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Government: Scandal-Prone- Northeast- March 2004
Lancaster recently asked state officials to investigate his office following reports that he charged thousands of dollars in personal items to his county credit card over the last 10 years. The expenses in question include stays at luxury hotels across the country, expensive meals, high room service tabs and dozens of smaller items -- from spa treatments to liquor to underwear purchased at a suburban Washington, D.C., department store.
While charging personal items to a government credit card violates state law, Lancaster could face more trouble if, as documents indicate, he failed to reimburse taxpayers for many of his admittedly non-work-related expenses.
The allegations against Lancaster prompted the sheriff to call a news conference at which he denied misusing public funds. Lancaster waved a handful of what he said were canceled checks that proved he had reimbursed the county for all personal charges. When challenged, however, Lancaster refused to let reporters examine the checks and stormed out of the room.
This isn't the first time state officials have examined Lancaster's conduct as sheriff. Several years ago, investigators looked into Lancaster's handling of a leaked Sheriff's Department memo that falsely accused a Clay County commissioner (and Lancaster opponent) of an illicit tryst at a county boat ramp. More recently, the State Attorney's Office looked into Lancaster's relationship with a local car dealer who supplies the department's vehicles, as well as the sheriff's liberal fixing of traffic tickets. (He dismissed more than 200 citations in the late '90s.) Though Lancaster was reportedly cautioned about the ticket fixing, he and his office have thus far escaped any official sanction or reprimand.
Clay County has endured a number of high-profile investigations in recent years. In 1998, veteran Clerk of Court John Keene was forced to resign after he admitted spending tax dollars on items related to his re-election campaign. Keene's resignation came five years after his office "lost" $16 million in what he then called an "accounting error."
Despite the eye-popping nature of the charges against Lancaster, it's unclear whether the sheriff will face serious consequences. Lancaster, who is up for re-election this year, is a popular figure, known for reducing crime and lending a hand (sometimes with public funds) to local charities. Lancaster also has strong political connections; his brother is a county commissioner, and he served as Clay County campaign manager for State Attorney Harry Shorstein.
IN THE NEWS
Gainesville -- The 2003 freshman class at the University of Florida is the fourth-smartest in the nation, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corp. The university enrolled 224 National Merit finalists last fall, a number topped only by Harvard, the University of Texas and Yale.
A Tampa developer unveiled plans for a shopping center on the last large vacant parcel on Newberry Road near I-75. Commercial Development Associates wants to build a mix of retail stores, a grocery and offices on 36 acres.
Continental Airlines will not offer non-stop airline service from Gainesville to Newark, N.J., effectively rejecting a $1.3-million incentive package offered by the Airport Authority. Continental cited insufficient demand for regular flights.
Jacksonville -- The Duval County School District leads the state in meting out corporal punishment, a practice approved in two-thirds of Florida counties. Jacksonville teachers have spanked more than 15,000 students in the last 10 years.
Illinois-based Sterling Capital Partners finalized its purchase of the 8-year-old Florida Coastal School of Law. Sterling, owner of the Sylvan Learning Systems chain, says it plans to make Florida Coastal part of a network of for-profit law schools.
Mayor John Peyton froze much of the Jacksonville Public Library's budget after a report by a business school student found fault with the department's growth plans. The study criticized the library system for lacking a strategic plan as it prepares to open a new main library and six new branches and expand and renovate another 12 branches.
Jacksonville Beach -- City Council unanimously rejected the Devlin Group's proposal for a 550-unit, 80-foot-tall luxury condominium complex on Beach Boulevard at the Intracoastal Waterway.
Ocala -- A $13-million apartment and commercial complex will soon rise in an impoverished area near the city's west side. Laurel Park Apartments will include 19 buildings and is a partnership between the non-profit Greater Ocala Community Development Corp. and Gainesville developer John Curtis.
A total of 160 horses sold for $3.1 million during the first day of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. Winter Mixed Sale, a 20% increase over last year.
The City Council approved a $33-million downtown master plan that members hope will lure businesses (and locals) to a revitalized city center. Buildings targeted for renovation include the Chamber of Commerce, Ocala Public Library and Marion Theatre.
Ponte Vedre Beach -- Neighbors say they are opposed to Realtor Randy McNeal's plan to build a 156-boat marina on a narrow strip of the Intracoastal Waterway near the Palm Valley Bridge.
In a blow to beach access advocates, St. Johns County commissioners voted to vacate a 34-foot-wide, 1 1/4-mile-long right of way along Ponte Vedra Boulevard, essentially giving the land to 75 home-owners. Access supporters argued the county should have retained ownership and used the land for parking on the oceanfront road.
Putnam County -- A task force recommended the county merge 18 volunteer stations into a single countywide fire department. The controversial plan would allow the county to begin hiring professional firefighters for the first time.
St. Augustine -- San Sebastian Harbor Partners of Ponte Vedra Beach will develop the Sebastian Inland Harbor project, creating a long-awaited western gateway to the city. The group will pay $3.6 million for land on which it plans to build a 110-room hotel, shops, 130 condominium units and an 85-slip marina.
St. Johns County -- Gate Petroleum Co. bought 5,460 acres in northern St. Johns County, a site big enough to build one of the largest residential developments in northeast Florida.
