Disabled golf cart driver arrested

April 2, 2008

According to booking records at the St. Johns County jail, Morris Steinheimer was arrested near the intersection of A1A Ocean Avenue and A Street by officers with the St. Augustine Beach Police Department about 2:15 on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Steinheimer, who has been at the center of controversy at St. Augustine Beach for some time, was jailed for refusing to sign a citation in violation of Florida Statute 318.14 3.

Steinheimer and his former wife, Mandy Fugate, are at odds with the Beach police over their use of a golf cart on the sidewalks in the area. Both Steinheimer and Fugate are impaired due to severe brain injuries. At issue is Steinheimer’s contention that the couple’s right to use the golf cart on city sidewalks is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act

Although Steinheimer, who will be 47 this December, and Fugate have been divorced since June 24th of last year, the couple remain together according to comments attributed to caregiver Sandy Middlemiss that appear in the local media.

Last year, St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Richard L. Hedges brought this issue before the St. Augustine Beach City Commission to determine if the Commission would enact an ordinance that might quiet the dispute with Steinheimer and Fugate; allowing them to operate their golf cart — despite a state law which prohibits it.

The arrest comes after several written warnings and a few citations from beach police because this time, Steinheimer refused to sign the citation. Steinheimer was later released on a $200 bond. It was reported that this is the first time Steinheimer has been arrested.

Written by Freddy · Filed Under Crime & Punishment

Comments

4 Responses to “Disabled golf cart driver arrested”

AMGennusa on March 30th, 2008 8:49 pm

Freddy,
If you know him- have him call me and I will represent him pro-bono. 230-5415
Thanks
Cato on March 31st, 2008 9:46 am

While this situation is being argued around the disability aspect I hope AMGennusa, and other attorneys, will expand their view and arguments to the changing world we live in.

Increasing costs of energy for transportation, retirement of the ‘boomer’ generation, modern technology, health awareness etc., are combining to require changing 20th century laws which were passed to address pedestrians, animal-drawn and motorized vehicles “sharing the road” (and sidewalks, bike paths, trails).

Many southwestern states and municipalities - because of the numbers of older residents and ‘golf’ weather - have already legalized the use of electric-powered bicycles, tricycles, and four wheel carts on paths and sidewalks, with “right-of-way” given to pedestrians when meeting/passing.

Local jurisdiction should be the rule for new legislation, although state and federal laws may require amending; and it is time for citizen and ‘pro-bon’ legal specialists to lobby elected and appointed officials.

For reference as to the extent of the situation, and an example of 20th century laws - which should be changed: http://www.ci.willmar.mn.us/menu/departments/police/Officer_Articles/05_0805.htm
MacV on April 1st, 2008 9:49 am

This is a very hard situation for everyone. The police CANNOT make an exception without all the clowns in the world saying “you let him do it!” It leaves them dead in the water if they don’t stop him.

The change has got to be made in the law itself.

These people have the right to try and participate in society to their fullest extent and it is probably much safer for them to drive on the sidewalk (and I do think they are mentally able to understand “giving pedestrians the right of way”)

If they drive in the street and are involved in a traffic accident, the police are going to feel pretty bad about that too!
Admin on April 2nd, 2008 6:45 am

I agree, MacV; change the law.

Golf carts have a limited range of use but can be made “street legal” with lights, mirrors, etc. and I think the legislature — especially in Florida where we have so many golf courses — should consider ways to make it easier for local government to inspect and license drivers to use safely equipped golf carts.