HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

When Candido Rodriguez received a Notice of Approval from the Department of Economic Opportunity in March, the Tampa construction worker was convinced his year-long wait for benefits was finally over.

Man arrested: Hillsborough County deputies arrested Christopher Laracuente Cotto, who was charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man is accused of sending explicit material, including photos and videos, to a teen who called the Crisis Center hotline where he worked, authorities said. According to the sheriff’s office, Laracuente Cotto later called the victim’s cellphone from the restricted number several times during the day, claiming he was “checking” on her. The next day, the victim reported what had happened to a school resource deputy, according to the Times. According to the sheriff’s office, Laracuente Cotto confessed after being questioned by detectives.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is planning a lineup of exciting activities for the Easter holiday weekend.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has given many of its popular attractions some new looks all ahead of the busy summer season.

Police said one male in his 60s and one female in her 20s were struck in parking lot No. 1 at Raymond James Stadium

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man died Thursday after he hit an alligator with his car. Hillsborough County deputies said John Hopkins, 59, was driving east on County Road 672 in Lithia when he hit an 11-foot alligator that was on the roadway. Deputies said his car veered off the road and overturned into a ditch. READ: Orlando man among 2 Floridians to claim $1 million prize from scratch-off gameInvestigators said Hopkins died on the scene, and the alligator was also killed in the crash. Photos: 10-foot alligator spotted in Florida state parkExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Woman finds 10-foot alligator Robin Austin took pictures showing the 10-foot alligator with a fish in its mouth.

A man was killed while driving early Thursday morning in a crash with an 11-foot alligator, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The University of South Florida’s board of trustees has elevated the school’s interim president to the official position.

Alexander Delgado, 24, was arrested after punching a trooper, FHP says.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Friday that Florida has passed the mark of 1 million registered recreational vessels.

Florida Highway Patrol trooper Toni Schuck’s job was to make sure no one got on to the Skyway Bridge during the Skyway 10K on Sunday as thousands of runners raced across it.

Unusual delivery: A Florida deputy completed a DoorDash delivery after the driver was arrested on two outstanding warrants. >> Read more trending newsA Hillsborough County deputy transitioned into a delivery man after arresting a DoorDash driver, WFLA-TV reported. Hillsborough County deputy delivers DoorDash order after arresting driver https://t.co/LxU8WpVE8f pic.twitter.com/v1rW4d6pAx — WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) March 6, 2022“District I deputies went above and beyond after arresting a DoorDash driver who was was in the process of delivering food,” the sheriff’s office wrote on TikTok. >> Cop delivers customer’s DoorDash order after driver arrestedIn January, a police officer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, delivered an Arby’s lunch order through DoorDash to a surprised customer. The sheriff’s office in Florida did not indicate whether the customer tried to tip the deputy for his efforts.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Wednesday morning at the University of South Florida, announcing the disbursement of $20 million for the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, hosted by the university.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County Council member says bats may be the solution to keeping the area’s mosquito population under control. READ: UCF campus home to thousands of batsThe county spends nearly $11 million a year on its mosquito control. - It is said that a single bat can eat 1000-1200... Posted by Danny Robins, Volusia County Council, District 3 on Tuesday, February 22, 2022A single box can cost approximately $35 and hold around 75 bats. He has also proposed using jail inmates or students to help build the bat boxes to cut down on the cost. Robins says Volusia County residents can also build them on their own.

A worker operating a street sweeper in the parking lot of a Florida supermarket has died after a crash sent him flying out of the sweeper truck and into its path as it kept moving forward, running over him.

FDLE issues AMBER Alert for missing 4-year-old from Tampa The child may be in the company of Kami George and Matthew Leighton. (WFTV)HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Amber Alert has been issued out of Hillsborough County for 4-year-old Terry Reed. FDLE said Reed was last seen in the area of 4100 North McDill Avenue in Tampa. A Florida AMBER Alert has been issued for 4-year-old Terry Reed, last seen in Tampa. He may be with Kami George and Matthew Leighton and may be traveling in a 2010, red Toyota Camry, FL tag number LBEZ01.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 4-year-old boy from Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, deputies said.

