ReportWire

Tag: APP Public Safety

  • Burn ban takes effect across Ohio through May

    Burn ban takes effect across Ohio through May

    [ad_1]

    OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal is helping to educate Ohioans on the state’s outdoor burning regulations and precautions they should take. 

    What You Need To Know

    • According to Ohio law, burning is prohibited in incorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout March, April and May

    • The reason for the restriction is because of dry vegetation and windy conditions which can spread fire quickly 

    • ODNR added that burning food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, asphalt, grease and petroleum can’t be burned

    Enacted approximately 70 years ago, the law was drafted prohibiting burning in incorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March through April in order to safeguard property, the environment and lives. The ban, according to ODNR, is a necessary measure to prevent outdoor fires from being uncontrollable.

    The specific timeframe is chosen because of conditions making these periods susceptible to wildfires, such as dry vegetation and windy conditions. The ban does not supercede more stringent local ordinances where open burning may be further restricted or prohibited entirely.

    “Safety is a responsibility we all share,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “That’s why it is critical that Ohioans understand and appreciate the significant risks associated with fires, especially during more vulnerable times of the year, and that they adhere to these important restrictions. Together, we can protect our communities and environment.”

    Some materials are always banned from being burned including food waste, dead animals and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt or petroleum.

    “Most people don’t know that Ohio has a spring fire season,” said Greg Guess, fire program administrator and assistant chief for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “As we enter the spring season, we ask that Ohioans increase their awareness of the risks of outdoor burning and make themselves aware of seasonal regulations. This way, we can help to keep Ohio safe from wildland fires in 2024.”

    ODNR offered these safety tips for burning outdoors:

    • Learn the local and state burning regulations
    • Check the weather currently and for the future
    • Have tools and water on hand
    • Never leave a debris burn unattended
    • Consider other alternatives to debris burning, such as composting
    • For additional safety considerations, contact the local fire department
    • Visit the Ohio Division of Forestry’s website and Firewise.org for more information and tips

    [ad_2]

    Madison MacArthur

    Source link

  • Jack Teixeira pleads guilty to leaking classified information

    Jack Teixeira pleads guilty to leaking classified information

    [ad_1]

    Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to leaking classified information on Discord, a social media platform popular with online gamers, including documents about the war in Ukraine and other national security secrets.

    What You Need To Know

    • Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to leaking classified information, including documents about the war in Ukraine and other national security secrets

    • Teixeira pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, crimes under the Espionage Act

    • His plea agreement with prosecutors calls for a prison sentence between 11 and nearly 17 years

    • Teixeira admitted illegally collecting military secrets and sharing them with other users on the social media platform Discord


    Teixera, who is from North Dighton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information, crimes under the Espionage Act.

    His plea agreement with prosecutors calls for a prison sentence between 11 and nearly 17 years. Prosecutors plan to seek the high end of the range, according to the agreement.

    He has been behind bars since his April arrest in the case that raised alarm over America’s ability to protect its most closely guarded secrets. The leak led the Pentagon to tighten controls to safeguard classified information, and the Air Force disciplined 15 personnel as its inspector general found last year that multiple officials intentionally failed to take required action about Teixeira’s suspicious behavior.

    Teixeira had previously pleaded not guilty to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

    He smiled at his father before being led out of the courtroom on Monday with his hands and legs shackled, wearing orange jail garb and black rosary beads around his neck.

    Teixeira, who was part of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, worked as a cyber transport systems specialist, essentially an information technology specialist responsible for military communications networks.

    Authorities said he first typed out classified documents he accessed and then began sharing photographs of files that bore SECRET and TOP SECRET markings. The leak exposed to the world unvarnished secret assessments of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the capabilities and geopolitical interests of other nations and other national security issues.

    Teixeira remains in the Air National Guard in an unpaid status, an Air Force official said.

    Teixeira has been behind bars since his April arrest. The judge denied his request for release from jail last year after prosecutors revealed he had a history of violent rhetoric and warned that U.S. adversaries who might be interested in mining Teixeira for information could facilitate his escape.

    Prosecutors have said little about a motive. But members of the Discord group described Teixeira as someone looking to show off, rather than being motivated by a desire to inform the public about U.S. military operations or to influence American policy.

    Prosecutors have said Teixeira continued to leak government secrets even after he was warned by superiors about mishandling and improper viewing of classified information. In one instance, Teixeira was seen taking notes on intelligence information and putting them in his pocket.

    The Air Force inspector general found that members “intentionally failed to report the full details” of Teixeira’s unauthorized intelligence-seeking because they thought security officials might overreact. For example, while Teixeira was confronted about the notes, there was no follow-up to ensure the notes had been shredded and the incident was not reported to security officers.

