TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Meehan Had Guests At Disputed Dinner

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA KINSLER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

HERITAGE ISLES - Jack Meehan's alleged ethical improprieties continued to hang over the Heritage Isles Community Development District board as more details emerged about his complimentary meal at Saddlebrook's Dempsey's Steak House.

Meehan resigned his position as a CDD supervisor July 8 after revealing he had accepted a free meal at the pricey steakhouse after complaining about poor service in the restaurant at Heritage Isles. Saddlebrook's executive team manages both restaurants.

Fellow Supervisor William Martello disclosed that he and his wife were Meehan's guests for the meal and offered to cooperate with an investigation by the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Martello said the Meehans took him to dinner at Dempsey's for his birthday in May. It hadn't occurred to him that his birthday dinner was Meehan's complimentary meal because it took place several months after the original incident. He also assumed Meehan picked up the tab.

"He left the table, seemingly to pay the bill," Martello said. "Then he came back to the table and gave the waiter a cash tip."

Pat Ciaccio, food and beverage director for Saddlebrook, said the meal cost "in excess of $500." The disputed meal at Heritage Isles cost about $100.

When fellow board members pressed Meehan for details, he told them that two people had been present at the meal, when in fact, there were four. Supervisor Dan Barravecchio said he felt that he had been intentionally misled.

"Why was an offer to go to Dempsey's ever made to a board member?" CDD board chairman Steve Stark asked.
Ciaccio said Meehan requested the Dempsey's meal because his wife no longer wanted to dine at Heritage Isles. He insisted that management would have made the same offer to any diner.

"I don't really want to be the bad guy in this," Ciaccio said. "But it's not our job to know the Florida Sunshine Law; it's our job to take care of our customers."

In June, Meehan revealed that he had sold insurance to two Heritage Isles vendors while serving on the community development district board. Meehan, who is licensed to sell health and life insurance, declined to reveal the names of his clients.

Heritage Isles homeowner Steve Hluchanyk said he initially questioned the CDD supervisors "to clear the air" because he had heard vague rumors about them using their positions for financial gain.

"I almost wish I'd never even asked about it," Hluchanyk said. "This just seems to get deeper and deeper."

Meehan could not be reached for comment. He is still listed as a qualified candidate to run for re-election in November. The board appointed his opponent, Frank Camara, to the seat Wednesday.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT