Charlie Daniels is honorary deputy

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY

Pasco Sheriff Bob White made country singer Charlie Daniels an honorary deputy Thursday. Every year, Daniels puts on a benefit concert for The Angelus, a home in Hudson for people with severe developmental disabilities. He thanked White for the money the sheriff's charities have given to The Angelus - some $80,000 in the last two years. During a brief ceremony in a crowded conference room, Daniels thanked White and his staff for their work and treated them to a performance of Amazing Grace.

BROOKSVILLE 

Hernando schools reject state merit plan

Hernando County caught a lucky break this week: the state didn't like its application for a merit pay plan for teachers.

And with a few quick votes Wednesday, a relieved district and teachers' union dropped the Merit Award Program.

Under the state plan, up to 25 percent of district teachers would have received a state-funded bonus based on student testing and an evaluation.

But Hernando officials reckoned the plan would have cost the district $400,000 or more in local funds to implement, and the Hernando Classroom Teachers' Association union worried that money would come out of the overall funds available for teacher salaries.

About two-thirds of Florida's 67 counties, including Pasco and Pinellas, have rejected the plan.

TAMPA

City Council seeks answers about layoffs

City Council members are questioning Mayor Pam Iorio's decision to layoff 100 city workers and privatize some services.

Council member John Dingfelder said Thursday he understands that layoffs are in the hands of the mayor. But the council must approve the contracts.

He wants to know the gender, race and length of service of the affected employees, and how many of their family members rely on city health care benefits.

The council scheduled a presentation by Iorio's staff about the layoffs for Dec. 20.

BROOKSVILLE 

Resignations sought from housing board

Brooksville Mayor David Pugh moved Thursday toward ousting four members of the Brooksville Housing Authority and possibly disbanding the authority.

Pugh sent letters to four of the six current board members, all of whom have served less than a year, asking them to resign.

Former Executive Director Betty Trent and program manager Joe Ann Bennett were both convicted this year of stealing money from the federal government. New board members have spent too much time arguing, Pugh said.

[Last modified November 29, 2007, 23:37:43]