May 9, 2000 - 12:58 AM

http://tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGI7XN5218C.html

Man in T-Back Bathing Suit Prompts 911 Call, Rare Arrest

By STEPHEN THOMPSON

Since the ordinance banning T-back bathing suits took effect six years ago, one woman intentionally donned the skimpy attire and walked onto Clearwater Beach to protest the measure and celebrate her freedom of expression. She was handed a $30 citation, as have dozens of other intrepid, or uninformed, women.

Clearwater police have never actually resorted to taking anyone into custody over the ban.

Until Friday, that is. And the suspect was a man.

Paul Warfield, a 34-year-old drifter, was arrested Saturday morning on charges of wearing a green T-back in the parking lot of an Albertsons supermarket and liquor store at 2170 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd.

Someone dialed 911, apparently thinking Warfield was naked, said police Sgt. Doug Griffith.

``This is the first time we have physically arrested anyone for wearing a T-back in public,'' Griffith said. ``This is normally not one of those things we take people to jail for. [But this] defendant has no ties to the community and was intoxicated to the point where he was incoherent.''

After his arrest at 9:30 a.m., and spending a night at the Pinellas County Jail, Warfield pleaded no contest and was fined $150, according to court records.

He also was told to pay $50 in court costs and $20 toward a Crime Stoppers trust fund. But he was allowed to defer payment.

Warfield couldn't be reached for comment. He had been staying at the New Ranch Motel at 2775 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., where he had paid $165 for a seven-day stay, but failed to check out and return a key, said the motel manager.

Stephen Thompson covers Pinellas County law enforcement and can be reached at (727) 823-7732 or SPThompson@tampatrib.com<004 . 0057.09> < -00005>

-- Maya (Maya@eck.ist), May 09, 2000

Answers

What is a t-back? Is this another name for a thong?

-- not naked (beachbum@beachinit.com), May 09, 2000.

T-Back = Thong

-- Maya (Maya@eck.ist), May 09, 2000.