The week in review

By Times staff writers

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 23, 2000

A look back at the week's top stories.

STATE BUYS LAND NEAR MALL: Local businessman Ed Tolle sold nearly 10 acres of valuable property across from the Crystal River Mall to the state for $1.4-million. The land, on the west side of U.S. 19, will provide a buffer amid sensitive wetlands and also serve as the entrance to a nature park on 250 acres of pristine land the state owns near the St. Martin's Marsh Aquatic Preserve and Crystal River State Buffer Preserve.

SINKHOLES OPEN IN CRYSTAL OAKS: Two sinkholes opened in a retention pond area. Subdivision residents already had filed suit against the current owners last month claiming Ryland Group Inc. and Ryland Communities Inc. committed fraud by not informing them about the sinkholes when they were buying their homes between 1996 and 1999.

PRIMARY BALLOT DECIDED: Noon Friday was the deadline for candidates in local, regional and state offices to qualify for a ballot spot. The biggest surprise: John P. McKeefrey, a 74-year-old retired postal worker from Polk County, entered the race against state Rep. Nancy Argenziano, R-Crystal River, who otherwise faced no opposition. McKeefrey is a write-in candidate.

RUN FOR THE MONEY: The Key Training Center Run for the Money carried on as usual last week, although the Key's executive director, Chet Cole, didn't run his share. Supporters raised about $18,000 at the annual Key auction and dinner as an incentive for Cole to stay off the road. Cole's mother was hospitalized and that was weighing heavily on his mind. Other runners picked up the slack. Each year, volunteers take turns running stretches of road between Tallahassee and the Key headquarters near Crystal River.

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