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Port Richey Councilman Pulled for DUI

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 29, 2008

Steve O'Neill

PORT RICHEY - He reeked of alcohol. His speech was slurred, his eyes bloodshot and glassy.

That's how a Pasco County Sheriff's deputy found Port Richey Councilman Steve O'Neill early Sunday morning, when he pulled him over for speeding on U.S. 19.

O'Neill, 47, was arrested for driving under the influence after he registered 0.175 and 0.165 on blood-alcohol level tests. Drivers are considered legally intoxicated at 0.08.

According to a sheriff's office report, O'Neill was stopped about 2:30 a.m. near the Scenic Drive intersection for driving about 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.

The deputy said O'Neill was weaving in and out of the northbound lanes.

During sobriety tests, O'Neill was "unable to follow simple instructions," the deputy said.

He was arrested, taken to the Land O' Lakes Jail and posted $250 bail.

A reclusive city leader who seldom speaks with the press, O'Neill was elected to the council in 2006 on a platform of cutting costs and reducing the city's tax burden.

He ran for reelection in April and won more than 23 percent of the vote -- more that any other candidate on the ballot.

A nuclear radiologist, O'Neill works at the Florida Cancer Institute in New Port Richey.

O'Neill did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (727) 815-1082 or cwade@tampatrib.com.

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