Commissioners: Wait and see
FBI isn't releasing any more details on corruption investigation of Tom Manuel
By RICHARD PRIOR and PETER GUINTA
richard.prior@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/14/08
After the announcement Friday of a Federal Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the activities of St. Johns County Commission Chairman Tom Manuel, the remaining four commissioners were left scratching their heads along with everyone else.
Federal agents are not releasing details of their investigation and -- although they said they would do so -- have not yet appeared at the County Administration Complex to question individuals or examine county records.
Manuel has denied all corruption allegations, calling them politically motivated.
District 1 Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson said the investigation involving Manuel is "sad for our county, and I'm anxious for it to be over soon, over for him and over for our county."
However, she cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
"We don't have all the information," she said. "He is innocent till proven guilty."
If Manuel resigns, is removed by the governor or leaves the commission for any other reason, Stevenson as vice chair would automatically become chairwoman.
She said the longer the federal investigation and controversy continue, the harder it will be for the remaining commissioners to do their job.
"I would like to emphasize that (the commissioners) are going to continue to do the work of the people of St. Johns County," Stevenson said. "We're responsible to them. We can't get terribly distracted with this."
The other three commissioners had not much to add.
All refused to speculate on whether Manuel should step down as chairman, saying it was too early.
Manuel did not return calls to his cell phone.
District 5 Commissioner Jim Bryant, who announced this week that he would not run again for his commission seat, said Friday that he wasn't aware of any details in the Manuel case.
"I'll wait and see what happens with everybody else," he said.
District 3 Commissioner Ben Rich said, "Like (everyone), I'm waiting to see what's next, if anything."
District 2 Commissioner Ron Sanchez said all he knows about this is what he read in The Record.
"I can't assume anything one way or the other," Sanchez said. "It's really premature."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061408/news_061408_021.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ken Bryan on candidacy for County Commissioner
istrict 5 county candidate says he's no clone
By KEN BRYAN
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 06/15/08
With the 2008 County Commission races heating up for the Aug. 26 Primary, I have had an opportunity to speak with hundreds of people. What seems to be a regular topic of discussion around the water fountain is the similarity between me, Ken Bryan, and Ben Rich, District 3 Commissioner who is up for re-election. Some say we are "clones" or we are in lock-step agreement on everything. There is an element of truth that certainly characterizes us as being similar.
Rich and I have a very high regard for honesty, integrity and loyalty. With 70- plus years of combined experience as public servants, we are both highly qualified to serve this county. We know who the boss is and we both recognize and respect the people of St. Johns County as "our boss."
Many of you have contributed your hard-earned dollars to our campaigns and we are deeply grateful. We will continue to work hard to make use of those contributions as responsibly as possible. Being fiscally responsible is a similarity both Ben and I share and will continue to honor when it involves your tax dollars. We will not be wasteful.
These are difficult times which will require complex decision-making to effectively address the policies, procedures, and processes of the safety, health, welfare, and quality of life issues our county is facing. A county commission seat is not a position for on-the-job training, nor is it an internship for the inexperienced. It is definitely not a job for one's own selfish political or financial gains. Each county commission seat is about working for the people and making decisions on behalf of the people of this county.
At 18, I started my career as a public servant and developed my character into an independent senior manager, making decisions based on honesty and integrity until my retirement at 55.
I will continue to think independently while making decisions with the same level of honesty, integrity, and experience I have used throughout my successful government career. The manner in which I will conduct business as your county commissioner will be independent and solely based on my own decisions; I will not be influenced by others.
Other recent comments were that with the election of Bryan, Rich and the present board members, the "commission deck will be stacked." Prior to the last election in 2006, the commission was already stacked -- just not in favor of the people of this county. That commission represented special interest groups and profiteers who did whatever was necessary to run our county into an infrastructure sinkhole for the benefit of stockholders and their own selfish, personal gain.
I urge everyone to take a look at the campaign contributions of previous and current County Commissioners from 2000 to 2004. This should give you a clear indication of how the commission deck has been stacked. You can find all this information on the Supervisor of Elections Web site at www.sjcvotes.us.
With the neighborhood bill of rights, a charter government, a professional county administrator, and qualified commissioners who represent a county government for the people and by the people can only mean one thing -- that the residents of St. Johns County will have a "stacked deck" in their favor.
In closing, Ben Rich and I are similar in some ways -- but, we are independent thinkers, independent managers, and will work independently with honesty, integrity, and loyalty. We will apply our own proven experience to the highest level of honor -- serving the citizens of this county.
#
Ken Bryan is a candidate for County Commissioner, District 5. He is a retired senior staff director with 36 years of federal government service with the Departments of Justice, Navy and The White House. He also serves on many community boards.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061508/opinions_061508_048.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By KEN BRYAN
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 06/15/08
With the 2008 County Commission races heating up for the Aug. 26 Primary, I have had an opportunity to speak with hundreds of people. What seems to be a regular topic of discussion around the water fountain is the similarity between me, Ken Bryan, and Ben Rich, District 3 Commissioner who is up for re-election. Some say we are "clones" or we are in lock-step agreement on everything. There is an element of truth that certainly characterizes us as being similar.
Rich and I have a very high regard for honesty, integrity and loyalty. With 70- plus years of combined experience as public servants, we are both highly qualified to serve this county. We know who the boss is and we both recognize and respect the people of St. Johns County as "our boss."
Many of you have contributed your hard-earned dollars to our campaigns and we are deeply grateful. We will continue to work hard to make use of those contributions as responsibly as possible. Being fiscally responsible is a similarity both Ben and I share and will continue to honor when it involves your tax dollars. We will not be wasteful.
These are difficult times which will require complex decision-making to effectively address the policies, procedures, and processes of the safety, health, welfare, and quality of life issues our county is facing. A county commission seat is not a position for on-the-job training, nor is it an internship for the inexperienced. It is definitely not a job for one's own selfish political or financial gains. Each county commission seat is about working for the people and making decisions on behalf of the people of this county.
At 18, I started my career as a public servant and developed my character into an independent senior manager, making decisions based on honesty and integrity until my retirement at 55.
I will continue to think independently while making decisions with the same level of honesty, integrity, and experience I have used throughout my successful government career. The manner in which I will conduct business as your county commissioner will be independent and solely based on my own decisions; I will not be influenced by others.
Other recent comments were that with the election of Bryan, Rich and the present board members, the "commission deck will be stacked." Prior to the last election in 2006, the commission was already stacked -- just not in favor of the people of this county. That commission represented special interest groups and profiteers who did whatever was necessary to run our county into an infrastructure sinkhole for the benefit of stockholders and their own selfish, personal gain.
I urge everyone to take a look at the campaign contributions of previous and current County Commissioners from 2000 to 2004. This should give you a clear indication of how the commission deck has been stacked. You can find all this information on the Supervisor of Elections Web site at www.sjcvotes.us.
With the neighborhood bill of rights, a charter government, a professional county administrator, and qualified commissioners who represent a county government for the people and by the people can only mean one thing -- that the residents of St. Johns County will have a "stacked deck" in their favor.
In closing, Ben Rich and I are similar in some ways -- but, we are independent thinkers, independent managers, and will work independently with honesty, integrity, and loyalty. We will apply our own proven experience to the highest level of honor -- serving the citizens of this county.
#
Ken Bryan is a candidate for County Commissioner, District 5. He is a retired senior staff director with 36 years of federal government service with the Departments of Justice, Navy and The White House. He also serves on many community boards.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061508/opinions_061508_048.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Friday, June 13, 2008
Food for thought
Are there two competing political machines, two elites in St. Johns County?
Is one trying to prosecute the other one for threatening its suzerainty?
Is Sheriff Shoar doing the bidding of ex-Sheriff Neal Perry, who accused Tom Manuel of having mafia ties before the 2006 election?
Is former County Commission Chair JIM BRYANT really retiring due to family reasons?
Or is it another "retirement" like that of ex-Sheriff Neal Perry (one to avoid indictment)?
Will the new Attorney General still make the same kind of deal?
Is one trying to prosecute the other one for threatening its suzerainty?
Is Sheriff Shoar doing the bidding of ex-Sheriff Neal Perry, who accused Tom Manuel of having mafia ties before the 2006 election?
Is former County Commission Chair JIM BRYANT really retiring due to family reasons?
Or is it another "retirement" like that of ex-Sheriff Neal Perry (one to avoid indictment)?
Will the new Attorney General still make the same kind of deal?
Tom Manuel: "There are certain contracts that haven't been rebid in over 20 years, and there's up to $5 million the county can save by rebidding contr
"There are certain contracts that haven't been rebid in over 20 years, and there's up to $5 million the county can save by rebidding contracts. Obviously some people aren't real happy about that."
See below, article from JAX BIZ JOURNAL.
See below, article from JAX BIZ JOURNAL.
"Others" (His Name is Sam)
David Brinkley on election night once quipped as to the also-rans listed as "Others" -- "His name is Sam."
So the FBI is investigating more than one corrupt public official.
Crooks in City Hall, the Courthouse and Tallahassee need to fear the majesty of the law.
In the words of the equitable maxim, "Let justice be done though the heavens fall."
So the FBI is investigating more than one corrupt public official.
Crooks in City Hall, the Courthouse and Tallahassee need to fear the majesty of the law.
In the words of the equitable maxim, "Let justice be done though the heavens fall."
JAX BIZ JOURNAL FBI investigating Manuel, others in St. Johns County
Click here to find out more!
Business News - Local News Click here to find out more!
Friday, June 13, 2008 - 1:33 PM EDT
FBI investigating Manuel, others in St. Johns County
Jacksonville Business Journal
St. Johns County Commission Chair Tom Manuel and others in the county are currently the targets of an investigation by the FBI, officials with the agency said.
Manuel said he has not been contacted by federal agents and said he has no knowledge of an investigation by the FBI. The initial source in regards to the investigation of Manuel was leaked to media by St. Johns County Sheriff Dave Shoar.
"Obviously sheriffs in St. Johns County don't like me," Manuel said. "Why the sheriff chose this moment to do this, I don't know."
Sheriff Shoar was unavailable for comment.
Special Agent Jeff Westcott of the FBI's Jacksonville office confirmed there is an investigation, and that there are others, whom he would not mention, being investigated alongside Manuel.
Manuel claimed the move is a "political hatchet job," and said his attempts to transform the county have drawn much criticism and resentment recently.
"When small counties transform from rural, good-old-boy counties to more urbanized places, that change is very threatening" to residents, Manuel said. "There's no question that my election to the commission has dramatically changed the way St. Johns County does business, and there are people who aren't very happy about that."
In his second year as a Commissioner, Manuel has drawn criticism from residents and officials for moves he's suggested, most recently proposing that the St. Augustine Airport Authority be incorporated with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to free up money for the county.
"I've been looking at every penny and how the county spends it and where it goes and who gets it," Manuel said. "There are certain contracts that haven't been rebid in over 20 years, and there's up to $5 million the county can save by rebidding contracts. Obviously some people aren't real happy about that."
County Commissioner Ben Rich declined to comment on the investigation, citing a lack of any information on the matter, but said any hint of an investigation of a public official can be devastating to a county.
"Whether it ever results in prosecutions or arrests doesn't really make any difference," Rich said. "The impacts are devastating."
Manuel's term expires in 2010.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
If they're guilty of corruption, "book 'em, Dan-0."
