TAMPA -- Save Our Bays and Canals will not challenge the state's decision to allow TECO to burn leftover coal from its Polk County coal-gasification plant.

Saying there was not enough time to prepare a challenge, group attorney Ralf Brookes said SOBAC dropped its request for mediation and an administrative hearing.

The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a final permit for TECO last week, incorporating some tougher restrictions requested by Hillsborough County. Under the permit, which can be challenged in appellate court, the state will require TECO to document the amount of leftover coal used each year at Big Bend and operate scrubbers to limit emissions when burning it. DEP turned down the county's request to have TECO track the amount of metals released when burning the mixed coal.

Hazardous waste pickup delayed in Lealman

Solid Waste Management has told county officials the company cannot handle any hazardous waste items expected in a Lealman area cleanup this Saturday.

Ray Neri, president of the Lealman Community Association, one of the sponsors of the free cleanup, said the group will schedule another day for hazardous waste collection.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Lealman area residents will be able to get rid of brush, construction material, tires, metal, plastics, furniture, carpet and anything else that doesn't fall into the hazardous waste category.

For information, call Neri at 527-5352 or 459-0573; or Marcie Lauster, 343-8199.

Lutz man accused of soliciting 15-year-old

TAMPA -- A 35-year-old Lutz man was charged Wednesday with using a computer to solicit sex from someone that he thought was a 15-year-old girl.

The girl was really an undercover Hillsborough sheriff's deputy, authorities said.

William Walter Moore, of 17021 Shady Pine Drive, was arrested Wednesday and released on $1,000 bail.

Deputies said Moore scheduled a date, time and location to have sex.

Annual run, walk raise funds for police programs

TAMPA -- The seventh annual police memorial 5K run and 1-mile walk will be held Saturday to raise money for police programs.

Participants can register Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lykes Gaslight Park at N Franklin and Madison streets, in front of the department's headquarters. Registration is $15. People can also register on the day of the race, starting at 6:30 a.m. at Lykes Park.

The run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile walk begins at 8:45 a.m.

Proceeds will be used for the Tampa Police Museum, the department's memorial scholarship program, the Disabled Police Officer's Center Inc., the Concerns of Police Survivors group and the local Explorer post.

Police officers to collect for victims in New York

TAMPA -- Some local officers will ask motorists for donations today and Friday to help support the families of the New York police officers missing in the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attack.

About 25 on- and off-duty Tampa police officers will participate in the fundraiser, which is sponsored by the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. All proceeds will be forwarded to the PBA in New York.

"When cops get killed, we all feel it," said Kevin Durkin, president of the local PBA.

Officers will collect the money from motorists in boots donated by firefighters. The drive will be held from 7-9 a.m., and from 5-7 p.m.

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