PASCO COUNTY

A state trooper in Florida was shot by a suspect after a police pursuit on Interstate 75 near Tampa early Saturday morning. A second suspect was taken into custody.

A man is dead and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper is among two others hospitalized after a pursuit along Interstate 75 became a shooting early Saturday in Pasco County, according to FHP.

An employee at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Pasco County, Florida, has complained that a verse from Philippians painted on her coworker's parking spot is an attack against her.

"Clearly this person was targeted," Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

On election nights, we turn to MSNBC’s data maven, Steve Kornacki, for clarity. Actually, he’s full of doubt.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida woman is accused of child abuse after a 4-year-old boy she was caring for was found bruised and with Xanax and Nyquil in his system, authorities said. >> Read more trending newsBrianna Elizabeth Sniegowski, 31, of Tarpon Springs, was arrested on Monday and charged with cruelty toward a child and child abuse without great bodily harm, according to Pasco County online court records. A toxicology report indicated that the child had been injected with Xanax and “a significant amount” of Nyquil according to an online complaint affidavit. She denied giving the boy Xanax, according to the television station. She posted bail of $5,000, according to Pasco County court records.

Evacuations for Hurricane Ian have been ordered in Florida for counties on the west coast. Here's what evacuees should be gathering and packing if they haven't already.

Teachers Harold “Jim” Martin, Robert Herrington and Kathleen Troutman allegedly ran a scheme providing test answers to students.

Video shows Florida deputies serving eviction at wrong home File photo. We have the wrong house.” (Bill Oxford/Getty Images/iStockphoto)PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies made a big mistake when they served an eviction notice at the wrong house in Florida. Video can be seen here (Warning: contains profanity)In the video, Michele is upset and clearly confused, saying: “I am caught up on my bills. Nobody has served me an eviction notice.”“I didn’t know if these people were trying to get into my house,” Michele told WFLA. My dogs are inside and they were barking up a storm,” Michele told WTSP.

Talking about the police in the United States can be difficult, because you always have to get over the initial hurdle of what people believe...

After treatment began over a week ago, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed the collection of over 1,000 giant African land...

Invasive giant African land snails that can eat building plaster and stucco, consume hundreds of varieties of plants and carry diseases that affect humans have been detected once again in Florida, where officials say work has begun to eradicate the pests.

An invasive giant African snail that has already had to be eradicated twice in the last 50 years in Florida is back and one county is on high alert.

Back in 2018, the Florida agriculture commissioner described these types of snails as a "triple threat" because of the potential harm to human health, the environment and agriculture.

A Florida missing child alert has been canceled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after a child missing out of Pasco County was found safe.

Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.

Florida officials confirmed the recurrence of an invasive snail species that destroys wildlife and poses serious threats to human health.

Invasive giant African snail found in Florida can carry meningitis, officials warn File photo. Giant African land snail found in Pasco County Map detailing the quarantine area in New Port Richey area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Florida officials warn that the giant African snail can carry the parasite rat lungworm, which is known to cause meningitis in humans. State officials told WFLA that the giant African land snail was previously found in Florida in the late 1960s to mid-1970s. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)©2022 Cox Media Group

Pointing to a need to further brace the state against a potential recession, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued $3.13 billion in vetoes Thursday as he signed...

Ron DeSantis issued $3.13 billion in vetoes Thursday as he signed a record $109.9 billion budget for the fiscal year that will begin July 1. The project will include construction of a wastewater force main extension along State Road A1A to MalaCompra Road, Hammock Community Center, and ultimately Marineland. The Commerce Parkway project is in line for a total of $11.8 million. “The potential is unlimited.”The 1.7-mile expansion of this roadway will connect State Road 100 and U.S. 1 to unlock more than 1,000 acres of property for governmental, industrial, and residential development. DeSantis already approved a tax package that will reduce state and local revenues by $804.3 million during the upcoming fiscal year.

