Hillsborough commissioner shows patience of Yoda over e-mail 'Snoopgate'

By no means am I suggesting that Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman has green skin, pointy ears or three-digit appendages.

But as the board continues to wade through "Snoopgate," the e-mail controversy enveloping County Center, Norman consistently takes an elder statesman's approach, preaching patience and due process.

He sounds a little like Yoda. …

Speaking of Snoopgate, don't be surprised if former state Sen. Tom Lee emerges as an interim candidate to replace County Administrator Pat Bean if she loses her job. It's an interesting choice, given that Lee may run for the proposed county mayor position. Alas, it's premature. Bean may yet survive. …

When it comes to the Pier, I like Option 5 — a new building closer to shore. But all three options come with a steep price tag for operating costs: $41 million to $53 million. Can you sell naming rights? …

Seen on a bumper sticker: If You Don't Like The Way I Drive, Go Punch Yourself In The Face. …

Tony Dungy appears at Tampa's Plant High this morning to help the Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes Foundation launch a campaign to provide heart screenings to all Hillsborough County high school students at no charge.

You can't beat that deal. …

Personal fitness group Team Driven stages a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Hospital Friday at Gaspar's Grotto in Ybor City from 6 to 9 p.m. Prizes include a Powerhouse Gym membership. …

When asked why he waited until the last minute to complete his assignment, my brilliant teenage son said, "I'm an AP student: advanced procrastinator."

That's all I'm saying.