The week in words

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

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

"When those guys were working 50-60 hours a week, they would be in here five deep a couple of days before Christmas. This year, they just don't have the work, and they don't have the money. They're really hurting."

Steve Cresenzo, owner of New York Jewelry, on how the construction slowdown is affecting sales over the holiday.

"Even though we don't celebrate the holiday, we know it's important to the people who do. It's our way of reaching out and showing respect during the holiday."

Mark Granoff, one of about 30 members of the Temple Beth David Jewish Center in Spring Hill who fill in at local hospitals so volunteers can celebrate Christmas.

"The lake is sad right now."

Jim Adkins, whose family owns a 226-acre cattle ranch along Brooksville's Bystre Lake. Recent tests have shown very large concentrations of metals and other contaminants.

"I'm not just taking an impression of your mouth and slapping some teeth in."

Nolan Allen, a Clearwater dentist and president of the Florida Dental Association, on the special training needed to perform proper dental care. Dentists and denturists, who perform certain dental functions at reduced costs, are feuding over whether denturists should be allowed to get licensed.

"I do this every year, and every time I tell myself I'm not going to do it anymore. You think I would have learned by now."

Al Martlin, who was one of the many last-minute shoppers searching for gifts on Christmas Eve.

"I have never seen an agency in the state of Florida treat someone with such unjust discipline, ever."

Michael Krohn, attorney for Diana Lopez, who was fired by the Brooksville Police Department for going through a colleague's computer files.

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 20:37:43]