A woman who was convicted of killing her teenage children in 2011 while her husband was deployed overseas is seeking a new trial.

The Florida Highway Patrol says at least seven cars struck and killed a 48-year-old man as he walked across Interstate 4.

HILLBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A 48-year-old Orlando man died Tuesday after troopers said he was struck by at least seven cars while walking across the lanes of Interstate 4 in Hillsborough County. Troopers said the man walked northbound across the eastbound lanes of the interstate for an unknown reason early Tuesday morning. None of the drivers involved in the crash were injured. Investigators said the crash closed the eastbound lanes of I-4 near mile marker 19 until 12:40 p.m.READ: I-4 express lanes in final stages of completion, awaiting opening dateClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

As costs rise, some seniors have turned to gig driver apps like Uber or Lyft to afford life in Tampa Bay.

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man died early Saturday after exiting a moving vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. >> Read more trending newsThe 25-year-old man from Pinellas Park, whose name was not released, exited the vehicle on Interstate 275 in Hillsborough County near Tampa, WFLA-TV reported. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Toshia Lizette Caldwell, 38, of Port Richey, was driving southbound on I-275 at around 2:23 a.m. EST, WTVT-TV reported. That was when the passenger exited her 2017 Hyundai Elantra at highway speed and fell onto the roadway. https://t.co/IATTaxO16g — FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) January 2, 2022The man fell onto the road, where he was struck several times by an unknown number of vehicles, the television station reported.

A Florida man has been charged with punching a teenage girl in the face after she cut him off in traffic.

Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy kills 88-year-old former police officer. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy's body camera shows the moment she shot a man in his home. (Hillsborog)RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Body camera video from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments a deputy opened fire on a man in his Florida home, killing him. >> Read more trending newsThe deputy had been dispatched to the home of 88-year-old Ronald Ehrich, a former police officer, for a welfare check, WTSP reported. The body camera video shows the deputy announcing herself multiple times in the home, calling for Ehrich and checking rooms.

A body camera video shows that a Florida deputy who fatally shot an 88-year-old man while checking on his welfare repeatedly identified herself, telling him to put his gun down and firing only after he advanced on her and threatened to shoot her.

For Lou Brown, a Realtor with a firm in Midtown St. Petersburg, it used to be unusual to represent a prospective buyer who lost their desired house in a bidding war to an investor.

CLAIR-MEL, Fla. — Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies are being credited with saving a small dog’s life. >> Read more trending newsA small chihuahua fell down a storm drain in Clair-Mel. Deputies rescue dog. Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies rescued a dog from a storm drain. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)©2021 Cox Media Group

A South Daytona woman died Sunday after she was struck by a car as she attempted to cross a road in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

We should treat stories shared by the police with the same amount of skepticism we apply to children's Halloween candy. No cop has ever OD'd...

Florida authorities are looking for a man they say shot at another vehicle, striking a child in the leg.

SARASOTA, Fla. — A fifth Florida school district enacted a 90-day mask mandate for students, teachers and staff on Friday during a special board meeting. >> Read more trending newsThe Sarasota County School Board passed the mandate by a 3-2 vote, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported. The Sarasota County School Board enacted a district-wide mask mandate on Friday, during a special board meeting called to address an ever-increasing number of COID-19 cases within the district. https://t.co/iZ98wJixYm — Herald-Tribune (@HeraldTribune) August 21, 2021The move came after those counties defied Gov. As of Friday, the current positivity rate in Sarasota County is more than 23%, according to WFLA.

More than 10,000 students in Hillsborough County are stuck at home due to the virus.

More than 10,000 students in Hillsborough County are stuck at home due to the virus.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has prohibited Florida public schools from requiring students and staff to wear masks.

Hospitals across Florida are now being pushed to the limit as the state fights one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks in the nation, fueled by the delta variant.

More than 100 physicians from the Tampa area wrote to the Hillsborough County School Board asking for mask mandates for children.

Reptiles known to frequent local area

If you see something, say something. It’s a message that students across Florida and the nation are encouraged to follow when they learn about bullying or other misbehavior, by other students or adults. But what happens when they actually make a report. One Hillsborough County teen learned that the response isn’t always what you might expect. Read on for that story and more Florida education ...

