PAGE 3 - September 17, 2008
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Motorcycle Campaign Aims to Save Lives
Pain at the Pump - Continued from page 1
The Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Rider Training Program, and Florida Depart-
The prices in Citrus County up until now were as much as 10 cents cheaper per
ment of Transportation, today launched the “Motorcycle Conspicuity” campaign. This state-
gallon than Inglis stations. Now the role has reversed for some reason.
wide initiative will focus on promoting motorcycle visibility and safety in an effort to
Hunting for gas price gougers
reduce fatalities on Florida’s roadways. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum's office announced Sunday that subpoe-
Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 2006, Florida led the nation in motorcycle fatali-
nas have been issued to Central Florida gas stations that are accused raising the price of
ties. In total, Florida reported 562 fatalities, a 19.8 percent increase from the previous
gasoline because of the effects of Hurricane Ike.
year. Lacking the structural safety advantages of an automobile or truck, motorcyclists are
The stations named were the Dodge's Store locations in Maitland and west Orange
more likely to suffer severe injury or death when involved in a traffic crash. Research
County and a Pilot Station on SW Highway 484 in Ocala.
suggests that motorcyclists who make themselves more visible, or “conspicuous,” are less
A spokeswoman for McCollum said that the subpoenas will be served at the cor-
likely to have their right-of-way violated by other vehicles on the roadways.
porate headquarters of the stations on Monday.
Florida counties with the highest number of fatalities include: Miami-Dade,
Pasco County resident Robin Russell reported numerous stations in Crystal River
Broward, Hillsborough, Volusia, Orange, Palm Beach, Brevard, Pinellas, Duval and Polk
out of regular unleaded on a trip to Levy County Friday. She said gas at a New Port Richey
respectively. To enhance visibility, motorcyclists are encouraged to wear brightly colored
Racetrac station was $3.57.9 on Friday and had jumped to $3.85.9 on Monday.
or reflective upper-torso apparel. It is also suggested that reflective strips, high beams and
As Ike approached the Texas coast and the oil rigs and refineries in that area, driv-
vibrant-colored decals be used on the motorcycle itself. Colors which offer little to no
ers in Central Florida saw prices at some stations jump as much as a dollar a gallon.
visibility on the roadways include: black, gray, beige and other neutrals. In a continued
Hundreds of complaints have poured into the Attorney General's hotline. According to a
effort to promote safe riding, all motorcyclists in Florida are required by law to take and
statement issued by McCollum Sunday morning, investigators from his office have been
pass the Basic Rider Course for licensure and endorsement. This law went into effect July
contacting gas station owners and requesting documentation to justify price increases.
1, 2008. According to NHTSA, one out of four motorcyclists in fatal crashes in 2006 was
Penalties for price gouging during a a state of emergency can total up to $25,000 / day.
operating the vehicle with an invalid license. Penalties for non-compliance can result in
Price Gouging Hotline
ticketing, fines, court mandates to attend the rider safety course or impounding of the mo-
torcycle.
If price gouging is suspected, please contact the Price-Gouging hotline at 1-866-
966-7226 or online at www.myfloridalegal.com. Those reporting are asked to photo-
FHP Gainesville 800-395-8248
graph the price signs of the stores against whom any complaints are lodged.
FHP Brooksville 800-500-1240
Double Fatality - Continued from page 1
was traveling north on C.R. 491. Mr. Harrell entered the intersection and traveled into the
Our Featured Properties
path of Mr. Smith, and the front of Mr. Smith's truck struck the left side of Mr. Harrell's van.
Both vehicles came to rest on the west shoulder of the road.
Mr. Harrell and a passenger, 43-year-old Lisa C. Saulmer of Silver Springs, sus-
INGLIS COMMERCIAL C2: GREAT INVESTMENT
ON BUSY U.S.HWY.19 AT INTERSECTION OF 19 AND
tained fatal injuries and expired at the scene of the crash. Mr. Smith's injuries were listed as
40: Auto repair, auto body & paint shop zoning, 2 buildings
serious, and he was transported to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River.
(1700 sq. ft.), 16 x 27 professional paint booth & 24 x 24
The report stated that Mr. Smith was wearing a seatbelt and had not been using alcohol. The
metal carport and office. Currently Scott's Auto Body. Ex-
report stated that neither Mr. Harrell or Ms. Saulmer was wearing a seatbelt. An alcohol test
plore the possibilities. Call for details.
is pending for Mr. Harrell.
RARE! 4 ACRES (MOL) INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Four injured in Crystal River single-car crash
IN INGLIS NEAR U.S. HWY 19 & GULF OF MEXICO!
67 feet+ on Hwy. 40 W. Steel building on slab (commercial
Four area youths were injured in a single-car crash that occurred around 4:12 a.m.,
concrete) is in great condition (2,480 sq. ft.), office area, 20
Sept. 12, in Crystal River. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Travis Anthony McRee,
ft. ceiling, 16 X 16 door and newer upgraded heavy indus-
19, of Hernando, was driving a 1993 Mercury, eastbound on Fort Island Trail. On a curve,
trial electric service and wiring. Lots of room to expand.
McRee lost control of the vehicle, and it traveled onto the south shoulder of the road. The
Building fronts Michigan Ave.and property extends to Karen
car sideswiped a tree, then a mailbox and three additional trees, as it overturned. McRee
St. and Hwy. 40 W. Call us for the details.
and another passenger, 18-year-old Dustin P. Molloy, of Beverly Hills, were seriously in-
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jured and transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Two other passengers,
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and critically injured. The report stated that McRee and Molloy were nor wearing seatbelts,
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but no information was given on Branson and Beckman. The report stated that McRee's
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Darryl-Vicki Diamond & Shirley
alcohol level was 0.127. He was charged with reckless driving resulting in serious injury,
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