Local Newspaper: The Gainesville Sun
Article #1: Doctor, cosmetologist sentenced to federal
prison for fraud
Link: https://www.gainesville.com/news/20200128/doctor-cosmetologist-sentenced-to-federal-prison-for-fraud
Description of the story: According
to the article, a cosmetologist and licensed DO doctor in Gainesville were
mandated to go to federal prison for falsifying health claims, money laundering
and health fraud. Together, Mika Harris and Erik Schabert, were charged with 72
counts of fraudulent health claims to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Ms.
Harris has been ordered to spend 90 months in prison, while Mr. Shabert will
serve 42 months in prison. The two were convicted by a Gainesville jury and
ordered to give up several residences and pay $4.4 million in restitution.
Description of the problem: As former
patients testified, it became clear that both Harris and Shabert were
falsifying health claims to insurance companies for false surgeries and
cosmetic procedures that never took place. The pair also made up falsified
skin-diagnoses to get a larger payout. In fact, Harris was found guilty on 40
counts of money laundering which accumulated to nearly $3.1 million. This
situation highlights a possible opportunity to protect patients who have been
subject to such fraud.
Who has the problem: First and
foremost, the people implicated in this issue include Mika Harris and Erik
Shabert who have been convicted and sentenced to prison. In addition, the
patients whose personal information and financial funds have been compromised
were also significantly impacted by this case. While this is one case, there
have been many cases around the country where this type of violation has occurred.
An opportunity definitely exists to help people who have been subject to this
type of fraud.
Article #2: Gainesville man charged in 19 car
burglaries
Description of the story:
On January 16th, law enforcement authorities were able to apprehend
Lucien Byron in a stolen Dodge Journey. Byron was involved in 19 car burglaries
on one night in Gainesville. He was ultimately charged with 15 counts of burglary,
1 count of burglary of an emergency vehicle, grand theft, theft of an occupied
residence and property damage. Items stolen include money, wallets, prescription
medicine, glasses, phones and tablets. Byron even smashed the window of a
patrol vehicle to steal a wallet.
Description of the
problem: Burglaries such as these are omnipresent in Gainesville. Not only is
the local community and university at risk, but people vising from out-of-town are
also threatened. Often, before police have secured the area, the burglars have
already stolen items and are not found. Heightened awareness and security
systems must be put in place to mitigate this issue. I believe a huge opportunity
and market exists for security systems in Gainesville. Extra security for
vehicles and homes is essential in Gainesville, where so many armed burglaries
occur.
Who has the problem:
Students and Alachua county resident have the problem because their items are
constantly being stolen or damaged. These burglaries are unpredictable and
often times the alert we receive as students is “suspect not found.” Increased
security systems could help this issue. Especially in the university area,
where parents want their kids safe. The police, law enforcement officials and Alachua
county also have to deal with this problem because there are so many incidences
such as these in the local community. Both real estate and UF are also
negatively impacted because people are less likely to come here due to the
burglaries and shootings.
Article #3: Motorcyclist dies after Waldo Road crash
Description of the Story:
Christopher Wilmer, who was only 32, passed after a collision with an SUV
vehicle on Waldo Road. Wilmer was on a motorcycle, but was wearing a helmet
when the impact occurred. He was driving during rush hour at 5 P.M. Although
the driver of the SUV was not injured, Wilmer died after being taken to Shands
hospital.
Description of the
problem: In Gainesville, many people drive motorcycles or scooters to go back
and forth from work or class. Providing the correct protective gear to prevent
deaths like these, could have a big market in the community. Although Wilmer
was wearing a helmet, he still died. Having alternative protective gear may
have saved his life and prevented such fatal injuries. In addition,
implementing cameras in intersections could dissuade people from unsafe driving
in the local community.
Who has the problem:
Drivers, police and the county are all affected by these types of collisions. A
real opportunity exists for the installment of surveillance cameras to ensure
that these accidents happen few and far between. If people know cameras are
present in busy intersections and they will be fined for any infractions, they
will be less likely to pursue unsafe driving.
Article #4: Lane Ranger: Why are four lanes slower
than two?
Description of the story:
As mentioned by John W. Stephenson, lanes were widened on a section of State
Route 20, but this had the unintended effect of slowing traffic and more
speeding violations. The four lane road has a speed limit of 55 mph, while the
two lane road has a limit of 55 mph. Not only does this mean slower moving
traffic, but also more people pulled over for “speeding” on a four-lane road.
The reason behind this speed change in different sections of the road is
because the 4 lane part is in an “urban” area, while the 2-lane section is
categorized as “rural.”
Description of the
problem:
When the road was initially
expanded, the hope was that congestion and faster-moving traffic would be
achieved. In juxtaposition, people are actually receiving more speeding
violations and fines, while traffic is slow due to a reduced speed limit. An opportunity
for monitoring devices or apps that can tell individual drivers where police
are, could prevent so many people from “speeding” tickets. Many people are
caught off guard because they expect they can go faster on a 4 lane road, when
in fact they have to go 10 miles slower than on the 2-lane road.
Who has the problem:
Drivers on the road, construction workers, police and the state are all affected
by this issue. Construction workers, police and the politicians from all three
counties where the road resides are all blamed for unfair ticketing and slow traffic.
While, regular travelers are effected by congestion, traffic and fines.
Article #5: Military Training Could Turn Into College
Credits
Description of the story:
According to the article, Florida legislators are working on a bill to allow
military personnel to earn college credit while in the confines of the
military. Although, the amount of credits or hours have not been ironed out, receiving
credit for training in firefighting, cybersecurity or other fields would be a
great way for those serving our country to save time and money. After serving in
the military and receiving training in a particular discipline, their efforts
would count as college credit and allow them to transition back into normal
life more seamlessly.
Description of the
problem: Many colleges across the country are increasing their tuition and
fees. So for military personnel to come out and then have to go back to school
in order to complete a degree would not only put a financial burden on them, but
also take more time. The opportunity to receive college credit for their
training would enable them to pursue a normal career quicker once they come out
of the military. A real opportunity exists for people who want to establish
institutions to help military personnel make the transition from the military
to normal life smoother.
Who has the problem:
Those in the military, colleges and the country are faced with the problem of
integrating ex-military personnel back into the workforce. Having a system
where they can earn credit while in the military is a great way for them to get
a head start. In fact, a major opportunity to build schools and educational
programs within the confines of the military exists.
ReplyDeleteHi Shivani,
I thought your post was very descriptive and thorough. I knew everything I needed to know from the articles just by reading your descriptions. I thought it was interesting how we both used the Gainesville Sun as sources but did not have any articles in common. It really goes to show you how many different problems can occur anywhere given a week or so span. I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
Best of Luck
Hi Shivani,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog post. You included a lot of detail and it was enjoyable to read. I read the article also about the 4 lanes turning into 2. I thought it was a very informative story. I am interested in local traffic and the impacts it has. Overall very good job!
Hi Shivani. I thought your post was really well written and thorough. I like how you analyzed each article, and then presented the problem and a potential business opportunity that could help solve the problem. I really like your comments on the article about military training turning into college credits. I definitely think you're on to something there, and that an opportunity could exist with helping military members transition back into society and helping them earn degrees.
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