Digest

Waterspout packs a rare wallop

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 23, 2007

FLAGLER BEACH - One of several waterspouts sighted off this beach town spun ashore Sunday, causing minor damage to businesses, a weather official said.

No injuries were reported after the waterspout developed in the Atlantic Ocean and moved inland three blocks, damaging awnings and roofs before dissipating, said National Weather Service meteorologist Al Sandrik in Jacksonville.

Waterspouts are weaker than tornadoes that develop on land, and they usually dissipate quickly after coming ashore. But Sunday afternoon's waterspout was stronger than most.

Before coming ashore, the waterspout crossed over Flagler Beach's pier, but it did not damage the structure, Sandrik said. Officials had evacuated the pier before the waterspout arrived.

Country singer McCready arrested

FORT MYERS - Country singer Mindy McCready was charged with battery and resisting arrest Saturday, the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported.

McCready, 31, was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with the two misdemeanors, according to the Sheriff's Office.

On Sunday, the Sheriff's Office declined to provide details of the incident that led to her arrest. McCready was released on $1,000 bail Saturday and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14.

McCready has had personal and legal problems in the past couple of years.

Her last known address was in Nashville, according to police records.

She had a No. 1 hit in 1996 with Guys Do It All the Time.

[Last modified July 22, 2007, 22:38:49]