Briefly

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 16, 2000

Restaurant fire called arson

INDIAN SHORES -- Investigators have concluded arson caused last week's fire at the Hungry Fisherman restaurant. The blaze in the landmark restaurant at 19915 Gulf Blvd. was reported June 9 at 2:16 a.m., about four hours after the business closed. No one was injured. Evidence at the scene showed the fire was intentionally set, Indian Rocks Fire District officials said Thursday. They would not release details. The fire caused about $25,000 in damage. Most damage was limited to a second-story office and storage area, accessible by stairs leading from the outside of the restaurant. The popular waterfront restaurant opened 31 years ago. The downstairs dining areas and kitchen had only minor smoke and water damage, causing the restaurant to close briefly for cleanup.

Christ Warriors plan day in park

SAFETY HARBOR -- A day of Christian fellowship, entertainment and food is planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Daisy Douglas Park. The free program, spearheaded by the non-profit Christ Warriors, is aimed at local youth and young adults and is a joint effort with community churches, other organizations and businesses. The event will include gospel music, Christian rap, miming, sermons and testimonials, and games and entertainment for children. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, juice and soft drinks will be available at no charge. The park is on Ninth Avenue N. For information, call Christ Warriors at 796-2863.

Suspect arrested in stabbing

CLEARWATER -- A stabbing near downtown Clearwater early Tuesday has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old man.

Andre Blanchard of 1120 Carlton St. in Clearwater was charged with attempted murder and attempted armed robbery. He was held without bail Wednesday at Pinellas County Jail.

He is accused of stabbing Thomas A. Pisano, 31, of 117 25th St. N in St. Petersburg. Pisano was listed in good condition Wednesday at Bayfront Medical Center.

Clearwater police said Pisano was near Palmetto Street and Madison Avenue about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when a man approached him and demanded money. He refused to turn over his wallet and began running.

He was chased for several blocks. The man chasing him, identified by police as Blanchard, stabbed Pisano in the lower back and right arm with a knife.

Beach fest called success

CLEARWATER -- Organizers of Sunsets' Summer Beach Fest 2000 say the event last weekend was a success. The three-day festival on Clearwater Beach featured island music, food from area restaurants and handmade items from local crafters. It was sponsored by Clearwater, local businesses and Sunsets at Pier 60 Society. "I believe we really did prove ourselves," said event chairwoman Lisa Chandler. Chandler said security personnel told her 10,000 people were at the festival Saturday evening. The free event netted $15,000 in beverage and merchandise sales, said Craig West, treasurer of Sunsets at Pier 60 Society, which has an annual budget of $65,000.

29 motorists accused of speeding on U.S. 19

LARGO -- Using a helicopter, Pinellas County sheriff's deputies nabbed 29 motorists Wednesday for speeding on U.S. 19 between the 66th Street overpass and 126th Avenue.

Several citations also were issued to people for not wearing seat belts.

According to a sheriff's spokesman, deputies clocked motorists at speeds up to 90 mph.

Reclaimed water use cut back

TARPON SPRINGS -- The city's reclaimed water system will be shut down from 7 a.m. on Sundays to 7 a.m. on Mondays, and from 7 a.m. on Wednesdays to 7 a.m. on Thursdays. City officials said they need to cut back reclaimed water usage to five days because their system could not produce enough water to keep up with demand. The restrictions are in effect until regular rains resume. For more information, call the city's Public Services Department at (727) 942-5610 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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