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Arm of the law just got longer

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BY CARL ORTH

SUNCOAST NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

Published: October 4, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - From street racers to pornography producers to foreclosure ripoff artists to sellers of scrap metal for recycling, there's a little something for everyone affected by some 30 new state laws that went into effect Oct. 1.

Drivers caught doing more than 50 mph over the speed limit on Florida roads could be slapped with a $1,000 fine for the first offense.

The new law "should be a warning for people involved in street racing," Doug Tobin, a spokesman for the Pasco Sheriff's Office, said. The problem doesn't seem as severe here as Hillsborough or Pinellas County, he added, but it does happen.

On Sept. 21, Pasco deputies arrested two Pinellas County teens who had been clocked at 100 mph in their Ford Mustang on Little Road near New York Avenue. The car was equipped with a nitrous oxide booster for more speed.

"Safety is a primary concern," Tobin remarked. "It's easy to lose control" of a car going so fast.

Recycling law
Thomas Clayton wants to know why Charlie Crist is picking on him. He blames the governor for the changes that have virtually shut him out of the recycling market. "This is flat-out discrimination," Clayton said.

The homeless man from the New Port Richey area collects scrap metal. He rides a bicycle while pulling a small trailer for scrap items left over from odd jobs and then sells them to recyclers. But recyclers informed him about the changes, which would prevent them from buying much from him except perhaps aluminum cans.

Tough regulations meant to discourage widespread copper wire thefts went into effect Wednesday, according to Greg Giordano, chief legislative assistant to state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

Under Senate Bill 556, a seller now must provide to the recycler a name, address, workplace, home phone and work phone number, height, weight, date of birth, race, any scars or body markings, a right thumbprint, a vehicle description, license plate number and a photo of the metal being sold.

The exemption for sales under $10 to recyclers has been eliminated, Giordano pointed out.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office has been working with recyclers to cut down abuses, Tobin added.

"They'll steal anything that's not tied down," Tobin said about copper wire thieves. In some instances, thieves even put their lives at risk trying to steal live utility lines with current flowing through them. Drug habits might inspire a lot of the copper thefts, Tobin speculates.

A related law makes a copper theft a first-degree felony if it interrupts a utility's service.

Porn producers

Young victims of child pornography rings now can sue to recover costs and damages from producers, Giordano reports. Minimum damages are set $150,000.

The Florida attorney general can act on behalf of a child under age 18 to seek compensation.

A related law would make it easier to prosecute people accused of exploiting or coercing a minor into prostitution.

Foreclosure fraud

The Foreclosure Fraud Protection Act, a top priority of Fasano, took effect Oct. 1. People now have a three-day right-of-cancellation period once an agreement is signed with a foreclosure rescue firm.

The contract must have a large note about the right of cancellation, along with a recommendation that the homeowner contact his or her lender or mortgage provider prior to signing the agreement.

The contract must inform the homeowner that the consultant is prohibited from accepting any form of payment until all services are completed. The law provides more remedies for victims.

Other highlights

License plates now will offer a choice in slogans, "Sunshine State" or "In God We Trust."

New specialty license plates are being offered, with slogans such as "Play Tennis," "Visit Our Lights," and "Horse Country."

Phony Caller ID information can get a person in trouble for "spoofing."

Moped or motorcycle rider must have both wheels on the ground at all times unless road conditions are poor. License plates must be affixed so they are horizontal to the ground.

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