Mark Lunsford May Not File Lawsuit in a Deal Brokered By Bubba the Love Sponge

  For weeks, the two have traded insults, criticisms and threats of litigation: the activist father whose daughter was killed by a pedophile and the shock jock who suspects him of exploiting his child's death.

But this morning, Mark Lunsford and radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem seemed to bury their respective hatchets, as Lunsford's attorneys announced plans, brokered by Clem's lawyers, to sit down with representatives of the Citrus County sheriff's office next week. The hope: that they can negotiate changes to the department's procedure for investigating missing children cases in exchange for dropping plans to sue the sheriff's office over its handling of Lunsford's case.

The plan, announced on Clem's show at 7:50 a.m. this morning, could also end weeks of on air sniping in which the shock jock accused Lunsford of using his 9-year-old daughter Jessica's 2005 rape and murder to build his own personal fame.

"Mark Lunsford has already proven what he's about...all of a sudden he files notice of a lawsuit and he's an awful person?" said Lunsford's attorney, Eric "Rick" Block, who criticized Clem's producers for spreading misinformation about their efforts and not speaking with him directly about facts related to the case. Lunsford was not present in Clem's radio studio this morning, represented instead by his Jacksonville attorneys.

"I don't want to get into Mark Lunsford as a person," said Clem, who agreed to stop insulting Lunsford on air as part of the settlement. "I got 700 emails we can go through talking about what he has done and not done...(but) that would be counter-productive."

The truce seemed in danger of dissolving on air this morning as Lunsford's attorneys insisted on correcting statements Clem and his fans have made about the case, including claims that Lunsford was at a bar drinking on the night convicted sex offender John Couey kidnapped Jessica -- a claim Lunsford's attorneys denied.

Block said Lunsford waited until the last possible to day to file notice with law enforcement of his intent to sue, noting citizens have three years to file such notice or give up their right to bring suit forever. Block said that Lunsford has always maintained he would not file a lawsuit if the Citrus County sheriff would admit they made mistakes in investigating Lunsford's case and help educate other law enforcement agencies on how to handle such cases better.

Lunsford's attorneys also said they have retained the services of noted pathologist Michael Baden, who appeared on HBO's series Autopsy, in an effort to prove that Jessica was alive for days after assailant John Couey kidnapped her -- indicating that a comprehensive police search might have discovered her.

Clem began airing pointed commentary about Lunsford in February, after he revealed plans to sue the Citrus Country Sheriff's Office over its handling of Jessica's case. The conflict came to a head Feb. 27 when Lunsford appeared on Clem's show and the shock jock let go a startling statement: ""You have to wait for your daughter to die before you can start raping money from people — I understand."

Later, Clem aired a slew of parody songs criticizing Lunsford and calls from fans raising questions about his efforts to raise funds for a charitable foundation established in Jessica's name. Lunsford and his attorneys accused Clem of feeding the controversy to build his show's ratings.

This morning, Clem apologized for any insults he may have leveled at Lunsford's attorneys -- though he drew the line on comments he made about Lunsford personally. Clem credited his attorney Steve Diaco with talking to Block last week, developing discussions which let to this agreement.   

"Maybe...all of us talking, we can all take a step back," said Clem. "Let's just all agree to disagree. I'm going to shut up, you're not going to file against the sheriff...for a common goal, so this doesn't happen again."

Comments

from what i see
none of you people talking trash about bubba can spell.

