Charges dropped against Norman By Kyle LoJacono tails of the probe. the status of its probe. [email protected] “A diligent investigation by federal inves- The gift from Hughes,who died in 2008, tigators failed to uncover evidence of a came while Norman was on the State Sen. Jim Norman got an early violation of federal criminal law by State Hillsborough County Commission, a posi- Jim Norman Kevin Ambler Christmas present from the U.S.Attorney’s Sen.Norman,”O’Neill said.“As a result,this tion he had for 18 years. Office. office is closing the current investigation.” Norman ran for the state Senate District for political influence. The Republican,who is in his first term Norman did not return repeated inter- 12 seat after being term limited in the coun- “It’s hard without showing the direct ex- at the post,was under investigation for po- view requests for comment, but his ty commission. He opposed former state change of something for something,”Ambler tentially violating federal law for not attorney,Frank Winkles,said his client appre- Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican pri- said.“That’s a hard thing to prove unless you disclosing a house in owned by his ciated O’Neill’s “straightforwardness”with mary for the post. catch someone in the act of engaging in the wife,Mearline,as an asset. the investigation. Ambler filed a lawsuit seeking to disqual- trade.” U.S.Attorney Robert O’Neill said the in- “While they have always believed that ify Norman after losing the primary.A Leon Ambler maintains Norman did know vestigation was unable to find any evidence Sen.Norman would be exonerated,the cou- County circuit judge did disqualify Norman, about the about the house and the “loan” that Norman had anything to do with ple wishes to thank all who have but the ruling was overturned on appeal. given by Hughes.He said Norman told him, Mearline accepting half a million dollars continuously offered their friendship and Norman went on to win the general elec- and “most other people around him,”about from deceased conservative activist Ralph support during this difficult time,”Winkles tion against two write-in candidates last the couple’s “dream home” on a lake in Hughes. Mearline used the money to buy said. November. The District 12 seat covers Arkansas. and renovate the lakefront house. Norman is not completely clear of any Wesley Chapel,Land O’Lakes,Lutz,Odessa, Ambler said he still believes Norman O’Neill said the investigators “were look- penalty for not disclosing the house.He still New Tampa,Dade City,St.Leo,San Antonio, broke state laws banning public officials and ing at the house and the loan from Mr. faces an investigation from the Northdale and North Tampa. their spouses from accepting such gifts like Hughes,”but said the investigation, which Commission on Ethics,but such violations Ambler was disappointed in O’Neill’s the one between Mearline and Hughes. started more than a year ago, was now would carry only a fine and no prison time. findings,but did understand it is difficult to “But that’s up to the state attorney to de- closed.He declined to comment on the de- The commission would not comment on prove Hughes’ gift was made in exchange cide,”Ambler said.

take out their card.” Bill: Gas price, Norman added Floridians deserve a TBARTA gets big boost break from gas prices. “When the price of oil is reduced, gas Transit board gets $1.1 million where people live or if they are already prices often remain the same,making for fat for information center traveling down the road.” sign must match bonuses for CEOs at the expense of the con- The project is scheduled to take 12-18 sumer,”Norman continued.“SB 476 brings By Kyle LoJacono months to finish. Once completed, resi- State Sen.Jim Norman,R-Tampa,is spon- attention to a long-standing practice that [email protected] dents will be able to access information soring a bill to help consumers know the does not provide full disclosure.” about transportation programs and services price of gas before they pull into a station. The next step for the bill is the Senate The Regional throughout the region. Senate Bill 476 would require retail sta- Commerce and Tourism Committee. State Transportation Authority (TBARTA) recent- The grant was awarded less than six tions charging different prices for cash or Rep.Jeff Clemens,D-Lake Worth,has spon- ly received a $1.1 million federal grant to months after TBARTA had its budget cut by credit card sales to display the highest price sored an identical bill,House Bill 391,which create the region’s first transit information $950,000, down to $1.75 million for the “on all signage displaying gasoline and is also moving through the Florida center. current fiscal year. Chairman Ronnie motor fuel prices visible from the main-trav- Legislature. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Duncan said public support for the organi- eled”roads. For more information on the bill or other TBARTA and for our region,”said TBARTA zation helped it land the grant. “This is about truth in pricing,”Norman legislation moving toward becoming a law executive director Bob Clifford.“We know “We are truly honored to have received said in a release.“In present practice,individ- in the , visit there is a need for consistent,accurate in- such outstanding community support in uals are only seeing the cash price when www.flsenate.gov. formation on transportation programs seeking these funds,”Duncan said.“By con- they go to the gas station.This bill will en- throughout our region.We are pleased to tinuing to work with our partners sure they know the credit price before they --Kyle LoJacono be able to offer this service in an easy,one- throughout the region,we’ll be able to ex- stop location for the public.” pand transportation options for the citizens The final site for the center will be cen- of the region.” trally located within TBARTA’s TBARTA,which was established in 2007 Get all your favorite local seven-county jurisdiction,which includes to handle transist planning for the region, news stories online Pasco, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando, estimates traffic congestion will double by Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. 2035 in its seven-county area and triple by Spokeswoman Amy Ellis said the exact lo- 2050. www.cnewspubs.com cation will be decided in a few weeks. The information center project is one of “The good thing about this is people 55 similar jobs being done across the coun- can visit the center, but they can also get try by the Fedearl Transit Administration at TheLaker / LutzNews the same information by calling or by visit- a cost of $34.6 million. ing us online with their computers or For more information on TBARTA,visit mobile device,”Ellis said.“It won’t matter www.tbarta.com. EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES SCHOOLS/CHILD CARE, ACTIVITIES, SPORTS, FITNESS, CAMPS & GAMES FOR EVERY GENERATION Worried About Report Cards?

Tutoring programs in: • Reading • SAT/ACT Prep 50% OFF • Math • Study Skills Reading, Math or It’s time to paint • Writing • Homework Edge Study Skills Tests New Customer $75.00 for the holidays for Your Business!SAVINGS (reg. $149) offer expires 1-31-12 We offer: Place your ad in the • A large selection of pottery TODAY Education & Activities Directory and we will • Specialty coffee & dessert NO ADDITIONALDOUBLE CHARGE!* • Group discounts its size at FUN *12 week contract required. • Relaxing atmosphere Only single and double ad sizes qualify. FOR ALL No other discounts apply. New clients only. • Party rates AGES! • Great customer service TheL AKER / Lutz 2201 COLLIER PKWY, LAND O’ LAKES (PUBLIX PLAZA) (813) 909-2800NEWS (813) 909-0781 www.knowledgepoints.com/landolakes Studio Hours: Mon-Sat 10-10 • Sun 1-10 [email protected] 813-975-1700 15357 Amberly Dr., Tampa • www.youdothedishes.com

8 December 7, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLICATIONS 813-909-2800 / CnewsPubs.com