When public corruption takes place, by definition, it involves more than one defendant.
Whether extortion, bribery, racketeering, money-laundering, RICO, Hobbs Act, or other crimes, rest assured that the feds know how to get their man. I've reported federal corruption crimes to authorities for over a quarter century, with varying results.
When the feds do their jobs, you want to sing the Star Spangled Banner.
Like antitrust crimes (like those by Big Oil), it takes a group of thugs to corrupt a government or rob taxpayers and consumers.
If they're guilty of corruption, I say, after Jack Lord in the 1960s crime drama, "Hawai'i Five-O," "book 'em, Dan-0."
How do you arrest a Sheriff, Judge or County Commissioner?
Not this way -- hands cuffed in front, so the press can get good "perp walk" photos.
Also, if I were arresting a Sheriff, Judge or County Commissioner, I'd do it while they're in the office or on the bench.
Nothing like a very public arrest to show the people that government corruption will not be tolerated.
On May 21, 1984, I was privileged to see the arrest of ANDERSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE SHERIFF DENNIS. O. TROTTER by FBI Agent Burl Cloninger, et al. They took him out of the courthouse, in handcuffs, in front of him.
TROTTER's questions in the FBI vehicle were revealing: "What's this all about?" and "Who else have you arrested?"
More later.
FBI website: "CRACKING DOWN ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION -- Why We Take It So Seriously ... and Why It Matters to You"
CRACKING DOWN ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION
Why We Take It So Seriously...and Why It Matters To You
06/20/05
It's #4 in our top 10 list of investigative priorities—following counterterrorism, espionage, and cyber. Why do we rank it so highly? What are we doing to stop it? For the answers to these questions and more, we talked with Supervisory Special Agent Dan O'Brien, chief of our Public Corruption and Government Fraud program at FBI Headquarters.
Q: Why's the FBI so concerned about public corruption?
Dan: Two main reasons. First, it strikes at the core of what our country's about. Our democracy depends on a healthy, efficient, and ethical government—whether it's in the courtroom or the halls of Congress. Second, public corruption can have a direct impact on national security. For example, in a recent case in Arizona, 26 current and former department of motor vehicles (DMV) employees were indicted for taking cash bribes for fake driver's licenses, ID cards, and even a hazmat license. What if it's a terrorist trying to get one of those licenses? We've also seen bribes paid at our borders to let drugs come into the country. Again, what if a bribe lets a terrorist get through?
Q: What kinds of crimes are involved?
Dan: They run the gamut. Embezzlement. Voter fraud. Subsidy fraud. Illegal kickbacks. For example, a health inspector might threaten to report code violations unless a restaurant owner pays a bribe. Or a government official might award a contract in exchange for free work on his home or some other favor.
Q: What are you doing to stop public corruption?
Dan: Plenty. We've got a strong national program with agents in place around the nation dedicated to the issue. In our investigations, we use every tool we've got—our cyber capabilities, our surveillance skills, our ability to track financial dealings around the world. Last year, we opened over 900 cases, which led to over 650 convictions or guilty pleas. We're also proactive. We've got analysts specifically trained to uncover corruption, and our agents always have an eye out for new and evolving angles. We’ve got a new initiative to identify DMV employees nationwide who issue fraudulent IDs for bribes and kickbacks. And we’re working with state governments to identify fraud and ways to prevent it.
Q: Does public corruption really have an impact on people's lives?
Dan: Absolutely. Public corruption can take funding away from your child's school and even prevent your street from being re-paved. Police who take bribes endanger your neighborhood. And guess who ultimately foots the bill for these crimes? We all do...through higher taxes. The Government Accountability Office estimates that at least 10 percent of the funding for federal government programs is lost to public corruption and government fraud every year. We're talking tens of billions of dollars.
Q: Last question: what should people do if they come across evidence of public corruption activities?
Dan: By all means, call us! If you don't want to give your name, leave an anonymous tip.
Links: Public Corruption website | More stories
Editor's note: Special Agent Dan O'Brien took another position in the FBI in late 2005. The current chief of the Public Corruption Unit is Michael J. Anderson.
Why We Take It So Seriously...and Why It Matters To You
06/20/05
It's #4 in our top 10 list of investigative priorities—following counterterrorism, espionage, and cyber. Why do we rank it so highly? What are we doing to stop it? For the answers to these questions and more, we talked with Supervisory Special Agent Dan O'Brien, chief of our Public Corruption and Government Fraud program at FBI Headquarters.
Q: Why's the FBI so concerned about public corruption?
Dan: Two main reasons. First, it strikes at the core of what our country's about. Our democracy depends on a healthy, efficient, and ethical government—whether it's in the courtroom or the halls of Congress. Second, public corruption can have a direct impact on national security. For example, in a recent case in Arizona, 26 current and former department of motor vehicles (DMV) employees were indicted for taking cash bribes for fake driver's licenses, ID cards, and even a hazmat license. What if it's a terrorist trying to get one of those licenses? We've also seen bribes paid at our borders to let drugs come into the country. Again, what if a bribe lets a terrorist get through?
Q: What kinds of crimes are involved?
Dan: They run the gamut. Embezzlement. Voter fraud. Subsidy fraud. Illegal kickbacks. For example, a health inspector might threaten to report code violations unless a restaurant owner pays a bribe. Or a government official might award a contract in exchange for free work on his home or some other favor.
Q: What are you doing to stop public corruption?
Dan: Plenty. We've got a strong national program with agents in place around the nation dedicated to the issue. In our investigations, we use every tool we've got—our cyber capabilities, our surveillance skills, our ability to track financial dealings around the world. Last year, we opened over 900 cases, which led to over 650 convictions or guilty pleas. We're also proactive. We've got analysts specifically trained to uncover corruption, and our agents always have an eye out for new and evolving angles. We’ve got a new initiative to identify DMV employees nationwide who issue fraudulent IDs for bribes and kickbacks. And we’re working with state governments to identify fraud and ways to prevent it.
Q: Does public corruption really have an impact on people's lives?
Dan: Absolutely. Public corruption can take funding away from your child's school and even prevent your street from being re-paved. Police who take bribes endanger your neighborhood. And guess who ultimately foots the bill for these crimes? We all do...through higher taxes. The Government Accountability Office estimates that at least 10 percent of the funding for federal government programs is lost to public corruption and government fraud every year. We're talking tens of billions of dollars.
Q: Last question: what should people do if they come across evidence of public corruption activities?
Dan: By all means, call us! If you don't want to give your name, leave an anonymous tip.
Links: Public Corruption website | More stories
Editor's note: Special Agent Dan O'Brien took another position in the FBI in late 2005. The current chief of the Public Corruption Unit is Michael J. Anderson.
St. Johns official says FBI inquiry story is a lie
The Florida Times-Union
June 13, 2008
St. Johns official says FBI inquiry story is a lie
By PETER GUINTA,
St. Augustine Record
ST. AUGUSTINE - St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar said Thursday that County Commission Chairman Tom Manuel has been the target of a year-long FBI corruption investigation, but Manuel called the allegation "a political hatchet job."
The FBI never comments about ongoing investigations, but Shoar said Manuel could be indicted in two to six weeks by a federal grand jury in Jacksonville.
"That is absolutely untrue," Manuel said. "I've not been questioned or arrested. It's political slander. The sheriff's a liar."
He said he knew of no investigation into his public or private business and hasn't hired an attorney.
"It's a bunch of crap," Manuel said. "I'm home trying to take my kids to soccer."
Shoar said an investigation is a process, not a conclusion.
"The community needs to let this investigation continue," he said. "I have full confidence that the FBI is conducting a thorough one."
Manuel believes political opponents are unhappy with his efforts to drastically trim the county budget and with investigations he initiated into how the county spends money.
"I've saved the county more money than any commissioner," he said. "This [accusation] comes from my enemies."
Shoar said he would release details of the investigation only if there is an indictment.
"There has been an ongoing investigation by the FBI's public corruption unit," Shoar said. "It is my understanding that they're going to take evidence to a federal grand jury in the future, so the grand jury can have the opportunity to review that evidence and make a determination."
During the past few months, Manuel has received both high praise and strong criticism for his suggestion that the St. Augustine Airport Authority and the Anastasia Mosquito Control District could be incorporated into the county's administration, which would save hundreds of thousands of tax dollars a year.
He also is a strong supporter of limited growth in St. Johns County.
County Manager Michael Wanchick briefed the four other county commissioners Thursday.
"There is an active criminal investigation centered [on] Tom Manuel," Wanchick said.
"Because it's an active federal investigation, we have to be careful. I'm not in the position to provide any additional details at this time," he said.
Manuel said Wanchick had been briefed only by Shoar, not by FBI agents.
Commission Vice Chairwoman Cyndi Stevenson said she was saddened by the news.
"This can't be good for the county," Stevenson said. "I have none of the data, no hard facts. But we're all innocent until proven guilty."
Commissioner Ben Rich, a retired federal agent, said that if there's no arrest, there's no case.
"No one will be prosecuted for something they have not been arrested for," Rich said. "This is just rumor, character assassination and innuendo."
Manuel's last public appearance was Wednesday morning at a ceremony renaming a county road "Sgt. Tutten Drive" in honor of Sgt. Bryan Tutten of St. Augustine, who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
Manuel, a retired businessman and banker, refused during his election in 2006 to accept campaign checks from corporations or developers.
In his first try at public office, Manuel won the Republican primary over incumbent Bruce Maguire, then garnered 96 percent of the vote against a write-in candidate.
This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/061308/met_290350980.shtml.
Mosquito Control District Never Needed to Buy a Helicopter and Still Doesn't Need to Buy A Helicopter
as revealed at yesterday's meeting of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) of St. Johns County. Kudos to five Commissioners for learning from past mistakes -- Commissioner Emily Hummell rightly said last year that AMCD Commissioners were misled by the staff (e.g., including GEOFFREY DOBSON, then-attorney, who falsely claimed the purchase of a luxury Bell Jet Long Ranger helicopter was somehow "sole source."
Not covering the AMCD meeting was the St. Augustine Wreckord, whose sins of omission and commission in covering county and city government meeting boggle the mind. Whether calling the AMCD General Manager "Patricia Greer" instead of Priscilla Green, or simply omitting news coverage, the St. Augustine Wreckord's news service to its readers is declining.
It was improving last year, but budget cutbacks due to Morris Communications' profligacy has rendered the paper a joke.
Who will buy the Wreckord and save it from the Morris family's Philistinism?
It's time we had a newspaper, instead of a viewspaper. See below.
Not covering the AMCD meeting was the St. Augustine Wreckord, whose sins of omission and commission in covering county and city government meeting boggle the mind. Whether calling the AMCD General Manager "Patricia Greer" instead of Priscilla Green, or simply omitting news coverage, the St. Augustine Wreckord's news service to its readers is declining.
It was improving last year, but budget cutbacks due to Morris Communications' profligacy has rendered the paper a joke.
Who will buy the Wreckord and save it from the Morris family's Philistinism?
It's time we had a newspaper, instead of a viewspaper. See below.
"Fiat justitia, ruat coelum" -- There's nothing about corruption in St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Florida That Would Surprise Me
Likewise, there's nothing about our government that can't be uncovered and corrected by the FBI. See below.
There's a constitutional presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty, one omitted by the Wreckord's sensational headline.
On the other hand, as the ancient equitable maxim states, "Fiat justitia, ruat coelum" -- Let justice be done though the heavens fall."
There's a constitutional presumption that one is innocent until proven guilty, one omitted by the Wreckord's sensational headline.
On the other hand, as the ancient equitable maxim states, "Fiat justitia, ruat coelum" -- Let justice be done though the heavens fall."
Manuel target of FBI inquiry
Manuel target of FBI inquiry
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/13/08
St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar said Thursday that County Commission Chairman Tom Manuel has been the target of a year-long FBI corruption investigation, but Manuel called the allegation "a political hatchet job."
The FBI rarely comments about ongoing investigations, but Shoar said Manuel could be indicted by a Jacksonville grand jury in two to six weeks.
Manuel replied, "That is absolutely untrue. I've not been questioned or arrested. It's political slander. The sheriff's a liar."
However, Special Agent Jeff Westcott of the FBI's Jacksonville office said, "There is an ongoing FBI investigation of Mr. Manuel. There may be more people to be interviewed."
Manuel said he knew of no investigation into his public or private business and has not hired an attorney.
"It's a bunch of crap," Manuel said. "I'm home trying to take my kids to soccer."
Westcott said Manuel knows of the investigation.
Shoar said an investigation is a process, not a conclusion.
"The community needs to let this investigation continue," Shoar said. "I have full confidence that the FBI is conducting a thorough one."
Manuel believes political opponents are unhappy with his efforts to drastically trim the county budget and with investigations he initiated into how the county spends money.
"I've saved the county more money than any commissioner," he said. "This (accusation) comes from my enemies."
Shoar said he'd release details of the investigation only if an indictment is handed down.
"There has been an ongoing investigation by the FBI's public corruption unit," Shoar said. "It is my understanding that they're going to take evidence to a federal grand jury in the future, so the grand jury can have the opportunity to review that evidence and make a determination."
Over the past few months, Manuel received both high praise and strong criticism over his suggestion that the St. Augustine Airport Authority and the Anastasia Mosquito Control District could be incorporated into the county's administration, which would save hundreds of thousands of tax dollars a year.
He is also a strong supporter of limited growth in St. Johns County, a position that Jacksonville developers and builders wanted to change.
County Manager Michael Wanchick briefed the four other county commissioners Thursday.
"There is an active criminal investigation centered around Tom Manuel," Wanchick said. "Because it's an active federal investigation, we have to be careful. I'm not in the position to provide any additional details at this time."
Manuel pointed out that Wanchick had been briefed only by Shoar, not by FBI agents.
Commission Vice Chair Cyndi Stevenson of District 1 said she was saddened at hearing the news.
"This can't be good for the county," Stevenson said. "I have none of the data, no hard facts. But we're all innocent until proven guilty."
District 3 Commissioner Ben Rich, a retired federal agent, said if there's no arrest, there's no case.
"No one will be prosecuted for something they have not been arrested for," Rich said. "This is just rumor, character assassination and innuendo."
Manuel's last public appearance was Wednesday morning at a dedication ceremony renaming a county road "Sgt. Tutten Drive" in honor of Sgt. Bryan Tutten of St. Augustine, killed in Iraq in 2007.
Manuel, a retired businessman and banker, refused during his election in 2006 to accept campaign checks from corporations or developers.
In this first try at public office, Manuel won the Republican primary over incumbent Bruce Maguire, then garnered 95.9 percent of the vote against write-in candidate Richard Olszewski of St. Augustine Beach.
Olszewski did not raise more than $100 and did not campaign.
When Manuel was sworn in on Nov. 21, 2006, he said, "The core underlying tenor (of this commission) is that we will listen. The road (the new commissioners) took to get here is diverse as it could be. But we all have a moral compass, and we know the difference between right and wrong."
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061308/news_061308_019.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Wreckord Editorial On Jim Bryant Is Superficial, Shallow and Leaves Much to Be Desired!
See below. The Wreckord's editorial is pure fantasyland.
In reality, JAMES BRYANT was a vicious varmint, a tinpot Napoleon tyrant.
BRYANT was rude to citizens speaking out against landraping, treekilling, wetland-destroying international developer-speculators.
BRYANT may be smart, but he's an unjust steward, who would have been defeated by Ken Bryan in the August 26 primary, just as KAREN STERN and BRUCE MAGUIRE were defeated in 2006.
As to JAMES BRYANT, good riddance -- don't let the door hit you on the butt as you leave. Hope you get a visit from the FBI and a perp walk real soon.
In reality, JAMES BRYANT was a vicious varmint, a tinpot Napoleon tyrant.
BRYANT was rude to citizens speaking out against landraping, treekilling, wetland-destroying international developer-speculators.
BRYANT may be smart, but he's an unjust steward, who would have been defeated by Ken Bryan in the August 26 primary, just as KAREN STERN and BRUCE MAGUIRE were defeated in 2006.
As to JAMES BRYANT, good riddance -- don't let the door hit you on the butt as you leave. Hope you get a visit from the FBI and a perp walk real soon.
WHAT A JOKE! St. Augustine Wreckord Editorial: Bryant's leadership will be missed on county commission
Bryant's leadership will be missed on county commission
Publication Date: 06/13/08
St. Johns County Commissioner Jim Bryant's announcement Thursday that he will not seek re-election to the commission's District 5 seat this fall is a blow to our elected leadership. Bryant, 63, has been an excellent public servant, a steady hand and clear thinker. He's been the commission's leader on public health, affordable housing and public transportation.
In nearly 12 years on the commission he has been the voice of people in need.
Some examples:
* Bryant pushed for expansion of the county's public health department. He believed enhanced public health care would reduce visits to the emergency room, considered by some residents as the "family doctor's office." His vision resulted in the county's purchase of Flagler Hospital West, the former St. Augustine General Hospital, for $5.5 million, nearly half of Flagler's asking price.
* Bryant got the commission to secure more than 360 lots in West Augustine for affordable housing through a tax sale. Builders literally bought into the plan. Some lots were inaccessible, but a new county road network will soon remedy that problem.
* St. Johns County Council on Aging worked with Bryant on his idea to have the COA operate a public bus service in addition to its paratransit buses that take patrons to and from medical appointments. COA's pursuit of state and federal funds plus a now annual county contribution launched Sunshine Bus Company in 1999. Bryant remains a key player in COA's transportation services and is proud of its recent honor -- Community Transit System of 2008, chosen by Community Transportation Association of America.
Bryant's term will end in mid-November. Commissioners and commissioner candidates would do well to shadow him so any one of them can pick up where he leaves off.
Bryant said he is leaving to spend more time with his family including a young grandson. While this is a good move for Jim Bryant, it's a sad day for St. Johns County.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061308/opinions_061308_043.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Publication Date: 06/13/08
St. Johns County Commissioner Jim Bryant's announcement Thursday that he will not seek re-election to the commission's District 5 seat this fall is a blow to our elected leadership. Bryant, 63, has been an excellent public servant, a steady hand and clear thinker. He's been the commission's leader on public health, affordable housing and public transportation.
In nearly 12 years on the commission he has been the voice of people in need.
Some examples:
* Bryant pushed for expansion of the county's public health department. He believed enhanced public health care would reduce visits to the emergency room, considered by some residents as the "family doctor's office." His vision resulted in the county's purchase of Flagler Hospital West, the former St. Augustine General Hospital, for $5.5 million, nearly half of Flagler's asking price.
* Bryant got the commission to secure more than 360 lots in West Augustine for affordable housing through a tax sale. Builders literally bought into the plan. Some lots were inaccessible, but a new county road network will soon remedy that problem.
* St. Johns County Council on Aging worked with Bryant on his idea to have the COA operate a public bus service in addition to its paratransit buses that take patrons to and from medical appointments. COA's pursuit of state and federal funds plus a now annual county contribution launched Sunshine Bus Company in 1999. Bryant remains a key player in COA's transportation services and is proud of its recent honor -- Community Transit System of 2008, chosen by Community Transportation Association of America.
Bryant's term will end in mid-November. Commissioners and commissioner candidates would do well to shadow him so any one of them can pick up where he leaves off.
Bryant said he is leaving to spend more time with his family including a young grandson. While this is a good move for Jim Bryant, it's a sad day for St. Johns County.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061308/opinions_061308_043.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Bryant decides against running
Bryant decides against running
Family issues force him to leave District 5 race
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/13/08
District 5 County Commissioner Jim Bryant announced Thursday that family issues will force him to withdraw as a candidate for re-election to a fourth term.
"I've been contemplating this a long time," Bryant said. "I've got to take care of my family first."
He said he'd missed two critical votes -- on the county charter and on fire assessments -- and has missed too many County Commission meetings.
"It's time for me to back off and let someone else do it," he said.
His withdrawal may mean that other announced commission candidates might slide over to the District 5 race and go against two other Republican challengers -- Ken Bryan and Gary McMahon -- already there.
Bryant said he knows at least one candidate "mulling that over."
His term ends in November, and Bryant said he will serve until then.
He wants to be remembered as a commissioner who always considered the less-fortunate and how he could make their quality of life better.
"The bondage of poverty really traps people," he said. "If we as elected officials don't try to improve their quality of life, we have failed in what we were supposed to do. We have to reach out and help them."
Some projects he was proudest of include:
* Closing the county landfill in 2000, which reduced garbage assessments significantly.
* Organizing a single drug store that delivered to disburse county medications.
* Initiating a move toward building more affordable housing by purchasing 366 abandoned lots in West Augustine and giving many to Habitat for Humanity and selling others to affordable housing developers at low prices.
* Helping organize the initial homeless coalition.
* Being instrumental in getting Flagler Hospital to sell the building now housing the Health & Human Services building for $5.5 million rather than the $10 million the hospital was asking. It almost became a Target, he said.
"But the hospital lowered the price because they felt they were making an investment in the community," he said.
For years, Bryant was considered the go-to guy on the commission on health issues.
He's proud that St. Johns County has been recognized as having the best-run foster care program in Florida and that the Sunshine Bus system run by the County on Aging just received an award as the No. 1 bus system in the country.
"We have a unique county," he said. "We're so far ahead of everyone else."
Bryant successfully fought against other commissioners' attempts to trim the budget by privatizing health care.
"I want to preserve the system of care we have in place," he said. "When a private company has to cut back, it sees fewer patients or provides less service. Those are the people who can least afford a cut in service."
He noted that when he got on the commission in 1996, health care got $1.5 million a year in county money.
"It hasn't gone up since," he said. "We've got the infrastructure in place. Let's use it."
Bryant has drawn the most criticism over consistent votes to support development applications.
"I've been maligned, accused of this or that," he said. "But I try to apply the Comprehensive Plan fairly and evenly across the board."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061308/news_061308_021.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Family issues force him to leave District 5 race
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/13/08
District 5 County Commissioner Jim Bryant announced Thursday that family issues will force him to withdraw as a candidate for re-election to a fourth term.
"I've been contemplating this a long time," Bryant said. "I've got to take care of my family first."
He said he'd missed two critical votes -- on the county charter and on fire assessments -- and has missed too many County Commission meetings.
"It's time for me to back off and let someone else do it," he said.
His withdrawal may mean that other announced commission candidates might slide over to the District 5 race and go against two other Republican challengers -- Ken Bryan and Gary McMahon -- already there.
Bryant said he knows at least one candidate "mulling that over."
His term ends in November, and Bryant said he will serve until then.
