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'The Love Sponge' changes attorneysBy DAVID KARP and AMY HERDY © St. Petersburg Times, published April 26, 2001 Could a change in attorneys signal a change in strategy regarding the case of the state of Florida vs. Bubba the Love Sponge Clem? When the participants appear at a scheduled hearing Monday, a new attorney will represent the radio shock jock for 98 Rock. Bubba switched attorneys after authorities filed animal cruelty charges against him for his role in the slaughter of a wild boar in the station's parking lot. When Bubba turned himself in at the jail last month, Tampa lawyer Ronald Cacciatore was at his side. Bubba's new lawyers are Norman S. Cannella and his son, Norman Cannella Jr. The younger Cannella recently left the State Attorney's Office. Bubba could not be reached Wednesday to explain why he made the switch. But it could signal a court battle in the making. Some lawyers are known for their savvy at brokering deals and plea bargains; the senior Cannella has a reputation as a street fighter. He has taken on high-profile cases before, representing Police Chief Bennie Holder in a sexual harassment lawsuit and defending Carl Allison, a South Tampa man acquitted of rape. UNUSUAL CRITICISM: As a public figure, Tampa Police Chief Bennie Holder is used to being the target of political potshots by those who strive to undercut him for various reasons. Still, even Holder was surprised at a recent "As We Heard It" column item that appeared in La Gaceta. The writer took Holder, scheduled to appear before the Tiger Bay Club earlier this month, to task. But was it for the controversial chase policy? The recent lawsuit by a former deputy chief? A police shooting? No. Instead, the writer sniffed cattily at Holder's public speaking abilities. An undaunted Holder later appeared before the Tiger Bay Club and amused the audience with jokes, informed them with a bevy of pertinent facts and then deftly fielded questions. Holder, who in the past has said he can handle any criticism as long as it does not turn personal, said he was momentarily miffed by the column but then shrugged it off. "I don't need anyone to hold my hand," he said. Footnote: La Gaceta's editor and publisher, Patrick Manteiga, a member of the Tiger Bay Club, did not attend the lunch. JUDICIAL NOMINATING COMMISSION NOMINEES: The Judicial Nominating Commission sent the governor three names Wednesday to fill the seat now held by Chief Judge F. Dennis Alvarez, who steps down in June. Gov. Jeb Bush will select one person for the post. The nominees are: Lawyer Charles Bergmann, County Judge Frank Gomez and lawyer Richard Zabak. TOUTING THE BAILIFF: Chief Judge F. Dennis Alvarez will leave the bench this summer after a year of bad news about bailiffs. So it's understandable that incoming Chief Judge Manuel Menendez Jr. wants to get out some good news about his bailiff, Steve Epperson. Epperson recently received an award from the trial lawyers section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association for service "above and beyond the call of duty" to the courthouse. The bar association cited Epperson's helpfulness and his good nature with jurors, lawyers and judges. Menendez obviously was pleased. He asked several times for a story to appear in the paper about the award. He also had Epperson hang his plaque in the hall by his chamber. - Got a tip? Amy Herdy can be reached at (813) 226-3386, and David Karp is at (813) 226-3376.
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