[Jen-N- Juice]

I’m from Jacksonville and we had another “High Profile “ case here the Maddie Clifton case the whole neighborhood searched for her for a week and her neighbor “Joshua Phillips “ was 14 at the time and killed her and drug her in to his parents house and hid her under his waterbed his own mother ened up turning him in he is currently he is being raised in the Florida State Prision system for the rest of his life . You know the day Jessica was found I specifically remember the sheriff coming on the tv and saying that they found her under a crack heads trailer next door and he said it just like that. I was absolutely floored. I was in tears remembering Maddie. How can this happen ? Didn’t they have dogs out here? How could the cadaver dogs have missed that ? How can the Citrius county Sherriff’s department assure the people that this will never happen again? I think eventulley Dr. Batten will be testifying to the fact that Jessica was in fact alive for several days under that trailer in the bag . Why didn’t the dogs hear her or smell her that close ? The people deserve answers

[New Parent]

And I here is the foundation website:http://www.jmlfoundation.org/

[New Parent]

I found the Adam Walsh act:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Walsh_Child_Protection_and_Safety_Act

[New Parent]

What is the latest news folks? I try and catch the news when I can. Is Mark Lunsford doing anything else with his foundation? Is their a website for his foundation? How can I read the Jessica Lundsford Act? AS well as the Adam Walsh Safety Act? And are the court records of the John Couey trial viewable for the public? I have been trying to become a mom for about 9 years, 4 of which was fertility offices. And now I have a 2month old son, One of the first things I did was go to a website that located all the sexual predators in my area. I got the address from my husband who has Sirius satellite radio in his truck, he heard it from Bubba. I sometimes don't like the discussions he has but I change the channel. Other times I listen. My husband and I met Bubba and his Sister when he owned a restaurant off HWY 19, they were nothing but nice. Can anyone come forth and tell me thier meeting with Bubba, Good or BAD? Alot of DJ's use the MIC as their forum and I would too speak my mind and give personal opinions. I was able to read MJ Schmitt's lawsuit against Bubba and if it goes in favor of MJ,maybe he should back off of Mark Lundsford. How can I see the lawsuit Mark Lundsford filed against Bubba?

[Tim]

I am glad that this is heading in the direction of a resolution, however I do not think Lunsford is going to be satisfied with the conversation he has with the sheriff. The bottom line is, the sheriff's office has to follow the Constitution--they can't just go kicking down the doors on a whim, even if the man hiding behind that door is a sex offender.

I am a prosecutor in Florida and lost a motion to suppress hearing last week. A police officer pulled a car over thinking it was the same car described in a "Be on the Lookout" bulletin. Although it was the same brand, there was nothing else connecting it to the BOLO. Turns out the driver was DUI and driving on a suspended license--but, because the officer did not have a good enough reason to stop the car, the guy got to walk free.

Imagine if the Polk County Sheriff's Office decided to throw the Constitution to the side...chances are this tragedy STILL would have occurred and that sicko would have received a get out of jail free card. This is a tragedy--but kudos to the men and women serving Polk county and all of the other law enforcement agencies in the bay area.

[Thanks for Bubba]

Why is it that Mark can lay blame on everyone except on himself. He didn't seem to have a problem with the sheriff when he was out helping him raise money. He waited right up until the last minute he could to file the lawsuit so he could use the sheriffs department to help him raise as much money as possible. Bubba always maintained he simply wanted to back Mark and his ambulance chasers off the Citrus county sheriffs department and he would call off the dogs. It is a horrible fact that hundreds of parents face the same traggic situation that Mark has but you don't see them out living a better lifestyle simply because their child was slain. I mean come on who could sleep at night knowing their entire livelyhood was the product of losing a child.

[Dan]

i would just like to say shame on all you Lunsford suporters out there . Try to research everything you can on him Google is a good way to do it . MARK DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIS DAUGHTER WHILE SHE WAS ALIVE . So why should he get all this money after she's gone . where are all the pictures of Mark and his daughter ?? I can find to many pictures of Mark with everyone one else but how about the daughter he says he misses ? I beleive he is nothing but a gold digger instead of finding a rich women he just used the death of his daught . Which is wrong on so many levels . but i guess if you lunsford suporters lost you child too you would quit your job and sit home letting the rest of the world pay your way too . He is white trash and needs to stop living off everyone and get a real job !!! He needs to sell everything that was donated to the foundation like he was suppose to and put the money to good use but instead he keeps everything he wants like the custom bike or even the motor home . Stop taking money from the foundation and put it to good use . And just so you know making your life better is not good use . I think Bubba shouldn't stop until Mark stops taking money from the foundation and gets a real job . But Bubba did what he said he would and thats was to get Mark to drop the suit . We all need people to speak up like Bubba did if you don't like him then find some one else with guts to stand up to wrong people for good people and i'll stand behind them too . Bubba didn't get paid for what he did he did it to stop Mark from getting richer . so please do your research befor you stick up for some one like Mark lunsford learn about him everything about him . From kid porn to drugs to what he has done to the daughter he says he misses .

