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Officials are offically sorry for her arrest

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 7, 2007

LARGO

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 the end of 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." Smith, 41, did not attend the meeting but planned to get a DVD of it. "I look forward to actually hearing it, " she said. "We live in a time when very rarely do apologies get issued and very rarely do people in leadership roles admit mistakes."

Learn about trees this storm season

Pinellas County Extension urban horticulturist Pam Brown will talk about 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 and which trees best survive and which are more likely to fall during a hurricane. Call 588-4847.

DUNEDIN

Run, walk, bike in Hammond Park

How many of the seven trails in historic Hammock and Highlander parks have you trekked? Enjoy them all from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the "It Starts in Parks" trail series run, walk and bike at Hammock Park, 1900 San Mateo Drive. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 8. Call 812-4530.

CLEARWATER

Meals on Wheels needs deliverers

Do you have an hour-and-a-half in your midday and want to help out in your neighborhood? Volunteers are needed for the Neighborly Meals on Wheels program in Clearwater. Help seniors and make a difference. Call 573-9444, ext. 291.

OLDSMAR

Ordinance bans sexual offenders

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 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 traveling by one of those places. The ordinance makes exceptions for sexual predators or offenders dropping off or picking up their 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.

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Let us hear from you. To submit news for "In the Know, " send items to northpin@sptimes.com fax to 445-4119 or mail them to Jared Leone, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756.

[Last modified June 6, 2007, 23:51:56]