14 Astonishing Facts about Sharks 14 Astonishing Facts about SharksPASCO COUNTY, Fla. — As temperatures rise in Gulf coast waters, shark sightings are on the rise. >> Read more trending newsA Florida sheriff’s office, mindful of the many residents and tourists who will be flocking to the beaches, had words of caution -- be careful. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s Aviation Unit spotted what appeared to be dozens of sharks swimming near the Anclote sandbar and Anclote Island near Tarpon Springs earlier this week, WFLA-TV reported. The sharks in the video are likely blacktip sharks, WTVJ reported. Never leave children unattended in or near water.

Officials say a teacher was struck by a vehicle and trapped underneath it outside a Tampa Bay area school.

A man has been charged with second-degree murder in the case of a missing Florida woman who disappeared a week ago.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a missing child alert for a 17-year-old girl out of Pasco County.

Snowcat Ridge, Florida’s first snow park, will have two new attractions for the 2021 season.

A Florida sheriff is sending letters to people with criminal histories offering help to get on a better path.

Snowcat Ridge, Florida’s first snow park, will have two new attractions for the 2021 season.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a teenager has died from injuries suffered when she fell from an all-terrain vehicle carrying four young girls.

A Florida woman wearing almost no clothing was arrested Saturday after leading troopers on a high-speed chase through several counties in a stolen car, authorities said.

A Florida school district and the local sheriff’s officers have agreed that resource officers will no longer have access to student data that is used as a warning for ‘at-risk' students.

A Florida missing child alert has been issued for a 17-year-old Pasco County girl who hasn’t been seen since Friday.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 11-year-old girl from Pasco County.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Two men were injured and a horse was killed Wednesday night when a car struck a carriage on a Florida road, according to troopers. The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 9:20 p.m. on Bowman Road near Milestone Drive in Pasco County. AdThe horse died at the crash site, and the operator and a carriage passenger, a 39-year-old Spring Hill man, were taken to a hospital with serious injuries, according to the FHP. The driver of the car, a 19-year-old Brooksville woman, was not injured, according to an FHP report. The operator of the horse-drawn carriage was cited for not having tail lights on the carriage, troopers said.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – An Orlando man could face charges for his involvement in a crash with a Tampa Police cruiser, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the 34-year-old was driving north on I-75 Sunday morning when he improperly stopped in the road. AdThe Orlando man and a passenger in his car, a 37-year-old man, suffered minor injuries in the wreck, troopers said. No one else was injured. Investigators believe the 34-year-old may have been impaired behind the wheel and charges against him are pending.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida missing child alert has been issued for a 15-year-old Pasco County boy who went missing Friday. Cody Almengor-Gatica was last seen in the area of Bridgewater Court in New Port Richey wearing a white hoodie and gray jean shorts. New Port Richey police said he is considered missing and endangered. Further details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance haven’t been released. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the New Port Richey Police Department at 727-841-4550.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Walgreens will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations at two locations in Ocala this week. These will be the first Walgreens locations in Central Florida to offer the shots. The governor announced the first Walgreens locations to begin offering the vaccine Wednesday, during a news conference in Pasco County, where two locations began offering shots Friday. DeSantis said he is looking to get more Walgreens locations involved in vaccination, along with competing pharmacy chain CVS. “We’re going to be doing more with both Walgreens and with CVS, because I think it’s close to a lot of people.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – In an effort to bring more coronavirus vaccine to Florida’s elderly population, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that a vaccine pod will be stationed in a retirement community in Polk County. The temporary vaccine site would be stationed in Winter Haven at Four Lakes Golf Club Retirement Community, a mobile home park. DeSantis made the announcement during a news conference Wednesday morning in Pasco County, where a similar vaccination site opened. As of Tuesday, data from the Florida Department of Health show 36,685 have been fully vaccinated within Polk County.