[BillT]

Lunsford's attorneys are idiots. Don't they realize that Bubba will be on the attack again. Bubba is a radio predator who sinks to the lowest common denominator every single time. Bet MJ and his wife don't cave to Bubba the scourge on society.

[Stacy]

Nothing will excuse Bubba from accusing Mark of raping people after his daughter's death. This slob is a blight on Florida radio.

[bubbasucks]

Hey Bubba!

It's pretty ironic that your first name and Schnitt's first name are the same! I can hear Lisa Loopner now! tOOODddd! HeeHeeeeeeee. That must be why you are so bent out of shape!

At least Lunsford is doing what he believes in! Back off and let your piehole confront a real taxpayer issue like the double and triple dippers in our local/state governments! Or is that too complicated for ya!

[JACK]

To Mark:

Please continue to do what you've been doing. I hope it helps you, and I mean that sincerely.

As for me? ... I personally couldn't fathom the thought of losing my daughter in any way, let alone such a senseless way that you lost yours.

Many people will continue to criticize your actions no matter what you do ... but many others do appreciate what you've done and continue to do.

I applaud you for that! I personally don't think I'd handle it as well as you have.

Jack

[scott]

hey mark where is this office in st pete. are you there everyday working. must be a long drive from crystal river. need the lawsuit for the gas money

[Next Door]

You guys are just ignorant...I tried to tell the deupities to search Matt Dittrich trailer the day Jessica was abducted...They treated me like crap and would not listen...If they had listened She would still be alive...They did not even interview the lady next door who heard the scuffle outside her trailer the night of abduction..Sheriff's Dept. screwed up big time...To this day law enforcement does not enforce the laws..It is a pick and choose system..

[Disappointed]

I'd like to know where some of you get your "facts"... and how you KNOW they are "facts"...

As for only 5 cents per dollar going to the foundation... just shows your ignorance in the matter! Non-profits are required by law and heavily scrutinized by the IRS as a specific amount, which I believe is approximately 20%, can only be spent on operating expenses. That leaves about 80% of all funds collected going to whatever cause they are representing. I highly doubt the IRS would turn a blind eye to such a high profile non-profit taking only 5 cents of every dollar towards their issue!!

As for Mark not being there when the police were called… funny that is the first time I’ve ever heard that one!! And I would ask again… how do you KNOW this… from personal experience because you were there… or just some blather you’ve read somewhere??!?

As for Mark making so much more money that when he was a dump truck driver… have you looked into just what truck drivers are paid lately. Pretty competitive wages from those I know in the business!

All you Mark hater’s disgust me… Until you’ve personally sat down with Mark and his family and gotten to know them, which I have, then you have no right to judge based on hearsay… or what someone the likes of Bubba claims! It’s like the old saying… until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes…who are you to judge me! Those so quick to toss blame at a father who may have made mistakes, like none of us ever have, then I pray none of you or your daughters ever have to experience what this family has! Its all of you who are not letting Jessie rest in peace… because believe me, she loved her Daddy and he was her “buddy”…. and I know he loved her; Jessie knew it too…. despite what you all seem to think you know!

[CHRIS]

Interesting, very interesting......

