Prosecutor suspended by DeSantis loses bid to get job back
A federal judge has ruled that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis violated the First Amendment and the Florida Constitution by removing an elected state prosecutor, but that the federal courts lack the power to reinstate him because the case centered on state law.
Suspect arrested after man in Florida stabbed to death with broken bottle at New Year’s Eve party
TAMPA, Fla. — A suspect was arrested after a man at a New Year’s Eve party in Hillsborough County, Florida, was stabbed to death with a broken bottle, officials say. When deputies arrived, they found a man in a roadway with multiple stab wounds. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue conducted life-saving measures on the man but he died at the scene from his injuries. HCSO said the victim was reportedly involved in a fight with Plasido Castro Bibiano, 37, according to WFLA. During the fight, Bibiano allegedly broke a beer bottle that he reportedly used to stab the victim multiple times.
wftv.comTrial over Florida Gov. DeSantis’ removal of prosecutor on abortion ends
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t seeking political retaliation when he removed a prosecutor over abortion and transgender views, but simply wanted to ensure state law would be enforced, the governor’s attorney told a federal judge Thursday.
Trial over DeSantis removal of prosecutor on abortion ends
Ron DeSantis wasn't seeking political retaliation when he removed a prosecutor over abortion and transgender views, but simply wanted to ensure state law would be enforced, the governor's attorney told a federal judge Thursday. “The motivating focus ... is all about enforcement of the law,” said George Levesque, a private attorney representing DeSantis. He said the one act allowed DeSantis to score political points by opposing abortion, projecting a strong “law-and-order” stance and by attacking “woke” ideology. In San Francisco, voters in June recalled Chesa Boudin, a former public defender who was elected district attorney in 2019 on a criminal justice reform platform. A similar effort to recall the Los Angeles district attorney failed to garner enough signatures.
wftv.comSheriff: Florida man planned to burn down hospital out of revenge
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Florida detectives said they stopped a Florida man who was armed with explosives and planning to burn down a hospital. Deputies located Schaffer in his vehicle, but when deputies stopped him, Schaeffer allegedly refused to exit his vehicle before fleeing the traffic stop. Deputies found two guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and bottles filled with an unknown liquid when they searched his vehicle, WFTS reported. “Ensuring the safety of everyone in our community is a responsibility we all share,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. Deputies said their bomb squad determined no charges could be filed for the bottles filled with liquid, because the liquid did not ignite.
wftv.comArson suspect shot by deputies, captured after chase on I-4 in Polk and Hillsborough counties, sheriff says
A 30-year old Lakeland man faces multiple charges after he attempted to start a house fire in Lakeland and then led deputies on a chase that made its way onto Interstate 4, closing parts of the highway on Sunday, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Florida lawmaker sues campaign manager, former DeSantis spokesman over explicit texts
State Rep. Jackie Toledo, a Tampa Republican who lost a primary bid for a congressional seat in August, has filed a lawsuit accusing campaign manager Fred Piccolo — a former spokesman for Gov. Ron DeSantis — of sending her “unwanted, unsolicited, inappropriate and grossly offensive harassing text messages and images.”
Video shows deputy rescuing two children kidnapped during carjacking
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A deputy is being credited with saving two children who were inside of a carjacked vehicle, just minutes after they were taken. >> Read more trending newsThe Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Deputy Jonathan Pazmino Alvarez was flagged down by a man who said his truck had been stolen. Inside the truck were the man’s two young children. The deputy immediately began following the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, and managed to stop the vehicle, WFLA reported. “This situation could’ve been a lot worse had it not been for the swift action taken by Deputy Pazmino Alvarez,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
wftv.com‘That’s not my dad:’ Video shows Florida deputy catch man accused of stealing truck with 2 children inside
A fast-acting Florida deputy pursued and arrested a man accused of driving away in a stolen truck with two children inside on Monday, body camera video posted by the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office shows.
Officials: Florida man arrested after allegedly punching man in face one time, killing him
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly punching a man in the face one time and killing him at a gas station, officials say. The man was taken to a hospital where he later died. WFLA reported that the suspect later identified as Rodolfo Regino Jr., 48, allegedly walked up to the victim and punched him one time in the face. Investigators said Regino got back in his car and left the scene, according to WFLA. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the man’s death as a homicide due to a “blunt impact to the head,” said HCSO.
wftv.comHurricane Ian, now Category 3, to intensify before making landfall in Florida
Hurricane Ian made landfall in western Cuba on Tuesday as forecasters warned it will intensify into a catastrophic Category 4 storm before it hits Florida's Gulf Coast, where hundreds of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate. According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian made landfall southwest of the town of La Coloma, Cuba, as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. “The NHC intensity forecast continues to call for an extremely dangerous hurricane landfall for southwestern Florida,” the hurricane center said in an advisory. In addition, the National Weather Service extended its tropical storm warning to Georgia, and a tropical watch to South Carolina. “In some areas there will be catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge,” Florida Gov.
