Citizen Comments

To make a comment, please visit our Issues of Concern page. Comments will be posted Monday - Friday on a daily basis when at all possible with the newest comments at the top of the page. Thanks for visiting www.keysso.net

10/6/08 - 8:04 p.m.

I live in Big Coppitt and travel every day to Gerald Adams. Recently there have been a few accidents accross from Murray's Marina. I am wondering if this  should be a place where it would be only a left turn if coming north bound accross US 1 during  "off hours"  . Drivers from Stock Island turning left there do not seem to realize the driver turning right has the right, of way as well as that is a sharp turn and you almost have to stop before you  turn . Often drivers think you are stopping for them to cross US 1 and then they go which can result into an accident.  I do not feel totally safe at that intersection. Just a thought.....

6/9 - 8:22 p.m.

I would like to start by thanking all of you for helping make Key Largo the safe place it is today. With the rising prices of everything and everyone I grew up with here, moving away! You helped my wife and I make the decision to raise our children here an easy one. I would also like to thank Officer Perez for removing the Bible Thumpers from handing out lit. in front of Key Largo School. (I don't believe they should change the pledge of allegiance, but my children will have the opportunity to chose thier own religion) I know that you ALL deal with the worst of society everyday! and people only call on you when all else has failed and then get upset at you for doing your duty. But some of us that have lived here for over 30 years, can definatly see the differance you make! I have called dispatch more than once for speeders behind the yellow bait house, and everytime, within minutes they have someone pulled over right in front of my house. I stand outside and laugh! When I was little my Dad taught me to have RESPECT for my neighborhood, but everyone they pull over lives right here! maybe the DMV should institute an I.Q. Test! What would be the possibility of having speed bumps installed on the Michelle Dr.? Can you please forward my inquiry to the correct agency regarding this. Anyway THANK YOU! From myself, my wife, and both of my children! THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

J. Horvath
Key Largo, Florida

5/14 - 11:19 a.m.

I was wondering if maybe you could answer or help me to find out information on the alcohol breath test.
I was informed that each time a person blows into the machine that they must reset the machine, other wise you could get a  false read. They also said that you must not put anything in your mouth, explain: drink water, or caffine, or smoke a cig. Could you please help me to understand this as there seems to be some confusion on this  test.

Answer:   I am Deputy Luis Blasco with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Enforcement Unit.  Becky Herrin had asked me to contact you in reference to your email. I will be more than happy to do the best I can to answer your questions.

First of all, in the State of Florida uses the CMI Intoxilyzer 8000 which is the instrument currently being used for evidentiary breath samples. The intoxilyzer is an instrument not a machine, because its primary function is analysis.

Q: I was informed that each time a person blows into the machine that they must reset the machine, other wise you could get a false read.

A: What happens is once the instrument is turned on a series of self diagnostics is performed prior to its use, commonly called the start up sequence.  If the instrument passes all the self checks then it is ready to be used. The first step is to enter the subject’s information along with the purpose of the test and operator’s information along with the arresting officer’s information.  At this time the start test sequence is activated and another self-diagnostic test is done. After the self-diagnostic test, then a control test with a known gas standard of .08 is introduced into the instrument (which is another form of self testing) is performed. The reading for the control .08 test must be +- .005, must read .075-.085 to proceed further, otherwise an alert that the control test was out of tolerance will emit from the instrument.  The chamber in the instrument is then cleared via what we call an air blank and at this time the chamber reading is taken and has to read .000.  The instrument will indicate that it is ready for a sample and then we ask the subject to blow into a tube attached to the instrument where it will analyze the sample and provide a readout of the value. The instrument will then conduct an air blank to clear the sample chamber and again a .000 reading is obtained to verify the chamber is clear, the instrument will then wait a couple of minutes and again conduct an air blank where a .000 reading is obtained to verify again that the sample chamber is clear.  The subject is again requested to provide a second breath sample and the process is repeated. After the sample is obtained an air blank is conducted to clear the sample chamber and a control test is conducted using a .080 dry gas standard that is attached to the instrument, (it is a small canister that is attached to the instrument and changed out whenever the dry gas standard runs low) the reading again must be +- .005 again must read .075-.085 to be within control tolerance.  Then an air blank is conducted and the chamber is cleared to .000. The test is complete at this point and per FDLE (Florida Dept of Law Enforcement) guidelines, your 2 breath samples are conducted.
This is the entire procedure for getting a breath sample. There is no resetting unless the instrument indicates that the diagnostics did not pass, if it did not pass you would not be able to get a sample until the instrument passes all self check diagnostics.  The diagnostics print out as part of the test so you can see that is has a lot of internal checks and balances.

Q: They also said that you must not put anything in your mouth, explain: drink water, or caffine, or smoke a
cig.

A: Per FDLE requirements, the subject is asked, prior to a 20 minute observation period, if they have any jewelry in their mouth such as tongue rings. As well, they are also asked if they have any gum, tobacco products, dentures, partials…etc. If so, they are required to clear their mouths. The subject cannot have anything to drink, such as water or anything else during the observation period. This is to make sure their mouth is free and clear of anything, and also to make sure they don’t have any mouth alcohol products. Mouth alcohol, like cough syrup, Listerine products, will usually dissipate within a few minutes. But, per FDLE standards, we conduct a 20 minute observation period to ensure nothing is in their mouth.

I hope this clears up any questions, please feel free to email Becky back. If you would like to see the actual breath tests results conducted. It is public record on the FDLE website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/atp/publicrecords.htm. There you will find the instruments in Monroe County. Our number are 867,868, 869,870 and 1254. This covers the evidentiary instruments, not the Portable Breath Test devices, which the Sheriff’s Office Deputies use on drivers under 21 suspected of having consumed alcoholic beverages. There are administrative sanctions not criminal penalties for drivers under 21 years of age with a breath alcohol content of .020 or above. This is the primary purpose of the Portable Breath Test devices.

Sincerely,

Deputy Luis Blasco
DRE/DUI Instructor
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Traffic Unit

5/10 at 9:54 a.m.

My family resides on Coconut Drive (off Cypress Avenue).  A few days ago while walking my own dogs, I witnessed a truck (driving from the back, residential area of Cypress Avenue) run over my neighbors young Australian Shepherd dog and killed it.  It was absolutely a horrible sight.  The driver of the truck was going faster than he should have.  Unfortunately, this is happening more and more in our neighborhood.  My own dog was hit this past October and suffered a broken pelvis along with two other neighbors dogs (one was injured and the other was also killed in the same area on Cypress)!  I am speaking primarily for my area but the speeding also happens on the main road (Key Haven Road). 

Most of these drivers that are speeding are driving too fast in their own neighborhoods. "Speeders" aren't bad guys from somewhere else -- most are our neighbors and friends, responsible people like ourselves who are committed to safe, peaceful neighborhoods.  One resident (towards the end of Cypress Avenue) is a daycare worker and you would be amazed at how many "mothers" drop their infants/toddlers off and speed down Cypress so they are not late for work in the early morning! 
 
Speeding is a bad habit, and we need to help each other break it. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED TO A CHILD???  There are many residents with young children that live directly on Cypress Avenue!  We have a responsibility to the residents -- particularly the children and pets -- living here on Key Haven. 

I have spoken to our neighbors and we wanted to see what the guidelines were to have speed bumps installed on this street.  I know of a few streets in the front section of Key Haven that have them but I am not sure if they were installed publicly or privately by the residents.

Answer: I’ll pass this along to our Traffic Enforcement Division and to our Sector One Road Patrol.

For speed bumps, you need to talk to Monroe County. They are the ones that would need to grant approval, I believe. Speed bumps can certainly be effective. If you don’t have them, you could request some “Children Playing” signs be placed strategically.

I should also comment, however, that people with dogs do need to make sure they are not running loose. Dogs should be in a fenced yard, or on  a leash. A dog running loose is not only dangerous for the dog, but for the drivers of cars they might dart out in front of. Many accidents are caused by dogs running out into the roadway.

Thank you for sharing your concerns.
Becky Herrin
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

May 11, 2008 - 12:59 p.m.

With the skyrocketing cost of fuel I wonder why the Sheriff's fleet of cars is not starting to downsize. I understand cruisers need to carry extra weight and have terrific power, but surely the cars driven by administrators and none patrol staff can be more fuel efficient, maybe even electric or hybrid.

Answer: Sheriff's Office vehicles begin their life as road patrol cars. Deputies drive them for a number of years and, when they are no longer sufficient for that purpose, they are assigned to detectives, the stripes and lights are removed and they are left plain white in color. Once they are used by detectives for a number of years, they are reassigned to some administrators whose jobs qualify them for an assigned car. Generally, these are people who are called upon to travel frequently for their duties. The administrators drive them until they die, or until they are judged to be costing more to maintain than they are worth. At that point, they are auctioned off.I should note that even the Sheriff drives a car that is first cycled through road patrol and detectives.

Most Sheriff's Office cars are driven for at least 125,000 miles and often more than that. We generally only purchase an average of 20 replacement cars per year, sometimes less depending on the need. Purchasing a fleet of new "hybrid" or "electric" vehicles just for administrators would prove to be too costly to taxpayers. We have begun offering supplemental pay in lieu of a vehicle and some administrators are taking that option.

April 24, 1:22 p.m.

Re: Key Largo School Students &
Bicycle Helmets

I drive to Key Largo School everyday.  In the last year I have noticed that many students who ride their bicycles on the bike path to school ARE NOT WEARING HELMETS.  There have been several "near misses" when cars pulling off U.S.1 encountered the bicycle riders and this could have resulted in terrible injury to the rider's heads, had they been hit by the car.  Thank goodness this didn't happen. 

Florida Statutes say that "A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger's head by a strap, and that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z 90.4 Bicycle Helmet Standards)..." 
It also goes on to say "Law enforcement officers and school crossing guards may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection. A bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection may be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer and assessed a fine for a pedestrian violation, as provided in ' 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider or passenger for a first violation of paragraph (d) upon proof of purchase of a bicycle helmet that complies with this subsection."

Please note: These students ride by the crossing guard everyday and ride on school grounds in front of teachers, without their helmets.  I'm not advocating issuing a citation, but a warning from an authority figure (Sheriff) might make a big difference in life or death.  Perhaps you can work something out with the school principal.

I'm writing as a concerned and caring parent, not to stir up trouble. I'd hate to see something happen to one of these children.  Thank you.

April 24, 1 p.m.

To: Sheriff Roth & Key Largo Deputies
From: A Key Largo Mom
Re:  THANK YOU!

I would like to thank the Sheriff Deputies who routinely park on U.S. 1 (VISIBLY) in front of Key Largo School in the morning and afternoon.  Having you there makes most people obey the 20 mph speed.  On the few occasions when you are not present, most drivers DO NOT obey the 20 mph limit, so your presence does make a difference.   Thank you from all of us concerned parents.

April 11, 2008 - 1:25 p.m.

