Christmas tree has surprise for her: a snake

By Times Wires
Published December 19, 2007

ATLANTIC BEACH

Here's another aspect of Christmas in Florida that's a little different from most places: the possibility that a snake might be hiding in your tree. Arlene Olson of Atlantic Beach was putting lights on her Christmas tree when she ran across a snake that had been hiding in it for three days, reports WJXX-TV in Jacksonville. She called her neighborhood snake man, Richard Stengel says. "I've taken them out of washers and closets," Stengel said, "but this is the first time out of a Christmas tree. Maybe Santa will be good to me." It was a non-poisonous corn snake.

LAKELAND

High school closed because of rumor

Polk County officials say classes and activities at a high school have been suspended for the rest of the year due to rumors that someone might bring a gun to campus. Today was supposed to be the last day of classes at George Jenkins High School before holiday break. A school resource deputy heard a student might bring a gun to school Tuesday or today, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Sheriff spokeswoman Carrie Rodgers said there was increased security at the school Tuesday, but there was no evidence of a gun. Classes will resume Jan. 3.

ORLANDO

Man dies after ride on Disney coaster

A 44-year-old man died Tuesday after riding a roller coaster at Walt Disney World that simulates a runaway train ride through the Himalayas, authorities said. Jeffery Reed of Navarre was pulled unresponsive from the ride, given CPR and pronounced dead at a hospital. He had no visible signs of injury, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. Authorities are investigating whether Reed had a previous medical condition, said Jim Solomons, sheriff's spokesman. An autopsy is planned. Inspectors found that the ride, Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest, was working properly, but Disney kept it closed during further review. The ride made its debut in 2006 and features an 80-foot drop.

PERDIDO KEY

Group sues over beach mouse area

Property owners on this small barrier island filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking to invalidate the designation of 6,200 acres as protected beach mouse habitat. Perdido Key Property Rights, Inc. and homeowners Paul and Gayle Fisher claim the Interior Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were overzealous in restricting development of the land to protect the endangered Perdido Key Beach Mouse. The lawsuit asks the court to consider the economic damage done to property owners who have been unable to rebuild after Hurricane Ivan struck the area in 2004.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 23:56:30]