TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Minister Charged With DUI 2 Days Before His Big Event

ADVERTISEMENT

By LISA A. DAVIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - A local metaphysical minister who founded Hello, From My Heart Day was arrested Sunday night - two days before this year's observance - on drunken driving charges.

Gary Schineller, 59, of 3342 Teeside Drive, was taken to the Land O' Lakes Jail on misdemeanor charges of drunken driving, DUI property damage and leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage.

After a first-appearance hearing on Monday, a judge agreed to release him on his own recognizance if he promised to attend court hearings in the case. He was in the process of being discharged from the jail later Monday.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper arrested Schineller at his home after he hit a vehicle at Little Road and Golf View Drive but didn't stop, according to a report. The other motorist, who wasn't hurt, followed Schineller home and alerted authorities, Trooper Larry Coggins said.

Schineller's blood-alcohol level reportedly was between .167 and .172, more than twice the limit where state law presumes impairment.

Five years ago, Schineller began Hello, From My Heart Day with the intent of promoting kindness and reducing crime.

'We will set a standard and demonstrate a measurable way to create a happier, healthier and more peaceful community,' says his group's site, www.hellofrommyheart .com.

This year's celebration is slated to begin today and extend through the week, according to the Web site. It wasn't clear what events are planned, except for Carol Mitchell singing the theme song, 'Hello, From My Heart,' at The Cabana in Clearwater on Friday and Saturday.

Joseph Tedesco, owner of Port Richey-based Tedesco sports.com, expressed surprise Monday afternoon about Schineller's arrest. Tedesco said he had tried all day to contact the minister because, as a Heart Day sponsor, Tedesco wanted to talk about helping with last-minute publicity.

'I'm shocked,' Tedesco said, adding he's known Schineller a few months. 'He's very mellow. He's not the type to do this kind of thing.'

According to his Web site, Schineller grew up in New York and graduated from SUNY Buffalo with a degree in social psychology before beginning a career in broadcast television. The Seven Springs resident is a guest speaker, self-realization counselor, author and Reiki master, according to his online biography. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction.

After Schineller moved to Florida about five years ago, he noticed that people weren't friendly. So he started smiling and offering pleasantries, making his 'hello, from my heart' greeting his trademark.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT