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By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published October 1, 2007

Have you heard about . . .

the jena 6

The law's treatment of blacks vs. whites

Not many people had heard of Jena, La., before more than 20,000 people from across the nation converged on the small town to protest what they consider the overzealous prosecution of six black high school students charged with beating a white schoolmate.

The impetus for the rally and smaller vigils across the country was the anger demonstrators feel over the charges - which at one point included attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder - leveled against the students, called the "Jena 6."

The cause of the demonstrations dates to August 2006, when a black Jena High School student asked the principal whether blacks could sit under a shade tree that was a frequent gathering place for whites. He was told yes.

Nooses appeared in the tree the next day. Three white students were suspended but not criminally prosecuted for what some called a hate crime. The incident was followed by fights between blacks and whites, culminating in a December attack on a white student who was knocked unconscious.

Many participants said they wanted to make a statement about what they think is unequal treatment black people receive from the criminal justice system everywhere.

One of the black teenagers who was convicted in the case was released from jail last week and his case was sent to juvenile court. The other cases also are pending.

state reading and math scores

Thank your teachers today

A recent federal report shows Florida's fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math scores have improved since the last study two years ago. Florida's score for fourth-grade reading is five points higher on standardized tests given to public school students. That's good for 18th place among the states and the District of Columbia, compared with 28th in 2005. The fourth-grade math score is up three points, improving in rank from 24th to 19th.

Florida's eighth-grade reading score is four points higher, putting the state in 32nd place, up from 41st, and the eighth-grade math score is up three points, though the ranking remains 36th.

FP&L's solar energy plan

Taking advantage of the Sunshine State

It seems somebody in Florida should have thought of this a long time ago, but Florida Power & Light announced just last week that it plans to focus on solar energy.

For years, Florida power companies have burned polluting fossil fuels like oil and coal and paid little attention to the sun. FPL, which is the biggest energy supplier in Florida, says it will spend $2.4-billion on major solar projects, building new facilities in Florida and California during the next seven years. The company already has plans for wind energy and ethanol plants.

nightclubs in seminole

A place to go to rock 'n' roll

If you've ever gone to Page II or Boomerz in Seminole to listen to - or play - music, we've got good news for you. Seminole city officials are tweaking a proposed ordinance that would keep anyone under 21 from those bars. It appears these two bars would be grandfathered in but would have to follow city rules.

"My clubs are known as live music venues," said Eddie Mlotkowski, owner of Boomerz on Seminole Boulevard. Many of the musicians and fans are younger than 21, he said. There will be another public hearing on the proposal and a final council vote at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at City Hall, 9199 113th St. N.

THE BAY AREA RAIL PLAN

Catch a train to the mall - or to class

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and Hillsborough transportation officials unveiled an updated plan for a regional passenger rail network last week. Rail lines would link downtown Tampa with West Shore, Tampa International Airport and the University of South Florida. They would stretch through Hillsborough County and into the growing suburbs of central Pasco.

Don't expect to hop on a train anytime soon. First, officials have to round up enough taxpayer money - but just how much isn't clear. The transportation board is set to vote in November whether to add it to Hillsborough's long-range transportation plan.

Compiled from Times staff and wire reports

[Last modified September 28, 2007, 15:34:44]