Saturday, April 27, 2019

Former PZB member DELTRA LONG's Sentencing on FEMA Fraud Charges is Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 2 pm.



St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board's former Vice Chair, Deltra Long, is being sentenced Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 2 pm in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis.  Deltra Long has pled guilty to FEMA fraud and requests probation.

In accepting her plea, the U.S. Attorney agreed not to object to a request for probation or supervised release.  Ms. Long misrepresented a flooded rental house as her primary residence, receiving some $10,000 in federal funds after Hurricane Matthew, which she regrets and which her attorney calls a "self-inflicted injury."

Here is her sentencing memorandum, filed by her lawyer, Hank Coxe:




SENTENCING MEMORANDUM

Defendant Deltra Long files this memorandum to assist the Court in preparation for the sentencing scheduled for 2:00pm on April 30, 2019.

On December, Defendant entered a plea of guilty to a single count charging her with violation of 18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim Against the Government, in connection with a claim for FEMA disaster assistance benefits arising out of damages to a residence which she owned, but did not use as her primary residence. Doc. 42.
This Sentencing Memorandum will explain why a sentence of probation is “sufficient but not greater than necessary” to meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C.A.
§ 3553(a).

It has been uniform and constant in the federal judicial tradition for the sentencing judge to consider every convicted person as an individual and every case as a unique study in the human failings that sometimes mitigate, sometimes magnify, the crime and the punishment to ensue.

Koon v. United States, 518 U.S. 81, 113 (1996).


SENTENCING GUIDELINES1

The PSIR Calculation

The PSIR, Doc. 50, using the 2018 Guidelines Manual, calculates a Total Offense Level of 8, which, with the calculated criminal history (CH I), results in an advisory Guidelines range of 0-6 months. 64. Imprisonment is not required under this calculation. See id.

CONSIDERATION OF § 3353(a) FACTORS

Circumstances and Characteristics

Under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1), a sentencing court must consider “the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defen- dant.”





1The usual pattern is for the Court to review the PSIR in light of any unresolved objections, correctly calculate the applicable Guidelines range under §3553(a)(4), consider arguments for depar- tures, and then examine each of the other §3553(a) factors as a basis for variance. This Memorandum will follow that pattern.
These factors show that a probationary sentence is appropriate for Ms. Long,

as she is a long term resident of St. Augustine, with no previous issues with the law, who has lived an exemplary life, as described in the PSIR and the letters submitted on her behalf. See Ex. A.

From the late 1970s until retirement, Ms. Long served as an educational counselor. Ms. Long was a high school counselor in the Hillsborough County School District, then an academic advisor at the University of South Florida, then, when she returned to St. Augustine in the late 1980s, a guidance counselor in the St. Johns County School District for over 20 years until her retirement in 2008. She now supports herself though the rental properties she has acquired over the years.
The dishonesty which brings Ms. Long before this Court seems clearly to have been an aberration from her behavior over her life, and those who know her well describe her “excellent reputation as an honest, compassionate and devoted citizen,” finding her to be “caring and honest,” and a person acting “with integrity

and concern for others.” See, e.g., Ex. A (respectively the Blow, Peterson, Wiles letters).
As numerous letter writers note, her life has been characterized by service in a myriad of public and private settings:

  • The Betty Griffin House
The City of St. Augustine Diversity Accountability Board

  • The City of St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board
  • Advisory Board Council for Community Hospice ad Palliative Care
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Lincolnville and West Augustine community and redevelopment agencies
  • Mission of Nombre De Dios Museum
  • Rotary Club of St. Augustine
  • The St. Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Alumni Association
  • Words of Life Church


  • See, e.g., Ex. A (letters of Blow, Davis, Parker, Peterson, Ponder-Stansel, White, Wiles).

    The letter writers describe her “grace and determination,” her “commitment to participate or spearhead organizations and programs to improve the community with a heartfelt concern and sympathy for those she is helping,” and her “character, integrity, and commitment to the welfare and improvement of St. Augustine.” Ex. A (respectively the Davis, Parker, White).