2 dead, 1 missing after being swept up by strong currents off Florida coast A father and son died Friday and a stranger who dove into the water to rescue them from strong currents is still missing. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office/Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A father and son died Friday and a stranger who dived into the water to rescue them from strong currents is still missing. Search and rescue efforts are on underway as HCSO searches for a missing swimmer. pic.twitter.com/CqzztVCKzB — HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) June 12, 2021Murray jumped into the water in an attempt to save the father and son while his wife called 911. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/JGCQHGNGhn — Tim Wronka (@TimWronka) June 12, 2021The Coast Guard ended its search but other agencies including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office continued looking for Kristoff, WFTS reported.

A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday afternoon in Hillsborough County after the driver of a car made a left turn in front of him, the Florida Highway Patrol reports. The crash occurred about 12:45 p.m. at U.S. 41 at Miller Mac Road in Apollo Beach. Troopers said the motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man from Ruskin, was driving south on U.S. 41 when a northbound driver made the turn in front of him. ...

Gov. Ron DeSantis will be holding a press conference in Temple Terrace Wednesday afternoon.

That roadside encounter, in November, was the exception rather than the rule when it comes to enforcing a new Florida law against texting and driving. AdBut the new law against texting is rarely enforced, according to official state figures. The report also contained at least one major error – discovered after the fact by a news reporter – that overcounted texting tickets by hundreds. AdIn Miami-Dade County, with an estimated 2 million drivers, police wrote 295 texting tickets, or about six each week. Those provisions make the texting law difficult to enforce, said Kinsey, the Alachua County sheriff’s sergeant.

A 1-year-old girl who was inside an SUV when it was stolen from a residential Hillsborough County neighborhood has been found, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Hillsborough County deputies were searching for the stolen SUV they say was taken with a 1-year-old girl still inside the vehicle. An Amber Alert was issued for Tinnley Sage West shortly after. FDLE issued an Amber Alert for Tinnley shortly after the incident was report and then said the girl had been found less than an hour later. “The Florida AMBER Alert issued on 02/16/21 out of Hillsborough County for 1yo Tinnley West has been resolved.

Plant City Police are looking for the man who stole a car containing vials of a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The man was able to take the car because the keys were left in the ignition, records show. The vaccine was supposed to be distributed at the Plant City vaccination site, which is at the Strawberry Festival Grounds. Surveillance video shows person of interest in stolen vaccine case, police say (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) A nationwide alert has been put out to help find the stolen car, according to the release.

This year, the Tampa Bay region probably won't generate even half that, said Sean Snaith, director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting. “A lot of things you associate with a Super Bowl aren't going to happen,” Snaith said. AdRob Higgins, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl host committee, said the region is looking at the Super Bowl as an unparalleled marketing opportunity. Hotel occupancy in the Tampa area was about 53% during the first three weeks of January this year, said Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada. Same with baseball's Tampa Bay Rays, who lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers — in Arlington, Texas.

Ron DeSantis plans to bring a “vaccine pod” to Central Florida, targeting a retirement community in Polk County. “We’re almost (at) 23%.”The vaccine pod announcement comes as Central Florida continues to see high demand for the vaccine. They tell me vaccine site at Amazon facility Groveland will be open M-F until further notice. [READ YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Florida sees another 9,480 COVID-19 cases as president ups vaccine goal ]Below is a breakdown of Florida COVID-19 data reported by the state on Jan. 27CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 8,281 new cases on Wednesday bringing the state’s overall total to 1,676,171 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began in March. VaccinationsThe Florida Department of Health recently began releasing a daily report on COVID-19 vaccines administered throughout the state.

