Memorial service will honor Bayflite 3 crew

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000

TAMPA -- The public is invited to a memorial service from 9 to 10:30 a.m. today at Legends Field for the crew of Bayflite 3, who died April 25 in a helicopter crash.

Pilot Mark Wallace, paramedic Erik Hangartner and nurse Alicia Betita-Collins died when the helicopter hit a radio tower near Weedon Island on the way to St. Joseph's Hospital.

Their families will arrive at the memorial service by motorcade with police escorts.

The service will open with bagpipers and will include honor guards, prayers, hymns and a video tribute consisting of a montage of film clips.

Scheduled speakers include Sue Brody, president of Bayfront Medical Center, and Isaac Mallah, president of St. Joseph's-Baptist Health Care.

Parking will be available in lots 2 and 3 at Raymond James Stadium across the street from Legends Field.

Pinellas businessman appointed to fishing panel

Gov. Jeb Bush has named a Pinellas County businessman to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. William M. Ward, 37, president and chief executive of the Clearwater-based Captain's Finest Seafood, will serve through Jan. 5, 2001, if his appointment is confirmed by the state Senate.

The Mississippi-based commission helps coordinate state and federal programs to nurture fish resources in the Gulf of Mexico. There are 15 members, three each representing the five states on the gulf: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Sweepstakes legal claims must be filed today

Floridians who think they have a refund coming from the settlement against American Family Publishers have until today to submit a claim.

Under an agreement approved in December 1999, $32-million was made available for partial refunds to people who though they had a better chance of winning a sweepstakes if they bought magazine subscriptions. To be eligible, purchases must have been made from American Family Publishers between Jan. 20, 1992, and Dec. 9, 1999.

To obtain the necessary claim form call (888) 469-5408 or visit www.afpsettlement.com.

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