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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCBC0516MinutesMEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT CALL TO ORDER CITIZENS' BUDGET COMMITTEE Meeting Date May 20, 2016 Conference Room 3 Dan Kurek Richard Pancoast William Donovan Jay L. McBee Barry Mucklow Jerry Buechler Gwen Morris Craig Mundt John Culverhouse Carl Hensley Patrick Campion Ed Lounds Ron Knaggs Steven Weaver Howard Tipton Asheley Hepburn Al Carlo Ken Mascara Toby Long George Landry Mark Satterlee Jen Garrity Bonnie Landry Bob Adolphe Lisa Waldrop Amy Griffin Mr. Kurek called the meeting to order, when a quorum was established, at 7:32 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT No member of the public spoke. APPROVAL OF APRIL 15, 2016 MINUTES Ms. Morris pointed out that she was listed as present and was not at the last meeting. After corrections, a motion and a second, the minutes were unanimously approved. OVERVIEW OF SHERIFF'S BUDGET Sheriff Mascara distributed the attached budget and told how many employees they have lost to other agencies. He explained the small difference in the amount of the budget and their estimate last year. The challenge with the fleet was also mentioned. Citizens' Budget Committee May 20, 2016 Page 2 Mr. Kurek asked about the Inmate Medical status. Mr. Long gave a short history and reported that there is a terrible contract with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). There are some security issues in their negotiations with Martin Memorial. He gave an example of the older population at the jail. Mr. Kurek commented on the health care situation and Sheriff Mascara gave an example of a recent arrest. Mr. Kurek expressed his appreciation for law enforcement. Ms. Morris started discussion on changing laws. Discussion on the budget was started by Mr. Hensley. Ms. Morris asked about cameras. Sheriff Mascara explained they were receiving messages that cameras would be mandated and funded. Mr. Pancoast reported on the challenge with cameras and storage. Mr. Mundt asked about replacement staff. Sheriff Mascara and Mr. Long replied favorably about the quality of candidates. 1/2 CENT SALES TAX UPDATE Mr. Tipton expressed appreciation for the Sheriff and gave the attached PowerPoint presentation. For economic development, we can't have crumbling infrastructure. Project lists are being developed. Port St. Lucie has the bulk of the population and needs to do a good job presenting the needs. He apologized that he had to leave to speak at the Business Summit. Mr. Kurek started discussion on the presentation and asked if the Committee wanted to discuss supporting the tax. He mentioned the longevity of some of the members. Ms. Morris asked about monitoring taxes. Mr. Hepburn, Mr. McBee, Mr. Satterlee, Mr. Mucklow and Mr. Kurek discussed the answer. Mr. Beuchler asked about trash to energy. Mr. Adolphe explained the current project. Mr. Hepburn and Mr. Kurek added information. Mr. Mucklow asked for a list that defines permissible uses of the funds. Mr. Hepburn answered that state statute defines the types of expenditures that can be made. Mr. Pancoast started discussion on how much and the manner of support the Committee would give. Videos, pictures, fire district, percent of budget allowed to use, Fort Pierce roads, local government/state government providing services were all mentioned. Mr. Kurek summed up the discussion and asked for the Committee's wishes. Ms. Morris asked about Municipal Services Benefit Units (MSBUs). Mr. Hepburn explained how the system works. Citizens' Budget Committee May 20, 2016 Page 3 Mr. Mucklow asked about maintenance of existing roadways. Mr. Hepburn said the tax could be used for capital requirements and explained the difference. Mr. Hensley made a motion for a resolution, to present to the Board on June 71" supporting the tax. There was discussion on wording, history and experience of the Committee. It was approved by a majority of the attending members, Mr. Mucklow opposed. Mr. Hensley asked the Chair to offer the services of the Committee. Mr. Satterlee outlined some of the future plans. Mr. Mundt asked for total cost and total revenue projection that would cover past, current and future needs. Mr. Hepburn talked about the PowerPoint presentation and leveraging the revenues. Neighborhood benefits compared to the big picture were discussed. Ms. Morris started discussion about education on the tax. Mr. Mundt asked about supporting the Sheriff's budget. Mr. Buechler made a motion to support the Sheriff's budget. Mr. Mucklow seconded the motion. All members were in favor. INFORMAL BOCC MEETING UPDATE Mr. Hepburn listed the items on the agendas for the last two informal meetings. Mr. Satterlee explained the traffic calming item. Traffic was discussed. OTHERISSUES Mr. Pancoast started discussion on revenue from fleet tags on large trucks. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Marlin The next CBC meeting will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016, at 7:30 a.m., in Conference Room 3, of the St. Lucie County Roger Poitras Administration Annex. ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPOSED BUDGET 2016-2017 Line # Account Title Approved 2015-2016 Proposed 2016-2017 16000 - Judicial 1 512000-Salaries 2,077,016 2,210,380 2 513000-Other (US Vac/Sick/Holiday/Incentive) 47,090 48,572 3 514000-Overtime 81,140 81,081 4 521000-FICA 136,725 145,082 5 521100-FICA Medicare 31,976 33,930 6 522000-Retirement 456,884 505,846 7 523000-Life Insurance 10,955 11,575 8 523500-Group Health 657,994 700,194 9 524000-Workers Compensation 102,314 117,938 10 534000-Contractual Agreements 401,914 413,971 11 540000-Travel 500 500 12 540410-Meals 1,500 1,500 13 540440-Lodging 2,000 2,000 14 545420-Bonding, Liab., and Property Ins. 39,157 41,800 15 546425-Radio Accessories 1,500 2,500 16 549445-Repair and Maintenance 500 500 17 551000-Office Supplies 1,500 1,500 18 552000-Operating Supplies 4,000 4,000 19 552490-Equipment under $1000 51000 51000 20 552600-Food 500 500 21 552750-Uniforms 8,000 8,000 22 552755-Uniform Accessories 500 500 23 564410-Capital Outlay -Vehicles 0 0 24 564490-Capital Outlay -Other 0 0 25 26 Personnel Services - Judicial 3,602,094 3,854,598 27 Operating - Judicial 466,571 482,271 28 Capital Outlay - Judicial 0 0 29 30 TOTAL JUDICIAL 4,068,665 4,336,869 31 32 33 21000-Law Enforcement 34 511100-Executive Salary: Sheriff 142,835 144,365 35 512000-Salaries 17,123,457 18,074,643 36 513000-Other (US Vac/Sick/Holiday/Incentive) 919,293 956,205 37 514000-Overtime 594,298 607,504 38 521000-FICA 1,164,537 1,230,869 39 521100-FICA Medicare 272,351 287,865 40 522000-Retirement 3,354,745 3,613,934 41 523000-Life Insurance 91,860 97,797 42 523500-Group Health 5,601,785 5,637,851 43 524000-Workers Compensation 707,516 791,654 44 525000-Unemployment 5,000 5,000 45 531000-Professional Services 80,000 110,000 46 531430-Attorney Fees 40,000 30,000 47 534000-Contractual Services 175,000 150,000 48 535000-Investigations 60,000 50,000 49 540000-Travel 2,500 2,500 50 540410-Meals-Per Diem 10,000 15,000 51 540415-Prisoner Transport 150,000 100,000 52 540420-Private Vehicle Allowance 51000 5,000 53 540040-Lodging 15,000 15,000 54 541000-Data Communications 260,000 273,929 55 541100-Telephone 45,000 30,000 Page 3 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPOSED BUDGET 2016-2017 Approved Proposed Line # Account Title 2015-2016 2016-2017 56 541150-Cellular Phones 85,000 120,000 57 541200-Postage 30,000 30,000 58 544000-Rentals 300,000 353,644 59 544410-Leased Vehicles 50,000 45,000 60 545410-Auto Insurance 286,148 289,167 61 545420-Bonding, Liability and Property Insurance 424,137 453,827 62 546000-Technical Maintenance Contracts 536,280 558,465 63 546410-Auto Repairs 450,000 500,000 64 546430-Radio Repair Contract 10,000 10,000 65 547000-Printing 20,000 20,000 66 547420-Copier Supplies 25,000 25,000 67 549100-Advertising 15,000 15,000 68 549410-Auto: Other 95,000 110,000 69 549413-Towing 1,500 1,500 70 549415-Lettering 25,000 25,000 71 549420-Computer Supplies and Accessories 60,000 60,000 72 549430-Polygraph Supplies 5,000 7,500 73 549435-Crime Lab 219,637 250,907 74 549436-Weapons 15,000 15,000 75 549445-Repairs and Maintenance 30,000 30,000 76 549450-Physicals 3,000 3,000 77 549460-Aviation 350,250 350,360 78 549470-Marine 75,000 78,000 79 551000-Office Supplies 55,000 55,000 80 552000-Operating Supplies 170,000 170,000 81 552100-Batteries 25,000 25,000 82 552410-Fuel and Lubricants 1,170,000 1,080,000 83 552420-Ammunition 250,000 250,000 84 552490-Equipment Under$1000 130,000 130,000 85 552600-Food 12,000 12,000 86 552700-Rentware 51000 0 87 552750-Uniforms 75,000 95,000 88 552755-Uniform Accessories 35,000 40,000 89 554000-Books and Publications 15,000 15,000 90 554200-Memberships 30,000 30,000 91 554500-Newspapers 600 600 92 571000-Debt Service 60,282 0 93 581000-Interfund Transfer 2,123,805 2,173,805 94 564410-Capital Outlay: Vehicles 0 0 95 564490-Capital Outlay: Other 286,000 388,685 96 599999-Contingency 0 0 97 98 Personnel Serives - Law Enforcement 29,972,677 31,442,686 99 Operating - Law Enforcement 8,115,139 8,214,204 100 Capital Outlay - Law Enforcement 286,000 388,685 101 Contingency - Law Enforcement 0 0 102 103 TOTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 38,373,816 40,045,575 104 Minus Miscellaneous Revenue (367,200) (375,200) 105 NET TOTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 38,006,616 39,670,375 106 107 108 123000 - Detention 109 512000-Salaries 13,068,241 13,433,211 110 513000-Other (US Vac/Sick/Holiday/Incentive) 847,745 855,495 111 514000-Overtime 824,561 911,415 112 521000-FICA 913,915 942,408 Page 4 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPOSED BUDGET 2016-2017 Line # Account Title Approved 2015-2016 Proposed 2016-2017 113 521100-FICA Medicare 213,738 220,402 114 522000-Retirement 2,967,571 3,149,704 115 523000-1-ife Insurance 70,829 72,579 116 523500-Group Health 4,677,592 4,720,695 117 524000-Workers Compensation 650,234 710,420 118 525000-Unemployment 10,000 10,000 119 531000-Professional Services 170,000 170,000 120 531410-Inmate Medical 4,367,628 4,406,009 121 534000-Contractual Services 45,000 45,000 122 540000-Travel 1,000 1,000 123 540410-Meals 2,000 2,500 124 540417-Prisoner Transport: Departmental 2,000 2,000 125 540420-Private Vehicle Allowance 2,000 2,000 126 540440-Lodging 6,000 6,500 127 541100-Telephone 12,000 61000 128 541150-Cellular Phones 4,000 4,000 129 541200-Postage 1,000 1,000 130 544000-Rentals and Leases 10,000 4,000 131 545420-Bonding, Liability, and Property Insurance 205,627 220,021 132 Technical Maintenance Contracts 36,000 36,000 133 546430-Radio Repair Contract 7,500 7,500 134 546440-Office Equipment Repair 500 500 135 547000-Printing 3,000 3,000 136 547420-Copier Supplies 35,000 35,000 137 549420-Computer Supplies and Accessories 25,000 25,000 138 549445-Repairs and Maintenance 15,000 15,000 139 549570-Hepatitis B 100 100 140 551000-Office Supplies 25,000 25,000 141 552000-Operating Supplies 175,000 175,000 142 552100-Batteries 1,500 1,500 143 552490-Equipment Under $1000 40,000 40,000 144 552600-Jail: Food 1,460,597 1,504,415 145 552610-Jail: Supplies 170,000 170,000 146 552620-Jail: Paper Goods 85,000 85,000 147 552630-Jail: Laundry 185,000 190,550 148 552640-Jail: Janitorial Supplies 75,000 80,000 149 552750-Uniforms 40,000 45,000 150 552755-Uniform Accessories 2,500 3,000 151 554000-Books and Publications 1,000 1,000 152 554200-Memberships 15,000 15,000 153 564410-Capital Outlay: Vehicles 0 0 154 564490-Capital Outlay: Other 0 0 155 599999-Contingency 0 0 156 157 Personnel Services - Detention 24,234,426 25,016,328 158 Operating - Detention 7,235,952 7,337,595 159 Capital Outlay - Detention 0 0 160 Contingency - Detention 0 0 161 162 TOTAL DETENTION 31,470,378 32,353,923 163 MINUS Miscellaneous Revenue (164,800) (164,800) 164 MINUS Interfund Transfer (1,460,000) (1,360,000) 165 NET TOTAL DETENTION 29,845,578 30,829,123 166 167 Personnel Services - Sheriff's Office 57,809,197 60,313,613 168 Operating - Sheriffs Office 15,817,662 16,034,070 169 Capital Outlay -Sheriff's Office 286,000 388,685 Page 5 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PROPOSED BUDGET 2016-2017 Approved Proposed Line # Account Title 2015-2016 2016-2017 170 Contingency - Sheriff's Office 0 0 171 Total Budget 73,912,859 76,736,368 172 MINUS Miscellaneous Revenue (532,000) (540,000) 173 MINUS Interfund Transfer (1,460,000) (1,360,000) 174 175 TOTAL Sheriff's Office Budget Request 176 177 178 71,920,859 74,836,368 2,915,509 4.05% Page 6 http://www.stiuciesheriff.com -tr i r 0 At .i-A SherKnM.uunty S hlerri<< KC On., �`i rtc ;, '�S i less �! �e To The Community We Serve: The men and women of the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office continue to amaze and astound me each and every day. Their commitment to keep this community safe is unwavering, and inspires me each day to lead them with the same determination and purpose as I did the first day I took office in 2001. 