Hillsborough Sheriff's Department: Conflicting Messages

The Exterior of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office has an inviting air about it. A subtly landscaped courtyard gives visitors the feeling that they have entered into a re-purposed beach motel.

Memories of child hood visits to the seashore danced through my head. A smile formed across my lips as I recalled the sounds of seagulls calling out to their airborne pals.

Just as suddenly as the memories had arrived, they disappeared, as we ascended a flight of stairs and entered the building. A mass of students filed into a world of sterile bureaucracy.

The shift of emotions that I felt were a prelude for what was to come.

At the end of long table, in a slightly intimidating conference room, an ominous sign reading, “Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department”, glared at us. Eerie reminders of members of the Sheriff’s office, debriefing reporters about details of breaking cases, flashed in my mind.

After a drawn out ordeal seating a room full of anxious students, we were greeted my Cristal Bermudez and J.D. Callaway, who work with a team that deals with any media issues that face the Sheriff’s department.

The initial mood was open and welcoming. Bermudez stressed the importance of the media and the police department working together.

“We are on the same team.” She said.

Callaway reiterated the point, making sure to point out that there is a lot of information available, that we as members of the media would have access too.

We were shown various items including criminal report affidavits, booking sheets, general offense, and more. Each item was explained in detail and we were even given an outline of what is and is not obtainable by the media.

Things were pleasant and cordial at first, we were lead to believe that the police and the media were the best of friends, but then the tone changed.

“You don’t wanna burn your bridges with different agencies.” Said Bermudez.

For the time being it was left at that. The first presentation wrapped up and we were lead to another building, where 911 operators and police dispatchers perform a job that would put many people in tears.

Alex Diaz, communications training officer, took over from there. He explained the intricate workings of the operations. Bermudez, waiting in the corner, listened intently.

After Diaz’s presentation, we were split into groups. My group stayed behind as the other half of the class toured the 911call center.

Bermudez took the opportunity to speak with us further.

Don’t get me wrong. She is a very talented individual and was very welcoming and informative. I truly enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot from her expertise, but there was definitely an underlying tone of warning.

She brought up the point of not burning bridges again, but this time her tone was less pleasant. There was a noticeable rise in the intensity of her voice.

She beat home her point of not “stepping on toes”. An unnamed member of the media had apparently evoked the wrath of the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department and had lost all of his or her privileges.

This stern warning hit home. At that time I realized that public record researching was a fine balancing act of tenacity mixed with discretion.

This lesson, delivered by Bermudez, is one that I will take with me as I progress in my career. Any time that I receive a pleasant welcome from someone supplying me with public record, I will look back and thank Bermudez for her wisdom.

Success would be tough to come by after being shut out by a source.

Matt Doig: Database Specialist...yawn! Oh wait...

It had been a long weekend...a fun weekend, but exhausting nonetheless. I had already been through five hours of school and studying before arriving at my Public Affairs Reporting class. I enjoy the class, but I was dreading this session.

Glancing at the syllabus, the words "database specialist" glared at me from the page. Just the thought of having to spend over an hour listening to someone drone on about excel files and databases, sent me into a stupor.

As Mr. Matt Doig, investigative editor and database specialist for the Sarasota Tribune-Herald, made his way to the podium, I knew I was in for a long day. I cringed when the projector screen lit up with a giant example of an Excel data sheet. I was in for a battle against my eternal enemy, the Sandman!

But as Doig began to speak, an amazing thing happened. My ears perked up, and I found myself listening. Mildly at first, just jotting down a note here and there in an attempt to stay awake, but then more and more furtively as the presentation moved along.

What was this? Was I actually interested in databases!?

He spoke of a case where his team at the Herald broke a huge story about housing fraud. People had really been brought to justice because a few reporters had painstakingly toiled through files, pulling out information that incriminated these scumbags.

Another story involved a scandal within Florida's schools. Teachers who were earning worse grades on the various, required tests were being placed at poorer schools. This seemed unfair at the very least. The poorer schools are the ones that require the better teachers. Without the utilization of this database searching skill, this injustice may never have been brought to light.

By the time Doig was finished speaking, I was a changed student. I will never look at database specialists as having a "boring" job again. Although it may be tedious at times, there is amazing potential for its use in journalism and its ability to really make a difference in our world.