    Under such circumstances, a sentence of probation would be “sufficient but not greater than necessary” to meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C.A. § 3553(a). Indeed, the Plea Agreement notes that the United States “will not object to the Defendant’s request for a sentence of probation or supervised release.” Id. At 7.
    Respect for the Law and Deterrence
    Under § 3553(a)(2), the sentencing court must also consider the need for the sentence imposed—

      1. to reflect the seriousness of the offense, to promote respect for the law, and to provide just punishment for the offense;

      1. to afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct;

      1. to protect the public from further crimes of the defendant; and

      1. to provide the defendant with needed educational or vocational training, medical care, or other correctional treat- ment in the most effective manner.

    In the case of Ms. Long, even a sentence of probation will carry the intense shame of a plea to a federal felony of moral turpitude. As a person who has long spoken with moral authority in her community,2 this event has shaken her, and caused her to recommit herself to the principles she has lived by. She is well aware that her action after Hurricane Matthew caused a self-inflicted injury.





    2This is something well-described in the letters in Exhibit, A, particularly that of Susan Ponder-Stansel:

    Deltra is always wilting to speak up and take positions that don’t make everyone, particularly the powerful, happy, because she has her own internal moral compass. She has spoken truth to power many times in some of City’s political struggles around racial and equity issues, which has not always made her popular, but certainly earned her the respect of many, including me.
    Accordingly, she recognized the seriousness of her offense, and was

    determined to do the right thing by pleading guilty. There is no reason whatsoever to expect any future criminal behavior. There is no need here for any training, medical care or correctional treatment. No sentence of imprisonment is necessary to meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C.A. § 3553(a).

    Available Sentences

    Under § 3553(a)(3), the sentencing court must also consider “the kinds of sentences available.” The Plea Agreement notes that the United States “will not object to the Defendant’s request for a sentence of probation or supervised release.” Doc. 42 at 7. The PSR notes that no sentence of imprisonment is required. ¶ 64.

    A sentence of probation would be “sufficient but not greater than necessary” to meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C.A. § 3553(a).

    Sentencing Policy

    Under § 3553(a)(5), the sentencing court should consider “any pertinent policy statement” issued by the Sentencing Commission (or otherwise in effect). Undersigned counsel is aware of no such policy statements.

    Avoiding Disparities

    Under § 3553(a)(6), the sentencing court must also consider “the need to avoid unwarranted sentence disparities” among similarly situated defendants. In the
    present case, the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(6) factor does not weigh against the imposition of a probationary sentence.

    Restitution
    Under § 3553(a)(7), the sentencing court must also consider “the need to provide restitution to any victims of the offense.” In the present case, the 18 U.S.C.

    § 3553(a)(7) factor does not weigh against the imposition of a probationary sentence.

    SUMMARY
    In summary, there are several factors which suggest that a probationary sentence is appropriate:

    • Ms. Long’s remorse for her conduct

    • Her acceptance of responsibility

    • Her lack of any prior criminal record

    • Her long history as an upstanding citizen in the community

    In light of these considerations, Defendant suggests that a probationary sentence would be “sufficient but not greater than necessary” to meet the purposes of 18

    U.S.C.A. § 3553(a).
    CONCLUSION

    For the reasons stated above, and based on the Plea Agreement, the PSIR, and the other materials before the Court, Defendant requests that the Court impose a sentence of twelve months probation.

    DATED at Jacksonville, Florida this 24th day of April, 2019.


    BEDELL, DITTMAR, DeVAULT, PILLANS & COXE
    Professional Association By: s/Henry M. Coxe III
    Henry M. Coxe III Florida Bar No. 0155193
    101 East Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
    (904) 353-0211
    (904) 353-9307 Facsimile Attorney for Defendant Deltra Long
    CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

    I certify that a copy of this document has been delivered by using the CM/ECF system which will send a notice of electronic filing to the following:

    Jay Carl Taylor, Esquire Assistant U.S. Attorney United States Attorney’s Office
    300 N. Hogan Street, Suite  700
    Jacksonville, FL 32202-4270


    By: s/Henry M. Coxe III Henry M. Coxe III
    Exhibits


    1. Letters on Behalf of Defendant
      1. Sue Agresta
      2. John Carl Blow
      3. Brad and Dawn Davis
      4. Susan Parker
      5. Gary and Fay Peterson
      6. Susan Ponder Stansel
      7. Nathan White.     