2015 proved to be a year of both significant accomplishment and resolution. Since the tragic day of February 28, 2013 when Sergeant Gary Morales was gunned down and murdered, a cloud of sadness has lingered over our employees. This year, a jury of his peers convicted Eriese Tisdale of First Degree Murder and recommended the death penalty. This action not only brought closure to the agency, but to our entire community. However, due to recent decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court, Florida's sentencing process for death penalty cases has been revised. Even though 9 out of 12 jurors in the case recommended death, the new law requires this recommendation come from 10 out of 12 jurors. We now await the final sentencing by the judge and hope the action will ease the rollercoaster of emotions resulting from that tragic day. Another looming cloud over the agency was the 2013 shooting and wounding of Detective Paul Pearson from a search warrant executed with the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Sebring, Highlands County. In February of this year, a federal judge sentenced the two drug dealers responsible for this shooting to 27 years in prison, bringing yet another level of closure to an almost tragic day for our agency. Since taking office in 2001, preventing sexual predators from preying on our community has been a vow I've fiercely upheld. Unfortunately, on February 19, a 15-year-old boy was lured away from his home via a social media encounter. I quickly activated the regional Child Abduction Response Team (CART) and brought On the cover: dozens of specially trained officers from local agencies across Florida, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to help find him. After two days, the boy was located in an Orlando apartment. Chief Deputy Garry Wilson and I personally drove to Orlando to rescue the boy and execute the arrest of the 22-year- old predator responsible for his disappearance. Unlike so many similar cases that end in tragedy, this case ended in a safe reunification of the boy and his family. An agency -wide focus of 2015 that carries into the New Year has been the increased involvement and proactive presence in the lives of our community's children. Research has proven that establishing a positive relationship between children and law enforcement officers leads to positive behavior, respect for authority, and lowers the tendency to succumb to criminal activity. In addition to our ongoing partnership with the St. Lucie County School District to provide School Resource Deputies throughout our community, the agency has also partnered with the Van Duzer Foundation and other community leaders to adopt the Garden Terrace neighborhood in north Fort Pierce in an initiative called The First Step. To date, The First Step initiative has provided weekly activities for this neighborhood, including character -building learning lessons, reading time, football games, pizza parties, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas gifts. Furthering the agency's commitment to working with our youth, the School Resource Deputy Unit is working with school district officials to integrate our school - based deputies into curriculum -centered learning Sheriff Mascara and other community leaders mentor youth in the Garden Terrace neighborhood in north Fort Pierce. Part of the VanDuzer Foundation's First Step Initiative, this community has been adopted by the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office to provide a positive image of law enforcement. photo courtesy of Sevin Bullwinkle Hometown News r LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Sheriff Ken J. Mascara St. Lucie County opportunities throughout the school day, solidifying the positive relationship between children and law enforcement. And, recently, the Fort Pierce Housing Authority has partnered with the Sheriffs Office to open a community substation at the Williams Center on 32nd Street in Fort Pierce. A full-time crime prevention and community outreach coordinator will be relocated there and will work hand -in -hand with the Boys and Girls Club and Housing Authority to provide new and innovative activities for the families and children in that neighborhood. Another hallmark in our agency's legacy of working with children and youth is the partnership with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. For 28 years, we have held a fundraising golf tournament each year to support the operations at the Ranches and provide life - changing experiences for countless youth. This year, the tournament raised $58,600 for the displaced and troubled children of Florida. Since the Sheriffs of Florida established the youth ranches more than 50 years ago, more than 136,000 children have benefitted from the statewide network of facilities comprising the Youth Ranches. In our 28-year history of involvement, the golf tournaments have raised more than $929,000 for the youth ranches. 2015 allowed the agency to recognize a leader in the history of the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office, the first elected Sheriff of St. Lucie County, Daniel S. Carlton. On the 100th anniversary of Sheriff Carlton's line -of - Detention was initially accredited in 1998 and received reaccreditation awards in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012. The Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission also honored the Department of Detention with the "Excelsior" award for the second time. This award is for five or more consecutive perfect -score accreditations. Combatting violent crime in a strategic, focused and targeted method is highly effective. For the eighth year in a row, we continued our partnership with the Fort Pierce Police Department and conducted a summertime operation to curb street -level crime. The operation's efforts yielded more than 11,000 citizen contacts and 300 arrests, many of which resulted in confiscated guns, drugs and individuals with outstanding warrants. Just as I did at the start of this letter, I will again echo the sentiment of great respect and accomplishment I have for the more than 700 professionals that make up the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office. They strive each day to make this community safe, ask for little in return, and the fruits of their labor are all too often overlooked. It is an honor to lead them and an honor to continue to serve you as Sheriff. All the best in 2016, 6�� Sheriff n .Mascara duty death, May 22, 2015, the Carlton family joined me in dedicating a monument in Sheriff Carlton's honor at the site of where he was shot. The monument, located at 119 North Second Street, is a permanent reminder of the I history of not only our agency, but of the county itself. Maintaining the highest level of standards and FdCebook YouTube Twitter professionalism is another commitment I have made to the citizens of our county. This year, the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission granted stay connected reaccreditation to the Department of Detention of the stiueiesheriff St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office. The Department of www.stiuciesheriff.com S't>'Luci'e C�'o..un, 1,S_'' ,e-riff i�* ftil 'ce 2'0�15 Annual Report Editor: Mark Weinberg PHOTO CREDITS Public Information Officer y,,CIE COGS ri Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office y' �.. (Photos credited to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers Layout, Design and Printing are reprinted in this report bypermission of the newspaper. These photos are A & T Printing, Inc. ��� - 4`G IFe'S o4 protected by copyright and may not be used without permission.) Port St. Lucie Otherphotos by the members of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Sheriff Ken J_. Mascara S_t.,Lucirli, r- tyl Leders 1 4 1 t9 A lean organizational structure and clear lines of responsibility .c 1h- ensure efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. CHIEF DEPUTY GARRY R. WILSON As second -in -command and chief operating officer of the Sheriffs Office, Chief Deputy Wilson is responsible for implementing Sheriff Ken J. Mascara's vision for the agency. He directly supervises the Departments of Detention, Law Enforcement, Administration, and Finance and Technology. In addition, he directly supervises the work of the General Counsel, Internal Affairs Unit, Public Information Officer, fleet maintenance and facilities management as well as the Indian River Regional Crime Laboratory. Adam Fetterman Lt. Adam Goodner General Counsel Internal Affairs MATOR TERRY ROTHMAN - Department of Administration Major Rothman supervises risk management, training, the School Resource Deputy Unit, Court Security Unit, Sheriffs substations, preparation of civil and criminal court documents, service of civil papers, crime prevention and Sheriffs Explorer Post 400. He also directly supervises the Professional Standards Division, which includes accreditation, background investigations of prospective employees, human y Captain Charlie Scavuzzo Patrol Support Division resources, records and recruitment. Lt. Andrew McIntosh Lt. Diane Thompson Court Security School Resource Deputy Program , ni , AMN Lt. Mike Sheelar Professional Standards Division ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE �5_heriffIKen J_. IViasca�La S_t. Lugie Co_untY MAJOR DAVID THOMPSON - Department of Law Enforcement Major Thompson is responsible for all law enforcement functions of the Sheriffs Office, including patrol operations, detectives, bomb and lr explosives disposal, crisis negotiations and special weapons and tactics 1' for handling non -conventional threats to the safety of the public. < CAPTAIN MARK SCHIMPF - Patrol Operations Captain Schimpf is in charge of the Sheriffs Office's first responders: the uniform patrol deputies who are on duty throughout the county every day and night of the year. Captain Sshimpf also supervises aviation and marine deputies, canine teams, the Traffic Unit, reserve deputies and the Underwater Search and Recovery Team. CAPTAIN DOUG HARDIE - Criminal Investigations Captain Hardie gives supervision and direction to the detectives of the Sheriffs Office, who investigate crimes against persons, property crimes, agricultural crimes and vehicle - related crimes. He also supervises the Special Investigations Unit which investigates cases of narcotics, prostitution and other vice crimes. Captain Hardie's division also includes crime scene analysis and other technical services. Lt. Dennis Bernas Lt. Brian Scribner Patrol Shift Supervisor Patrol Shift Supervisor Lt. Kevin Dietrich Aviation Unit Marine Unit Reserve Unit K-9 Unit Star Team Lt. Brian Hester Special