Former St. Pete Beach District Fire Chief McClave pleads guilty to misdemeanors

By FloridaBicyclist

Former St. Pete Beach District Fire Chief Thomas McClave pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors related to a road rage incident where video shows he almost ran over a cyclist with his truck.

The guilty pleas came at a pre-trial hearing on Oct. 1. According to the Pinellas County Court website, McClave pled guilty to 1st degree battery and reckless driving. The felony aggravated assault with a motor vehicle charge was dropped.

Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bruce Bartlett told the Tampa Bay Times in August that the misdemeanor charges were more appropriate given the evidence.

“I don’t want to overcharge the guy,” Bartlett told the Times. “I want something where, if we have to take it to a jury, we’ll be able to convict him.”

Pinellas County Court records show that McClave was ordered to attend a driver improvement course and was assigned 12 hours of community service. McClave is also prohibited from contacting Gregory Hicks, the cyclist who he nearly ran over and assaulted during a May 23 road rage incident on Gulf Boulevard in Redington Shores. In addition, he was ordered to pay nearly $12,000 in restitution to Hicks and $895 in court fees.

McClave resigned as a St. Pete Beach District Fire Chief June 13.

Hicks is planning on attending a Not Just a Cyclist – Share the Road ride organized by Florida Velo cycling and St. Petersburg attorney and cyclist John Austin with the Roman Austin Law Firm. The free ride begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 27 at Green Bench Brewing and has options of 5-, 20- and 50-mile routes.

“This is intended to be a free, community ride to help spread awareness and create visibility for cyclists and promote cycling safety,” Austin said. “In fact, Mr. Hicks has kindly agreed to be an ambassador for this upcoming event.”

More information and registration for the Not Just A Cyclist – Share the Road Ride can be found at https://romanaustin.com/not-just-a-cyclist/.