    It was not until a January 2023 incident that the appropriate security officials were notified, but even then security officials were not briefed on the full scope of the violations.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Matthew 25: Ministries responds to Ohio tornado damage

    Matthew 25: Ministries responds to Ohio tornado damage

    [ad_1]

    OHIO — Wednesday morning brought an early wake-up call for Ohioans as tornado warnings rang out before dawn.

    The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes touched down in Riverside, Springfield, London, Hilliard and Blacklick/Licking and Matthew 25: Ministries has deployed response teams in order to help clean up the damage.

    What You Need To Know

    • Damage from the tornadoes ranged from downed power lines and trees to rooftops and siding being torn off homes

    • Matthew 25, a humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization headquartered in Blue Ash, Ohio, deployed its teams Thursday morning

    • Supplies will be distributed across Montgomery, Clark, Madison and Franklin counties and other affected areas

    • The organization plans to conduct damage assessments and contact partners in the area to determine how they can serve the needs of the disaster area

    Damage from the tornadoes ranged from downed power lines and trees to rooftops and siding being torn off homes. The Madison County Airport and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base both reported damages from the tornadoes.

    The humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization, headquartered in Blue Ash, deployed its teams Thursday morning.

    The team is bringing personal care products, cleaning supplies, baby items and first aid kits to assist people affected by the storms. They are also bringing paper products, water, tools and tarps.

    Supplies will be distributed across Montgomery, Clark, Madison and Franklin counties and other affected areas. Matthew 25 plans to conduct damage assessments and contact partners in the area to determine how they can serve the needs of the disaster area.

    Matthew 25 responds to disasters across the country and world, last year the organization responded to disasters ranging from  the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hurricanes Idalia and Otis, wildfires in Hawaii, Syria and Turkey earthquakes, and additional storms, floods and tornadoes. So far this year teams have been deployed to  severe weather and tornadoes that swept through portions of the Southeast in early January as well as the Helena, AR water crisis. 

    The organization continues to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, shipping more than 33 million pounds of supplies in 2023 and helped more than 40 million people.

    [ad_2]

    Madison MacArthur

    Source link

  • Arrest made in connection with missing 13-year-old in Orlando

    Arrest made in connection with missing 13-year-old in Orlando

    [ad_1]

    Wednesday evening the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 37-year-old Stephen Sterns, accused of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.

    Officials say Sterns is the boyfriend of missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto’s mother, and the last person to see her on the morning of Feb. 26.

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says during the investigation into Madeline’s disappearance, deputies discovered images that were criminal and sexual in nature on Sterns’ phone.

    They say the alleged crimes were committed at a home in Kissimmee, where the city’s police department is now leading the sexual battery case.

    The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is still actively investigating Madeline’s disappearance and says Sterns is a prime suspect.

    Officials say Sterns invoked the right to an attorney and is being held in jail without bond.

    This is a breaking news update. Original story follows.

    ORLANDO — A Florida Missing Child Alert is in effect for a 13-year-old girl in Orlando.

    Madeline Soto was last seen in the 13500th block of Town Loop Boulevard and was wearing a green jacket, black shorts and white “Croc” shoes. She is 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 110 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Investigators say she left home without her phone on Monday.

    Authorities gained access to her phone, and found a message where she expressed a desire to live in the woods when she turned 13. She turned 13 on February 22.

    Orange County Sheriff John Mina said that well over 100 deputies, detectives, and analysts are actively engaged in the investigation. 

    According to authorities, Soto’s mother’s boyfriend dropped her off a few blocks away from her school on Monday morning. Later that day, the teen’s mom went to the school and found out that she never arrived. 

    On Tuesday, officers and members of Soto’s family distributed flyers near the school. Mina also mentioned that the department would execute a search warrant on the girl’s home as a matter of procedure in missing persons cases.

    Another step the department is taking that is standard procedure is to check in with every registered sex offender in the area of the disappearance.

    In a statement to media outlets, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said: “Many of you have inquired about the search for missing 13-year-old Madeline Soto. A variety of teams are out this morning, both searching, and continuing the investigation. More than 50 members of our Emergency Response Team are conducting searches in various areas. And detectives continue to canvas, conduct interviews and follow any possible leads.

    “The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is concerned for Madeline’s safety, and our teams have been working around the clock in this investigation.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at 407-254-7000 or 911.

