Patricia Austin, president of the Avon Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), thanked Avon Park Police Chief Matt Doughney at Monday's meeting for his quick response to allegations of Hispanic residents being mistreated by two Avon Park police officers. ...more

January 11, 2009

SEBRING — After an internal investigation by Sheriff's Lt. Gus Garcia, a registered nurse in the Highlands County Jail was cleared of an allegation of racism toward a Hispanic coworker. The conclusion: "Basically, she was rude to almost everybody," said Garcia, internal affairs officer. "She even admitted herself that she can be rude." According to the investigation, registered nurse Dorothy Reed, a mental health coordinator, was accused by coworker Edna Rosario-Girona of racial bias and rudeness. On Sept. 26, Rosario-Girona complained to Sheriff's Detention Cmdr. Maj. David Paeplow that Reed was disrespectful and rude to her because she was Hispanic. Reed is a supervisor in the detention bureau medical staff. Rosario-Girona is an LPN and member of the medical staff. ...more

November 5, 2007