News 2008-08-17 Andanh.com

Updated: Crist, state officials, urge Floridians to get ready for Fay Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:42:00 EST
Governor Charlie Crist said this afternoon Florida "is going to be in good shape" for the expected arrival of Tropical Storm Fay -- which is likely to reach hurricane strength by the time it makes landfall in the state on Tuesday.

Dix's medal debut Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:59:00 EST
BEIJING — In the fastest 100 meters in the history of the Olympic Games, Walter Dix was third.

Updated: Man arrested in today's shooting death of a woman inside her Leon County home Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:51:00 EST
William Yawn, 33, was arrested on homicide and robbery charges in connection with the death of Tanesha Overstreet.

Man arrested when police discover him burglarizing a car Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:49:00 EST
Police arrested a man they caught burglarizing a vehicle early Sunday in the 2500 block of Gold Park Lane.

Dix runs away with bronze Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:55:00 EST
It was when the competition was at its fastest, and the stakes the highest, that Florida State track and field coach Bob Braman knew he could count on Walter Dix to find that extra gear the elite sprinters possess.

Rattlers' defense has its way Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:50:00 EST
Quarterback Eddie Battles' struggles were glaringly obvious against a defense that was very disruptive.

Tallahassee man arrested on burglary, theft charges Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:08:00 EST
Police arrested a man Sunday on burglary and theft charges after responding to a call reporting thefts of two televisions and some other items at the Seminole Grand Apartments in the 1500 block of West Tharpe Street.

Waffle House on North Monroe robbed Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:38:00 EST
The Waffle House at 3210 N. Monroe St. was robbed early this morning.

Judge orders Jefferson County tax collector to release public records Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:11:00 EST
A circuit judge has ordered Jefferson County Tax Collector Lois Howell-Hunter to turn over public records that he said she refused to provide.

1968: The year that socked it to us Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:05:00 EST
Scholars have called 1968 the year that rocked the world. But it was also the year the world rocked.

Quarterback race tight for 'Noles Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:52:00 EST
After the first full scrimmage of the preseason, it's still uncertain who the starting quarterback will be for Florida State in 2008.

Florida GOP chairman dismisses McCain worries Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:44:00 EST
ORLANDO — Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer told GOP activists Saturday not to worry about voter-registration trends favoring the Democrats or claims that Sen. John McCain represents "a third term" for President Bush.

Consultants question Leon County's stand on minority contracts Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EST
Leon County is telling construction contractors to meet a much lower goal for minority participation than appears to be established in county policy, according to sources who were asked by the Tallahassee Democrat to review county policy and a recent bid request.

First day of school in Leon County: It's a big day for parents and students Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:08:00 EST
A jumble of preparation and even nostalgia is tied to the first day of school, and some times traditions are created that make a lifetime of memories. Don May knows his 9-year-old daughter, Morgan, will arrive at Killearn Lakes Elementary School, and she'll have her mother and her big sister, Haley, 12, to see her off. When Haley began school, May said he and wife gave birth to a tradition by arriving to the first day as a family. And they continue it for Morgan since she's still in elementary school. "From day one, it's something we've done together," May said. More than 32,340 Leon County students will arrive at school today. The thrills of seeing friends again and showing off their back-to-school outfits will be hard for teachers and parents to ignore. But it will be hard to ignore the traffic congestion that typically clogs schools. And teachers and principals won't be able to ignore the nagging worry that something could effect a child's safety, despite their best efforts. "You have the things you're excited about, and you have the little things that you worry about," said Joe Burgess, the new principal at Springwood Elementary School. Even if a child can take the bus, parents tend to take and pick up their children during the first week. Burgess said he'll have a deputy help control the traffic, because he wants to make sure children will get home safe, especially the walkers. Tallahassee police officers will also be looking for speeders in school zones. Put parents should take extra precautions during the first week, such as not allowing your child to walk home alone. "You have to think like the predators," said David McCranie, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department. "The predators are typically cowards, and they are looking for what they see as easy targets ... You can never let your guard down." Check back at www.tallahassee.com for more updates. Here are some tips and numbers that may come in handy for the first day of school Slow down in school zones. Tallahassee Police officers will be looking for speeders. Arrive to school early to avoid traffic congestion. Be patient. If a child needs medicine, parents to fill in medication forms at the school because a child can not take the medicine on their own. Inform your teacher on how the child is getting home. Required immunizations: - Call your school or the Leon County Health Department at 606-8020 School Attendance Zones, call the district's Planning Department at 487-7235 Bus problems: A late bus or bus routes, pick up or drop off times — Call the appropriate bus compound: ' Routes 100s or 1000s, call Appleyard Compound at 488-7572 ' Routes 200s or 2000s, call Conner Compound at 922-6701 ' Routes 300s or 3000s, call Cox Compound at 922-6727 ' Routes 400s or 4000s, call Deerlake Compound at 414-1928 Source: TPD and Leon County Schools.

