Pygmy sperm whale dies after stranding in keys

KEY LARGO

A male pygmy sperm whale that stranded off the Florida Keys died Wednesday, despite rehabilitation efforts. Volunteers were preparing the 101/2-foot-long whale for an endoscopy, but the animal unexpectedly died before the procedure began, according to Robert Lingenfelser, president of the Marine Mammal Conservancy. Officials don't know why the roughly 1,000-pound whale died or stranded.

TALLAHASSEE

Seven indicted on gang, drug charges

Seven North Florida residents have been indicted by a statewide grand jury addressing gang violence, authorities reported Wednesday. Authorities have five of the suspects in custody, but two remain at large. They all face the same racketeering and drug charges and could each spend up to 120 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Two of the men - Gabriel James and Quintarius Shorter - are also facing separate first-degree murder charges. If convicted they could get the death penalty.

DAYTONA BEACH

Student may have bacterial meningitis

An 18-year-old female student at Daytona Beach Community College is being treated at a hospital for a possible case of bacterial meningitis. The college is working with the county's Health Department to contact all those who were in close contact with the student.

[Last modified February 28, 2008, 07:05:20]