Dateline Florida

By Times Wires
Published March 8, 2008

Just in time for the weekend, IT's windy, gloomy and chilly

A cold front crashing into warm, humid air made Friday night a stormy one, but the weather should be calmer and colder today. The sun probably won't shine until late in the day - if at all - said Josh Linker, a meteorologist with Bay News 9. Expect temperatures to stay unusually chilly for March, hovering in the low 60s. Strong winds will blow from the northwest, creating rough surf along the beaches and the possibility of some undertow and rip currents. "It may be appealing for surfers, but probably not a good idea," Linker said.

Flu in Florida officially 'widespread'

Pass the tissues. For a brief moment, Florida was the healthiest place in the nation, at least as far as the flu was concerned. But no more. For the first time this season, Florida joined 46 other states Friday in having "widespread" flu on the weekly federal flu map. It's the highest of five rankings used by public health officials. Last week, Florida alone had avoided the "widespread" flu label, ranking a step below with "regional" flu activity. To keep from getting the flu, health officials say, old-fashioned advice still works best: Wash your hands. Often.

Signs gone at Ooze-Schmooze site

The window signs are down in what would be Robert Irvine's downtown St. Petersburg restaurants, Ooze and Schmooze. Landlords at 400 Beach Drive say they didn't remove the signs and that there is no change in their arrangement with the embattled British chef. But Irvine's representatives declined to comment. It's been a rough few weeks for Irvine, who has seen his Food Network show canceled and his products pulled by Home Shopping Network after his resume padding - including claims of British knighthood - was exposed.

Skyway paint job to bring lane closings

One of two lanes may be closed in either direction on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge between 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. nightly until further notice as the bridge is painted, the Florida Transportation Department said Friday. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph during lane closures.

Correction

Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair voiced support for efforts to eliminate or scale back the Environmental Protection Commission's wetlands program. A story on Feb. 14 incorrectly described his role.

[Last modified March 7, 2008, 23:59:59]