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Ladies and gentlemen of the jury...

By Colleen Jenkins and times staff
Published October 18, 2006

What does it sound like when an alleged member of the New York-based Gambino crime family represents himself?

Well, sort of like the movies.

On Tuesday, Ronald "Ronnie One Arm" Trucchio, who is charged with extortion and racketeering, questioned potential jurors in his federal trial because his attorney of choice is unavailable.

Speaking with a thick New York accent, Trucchio, 55, promised to "sit down and shut up" when his attorney arrives.

"Just bear with me. ...... I'm sure yous were nervous. I'm more nervous."

"Do any of yous belong to any organizations, you know, like the Knights of Columbus or a woman's group or anything?"

"Have any of yous ever been turned down for a security job before?"

At one point Trucchio apologized for a temporary bridge in his mouth he thought was affecting his speech. "It's not holding up too good."

Like any good lawyer, Trucchio predicted his acquittal. "Trust us," he said, "you're going to find out we're innocent. Thank you."

SR 52 commuters, you've been warned

LAND O'LAKES - Get ready to wait in line if you're driving State Road 52.

Starting Friday at 6 p.m., the railroad crossing west of U.S. 41 will be closed for reconstruction.

One lane of traffic at a time will be routed around the crossing, led by a construction vehicle that acts as a pace car.

The work is expected to be finished by Tuesday.

Authorities are encouraging motorists to take alternate routes if possible. But there is a reason the Transportation Department also decided to keep one lane of traffic open.

"There's really no good detour route," said department spokeswoman Kris Carson.

CSX is upgrading the railroad crossing, while the department has hired a contractor to do the paving, according to Carson.

Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Larry Coggins said people should take advantage of the early notice of the work.

"There's going to be no excuse not to plan early," he said.

Pasco County school buses will proceed as normal on Monday and Tuesday, said transportation director Mike Parker.

"It's not like it's going to be a permanent thing," he said. "We'll just be patient and wait like everybody else."

State blesses plan for teacher bonuses

TAMPA - The controversial idea of tying teacher pay to performance got a boost Tuesday when Hillsborough County, the nation's eighth-largest school district, won state approval for its new bonus plan.

State Board of Education chairman Phil Handy complimented the School Board and teachers union for agreeing on an idea many educators oppose - connecting pay to student outcomes.

"It's very unique in American history to have such a consensual approach to teacher compensation," Handy said.

Town honors stranger who left $1-million

DUNEDIN - Oskar Elbert knew few of his fellow townspeople. And not many of them knew him.

But on Tuesday, a group that included some of the city's most prominent citizens honored Elbert's $1-million bequest to the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

Elbert, who died last year, donated his entire estate to the center. Art Center members have since been looking at his effects - including photographs, citizenship papers and job papers - to unlock the mystery of his life. So far, they think Elbert was an artist interested in photography.

City vehicles shuffle 'Vote No' signs

ST. PETE BEACH - St. Pete Beach city officials moved around signs urging voters to strike down a proposed County Charter change this week after residents and police officers flooded City Hall with angry e-mails and phone calls.

The magnetic "Vote No" signs, originally hung on police cars and fire trucks. The signs now hang on vehicles driven by the fire marshal, public works officials and parking enforcement personnel.

The city says the signs are aimed at a County Charter change that would prohibit a municipality from opting out of a countywide regulation, even if city voters reject it.

Some officers complained about the signs, claiming residents were stopping them at stop signs and convenience stores to protest the signs, said Scott Collins, a union representative for the St. Pete Beach Police Department.

FBI looking for teens after derailment

TAMPA - The FBI is looking for two teenagers in connection with the derailment of a CSX cargo train on Busch Boulevard in July.

A witness said the youths looked about 14 or 15 and dressed like "goths." Both had purple eye makeup, an FBI spokeswoman said. The male was described as 5-10, 200 pounds, with short, black, curly hair. The female is 5-8, 200 pounds, with black, shoulder-length, hair and a pink-dyed stripe. Anyone with information may call the FBI, (813) 253-1000.

[Last modified October 18, 2006, 01:25:40]