system, is approaching hurricane strength as it heads our way bringing heavy rains and a possible gale.

The Atlantic hurricane season's sixth tropical storm was expected to pass just east of the Island on Monday.

But if it keeps its current track and maintains its status, Bermuda might escape with heavy showers, thunderstorms and a 30 to 40-knot gale.

Florence's nearest point of approach was last night predicted by local forecasters at 168 miles east of Bermuda at 2 p.m. on Monday.

It was blowing at 50 knots with gusts to 60 knots and expected to strengthen to 70 to 85 knots by Sunday. If its winds reach 64 knots it will become a hurricane.

It was last night located 604 miles southeast of Bermuda and moving northwest at eight knots.

"It is a potential threat,'' a US Navy forecaster said. The US Naval Oceanography Command Facility was considering posting a gale warning for Bermuda.

Denied compensation Those who were denied included: Frankie Dennis Simmons, claimed that while he was in prison he received a blow to his eye by either fellow inmate or prison officer, denied because his application was five years too late and there was no documentation of injury having occurred.

Gary Anthony Trott, burned on neck and face by Molotov cocktail that exploded outside Spinning Wheel Night Club, denied because application was 18 months late and no good reason to justify a waiver of time limit.

Howard Roderick Joynes, suffered broken bones in an attack by four men because he had stolen 15 rocks of cocaine, denied because injuries were a direct result of involvement in illegal activity.

Kevin DeRoza and Tresa Robinson, involved in a car accident, denied because the injuries were not found to be criminal.