Sports board delays vote on paramedics

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 26, 2008

TAMPA

A debate over who should get to work off-duty paramedic gigs at Raymond James Stadium drew a capacity crowd of rescue workers Monday that would have made a fire marshal cringe.

But after much discussion, the governmental agency that oversees the stadium voted unanimously to delay a decision. Board members of the Tampa Sports Authority will instead await a legal analysis from their attorney.

Employees' fears prompt boss to quit

The city of Tampa's risk manager resigned Sunday after several of his employees filed a formal complaint saying he made them fear for their lives.

Bill Cody earned $89,000 a year as head of the division that oversees the city's insurance programs, and property and personal injury claims filed against the city. He was hired in July.

Human resources director Kimberly Crum, Cody's supervisor, said she first learned there might be problems with Cody's management style in January when she received an anonymous letter claiming that he talked often about smoking pot, made racist statements and threatened violence.

ZEPHYRHILLS

City Council to hear plan for 28-mile trail

A new 28-mile trail may be in Zephyrhills' future.

The idea first came up four years ago, when a meeting was held to gather ideas from residents for the trail.

A proposal will be presented at tonight's City Council meeting.

The proposed $11-million trail would connect to nearby Withlacoochee State and Fort King trails and offer amenities for bikers, joggers and skaters, according to a city memo.

Developers plan to apply for federal and state grants to help pay for the trail, and use private funding, too.

BROOKSVILLE

Dispute over election grasps at 'last straws'

Janey Baldwin, a political supporter of former County Commissioner Nancy Robinson, has filed a motion seeking a rehearing by the judges of the 5th District Court of Appeal of a recent opinion that Rose Rocco legally won her commission race against incumbent Robinson in 2006.

The motion requests a hearing by the Florida Supreme Court or a written order spelling out the court's reasoning. Rocco's attorney Ron Meyer said Monday that rehearings are granted only in special circumstances, which don't exist in this case.

He said the motion was "a grasp at last straws."

[Last modified February 25, 2008, 23:55:48]