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Jordanian man charged with threatening to use explosives and destroying energy facility
ORLANDO, Florida - A Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando has been charged with multiple counts of threatening to use explosives and destruction of an energy facility, according to court documents. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, faces four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial. "We allege that the defendant threatened to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by a desire to target businesses for their perceived support of Israel," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Such acts...
Suspected murder-suicide under investigation in Tampa
TAMPA, Florida - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspected murder-suicide that occurred in a parking lot at HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital. On August 14, 2024, at 6:37 p.m., the HCSO Communications Center received a call regarding two possible deceased individuals at 6001 Webb Road. Deputies arrived on the scene to find a woman with gunshot wounds and an adult male with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Authorities believe this is an isolated incident with no threat to the general public. The investigation is ongoing, and the Public Affairs Office will provide further updates as they become available.
Tampa man found guilty of fraud and theft of government property
TAMPA, Florida - A federal jury has found Kellis Dion Jackson, 63, of Pinellas Park, guilty of making a false statement to a federal agency, theft of government property, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number. Jackson, also known as Chandler Dante Alexander, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Jackson stole Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration while on federal supervision for prior offenses. Before...
Fort Pierce city manager arrested for bid tampering and misconduct
FORT PIERCE, Florida - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Nicholas C. Mimms, 51, on charges of bid tampering and official misconduct. Mimms, who has served as the Fort Pierce City Manager since 2015, was implicated following a complaint about inappropriate conduct related to a request for proposal (RFP) for developing surplus property in the Lincoln Park downtown corridor. The property, consisting of two blighted vacant lots, is owned by the City of Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency. During a two-year investigation, FDLE agents discovered that Mimms initiated the process to declare the lots as surplus and then rigged...
Tampa man indicted for possessing firearm as convicted felon, faces up to 15 years in prison
TAMPA, Florida - A 29-year-old Tampa man has been indicted for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney's Office. Brandon Palmore faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted. The indictment also states that the United States intends to forfeit a Sig Sauer handgun and assorted ammunition allegedly used in the offense. According to the indictment, on December 1, 2023, Palmore, who had previous felony convictions including shooting at, within, or into a vehicle, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, was found in possession of a Sig Sauer handgun...
Brooksville man pleads guilty to possessing firearm as convicted felon
TAMPA, Florida - James Hilligardt, a 21-year-old from Brooksville, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office. Hilligardt faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, with a sentencing date yet to be set. Court documents reveal that on January 23, 2024, Hilligardt shot himself in the leg while live streaming on social media. Deputies from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and found him in possession of a sawed-off shotgun. The investigation uncovered that Hilligardt had repeatedly posted images of...
Fentanyl, meth, guns, and money found during search warrant in Freeport; three facing felony charges
WALTON COUNTY, Florida - A VICE/Narcotics search warrant has led to the arrest of three individuals in Freeport who now face felony drug charges. Thursday morning, Walton County Sheriff's Office VICE/Narcotics Unit, in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, executed a search warrant that was the result of a joint investigation into Adam Hill, 46, of 532 Piney Point Road. During the search of the residence, methamphetamine was located throughout the house, along with $5,062, two handguns and ammunition, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. The paraphernalia included scales, various concealment items, a money counter, and pipes, according...
Tallahassee police to intensify crackdown on speeding and aggressive driving
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is ramping up efforts to make roadways safer by addressing speeding and aggressive driving behaviors. Over the next few weeks, TPD will conduct extensive operations focused on curbing these dangerous driving habits, which can contribute to traffic crashes leading to injury or death. This initiative is part of TPD's ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety of all who travel throughout Tallahassee, from drivers and passengers to pedestrians and cyclists. Aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and unsafe lane changes put everyone at risk and can lead to tragic...