Records show 22-year-old Matthew Leatham, of Hudson, called 911 four times between 3:17 a.m. and 4:22 a.m. Sunday to ask for a ride home. [TRENDING: How to get a vaccine in Fla. | Wanted: Man accused of shooting at detective | Cops: Fla. man decapitated hamster]Ad“I’m trying to find a ride home. I (expletive) up, I’m trying to find a (expletive) ride home,” Leatham said in the first call. It’s only letting me call this number so I figured (expletive) I’ll call this number and I’ll pick up a Lyft,” Leatham said. I ain’t able to call a taxi, I’m trying to call a taxi,” Leatham said.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Residents in Pasco County are watching a bad situation get worse as a sinkhole continues to grow. The hole first opened up on Jan. 7 outside a popular sports bar in New Port Richey. A company filled the hole to prevent further growth, but it didn’t work and the hole is now about 50 feet wide. Because the hole is on private land, the property owner is now working with a contractor to fill and repair the hole again.

click to enlarge Screen capture courtesy Pasco County Fire Rescue/FacebookThe Pasco mystery hole in Oct. 2020, more innocent timesDEVELOPING: A large hole has opened near Varsity Club Sports Bar in New Port Richey. Back in October, a 130-foot-deep depression formed in the same area.https://t.co/mgSnco7tvs📷: Sky 10 pic.twitter.com/QPTeZTBuQf — 10 Tampa Bay (@10TampaBay) January 14, 2021Once again, Pasco County’s insatiable giant hole has returned.Pasco County Emergency Management says a menacing sinkhole near Spring Haven Boulevard in New Port Richey has reopened, and it’s grown about another four feet.The hole, which is now 50 feet wide and 130 feet deep, was previously labeled as a "depression" (ha) when it initially opened in early October alongside the privately owned Varsity Club Sports Bar.On Jan. 7, a sinkhole repair company attempted to fill it in, but just days later material started to collapse back into the hole. County officials are now monitoring the area and one southbound lane of Little Road remains closed.In the meantime, WTSP dispatched their news chopper to inspect the hole.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – What would you do if you were walking and found a bald eagle struggling to stay alive? Well, some children in Pasco County are being praised after rescuing a bald eagle and taking it to someone who could help. Once crews took a look, they noticed that the eagle had a fishing hook stuck in its beak and fishing line wrapped around its wings. #GoodNews: Pasco County Fire Rescue assists with the rescue of a Bald Eagle wrapped in a fishing line. Experts say that if you find an injured eagle, you should call authorities immediately.

A fire early Thursday killed as many as 240,000 chickens at a Florida farm operated by one of the nation's largest egg producers. The Pasco County fire department reports that three barns each containing up to 80,000 chickens each caught fire at the plant operated by Mississippi-based Cal-Maine. A fire early Thursday killed as many as 240,000 chickens at a Florida farm operated by Mississippi-based Cal-Maine. The farm, one of many Cal-Maine operates, is about 40 miles north of Tampa. The company has more than 50 million chickens nationally and sells over a billion eggs annually, about 20% of the country's production.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A fire early Thursday killed an estimated 250,000 chickens at a Florida farm operated by one of the nation’s largest egg producers. According to Pasco Fire Rescue, crews were called around 12:30 a.m. Thursday for a two-alarm fire at Cal-Maine Foods at 41040 Simpson Farm Lane. The company says on its website that it is the largest producer and distributor of shell eggs in the United States. The farm, one of many Cal-Maine operates, is about 40 miles north of Tampa. The company has more than 50 million chickens nationally and sells over a billion eggs annually, about 20% of the country’s production.

One day after being shut down for health and safety violations, Florida’s first snow park has been given the go ahead to reopen Friday afternoon. Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park located in Dade City first reported the shutdown on its Facebook page on Dec. 10 after a Pasco county inspector discovered fire, building, electrical and plumbing violations. Inspectors issued violations to the snow park concerning its use of temporarily modified shipping containers in the Alpine Village, the company said. Full Screen 1 / 11 Pasco County Government has temporarily shut down the Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City. “Our team worked all day yesterday and through the night to come to a resolution on these issues with Pasco County.

