Police, medical examiner rule 'D.C. Madam's' death a suicide

The scene last week outside the mobile home where Deborah Palfrey, known as the "D.C. Madam," hanged herself in a storage shed under the carport of her mother's Tarpon Springs home. The mobile home was tucked in the back of the Sun Valley Estates mobile home park. [JIM DAMASKE | Times]

TARPON SPRINGS -- Last week's death of 52-year-old Deborah Jean Palfrey -- the woman known as the 'D.C. Madam' -- has been ruled a suicide by the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiners Office, police said today.

Police said they had no reason to believe that Palfrey's death on Thursday was anything but a suicide. Palfrey's body was discovered hanging in a shed beside the home of her mother, Blanche Palfrey, in the Sun Valley Estates mobile home park on U.S. 19.

In suicide notes released by police this morning, Palfrey told her family she regretted leaving them to deal with her death, but was unable to face prison and saw no other way out. She also left a short note saying she was not to be revived or, if found alive, fed under any circumstances.

Millions of state dollars earmarked for Tampa Bay

Despite deep cuts in spending, the state budget the Florida Legislature is expected to approve this week includes funding for some projects around the Tampa Bay area. Here is a quick look at some of them, by

PINELLAS

Pinellas County health clinic: $10-million
St. Petersburg College Government Institute: $2.5-million
Dunedin Gateway redevelopment project: $1.3-million
Willa Carson human resource center: $50,000

HILLSBOROUGH

USF student wellness/nutrition center: $14.9-million
Hillsborough County health clinic: $4.5-million
Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority: $2-million
Tampa Bay restoration $1-million
Hillsborough County drainage improvements: $700,000
Plant City Eastside canal stormwater plan: $500,000
Hillsborough County stormwater utility pilot project: $400,000
North Tampa water management: $300,000
Tampa Drew Park drainage repair: $100,000

PASCO

Pasco regional hurricane shelter: $2-million
Pasco Association of Retarded center: $678,209

HERNANDO

Hernando County health clinic: $14.2-million
Hernando shelter for disabled: $1.1-million
Brooksville water improvements: $190,000

Steve Bousquet, Times staff writer

McCain makes health care policy speech in Tampa

Sen. John McCain speaks this morning at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute in Tampa. [CARRIE PRATT | Times]

TAMPA -- In a talk at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute this morning, Sen. John McCain railed against government-funded universal health care, instead proposing to give patients more insurance choices to promote market competition and lower prices.

"The key to real reform is to restore control of the health care system to the patients themselves," he said.

A political or physical threat in District 55 House race?

ST. PETERSBURG -- State House candidates Earnest Williams and Darryl Rouson have made it clear that there is no lost love between them. But now Williams, a St. Petersburg City Council member, contends his rival wants more than just a political fight.

WIlliams told St. Petersburg Times' editorial writers this morning that Rouson, a lawyer and former St. Petersburg NAACP head, made repeated physical threats toward him, including: "I'm going to kick your butt."

Williams said he was so worried he called police Chief Charles Harmon for help.

Harmon confirmed that he spoke with Williams about the alleged threats. "He said (Rouson) made some threatening comments toward him," Harmon said. "He described it as a simple assault. He didn’t give me enough information to tell me if a crime occurred.''

Williams told a reporter that Rouson was "very upset" and "meant it physically." Rouson confirmed that he told Williams he would "beat him," but that he never threatened to physically harm him.

"All I intended by everything I said was that I would beat him at the ballot box," Rouson said. "He is just doing this now to try to garner sympathy because there was outrage from people over what he did yesterday."

The alleged threat comes on the heels of a heated exchange between the District 55 candidates during a candidate forum at the Suncoast Tiger Bay luncheon Wednesday, where Rouson and Williams publicly took swipes at one another.

Williams, a State Farm insurance agent, struck first with an attack on Rouson’s past crack cocaine addiction and his two years as a registered Republican. Rouson fired back with a few shots at Williams' ties to the insurance industry.

At one point in the meeting, Williams and Rouson sat side by side whispering furiously as the moderator introduced a third District 55 candidate, the Rev. Charles McKenzie. Williams said that is when Rouson began threatening him.

But Rouson said Williams was the one who got personal first.

"He was egging me on," Rouson said.

Harmon said he told Williams that he could file a complaint. Williams said he would think it over.

-- Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Central Command's roster of leaders

Past leaders of Central Command:

Gen Robert C. Kingston             U.S. Army                       1983 - 1985
Gen George B. Crist                  U.S. Marine Corps           1985 - 1988
Gen H. Norman Schwarzkopf      U.S. Army                      1988 - 1991
Gen Joseph P. Hoar                  U.S.Marine Corps            1991 - 1994
Gen J. H. Binford Peay III           U.S. Army                      1994 - 1997
Gen Anthony C. Zinni                 U.S. Marine Corps          1997 - 2000
Gen Tommy R. Franks               U.S. Army                      2000 - 2003
Gen John P. Abizaid                  U.S. Army                      2003 - 2007
Adm William J. Fallon                U.S. Navy                       2007 - 2008

Source: Times research

Fourth candidate enters District 55 House race

A fourth Democrat has entered the state House District 55 election to replace Rep. Frank Peterman.

Steven Lapinski, a former University of South Florida student, joined the race last week. 

Lapinski could be in for a tough race. So far he has raised no money.

His opponents, all high-profile community activists, include the Rev. Charles McKenzie, St. Petersburg City Council Member Earnest Williams and civil rights attorney Darryl Rouson.

- Cristina Silva, Times staff writer

Amendment will save average Pasco taxpayer $180

DADE CITY -- Pasco County taxpayers on average will save $180 on their bills this year if they have a homestead exemption, Property Appraiser Mike Wells told the County Commission this morning.

That applies to the county government's portion of taxes, so the savings could be somewhat higher if people live in cities, for example. The Florida average is $240, according to previous state estimates.

The savings come from additional cuts enacted by voters Jan. 29. Wells said his latest estimates show Pasco government will lose about 8 percent of its tax base after new construction and value increases are factored in.

That's somewhat lower than the state's 10 percent estimate late in 2007 -- causing a $18.6-million hit. But Wells and other officials suggested the difference comes from the new construction added to the tax rolls Jan. 1.

-- David DeCamp, staff writer

Busansky to run for Hillsborough elections chief

TAMPA -- Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Phyllis Busansky filed today to run for elections supervisor.

Busansky, a 70-year-old Democrat, said she is running because "there is a real issue of competency and integrity. We can do better." She hopes to win the Democratic nomination and challenge incumbent Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson.

Busansky, who lost a race for Congress in 2006 to Gus Bilirakis, said she has received a lot of encouragement to run. Lee P. Nelson also has filed to run as a Democrat.

- Bill Varian, Times staff writer

Local officials endorse Obama

TAMPA -- Several elected officials from Tampa are endorsing Democrat Barack Obama this morning, on the eve of Florida's presidential preference primary.

State Rep. Betty Reed and Tampa City Council members Linda Saul-Sena, Gwen Miller and Mary Mulhern will be throwing their support to Obama at a rally in Lykes Gaslight Square Park this morning. The candidate won't be there to receive the accolades; all the Democratic presidential candidates pledged not to campaign in Florida after the state moved its primary to Jan. 29 in defiance of Democratic Party rules.

-- Justin George, Times staff writer

Tampa Bay Water hires new general manager

Tampa Bay Water voted this morning to hire former New Port Richey City Manager Gerald Seebers as their new general manager. Seebers will receive an annual salary of $168,000.

The board first voted to ratify Seeber's selection, which was made in an unpublicized meeting last week. Tampa Bay Water chairwoman Susan Latvala, a Pinellas County commissioner, said that was done for the benefit of the St. Petersburg Times.

"I've never seen anything like it," Pat Gleason, who serves as Gov. Charlie Crist's special counsel for open government, told the Times last week.

Seeber spent nearly 16 years as New Port Richey's city manager before he quit in 2004 to become the city manager of Oviedo, a town twice the size of New Port Richey about 10 miles from Orlando.

-- Craig Pittman, Times staff

Giuliani visit to Sun City Center still on

SUN CITY CENTER -- Rudy Giuliani will speak to Sun City Center residents Sunday despite a last-minute attempt by residents to derail the visit.

The Republican presidential contender will appear at the Community Hall, 1910 S Pebble Beach Blvd., at 10 a.m.

The event is open to the public, but the doors will close when the hall is full, organizer Dee Williams said.

At an emergency meeting today, board members of the Greater Sun City Civic Association defeated an effort to stop the appearance, saying it might jeopardize the association's tax-exempt status.

- Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer

Wreck blocks eastbound Courtney Campbell

Traffic.com is reporting that traffic is moving again on the eastbound Courtney Campbell Causeway which was closed earlier this evening while accident workers cleared an SUV that crashed while pulling a trailer. Get traffic updates online at traffic.tampabay.com.