Cape Coral man arrested with 81.7 grams of fentanyl after traffic stop
CAPE CORAL, Florida - A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a Punta Gorda man after police discovered a significant amount of fentanyl in his vehicle. On August 12, 2024, at approximately 9:40 PM, a patrol officer from the Cape Coral Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a white Audi near the 300 block of Cape Coral Parkway E due to an equipment violation. The driver was identified as 54-year-old Javario Anton Barron, of Punta Gorda, Florida. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana and observed smoke inside the car, along...
Tampa opens application window for e-bike vouchers
TAMPA, Florida - The application window for Tampa's e-Bike Voucher Program opens tomorrow, Friday, August 16 at 8 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. on August 30. A total of 108 vouchers will be available for City of Tampa residents aged 18 and up, according to a press release from the city's Transportation and Stormwater Services department. Applicants who applied in the spring but were not selected will be automatically rolled into this application cycle. The program offers $1,000 standard vouchers and $2,000 and $3,000 vouchers for low and very low-income residents. Recipients will be chosen randomly through a lottery-style drawing and can redeem their voucher at one of five participating bike shops. Both Class 1 and Class 2 (throttle-assisted) e-bikes are eligible for vouchers. Earlier this year, 112 e-bike vouchers were redeemed through the program, stated the press release.
Tampas Parks and Recreation After School Program Opens Slots for 300 More Students
TAMPA, Florida - The Parks and Recreation Department in Tampa has announced that its After School Program has availability for over 300 additional students for the 2024-25 school year. "The After School Program is a fantastic free resource for all families," said Parks and Recreation Manager Regina McBride Smith, who oversees activities at 16 centers, including Cyrus Greene. Each student will need a Rec Card, which costs $15 annually per student. The program, available at 24 recreation and community centers across Tampa, offers homework assistance, computer labs with WiFi access, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games and activities, and sports for children aged 5-12. Many centers also provide programming for students aged 13-17, and parents are encouraged to call the centers to inquire about availability. Teen Rec Cards are free. Some specialized programs after school may require an additional fee. More than 1,200 children aged 5-12 are already registered, according to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Tampa concludes Hurricane Debby vegetative debris collection
TAMPA, Florida - The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department will conclude the collection of vegetative storm debris on August 23, 2024. Residents are urged to place their hurricane vegetative debris curbside as soon as possible. The debris will be collected on the customer's designated yard waste collection day, according to a press release from the City of Tampa Solid Waste Department. To ensure a smooth and efficient collection process, residents are asked to follow these guidelines: Curbside Collection: Leave vegetative storm debris at the curb until it is collected.Preparation: Place vegetative storm debris curbside in a pile or in...
Valrico man arrested for 100 counts of child pornography
VALRICO, Florida - A Valrico man has been arrested for 100 counts of child pornography, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. On August 13, 2024, at approximately 6 a.m., detectives with the Internet Predator Unit of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Falkirk Avenue in Valrico. The search was conducted based on information indicating that an individual at this address was in possession of child pornography. Following a thorough investigation, Dale Uvino, a 43-year-old resident of Valrico, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography involving 10 or more images and content of images, totaling 100 counts. "We condemn the vile and despicable actions of this individual. This behavior is reprehensible and has no place in our community," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "However, I am profoundly grateful for the dedicated efforts of our Internet Predator Unit detectives, whose tireless work and commitment to justice have played a crucial role in the arrest of this offender." The investigation is ongoing, and any further information will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
Florida man arrested for defrauding high school of over $300,000
WAUCHULA, Florida - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Elvis Raymond Gray, 52, of Wauchula, on one count of Scheme to Defraud $50,000 or more, a felony. FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said, "The thorough and diligent work of our agents and analysts is the best example of service and integrity that we can give to the youth and staff who were affected by this person's self-serving actions." The investigation began when the Hardee County Sheriff's Office contacted FDLE about the misappropriation of funds at Hardee High School. The complaint alleged that Gray,...
