Jacksonville, FL

Chickie Wickie showed up in our back yard two years ago. I think she likes us. She’s still here. We have no idea where she came from.

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I felt sad when I read that Dave Flagler, chief at the Jacksonville Animal Care and Control Center is resigning. An article in The Florida Times Union says Flagler told the paper on Thursday he was “unclear” about the reasons he was asked to resign.

I met Flagler on the phone two years ago when I was doing a story for the Times Union about a chicken that flew over our fence, landed in our oak tree and decided to adopt us. He answered my questions patiently—he is the first person I’ve heard use the reference “feral chicken.”

What really came through as I talked to Flagler was his concern for animals. I don’t know the ins and outs of political appointments, but I think homeless animals in our area lost a great advocate. Hopefully, Flagler will continue his efforts by working in the private sector.

As for our “feral chicken,” she is fearless. Our hound dog does not willingly cross her path. She sleeps in the trees and comes up to the door every morning, demanding food.

Otherwise, she doesn’t want to be touched. Those who try seek first aid soon after.

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Recently a car crashed through the back fence of my neighbor’s yard. The driver appeared to have injuries, with glass shards in his face and bruises. I’ve often wondered who picked up the tab for the fence he destroyed, the outbuilding he leveled, and damages to shrubbery and trees. Cars routinely speed down Loretto Road. Speeding incidents increase dramatically late at night.

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I’ve received letters and notices in the mail about Personal Injury Protection. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents sums it up tidily. “Originally enacted in 1971, Automobile No-Fault Insurance, also known as PIP (Personal Injury Protection), is a required coverage under Florida law. It covers the insured driver and passengers for accident-related injuries, regardless of fault, with payment made directly to the insured(s) by his/her own insurer. Unless reenacted, the No-Fault system will cease to exist (sunset) October 1, 2007.”

The Florida Times-Union reports area hospitals are upset about the expiration of PIP, noting, “Hospitals rely on the mandatory medical coverage provided by auto insurers to help pay for care provided to accident victims, especially those without health insurance.”

Health insurance companies probably won’t be too happy if the No-Fault insurance sunsets, because that will increase their own claims.

Right now, there’s a lot of room for improvement in PIP. I am required to buy this insurance, even if I don’t need it, since I have health insurance. But in general, PIP is viewed as an opportunity for fraud and inflated billings. Everyone is familiar with the whiplash scenario. You have a minor scrape in traffic and suddenly the very healthy person you bumped into has a slew of medical problems.

Here’s a really intriguing aspect of PIP, pointed out by the Times-Union: If the PIP law is allowed to sunset, Florida motorists who are considered “safe drivers” will not be required to buy auto insurance, said Julie Baker, spokeswoman with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A safe driver is a motorist who has had no driving convictions (such as speeding fines) in the past three years, or had his license revoked or suspended in the past seven years.

I’d say this is a pretty important issue. Legislators need to address it. (Text and Photo by Kay B. Day)

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Florida Times-Union investigative reporter Beth Kormanik studied 18 months of calendars, meeting notices and minutes issued by the Jacksonville City Council. Apparently council members gathered at a number of restaurants like Woody’s Bar.B.Q., and also at bars like The Twisted Martini. The public wasn’t invited to wine or dine at these events, and if official council business was discussed, a violation of the Sunshine Law may have occurred.

On Friday, popular Times-Union columnist Mark Woods penned humorous commentary about these off-site gatherings.

State Attorney Harry Shorstein has presented the Duval County grand jury with some information about potential infringement of the law by council members. Shorstein told the Times-Union it may take “about a month” for the jury panel to decide whether further action is warranted.

The paper says council President Michael Corrigan (shown in photo above) introduced an ordinance this week to ensure compliance with the law.

Florida has had a “Sunshine Law” in some form or another since 1909 with the passage of the Public Records Law. At the present time, the City Council Web site has an expansive collection of information available.

Hopefully, the Grand Jury will a close look at what Kormanik found. Rules for conducting the city’s business in an open and public manner are non-negotiable. (text by Kay B. Day; Corrigan photo from City of Jacksonville Web site)

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