Panel airs concerns on Haley psychologists

TAMPA -- U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, held a fact-finding forum today at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center about allegations that unlicensed psychologists there receive little supervision.

The hearing was sparked by Haley psychologist Brian Nussbaum, who filed a complaint with the state contending that 12 unlicensed psychologists work at Haley. But that number changes weekly, and Haley officials say the figure is now eight out of 36 positions.

Nussbaum said the atmosphere at the VA hospital doesn't encourage a frank discussion of the problem. He said his concerns were not adequately addressed by his bosses.

"I'm sitting alone here," Nussbaum told a panel that included several of his bosses. "People have expressed support. But they're afraid of losing their job. ... And that's a concern."

Haley officials denied that any of the unlicensed people receive inadequate supervision. In fact, officials said the unlicensed psychologists were asked if they are adequately supervised and all said they were.

Temple Terrace takes next step in redevelopment plan

TEMPLE TERRACE -- Meeting harsh criticism and an even harder vote, city council members decided Tuesday afternoon to move forward with a downtown redevelopment plan that is less grand than the mixed-used urban hub it set out to create six years ago.

The agreed upon plan would sell more than 16 acres of land owned by the city to Ram Pinnacle, a south Florida developer, to build retail, office and residential buildings, a parking garage and an arts and education center at the intersection of N 56th Street and Bullard Parkway.

It omits the original idea for waterfront residential development on the city's property, reducing the sale price from $16.9-million to $13.2-million.

Pasco pulls $65-million from troubled state fund

DADE CITY -- Pasco County commissioners today yanked $65-million from a troubled state-run investment pool, fearing future cash flow problems and investment risks. It was the most they could pull without having to pay a penalty.

The County Commission also unanimously agreed to ask Florida Auditor General David Martin to investigate whether Florida's State Board of Administration failed to follow its investment policy as the fund struggled under under-performing real estate investments and a rash of withdrawals in November. The county also plans to hire a securities lawyer to study the situation.

Entering Thursday, the commission had $500-million in the Local Government Investment Pool, making it one of the biggest investors in the state. But $73-million is frozen in investments deemed risky because they have defaulted or are under stress.

Said budget director Mike Nurrenbrock: "I guess the risk would be another run on it."

"And another freeze," County Commissioner Pat Mulieri said.

- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

Homeless protest continues amid calm

ST. PETERSBURG -- About 25 homeless people and their advocates remained across the street from the Mahaffey Theater this morning in preparation for Wednesday's GOP presidential debate.

The men and women, with their blankets and sleeping bags spread across the sidewalk near First Street and Fourth Avenue S, said Monday's tensions with the city had mostly evaporated. They began their day eating donated Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks coffee outside the Hilton's Spa Olimpia.

"Things are going well,'' said Eric Rubin, an advocate for the homeless.

On Sunday, demonstrators set up outside the theater, the site of the CNN/YouTube Republican presidential debate for a four-day protest. They plan to stay through Thursday morning.

Many of the demonstrators believe the city's rules toward the homeless are too harsh and are upset about a new tent city set to open next weekend far from downtown, at 49th Street N and 126th Avenue.

But Monday, city officials set up barricades and made the protesters move across the street from the theater to separate the homeless from debate visitors and "millions of dollars in equipment,'' according to police Chief Chuck Harmon.

The demonstrators refused at first and chanted angry slogans at city officials.

This morning, the mood was calm. TV news crews had disappeared. A handful of homemade signs hung from the barricades reading: "Money 4 Poor Not War'' and "One Out of Four Homeless Are Veterns (sic).''

St. Petersburg police Sgt. Tim Montanari said there were no arrests or fights overnight.

"Everyone seems to be on the same sheet of music,'' he said  while walking through the demonstration area with one other officer. "The Hilton's not thrilled, but they're trying to run a business.''

Today's point of contention is about whether the homeless can leave their belongings on the sidewalk all day. The city's legal department is weighing the question.

City officials expect the number of demonstrators -- and their protest points -- to grow as the hours tick down to the debate.

"We need somewhere to sleep,'' said Robert Martin, 60, who has been homeless for two years. "There's not enough shelters here.''

Much of the protest is aimed at a government-sanctioned tent city called Pinellas Hope. Some advocates believe its mid-county location is an effort to make the homeless population invisible. Others worry that the city will use the shelter as a way to begin enforcing an ordinance passed in March that prohibits sleeping in the right of way if shelter space is available.