[H]

i can't believe some of you people..this man lost his daughter and you people say he's happy about that?? none of you must have lost a child...if what he's doing will help other children in the future then why degrade his actions? he has lost baby. it doesn't matter where he was that night. he came to find her missing then dead..have compassion

[JamieLee]

After sitting and listening to Bubba, I can honestly say... I will never listen to him again. Mark has a right to continue a lawsuit. If people were properly notified that that man was in the area living, Jessica might be alive today. No parent should have to outlive their child, it is a horrible feeling. Let's hope that the people here who are making the mean comments about Mark never have to find that out. How can you take a father's pain and turn it into a circus? For radio ratings? How nasty Bubba has turned out to be. Who will be his next target?

[fluxcapacitor]

Since the death of Jessica, Mark has been living like a king with material possessions he could never afford in his ‘previous life.’ He became famous overnight and the cash was rolling in. As the money was being spent faster than it was coming in recently, he decided to sue, which would draw more public attention to his cause = more cash donations and the plan backfired. By beginning the suit against the people of Citrus County, he exposed himself to all of this. Why are $5 of every $100 of donations going to help children? Why is $95 of each $100 going to Lunsford’s so-called expenses? How is that not a crime? We cannot bring back Jessica, but we can decide not to give Redneck TT Lunsford our well earned money.

[fluxcapacitor]

Was Mark a good father? No. Did Mark love his children? I don’t know, but I think not. Given this conclusion, Mark Lunsford’s salary of $54,000/year from his foundation, which was said that “No amount of money could possibly reduce the torment he must live through each and every day missing his darling Jessie!” does not make logical sense if he didn’t love and care about his daughter to begin with. If his goals really are to help children and not have person financial gain from this tragedy, he would not be abusing the power that comes with running his foundation. His daily activities of campaigning for law changes, etc. does mean he deserves to get paid and he has made a difference in helping change the laws. But to increase his pay three fold from what he was making as a dump truck driver and not give it to help the kids seems to be a misappropriation of the donations received by the foundation. $24K for office furniture when there is no office existing (the trailer is the office of record on the foundation).

[fluxcapacitor]

Since the death of Jessica, Mark has been living like a king with material possessions he could never afford in his ‘previous life.’ He became famous overnight and the cash was rolling in. As the money was being spent faster than it was coming in recently, he decided to sue, which would draw more public attention to his cause = more cash donations and the plan backfired. By beginning the suit against the people of Citrus County, he exposed himself to all of this. Why are $5 of every $100 of donations going to help children? Why is $95 of each $100 going to Lunsford’s so-called expenses? How is that not a crime? We cannot bring back Jessica, but we can decide not to give Redneck TT Lunsford our well earned money.

I conclude with this: I believe that the best thing to ever happen to Mark Lunsford was the death of his only daughter, Jessica. Without her, he would still be poor white trash, versus now, rather well off white trash with some fame and fortune. Truly sad. God rest her soul.

[fluxcapacitor]

Disappointed- I cannot draw your conclusion that “No amount of money could possibly reduce the torment he must live through each and every day missing his darling Jessie!”

Your comments make a very massive and unverifiable assumption- that Mark Lunsford did indeed actually love his daughter Jessie. It is ambiguous at best. Although it is not possible to tangibly judge emotions such as love, it is possible to draw some conclusions that Mark did not care very much about his ‘darling Jessie,’ may she rest in peace for all time.

Facts:

Mark Lunsford did not want to take care of and have custody of Jessica when still living in North Carolina in 1998 (Jessica was 2 or 3), so he gave custody to his parents. Jessica’s grandfather is a multi-convinced felon (the reason the police focused on him during the investigation) and although he has the right to choose, it makes me wonder about his choice of legal guardians was the correct one and should have manned up for having a baby. Mark did not move to Florida until 4 years later, moved in with his parents and admitted not talking with Jessica virtually at all during that 4 year span they were apart. If his love for her ran that deep…I don’t see it.