Posey starts his chase to MLB Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:53:00 EST
Buster Posey has never been much for making predictions. That won't change now that he's taken his first step from Florida State, where he was the nation's top player this past season, to professional baseball.

Longtime behind-the-scenes employee leaves city of Tallahassee Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:17:00 EST
The city of Tallahassee lost one of its longest-serving employees this week, the woman behind Tallahassee's successful 1999 bid to be recognized as an All-America city by the National Civic League.

FSU turns research into business Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:24:00 EST
High-powered microscopes and scientific research have become important tools that officials at Florida State University are using to transform ideas into jobs.

Tallahassee, St. Maarten working together on investment opportunities Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EST
Tallahassee and its Caribbean sister-city, St. Maarten, are hoping to broaden their partnership beyond the 65 students the island nation currently sends to Florida A&M University and other institutions of higher learning every year.

Huckabee: McCain should pick 'pro-life running mate' Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:44:00 EST
ORLANDO — Former presidential candidate Mike Hucakbee predicted Saturday that conservative Christians will lose whatever enthusiasm they've been able to muster for Sen. John McCain, if he picks a pro-choice running mate.

FAMU continues negotiations with DRS faculty Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:57:00 EST
More than a year has passed since negotiations over teachers' salaries at Florida A&M's K-12 school began between university administrators and faculty on the bargaining teams. Wednesday, FAMU President James Ammons offered hope that talks to increase teachers' pay were nearing an end with positive results for faculty at FAMU's Developmental Research School. However, contract talks are not over, administrators say. DRS faculty members have asked to earn salaries comparable with other teachers in Leon County. FAMU DRS teachers' average salaries are $10,000 less than Leon County school teachers, according to the Florida Department of Education records. Arnett Moore, a faculty member who represents the school's bargaining team as part of the United Faculty of Florida, wouldn't go into detail. He did say, however, that the two teams have agreed on other issues like promotions. The only other remaining factor is salaries, he said. "There are still some details to iron out," Moore said about salaries. "I think the president (Ammons) is making a valid attempt to do some of the things that need to be done at the research school." Moore added that he hopes negotiations, which started in March 2007, will be over soon. Teachers at the DRS haven't received pay increases since 2006. FAMU's chief negotiator Mike Mattimore is hopeful about the completion of the process. "Everything has been resolved with the exception of the wage issue," Mattimore said. "We're on the brink of formalizing an agreement."

Man arrested when police discover him burglarizing a car Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:49:00 EST
Police arrested a man they caught burglarizing a vehicle early Sunday in the 2500 block of Gold Park Lane.

Waffle House on North Monroe robbed Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:38:00 EST
The Waffle House at 3210 N. Monroe St. was robbed early this morning.

TPD cutting crossing-guard jobs because of budget cuts Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:11:00 EST
The Tallahassee Police Department has eliminated nine crossing guard positions, citing budget concerns, as public schools open Monday.

FSU professor has tips for those who teach stutterers Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EST
The first week of school can be extra tough for people who stutter, as some Tallahassee children and parents know — and as some former stutterers remember from their classroom days.