Speed kills.
That was a slogan years ago [like "arrive alive"] put out by the FHP among others.
Stat's show that driving over the speedlimit is a common thread linking fatal and or all serious traffic accidents, as is alcohol.
So I don't at all feel sorry for someone going 65 in a 45 mph zone as there are no 65 mph posted areas in the entire Keys.
We are stuck with a main road [us1] mostly without real turn lanes.
Where it is posted 45 mph you should drive 45 or less and let the people trying to turn left or right off useless 1 do so safely.
Thank's to the MCSO Dep who gave the citation to them.
I think we should invest more in training and Radar/speed clocking devices for our Deputies and sell off some of our coparitively useless equipment like planes, grandios rolling "Command Centers", etc.
That stuff didn't stop a armed Cuban Patrol boat from docking at the KW port did they????
Radar, etc., and the training that goes with the tech. would save lives AND generate revenue.
They do it up North in Dade [especialy Medly] and turn a good buck with it. gordonkahl13@yahoo.com

March 4, 2008 - 5:25 p.m.

On the evening of feb. 25 we were stopped on HWY 1 for speeding.   we were  tourists visiting from The Toledo Ohio area returning from a day in Key West to our room in Islmadora.  The stars were out so brightly that we found a road to pull off on so we could gaze.  Pulling back on I observed headlights coming toward us heading in the same direction as we were about to resume.  I accelerated with a sense of urgency to make sure I didn't slow down the oncoming traffic.  Poor timing, I did so in front of a sherrif.  65 in a 45 he had me and I didn't argue.  I had some idea of the speed limits, I'd been observing them all day because I knew the community has a low tolerance.  I hadn't been traveling at 65 before nor would I have continued.  It's just not a highway that feels safe at that speed under any circumstance let alone at night.   we were first time visitors not familiar with the road.  Out of respect for the obvious I did not challenge the officer, I admitted my violatiion.  Did I get a ticket?  Yes.  A warning would have been nice, maybe a little more opportunity to discuss the situation.  But how am I to feel about $213.00??  Not so friendly to the people coming down to spend their discretionary money with all the choices available for vacation destinations.  jtrutter1@bex.net

February 12, 2008 - 2:50 p.m.

Could you please respond to the question that was asked on Jan 26th about the concern of Mrs. Downs using the web page as her personal site running for sheriff. Is this a violation of law or copy right violation.  Just wondering?

Answer:

The Sheriff's attorneys have advised us that this use of the MCSO website graphics may well be in violation of copyright law. However, the Sheriff is not inclined to pursue the matter where there is clearly no danger that the public will be misled or confused.

February 9, 2008 - 8:19 p.m.

I have a question in regards to parking on private property.  I live in stadium trailors and I have a no parking/tow away zone sign permenately installed.  What rights do I have to have cars towed when they ignore the sign and park during baseball/football and other events at the ball fields across the street?  It has gotten so bad that I either get blocked in and cant' get out or when I get home I can't park at my residence.

I live in Lot M that is right on 14th St. now Glynn Archer Jr. Drive.

Mr. Timothy Radun

Answer from the KWPD:

Mr. Radun

Stadium Trailer is private property and is governed by the property managers/owners. The City only has jurisdiction over Handicapped parking; nothing else. If you have any questions relating to parking you should direct them to the property managers/owners

Sincerely,  Sgt. Frank Blasberg, KWPD Traffic

January 26, 2008 - 2:25 p.m.

I have a concern...It may not be about law enforcement in particular; however, I find it very disrespectful to the hard working deputies on the road and in the jail, that we have a Sheriff candidate using the MCSO webpage background on her personal website for her campaign. I believe our deputies are greatly under paid for their hard work. I believe Sandra Downs is commiting a act against the law for using the web page when she has yet (which I dought she will) received the title of Sheriff and receive permission for the use of the page that MSCO employees have worked so hard to put together.

September 16, 2007 - 2:16 p.m.

Key Largo, Most importantly, I would like to see a wrecked car displayed to raise public awareness about DUI, just like you used to do in the 1990's (I was hit twice in late 2006)Thank you Sgt. Tom Kiffney for saving my life in Jan
2007. I'd like to see you sitting in Roth's chair someday.(for many reasons)

And thank you Islamorada unit for recovering my stolen property back in Dec. 2003. I detest thieves from the mainland.

There appears to be PLENTY of traffic enforcement from MM106-MM82. I am afraid to speed, even slighlty. Considering all the drunks,speeders, red light runners 45MPH is plenty fast. Miami people come down here and
drive like maniacs because thats how they drive up there. It makes me angry when they cut me off just to squeeze into a lane thats going 1/2 mile faster. HELLO, I LEFT DISTANCE BETWEEN CARS FOR A REASON AND THAT REASON IS NOT SO YOU CAN SQUEEZE IN.

Overall the keys is the safest place i've lived.

amorning1@yahoo.com

8/2/2007 - 12:07 p.m.

Is this true? <http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56954>

If it is, count me out of any more trips to the Keys... I'll recommend that my out-of-state friends use the party boats in Ft. 
Lauderdale instead...

I would really like to see an apology for this incident, both from the department and from deputy Perez.

Would the department act the same if the literature being passed out was in support of homosexuality? Pedophilia?

I'm beginning to get used to people not liking me because I love Jesus, but there are a lot of us and we still have money, and it won't get spent in the Keys if this kind of treatment goes unchecked...

W Howard
Homestead

6/20/2007 - 10 p.m.

I am not sure how long ago this program was recorded but I have a few concerns of 2 officers that were featured in Party police. First let me say I cannot and will not tolerate a drunk. A drunk to me is someone who is a danger to hisor herself. However I did notice that a Lt. Tom Brazil was awfully bossy. He seemed to me to want people to mouth off to him for whatever reason and then their is Officer Nelson Sanchez who to me abused his authority because the cameras were rolling. It seemed to me that Officer Sanchez abused his authority by using the term obstruction of justice and public intoxification way to much and as an excuse to handcuff people who were doing nothing. There was one arrest that stood out to me and everyone in my family that Officer Sanchez was out of line. He was questioning someone on how he came to be in the area and the person stated he walked from Miami. This person was not part of any investigation and never did he act in a threatening manner. Officer Sanchez attacked this person without provication and I am hoping that this individual retained an attorney to press charges against Officer Sanchez. I feel the Monroe Sheriffs office did their jobs mostly in a respectable manner. But no officer in any county should be able to treat people with disrespect because someone mouthed off to them. Disrespecting an officer is not illegal and officer Sanchez abused his authority by taking offense to a mouthy person. He took it personally and as far as I am concerned he is a black mark on the whole department. Other then his behavior I was very impressed over the way your office handled that out of control party. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Joe E
Pasco County, Florida

6/13/2007 - 2:30 a.m.

Greetings,

I was watching “Party Police” on Court TV and was ashamed of the way Deputy Nelson Sanchez represented police officers to the viewing audience. In my opinion he was unprofessional in the way that he became too personally involved with the arrests he made. I thought it was ridiculous how he was threatening to shut down the whole sandbar if there was one more fight. I know he does not have the power to make that call, so why is he embellishing his authority? It seems to me like he is a power monger who lacks the people skills required for the position he fills.

I know you didn’t ask for my opinion, and you may disagree; but that’s how I feel, so take it or leave it. Feel free to forward this to Deputy Sanchez, or respond with your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks, Matt

4/20 - 8:20 a.m.

I Know that I am not an American resident and you probably don't care what my opinion is, but I am going to tell you anyway. I can not believe that you would arrest someone for handing out bibles on the street. The America that I know and that so many other people in the world know as a free and democratic society is now becoming a joke as is your department for made up charges aginst Mr.Mirto and Mr.Simpson. You should be ashamed as a police officer and as an American. There are murderers, rapist and pedophiles out on the street but yet you feel that your resources are better spent on harrassing people for passing out bibles. But yet when I turn on the television I see you the American people scholding other countries for the way that they treat there people. I also find it difficult to believe that no one else has written to you about this subject as I have not seen any other complaints about this on your web site or is this another thing that you are trying to sensitize. All I can say is shame on you you public servant .

Pierre

4/20 - 2:10 a.m.

Two members of Gideons International who were arrested in Florida for handing out Bibles on a public sidewalk are battling a second round of charges, after the initial trespassing charges against them were dismissed, but authorities filed a new set. Anthony Mirto and Ernest Simpson of Monroe County were arrested, charged with trespassing, and booked into jail after the school principal called police while the two men were distributing copies of the Bible on a public sidewalk earlier this year.

There was no call for Officer John Perez's angry demeanor, his inappropriate handling of the situation, his abusive treatment of the Gideons, his stopping and arresting them while they were in the process of leaving, his unnecessary towing of the car (parked where many other cars were parked), his handcuffing the men behind their backs, his leaving them cramped in a hot car for nearly an hour (which should never be done to animals, never mind to human beings), nor his mocking the Gideons' religious beliefs stating 'now you can pray to Jesus all the way to jail,'"

If this story is true (which has reached national attention), Officer Perez and the Monroe County sheriff's office has made a serious error, and could face legal ramifications.

Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen Isajesua@yahoo.com

January 25, 2007 - 7:11 a.m.

My concern is the school zone in Marathon for Stanley Switlik. More cones are needed in the east and west (or north and south) bound lanes. When motorists stop at the traffic light and if they are traveling west (or south)it almost appears that the traffic light is the end of the school zone and since I travel this highway sometimes 4 times a day and only travel through in the a.m. when the kids are going to school I really think additional cones are needed. You used to have cones in both lanes and now only one appears in either the east (north) or west (south) bound lanes....Please for the sake of our Marathon children, please add more cones....even one more in each lane would be helpful...

January 22, 2007 - 10:15 p.m.

I think that it should be up to the person arrested if he/she wants their mugshot put on a public website for the entire keys to view if it is not a sexual predator or a burglary crime etc.. I think it is invasion of privacy and it should be up to the person being arrested if they want to be on this website or not. Dade county does not post up pictures of arrests for the not having a driving liscense and I am very upset that every time I tried calling the phone numbers on your website, they give me the run around and they all say they can not help me. Also I was told by the sheriff's office "that if he did the crime to do the time and that they will absolutely not for no reason even think about taking somebodys mug shot off the website." That is a lack of respect to another human being and I feel like the troopers in the keys pull you over for the most silliest reasons. I have friends that will not come down to the keys just because they know that they will leave the keys with a ticket from a trooper. For window tints, for going 10 miles over the speed limit, etc. Aren't they suppose to be fighting crime?? Why are they parking on the side of the road or in intersections just waiting for people to come by?? Don't they have anything better to do than park their cop cars between bushes and hide till we ride by?? what's going on!!! There was a case that I read in the paper down here that a 26 year old key largo resident starved her 1 year old to death! How can something like that pass an entire community by, but we have our law enforcement officers hiding in bushes to issue a ticket for window tints or to harass hispanics to find out if they are illegal!!

February 11, 2006 - 4:32 p.m.