He wants to be remembered as a commissioner who always considered the less-fortunate and how he could make their quality of life better.
"The bondage of poverty really traps people," he said. "If we as elected officials don't try to improve their quality of life, we have failed in what we were supposed to do. We have to reach out and help them."
Some projects he was proudest of include:
* Closing the county landfill in 2000, which reduced garbage assessments significantly.
* Organizing a single drug store that delivered to disburse county medications.
* Initiating a move toward building more affordable housing by purchasing 366 abandoned lots in West Augustine and giving many to Habitat for Humanity and selling others to affordable housing developers at low prices.
* Helping organize the initial homeless coalition.
* Being instrumental in getting Flagler Hospital to sell the building now housing the Health & Human Services building for $5.5 million rather than the $10 million the hospital was asking. It almost became a Target, he said.
"But the hospital lowered the price because they felt they were making an investment in the community," he said.
For years, Bryant was considered the go-to guy on the commission on health issues.
He's proud that St. Johns County has been recognized as having the best-run foster care program in Florida and that the Sunshine Bus system run by the County on Aging just received an award as the No. 1 bus system in the country.
"We have a unique county," he said. "We're so far ahead of everyone else."
Bryant successfully fought against other commissioners' attempts to trim the budget by privatizing health care.
"I want to preserve the system of care we have in place," he said. "When a private company has to cut back, it sees fewer patients or provides less service. Those are the people who can least afford a cut in service."
He noted that when he got on the commission in 1996, health care got $1.5 million a year in county money.
"It hasn't gone up since," he said. "We've got the infrastructure in place. Let's use it."
Bryant has drawn the most criticism over consistent votes to support development applications.
"I've been maligned, accused of this or that," he said. "But I try to apply the Comprehensive Plan fairly and evenly across the board."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061308/news_061308_021.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Thursday, June 05, 2008
NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER REPORT No. 873187 Possible Plume from Sewage Plant, Illegal Dumping, Reported to National Response Center
earlier today. When it comes to dealing with polluters and bigots, give no quarter.
As RFK said:
"It is not enough to allow dissent. We must demand it. For there is much to dissent from. .... We dissent from the fact that millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich. ... We dissent from the conditions and hatreds which deny a full life to our fellow citizens because of the color of their skin. ... We dissent from the monstrous absurdity of a world where nations stand poised to destroy one another, and men must kill their fellow men. ... We dissent from the sight of most of mankind living in poverty, stricken by disease, threatened by hunger and doomed to an early death after a life of unremitting labor. ... We dissent from cities which blunt our senses and turn the ordinary acts of daily life into a painful struggle. ... We dissent from the willful, heedless destruction of natural pleasure and beauty. ... We dissent from all these structures – of technology and of society itself – which strip from the individual the dignity and warmth of sharing in the common tasks of his community and his country."
Robert F. Kennedy, Berkeley,1967
As RFK said:
"It is not enough to allow dissent. We must demand it. For there is much to dissent from. .... We dissent from the fact that millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich. ... We dissent from the conditions and hatreds which deny a full life to our fellow citizens because of the color of their skin. ... We dissent from the monstrous absurdity of a world where nations stand poised to destroy one another, and men must kill their fellow men. ... We dissent from the sight of most of mankind living in poverty, stricken by disease, threatened by hunger and doomed to an early death after a life of unremitting labor. ... We dissent from cities which blunt our senses and turn the ordinary acts of daily life into a painful struggle. ... We dissent from the willful, heedless destruction of natural pleasure and beauty. ... We dissent from all these structures – of technology and of society itself – which strip from the individual the dignity and warmth of sharing in the common tasks of his community and his country."
Robert F. Kennedy, Berkeley,1967
NATIONAL RESPONSE CENTER REPORT No. 873189 City Boil Water Alert Reported to National Response Center
Federal and state investigators will soon arrive to investigate the root cause of the possible microbial contamination of our public water supply at the hands of the City of St. Augustine, Flagler College and their contractors and subcontractors.
First Coast News: ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- A boil water advisory is in effect for everyone in the city of St. Augustine.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- A boil water advisory is in effect for everyone in the city of St. Augustine.
A city spokesperson says if you get a water bill from the City of St. Augustine, you should boil your water before you drink or consume it.
Some people get city water even though they live outside the city limits.
Public Works Director Martha Campbell says construction near King Street and Malaga Street in downtown broke a water main around lunch time Wednesday. Campbell says the water may be fine to drink, but the city wants everyone to be careful.
Campbell said some customers will notice a decrease in water pressure. She said only a handful of customers downtown have no water at all.
Campbell urges all city water customers to boil water for two days.
©2008 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
A city spokesperson says if you get a water bill from the City of St. Augustine, you should boil your water before you drink or consume it.
Some people get city water even though they live outside the city limits.
Public Works Director Martha Campbell says construction near King Street and Malaga Street in downtown broke a water main around lunch time Wednesday. Campbell says the water may be fine to drink, but the city wants everyone to be careful.
Campbell said some customers will notice a decrease in water pressure. She said only a handful of customers downtown have no water at all.
Campbell urges all city water customers to boil water for two days.
©2008 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
City press release on Boil Water Advisory -- Does Being the City of St. Augustine mean "never having to say you'rfe sorry?"
For Immediate Release 5 June 2008
Water Main Break on King St.
All City Water Customers on
A Precautionary Water Boil Notice
A 16” water main break occurred at King St. and east of the San Sebastian River at approximately 11:30 A. M. resulted in the interruption of water or low water pressure for city water customers throughout the city.
City workers are repairing the main this afternoon and westbound traffic on King St. is being diverted to Malaga St. The westbound lane of King St. is temporarily closed until completion of the repairs which is expected to be between 4 and 6 P.M. today. All residents are urged to avoid this intersection.
A boil water advisory has been issued to all City of St. Augustine water customers for the next two days. While the city believes the water is safe, it is recommended that as a precaution, customers bring drinking water to a running boil for one minute before drinking. This precautionary action should continue for two days until bacteriological samples are cleared. A rescission notice will then be issued.
For more information call the Public Works Dept. at 825.1040.
--30--
Water Main Break on King St.
All City Water Customers on
A Precautionary Water Boil Notice
A 16” water main break occurred at King St. and east of the San Sebastian River at approximately 11:30 A. M. resulted in the interruption of water or low water pressure for city water customers throughout the city.
City workers are repairing the main this afternoon and westbound traffic on King St. is being diverted to Malaga St. The westbound lane of King St. is temporarily closed until completion of the repairs which is expected to be between 4 and 6 P.M. today. All residents are urged to avoid this intersection.
A boil water advisory has been issued to all City of St. Augustine water customers for the next two days. While the city believes the water is safe, it is recommended that as a precaution, customers bring drinking water to a running boil for one minute before drinking. This precautionary action should continue for two days until bacteriological samples are cleared. A rescission notice will then be issued.
For more information call the Public Works Dept. at 825.1040.
--30--
Residents cautioned to boil water
Residents cautioned to boil water
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Several St. Augustine residents got an ominous-sounding phone call Wednesday that said, "Code Red."
City water customers were warned that they are under a boil-water notice for the next two days because of a water main break on King Street.
"If you want to consume water -- drink it, cook with it, brush your teeth -- then you need to bring it to a boil for one minute first," said Martha Campbell, St. Augustine public works director.
The notice does not apply to residents of St. Augustine Beach.
The pipe burst about 11:30 a.m. at King Street east of the San Sebastian River. Contractor The Hardy Group was replacing the old water main with a new system when the break occurred, but it is not believed the break happened because of the construction, Campbell said.
For about half an hour water poured onto King Street, flooding the westbound lane and shutting it down. On Wednesday afternoon, Campbell expected the lane to be reopened at 6 p.m.
Traffic was diverted to Malaga Street.
When the water blew out the side of pipe, the city lost water pressure on Anastasia Island and on King Street west of U.S. 1. Residents also lost water in downtown areas, Campbell said.
In the next two days, city staff will take bacteriological samples before the water is cleared. The city will issue an updated notice on Friday.
Residents with questions can call 825-1040.
Boil Notice
* All City of St. Augustine water customers are under a water boil notice for the next two days.
* This means that to consume water, such as for cooking or brushing your teeth, residents should first boil it for one minute.
* If residents have questions or concerns about their water call the Public Works Department at 825-1040.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_002.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Several St. Augustine residents got an ominous-sounding phone call Wednesday that said, "Code Red."
City water customers were warned that they are under a boil-water notice for the next two days because of a water main break on King Street.
"If you want to consume water -- drink it, cook with it, brush your teeth -- then you need to bring it to a boil for one minute first," said Martha Campbell, St. Augustine public works director.
The notice does not apply to residents of St. Augustine Beach.
The pipe burst about 11:30 a.m. at King Street east of the San Sebastian River. Contractor The Hardy Group was replacing the old water main with a new system when the break occurred, but it is not believed the break happened because of the construction, Campbell said.
For about half an hour water poured onto King Street, flooding the westbound lane and shutting it down. On Wednesday afternoon, Campbell expected the lane to be reopened at 6 p.m.
Traffic was diverted to Malaga Street.
When the water blew out the side of pipe, the city lost water pressure on Anastasia Island and on King Street west of U.S. 1. Residents also lost water in downtown areas, Campbell said.
In the next two days, city staff will take bacteriological samples before the water is cleared. The city will issue an updated notice on Friday.
Residents with questions can call 825-1040.
Boil Notice
* All City of St. Augustine water customers are under a water boil notice for the next two days.
* This means that to consume water, such as for cooking or brushing your teeth, residents should first boil it for one minute.
* If residents have questions or concerns about their water call the Public Works Department at 825-1040.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_002.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Home electricity cost rising
Home electricity cost rising
Florida Power & Light rates go up 16 percent
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Drivers who weep when paying $80 to fill up the car will gnash their teeth when they pay 16 percent more for home electricity.
Miami-based Florida Power & Light on Wednesday released a statement saying that it will ask the state's Public Service Commission on July 1 to allow the company to pass "dramatic" fuel increases to its customers.
Electricity bills could rise 24 percent for commercial customers and 16 percent for residential customers.
If approved by the commission, the new charges would appear on August electric bills.
"As a result (of higher fuel prices), FPL predicted it needs $746 million to cover these additional costs through the end of 2008," FPL's release said. "The company is proposing to recover these costs through an increase of $16.28 in the pass-through fuel charge, which will increase a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour monthly residential bill from $102 to $118, or approximately 16 percent."
But, acording to Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Tallahassee-based Florida Retail Federation, charging businesses an additional 24 percent on commercial electric bills "will have a major impact on businesses and people who are already struggling."
The Retail Federation plans to review the proposed increase today, McAllister said.
"We did not know it was coming," he said. "If it is just for fuel recovery, that's one thing. But if they're attempting to cover other costs that should be handled through a (Public Service Commission) rate filing, that's another."
FPL press representatives did not return phone calls requesting more information.
But in the release, FPL wanted to emphasize the efficiency of its power plants, claiming:
* They are the most fuel-efficient among large-scale utilities nationwide.
* Over the past 10 years, their plants improved efficiency 18 percent.
* The company plans to modernize plants in Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral, saving customers $450 million in fuel savings over the life of those projects.
* It plans upgrades to its nuclear facilities to produce an additional 400 megawatts of power.