The grandparents, both of whom admitted under oath in their depositions that their system of locking up the house at night was for one of them to lock all the doors early in the night, the other to double check before bed- quite responsible given the trash they lived near. Both admitted they locked all the doors the night she was taken. The only logical explanation for why the door was left unlocked and ajar was because of Mark Lunsford’s incompetence and total disregard for the safety of those inside the house when he left to go out (to either get blasted at the bar or visit his girlfriend’s house, unverified where he went to this point). If he really cared about his daughter, he would have locked the door for her safety.

When the first responding officer came to the trailer at 5:30 am after Jessica was reported missing, Mark Lunsford was still not home from his night out. The deputy asked to use Mark’s computer to see if he could identify any leads. Child pornography and a list of over 50 porn sites were shown to be visited that day in the history log (meaning 5-6 hours ago, from midnight to just then) and because the grandparents were sleeping, Mark was the only one who could have visited those sites and viewed the kiddie porn before going out and leaving the door unlocked which subsequently allowed John Couey to take Jessica.

Which brings me to this point about Mark’s parenting and love for his children: His son, Joshua (18 at the time) was convicted of molesting a child after Jessica’s murder and is now a registered sex offender. Incomprehensible to me. If only this person had ANY guidance from a loving father…..

Finally, Mark Lunsford admitted the following: In order to set up the foundation, “I had to quit everything.” People that knew Lunsford knew him to be a heavy drug and alcohol user, specifically cocaine and meth. I presume this statement applies to the latter. I wonder how much donated money is going to his drug habits?

[clb]

What's it any of Bubba's business anyway!!! Who made him judge and jury?

[Baron LaCroix]

Disappointed - What I meant by "play victim" was that Mark Lundsford has no business being in front of any legislature creating new laws. His role is to appear and give the proposed legislation a "face". He does no real "work". He is not qualified to create new laws. I certainly did not mean to imply that he and his family have not suffered a huge loss. I may not like him but there is no denying that he has sufferred.

How ever, I disagree that the laws would not have changed without him. I think the laws would have changed because of the circumstances and that he had very little to do with it. I also believe that The Jessica Lundsford Act is not a very good law. It has some good parts to it but, unfortunately on the whole it is an ill concieved mess that needs to be corrected along with some if the other laws it affects.

And just so you don't think I am commenting on something I know nothing about, for nine years I was an Assistant State Attorney, five of those years, I prosecuted only crimes against children. It was also during the time the Lundsford Act came out and for those of us in the business, it was a headache to try and operate under certain parts of the law.

[gw]

If Lunsford and the Sheriff's office can come together, it is better for the community and law enforcement. It would show great statesmanship of all of the parties. It would also prove that protecting our most precious gifts from God, our children, is the priority. I'd much rather Lunsford and the Sheriff stand together than apart. They were once an awesome force for the protection of children.

[Pastora Diana Brevan]