Everyone on Shrimp Rd. from Andy Griffiths,Coral Lagoons(green building and docks),to Ketek and the people who live there are excited about the big cleanup along the road this week. Its all everyones talking about. At work today it was very quiet,not a crack head in sight. Thanks to all the hard working deputies and road crew with clam bucket.Thanks also to the narcotics squad. We were able to see them in action Friday right out front. We all appreciate your efforts and will support you 100% in the future. Thanks again.

finnemore@bellsouth.net

February 2, 2006 - 8:12 p.m.

I work on Stock Island in construction.The sheriffs department is doing an excellent job patroling the area around Lacurva and Shrimp Rd. I've seen great improvement in the area over the past year. I still see drug deals and crack whores almost every day, mostly on Shrimp Rd.,but not the same ones all the time. They seem to dissappear for periods of time and I thank-you. Keep up the good work.

finnemore@bellsouth.net

10/14/2005 - 10:14 p.m.

Hi, speeding again? The last exit to the Bank of America on the old highway, coming southbound on useless 1,then stoping short at the four way stopsign on the old highway, who ever blew the horn, shouted en epagnole', was going 80 coming north on useless 1,expleted,deleted to you too. All those stop signs, coming from useless 1 along that stretch of Islamorada old highway are a death trap as the nothbound traffic on useless 1 is going 50-70 and more mph. It's like trying to cut across the oposite lanes on a expressway and come to a stop in 30 feet. More speedguns are%

9/05/2005 at 11:25 p.m.

Tourism crimes are crimes of opportunity. there are people who travel following the tourism seasons. The most important tool is education of tourism workers and leaders on how to reduce and prevent the chances of opportunity. A little common sense goes a long way.

Traffic enforcement is a balance of safety and professional judgement. There are areas in the keys that a traffic stop could be simply suicidal due to enviromental dangers. I personally like to see a system approved by the state of florida to allow a photograph of a vehicle tag with a time/speed stamp to issue a traffic citation to the mailing address of the car owner.

6/22 at 9:41 p.m.

I would like to see just alittle more traffic patrol Mondays through fridays on us1 from mm95 to mm 106 during rush hours. 6:30 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. I go to work every day at 6:45 and drive north at @ 45-50 mph. I have at least 10 and often more cars fly by me every morning. I am afraid to get into the left lane for fear of being run over, even though I am doing or slightly exceeding the speed limit.I have had people flashing their lights or even honking at me to get out of the way even at 50 mph. If the sherriffs department can spend the time to enforce the 15 mph limit on gasparilla ave, I would expect them to at least try to enforce the limit on us 1. Thank you for this format and your time reading this.

Keith A Stone
Key Largo

6/17 at 1:39 p.m.

From: unknown sender

While driving North on Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at approximately 4:00 PM, a Sheriff's vehicle heading the same direction with other cars in front made no attempt to issue citations to the first car making a left hand turn on Big Coppitt Key without the use of a turn signal. Cars were all over the road to miss one another. the same thing happened on Big Pine Key, with the same patrol car.

6/9 8:44 a.m.

From: Carmel C. Whiteland

I wish someone in law enforcement would actually enforce the noise ordinances in residential neighborhoods. I have a kid living next door to me at ****** in Baypoint mm15 who has been deliberately torturing myself and my husband for over a year now using ear splitting, house shaking music from his car! He drives a black caddilac and we can hear him coming in all the way from the highway to the front of our homes and then he sits there listening to it for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes and believe me one minute of that is enough when it is so loud that your house is shaking! He will typically do this several times a day. I actually followed him once because I wondered why he was in and out of the neighborhood every twenty minutes sometimes. I followed him to a VERY seedy area on Big Coppitt Key. He does this deliberatly because my husband went over to his house on four seperate occassions when these people first moved in over a year ago and asked them nicely to turn their music down. The situation only got worse and we really never wanted to involve the police but finally called in early March of 2005. Of course the kid played the music (if you want to call it that) for ten minutes and then took off so we cancelled the call.The incident number was MCSO05CAD024467. Then on March 10 he was out there washing the cadillac and blaring the stereo. My husband was still in town working and I called him and told him what was going on and that I really didn't think I could take much more. My husband went to the Sheriff's office and spoke with officer Morgan. She came out and talked to the kid (his name is ******) and basically informed us that she was powerless to do anything about it. We were also told by officer Morgan that the kid knows the law (wonder why!) and , get this, that he had lost "respect" for my husband and I! This (the losing of his respect)was because the very day before, my husband and I had both walked over there and yelled at him to turn it off! The incident number on the March 10 call was MCSO05CAD024695 and incidentally, we have and had at the time a copy of the noise ordinance but officer Morgan was not interested in that, only that our neighbors had no respect for us! Well gee! I think we had already covered that one! And really, are people allowed to torture other people simply because they don't respect them? Is she for real? (Officer Morgan)As far as the parents of this kid? She works twelve hours a day and is only home in the evenings and the stepfather behaves in a lewd manner with me. It really is distgusting.
If there had EVER been any respect for my husband and I since these people moved in we wouldn't be at this point now. My husband and I own our property and these people are renters. I have spoken to the owner, their land lord who's name is ****** (sorry I don't know his last name but his number is ***********) and I have spoken to him several times. He lives in Philly. He is helpless to help me he says. These people have pretty much destroyed his property and at my request he has allready been down here to clean up the yard as they have, over the last year, had every square inch of his yard covered in old engines boats and junk. We have been trying to sell our house (they are definitely one of our reasons)so having a view of all the junk in their back yard from our backyard was no condusive to us selling our home. Is there ANYTHING that can be done here? The owner said they were leaving in April so we laid off him but the fact is, they are still here and so is this noise problem. They also own a pit bull who occassionally has ended up in our yard. The dog is VERY destructive and strong and we know that the only insurance company that will insure mobile homes down here will NOT allow you to keep a pit bull among other breeds. Could this be looked into? My husband and I have a mortgage (just like the owner of *********) and WE are not allowed to own this breed of animal.Thank you for ANY consideration on this from two law abiding, tax paying citizens.

Sincerely, Carmel C. Whiteland

3/18 at 12:09 a.m.

From: Sandi Downs [sandinick@bellsouth.net]

I am a firm believer that teens are entitled to the same rights and respect as adults are. By the way, we send them off to war at 18, to do the most dangerous and offensive job in the world. Yet here in the Keys, we treat them as if they were unworthy of any attention, any entertainment, any consideration. There is very little for them to do unless they have access to a boat. The beaches are always polluted, the rest of the streets and shops are filled with the tourists, whose business is more sought after than a teen's..because they are presumed to have more money. The transportation to school and back takes 2 hours a day from lots of kids. There is so much stress on them and their families due to the cost of living here. The jobs teens can get to help pay expenses for themselves have difficult hours to coordinate with school, so most employers would rather hire an adult. The Sheriff's Office seems to make a great deal of Juvenille arrests and really create a history for our youth with arrests. The Sheriff's Office doesn't understand what an accusation does to a child, and the road it could set them on. There seems to be little in the way of help programs down here for teens in trouble, and a lot of leniency given to the kids with parents with names, money, or positions. Unfairness is the least thing kids tolerate, and you set a terrible example when one person gets let off the same offense and another person doesn't because "who daddy is." The greatest of your Officers never get promotions, the bullies get them. So it is easy to see what kind of demeanor you are encouraging. I'll never vote for Sheriff Roth again, and I will fight the unfairness and bias in the Keys as long and as hard as I can. Somebody has got to stick up for our next generation.

12/21/2004, 3:01 a.m.

Excellent website with a lot of good information for Florida Keys residents and visitors! As an annual visitor to Monroe County, it is good to see that MCSO is doing good work. I have come across several of your deputies in the five years I have visited the Keys, and all present a sense of professionalism and good social interaction. Keep it up!

I have noticed that many residents are concerned about speeding and other traffic violations on US 1. Sure, I've seen them too, as I've traveled the route. But it seems that most motorists are abiding by the laws, residents and visitors alike. You're right, folks, most of the "violators" are out of state tourists... but, as a 911 dispatcher for an upstate New York sheriff's department, many residents don't realize that other calls for service from your friends and neighbors have to take precedence. Your sheriff and his deputies are working hard to answer calls for service, as well as take an aggressive stance against traffic violators.

Congratulations on a great looking website and a professional law enforcement organization. I hope to meet many more of your deputies in future visits to the Keys!

Chris Tiffany, Canandaigua, NY

December 14, 2004, 11:41 p.m.

I travel the USA for work, and can honestly report that it's very hard to get a highway speeding ticket in this country unless you're doing better than 15-over the posted limit (i.e. 80+ in a 65)...or unless you're in the Keys.  As a very frequent Keys visitor (and local homeowner), it's so hard to acclimate to the agonizingly low limit(for a highway) of 45 that I won't take a rental car without cruise control.  For the first day or two in town, using the cruise control is the easiest way to roll at the slow pace without inadvertently creeping up to 'normal' highway speeds (15-over).  I'm not the only visitor who is law abiding (and ticket free) but clearly a potential speeder once in town.

Here's what you can do to help reduce the volume of 'accidentally speeding' visitors:  1) Post a southbound sign in Key Largo that the speed limits are STRICTLY enforced, 2) a few miles later, post the same message under one of those automatic speed signs (showing our speed).  With the reminders, perhaps many will voluntarily throttle it back from 15-over to the limit. The benefit will be faster adoption of locally acceptable speeds and less weaving from cars trying to get past those of us who are finally travelling at 45.  It's not easy going slow, but it's a good idea, and you can make it easier with a reminder or two that will be seen by thousands of cars daily, and certainly heeded by hundreds like me. It's a start and probably affordable.  Keep up the good work. 

April 2, 2004, 3:57 p.m.

From: gordonkahl13@yahoo.com

It's a shame more people don't send in comment to this page.
We are lucky to have the opportunity.
They sure complain verbaly to one another quite a bit.
Other than speeders,speed does kill incidently, you have matters well in hand, crime wise.
We couldn't live in a safer community unless we declared ourselves a bonified policestate.Which of course we are very very close to now.
It's still a 2 1/2 lane nightmare on "useless one" what with everyone blasting way over the speed limit in big dangerous SUV's.
To me speeding in a SUV, which is a overweight truck that takes almost twice the distance to stop as a regular sedan is like firing a 30/06 at clay pigions on a skeet range with a residentual neiborhood behind it, in the line of fire.Your going to kill or maim someone eventually due to your irresponseability doing either of the aformentioned.
Something bothers me about the mug shots. None of them are speeders. Why do you put people in jail for having a problem with their drivers license,registration, etc. when speeders never go to jail untill they kill or maim someone. And in many instances they never even see the jail then?
Let's face it if they are rich enough to drive a SUV then they can afford a real lawyer,who always win in monroe county. The 16th jud system State attn. only wins against those who have to rely on the public defenders[sick] office,which is in the ST attn's pocket, who never win, I do mean never, win and gain a aquital.A real lawyer scares the crap out of those sorry so and so's.Is that why these people who are basicly doing the same thing as firing a high powered rifle into a houseing project aren't jailed?
Hell' boy you could get all your relitives jobs at the KW jail if you start throwing in the real dangerous law breakers, not just the poor people that don't have the proper paper work[just like a police state???] Am I being to logical for a Government Forum or is there indeed a reason for this total injustice?

