Three Things Your Teacher Never Told You About Gasparilla 2015

What Wikipedia

Can't

Tell You About

Gasparilla

From my high school days, I recall parking in outskirt communities and walking into the parade atmosphere.  If you do not live in the area, consider splitting a walkable hotel with friends. Gasparilla fun can be safe and arrest free. Be sure to be prepared to get to and from the festivities safely. 

Gasparilla 2015 Trip Planner

Traffic is horrible so get creative! Think chartered helicopter, designated driver horse and carriage, designated driver motor boat, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) , kayak, designated driver bicycle built-for-two, etc.  But whatever your transport, be good to yourself and others, by practicing safe choices.

First Tip

If walking is not an option, be sure to plan your safe ride in advance. Cabs will undoubtedly abound, but will require the foresight and restraint by you (and your pals) to set aside the cash to get from Point A to Point B. Local taxi phone numbers include:

Suburban Taxi (727) 260 8294, 

Go Taxi Florida (727) 386-6787, 

Metro Taxi (727) 412-2101, 

Yellow Cab (813) 253-0121, 

Cab Plus (813) 288-8888, and 

United Cab (813) 251-5555.

Second Tip

Uber and Lyft are convenient ride-sharing services that will send a driver to pick you up by using the location of your cell phone. Simply download the apps and sign up ahead. Conveniently, you pay with whatever card you register with when signing up, tipping is included in the fare, and both companies often offer some sort of credit for first time users. Be aware that “prime time” or “surge pricing” may apply this weekend, which could mean that ordinary fares may increase significantly.

Zingo is another option. Call 888-ZINGO-11, and your driver will arrive on a foldable motorbike. He or she will then fold up their bike, place it in your trunk, drive you home in your own vehicle, and take off on the motorbike upon your safe return. 

Third Tip

In addition, the Gasparilla 2015 Trolleys, buses (day passes around $4) and streetcars will be running and are most affordable. For more information on pricing and schedules, visit: 

http://www.gohart.blogspot.com/2015/01/set-sail-to-gasparilla-with-hart-and.html?m=1 

Again, if none of the above options strikes your fancy, get creative! Think chartered helicopter, designated driver horse-carriage, designated driver motor boat, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) , kayak, designated driver bicycle built-for-two, etc.  But whatever your transport, be good to yourself and others, by practicing safe choices.

For general information, visit the Official Gasparilla 2015 Website: http://gasparillapiratefest.com/faq.shtml 

Congrats to Michael P. Maddux - Highest Rating Awarded

Michael P. Maddux - Highest Rating Awarded

Video - Attorney Maddux in The News

No Miranda - No Problem says Supreme Court

No Miranda - No Problem

Brutal SCOTUS decision which holds a suspect’s pre-arrest, pre-Miranda silence can be used against him unless the suspect affirmatively invokes his right to remain silent.

The Court found no fault with police inquisition in this very serious and sad case.

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12-246_7l48.pdf

Florida Prison Death Statistics Now Readily Available

Florida Prison Death Statistics Now Readily Available

Prison Death Statistics 

Under growing scrutiny regarding the increasing number of deaths within the prisons each year, the Florida Department of Corrections has released a database to the public which allows individuals to review all prison deaths in the State of Florida for the past fourteen years. People can see the status of a death investigation as well as some summary reports of closed cases. The search can be done by facility, sex, race or manner of death. 

Secretary Mike Crews claims: 

“By taking advantage of technology, we are allowing the public to have access to the information about in-custody deaths that is available to us.  This is another step toward increasing transparency and accountability into the functions of the Department.” 

Florida Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections currently houses approximately 101,000 inmates in 49 institutions around the State of Florida. All non-natural deaths are investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with help of the Office of Inspector General. The remaining deaths are investigated by the Officer of Inspector General alone. 

To date this year, there have been 225 deaths within the Florida Department of Corrections facilities. Of those, 213 are male and 12 are female. Three deaths were the result of homicide, one was the result of a suicide and eighty-seven cases are still being investigated.

Although this is not a complete fix to the problem regarding abuse in the prisons, this is a step in the right direction towards making a change. 

If you have a family member or friend who has died or is/was the victim of abuse while in a Florida prison, please contact the Law Office Michael P. Maddux who will ensure that the proper investigation is completed and a just resolution is obtained. No one deserves to be abused by prison guards, regardless of the reason they are in the prison. 

Sources:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/florida-prison-system-under-fire-releases-data-on-inmate-deaths/2196917 

http://dc.state.fl.us/secretary/press/2014/09-09-Mortality.html