Hello everyone,
I would like to share something.
Do you know America's Most wanted John Walsh,July 27, 2006 will go down in history as the day that changed how America protects its children from sexual predators. At a ceremony in the Rose Garden, President George W. Bush signed a new, tough-as-nails law to track and apprehend convicted sex offenders who disappear after their release from prison. The date wasn't chosen randomly. It was exactly 25 years earlier that John Walsh and his wife Revé suffered the most horrendous loss that any parents could endure: the abduction and murder of their beautiful six-year-old son, Adam. Since that day in 1981, John has dedicated himself to fighting on behalf of children and all crime victims. As a result, thousands of victims have found justice, and dozens of abducted children have been safely brought home. The new law signed by President Bush is also a result of John's fight. It's called "The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act."
Most people know Walsh as the dedicated host of "America's Most Wanted" (amw.com), the man whose groundbreaking television program has helped take down nearly 1,000 dangerous fugitives in the past 20 years. But it's not the career that he envisioned for himself. Born in Auburn, New York and educated at the University of Buffalo, Walsh moved to Florida with his wife Revé, and was living the American Dream. He was a successful businessman, building high-end luxury hotels and building his life. But after Adam's murder, everything changed.The Walsh family's tragic story woke up a nation to the danger of child predators after NBC aired two movies about their life. "Adam," in 1983, and "Adam: His Song Continues" in 1986, dramatized the incredible heartbreak and then resilience of the Walshes. In a bold and courageous move, the network ran a roll call of missing children at the end of the movies, leading to the recovery of 65 children. John and Revé Walsh's experience taught them that the nation was in desperate need of leadership in the fight to protect children, and they decided to create something positive out of their personal tragedy. From the ad hoc organization they put together to help with the search for Adam, they established the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, which eventually merged with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which they co-founded in 1984. The NCMEC (missingkids.com / 1-800-THE LOST) provides invaluable resources to parents, children and law enforcement in the United States and internationally. The charity consistently receives an A+ rating for its ability to spend more than 90 cents of every dollar raised on programming. Its incredible public/private partnerships keep the NCMEC as a leading example of a highly respected and effective non-profit. Walsh's search for justice and his determination to never let Adam's death have been in vain led him to fight back like few other Americans ever have. Although he's never held political office, Walsh has been the driving force behind major pieces of child protection legislation. This hard work led to Walsh being honored five times by four presidents; Ronald Reagan (twice), George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. One of Walsh's proudest moments was when he and his wife Revé stood beside President George W. Bush, as the "Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act" was signed into law on the 25th anniversary of Adam's murder. Although the Walshes have never gotten justice in their own case, thousands of crime victims have, thanks to John and Revé's never ending dedication to fighting back. Law enforcement has also embraced Walsh. He's been honored numerous times by many local, state and federal agencies. In addition to being named "Man Of The Year" by both the US Marshals and the FBI, the US Marshals also made Walsh an honorary Marshal. Walsh is only the third man to have received this honor in the organization's two hundred year history. Walsh is the best-selling author of three books: Tears Of Rage, No Mercy & Public Enemies. He also recently teamed up with the creator of "Baby Einstein," Julie Clark, to create a series of DVDs called "The Safe Side." The two DVDs, "Stranger Safety" and "Internet Safety" (thesafeside.com), have been lauded as exceptional resources for parents and kids in dealing with predators in the real world and online. John Walsh lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Revé. They were blessed with three more children after Adam: Meghan, Callahan and Hayden. Do you understand where I am getting too, Do you see any differance or do you see something that is so similar here in both cases. We need to remove these preditors off the streets! Mr. Lungsford Today is doing his best To start even a monument to represent The Lungsford funds to help keep those who comes forth to harm children of all ages amen and today boys and girls of all ages. Let us stop looking at folks who are looking at another soul and gossip about they are only in it for the money and start to see what you can do for your Community where you live for the sake of all the children. And I understand Mr. John Walsh started at the bottom just as Mark Lungsford is. What we need to do is Continue in your community to see what you can do to keep people such as John Couey Off the streets, as well as out of our neighbourhoods even that has various children where they can go and fish their prey. We need to be togeather and stand firm for all of the Children in our Nation and Praise God for Mr. Mark Lungsford as well as John Walsh. So instead of being a start of gossip today I am not pointing any fingers at anyone, just let us start to see what we can do or how can do to assist people such as Mark Lungsford and Mr. John Waslh amen! They deserve Credit for what they do daily for our Children. Do you not feel they both suffered enough. Some times a little push in a community will start offices and groups of people to gaither togeather as one for everyone who has breath who are still suffering losses, as well as those who did not deserve to leave this earth just as yet. Let us make a Stand to see what we can do for our Communities and see what we can do to assist to make the Lungsford Center a start a great Push for our Community just as John Walsh has Started Glory To God give Mr Mark Lungsford a push as well just for all of the Children of our Community do not never think something can not happen to your Children or your grandchildren for the preditors they are only one step away to start their harm. They are ill-mannered and they need to be removed or taken care of so this will never happen not only in your Community for our Children or Grand-Children but as well for Everyone world wide who has breath in our Nation. Come Forth and Know that all the Children needs you today!
My name is Pastora Diana Brevan and I am greatful to be a part of this forum today.

