Northpinellas: Pinellas digest

PALM HARBOR -- Investigators have determined that a fire that gutted the back of a house at 1408 Michigan Ave. Sunday night was arson, Pinellas County sheriff's Sgt. Greg Tita said Thursday. Arson investigators with the sheriff's office reached that conclusion because of the cause and origin of the fire, Tita said. He declined to elaborate because the investigation is ongoing. "It was a deliberately set fire," he said. No one was injured in the fire, which heavily damaged a garage and back bedroom and caused about $35,000 worth of damage, according to Palm Harbor Fire Rescue officials. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

Clearwater motorcyclist dies in wreck

CLEARWATER -- Police said Mark Anthony Miller died Wednesday after his motorcycle collided with a van at State Road 590 and Calamondin Lane. Miller, 50, of 651 Fairwood Ave., Clearwater, was riding his 1983 Honda CX650 east on SR 590. As he approached Calamondin Lane, police said a 1990 Dodge van driven by Donald Scott Oldham, 38, of 2801 Candlewood Drive in Clearwater, pulled into the path of Miller's motorcycle. "Miller applied brakes but was unable to avoid colliding with the van," said Wayne Shelor, police spokesman. "Oldham told investigators he never saw the motorcycle coming." Miller was not wearing a helmet, said Shelor. The investigation continues.

Fishing tournament helps disabled kids

CLEARWATER -- The Make a Difference organization will hold its annual fishing tournament Saturday at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. The tournament, which gives disabled children a chance to learn about fishing, begins at 7 a.m. and finishes with an awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the pavilion near the pier. Registration is free and open to any disabled child. Each child is allowed to bring two guests and will be provided with a rod and reel, a tackle box, bait, a T-shirt, a hat and food. To register, call the organization toll-free at 1-877-736-KIDS. Children also may register the morning of the event.

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