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Letter to the editor

Water scooter crash injures Montana man

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 16, 2008

CLEARWATER

Pinellas County sheriff's deputies are investigating a personal watercraft crash that happened off Clearwater Beach at 3:20 p.m. Friday. The driver of one watercraft, Derrick Avery, 25, of Montana, was seriously injured.

Deputies said Thomas J. Erben, 25, of Tampa was driving a personal watercraft about 100 feet behind Avery's watercraft. Erben ran over the top of Avery's watercraft after Avery quickly stopped.

Avery suffered a cut to his left leg and was taken to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.

Erben was cited for careless operation of a vessel, a second-degree misdemeanor.

TAMPA

Council rejects hotel when neighbors object

After granting a first approval last year, City Council members unanimously changed course Thursday and squashed a developer's plan to build a 121-room motel in East Tampa.

Many residents of the working class neighborhood learned after the first hearing in November that Liberty Investment Properties planned to build a Value Place off 50th Street and E Columbus Drive.

At least four other motels exist within 10 blocks. Residents blame the existing motels for crime in the area. A couple of dozen neighbors addressed the council, and 433 signed a petition to stop the motel.

SPRING HILL

Fire chief of 22 years decides to call it quits

Chief J.J. Morrison marked the end of 22 years with the Spring Hill Fire Rescue District on Friday.

On Thursday, the chief submitted a letter of resignation to the fire board, citing embarrassment over the way members voted in January not to renew his contract and the negative impacts of that action on his health.

Assistant Chief Mike Rampino would take over until the board figures out its next step.

[Last modified February 15, 2008, 23:14:55]