St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida

Bill may put a stop to inmate drivers
TALLAHASSEE -- William Montgomery was speeding last October in Miami when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over and demanded to see his driver's license and proof of insurance.

Panther death offers hope
Though wildlife officials are "heartsick" that a young male died on the highway, it may show the cat population is up.

Man pounds 10-foot gator with rock to free child
"I didn't know fear," the man said. He twice freed his nephew from the beast. The child escaped serious injury.

3 from Tampa are on panel to protect bases
MIAMI -- Three Tampa officials are among a 17-member panel appointed Monday by Gov. Jeb Bush to help protect Florida's military bases from the next round of closures or realignment set for 2005.

Around the state: Big boom set in bomb test
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE -- A 21,000-pound conventional bomb is set to be tested for the first time at this Florida Panhandle base today.

Legislature: Bill alters law on autopsy photos
Today is the eighth day of the 60-day session.

Bill puts limits on suits against some polluters
TALLAHASSEE -- Facing criticism from environmental groups, Florida lawmakers on Monday modified a bill that would have prevented property owners who contaminate the ground with toxic dry-cleaning chemicals from being sued.

How many classrooms? 2,602, new data say
TALLAHASSEE -- Only a third of the state's school districts need more classrooms next year to meet the requirements of the state Constitution, data presented Monday to a House panel show.

Nursing home showdown begins
Nursing home operators battle trial attorneys and the AARP over capping pain and suffering damages.

Hurricane forecast gains 2 days
MIAMI -- The public will get five-day forecasts for hurricanes instead of the three-day predictions used since 1964, the National Weather Service announced Monday.

Cops to chat with Heimlich hoaxer
PUNTA GORDA -- A man suspected of pretending he's choking to draw women to his rescue has been identified and may have to explain his antics to authorities.

Family fights over boys who killed dad
PENSACOLA -- The paternal grandmother and an uncle are seeking custody of two adolescent brothers who killed their father with a baseball bat, but the boys' mother is fighting back, saying money raised for her sons is at the heart of the dispute.