        Exhibit A
        Letters on Behalf of Defendant

        1. Sue Agresta
        2. John Carl Blow
        3. Brad and Dawn Davis
        4. Susan Parker
        5. Gary and Fay Peterson
        6. Susan Ponder Stansel
        7. Nathan White
        8. Doug Wiles


        SUE AGRESTA
        168 Oneida Street
        St  Augustine, Florida 32084



        March 20, 2019

        Honorable Brian J. Davis United States District Judge Middle District of Florida 300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202

        Dear Judge Davis:

        My name is Sue Agresta. I have been a resident of St. Augustine for close to nine years, moving from Huntington Station, New York. My mother has lived here for 30+ years, so I have been very familiar with the City for a long time. Since living in
        the the Lincolnville neighborhood, I have started a farmers' market, served on the St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board, the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center Board, and now the Steering Committee for the Lincolnville CRA.

        I have known Deltra Long for eight years, both socially and professionally. We've served on the Planning and Zoning Board together for four years during which time I have noted the preparation, care and thoroughness Ms. Long devotes to each zoning application. No one on the Board takes as many notes as she does. She has tackled difficult matters head-on, always polite, but very direct and honest in her approach.

        We have worked on Lincolnville neighborhood projects together including several years on the committee to produce the Lincolnville Festival. While researching the history of this venerable event, I noted Ms. Long's involvement in this and other Lincolnville initiatives going back many years in the past. In knowing Deltra I see the passion she feels for St. Augustine and particularly for Lincolnville, where she grew up.

        Friendly and kind, Deltra has come to my house many times and attended my 70th birthday party. She has included me and my husband in her St. Augustine High School recognition program, where we were not surprised by the accolades she received going back to when she was a young teen.


        Deltra Long has an impressive list of accomplishments and leadership positions in charitable causes for which she has generously donated countless hours of her valuable time including: Community Hospice, Rotary Club, Lincolnville and West Augustine CRAs, City diversity employment, NAACP for St John's County, Habitat for Humanity, Betty Griffon House, etc.

        Deltra Long is a friend of mine and of my family and I trust we will remain friends over the years to come.
        z;·
        / Sue Agresta


        John Carl Blow
        100 Santa Monica Avenue
        St Augustine, Florida 32080-5417


        March 22, 2019

        Honorable Brian J. Davis United States District Judge Middle District of Florida 300 Hogan Street
        Jacksonville. Florida 32202

        Re: United States of America v. Deltra Long - Character Reference Dear Judge Davis:
        I am a 65 year old commercial real estate property manager and investor with properties located in Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. I am a Florida licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker. I also served on the Florida Bar 7th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "B" as a non­ attorney member. Currently I serve on the City of St Augustine Planning & Zoning Board and the Florida Inland Navigation District Board.

        I have known Deltra for over ten years and first met her when we served together on the City of St Augustine Planning & Zoning Board (PZB). On the PZB Deltra was always both fair and compassionate toward the applicants and the public. My wife and I supported Deltra's unsuccessful campaign for a seat on the City of St Augustine Commission because we know that she loves this city and has devoted time and effort to improve the quality of life in St Augustine.

        I realize that she made a big mistake concerning the FEMA grant. But please consider the situation in St Augustine after Hurricane Matthew hit. Many people, both home owners and renters lost their homes and possessions. St Augustine had a shortage of affordable housing before the hurricane but after Matthew we had people living in tents and RVs . FEMA stressed that they were here to help St Augustine recover from the hurricane.

        Deltra had an excellent reputation as an honest, compassionate and devoted citizen of St Augustine. Please consider her decades of positive public service prior to this one mistake.

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        Bradley K. & Dawn A. Davis 34 Bay View Drive
        St. August ine , Florida 32084 (904) 824-3186

        Honorable Brian J. Davis United States District Judge Middle District of Florida 300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202

        March 22 20 I 9 Re: Deltra Long
        To The Honorable Judge Brian J . Davis:
        The purpose of this letter  is to provide suppo1t for our friend, Deltra  Long.  My name  is Bradley  K. Davis. I have been a ce1tified public accountant in St. August ine , Florida since 1981 and owner of an accounting firm since 2001. My wife Dawn A. Davis, also works at the family accounting firm.
        I first met Deltra Long when we both served on the board of the Safety Shelter of St. Johns County, Inc. d/b/a Betty Griffin Center (The Betty Griffin House), an organization and facility that assists victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. My tenure on the board began in 2003 and  lasted  for six years.  We served on the committee to select the new executive director. Delt ra's demeanor and dedication  to the board so impressed me that I recruited her to join my wife and me on the board of the
        St. Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Alumni Assoc iation, Inc. in 2008.

