News on the go

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 11, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG

Man charged in wreck that killed 2 people

Authorities have charged one of the drivers in a Saturday night car accident with causing a fatality while driving on a suspended license, a felony, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Joshua Malone, 18, of St. Petersburgstruck a Lexus driven by Louis Ortiz, 63, on the Treasure Island Causeway about 8 p.m. Ortiz's wife, Eileen Ortiz, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene, and one of Malone's passengers, Maurice Lawson, 23, was taken to a hospital, where he died. The Sheriff's Office reported that Malone knowingly operated a motor vehicle while his driver's license was suspended and killed two people by "careless or negligent operation of the motor vehicle." His license has been suspended three times since Sept. 20, 2005. Malone was driving a 2007 Ford Focus carrying two passengers Saturday night. As Ortiz, of Treasure Island, attempted to turn south on Paradise Boulevard in front of Malone, the Ford hit the Lexus broadside. Malone, Louis Ortiz and Malone's second passenger were taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Malone's bail was set at $10,000.

TAMPA

Arson blamed in fire at empty home

Investigators say someone deliberately set a fire that caused $50,000 worth of damage to an abandoned home Sunday morning. Flames had already engulfed 25 percent of the two-bedroom home at 4234 E Palifox St. when firefighters arrived at 10:46 a.m. About 24 firefighters from East Tampa, Jackson Heights, Ybor City and Downtown stations responded to the blaze, which took 30 minutes to control. No injuries were reported, Tampa Fire spokesman Bill Wade said. The Tampa Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was arson, Wade said.

PINELLAS COUNTY

Time to apply for school programs

Pinellas parents interested in applying for a seat in a magnet, fundamental or high school career academy program for their child for the 2008-09 academic year can do so beginning today. The application period for special programs opened this morning and will remain open until midnight Feb. 22. Parents must have their child's 10-digit student ID number to apply. Those with a child new to the system can get a student ID number by calling the district's call center at (727) 587-2020 or the student assignment office at (727) 588-6210. To apply for one or more of the special programs, call (727) 501-0871. For information, go to www.pcsb.org/news/PCSNews_Story_2.html.

LAKELAND

Fire destroys two shops, noted art

A fire that destroyed two downtown shops Sunday also charred one of the largest private collections of paintings by the noted wildlife artist Robert Butler, building owner Hugh Turbeville said. The paintings, which numbered more than 100, were uninsured, fire officials said. The fire, which began about 3:20 p.m., destroyed the Artist's Gallery and Army Navy of Lakeland. It sent debris flying, ignited stored ammunition and attracted a crowd of hundreds Sunday afternoon. A 2,500-pound cylinder, used for paintball guns, also exploded, shattering windows of nearby buildings.

[Last modified February 10, 2008, 23:47:48]