Column

Under microscope, a church grows; light rail detail

By ERNEST HOOPER, Times Staff Writer
Published November 19, 2007

Call Randy White bold for announcing plans to expand Without Walls International Church in the face of a congressional investigation. But I would feel better about the good minister if he lived in a modest home in Carrollwood instead of a mansion on Bayshore Boulevard....

Words of wisdom came from Denver's regional transit director last week: Craft a light rail plan with specific routes and times before taking it to voters. No one will approve a tax increase without having a precise idea of what they'll get in return....

Seen on a bumper sticker in Hernando County: I'm for open season on pedophiles....

University of South Florida superfan Jeff Wagner, who inspired the team with his uplifting cancer battle, attended his first football game Saturday in a luxury suite at Raymond James.

Wagner's "Finish Strong" motto has become a sensation for the USF community, and it's received national attention on ESPN and, most recently, CNN....

Fears of yet more waterfront development have many folks championing the Rays' plan to convert Al Lang Stadium, but I still say a site in the Gateway/Gandy area, like Derby Lane, would serve the entire bay area better than the traffic challenges and limited parking fans will find in downtown St. Petersburg.

I know Derby Lane officials will say they're still alive and kicking, but the governor's new gambling compact with the Seminoles doesn't help their chances....

Forget New Year's Eve, Halloween and Gasparilla. The best night to go out is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Check out the 13 Ugly Men's Get Roasted Party at Hyde Park Cafe, and you'll agree.

That's all I'm saying.

[Last modified November 18, 2007, 23:58:15]