By Jim Reeder, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 7, 2001

FORT PIERCE--Following the lead of South Florida elections' officials, four St. Lucie County residents used a yellow Ryder truck with sheriff's escorts to send court evidence northward.

The papers are in response to Figg Engineers' demand for defendants in a libel and slander suit to produce all documents they have related to the proposed toll bridge from Walton Road to South Hutchinson Island.

A television news helicopter flew overhead as the truck traveled from southern St. Lucie County to a lawyer's office in Vero Beach where Figg's attorney can inspect the documents.

"They've seen practically everything there already," Charles Grande, one of the defendants, said.

"It's mostly documents from the St. Lucie County Expressway and Bridge Authority. No evidence of conspiracy or anything sinister."

Figg Engineers claims it's been damaged by statements made by Grande and three other defendants.

The defendants say they've done nothing wrong and Figg is trying to stifle opposition to the bridge.

Grande said they want to keep the public aware of what they believe is a SLAPP suit -- Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.

"Our second choice to the Ryder truck was a slow-moving white Bronco," Grande said.

jim_reeder@pbpost.com