Floral City
LATEST NEWS
Unlicensed driver arrested on DUI charge after overturning truck
An unlicensed driver was arrested on a drunk driving charge after crashing a truck into a guardrail. Hugo Leonel Caal De Los Santos, 36, of Bushnell, was driving a white 2022 Ford F-250 pickup at 10:42 p.m. Wednesday westbound on County Road 48 east of County Road 319 when he failed to navigate a left curve and collided with a guardrail, according to an accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol. The truck rolled onto its right side and then onto its roof. The crash caused the vehicle’s airbag to deploy.
Leesburg father stuck babysitting attacks wife who went out with friends
A Leesburg man was arrested Wednesday on a warrant issued for allegedly punching and strangling his wife for going out with friends while he babysat. On Aug. 11, officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded to an undisclosed Lake County apartment regarding a battery, according to an affidavit of probable cause out of Lake County. They arrived and met with the female victim who advised that 40-year-old James Earl Beasley, her current husband and father to their child, battered her. He became upset that she went out with some friends while he stayed home watching their child.
Jealous man allegedly assaults former co-worker at Walmart in Leesburg
A Leesburg man was arrested last week for assaulting an ex-coworker inside Walmart and damaging his vehicle because of a suspected relationship with his girlfriend. On the evening of May 15, the male victim was shopping at Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Boulevard in Leesburg, according to an affidavit of probable cause out of Lake County. He reported to the Leesburg Police Department that he was confronted by an ex-coworker, later identified as 37-year-old Jaredd Isaac Pitts.
Pasco County deputies investigating shooting between roommates in Wesley Chapel
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County deputies are now investigating a shooting after an apparent argument between roommates in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release. Deputies responded to the report of the shooting in the Thackery Way area and determined a heated argument might have sparked gunfire between the three men, the release said.
Busch Gardens Confirms Permanent Closure in September, Offers Guests a Chance To Say Goodbye
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed some sad news today. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort may steal most of the attention in Florida, but Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the OGs of the state’s theme park scene. Years before Walt Disney started scouting out land for his next project, the park opened in 1959 as a simple brewery tour offering free beer samples, the park was originally called “The Dark Continent” and was designed to give visitors a taste of Africa through animal exhibits and gardens.
Bay Area designer makes waves in fashion industry while overcoming autism challenges
TAMPA, Fla. - A designer from the Tampa Bay area is making waves in the fashion industry, receiving national accolades while overcoming the challenges of autism. An outfit designed by Aarushi Pratap, 23, is being worn this week by Allison Redman, who holds the title of Miss Florida for America and is competing in a national pageant in Las Vegas.
“Balanced” Eagles Confident Heading into New District
Coach Hynes stated that the team’s hard-fought spring jamboree, in which they ultimately fell 28-17 to the South Sumter Raiders, can serve as “a launching pad” for the season. As Coach Garofano had noted to the Sun’s Chris Bernhardt after the May matchup, “I think this will...
Bay Area animal rescues struggling to stay afloat amid rising vet bills and spike in strays
PALM HARBOR, Fla. - The Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor had to pause animal intakes for the first time in its 18 years of existence. "We’ve always prided ourselves on when an animal comes to us, and it needs something, no matter what that something is, we provide it to them," said Rick Chaboudy, Executive Director of the Suncoast Animal League.
Bern’s Steak House has a NEW food truck. Here’s where to find it…
No reservations needed…(but, you will need a game day ticket.) Bern’s Steak House is debuting it’s first-ever food truck, and you can give it a taste the next time you attend a Tampa Bay Sun FC game at the Riverfront Stadium in downtown Tampa. But why a food truck now, and why at the Tampa...
11.1 million gallons of partially treated wastewater flow into Stevenson Creek in Clearwater: Officials
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Heavy rain in a short amount of time overwhelmed a Clearwater wastewater plant on Thursday, leading to millions of gallons of partially treated water flowing into Stevenson Creek. On Friday, the city of Clearwater reported that about 11.1 million gallons of partially treated sewage flowed into the...
Serious crash with injuries causes major traffic delays on I-4 in Lakeland
LAKELAND, Fla. — A serious crash involving injuries caused traffic to back up Saturday afternoon on eastbound I-4 in Lakeland, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The crash partially blocked the eastbound lanes near mile marker 36, Florida Highway Patrol said. Little is known about the crash at this time, but cameras show traffic appears to be moving again as of 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Motorcyclist killed after colliding with driver making U-turn in Lakeland, deputies say
LAKELAND, Fla. - A 44-year-old Mulberry man died after a crash in north Lakeland on Friday night, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Officials say 33-year-old Shannon Lally of Polk City was driving a black 2001 Mustang around 6:20 p.m. Lally had just picked up her daughter at the school bus stop on Melody Lane at the intersection with Deen Still Road and was headed home, according to deputies.
Florida man booked into jail for the 75th time following Lowe's barcode scam
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A 57-year-old man has been apprehended for the 75th time after being accused of abarcode manipulation schemetargeting Lowe's stores in Hillsborough County and Clearwater. "Despite this individual's lengthy criminal history, he still has not learned his lesson. We will not tolerate habitual offenders who...
3 winners (and 2 losers) for Dolphins in preseason finale against Buccaneers
Training camp is over, and now the Miami Dolphins have completed their preseason schedule as well. Some players shined, and others didn't, but there is nothing that can be done now as the Dolphins turn to the tapes from games and practices to trim their roster. Miami didn't play most...
Pickleball player from The Villages headed to National Senior Olympics
Villager Richard Muth celebrated winning a gold medal in men’s pickleball doubles and a silver medal in men’s singles in the Tennessee Senior Olympics. He is now qualified to compete in the National Senior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa in 2025. Share our sports news at news@villages-news.com.
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