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By Times staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 20, 2001
Still no word on doctor accused of comment
Oak Hill Hospital on Wednesday still had made no final decision on the fate of one of its doctors who reportedly said America got what it deserved in the recent terrorist attacks because the investigation is now passing through a peer-review process.
Hospital CEO Jaime Wesolowski said in a prepared statement that he has taken the most severe action he is allowed to take by temporarily suspending the unnamed doctor's privileges at the hospital pending further investigation.
The matter is now in the hands of a peer-review team, a process mandated by the state and established in the hospital's medical staff bylaws. Wesolowski said in an interview there is nothing further he can do about the matter involving the doctor, who is not an employee of the hospital. The ultimate decision about the doctor's future at the hospital will rest with the governing board after it examines the peer-review investigation by other doctors, a process which must remain confidential, he said.
The case stirred a fury in the community after reports leaked to the media that the doctor allegedly told colleagues gathered around a television in the doctor's lounge at the hospital that America got what it deserved. But no information has surfaced about the context of the conversation or what else was said.
Wesolowski cautioned the community to allow the investigation to take its course.
Large passenger planes flying low over Hernando County Wednesday concerned residents who feared they were related terrorists attacks or training to prepare pilots for them.
The planes were Southeast Airlines pilots doing routine training, according to Bob Mattingly, the airport director.
The 100-passenger planes, in from St. Petersburg, flew circles around the airport for several hours as pilots practiced landings.
They flew toward the runway, touched down, applied power and then soared into the air. Mattingly called it an isolated case of routine training and said it had absolutely nothing to do with training for potential attacks.
Tory Griffin, who works at Chelsea Title about 2 miles from the airport, said employees got worried about the planes and gathered around a large picture window to watch.
She and several others called the airport and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office to inquire about the planes.
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Rock Crusher Canyon on Thursday will host a candlelight prayer gathering starting at 7 p.m.
The American Red Cross and Salvation Army will be on hand to accept donations. Citrus County Veteran Services will be accepting items for New York City rescue workers, such as white socks, knee pads, underwear and toiletries.
The event is free. No food will be provided. Water stations will be available. Visitors are asked to bring candles and lawn chairs. For information, call (352) 795-1313. Rock Crusher Canyon is at 275 S Rock Crusher Road.
SPRING HILL -- The Spring Hill Domino Club hosts a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday for the son of Hernando County school bus driver Manny Mojica, a New York firefighter who perished in the World Trade Center attack, and a New York police officer who was injured.
The club is on Spring Hill Drive, just west of Mariner Boulevard.