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Local Lawmakers Hopeful Gov. Scott Will Approve Tallahassee Man's Claims Bill

Florida Senate/halseybeshears.com

An effort to fully compensate a local man for severe injuries he suffered in a bicycle accident years ago is now before Governor Rick Scott.

Rep. Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello) is one of the authors of the bipartisan claims bill meant to compensate Mark Sawicki, who's currently an engineer at Florida State University.

“In October 2009, Mark Sawicki was commuting to work on his bicycle,” said Beshears, during an earlier committee hearing. “He was at a stop light, and there was a city of Tallahassee trash truck that did not see him, ran over him, he suffered multiple injuries, multiple fractures, and as a result he had multiple surgeries.”

The city of Tallahassee already paid 200,000 to help the Sawicki family with medical bills and attorney fees. If approved, they would get 700,000 dollars more for his long term care.

And, Sen. Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) says he believes the Governor will likely sign it.

“And, so the city of Tallahassee agrees fully with this that he needs to be compensated,” said Montford. “And, so, it’s the right thing to do. We’re righting a wrong, and we’re making this person as whole as we can considering the circumstances.”

13 other claims bills were also presented to the Governor for approval Monday.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.