Dade City, Fla – Less than a month after opening, Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park has closed its doors after a Pasco county inspector discovered fire, building, electrical and plumbing violations. The park has not requested any inspections for the other outstanding permits” government officials explained. Full Screen 1 / 11 Pasco County Government has temporarily shut down the Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City. Snowcat Ridge officials said they weren’t provided any documentation or written explanation of the violations. “Further, Pasco County has failed to recognize our State of Florida amusement ride approvals and will not allow us to open Snowy Slopes,” the Facebook comment went on to explain.

click to enlarge Photo via Snowcat Ridge | FacebookLess than a month after opening, authorities have now revoked the permit for Florida’s first snow park, Snowcat Ridge. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reached out to Pasco County officials who confirmed that the park was temporarily shut down for permit violations. From Pasco County:Pasco County became aware November 25 that Snowcat Ridge was operating in unsafe structures, without required permits, inspections or a certificate of occupancy. It’s been a rough opening month for the Dade City snow park. Snowcat Ridge opened on Nov. 20 and had to temporarily close its Arctic Igloo attraction just four days later because it didn’t have enough snow to accommodate guests.

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Clearwater Marine Aquarium is about to celebrate the rescue anniversaries of some of its most famous dolphins, Winter and Hope. [TRENDING: This woman received the first COVID-19 vaccine | Judge scolds theme park trespasser | Chuck Yeager dies at 97]To celebrate both rescue anniversaries, the aquarium is hosting an event called Rescue Days. Talk to members of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescue team and check out one of our rescue vehicles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Foster families can enjoy a socially distanced behind-the-scenes tour prior to the aquarium opening to guests. Meet with dogs from the SPCA Tampa Bay from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. (Clearwater Marine Aquarium)Click here to learn about the event and to learn more about the aquariums health and safety guidelines that are in place.

click image Screen capture courtesy Pasco County Fire Rescue/FacebookA giant hole in Pasco County is active and continues to grow.Yesterday, the reported the hole , which is on Spring Haven Boulevard near Little Road, was nearly 30 feet in diameter and nine feet deep. However, as of 2 p.m. Thursday, the hole had grown to 38 feet in diameter and 70 feet deep, according to a statement from Pasco County.Spring Haven Boulevard and nearby Varsity Club Sports Bar, located at 3523 Little Road, are currently closed.The county was first notified of the hole Monday morning. Since then, county workers have made visits to the site multiple times per day to monitor changes to the depression.Pasco County officials say there are no life-safety concerns currently.The hole is located on the private property of Varsity Club Sports Bar and the Spring Haven Homeowners Association. They have hired an engineering firm to manage what's possibly a sinkhole, but the actual nature of the hole will have to be determined by a private contractor.The United States Geology Survey defines a sinkhole as “a depression in the ground that has no natural external surface drainage.” This means that when it rains, all the water remains inside of the hole. This could cause a sudden collapse of land above the depression.In the meantime, Pasco County has put up a chain-link fence around the depression and encourages residents to avoid the area.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Authorities are searching for a Florida man accused of attacking his wife on Interstate 75 and pushing her into the path of an oncoming semi-truck. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 45-year-old James Morgan, of Summerfield, attacked his wife Thursday morning after the pickup truck they were in almost crashed from a tire blowout as they traveled on I-75 in Pasco County, north of Tampa. He headbutted her and punched her several times before pushing her into the path of an oncoming truck on the interstate, according to a troopers report. Officials couldn't find him after a search of the area by troopers and Pasco County Sheriff's deputies. The Florida Highway Patrol was granted a warrant for Morgans arrest for attempted murder and the search for him continues.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida missing child alert has been issued for a 3-year-old boy who may be with a 46-year-old man, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He was wearing a gray and black shirt with “Momma’s Boy” written on it and white Converse sneakers. Authorities said the child may be traveling with 46-year-old Peter Rodriguez in a 2001 beige Oldsmobile Aurora bearing Florida license plate number NLGV96. Jaxcen Rodriguez is 3 feet tall and has black hair and brown eyes. Peter Rodriguez is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and has black hair and brown eyes.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – UPDATE: A 6-year-old Florida girl was located safe after she was reported missing. EARLIER REPORT:A missing child alert has been issued for a 6-year-old Florida girl who may be with a 39-year-old woman, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The child is believed to be traveling with 39-year-old Ashley Norsworthy in a 2017 gray Toyota Rav4 bearing license plate number 846LFD. Padilla has brown hair, hazel eyes and is 3 feet, 4 inches tall. Norsworthy has brown hair, brown eyes and is 5 feet, 5 inches tall.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that left a man dead and a woman in critical condition. According to authorities, a Sedan and SUV were driving north on US-19 just south of Meridian Boulevard. Troopers said the sedan overtook the road and collided with the rear end of the SUV. According to a news release, the passenger suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital. Officials said the driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries.