Vietnam veteran Lonnie Goodman, 60, said he would never be allowed in the new shelter because of his "colorful past.''

He wishes the city would open more shelters that would allow homeless people with criminal records and credit problems to stay there -- without being arrested.

"They're looking for excuses to make homelessness a crime,'' said Goodman, who said he became homeless a year ago after a divorce.

- Melanie Ave, Times staff writer

Jenna Bush hopes new book inspires

First daughter Jenna Bush will be in Tampa and Brandon on Thursday to promote her new book, Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope, the story of an abused girl living with HIV in Latin America.

Speaking by phone from Miami with The St. Petersburg Times this morning, Bush said she hopes the book sheds light on “the way kids live globally,” helps young people living with abuse and illness to find strength, courage and the help they need, “and that kids who do have the time to give back are inspired by Ana’s story to help boys and girls like her in their communities around the world.”

After visiting Freedom High School in New Tampa for a student-only event Thursday morning, Bush is set to appear at the Books-A-Million in the Westfield Brandon mall at noon.

Books-A-Million suggests arriving early — the line for the event will start at 7 a.m. — to allow for screening and leaving all backpacks, large handbags and other prohibited items at home or in the car.

Everyone who passes through the checkpoint, including children, will be given a wristband which must be worn at all times for security identification purposes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Bush in person and get copies of Ana’s Story signed — three copies maximum per person with no personalization. Bush will not sign memorabilia, videos, DVDs and the like. Photographs are permitted, but posed photos will be prohibited.

Ana’s Story was birthed from Bush’s internship with UNICEF, which started in the fall of 2006 when she was tasked with documenting the lives of children and young adults living in poverty. The book is a narrative about the struggles of a 17-year-old HIV-positive single mother that Bush met at a community support event. Bush spent six months with the young girl, interviewing her about her past of abuse and neglect, but also her future hopes.

Ana’s Story is also built around the stories of other children in similar circumstances who Bush met during her time abroad.

“A lot of conversations we had that were really difficult,” Bush said. “But they’re living with such optimism and such hope ... they just want the same things as many of us.”

According to UNICEF, some 2.3-million children worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, and millions more suffer from abuse, poverty and neglect.

A portion of the proceeds from the book will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

---Amber Mobley, Times staff writer

Governor promotes tax cut plan in Tampa

TAMPA -- Gov. Charlie Crist today used a family of four cramped in a two-bedroom house in South Tampa to promote the property tax cut plan the Legislature passed this week that would save taxpayers $12.4-billion over five years.

"I want you to appreciate how good this thing is," Crist said on the lawn of the family's home.

The benefit Crist highlighted the most was the tax proposal's "portability" clause, which would allow homeowners to take their Save Our Homes tax break with them when they move.

Crist said the change will fire up Florida's moribund real estate market, turning the state's economy into the "thoroughbred it is" by encouraging home purchases. He used a blue marker to sign a resolution backing the plan before local legislators, government officials and TV cameras.

It was all for show, however, because constitutional amendments passed by the Legislature go straight to the ballot without the governor's signature.

Florida voters get the final say in January.

Watch a video of Crist signing the resolution here.

Justin George, Times staff writer

Renewable power cheaper and cleaner, scientists say

Making renewable energy 15 percent of our power will lower electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas pollution, the Union of Concerned Scientists said today.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an energy bill requiring utilities to get 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, geothermal or bioenergy by 2020. The Union of Concerned Scientists analysis said that such a bill could save consumers more than $13-billion and reduce global warming pollution by 126-million metric tons per year by 2020, the equivalent of taking 21-million cars off the road.

-Asjylyn Loder, Times staff writer

Tossed DNC lawsuit heads to appeals court

TAMPA -- A local political consultant is appealing a judge's ruling that dismissed his lawsuit challenging the Democratic National Committee's decision to deny Florida a role in selecting the party's presidential nominee.

Vic DiMaio says in court papers filed today that he is asking the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to review U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara's decision.

Judge Lazzara tossed DiMaio's lawsuit in an Oct. 5 order, saying it failed to show that DiMaio had incurred any wrong that the court must make right. DiMaio recently sued the DNC and the state Democratic party, alleging his rights would be violated if the DNC stripped Florida of its 210 delegates.

The DNC voted to do just that after the state decided to move its primary to Jan. 29, violating the national party's rules.