        The alumni association offers support to St. Augustine High School located in St. Johns County through scholarships, school/faculty projects and mentoring to its students. Deltra's dedication and encouraging influence was an important asset to our organization. She served .as our secretary for six years.
        The significance of Deltrajoining the alumni board held even greater meaning because of her standing in the history of St. Augustine High School. She and her sister Alice were among the first African-American students to attend and graduate from our school. The difficult circumstances encountered in the integration process could have resulted in bitter memories and resentment, but Deltra turned her experience into positive action. After graduation , she returned to St. Augustine High School as a teacher. I was on the committee that selected her to be inducted into the St. Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Hall of Fame in 2015 for her numerous contributions to our community.
        We have witnessed her grace and determination first hand as she cared for her ailing mother. We have seen her strong family connections to her sisters and her son. She is warmly welcoming to friends and strangers alike. We can only imagine the most positive attributes when we think of Deltra.
        Thank you for taking the time to consider this letter of support.

        Respectfu lly ,
        - 1 4.; 
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        Dawn A. Davis

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        March 26, 2019

        Honorable Brian J. Davis
        United States District Court Judge Middle District of Florida
        300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, FL 32202

        Re: United States of America v. Dettra Long Dear Judge Davis,
        I came to know Deltra Long thirty years ago from two different perspectives. She was the counselor at my son's elementary school and she and I were members of an exercise group, where we chatted and grew to know each other. Since then I have observed her commitment and endeavors over three decades to improving the lives of persons in the St. Augustine community.

        She has worked to improve housing, race relations and other relations within the community, and educational opportunities both formal and enrichment. Among her responsibilities and volunteer efforts are
        • advisory board for Community Hospice
        • the Lincolnville and the West Augustine community redevelopment agencies
        • founder and board member of Habitat for Humanity
        • board of directors of Betty Griffin House (women's shelter)
        • church trustee.

        She has served the City of St. Augustine as a member and as vice-chair of the Planning and Zoning Board and as a member of City accountability group for diversity employment. She ran for a seat on the City Commission in 2012.

        She has been honored by
        • St. Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Alumni Assoc. as a distinguished alumna
        • Enterprising Women's Leadership Institute
        • NAACP.

        I have come to expect to see Ms. Long's name in the local newspaper as a volunteer on governing and advisory boards, ones with a long history and ones which are in the act of organizing. She volunteered to assist me with (tedious) historical research to prepare for the centennial of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine of which we are both members.

        Re: Deltra Long
        Page2

        While her resume contains an impressive listing of memberships and endeavors, it cannot reveal the sentiments and concerns that I have heard her express in person. Deltra Long combines a commitment to participate or spearhead organizations and programs to improve the community with a heartfelt concern and sympathy for those she is helping.

        We often hear that "previous behavior is the best predictor of future behavior." If so, I
        would expect Deltra Long to continue her efforts to help the persons of our community.

        S inc ere yl ,
        pastedGraphic_1.png

        904-501-5548



        1191 Brookside Court St. Augustine, Fl 32086 March 24, 2019

        The Honorable Brian J. Davis United States District Judge Middle District  of  Florida 300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, Fl 32202

        Your Honor:

        Our names are Gary Peterson and Faye Lekas Peterson, 1191 Brookside Court, St Augustine, Florida. We are both semiretired. Gary is a retired lieutenant Colonel, having served in the US Army for 33 years, a former Federal Contracting Officer who served as a Federal employee for 16 years, and more recently as a contracts manager for the MITRE Corporation, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, or think tank as it is better known, in Mclean, VA and Bedford, MA. Gary currently works as a business consultant. Faye was in the US Army for 6 years, and worked both as a Federal and State of Florida employee, worked in the Blind Vocational Department of Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St Augustine, and currently works as a Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate for the Betty Griffin Center in St. Augustine, Fl.

        We are writing this letter on behalf of Ms. Deltra L. long, who resides in St. Augustine, Florida. We both met and became friends with Ms. Long as students attending St. Augustine High School in 1966, graduating together in 1968, and have maintained our friendship over the past 51 years. We know Ms. Long to be a caring and honest person, active in her community and church. We have always found her to be a hardworking and trustworthy person, focused more on the needs of others, as opposed to her own.

