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Tag: APP Public Safety

  • Union County deputy shoots person during domestic dispute

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    A person is in stable condition after being shot by a Union County Sheriff’s deputy, officials said Tuesday morning.

    Deputies responded to domestic violence call on Canary Court in Wingate, just southeast of Charlotte. Deputies were told a weapon was also involved, according to a post by the sheriff’s office.

    The sheriff’s office said a deputy fired his gun at some point after arriving at the home, hitting one of the two people involved. The events leading up to the shooting, however, have not been fully released.

    They were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover. None of the deputies involved in the incident were hurt.

    The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the incident, which is standard protocol for law enforcement shootings.


     

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    Daniel Gray

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  • Manatee County Sheriff’s Office gives update on Giovanni Pelletier’s death

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — Authorities in Manatee County on Tuesday provided more details in the case of Giovanni Pelletier, the missing 18-year-old from North Carolina whose body was recently found in a Manatee County retention pond.

    What You Need To Know

    • Giovanni Pelletier was last seen on Aug. 1 near Interstate 75 in Manatee County. Days later, his body was discovered in a retention pond in the same area.

    • According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Pelletier was riding in a car with his cousin and two friends on July 31 while on the way to visit family in Brevard County

    • The case remains under investigation as they await results from the medical examiner regarding the cause of death and toxicology. Foul play is not suspected

    He was last seen on Aug. 1 near Interstate 75 in Manatee County. Days later, his body was discovered in a retention pond in the same area. At the time, investigators said they did not suspect foul play.

    The cause of Pelletier’s death is still undetermined, but authorities have now released new details about the events leading up to it.

    The sheriff’s office says that on July 31, Pelletier was riding in a car with his cousin and two others to visit family in Brevard County.

    Witnesses say Pelletier had been smoking marijuana in the car and was carrying a knife.

    At some point, Pelletier got out of the car and began running southbound on I-75, according to investigators. That was the last time the witnesses saw him.

    The sheriff’s office later confirmed that Florida Department of Transportation traffic cameras captured Pelletier running down a hill toward the retention pond, which is where his body was found.

    The sheriff’s office emphasized that there was no foul play involved and that no one was chasing him. On Aug. 8, a family friend located the body. The next day, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains.

    “There is no one in this area with Giovanni. There is no one that is chasing him. He is by himself,” Sheriff Rick Wells said Tuesday. “What we don’t know is what happened when he hit that pond. I don’t know, and I don’t want to speculate. The death is undetermined.”

    The sheriff’s office hopes this information can provide the family with some closure. The case remains under investigation as they await results from the medical examiner regarding the cause of death and toxicology.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Lake Winterset residents fed up following violent brawl

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Residents are fed up following what they call “disturbing behavior” by boaters along Lake Winterset.

    What You Need To Know

    • Residents along Lake Winterset say boaters frequently trespass, play loud vulgar music, and disrupt their privacy despite repeated complaints

    • Eight people were arrested after a large brawl at a popular gathering spot called “The Point” early this month

    • Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies are stepping up patrols and making arrests, and a new swim zone ordinance will soon prevent boats from pulling up to “The Point”


    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested eight suspects involved in a violent fight Aug. 2 at a popular spot known as “The Point.”

    Longtime resident Rebecca Hart said that despite multiple “no trespassing” signs and complaints from neighbors, outside boaters still find their way to “The Point.” Hart lives just doors down, and while she didn’t witness the brawl, she said she wasn’t surprised.

    “They just continue to do what they want with no regard for other people,” she said. “People just don’t respect your privacy or your space, and they’ll just pull up on the back of your property and they’ll grill out. They’ll turn up the music real loud. They’ll play vulgar music with horrible lyrics, and you can be sitting in your living room, and you can hear it. You could be on the other side of your house and hear it.”

    During a recent press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd said Aug. 2 wasn’t the first time deputies were called to the area. He said they’re called every weekend for violations that include defecation on property and noise complaints.

    Judd said there is currently a loophole that allows visitors to remain at “The Point” as long as their feet are in the water. Marine patrol was on Lake Winterset over the weekend and planned to make arrests for trespassing and other violations. It’s the kind of enforcement Hart said she’s been waiting to see.

    “It’s going to be a big change going on, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

    Judd also said the county passed a swim zone ordinance for Lake Winterset, which will mean boats will no longer be able to pull up to the spot. However, the ordinance has not yet gone into effect.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lightning strike believed to be cause of Citrus County house fire

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A lightning strike is being blamed for a house fire in Inverness over the weekend.

    Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a fire Saturday night on East Riverbluff Court.

    The roof of the 1,000-square-foot home was on fire. Crews entered through the front door and pulled ceiling materials to reach flames that were in the attic space.

    The fire was under control within minutes, though crews stayed at the scene for about an hour. The homeowner wasn’t home at the time, and there were no injuries.

    Damage was limited to the roof and attic.

    About $6,000 worth of damage was caused by the fire.

    Florida is considered the lightning capital of the U.S.

    “Even if a fire is not visible, lightning can ignite hidden areas in attics or wiring. Always have your electrical system checked before restoring power after a suspected strike,” Citrus County Fire Rescue said in a news release.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Roads open after evacuation due to stick of dynamite found in Spring Hill home

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    SPRING HILL, Fla. — Roads are back open and the scene has been cleared after residents were evacuated on Monday due to a stick of dynamite found in a Spring Hill home, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

    “The area is now open and safe,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Facebook post.

    The incident happened on Topaz Street near Orton Avenue and Birchwood Road, according to authorities.

    The Citrus County Bomb Team and Hernando County Fire Rescue Hazmat were on the scene to retrieve “what appears to be a stick of dynamite and a hazardous material” from the house.

    Neighbors were evacuated “out of an abundance of caution” and roads were shut down.

    The sheriff’s office stated that no threats have been made.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Training at SPC focuses on mental wellness, support for first responders

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — While the second group of graduates just received their Applied Mental Health Certificate from St. Petersburg College, the third class is getting ready to start their program.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Petersburg College program focuses on mental wellness, support for first responders

    • Registration for next session is underway

    • Peer support, self-care stressed in next session


    Officer Jordon Poulos with the Bradenton Police Department is one of those recent graduates. He works on the homeless outreach team.

    “A majority of my clients have substance abuse or mental health issues,” said Poulos, who can now connect the community and his colleagues with more resources.

    The Applied Mental Health Certificate Program prepares officers to manage stress, support peers and serve as mental health liaisons. The most recent graduating class represented agencies from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

    “This can help with mental health and first responders and can also help me understand and communicate better with my homeless population,” said Poulos.

    The training is widespread.

    “Most first responders go through hundreds of traumatic incidents in their career,” said Poulos.

    That trauma can sometimes take a personal turn. Members of the Bradenton Police Department felt that pain personally and professionally with the recent loss of Officer Zachary Butterfield, who died by suicide.

    Puolos served with the 40-year-old and said the recent training helped him support fellow grieving officers.

    “Let them know that peer support is here, let them know that we have the resources and that they can call us no matter what time it is and we’ll be there to assist them and also help facilitate if they need more help than what we can provide and let them know to, and a big thing with this class was confidentiality,” said Poulos.

    It’s a class that continues to expand support. Program Director Dr. Letresha Moore prepares for the third cohort to take the year-long training.
    The incoming class will explore access to additional peer support and more resources.

    “We’re looking at more resiliency and helping our first responders use those skills that they take away from the pathway and create a more resiliency and self-care awareness plan for them,” said Moore.

    The plan, Moore, says is to help preserve the wellness of our first responders.

    “Giving me the ability and the resources to know how to reach out and have those uncomfortable conversations because it’s still somewhat of a stigma, and sometimes first responders are afraid to reach out when they need help and that’s the big part of this class,” said Poulos.

    The program looks to eventually expand to firefighters, EMS and dispatchers.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • 2 dead in Auburndale mobile home fire, Polk County Fire Rescue says

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    AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Polk County rescue officials are currently investigating what led to a mobile home fire that left two dead in Auburndale Tuesday afternoon.

    Polk County Fire Rescue officials said they responded to the fire on Gladiola Drive along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire involved a golf cart and another vehicle as well.

    (Photo Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue)

    Firefighters searched the residence, where they found two adults. They were later pronounced dead at the scene.

    “It’s always sad when deaths occur during emergency situations. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individuals that passed,” said Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith. 

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Lakeland police undergo new training to prepare for future hurricanes

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Police Department dive team recently underwent extensive water rescue training after Hurricane Milton caused severe flooding in parts of the city last year. 

    The team shared footage with Spectrum Bay News 9 of the moment members arrived at Twin Palms last October. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland Police Department’s dive team completed high-water rescue training after Hurricane Milton’s flooding highlighted the need for more specialized skills

    • Six of the eight team members earned certification during weeklong training in North Carolina

    • The team also received new helmets, gear and boats to make future water rescues safer and more efficient


    The video shows several inches of water surrounding homes.