I now realize the essential nature of this tool, not only in investigative journalism, but as an item on the skill list on my resume. Thanks Matt Doig!

Expert Advice: St. Pete Times, Tim Nickens, Visits USF

As Editor of the St. Pete Times' editorial page, Tim Nickens is a busy man. Nevertheless, he found time to visit the University of South Florida and speak with a classroom full of Mass Communication majors.

Nickens stopped by the Public Affairs Reporting class Tuesday to assist students in their quest to learn more about obtaining public records and to speak about Florida's sunshine laws.

The Sunshine Laws, as Nickens explained, are the strongest in the country. In Florida we tend to wonder "Why a record is closed" as opposed to why it is open, he said.

However, he stressed that, despite limited restriction on public records, they are not always easy to find. There are roadblocks that can get in the way.

"Even though they are public, you gotta know where to look," he said. He cited the example of property appraisals, which can be found online or at the county courthouse.

Many records can be found online, but the large majority must be obtained from a particular venue. When a reporter attends a physical venue to locate particular information, there are few restrictions on what they can obtain; however, there are stipulations that are in place.

For example, clerks charge 15 cents per page for printing documents. They may charge more if they deem necessary. It is in their power to add the hourly rate of the lowest paid employmee performing the search and print task, to the overall fee.

Another problem is that local institutions, such as courthouses, may not be familiar with the laws. When a journalist runs into this, they may end up spending hours, simply trying to prove that they have the rights to the documents.

Despite these and other issues, Nickens assured students that there is a "surprising amount" of records available to the public. Public records can be the greatest tool that a journalist has at his or her disposal, and Nickens stressed the importance of honing this skill.

The St. Pete Times editor referenced real-life situations to shed light on the importance of public records to a journalist. Using the example of Ray Sanson, a formerly bright and shining political star, he explained how solid researching skills can help to police the politicians around us and to make a huge impact on our world.

After viewing certain records, it became clear to a certain journalist that Sanson was up to no good. The journalist delved deeper into Sanson's past and came up with incriminating evidence that the money that Sanson was supposed to be spending on certain projects, was actually being spent elsewhere, at the request of influential individuals.

Using stories like this, Nickens highlighted the essential nature of developing one's public records hunting skills.

Receiving a round of applause, Nickens thanked the class for their attention and for welcoming him to be a participant.

Scribbler's Corner, with Darlyn Finch

By: Anthony Gaenzle

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Saturday’s show unveiled the inaugural installment of Yo Soy Latino’s newest segment, The Scribbler’s Corner. One weekend each month, celebrated local poet and author of "Red Wax Rose", Darlyn Finch will be in the studio to offer advice to aspiring writers and welcome a guest author from the Central Florida community.

The Corner’s first guest was Mary Ann de Stefano, author and editor. De Stefano is the creator of Mad About Words, a website that offers editorial services and workshops that help writers learn how to improve their craft.

The site features a free social networking section, the “Mad About Words Lounge”, where local talent can come together to pursue commons interests and gather feedback from one another.

“It’s a good place to connect to the creative community,” said de Stefano, “You can post work there or just interact with other writers.”

The lounge currently boasts over 200 members, giving writers the opportunity to experience numerous viewpoints and to benefit from the variety of advice available on the site.

“What I really love about the Mad About Words Lounge is that there are all ages of writers,” Finch said, referring to the various levels of expertise of the site’s members. She cited that visitors to the site range from “newbies” just starting out, to established writers with multiple works published.

The site is a free and provides an easy way to perfect your art and meet other writers with the same goals and aspirations.

For more information on Mary Ann de Stefano and Mad About Words, go to madaboutwords.com.

To hear more from Darlyn Finch, tune in on the second Saturday of each month to your favorite radio talk show, Yo Soy Latino to catch Scribbler’s Corner or visit darlynfinch.com or sunscribbles.com.

Check out the Yo Soy Latino archives to listen to a taping of Saturday’s show.

By: Anthony Gaenzle

Central Florida Zoo Presses On After Loss of Long Time Resident

By Anthony Gaenzle

SANFORD, Fla. – Despite heavy hearts, the workers and volunteers at the Central Florida Zoo continue forward, enlightening visitors to the zoo about the lives of the various species of animals with which we share our planet.

Mary, one of the oldest elephants in the United States, passed away March 3 due to age-related illness. At 63 years of age, Mary was a fixture of the zoo’s weekend elephant shows.