        Based on our personal knowledge, we know that Ms. long has been heavily involved in the St. Augustine/St. Johns County community. She was vice-chairpe son of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of St. Augustine; she has served on the Advisory Board Council for
        Community Hospice and Palliative Care; she has served on community redevelopment agencies; is a former member of the Accountability Group for the City of St. Augustine, a founding member for Habitat for Humanity; former board member for  the Betty Griffin Center; and former church trustee and children's Sunday school teacher in her church. Within the past few years, she was acknowledged as an outstanding graduate of St Augustine High School by the Ketterlinus/St Augustine High School Alumni Association for her contributions to the local community, a presentation we were privileged to attend.

        Deltra and her sister Alice were in the first group of black students attending St Augustine High School after desegregation, and even when we first knew her in 1966 through 1968, when we all graduated, she dealt positively when faced with negative comments and a constant stream of insults and abuse from some of her fellow students, refusing to stoop to their level, always



        respecting others, and t rying to find the best in them. Over the years, we knew that if there was ever anything we needed assistance with, Deltra would always come forward to help any way she could .

        Ms. Long has always been in a position of trust and has contributed greatly to the betterment of her community.

        Ver Sincerely,

        G ale Peterson (904) 797-9839

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        Faye Lekas Peterson
        2



        April 1, 2019

        The Honorable Brian Davis United States District Judge Middle District of  Florida 300 North Hogan Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202

        Dear Judge Davis:

        I would like to provide information to you about my experience with Deltra  Long My name  is Susan Po nder-St ansel, and I am the President and CEO of Communit y Hospice and Pall iat ive Care, which is headquartered on Sunbeam  Road in Jacksonville,  and provides care to  terminally ill patients in our 16-count y North Florida area I live in St. August inewhere I grew up, and where I came to know Deltra Long.

        When I was young person, St. Johns County was small enough that it only had one high school­ St . Augustine High School- which I attended. Deltra Long was my sophomore social studies teacher in the 1972-73 school year. Our schools had only recently been integrated, and Deltra was one of the first Afr ican -American teachers I had. She made quit e an impression on me because she carried herself with grace and dignity, and never responded in anything but a professi onal manner to some of the difficulties that came with being a young Afr ican -American teacher in a community and system that was not accustomed to such t hings. She also showed interest in each student in our class, including me, and set an excellent example for all of us of what a local graduate could do with hard work and determinat ion. I felt that she expected me to excel and go on to better things, so when I went to college and did other things throughout my life, I felt that I was living up to the faith she had in me, and following her example .

        In St. Augustine, Deltra was constantly called on to serve on boards and work with community groups. Like many others, we asked Deltra to serve on our St. Augustine Hospice Advisory
        Boa r d almost a decade ago. Deltra was and rema ins a diligent member of our Board, serving on the community outreach committ ee, and volunteering for all the events and fundraisers we undertake each year. She has acted as an ambassador for our program by speaking and by connecting us with other community leaders whom she knows.  Deltra was of particular help with our outreach to our African-American residents and to our faith community, both of which were import ant init iat ives our Board undertook in order to better serve all members of our communit y.



        Deltra was also appointed by our City Commission to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of St. August ine. Sixteen months ago, our organization was seeking approval for the site plan for our new community education building, which will be known as the  Steve Chapman Family Community Campus, which is within the St. Augustine City limits. The site plan
        came before the Planning and Zoning Board on which Deltra serves. She declared her affiliation with our organization, but then proceeded to be one of the most outspoken critics of our plan, which would have necessitated removing a stand of trees on the site. She voted against our plan because she felt it did not comply with the tree ordinance, and we had to  amend it  in order to meet the request of that Board. While I wasn't happy with the result, I respected Deltra's character and willingness to do what she considered her duty on the Planning and Zoning Board, regardless of her affection for Community Hospice.

        In the 50+ years I have lived in St. Augustine, I have found that Deltra is always willing to speak up and take positions that don't make everyone, particularly the powerful, happy, because she has her own internal moral compass . She has spoken truth to power many times in some of City's political struggles around racial and equity issues, which has not always made her popular, but certainly earned her the respect of many, including me.