Operations Lt. Larry Hostetler Criminal Investigations Lt. Steve Sigmon Lt. Troy Church Patrol Shift Supervisor Patrol Shift Supervisor 2015 ANNUAL REPORT SherifF I Ken J.A-0-5--c- a rgaILASAMEucie County TOBY LONG - Department of Finance and Technology Mr. Long oversees all financial responsibilities of the Sheriffs Office, including the preparation and administration of the budget, grant preparation and administration, and purchasing. He also supervises the information technology office. MAJOR F. PATRICK TIGHE - Department of Detention Major Tighe supervises the St. Lucie County Jail. Staff members are responsible for inmate care, custody and control. This includes objective classification to determine housing assignments. Jail staff supervise the private contractors who handle food preparation, medical, and mental health services. Detention deputies are in charge of detainee work details, and transportation of detainees to and from court appearances and the state Captain William Lawhorn correctional system, as ordered by members of the judiciary. Lt. Daniel O'Brien Lt. William McMahon Administration Booking, Intake Lt. Willie Perry Lt. Stephanie Lyons Lt. Sidney Long Lt. Ronald PaBack Lt. Robert Hasse Shift Supervisor Shift Supervisor Shift Supervisor Shift Supervisor Work Unit 6 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Shedff 114n J 67-c- a rxalkAS.01Lucie County 2 � 15 1AIR IrN RR, r " y JANUARY 30: Sheriff Mascara warned county residents to carefully monitor credit-card gas purchase after detectives discovered a credit card "skimming" device on a Mobil gas station pump near St. Lucie West Boulevard and I-95. Law agencies found several such devices installed in gas pumps throughout St. Lucie County. The devices allowed thieves to steal credit card numbers and use them to buy items charged to the credit-card owners. FEBRUARY 3: Detectives of the Special Investigations Unit arrested Justine, Santana of Miami after he sped away from deputies who tried to stop his Chevrolet van on Leonard Road in Port St. Lucie. Santana slowed down enough to jump from the moving van, and he was arrested moments later. In his van detectives found three large packages of marijuana weighing a total of 66 pounds. FEBRUARY 4: A federal judge in Sebring, Highlands County, sentenced two drug dealers to 27 years in prison for shooting and wounding a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Deputy and a U.S. Marshal on Nov. 20, 2013. Alex Guerrier, 29, and Robin Jean Guillaume 28, were inside a Sebring home where a U.S. Marshal's task force served a search warrant. Sheriff's Deputy Paul Pearson, also sworn as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, was part of the task force serving the warrant. Guerrilla and Guillaume fired gunshots that wounded the two law officers before task force members returned fire and the two surrendered. Pearson recovered and returned to work two weeks later. FEBRUARY 19: A 15-year-old boy didn't return home from playing basketball near his Greenwood Drive home in Fort Pierce. Sheriff Mascara activated the regional Child Abduction Response Team to bring dozens of specially trained officers from several local agencies and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into the search. Two days later, he was found at the Orlando apartment of 22-year- old Brandon Seldon, who was arrested for lewd battery on a minor. Sheriff Ken Mascara returned the boy to his parents. FEBRUARY 2o: Deputy Tyler Witt noticed a car with an expired Tennessee temporary tag in the parking lot of Fort Pierce Westwood High School. A computer check showed that the owner, LeeBrian Walker, 29, a band teacher at the high school, was wanted in Tennessee for three counts of aggravated sexual battery and three counts of statutory rape. Witt took him into custody, and the School District fired him. FEBRUARY 2S: The Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission granted reaccreditation to the Department MARCH 27: A St. Lucie County Sheriff's detective was of Detention of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. The part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force that served an attempted Department of Detention was initially accredited in 1998 murder warrant on Tamales Hall, 39, at a home on Mayflower 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 7 and received reaccreditation awards -rj in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012. The Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission also honored the Department of Detention with the "Excelsior" award for the second time. This award is for five or more consecutive perfect -score accreditation. MARCH 9: The DUI manslaughter case of Jesse McInerney of Fort Pierce came to conclusion in a St. Lucie County courtroom Monday, March 9, when Jesse McInerneypleaded no contest and received the maximum 15-year-prison sentence. The Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit investigated the case in which McInerney was driving 26 miles an hour over the speed limit on the night June 17, 2012 — Father's Day — when the van struck 14-year-old Brittany Hare in the back. The crash took place on a two-lane residential street in the Indian River Estates subdivision. McInerney's blood contained Oxycodone, Xanax and cocaine as well as a small amount of alcohol at the time of the crash. MARCH 9: Sheriff Ken J. Mascara and two other Treasure Coast Sheriffs expressed concern over the possibility of 46 passenger trains each day traveling at high speeds through the Treasure Coast. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder and Indian River County Sheriff Deryl B. Loar joined Sheriff Mascara in a joint letter to the president of All Aboard Florida. The letter read in part: "Our jurisdictions have significant populated areas bifurcated by railroad tracks, This presents a real-time dilemma. If rail traffic significantly increases, passing trains can and will prevent emergency first responders from expeditiously reaching points of need.In an emergency response, a delay of seconds could mean the difference between life and death.' MARCH 12: Detectives of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and members of the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at the Port St. Lucie home of Justin Crenshaw, 20, and arrested him for extortion, attempted extortion, inducing the sexual performance of a child, possession of child pornography, promoting the sexual performance of a child, possession with intent to promote depictions of child sexual conduct, distributing obscene material to a minor, and using a computer or electronic device to solicit sexual conduct. The investigation showed that Crenshaw used a variety of aliases to befriend under -age girls on social media websites, then coerced them into sending him sexually explicit photos using threats to expose their online activities. S'herif Q Ken J. Mascara St. Lucie County ®' VRoad. The task force stopped a van that was leaving the home. Officers opened ♦ter the door of the van where Hall was armed with a knife. Officers ordered him to drop the knife, but he refused. A detective fired in self defense. The suspect was transported by ambulance to a Fort Pierce hospital where he was pronounced dead. APRIL 4: The Sheriff's Office Bomb Disposal Team and the Internal Association of Bomb Technicians presented an Easter Egg hunt for those with visual impairments. The event took place at Westside Baptist Church with Easter Eggs that beeped so they could be found. The event took place for the first time in 2014 the day before Easter Sunday. APRIL 9: Ken Mascara announced the arrest of Charles Gregory Brown, 43, for running an identity - theft scam on numerous Georgia and Florida prison inmates. Brown created a phony group called the "Negro Wrong Conviction Program" and convinced unsuspecting prison inmates to provide personal information. With the information, Brown opened several bank accounts and deposited checks stolen from local businesses. Detectives seized more than $100,000 in stolen unwashed checks and more than 30 phony identification documents. APRIL 12: St. Lucie County School Resource Deputies completed a three-week investigation testing stores' compliance with liquor and liquid tobacco sales to underage children. School Resource Deputies carefully supervised teen volunteers who attempted to make more than 100 purchases of liquor and liquid tobacco products at stores throughout St. Lucie County. Non-compliance was 19 percent by stores who illegally sold alcohol products to those under 21. Due to the increasing popularity of liquid tobacco ("Vapor") products, the undercover operation tested compliance with state law that prohibits these sales to those under 18. The non-compliance rate was 13 percent. Violators were charged with misdemeanors and ordered to appear in court. APRIL 27: Port St. Lucie Police Officers and St. Lucie County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 18-year- -itold Montel Jones, solving a rash of burglaries in the Hidden Pines neighborhood earlier in the week. Jones was on probation for burglary when he was arrested. MAY 1: Sheriff Mascara announced the arrest of self - described "sovereign citizen" Manual M. Gonzales, Sr., of Fort Pierce, for fraud, extortion and obstruction of justice. Gonzales filed fraudulent liens against the Sheriff, several deputies, a prosecutor and a private attorney. Gonzales was retaliating for the arrest of his son, convicted in 2013 in a jury trial for lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under 16 years old. MAY 9: Sheriff Mascaras 28th annual Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Golf Tournament raised $58,600 for the displaced and troubled children of Florida. Since the Sheriffs of Florida established the youth ranches more than 50 years ago, more than 136,000 children have benefitted from the statewide network of facilities comprising the Youth Ranches. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's golf tournaments have raised more than $929,000 for the youth ranches. MAY 4: Sheriff Ken Mascara, Chief Deputy Garry Wilson and the Sheriff's Office Honor Guard participated in a candlelight ceremony at the state capitol in Tallahassee to honor law officers who died in the line of duty. Among those memorialized at the ceremony was Sgt. Gary Morales, who was killed during a traffic stop February 28, 2013. The next day, a law enforcement motorcade through the streets of Tallahassee also honored the fallen officers. MAY 1o: Deputies convenience stores arrested Brian Storsinder, 28, of Port St. Lucie, after he robbed a convenience store, hitched a ride and boasted to the driver of the car that he had just committed a robbery. The driver, who was on probation, kicked Storsinder out of the car, sent to the convenience store and told deputies what Storsinder had said. Armed with this information, deputies located Storsinder and arrested him. MAY 21: Sheriff Mascara announced that serious crime investigated by the Sheriff's Office dropped 17 percent in 2014 compared with the previous year. Crime dropped 8.1 percent throughout St. Lucie County in that same time period. There were substantial drops in aggravated assaults and batteries, burglary and auto theft. TUNE : James T. Frederick, 23, of Homestead, wanted in Palm Beach County for weapons charges, eluded Palm Beach County deputies on I-95. He continued north into St. Lucie County where deputies pursued him in patrol cars and with the Sheriff's helicopter. Frederick and passenger Delroy R. Cole, 25, of Boynton Beach, left I-95, drove east on Orange Avenue and abandoned their car on Angle Road. They hid in some woods until Frederick heard the helicopter overhead and saw deputies closing in on him. That's when Frederick called 9-1-1 on his mobile phone and announced he was surrendering. He and Cole came