December 19, 2003, 2:19 p.m.

I just want to take a minute to thank Deputy Linda Hartley for everything she does to help out in her community. Alot of people think that there is some alterior motive behind the things she does, but she really,truly enjoys helping other people in any way that she can. Sheriff Roth and Col. McDonald, you should be very honored to have her on your staff. Happy Holidays! PS- Happy Retirement Col. McDonald, We're sad to see you go!

December 10, 2003, 8:19 p.m.

Your website has helped me keep track of my granddaughters father for the past 2 years. Some people may argue that this information should not be posted, however it has been a very useful tool for me. Without this site and help from your probation officers I'd be living in constant fear. Keep up the good work and may all of you in Monroe County have a blessed Holiday Season! Stay safe....

New Jersey

November 28, 2003, 7:57 p.m.

I do not like seeing mugshots of arrests in your web-site. It humiliates people in this small community, makes other people in the community think these people are guilty before their trial or if the person is acquitted.

Also, I hear alot about burglaries in the neighborhoods and the dept. does not have enough deputies to stop the problem. But you have plenty of deputies to conduct weekly traffic enforcement assignments (posted in paper). You should use those deputies to target crime areas as opposed to having them run up and down the highway to write tickets.

October 30, 2003, 7:00 a.m.

From: scrubby1@bellsouth.net

I have a question regarding the paving of Ocean Bay drive in Key Largo. Can you tell me when the bike path lines will be replaced? It is terribly dangerous for the children walking to their bus stops, and also for we adults utilizing it for exercise. I was almost run down twice this past week by vehicles driving too closely to the roadside. Besides the fact that speeds in this neighborhood are out of control on both Ocean Bay and the side streets, this has made the situation even more dangerous; and I have not seen an officer in weeks patrolling the area.

October 28, 2003, 3:10 p.m.

I'd like to see aggressive and consistant enforcement of the drunk driver laws. Locals, tourists, rich and poor should all be held accountable for their actions based on specific criteria described in your policy and procedure manual and State Statutes. Too many times I've seen drunk drivers released, driven home or put into taxis. This type of selective enforcement destroys both public perception of police integrity and makes a joke of a very serious problem.

October 21, 2003

THANK you for providing mug shots of the arrested. I check it out everyday. As a business owner it quite helpful when it comes to hiring employees. Thank you also for arresting (name deleted) as he is a known leader of a commercial fishing theft ring. The marine patrol is well aware of this issue but it continues yearly. Commercial stone crabbers and lobstermen lose thousands and thousands of dollars every season due to theft by these people. If you are not in the business you can't imagine the expense involved. You can not obtain insurance for traps or contents. Please help us stop these people. If they were robbing a store or mugging people they would be put away. Thank you. I would sign my name but due to a $6000.00 loss a couple weeks ago it wouldn't be in my interest to do so.

From: gordonkahl13@yahoo.com, Wednesday June 25, 2003, 01:31 PM

Awhile back one of your captains, I think it was Joe Lietier{sp} wrote in a local paper that speeding causes many more deaths and injuries than armed robbery. He was right. All the traffic fatalities and the pedestrians that were run down like animals by uncaring drivers this year had the crime of speeding as a common bond. My question is: Why do you consider golf carts on roads[other than the PC's at cheeca lodge,probably another example of payola?] and illegal parking prorities when there is most definitly potential speeding fines out there on the white line nightmare called US1 to finance 40- or 50 new cop cars with all the bells and whistles? Afraid to arrest someone for a serious crime for fear of stepping on tourist toes? Or is the deaths of these people acceptable to you?I also wonder if you realize that ordering your boys to lay off speeders is a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of the inpuals who die and are injured on useless 1. USCode around #1985.

Answered by Captain Joe Leiter, Sector 6, Islamorada:

Mr. Kahl,

Your Citizen Comment has been forwarded to my by our Public Information Officer since you live in Islamorada. I am the Islamorada Sheriff's District Commander.

I'm not sure what your complaint is. If it's about Golf Carts being operated on the street or Illegal Parking I will be more than happy to talk to you about this. You also seem to intimate that Sheriff's Deputies are being told not to write speeding citations to tourists...at least that's the way I understand what you wrote. I assure you, Sheriff's Deputies write hundreds of citations for speeding, improper passing, careless driving and other violations every month. Here in Islamorada, my deputes write about 200 citations a month to both tourists and Keys residents; we make no distinction between where the traffic violator lives. If you would like to talk to me about your concerns please feel free to call me at my office at 853-7021 or I can call you if you wish.

Captain Leiter
Islamorada District Commander

From: gordonkahl13@yahoo.com,  Wednesday June 18, 2003, 01:17 PM

Why aren't the zoning laws,florida statutes concerning exotic animals,health laws,requirements of insurance for commercial vehicals and commercial exotic animal and related products sales, etc., etc., etc. enforced in The Ocean breeze trailer park almost across the street,OC-Ol'HWY, from Islamora city hall? One person on the notheastern most corner has a illegal unisured unlicensed lizzard farm,pet products sales, and a transportation business. She washes the droppings of 30 or more iguana, full sise, into the soil, not a septic system of any sort, when she feels like cleaning the filthy cages. She doesn't do it dayly as per FS. Are you recieving money to look the other way from smuggling activities of her transportation business of which she was convicted in FED. court some years ago? Or is the village on the take and not the whole of the law enforcement systems of the Florida Keys[not including mainland monroe, of course].

Answered by Captain Joe Leiter, Sector 6, Islamorada:

Mr. Kahl,

Your email to the Sheriff's Office about enforcement of laws relating to exotic animals was forwarded to me by the Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer. I am the Sheriff's Office Commander for the Islamorada District.

Your complaint refers to "Ocean breeze trailer park almost across the street from city hall." I think you are talking about Sea Breeze Trailer Park located on the old road just north of Founder's Park. I have forwarded your complaint to the Islamorada Code Compliance and Building Official, Mr. Don Horton. His office is located at Village Hall inside Founder's Park, phone 664-2345. The alleged violations you referred to in your email I think would the jurisdiction of Village Code Compliance or the State Health Department or both. However, if you would like a Sheriff's Office Report on your complaint, I can send a deputy to meet with you, just let me know.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at my office here at the entrance to Founder's Park, 853-7021.

Captain Joe Leiter
Islamorada District Commander

Friday June 13, 2003,  09:38 PM

I am so happy and grateful that you post arrests along with mugshots online. I was a single mom for years (no longer single) and dated a man that sweet talked me and swept me off of my feet. After I fell in love & trusted him he started to beat me. And nearly stole my life. If I knew about the website then I would have never gotten involved, never have been beaten have never lost my self restpect. I would never have been nearly homeless with my kids. I have found your sight and guess what? He is now in custody for trying to murder his girlfriend & yes he has a past of beating women. Could have been me and my kids. If this sight can save 1 life it is so worth it and worth any criticism.

What rights should they have? You do the crime you should have no rights what about us and our kids rights I feel a little more at ease now that the kids are young adults...Thank you forever grateful..... PS I am now married to a wonderful gentleman

that does NOT have a record.

EX Victim

From: bbygrl99@yahoo.com, Friday June 06, 2003, 11:01 PM

Aviation and US 1 is a very dangerous intersection. Every morning I have (and many others) have to make a left turn and sit in the small median until trafic clears to continue northbound. This is so dangerous. I don't understand why we do not have a red light here? Is there any way to see about this getting done? I know it took a lot of fatalities at Coco Plum before they got a light, do we really have to lose lives at this intersection before we get one? Thank you.

From patporterberit@msn.com, Tuesday May 27, 2003, 09:48 AM

Suggestion for your web site: www.keysso.net.

It is very difficult to read most of the type because of the background. The Badge creates a color problem and contrast problem, and tens to make the viewer cross-eyed. Suggest using a plain nutrail gray background and placint the Badges in corners where there isn't any wording. Also, the "desolve' effects take too much time to d/l, and are not needed on a professional web page.

Just thought you'd like to know.

Bill

Friday May 23, 2003,  01:10 PM

IF SOMEONE WAS ADJUCATED OF A CRIME LIKE 40 YEARS AGO,DO THEY STILL HAVE GUN RIGHTS?

Answer: Not if the crime was a felony, unless the person has had their rights restored somehow.

Wednesday May 21, 2003,09:47 PM

Dear Sheriff Roth, Your Deputy has done a fine job on this web site. I especially enjoy checking out the arrests section. Very entertaining to see some of the mugs on these inpiduals! On a completely different note, I was considering applying for a position with your department, but I do not think I could live in the Keys on the salary paid by most of the positions. You may want to try to get the county to raise the pay levels to compensate for Monroe county being the most expensive county (now) in the state. This sure would help to attract and retain the talent you need. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Sunday May 04, 2003, 08:36 PM

The corner of Julep and U.S. 1 (Tavernier Ocean Shores) is hazardous. Parents are constantly blocking the intersection and causing a dangerous situation when dropping off their kids. I would suggest a one way street in front of the dance studio and the Montessory School. The exit already exists just south of Julep. I have witnessed automobiles crossing over the sidewalk to enter the highway. I personally have had to come to a complete stop on US1 to turn into the development. Please help. Thank you.

Answered by Captain Jenny Bell-Thomson: We are aware of this problem and are working toward a resolution of it.

From: actionkw@bellsouth.net, Monday May 05, 2003, 06:04 PM

We watch young children ride 'gopeds' up and down our street. They break every law that applies to other vehicles. No helmets, no stopping at stop signs, reckless driving, driving on sidewalks and bike paths, no hand signals, racing, speeds beyond posted limits. Yet somehow they seem immune to prosecution. Who made these things legal. What can we do to stop the madness and carnage?

Regards,

Les & Mary Jackson

Answered by Captain Rick Ramsay: You ask a very good question, and one which we have wrestled with ourselves. This is what Florida law says about these types of vehicles:

http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/Leg2002.html........"Ch. Law 2002-20 HB 261 – Traffic Effective 7/1/2002

316.003(21) A motor vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.

316.003(82) A motorized scooter is a vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 mile per hour on level ground."

In essence, this says that a motorized scooter is not considered to be a "motor vehicle" under state law, and, thus is legal to ride on the roadways for any age person, as long as it has no more than three wheels and as long as it does not have a seat on it.

This is, in essence, a loop hole in the law in regards to these Go Peds. Because they are not considered a motor vehicle by Florida law, they are exempt from some laws, for instance they are legal to ride on bike paths and sidewalks. When they are on a roadway, they are still required to follow the rules of the road and can be cited for violations if those violations are witnessed by a law enforcement officer. We have had the same complaints from around the county and are also concerned about this matter but find our hands tied. The only way to tackle the issue is for an officer to witness violations, then ticket the offender, and we are doing our best in this regard. The only way to change this is to do it legislatively, or by passing a local ordinance.