A Hillsborough County lunch room worker holds up food while parents wait in a line Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the Brandon High School in Brandon, Fla. Hillsborough County Schools have stopped daily breakfast and lunch pickups for students and are distributing a week's worth of food one day a week. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County Public Schools announced Tuesday it’s consolidating its curbside meal program to fewer schools. The school district says it intends to provide free breakfast and lunch to virtual learning students through the rest of the semester but will be adjusting its curbside meal program next month. Elementary schools and Zenith Accelerated Learning Academy serving times are 9-9:30 a.m., middle school serving times are 10-10:30 a.m. and high school serving times are 3:30-4:30 p.m.District officials say Tuesday meals will be bundled with two breakfasts and two lunches per child. Current student ID card, birth certificate or any state-issued ID or passport are acceptable, OCPS officials said.

TAMPA, Fla. – A Florida sheriff’s deputy with one shift left before retirement was intentionally hit and killed by a man fleeing law enforcement, officials said. He was intentionally running that car into the corporal’s car.”Earlier Monday afternoon, deputies were called to Garrett’s apartment regarding erratic behavior. This time when deputies arrived, Garrett began attacking them, hitting Deputy Michael Durig, Jr. in the head multiple times, officials said. The sheriff said Garrett rammed through a back gate and crossed two lanes of traffic to intentionally hit LaVigne’s marked patrol car on the driver side with the front of his car, Chronister said. LaVigne is survived by his wife and two children, one of whom is also a deputy at the sheriff’s office.

TAMPA, Fla. – Detectives are reviewing home video as part of their investigation into the death of a Florida infant who drowned in a bathtub as his mother slept, sheriff’s officials said. Eight-month-old Mateo Montoya died Sept. 5 at a Plant City hospital, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in November by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Detectives said in the search warrant affidavit that they're considering a possible charge of aggravated manslaughter. Detectives obtained a search warrant Nov. 1 to inspect recordings stored in a digital video box beneath a television at the home. “A review of the digitally stored material/surveillance contained within the DVR box would assist with developing evidence for the investigation,” the affidavit said.

TAMPA, Fla. – A Florida rapper spent an evening recording music in a makeshift studio and then fatally shot two men who were with him, authorities say. Adams, who records under the name Ace NH, was jailed in Tampa without bail Sunday. They were shot Thursday night in a backyard shed Adams regularly used as a recording studio in the suburb of Lutz, investigators said. “It is clear that this suspect had no regard for human life, and now he will face the consequences for his actions," the sheriff added. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Adams has recorded three albums, two EPs and several singles, most recently an album called “Life Goes On.”

Enrollment data from 78 of the largest school districts in the U.S. compiled by 60 Minutes this fall found at least 240,000 students were unaccounted for when school started – the first school year to begin in the pandemic. Tucker agreed to let Alfonsi and her team accompany her as she tracked down missing students. School districts told 60 Minutes many of the missing students are among the youngest, such as 6-year-old Joshua. They're homeschooling and they just haven't notified our homeschool office that that's what they've decided to do," she tells Alfonsi. The teachers are looking," Tucker says.

Republicans in both counties have a slight edge in the state’s in-person early voting, which began last Saturday, including when Trump voted in Palm Beach County. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 4,198 new cases on Thursday, bringing the state’s overall total to 794,624 cases since March. As of Thursday’s coronavirus report, a total of 16,854 deaths across the state have been related to the coronavirus, a number that includes 206 non-resident deaths in Florida. HospitalizationsCurrently, there are 2,343 people with the virus hospitalized in Florida, according to the state Agency for Health Care Administration. [SEE YESTERDAY’S REPORT: Florida health experts report 4,115 new COVID-19 cases, 66 deaths]If you are having trouble viewing the dashboard on mobile, click here.

“So glad this great GDP number came out before November 3rd,” Trump tweeted, predicting a dire reversal if Biden is elected. Biden was forced to wrap his speech up early at a drive-in rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds In Tampa after a brief shower turned into a torrential downpour. Biden's campaign also announced he will visit Minnesota Friday, hours before Trump holds a rally in one of the few Clinton-voting states Trump is hoping to pick up this year. Associated Press writers Tamara Lush in Tampa, Florida, Michelle Price in Bullhead City, Kathleen Ronayne in Phoenix, and Will Weissert and Brian Slodysko in Washington contributed to this report. ___AP’s Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/.

