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Today's Top Stories

News Alerts:

Friday, January 27, 2012

Port Charlotte woman killed in wreck

A Port Charlotte woman was killed Friday morning in a two car accident on I-75 in Collier County. Percide Augustin, 58, of Port Charlotte, died at North Collier Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Demond Lorenza Winters, 36, of … Find out how to read more Online.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Students to display art at fair
Fri Jan 27 2012 03:08PM

Senior art students excitedly were finishing up and framing their best pieces earlier this week in Renee Massolio’s advanced-placement art class at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda. The pieces … Find out how to read more Online.

Wrongful death suit moves forward
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

A judge has set a timeline for Nathan Lee’s wrongful death lawsuit against the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in the 2008 murder of his 21-year-old wife. This week, 20th Circuit … Find out how to read more Online.

Wreck closes part of U.S. 17
Wed Jan 25 2012 04:14PM

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is on scene of a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 17 at Regents Road, just east of I-75/Exit-164. Southbound U.S. 17 is closed at that intersection. … Find out how to read more Online.

Man charged in mobile home arsons
Thu Jan 26 2012 08:09AM

PUNTA GORDA — Arson suspect Phillip George Mullin, 46, was arrested Tuesday in connection with two mobile home fires Nov. 12 at the Peace River Fish Camp, off U.S. 17 … Find out how to read more Online.

State, National and World News

Grandmother’s remains found inside storage unit
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

CLEARWATER (AP) — The manager of U-Stor Self Storage heard a bizarre tale when he notified a woman that the items stored in Unit B8 would be auctioned because she’d fallen behind on rent. Manager Kevin McKeon says the woman … Find out how to read more Online.

Tired and broke, Santorum heads home to do taxes
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

PUNTA GORDA (AP) — Rick Santorum is tired, almost broke — and going home. The former Pennsylvania senator is taking a pause from Florida campaigning just days before the Tuesday primary that even he expects to deal him a third … Find out how to read more Online.

Economy grew modest 2.8 pct. in Q4, best in 2011
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011. Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Women, children killed in violence-torn Syria city
Fri Jan 27 2012 09:38AM

BEIRUT (AP) — Fresh violence erupted Friday in the besieged Syrian city of Homs, a day after armed forces loyal to President Bashar Assad barraged residential buildings with mortars and machine-gun fire, killing at least 30 people including a family … Find out how to read more Online.

Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

JACKSONVILLE — Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich sparred over illegal immigration here Thursday night, with the former Massachusetts governor saying it was “repulsive” for the former House speaker to have characterized him as “the most anti-immigrant” candidate in the GOP … Find out how to read more Online.

Iran is ready to return to nuclear talks
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran is ready to revive talks with the U.S. and other world powers, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday, but suggested that Tehran’s foes will have to make compromises to prevent negotiations from again collapsing in stalemate. Iran’s … Find out how to read more Online.

User-friendly health plan summaries at risk
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the most popular provisions of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul — consumer-friendly summaries of what your insurance plan covers — suddenly seems to be at risk. Consumer groups say it’s not Republican opposition they’re … Find out how to read more Online.

Why is investment income taxed less than wages?
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Why do Mitt Romney and other wealthy investors pay lower taxes on the income they make from investments than they would if they earned their millions from wages? Because the tax code, has long treated investment more … Find out how to read more Online.

Prison privatization headed to senate floor
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

TALLAHASSEE — A legislative proposal to privatize about 30 prisons in most of the southern part of the state is headed for the Senate floor after a vote in the Budget Committee that angered prison guards who feel they’re not … Find out how to read more Online.

Study: 7 percent of US adults, teens carry HPV in mouths
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

LOS ANGELES — An estimated 7 percent of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers said Thursday. Their … Find out how to read more Online.

Taxpayers still owed $133B
Thu Jan 26 2012 10:14PM

WASHINGTON — Companies that were bailed out during the financial crisis still owe U.S. taxpayers nearly $133 billion. Treasury’s plans to recoup that money have been slowed by the volatile stock market and weakness among smaller banks. Some of the … Find out how to read more Online.