        Deltra has worked with the St. Augustine High/Ketterlinus High School Alumni Association for many years, having been a graduate of St. Augustine High herself . She was honored by that group by being inducted into the "Hall of Fame" as a grad-made-goodseveral years ago.
        Deltra's work with the Association has helped raise scholarship funds and money to enhance the campus and provide for "extras" for St. Augustine High School, which struggles in the face of rising enrollment and shrinking funds. I also support this organization by funding a scholarship, so I am well aware of how much she has done and helped advance its work.

        Thank you for allowing me to provide this information about my knowledge of Deltra Long and her position in our St. Augustine community.

        Sincerely,


        , / %' s

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        -Pon der-St ansel pr- -(

        573 Wooded Crossing Circle St . August ine , Florida 32084

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        1' 1 I ' I S · 1· R I E S


        Pastor N.L. White 1765 Tree Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084

        Connecting People to Christ


        The Bedell Firm
        Bedell, Dittmar, Devault, Pillans, & Coxe, P.A. 101 East Adams Street
        Jacksonville, Florida 32202

        March 21, 2019

        To Whom It May Concern:
        I am the Senior Pastor of Words of Life Church located in St. Augustine, Florida where Ms. Deltra Long is a member of our congregation. I have been the pastor of Words of Life for the past 13 years. Professionally, I am the National Sales Director of Oncology for SEMA4 Genetics. I have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Long as a member of my church for the past 2 years. She is a wonderful example of Christian character, integrity, and service. We are blessed to have her as a part of our Church family.

        Ms. Long's character has been beyond reproach. She demonstrated integrity though her continual service at Words of Life Ministries and in the community. For example, last year we began an initiative on economic empowerment with a partnership with the Small Business Administration of the Federal Government, and Bethune Cookman University's College of Business and Entrepreneurship. When asked for her help, I vividly remember her enthusiastic support. This demonstrated to me her willingness to serve and her passion for the improvement of people and the development of our program. She served as a bridge between our congregants and the St. Augustine City Manager.

        Additionally, Ms. Long has an excellent reputation in St. Augustine. She has actively and tirelessly served this community. Some of her notable contributions include the following:
        i\. l ' I S · 1· R I I ·'. S

        Pastor N.L. White 1765 Tree Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084
        • Founder and board member for Habitat for Humanity
        • Former board member for the Betty Griffin House
        • Former Trustee and children's church teacher
        • Former volunteer for Mission of Nombre De Dias Museum
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        Furthermore, she has served through the multitude of boards that
        she has worked on for the improvement and betterment of our
        Q) beloved city:

        • Vice-Chairperson for the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of St. Augustine
        • Advisory Board Council for the Community Hospice and Palliative Care
        • Active member of the Lincolnville Community Redevelopment and West Augustine Community Redevelopment Agency
        To summarize, Ms. Long's character, integrity, and commitment to the welfare and improvement of St . Augustine has been demonstrated through her years of service. Please feel free to contact me at 386-316-0148 if you have questions regarding Ms. Deltra Long.
        Sincerely,
        Pastor Nathan White

        Se ior Pastor
        Words of Life Ministries St. Augustine, FL

        Doug Wiles
        405 Night Hawk Lane 
        St. Augustine, FL 32080
        March 21, 2019


        Honorable Brian J. Davis United States District Judge Middle District of Florida
        300 . Hogan St.
        Jacksonville, FL 32202


        Judge Davis:

        I am a local business owner, insurance agent and life-long resident of St. Augustine. From 1996 - 2004 I was privileged to serve as a member and Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives, representing parts of four counties in Northeast Florida.

        I've known Deltra Long for more than 50 years, first as a classmate at St. Augustine High School, and later as a mother , educator and as an advocate for others - working to improve the lives of many St. Augustine's less fortunate. Her life is a story of service to others, particularly those in need.

        She was a founding member of St. Augustine's Habitat for Humanity and as such helped many families find a new home of their own. As a member of the Betty Griffin House Board of Trustees she demonstrated a strong commitment to women seeking a new life after abuse by their partners. Her volunteer work with the Rotary Club of St. Augustine benefited many at risk families and others looking for a better life. In 2015, Deltra was recognized as a leader in the community with her induction into the St.
        Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Hall of Fame.

        Most importantly, I have always known Deltra to act with integrity and concern for others. She holds the respect of many in our community for her work.

        Sincerely,

        L
        Doug Wiles
      1. Doug Wiles

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