(UPDATE: Here's a longer version of my Mike Deeson story than ran in the newspaper today; though the print version had to be cut for space, this one tells a longer tale)

I'm still reporting this out, but the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has released a terse statement after a meeting with the station's top executives today.

Here's the release:

Today Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee met with WTSP 10 Connects General Manager Ken Tonning and News Director Darren Richards. As a result, the Sheriff's Office is confident they will address our concerns that were posted on 30th September's media release.

In light of WTSP's cooperation, HCSO will rescind the suspension of contact and at this point will reserve any future comments pending the out come of WTSP's internal review.

Thanks,

Deputy Larry McKinnon

Here's the story by WTSP-Ch. 10 from their Web site:

Tampa, Florida -- Management from WTSP/10 Connects met Thursday afternoon with Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee and members of his staff to discuss his concerns over 10 Connects Senior Reporter Mike Deeson.

Sheriff Gee, along with Chief Deputy Joe Docobo and Deputy Larry McKinnon of the Public Information Office met with 10 Connects General Manager Ken Tonning and News Director Darren Richards.

In that meeting, Sheriff Gee expressed his concerns over several of Mike Deeson's reports that were critical of the Sheriff's Office. 10 Connects management listened to those concerns and is addressing them.

This meeting took place after the Sheriff's Office suspended contact with WTSP/10 Connects on Wednesday because they feel Deeson has a personal vendetta against the Sheriff.

In Thursday's meeting, both the Sheriff's Office and 10 Connects reached some common ground and the Sheriff has agreed to lift the suspension of contact.