Times staff
Friday, November 5, 2010
PORT RICHEY
Rep. John Legg nominated for larger role
State Rep. John Legg is in line for a promotion: Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives. The Port Richey Republican was nominated for the spot on Friday by House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. Representatives will vote on the nomination at a later date. Legg would act as speaker in Cannon's absence. In the position, he would also serve as the head of the House's Office of Public Information. "I can think of no member who can better rise to that challenge than Representative John Legg," Cannon said in a statement. "In his home district, Representative Legg is known for his accessibility and his diligent service to his constituents. Among his colleagues in the House, he is known for his honesty, intelligence, seriousness of purpose, and humility."
TAMPA
Investment firm's chief is arrested
The head of an investment company that has been labeled a Ponzi scheme by state authorities was arrested this week. David Lewalski, formerly of Gainesville, is charged in federal court with wire fraud. Federal authorities say Lewalski, whose Botfly LLC firm operated from an address on Clocktower Parkway in Bayonet Point, solicited money from investors in Florida and throughout the country based on promises of 10 percent returns per month. "Based on these and other fraudulent representations, Lewalski and his associates took in approximately $30 million from hundreds of investors," his arrest report states. In reality, the report states, Lewalski invested only a small portion of the funds and generated little if any profits. The Florida Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit in April against Botfly, Lewalski and his associate, Jon Hammill of St. Petersburg, and obtained a court injunction freezing all their assets. The lawsuit is pending. It, along with the arrest report, claims Lewalski spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury hotels, private jets and retailers including Gucci, Cartier and Hermes of Paris.
HOLIDAY
Buddy poppies to bloom at retailers
VFW Holiday Post 10167 will give away Buddy poppies for donations today outside the Walgreens at U.S. 19 and Darlington Road in Holiday, the Winn-Dixie at U.S. 19 and Bartelt Road in Holiday and Publix at U.S. 19 and Floramar Terrace in New Port Richey, and outside the Sam's Club at Trouble Creek Road and U.S. 19. For information, call (727) 938-5977.