    This is a developing story. Stay with Spectrum News 13 on-air, online and on the Spectrum News app for updates.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Ohioans continue cleanup following Wednesday’s storms

    Ohioans continue cleanup following Wednesday’s storms

    [ad_1]

    OHIO — Damage is being reported following severe weather early Wednesday that prompted several tornado warnings across central Ohio, including at least one report of a confirmed tornado near Springfield.

    What You Need To Know

    • The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Clark County, northeast of Dayton, with several reports of damage to homes

    • Emergency management officials said the tornado struck Springfield Township with reports of collapsed buildings

    • Officials are asking people to stay away from the area of Mitchell Road, Crabill Road and Ridge Road, and to watch out for downed power lines

    • To the east, damage has been reported in neighboring Madison County

    Spectrum News 1 is breaking down the reported damage by region.

    Clark County

    The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Clark County, northeast of Dayton, with several reports of damage to homes. Emergency management officials said the tornado struck Springfield Township with reports of collapsed buildings. The agency is working with area fire departments to assess the damage.

    Officials are asking people to stay away from the area of Mitchell Road, Crabill Road and Ridge Road, and to watch out for downed power lines. They are asking drivers to avoid Ohio 41 as well. Additional damage has been reported along Newlove Road in Harmony Township. Officials suggest those looking to go to the area of South Charleston find another way. 

    A Spectrum News 1 Ohio crew in the area reported seeing downed power lines, uprooted trees and property damage. That included, in an area off Ohio 41, a farm with silos missing their tops and large sheets of metal on a fence. Next to the farm was a home with its roof partially torn off, exposing upstairs bedrooms.

    Local police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Transportation were all on scene assessing the damage.

    University Suites in Fairborn had part of its roof damaged. (Photo Courtesy Claire Colwell)

    Madison County

    To the east, damage has been reported in neighboring Madison County. Officials there told Spectrum News 1 Ohio that damage has been reported at the Madison County Airport, just north of London.

    The street leading up to the airport is closed about a mile away from the damage to keep residents safe. Debris from the airport hanger and downed power lines were reported in the area.

    “The tornado appeared to have hit our airport madison county airport. We received devastating damage to a lot of the hangars in that area. It moved across continuing kind of in a northeast direction, hitting the Ohio State University’s Molly Karen Center,” said Sheriff John Swaney. “There were several structures in that center that were damaged.”

    Damage has been reported in other areas of the county, with several buildings damaged and trees down.

    Franklin County

    In the Columbus-area, damage was reported in the community of Hilliard. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but residents are being asked to use caution if they do travel this morning.

    One resident on Rome Road in Hilliard had disfigured trees and a street sign blown into her yard while the wind tore part of the roof of her home.

    “We got down about five steps, and then I heard all the windows blow,” said Bonnie Rice. “Then in five minutes it was over. And then we walked back up and the whole house is gone. It’s just gone, everything is gone.”

    Several thousand Ohioans lost power as the storms moved through. More than 18,000 customers were without power statewide as of 10:20 a.m., with most outages reported from near Dayton extending to the east of Columbus.

    Many school districts in areas impacted by the storm delayed the start of classes Wednesday. Officials encouraged parents to check with their school districts for information on start times and delays.

    The National Weather Service in Wilmington said it will dispatch teams to evaluate damage left behind by Wednesday morning’s storms. The teams will examine damage to determine the strength and path of any tornadoes that touched down. The storm survey is expected to be released in the next few days.

    Montgomery County

    Fallen trees damaged several homes in Riverside, breaking through roofs. 

    Spectrum News 1 Ohio crews also saw damage to multiple shops in the Airway Shopping Center. Employees said they were shocked when they showed up for work, with windows blown out, holes in the roof and damage in the stores.

    Owners had to quickly determine what they could to prevent any further damage.

    “It’s going to be a long day that’s for sure. We’ll get it taken care of,” said Mark Parker, maintenance supervisor. 

    Winds were so strong, that bags of mulch and dirt weighing about 35 pounds each were thrown about 30 feet away from one of the front doors of the shops. 

    Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

    The base suffered damage to several buildings, including the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s Restoration Hanger 4, Gate 22B, according to a press release. Officials are currently assessing the damage. These include the 88th Civil Engineer Group, base safety personnel and first responders.

    “Our initial assessment from this morning’s storm is the damage is isolated to the southern side of Area B. Our initial focus right now is on safety and damage assessment,” said Col. Travis Pond, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, in the release. “I can’t speak highly enough about our security forces, fire department and civil engineer airmen for their quick response and hard work to assess damage and determine a path forward for restoring operations as quickly as possible.”

    Photos of the scene showcase damaged planes, broken windows, ripped down siding and caved in doors. 

    Check back for updates.