HOLIDAY, Fla. – An Amber Alert was canceled Monday morning after a missing 9-year-old Florida boy was found safe, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued the alert for Michael Morris earlier in the day after he was reported missing in Holiday. Deputies said Haralampos Savopoulos, 50, was taken into police custody. “Michael Morris has been located and is safe,” deputies said. “We are very grateful to everyone who shared these posts and provided information.”Details about the boy’s apparent abduction have not been released.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A truck driver drove off after six cows fell off the livestock trailer they were towing and onto a Florida highway Tuesday morning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident happened on Interstate 75 near State Road 52 in Pasco County around 10:45 a.m. Troopers said three cows died and the other three were injured. The road was closed until 1 p.m. as authorities worked to gather the bovines. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call FHP at 813-558-1800.

The Florida Department of Health announced late Tuesday eight new positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. The new cases are, according to the state health department:A 68-year old male in Nassau County has been identified as positive. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.

The Florida Department of Health announced late Tuesday eight new positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. The new cases are, according to the state health department:A 68-year old male in Nassau County has been identified as positive. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.

The Florida Department of Health announced late Tuesday eight new positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. The new cases are, according to the state health department:A 68-year old male in Nassau County has been identified as positive. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. This person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.

MIAMI – The FBI has joined the search for a newborn baby who disappeared after his mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were fatally shot in South Florida, official said. FBI spokesman Michael Leverock confirmed the agency is assisting in the case, the Miami Herald reported Monday. Andrew Caballeiro was a week old when his father, Ernesto Caballeiro, 49, kidnapped him last month, Miami-Dade police said. A short time later, police found the bodies of Arlety García Valdés, 40; Isabel Valdés González, 60; and Lina González Licor, 84. “Our detectives are still following all the leads they have in the case," Miami-Dade police Detective Ángel Rodríguez said.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – There is no evidence that a missing newborn at the heart of a Florida Amber Alert was with his father when the man was found dead in Pasco County, sheriff’s officials said. Authorities on Thursday continue to search for Andrew Caballeiro, who was reported missing after a triple homicide at a South Florida home earlier this week. Authorities said it’s believed Ernesto Caballeiro traveled along Florida’s west coast from the Miami area to Pasco County. “We urge anyone along this route to report any sightings or information to their local law enforcement,” sheriff’s officials said. “On behalf of the half a million residents of Pasco County, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Andrew Caballeiro,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The man at the center of an Amber Alert issued for an infant Tuesday was found dead a day after three women were found shot to death inside a South Florida home, according to authorities in Pasco County. Police said Andrew was believed to be with his 49-year-old father, who police identified as Ernesto Caballeiro, according to News 6 partner WPLG-TV in Miami. Ernesto Caballeiro was later found dead Wednesday afternoon in Pasco County but the infant remains missing, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies said they found the van in a rural area near Blanton with a man, matching Ernesto Caballeiro’s description, dead inside the vehicle. Miami-Dade County property records show Ernesto Caballeiro has owned the four-bedroom home, at 21981 SW 187 Ave., since 2005.

