The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida • Page 26

,82 Tht Post, Tutsday, February 19, 1980 South County Mqtorists Applaud Gasohol Tryout Gasobol has received a warm reception from motorists in south. Palm Beach County since the fuel arrived at the pumps here two weeks ago. Ron Rowland, sales manager of Florida Coast Oil in Delray Beach, the company that supplies the gasohol, said the three Union 76 stations in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach have pumped more than gallons of the controversial blend, a mil of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent methyl alcohol Rowland said Florida Coast Oil, which supplies gasoline to 22 Union 76 stations in Palm Beach County, plans to distribute more gasohol to the remaining 19 stations once the demand for the controversial fuel picks up. "(The three stations) are more or less a test to see what we can sell," Rowland said. The Union 76 station at 959 SE 6th received its first gasohol allocation Saturday and pumped 59S gallons the same day.

"The response has been good, especially when we run out of umeaded (gasoline)," Rowland said. "We've been selling a good bit on a daily basis." The other two south Palm Beach County Union 76 stations receiving gasohol from Florida Coast Oil, 100 E. Linton are at 101 S. Federal Highway in Boynton Beach and 14624 S. Military Trail west of Delray Beach.

Rowland said the Union 76 stations are selling the gasohol for 11.30.6 a gallon, 8 cents more per gallon than unleaded gasoline. However, Rowland said the advantages of using gasohol seem to outweigh its expense in the minds of motorists who are purchasing it "The alcohol in the gas will clean out the fuel tank in the car," Rowland said. "When it is sent through the car's fuel system, the fuel filter catches any residue." Rowland said the high octane level in gasohol prevents automobiles from knocking when the ignition is turned off. He said many people have testified that using gasohol results in better gas mileage. "The increase can be anywhere from 10 percent or 6 percent, it depends on the car" he said.

Florida Coast Oil, the only Palm Beach County "jobber," or gasoline middleman, to supply gasohol, purchased 6,900 of the fuel from a still in Louisiana and transported it via truck to Delray Beach. He said the cost of transporting the gasohol from Northern states is the main factor prohibiting many gas stations from selling the blend. Rowland said Florida Coast Oil is considering building a -gasohol still in northern Florida if the federal government will supply the money. "The federal money is available in Washington and Tallahassee but it's quite a process," Rowland said. "(Building the still) is at least a year away." Rowland said Union 76 officials have not objected to the sale of gasohol at their stations.

They accept credit cards from gasohol purchasers, he said. Other major oil companies, however, have hedged on committing themselves to selling gasohol. For example, Exxon officials have said they believe that with the present technology, methanol requires more energy to manufacture than it yields and cannot "make a positive contribution in reducing America's oil imports." Rowland said Florida Coast Oil now is waiting for approval from officials of the 7-Eleven chain to supply gasohol to Palm Beach County 7-Eleven stores. "They have been noncommittal so far but if we get the OK, 7-Eleven will have gasohol, too," he said. Actor Sheen Glad To Be In Ted Kennedy's Corner 1 By Mary Thnrwachter Staff Writer BOCA RATON Martin Sheen drew a lively audience when he spoke at a Democratic rally at Florida Atlantic University yesterday, but the fanfare appeared to be more for the actor than Sen.

Edward M. Kennedy the candidate Sheen supports. Sheen, who starred in "Apocalypse Now," told the 150 students gathered that he doesn't make his living as a public speaker, although "I'm happy to answer any questions." Asked what made him a Kennedy backer, Sheen -said, "I have three sons approaching draft age and Kennedy opposes the draft. That put him (Kennedy) squarely in my corner, even though I supported him long before that" How does he feel about actors coming out in favor of a particular candidate? "I don't believe I can inch or sway the vote one way, but if I can draw a little attention to the issues, then it's worth it," he said. The 39-year-old actor said he sees Kennedy as "a needed alternative candidate." He stressed the need for a united effort in dealing with the nation's problems and believes Kennedy can provide leadership to promote that unity.

