Radio host won't face charges for stunt that sparked fire

A radio station's half-baked turkey-frying stunt was irresponsible and childish, but it wasn't a serious crime, the state attorney said today.

Mark Ober announced that instead of facing misdemeanor charges, Todd Schnitt, host of the "The MJ Morning Show" on WFLZ, 93.3 FM, and two other members of his crew will have to enter a pre-trial diversion program for first-time offenders.

Schnitt, the two other employees and station owner Clear Channel Radio will donate at least $15,000 to Tampa Bay area charities that support fire and burn victims.

They also will engage in a four-week public service campaign to support those charities. The campaign will include five recorded announcements per day voiced by members of the show and a live broadcast from an event sponsored by or benefitting such a charity that would include interviews with victims, parents, volunteers and firefighters.

The station also will provide links to charities on its website.

Each member of the show also will have to perform 10 hours of community service at one of the charities.

Ober said the stunt was "irresponsible and demonstrated a lack of good judgment and common sense."

He also said "the situation was exacerbated by the callous, insensitive and immature commentary" made by show members during the broadcast.

Ober found the group violated the county's open burning ordinance, the equivalent of a misdemeanor. The stations paid a $200 fine to the city of Tampa for conducting a burn without a permit.

Members of Schnitt's crew staged the December stunt to cook a frozen bird in a deep fryer in a van, which resulted in the van catching fire.

An ice-packed turkey was to be lowered into the bubbling oil cooker by a crane, through a hole cut in the van's roof.

The investigation showed the group took steps to limit the damage, removing the van's gas tank and removing other flammable liquids from its engine.

Ober said the ice likely was designed to accelerate the fire, and at 600 degrees Fahrenheit the oil was twice as hot as recommended for turkey frying.

The group waited at least 15 minutes before calling Tampa Fire and Rescue. On the air, Schnitt was heard telling a crew member not to use a fire extinguisher. "I want the tires to melt," he said. He also repeatedly told listeners to view the blaze on the station's website.