Library lunch features voice of everglades

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 6, 2008

SAN ANTONIO

Scholar/actor Betty Jean Steinshouerwill perform in the character of the late environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas at the Pasco County Library System's first Eastside Friends' Luncheon on March 19 at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive (at the southwest corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52). Lunch will be served at noon; the performance is at 1 p.m., followed by questions and answers with Steinshouer still in character. Lunch and show, $15 for Friends of the Library, $20 for guests. Tickets are available at east Pasco libraries and by calling Ann Coppola at (727) 861-3040. Deadline for purchase is March 14.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Mom charged in fight at school

Carolyn DeBouter got into a fight at school Tuesday that landed her in jail. What is noteworthy about that is that DeBouter is 42, the parent of a student at River Ridge High, and the person she tangled with is a sheriff's deputy. According to her arrest report, DeBouter was drunk when she drove to the school about 2:30 p.m. The school resource officer noticed this and tried to stop her from driving. He asked for her keys and she shut the door on his arm, the report says. He then took her keys, and she grabbed his uniform shirt and tore his whistle from the chain around his neck, the report says. DeBouter, of 9329 Nile Drive, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, a felony. She was released Wednesday after posting $5,000 bail.

Office manager accused of fraud

During her employment as a doctor's office manager, authorities say, Laurette Philipsen collected far more than her $3,000 monthly salary. According to her arrest report, Philipsen, of 7240 Westwind Drive, opened bank accounts, took out loans and provided fraudulent tax and insurance information to her employer, Dr. Louise Templeman. Philipsen's scheme, the report says, left Templeman liable for nearly $160,000 in debt. Philipsen, 52, is charged with grand theft, scheming to defraud and criminal use of personal identification. She remained in the Pasco County jail in Land O'Lakes on Wednesday in lieu of $150,000 bail.

[Last modified March 5, 2008, 21:00:57]