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Highlands Today

Austin Is Committed To Helping People

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

"I've always wanted to help people," Patricia Austin said. "My father bestowed that in me and I looked up to him."

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By MANDY SHEETS

For Highlands Today

Published: September 1, 2008

AVON PARK - Patricia Austin's friends affectionately call her "Lady Pitbull."

"I guess that's because once I grab hold of something, I don't let go," said Austin, a lifelong Avon Park resident. "I was brought up to stand up and fight for what you believe in.

"If people don't get involved when people need help, nothing will ever improve. No one knows when they are going to be in the same situation or in need of help."

Because of her persistent personality, people come to Austin with their problems, and she finds a way to fix them.

"I've always wanted to help people," Austin said. "My father bestowed that in me and I looked up to him."

From questions about issues ranging from code enforcement to the custody of a grandchild, people track Austin down for her help.

"I've even been chased down in the parking lot by someone who needed my help with something," Austin said. "People see me and they come running because they know I will help them."

She hasn't said no yet, and she hasn't had a bad outcome yet either.

"I don't know how everyone gets my name and number, but they do, and I am happy to help them any way I can," Austin said.

One of her most rewarding projects was working with Jean Claude Meus, who was sentenced to 15 years for vehicular homicide.

"My heart just broke for him," Austin said. "I knew that situation wasn't right, and I worked with him and his fiance to help him get the justice he deserved."

Meus was recently released from jail and granted a retrial.

"I just wanted to scream and cry I was so overjoyed when that happened," Austin said. "It was so fulfilling to see him walking free."

Although she isn't a minority, she belongs to the NAACP and LULLAC, along with many other civic organizations.

"I cannot stand discrimination," Austin said. "My best friends are from all ethnicities and races. I love all people, regardless of color."

Just like she isn't afraid to tell people what she thinks either, she doesn't hesitate to solicit help when she needs it.

"Some people may be intimidated to call their congressman, but I have no problem doing it," Austin said. "Elected officials work for the people and if we need their assistance with something, we shouldn't be afraid to ask them."

She recently wrote to officials on behalf of Lucio Anaya Sr., an Avon Park vegetable stand operator who unsuccessfully applied twice for a passport. He finally received word he would get one, with Austin's help, and she is now helping other immigrants with similar cases.

"I have a lot of really great contacts, and I like going straight to the source," Austin said. "I have a phone address book full of people I know I can call."

Although she has helped more people than she can keep track of, Austin said the most satisfying things she has done was going to Iraq, where she worked for the Army contractor Halliburton.

"I watched soldiers give their lives and being part of that experience was very rewarding," Austin said. "That was probably the most rewarding time of my life."

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