out of the woods with their hands up and were taken into custody. UNE 21: Derry Barron, 21, and Juantavious Jones, 19, both of Fort Pierce, robbed Port St. Lucie resident Christopher Hilton, 25, at Barron's north St. Lucie County ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE S_Ni i f Q Ken J 71, Mascara St. Lucie County RAhome. During the robbery, Jones shot and killed Hilton. That night, deputies arrested Barron, and two days later, Jones surrendered at the St. Lucie County jail. ULY io: Gunfire struck an unmarked car with two deputies and a Fort Pierce police officer riding as part of a concentrated enforcement effort. The incident took place just after 5 p.m. in the 800 block of North 17th Street. It was a grim reminder of the danger law officers face as they work to keep the community safe. uLY 1 : The Miami U.S. Attorneys Office announce the conviction on weapons charges of two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club stemming from an investigation by federal, state and local agencies including the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. The investigation spanned five years and culminated in the November 2014 arrest of nine suspects. It was called "Operation Road Rash." ULY 2 : Corrine Ray Hopkins, 60, pleaded no contest in Circuit Court to fraud and paid back $28,022 which she stole from Pars for Pink, a charitable group raising money for breast cancer victims and their families. Hopkins co- founded the group. Judge James McCann sentenced her to six months in the county jail and ordered her to sever all ties to Pars for Pink. The Sheriff's Office investigated the case and arrested Hopkins. AUGUST 6: The Sheriff's Office, along with other local and federal agencies arrested the manager of the Around the Clark convenience store in the 900 block of Avenue D, Fort Pierce, and two others for dealing drugs from the store. Arrest documents described the store as a "high - volume drug dealing location." AUGUST 12: The Sheriff's Office, Fort Pierce Police Department and Martin County Sheriff's Office, along with several federal agencies, capped a three-month investigation called "Operation Summertime Blues" with the arrest of 14 men and 10 women for street -level drug dealing and other charges. Undercover agents bought cocaine, heroin and marijuana from the suspects before arresting them. AUGUST 28: The U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami announced the filing of federal charges against 15 defendants dealing methamphetamines and other illegal drugs in Okeechobee and Highlands counties. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office participated in the case along with several other local and federal agencies. AUGUST s 1: The Fort Pierce Police Department and Sheriff's Office announced the results of a concentrated summer effort to combat violence and drugs in Fort Pierce from June 3 to August 15. In the operation officers and deputies made more than 11,000 citizen contacts and 300 arrests. Enforcement efforts continued using other components of both agencies. SEPTEMBER g The Special Investigations Unit wrapped up a two -week undercover operation at America's Best Value Inn, Darter Court, Fort Pierce, near State Road 70 and I-95, with seven arrests for drug dealing and 10 trespass warnings requested by hotel management. The defendants were dealing pills, crack cocaine and heroin in and around the hotel. SEPTEMBER 8: Deputies arrested seven people, seized more than $20,000 cash, 7.5 pounds wtjLAal of marijuana and a loaded handgun at two homes in the north St. Lucie 0142.(Al County Lakewood Park subdivision. The seven defendants were charged with drug possession and distribution. SEPTEMBER 23: The Van Duzer Foundation raised more than $12,000 for Deputy Corey Todd, for help in his battle with chronic myeloid leukemia. The event, at Big Apple Pizza, 35th Street, Fort Pierce, featured the auctioning of "celebrity barbers" to shave the heads of Sheriff Mascara, Detention Major Patrick Tighe and Detention Captain William Lawhorn in support of Deputy Todd, whose treatments have thinned his hair. NOVEMBER a: An investigation by the St. Lucie County Fire District and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office has resulted in today's arrest of 26-year-old Stanley Tyrone Mcbride, who has confessed to setting three north -St. Lucie County fires. NOVEMBER ii: The Sheriff's Office and Fire District responded to a house fire at 594 Beach Avenue. Inside, the body of Matthew James David Hiner, 29, was found. The investigation into his death is still ongoing. NOyFmBER ie: The Sheriff's Office was requested by atthe Fort Pierce Police Department to assist in an officer involved shooting that occurred at 1045 South 27 Street in Fort Pierce. Police , officers responded to that location to find Steve Dormil, 27, attacking Olesia Doug, 5. Officers gave orders to Dormil to stop and when he refused, 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Sheriff Ken J. Mascara =Lulie Count, they used lethal force to end the attack. Dormil was pronounced dead at the scene and Doug was pronounced dead at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. NOVEMBER 241 Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Stuart Maynard Clark for a home invasion and robbery in the 2300 block of Atlantic Beach Boulevard on North Hutchinson Island. Clark forced his way into an 83-year-old victims home and robbed her. In the process, the victim struck Clark in the head with her cane leaving a large gash. One day after posting information about this incident on social media, tips were provided that led to the arrest of Clark. NOVEMBER2a: Members of the Sheriff's Office Warrants Execution Team, Special Investigations Unit and STAR Team, along with the Fort Pierce Police Department assisted the U.S. Marshals „ . Task Force in locating and arresting Dacoby Wooten, 25, of Palm Beach County for outstanding warrants for first -degree murder. NOVEMBER 24• Sheriff's officials concluded a two - gamonth -long investigation that led to the arrest of Centennial High School teacher Rafael Alejandro Yepez, 28, for having sexual relations with two minors. DECEMBER .4: Sheriff's drug investigators wrapped up a three-month investigation of a marijuana grow house with the seizure of the grow house and 92 pounds of high-grade marijuana. The 92 pounds of marijuana seized are worth $275,000. In addition, detectives seized the house, a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck, a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a 2011 Nissan Titan pickup truck, along with $21,000 cash. Arrested on numerous drug charges were: Wildo Dumont, 43, his son, Daikel Dumont -Rodriguez, 26, and son-in-law Orley Recio, 43. DECEMBER io: Sheriff's investigators charged New Jersey fugitive John Kaminsky, 30, with 45 counts of manufacture of explosive devices and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and drug equipment. DECEMBER 12: Sheriff Ken J. Mascara and the members of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office wrapped thousands of gifts for St. Lucie County families as part of the 21 st Annual Christmas Families Drive making the 2015 Christmas Season brighter for 193 families and 500 children. DECEMBER 18: St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Martin County Sheriff's Office and Port St. Lucie Police Department arrested Timothy Scott Turner, 46, for multiple armed robberies throughout South Florida. Turner was the primary suspect in several armed robberies in St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties and has been the subject of a manhunt by more than eight agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). DECEMBER so: A UPS truck was carjacked at the corner of Avenue R and 29 Street in Fort Pierce. The truck was recovered approximately four minutes later around the 1100 block of N. 32 Street. Several unidentified people were seen running from the truck with packages in their hands when law enforcement arrived. Some of those packages were later recovered. The driver of the truck, identified as Oscar Nunez, 33, stated that two black males in their early 20s pointed a handgun at him and told him they were taking the truck. Nunez was not injured or hurt. W George Emerson has spent the last 58 years actively supporting the mission of law enforcement. He spent 33 years with the Florida Highway Patrol and recently retired from our agency after another 25-year career. George is most recently best known from his tireless dedication to the Sgt. Harold "Pa PPY" Holerger Pistol Range and the Gary Morales Training Complex. His passion throughout his career has been training and it's most appropriate that his last "tour of duty" was as a member of our training unit. The transformation of our simple gun range to the multifaceted training complex it is today, is due in part to George. In addition to his time supervising the range, he also was assigned ' r to the Reserve Unit and its predecessor, the Ranch and Grove Unit. George was also an avid marksman and spent many years as a firearms instructor. He can still outshoot some of the best. George was recently honored at a barbeque at the range in his honor. He was presented with a plaque of appreciation from Sheriff Mascara and was surrounded by his family. He will certainly be missed, but we wish him all the best in a much deserved retirement. io ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 5'heriff�Ken J.,Mascarta St.,Luciei,Co.untu 9 bl, iI[nlfor at�iron� OO "f ,`, fark WCei ;rgr�Rret�i�re_ �s MARµWE1NBERG After 25 years as the Public Information Officer for two St. Lucie County Sheriffs, Mark Weinberg has retired. Having joined the Sheriff's Office in 1991, under then Sheriff R.C. "Bobby" Knowles, Weinberg has worked as the conduit between the agency and various media that at L i times has spanned across the U.S.. "Mark has earned a well -deserved reputation as a Public Information Officer who responds quickly, credibly and comprehensively to media inquiries," said Sheriff Mascara. "It is critically important that the St. Lucie Sheriff's Office communicate accurately, in detail and in a timely fashion, with the public about matters of public safety, and Mark has helped us do that each and every day." Weinberg has written more than 3,000 news releases for the Sheriff's Office and was the first person with news media experience to serve in the PIO role. This experience added a great deal of credibility and focus to his dealings with the news media, said Sheriff Mascara. In addition to news releases, Weinberg also edits the quarterly agency newsletter and the agency's annual report. He has been involved in dozens of high profile cases, including the Escobedo Turnpike Murders and the tragic death of Sergeant Gary Morales, both of which gained national media exposure. He also served in the Emergency Operations Center during the 2004 hurricanes as part of the team that kept media and residents informed about recovery efforts. St. Lucie County Sheriff's Major David Thompson is now the Chairperson of the Florida Education Practices Commission (EPC for short) that governs the discipline of school teachers and administrators throughout the state, according to Sheriff Ken J. Mascara. "Major Thompson, who is the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office's Director of Law Enforcement, won the unanimous vote of the Education Practices Commission at its September 16 business meeting and became chairman on Oct. 1; Sheriff Mascara said. "Major Thompson is a 27-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office who has distinguished himself throughout his career in every assignment. His election as Chairman of the Education Practices Commission reflects the esteem in which he is held by his 24 fellow Commission members." The Commission is a quasi-judicial body with statewide jurisdiction. In an Oct. 2 letter to Sheriff Mascara, Commission Executive Director Gretchen Kelly Brantley, Esq., wrote in part: "Major Thompson's professional qualities and knowledge have complemented the duties and responsibilities of the EPC. His intense grasp of Florida criminal law and procedure coupled with his ability to explain key concepts to other members are inspiring to all who observe him. The EPC's belief in Chairman Thompson's ability to lead the Commission into the future is unwavering and without reservation. Major Thompson was appointed in 2008 as a Commissioner for the EPC, a position which required confirmation by the Florida Senate. 