St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida


		[Times photo: John Pendygraft]
		Rudolph Holton, 49, weeps as attorney Linda McDermott tells the story of his case at a news conference Monday in Tallahassee: He spent 16 years on death row in connection with the rape and slaying of a 17-year-old. But after the Florida Supreme Court threw out his conviction and two witnesses against him recanted, he was released.

Delays in death row case irk governor
Bush may order a review of the case because of a long-delayed police report and recantations by two witnesses that led to a release.

Judge overturns verdict against gun distributor
A circuit judge says the decision in the case centered around Nathaniel Brazill's weapon was inconsistent.

Super Bowl XXXVII: Only Floridians saw pitch on glories of state's citrus
Florida residents might seem the one slice of the population that doesn't need to hear a pitch on the virtues of Florida citrus.

Churches may push mentoring
Gov. Jeb Bush's plan to have religious institutions help find mentors raises constitutional questions.

1 killed in plane crash; 3 missing
JACKSONVILLE -- A biologist from St. Petersburg is among three people missing after a twin-engine plane went down Sunday in the Atlantic waters off Fernandina Beach.

More than 800 doctors skip work to decry insurance rates
As they object to malpractice rates, a patient advocacy group protests proposed caps on damage awards.

Senators hand in budgetary wish lists
Few of lawmakers' pet projects for their districts are likely to get funding.

Around the state: Teen's trial in fatal beating will be moved to Pinellas
BRADENTON -- A judge agreed Monday to move the trial of a teen accused of fatally beating a classmate.

Board accepts Bush's intervention
The governor's letter in a controversial trademark case is appropriate, the appeals panel says.

Ex-police officer in Jacksonville gets life in slaying
He strangled a convenience store chain owner in the back seat of his cruiser during a botched robbery in 1998.