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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 11, 2002
Rain delays cranes' flight
CHASSAHOWITZKA -- Heavy rain Thursday morning in Wisconsin delayed the second attempt to fly endangered whooping cranes to Chassahowitzka, but organizers said they would try again today. Encouraged by last year's successful flight, researchers are trying to lead 17 cranes to Florida using ultralight aircraft. The hope is the cranes will learn how to migrate on their own, re-establishing the species in the eastern United States.
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The Bear's Den, a store north of the Crystal River Mall that sells sex aids and adult videos, does not violate city codes because the material does not exceed 25 percent of the total store inventory or 10 percent of gross sales, a city audit has shown. The stock primarily consists of tobacco pipes. Some people had complained about the business, saying it was inappropriate. Owner Vickie Swartz said she has strictly enforced a rule banning customers younger than 18 and has kept curtains over the windows.