GAINESVILLE - A Florida Highway Patrol trooper killed in a car accident last month lost control of his vehicle when a suspect he was chasing suddenly braked, according to a preliminary report.
Trying to avoid hitting the Plymouth Neon in front of him, Sgt. George "Andy" Brown III, 54, lost control of his cruiser April 27 and hit an oak tree, according to the FHP report released Tuesday.
Based on skid marks and witnesses' statements, officers think the driver of the Neon intended to cause Brown to lose control, the report said.
Gregory Hampton Platt, 31, and Kelly Jean Smith, 25, both of Naples, were arrested just east of Crystal River in Citrus County on various charges, including fleeing law officers, several hours after Brown's death. Troopers think they were in the vehicle Brown was trying to stop, but they have not been charged in connection with his death.
The FHP has said the pursuit began when Brown saw a car exceeding the speed limit on Columbia County Road 341. Both cars were going about 80 mph before the crash, investigators said. The speed limit was 45 mph.
Group says it'll sue over Glades deadline tinkering
A Florida environmental group has notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency it intends to sue the agency for allowing state lawmakers to push back a deadline for cleaning up the Everglades.
In 1994 the state agreed to clean up phosphorous pollution in the Everglades by 2006. Last year, though, lobbyists for sugar growers persuaded the Legislature to push the deadline back by as much as 10 years. Despite criticism from Republicans in Congress and a federal judge overseeing the Everglades cleanup, Gov. Jeb Bush approved the measure.
The EPA said the decision did not qualify as a change in the state's water quality standards. The Everglades Trust, which has battled sugar growers for years, contended in a letter to the EPA Wednesday that the delay would "dilute Everglades protection."
The EPA has 60 days to respond to the notice. If the environmental group is not satisfied it can file a federal lawsuit.
Key West officials pushing crackdown on bawdiness
KEY WEST - Officials have decided to drastically reduce the number of strip clubs, escort businesses and adult book and clothing stores in this island city known for its debauchery.
The City Commission voted 6-0 Tuesday to cap the number of adult businesses at seven and limit them to the lower end of Duval Street, part of the tourist district.
There are now 14 adult businesses in Key West, plus some drag clubs and clothing-optional bars and restaurants.
The commission classified certain adult businesses as nonconforming. Adult entertainment will be banned in those locations once the existing businesses close.
Eventually, a lottery will be held for people to apply for available licenses.
The vote was the latest move by city leaders in a crackdown against adult businesses.
In recent months, vans bearing images of bikini-clad girls advertising a strip club were stopped from driving around town. Code enforcers have also cited clothing-optional restaurants staffed by bare-breasted bartenders.
The city also revoked licenses for Christy Sweet's Personal Dances, saying it violated a law prohibiting strip clubs within 200 feet of a school, church or bar. Sweet is fighting the decision in federal court.
