Minor injuries In Bradford crash

One person had minor injuries following a March 8 traffic crash on S.R. 16 at C.R. 225 in Bradford County According to the report by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper M.D. Childress, Marcus Miller, 64, of Raiford was driving a 1996 Ford pickup east on C.R. 225, approaching the intersection of S.R. 16. Christian Burns, 39, of Starke was driving a 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000 motorcycle on S.R. 16, also approaching the intersection. Miller did not see Burns and attempted to cross S.R. 16 in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the right side of the pickup and Burns was transported to Shands UF with minor injuries. Damage to the pickup was estimated at $2,500. Damage to the motorcycle was estimated at $3,500. Miller was cited with violation of the right of way. Bradford County Telegraph Starke March 17, 2011

Biker hits wall, dies

TITUSVILLE Biker hits wall, dies A Brevard County man died early Saturday after losing control of his motor­cycle and crashing into a concrete wall. Titusville police said. Salvatore Joseph Cruz, 21. of Mims was riding a 1998 Honda motorcycle west on Harrison Street just after 2 a.m. when he struck the wall. —Anika Myers Palm Orlando Sentinel Orange County

Tavares man dies after hitting trash truck

YALAHA—A 28-year-old Tavares man was killed in a head-on crash with a garbage truck this week on County Road 48, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers said Jamar Chambliss was eastbound his 2004 four-door Buick about 2 p.m. Tuesday For an unknown reason, troopers said, the Buick moved into the westbound lane of the two-lane roadway, striking a Mack garbage truck traveling in the opposite direction head-on near Stone Mountain Road. Troopers said Chambliss was not wearing a seat belt. A passenger, Montea Ellis. 32, of Grand Island, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, troopers said. The garbage-truck driver. 50-year-old Millard Rucker of Ocala, was taken to Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares with minor injuries. Orlando Sentinel Orange County March 26, 2011

Construction worker killed on the turnpike

Digest LAUDERHILL Construction worker killed on the turnpike A construction worker died on Florida's Turnpike Thurs­day after he was struck by a traffic roller, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. It happened shortly after 3:15 p.m. on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes just north of Oakland Park Boulevard, FHP said. Construction workers were in the area as part of the project to widen the turnpike in Broward County Junior St. Auben Pardo, 40, was working in the const ruc­tion zone when a traffic roller backed up and hit him, FHP said. Pardo died at the scene. The traffic roller's operator was identified by FHP as Joey Sneed, 38, of Lauderhill. What caused the traffic roller to strike Pardo was still under investigation Thursday FHP said charges were pending. —The Miami Herald Sun Sentinel Broward County March 25, 2011

3 hurt in crash at port

BROWARD COUNTY 3 hurt in crash at port Three people required hospital treatment after a collision at Port Everglades on Saturday, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. The crash involved a motor coach bus and a truck used for hauling containers at the port. Broward sher­iffs spokeswoman Veda Coleman- Wright said. The accident happened at Eller Drive and Southeast 19th Avenue around 1:46 p.m., she said. Three people were taken to the hospital, but all were thought to have minor injuries. Coleman-Wright said. — Wayne K. Roust Sun Sentinel Broward County March 27, 2011

Bicyclist dies after being hit by vehicle

SARASOTA COUNTY Bicyclist dies after being hit by vehicle An Englewood bicyclist died Friday after being struck by a vehicle in Sarasota County- According to the Flori­da Highway Patrol, Gerald Albert Neuman. 79. was struck on State Road 776 bv a vehicle being driven by Geoffrey Older. 69. of Sarasota. According to the FHP report. Older was acceler­ating in a reckless manner and lost control of the vehicle. Older's vehicle struck the bicyclist, eject­ing Neuman. The vehicle continued to travel, colliding with a stop sign and then a utili­ty pole. ' The FHP reported the crash was not alcohol related and charges are pending. Ft Myers News Press Lee County March 19, 2011

