Digest

On the radar

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 17, 2007

CLEARWATER

EX-drug abuser tells her story at main library

You might have seen her on Oprah or MTV's True Life. Tonight at 7 you can hear Lynn Marie Smith describe her descent into and escape from drug abuse at the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N Osceola Ave. Smith is the author of Rolling Away: My Agony with Ecstasy. The program is free, and is geared toward young people 14 and older. To learn more about Smith, visit www.rollingaway.com.

TAMPA

Largest Office Party Thursday at Forum

Tampa's Largest Office Party kicks off 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the XO VIP Club in the St. Pete Times Forum. Admission and parking are free. Guest celebs include Tampa Bay Lightning players Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich, and GM Jay Feaster.

ODESSA

Powwow is setfor this weekend

Spirit People Intertribal Family Inc., will present its second annual fall powwow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at J.B. Starkey Ranch, 12959 State Road 54, Odessa (a half mile west of Gunn Highway). Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is free, but there is a $5 charge for parking. Events include drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling and Native American arts and crafts, with activities for children. Host Drum is Descendents. Grand entries are at 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. Sunday.

MIAMI

Liberty City terror trial starts Tuesday

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday in the so-called "Liberty City Seven" case, in which the leader of an obscure religious sect and his six followers are accused of plotting to destroy the 110-story Sears Tower in Chicago. The men each face decades in prison if convicted on a four-count indictment that includes charges of conspiracy to levy war against the United States and conspiracy to provide material support to al-Qaida.

Tampabay.com

People are talking about . . .

Selected comments from blogs.tampabay.com

Special Session on Budget Oct. 3 - 12

(The Buzz, Sept. 13)

"Great. There goes another $360,000 on a special session for something these idiots should have taken care of during the regular session. Florida has no leaders, just bobblehead dolls."

Steve Spratt Resigns

(TroxBlog, Sept. 11)

"So, the all knowing, obnoxious, perfect, holier than thou Howard Troxler finally has his pound of flesh."

"$225K for the property instead of a free utility easement.

$100K severance to Churuti.

$225K severance to Spratt.

Plus, cost of investigation, grand jury, and search for new administrator and county attorney.

PRICELESS."

Bucs Release Boston

(Bucs Beat, Sept. 12)

"Maybe Elijah Dukes can go back to playing football. He would fit right in with the Bucs."

[Last modified September 17, 2007, 00:10:28]