Walton County Fire Rescue Cadet Program Receives Official Post Number
WALTON COUNTY, Florida - Walton County Fire Rescue has announced that its newly launched Fire Cadet Program has been officially designated as WCFR Cadet Post 850. The number 850 was chosen to represent all counties in the Florida Panhandle, according to a press release from Walton County Fire Rescue. Additionally, Battalion Chief Thomas McElyea has been named the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Fire Cadets Northwest Florida Regional Coordinator. The Fire Cadet program aims to provide young men and women considering a career in fire rescue and emergency services with practical training and experience through education, community involvement, and public service. "We are so excited to see where this program leads!" stated the press release. For more information or to apply, visit https://waltonso.org/walton-county-fire-rescue-cadet-program/.
Cape Coral police issue 35 citations in distracted driving crackdown
CAPE CORAL, Florida - The Cape Coral Police Department conducted a citywide traffic saturation operation on August 12, 2024, targeting distracted driving. The operation, named "Operation Eyes on the Road," resulted in thirty-five citations. The operation ran from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and included a total of 37 traffic stops. Officers issued 20 speed citations, 31 moving citations, and 4 non-moving citations. Additionally, there were 11 citations for violating traffic control or signal devices. No citations were issued for seatbelt violations, open containers, or .02 violations. There were also no DUI or other arrests made during the operation. The initiative was funded by a sub-grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the city currently ranks 4th out of 38 agencies in Florida for traffic fatalities and serious injuries related to distracted driving. To improve traffic safety, the department has partnered with FDOT's Traffic Safety Office to implement additional enforcement and education measures through saturation patrols.
Drivers reminded to stop for school buses in Hernando County
BROOKSVILLE, Florida - The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is urging drivers to adhere to traffic laws regarding school buses to ensure the safety of children.According to the Sheriff's Office, any person operating a vehicle on state roads must stop when approaching a school bus displaying a stop signal. The vehicle must remain stopped until the signal is withdrawn. Violating this law constitutes a moving violation, punishable under chapter 318.Drivers passing a school bus on the side where children enter and exit while the bus displays a stop signal face a mandatory hearing under section 318.19. However, vehicles on a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least five feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier are not required to stop when traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus.The Sheriff's Office also noted that school buses must stop as far to the right of the street as possible and display warning lights and stop signals before discharging or loading passengers. Buses should avoid stopping where visibility is obscured for a distance of 200 feet in either direction.
Tarpon Springs man arrested on 20 counts of child pornography possession
TARPON SPRINGS, Florida - Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a local man on multiple counts of child pornography possession. Samuel Pedraza-Garcia, a 26-year-old resident of Tarpon Springs, was identified as the suspect after detectives received information about child pornography being accessed and shared online. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the videos involved children aged between two and thirteen years old. Pedraza-Garcia, who resides at 205 North Grosse Avenue #2, was arrested on August 13, 2024, and charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography. He was subsequently transported to the Pinellas County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
FDLE engages with community during National Night Out events
TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents, analysts, and Special Operations Team (SOT) members participated in various National Night Out events last week. WATCH: National Night Out Events The events, held in collaboration with Gulf Coast State College, Margate Police Department, Broward Sheriff's Office, and Biscayne Park Police Department, provided an opportunity for FDLE to connect with the community. FDLE representatives shared safety information with parents and teenagers and displayed FDLE-issued equipment, according to a press release from the department.FDLE continues to work with law enforcement partners to ensure community safety.
Executives and former Philippine election official indicted in bribery and money laundering scheme
MIAMI, Florida - A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has indicted three executives of an election voting machine and service provider company, along with a former Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the Republic of the Philippines, for their alleged involvement in a bribery and money laundering scheme tied to the 2016 Philippine elections. According to the indictment, between 2015 and 2018, Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez, 49, a Venezuelan citizen and resident of Boca Raton, Florida, and Jorge Miguel Vasquez, 62, a U.S. citizen and resident of Davie, Florida, allegedly orchestrated the payment of...
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