Workforce board bill gives Scott firing authority
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (News Service of Florida) — A bill giving Gov. Rick Scott and future governors more control over regional workforce boards passed its first Senate stop on Thursday in response to a series of embarrassing incidents regarding mismanagement at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Panetta: US ground forces would be cut by 100,000
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:56PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pentagon leaders outlined a plan Thursday for absorbing $487 billion in defense cuts over the coming decade by shrinking U.S. ground forces, slowing the purchase of a next-generation stealth fighter and retiring older planes and ships. In … Find out how to read more Online.

Gold Advances to Seven-Week High on Fed Statement
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

(Bloomberg) — Gold futures rose to a seven-week high Thursday as the Federal Reserve’s pledge to keep U.S. borrowing costs low drove the dollar down, boosting demand for precious metals as alternative assets. Silver jumped to a two-month high. The … Find out how to read more Online.

Dow opens near post-crisis peak but ends lower
Thu Jan 26 2012 07:36PM

(AP) — A brief morning rally Thursday pushed the Dow Jones industrial average above its highest close since the financial crisis of 2008, but disappointing economic data tempered traders’ optimism later in the day, and stocks finished lower. Solid news … Find out how to read more Online.

No backing for the word ‘fracking’
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

NEW YORK (AP) — A different kind of F-word is stirring a linguistic and political debate as controversial as what it defines. The word is “fracking” — as in hydraulic fracturing, a technique long used by the oil and gas … Find out how to read more Online.

Administration unveils new plan for national forests
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

LOS ANGELES (LA Times) — New guidelines to manage some 193 million acres of national forest lands will focus on protecting watersheds and wildlife and will require a tougher scientific standard in balancing the competing demands of industry and conservation … Find out how to read more Online.

Bill Gates pledges $750 million for global AIDS fund
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

DAVOS, Switzerland (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — Software billionaire Bill Gates announced Thursday that his foundation would give $750 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The pledge, made in Davos, Switzerland, came after the fund’s director Michel … Find out how to read more Online.

Calif. poised to vote on new ‘clean car’ regs
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:54PM

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The head of California’s air quality board on Thursday called proposed rules that would require automakers to build less-polluting cars and trucks by 2025 a historic move for a cleaner environment. California Air Resources Board Chairman … Find out how to read more Online.

Public needs to back austerity, EU leaders say
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:34PM

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Cash-strapped governments in Europe must persuade skeptical citizens to accept severe austerity measures if their countries are to recover and thrive in an increasingly tough global economic environment, European leaders said Thursday. They warned at the … Find out how to read more Online.

Egypt bans travel for US official’s son, 9 others
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt banned at least 10 Americans and Europeans from leaving the country, including the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, hiking tensions with Washington over a campaign by Egypt’s military against groups promoting democracy and human … Find out how to read more Online.

Officials: Captain lost precious time
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

ROME (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — The wasting of a “precious hour” by the captain of the Costa Concordia jeopardized the timely evacuation of all those aboard the stricken cruise liner, a top Italian coast guard officer said Thursday. The head of … Find out how to read more Online.

Security contractors see opportunities, and limits, in Mexico
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

MEXICO CITY (Washington Post) — With the Iraq war over and the American presence waning in Afghanistan, U.S. security contractors are looking for new prospects in Mexico, where spreading criminal violence has created a growing demand for battle-ready professionals. After … Find out how to read more Online.

Pakistan accuses Iran of killing 6 on border
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — A Pakistani government official says Iranian security forces have killed six Pakistani traders taking goats into Iran. Abdur Rehman said the incident happened Thursday on the Iranian side of the border near the Pakistani town of … Find out how to read more Online.

Mutiny in Papua New Guinea fails
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

SYDNEY (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — A Papua New Guinea military rebellion lasted less than a day Thursday with most of the rebel soldiers rounded up, their top-brass hostage freed and their leader being “dealt with” by the government. The Defense Force … Find out how to read more Online.

3 dead, 16 missing in collapse of Rio de Janeiro buildings
Thu Jan 26 2012 05:33PM

RIO DE JANEIRO (Deutsch Presse-Agentur) — Rescue workers in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday recovered the bodies of three people from the rubble of three collapsed buildings, with at least 16 more people still believed to be missing. A loud … Find out how to read more Online.