Big-Bend briefs Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:03:00 EST
TALLAHASSEE

Mentoring initiative draws huge crowd at Tallahassee community center Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:06:00 EST
A massive school-supplies giveaway Saturday at the Jake Gaither Community Center attracted more than 1,000 people.

Miller faces incumbent Dempsey in Group 16 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:07:00 EST
Circuit Judge Angela C. Dempsey faces William J. "Bill" Miller Jr. in an unusually heated race for the Second Circuit, Group 16 bench seat.

Crime Stoppers Corner Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EST
People wanted by local law-enforcement agencies and Big Bend Crime Stoppers will be featured here on a daily basis. If you know how to locate one of these people, call the Crime Stoppers hot line at 574-TIPS or (888) 876-TIPS.

Political Notes Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:04:00 EST
Former justice to headline campaign event: Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Leander J. Shaw Jr. will headline a campaign event from 4 to 6 p.m. today for Sean Shaw, candidate for House Seat 8, at the National Guard Armory in Quincy. Sean Shaw has been endorsed by AFSCME, the State and Big Bend Police Benevolent Association and the Capitol Outlook newspaper. The event is free.

Government Calendar Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:03:00 EST
MONDAY

Second Judicial Circuit Group 7 candidates run on even field Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:46:00 EST
All three candidates for the Second Judicial Circuit Group 7 say they have the right temperament and background to serve as judge.

Mary Ann Lindley: This is no way to choose leaders Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:09:00 EST
After more than a month of interviewing and listening to the community conversation about more than 40 candidates in 13 campaigns for local and state legislative races, I'm almost sure that electing people from single-member districts no longer serves a useful purpose.

Expect heavy rain, wind in Brevard Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:28:00 EST

Brevard banking on space promises Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:35:00 EST

Firefighters won't budge on raise Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:25:00 EST

'No shows' put suspected drunken drivers back on streets Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:19:00 EST

Blue 32, hike; youth football season starts Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:06:00 EST

Mark O'Brien: Some grumpy geezers really put the can't in cantankerous Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:55:00 EST
While some people thrive in retirement, others focus on faults rather than possibilities.

'Biology made me do it' and other secrets Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:40:00 EST
"Ross, lemme ask you a question." That's how T, my best guy friend, kicks off many a long, late-night phone conversation.

Mark O'Brien: Some grumpy geezers really put the can't in cantankerous Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:55:00 EST
While some people thrive in retirement, others focus on faults rather than possibilities.

Arrest logs Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:53:00 EST
The following suspects were charged with felonies Friday at Escambia County Jail. Names, ages and addresses were provided by the individuals.

'Wheels turning' for new Jay High School Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:03:00 EST
Jay residents get a look at the floor plan for the new Jay High School.

Get back-to-school ready Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:51:00 EST
Five things to know to get your child back in school.

Infant injured by gunshot Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:56:00 EST
A man was in custody Saturday in connection with a shooting Friday night that sent an 11-month-old to the hospital.

The Go-to Guys Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:06:00 EST
Political candidates count on familiar donors to fund campaigns.

Residents continue to vote early in primary election Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:02:00 EST
Early voting gains steam in both counties

Political forum set for Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:03:00 EST
The Women for Responsible Legislation will conduct a primary election political forum from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Pace political rally introduces candidates Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EST
Political types visit Pace to make their voices heard.

Back-to-school information Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:51:00 EST
You'll need to bring your child to school Monday along with:

Fay forecast to become Category 1 hurricane, hit Florida — somewhere Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:22:56 EDT
Updated 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Ashley, Jessie Mae 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
JESSIE MAE ASHLEY, 86 Sales Clerk LAKELAND - Jessie Mae Ashley, 86, passed away at the Keen Center in New Hampshire of Alzheimer's on Friday, .....

Beall, Dennis Allen 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
DENNIS ALLEN BEALL, 90 U.S. Postal Service LAKELAND - Dennis Allan Beall, 90, passed away on August 14, 2008 from heart failure. Born on .....

