[Times photo: Cherie Diez] A first class pact An unusual private school nudges its first nine boys out of the nest -- still keeping a protective eye on them -- and vows to also give their successors "what's missing, things that have to do with parenting and life experiences, and time and time and time."

South Pinellas County news

One fire put out; others smolder
Lealman wins fire independence, but annexation threats mean victory may be short-lived.

Thanks a miserable lot, politicians
I have lived in Pinellas County all of my 46 years. So I finally would like to thank all of the past and present politicians here in Pinellas County for their efforts, so here goes:

Two men sought in altercation
Police say one of the suspects hit two men with his car after the fight ended.

St. Petersburg police staffing to get expert appraisal
For four years, the budgeted number of police officers has been stable at 538. But this year, that trend could change as residents demand more services.

Dew Cadillac gets new owner
Dimmitt Cadillac in Clearwater buys the dealership, called one of the oldest in the country by a former owner.

Objets d'art selling in former museum
A new store will offer period reproduction furnishings and antiques at the former Great Explorations Museum site.

Head of Bar Association is named
Eric E. Ludin has been named president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association for 2000-2001.

All Children's Hospital gala has a sweet, nutty element
Sure, everybody loves chocolate. So the appearance of an oversized Hershey Bar as an auction item each year at the VIP Kick-off Party, which launches the All Children's Hospital Telethon, is no surprise.

Store manager fights for his beloved mascot
Law forbids 3-D objects as signs. Beachside Cigar's owner hopes his mannequin is exempt because it lacks promotional writing.

Fire destroys van used to aid needy
ST. PETERSBURG -- A van used to carry food to needy people burned early Tuesday morning near a downtown halfway house, the house's director said.

Building plan could delay park renovations
If Pinellas Park builds a hurricane-resistant building for city employees, the money may have to come from promised upgrades to Broderick Park.

Food giveaway precedes Rays game
ST. PETERSBURG -- Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, a ministry incorporating 250 area churches, will give away food and Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets to needy residents this weekend.

5 seeking vacant Town Council seat
The vacancy was created last week when Chuck Webber quit Kenneth City's council.

Pool staff still reeling from supervisor's death
At North Shore Pool, workers remember Kathy Arnot, who died in March of breast cancer.

Sign up for swim lessons Saturday
St. Petersburg's public pools will hold registration Saturday morning at 7:30 for the first session of Red Cross-sanctioned swim lessons, which run from June 12-22.

CVS drugstore plan prompts petitions
One petition favors selling a church site in Seminole for the store; some neighbors present a counter-petition.

Colorful captain charted new course at beaches
Having grown up in a carnival, Wilson Hubbard knew how to sell, innovate and handle enemies.

Couple adopts weird, wonderful landmark
The unique figure will head to a private garden, but not in one piece.

Kerper falls short in third attempt at U.S. Open berth
Whereas Wentworth's Paul Coe, Jupiter's Gary Nicklaus and most of the Florida qualifiers for the U.S. Open sectionals elected to play at Bear Lakes in West Palm Beach on Monday, Safety Harbor's Rick Kerper traveled to Rockville, Md., in his attempt to advance to the 100th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Calif., June 15-18.

South-county clubs win in USA League playoffs
The three-week playoff series to determine local winners in USA League Tennis began last weekend. Winners advance to regional play next month with state championship berths on the line. State winners continue on to national play in the fall.