Monday May 05, 2003, 11:53 PM

I'M A WIFE OF AN IMMATE AT YOUR DETENTION CENTER AND I HAVE A CONCERN OF THE VISITION. WHY IS IT THAT SO MANY UNITS(DORMS)HAVE BEEN ADDED , WHEN ON THE OPPISITE DAYS OF MY VISITS THERE IS ONLY A FEW UNITS FOR THOSE DAYS? THE TWO WOMEN WHO RUN THE VISITION AREA DO A WONDERFUL JOB, BUT YOU CAN TELL IT GETS REALLY BUSY IN THERE. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL TIMES I'M UNABLE TO SEE MY HUSBAND BECAUSE OF THE WAIT. IT USED TO BE NOT THAT WAY. I THINK IT WAS BETTER THE WAY IT WAS. ALSO WHEN ARE THE CONTACT VISITS COMING BACK?

THANK YOU

From: spehrley@aol.com, Thursday March 20, 2003, 11:00 AM

Dear Sheriff Roth:

I am appalled at the inefficiency of our law enforcement system relative to its ability to manage traffic in and around the scene of a traffic accident. If there are LAWS that prevent your officers from detouring/directing traffic around the scene of an accident, then perhaps I should be complaining to my congressman. If not, perhaps you could explain why I routinely see DOZENS of emergency and law enforcement personnell standing idly about every accident scene, while traffic is held at a complete standstill. I could understand stopping traffic for 15 or 20 minutes until debris can be removed, and until a detour plan is developed. However, almost invariably the delay is an HOUR or longer. This is extremely frustrating to the driving public, and it is an economic penalty to the public. Please do something to get traffic flowing more quickly. With the technology at your avail, and with the resources that are already on the scene, it is unthinkable that your operation could be so inefficient. Is driving on the shoulder, slowly, and under direction of a traffic officer ILLEGAL? In my home state (Vermont) we are able to get by an accident scene, and those roads are mere footpaths in the mountains relative to the terrain here. Sincerely Charles W. Spehrley

Answered by Sheriff Rick Roth:

Mr. Spehrley

I certainly understand your frustration. In some cases we expect a scene to clear in just a matter of minutes so we'll hold traffic temporarily so we can keep traffic on the highway. In some cases we cannot bypass an accident scene such as the one recently on the 7 mile bridge - there just isn't room. If you could give me some specifics I could check that particular accident and give you a better answer. Sheriff Rick Roth

Answered by Captain Jennifer Bell-Thomson, Sector 7:

Thanks for your input on the issue of traffic tie-ups on US1 when traffic crashes occur.  This is a frequent complaint from residents and visitors to our islands.  Please understand, however, that the Florida Highway Patrol, not the Sheriff’s Office, handles traffic crashes on US1. It is they who make decisions about closing and opening the highway. 

While I realize it is frustrating to see police officers standing near a crash apparently not engaged in any activity, please know that deputies and supervisors of the Sheriff’s Office on those scenes are diligent about efforts to assist the FHP so that the road can be opened.  We frequently ask troopers if emergency equipment can be moved from the roadway so that it can be opened.  If the road or any portion of the road is passable, it is our goal to see that traffic moves.

I am aware that this is becoming a priority with the FHP as well, and hopefully we will see fewer incidents where traffic is tied up for hours when there is some safe way to keep it moving that does not hinder the crash investigation.

I would, though, suggest you express your concerns with the Florida Highway Patrol so that they continue to be aware of the inconvenience this causes those who travel in our Keys.

Saturday March 01, 2003, 10:42 PM

Dear Ms. Herrin,

I'm having the hardest time navigating this site. Is there any way to make it a little easier for us novices? Any tips would be appreciated. I was trying to find the news on an accident in Marathon that killed a local man, but didn't know where to look. Plus, I can't seem to get to the pages of some "arrestees" whom I know have rap sheets for DUI's, my neighbor being one of them with 10, supposedly! And he's still driving...

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Answered by Becky Herrin: I'm sorry you are having difficulty. Florida Highway Patrol handles accidents such as the one you are refering to....you won't find info on accidents on our site.

As far as searching arrests, our search engine could certainly be better, I agree. Unfortunately, the design we currently have is the only one we've been able to come up with that will work with our database. I've brought the issue up with our information systems pision several times, but they say it is the best they can do right now.

Usually, if you try searching for the name by typing in the first name followed by the last name with no commas or anything, it will get results. We only have the last five years available on line right now, however.

If you want to send me the names you are looking for, I can look them up for you and tell you whatever you need to know. Thanks for visiting our site

Monday February 17, 2003,  06:49 PM:

I would like to see more patrols and enforcement of the vagrants sleeping on the playground behind the Isla library. There are often men without children loitering in the park, and I have seen some sleeping in the grass in the middle of the play area. Also the camper trailer and other hints of men living at the park and in the parking lot. Thank you

From: dunesbury@earthling.net, Friday February 14, 2003, 10:21 AM

I think the publication of arrest records along with information and mug shots is an excellent idea for several reasons. One, we can recognize a potential threat; two, we discern areas of increased danger; three, it may act as a deterrent. Please keep in mind that I am a roaring, knee-jerk liberal, but one who believes John and Jane Q. Citizen deserve the benefit of the law, too.

Thanks for your good work. No reply is necessary, but I didn't want to be anonymous.

Jean Luedtke, Key Largo

From: jasonfz812@aol.com,  Monday February 03, 2003,  03:17 PM

I split my time between Miami and Key Largo spending 6 months in each. Now I daily commute to Miami to attend Florida International University. I personally feel the M.C.S.O. does a great job in what they do. I just personally have one concern. I notice a greater amount of speeders but only on the stretch. Is MCSO only accountable for the Traffic Enforcement on the Monroe side of the stretch or is there a Mutual Aid Agreement between M.C.S.O and the Miami-Dade Police Department. I would like to see the number of speeders attempted to be reduced in order to save lives. Fortunetly this year only 2 fatalities have happened there.

Answered by Captain Jennifer Bell-Thomson, Sector 7:

Thank you for your confidence in the Sheriff’s Office.  Regarding the issue of traffic violations on the Dade County side of the 18-mile stretch of US1, we share your concern.  While we do have a mutual aid agreement with Miami-Dade Police Department, this issue is one of resource allocation for the Sheriff’s Office.    

Our primary obligation is to answer calls for service within Monroe County.  When deputies are not on those calls, they have a host of other tasks they must accomplish.  Traffic enforcement is one of those tasks and they are diligent – last year deputies in Sector 7 (Tavernier to the county line) made over 5,000 traffic stops. Since the number one complaint voiced to the Sheriff’s Office by our citizenry is traffic violations in neighborhoods, we have an obligation to address that problem first, before spending time on traffic issues outside our county. 

However, traffic law enforcement is the primary function of the Florida Highway Patrol, which has jurisdiction on all Florida highways.  Deputies do patrol the Monroe County side of the 18 mile stretch and Monroe County deputies who live in Dade County frequently make traffic stops on the Dade County side while going to and from work. The complication with writing traffic tickets in another county is that the deputy may have to appear in court in that county, taking up a lot of man-hours to do so. Due to this complication, most traffic stops in Miami-Dade by our deputies result in warnings rather than citations. Given our limited resources we prefer to encourage Miami-Dade Police and the Florida Highway Patrol to address this problem. 

Friday January 10, 2003, 06:22 AM

why is every black male in the bahama village area wether walking or standing, always consider as a drug dealer. I have watch this type of harrassment continued. as a white male i truly think such treatment is discreminitive. these same inpiduals father's are repsponsible for fighting for this country , but this is the treatment they recieve. Thank you very much KWPD.

Tuesday December 31, 2002, 12:59 PM

I believe by posting mug shots on the web site, you are punishing the accused before they have had their oppurtunity to due process. It will be a matter of time before this practice will be considered a violation of one's civil rights.

From: irdnk@webtv.net

Thursday December 26, 2002, 10:36 PM

I like to see traffic units - the speeds on US1 can get quite high --- I think tourisum crime mainly is related to partying ( alcohol, drugs and traffic ) - I don't think tourisum causes much major crime, if any --- I am generally happy with the law enforcement service in the Big Pine area, how ever I would like to meet the deputies that work this area - a " meet your deputies " get together or something ????

From: cagweb@aol.com

Thursday November 14, 2002, 02:12 PM

Traffic speeds are increasing at an alarming rate across the country. Its down right epidemic in Dade County and the length of I95. Here in Monroe County we are lucky to have only the 113 +/- miles of US One to focus on. The MCSD need to put a priority on controlling speeding. Most people who commit any crime are almost always going to speed in leaving the scene or the county. Also Tourists will still come even if you do enforce laws. (Dade and Broward drivers are some of the worst offenders.) PLEASE DO MORE TO SLOW DOWN THESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. The biggest danger facing anyone in Monroe County is being a victim of traffic crime. Speeding, DUI, Reckless Driving and Passing account for almost all traffic deaths. Keys residents experience a very low crime rate and are very safe eveywhere EXCEPT ON US ONE. Work with the FHP and use the "wolfpack" approach. Do not announce in the newspapers what areas are being patroled and find some new hiding places.

Answer by Traffic Enforcement Sgt. Glen Test:

Thank you for your input. We at the Sheriff's Office are aware of the growing traffic problems in our County. With the increase in motorists on our highway each year, we will invariably have an increase in traffic problems. Sheriff Roth places strong emphasis in preventing traffic violations through high visibility and enforcement activity. Sheriff Roth recently requested the County Commission allow us to essentially double our nine man Traffic Unit, but unfortunately our request was denied.

With regard to advertising enforcement areas; there are guidelines we must adhere to, most of which are the result of previous court cases. For example, any "checkpoints" we use must be advertised prior to the event, as well as on roadside immediately prior to the actual location of the checkpoint. If you are referring to the "Traffic Target Areas" we post twice a month, we feel that advertising those areas of concern helps raise awareness among the citizens. The list is compiled based on a combination of citizen complaints, high hazard areas, and crash data. The list of areas is passed on to all Officers, not just those in the Traffic Unit, so they can help get control of areas of concern. I can attest to the fact that the Traffic Target Area program has worked, particularly in the neighborhoods. Frequently I receive letters or calls from citizens thanking us for targeting their neighborhood, as it has made a noticeable difference in their neighborhood. Obviously with the transient motorist population on US1 it is much more difficult to make an impact on traffic violations. Many of the motorists on US1 have never been here before, hence previous enforcement efforts do little to curb any violations they may consider committing. We hope that through strict enforcement and high visibility we may deter violations by new motorists, but it is a never ending battle.

