St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida

Bush worries war might strain ailing economy
If war occurs, the governor expects the tourism industry to be a likely casualty.

FSU student dies in suspected case of meningitis
TALLAHASSEE -- A Florida State student died Tuesday in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis, prompting school officials to give antibiotics to those known to have been in close contact with the student.

Graham wants details of $120-million oil buyout
MIAMI -- Sen. Bob Graham wants the Bush administration to justify spending $120-million to buy oil and gas rights from a pioneering Florida family to protect the Everglades and the state's pristine beaches from drilling.

Pals jab Jeb on the Big 5-0
TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Jeb Bush turned 50 Tuesday and people at the Capitol used the occasion to make fun of his head, tease him about the way he dresses and joke about his honorary membership in AARP.

Teenage killer describes frequent sex with man
Ricky Chavis, 41, is on trial on kidnapping and battery charges.

Two paintings worth millions are recovered; three arrested
MIAMI -- Two French impressionist era paintings with a combined value of $6.7-million were recovered in an undercover operation, officials said Tuesday.

Broward elections chief says 2 city primaries go smoothly
FORT LAUDERDALE -- Broward's embattled elections chief declared Tuesday's primaries in two cities a success, saying the cities' willingness to work with her office led to smooth elections.

Around the state: Utah congressman is foe of buying anthrax building
BOCA RATON -- A Utah congressman wants to block the government purchase of the anthrax-tainted building owned by the publisher of the National Enquirer.

Escambia unloads tainted purchase
PENSACOLA -- Escambia County commissioners sold a soccer complex for nearly $1-million less than the $3.9-million their suspended predecessors paid for it.

Cutting program tragic, advocates, patients say
Medically Needy provides health care to low-income people who don't qualify for Medicaid.