Digest

Mayor will run for clerk of circuit court

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 19, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY

Mayor Dan Tipton filed papers Thursday to join the 2008 race for Pasco clerk of Circuit Court.

Tipton, a Republican, is endorsed by former candidate Greg Armstrong, a Republican real estate agent who announced Wednesday he is dropping out of the race. Republican Paula O'Neil and Democrat Bob Altman have also filed to run for the seat being vacated by Jed Pittman, who has held the position for more than 30 years.

Tipton, 55, the owner of an interior remodeling company, was elected mayor of New Port Richey in 2004 and re-elected in 2006. He said this week he will finish his term, but will not run for city office in 2008. In a news release, he pledged to make the clerk's office more user-friendly.

ZEPHYRHILLS

Deputies make arrest in church burglary

A man stole more than $250,000 in jewelry from a church safe nearly a year ago. Early Thursday, deputies arrested Christopher Williams, 36, on charges of burglary and grand theft.

According to the police report, a thief entered Victory Baptist Church sometime between Nov. 3 and Nov. 5, prying away part of a door to gain access. The burglar then stole the jewelry and $370 from a safe in a church office. The thief left traces of blood at the scene. Deputies say the blood led them to Williams.  

[Last modified October 18, 2007, 23:57:57]