Truck driver school loses again

The state won't reinstate the REACT training program - even under new management. It is accused of certifying drivers without testing.

By JOE HUMPHREY

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 12, 2000

TAMPA -- A truck driver training school involved in a bribery scandal has lost a bid to continue operating under new management.

REACT Inc., a vocational school at 2511 N Grady Ave., lost the right to conduct road skills tests in April after two staff members were charged as part of an FBI investigation into claims the company awarded commercial licenses in exchange for cash.

The FBI said untested drivers paid $900 to $1,500 to receive a waiver, which certified successful completion of a road skills test. The waiver, coupled with a written test, allows a driver to operate a bus or semitrailer truck.

REACT appealed the April ruling, but on Tuesday, Florida Division of Driver Licenses Director Sandra Lambert upheld her previous decision closing REACT's driving school.

Members of the board that oversees the school said they were unaware of the alleged bribery involving examiner Hilary Marek Winniczek and board member Tony A. Puleo. REACT stands for Restoration and Evangelism Advanced Thru Community Training. It is a trade school affiliated with Without Walls International Church in Tampa, though the entities are governed separately.

Jennifer Mallan, president of REACT's board, was hoping the school could reopen with new staff members. Both Winniczek and Puleo resigned last month shortly after they were indicted on federal charges of fixing tests for money. Both pleaded innocent.

Mallan learned of Lambert's ruling from a reporter Tuesday evening. "I understand their position because that was the politically correct thing to do," she said. "But at the same time, it's very heartbreaking."

Last month, the state contacted 800 drivers who gained certification at REACT.

Of the 350 drivers who responded, two-thirds passed a legitimate test, eight failed and the rest surrendered their commercial licenses.

Another 400 drivers in Florida and 250 in other states were contacted this month and were informed they had to be retested to keep their licenses.

-- Contact Joe Humphrey at (813) 226-3403 or humphrey@sptimes.com.

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