2015 ANNUAL She_riif�Ken_J.. Ma car�a fit, LU _Q_ountY/ �T s a Pam\ `` � Ea .----J •.�'�:_ OL Members of the Sheriff's Command Staff who attende St. Lucie County Deputies and St. Lucie County Commissioners at Commission Cl "Law Enforcement Week" and designated May 15 as "Law Enforcement Day" in St. The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 15 as Law Enforcement Me] service to their community or have lost their lives or become disabled in the perfor Pictured at left are County Commission Chair Paula A. Lewis presenting Chief Deputy Garry R. W On April 6, I shook hands with Sheriff Ken Mascara and became a sworn deputy with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. But that is not where my story begins. My name is Tanya Wright, I am 21 years old, and I was born in Fort Pierce. I was raised by myAeputy Tanya Wright dad and grew up alongside my twin sister Taylor, who aspires to be a nurse/firefighter. I graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in June of 2012 and from Indian River State College with my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in May of 2014. At the age of 16, I took it upon myself to find community service opportunities. I thought nothing of it when I applied to be an Explorer with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Explorer Post 400. As far as I knew, I wanted to be a teacher, and the Explorer program was just an easy way to get the hours I needed to graduate high school. But after that first meeting in 2010, I was hooked. The Explorer post instantly became my second family and I dedicated most of my free time to the program for the next four and a half years. I still had a life outside of the program, juggling other activities 12 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 'd of County Commissioners meeting. Commission Chair Lewis is at the far right in the group photo. ors April 14 when the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed the week of May 11 — 17 as County. I Day, in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in e of their duty, and let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes. ith the proclamation of Law Enforcement Week. like band, cross country, dual enrollment, and two jobs without I am currently in the early stages of the Field Training Officer missing most meetings, details, and trips. program, and I cannot imagine what it would be like to start Looking back, I feel like I flew through the ranks of Explorer Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and finally Major. Knowing what it is like as a supervisor, I have gained great respect for my new and future supervisors at the Sheriff's Office. As I acquired tenure and more experience as an Explorer, I gained several skills, probably some that I don't even know I had. Just to name a few: respect, reliability, leadership, dedication, public communications, and self-confidence. I also gained knowledge of the law enforcement profession that I had never been exposed to. Being a part of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Explorer program, especially with the tremendous amount of support we had from the Sheriff and the deputies, opened the door to countless opportunities for education, travel, practical applications, and camaraderie. blind, with no experience from the Explorer program. Throughout my recruitment, I have realized that the experience I gained from the Explorer program has given me a great advantage over those who weren't Explorers. I believe that every law enforcement agency should greatly invest and take pride in their Explorer program because recruitment for their agency can start at the age of 14. I have hundreds of people to thank for where I am today, but the ones that mean the most are the advisors and employees I have met from all over the State of Florida who volunteer their time for Sheriff and Police Explorer programs to mentor and guide young adults like me. The Explorer program changed my life, and after careful self - evaluation, I decided to become a law enforcement officer. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT eAK Sheriff Ken J. Mascara dedicates a monument to Sheriff Daniel S. Carlton, the first elected Sheriff of St. Lucie County, on the 100th anniversary of his death in the line of duty. The history of our nation, state and county is fascinating. Many times, history is staring us in the face, and we fail to put all the pieces together. This is the history surrounding St. Lucie County's first elected sheriff, Daniel Stephen Carlton, and the circumstances surrounding his death. SheriMascara with surviving family members This information was put together by St. Lucie County Historical Society member Rick Modine (who happens to be the great nephew of Sheriff Carlton), and the Carlton family who substantiated most of the information. Daniel Stephen Carlton was born February 6,1872, near present- day Arcadia, Florida. With his parents, Reuben Carlton and Elizabeth Crews Carlton, he later moved to Ten Mile Creek and then Fort Pierce. On April 30, 1904, he marrried Theresa Molly Hilliard. Daniel Carlton was a cattleman and citrus grower, and in 1907 began serving as the first elected sheriff of St. Lucie County until his death on May 22, 1915. One of the great stories of Sheriff Carlton was how he was taskedby the St. Lucie County Commissioners, fearing an Indian uprising, to recover the bones of Indian Chief Tommy Tiger, whose bones had been carried away by an out-of-town carnival owner. Sheriff Carlton successfully returned the Chief's bones to the Indian settlement. The Indians were very pleased and described Sheriff Carlton as the Seminole's "best friend." Subsequently, Indians became frequent visitors to town and outlying homes in their colorful Seminole clothing. Fort Pierce was a growing town. Peter P. Cobb was constructing his new building downtown, the railroad was adding spurs to its section yards, and land sales were brisk. Saturday night was a lively night in town. Farmers came to town to make their weekly purchases and let off steam, while townspeople torned out to socialize. The town had no police force, and merchants had recently employed a new arrival from Georgia; D.J. Disney, as the night marshal to patrol stores and keep order. Law enforcement was the responsibility of Sheriff Carlton, a popular St. Lucie County native, and his four deputies. Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County were usually peaceful. However, on the night of May 22,1915, the peace of the evening was shattered by gunfire. Witnesses report that around 7 P.M., words were exchanged between Sheriff Carlton and Mr. Disney, and then shots were fired in an alleyway of the Kraaz Building, 119 North Second Street. Some witnesses said the sheriff was walking away from Mr. Disney, and others said they were facing each other. As the shots ceased, Sheriff Carlton, pierced by four bullets, lay dying on the wooden sidewalk, and Mr. Disney was staggering in the street with three bullet wounds. Sheriff Carlton was carried to Dr. ClarVs office, on the second floor of the St. Lucie Drug Store, where he later died on the examination table. The sheriff had been shot in the right eye, the chest, and through both arms. Sheriff Carlton was buried in the Carlton Family Cemetery at Ten Mile Creek, he left behind his wife Theresa, son Daniel, and daughter Louise. Disney was carried to Dr. Van Landingham's office, which was above the St. Lucie Bank. He was later transferred to a Miami hospital, were he recovered and was later charged, tried and sentenced to five years in prison for Sheriff Carlton's death. Ironically, he only served 2 and one-half years and was granted a pardon from then -governor Sidney Catts. What was the reason two lawmen would shoot it out in this alley? Conflicting reports say it could have been the result of a feud over illegal liquor sales, since St. Lucie County was a dry county. There were some reports that the sheriff was not enforcing the law., while others say he was. Still other reports say there was a fight between a deputy and night watchman at a restaurant, and that Mr. Disney got the best of the deputy. According to this account, sheriff was out to confront Mr. Disney. The circumstances leading up to Sheriff Carlton's death are not as important as the sheriff becoming the first member of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office to be killed in the line of duty. Of equal importance is that he was the first elected sheriff of St. Lucie County. Monument honoring Sheriff Daniel S. Carlton Located at the Kraaz Building 119 North Second Street. provided by Haisley Funeral Home ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S 5 h-,e r i HI Ken AN47-c- a nalk2tA St., Lucie C unty SEVEN ARRESTED IN ST, LUCIE COUNTY as law agencies shut down heroin ring in "OPERATION FIX A FLAT" On June 24, 2015, federal, state and local law agencies from Martin to Brevard County announced the results of "Operation Fix a Flat" that shut down a large heroin distribution ring headquartered in a tire shop in East Stuart. Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, who conducted a news conference at the Martin County Sheriff's Office, said the case began with a traffic stop by his agency in November 2014. When the scope of the drug -dealing network became clear, Sheriff Snyder enlisted the assistance of St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara, Brevard County Sheriff William Ivey, Stuart Police Chief David Dyess, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and Nineteenth Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office. At the news conference, Sheriff Mascara said that in recent years, an "epidemic" of synthetic opiate abuse required the coordinated resources of law agencies throughout the State of Florida. When the crackdown on prescription fraud and doctor shopping showed signs of success, addicts turned to heroin, which is now becoming the next epidemic. In Operation Fix a Flat, Deputies of the Martin and St. Lucie County Sheriff's Offices were deputized by both agencies "We are working collectively to combat this (heroin) epidemic, law agencies are working across jurisdictional boundaries to quell the distribution of heroin on the Treasure Coast." - St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara to simplify jurisdictional issues, Martin County Sheriff Snyder said. Drug agents seized at least 5 ounces of high-grade heroin, worth about $20,000 on the street. "This put a significant dent in the heroin trade, Sheriff Snyder said, "but this is a growing problem, and it is likely to get worse. Seven of the 15 people arrested in the drug case were arrested in St. Lucie County. Additional arrests are expected. Among the arrests was that of Ruben Massas, the 58-year- old head of the drug -dealing operation. He owns and operates East Stuart Tire Center, described by Sheriff Snyder as a "legitimate tire business" that also was "a front for the heroin distribution ring" Massas and six others were arrested in southern St. Lucie County in Operation Fix a Flat. Officers seized more than half a dozen vehicles used to deal drugs. Sheriff Snyder said he is seeking court