond later that day, he was released.

Around midnight, authorities say, Yamera attempted to break into multiple ...

By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Alcoholics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call (352) 683-4597.

Alzheimer's Association: The Florida Gulf Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers support groups at several locations:

• 2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, Oak Hill Hospitals Senior Partners Club (behind the hospital), 11361 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

• 2:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

• 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month, Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill. Diane Koenig, (352) 683-9009.

• 11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41 S, Inverness. Cathy Heaps, (352) 527-4600.

• 11 a.m. the third Wednesday, Avante Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, 304 S Citrus Ave., Inverness. Cathy ...

Times staff
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Morton Plant Mease is hosting its second annual "Girl's Night Out" event focusing on women's health, education and rejuvenation. Part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Dunedin.

Featured will be free health screenings just for women, Ask-A-Physician, live demonstrations on health living and wellness including Zumba and Nia, entertainment and light refreshments, and an opportunity to win prizes.

To pre-register, call (727) 940-2825.

• • •

Meet Count Dracula at a blood drive 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Publix Supermarket, 40968 U.S. 19, Tarpon Springs.

The Count will be on hand to encourage donations with BOGO theater tickets to the upcoming production of the stage play, Dracula, at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center on Oct. 21–30. All donors will ...

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

From this day forward, Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg and team officials should answer every question about attendance and support with one simple response:

It is what it is.

The team came up short in the playoffs, but Sternberg's frustration with attendance and television ratings did more to diminish the day than the Rays' 4-3 series-ending loss to the Texas Rangers.

I understand the disappointment. We all thought the Rays' miraculous run and its four years of winning would have a greater impact at the turnstiles, but it hasn't.

The stadium location, lack of amenities, and relatively small corporate support all are factors. Maybe we're not a great sports town. Maybe we're not a baseball town.

Whatever. Complaints from the owner won't change that. It might even have an adverse impact.

Sternberg doesn't do himself or the organization any ...

By Drew Harwell, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

CLEARWATER — A volunteer group tasked with reviewing the city charter has proposed an unconventional change for the City Council: no more term limits.

Council members would be able to serve indefinitely, without the two-term, eight-year limit that was imposed by voters 15 years ago. That limit will force Mayor Frank Hibbard and council member John Doran out of office next year.

"If people are unhappy with the way their council is performing," Charter Review Committee chair and former city clerk Cyndie Goudeau said Monday, "they have a way of dealing with that, and that is to vote them out."

The idea is one of a dozen proposed by the committee's 13 volunteers. This committee is appointed by the City Council every four years to update the city's constitution. The group has been meeting since February and unveiled its ...

By Lee Logan, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Former Tampa Electric Co. executive Ed Blommel is running for tax collector, giving Mike Olson his first Republican challenger for the office in 16 years.

"It's time for a new set of eyes," said Blommel, 62, who spent 40 years at TECO before retiring in 2009. His last 17 years with the company were as a regional manager in Pasco. He now works part-time with the East Pasco chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was recently appointed to the board for the Pasco County Housing Authority.

Blommel said he wants to focus on customer service. Although he wouldn't bring major changes to the office, he said he would provide tweaks and technology upgrades.

"I've got a passion for people," he said. "If you look throughout the county, (that office) serves the most people, in terms of customer ...

By David Rice, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Rose Frizzle, left, also known as “Iron Rose,” breaks free for the Pinellas County Roller Girls as she laps the field against the Lakeland Rockabilly Rebels, thus scoring a point for her team. Pinellas would lose the game but gain exposure in a sport they’re trying to expand.

NEW PORT RICHEY — Warriors of the skating world took to the rink at the All Sports Arena last weekend to give Pasco County its first taste of roller derby.

The sport is widely known but does not enjoy the type of fandom and decoration that other sports do. Even so, the all-girl sport is played by more than a thousand amateur leagues worldwide. Pasco County is now forming its first team, and plans to join a league with rivals in Lakeland and Pinellas County.

"A lot of us play hockey, which is ...

By Tony Marrero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 5, 2011

BROOKSVILLE — Every school day, hundreds of students who live near Hernando County's three magnet schools go right by them on the way to their zoned schools.

The School Board will soon consider: Should students who live within a certain distance from the magnet schools be given preference in the admissions process over students who apply based on talent and interest?

Superintendent Bryan Blavatt wants board direction on that question and other possible changes that would affect Challenger K-8 School of Science Mathematics, Chocachatti Elementary and Nature Coast Technical High.

Another proposal would transform Nature Coast into a cross between a neighborhood school and a technical center that draws students from throughout the county.

And the board will consider whether to tweak the percentage of students accepted by portfolio and by lottery at Challenger and Chocachatti. Currently, 70 percent are ...