Abel Harding Departs Mayors Office

[Todd_Parker]

per the TU - DUI charges in Bradford County after the Gators game.

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2011-09-12/story/jacksonville-mayoral-spokesman-abel-harding-arrested-dui-charge

[JeffreyS]

Sad to hear.

[duvaldude08]

"C'mon man!" Honestly I have been there earlier this year myself. Wasnt a very fun nor cheap ordeal Thats sad to hear about Abel. He has a great job. Dont risk losing what you have over making bad decisions.

PS Does he not know that the police on 301 LOOK for dui's and perform dui checkstops after gator games?

[Noone]

Sad to hear.

+1

[north miami]

A FTU post on this subject this morning makes reference to Brown Administration Toll Road meddling.....which got me to thinking:
Recall Governor Martinez era Jax/ Tampa Toll road (Brannon Chaffee the northern leg) by way of snaking through the Gainesville area.

brilliant!
Just goes to show you the need for a maze of needed new toll road facility,magical Network Alleviation,reduced use of US 301 and related ills,convenient access to Football games.

Tongue in cheek-

[ronchamblin]

Hwy 301 is definitely a tax cow for the small Gestapos along its route.  There happened to be a game in Gainesville about ’85, and while returning to Jax late evening after a book appraisal, I was stopped by the 301 Gestapo somewhere around Waldo; and this even though I was being cautious with speed because of the Gestapo’s known questionable habits along 301.  Said he saw me weaving…must have changed lanes.  He leaned in sensing for alcohol.  Although in my earlier years I would not only party and then drive home, I would drink and drive; I find myself with no desire to drink these days.  In any case, this fellow asked me to step out and do a short walk.  I did so….. perfectly.

I sensed this fellow's disappointment at my good walk, and always wondered how many drivers he stopped that night of the game, and how much fact or evidence twisting was accomplished in order to gain as many dollars a possible for his community and department.  I do not trust these fellows to uphold only the law.  They have a temporary and limited power on the road, and some frequently abuse it.

I’m sure the powers at be in the city will realize the assets in abilities and integrity we have in Mr. Harding and, especially because it was his first encounter with the 301 Gestapo, or any problem of this nature, will not allow this event, which may have in fact been the result of Hwy 301 Gestapo unfairness, to obscure in any way an otherwise exemplary career.

[Jaxson]

First, this is a sad story.  I think very highly of Abel and wish the best for him.

Second, for those who want to travel to Gainesville without using U.S. 301, please consider the following route:
1. Go south on Blanding Boulevard (State Road 21) through Clay County (Orange Park, Middleburg, Keystone Heights).
2. Stay on State Road 21 until reaching the town of Melrose (Putnam/Alachua Counties).
3. Turn right onto State Road 26 and go straight into Gainesville (University Avenue).
The upside to taking SR 21/SR 26 is that there seem to be fewer lights on this route. 

[Steve]

Really sorry to hear that - Abel's a good guy. It can be tough for people like High School Principals and appointed officials. In a lot of ways, they are never "off the clock"

[fsujax]

and always under the microscope. Hopefully, he can over come this.

[RiversideLoki]

Abel's a good guy. Bad things often happen to good people. While I'm not condoning driving drunk, 301 is such a crapshoot that I will go any other way possible to avoid it, even driving under the speed limit, even if it takes me 3 times as long to get to Gainesville.

Best of luck, Abel. You're a good dad and I know your family supports you.

[duvaldude08]

I have always hated driving on 301. It is very creepy and it makes me paranoid.

[johnnyman]

He still looks wasted in his mug shot.  This has got to be a low point in this guys life.  Hopefully he learns from it and nobody was hurt or killed.  Don't drink and drive,, you will eventually get caught.  Hotel rooms are cheap compared to what this guy will have to dish out now.

[videojon]

Sad indeed. I hope I'm wrong in sensing some on here blaming the system (or finding a way around it) instead of faulting Abel. As Duval Dude was saying, let's not ruin a reputation by making bad decisions.

[Jaxson]

Sad indeed. I hope I'm wrong in sensing some on here blaming the system (or finding a way around it) instead of faulting Abel. As Duval Dude was saying, let's not ruin a reputation by making bad decisions.

I know that my post might have come across as 'finding a way around it.'  I apologize.  First and foremost, it is important to avoid driving while drunk or under the influence.  I, however, still stand by my alternative route for travel between Jacksonville for those who are looking for a simpler way and who are looking to avoid the speed traps.

[BridgeTroll]

I have always hated driving on 301. It is very creepy and it makes me paranoid.

301 is a cool road... minus the speed traps etc.  It is full of "old florida"... the way it was before the mouse and the "interstate system".