Dateline Florida

By Times Wires
Published February 15, 2008

Gay couples turned down, again

In what has become a Valentine's Day ritual, a dozen gay couples went to the Hillsborough County clerk's office Thursday to request marriage licenses, knowing they would be turned down. Last year only three couples did so. Gays are upset about a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage, which Florida already forbids. Employees at the Clerk's Office politely declined their request. So the couples crossed the street to the gazebo in downtown Tampa's Joe Chillura Park, where a minister led them through a religious marriage ceremony - one not recognized by the law.

Metal fragments found in lollipops

At least 20 Valentine's Day lollipops that appear to have blade-like metal fragments in them were found at an elementary school, authorities said Thursday. The discovery came less than a day after Mulberry resident Lisa Potter told authorities she found a piece of metal protruding from a lollipop she bought as part of a bag at a Dollar General store, the Associated Press reports. Dollar General yanked candy from its stores nationwide, the chain said Thursday. The product is made by Sherwood Brands.

District 55 prospects have until March 4

Candidates hoping to replace state Rep. Frank Peterman, D-St. Petersburg, in the Florida House must file no later than noon March 4. On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Crist, who appointed Peterman as his new juvenile justice secretary last week, set a special March 25 primary and an April 15 general election for the District 55 seat. But the race may well be decided in the primary if no write-in or Republicans candidates file. Three Democrats already are running: activist Charles McKenzie, St. Petersburg City Council member Earnest Williams and former NAACP local president Darryl Rouson.

Clarification

Developer Stephen Dibbs was on the host committee of a fundraiser last year for Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. An article Thursday indicated a larger role.

[Last modified February 14, 2008, 23:53:56]