Lazzara said that political parties, as private entities, can set their own rules on selecting presidential nominees. Therefore, the judge said, political parties do not act as agents for the government.

Kevin Graham, Times staff writer

Prison transfers raise suspicions

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Department of Corrections is investigating whether outsiders used money, influence or both to sway the transfer of inmates.

So far, no agency personnel have been implicated, said DOC Secretary James McDonough.

Inmates constantly seek transfers to facilities closer to family, to one perceived to be more lenient, or to private prisons that, unlike state-run prisons, are air conditioned.

Nine people who work at the DOC central office in Tallahassee have been questioned and were asked to temporarily leave their desks so investigators from the agency's inspector general's unit could check their computers. At least two people were sent home today. McDonough said he has found no evidence of wrongdoing by agency personnel.

Former candidate, four others seek Bryan's council seat

The woman who lost to St. Petersburg City Council member John Bryan two years ago is among a group of applicants now seeking to fill the former council chairman's seat.

Eve Joy, who lost to Bryan in 2005 by 3,000 votes, is one of five people applying to finish Bryan's four-year term in council District 2, city officials said Tuesday. She is joined by two local lawyers, a neighborhood leader and a Raymond James financial planner. Bryan committed suicide last month amid allegations he molested his adopted daughters.

"I am ready to learn and to lead, and I can think outside the box," Joy, 70, said in her application to the city.

Allegations against Bryan detailed in report

Excerpt of John Bryan's suicide note. Inset: John Bryan [St. Petersburg Police Department]

ST. PETERSBURG -– John Bryan's 15-year-old adopted daughter was in line at the Atlanta airport this summer when she uttered the fateful words: Dad "touched me.''

That revelation from one adopted daughter to another unlocked a dark legacy of sexual coercion and abuse that would destroy the public image of Bryan, then the City Council chairman. The allegations would stun a city, fracture a family and lead to Bryan’s suicide in his Floral City home Sept. 7 as he faced a police investigation.

Police this afternoon released a detailed report of their investigation into Bryan. The report concludes that if Bryan had not killed himself, he would have faced two felony charges of lewd and lascivious molestation, based on allegations that he fondled his 15-year-old adopted daughter.

Police redacted the report to shield the identities of possible victims, but a court spokesman has identified the girls involved as Bryan’s adopted daughters, ages 12, 15, and 38.

Bryan long held political ambitions

Aaron Sharockman writes for Saturday's St. Petersburg Times:

ST. PETERSBURG -- John Bryan's political ambitions were never a secret.

When City Council members picked Bill Foster over Bryan for a vacant council seat in 1998, he moved to a new district so he could try again.

Three years later, Bryan built a formidable team that included help from Charlie Crist and GOP heavyweight Mel Sembler, as well as two former mayors.

He was elected that year and easily won re-election in 2005.

Many speculated that a run for mayor was next.

Now, Bryan's death throws the already shifting makeup of the City Council into further uncertainty.

With four of the eight council seats up for election in the fall, and a primary scheduled Tuesday, council members must also fill Bryan's seat in District 2.

St. Petersburg officials removed Bryan’s image and biography from the city’s Web site late Friday.

Under an empty picture of District 2, it simply said "vacant."

For more, pick up Saturday's Times or visit tampabay.com.

Report: Super exemptions could drain millions

If Florida voters approve the proposed super homestead exemption, be prepared for some deep repercussions, Pinellas County leaders say.

If the second part of the state's plan to curtail property tax revenues passes in January, Clearwater officials say recreation centers and a library could face the chopping block. Largo says it could end up doing away with an after-school program and a nature park. And St. Petersburg says it may impose higher fees to participate in park programs.

The discussions come as the county property appraiser's office this week tallied up "worst case scenario" impacts for governments thoughout the county if the new exemption is approved. The results? Anywhere from a paltry $39,000 hit for Belleair Beach to more than $43-million in the county's general fund.

"Recreation, law enforcement and fire services certainly won't make this round of cuts," Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch said. "More jobs, more services, everything. You can't squeeze blood from a turnip and we're at that point."

The total hit for the St. Petersburg would be about $10.4-million. In Clearwater, the hit is calculated at $3.6-million. Other totals include $2-million in Largo and $1.2-million in Dunedin.

Mike Donilla, Times staff writer

No indictments in Jim Smith investigation

A state grand jury has decided not to issue criminal indictments in the controversy over the Pinellas County Commission's decision to buy a piece of land from longtime Property Appraiser Jim Smith.

