Ready, get set, go! [Times photo: Michael Rondou] ST. PETERSBURG -- Nearly three months of training is paying off. With luck, that is, plus a final push of perseverance -- and remembering to bring a bathing suit.

South Pinellas County news

Towns consider idea for power
ST. PETE BEACH -- A few beach towns are looking into the costs and ramifications of creating their own city-run electric companies.

Downtowners could vote to tax themselves
A tax district downtown would generate funds for enhanced services to businesses and residents, proponents say.

Hotel lives up to three l's of real estate
The renovated Bay Park Arms, formerly the McCarthy Hotel, is a stroll away from BayWalk.

Instead of a check, cancer group gets checked out
The National Cancer Coalition has failed to meet two standards of a watchdog group.

Sermon Of The Week: Easter 2000
Bishop Robert N. Lynch has led the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg for more than four years. In his decades with the Roman Catholic Church, he has been a parochial school teacher, a Washington lobbyist, seminary rector, organizer of papal visits and general secretary of the United States Catholic Conference.

Seven to join harmonious lobbyists
A Perkins Elementary strings ensemble will perform in Tallahassee on a day meant to raise the profile of music education.

Sailboat hits rough seas, but Maine quest continues
A sailor who beat cancer pushes south through heavy winds and seas. Now, her solo journey continues up the East Coast.

Lealman Fire Board aims for independence
LEALMAN -- As the legislative session draws to a close, the Lealman Fire Board has inched closer to becoming an independent fire district.

Bridge to nowhere waits for trail link
When the Park Street overpass connects the trail, it will run 35 miles from Gibbs High to near Tarpon Springs.

St. Petersburg hires new port director
Michael D. Perez, who has 20 years of maritime experience, starts work on June 5 at a $70,000 annual salary.

Eckerd symposium to spotlight pioneer
ST. PETERSBURG -- Duh-MENS. That's how to pronounce the name of town father Peter Demens. And that's the first thing organizers of a symposium dedicated to his legacy want you to know.

Plans for park get pricey
PINELLAS PARK -- Bids are in for the Broderick Park renovation and the news is bad. The lowest bid is more than a half-million dollars more than the budget.

Scofflaws want tanks for nothing
With high gas prices, stations have noticed a new breed of gas thief: luxury car-driving businesspeople.