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By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 14, 2001
Jury rules for Florida Power
INVERNESS -- A jury on Tuesday ruled that Florida Power Corp. was not responsible for a wreck that injured Crystal River resident William Webster almost six years ago on County Road 495. On a rainy, foggy predawn morning in October 1995, Webster's vehicle struck a train that was on tracks near Florida Power's energy complex. He said the warning light stopped flashing, leading him to think the train had cleared the tracks. Florida Power said there was no evidence the warning light malfunctioned; even if there were such evidence, the utility's attorney argued, the jury could easily find that Webster or CSX Transportation, which maintains the signal on Florida Power's behalf, were at fault. Webster sought between $300,000 and $315,000 in damages to make up for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
LECANTO -- The Lecanto Multi-Purpose Senior Center will hold its 15th anniversary party from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday. There will be entertainment and a chance to learn more about the center's expansion goals and funding needs.