    Reporters Jamilah Muhammad, Aliah Keller and Alese Underwood, as well as Producers Cody Thompson and Lydia Taylor contributed to this article. 

    [ad_2]

    Aaron Hepker

    Source link

  • Dare Co. deputy cleared in fatal shooting. Family calls for DOJ investigation

    Dare Co. deputy cleared in fatal shooting. Family calls for DOJ investigation

    [ad_1]

    A special prosecutor said the deputy who shot and killed Sylvester Selby in Manteo on Oct. 3 will not face charges. But Selby’s family and the prosecutor disagree with what body camera video shows in the case.

    The family’s lawyers are asking federal officials to investigate what happened in the shooting. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Dare County deputy who shot and killed Sylvester Selby in Manteo Oct. 3 will not be charged

    •  A special prosecutor said the shooting was justified

    •  The Selby family, through their lawyers, disputed the special prosecutor’s account of what body camera video showed

    • The family’s lawyers are asking federal officials to investigate the case

    The prosecutor contends Selby, 44, ran down a set of stairs with a knife and lunged at officers. The family said Selby, who already had a stab wound to the chest, stumbled down the stairs and fell over a bicycle before he was shot, according to the family’s lawyers. Deputy Edward Glaser shot Selby twice more as he tried to get up, the lawyers said. 

    Sylvester Selby, 44, was shot and killed by a Dare County deputy Oct. 3. (Courtesy the Selby family)

    “The use of deadly force appears reasonable under the circumstances, and Deputy Glaser was justified under North Carolina law in that it appeared that it was necessary to kill in order to save himself or others from death or great bodily harm,” said special prosecutor Charles Spahos.

    Spahos was appointed to take over the case after a request for an independent special prosecutor from Dare County District Attorney Jeff Cruden.

    “Some factual statements that were made inside the report, for example about Mr. Selby running towards the officer. They disagreed with that. That was not the case. As well as the allegation of some type of lunging,” said Harry Daniels, a civil rights attorney representing the family. 

    The family sued the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and Glaser, the deputy, in December. 

    The body camera video has not been made public. In North Carolina, body camera video from law enforcement cannot be made public without an order from a judge. 

    Chantel Cherry-Lassiter, another attorney, said she was with the family last year when they watched the body camera video. 

    “Mr. Selby was not coming down the steps in a threatening manner, nor was he running towards the officers,” she told Spectrum News 1. “The facts that are listed in the report are not accurate.”

    In his report, the special prosecutor said Glaser and a sergeant with the sheriff’s office went to a home in Manteo for a trespassing call, where Selby was allegedly “trespassing and tearing stuff up inside of the residence.”

    When the deputies got to the single-wide trailer, the homeowner who called police was outside, and the officers called for Selby to come out, the report said. 

    The special prosecutor said Selby eventually came out carrying a large knife and had blood on his shirt. The report said he ran down the steps at the deputies, and then Glaser shot him. Selby fell to the ground.

    The deputies told Selby to stay on the ground, but he tried to get up again, the report said. 

    “Mr. Selby is on his hands and knees, leaps to his feet, and lunges at Deputy Glaser. Deputy Glaser, who had attempted to back away from Mr. Selby, fires two more rounds, striking Mr. Selby again,” according to the special prosecutor. 

    But the lawsuit filed in the case, and the response filed by the sheriff’s office, tell the story in a different way. 

    Selby was carrying a kitchen knife when he came out of the home. He stumbled down the stairs and tripped over a bicycle, according to the federal lawsuit. Glaser shot Selby as he fell, the lawsuit said. 

    Glaser shot Selby two more times as he tried to get up from the ground, according to court filings. 

    A filing by the sheriff’s office in the civil suit agreed with that summary.

    The lawyers for Selby’s family said they will ask the federal Department of Justice to investigate the shooting.

    “Based on what was said and what was told, it appears that an outside agency needs to come in to evaluate this shooting and determine if criminal charges should be brought,” Daniels said. 

    “Based on what transpired, what happened, it was adequate enough, the facts there alone to charge Glaser with the criminal charge of unlawfully killing Mr. Selby,” he said.

     

    SPECTRUM NEWS 1 SPECIAL REPORT: POLICE SHOOTINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA

     

     

    [ad_2]

    Charles Duncan

    Source link

  • Ocoee police chief says officer shot at oncoming vehicle during traffic stop

    Ocoee police chief says officer shot at oncoming vehicle during traffic stop

    [ad_1]

    ORANGE COUNTY, Fla — The Ocoee Police Deaprtment confirmed that an officer discharged a number of shots at a vehicle that was driving toward the officer’s cruiser on Tuesday afternoon. 

