Digest

Swimmer's death still unexplained

By Times Staff Wires
Published September 25, 2007

WEEKI WACHEE

Hernando sheriff's investigators are still gathering details and awaiting results from an autopsy of a woman who drowned Sunday in the Weeki Wachee River.

Kimberly Klopp's death is being ruled accidental, said a spokeswoman for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The 34-year-old New Port Richey woman was last seen floating on her back in the cool, crystal waters of the Weeki Wachee River, singing aloud as she enjoyed a lazy Sunday afternoon with family.

Minutes later, bystanders saw her body, submerged in 6 feet of water with the current forcing her into a tree along the banks of the narrow, winding river.

Klopp was pronounced dead about 11 p.m. Sunday at Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill.

Friends said Klopp was a diver and a strong swimmer. She liked to swim with the manatees that frequent the Weeki Wachee.

The incident came exactly a week after two teen brothers, Tommy and Kevin Wohnsen, nearly drowned in the river near Rogers Park. Investigators are looking into the possibility that lightning or some other electrical source shocked the brothers, who are still recovering at a Tampa hospital.

PORT RICHEY

Pasco teachers againreject bonus proposal

Pasco County schoolteachers resoundingly rejected performance pay bonuses for a second time.

The United School Employees of Pasco reported Monday that 76 percent of teachers who voted opposed the $2,100 bonuses for 25 percent of the staff.

The School Board could impose the deal, to claim the $3.5-million set aside for Pasco.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Sheriff gets funds for more crossing guards

The standoff between Sheriff Bob White and Pasco County officials limped closer to an end Monday, leaving the sheriff's budget at least $100,000 richer but doing little to salve relations.

The Sheriff's Office got money for up to 16 more crossing guards and traffic control officers, but not without a final round of bickering over budgeting habits and priorities.

SEFNER

Skull, bones found at construction site

Construction workers uncovered a skull and bones while moving dirt at the future site of a Circle K, a Hillsborough sheriff's spokeswoman said.

The skeletal remains were uncovered at N Parsons Avenue and Winfield Lane about 2:30 p.m. Monday, spokeswoman Debbie Carter said. The bones appear to be those of an adult, she said, and have been there for "a while."

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 00:04:16]