Tractor trailer crash causes traffic delays on Turnpike

Fire rescue workers have cleaned up a fuel spill as a result of a crash involving three tractor-trailers and one car this morning in the southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike near PGA Boulevard. Lanes in both directions are now open after being closed for hours, according to Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue officials. It's the second time in a week that area of the turnpike has been shut down due to a major accident early in the morning. Last week, a tractor trailor was hit by a dump truck and caught on fire, leaving one the drivers with third-degree burns and shutting down the turnpike in either direction well into the afternoon rush hour. Today, around 5:30 a.m., a fuel tank broke off one of the tractor-trailer trucks during the collision spilling about 50 gallons of fuel onto both northbound and southbound lanes of the turnpike. However the spill in the northbound lanes was contained to the shoulder. Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Tim Frith said a series of events unfolded when a truck pulled over on the right southbound shoulder entered the right travel lane in the path of an oncoming UPS truck. The collision broke free a fuel tank on the UPS truck, which then sat in the southbound lanes. Moments later, a red Honda Civic hit the tank and sent it flying into the northbound lanes. A third truck, traveling northbound, tried to avoid the tank and jackknifed. Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue Chief Keith Bryer said that although one of the trucks had a "corrosive" placard, it doesn't seem to have spilled onto the roadway. The driver of one of the trucks had to be extricated, as the Trauma Hawk chopper rescue team remained on stand by, but the driver was ultimately transported via ground, Bryer said. One driver was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach and the other to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. There was no immediate information available on their conditions. for more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/30/2141183/tractor-trailer-crash-causes-traffic.html

Heavy rains may have been factor in fatal Pompano wreck

Investigators said Tuesday that weather may have been a factor in a fatal accident where a Fort Lauderdale woman lost control of her car and crashed into an oncoming delivery truck. Carol Lashan Brooks, 21, a dancer at a Pompano Beach gentlemen's club, was coming home from work about 7 p.m. Monday, when heavy thunderstorms were sweeping through the region. Brooks lived in a small house in Fort Lauderdale, where she was a matriarchal presence to her younger brother, Luke, and his family. "She was the light of our family," said Luke, who has a 1-year-old daughter. "She had some personal problems, but she never wanted anyone to think that she was sad or depressed." Brooks recently urged her brother to enroll in a course to obtain his private security license. Broward Sheriff's Office officials say Brooks was heading south on North Powerline Road when her car jumped over a concrete median and into oncoming traffic. for more information please visit: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-03-29/news/fl-fatal-pompano-crash-20110329_1_rains-fatal-accident-wreck

Before deadly crash, car hit 89 mph

A DUI report says a dentist was speeding the night he struck and killed two people. BY DAN SULLIVAN Times Staff Writer TAMPA - Seconds before crashing into pedestrians on the Harbour Island Bridge last fall, killing two, a Riverview dentist hit a top speed of 89 mph, prose­cutors learned. Matthew ,Moye's blood alcohol level — 0.13 percent — exceeded the level at which the state pre­sumes impair­ment, records show."I'm the designated driver tonight," he said at the scene, accord­ing to a police dashboard cam­era. "I was driving those two girls around after having a party. I haven't had anything to drink." Those were among the details included in documents, video and audio files released Mon­day by the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office in the case against Moye, 35. He is charged with causing the deaths of Douglas Kozar and Kate Kohlier, who were on a bridge sidewalk early Oct. 30 when Moye's 2011 Cadillac coupe spun out of control and hit them, authorities said. A third pedes­trian broke an ankle jumping out of the way. The three had just left work at the Marriott Waterside Hotel. The records depict a bloody and chaotic scene. Kohlier, 24, died of head inju­ries after she was slammed against the bridge's wall. The impact threw Kozar, 23, over the wall, and he landed in a "rope­like retaining fence," the Medi­cal Examiner's Office reported. Heart lacerated, he died at the scene. A data recorder that police recovered from the Cadillac put the car's speed at 89 mph sec­onds before the crash. The speed limit on the bridge is 30 mph. Twelve weeks earlier, Moye had been cited for driving 90 mph in a 45 mph zone. He pleaded no contest, paid $341 and attended the Advanced Defensive Driving School, county records show. That was his seventh speeding ticket, state records show. The night of the fatal crash, Moye had two people with him in the car: his wife, Kelly and a friend, Rachel Sady, both employees of his dental practice. The three had attended a Hal­loween party at the Sheraton Hotel staged by 13 Ugly Men, a Tampa social and charitable group. Moye’s wife told investigators that the party was "lame" and that the three were headed to another party at Jackson's Bistro. Officers noted that Moye wore black contact lenses as part of a Halloween costume. Outside the contacts, his eyes appeared red and bloodshot the report said His breath smelled of alcohol. Moye refused to take a breath test, police reported. At the scene, he was initially unaware anyone had been hurt An officer wrote in his report that Moye became argumentative. "Why do you keep looking at me?" Moye reportedly said. "I didn't do anything wrong. All I did was pass a cab and lose con­trol." Kelly Moye sat on a bench and complained about damage to the car, the report stated It's unclear whether anyone told her about victims. "I told Matt not to drive," she told police. “I told him he shouldn't of drove. But look at my car. ... My poor hundred thousand car is totaled I worked so hard for that" Matthew Moye began to fight with police officers, hitting an officer's hand and pushing his chest, the report said. Officers wrestled him to the ground and put him in handcuffs. His wife jumped on an offi­cer's back and was also hand­cuffed, the report said. The pas­senger, Sady, was handcuffed after she tried to walk away. Nei­ther woman has been charged. In statements to detectives, the two said they did not remem­ber much about the crash. They said they had not seen Moye drink that night "Honestly, I drank more than probably everyone else in the car," Kelly Moye said, "so I really don't know what happened." Her husband faces seven charges: two counts each of vehicular homicide, DUI man­slaughter and DUI with prop­erty damage or personal injury, and one count of battery on a law enforcement officer. No trial date has been set. While the criminal case is pending, a judge ordered Moye not to drive or consume alcohol, and to remain home between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7a.m. He is still a practicing dentist with an active license. At the crash scene, after he was read his rights, Moye complained profanely, about his treatment by police and said he planned to sue, according to video. His demeanor changed when, finally, an officer told him that two people had died in the acci­dent. "Are you serious?" Moye asked "I'm very serious," the officer responded. The officer started to explain that Moye would be required to submit to a blood draw. "You're kidding me," Moye said The officer said he knew it was a shock. "It's a HUGE shock," Moye said Staff writers Colleen Jenkins. Jessica Va nder Velde and Alexandra Zayas and items researcher John Martin contributed to this report. St Petersburg Times Pinellas County March 1, 2011