    The altercation took place while the officer was checking speed enforcement along Clarcona Ocoee Road. According to police, the officer initiated a traffic stop, and the suspect’s vehicle turned down a side road. When the officer followed, he saw the suspect’s vehicle driving toward him and shot at the car multiple times. 

    Police also indicated the suspect didn’t fire a gun during the altercation. 

    The suspect is still at large, and police are searching for a silver vehicle. 

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Armed man shot, killed by deputies in Lenoir, sheriff’s office says

    Armed man shot, killed by deputies in Lenoir, sheriff’s office says

    [ad_1]

    A man raised a gun toward Caldwell County deputies before he was shot and killed Thursday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office. 

    Deputies went to a home on Watson Road, in the Gamewell community east of Lenoir, after a woman called 911 to report her son had a gun and was threatening to hurt himself, the sheriff’s office said. 

    When two deputies got to the home shortly after 2 p.m., they found the 25-year-old behind the home with a handgun, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. 

    “As the two deputies negotiated with the male, he raised the handgun, pointing it at both deputies,” the sheriff’s office said. “One of the deputies then fired his firearm at the male.”

    SPECTRUM NEWS 1 SPECIAL REPORT: POLICE SHOOTINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA

    Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene, officials said. 

    The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shootig, the sheriff’s office said.

    [ad_2]

    Charles Duncan

    Source link

  • Clearwater lifeguards urge caution for beachgoers digging holes on the sand

    Clearwater lifeguards urge caution for beachgoers digging holes on the sand

    [ad_1]

    CLEARWATER, Fla. — Beachgoers have another important warning to consider before heading to the sand-filled shorelines: Be careful when you’re on the sand digging holes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lifeguards in Clearwater Beach are urging beachgoers to avoid digging deep holes

    • The warning comes after a fatal accident

    • There are some simple rules of thumb to follow for better beach safety

    Authorities reported that sand collapsed on children digging a hole at Lauderdale By The Sea, killing a 7-year-old girl and sending 8-year-old to the hospital Wednesday.

    On Clearwater Beach, lifeguard manager Patrick Brafford said his team is watching people in the water and people on the sand.

    “We don’t want the parents or whomever to let them go in a hole or dig a hole that’s over their head,” he said. “That sand can collapse quickly. The person doesn’t have to be completely buried for it to be an extreme emergency.

    “Sand is heavy. It’s a lot of weight and that can pin your arms down, that can put pressure on your chest, that can keep you from breathing.”

    Brafford said beachcombers should not dig a hole that’s deeper than half of their body height. He also urged beachgoers to cover up any holes they dig while on the sand to prevent people from falling into them.

    The danger of a potential collapse is something Amy Blackham said she never really thought of before with her kids.

    “My kids don’t really have the attention span to dig for that long, to dig for something that deep,” she said. “But I could see maybe an uncle or dad wanting to join in and make it big as they could. So I’ll talk to my husband and let him know about that, too.”

    Brafford said most beaches don’t have lifeguards, so if they do notice any big holes, be careful and, more importantly, don’t dig them. 

    [ad_2]

    Saundra Weathers

    Source link

  • Pasco firefighters to receive added benefits, mental health services

    Pasco firefighters to receive added benefits, mental health services

    [ad_1]

    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Firefighters will have a change in schedule soon. It’s thanks to a new three-year contract signed by Pasco County Commissioners. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Added benefits, like a change in schedule and more mental health services, are coming soon for Pasco County firefighters

    • It’s part of a new three-year contract signed by county commissioners
    • Firefighters will now work on 24-hours shifts and then receive 72 hours off under the new schedule

    • The goal is help maintain staffing throughout the county and provide competitive incentives versus other stations throughout the state

    Firefighters will work what’s called a ’24/72-hour shift,’ meaning they will work for 24 hours and then have 72 hours off. Officials say firefighters will also be given competitive wages. The goal is to maintain staffing throughout the county.

    “It’s a very big change,” says Ryan Guynn, Assistant Fire Chief for Pasco County Fire Rescue. “What it’s going to do is give our men and women extra time when they’re home now to decompress. They’ll be able to decompress mentally, physically, and emotionally. They’re going to spend a little more time with their families, they’re going to be able to recuperate, and they’re going to be able to come back to work and give 110% for another 24 hours for the citizens of the county.”

    There are other initiatives to go along with it. Additional mental health resources will become available for firefighters, including a 24-7 mental health hotline firefighters can reach out to for help.

    It’s a duty that can build a lot of pressure.

