02-18-2008, 02:18 PM
Hundreds of prosecutors could lose jobs in budget cuts
Statewide budget cuts could force state attorneys to lay off more than 500 prosecutors across Florida.
Those cuts could lead to fewer prosecutions.
State attorney Willie Meggs said tourism could be in jeopardy, because tourists count on a safe environment.
"Let us mess up one tourist case or have another tourist murder, and then people get afraid to come to Florida," Meggs said. "It's going to be very, very difficult."
The Florida prosecuting attorneys association estimates 35 prosecutors could be laid off in Hillsborough County, 44 in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, 20 in Polk County, 16 in Manatee County, and 22 in Citrus County.
Statewide budget cuts could force state attorneys to lay off more than 500 prosecutors across Florida.
Those cuts could lead to fewer prosecutions.
State attorney Willie Meggs said tourism could be in jeopardy, because tourists count on a safe environment.
"Let us mess up one tourist case or have another tourist murder, and then people get afraid to come to Florida," Meggs said. "It's going to be very, very difficult."
The Florida prosecuting attorneys association estimates 35 prosecutors could be laid off in Hillsborough County, 44 in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, 20 in Polk County, 16 in Manatee County, and 22 in Citrus County.