Decembre Claims Bill Moves Forward State Representative Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando)has presented, the Daniel Decembre Claims bill, to the Schools and Learning Council. It can be viewed at www.myfloridahouse.gov. On March 4, 2003, Daniel Decembre, a then 3rd grader at Ridgewood Park Elementary was attacked when a 50 pound pit bull bolted through the open gates of the school and pounced on him. Daniel fought the dog by himself for several minutes but suffered injuries, including losing an ear, nerve damage, skin damage, and optical injuries, among others. Daniel’s family filed a suit against the Orange County School Board which agreed to settle the case for $2 million. However, sovereign immunity only allows the school board to pay $200,000 unless the Florida Legislature approves the other $1.8 million to be paid from the School Board’s General Funds. The Florida Senate has already passed the legislation and the Orange County School Board does not oppose the claims bill.
