By Compiled from Times wires
Published May 31, 2003
TAMPA - Gov. Jeb Bush said Friday he will likely sign legislation implementing a workplace smoking ban despite exemptions that could spark a court fight.
"I've heard there are some unusual exemptions that really kind of defy common sense," Bush told reporters during a stop in Tampa. "But my natural inclination is to ask the Legislature to come back next year, and if there needs to be a glitch bill then to do it then."
The bill carries out a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by voters in November that bans most workplace smoking, including restaurants. Bars that get up to 10 percent of their business from food sales are exempt.
The bar exemption was part of the amendment, but supporters say two other exemptions were not and are considering a legal challenge. The exemptions cover charitable groups and airport smoking lounges.
7th cruise crew member dies from blast injuries
MIAMI - A seventh crew member has died from injuries suffered when a boiler exploded aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, and autopsies found that five victims were fatally scalded by a rush of steam.
Ramon Villarais, 39, of Bulacan, Philippines, died at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at Jackson Memorial Hospital, company spokeswoman Susan Robison said Friday. She said nine crew members were still in the hospital.
Deputy not charged in shooting incident
FORT MYERS - A Lee County sheriff's deputy will not face criminal charges for shooting a North Fort Myers man who attacked the lawman's car in an apparent case of road rage.
The decision by the Lee County State Attorney's Office on Thursday ends a two-month investigation into the death of Mark S. Fitch Jr., 22.
A grand jury said Deputy Chad Edwards, who was off duty, was justified when he fired to stop Fitch from swinging a metal bar at another deputy.
Orange, Polk counties see possible SARS cases
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Health said Friday it is investigating two potential cases of SARS: a probable case in an Orange County female infant and a suspected case in a 44-year-old Polk County woman.
Both victims are recovering at home, health department spokeswoman Lindsay Hodges said.
Since April 2, Florida has seen 22 SARS cases - 18 suspected, four probable - and all but the most recent victims have recovered, Hodges said.
Hurricane forecaster: Expect 14 named storms
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Hurricane forecaster William Gray said Friday that this storm season will be slightly worse than he predicted.
In a forecast released before the official start of the season Sunday, Gray's team predicted 14 named storms, two more than the team predicted in December and April.
Abortion clinic fire classified as arson
TAMARAC - A fire at the office of a Broward doctor who performs abortions has been classified an arson, authorities said. An abortion rights group said it was the first arson attack on an abortion clinic this year.
Sheriff's detectives are investigating the arson fire and vandalism early Sunday at Dr. Michael Benjamin's office, but they have not determined whether the fire was politically motivated.
Authorities said someone poured a flammable liquid on the door and through the mail slot. The small fire burned itself out but caused smoke damage, sheriff's spokeswoman Liz Calzadilla said. No one was injured.
