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Letter to the editor

Ban set to keep sex offenders away from kids

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 7, 2007

OLDSMAR

The Oldsmar City Council on Tuesday night gave its final and unanimous approval to an ordinance banning sexual offenders and convicted predators from being within 300 feet of school grounds, day care centers, playgrounds, libraries, parks, youth sports facilities, skate parks, public swimming pools, public beaches, amusement parks, bus stops, video arcades and temporary carnivals and zoos. The ban is in effect when children are present. The prohibition doesn't apply to anyone merely traveling by one of those places. The ordinance makes exceptions for sexual predators or offenders dropping off or picking up their own children or attending activities with their own child. They also may accompany a friend's or relative's child with permission. Under the ordinance, offenders and predators who violate the ordinance could face a fine, imprisonment or both.

City apologizes to Stanton supporter

Largo officials have formally apologized to Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, who was arrested at the Feb. 27 meeting where commissioners moved to fire then-City Manager Steve Stanton. Prosecutors didn't file charges against her. In a public apology read at Tuesday night's City Commission meeting, acting City Manager Norton Craig extended the city's regrets. "This unfortunate incident took place as the city was trying to maintain decorum and the peace during this highly emotional time when crowds overfilled City Hall and the surrounding area, " he said. "We wish it had not happened." "We live in a time when very rarely do apologies get issued and very rarely do people in leadership roles admit mistakes, " Smith said.

Learn how to save trees from storms

Pinellas County Extension urban horticulturist Pam Brown will discuss storms and trees from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at John S. Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave SW. Learn how trees are affected by storms, proper pruning techniques, which trees best survive and which are more likely to fall during a hurricane. Call 588-4847.

[Last modified June 7, 2007, 07:59:57]