Instead, the grand jury Thursday issued a report known as a presentment. The report will remain sealed from public view for 15 days so that anyone mentioned in it has a chance to review the presentment and, if they wish, file a motion to keep it sealed.

The grand jury this month took testimony from more than 40 witnesses, including Smith, County Attorney Susan Churuti, County Administrator Steve Spratt and all seven county commissioners.

Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe said he was grateful for the grand jury's work and said its response was appropriate for the situation presented to them.

"There was a lot for them to digest and chew on," McCabe said. "They worked hard."

McCabe decided to convene the grand jury after the St. Petersburg Times reported that commissioners voted unanimously on June 5 to buy 1.5 acres that Smith owned in East Lake. The county paid $225,000 -- nearly four times what Smith's office assessed the land for tax purposes.

Churuti represented both the county and Smith in the negotiations leading up to the deal -- something that most commissioners did not know until after they approved the purchase. Commissioners voted July 31 to suspend Churuti with pay while the grand jury scrutinized the deal.

Will Van Sant, Times staff writer

Restore ride service, Pasco commission orders

The Pasco County Commission today ordered a ride service for needy, elderly and disabled residents to be restored after transit officials slashed it by a third this month.

The commissioners took action after learning that Pasco County Public Transportation had a $50,000 reserve fund for emergencies for the service that was untouched. Returning to full service through September will cost $26,200.

Commissioner Michael Cox called the choice "a no-brainer."

The board also ordered transportation manager Mike Carroll to report on options to keep the paratransit ride service at full strength when the next budget year takes effect Oct. 1.

The Times revealed last week that the transit agency cut daily trips from 270 to 185 for the door-to-door service. Residents said last week they called for appointment and were told no rides were available until September. County Administrator John Gallagher said the cutback was done unbeknownst to him.

Commission to Pasco sheriff: Not a dime more

The Pasco County Commissioners today rejected all of Sheriff Bob White's request for a 13.4 percent spending increase to $94.7-million next year. Instead, White was told to come back next Wednesday with a proposed budget matching this year's $83.5-million spending.

The commission has to cut $15.8-million overall to meet state demands for property tax cuts. White wants to spend $11.2 million more next year, including 109 new jobs.

While acknowledging the county is in a tight spot, White accused commissioners of being "penny wise and pound foolish" in their efforts to cut the budget. He said his agency's spending is so frugal compared to other large law enforcement agencies that preventative tasks are not being done.

Commission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand noted the county still must cut millions if every bit of the sheriff's requested increase is chopped.

"Madame chairman, give me a clue," White said, asking how much to cut.

"I think you just got your clue," Hildebrand replied.

New Pasco shelter named for Fasano

NEW PORT RICHEY - State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, spent the past two legislative sessions bringing home almost $8.5-million to build a combined hurricane shelter and health clinic in Hudson.

The Pasco County Commission spent just a few minutes Tuesday giving him a reward. The board voted 5-0 to name the building after him. It's due to be finished in July 2009, which means Fasano could be in office when the sign goes up. He is up for reelection in 2008.

"Don't everybody fall out of their chairs," said Commissioner Michael Cox, who made the motion for Fasano despite being the sole Democrat on the five-member board.

The board also gave the nod for a bench to be named for former Supervisor of Elections Mary Morgan, who died July 10 at age 80. The bench will be at the historic county courthouse in Dade City. In that case, Morgan's family will pay any costs, Commissioner Ted Schrader said.

-- David DeCamp, Times staff writer

DCF report faults agencies, not individuals

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Department of Children and Families and two non-profit companies were "jointly responsible" for 2-year-old foster girl Courtney Clark and failed to keep her safe, according to a state report released today.

DCF, the Sarasota Family YMCA and Directions for Mental Health in Clearwater share in the numerous mistakes made in the case of Courtney, whose caseworker failed to report her missing for four months, according to a DCF inspector general report.

"While certain individuals should be held accountable for not acting in a timely fashion and not properly following set procedures, the failures addressed in this investigation are attributed to poorly established protocols within the provisions of the contract, lack of proper contract oversight, weak internal controls, and ineffective communication by all parties involved,'' according to the report.

In June, nine months after she disappeared, Courtney and two younger siblings were found safe amid a grisly scene in Wisconsin where police also discovered a starving 11-year-old boy and his dead mother's body buried in the backyard. The children are in the custody of Wisconsin child welfare officials.

Courtney's mother and three others face charges of murder and child abuse.