Lastly, with regard to finding new hiding places, unfortunately we really don't need to hide. I wish I could say that it was difficult to find violators without hiding, but it really isn't. When we are able to dedicate time to a certain area we usually get as many as we can handle without hiding. Please be aware that the Sheriff's Office is trying to do as much as possible with our resources. It would be nice if we could afford to flood the streets with Traffic Deputies. The fact is that with the usual shortages due to sickness, vacations, vacant positions, etc., our nine man unit is stretched very thin over 113 miles of highway. Naturally the Sheriff has to balance the need for Patrol Deputies, Detectives, and various other specialized units, along with Traffic Enforcement. We try to handle the traffic problems as efficiently as possible with our limited resources, and in general I think Monroe County is one of the safer places to drive in South Florida. If you have specific areas of concern, particularly in your subpision, please let us know and we will try to help. Thanks again for the input.

mutrhead@yahoo.com

Tuesday October 15, 2002, 11:35 PM

This evening, pulling into my driveway from work, I was pulled over for a faulty light on my vehicle. Deputy Mixon was on the job, And I must say I am thankful that here in Monroe Co. we have professional, intelligent Officers who take the time to determine the truth...Especially with a tough situation like identity theft, which I am a victim of. On his advice, I will seek your office's help with resolving this matter. Again, I would like to commend Deputy Mixon for his friendly, professional manner.

Sincerely, Seamus B. Smith

Email Address: csmythe@snet.net

 Tuesday October 15, 2002, 12:50 PM

I'm a Police Officer in Groton, Connecticut, and vacation in Marathon for one month every year. After 6 years of employment, I've decided to relocate to your area. Everything I have read or witnessed I'm very impressed with. Your agency is well organized. I have requested an application and look forward to possibly serving down there.

Great job.

Al Smythe

salutekw@bellsouth.net

Wednesday October 09, 2002, 05:00 PM

Yes, I used to know the officers until they were taken off of Higgs Beach. I have worked at the restaurant there for four years and they did a great job cleaning up the beach. Tuesday, October 1, the first day without security, people were drinking, parking wherever, sleeping on benches, & fighting.

Public drunkeness should not be tolerated around one of the area's only children's park. It won't take long for the area to go back to what it was four years ago. A community embarrassment! If $121,000 is what it takes to patrol the park and make it safe, clean & enjoyable, then that is what it takes.

Perhaps parking meters for the RV's & campers would make this more affordable.

Monday October 07, 2002, 10:19 PM

don't trust anyone but the law enforcement!

Saturday September 28, 2002, 12:25 PM

Arrests and mug shots on web sie are great. There is more than enough Traffic enforcement! Tourism impacts little crime to all of the keys except key west! Key west tourist crime rate is too high!

cheri@digital.net

Sunday September 22, 2002, 08:43 PM

Good Evening: After viewing your website this evening, I was curious if you have considered using 'Westlaw Online' instead of the inmates visiting your Law Library in person? I work in a law library at a detention center that uses Westlaw Online and it's a great improvement from the inmates visiting the law library as in the past. (I am a civilian paralegal) Thank you for your time. Look forward to hearing from you.

Answered by our Information Systems pision: We do use Westlaw in the library. It's all CD-Rom based. The inmates cannot access it from their units. They have to go to the law library where the terminals are. (There's also a typewriter for them to type motions, etc.) We do not use Westlaw online as that would require them to have access to the Internet.

dt33040@aol.com

Wednesday September 18, 2002, 02:28 AM

I think your web site is great but on your juvenile programs there is nothing there for children in Key West that need some kind of disiplen program that are not drug users but that need to reconise what real life is all about.I trully belive that a child that is not yet in to drugs or stealing but has a bad additude and thinks that they know it all really could benifit from some kind of disiplinery program. It's a shame because the children of today is tomorrows future and in Key West there is nothing for children to do so I think we should at least have some kind of program for are children.

ablatt@netzreo.net

Monday September 16, 2002, 08:03 PM

I have made many complaints about running the red lights on 107&109 th streets but norhing has been done about it. does someone have to die before people & trucks are stopped from running these lights?

Answered by Traffic Sgt. Glen Test: I have received a few complaints on this area during the past year. It has been listed several times on our "target areas", and has been targeted by our unit. The three or four times I personally have targeted these intersections it was not very productive. I believe two of us sat there for an hour or so each time, and observed one blatant violation.

Unfortunately the motorcycle deputy for the Marathon area is not motorcycle certified as of yet, and targeting these two lights in a car is somewhat difficult due to the road design, curbs, etc. The Traffic Unit will continue to target this area, and appreciate any help the sector can provide.

twin90s@earthlink.net

Friday September 13, 2002, 06:22 PM

I appreciate the info shown by your site and don't think it should be dropped. Yes I think tourists attract criminals...they usually are easy prey I'm told, because they're relaxed and on vacation. Also think the Sheriffs and Troopers are very generous when it comes to some traffic violations. That's appreciated too. In fact every day, when they hit the hiway and don't know what they'll find...I silently thank them. Think they need their pay raised and if it could be taken from the bed tax, which is helping to bring in so many more tourists...it should be done!

haskinsk@kwha.org

Monday September 09, 2002, 11:16 AM

I use the arrest portion of the website on a daily basis in my job. I check to see if there are any arrests on property or of any of our residents. It is an invaluable tool and enables me to do a better job for all my residents and their families. I also use the link to the Clerk's office to follow up the cases. (no reply is necessary)

mnrgoins1@yahoo.com

Sunday September 08, 2002, 11:33 PM

i like seeing the mug shots. you have a real good one of my ex-husband robert this time he looks real kool in it.

Wednesday September 04, 2002, 01:22 AM

Ref: your tourist info webpage.

Key Colony Beach has its own police department in addition to Key West.

From the web author: Shame on me! Thanks....I've corrected the oversight!

Friday August 30, 2002,: 03:57 PM

I think this web site is a very informative for citizens and I applaud your efforts! keep up the good work!!

From:  irdnk@webtv.net

Friday August 23, 2002,  09:33 PM

I very much like the mug shot section -- it lets me know what is going on and who's doing it -- the public needs to know who the problems's are -- traffic enforcement is always needed especially now that the kids are in school -- MCSO does a good job in my opinion -- wider disemination of crime statistics would be helpfull in my opinion -- we need to know what's going on

Monday August 19, 2002, 09:02 AM

Trailers parking on N bound US 1 at Shell World in Key Largo, obstruct N bound traffic from cross st. You need to ban that trailer parking before a serious accident occurs.

Answered by Captain Jenny Bell-Thomson, Sector 7 Commander: I have asked Sergeants Fanelli and Test to take a look at this problem.  If they determine it is, in fact, a hazardous area, they'll be contacting DOT for no parking signs.

Update, October 3, 2002: The Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement Sgt. Glen Test has sent a written request, including photos depicting the problem. to the Department of Transportation to put a "No Parking" sign in this location. They generally comply with such requests fairly rapidly, so this problem should be taken care of soon.

Monday August 19, 2002, 09:00 AM

I would like to be able to see the predator's list viewable by zip code.

How could I know the name of someone haunting a school?

Answered by Web Site Author: You can view a list of sexual predators/offenders on teh Florida Department of Law Enforcement's web site. Their database is searchable by county, zip code or name. Go to http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/sexual_predators/ for more information.

From: mnrgoins1@yahoo.com

Sunday August 18, 2002, 10:49 PM

i like the site, and the mug shots lets me know when my ex is in jail and when he aint. i just wish they would send him back to indianapolis because they have a warrant for him here.

Thursday August 15, 2002,10:42 PM

Mug shots and arrests are great, it helps concerned citizens keep up with developing problems in their neighborhoods so they can help keep a more watchful eye if problems are happening, especially with children's issues, drugs and burgleries

From: surpas53@aol.com

Thursday August 15, 2002, 06:47 AM

you need to do more during the rains, it is a law that headlights have to be on in the rain.... I have noticed that even the county cars aren't using them during the wet weather. running without lights does present a hazard to driving on rt 1. I few tickets during the rain will get these drivers the message quickly , and maybe save some lives.

Note from the Web Author: This writer is correct: Florida law says a driver must use headlights on his/her vehicle during "any rain, smoke or fog".

Tuesday August 13, 2002, 08:42 AM

The problem with showing arrest information on the WEB is that the inpiduals should be assumed innocent until proven guilty. There are several instances where people have been arrested, lost their employment and later found innocent or had charges dropped or reduced. The site shows arrests for five years and does not remove inpiduals who have been rehabilitated or more importantly found innocent. Unfortunatly the WEB Site has become similiar to the "CITIZEN CRIME REPORT" and used for entertainment. People log on to see who got arrested the day before and has become a topic of conversation throughout work places and the community. I understand these are Public Records, however the management and use of this information by others is regretable. I feel the rights of those involved are being abused by those not understanding our Legal System.

I work with inpiduals to help them with substance abuse and an important aspect of change is self esteem and job capability. Inpiduals losing their job after starting a new life because a coworker reported seeing an arrest five years ago on your site, does nothing to maintain that inpiduals self respect. Sadly this can lead to further substance abuse.

I hope you will consider the significant ramnifications the site has on inpiduals and the community. At the minimum we feel that the site should not show those adjucated as innocent and don't feel that going back five years is necessary. There is a proper way for prospective employers to do background checks and it is not through your site.

Sunday August 11, 2002,  03:49 PM

I enjoy this site immensely.The mug shots are great.As far as traffic enfocement goes you're doing a great job. Too bad you can't ticket people for holding up traffic and general stupidity.

Thursday August 08, 2002, 10:39 PM

Your web site has been the best I seen in Florida when it comes to Sheriffs and Police Dept. I is very informative and keeps the Public Advise of the Actions of the MCSO. When my driving steenage kids go out at nightI check it several times at night to see how the traffic is (Accidents) and situations (Service Calls in my Area) , It's truely helpfuf.

From: Hayboat@aol.com

Wednesday August 07, 2002, 02:46 PM

Great job with your site. Thoroughly useful and great assistance with my position is your daily arrests tab.

Keep up the fine work.

Les Boatwright
Pretrial Services
16th Judicial Circuit

Friday August 02, 2002, 11:18 AM

I think the mug shots are great.

Thursday August 01, 2002, 10:30 AM

Living in an unincorporated area of Monroe County, I feel I see patrol units in my area too infrequently. By no means do we have a crime problem in my neighborhood, but it would be nice to see the Deputy's traveling through the neighborhoods instead of always being out on the main roads all the time. Sometimes it makes me feel like traffic tickets take priority over the residents.

Monday July 29, 2002, 12:51:53 PM

i think seeing the arrest on the web helps to know who you think your friends are and what they are up to.

Saturday July 27, 2002, 10:06:41 PM

I am a deputy in NV and enjoy looking at other departments web sites. The Monroe CO site is by far the best I have seen yet. I am amazed at how much detail and information you give. I am also very impressed at how well your site serves your local community and gives the community an opportunity to get involved. It is obvious that you have a truly progressive and community oriented department. Hopefully other departments around the country will take a cue from Monroe Co. A well deserved pat on the back for your department.

Wednesday July 24, 2002,  01:13:32 PM

I am proud of the dedication of the Monroe County Sheriff's office and the people of Monroe County who got the trauma helicopter program established and who work hard to save lives by responding to traffic and other accidents with the trauma helicopter. It's too far to rely on Miami for help; the distance can mean the difference between life and death, and it enforces Monroe County as a proud and competant county.  