orders that will forfeit those vehicles to law enforcement. ii SherMi� 's�:1f �irc The St►. Lu�I _I Coo c I � �- ff� f e�lho�nro�rsi Deputy So'r n A.:; orb Sorensen became a St. Lucie County Deputy Sheriff on January 7, 1913. Daniel S. Carlton, the second Sheriff of St. Lucie County, appointed him. He served as a County Traffic Officer, escorting school buses and performing other duties aboard his motorcycle. He was known as a "careful and cautious driver, according to a news article about his accident. On March 14,1935, shortly before 4 p.m., a trucker found Deputy Sorensen in a ditch beneath his motorcycle on Okeechobee Road 10 miles west of Fort Pierce. He was described as being in a semi- conscious condition. The trucker and another motorist brought him to a hospital in Fort Pierce. He was on duty and in uniform, but there were no witnesses to his accident. Deputy Sorensen never regained consciousness. He died on March 20, 1935, at age 56, becoming the third member of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office to lose his life in the line of duty. Carpenter and citrus grove owner Soren A. Sorensen was born in Denmark on January 21, 1879. He came to the United States in 1898. Two years later, he became a resident of the White City area of St. Lucie County. Recently, surviving family members of Deputy Sorensen brought his history to the attention of the Sheriff's Office. Because he lost his life in the line of duty, it is important to include Deputy Sorensen in our honor roll of fallen heroes of the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 15 1w, I�n� ! I �afre5 •M;IFra,, Nate i I I c�awn�t� � 'ra�i�l t rq •ray I I IS February 4, 2015, was a day of personal achievement for 54 St. Lucie County jail inmates who graduated from educational and self-help programs at the jail. The programs are the result ofyears of collaboration by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Public Defender's Office, Indian River State College, Aramark Correctional Services and hundreds of clergy and volunteers from the local faith community. graduates of inmate programs: (left to right) Nadia Stephenson, Amy Gallo, Terra Board, and Monica Barth. The ceremony took place within the secure confines of the jail. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard opened the ceremony followed by a welcome from Major E Patrick Tighe, Director of Detention, and Dr. Kenneth Mills who performed the invocation. Pastor Ed Day closed in prayer. Other volunteer James Poole, a former inmate, was the guest speaker, discussing how jail programs helped him become clean and sober" for more than two years clergy present were Trevor Thelwell and John Travis. The guest speaker was former inmate James Poole, who explained how the jail's programs helped him to become "clean and sober" for more than two years. He owns his own business, attends Alcoholics Anonymous, alumni meetings of the Journey Forward program he took at the jail, and attends church. The audience included Poole's parents. Graduates from the programs praised the jail staff and volunteers who invested their time and care, support and resources. The graduates said that the programs helped them to restore family relationships and enjoy life again. attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.' Major Tighe referred to the lyrics of the song "Changed" by Rascal Flatts on the program agenda as they watched and listened as the video played. Major Tighe said, "You will make mistakes, and a lot of them. You will make mistakes in your relationships and personal lives; that is just another fact of life and that is okay." He closed the program by telling the graduates: "Each one of you is special, each of you can become a productive member of society and you inspire me because every one of you has a story to tell. My question to you is what will be the direction of your Journey. Attending the ceremony were: St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton; Public Defender Diamond Litty and several of her staff members; County Commissioner Tod Mowery; Florida Department of Corrections Circuit Administrator John Thompson; St. Lucie County Criminal Justice Coordinator Mark Godwin; CORE Executive Director Suzanne Caudelle; Indian River State College officials Kimberly Taylor, Donna Roberts, Gail Schorr and Loren Diaz; Hanley Center Program Director Arnie Kampa; and Ocean Addiction Recovery Services President graduating inmates; (seated left to right) Sheriff's Chaplain "-- David Thompson and County Commissioner Tod Mowery --- - Major Tighe quoted Charles R. Swindoll who once said, "Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our EMKI Star Patrol: Special tool in arsenal for fighting crime in areas of Fort Pierce The surge of law enforcement in northern neighborhoods in the wake of two gang - related shootings in April and early May included a special St. Lucie County sheriff's patrol that had already been at work for several months. Because of a steep escalation in murders and shootings in 2014, Sheriff Ken Mascara in the fall formed the hand -selected, six -member Star Patrol, assigned to violence- M ik prone areas, especially northwest Fort Pierce. 16 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE S'heriif Q K Oe WJ.71 Mascara gett�i�nxg rep tea_ * dirt, 1i� 1e� Kathy Hurt. Attending the ceremony were four recently released former inmates who returned to participate in the ceremony. Also attending were nine former inmates who completed the Journey Forward Substance Abuse program and have been out of jail for one year or longer and that attend the after -care program. The Journey Forward program is a partnership with the Public Defender's Office, Corizon Health Services and several local faith -based community leaders. The program is a 90-day therapeutic program designed to promote long-term recovery and successful re-entry into the community. This program is structured to help participants identify the root causes of their addiction, enhances motivation to change, and assists with new ways of thinking/coping to navigate the challenges of life in recovery. These individuals receive continued assistance after release with after -care programs and housing. The Indian River State College Adult Education and Career Pathways program was created by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the college as a way to assist inmates who lacked p r o p e r education 1 and training. F Many were considered unemployable, pmat,,,h,atedfrom self-helppmgrams which in many cases may have been contributing to their repeated offenses. This comprehensive program is individualized for each student, helping with reading, mathematics, language skills and GED exam preparation. The Culinary Program is a partnership with Aramark Correctional Food Service and Indian River State College. It offers culinary training from certified instructors. Those who successfully complete the "In2Work" program receive a State Wv.11'y wrrzinuam,er aou tnuwery with Paul Kuschell and his wife of Florida Food Service certification, and if they complete the college portion they receive credits to be used to continue their education upon release. The Spiritual Learning Program was created in 2009, providing positive growth through spirituality. This 90-day program includes scripture study, group meetings, meditation and worship. Sheriff's Chaplain Dr. David Thompson and over 200 local faith -community clergy and volunteers provide a structured environment on a daily basis. Sheriff Ken J. Mascara is not required by law to provide programs to inmates, but he understands the benefit of these programs to the Sheriff's Office as well as the inmates. The programs are funded through grants, inmate subsistence fees, and donations. The Sheriff's Office continues to see the positive impact of the programs, and recidivism statistics confirm the success of the programs. Recidivism rates show the value of the programs: • 33 percent for those who did not participate in any program during incarceration. • 15 percent for those who participated in a program during incarceration. 10 percent for those in the culinary program during incarceration. Major Tighe said, "For many of the graduates, this is the first time they are turning away from a life of crime or substance abuse, making strides in accomplishing positive goals and being recognized for what they are achieving.' "I was appalled," Mascara said of the murders, and a reason the Star Patrol worked 78 days and amassed 9,289 interactions why he offered his county agency to help the Fort Pierce Police with people, including stop -and -talks, traffic stops, warnings, Department combat the violence in the city. Much of it involved citations, arrests and gun seizures. Each day officers averaged young men. 119 contacts. The team, overall, is helping decrease violence in the area, "There is no doubt the patrols are helping to decrease problems Mascara said. He has the numbers to prove it. It's one of several in the area, Mascara said. "We will be successful. We'll chip needed solutions to helping the community feel safer. away at violence' Between October and late April, Sheriff's Office records show The Star Patrol is under the command of Lt. Kevin Dietrich. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 17 mw Sherifif Ken J. Mascara Lucie�Count yj you letter to Aviation Unit Supervisor, Sgt. James Adams Ard 29, 2015 G,00Q mornin9 Sot 4 µad, On hone J.reap, Parents educating on t1e c7r¢abure C'oa�t (.kje) 9 want to tkak IOa%o" i tin, Q• /�/jI p yeater� 3,ck a great experience Ar ua. eYd tri I p4 You were inArmntiue entertaining and tie grO1 r "e0.l " enjoge d t it time witk gou. Mg son tk"gt t sitting in t1e p � wwd eager to te�feoergnne we ran cochpit wad do coot" a n/� ��be cure to praiae into gedte,&Y about {Ud experience. y wi nnnar'� tl Ii �'lh witk. dckool groups to tie iheri INI d�w�u gourd � 0p I p// I� to Oe/! I -r making this field trip do eajg r ae to organize I ud to cone and oidit! ow and tkank you again Ar aeeowinc� pp I /��j I pp �� I I low a ride -along in the if we could iudt get the sheriff to a kelicorter! :) c �e care & stag d*, ,Lida )Ones v1 Uji the little toy. 9t �� Great groat r�i.oto with you ^g did. I �iiai ur• •) did.. t eoen hesitate to rick WOO verg sweet that you � 18 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 1W,edtf1K'en1J_%Md;*,C_arAk MR, Lucie County Deputy Paul Pearson honored in Tallahassee for heroism Pictured left to right: Attorney General of Florida Pam Bondi, Governor Rick Scott, Deputy Paul Pearson, his father Fort Pierce Police Officer Paul Pearson, Chief Deputy Garry R. Wilson, Florida Chief Financial Officer JeffAtwater, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. At a ceremony in Tallahassee May 5, 2015, Florida's Governor and Cabinet honored Deputy Paul Pearson, who received the Governor's Medal of Heroism for his actions on Nov. 20, 2013. On that day, Deputy Pearson was serving as a member of a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving federal narcotics arrest warrants in Highlands County. Deputy Pearson was wielding the entry tool to batter down the front door of a home with drug dealers inside, when gunfire erupted from inside. The drug dealers' gunfire struck Pearson in the shoulder and a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the hand. Other members of the task force returned fire, and the two drug dealers surrendered. (They are now serving federal prison terms for their crimes.) Fortunately, Deputy Pearson was able to return to work after medical treatment and recovery at home. Sheriff Ken J. Mascara's nomination letter for Deputy Pearson's award read in part: "Clearly, Deputy Pearson had the most dangerous assignment, namely using the entry tool to force the door open with two violent drug dealers inside. When task force members loudly announced