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Girl opens eyes first time since fire
By Times Staff Writer
Published February 28, 2008
CLEARWATER There is good news to report from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Cincinnati. Makeila Pressley, the 9-year-old who walked out of her burning house on fire Saturday, is recovering well so far. Her mother, Davana Pressley, said Wednesday that Makeila opened her eyes for the first time. "She was trying to sit up, and we had to tell her she couldn't," Davana Pressley said. More than $1,000 has been raised to help Makeila, according to her great-aunt Barbara Jenkins. (Those who would like to help can make a donation at any Wachovia Bank branch.) She is doing so well that on Monday she might be taken off the respirator and allowed to eat Popsicles and ice cream. "She likes all flavors," her mother said. BROOKSVILLE 400 protesters to rally against Brown-Waite There was certainly no apology or retraction, and the response from U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite was much more defiant than her political rivals expected. Thus, several Democratic leaders from the Orlando area are planning to make their displeasure with the Brooksville Republican known on her own turf. About 400 protesters are expected to descend on Brooksville today, pushing yet again for an apology from Brown-Waite after she referred to residents of Puerto Rico and Guam last month as "foreign citizens who do not pay taxes." The protesters will rally for nearly three hours at the Hernando County Courthouse, within earshot of Brown-Waite's Brooksville office. It was unclear whether she will be in her Brooksville office today, a spokesman said. TARPON SPRINGS City to tear down foul-smelling house City commissioners Tuesday night decided to demolish a home where almost 200 cats were found in December. Neighbors have complained that the house still emits a bad smell and attracts pests. The homeowner had hoped to salvage the house. In December, Pinellas Animal Services removed 196 cats from the gray house. Cat urine and several inches of feces covered the inside of the house, which was subsequently condemned. Homeowner Carl Barlow Jr. told the commission he didn't have the money to clean up the property. Barlow missed a 60-day deadline to get permits for repairs or demolition, said Joseph A. DiPasqua, development services director. Commissioners declined an option that would have allowed the city to pay for the cleanup.
[Last modified February 27, 2008, 23:42:31]
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