Wednesday June 05, 2002, 01:33 PM

Where I live there's a large amount of crime. I'm impressed with them because it's a massive job to keep the criminals under control. When we look at the low crime rate in the Keys we want to move there right away. As far as tourism impacting crime, I would say too much partying would be a big part of it. Getting out of control, etc.

Thank you for the website! Put more new pictures, love the pe team - more please!

From: dunesbury@worldnet.att.net

Sunday May 26, 2002, 10:30 AM

Thanks for this forum. Your entire site suggests an intelligent, caring, proactive law enforcement effort.

As to the relationship between tourism and crime: Not all tourists break the law. Those who do are criminals, and society deserves to be protected from them through the enforcement of the law. Many of us came here first as tourists, now we are as committed to the Keys as we could possibly be.

During the summer, I live on a barrier island off the New Jersey Coast. We, too, have a sand bar where people go to party when the tide's right. A few years ago, the partying got out of hand, and the police and the Coast Guard cooperated in cleaning up the act.

This nonsense of pass-the-buck has got to be settled. How can you guys bear to be hamstrung in your efforts to do your job? How can we citizens help get you some teeth? Thanks for your work. Every deputy I've come in contact with (admittedly, not very many, but the ones I did were very impressive) was professional and courteous, and got the job done.

Unknown
Wednesday May 22, 2002, 01:39 PM

I do not live in the Keys, but I always look at this website.  It helps provide me with the vision of one day living there.  I'm very impressed the Sherriff's Department.  It appears to me there is a low crime rate in the Keys, pretty impressive.

Just wanted to say thanks for this website!

Answer: You're Welcome!

sharonplezia@aol.com
Thursday May 16, 2002    05:43 PM

I was very happy to read that Sergant Caputo was helping Upper Keys teens find a center especially for the them to get together. With his guidance & working with a committee of teens, I'm sure that an appropriate meeting place will be situated.
Thank you Sergant Caputo!

go patrol@aol.com
Wednesday May 01, 2002 02:16 PM

 I was scrolling through your web site and some of the issues questionned by your residents.  I am curious to find out what happened to your rescue helicopter that I had seen while covering the story of the car explosion on US 1 in the Marathon area awhile back.  I recall flying past your copter while it was enroute to JMH with the victim of the car explosion and then seeing it later on circling the scene. I have not seen it since that time. Is the copter still used for rescue purposes?

Luvnibble@aol.com
Monday April 22, 2002 11:12 AM

 My comment is one that I hope will get the attention of Monroe County law enforcement.  I live on Avenue F on Big Coppitt Key, directly across the street from the new childrens park.  While I realize that law enforcement can not continuously station themselves on this particular stretch of road, the speeding has been, and continues to be out of control.  The count of small children in just 4 of the homes sitting side by side on this street is 7. This street is traveled and used as a "short-cut" to reach a local convenient store, and people are totally ignorant to the fact that there are ALWAYS children coming in and out of the driveways, as well as coming in and out of this childrens park.  It is also used as a DRAG STRIP for the local teen drivers here in this area, late in the evenings and in the early morning hours.  It concerns me that while my neighbors and I have complained constantly, that there is nothing that can be done about this problem. Why would anyone construct a park for children, and NOT lower the speed limit, or install speed breakers, so that these children could play safely?  My child and his friends have almost been hit several times, and when we complain, we're told that theres nothing we can do. When we try to speak to the offenders, they threaten our lives, and make numerous other threats.  We, as citizens, should not be the ones confronting these offenders.  I have seen the Sheriffs department sitting along the park, however, the speeders can see them long before they typically begin to accelerate. Therefore, their presence is  only affording us a few moments of peace of mind.  Trust me when I say, that the violations begin only minutes after the Sheriffs cars are gone.  PLEASE help us to do something about this problem, before a child is horribly injured, or God forbid, even killed.  The problem has gotten so bad, that at this point it is only a matter of time before tragedy occurs.  I know that this problem is well known, because we have made several complaints..Im begging for help. Thank You.  A.Jones

Unidentified
Friday April 19, 2002   07:21 PM

 I am very surprized ..that (name withheld) is allowed to ride around on her bycycle drunk. she is drunk 24hours a day on korbel wine. She drinks in public,in front of the post office and marathon liquors. She also pulls out in front of moving cars and will cause an accident. She carries an open container on her bycycle which she should be picked up for dui. How much longer is going to get away with this?

Note: This web page is not meant to be used as a method of criticizing inpiduals in a public forum. I withheld the name used in the above note for this reason. Deputy Becky Herrin, Web Author.

sharonplezia@aol.com
Wednesday April 17, 2002   06:58 AM

 Question:  what are the rules for driving a scooter or moped?  I know they are driven in the street in K.W.  Do the same rules apply in the upper keys?  Is it OK to drive a moped on the walking path?

Please advise.

Answer: It is against the law to ride a moped, or any other motorized vehicle, on a bicycle path or walking path.

sharonplezia@aol.com
Wednesday April 17, 2002
06:49 AM

 I think many accidents are caused by people's carelessness and just not paying attention.  However, I think that some accidents could be prevented by having turn lanes on US 1.  There are too many streets that have no turn lanes, and when traffic is going 55+, well, sometimes I feel like I take my life in my hands making that turn. 

Look at the stretch between mm 93 & mm 97.  There must be a turn lane through the median (most without a turn lane) about every 50 yards - why?  Try making a turn to get into Silver Shores, Gate 4 going south.  Wouldn't it make more sense to go a little further to use a left turn & distroy the turns without a turn lane, or add a turn lane to them?  If they're there, people will use them & risk causing more accidents, which I feel, could be avoided.

Unidentified
Tuesday April 16, 2002   04:16 PM

 I have a question requarding the physical fitness requirements of the Sheriff's office. I am a retired Chicago Police Officer of 23 years experience. In Chicago we were required to take a physical fitness test every year, if we did not complete the test to satisfaction we would have a certain amount of time to "get in shape" or we would be disiplined and put on desk duty.  It is my understanding that after being hired the officers in Monroe County do not have to complete a fitness test annually? I believe that a cop should be in good shape, his job description demands it. I have seen a vast majority of officers in Monroe County who are poor shape.

Some officers take pride in there job and appearence. I live in Islamorada and I see two Islamorada officers running and biking almost daily on the Old Hwy in Plantation Key. Just last night at 400am I saw one of the officers running on the old road which I think is wonderful and makes me feel even safer knowing they are out there during the early morning hours. I wish all of your officers would take this kind of pride in their appearence and there job. I think it would be benifical for the sheriff to offier incentives to officers to stay fit. For the two Islamorada officers keep up the good work its nice to see you take pride in yourselfs and your community.

irdnk@webtv.net
Monday April 15, 2002   10:27 PM

traffic --  last week I saw a very close call on Big Pine Key at the ball park on Key Deer Blvd  --  vehicles park in front of the ball park and the tail end of the vehicles stick out into the street  --  they park at a very steep angle to the curb  --  a north bound delivery truck had to cross the center line to clear these vehicles, at the same time a van came onto Key Deer from the dirt road on the north side of the ball field, the truck pulled to the right to avoid a collision and almost struck two children loading items into a car parked at a steep angle in front of the ball field with it's tail sticking out into the roadway  -- the children were forced into the roadway to load thier stuff into the trunk  --  this is a very dangerous situation and I think it requires a change in parking in front of the ball field  --  two children could have been killed  --  the truck driver never saw them.  Bob Wallace

Unidentified
Monday April 15, 2002    05:05 PM

 Why are they spending millions to build bum tubes in Big Pine?

sharonplezia@aol.com
Friday April 12, 2002    05:57 PM

 I have a question:

What is the law on operating a moped.  Can it be ridden on the walking path? 

Answered: Motorized vehicles are not permitted on a bicycle path or on a walking path.

jerry142@terranova.net

Thursday April 11, 2002   03:26 PM

Congratulations. Certified trama service for the Middle and Lower Keys is long overdue. I feel more comfortable driving southward from Long Key now.

My question is the Upper Keys have been paying collectively and providing/receiving on-the-spot Air Rescue trama service since 1988; therefore, will the Upper Keys now have to pay for two services? The boundaries are defined by Monroe County ordiances. These services have been provided regardles of citizenship, domicile or financial/insurance status - as trama conditions should be.

Jerry Wilkinson

Answered by Sheriff Rick Roth: No you will not have pay any more then you did before. You pay regional taxes to law enforcement and that goes to fund the Sheriff's Office trauma transport. That transport is available you the people in the upper keys as well as the lower. You have money in your trauma taxing district and that would go to pay for a Miami transport service, they charge, we do not. The plan is that the quickest method of transport is chosen. Jerry give me a call if you want to talk further.

sharonplezia@aol.com

Monday April 08, 2002 12:55 PM

In reading about your Sheriff's Forfiture Fund, & the list of members on the committee to decide on the distribution of the funds, I noticed that we have only one representative from the upper keys and six from the middle and lower keys.  Is there some reason why the upper keys has only one rep? I would think that peoples' decisions would rely heavily on serving their own community.  I live in the upper keys and know that our community desparately needs programs, expecially childrens services.

sharonplezia@aol.com

Monday April 08, 2002 11:20 AM

 There used to be a list of sexual preditors listed in the newspaper, giving their address.  I haven't seen it lately & wonder if it is available somewhere.  I didn't find it on your website, but maybe I didn't look in the right place.

Please advise.

sharonplezia@aol.com

Monday April 08, 2002 10:57 AM

great website!

From my observations, I think the Sheriff's Dept. Officers are doing a fine job. They are highly respected.

Question:  Do you encourage officers to volunteer one (paid)hour a week in the community, per Gov. Bush's initiative for state employees?

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to Mike Lannon regarding parents and other people in the community volunteering one hour per week, or even one hour per month to assist in the classroom or after school activities.  The influence of strong and caring adults can have a tremendous impact on a child's life, and can even help prevent bullying and violence in the school.

The presence of a Police Officer could dramaticly influence in a childs life. Thank you for reading my e-mail.  I would very much appreciate a response.

Sharon Plezia

ramrodtl@aol.com

Sunday April 07, 2002  03:13 PM

 I am a resident on Indies road on Ramrod Key. Indies road is a straight road about a mile long with many hidden driveways. The speed limit of 25 mph is posted twice on our road. Our family is one of the few full time residences with children. The speed limit on Indies road is obviously ignored by a large percentage of the traffic on it, in particular the construction vehicles, waste management and vacation renters. We have complained to waste management and the jobsite superintendant with little results.

 I realize enforcement on Indies road is not very likely because of the small amount of traffic but I feel that this is a tragedy waiting to happen,especially when vehicles are traveling in excess of 50 mph.  

                                 thanks for listening

Saturday April 06, 2002  11:50 AM

 I would like to comment about something that was said in this web site about a police review board. I writer said basic not to have uninformed citizen do the review board.

