Two fully restored World War II heavy bombers, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator, landed at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport on Friday afternoon as part of the Wings of Freedom Tour's stop in the area.

The tour, sponsored by the non-profit Collings Foundation of Stow, Mass., strives to keep World War II memories alive. The B-17 was commissioned on April 7, 1945. The bomber was constructed too late for combat, but it did serve as part of the Air/Sea First Rescue Squadron and later in the Military Air Transport Service. Under the British flag, the Collings B-24 saw combat in the Pacific theater. It is one of only 10 B-24s in the world and the only one that is frequently airborne. Aviation enthusiasts may walk a bombing catwalk and view the cockpit and tail gunner in the B-24, or they may look out the top hatch or the nose of the B-17.

The aircraft will be on display today and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children.

Gardens club plans candidates forum

SEMINOLE -- The Seminole Gardens Community Club will sponsor a candidates forum at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Seminole Gardens clubhouse, 8324 112th St. N. All four candidates -- Paul Trexler, Patricia Hartstein, Pete Bengston and Leo Mutchler -- are scheduled to speak. The election for three council seats is March 6. Call 393-7502 for information.

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