In a prepared statement, FPL President Armondo J. Olivera said, "We recognize that higher fuel bills will be a burden to our customers. We never like having to increase the price customers pay for electricity, and it's especially painful during difficult economic times."
Utilities all across the nation are experiencing the same issue, he said.
Holly Binns, field director for Environment Florida, an arm of the Public Interest Research Group, said FPL "has not even scratched the surface" of what it could be doing as far as (implementing) energy-efficient programs.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_001.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Florida Power & Light rates go up 16 percent
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Drivers who weep when paying $80 to fill up the car will gnash their teeth when they pay 16 percent more for home electricity.
Miami-based Florida Power & Light on Wednesday released a statement saying that it will ask the state's Public Service Commission on July 1 to allow the company to pass "dramatic" fuel increases to its customers.
Electricity bills could rise 24 percent for commercial customers and 16 percent for residential customers.
If approved by the commission, the new charges would appear on August electric bills.
"As a result (of higher fuel prices), FPL predicted it needs $746 million to cover these additional costs through the end of 2008," FPL's release said. "The company is proposing to recover these costs through an increase of $16.28 in the pass-through fuel charge, which will increase a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour monthly residential bill from $102 to $118, or approximately 16 percent."
But, acording to Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Tallahassee-based Florida Retail Federation, charging businesses an additional 24 percent on commercial electric bills "will have a major impact on businesses and people who are already struggling."
The Retail Federation plans to review the proposed increase today, McAllister said.
"We did not know it was coming," he said. "If it is just for fuel recovery, that's one thing. But if they're attempting to cover other costs that should be handled through a (Public Service Commission) rate filing, that's another."
FPL press representatives did not return phone calls requesting more information.
But in the release, FPL wanted to emphasize the efficiency of its power plants, claiming:
* They are the most fuel-efficient among large-scale utilities nationwide.
* Over the past 10 years, their plants improved efficiency 18 percent.
* The company plans to modernize plants in Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral, saving customers $450 million in fuel savings over the life of those projects.
* It plans upgrades to its nuclear facilities to produce an additional 400 megawatts of power.
In a prepared statement, FPL President Armondo J. Olivera said, "We recognize that higher fuel bills will be a burden to our customers. We never like having to increase the price customers pay for electricity, and it's especially painful during difficult economic times."
Utilities all across the nation are experiencing the same issue, he said.
Holly Binns, field director for Environment Florida, an arm of the Public Interest Research Group, said FPL "has not even scratched the surface" of what it could be doing as far as (implementing) energy-efficient programs.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_001.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Florida doesn't regulate monopoly utilities well and FPL takes advantrage of the situation to our detriment
See story below. Our local governments should consider inviting Jacksonville Electric Utilities, the city-owned municipal electric utility, or Clay Electric, a cooperative, to take over the service area of the Florida Power & Light Company in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. The people should be allowed to vote in a referendum.
Home electricity cost rising
Home electricity cost rising
Florida Power & Light rates go up 16 percent
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Drivers who weep when paying $80 to fill up the car will gnash their teeth when they pay 16 percent more for home electricity.
Miami-based Florida Power & Light on Wednesday released a statement saying that it will ask the state's Public Service Commission on July 1 to allow the company to pass "dramatic" fuel increases to its customers.
Electricity bills could rise 24 percent for commercial customers and 16 percent for residential customers.
If approved by the commission, the new charges would appear on August electric bills.
"As a result (of higher fuel prices), FPL predicted it needs $746 million to cover these additional costs through the end of 2008," FPL's release said. "The company is proposing to recover these costs through an increase of $16.28 in the pass-through fuel charge, which will increase a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour monthly residential bill from $102 to $118, or approximately 16 percent."
But, acording to Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Tallahassee-based Florida Retail Federation, charging businesses an additional 24 percent on commercial electric bills "will have a major impact on businesses and people who are already struggling."
The Retail Federation plans to review the proposed increase today, McAllister said.
"We did not know it was coming," he said. "If it is just for fuel recovery, that's one thing. But if they're attempting to cover other costs that should be handled through a (Public Service Commission) rate filing, that's another."
FPL press representatives did not return phone calls requesting more information.
But in the release, FPL wanted to emphasize the efficiency of its power plants, claiming:
* They are the most fuel-efficient among large-scale utilities nationwide.
* Over the past 10 years, their plants improved efficiency 18 percent.
* The company plans to modernize plants in Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral, saving customers $450 million in fuel savings over the life of those projects.
* It plans upgrades to its nuclear facilities to produce an additional 400 megawatts of power.
In a prepared statement, FPL President Armondo J. Olivera said, "We recognize that higher fuel bills will be a burden to our customers. We never like having to increase the price customers pay for electricity, and it's especially painful during difficult economic times."
Utilities all across the nation are experiencing the same issue, he said.
Holly Binns, field director for Environment Florida, an arm of the Public Interest Research Group, said FPL "has not even scratched the surface" of what it could be doing as far as (implementing) energy-efficient programs.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_001.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Florida Power & Light rates go up 16 percent
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/05/08
Drivers who weep when paying $80 to fill up the car will gnash their teeth when they pay 16 percent more for home electricity.
Miami-based Florida Power & Light on Wednesday released a statement saying that it will ask the state's Public Service Commission on July 1 to allow the company to pass "dramatic" fuel increases to its customers.
Electricity bills could rise 24 percent for commercial customers and 16 percent for residential customers.
If approved by the commission, the new charges would appear on August electric bills.
"As a result (of higher fuel prices), FPL predicted it needs $746 million to cover these additional costs through the end of 2008," FPL's release said. "The company is proposing to recover these costs through an increase of $16.28 in the pass-through fuel charge, which will increase a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour monthly residential bill from $102 to $118, or approximately 16 percent."
But, acording to Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer of the Tallahassee-based Florida Retail Federation, charging businesses an additional 24 percent on commercial electric bills "will have a major impact on businesses and people who are already struggling."
The Retail Federation plans to review the proposed increase today, McAllister said.
"We did not know it was coming," he said. "If it is just for fuel recovery, that's one thing. But if they're attempting to cover other costs that should be handled through a (Public Service Commission) rate filing, that's another."
FPL press representatives did not return phone calls requesting more information.
But in the release, FPL wanted to emphasize the efficiency of its power plants, claiming:
* They are the most fuel-efficient among large-scale utilities nationwide.
* Over the past 10 years, their plants improved efficiency 18 percent.
* The company plans to modernize plants in Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral, saving customers $450 million in fuel savings over the life of those projects.
* It plans upgrades to its nuclear facilities to produce an additional 400 megawatts of power.
In a prepared statement, FPL President Armondo J. Olivera said, "We recognize that higher fuel bills will be a burden to our customers. We never like having to increase the price customers pay for electricity, and it's especially painful during difficult economic times."
Utilities all across the nation are experiencing the same issue, he said.
Holly Binns, field director for Environment Florida, an arm of the Public Interest Research Group, said FPL "has not even scratched the surface" of what it could be doing as far as (implementing) energy-efficient programs.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060508/news_060508_001.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Mayor JOSEPH LEROY BOLES, JR. Faces Contested Election for Mayor
Competing elites are fun to watch. Controversial St. Augustine Mayor JOSEPH LEROY BOLES, Jr. said he was qualified to be Mayor because of his "sense of humor." He's proceeded to run roughshod over public rights to open, honest, transparent government. He demanded that Dr. Dwight Hines "pay the piper" for filing an Open Records suit. Dwight won. BOLES had egg on his face.
BOLES often insults and condescends to citizen concerns in public comment.
BOLES reduced the time and gerrymandered the timing to discourage public comment.
BOLES made unkind and inhumane remarks about the homeless being "scary" and "creepy."
BOLES is the "scary" and "creepy" one, regarding St. Augustine as if he were Ben Carthwright and this were "Bonanza."
BOLES, a putative Democrat, supports the re-election of known Republican Dr. William L. Proctor, our state representative from Flagler College. of which he is Chancellor.
BOLES and the rest of the ancien regime in City Hall couldn't be bothered to sit down with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. BOLES briefly gladhanded before the lunch, but left before it started. He and his fellow Commissioners and City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS were just too important to sit down with Senator Nelson, who impressively spoke without a note and answered official and guest questions. For our city to expect federal funds for its 450th birthday and blow off a U.S. Senator's invitation shows that our City Hall is too stupid to lead.
Enter Bill Lennon, a former Commissioner. He's got some rough edges and was rude to public commenters when he served before. But has Lennon learned his lesson? Will Lennon run as a populist and call for significant budget cuts (see story below on nine county health and human services administrators laid off this week).
Will Lennon support the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Highway>
Will Lennon support a national search for a new City Manager and new City Attorney?
Will Lennon support restoration of artists and entertainers to St. George Street?
Will Lennon disclose and/or cut his ties with former Mayor Len Weeks?
Will Lennon support appointment of an Inspector General and Ombuds and transparency?
Will Lennon support an open public hearing on misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance during the administration of City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS, allowing HARRISS due process rights to defend himself (on-camera, since PR apparatchik Cathy DuPont will never focus the camera on our bossy City Manager, WILLIAM B. HARRISS.
Our American Founders believed in the perfectability of human nature. Sure, Lennon's not perfect, and has some fences to mend. But hopefully Lennon (unlike BOLES) is s not in bed with City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS.
HARRISS' illegal dumping of solid waste in our Old City Reservoir would have led to his firing anywhere else in America, and most of the world, from Afghanistan to Zambia.
BOLES often insults and condescends to citizen concerns in public comment.
BOLES reduced the time and gerrymandered the timing to discourage public comment.
BOLES made unkind and inhumane remarks about the homeless being "scary" and "creepy."
BOLES is the "scary" and "creepy" one, regarding St. Augustine as if he were Ben Carthwright and this were "Bonanza."
BOLES, a putative Democrat, supports the re-election of known Republican Dr. William L. Proctor, our state representative from Flagler College. of which he is Chancellor.
BOLES and the rest of the ancien regime in City Hall couldn't be bothered to sit down with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. BOLES briefly gladhanded before the lunch, but left before it started. He and his fellow Commissioners and City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS were just too important to sit down with Senator Nelson, who impressively spoke without a note and answered official and guest questions. For our city to expect federal funds for its 450th birthday and blow off a U.S. Senator's invitation shows that our City Hall is too stupid to lead.
Enter Bill Lennon, a former Commissioner. He's got some rough edges and was rude to public commenters when he served before. But has Lennon learned his lesson? Will Lennon run as a populist and call for significant budget cuts (see story below on nine county health and human services administrators laid off this week).
Will Lennon support the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Highway>
Will Lennon support a national search for a new City Manager and new City Attorney?
Will Lennon support restoration of artists and entertainers to St. George Street?
Will Lennon disclose and/or cut his ties with former Mayor Len Weeks?
Will Lennon support appointment of an Inspector General and Ombuds and transparency?
Will Lennon support an open public hearing on misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance during the administration of City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS, allowing HARRISS due process rights to defend himself (on-camera, since PR apparatchik Cathy DuPont will never focus the camera on our bossy City Manager, WILLIAM B. HARRISS.
Our American Founders believed in the perfectability of human nature. Sure, Lennon's not perfect, and has some fences to mend. But hopefully Lennon (unlike BOLES) is s not in bed with City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS.
HARRISS' illegal dumping of solid waste in our Old City Reservoir would have led to his firing anywhere else in America, and most of the world, from Afghanistan to Zambia.