    “My dad, my great uncle, my uncle, and now I’ve got my little cousin, my nephew, and two brothers. All of them are in the fire service,” said Capt. Scott Combs.

    For Combs, being a firefighter is more than a profession. It’s a family affair.

    His family is both at home and at work — at Station 37, where some help will soon be on the way in the form of shift changes and mental health resources thanks to a recent contract with the county.

    “Anything to help our brothers and sisters, like the chief was saying,” said Combs. “The D-shift is going to now give us that extra day, off which is great for our mental health and, obviously, our cardiovascular as well.” 

    Combs has been a firefighter for 12 years. He says it’s a job that, at times, can be draining on all fronts.

    “Physically, mentally, emotionally; it has all of it. But how you decompress with that and how you manage it, it means a lot,” Combs said.

    As a licensed paramedic, that stress can be a little heavier at times. He runs thru his check-list of items he needs on a day-to-day basis.

    “We have our cardiac monitor, we have our airway bags, our medication bags,” he said. But yeah, we hold basically everything within these bags. We can do just about anything from defibrillation to IVs to giving medications for advanced life support.”

    With changes on the way, Combs hopes they’ll be able to do even more, having the opportunity to compete for new hires with surrounding departments while maintaining their own staff.

    “I’d like to see the growth of the department,” said Combs. “I’d like to see it get more and more, obviously. More stations, more rescues just so we can properly help the community.”

    While also getting the help and support they need themselves.

    [ad_2]

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • 2nd 92-acre prescribed burn in Volusia County in 2 days

    2nd 92-acre prescribed burn in Volusia County in 2 days

    [ad_1]

    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting another 92-acre prescribed burn Wednesday in Volusia County, this time at the Lake Monroe Conservation area.

    The burn, located south of Lemon Bluff Road, helps prevent wildfires, incinerates naturally built-up fuels and manages the growth of shrubs.

    On Tuesday, the district conducted a 92-acre burn at Heart Island Conservation area. 

    Periodic prescribed fires help enhance the land’s environmental quality but come with temporary nuisances like smoke and ash.

    Before conducting a burn, the district ensures that wind and other weather conditions are correct for managing the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.

    According to the district, fire is nearly as important as rainfall and sunshine in fire-dependent ecosystems. The benefits of prescribed fire include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, managing tree diseases and opening scenic vistas, officials said.

    To learn more about the district’s prescribed burn program, visit the District online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Citrus, Hernando counties open cold weather shelters

    Citrus, Hernando counties open cold weather shelters

    [ad_1]

    Temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s overnight.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Coast Guard suspends search for 4 missing boaters in Venice

    Coast Guard suspends search for 4 missing boaters in Venice

    [ad_1]

    The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a search for four missing boaters last seen Saturday morning in Venice.

    In a post on X, officials said the search was called off “pending new information.”

    The boat is a 25-foot center console and was last reported about 30 miles off Venice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a search for four missing boaters “pending new information”

    • Boat is a 25-foot center console and was last reported about 30 miles off Venice

    • Men on the boat range in age from 35 to 54, the Coast Guard said

    The men on the boat range in age from 35 to 54, the Coast Guard said.

    Authorities said the men left the Marina Park boat ramp at about 8 a.m., Saturday, and were supposed to return that night. Their vehicle and boat trailer were still at the park on Sunday.

    Previous updates showed agencies involved in the search with the Venice Police Department include the U.S. Coast Guard, FWC, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, Venice Fire Rescue, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Sea Tow Venice. In addition to vessels, the Coast Guard and SCSO have also provided searches by air.

    Working together, these agencies have already searched over 4,600 square miles of surface in the Gulf, and are going out up to 80 nautical miles offshore. The search for the four men spans from Sarasota County south, pushing into Collier County.

    Boaters out on the water were asked to report any information that may be relevant to this case to VPD Detective Courtney Zak at 941-486-2444 or czak@venicefl.gov; or use radio Channel 16 VHF.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    K-9 hurt in shootout that left Silver Springs man dead, says sheriff’s office

    [ad_1]

    SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. — A Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 is being treated for injuries sustained during a deadly shootout Saturday.

    The incident happened around 9 a.m. in Silver Springs, where the sheriff’s office says deputies were responding to a situation involving a man accused of battery by strangulation.

    The sheriff’s office says when the man was located, he shot at deputies, hurting police K-9 Leo.

    The man was shot during return fire by deputies and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

    He was identified Sunday as Jeremy Bradsher by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

    As of Sunday, the police K-9 is still being treated at UF Veterinary Hospital, where the sheriff’s office says he is “stable with good vitals.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Lawmakers add new provisions to proposed social media ban

    Lawmakers add new provisions to proposed social media ban

    [ad_1]

    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Senate recently altered a bill to keep kids under 16 off of major social media platforms and it is now one step closer to the governor’s desk.