The announcer of the show Laura Miller said, “She will be sorely missed. She was such a gentle animal.”

Every Saturday and Sunday Miller picks up a microphone and speaks to a crowd of onlookers, perched on wooden bleachers, under an awning that blocks out the hot, Florida sun. She educates them on the importance of the conservation of elephants and their habitats.

Miller speaks to the crowd about the “intelligence and beauty” of elephants, both at the zoo and in the wild.

Sanford resident Lydia Weston said, “We have annual passes and we always loved seeing Mary."

“I’m not sure my children understand that she’s gone.” She lightly patted the heads of her young son and daughter who stood by her side.

Maude, the zoo’s other elephant, continues to perform in the empty void left by her counterpart.

At the direction of her trainers, Maude performs feats that get the crowd cheering. She moves giant logs with her trunk, stands on a tiny stool on only two of her immense feet, and lifts one of the trainers gracefully into the air.

“I’m glad that they didn’t cancel the show,” said Ashley Reichert. “I was really sad when I heard the news and I really appreciate what they do here.”

For more information on the zoo, its residents and workers, and the conservation efforts visit: http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/.

A New Approach at The Crossings Church

By: Anthony Gaenzle

BRANDON, Fla. -- When Pastor Greg Dumas spoke Sunday to a mass of churchgoers, it was anything but ordinary.

The former University of Missouri football player, and graduate from the School of Education, takes a different approach to church.

Dressed in a short sleeve button down shirt, and jeans, Dumas takes the stage with a charismatic smile. There are no robes, and no cloth adorned pulpit, just a microphone and a man with a vision.

"A lot of things need to change about the church," Dumas said. "A lot of good things are being done, but there are many things that need change."

During the sermon, Dumas also spoke of the importance of a parent's role in their child's life. A concerned father himself, he cited the lack of values in our society as one of the leading causes for the "corruption of our youth."

Upon entering the church one might think that they have mistakenly walked into a rock concert. Guitar wielding musicians belt out tunes with a positive message, in the style of many of today's popular rock music artists.

"The whole experience is just uplifting," says Marilyn Vasquez. "I just moved here a year ago and the friends I made here have made it so much easier for me."

Another Attendee, Greg Steinke said, "The music was a bit overwhelming at first, but there's no pressure to participate." Steinke has been a member of The Crossing Church since its inception.

The crowded parking lot, traffic being directed by off duty police officers, was a testament to the church's popularity.

A new trend is rising among today's churches, approaching services in this manner, with the hope of attracting a broader following and to spread their intended message.

For more information on The Crossing Church and Pastor Dumas, go to http://www.crossingonline.org/about.

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Local Author Julie Compton Visits Altamonte Springs Barnes and Noble

By Anthony Gaenzle

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- Author Julie Compton visited the Barnes and Noble bookstore at Altamonte Springs Mall on Sunday to promote her latest novel "Rescuing Olivia". The Orlando based author spoke briefly to a gathering of fans before settling in at a table to autograph copies of her book.

A crowd began to gather shortly before 2 p.m. when the event was scheduled to start. Fans were able to speak individually with Compton as well as briefly listen to the author en masse.

Fans, like Julie Huff, waited anxiously to meet Compton. “I’ve been dying to meet her,” Huff said. She elaborated, explaining that she had been sick all week, but struggled out of bed because she did not want to miss the opportunity to meet one of her favorite authors.

Kim Allen, who was on vacation from Virginia said of Compton, “She was really down to Earth.” Allen added, “She signed two for me.” She held up two copies of Compton’s novel.

Copies of "Rescuing Olivia" could be seen clutched in the hands of dozens of other patrons as well. Compton’s name could be heard in the context of idle chatter throughout the store.

On her web site she writes that she originally intended to earn a degree in journalism, but opted to go to law school instead. Her passion for writing, however, could not be quelled forever, and she has since had two of her works published.

“I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri,” said Compton. St. Louis is the setting of her first novel "Tell No Lies". She later moved from Missouri making stops in Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, and finally Orlando, Florida. Her latest novel has pieces of life imitating art as well. "Rescuing Olivia", the tale of a biker who sets out to solve the mysterious disappearance of the woman he loves, is set in Florida where Compton currently resides.

For more information on this author and to find out where she will be appearing next, you can visit her website at: http://www.julie-compton.com/.