Officials say Courtney's mother, Candice Farris, kidnapped the girl from a Lake County foster home in September. Her caseworker reported her missing to the Lake County Sheriff's Office in January.

"The excessive delay in initiating a missing child report in this case is attributable to lack of due diligence and sense of urgency by the (DCF), Sarasota Y, and (Directions for Mental Health) staff members,'' the report said. "In addition, the (DCF) allowed Sarasota Y to institute weak policies and, as a result, jeopardized the safety and welfare of the children mentioned in this report.''

Melanie Ave, Times staff writer

Crist to sign global warming pact with Britain

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist plans to sign an agreement Friday with the government of England to work together on combating global warming, an agreement similar to one signed a year ago by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to a spokeswoman for the British Consulate. Read more here.

Crist signs infant mortality bill

Gov. Crist greets Evangeline R. Best, of Tampa, center, as Roland Brookins, center left, and Nellie Bythwood, right, look on after Crist signed the Infant Motality Bill into law. [Ken Helle | Times]

TAMPA -- Governor Charlie Crist stopped by an East Tampa library this morning to sign an act allocating $1-million dollars to study why black infants die at higher rates than white infants.

The state’s Department of Health will administer the program and allocate the grant money to Healthy Start coalitions in counties with particularly high black infant morality rates. The grant recipients will examine medical and social causes of infant death and will help design future programs to improve infant survival rates, said Estrellita Berry, project director for central Hillsborough Healthy Start Project.

In Hillsborough, Berry said, black infants die 4.4 times as often as white infants. Three of her friends lost their infants young — one because of diabetes, one from high blood pressure, and one for reasons still unknown.

“We’re off the mark,” she said.

The bill, HB 1269, was sponsored in the House by freshman Rep. Betty Reed (D-59) and in the Senate by Sen. Arthenia Joyner (D-18).

--Sarah Mishkin, Times staff writer

Pinellas worker's missteps cited in foster case

A Pinellas County child welfare worker missed numerous warning signs about the safety of a 2-year-old foster girl months before she was kidnapped by her mother and taken to Wisconsin, according to a newly released investigation by one of the agencies responsible for her care.

A relative of the woman told a caseworker the mother, Candice Farris, would likely take the girl out of state two months before she snatched her in September from a Lake County foster home, according to the review by the Safe Children Coalition, part of the Sarasota Family YMCA.

Farris, 23, is one of four people charged with murdering a woman and torturing her 11 year-old son at a rented house in Portage, Wis. The girl and her two younger siblings are now in custody of the Wisconsin child welfare agency. The boy is recovering from severe abuse in a hospital.

Police uncovered the grisly crime scene June 14 as part of a Lake County sheriff's investigation to find the missing foster child. It took the missing girl's caseworker, with the Sarasota Family YMCA sub contractor, four months to report her disappearance to local police.

On Friday, Florida Department of Children and Families chief Bob Butterworth called errors in the case "inexcusable'' and vowed to figure out what went wrong so improvements can be made.

"It was more of a people error than a procedure error,'' Butterworth said during a news conference in Tallahassee.

Butterworth also announced that DCF is taking the unusual step of joining a court petition to be filed Friday by the St. Petersburg Times to open all records related to the case.

-- Melanie Ave, Times staff writer

St. Pete to cut 70 jobs

Mayor Rick Baker said Friday morning that St. Petersburg will eliminate 70 jobs as part of the city's mandated budget cuts. The biggest hit is in codes enforcement, where 25 percent of the department will be eliminated. The cuts will be felt across several city departments.

"This is not an easy time for the city," said Baker, who is scheduled to meet with Gov. Charlie Crist today at 4 p.m. "But our city has been through not easy times before." Baker said the city would offer severance packages to affected employees.

Baker is now just starting to go through the cuts -- nearly $14-million in all -- in detail. All non-departmental and social service funding has been eliminated from the mayor's proposed budget. Library hours will be reduced, as will adult recreation programs, Baker said.

The proposed budget includes two percent salary increases for non-union workers.

More of the nitty-gritty that may be of particular interest: Baker has proposed eliminating funds for the city's suite at Tropicana Field ($4,800), half of the City Council's travel budget ($40,000), other city travel ($92,000), and reducing neighborhood grants ($100,000). He also wants to increase swimming fees, play camp fees, recreation rental fees, plans review and permit fees, parking rates, and marina slip and airport hangar fees.

