Digest

Environmental agency's leader steps down

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 7, 2007

TAMPA

Jadell Kerr drew raves from bosses during a 15-year career at Hillsborough County's environmental agency, where she rose from a $21, 000-a-year entry-level job to the top of the wetlands agency.

But that career ended Friday when Kerr resigned her $116, 000 position at the Environmental Protection Commission amid a campaign by a local developer to abolish the agency's wetlands division.

Last month, commissioners sided with the developer, Stephen Dibbs, and voted to scrap the $2.2-million division that Kerr had led since 2002.

Five days later, her boss, EPC executive director Richard Garrity, suspended Kerr after she posted comments on a blog that blasted commissioners.

"These arrogant commissioners have to go, " she wrote on the "Sticks of Fire" Web site.

In a four-page agreement she signed Friday, Kerr agreed not to sue. She was paid a severance of $38, 000, about four months pay.

"I love the EPC and the people here, " said Kerr, 50. "It's my professional life's work."

Garrity said Kerr's decision to resign was necessary.

"She's a good manager here and we'll miss her, " Garrity said. "We had a mutual understanding that a resignation in these circumstances is the best course of action. ... It's my intent to do everything in my power to protect the division."

ZEPHYRHILLS

Sysco Food center promises 257 jobs

Both this city and North Tampa are in the running for a 300, 000-square-foot Sysco Food Service center that would bring 257 jobs at salaries from $45, 000 to $100, 000.

The company now operates distribution centers near Orlando and in Palmetto. The new facility would serve the area in between, said spokesman Mark Palmer.

He expects the company to decide on a location within the next few months.

BROOKSVILLE

Deputy in trouble gets what he asked for

A Hernando County sheriff's lieutenant accused of sexual harassment offered to be demoted, said a report released Friday.

Sheriff Richard Nugent took him up on the suggestion.

Nugent sustained the allegation against Lt. Craig Baxley but did not further punish him. Baxley, who was supervisor of the special operations division and supervised school resource officers, is now a road sergeant.

TAMPA

Former jail inmate settles her lawsuit

A former Hillsborough County jail inmate has settled a lawsuit blaming the loss of her eyesight on a company once responsible for inmate medical care.

Prison Health Services Inc. did not follow a specialist's orders for Aretha Jackson's treatment and followup care, her federal lawsuit claimed.

Neither Jackson's lawyer nor lawyers for the company could be reached for comment Friday.

[Last modified July 7, 2007, 00:17:07]