    Floodwaters were so high that one resident was seen waving for help.

    Sgt. Bob Bernhardt was part of the rescue mission. He said the conditions were unlike anything he’d seen since joining the dive team in 2017.

    “Roadways were now riverways,” he said. “The water was anywhere from 4 to 5 ft. deep. There were currents running through there probably 6 to 8 knots. You couldn’t walk through it, certain areas that were flowing that heavy.” 

    Though members successfully rescued dozens from the flooding, Bernhardt said the experience motivated them to seek additional training. Six of the eight members became certified in high-water rescue. The weeklong training in North Carolina included a 140,000-gallon pool that simulated realistic weather conditions.

    “We just learned different ways to ingress and egress from these flooded waters safely, which is something that we really hadn’t trained too much on before,” Bernhardt said. “It was definitely good training and this training we will continue to do from this point on.”

    Along with training, Bernhardt said the dive team also got new helmets, gear and boats.

    “We can either sit them and row through these places or we can either wade or carry them,” he said.

    The upgrades aim to make future water rescues more efficient and safer for everyone involved.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Body found in Florida pond confirmed to be missing teen from NC

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    UPDATE: In a news release issued Thursday, the Medical Examiner’s Office said the body was positively identified as Giovanni Pelletier. Dental records and forensic testing led to his ID.

    His cause of death is still undetermined pending toxicology reports. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said there are no signs of foul play.  

    PREVIOUS STORY

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier, who disappeared while visiting Florida from North Carolina, is likely dead.

    Detectives with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office say a preliminary identification shows that he was the body found in a retention pond near I-75 and State Route 70 on Friday.

    As of Sunday, officials said they have yet to make a positive identification due to the body’s “advanced state of decomposition.”

    An autopsy also took place, and according to the medical examiner, no foul play or trauma was found. Officials add that a cause of death is pending a toxicology report and further investigation.

    Giovanni’s mother shared a message, saying that the family is asking for privacy at this time.

    We Are The Essentials, a group that helps look for missing people, also shared a message online, praising Giovanni’s family for their strength and offering condolences.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Loved ones call for justice for Manatee County teen fatally shot last year

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    BRADENTON, Fla. — A vigil was held Wednesday in honor of a Manatee High School student who was fatally shot last year.

    Jann Michael “JM” Feeney was just 17 years old when he was shot in the backyard of a home at 5912 8th Ave. Dr. W. in March 2024.

    According to a probable cause affidavit from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Carter Layne, also 17, was playing with a gun he said wasn’t loaded when it fired, killing Feeney.

    Layne was charged as an adult with manslaughter with a weapon (firearm) and recently pleaded no contest. His sentencing is scheduled for next month, and at the vigil, those who knew Feeney called for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • A vigil was held Wednesday evening for Jann Michael “JM” Feeney

    • Feeney, a 17-year-old Manatee High School student, was fatally shot by a fellow teen at a backyard party in Bradenton last year

    • Carter Layne, 19, recently pleaded no contest to the charge of manslaughter with a weapon (firearm)

    • Vigil organizers asked attendees to write letters for the judge, saying a concern is that Layne’s age at the time of the shooting could impact sentencing


    “JM was super nice. That JM smile was unlike any smile you’ve ever seen,” said Julian Smith, who was a teammate of his with Manatee High wrestling.

    “He was energetic, electric,” said Feeney’s wrestling coach, Andrew Gugliemini.

    “He brightened my day every day,” said Feeney’s neighbor, Nancy Ambrose. “He had the most beautiful hair you’ve ever seen, and he would come out of the garage I don’t know how many times a day and flip that hair.”

    Those were some of the memories of Feeney shared in the shadow of Manatee County’s historic courthouse. Gugliemini said it’s a loss that still stings.


    “I mean, I broke down in tears on the way here,” said Gugliemini. “I just see something or hear something, and I just get teary-eyed. I wish I was coming here to see him rather than coming here to do this.”

    Many at the vigil wore the same green T-shirt calling for “Justice for JM”.

    “As far as I’m concerned, there will never really be justice served because we can’t bring JM back,” said Ambrose. “But to see Carter Layne in handcuffs and walked out of the courtroom, a little, tiny slice of justice because now, he can’t hurt anybody else.”

    Ambrose asked those at the vigil to write letters to the judge in the case.