[Evan]

The Sheriff should take it to trial,and when we read and hear all the facts we will find out if it was a flawed investigation.
We will also have a Twenty four hour time line on his activities prior to the kidnapping ,and to make a judgement.

[MyHeroBubba]

Bubba you're my hero!

[BUBBA ARMY]

You people are just afraid of bubba telling the truth about a scum like mark. If you don't like bubba don't listen it's that simple.what he did was great for us as taxpayers.Saved us money

[bubbasucks]

umm..Sarah?

[Sarah]

*Proofreading - lol - oops!

[Sarah]

The problem that Mark Lunsford has identified is this - no one responds to anything in this country unless there is some type of lawsuit or legal wrangling behind. People, businesses and governments are for the most part greedy and self-serving and only make changes when it might tighten the pursestrings. You don't need a masters' degree to figure any of that out.
P.S.- Please don't babble on about how educated you are and then make grammatical errors in your post. Proofreding!!! Preventing people from looking like idiots since the creation of the written word.

[Disappointed]

Not mad at you... sorry if I came off that way... but I felt you were implying that Mark was somehow responsible... as many others have in past posts.

Show me one parent that has never left thier child with a sitter, let alone the grandparents! That was my only point.

As for the money, I too wish it had been for $1 so that others could not have been able to say it was for money. However, I believe Mark when he said he would have donated any monies he won as a result of the suit.

It is obvious that changes should be made. Procedures always need updating and improvments. Lets just hope that now... that will happen.

[Just Wondering]

First, I never said anything about Lunsford leaving his daughter with their grandparents. I believe he had every right to do that. Second, I do have children, and I have every right to express my opinion on this just as you do.

He created new laws to protect children. He did this without suing. Why does he now need to file a suit asking for money? He obviously has proven there are ways to improve the system without having to sue.

Don't get mad at me because I was able to use your own words against your position.

[Spuds Buckley]

HA HA BUBBA HAD TO GIVE IN!

[Disappointed]

COUEY!!! Thats who!

Or are you one that claims leaving your child with her granparents somehow means you are responsible when something bad happens?? Or do you even have kids? If not, dont think you have the right to judge or speak to that what he may have done or not done.

[Just Wondering?]

So when Mark Lunsford pointed his finger at the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, where were his three fingers pointing back to?

[Disappointed]

Forget to also mention that if you think the laws would have been passed without him pushing the issues... then you are fooling only yourself.

I realize he did not "write" the laws nor "pass" them, but without his urging and his work with several local politicians who DID write and pass the laws... it would have never happened...period!

[Disappointed]

Play victim??!? Are you serious!?! I'd say he, his family and Jessie WERE and ARE victims! Do you think any of the changes would have been made if NOT for his WORK! I applaud all he has done as "selfless" work on behalf of children. After all, who would want to open themselves up to the attacks and criticisms just for a buck! I know Mark would give it ALL up for the chance to return to his previous life if he could... so yes I think he deserves every penny!!

Not to mention most of the attacks are by folks who are obviously perfect and never have made mistakes and "know" Mark personally... I think not! I suspect they are more like those who forget that when they point the finger at someone else, there are three pointing right back!

I actually agree with your previous statement that Sponge only did this save his own rear end!

[Jamie]

Lunsford needs a haircut with all that money.

[Baron LaCroix]

Disappointed - Mark Lundsford deserves and earns his salary for what? He travels around the country to play victim and put a face on the issues involved in "Jessie's Law". Mark Lundsford has very little to do with the actual preperation or passing of the laws that are in his daughters name, he dosent have the intelligence or experience to do it.

