LANDSCAPER SAYS HE WAS HARASSED AT LUTZ SUBDIVISION - For more than a year, Andy Bartley traveled through the gates of Crystal Lakes Manors to service his customers' lawns. But his frequent visits didn't stop the guard at the subdivision's gate from questioning him each time, he says.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 4, 2003
On April 16, he got fed up.
"I objected to the questions and (the guard) threatened to call the sheriff, saying it's his job to get my name and find out where I'm going," said Bartley, owner of One-Eyed Jake's Lawn Care.
After he managed to get past the guard twice without stopping, the guard called his customers in the neighborhood, Bartley said. Finally, Bartley reported the guard to Hillsborough County officials, who had approved the guardhouse and gate in the first place.
Now officials want an explanation for why Bartley had problems getting into the subdivision.
An agreement with the county allowed Crystal Lakes Manors, as well as several other communities, to install a guardhouse and gate at the entrance, but the roads inside are public. Legally, Bartley did not need to identify himself or say why he was there, county officials say.
"The guards are not allowed to stop people and make them think they can't get in," said Rebecca Kert, an assistant county attorney. "Even if they refuse to answer questions, they can't be prevented access."
Jim Doubek, president of the Crystal Lakes Manors homeowner association, said he sees no problem with the guards asking visitors who they are and where they're going.
"We have a cul-de-sac," he said. "So when people do wrong, we know who has been in and out. We're trying not to be a hassle at the gate. We just want to keep track of who is coming in and out. "
SLAIN MARINE REMEMBERED AT GAITHER HIGH - Tony Sledd graduated from Gaither High School three springs ago. But in death, his memory will forever be a part of life there.
Sledd, the Marine lance corporal killed Oct. 8 by two Kuwaiti civilians who opened fire on his unit, was remembered at the school Tuesday evening as his friends and family gathered to dedicate a flag, a stone memorial and a scholarship in his name.
"It is an honor to have the flag that flew for Tony at half-mast over the Capitol to be displayed at Gaither High School," said his mother, Norma Sledd. "From this school, in these classrooms and hallways, Tony dreamed about his future. And through this scholarship in his memory, I know he is smiling, just knowing that other Gaither students will be helped to realize their dreams."
After graduation, Sledd enlisted in the Marine Corps with a plan: four years of service, then college, then a career in law enforcement, and ultimately a position in the FBI.
The Sledd family donated the U.S. flag that hangs in the Gaither cafeteria. The school came up with the idea for the 300-pound granite stone that reads, "In honor of a great American and Gaither alumnus, Lance Cpl. Antonio Sledd c/o 2000, 6/7/82 - 10/8/02." It will go at the base of the school's "spirit flag" pole at the football stadium.
ALONSO STUDENT CHARGED IN BOMB THREAT - Hillsborough sheriff's deputies on Wednesday arrested a 15-year-old student who they say called in a bomb threat to Alonso High School about 9:45 a.m.
Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said deputies evacuated the school and searched it. They later traced the call to the boy's phone. The Times is not printing his name due to his age.
Carter said the boy faces charges of making a false bomb threat and disruption of a school function. He was taken to a juvenile detention center, she said.
FATAL CRASH ON VETERANS EXPRESSWAY - One man died Wednesday afternoon in a head-on crash that left the northbound lanes of the Veterans Expressway closed for hours.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said 24-year-old Samer Makar of Tampa, was driving his silver Honda Civic south on the expressway just after 4 p.m. when he crossed the grass median and drove head-on into a Dodge Neon headed north, just north of Linebaugh Avenue.
A third vehicle, a tan Dodge Caravan also headed north, was slightly damaged.
Makar was pronounced dead at the scene.
Andrea Pepitone, 19, of Spring Hill and Lynn Collins, 39, of New Port Richey, the drivers of the other vehicles, both were taken to local hospitals for treatment, officials said.