Just days before the end of 2019, Florida had received reports of nearly 3,400 hepatitis A cases during the year. The 3,395 cases reported as of Saturday included 63 newly reported cases during the prior week.As an indication of the extent of the outbreak in 2019, Florida totaled 1,175 reported cases of hepatitis A in the five previous years combined with 548 of those cases in 2018, according to state Department of Health data Hepatitis A can cause liver damage and is spread through such things as fecal matter. It was followed by Pinellas County, with 377 cases; Volusia County, with 310 cases; Orange County, with 196 cases; Brevard County, with 168 cases; Hillsborough County, with 167 cases; Lake County, with 158 cases; Marion County, with 150 cases; Manatee County, with 138 cases; Sarasota County, with 118 cases; Hernando County, with 117 cases; Citrus County, with 115 cases; and Lee County, with 105 cases. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

TAVARES, Fla. – A woman who went missing Saturday prompting a silver alert to be issued was located in Pasco County, officials said. According to authorities, Sarah Ellen Brian was involved in a car accident in Odessa and was transported to the hospital in good condition. Deputies were searching for 80-year-old Brian, who left her home at 26637 Cayman Drive in Tavares at 9 a.m. Saturday and hadn’t been seen or heard from since. Brian suffers from dementia and is on medication, deputies said.

Robert Wayne Miller of Zephyrhills was arrested Sunday around 9 p.m. for disturbing the peace with his lawn mower, according to a Pasco County complaint affidavit. Robert Wayne Miller of Zephyrhills was arrested Sunday around 9 p.m. for disturbing the peace with his lawn mower, according to a Pasco County complaint affidavit. For disturbing the peace. ODonnell said. Ive had your neighbor there come out and tell me she cant take it anymore, Ive had that neighbor, Ive had that neighbor, Ive had that neighbor; Ive had four people come out and tell me that they cant take it anymore.Whatever, Miller replied. Then he went back and turned on his lawn mower again.

Nicholas Robert Godfrey, an 18-year-old Pasco County high school student, was arrested and charged Friday for allegedly attempting to take a hit out on one of the staff members at Fivay High School. But the 18-year-old student of Fivay High School in Pasco County is charged with attempting to solicit and conspiring to commit murder. During a Friday press conference, Sheriff Chris Nocco said the messages showed Godfrey was trying to find someone to kill an employee of his high school. That happened during a "non-custodial" interview with Pasco County investigators. He does not have an attorney listed with the Pasco County Clerk.

HUDSON, Fla. - Authorities say a Florida teen offered $100,000 for someone to kill a staff member at his high school. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced during a news conference Friday that deputies arrested 18-year-old Nicholas Godfrey and charged him with solicitation to attempt murder. Investigators say Godfrey offered the money to another student to kill a Fivay High School staff member. Deputies say Godfrey made the request through Instagram, and authorities were able to trace to account to Godfrey's home. The arresting deputy says Godfrey admitted to sending the messages but claimed he was joking.

click to enlarge The gloves are not optional; photo via Adobe StockImage via floridahealth.govclick to enlarge Get vaccinated for hepatitis A if you could come in contact. Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and can be deadly. It is spread through such things as food or drinks that have been contaminated with fecal matter from people with hepatitis A, or from close contact with infected people. Rivkees goal is to vaccinate 80 percent of the at-risk populations, or about 392,000 people. The latest data shows that 243,905 people have been vaccinated in 2019.

