St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida

Friend of industry or consumer?
The attorney general candidates vow to fight for consumers, yet each has a business-friendly past.

Will ban leave patrons in a huff for a puff?
With polls pointing toward voter approval of the workplace smoking ban, restaurateurs are preparing.

McBride courts South Florida
In Reno's stomping ground, the Democrat tries to win over the voting blocs he lost to her in the primary.

Lawsuit answers unwanted phone calls
Nine businesses that called people on the state's No Sales Solicitation list face fines.

2 sides of class size issue see drop-off
With many absorbed in the governor's race and support for class size limits high, fundraising has slowed to a crawl.

Miami girl's killer gets life in prison
The man beat his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter after she ate his breakfast sausages.

County may shush airboats
OCALA -- Marion County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would force airboat operators to muffle their high-powered engines.

Bush unveils loans for teachers
A partnership between public and private interests will help teachers buy homes and repay student loans.

Childers takes plea, avoids retrial in Sunshine Law case
PENSACOLA -- Suspended Escambia County Commissioner W.D. Childers agreed Monday to a plea deal resulting in his second open-government Sunshine Law conviction.

Teen inmate accused of snitching is killed
PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- Six jail inmates are charged with fatally beating a teenage fellow prisoner they accused of snitching about an illicit tattooing tool, authorities said.

Union claims 4 on elections panel biased
The FEA argues that the panelists' GOP ties disqualify them from hearing its McBride-related case.

Judge cuts bail for caregivers of missing girl
Geralyn and Pamela Graham are accused of cheating the state. They took care of Rilya Wilson.

Camera lifts launch to new level
CAPE CANAVERAL -- So seemingly routine have flights of the space shuttle become that most of the prelaunch attention given to Monday's mission went to a small camera attached to the fuel tank, and the nifty view of the ground it would record during launch.