Coon, Charles E. "Chuck" 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
CHARLES E. "CHUCK" COON, JR., 43 Funeral Director WINTER HAVEN -Charles E. "Chuck" Coon, Jr., 43, died suddenly Friday, August 15, 2008, at the .....

Pier, Stewart V. 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
STEWART V. PIER, 69 Minister LAKELAND - Mr. Stewart V. Pier, 69, passed away 8/15/08 due to heart failure. Vis. Tuesday, 10-11 at Lake Gibson .....

Robinson, Jessie "Tom" 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
JESSIE "TOM" ROBINSON, 74 LAKELAND - Jessie "Tom" Robinson, 74, died of CVA Aug. 13, 2008. Visit. 6-8pm Mon. at David Russell Funeral Home. Service .....

Sena, Robert J. 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
ROBERT J. SENA, 68 WINTER HAVEN - Robert J. Sena, 68, died Thursday, 8/14/08 in Auburndale of heart failure. Survived by wife, Vicki Sena; brother, .....

Symonds, Esther (Oswalt) 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
ESTHER (OSWALT) SYMONDS, 75 Bus Driver WINTER HAVEN - Ms. Esther (Oswalt) Symonds, 75, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2008 of heart failure at .....

Thomas, Lonnie Leroy "Lee" 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
LONNIE LEROY "LEE" THOMAS, 75 LAKELAND - Lonnie Leroy "Lee" Thomas, 75, departed this life on Fri., Aug. 15, 2008, due to complications from a .....

York, William R. 17 Aug 2008 00:00 CST
WILLIAM R. YORK, 80 LAKELAND - To celebrate the life and faith of William R. York, 80, who passed away of heart failure, a .....

Saturday night shooting of 2 under investigation Sun 17 Aug 2008 3:30 p.m. EDT

EARLY WAKE-UP CALL: Starters blanked in listless first half Sun 17 Aug 2008 3:30 p.m. EDT
For at least the rest of the preseason, maybe this should be the last time you see the words Jaguars and Super Bowl in the same sentence.

How five Jaguars fared in Dolphins loss Sun 17 Aug 2008 3:30 p.m. EDT
Five Jaguars who played key roles in Saturday's 19-14 loss to Miami

Positives nowhere to be found Sun 17 Aug 2008 3:30 p.m. EDT
You almost have to wonder if Derrick Harvey's agent received a text message from the Jaguars' front office at halftime of Saturday night's preseason game, saying: "You win, how much to get him here?"

Jacksonville man accused of cutting out DJand#8217;s eyes arrested Sun 17 Aug 2008 3:30 p.m. EDT

Small token for teachers on schools' first day Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:38 EDT
Don't forget to bring an apple for teacher.

An ounce of prevention Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:03 EDT
Motorists in parts of East Manatee will see something a little different as they head to work Monday.

Q&A on home buyer tax credit that's really a loan Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:24 EDT
MICHELLE SINGLETARY

Newlyweds must weigh options on home with plunging value Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:24 EDT
BY MEG GREEN

Private auctions yield 'as is' deals Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:02 EDT
What is a private auction? After having listed properties for sale with a real estate agent, lenders often turn to private auctions in a last-ditch effort to move property off their books.

McClatchy Washington Bureau correspondents Kevin G. Hall and Tony Pugh... Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:02 EDT
McClatchy Washington Bureau correspondents Kevin G. Hall and Tony Pugh are available to answer questions about the economy at home and abroad.

Being very cheap now a way of life Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:57 EDT
Venturing from high school to college has been a needed experience on our road to independence. Even though we're now on our own at Cornell University in the classroom and in making day-to-day decisions, we've discovered we aren't quite as independent as we thought.

Beat banks to deals on preforeclosure properties Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:32 EDT
What is a preforeclosure? This is property in the foreclosure process but not yet owned by the bank. The borrower is generally 90 days or more late on the mortgage and has about three to six months to resolve the situation before the home is sold at auction.

