Developers accusedof stealing $24-million

CASSELBERRY

Two developers face fraud charges after, authorities say, their company took $24-million in deposits for Central Florida homes that were never built.

Platinum Properties Inc. co-owners David Weiker and Lawrence Maloney each posted bail after their arrests Friday.

Authorities say the company took deposits from nearly 580 buyers. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says the money was used to finance Weiker's and Maloney's personal lives and their grown children's expenses.

In Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings in October, the company blamed Polk County water restrictions and permitting issues for construction delays.

DAYTONA BEACH

Daytona track death ruled a heart attack

Autopsy results show that a 60-year-old man suffered a heart attack before veering off the track and crashing into a concrete retaining wall at the Daytona International Speedway.

Robert Boswell of Apopka, who was on the track enjoying a NASCAR racing ride for amateurs given to him as a birthday gift, died at a hospital.

Officials say Boswell had completed his third lap Monday at 125 mph when he slumped over and began driving erratically.

It was the first Richard Petty Driving Experience death at Daytona.

MIRAMAR

Teens accused in death over PlayStation

Miami-Dade County police say two suspects have been charged with killing a Miramar teen.

Police say 19-year-old Jamila Brown and a 17-year-old Keith Lebrone Goa jumped 17-year-old James Felton-Maitland to steal his Sony PlayStation Portable handheld game system in December. While trying to flee his attackers, James ran into traffic and was hit by a truck.

TALLAHASSEE

Clerks want auditing role solidly in law

County clerks of court are pushing for legislation clarifying that they have the power to audit county finances.

In a ruling in August, a circuit judge ruled that Collier County Clerk of Courts Dwight Brock didn't have the authority to audit county spending after the money had been spent.

Clerks of courts from around the state say that's a role the elected clerks have always had, and the ruling deprives people of independent oversight over county spending. Two bills are pending to clarify that clerks are the auditors for the county.

[Last modified February 5, 2008, 23:20:12]