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By TIMES WIRES
Published September 23, 2006

Shopper's behavior would get him evicted from Sesame Street

The annual holiday shopping craze has started early this year. The latest incarnation of the Tickle Me Elmo, called TMX Elmo, recently hit store shelves, including the Target on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa. But one shopper decided not to play nice after the guy in front of him grabbed the last two toys and handed one to another customer, police said. Using language unsuitable for any playground, the sore loser threatened to beat up the other shopper. Store employees called police, but the angry customer was gone by the time police arrived.

As if Red Tide wasn't enough, now there's fecal pollution

If you're headed to the beach this weekend, avoid the stretch along the Courtney Campbell Parkway in Pinellas. The Pinellas County Health Department issued a warning Friday based on bacteria in the water. Health officials said the bacteria indicate the presence of fecal pollution, which might have come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, and human sewage. And if that doesn't keep you out of the water, the department said the findings "should be considered a potential health risk."

OVERHEARD

"This is the American dream. Start the company with zero dollars and end up with a $40,000 salary. I think I'll take that."

- Weina Scott, 17, chief executive of her own podcast hosting company. She works 20 hours a week on Switchpod.com, which gives users space to upload audio and video programs as podcasts, the Miami Herald reports. The North Miami Beach senior also has to fit in time for homework.

[Last modified September 23, 2006, 01:09:26]