Ferry project rides on questionable credentials
Former clients of a shipbuilder who may build a high-speed ferry based in John's Pass have alleged fraud and shoddy workmanship.
Upcoming events at the beach
Mark your calendars. The next couple days will be busy:
Supply: One man. Demands: Endless
Everyone wants a piece of the mustachioed tyro known as Rick Baker. And for now, he refuses to delegate.
City cool to desalination plant idea
Pinellas Park officials expect the proposal to put such a plant in the city will not be popular with residents.
Crusader acts as illuminator of streets
Resident Tony Clark went house to house in east Lealman lobbying for street lights, and now 270 are planned.
Vacant church's fate rests with city
There should be room for compromise over the fate of the vacant First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg downtown. The building is owned by its neighbor, Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Peter, which wants to tear it down and replace it with a nicely landscaped 43-space parking lot. Preservationists want to save the building, or at least the dramatic facade with its towering columns.
It's time for church to be torn down
Over the last few months, the Times has published several pictures of the former First Baptist Church sanctuary in the 100 block of Fourth Street N. It is a building facade that is beautiful to view from Williams Park. But no one has had the fairness to show the building up close. It is easier to look at the facade, but, folks, that is all that is left of a once-proud building: a facade.
Woman shot at salon door dies
ST. PETERSBURG -- Six weeks ago, Claudia Eanes was shot in the head while locking up the tanning salon where she worked. The bullet lodged in her brain.
Watson's makes way for drugstore
Neighbors turn out to watch the grocery store tumble. Six houses also will clear out for CVS.
Planned downtown lofts run into opposition
Some residents object to the height and design. A hearing Thursday will address compatibility.
Expectant mother lives in fear after double fire
Investigators have no suspects but believe an arsonist set her car and then her house ablaze as a warning.
The week ahead
Today
Just for you: a monograph on monotubes
It is called a monotube, folks.
Townhomes meet their doom near downtown
The Hazelton Townhomes succumb to code violations, and the lender is foreclosing.
Brown Dog Cafe finds a new spot
Brown Dog Cafe and Catering Co., on 62nd Avenue N in St. Petersburg, has announced a relocation. As of June 4, customers will find the business at 3451 Fourth St. N. The move will help owners Cyndi and Dan Montgomery expand the catering side of the business. "We will continue to serve dinner on Friday and Saturday nights in May while we move," Cyndi Montgomery said. The couple has operated at the old spot for five years.
BayWalk garage is proving successful
The city begins charging for parking on nights and weekends, and monthly revenues jump to more than $50,000.
Honoring those who really run the show
When did secretary become a bad word?
New owner opens Monticello Motel
Until recently, the boarded-up Fourth Street motel was a home for vagrants. Nine rooms are open now at $28 per night.
Car seats for big kids? Debate comes to a head
Kids are complaining. They have graduated from car seats and booster seats and are too old and mature to go back now.
Screeches and curses proclaim speed hump
Drivers jostled by the new speed hump on First Street curse and even honk at it. Fine, say some, that means it's working.
15 police recruits now go by 'officer'
The officers spent months in academy and post-academy training. For the next four months, they will receive coaching from senior officers.
A tangled family tree
When his long-lost nephew dies, a St. Petersburg retiree takes in the man's two young sons to help the family.
Neighborhood briefs
Dancer, club owner offer opposing lap-dance views
Swiftmud to buy land near spring
The purchase could lead to a deal for 450 acres around the spring owned by St. Petersburg.
Ex-Pinellas Park officer gets retirement benefits
PINELLAS PARK -- Robert Hempel, once the police department's second in command, on Friday was granted early retirement benefits. Hempel will receive about $1,650 per month, the police pension board decided.
Rec center named for park, not ex-mayor
A council member's wish is again denied. The current mayor says he never wants anything named after him.
Groups aim to create new peacemakers
The Center Against Spouse Abuse, the Haven of RCS, PAR and Community Pride Childcare have established a program called Creating a New Generation of PeaceMakers in Pinellas County. The program is aimed at preschool and middle school children. The organizations will address the issues of violence and diversity. The program, including staff and presentations, is free to all schools. For more information, call 823-4413 in south county and 449-8444 in north county.
Government calendar
Tuesday
What's up on campus
Eckerd College
Former Seminole standout is a hit at West Point
Since playing tee ball when she was 4 years old, Nicki Robbins (Seminole) has hardly left the field.
Seminole Lanes delivers for FWBA
SEMINOLE -- The sale of Largo Lanes this week forced the Florida Wheelchair Bowling Association to move its annual state tournament to Seminole Lanes. The dates remain the same, May 4-6. "We had to hustle to find a center, but thankfully Kevin Krauss at Seminole Lanes agreed to take us," said tournament director Wayne Webber.
Burgassers log strong runs in Boston
Call him a survivor, perseverer or winner.