click to enlarge AdobeWith dozens of additional deaths reported each day, more than 16,000 Florida residents have died of COVID-19, according to numbers released Monday by the state Department of Health.Florida reported 54 resident deaths Monday, bringing the total to 16,021. The state also reported 1,707 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 756,727.The largest numbers of resident deaths have occurred in Southeast Florida, where Miami-Dade County has had 3,547, Broward County has had 1,515, and Palm Beach County has had 1,497, the Department of Health numbers show. The next-highest numbers are in Pinellas County, with 801 resident deaths, and Hillsborough County, with 751.Also hard-hit have been nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As of Monday, the state reported 6,496 deaths involving long-term care residents and staff members.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – After 37 years behind bars, a Florida man has been formally cleared of a 1983 rape and murder that new DNA evidence proved he did not commit despite testimony from a sketchy jailhouse informant and faulty bite mark analysis at the time. Robert DuBoise was released from prison last month after the new evidence surfaced. A hearing before Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Christopher Nash resulted in an order Monday wiping away the previous convictions and life sentence, and sex offender status. DuBoise, 55, was convicted in the murder of 19-year-old Barbara Grams who was attacked walking home from her Tampa mall job.

Ron DeSantis said that school districts have a legal requirement to offer in-person instruction this fall despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The law requires you to offer certain amount of in-person instruction, DeSantis said about the decision in Hillsborough to balk at the state order. The governor said Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran will now go to Hillsborough County and examine the situation on a school-by-school basis. Is there a school in the county that wont be able to offer (in-person learning)? In Hillsborough County 2,857 children have tested positive for the virus.

A man from Hillsborough County was arrested by deputies in Orange County after making alleged online threats to shoot protestors on his Facebook account, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. Deputies took into custody 30-year-old Alex Bancroft after he allegedly threatened to shoot Black Lives Matter protestors on his Facebook account on July 24, deputies said. Bancroft later left for the Orlando area and was arrested in Orange County, deputies said.

TAMPA, Fla. – Authorities are searching for a pair of witnesses after two men were found dead in a car near a ramp to Interstate 75 in Tampa early Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said the men, ages 25 and 26, were fatally shot inside the vehicle. Witnesses told investigators that someone in a white Jeep Cherokee shot at the car. Left to right: Craig Wilson Lee, 25, and Terrance McDowell, 25. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol by calling 813-558-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A patient in Hillsborough County has become infected with a rare and usually deadly brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri, according to the Florida Department of Health. “Naegleria fowleri is found in many warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, but is more common in southern states. Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels. Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas. Health officials did not provide any information about the patient, where they were infected or their prognosis.

Ron DeSantis has endorsed six Florida counties and three cities that hope to land the command headquarters of the U.S. Space Force. In a letter Monday to Air Force Assistant Secretary John Henderson, DeSantis supported the proposals by Jacksonville, Pensacola, Brevard County, Miami-Dade County, Orange County, Pinellas County, Seminole County and a joint proposal from Tampa and Hillsborough County. “Our state has a long history of support for our nation’s effort in space through the operations of the Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,” DeSantis wrote in the letter released late Wednesday by his office. President Donald Trump in December signed a law that created the Space Force as a separate branch of the military. The proposal also would repeal a requirement that Space Florida advise House and Senate leaders before presenting bond proposals to the governor and Cabinet.

Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, right, speaks during a news conference Monday, June 15, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Warren announced his decision not to prosecute dozens of protesters arrested on charges of unlawful assembly during a Black Lives Matter march on June 2. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)TOP OF THE HOUR: Florida state attorney won't prosecute peaceful protesters. State Attorney Andrew Warren in Tampa said that his office wont be filing charges against 67 protesters who were arrested two weeks ago in downtown Tampa. The prosecutors office will also work to expunge the arrest records of the protesters who were taken into custody, he said. In these unlawful assembly cases, there is no value in filing charges, Warren said at a news conference.