My comment is that maybe that citizen should go back to the Constitution. The fore fathers of this country did not write the Constitution to make it complicated for common people to understand. The review do not need to made up of local or non-local law enforcement. It should be made up of people with the understanding of right and wrong just like a jury. The peolpe that are in questioned are being charged like any other person. I have a question for the people. Have you every been to a hospital, court, etc... and listen to their to them talk to you and when it's over you ask yourself what just happened. Everything that was said they used million dollar words so they can chrge you a million dollar bill. The is that you were the dumb one because you should have ask them to use plain terms that is understandable to common folks. The review boards should use plain standard and words that common folks know.

ydeera@aol.com

Saturday April 06, 2002 11:27 AM

 Why is the process for questionable police officer behavior is not the same between the Key West Police Deparment and the Sherriff Department?  

The Key West Police is viewed as a bunch of under cover thugs. I find this to be true in some cases but not all. I have worked around some police officers who do their jobs in a professional manner and also always giving that secure smile of TRUST. The other problem is that the community is made up of many people not just locals. I am a military personnel and I find that their is a need for an outside review board because to give the image that the police are not professional in manner and do lie means that the system is not trustworthy to its tax paying people. To satisfy the people's right to have protection against the unjust people for the sake of higher civilization to exist. Who ever said that their isn't corrupt police officers these people are no different than anyone else. The police Officers are humans and they grow tired of the same routine of arresting people and dealing with constant negative surrounding. I believe that police officer should have mental evalution yearly and compare their complaint record with their history of problems. The big thing is to change Police Chief's, his name carries a bad code of standards because of his past wrong doing's.

The Sherriff Department- Good job. I always see high standards from your men and women in Key West. I never felt threaten on the roads when the sheffiff cars are on patrol. I always felt safe with them on the road. Every time I see the green and white vechiclesI smile because the sherriff department symbol has honor. I read alot of your in house clean up (Ex: Firing sub-standard officers for illegal doings).The team is only as good as its Leader. I support the sherriff department. To maintain standards people must separate work and personal wrong doings. Each officer is his or her own person. To lie, cheat, steal, etc... means that you will become no different than the criminals but you become a criminal that have not been caught yet. 

Teach your follow law enforcement agency about image. Good luck Key West in resolving your problems because they do exist.

johnlama@bellsouth.net

 Friday April 05, 2002 12:42 PM

 I am in favor of a Civilian Review Board, as long as it is not used as a tool for personal gains and vendettas. If this board is to do our citizens any good, the members of the board need to be chosen wisely. I believe the trauma helicoptor is an absolute necessity for this county. We citizens of Monroe County have some disadvantages when dealing with trauma and emergencies, and it is comforting to have the necessary equiptment needed to assist us when it is required. I believe that Monroe County Sheriff's Office should have a Water Patrol pision which would cover the "gray" areas of law enforcement in Monroe County. We citizens of Monroe County are surrounded by water. It seems to be common sense to have a water patrol. Law breakers are not confined to the land, as we saw this year with our bank robbery getaway. In my neighborhood, we have far more boat traffic in our canals than on our roads. We need patrol units to protect the property owners and to assist in areas that are not covered by the FWC and the Coast Guard. The need is growing every day, as our fair islands are becoming ever-popular. Please give this consideration! We need to get up to par with other areas of the country that find themselves in unique situations because of terrain differences. 

Friday April 05, 2002 10:43 AM

I think that the police down here harass kids to much. I guess they get so bored on the weekends that they just start to mess with us. Sometimes we are in the wrong and there is a need for them, but sometimes we are just trying to have fun. They need to realize that down here there really isn't much to do for young adults.I guess any place where we could hang out at would be great. If the county doesn't want to build us nothing then just let us hang out and have our little parties. I mean isn't there enough traffic crime, or bar brawls going on that need your attention. This is my opinion and maybe you dont feel this way, but just think about this. Go back and think about you childhood maybe back then you had the same problems, so help our generation be better. 

jandbcooper@bellsouth.net

Friday April 05, 2002 10:12 AM

Firstly, I am very pleased at the Sheriff's Office coverage of Islamorada, where I live. In an effort to provide constructive commentary, I would say the following: TRAFFIC AND DEATHS - Many violations of good driving pracctices are seen each day by the average resident. I guess that there is no alternative to "stopping cars and writing tickets" to cause behavioral change. It would appear that there are many more cars which need to be stopped and ticketed in order to help reduce the death rate from accidents. TRAFFIC CONTROL - We live in Venetian Shores (MM 86)and are finding that we literally cannot get out onto US 1 due to the never-ending traffic. We are obliged to use the yellow-painted strip to cross the Southbound lane of traffic and then wait for a gap in the Northbound lane to enter the Northbound stream of traffic. Very dangerous; bit there is no real alternative. No doubt it will become worse when we combine the effects of the Snake Creek Bridge and the Truck Weigh Station and, perhaps, the truck traffic from the waste debris site. Would a traffic light solve the problem? I would hat eto think that nothing will/can be done until someone is seriously injured or killed. The Sheriff's Deputies who patrol our are are top flight, take a real interest in their duties and are helpful at all times. We are proud to have them in Islamorada and taking care of us. This website is a great way for residents to provide you with their thoughts - keep it up! Cheers.

Bernie and John Cooper

Thursday April 04, 2002 06:03 PM

I enjoy driving the Keys most of the time and enjoy the scenery. However,the posted speed limits, especially the 45 MPH from Big Pine to Sugarloaf is the most violated. Evidently 45 means 55-65 to many people, local and out of state. I put my cruise control on 45 and usually am passed often by SUVs, PUVs and cars going toward Key West around sunset. I have even been passed in front of the Sugarloaf Post office and Lodge by out of state cars using the safety and turn lanes and leaving a cloud of dust in their wake! Nights from Key West, times after ten PM are even worse. Fast cars leapfrog past cars obeying the speed limit, sometimes on bridges and often over solid yellow lines and double yellow lines. This happens in the 55 MPH zone from Big Coppitt to Sugarloaf too. I think 45 or 55 should mean just that and be enforced. I know it is a tough job to skillfully catch these lawbreakers, but I'm sure even a presence on the road would be a deterrent to speeding. I'm also in favor of unmarked police cars to catch these speeders. Thank You. Paul Kallmeyer, Venture Out Florida resident.

 Thursday April 04, 2002 02:21 PM

The parking in front of the ballfield on Big Pine Key is dangerous. Many times in my 20 years I have seen children comming between the mini-vans and trucks parked perpendicular to the road. Please only allow parallel parking there.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 08:11 PM

 1. In my experience and observations We have an excellent law eforcement agency within the Keys with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, its officers and administrators. Although I have had to place only one call for assistance within the last couple of years. This call was answered very promptly, the situation was resovled satisfactorily and there was excellent follow through to keep me informed by your office. The deputy ansering the call was courteous, friendly and professional. We are fortunate to have such a fine LE organization serving us.

2.As long as police misconduct issues are resolved fairly satisfactorily and publically within the department I see no need for a civilian review board. From my observations such complaints have been resolved promptly and fairily in this manner. As the father of a 13 year veteran with the Miami PD I am more than fully aware that civilians have no knowledge of the demands that are routinely placed upon police officers and how easily an unfair accusation can be lodged against against a Cop in the performances of his duties. Keep LE issues within the hands of the professionals.

3. We need without question trauma helicopter transport for the Keys. The emergency facilities at Mariners Hospital are quite limited. And a matter of minutes in reaching the Miami hospital facilities can mean a difference between life and death in all too many cases. This service is a MUST. Donald R. Richards 281 Bougainvillea St. Tavernier FL 33070

Wednesday April 03, 2002 06:31 PM

The so-called homeless are becoming nothing more than thugs. I visit key west for a month every year. Lately, I have been blocked on the sidewalk by panhandlers demanding money, accosted verbally every time I venture out on Duval and actually threatened with physical violence by these "poor souls". I am a police officer in Md and I know the problems in dealing with these folks. I have found strict enforcement of loitering laws to be a big help. Keep 'em moving keeps them out of trouble sometimes. The corner of Duval and Virginia Sts is a particular problem that I have noticed. I know there are never enough personnel to do the job but I think this corner merits some extra attention. Thanks Steve Duvalst99@hotmail.com

Wednesday April 03, 2002 06:23 PM

 Please address the issue of the traffic backup on Big Pine Key. It appears the light timing is insufficient to keep traffic flowing. It is not necessarily the Flea market, but rather an ill timed light that causes miles of traffic to back up. Additionally, with the new "dear tunnel" project I expect the DOT will create additional backups that your officers could really assist with their appropriate traffic management skills. Please help the business people of the keys with this frustrating situation.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 02:16 PM Is the Trauma Helicopter transport free or is there a fee? If it is free how is it being paided for? If there is a fee how much does it cost?

Answer: The Sheriff's Office and Monroe County do not charge for trauma transport using Trauma Star. In fact, Trauma Star is operated under the FAA's Public Use Category which does not allow us to charge for transport under federal law. The trauma helicopter is funded using ad valorum taxes.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 01:05 PM

I would like to comment on what a wonderful job Sheriff Rick Roth has done for our community as a whole through the years. He runs a top notch department and from what I understand, is thought of highly by all those who work for the Sheriff's Office. Keep up the great job.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 12:03 PM

 Law Enforcement and Incorporated areas in the Keys The county Sheriffs office has so much experience and such a depth of resources I think any community should invite and welcome there help and involvement in the enforcement of the laws that govern all of us. · Civilian Review Boards to investigate police misconduct As a State employee myself I am of the opinion that all organizations and agencies serving the public, and being paid with tax dollars, should be accountable for their actions to the people that are paying them. When it comes to Law enforcement the group that evaluates their actions certainly has to have an understanding of the laws that they are enforcing and the operating instructions they have been given. Without that very important information it would be inappropriate for any body of average uninformed citizens to try and second-guess a law enforcement agency. Generally the average citizen does not have a good understanding of the laws that govern them and certainly have no way of knowing what the stated operational instructions have been. Although not a bad idea, I believe that extreme caution needs to be exercised when considering the appointment of a civilian review board to investigate police matters. · Trauma Helicopter transport for the Florida Keys The trauma helicopter is long over due and will be a welcome addition to the services that the county provides. I’m confident that many lives will be saved with this fine addition to the County. Thank you! David Meinke, Marathon, Fl.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 12:02 PM

i have been complaining for years about people speeding and running the red lites at 107 and 109th st. it is very dangerous and i am very surprised that some has not been killed thier. traffic goes through thier 60 or better and always run the lights.

Wednesday April 03, 2002 06:57 AM

 Islamorada's dedicated law enforcement with even more focus on community policing has been a great success. The key was hiring community minded, willing to exercise and display good judgement officers and everyday they are getting better. Being a bit more friendly by some of the officers is needed but progress is being made everyday. Joe Lieter is always open to coaching and does a nice job balancing the needs of the community and his officers. I hope