‘Beat the Heat’ back on the street
07/14/2009 by David Chapman Staff Writer With a resurgence in the number of illegal street racing cases in Jacksonville, Sheriff John Rutherford wants racing enthusiasts to get their motors running — legally. That’s part of the message Rutherford and others espoused Monday when they introduced the re-launch of the “Beat the Heat” Safety and Education program. Originally introduced in 1984 by Sgt. Don Robertson, the program was created to combat the issue of illegal street racing. Rutherford described illegal street racing as hard to track and follow due to its wide range of forms — both organized underground and at times sporadic — except when it’s often too late. “You often don’t realize or hear about it until a tragedy,” said Rutherford. The program’s goal is twofold, as officers hope to educate young adults about the dangers of reckless, high-speed driving and underage alcohol use while also building positive relationships between those youth and the JSO. They’ll have a familiar powerful visual — and audio — tool to help get their message out, too: “The Heat,” the original 1979 Chevy Malibu used as part of the program in the 1980s, fully restored and drag race certified. Traffic Officer David Sciandra will lead the program in addition to his regular duties, and will be taking the car to schools and trade shows to encourage street racers to legally engage in the sport. “There is a problem with street racing,” said Sciandra. “The program was successful in the past and we want to get out there and share the message with the youth.” Additionally, as illegal racing often occurs in rural areas, the program will be a regional effort and will encompass Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. The car might send a powerful message but Sciandra — who last year was recognized as “World’s Best” police motorcyclist following a skills competition — and others will also put the car to the test, as he and others are encouraging drivers to race “The Heat” in legal venues like the Gainesville Raceway. “We’re trying to encourage people to do it responsibly,” said Sciandra. Refurbishing the car came at no expense to taxpayers, said Rutherford, thanks to numerous sponsors. The program itself is a nonprofit organization and is considered Sciandra’s special traffic assignment. Rutherford noted Jacksonville’s No. 1 ranking in the state when it came to traffic fatalities in 2007, along with being No. 3 in the country in traffic fatalities of people in the 16-19 age group during the same time. While none of those deaths were the result of street racing, the “Beat the Heat” program will reach out to youths and hopefully curb those future numbers, he said. “Illegal street racing doesn’t fit a profile,” said Rutherford. “It doesn’t fit age, gender, economic status, race or gender.” dchapman@baileypub.com 356-2466
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