THE LARGEST MONEY MARKET FUNDS Here are the 15 largest taxable money market funds rated by assets an Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:12 EDT
TAX FREE MUNICIPAL BONDS

Control costs of applying to college Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:12 EDT
Never mind four years of tuition -- the college selection process alone has gotten so expensive that parents need a budget just to deal with campus visits and other costs.

Buying at public auction can be risky for novices Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:12 EDT
What is a public auction? This is the last stage of foreclosure when homes are offered for sale through a court auction. Some of the best deals around are available, but buying this way is not for the faint of heart. Full-time investors who know the ropes reap huge savings. Novices can lose their shirts and end up owing tens of thousands more from liens and other defects of title.

In new film, debt is a monster Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:02 EDT
A private-equity billionaire, a former federal government official and a Baltimore newsletter editor have made a documentary film that they hope can do what an endless parade of policy papers has not: persuade Americans that debt has created a looming economic crisis that would make the Great Depression look like a market correction.

NATIONAL MORTGAGE TREND Below are the indexes to which adjustable-rate mortgages are tied. One Five Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:02 EDT

BUYING A STEAL? AVOID PITFALLS Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:47 EDT
South Florida's real estate market is flooded with distressed properties -- homes that have been abandoned, lost to foreclosure, or with owners in default.

Analog TV shutdown kills free cell-phone TV Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:42 EDT
The common denominator for the existing services is that they cost money, limiting their adoption. AT&T and Verizon Wireless charge $15 per month for 10 channels. Sprint bundles MobiTV with some high-end plans and charges $9.99 per month as standalone service.

REO properties offer value, some hazards Sun, 17 Aug 2008 14:12 EDT
What is REO? REO is an industry term for real-estate-owned and is property that a lender takes back that could not be sold at a public auction. Such properties are listed by real estate agents. These bank-owned homes often offer great below-market values.

I-spy the Florida alligator Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:03:00 -0000
Discovering the American alligator in Florida can be a daring feat. But it depends on where one looks for “el lagarto,” translated from Spanish origins, meaning the lizard. Given the State of Florida is home to the largest population of alligators in the United States, alligator gawking is simple for visitors. These cold-blooded reptiles can be spotted basking in the Florida sun, or ambling across local golf courses toward its lakes.

Bobby Gideons playing 48 years strong Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:02:00 -0000
In Naples and Marco Island, Bobby Gideons is synonymous to the word piano. Playing continuously for the last 48 years proves his popularity as well as Gideons’ sheer talent and versatility. He knows just about every song ever written and can play any style, including show tunes, country, ragtime, oldies and light classical. He projects a real love of music in his performances.

Juried exhibit offers look at still life Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:01:00 -0000
The Lauritzen/Rush Galleries of the Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts proudly announces the opening of “Still Life: Further than Fruits and Flowers”, a juried members multi-media fine art exhibit that features works by 18 members of the Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts.

Your Movie Review: August 17, 2008 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
What was the last movie you saw? Indiana Jones — the Crystal Skull.

Your Food Review: August 17, 2008 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
What is your favorite restaurant? Why? I like the Melting Pot. It was closed for a while, but it’s open again now. My favorite thing to eat there is the seafood, and their desserts are the best!

10th annual summer arts studies for children, teens Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0000
This summer, the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center hosted its 10th annual ARTScool program from June 2 to Aug. 1 for children ages 3 to 15. ARTScool offered more than 40 classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, clay modeling, photography and much more — all taught by professional artists and certified art instructors and all conducted in professional classroom settings.

Authorities Investigate Abduction, Robbery Of 2 Women

Stone Age Communities Emerge From Sahara's Sands

Tropical Storm Fay could be hurricane when it hits Florida Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:04:00 -0000
For now, the National Hurricane Center thinks the system will remain a strong tropical storm until it reaches Florida's west coast. Then, it is predicted to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane and strike somewhere between Fort Myers and Tampa on Tuesday morning.