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Dateline Florida

By TIMES WIRES
Published April 4, 2007

RED TIDE MAY BE KILLING MANATEES 

State officials suspect Red Tide killed some of the 26 manatees whose bodies were found in Lee County waters in the past two weeks, the Associated Press reports. Four of the sea cows were found dead Monday. Red Tide contains a powerful toxin that kills fish and other marine life. Manatees can inhale the toxin when they surface for air. They also eat sea grass that has absorbed the toxin. Forty manatees have died in Lee County since the beginning of the year. Across the state, 72 deaths were reported as of March 23. Last year, 417 manatee deaths were recorded, the deadliest year on record. Other major causes of death for the endangered creatures include boat injuries, cold stress and natural causes.

Couple uses kids to steal computer

A couple with two little girls stole a new laptop computer from Sam's Club at 15835 N Dale Mabry Highway on Sunday. What's more, the man hid the $1,315 computer in a stroller. A surveillance video showed them leaving in a dark Ford F-150 pickup. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 with information.

Thief snuffs store's 10-foot cigarette

It's a big, smoking mystery in Pensacola: Who stole the 10-foot-long cigarette mounted to a sign on the roof of the Tobacco Depot Discount Superstore? It was made of sheet metal, weighed 50 pounds and - here's the best part - billowed smoke from the front end. Roderick Lowd, manager of the Tobacco Depot Discount Superstore, said he didn't notice it missing until Wednesday. "I'm thinking it was some kids on spring break playing a prank," he said. He's offering a $50 reward for information. "We had a good laugh about it," he said. "I couldn't believe someone would want to steal a 10-foot cigarette."

Report animal abuse, reap a $1,500 reward

Residents who tip off Hillsborough County Animal Services to animal abuse could now get a reward of up to $1,500, spokeswoman Marti Ryan said. Tipsters, who can remain anonymous, will be eligible for a Zig Zag Memorial Reward if their tip leads to a conviction. The prizes are administered by California-based United Animal Nations and named in honor of a dog that died from abuse. To report cruelty, call Animal Services at (813)744-5660.

[Last modified April 4, 2007, 00:24:54]