    “There is a chance he could get youth offender status. He is eligible for it. However, the severity of the crime, we don’t feel he should ever receive youthful offender status,” she said. 

    Layne’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 24.

    “I feel bad for the Layne family, too,” said Ambrose. “There’s no winners. I mean, it’s just so devastating for so many people, but it’s devastating for our community because JM was such a vital part of our community.”

    Ambrose also urged parents to talk with their kids about guns and encouraged young people to leave any situation where a peer pulls out a gun.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Mother and child taken to hospital after Land O’ Lakes house fire

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — A Pasco County mother and daughter are in the hospital after their Land O’ Lakes home caught fire.

    What You Need To Know

    • The fire happened at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday in the 9000 block of Runaway Breeze Drive

    • Pasco Fire Rescue said the mother was in cardiac arrest and her daughter was breathing but unresponsive

    • They were taken to Tampa General Hospital

    It happened at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday in the 9000 block of Runaway Breeze Drive. Firefighters said the two victims were trapped inside when crews arrived.

    Pasco Fire Rescue said the mother was in cardiac arrest and her daughter was breathing but unresponsive. First responders brought the mom’s heart rate back, and now both are at Tampa General Hospital.

    Many of the houses on Runaway Breeze Drive are not done being built, and the ones that are, are brand new.

    For neighbor Ashton Cornwell and out-of-town visitor Nelsi Thomas, the fire was shocking.


    “I heard booming, like loud. Like, it sounded like fireworks or someone throwing concrete in like a dumpster,” Cornwell said.

    Deputy Chief Shaun Whited said early reports lead investigators to believe it was an electrial fire, but it is still under investigation.

    “Talking with the fire marshal this morning, it looks like they had pinpointed it to a battery charger charging a motorcycle and it might have shorted out or something,” Whited said, adding that it took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control.

    Cornwell said he wasn’t able to go back to sleep after the fire.

    “I have never seen something like this and there were so (many) fire trucks. I was so scared,” he said.

    Crews took measures to prevent any potential looting at the home.

    (Spectrum News/Matt Lackritz)

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • 8 charged in Polk County $8.8 million fraud scheme

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Wednesday discussed a multi-state fraud investigation in which eight people were arrested.

    The suspects are accused of fraud totaling nearly $9 million.

    Investigators say they scammed over 200 people, many of them seniors.

    According to the sheriff’s office, the suspects stole bank information from the victims and then sold that data on the messaging app, “Telegram.”

    All eight suspects are facing racketeering, or felonies related to racketeering.

    The investigation began in April 2023.

    To read more about the suspects, click here.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • New Boater Freedom Act creating waves amongst local captains

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    OZELLO, Fla. — A new Florida law is raising the bar that police have to clear in order to search boats in waters across the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Boater Freedom Act was signed into law by the governor earlier this month, prohibiting FWC and local law enforcement from pulling over and boarding a boat without probable cause

    • While some boaters see this new law as a win, others say those vessel searches can serve as a means to catch illegal activity

    • Some captains also see the law as a setback when it comes to enforcing speed zones

    • The bill will direct FWC to work with tax collectors to proactively provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    The Boater Freedom Act was signed into law by the Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month. The law prohibits FWC and local law enforcement from pulling over and boarding a boat without probable cause.

    While some boaters see this new law as a win, others say those vessel searches can help to catch illegal activity. Meaning not all boating captains are on board with the new law.

    Captain Carlos Gutierrez has been fishing the waters near Ozello Keys Marina for more than 10 years and says the new Boater Freedom Act may change what he sees on the water.

    “It’s just a tough position to be in where you want the rules to be followed,” said Gutierrez. “But FWC and the sheriff, they get put in a very difficult position when this act is passed because now, without probable cause, you’re not going to be able to just randomly check people.”

    The main component of the law will stop random vessel checks and searches, performed by the FWC and local law enforcement.

    “Do I foresee some people taking advantage of the situation?” says Gutierrez. “Absolutely. And that could be a detriment to certain species of fish, vegetation, or sponges that are commercially or recreationally harvested.”

    Elsewhere at the marina, Kevin Dubicki says he agrees with Gutierrez, believing the new law is a safety concern.

    “I think this new law that’s passed is really going to allow people to get away with a lot more,” said Dubicki. “They think that they can’t board my boat anymore, they can’t check my fish anymore because they have not seen me for probable cause for committing a crime.”