Sales tax holiday could be back
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (News Service of Florida) — Florida’s sales-tax holiday could return to a mall near you in August. The House Finance and Taxation Committee on Thursday approved a bill (HB 737) that would schedule the tax-free shopping period from Aug. … Find out how to read more Online.

Fla. university students oppose tuition increase
Thu Jan 26 2012 09:25PM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida university students say it’s time to stop annual tuition increases. Scores of students representing the state’s 11 public universities rallied in front of the old Capitol building in Tallahassee on Thursday. They also spoke out against … Find out how to read more Online.

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More Local News

Charlotte man charged with arson in November home fire
Wed Jan 25 2012 11:00AM

From the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office: “Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives and the State Fire Marshal arrested Phillip George Mullin, 46, in connection with two mobile home fires Nov. 12 at the Peace River Fish Camp, off U.S. 17 near the … Find out how to read more Online.

RELIGION BRIEFS
Fri Jan 27 2012 03:15PM

Pancake Brunch The Englewood United Methodist Men’s Fellowship Pancake Brunch, a 39-year tradition, takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. select Saturdays in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 700 E. Dearborn St. This season’s future brunch dates are: today; Feb. … Find out how to read more Online.

Pup Crawl gets to heart of matter
Fri Jan 27 2012 02:16PM

The Charlotte County Cultural Center held its January Puppy Crawl on Thursday. The January Puppy Crawl benefits Gulf Coast Pet Partners. The event was hosted by Pampered Pet Health Center, and it celebrated Valentine’s Day. Pets were dressed in all … Find out how to read more Online.

Santorum touts values in Punta Gorda visit
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

PUNTA GORDA — To bring about America’s recovery, the country must end corporate bailouts, repeal costly regulations and “Obamacare,” support offshore oil drilling and get government out of affairs best left to families, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum told an … Find out how to read more Online.

Boca Grande talking property tax to fund causeway
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

BOCA GRANDE — Motorists soon can expect to see at least a $1 hike to the $5 toll for passenger vehicles on the Boca Grande Causeway. The bigger question is whether property owners within the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority special … Find out how to read more Online.

Fawcett chiefs now lead Englewood hospital
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

ENGLEWOOD — Englewood Community and Fawcett Memorial hospitals both will be headed up by Fawcett CEO Tom Rice and CFO Mike Wyers. Both Englewood Community and Fawcett Memorial in Port Charlotte are in the HCA of West Florida network of … Find out how to read more Online.

Local woman wins trip
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

Amy Walker, 29, of Port Charlotte recently became Anderson Cooper’s two-millionth Twitter follower and as a result won a trip to New York City to appear on “Anderson” and participate on a panel about current events with “Watch What Happens … Find out how to read more Online.

$10K gift boosts learning
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

Chinese language learning will get a boost with a $10,000 grant Charlotte County Public Schools has received from the Asia Society for a Confucius Classroom. Confucius Classrooms are internationally recognized exemplary classrooms that teach Chinese language and culture to students. … Find out how to read more Online.

Fugitive suspect in drive-by shooting arrested
Thu Jan 26 2012 12:54PM

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit reported the arrest by U.S. Marshal agents in Miami this morning of a man wanted in connection with a drive-by car shooting Nov. 20 in Port Charlotte. Following up on CCSO leads supplied … Find out how to read more Online.

County supports box-truck restrictions
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

MURDOCK — Charlotte County commissioners closed a loophole Tuesday that will keep large box trucks out of residential areas. Some supported the changes to an existing ordinance, but not everyone thought that was a good idea. By modifying the trucks, … Find out how to read more Online.

After rough start, happy ending
Wed Jan 25 2012 08:09AM

After four failed attempts, 3-year-old Morgan Sariego was finally able to feed a patient horse named Lucy a slobbery treat that was more dirt than food by the time the filly got a good bite of it. Lucy now lives … Find out how to read more Online.

Mining snags hamper funding
Fri Jan 27 2012 12:44AM

Over the past year and a half, a still-pending federal lawsuit has kept Mosaic Fertilizer from mining more than the first 200 acres of its 10,600-acre South Fort Meade Extension along the Peace River in Hardee County. The company also … Find out how to read more Online.

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