Mayor Rick Baker said Friday morning that St. Petersburg will eliminate 70 jobs as part of the city's mandated budget cuts. The biggest hit is in codes enforcement, where 25 percent of the department will be eliminated. The cuts will be felt across several city departments.

"This is not an easy time for the city," said Baker, who is scheduled to meet with Gov. Charlie Crist today at 4 p.m. "But our city has been through not easy times before." Baker said the city would offer severance packages to affected employees.

Baker is now just starting to go through the cuts -- nearly $14-million in all -- in detail. All non-departmental and social service funding has been eliminated from the mayor's proposed budget. Library hours will be reduced, as will adult recreation programs, Baker said.

The proposed budget includes two percent salary increases for non-union workers.

More of the nitty-gritty that may be of particular interest: Baker has proposed eliminating funds for the city's suite at Tropicana Field ($4,800), half of the City Council's travel budget ($40,000), other city travel ($92,000), and reducing neighborhood grants ($100,000). He also wants to increase swimming fees, play camp fees, recreation rental fees, plans review and permit fees, parking rates, and marina slip and airport hangar fees.

Largo apologizes to Stanton supporter

Largo officials have formally apologized to Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, who was arrested at the Feb. 27 meeting where commissioners moved to fire then-City Manager Steve Stanton.

Prosecutors didn't file charges against her. In a public apology read at Tuesday night's City Commission meeting, acting City Manager Norton Craig extended the city's regrets.

"This unfortunate incident took place as the city was trying to maintain decorum and the peace during this highly emotional time when crowds overfilled City Hall and the surrounding area, " he said. "We wish it had not happened." "We live in a time when very rarely do apologies get issued and very rarely do people in leadership roles admit mistakes, " Smith said.

Find complete coverage of Stanton's transformation from Steve to Susan.

Libby get 2 1/2 years in prison

WASHINGTON – Former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison Tuesday for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation. Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, stood calmly before a packed courtroom as a federal judge said the evidence overwhelmingly proved his guilt. "People who occupy these types of positions, where they have the welfare and security of nation in their hands, have a special obligation to not do anything that might create a problem," U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said. Libby was convicted in March of lying and obstructing an investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity. The highest-ranking White House official convicted in a government scandal since the Iran-Contra affair, Libby has steadfastly maintained his innocence. – By the Associated Press Photo: I. Lewis "Scotter" Libby after sentencing today. [AP photo]

Iorio tightening Tampa's budget belt

TAMPA -- With property tax reform proposals bouncing around Tallahassee, Mayor Pam Iorio on Wednesday told her staff to prepare no-growth budgets for next year.

That means cutting services and personnel, because it costs more to provide the same services each year, she said.

Iorio also instituted a hiring freeze, said she will cut or eliminate funding to all nonprofit groups next year and will withdraw a state bill to increase pension benefits for city employees.

Iorio had planned to eventually increase the city employee pension benefits to match those of the state retirement system.

“Given the budget constraints we face, that will not be possible,” she said.

Iorio said it costs an additional $15.5-million to provide the same level of service from one year to the next. Much of that money goes to salaries, benefits and pensions of the nearly 3,700 people paid from the city’s general fund, which is comprised partially of property taxes.

Iorio also warned that depending on what happens in Tallahassee, departments might need to prepare budgets with even greater cuts.

In the past seven years, property tax revenues to the city have more than doubled from about $78-million to more than $164-million, thanks to a hot real estate market and rising property valuations.

In the wake of complaints from residents about the increasing property taxes, state legislators are discussing a massive reform of the tax system.

Proposals include a property tax rate rollback, doubling the homestead exemption, and eliminating property taxes on homesteads altogether.

Iorio predicts the changes could reduce city’s revenue by up to $30-million.

“The cuts we’re looking at are very scary,” said City Council member Linda Saul-Sena. “If these things happen, our budget will not be able to sustain the employees we now have.”

Saul-Sena said she planned to contact her legislators and the governor and urge them to take a more “responsible approach to people’s property taxes because the impacts to local governments will be so painful and so severe.”

Saul-Sena said she recently met with residents in Seminole Heights who talked about the need for more code enforcement and how much they appreciated the increased police presence in their neighborhood.

“People in our community want these services,” she said. “We can’t provide them if we don’t have the revenue.”

City Council member Tom Scott said he understands Iorio’s wish to be cautious with next year’s budget, but wondered if the measures are premature.

“We have not heard anything from Tallahassee yet,” he said. “You get all the facts and information before you make a decision that will impact services and jobs.”

-- Janet Zink, Times staff writer