[Nicole]

Boy, that's quite the round-about way to make sure Bubba never again gets a traffic citation!

[Disappointed]

Now I do think Mark has sold out! I can't believe he bowed out under pressure from this tank of lard!

I do think Citrus County thought they did all they could, but it is obvious, in hindsight; they screwed up in several ways. Remember the tossed confession...their fault!

In regards to Marks salary... it is well deserved and earned!! No amount of money can help him in any way other than allow him to continue to make a difference and force our lawmakers to do their jobs and police agencies to enforce it! No amount of money could possibly reduce the torment he must live through each and every day missing his darling Jessie!

As for you with the "Masters"... not Marks fault he makes more money than you... it is yours!!! Plus we all know many degrees are paper only... you have to have the true knowledge and common sense to back it up, which if your earn under 50K, obviously there is a problem!

In addition, I never went to college and am a business owner whose clients are mostly college grads that pay me to do their job!!!!

[Baron LaCroix]

Damian - Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Lundsford's attorneys never agreed to "drop" the lawsuit. There is no current lawsuit to drop, just a notice of intent to sue. They agreed to "suspend" efforts toward filing a lawsuit. It means nothing other than getting Bubba out of a potential mess and providing himself with publicity.

Don't believe this is over until the Notice of Withdrawl is filed in Citrus County. Until then, they can file a lawsuit anytime and there is nothing Bubba can do about it. He has no deal with Lundsford or his attorneys, hell he is not even a party to the original action.

This was all about Bubba getting Bubba out of trouble. Give lip service to the Lunsford attorneys, act contrite, stop talking about him and Bubba won't get sued. Bubba may have the people's interest in his heart but, like everyone else he is saving his own skin first.

[bubbasucks]

Damien..I mean Bubba, is that you?

[Yo]

Maybe D-Ray's and Damien's attorneys can settle there debate.

[Tim]

Hey Lonnie (with a Masters)your statement " if there IS issues " should be " if there ARE issues "... So much for your U of Phoenix Masters...

[Glad you're back]

It is nice to have Bubba back in Tampa.

His influence in the Lunsford lawsuit was needed...media can serve an important function in revealing waste of taxpayers dollars...Bubba was not afraid to take a position and put it out there for the rest of us to debate...that is how it is supposed to work in a democracy. That is why we need to continue to protect free speech.

This is why the US continues to be the best place on earth...

As for MJ...LOL...well, when we were kids, we learned-"If you can't take it, don't dish it out"
I have listened to MJ when he said some pretty hurtful things about others...
Again, free speech...not kind or nice, but not slander either.
The best way to voice your displeasure over folks like MJ or Bubba remains the easiest...just change channels.

Me? I am glad to have Bubba back.

[Lisa]

Unbelievable... I'm laughing at the idiots on here defending Bubba. Way to condone the gutless comments mocking Mark over his daughters death. Maybe the next time you lose a loved one we'll get you on the air and have that fat slob take cheap shots at you...

[Sarah]

Since when does a radio shock jock have so much authority over other people's lives? He is entitled to his opinion but at the end of the day is it helping anyone to defame the father of a little girl who was raped and buried alive? Why isn't Bubba talking trash about Couey or his crack addict family who aided and abbetted this heinous crime? I think Bubba has a kid of his own now...you would think he would be a little more sympathetic. I think Mark Lunsford is looking for justice, however misguided he might be. Couey on Death Row living the high life for 15 years while he appeals his conviction is not exactly justice to me, and probably not to Mark either. I would like to see Couey sent into gen pop so they could do the same thing to him that he did to Jessica. And so what if Mark was out the night Jessica was killed? Her grandparents were there. She wasn't left alone. Does Bubba take his kid with him wherever he goes? Bubba and his listeners never go out to have a few beers and leave the kids with relatives or a sitter? This was just an unfortunate tragedy that people continue to exploit. Shame on you Bubba and thank your lucky stars you get to kiss your child and tuck him/her into bed every night.