their presence, Deputy Pearson's assignment became even more dangerous. Nevertheless, he willingly undertook this responsibility, and continued to batter the door as it fell apart, exposing him to extreme danger. It was only after he was hit by gunfire that Deputy Pearson withdrew to safety. "His actions that day attest to his bravery and dedication and are highly deserving of the Medal of Heroism.' St. Lucie County Hundred Club Honors top officers Pictured in front of the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State Capitol are Chief Deputy Garry R. Wilson (right) and Deputy Pearson. Deputy Pearson and his father, Fort Pierce Police Officer Paul Pearson. On June 17, the St. Lucie County Hundred Club honored its officers of the = year, nominated by emergency services agencies in the county. Ninety-seven people attended the awards banquet at Gator Trace Country Club, Fort Pierce, the largest such gathering in the history of the club. The purpose of the St. Lucie County Hundred Club is to provide financial and moral support to �. the families of emergency services officers seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. The banquet is the principal fund-raiser of the organization. Information including how to join is available at the website I00clubslc.org or by calling 772-462-3205. Donations are tax deductible pursuant to subsection -_ 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. The club was founded herein 1987. Pictured (front row, left to right): Port St. Lucie Police Detective Christopher D'Angelo; Fort Pierce Police Officer Jeffrey Wachendorfer; St. Lucie County Sheriff's Detective Paul Taylor; and St. Lucie County Firefighter Joseph Payne; (back row, left to right): Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alvaro Feola; Port St. Lucie Police Chief John A. Bolduc; Retired Fort Pierce Police Chief R. Sean Baldwin, a member of the Hundred Club Board of Directors; President of the Hundred Club Jane Rowley; St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken J. Mascara; St. Lucie County Deputy Fire Chief Brian Blizzard; and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Resident Agent in Charge Mike Bartus. Not pictured: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Kevin Kulp and Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Ronald Weber. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 19 i5heriffiKen J. MascarLa t' St, Lucie Count L 7- � .T= Our congratulations to Deputy Glenn Hoffman, a 25-year veteran of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Hoffman was recognized as Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year at the 46th annual Southern States Crime Prevention Conference in Sarasota in October. Jail unit is recognized during the third quarter awards CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER LAW ENFORCEMENT/ADMIN. V - Cindy Long • 2°d - Chaplain David Thompson DEPUTY OF THE QUARTER 3rd - Mary Gajewski . 411 - Donna Carmichael DETENTION DEPUTY OF THE QUARTER In - Darian Spells • 2111 - Vincent Williams 3`d - Timothy Jones • 411 - Alisia Souter-Hammond DETENTION SUPERVISOR OF THE QUARTER I" - Sgt. Petri Hayes . 2"d - None 3`d - Sgt. Sheila Miller • 41- Sgt. W. T. Hamilton P' -Dave Caglioni . 2°1 - Milton Rosario 3rd - Dawn Sigmon • 4' - Det. Matt Briglia LAW ENFORCEMENT/ADMIN. SUPERVISOR OF THE QUARTER Pt - Sgt. Jim DeFonzo . 2nd - Sgt. Steve Sessoms 3`d - Sgt. Jimmy Adams . 41 - Sgt. Sue Woodward VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER V - Paul Cohen and Paul Duffy 2» d - Debbie Forbes Taylor 3m - Clive Niles . Th - Charles Winfield YEARLY AWARDS Civilian..................................Cindy Long Detention Deputy ................... Vincent Williams Detention Supervisor .................. Sgt. Petri Hayes COMBAT INJURY Deputy Peter Redler Law Enforcement/Admin. Deputy...... Det. Matt Briglia Law Enforcement/Admin. Supervisor.. Sgt. Steve Sessoms Volunteers ................. Paul Cohen and Paul Duffy COMBAT CROSS John Brady . Chris Jadin LIFE SAVING Ellis Alexander . Michael Alonge . Joseph Baptiste . Levi Barker . Danielle Carbone . Steve Casserly . David Dionisio Robert Doty . Amanda Emerson . Candace Flores . Justin Gullet, FPPD . Charla Harper . Matthew Illes • Daniel Lafleur Susan Massa . Jason Meizinger . Richard Medina • Stephen Mochan . Brad Morales . Dwayne Newton John O'Connell . Kevin Perkins • Mark Phillips . Stephen Psarreas . Andrew Silverberg . Doris Tracey . Diana Umbach Samantha Wheeler . Vincent Williams . Tanya Wright . Rebecca Zamora EXCEPTIONAL DUTY Larry Hostetler • Ron Wentz 20 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFF Sheriff Ken j. Mascara sr Lucie County COMMENDATION Matt Dietrich • Nate Evans . Jeffrey Feliciano • Petri Hayes • Gerald Knight • Cathy LaVall Robert Mason • Jennifer Perkins . Mark Phillips • Charles Singletary • Nik Wesenik • Galin Wright Ingrid Yearby • Firefighter Chad Crouse • Coach Christopher Maxon . Coach Johnathan Gary • Coach Kamron Pratt DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Dianne Coulman • Tracey Hengsder • Fabienne Miot-Cesar • Jason Paquette . Anta'Juan Pinkney • Patrick Vachon UNIT CITATIONS Crime Scene: Donna Carmichael • Bridget Coghlan • Caitlin Melton . Kayla Lee • Genynne Vazquez Evidence: Renee Pieniazek . Dawn Radke • Amanda Rodriguez • Michelle Siters • Rachel Vincent Gang: Michelle Hernandez • Troy Norman • Steve Sessoms • Drew Soesbe Detention D 1: Chuck Badger • Danielle Carbone • Bernard Cunningham . Deborah Fleury . Andrew Infante . Timothy Jones James Krause • John Lane • Ramon Lopez • Albert Lyons • Bill McMahon • Marguerite Newton • Charisse Nixon Justin Parker . Willie Perry . Estefania Rosales . Victor Sands • Andrew Silverberg • Alisia Souter • Curtis Webb Detention D2 Booking: Melinda Bess • Mark Kicklighter • Sooner Means • Joanna Santamaria • Wayne Weseman Detention Front Lobbv: Chris DeMichael • Tanya Gorniewicz . Samantha Graff • Heather Jackson • Kayla Lee Ritchy Normil • Michael O'Brien • April Roop • Ramona Williams Detention N2• Charles Badger • Demon Blackshell . Gwendolyn Boswell . Roberto Contreras • Dawn Dale . Michel-Ange DeFournoy Jermaine Dennie . Lynn Esposito -Knight . Frantz Guerrier • Devon Hartwell • Chris Hazellief • Johnny Henry • Karen Hills Marcel Hosein . Andrew Jensen • Denetta Johnson . Constant Joseph • Anthony Kaleiwahea • Randy Keefe . Gerald Knight Amber Lalama • Vincent LaValle • Hunter Limb . Carlos Maldonado -Vazquez . Timothy Mangel . Scott Miers • Dan O'Brien John O'Connell . Julio Obregon . Ron Pallack . Jason Paquette • Ronald Parker • Devanand Persad • Nicholas Redler Pauline Russ • Raol Santiago • Tonya Scavuzzo • Walter Scott • Curtis Sims • Jennifer Termini • Jason Wheeler Aaron Wintz • Cory Wood • Galina Wright . Matthew Wright Detention N2: Monica Alexander • Arthur Alfaro • Jose Angulo • Demon Blackshell • Gwendolyn Boswell • Trever Braden • Marty Burkleo Roberto Contreras • Dawn Dale • Michel-Ange Defournoy • Jermaine Dennie • Robin Gilchrist . Richard Hall Junior Hamilton • Chris Hazellief . William Hedges . Johnny Henry • Karen Hills • Marcel Hosein • Andrew Jensen Denetta Johnson • Constant Joseph • Randy Keefe • Amber Lalama . Scott Miers • Anthony Migliore . James Mullins Ron Pallack • Jason Paquette • Ronald Parker • Rui Rodrigues • Alan Ross • Pauline Russ • Raol Santiago • Walter Scott Curtis Sims • Kenrick Thomas . Jada Webb • Jason Wheeler • Aaron Wintz • Cory Wood • Matthew Wright 2015 ANNUAL REPORT hedff Ken J. Ma Cara t Lucie count, ERT/Transportation: W. T. Hamilton . Lucius Harris . Petri Hayes . Doug Laury . Rui Rodrigues Operations D1: Joseph Acosta . Ellis Alexander . Anthony Celano . Salvatore Ciccone . Bernard Cunningham Michael Debevec . Bickner Eugene . Franklin Ferencz . Candace Flores . Edward Gonzalez . Jerime Harless • Petri Hayes Scott Holshouser . Jeff Jackson . Ronnie Jenkins . James Krause . John Lane . Yolanda Lattimore . Ramon Lopez James Martello . Trevor McKnight . Anthony Migliore . Sheila Miller . Kendall Mitchell . Michael Morales Shameka Moss . Dwayne Newton . Marguerite Newton . Marisol Padilla-Ferencz . Mark Phillips • Michael Profitt Lisa Riedinger . Eric Rodriguez . Brian Shackley . Donald Shirley . James Soto • Steven Stokely Matthew Van Etten . Curtis Webb . Brian Witherow . Jermaine Wright Operation G. I. Track: Jose Angulo • Lasolomon Archie . Trever Braden . Salvatore Ciccone . Bridget Coghlan . Robert Doty • Michael Gajewski W. T. Hamilton . Dena Hamm . Petri Hayes . Thomas Henrich . Michelle Hernandez . Michael Hocker Scott Holshouser . Chris Jadin . Tim Jones . Randy Keefe . Derek Knudson . Clifford Lamm • Neil Lettman Ramon Lopez . Timothy Mangel . Clay Mangrum . Sharon McClelland . Keith Pearson . Jennifer Perkins Mark Phillips . Rui Rodrigues . Drew Soesbe . Darian Spells . David Streeter . Genynne Vazquez Patrol NI: Jeff Buchanan . Troy Church . Lame Drawdy . Pat Faiella . Tim Goyette . Garland Heath . Daniel LaFleur Ed LeBeau • Fred Leblond . David McKeever . Jason Meizinger . Carl Muschweck . Britt Reynolds . John Rouleau Bryan Saliba . Jason Selph . Ron Seraphin . Dave Snow . Nadia Valencia . Marcus Waltenburg Samantha Wheeler . Tyler Witt • Tanya Wright Traffic Unit: Dave Felix . Chris Gordineer . Brett Hamlin . Tim Harless . Gregg Hayford Todd Hogan . Michelle Nesmith . Brian Rhodes . Dave Snow MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS 2015 Best Places to Work from the St. Lucie County Human Resource Association Deputy Sal Anicito - Officer of the Year from the Gulf Stream Council Deputy Sal Anicito - Officer of the Year from the American Legion Post 318 Deputy Sal Anicito - Officer of the Year from the American Legion Department of State Deputy Sal Anicito - Council Learning for Leadership Award from the Gulf Stream Council Deputy Matt Brewster - Law Enforcement Commendation Medal from the St. Lucie Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Deputy Phaedra Campbell - Police Officer of the Year from the ASIS International Chapter 254 Palm Beach Deputy Glenn Hoffman - Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year from the Florida Crime Prevention Association Detective Paul Pearson - Medal of Heroism from the Governor of the State of Florida Detective Paul Taylor - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the American Legion Post 40 Detective Paul Taylor - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the American Legion Post 355 Detective Paul Taylor - Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the St. Lucie County Hundred Club, Inc. 22 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE [517erdtfi Ken J. Mascara St. Lucie County/ Bikes for St. Lucie County's and Chief Deputy Garry Wits of bicycles donated by the cc Lucie County. A work crew of Robert Hasse repairs and pai of the public donate money ar Crime Prevention League, or of the US. tax code. Contril donate by check or money c Lucie County Sheriff's Office, FL 34981-4825. Members of the Sheriff's Office and community volunteers wrapped hundreds of presents for needy St. Lucie County families as part of the annual Christmas Families charity drive that began more than 25 years ago. PHrONE Nju ��RS .,.,.1 All Emergencies .......................... 9 11 Calls for other services: Sheriffs Office Switchboard ........... 462-7300 Headquarters ........................ 462-7300 4700 West Midway Road Fort Pierce, FL 34981-4825 Port St. Lucie Office St. Lucie West 250 NW Country Club Drive Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Crime Prevention Programs ........... 871-5303 Crime Stoppers .................. 800-273-8477 ............................. 800-273-TIPS Sheriff Mascara's Office ............... 462-3205 Copy of incident report ............... 462-3299 Gun permit .......................... 462-3214 Fingerprints ......................... 462-3239 Records ............................ 