TAMPA, Fla. Someone forged the will of the missing husband of Carole Baskin, a woman prominently featured in Netflixs Tiger King" documentary series, a Florida sheriff said. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told 10 Tampa Bay on Tuesday that two experts had confirmed the will of Jack Don Lewis is a forgery. The documentary extensively covered Maldonado-Passages repeated accusations that Baskin, killed her husband and possibly fed him to her tigers. Baskin, who founded Big Cat Rescue, has never been charged with any crime and released a statement refuting the accusations made in the series. On Monday, a federal judge in Oklahoma awarded ownership of Maldonado-Passages former zoo to Big Cat Rescue Corp. as part of a civil judgment.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. A Florida man is in custody after a complaint indicated he attempted to supply the terrorist group ISIS with materials to carry out attacks as well as planned acts of terrorism locally, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari, 23, of Tampa, was arrested by federal agents Sunday and faces up to 20 years in prison, should he be found guilty. FBI officials said Al-Azhari was an ISIS supporter who planned and attempted to carry out an attack on behalf of the terrorist organization. Officials also said Al-Azhari was in possession of weapons he intended to use in those attacks at the time of his arrest. FBI officials said Al-Azhari had even rehearsed the means in which he would conduct the acts of terrorism.

A man has been arrested in Hillsborough County on a charge of killing his boyfriend with a blunt object at their home in Deltona, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in a release. Mercado was already in custody in the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of grand theft auto when he was arrested on the murder charge, deputies said. Around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mercado was arrested while driving the stolen truck in Hillsborough County. With Mercado in custody at the Hillsborough County Jail, detectives from Volusia County went there to interview him. Mercado is being held without bond in Hillsborough County pending extradition back to Volusia County.

click to enlarge Photo of Florida beach campgrounds via Adobe StockFlorida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced that most of Floridas State Forest campgrounds , primitive campsites and trailheads will reopen Friday with limited capacity.The phased plan, however, keeps some recreation and day-use areas closed, as well as restrooms located outside open campgrounds.Our Florida State Forest recreation areas are some of Floridas greatest natural treasures, but in an abundance of caution, we are taking a cautious, measured approach to reopening these areas while continuing to follow CDC (federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, said Fried in a statement.You can see a full list of areas that are open or closed here The announcement comes about a week after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reopening of roughly 80 Florida state parks with some restrictions.On Monday, the City of Tampa announced it was reopening all beaches and dog parks. Manatee, Hernando, Sarasota and Pinellas counties all voted to reopen their beaches, as well

click to enlarge Screenshot via Florida ChannelSpeaking at a press conference Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state parks will begin reopening on Monday, May 4.DeSantis made todays announcement at Little Talbot Island State Park in Jacksonville, claiming outdoors areas are low risk environments. "Floridas state parks have been closed for over a month because of the coronavirus pandemic.This announcement comes after DeSantis announced the first phase of Floridas reopening plan, which allows restaurants and shops to also reopen Monday, but at 25% capacity. Bars, nightclubs, hair salons, and gyms will remain closed.Yesterday, Hillsborough County announced it will begin opening up some county parks and nature preserves on May 4. Earlier this week, Manatee, Hernando and Pinellas counties, all voted to reopen their beaches in the coming days. Last week, Sarasota County also voted to reopen its public beaches.As of Friday, Florida's Department of Health says the state has 34,728 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 1,314 deaths.

As Americans receive their government stimulus checks during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s creating an unfortunate scenario where some might be taken advantage of. “Everyone is vulnerable to scams during these troubled economic times.”Chronister warned people not to click on links that claim there’s an update on the status of their stimulus check. Chronister said people should be leery when someone asks for their financial information or Social Security number over the phone or electronically. “Remember, no government agency will ever ask you to pay money to get your stimulus check faster,” Chronister said. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

click to enlarge Screenshot via NetflixHillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says his office is now getting six tips a day regarding the 23-year-old cold case of Tampa resident Don Lewis, following the wild success of the Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. "Like any case at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office we want to bring closure to the families involved and the community, said Chronister. We are seeing greater interest in this case thanks toand we encourage anyone who knows something to call 813-247-8200. "Since the debut of the hit show, Baskin has expressed her disappointment in the producers decision to imply she put Lewis body in a meat grinder and fed him to tigers.The meat grinder shown in the video was enormous. He also said Baskins attorney told her to refuse a polygraph test.