    Lawmakers included pornographic websites in the list of social media sites that minors would be barred from joining. All sites on the list will need users to verify that they are 18 or older.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lawmakers in Tallahassee recently amended a bill to keep kids under 16 off of major social media platforms

    • They revamped the criteria for determining which platforms would be subject to the restrictions

    • Pornographic websites will now also have to verify their user’s ages if the bill is passed

    • According to the bill, social media platforms who violate this bill will be penalized

    But the legality of the bill is still a primary concern for top lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    For parents, their primary concern is their kids and how they are using the devices.

    “I’m afraid she won’t know what’s real anymore and try to make herself something she’s not,” Jaime Marco said about her 8-year-old daughter.

    To comply with the legislation as currently written, the platforms would be required to perform age verification of their users.

    “I think the concept is great,” Marco said. “It’s just for Florida, though, and Florida is just one state out of 50. It crosses over lines. It should be a federal bill if we are going to do that.”

    While she supports the idea, she doesn’t know if the restrictions are the right way to address social media and its impact on kids.

    “I don’t think it’s the government’s role to decide that, but I do think it’s the government’s role and responsibility to protect its citizens,” Marco said.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Super Bowl parade shooting: Police say dispute appears to have led to shooting

    Super Bowl parade shooting: Police say dispute appears to have led to shooting

    [ad_1]

    KANSAS CITY, Mo.— A Kansas City radio DJ is dead and police now say 22 others were injured in a shooting following the Super Bowl parade Wednesday in Kansas City honoring the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Police Chief.

    During a Thursday morning briefing, police said is appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire. Three people have been detained and Chief Stacey Graves said two of them are juveniles. She also said the preliminary investigation shows there is no nexus to terrorism.

    Chief Graves said prosecutors are working with detectives now on possible charges. The department can only hold people for 24 hours without charging them.

    What You Need To Know

    • A radio DJ is dead and 22 others were shot following Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade in Kansas City
    • Police said is appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire
    • Three people have been detained, two are juvniles

    • Police are asking any witnesses, people with video or shooting victims who have not come forward yet to call them at: 816-413-3477

    Police did confirm 43-year-old Elisabeth Galvan died. Chief Graves says they are still learning about the victim but know she is beloved by many.

    “To her friends and family, we are with you and we are working tirelessly to investigate her murder,” said Chief Graves.

    Wednesday evening, Kansas City radio station KKFI posted a message on its Facebook page confirming the death of DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan. She was a devoted sports fan and went to the parade with her husband and young adult son.

    Among the 22 others injured, were 12 children. Spectrum News has confirmed they were taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital after the incident, according to Stephanie Meyer, the SVP and Chief Nursing Officer. She also said nine of the children were gunshot victims and three suffered “unintentional injuries.’ 

    Meyer said all of the patients are expected to recover from their injuries. She added that the hospital treated this as a mass casualty event and paused other treatment and procedures to mobilize its full staff to these patients.

    Thursday, the police chief said the victims range in age from 8 years old to 47 years old. Chief Graves said half of the victims are under the age of 16. 

    Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said eight victims have immediate life-threatening injuries, seven have life-threatening injuries and six have minor injuries. Those with immediate life-threatening injuries were transported to hospitals within 10 minutes, he said.

    “I commend all of our staff working there today, along with PD that did an excellent job in a difficult circumstance,” Grundyson said.

    Police stressed again Thursday that anyone in the vicinity of the parade shooting that directly witnessed it, has any video of the incident or was a victim who has not yet reported being shot to please call 816-413-3477, a dedicated line for this investigation.

    Graves noted that more than 800 police officers, including Kansas City and surrounding agencies, were in the area. 

    “We also know that officers ran towards danger. Officers were there to keep everyone safe,” she said. “I am angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”

    During the Wednesday press conference, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the celebration with his wife and mother, said he was heartbroken and angry.

    “This is absolutely a tragedy. The likes of which we would’ve never expected in Kansas City and the likes of which that we will remember for some time,” he said. “I want to say thank those who are making sure that we were safe today.”

    Lisa Money of Kansas City, Kan. was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, “Down, down, everybody down!”

    At first Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence.

    “I can’t believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area. and then you’ve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this,” she said.

    A statement from the Kansas City Chiefs says, “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”

    “We are in close communication with the Mayor’s office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on scene to assist.”