wftv.comKnow your zone: Florida evacuation map shows who will have to leave before a hurricane strikes
A threat from Hurricane Ian to the Sunshine State means millions of residents could be asked by local governments to head to higher ground, but with a population of more than 22 million in the state, finding out who will need to seek shelter could be a complicated task.
news.yahoo.comFederal judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit by suspended Hillsborough County state attorney
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A federal judge on Monday refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by suspended Hillsborough County state attorney Andrew Warren, who is hoping to get his job back. However, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle did reject Warren’s request to block his suspension by Gov. During an hourlong hearing, Hinkle questioned DeSantis’ attorney about whether the governor overstepped his authority by suspending Warren and whether Warren’s “protected” speech rights were violated. READ: Florida prosecutor Andrew Warren vows to fight suspension by Gov. Also, the governor targeted a statement Warren joined condemning the criminalization of transgender people and gender-affirming care.
wftv.comJudge prefers a trial for DeSantis’ removal of Tampa prosecutor
TALLAHASSEE — A federal judge hearing the case of Hillsborough County’s ousted state attorney appears to favor a trial over immediately reinstating Andrew Warren to decide the issue “once and for all.” Warren was requesting a preliminary injunction to put him back to the office Gov. Ron removed him from last month. The twice-elected state attorney was escorted from his downtown Tampa offices ...
news.yahoo.comDeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutor
Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to throw out a free speech lawsuit filed by a Democratic prosecutor he suspended from office over statements about not pursuing criminal charges in abortion, transgender rights and certain low-level cases. Hinkle has scheduled a Sept. 19 hearing in Tallahassee to hear arguments in the Warren lawsuit. The case comes as DeSantis seeks re-election in November against Democrat Charlie Crist, who has made abortion rights a cornerstone of his campaign. When Warren was removed from office Aug. 4, DeSantis accused the prosecutor of incompetence and neglect of duty. DeSantis appointed former Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to replace Warren as state attorney.
wftv.comDeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to throw out a free speech lawsuit filed by a Democratic prosecutor he suspended from office over statements about not pursuing criminal charges in abortion, transgender rights and certain low-level cases.
DeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutor
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to throw out a free speech lawsuit filed by a Democratic prosecutor he suspended from office over statements about not pursuing criminal charges in abortion, transgender rights and certain low-level cases. The Republican governor told U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle of Tallahassee in a filing late Friday that Andrew Warren — removed last month as elected state attorney in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa — cannot claim First Amendment protection for his comments on how he would handle these hot-button political issues. “Mr. Warren had no First Amendment right, as a public official, to declare that he would not perform his duties under Florida law,” state Solicitor General Henry C. Whitaker wrote in the 39-page filing for DeSantis.
news.yahoo.comVideo: Police chase elderly wrong-way driver in Florida
>> Read more trending newsThe Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office posted a video to its Facebook page showing the pursuit after deputies spotted a vehicle driving the wrong way in Oldsmar. In the video, a deputy can be heard yelling to the driver to “pull over” with no effect. The driver, identified as Virginia Smith, 78, continued driving eastbound in the westbound lanes despite the instruction, WFLA reported. Virginia Smith Deputies said the 78-year-old driver admitted to being under the influence after she was stopped. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)In the video shared by the sheriff’s office, Sgt.
wftv.comSheriff: Man on honeymoon among 176 arrested in prostitution sting
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced that its newly formed Human Trafficking Squad cut a couple’s honeymoon short after the husband was arrested in a prostitution bust. >> Read more trending newsIn a news release, the sheriff’s office said it arrested 176 men as part of a months-long investigation into prostitution and human trafficking. Investigators said most of the men were arrested for trying to solicit prostitutes. Paul Turovsky Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies said Turovsky left his new wife at a hotel room while on their honeymoon to solicit a prostitute. 176 people arrested in prostitution, human trafficking bust The new Human Trafficking Squad at the sheriff's office was credited with the arrests.
wftv.comFlorida prosecutor Andrew Warren vows to fight suspension by Gov. Ron DeSantis
ST. PETERSURG, Fla. — (AP) — A Florida prosecutor vowed Sunday to fight his suspension from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis over his promise not to enforce the state’s 15-week abortion ban and support for gender transition treatments for minors. “I’m not going down without a fight,” Warren said on the video. “I don’t think the people of Hillsborough County want to have an agenda that is basically woke, where you’re deciding that your view of social justice means certain laws shouldn’t be enforced,” said the governor. DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren’s place during his suspension.
wftv.comFlorida prosecutor vows to fight Gov. DeSantis suspension
ST. PETERSURG, Fla. — (AP) — A Florida prosecutor vowed Sunday to fight his suspension from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis over his promise not to enforce the state's 15-week abortion ban and support for gender transition treatments for minors. “I'm not going down without a fight,” Warren said on the video. Florida has not enacted laws criminalizing gender transition treatments for minors. DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren’s place during his suspension.