The Volusia County Branch Jail is releasing 88 inmates to help prepare for an outbreak of the coronavirus. The Volusia County Branch Jail and Correctional Facility plans to release 88 inmates who are being held on non-violent charges to help prevent a coronavirus outbreak at the jail, which so far has had no cases of the virus. The Volusia County Branch Jail is currently holding 930 inmates while the countys correctional facility is currently housing another 409 for a total of 1,339 inmates. The branch jail holds only men while the correctional facility holds women with pending cases and bothe men and women servicing sentences. Volusia County Spokesman Kevin Captain wrote in an email on Thursday that there have not been any coronavirus cases at the Volusia County Branch Jail.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. They are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. They are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. They are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s. Since then the virus has been detected in three other counties, the latest two cases being in Broward County. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. They are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

In less than a week the coronavirus has now been detected in five Florida counties, with six confirmed cases in the state and two deaths. As of Friday, cases of the virus have been confirmed in Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Broward County and Santa Rosa County. They are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s. On Friday Doctors Hospital of Sarasota discharged one of the first coronavirus cases in Florida. The five counties with coronavirus cases encompass a broad swath of the state that extends from the Panhandle down to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida, and over to heavily populated South Florida.

The two deaths confirmed Friday are a 72-year-old Santa Rosa County man and a Lee County woman in her 70s. As of Saturday, cases of the virus had been confirmed in Manatee County (2), Charlotte County, Volusia County, Okaloosa County, Hillsborough County (2), Lee County (2), Broward County (2) and Santa Rosa County. The DOH also announced a second Lee County case, the second Manatee County case, a Charlotte County case of a woman in her 50s, a Volusia County case of a 66-year-old woman and an Okaloosa County case of a 61-year-old woman Saturday. The Lee County woman with coronavirus who died was treated at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. The other coronavirus case in Florida is a sister of the Hillsborough County woman.

She is the sister of one of the first two cases identified in Florida, a Hillsborough County woman who traveled to ItalyTALLAHASSEE Gov. The Florida Department of Health said Sunday that Floridas first two coronavirus cases are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s who traveled to Italy. "Shes been in isolation since this all was identified," DeSantis said. Because of the highly infectious nature of unique coronavirus, a roommate of the Hillsborough County woman also is in isolation, the governor said. He and the Hillsborough woman are reported in stable condition and being kept in isolation until they are medically clear.

She is the sister of one of the first two cases identified in Florida, a Hillsborough County woman who traveled to ItalyTALLAHASSEE Gov. The Florida Department of Health said Sunday that Floridas first two coronavirus cases are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s who traveled to Italy. "Shes been in isolation since this all was identified," DeSantis said. Because of the highly infectious nature of unique coronavirus, a roommate of the Hillsborough County woman also is in isolation, the governor said. He and the Hillsborough woman are reported in stable condition and being kept in isolation until they are medically clear.

She is the sister of one of the first two cases identified in Florida, a Hillsborough County woman who traveled to ItalyTALLAHASSEE Gov. The Florida Department of Health said Sunday that Floridas first two coronavirus cases are a Manatee County man in his 60s and a Hillsborough County woman in her 20s who traveled to Italy. "Shes been in isolation since this all was identified," DeSantis said. Because of the highly infectious nature of unique coronavirus, a roommate of the Hillsborough County woman also is in isolation, the governor said. He and the Hillsborough woman are reported in stable condition and being kept in isolation until they are medically clear.

Ron DeSantis declared a public health emergency Sunday after two Florida residents one from Manatee County and another from Hillsborough County tested presumptively positive for coronavirus. Ron DeSantis declared a public health emergency Sunday after two Florida residents one from Manatee County and another from Hillsborough County tested presumptively positive for coronavirus. The Florida Department of Health said in a press release that Both individuals remain in isolation at this time.Despite these cases in Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low, the release adds. A couple of Sarasota Memorial Hospital doctors told the hospitals administration that they received the letter from Doctors Hospital about the coronavirus case, but the Herald-Tribune was unable to confirm the letters authenticity directly with anyone at Doctors Hospital Sunday. DeSantis said in his executive order declaring a public health emergency that the Florida Department of Health will lead the response.

