Diving into a drained pool

The civil case against Billy Lane and Dodge has been settled out of court through mediation. The mother of Melbourne Beach resident Gerald Morelock had filed a wrongful death suit against Billy Lane and Dodge back in October of 2006. The suit was filed after her son was killed while riding his Yamaha motor scooter on State road A1A after being hit head on by celebrity custom motorcycle builder Billy Lane. Witnesses say that Lane was speeding while attempting to pass 3 vehicles in a no passing zone clearly marked by double yellow lines on the highway.

Billy Lane was driving a 2006 Dodge pick up loaned to him by the DaimlerChrysler when he hit Morelock head on killing him instantly. After the second meeting behind closed doors and hours of talks between attorneys, Billy Lane and the family of Gerald Morelock, the case was settled on last Monday. The news of the settlement was released late Thursday and the first story of the settlement can be found on my blog at www.mikeodom.name. Later in the day other forms of media began to break the story including in one of the local newspapers, Florida Today. The story in Florida Today read:

DaimlerChrysler, chopper builder Billy Lane and the family of a Sebastian Inlet park ranger killed in a Labor Day accident that police say was caused by drunk-driving have reached a confidential settlement, the deceased man’s family said today.“We would like to personally show our gratitude and heart-filled thanks to all of the people throughout the nation that have showed us their support, love and caring,” Byron Morelock, brother of Gerald Morelock, said in a statement signed by the family.“My family may not have made it through these hard times if it wasn't for your caring and sympathy,” he said. The settlement came 10 months after Morelock's mother sued Lane, 37, and DaimlerChrysler -- which provided Lane with the Dodge pickup truck he was driving -- over the fatal crash in which police said Lane crossed a double-yellow line and hit Gerald Morelock's mini-Yamaha motorcycle. The suit alleged Lane, who police say had a blood-alcohol level of .192 the night of the accident, and DaimlerChrysler, which the family said used Lane's fame to advertise its vehicles despite prior driving citations on Lane's record, were liable for auto negligence. Byron Morelock said it took about 10 hours of “grueling” debate Monday before an agreement was reached. No details of the agreement were made public. Lane still faces a criminal trial in which he could be sentenced to a maximum 15 years in prison if convicted of DUI manslaughter. A trial date has not been set.

Floriday Today breaking news forums quickly beagn to fill up with comments. The news also began to spread across the internet in forums and other blogs and the hateful comments and ignorance of what happened began to spread all over again as it did nearly a year ago. It never ceases to amaze me how many people will jump in on a story like this and make comments that show they have no clue what they are talking about. People go off on a hate rampage on both sides making comments that hurt those who were involved. Throughout this whole ordeal I have seen so many things said about the issue when the person speaking really had no knowledge of the entire story. Rumors being posted as though it were news or from some type of inside information source. Opinions based on hearsay and some of the same rumors. The whole thing just has gotten out of hand and it is not over yet with Lane still facing the DUI Manslaughter charges.

I try to ignore all of the hate that has flowed in and out of all the comments on blogs and forums from bothe sides. The one place were comments really show their ignorance is when they lash out about Dodge being included in the suit. To me these people are as likely to jump into a drained pool for lack of checking to see if there is water there first!

So with the civil action closed, I am hoping to see something positive come from this.

Does anyone know where to find the beach?

Growing up and living on the Florida east coast, I love the beaches. Many of the annual visitors of the sunshine state come here for the very same thing, the beaches. The golden sand, sun and year round tropical climate is an attraction to all.

Sadly, I am seeing less of the Atlantic Ocean as I ride on the beach highway known as A1A. Even the one that claims to be "the worlds most famous beach" is closing the dynamic view to condos. There is a choice, a plan, a alternative! But the city gives way to the call of developers and will soon be the worlds most famous condo jungle.



Walking in to the amusement center on Daytona Beach Boardwalk and watching all the kids on the bumper cars, Himalaya and carousel laughing and having a good time. I wonder if their parents explained that this would be the last time? They would not be able to visit the boardwalk rides again, for this was closing day of a 50 year family owned business. The owner of the business was giving free rides to say goodbye. He and two other boardwalk business owners fought to keep their business' open. But the city condemned them calling them and the area blighted. They will be replaced by a condo with restaurants and shops. People that came to visit the beach that day took advantage of parking in other areas of land where business' used to be but have been cleared away. Soon the wrecking ball will clear the remaining buildings and construction will begin.

I am not opposed to renovation and upgrading, but this was not an option. The thing that the citizens of Daytona Beach and all the other Florida beach communities need to understand is that this change is going to happen. But they must also realize that there is a terrible mistake that is about to happen! A error that is not reversible. Quit being blinded by all the smoke screens that the developers and real estate typhoons are putting up. There are organizations that have formed and others will follow that are using trickery in their campaigns. Many claim that they are fighting to keep from having a concrete jungle along our beaches. Hog wash! Read on to see what they are really saying. They are opposed to the height of the structure with total disregard of the land that borders the building.

The alternative, high rise condos, makes more sense. It allows for two things to happen that will solve the issue of a concrete jungle. After all, how many of you are flying down A1A? You are at eye level on two or more wheels! What difference does it make how tall the building are? The fact remains that if there is no space left between them for beach access and parks, you are not going to be able to see the beach. Furthermore, unless you live in one of these condos, you are not going to be able to get to the beach! Let the builders go up not out. Pass the laws that make the developers pay for more room in the air, by giving us more space on the ground, where we live. This will also allow for more occupancy per building while allowing more area on the ground for the others in the community and visitors to enjoy. This option is being heavily discussed in the future plans for Ormond Beach, a beautiful community. The mayor of Ormond Beach is doing a fantastic job of pointing these issues out and is standing strong in his position. But again, there are those that oppose him. The CAN DO movement is one of those mentioned previous that wants to restrict how high a structure can be. They say that they are opposed to a concrete jungle. Yet, what they are asking for is what they are fighting against? It is kind of like a civil war within the movement where neither side knows what they are fighting for. For a clearer understanding as to what all this means, be sure to visit Ormond Can Be . Pay special attention to down the page about half way to the two comparison pictures Tall and slender in comparison to short and stout. Notice the picture where you can see the beach!