State Sen. Campbell won't try switch to U.S. Senate
By wire services
Published December 13, 2003
TALLAHASSEE - State Sen. Walter "Skip" Campbell, a Broward County Democrat who had been weighing a bid for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, said Friday he has decided not to run.
An outside group did a poll gauging Campbell's chances, but a statement announcing his decision emphasized only that he wants to stay in the Senate through his term limit of 2006.
Campbell, 55, is a trial lawyer with a net worth of more than $10-million. He has been in the Senate since 1996.
Man charged in "pageant' scam victimizing kids
MIAMI - The FBI has charged a Christmas pageant promoter with fraud after thousands of children who paid $10 each to attend his show arrived in busloads to find a shuttered building.
An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for David Lee Ellisor, 52, on a charge of mail fraud. He remained at large Friday, said FBI spokeswoman Beverly Esselbach.
"The record indicates that he had no intention of ever putting on this show," said Angel Cortinas, economic crimes chief at the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Schools paid as much as $1,300 for students to attend the "Christmas From Around the World" show set for Dec. 3-5, and the Archdiocese of Miami paid $14,000 to send students from seven Roman Catholic schools.
Ellisor ran similar scams in Dallas-Fort Worth, Albuquerque, N.M., and Salt Lake City, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Bay County a step closer to larger, relocated airport
PANAMA CITY - Bay County commissioners approved a land use plan for relocating the region's airport, rejecting arguments from some residents that the project is unnecessary.
Under the proposal commissioners adopted 3-1 Thursday, land use classifications for 20,000 acres will change to accommodate a proposed new airport and a mix of residential, commercial and industrial development by the St. Joe Co.
The plan to relocate the Panama City-Bay County Airport to a larger site now awaits approval by state and federal agencies.
It has the support of Gov. Jeb Bush, many local business interests and the St. Joe Co., the state's largest private land owner, which has agreed to donate 4,000 acres.
Sen. Clinton at fundraiser
MIAMI - Sen. Hillary Clinton is scheduled to appear at a Democratic National Committee dinner here Tuesday to raise money for the party's campaigns in 2004.
The New York senator and former first lady will join Florida Sen. Bob Graham and DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe at the dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.
