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Briefly
By TIMES WIRES
Published September 15, 2006
House vacancy interests several - when it's vacant A day after Rep. Ken Littlefield earned an appointment to the Public Service Commission, Bill Bunting's phone started ringing. Seven people called the Pasco Republican Party chairman to express interest in the soon-to-be-vacated Florida House seat for District 61. One catch: Littlefield is still deciding when to resign - meaning an uncertain scenario for how his seat will be filled. Littlefield, R-Wesley Chapel, has held the seat since 1999. He was seeking a final two-year term this year but also applied for one of two vacancies on the commission, which oversees utilities in Florida. Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him this week, so he will resign from the House before taking the $128,800-a-year commission post in January. If he steps down now, Republicans can simply name a replacement nominee to run against Democrat Donovan Brown in the Nov. 7 general election. But if Littlefield stays in the House race and wins, his resignation would trigger a special election before next year's legislative session. And if more than one candidate emerged from each party, there would be a special primary first. Bikini bars sue to block Hillsborough no-touch law TAMPA - Two bikini bar owners filed a federal lawsuit Thursday saying Hillsborough County's ordinance barring scantily clad dancers from touching patrons violates their First Amendment right of free speech. The plaintiffs own Tootsie's, 5634 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; Showgirls, 1602 E Brandon Blvd., Valrico; and Showgirls Mens Club, 4210 U.S. 92 E, Plant City. "The plaintiffs believe that the presentation of expressive dance performances is a beneficial social activity which creates an improved self image for the dancer and joy and entertainment for the beholder," argues the lawsuit filed by attorney Luke Lirot. The Hillsborough County Commission voted 7-0 on Sept. 7 to prohibit employees in bikinis from touching customers in businesses that sell alcohol. Lirot said Thursday that freedom of expression includes gestures such as hugging and slow dancing. The bar owners want a judge to block the law from taking effect until the issue can be settled by a jury.
[Last modified September 15, 2006, 01:09:47]
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