Carter backers, clearly more vociferous, chided Sheen about Kennedy's fluctuating stance on the issues. But that charge applies more appropriately to President Carter, Sheen said. A male student asked if it were this country's duty to take care of those in Cambodia. "Yes, it damn well is," Sheen said. "It's a situation we helped to create." "Kennedy," one rally-goer shouted, "forgot his brother's inaugural address the part about ask not what your country can do for you If I 1 i I i I ill -i 3 i -f 1 I i i rm p7 r-r-- V- v.

nil i Staff Photo by Dayna Smith Sheen mingles with students at FAU "No matter," a Kennedy supporter hollered back. "He is not his brother." "For sure," a young lady snickered. Sheen yielded to Jay Hakes, Carter's state campaign manager, who was given equal time by the FAU Young Democrats sponsoring the rally. Obviously well-versed on the issues, the former assistant to Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus said he had come to Florida because he felt the president was "getting a bum rap." "Carter," he continued, "has a better understanding of what this natioDtneeds than anyone." While welcomed wilh an applause more resounding than that given to Sheen, Hakes' audience soon dwindled as students sought autographs from Sheen, who is starring in "Mr. Roberts," at the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater in Jupiter.

1 9 Eate ry Purchase Queried y. -I 1 I It 1 Staff Photo by Paul Dunn backpack, a sleeping bag as a makeshift bed and a skateboard as a jury-rigged burro. MAKESHIFT MAN Hitchhiking north from Stuart to his home in Spring Lake, Brian Falkowski uses a garbage bag as a makeshift By Nancy Powell Post Staff Wrltor LAKE WORTH Mayor Dennis Dorsey said yesterday he will ask the State Attorney's Office to investigate the city's acquisition of the China Blossom restaurant for a senior citizens center in December 1977. He said he wants the agency to determine "if there was any wrongdoing during any part of the negotiations." The city contributed about $28,000 and county community development funds provided the balance of the $379,000 purchase price. The building at N.

2nd Avenue and Dixie Highway remains a shell since the county started to remodel a year ago when contracts were awarded for demolition of the interior and wiring. Subsequent bids to complete the remodeling were rejected because they were too high. Three new bids are under consideration but county officials say they also are too high. Parking lot improvements are under way, however. "There were a lot of rush (commission) meetings" before the purchase, said Dorsey, who added he voted against the purchase "because of the manner in which it was handled.

Not one commissioner or city official inspected the facility." In an unrelated matter, the commission agreed that residents who want to have garage sales will have to get a $5 permit in the future. City Atty. Frank Kreidler was instructed to draft the ordinance that will limit sales in residential areas to twice a year. Commissioners also agreed to remove parking from the north side of N. 2nd Avenue from Street to Dixie Highway.

PB Civic Group Won't Change "4 I ll4, ii wamM iiiiili'i iiiifMiMri it nr i i ifn i ir niiirm'fl 11 trftftm in Despite a change in the leadership of the powerful Palm Beach Civic Association, its direction will remain unaltered. "Our objectives will remain the same. We want to retain the residential character of the town, to see that it's not changed into a regional shopping center," said Doyle Rogers, the newly elected president of the group. Rogers and George Matthews, selected as chairman of the Board of Directors of the association, replace Benjamin H. Oehlert Jr.

and Gene Moffatt. Oehlert, former ambassador to Pakistan, is an almost legendary figure in Palm Beach politics. His influence and the weight of the organization behind him made him more powerful than any councilman, which he once was. At 69, he announced he is leaving the civic group to "younger men," although he promised he and Moffatt would not lose interest in the group. Moffatt recently suffered a heart attack.

Oehlert was board chairman for four years. "Mr. Oehlert has done an outstanding job. He is a real leader in the town. The people are grateful for the leadership he has provided and the judgment he has lent," Rogers said.