    As for what these captains will do now, Gutierrez says he will continue best practices. Following boating rules and staying safe.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Polk County reaches 3-year agreement with fire union, ‘Kelly Days’ included

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County commissioners recently approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the local firefighters’ union. 

    The deal is expected to boost pay and reduce employee burnout.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County approved a new three-year agreement that includes a pay raise and a paid day off for a certain number of hours worked — known as “Kelly Days.”

    • County leaders say the changes aim to improve work-life balance for firefighters, reduce burnout and attract new recruits.

    • The Kelly Day schedule is expected to be implemented by next October. 


    When Spectrum Bay News 9 last spoke with Polk Fire Rescue in February, county leaders had approved $9.2 million to help fund 75 new positions. Now, this new agreement with the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F., Local 353, will give current and future employees a 4.1% pay raise and a paid day off for a certain number of hours worked — known as “Kelly Days.”

    Joe Halman, deputy county manager for public safety, says the Kelly Days will provide a better work-life balance for employees. Similar to other Florida fire departments, Polk County firefighters will get a paid day off for every seventh shift worked as part of a three-week cycle. Halman says the change comes after in-depth conversations with fire crews.

    “So, we’ve heard them. (We’re) letting them know that we care about them. We’re concerned about them because public safety is a very difficult job, and our folks do a great job day in and day out to make sure our citizens are taken care of,” he said.

    Halman says the addition of Kelly Days and a pay increase will improve firefighters’ performance. He also hopes it will help attract more recruits to the agency.

    The county’s agreement with the International Association of Firefighters will take effect on Oct. 1, 2025. The Kelly Day schedule is expected to be implemented by Oct. 12, 2026.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • BPD invests in new devices to detect card skimmers

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers.

    Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Bradenton Police Department is ramping up its efforts to stop scamming in the area, specifically credit and debit card scammers



    • Recently, the department received a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to buy new credit card skimming detection devices



    • They also suggest that you regularly check your bank statements and register for alerts from your financial institutions to quickly detect and report fraud



    Bradenton Police Detective Michael Carpenter is tracking down credit card skimmers using new credit card skimming detection devices they received, thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

    “You insert it with a credit card, go. As soon as you get a green light, there’s no skimming device detected. If you had a red light, a skimming device detected, we would continue our investigation,” Carpenter said.

    He said criminals install skimming devices on ATMs, gas pumps, and other payment systems to steal people’s credit and debit card information.

    Carpenter says they investigate a lot of credit card fraud.

    “So far, we’ve done probably 50 different gas stations, ATMs, et cetera. We found one on the first day. We aren’t able to determine if it had information on it, what information it had on it, or who put it there. But we were able to deter anybody else from becoming a victim,” he said.

    He says solving this type of crime can be challenging.

    “We notify the business, but we can’t determine who put it there until we get fingerprints and DNA from the inside of the device,” he said.

    BPD said detectives go out periodically to check payment systems.

    All officers will have access to these devices and will use them if they notice anything suspicious.

    “It gives people peace of mind that the devices they’re using are safer devices,” he said.

    It’s another way for the police department to detect scamming and protect residents from a financial crime.

    The Bradenton Police Department says to avoid becoming a victim, use payment tools like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which encrypt payment data.

    They also suggest checking your bank statements regularly and registering for alerts from your financial institutions so fraud can be detected and reported quickly.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Polk group calls for action after new data reveals teen gun possession

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — In a new study, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that 6% of Florida teens have guns — including a significant number of middle schoolers, something that has alarmed local advocacy groups.

    What You Need To Know

    • A national study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that 6% of Florida teens carry guns

    • Gun safety leaders say most teens obtain firearms from their own homes

    • Advocates are calling for state-level accountability and encouraging families to talk openly with kids about gun safety


    Over the past three years, Mike Murray has spent most of his time spreading one message throughout Polk County.

    “Secure your firearms. Just simple as that,” he said.

    In his experience as co-chair of the League of Women Voters’ Gun Violence Prevention Action Team, Murray says he’s learned that youth typically access firearms from within their homes. So when he heard about the AAP study, which analyzed trends in handgun possession among adolescents from 2002 to 2022, he was concerned. What worries him most is how they get the guns.

    “They should never get them,” Murray said. “They should never be able to have them, and that’s what concerns me more. And that’s the thing we have to do — we have to teach parents to keep them locked up.”

    The Army veteran says having unsecured, easily accessible handguns can lead to even more troubling studies. He says the way to combat this is by first asking why youth feel they need a handgun.

