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30-year-old manidentified as crash victim

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 1, 2007

A driver killed Tuesday night in a two-car collision just off Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg has been identified as Ralph E. Stothower, 30, of Largo. St. Petersburg police said Slothower's Mitsubishi was heading south from the exit ramp at 22nd Avenue N about 8:45 p.m. when he was hit by a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling west at high speed. The Jeep's driver, Rodney F. Lyle, 37, of Pinellas Park, disregarded a red light when he entered the intersection, police said. Stothhower died at the scene. Lyle was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, with injuries and is expected to recover. Police said Wednesday they did not know whether either driver was impaired and are continuing to investigate. No charges have been filed.

Library group plans trip to opera

Here's a chance to catch the Sarasota Opera's only Tampa Bay area performance of Madame Butterfly without having to drive and find a parking space. You can travel with the Clearwater Library Foundation on March 11 to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg for the performance. Tickets cost $125 and include "dress circle" seats at the front of the theater, round-trip transportation, plus a gourmet snack, from the Clearwater Main Library. Michael Blauner of the Pinellas Opera League will provide a pre-opera lecture at noon and 6 p.m. on March 6. Seats are limited, and the deadline for signing up is Feb. 7. Call (727) 562-4970, ext. 5189.

Mental illness discussion today

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will host a panel discussion by mental health professionals and advocates entitled "Journey on the Road to Recovery" at 7 p.m. today at the Hospice facility, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Bldg. 100, Clearwater. The panel will explore the different routes, the reality, the major road blocks and the super highway to recovery. Free. RSVP is appreciated. Call (727) 791-3434.

Coffee breaks for caregivers slated

Do you care for a loved one who is ill? The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast offers caregiver coffee breaks, an opportunity to share information and encouragement with other caregivers. This is a chance to ask questions and learn ways to make this time more meaningful and comfortable. The sessions will be:

- 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the hospice's Garden House community service center at 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater.

- 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8 at the hospice's community service center at 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor.

No reservation or registration is required. Call Barb Jiracek at (727) 523-3451.

Boating skills course to start

The Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron will present a boating skills and seamanship course from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning next week and continuing through Feb. 19 at the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron building, 1000 Cleveland St. A $40 charge covers the manual and materials. Boat ownership is not required. The program covers boating laws, navigation, safety equipment, basic knots, radio use and emergency procedures. To register, call (727) 441-8775 or visit www.clearwater powersquadron.com.

[Last modified February 1, 2007, 00:30:29]