2 seek mayor's seat
2 seek mayor's seat
Boles, Lennon vying for St. Augustine position
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/04/08
St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles announced Tuesday he will run again for the position, and former City Commissioner Bill Lennon will also vie for the seat.
Boles currently holds seat five, a four-year term that expires in December. He is vacating the seat to move to seat three, which is the mayor's position.
In the past, a candidate had to win a commission seat and the mayoral position, which meant residents had to vote twice for the person.
The city changed it so that City Commission seat three is the mayor's seat and a two-year post, and residents only vote once.
Boles has served on the City Commission and as mayor for the last year and a half, and he said he wants to continue to oversee projects, including preventing panhandling in areas of downtown, creating a harbor management plan and installing new parking meters as a part of the city's parking and transportation plan.
Boles, 55, is a native of North Carolina and moved to St. Augustine in 1967. He has a law practice that specializes in estates and trust. He has three daughters and is engaged to Jane Masson.
"I have had a wonderful time being mayor," Boles said. "I think it's every local boy's dream to be mayor here. It's a great town."
Lennon says he "has a lot to offer the position" and wants to pursue projects such as lowering water bills. He believes water bills should be designated by the number of bathrooms each home has, so smaller homes pay less than the larger houses.
He also would like to work with the state to create a program that rewards renters for renovating their homes. Under the program, if renters put money into maintaining the house, then money could be deducted from their rent.
"There are a lot of things I feel I could do for the city," he said.
Lennon, 64, owned Bill Lennon Suzuki for years until he sold the business four months ago. Now he is semi-retired. He and his wife, Judy, have two sons.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060408/news_060408_025.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Boles, Lennon vying for St. Augustine position
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/04/08
St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles announced Tuesday he will run again for the position, and former City Commissioner Bill Lennon will also vie for the seat.
Boles currently holds seat five, a four-year term that expires in December. He is vacating the seat to move to seat three, which is the mayor's position.
In the past, a candidate had to win a commission seat and the mayoral position, which meant residents had to vote twice for the person.
The city changed it so that City Commission seat three is the mayor's seat and a two-year post, and residents only vote once.
Boles has served on the City Commission and as mayor for the last year and a half, and he said he wants to continue to oversee projects, including preventing panhandling in areas of downtown, creating a harbor management plan and installing new parking meters as a part of the city's parking and transportation plan.
Boles, 55, is a native of North Carolina and moved to St. Augustine in 1967. He has a law practice that specializes in estates and trust. He has three daughters and is engaged to Jane Masson.
"I have had a wonderful time being mayor," Boles said. "I think it's every local boy's dream to be mayor here. It's a great town."
Lennon says he "has a lot to offer the position" and wants to pursue projects such as lowering water bills. He believes water bills should be designated by the number of bathrooms each home has, so smaller homes pay less than the larger houses.
He also would like to work with the state to create a program that rewards renters for renovating their homes. Under the program, if renters put money into maintaining the house, then money could be deducted from their rent.
"There are a lot of things I feel I could do for the city," he said.
Lennon, 64, owned Bill Lennon Suzuki for years until he sold the business four months ago. Now he is semi-retired. He and his wife, Judy, have two sons.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060408/news_060408_025.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Deadwood laid off -- nine health and human services administrators laid off by St. Johns County Administrator
Is this is the same poorly run department that threatened Dr. Dwight Hines and I with arrest for creating a "disturbance" when we insisted on access to public records that would have shown they were doing nothing to address our infant mortality problem and its causes in St. Augustine and St. Johns County? is this the office that told us to go elsewhere for records on babies dying here in St. Augustine and St. Johns County? Is this the same office that habitually treats low-income so arrogantly?.
If so, way to go, County Administrator Michael Wanchik!!
Let the word go forth, from this time and place, that every government employee who violates their duties under Open Records, Sunshine, Freedom of Information and other laws may be fired by city, county, state and federal administrators.
Time wounds all heels, as my mother says.
Let no coverup artist be unscathed.
Let no harasser be unprosecuted.
Let no prevaricator be unscared.
Democracy is on the march.
Deceitfulness is in retreat.
The people have spoken.
When citizens ask for records and are treated disrespectfully, let us know.
In the immortal words of Clint Eastwood, "Go ahead, make my day."
County lays off 9 Health & Human Services administrators
County lays off 9 Health & Human Services administrators
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/03/08
County Administrator Michael Wanchick announced Monday afternoon that nine administrators serving in the county's Health & Human Services department have been laid off and will be paid -- including benefits -- through the end of June.
These cuts will save St. Johns County $600,000 annually, Wanchick said.
According to employees at the Health & Human Services building on U.S. 1 South, all but two of the affected administrators were told Friday that they were losing their jobs. The remaining two were told Monday when they got to their desks.
"This is part of our attempt to have a more focused and efficient county government," Wanchick said. "There was too much redundancy. It wasn't efficient."
Administration has been consolidated in the Community Based Care, Mental Health and Social Services departments.
Employees working in those departments had been wondering for 10 months if the county planned to outsource patient services to a private provider.
"(But) that option was not in the county's best interest," Wanchick said Monday.
Employees who attended meetings outlining the personnel cuts said county representatives said it was either accept these cuts or expect outsourcing. However, county officials could not be reached to confirm or deny that claim.
Wanchick said four additional employees were reassigned from management to client services.
"The state pays 100 percent for service providers. They don't pay administrative costs. That's where our saving comes from," he said.
The county's personnel department will help any laid-off employees find another job, either with the county or in private industry.
Wanchick said reduction of the number of people in administration was their main goal.
"We're not looking at this as a forerunner of lots of layoffs due to Amendment 1," he said. "I don't think you'll see anything comparable to this in any other department."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060308/news_060308_061.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/03/08
County Administrator Michael Wanchick announced Monday afternoon that nine administrators serving in the county's Health & Human Services department have been laid off and will be paid -- including benefits -- through the end of June.
These cuts will save St. Johns County $600,000 annually, Wanchick said.
According to employees at the Health & Human Services building on U.S. 1 South, all but two of the affected administrators were told Friday that they were losing their jobs. The remaining two were told Monday when they got to their desks.
"This is part of our attempt to have a more focused and efficient county government," Wanchick said. "There was too much redundancy. It wasn't efficient."
Administration has been consolidated in the Community Based Care, Mental Health and Social Services departments.
Employees working in those departments had been wondering for 10 months if the county planned to outsource patient services to a private provider.
"(But) that option was not in the county's best interest," Wanchick said Monday.
Employees who attended meetings outlining the personnel cuts said county representatives said it was either accept these cuts or expect outsourcing. However, county officials could not be reached to confirm or deny that claim.
Wanchick said four additional employees were reassigned from management to client services.
"The state pays 100 percent for service providers. They don't pay administrative costs. That's where our saving comes from," he said.
The county's personnel department will help any laid-off employees find another job, either with the county or in private industry.
Wanchick said reduction of the number of people in administration was their main goal.
"We're not looking at this as a forerunner of lots of layoffs due to Amendment 1," he said. "I don't think you'll see anything comparable to this in any other department."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060308/news_060308_061.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Monday, June 02, 2008
Ever Wonder Who Rep. John Mica Works For?
Above is Rep. Mica speaking before an offshore drilling service company.
Check out the two stories below. The 2001 article on the proposed AMTRAK station for St. Augustine has not yet blossomed into a station, or even another story. In sharp and marked contrast, reprobate Mica has proposed faster train service between NYC and Washington. Let Mica retire to Wall Street and sit at the feet of his masters. Good riddance. Now let's have a Congressman who can get an AMTRAK station for St. Augustine.
Amtrak, FEC mull passenger train deal St. Augustine REcord, January 26, 2001
Amtrak, FEC mull passenger train deal
By PETER GUINTA
Staff Writer
Publication Date: 01/26/01
The nation's largest passenger railroad, Amtrak, may be close to signing an agreement with St. Augustine-based Florida East Coast Railroad to secure an Amtrak station in St. Johns County.
However, the deal depends on the companies' securing $60 million in state Department of Transportation money for capital improvement, mainly new railway side tracks, or sidings.
Kevin Johnson, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said the agreement is moving forward, but isn't yet solid.
''St. Augustine is an excellent destination,'' Johnson said. ''Basically, it will be up to the community to show interest. But there are all kinds of things that have to happen first.''
The state DOT has said stations are possible at Daytona Beach, Titusville, Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Stuart, though that list is very tentative and subject to approval by the Legislature.
An Amtrak station in St. Augustine would most likely be sited at a proposed $10 million to $15 million multimodal transportation center that is planned across U.S. 1 North from the St. Augustine Airport.
This facility, also called a ''consolidated transportation center,'' would jointly house air, bus, train, taxi and rental car companies, with passengers making connections from one mode of transportation to another.
A walkover over U.S. 1 would provide connections to commuter flights at the airport.
The St. Augustine Airport Authority's board of directors has already taken the lead and said it will work with St. Johns County officials to apply for grants to pay for the multimodal center project. The authority already owns land on the west side of U.S. 1, where the terminal would be located.
Next month, a citizens committee and a technical committee plan to meet at the airport's administration building to chart the terminal's progress.
Edward Wuellner, the authority's executive director, said Amtrak once offered passenger service along the East Coast of Florida, but that ended after a bitter railroad strike during the 1960s.
''We've been working on this project for at least a year,'' he said. ''The city said they couldn't do this inside city limits and felt it would be better in the county. We called Amtrak and got a $126,000 grant for a feasibility Study.''
A Jacksonville engineering firm will measure ridership forecasts, how money for the project will be raised, what the building should look like and where it will be located. This study should be completed by spring, Wuellner said.
He said the cost will come from a ''public/private partnership,'' if possible.
Jane Covington, FEC's director of communications, said Amtrak and FEC have agreed on most major provisions of the arrangement.
''There are a number of issues, but both sides are really, really close,'' she said. ''The state still has to give us the money for the capital improvements.''
Covington said that after the money is secured, it will be at least 10 months before the improvements can be made for one passenger train to begin service.
The improvements include some crossing changes and additional sidings so fast-moving passenger trains don't get delayed by slower-moving freight trains. Slow trains will then be able to pull onto sidings while faster ones fly by on the main track, she said.
''Amtrak is interested in serving the East Coast of Florida with on-time service. The railroads are congested right now and Amtrak service is suffering,'' Covington said. ''We're running a freight operation here. We don't want anything to mess up both our schedules.''
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/012601/new_0126010076.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By PETER GUINTA
Staff Writer
Publication Date: 01/26/01
The nation's largest passenger railroad, Amtrak, may be close to signing an agreement with St. Augustine-based Florida East Coast Railroad to secure an Amtrak station in St. Johns County.
However, the deal depends on the companies' securing $60 million in state Department of Transportation money for capital improvement, mainly new railway side tracks, or sidings.
Kevin Johnson, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said the agreement is moving forward, but isn't yet solid.
''St. Augustine is an excellent destination,'' Johnson said. ''Basically, it will be up to the community to show interest. But there are all kinds of things that have to happen first.''
The state DOT has said stations are possible at Daytona Beach, Titusville, Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Stuart, though that list is very tentative and subject to approval by the Legislature.
An Amtrak station in St. Augustine would most likely be sited at a proposed $10 million to $15 million multimodal transportation center that is planned across U.S. 1 North from the St. Augustine Airport.
