BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF SEEKS FUNDING IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

Being designated as a major drug trafficking corridor could mean more
resources for Brevard County law enforcement agencies as well as
federal funding for the war against drugs.

Sheriff Jack Parker is seeking to include the Space Coast as part of
the Central Florida HIDTA, or High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area,
due to its proximity to Interstate 95.

"Our location along this major thoroughfare, coupled with one of the
busiest commercial and tourism related seaports in the country, puts
us in the unfortunate position of serving as a conduit for illegal
drug trafficking," Parker wrote in a proposal letter. "The I-95
corridor is a major traffic artery for the entire East Coast and
serves as a well-traveled route for drug trafficking organizations
based in South Florida to the entire eastern seaboard."

HIDTA, a national program started up in the late 1980s, works to
enhance and coordinate drug control efforts among local, state, and
federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with
coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources.

The need for additional funding was made greater last week when news
came that federal money subsidizing the high cost of cleaning up
methamphetamine labs had dried up.

The first area in Florida to receive HIDTA designation was Miami
during the cocaine boom of the late 1980s. The I-4 corridor received
designation in 1998. Brevard was not considered at that time because
there was no direct link to I-4.

To date, the Sheriff has received letters of support for his effort
from: the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, the town of
Palm Shores, State Attorney Norman Wolfinger, Brevard County
Association of Chiefs of Police, State Reps. Steve Crisafulli,
R-Merritt Island, Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, John Tobia, R-Melbourne,
Tom Goodson, R-Rockledge and Congressman Bill Posey
R-Rockledge.

While the cocaine craze of two decades ago has died down, other drugs
have increased in popularity, according to officials.

"Brevard County, along with the entire state of Florida, is struggling
to deal with the epidemic of prescription drug abuse and illegal
distribution of prescription drugs," Parker said, citing 800 overdose
deaths due to prescription drugs since 2005.

Terry Fernandez, director of the Central Florida HIDTA since 1998, has
long supported the county's efforts to become part of HIDTA. He is not
optimistic that this will be the year it happens.

"The problem is that the federal government is all fouled up right
now," he said. "I've even tried bringing in Brevard as a non-funded
task force just to get their foot in the door."

Fernandez said final approval comes from Congress.

"We'll keep kicking at the door," he said. "Those are some good law
enforcement officers over there in Brevard."