    “They may feel it’s cool. They may feel they need it because of where they are — just for self-protection,” he said.

    League of Women Voters volunteer Andy Crossfield says some young people may feel like justice isn’t on their side.

    “If you have a feeling that there is no justice in the world, then it falls on you to protect yourself,” Crossfield said.

    In light of this, both men advise parents to talk with their children, and then take the necessary steps to keep firearms secure. Murray also says action needs to be taken at the state level.

    “They’ve got to do an honest assessment of the whole thing and be transparent with it with the communities. Educate the public, and then educate the students, the kids.”

    He says this is needed before another young life is reduced to a number.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Missing 6-year-old boy found dead in Pasco County, sheriff’s office says

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that a 6-year-old boy who was the subject of a Missing Child Alert has been found dead.

    Cory Chester was reported missing Thursday night and had last been seen around the 8000 block of Ross Lane in New Port Richey.

    In a Friday statement to media outlets, the sheriff’s office said: “Pasco Sheriff’s Office is confirming that Chester was found deceased. We send our sincerest condolences and prayers to Cory’s family and friends during this difficult time. The investigation remains ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.”

    This is the Thursday night post on X by the sheriff’s office:


    More information will be provided as it becomes available.

    Pasco officials said Cory Chester was reported missing Thursday night and had last been seen around the 8000 block of Ross Lane in New Port Richey. (Sky 9 image)

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Mexico probes contamination from SpaceX rocket explosion

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    MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is investigating contamination from a SpaceX facility near the Mexican border in South Texas, and planning its next course of action.

    The announcement follows the June 18 explosion of a Starship rocket while on a stand during a test, which sent a massive fireball into the night sky.

    Pieces of metal, plastic and rocket pieces were reportedly found in the northern state of Tamaulipas, which borders the SpaceX’s Starbase following the explosion.

    On Wednesday, Sheinbaum responded to a reporter’s question during her daily news briefing, saying “there’s a general review underway, (to find out) what international laws they are violating.” She added that her administration would then see what steps to take with the company, because “there is contamination.”

    SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

    On Tuesday, Tamaulipas Gov. Américo Villarreal demanded a study of whether SpaceX was complying with requirements for where such facilities could be located in relation to population centers.

    Mexican officials had also confirmed debris on a Tamaulipas beach from a failed May 27 Starship launch.

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    Associated Press

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  • Emergency Operations Center nears completion in Haines City

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Haines City’s new emergency operations center is nearing completion and is set to open in September.

    What You Need To Know

    • The center will house a new fire station and an office for the police department



    • Chief Codi Donahoe says the call volume has increased, and development in the northern part of the city is why the center is needed



    • The fire department is also looking for more firefighters to staff the new station, with an application process open until July 5




    The center will include the city’s third fire station, as well as a space for the city’s police department.

    Every morning starts with preparation for the day. Fire Chief Codi Donahoe said it’s part of getting the team ready for a call.

    “Each engineer, they come out, they run their truck, their pump, they check every piece of equipment,” Donahoe said.

    It’s a process that hasn’t changed since he started his journey with the fire department in 2006.  

    He was hired as the Haines City Fire Chief four months ago. He said returning to the city was a full circle moment for him, and it’s a position that allows him to serve in a different way.

    “I’m glad to be here in this moment to see the development of the fire department and the city as a whole,” he said.

    He is leading the way while the city grows and is part of the team that advocated for a new fire station.

    “With the growth comes that added call volume, so we want to make sure with fire station three that area will be better covered than it already is now.”

    Located off Highway 27, the building will help residents who live in the northern part of Haines City.

    It will be a central hub for emergency response efforts, not only for the fire department but for local law enforcement as well.

    Last year, the fire department had over 7,000 calls for service. This year, it is on track to receive over 8,000 calls.

    Donahoe anticipates that number growing with an additional station. “We just want to provide the best service possible,” he said.

    The fire department is also looking for more firefighters to staff the new station, with an application process open until July 5.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • 1 taken to hospital after lightning strike on Holmes Beach

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Fire rescue officials said an adult was taken to a local hospital after a Monday afternoon lightning strike on Holmes Beach.

    Rodney Kwiatkowski of West Manatee Fire Rescue said it happened at the end of 68th Street.

    The strike hit a canopy that four people were under, he said.

    Three of the four people declined to be taken to the hospital.

    This is a developing story. Stay with Spectrum Bay News 9 on-air, online and the Spectrum News app for updates.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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