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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 30, 2008

TAMPA BAY AREA

Odyssey Files Salvage Claim

Tampa-based Odyssey Marine Exploration, a deep-sea exploration and salvage company, said Thursday that it has discovered two shipwrecks in the English Channel.

Both shipwrecks contain colonial-era artifacts and are outside the territorial waters of any sovereign nation, Odyssey said in a statement.

The company said it has not confirmed the identity of either ship. In a claim filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Tampa, Odyssey is seeking salvage rights for each site.

Last year, Odyssey announced the discovery of a sunken treasure - 17 tons of colonial-era coins worth an estimated $500 million - at an undisclosed site in the Atlantic Ocean. The company recovered the treasure and flew it to a warehouse in Tampa.

But Spain recently claimed ownership of the treasure in U.S. District Court, saying the shipwreck is a Spanish war ship sunk by the British Navy in 1804 south of Portugal. Odyssey argues that Spain has no proof the cargo is from the Mercedes and is "jumping to conclusions."

STATE

Foreclosure Law Signed

A new law might make it more difficult for companies to scam people trying to avoid foreclosure. Gov. Charlie Crist on Thursday signed a law that prohibits foreclosure rescue companies from accepting any form of payment until all services are completed. The bill also creates a three-day right of cancellation for homeowners who sign a contract for such services.

The bill was prompted by companies that charge high fees for work that homeowners could do themselves or that lead homeowners to think they can sell their home, rent it short-term and eventually repurchase in. In some cases, the homeowners ended up losing the home anyway.

Piper Remains In Florida

Piper Aircraft will retain its headquarters in Vero Beach and promised to create 454 jobs by 2012 in addition to retaining 963 jobs under a $32 million county and state incentive package.

Restaurant Jobs Being Lost

The restaurant industry is expected to shed more than 18,000 jobs this summer in Florida, according to The National Restaurant Association. The industry will lose jobs in Florida as the tourism season ends, the association said in a report released today. Arizona also will shed large numbers of restaurant jobs in June, July and August.

NATION

Economy Improves Slightly

The U.S. economy logged slightly better - but weak - growth in the first quarter, spurred by improved sales of products overseas. But a closer look behind the 0.9 percent increase in the gross domestic product during the January-to-March period revealed much consumer caution about spending.

ENERGY

Oil Down, Gas Up

Oil prices fell $4.41 to $126.62 a barrel Thursday.

Retail gas prices rose to a new record average - more than $3.95 a gallon nationwide.

A staff and wire report

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