The week in words

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 25, 2007

Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events, in the words of the newsmakers. 

"When you say you've come a long way, baby, this baby has come a long way."

Dr. Danilo Escoto, neonatologist at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, after Charlie Craig Byler went home to his parents in Wesley Chapel. Charlie, who weighed 2 pounds, 5 ounces at birth on Sept. 1, was the last of the sextuplets to leave the hospital.

"My understanding was that he was going to put up a 10,000-square-foot home."

Thampy Kurian, president of a Massachusetts electronics firm, regarding embattled former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik's $485,431 cash purchase of 17 acres in central Pasco.

"That's the good thing about a small town, people stop and help. I'll never leave."

Evan Green, a 14-year-old Dade City boy who joined a bunch of strangers helping victims of a traffic accident.

"I'm very happy we were able to make an offer so we can get things done before the holidays. That was always the intention."

School Superintendent Heather Fiorentino after school officials and the United School Employees of Pasco agreed on a contract for 2008.

"While I am relieved we settled the contract, because it is November, I share some of the disappointment of the employees because of the amount. This is the first time in a long time that we have truly fallen behind, and I am concerned about that."

Lynne Webb, president of the teachers union, after settling on average raises of 4 percent for teachers and 4.4 percent for school-related personnel.

"We found that SunPass users had to line up behind those who are paying cash. We're implementing the Sun Pass Challenge ... so now they can keep on driving, through the SunPass-only lane."

Joanne Hurley, spokeswoman for the Turnpike Enterprise, regarding creation of expressway lanes on the Suncoast Parkway.

"It's an awesome event - one we look forward to. It's an opportunity for our kids to show the parents what we've been working on - what we've been doing."

Valerie Lundin, adaptive physical education teacher, during the exception education Thanksgiving feast at Cotee River Elementary School

[Last modified November 24, 2007, 20:44:00]