Ron DeSantis declared a public health emergency Sunday after two Florida residents one from Manatee County and another from Hillsborough County tested presumptively positive for coronavirus. Ron DeSantis declared a public health emergency Sunday after two Florida residents one from Manatee County and another from Hillsborough County tested presumptively positive for coronavirus. The Florida Department of Health said in a press release that Both individuals remain in isolation at this time.Despite these cases in Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low, the release adds. A couple of Sarasota Memorial Hospital doctors told the hospitals administration that they received the letter from Doctors Hospital about the coronavirus case, but the Herald-Tribune was unable to confirm the letters authenticity directly with anyone at Doctors Hospital Sunday. DeSantis said in his executive order declaring a public health emergency that the Florida Department of Health will lead the response.

leaders decend on County Council meeting to pressure elected officials to set aside affordable housing trust funding. DELAND Affordable housing is a priority, but the Volusia County Council hasnt focused yet on how to find solutions. to Volusia County Council members. is urging this body to take the next step, to develop plans for a local affordable housing trust fund." leaders also pointed to other Florida counties housing efforts, like Hillsborough County, which last September dedicated $10 million annually to an affordable housing trust fund.

TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man who claimed to have a bomb inside his bag at a Walmart in Tampa, officials said. After deputies interviewed Woodward, the bag was searched by HCSO deputies. Woodard was arrested for a false report of a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction. Marcus Woodard’s statement was especially concerning because just last weekend our deputies arrested a woman who was building a bomb inside another Walmart in our area,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “By now, we all realize as a society that falsely reporting a bomb or a bomb threat is neither funny nor appropriate.

TAMPA, Fla. – A thief who authorities in Florida said likely blew up three ATMs was able to take money from a Regions Bank in Valrico on Sunday. The other explosions happened at a BB&T in Oldsmar in November and a Pilot Bank in Tampa in December. RELATED: ATM explodes at bank in Hillsborough County, deputies search for suspectIn the Valrico and Tampa explosions, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the suspect painted the lenses of surveillance cameras black just before the blasts. The suspect may be working with an accomplice but was often seen on surveillance video acting alone, Chronister said. The thief was seen on surveillance images wearing dark clothing with a cloth mask that only revealed his eyes.

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice has made steel memorials for every county where racial lynching has occurred, with engraved names of victims. As part of Equal Justice Initiative's Community Remembrance Project, county residents can petition to bring the monument to town.The ripple effects of racial lynchings and other acts of white terror historic or current intentionally perpetrated against Black people to frighten and disenfranchise still impact people right now. One thing some regions are doing about it is erecting permanent memorials.An Orlando group brought a memorial marker for 1920's lynching victim July Perry to Heritage Square last year. No one was charged for the murder.Also part of the coalition, reports Spectrum News 9, is Stetson Law professor Tammy Briant Spratling, Alan Temple A.M.E. pastor Glenn Dames, and former Tampa Community Affairs Department official Fred Hearns. The group has also reached out to the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Hillsborough County NAACP.

TAMPA, Fla. - Officials have waived adoption fees and are working with nearby animal shelters and rescue groups to accommodate 350 dogs seized from a dog breeding business. Hillsborough County officials said conditions were so dangerous at Trish's All Breed Grooming that they obtained a court order this week and evacuated about 350 dogs into the county's pet shelters. The county waived adoption fees for dogs already in their shelters. It will be at least 30 days before the seized dogs can be adopted. Scott Trebatoski, the director of the county's Pet Resource Center, told the Tampa Bay Times that county workers found as many as 30 dogs in cages meant for just one or two pets.

TAMPA, Fla. - A Florida school bus driver died in a car crash as she was heading to work on what she had planned to be her last first day of school. Hillsborough County school spokesman Jim Beekman said Cynthia Gibson had planned to retire at the end of this school year after working for the district for 30 years. She was killed early Monday while driving her car to work. School officials said Gibson, who was called "Ms. Cherry," was "well-known and well-loved." Beekman said Gibson was a strong advocate for drivers and understood the importance they play in children's lives.

Suspects try all kinds of things to evade the cops. Suspects in Hillsborough County, Florida, need to try harder.