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Briefs and news of note

By Times Staff
Published September 20, 2006

Coast Guard suspends search for boat riders

The mystery of the empty boat wasn't quite solved Tuesday, but Coast Guard officials didn't exactly have reason to fear the worst, either. After looking for nearly 24 hours, the Coast Guard on Tuesday suspended its search for whoever was aboard an 18-foot blue and white pleasure boat found partly submerged Monday about 9 miles west of Clearwater Beach. Still aboard the vessel were a cooler, life jackets and fishing poles. On Tuesday, officials had talked to the boat's owner, who lives in Lakeland and said the boat was stolen from its mooring at a hotel dock in Holmes Beach, Coast Guard Petty Officer Sondra-Kay Kneen said. The theft took place between 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. It's possible the thief abandoned the boat and caught a ride back to shore, but that's just one assumption, Kneen said. Here's what she said officials do know: "We don't have any reports of anyone missing."

Annual Day of Peace celebrates diversity

PALM HARBOR - Share the peace pipe, drum around the fire and be part of lighting the World Peace Flame Candle at an American Indian ceremony marking the 25th annual International Day of Peace. Worldwide, the observance includes concerts, parades, marches, fasts, conference, festivals, gatherings, children's activities, parties and vigils planned by more than 1,200 organizations in over 150 nations. In North Pinellas, the Rev. Caroline "White Star" Dawley will facilitate the free event that will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the medicine wheel at Oak Trail Books, 1219 Florida Ave. Participants are encouraged to bring drums, rattles or other instruments, and donations are appreciated. Call (727) 785-1960.

Motorcyclist injured in crash that closes road

CLEARWATER - A motorcycle-car crash at Douglas Avenue and Sunset Point Road on Monday evening shut down traffic for hours and left one man injured, police said. Motorcyclist John Freeman, 53, was headed north on Douglas Avenue. The car, a Pontiac driven by 19-year-old Andrew McComber, was headed south on Douglas. The vehicles collided at the intersection of Sunset Point Road about 4:45 p.m., according to police. Freeman, who lives in Holiday, was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. He was released Tuesday, hospital officials said. McComber was uninjured. No further details on the crash were available.

Guardians ad litem needed for children

About 1,800 children in Pinellas County need someone to be their voice in the courtroom, and the county's guardian ad litem program hopes that could be you. You can learn about becoming a guardian ad litem by attending a one-hour orientation held each week on Thursday. The time of the orientation is varied to accommodate the schedule of prospective volunteers. Guardians ad litem speak on behalf of abused, abandoned or neglected children in Pinellas County courts. As a child's advocate, a guardian ad litem becomes familiar with the child and case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure the child has a safe, caring and stable environment. Guardians ad litem receive training and ongoing supervision to help them make a positive difference in the lives of children. Call (727) 464-6528 to sign up for an orientation. For more information, go to www.guardianadlitem6.org.

Amscot, deputies to give away free bicycle helmets

LARGO - Pinellas County sheriff's deputies and staffers from Amscot Financial will hand out free bicycle helmets from 6 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Amscot Financial, 11156 Starkey Road. A similar partnership last year resulted in more than 6,000 helmets being distributed in 11 counties. This year, the annual community service event hopes to distribute a total of 7,000. For more information, call (727) 582-6221.

[Last modified September 20, 2006, 08:59:06]