wftv.comDeSantis suspends elected prosecutor over new abortion law
VIDEO: DeSantis suspends elected prosecutor over new abortion law DeSantis suspends elected prosecutor over new abortion lawTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa on Thursday for pledging not to enforce the state’s new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors. The Republican governor announced the suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren at a news conference in the county’s sheriff’s office. It spits in the face of the voters of Hillsborough County who have twice elected me to serve them, not Ron DeSantis,” he said. Ron DeSantis announced a new opioid recovery program CORE during his Brevard County visit.
wftv.comDeSantis suspends elected prosecutor over new abortion law
Prosecutor Suspended Florida Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa on Thursday for pledging not to enforce the state's new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors. The Republican governor announced the suspension of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren at a news conference in the county's sheriff's office. Warren, a Democrat, was elected as state attorney by Hillsborough County voters in 2016 and in 2020. It spits in the face of the voters of Hillsborough County who have twice elected me to serve them, not Ron DeSantis," he said.
wftv.com‘It fried her work car!’: Incredible video shows lightning bolt strike near Florida deputy’s cruiser
Video: ‘It fried her work car!’: Incredible video shows lightning bolt strike Florida deputy’s cruiserHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Some Hillsborough County motorists — including a sheriff’s deputy — recently got quite a scare while traveling on Interstate 75 during an afternoon thunderstorm. On July 1 around 4 p.m., the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said one of its deputies was driving northbound on I-75 near Sun City Center when she heard a loud clap of thunder. READ: Gas prices in Florida fall for third straight weekAccording to the deputy, the dashboard lights illuminated before her cruiser shut down. She realized through another motorist’s cellphone video that the damage to her car was caused by an incredible lightning strike. LIGHTNING STRIKE CAUGHT ON VIDEO: On Friday, this lightning strike was so close to a #teamHCSO deputy driving on I-75, that it fried her work car!
wftv.comLightning strike caught on camera, damages a Florida deputy’s patrol car
Protect yourself from lightning (NCD)HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A lightning strike last Friday was caught on camera just before it struck a Florida deputy’s car. >> Read more trending newsAccording to WTXL, a dashcam video from inside a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office car on July 1 caught the close call between the deputy’s car and a lightning strike. “As the deputy was driving through the rain, she heard a loud clap of thunder, her dashboard lights turned on, and then the entire car turned off. “At first, she thought her tire popped, but as she, and other nearby drivers, pulled over she saw this video and the nearby lightning strike and realized it was the lightning that damaged the car. The passenger in the vehicle behind her happened to be recording at the exact moment of the strike.”The deputy’s car was “fried” as a result of the lightning strike, HCSO told WTXL.
wftv.comBe prepared for Fourth of July weekend flight delays and cancellations
A few flights have already been delayed at Orlando International Airport on Friday morning. Be prepared if you’re flying out for the Fourth of July weekend, because you may run into a problem. READ: These laws go into effect in Florida on FridayWe’ve recently seen massive flight cancellations. LaLonde-Brewington’s connecting flight was delayed to Orlando. READ: AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ returns Independence Day weekendA travel expert said it is best to pay extra for a direct flight.
wftv.comChild struck by lightning in Hillsborough County, NWS says
2 struck by lightning while leaving NY Yankees spring training game in Tampa, police sayHILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A child was struck by lightning Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. It happened at the Williams Park Boat Ramp in Riverview in Hillsborough County, NWS said. READ: Grab your umbrella: Storms to move in this afternoon, eveningThe child was transported to the hospital. See a map of the scene below:Video: 7 rescued by Coast Guard after lightning strikes boat off Florida coast Video captured the moment lightning struck a boat off the coast of Florida, prompting a rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard. (WFTV)Click 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.
wftv.comWatch: 11 people rescued from capsized boat in Florida
11 people rescued from capsized boat in Florida Sheriff’s deputies in Florida said some good Samaritans are to thank for helping to rescue nearly a dozen people whose boat capsized. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Florida said some good Samaritans are to thank for helping to rescue nearly a dozen people whose boat capsized. Video shared by the sheriff’s office on YouTube shows the good Samaritans pulling people in life jackets out of the water, while others cling to the upturned boat. When The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit arrived, deputies rescued the two men still hanging on to the upturned boat, deputies said in a news release. One of the men rescued said he had chest pains and shortness of breath and was taken to a hospital, WFTS reported.
wftv.comCrisis Center employee in Florida accused of sending explicit photos to teen girl
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.
wftv.comFlorida man killed in crash after hitting 11-foot alligator on roadway
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.
wftv.comFlorida deputy delivers DoorDash order after arresting driver
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.
wftv.comVolusia County Council member suggests using bats to help control mosquito population
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.
wftv.comFDLE issues AMBER Alert for 4-year-old from Tampa
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.
wftv.comOrlando man dies after being hit by 7 cars while walking across I-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
wftv.comFlorida man dies after exiting moving car on interstate
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.
wftv.comVideo: Florida deputy shoots 88-year-old former officer in own home
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.
wftv.comFlorida sheriff’s deputies rescue dog from storm drain
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
wftv.comCoronavirus: Sarasota County 6th Florida school district to pass mask mandate
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.
wftv.com