City Of Lakeland Fl

Experts Question Lakeland Blood-Spill Expenses

The city of Lakeland spending an increasing amount of money to pay teams of biological waste to clean the blood spilled on the road public. In the first half of this year, the total was $ 9156. It is more than double the $ 4,273 spent all of 2010.

Between the two years, there were a total of eight such cleanings, and they cost an average $ 1,679 each.

City policy calls for a team of biological waste to be called if more than eight ounces of blood is spilled on public property.

Fire department of the city used to perform this task, usually after vehicle accidents. But the work now is done by Bartow-based American Compliance Technologies.

"It's a matter of money," said James Olds, Lakeland's manager of safety and emergency management. "Are we willing to spend what it takes to properly protect our workers and the public?"

But a number of health and emergency-service professionals contacted by The Ledger questioned the city's practice.

Roland Herzog, a University of Florida hematologist, said he didn't understand why Lakeland would call a hazardous materials team for spilled blood.

"Can't you just put bleach on it?? Is not there a cheaper solution that could be built. "Herzog asked" When blood is shed (to UF), they do not want us to call the state, it costs a fortune. "

Polk Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Nelson, who works with his share of blood, is among those who said to call a team of biological waste to the blood cleaning is excessive and a waste of money.

"There is no need to call a HAZMAT team," Nelson said. "Workers must be cautious, and they must wear gloves.

"I do not want to see a cottage industry grow from this. The money would be better spent in flower pots or, much better, to a firefighter."

Call ACT is not cheap: The company charges $ 250 per day for the vehicle used in each call. Administrative support is $ 40 per hour. LOI said security is a priority, so that two workers of the company are sent to cleanup sites. A team member regularly costs $ 50 per hour and a site manager $ 90. Calls often come after 17 hours, when workers are paid time and a half. As for overtime, the site manager is paid $ 150 an hour.

"We simply can not afford to do that," said Polk Deputy Fire Chief Rick Parnell. He said the wrecker drivers often clean up after accidents, including the bloodshed.

"The dollars are precious," said Parnell. "If we had to pay for HAZMAT teams, we'd have to take the money from somewhere else. There isn't anywhere else.

City Honors Former Marine – Polk Politics - The Lakeland Ledger ...

Lakeland City Commissioner Glenn Higgins presented former Marine Lance Robinson with a proclaimation  today for his efforts in walking across Florida and other states in support of a new holdiay for veterans, active military and first responders.

It would be known as” Brother-To-Brother-Day” and be celebrated on Sept. 10, the day before the anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.

The holiday would honor veterans and active-duty military along with first responders — police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

City officials and local American Legion officers were present for the presentation at City Hall.

“The proclamation is backing his efforts and to support his walk to get it done,” said Higgins, a retired Army officer and high school ROTC trainer.

Charter of the city of Lakeland, Florida, Chapters 10751, 10752, 10753 and 10754, laws of Florida. Passed at the 1925 session of the legislature

The Code of the city of Lakeland, Florida, 1949, The Charter, the related laws and the general ordinances of the city, enacted as a whole, March 22, 1950, effective April 1, 1950

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