Rogers, a lawyer, said he and Matthews will try to attract more residents to the civic group. The group meets periodically and maintains several standing committees to. investigate issues of interest to the membership. "We're extremely interested in seeing that the residents of the town express themselves. We encouraged a heavy vote in the last election," Rogers said.

The storm drainage bond issue backed by the civic association was approved overwhelmingly. Recently, the group has supported a new town charter and opposed construction of oil storage facilities at the Port of Palm Beach and what it called "piecemeal" reassessment of properties in Palm Beach. Rogers has been an officer in the association for 10 years. Matthews, who succeeds Moffatt as chairman, is president of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Nigel Marix was elected vice president.

-TimO'Meilia Staff Photo by Ron Lindsay WET DAY AT THE FAIR Carnival workers take shelter from the downpour that marked the opening of the 15th annual St. Lucie County Fair in Fort Pierce yesterday. Fair organizers hope for fair skies to help draw a Jarge. crowd today, when students with proper identification will be admitted free. The fair, on Airport Road, will be open from 3 p.m; to midnight and run through the rest of the week.

Ex-Astronaut Glenn To Speak at Breakers Wednesday Area Mews r'i n0k iliiiiiin i Former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio) will be in Palm Beach for a testimonial dinner Wednesday night at The Breakers. Earlier in the day, Glenn will attend a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral commemorating the 18th anniversary of his three-orbit flight in 1962. Glenn, the third American in space, made this country's first orbital manned space flight and became a national hero.

The dinner begins at 8 p.m. Some proceeds will go for Glenn's reelection campaign this year. For information and reservations, call 848-6747 or 655-5653. Incumbents To Remain CLOUD LAKE Four incumbent council members will retain their posts for two more years without a fight. Patrick Slatery, Mildred Lamb, Gwen Huelskamp and Charles Gravelin had no opposition in their bids for reelection.

Town Clerk Dorothy Gravelin and Marshal Edwin (92 FM), where they both work. To make a pledge to MDA, call 845-6120. Fleet Blessing Planned STUART The ninth annual Blessing of the Fleet will go on as planned, despite the gas shortage, representatives of several area yacht clubs have decided. "It's definitely on," said Kay Larson, publicity chairman for the event. Committee members decided the tight gas supply is no reason to cancel the event which last year drew more than 300 boats to parade in the St.

Lucie River south of the Evans Crary bridge. "Members figure they are saving their gas for this one event because this is what they want to do," Mrs. Larson said. The Blessing' of the Fleet will include the Ralph Evinrude yacht Chanticleer, anchored as a review vessel with a priest, a rabbi and a minister aboard to bless the boats as they motor or sail past it. The parade is scheduled March 29 with, an awards dinner March 30.

"He slipped off while the guards were busy with the other prisoners," the' spokesman said. "We don't know where he went He could have slipped under a car and hidden until the coast was clear." Stephens and other trustys privileged prisoners load laundry from the jail at 6 a.m. every day. Kissers Still Puckered RIVIERA BEACH their stamina holds up, by 7:02 p.m. today Jim Schuyler, 24, and Debby Luray, 27, will have the most enduring lips in the world.

In an effort to break the world marathon kissing record as a benefit for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), they locked lips last Thursday morning. Curled up yesterday in a corner of the Greenhouse restaurant on Singer Island, one of the event's sponsors, said they were still going strong. Although they will have broken the record of 130 hours and two minutes if they go past 7:02 tonight, they plan to go another 92 a gesture for radio station WNGS Brinker also won new terms without opposition. Had there been; other candidates from among the 140 "residents of the tiny town, south of Palm Beach International Airport, an election would have been held today. Prisoner Walks Away A prisoner walked away from the Palm Beach County Jail early yesterday while he and other inmates were loading laundry on a truck inside the jail yard.

Bobby Joe Stephens, 24, of West Virginia was serving time for dealing in stolen property and contempt of court charges, according to a Sheriffs Office spokesman. His escape went unnoticed by guards for about 15 the spokesman said. John Glenn Earth in 1962 a jssyav i.