462-3299 Information for Subpoenas or civil papers .......... 462-3265 or ............................... 462-3214 Warrants ............................ 462-3307 or ............................... 462-3219 Volunteer programs .................. 871-5303 School Resource deputy program....... 462-3264 Booking information on jail inmates.... 462-3450 or ............................... 462-3414 Patrol Operations .................... 462-3281 Criminal Investigations (detectives) .... 462-3230 http://www.stluciesheriff.com 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 23 Sheriff Ken J. Ma cars St. Lucie County Our thanks to everyone who took part in our `Bald for Brothers"fund-raiser far Deputy Corey Todd, who is battling chronic myeloid leukemia. With the help of the Van Duzer Foundation, we raised more than $12,000 for Corey and his family. Scott Van Duzer's Big Apple Pizza hosted the event along with the Van Duzer Foundation at Scotts Big Apple Pizza on 35th Street Fort Pierce. In a showing ofsolidarity, coworkers offered to have their heads shaved because of Corey's thinning hair due to his treatments. The event raised over $12,000 for Deputy Todd. The funds will help pay for his ongoing medical expenses and assist with his living expenses while undergoing medical treatments. D0`,ol!phiiink S a-1rq , 1al_ ke§)! � re Fi�rstk Step In early October. St. Lucie community leaders gathered together to take The First Step, gathering with youth from the Fort Pierce community to play ball, hang out, and begin a relationship. After hearing about The First Step, Miami Dolphins star Michael Thomas and Precision Sports Management group have decided they want to join the Van Dozer Foundation in taking The First Step, too. For additional information or if you think you're ready to take The First Step, please contact Scott Van Dozer at 772-528-3467 or online at www.thevanduzerfoundation.org. Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas visits with children in north Fort Pierce as part of the Van Dozer Foundation's First Step Initiative. (Adults standing, left to right): St. Lucie County Commissioner Kim Johnson, St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, Fort Pierce City Commissioner Rufus Alexander, Sheriff Ken Mascara, Fort Pierce Police Deputy Chief Frank Amandro. (Adults seated, left to right): Scott Van Duzer, Michael Thomas. photos courtesy of SevinBullwinkle, Hometown News Deputy Chief Frank Amandro of the Fort (Left to right) John O'Neill, Fort Pierce Police The Sheriff and Michael Thomas Pierce Police Department (left) and Sheriff Deputy Chief Frank Amandro and play touch football. Mascaraplayingtouchfootball. Sheriff Mascara. y.�)GIE COLS � � cy 7FF S O44tiv St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff 4700 West Midway Road Fort Pierce, FL 34981-4825 http://www.stluciesheriff.com FLORIDA A CCRBDIT;70 5/20/2016 St. Lucie County Citizen's Budget Committee Bridging the Gap Infrastructure Surtax Workshop Tuesday, May 17, 2016 coun�r o <<v ST. LUCIE Why Are We Here Today? During the 2015/2016 budget session, the Citizen's Budget Committee recommended, and the BOCC accepted, exploring a sales tax initiative to address infrastructure funding Projected $600 million infrastructure backlog ➢ $1.2 billion county -wide backlog ➢ Can't realistically cut services, raise property taxes or shift revenues to get there ➢ Board voted to hold June 7, 2016 Public Hearing • ST. LUCIE 5/20/2016 Problem Statement • A 22.4% decline in Ad • Water quality crisis in Valorem revenue since our basin FY 2007 • Storm water & drainage • Since 2008 reduced or underfunded eliminated capital • 75-year repaving investment schedule • Population increase by 70,902 by 2025 • County infrastructure backlog of $600 million • Cities add another $645 million • 2040 LRTP needs — 5 projects = 72% of $$ • Public Safety needs ST. LUCIE coun�T o <<v Local Government Infrastructure Surtax County Comparison • 18 Florida counties levy an Infrastructure Surtax • Neighboring counties levying an Infrastructure Surtax: • Okeechobee (Oct 1. 1995) —1% Small Counties Surtax • Indian River (Jun. 2004) ➢ Update on Other Counties Infrastructure Surtax Efforts ➢ In November 2015: ➢ Marion County voters approved an increase — 5 year term ➢ Alachua County voters rejected an increase ➢ Broward County has placed a 1-cent sales tax on the ballot - 30 year term ➢ Palm Beach County - 10 year term: ➢ May 3, 2016, adopted on first reading, placing a 1-cent sales tax on the ballot. ➢ May 17, 2016 a public hearing will be held regardirg this matter ➢ Manatee and Sarasota Counties are exploring the option W. ST. LUCIE 2 5/20/2016 Local Government Infrastructure Surtax ➢ Survey indicates support for water quality, public safety, sidewalk and road projects ➢ Currently 6.5% sales tax ➢ 1 cent versus 0.5 cent — 0.5 has support ➢ Estimated 80/20 split — paid by residents/tourists ➢ Leverages other funding sources ➢ Counties and municipalities can partner for the issuance of bonds ➢ May pledge the future revenue of the tax for the bonds ' ► ; TAX PAID BY EVERYONE RFSIDWS BIISIXFss OW HS woreRs VWPFPTY owws ➢ Every dollar raised stays right here in St. Lucie County ST. LUCIE cou Projected Infrastructure Surtax Revenues ➢ Estimated Annual Revenue = $15,576,076 Over 10 years would generate approximately: Over 20 years would generate approximately: Port St. Lucie Ft. Pierce St. Lucie Village St. Lucie County $ 75,518,000 $ 18,606,300 $ 260,500 $ 94,207,200 ** Authorized under Florida Statute 212.055(2) ** ** Applies to taxable transactions up to $5,000 ** Port St. Lucie $ 173,164,900 Ft. Pierce $ 42,664,850 St. Lucie Village $ 597,300 St. Lucie County $ 216,019,700 ST. LUCIE COUNTY aoa 3 5/20/2016 Discussion Items for June 7 Public Hearing ➢ Past successes and use of other funds ➢ Ballot Language ➢ Surtax Term ➢ Allocation Formula ➢ Projects List ➢ Citizen's Oversight Committee ➢ Bonding vs. Pay -As -You -Go ➢ Community Education Effort ➢ Outside/External Advocacy ST. LUCIE M 5/20/2016 Past Successes ➢ Transit MSTU generated $21.8 million = $39.2 million ➢ Environmental Bond, $23 million = $81 million tFv�dbv Investment in the Future ova ag�➢ \eNer tv ➢1 Road Bond °u O1\ ➢ Parks MSTU M`\o0rt COU�A $ $ County leverages $3 for every $1 spent i ST. LUCIE Proposed Ballot Language HALF -CENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SURTAX To provide for projects exclusively in St. Lucie County to improve local roads, reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, improve local water quality and other similar uses authorized under Florida law and to seek matching funds for these purposes, shall St. Lucie County levy a half -cent sales tax, with project expenditures subject to review by a citizens advisory committee to ensure that all dollars must be spent in St. Lucie County. FOR THE 0.5 CENT SALES TAX AGAINST THE 0.5 CENT SALES TAX ST. LUCIE , COUh7TY a o . 5 5/20/2016 Term of the Surtax ➢ 10-years ➢ 20-years ➢ Until Repealed ➢ Other? �ou�T o <<o ST. LUCIE Allocation Formula ➢ Based on State allocation formula — ➢ Interlocal Agreements with local Cities • Under State Allocation St. Lucie Village would be quite small ➢ Up to 15% can be used for economic development COUh7TY a o a ST. LUCIE M 5/20/2016 Infrastructure Surtax Allocation Formula COUNTY "The allocation factor for each county government is computed by dividing the sum of the county's unincorporated area population plus two-thirds of the county's incorporated area population by the sum of the county's total population plus two-thirds of the county's incorporated area population. Each county's distribution is determined by multiplying the allocation factor by the sales tax monies earmarked for distribution within that county." MUNICIPALITY "The allocation factor for each municipal government is computed by dividing the municipality's total population by the sum of the county's total population plus two-thirds of the county's incorporated population. Each municipality's distribution is determined by multiplying the allocation factor by the sales tax monies earmarked for distribution within its respective county.' Source: Office of Economic and Demographic Research - 2015 Local Government Financial Information Handbook COUNTY ST. LUCIE Projects List "Your Return on Investment" Identify priority projects that meet the criteria from jurisdictions: Port St. Lucie - water quality, roads and sidewalks Fort Pierce - water quality and street maintenance St. Lucie County - water quality, roads and public safety Local Water Quality Improvement Projects • Accelerate basin treatment projects impacting the Indian River Lagoon & the North Fork of the St. Lucie River = Quality of Life maintenance & Land Value • Drainage and neighborhood retrofits o Harmony Heights, Paradise Park, Melville Road, White City • Septic to sewer conversion • Road construction and stormwater runoff improvements ST. LUCIE 5/20/2016 Funds Allocation Planning • How do we structure allocating funds? • Do we front end dollars towards projects that have the greatest and immediate impact? • Accelerating water quality improvement projects • Public safety and sidewalks • Street and road repaving • Do road projects which tend to have a much longer lead time for planning, design, r-o-w acquisition go to out years? • What is the right percentage allocation? • Early years - 50% water quality, 30% sidewalks/repaving and 20% roads • Later years as water quality is improved percentages shift? 5T. LUCIE Citizen's Oversight Committee ➢ Focus on accountability & transparency ➢ Committee structure and representation ➢ Identify committee members ➢ Determine vetting process ➢ Project recommendation ➢ Ensure that every dollar stays in St. Lucie County ➢ Ensure that surtax will not replace current level of capital spending ala the Lottery or Amendment 1 ST. LUCIE 0 5/20/2016 Accountability & Transparency for Funds Jurisdiction Citizen Board Board Members Review/ Report Audit Lake County(1) Yes 9 Yes Yes Marion County (1) No None Yes Yes Miami Dade County (2) Yes 13 Yes Yes Sarasota County(1) Yes Local Body Yes Yes CQCINT p a� Sao ST. LUCIE 5/20/2016 Septic to Sewer ➢ Water quality/source point pollution study with DEP, Health Department and Port St. Lucie ➢ Science will drive the projects ➢ Surtax dollars used to jump start the infrastructure and pay for connections and/or leverage funds for projects ST. LUCIE Bonding vs. `Pay-as-you-go' Pay-as-you-go — annual county allocation to fund projects Bonding — bond a percentage to frontload or accelerate crucial projects Joint projects — including areas of joint interest with the cities or the State of Florida C®Uh7TY a o a ST. LUCIE 10 5/20/2016 Bonding vs. 'Pay-as-you-go' Debt Proceeds 10 years vs. 20 years ➢ 10 Years(') ➢ 20 Years(') 4q® �FAG ➢ Proceeds: $34,589,447 JP ➢ Proceeds: $56,461,472 ➢ Interest:4.16% ➢ Interest:4.48% ➢ Debt Service: $3.890 Million ➢ Debt Service: $3.887 Million Note: (1) This estimate doesn't include a coverage factor ST. LUCIE Community Education Efforts ➢ Government will not advocate, but will educate ➢ Community benefits and quality of life - "What's in it for me?" ➢ Projects list ➢ Interactive Maps ➢ "Bring the muck" ➢ Outreach efforts ➢ HOAs ➢ Public Invited Information Sessions ➢ Build educational webpage and other social media ➢ Speakers bureau ➢ Traditional media ➢ Direct mail ➢ Short videos (30 secs-1 min.) showing impacts to water quality from septic and stormwater; road repaving; public safety ST. LUCIE COUNTY ,o. 11 5/20/2016 Outside/External Advocacy ➢ Effort needs champions ➢ Business community ➢ Development community ➢ Environmental community ➢ Public safety ➢ Education ➢ Tourism. ST. LUCIE • Other issues, concerns, suggestions, opinions, questions or ideas the Board would like to discuss in advance of or at the June 7t" public hearing? COUh7TY a o a ST. LUCIE 12