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Super Bowl Game Security Tight

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

vkalfrin@tampatrib.com

Published: December 11, 2008

TAMPA - The security game plan for Super Bowl XLIII involves screening the backgrounds of more than 30,000 vendors and volunteers and restricting flights around Raymond James Stadium, officials said Wednesday, when about 70 representatives from local, state and federal agencies met to prepare for the National Football League championship game on Feb. 1.

Milt Ahlerich, the league's vice president of security, said security around game-day and other events will be top-notch but not visibly overwhelming, striking a balance among safety, entertainment and hospitality needs.

Behind-the-scenes measures include FBI intelligence about possible attacks; alerts from gun dealers to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about thefts and suspicious sales; and enhanced maritime security by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Screening employees, vendors and volunteers for criminal records or immigration issues and monitoring all air traffic in the Bay area on game day also are key parts of the plan, officials said.
Computer Thief Gets 10 Years

A man who stole numerous laptop computers across the country and sold them on eBay was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge James Moody imposed the maximum statutory sentence on Eric Brandon Almly, 34. Almly was arrested in 2007 by Tampa police after he stole 11 portable computers from Outback Steakhouse's corporate headquarters.

Teen Shoots Dog For No Reason

Tampa - Police say one of three teenagers pulled a gun and fired at Gerald and Debra Scott's 9-month-old pit bull mix about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Scotts' house on 39th Street.

Officer Adam York said a witness saw the boys casually walk down the street and shoot the peaceful dog. A witness heard the teens laughing as they ran off, police said.

The cost of surgery on the dog to remove the bullet would be $800, Debra Scott said she was told, and the couple could not afford that. Hillsborough County Animal Services agreed to pay part of the bill, but the Scotts must pay up to $250. The clinic agreed to release the dog to Debra Scott on the condition of a payment plan, she said.

Anyone wishing to help the family can deliver or mail a check to Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 Falkenburg Road, Tampa FL 33619. Checks should be made out to "B.O.C.C.," with "Animal Services" in the memo portion.

2nd Victim Of Fire Dies

A second victim in a Monday house fire at 2905 Chipco St. has died, Tampa Fire Rescue said.

Willie Bynes, 68, died Wednesday morning at Tampa General Hospital. His granddaughter Latoya Williams-Jones died Tuesday.

Also injured in the blaze was Williams-Jones' grandmother Mary Jones Bynes, 73. She remains at St. Joseph's Hospital.

A staff report

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