PCSO/Getty Images(CNN) - Stacey Dash entered a written plea of not guilty Wednesday on a domestic battery charge, according to documents filed in Pasco County Circuit Court. The actress and former political pundit was arrested Sunday after allegedly slapping and pushing her husband during an argument at a home in New Port Richey, Florida, the court documents state. Her husband's name was redacted in an incident report obtained by CNN. She posted bail and was released on Monday morning, according to a spokesperson for the Pasco County Sheriff. A public defender was appointed to represent her after she told the court that she couldn't afford to hire her own attorney, the court documents said.

Another 64 cases of hepatitis A were reported to the state last week, bringing the total number of reported cases this year to 2,609, according to state data as of Saturday. Citrus County had nine new reported cases last week, the largest number in the state, a News Service of Florida analysis shows. Volusia County had the second-highest number of newly reported cases with seven, bringing its total number of reported cases to 236. Pinellas County had five newly reported cases, bringing its total this year to 363. Flagler County saw an increase of just one case since the previous week, to a total of nine.

Zephyrhills bus driver Jay Heilman wanted to tell people life was like as a public school bus driver, and he did it to the tune of "Old Town Road." The hit song, originally recorded by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, talks about going down an old town road, a lyric Heilman said he related to as he traveled down Richland Road, which inspired his remix. "I kept hearing the kids on my bus singing this song called 'Old Town Road' and that’s when I jokingly came up with the chorus of the song." The music video makes sure to thank all of the bus drivers, assistants, mechanics and transportation staff that makes busing students to school possible. "As a member of public school transportation, the job can often times be a thankless one," Heilman posted.

click to enlarge Photo via Pasco County Sheriff's Office/FacebookA massive alligator was removed from a popular swimming area in Pasco County after authorities say it was aggressively chasing people.According to a Facebook post from the Pasco Sheriff's Office, a 15-foot gator was chasing swimmers in the Pithlachascotee River, near Durney Key last Saturday.The gator was promptly reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and captured with the help of a nuisance wildlife trapper and PSO Maritime Operations Deputies.The Sheriff's Office says there were no injuries and the gator was transported to a safe location by the trapper. However, its worth mentioning that most nuisance gators in Florida are rarely relocated because they often try to return to their capture site. In other words, no one wants a 15-foot angry gator traveling through parking lots, backyards and swimming pools. So, in all likelihood, this beefy boy was relocated to a deep fryer.According to the FWC, Florida currently has 1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties.

The number of hepatitis A cases continue to rise in Volusia County and statewide, according to the Florida Department of Health. Statewide there are 1,811 cases over three times the number of cases reported in all of 2018. [READ MORE: Hepatitis A cases skyrocket in Volusia County to 4th highest in Florida]What is it? According to the state department of health, hepatitis A can be spread through food or drink that has been contaminated with fecal matter from those infected. Hepatitis A outbreaks at the Volusia County Branch Jail have forced four or five quarantines at the facility in the past six weeks.

The number of hepatitis A cases continue to rise in Volusia County and statewide, according to the Florida Department of Health. The most recent data through July 6 shows Volusia has the third-highest number of cases in the state with 153, falling behind only Pasco County with 347 and Pinellas County with 303. Statewide there are 1,811 cases over three times the number of cases reported in all of 2018. [READ MORE: Hepatitis A cases skyrocket in Volusia County to 4th highest in Florida]What is it? Hepatitis A outbreaks at the Volusia County Branch Jail have forced four or five quarantines at the facility in the past six weeks.

Buyer plans to develop the 4-acre property into a mixed-use residential and commercial development. Silver Springs Development Co. LLC of Dade City bought the property on June 14 for more than $4.5 million from the SunTrust subsidiary, Southeast STB Portfolio LLC, according to Marion County property records. "I think the momentum downtown is drawing more people downtown. The Florida Division of Corporations lists Silver Springs Management LLC as the parent entity for Silver Springs Development Co. Bobby Genovese, through BG Capital Management South Florida LLC, owned a company by the same Silver Springs Management name, which dissolved in March. Comer said Silver Springs Development Co. has no ties to Genovese.