Vice mayor runs red light, causes crash
By Times Staff Writer
Published January 18, 2008
CLEARWATER
Vice Mayor John Doran ran a downtown red light Thursday morning, crashing his antique Jeep into another vehicle and sending the driver to the hospital with a cut to his face, police said. Doran, 61, was headed east on Chestnut Street in his 1963 red Willys Wagon about 9:30 a.m. when he ran the light at Myrtle Avenue and hit the passenger side of a black 1982 Toyota Supra going south, police said. The Supra's driver, Robert Subie, 58, of Tarpon Springs suffered a cut on his right cheek and was taken to Morton Plant Hospital. "I'm sorry he got hurt. I feel really bad," Doran said. "You know how you have one of those moments you wish you could take back? Well, this is one of mine." Police cited Doran, who said he was not injured, for running a red light. The fine is typically $185.50.
COUNTYWIDE
Watch government on new channel
In December, the Pinellas County government access television station got a new number on the digital dial. Now, it's got a new name. What was Pinellas 18 is now Pinellas County Connection Television. County officials say the new name represents the channel's mission of connecting people to their government. You can catch broadcasts of government meetings and other programs on the channel. Pinellas County Connection Television can be found on Bright House Networks Ch. 622 and Knology Ch. 18.
SAFETY HARBOR
Governor won't attend celebration
Those who were hoping to meet Gov. Charlie Crist at an Arbor Day celebration at 4 p.m. today at John Wilson Park in Safety Harbor may be disappointed to hear he will be unable to attend. Crist's office sent word to the city via e-mail Thursday. Mayor Andy Steingold hopes residents still come out for a ceremonial tree planting and tree giveaway.
TARPON SPRINGS
City leaders wait to move on Penny
City commissioners have votedto delay a decision on whether to approve Pinellas County's current Penny for Pinellas proposal until they can determine how many cities have already signed off on the agreement. If a majority of cities have not approved the plan, then Tarpon Springs officials will try to negotiate for a larger chunk of the sales tax revenues. But if most cities have okayed the plan, then Tarpon Springs will likewise approve the plan so that it's not cut out of the agreement. Penny for Pinellas, a 1-cent addition to the sales tax throughout the county, is approved in 10-year increments. In March, voters approved another installment, which will run from 2010 to 2020. The county plans to increase the portion of Penny revenues going to the jail, meaning Tarpon Springs would receive about $419,000 less than city officials first expected.