PETITION DRIVE FORCES REFERENDUM ON NEW HEAT ARENA

     In Miami, attorney Dan Paul has collected enough signatures
during his anti-arena petition drive to qualify for a public vote
on the question of whether Dade County should build a new arena
for the Heat, according to Don Finefrock of the MIAMI HERALD.
The Metro Commission now has 30 days to adopt the petition -- "a
move that would effectively scuttle the project -- or place the
issue before voters."  If approved by voters, the referendum
would block the county from spending tax money to build an arena
or parking garage on the waterfront site.  Recent polls,
"suggests that most voters oppose the project."  The  petition
only blocks the waterfront construction, meaning arena backers
could change the site (MIAMI HERALD, 9/10).