Metro I-4 News

Unsafe at home:

The Tampa Tribune front page both Sunday and today were about the State of Florida’s hurricane inspection program. Reporter John Allman says My Safe Florida Home is not living up to its name, and that if you are looking at the contractors listed by the state, you still better do your homework - Contractors approved by the My Safe Florida Home program could possibly be under state investigation or could have received multiple complaints. There is more helpful information about the program in a special report on My Safe Florida Home at TBO.com. In other news, the city of Tampa is reviving the nuisance abatement board.

Unsafe on the road:

On the heels of a judge scolding expressway authorities for unjustly issuing citations, the Orlando Sentinel tells expressway riders how they can avoid being victimized by the Florida Turnpike, the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority, and other area toll agencies.

Unsafe incarceration:

In January, the Polk Youth Development Center - which had been one of the state’s largest juvenile jails - was closed permanently, capping a history marred by faulty equipment, chronic mold and environmental safety hazards, and even inmate abuse at the hands of poorly trained guards. Now, the Ledger reports the Polk City institution is being renovated into an adult prison capable of holding nearly 400 prisoners. Inmates could begin moving in as early as July.

Opinion!

A Tribune editorial says because of widespread abuse, the Florida Legislature should find a way to monitor who is buying prescription pills in what quantities and from whom.

Still bitter about the failure of the commuter rail initiative, an Orlando Sentinel editorial ranks the effectiveness of Central Florida senators during the 2008 legislative session.

A Ledger editorial suggests we are in too much of a hurry. The days of cheap gas are over, and that we should all drive slower to save money. We might just save lives on the interstates, too.