This facility, also called a ''consolidated transportation center,'' would jointly house air, bus, train, taxi and rental car companies, with passengers making connections from one mode of transportation to another.
A walkover over U.S. 1 would provide connections to commuter flights at the airport.
The St. Augustine Airport Authority's board of directors has already taken the lead and said it will work with St. Johns County officials to apply for grants to pay for the multimodal center project. The authority already owns land on the west side of U.S. 1, where the terminal would be located.
Next month, a citizens committee and a technical committee plan to meet at the airport's administration building to chart the terminal's progress.
Edward Wuellner, the authority's executive director, said Amtrak once offered passenger service along the East Coast of Florida, but that ended after a bitter railroad strike during the 1960s.
''We've been working on this project for at least a year,'' he said. ''The city said they couldn't do this inside city limits and felt it would be better in the county. We called Amtrak and got a $126,000 grant for a feasibility Study.''
A Jacksonville engineering firm will measure ridership forecasts, how money for the project will be raised, what the building should look like and where it will be located. This study should be completed by spring, Wuellner said.
He said the cost will come from a ''public/private partnership,'' if possible.
Jane Covington, FEC's director of communications, said Amtrak and FEC have agreed on most major provisions of the arrangement.
''There are a number of issues, but both sides are really, really close,'' she said. ''The state still has to give us the money for the capital improvements.''
Covington said that after the money is secured, it will be at least 10 months before the improvements can be made for one passenger train to begin service.
The improvements include some crossing changes and additional sidings so fast-moving passenger trains don't get delayed by slower-moving freight trains. Slow trains will then be able to pull onto sidings while faster ones fly by on the main track, she said.
''Amtrak is interested in serving the East Coast of Florida with on-time service. The railroads are congested right now and Amtrak service is suffering,'' Covington said. ''We're running a freight operation here. We don't want anything to mess up both our schedules.''
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/012601/new_0126010076.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Amtrak, FEC mull passenger train deal
Amtrak, FEC mull passenger train deal
By PETER GUINTA
Staff Writer
Publication Date: 01/26/01
The nation's largest passenger railroad, Amtrak, may be close to signing an agreement with St. Augustine-based Florida East Coast Railroad to secure an Amtrak station in St. Johns County.
However, the deal depends on the companies' securing $60 million in state Department of Transportation money for capital improvement, mainly new railway side tracks, or sidings.
Kevin Johnson, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said the agreement is moving forward, but isn't yet solid.
''St. Augustine is an excellent destination,'' Johnson said. ''Basically, it will be up to the community to show interest. But there are all kinds of things that have to happen first.''
The state DOT has said stations are possible at Daytona Beach, Titusville, Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Stuart, though that list is very tentative and subject to approval by the Legislature.
An Amtrak station in St. Augustine would most likely be sited at a proposed $10 million to $15 million multimodal transportation center that is planned across U.S. 1 North from the St. Augustine Airport.
This facility, also called a ''consolidated transportation center,'' would jointly house air, bus, train, taxi and rental car companies, with passengers making connections from one mode of transportation to another.
A walkover over U.S. 1 would provide connections to commuter flights at the airport.
The St. Augustine Airport Authority's board of directors has already taken the lead and said it will work with St. Johns County officials to apply for grants to pay for the multimodal center project. The authority already owns land on the west side of U.S. 1, where the terminal would be located.
Next month, a citizens committee and a technical committee plan to meet at the airport's administration building to chart the terminal's progress.
Edward Wuellner, the authority's executive director, said Amtrak once offered passenger service along the East Coast of Florida, but that ended after a bitter railroad strike during the 1960s.
''We've been working on this project for at least a year,'' he said. ''The city said they couldn't do this inside city limits and felt it would be better in the county. We called Amtrak and got a $126,000 grant for a feasibility Study.''
A Jacksonville engineering firm will measure ridership forecasts, how money for the project will be raised, what the building should look like and where it will be located. This study should be completed by spring, Wuellner said.
He said the cost will come from a ''public/private partnership,'' if possible.
Jane Covington, FEC's director of communications, said Amtrak and FEC have agreed on most major provisions of the arrangement.
''There are a number of issues, but both sides are really, really close,'' she said. ''The state still has to give us the money for the capital improvements.''
Covington said that after the money is secured, it will be at least 10 months before the improvements can be made for one passenger train to begin service.
The improvements include some crossing changes and additional sidings so fast-moving passenger trains don't get delayed by slower-moving freight trains. Slow trains will then be able to pull onto sidings while faster ones fly by on the main track, she said.
''Amtrak is interested in serving the East Coast of Florida with on-time service. The railroads are congested right now and Amtrak service is suffering,'' Covington said. ''We're running a freight operation here. We don't want anything to mess up both our schedules.''
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/012601/new_0126010076.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By PETER GUINTA
Staff Writer
Publication Date: 01/26/01
The nation's largest passenger railroad, Amtrak, may be close to signing an agreement with St. Augustine-based Florida East Coast Railroad to secure an Amtrak station in St. Johns County.
However, the deal depends on the companies' securing $60 million in state Department of Transportation money for capital improvement, mainly new railway side tracks, or sidings.
Kevin Johnson, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said the agreement is moving forward, but isn't yet solid.
''St. Augustine is an excellent destination,'' Johnson said. ''Basically, it will be up to the community to show interest. But there are all kinds of things that have to happen first.''
The state DOT has said stations are possible at Daytona Beach, Titusville, Melbourne, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Stuart, though that list is very tentative and subject to approval by the Legislature.
An Amtrak station in St. Augustine would most likely be sited at a proposed $10 million to $15 million multimodal transportation center that is planned across U.S. 1 North from the St. Augustine Airport.
This facility, also called a ''consolidated transportation center,'' would jointly house air, bus, train, taxi and rental car companies, with passengers making connections from one mode of transportation to another.
A walkover over U.S. 1 would provide connections to commuter flights at the airport.
The St. Augustine Airport Authority's board of directors has already taken the lead and said it will work with St. Johns County officials to apply for grants to pay for the multimodal center project. The authority already owns land on the west side of U.S. 1, where the terminal would be located.
Next month, a citizens committee and a technical committee plan to meet at the airport's administration building to chart the terminal's progress.
Edward Wuellner, the authority's executive director, said Amtrak once offered passenger service along the East Coast of Florida, but that ended after a bitter railroad strike during the 1960s.
''We've been working on this project for at least a year,'' he said. ''The city said they couldn't do this inside city limits and felt it would be better in the county. We called Amtrak and got a $126,000 grant for a feasibility Study.''
A Jacksonville engineering firm will measure ridership forecasts, how money for the project will be raised, what the building should look like and where it will be located. This study should be completed by spring, Wuellner said.
He said the cost will come from a ''public/private partnership,'' if possible.
Jane Covington, FEC's director of communications, said Amtrak and FEC have agreed on most major provisions of the arrangement.
''There are a number of issues, but both sides are really, really close,'' she said. ''The state still has to give us the money for the capital improvements.''
Covington said that after the money is secured, it will be at least 10 months before the improvements can be made for one passenger train to begin service.
The improvements include some crossing changes and additional sidings so fast-moving passenger trains don't get delayed by slower-moving freight trains. Slow trains will then be able to pull onto sidings while faster ones fly by on the main track, she said.
''Amtrak is interested in serving the East Coast of Florida with on-time service. The railroads are congested right now and Amtrak service is suffering,'' Covington said. ''We're running a freight operation here. We don't want anything to mess up both our schedules.''
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/012601/new_0126010076.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
New High-Speed Rail Proposal: From NYC to DC in Two Hours
New High-Speed Rail Proposal: From NYC to DC in Two Hours
June 2, 2008
The following is a statement by NYC Mayor Bloomberg regarding Congressman John Mica’s plan for a high-speed rail service from Washington DC, to New York City. The proposed high-speed rail would take passengers from NYC to DC in two hours.
“I met with Congressman John Mica of Florida, the Ranking Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, who briefed me on his plan to encourage proposals to bring high-speed rail service to New York. Congressman Mica’s plan makes a great deal of sense and I strongly support it. High speed rail service could cut the travel time between New York and Washington to only two hours. This would encourage more people to take the train, which simultaneously would relieve congestion at New York City airports and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
“Congressman Mica’s plan, which is included in the House Amtrak re-authorization bill, would solicit proposals - including proposals from the private sector - to build the high speed rail service. Those proposals would be evaluated and presented to Congress for further action. Soliciting and considering proposals is an important and necessary first step toward determining the feasibility of this initiative.
“Congressman Mica’s plan demonstrates the kind of ambitious, pragmatic thinking about our future that guided PlaNYC and that Building America’s Future - my coalition with Governors Rendell and Schwarzenegger - is asking Congress to provide. Investing in modern mass transportation is critical to New York’s future, and all options should be on the table. No idea should be ignored or dismissed simply because it is ambitious. That is not how America’s greatest infrastructure marvels - from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Grand Coulee Dam - got built.”
June 2, 2008
The following is a statement by NYC Mayor Bloomberg regarding Congressman John Mica’s plan for a high-speed rail service from Washington DC, to New York City. The proposed high-speed rail would take passengers from NYC to DC in two hours.
“I met with Congressman John Mica of Florida, the Ranking Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, who briefed me on his plan to encourage proposals to bring high-speed rail service to New York. Congressman Mica’s plan makes a great deal of sense and I strongly support it. High speed rail service could cut the travel time between New York and Washington to only two hours. This would encourage more people to take the train, which simultaneously would relieve congestion at New York City airports and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
“Congressman Mica’s plan, which is included in the House Amtrak re-authorization bill, would solicit proposals - including proposals from the private sector - to build the high speed rail service. Those proposals would be evaluated and presented to Congress for further action. Soliciting and considering proposals is an important and necessary first step toward determining the feasibility of this initiative.
“Congressman Mica’s plan demonstrates the kind of ambitious, pragmatic thinking about our future that guided PlaNYC and that Building America’s Future - my coalition with Governors Rendell and Schwarzenegger - is asking Congress to provide. Investing in modern mass transportation is critical to New York’s future, and all options should be on the table. No idea should be ignored or dismissed simply because it is ambitious. That is not how America’s greatest infrastructure marvels - from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Grand Coulee Dam - got built.”
St. Augustine sells 'toxic soil' to county landfill
St. Augustine sells 'toxic soil' to county landfill
By Ryan Smith, Fernandina Beach News-Leader
A plan for Nassau County to accept landfill cover soil from St. Augustine has drawn fire from critics who say the material may be unsafe.
The Nassau County Commission approved an agreement with the city of St. Augustine May 12 to accept the cover soil.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection ordered St. Augustine to remove the material from its landfill due to high levels of contaminants. Unable to use its landfill, St. Augustine approached Nassau County, which has a Class 1 landfill - a landfill capable of safely handling toxic material - for relief. St. Augustine has committed to screening the soil to remove solid waste prior to sending it to Nassau County.
"I don't think it's a question of 'it's not safe,' because there were analyses done and a written opinion by DEP that it's safe to be used as cover," said Nassau County Coordinator Ed Sealover. "We spent a fair amount of time with DEP and with our own engineers discussing this, and we don't feel it's any health hazard whatsoever. ... We spent a lot of time to make sure that it was blessed, so to speak, by DEP."
