In major shift, the world of the retarded broadens [Times photo: James Borchuck] ST. PETERSBURG -- With complete concentration, Mumcy Givens paints a still life of vibrant flowers, unaware that she sits at her easel because of a major philosophical shift in caring for people like her. Givens, 63, has an IQ of 42, less than half that of a person with normal intelligence.

Another downtown high-rise planned
Property owners on Beach Drive NE plan to start on something after the Vinoy Place condos are completed.

Post office to wait on curbside delivery
The new postmaster won't enforce the change from door to curbside delivery until the city makes a formal decision.

Garbage contract on agenda for council
But since tonight's meeting will cover only the wording of the new contract, it may be too late to send it out for bids.

SPJC Epicenter has a steep price tag
Re: County making Epicenter its focus, Nov. 28.

Business briefs
Computer training company debuts

Police union, city argue case before mediator
The union says that city decisions on grievances are final and that the police chief violated the police contract. Not true, says the city.

Young minds grow along with a bunch of bananas
Ten emotionally handicapped students are transfixed by a plant, which provides an opportunity for lessons.

Madeira Beach at odds with marina operator
The city says the marina has the sloppy appearance of a used car lot and wants the operator to run a tighter ship.

Man sues over losses from loan
Federal funds help a mildly retarded man keep his house, but his lawyers say he still needs to get some money back.

Neighborhood briefs
Pearl Harbor survivors to observe anniversary

Focus on volunteers
The St. Petersburg Free Clinic, 863 Third Ave. N, will hold a volunteer orientation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 16. For information, call Dawna Sarmiento at 821-1200, ext. 118.

Christmas Belles have coffee for a good cause
Imake no secret of my affection for the annual Christmas Belles Coffee, now in its 38th year. Its cause (the Christmas Toy Shop), setting (always a very nice home), refreshments (always fabulous food prepared by the hostesses), date (always the first Friday in December), and guests (always dressed for the holidays) all put me in a festive mood.

Broadcaster, ex-spy led WSUN newscasts in '30s
ST. PETERSBURG -- Before Maj. George Digby Robinson embraced fame as a broadcaster, he risked his life as a spy.

Generosity fuels award fund
ST. PETERSBURG -- For 24 years, Mable Smith worked as a certified nurse's aide at Suncoast Manor, a retirement community in Pinellas Point.

Theater opening generates excitement
The show is sold out, but everyone is invited to the open house at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport.

Boca Ciega honors 3 ex-athletes
They made their mark in different years and different sports. But they have something in common: the Hall of Fame.

Feather Sound rallies for crown
Feather Sound Country Club broke its tie with Treasure Island Rec in the last match, capturing another South Pinellas Ladies Doubles League title.

Race conditions take wind out of sails
It made no difference whether you were one of the 96 sailors competing in the Rolex International Sailing Federation Women's World Match Racing Championship or a local club racer in events on Tampa Bay.

Perry overcomes incident for Heritage Harbor victory
Resilience is one word to describe the ability to bounce back from adversity.

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