    Immediately after the shooting, police took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ask people to clear the area. Police also asked for witnesses to meet them near the scene to gather information.

    Police also established child reunification stations so people could find their missing loved ones. 

    Gov. Mike Parson, who attended the parade, said they are safe and secure. He added state law enforcement are assisting local authorities in response efforts. 

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Speed-detecting cameras coming to all Manatee County school zones

    Speed-detecting cameras coming to all Manatee County school zones

    [ad_1]

    Manatee County commissioners voted this week to install speed-detecting cameras in all of the county’s school zones for the coming school year.

    A new law went into effect last summer that allows counties in Florida to enforce speed limits through speed-detecting cameras, and some areas in the Tampa Bay area have already started the process.

    What You Need To Know

    • All schools in Manatee County will have speed-detecting cameras starting the first day of the next school year

    • Officials say the cameras will only be active during the listed school hours

    • They say there will be a two-week notice before the cameras are turned on

    With the decision to add speed-detecting cameras to every school in Manatee County, they will be watching when students head to school, and again when they leave. But county officials say they will not be active outside of listed school hours.

    Christina Kratz’s kids — Colton, now in sixth grade, and Luke, in fourth — attended Manatee County schools until a few years ago.

    “We went with the homeschooling program to have a better life for the kids, less anxiety, less stress,” she said.

    “We absolutely couldn’t ask for anything better,” she added. “They have no homework, they get to be outside and enjoy life, they learn trades.”

    She said one of the things that caused her to pull her kids out of public school was the chaos of traffic and speeding cars.

    “It’s awful,” she said. “When we went to the school right off of Rye Road, traffic is crazy. There were lots of cars speeding through the zones, even with the lights.” 

    She said there was even one instance when she was almost hit by another vehicle — while she had her kids in the car.

    “One day I was pulling out of the school parking lot after pick up,” she said. “Because of all the lines of cars coming into the school system, I couldn’t see pulling out as easily. A car came flying by and almost hit me, just missed me probably inches with the kids in the car. So, that was really a tough day for us, kind of scared the kids. Scared me.”

    So when Kratz found out that the county was installing speed-detecting cameras, she agreed with the decision, saying they are a good way to keep kids safe.

    “I think it’s a great idea. We had them up north where we lived,” she said. “They sent out tickets to the people who weren’t abiding by the rules. It really took kids’ safety into consideration.”

    County officials say the cameras will be in in place on the first day of the next school year, but there will be a two-week notice before they are turned on.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Dashcam footage released of I-75 jet crash in Collier County

    Dashcam footage released of I-75 jet crash in Collier County

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — New video has been released in a fiery jet plane crash that killed two people and injured three others last Friday in Collier County.

    Moments before the private jet slammed into a Florida highway, the pilot had calmly told an airport controller that the aircraft “was not going to make the runway” because it had lost both engines.

    The jet, with five people aboard, was bound for the airport in Naples when it tried to make an emergency landing on Interstate 75 on Friday afternoon. But witnesses say it collided with a vehicle — the wing of the plane dragging a car before slamming into a wall. An explosion followed, with flames and black smoke rising from the scene, shutting down a section of the interstate for a couple of days.

    A driver provided dashcam video of the incident.

    Edward Daniel Murphy, a 50-year-old pilot and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, both died in the crash. 

    The three survivors were crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, both of Columbus, Ohio. The three were taken to a local hospital for injuries. Their conditions are unknown.

    The driver of one of the vehicles had minor injuries, and others in the second vehicle were not hurt.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Israel-Hamas war: Latest updates

    Israel-Hamas war: Latest updates

    [ad_1]

    Get the latest updates on the war between Israel and Hamas.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Man taken to hospital after police shooting in Charlotte, CMPD says

    Man taken to hospital after police shooting in Charlotte, CMPD says

    [ad_1]

    A man was injured in a police shooting in Charlotte on Thursday, authorities said. 

    The shooting happened Thursday morning on the 2100th block of Beatties Ford Road, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. 

    There was a heavy police presence outside the Fast Mart #5 convenience store late Thursday morning. 

    The man had life-threatening injuries when he was taken to the hospital, according to MEDIC. Police said the man was awake, speaking and alert at the hospital Thursday afternoon and will survive his injuries.

    No officers were hurt, police said. 

    Police said two officers went behind the convenience store and one ran toward them and pulled out a gun, pointing it at the officers.

    One of the officers shot the man, who has not been named, CMPD said. The officers started first aid on the man immediately, police said.

    SPECTRUM NEWS 1 SPECIAL REPORT: POLICE SHOOTINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA

    [ad_2]

    Charles Duncan

    Source link