Sealover drew a distinction between the cover soil and "toxic waste." He said while the cover soil may have low levels of toxic material in it, a Class 1 landfill is designed to handle those levels safely. Once screened, the dirt's toxin levels should be comfortably within the landfill's limits.
However, some question whether the screening process is thorough enough to remove all the toxins in the soil. "They haven't screened (the soil) yet, and the process hasn't been tested yet," said St. Augustine activist Ed Slavin.
"The testing (St. Augustine) did originally wasn't done well," said St. Augustine Sierra Club member Dwight Hines. "The main thing is you should know what you're getting - arsenic and toxic elements."
In fact, a report on June 2006 field-testing does mention that arsenic was detected in one surface sample and two subsurface samples. The report describes the arsenic levels in the unscreened samples as "above the residential cleanup target level ... but below the commercial/industrial CTL."
Slavin and Hines have been fighting the DEP and St. Augustine on the waste issue. In a response to St. Augustine's report on toxin levels, Hines claimed the city's tests were not performed in accordance with generally accepted scientific procedure. He said that although the city tested the material for toxins, there were "quantitative and qualitative deficiencies" in the testing method, including failure to analyze samples within the required timeframe and breaks in the chain of custody.
Sealover insisted the cover dirt would be safe. "We were not going to bring it before the board (of commissioners) unless we were certain it posed no health hazard," he said.
Slavin, Hines and others are currently suing the city of St. Augustine for illegally dumping the waste in the city's old reservoir, as well as the DEP for failing to take adequate action against the city. In fact, Slavin said, St. Augustine is only partnering with Nassau County because the city was legally compelled to remove the waste.
"The DEP ordered the stuff be removed. ... The city fought putting the stuff in a Class 1 landfill and insisted on putting it in Lincolnville (a historically African-American neighborhood), which is environmental racism," Slavin said.
When St. Augustine was ordered to remove the waste, it approached Nassau County
and an agreement was struck
for the county to take the dirt after St. Augustine has screened it. The county will even make money on the deal - St. Augustine is paying $1 a ton to get rid of the dirt.
Commissioner Jim B. Higginbotham said he recognizes the controversy, but relies on expert advice. "Where are you supposed to stop (questioning)?" he said. "Are you supposed to say that the DEP is screwed up as well? ... We've just got to stay within the realm of 'who do we trust?' The DEP says, 'We don't have a problem with it if you do it this way.'"
Should environmental questions arise, the county's agreement with St. Augustine is not binding. "It's not a contract ... we have the right to cease and desist at any time," Sealover said. "It can only be used as cover material on a very specific site out at the landfill. ... If there's any suspicion on our part (that the dirt is toxic), we will cease receipt of the dirt."
Commissioner Mike Boyle did not attend the May 12 meeting.
rsmith@fbnewsleader.com
By Ryan Smith, Fernandina Beach News-Leader
A plan for Nassau County to accept landfill cover soil from St. Augustine has drawn fire from critics who say the material may be unsafe.
The Nassau County Commission approved an agreement with the city of St. Augustine May 12 to accept the cover soil.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection ordered St. Augustine to remove the material from its landfill due to high levels of contaminants. Unable to use its landfill, St. Augustine approached Nassau County, which has a Class 1 landfill - a landfill capable of safely handling toxic material - for relief. St. Augustine has committed to screening the soil to remove solid waste prior to sending it to Nassau County.
"I don't think it's a question of 'it's not safe,' because there were analyses done and a written opinion by DEP that it's safe to be used as cover," said Nassau County Coordinator Ed Sealover. "We spent a fair amount of time with DEP and with our own engineers discussing this, and we don't feel it's any health hazard whatsoever. ... We spent a lot of time to make sure that it was blessed, so to speak, by DEP."
Sealover drew a distinction between the cover soil and "toxic waste." He said while the cover soil may have low levels of toxic material in it, a Class 1 landfill is designed to handle those levels safely. Once screened, the dirt's toxin levels should be comfortably within the landfill's limits.
However, some question whether the screening process is thorough enough to remove all the toxins in the soil. "They haven't screened (the soil) yet, and the process hasn't been tested yet," said St. Augustine activist Ed Slavin.
"The testing (St. Augustine) did originally wasn't done well," said St. Augustine Sierra Club member Dwight Hines. "The main thing is you should know what you're getting - arsenic and toxic elements."
In fact, a report on June 2006 field-testing does mention that arsenic was detected in one surface sample and two subsurface samples. The report describes the arsenic levels in the unscreened samples as "above the residential cleanup target level ... but below the commercial/industrial CTL."
Slavin and Hines have been fighting the DEP and St. Augustine on the waste issue. In a response to St. Augustine's report on toxin levels, Hines claimed the city's tests were not performed in accordance with generally accepted scientific procedure. He said that although the city tested the material for toxins, there were "quantitative and qualitative deficiencies" in the testing method, including failure to analyze samples within the required timeframe and breaks in the chain of custody.
Sealover insisted the cover dirt would be safe. "We were not going to bring it before the board (of commissioners) unless we were certain it posed no health hazard," he said.
Slavin, Hines and others are currently suing the city of St. Augustine for illegally dumping the waste in the city's old reservoir, as well as the DEP for failing to take adequate action against the city. In fact, Slavin said, St. Augustine is only partnering with Nassau County because the city was legally compelled to remove the waste.
"The DEP ordered the stuff be removed. ... The city fought putting the stuff in a Class 1 landfill and insisted on putting it in Lincolnville (a historically African-American neighborhood), which is environmental racism," Slavin said.
When St. Augustine was ordered to remove the waste, it approached Nassau County
and an agreement was struck
for the county to take the dirt after St. Augustine has screened it. The county will even make money on the deal - St. Augustine is paying $1 a ton to get rid of the dirt.
Commissioner Jim B. Higginbotham said he recognizes the controversy, but relies on expert advice. "Where are you supposed to stop (questioning)?" he said. "Are you supposed to say that the DEP is screwed up as well? ... We've just got to stay within the realm of 'who do we trust?' The DEP says, 'We don't have a problem with it if you do it this way.'"
Should environmental questions arise, the county's agreement with St. Augustine is not binding. "It's not a contract ... we have the right to cease and desist at any time," Sealover said. "It can only be used as cover material on a very specific site out at the landfill. ... If there's any suspicion on our part (that the dirt is toxic), we will cease receipt of the dirt."
Commissioner Mike Boyle did not attend the May 12 meeting.
rsmith@fbnewsleader.com
As an earlier article noted, our City has not done anything about boarded-up shacks for 15 years, acting only when new residents moved in
This is typical of the Environmental Racism of the gang of bumbling boobies in City Hall. They have all the grace of a dancing Clydesdale, but not enough sense to come in out of the rain. See below
City tearing down dilapidated houses
City tearing down dilapidated houses
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/02/08
As City of St. Augustine workers manually demolished the small, crumbling shell of a home at 124 Bravo St., slowly breaking away the structure's concrete blocks and stacking them on the bed of a pickup truck, neighbors saw it as a good sign.
"I think we're all glad to see the city moving on this," said Peter Romano, Lincolnville Neighborhood Association president. "Everybody in Lincolnville wants the neighborhood to look good and be safe."
The city is tackling the issue of 50 dilapidated, abandoned homes in the Lincolnville neighborhood after clamoring from residents.
In February, city staff put together a list of the 50 homes at the request of Mayor Joe Boles. The buildings were ranked, and the bottom two, one being 124 Bravo St., were set for demolition, said Mark Knight, city planning and building department director. The other home is at 54 Lovett St.
The houses were both found to be in violation of city code, and the Code Enforcement Board told the owners to either fix their buildings or the city will tear them down, Knight said. The property owners decided it would cost too much to renovate the homes, so they agreed to demolish the buildings.
City staff took down the house at 124 Bravo St., by hand to save money, Knight said.
Knight said the city is a doing structural analysis on six other homes to determine if they too could be demolished. Also, the property owner at 158 Twine St., another building on the list, has requested the city tear down the structure, Knight said.
Code Enforcement can act only if the run-down home is unsafe, such as if it were about to fall onto a neighbor's house or if it is a public nuisance, such as a drug house or a homeless hangout. The city can also do minimum repairs to keep the house from falling down and board it up.
About half the homes on the list are owned by families, some of whom can't afford to maintain the homes, and half owned by investors. The houses are spread throughout Lincolnville and not confined to just one section.
The neighborhood has increasingly become gentrified over the last decade with new families moving in and spending thousands, and sometimes millions, to renovate homes.
Some life-long Lincolnville residents, such as Linda James, feel the city made the issue a priority only when new residents complained.
But City Commissioner Errol Jones, also a Lincolnville resident, said that's not what led the city to address the problem. He says public safety trumps the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
"We're asking, is it safe?" he said. "We're not looking at old homes and saying, 'They look really bad; let's tear them down.'"
Mayor Joe Boles also said the city isn't trying to step on people's property rights, but some of the homes have been empty for years, and family members who have inherited the property haven't made improvements.
"Sometimes Grandma's house is in bad shape. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it," Boles said. "And in these economic times it's even harder to do something about it."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060208/news_txt03_002.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/02/08
As City of St. Augustine workers manually demolished the small, crumbling shell of a home at 124 Bravo St., slowly breaking away the structure's concrete blocks and stacking them on the bed of a pickup truck, neighbors saw it as a good sign.
"I think we're all glad to see the city moving on this," said Peter Romano, Lincolnville Neighborhood Association president. "Everybody in Lincolnville wants the neighborhood to look good and be safe."
The city is tackling the issue of 50 dilapidated, abandoned homes in the Lincolnville neighborhood after clamoring from residents.
In February, city staff put together a list of the 50 homes at the request of Mayor Joe Boles. The buildings were ranked, and the bottom two, one being 124 Bravo St., were set for demolition, said Mark Knight, city planning and building department director. The other home is at 54 Lovett St.
The houses were both found to be in violation of city code, and the Code Enforcement Board told the owners to either fix their buildings or the city will tear them down, Knight said. The property owners decided it would cost too much to renovate the homes, so they agreed to demolish the buildings.
City staff took down the house at 124 Bravo St., by hand to save money, Knight said.
Knight said the city is a doing structural analysis on six other homes to determine if they too could be demolished. Also, the property owner at 158 Twine St., another building on the list, has requested the city tear down the structure, Knight said.
Code Enforcement can act only if the run-down home is unsafe, such as if it were about to fall onto a neighbor's house or if it is a public nuisance, such as a drug house or a homeless hangout. The city can also do minimum repairs to keep the house from falling down and board it up.
About half the homes on the list are owned by families, some of whom can't afford to maintain the homes, and half owned by investors. The houses are spread throughout Lincolnville and not confined to just one section.
The neighborhood has increasingly become gentrified over the last decade with new families moving in and spending thousands, and sometimes millions, to renovate homes.
Some life-long Lincolnville residents, such as Linda James, feel the city made the issue a priority only when new residents complained.
But City Commissioner Errol Jones, also a Lincolnville resident, said that's not what led the city to address the problem. He says public safety trumps the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
"We're asking, is it safe?" he said. "We're not looking at old homes and saying, 'They look really bad; let's tear them down.'"
Mayor Joe Boles also said the city isn't trying to step on people's property rights, but some of the homes have been empty for years, and family members who have inherited the property haven't made improvements.
"Sometimes Grandma's house is in bad shape. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it," Boles said. "And in these economic times it's even harder to do something about it."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/060208/news_txt03_002.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
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