Five injured when SUV rolls over on I-4, FHP says

PLANT CITY -- Five people were injured in a rollover accident in the westbound lanes of I-4 Tuesday after a tire blew out. According to reports, a 2004 Ford SUV rolled over near Branch Forbes Road in Plant City. Five people were injured, including a passenger who was ejected from the SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol said. FHP said the passenger, 65-year-old Hortensia Urso, was not wearing a seatbelt. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital with serious injuries. The driver and three other passengers received minor injuries. Two westbound inside lanes were closed while rescue crews dealt with the accident. for more infomation please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/224860/Five-injured-when-SUV-rolls-over-on-I4-FHP-says

St. Petersburg police officer, driver seriously hurt in traffic crash

ST. PETERSBURG -- A St. Petersburg police officer and another driver were seriously injured in a traffic crash Monday. The crash happened at the intersection of 22nd Avenue North and 22nd Street N. in St. Petersburg just after 1:30 p.m. Monday. According to police, Officer Meri Andrews was traveling westbound on 22nd Avenue North while Marguerite Clare, 90, was driving a Lexus SUV eastbound on the same road. Clare made a northbound turn onto 22nd Street, and in the process, crossed into the path of the officer's car, police said. The front end of the officer's cruiser crashed into the right side of the Lexus SUV, police said. The cruiser spun and stopped in the curb lane just west of 22nd Street N, while the Lexus crashed into a chain link fence and several granite slabs at Depot Granite, which is located at the northwest corner of the intersection, police said. Both Clare and Andrews were taken to Bayfront Medical Center in serious condition for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/224297/St-Petersburg-police-officer-driver-seriously-hurt-in-traffic-crash

Woman seriously injured after being hit by car in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG -- A woman was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning in St. Petersburg. According to the st. Petersburg Police Department, the woman was hit at 19th Avenue South and Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Street just after 6:30 a.m. gray KIA four-door sedan. The pedestrian was taken Bayfront Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the KIA was uninjured. The investigation is ongoing and officials said more details would be made available later in the day. for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/225168/Woman-seriously-injured-after-being-hit-by-car-in-St.-Petersburg

"Man dies in Titusville motorcycle crash"

A Brevard County man died early this morning after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a concrete wall, Titusville police said. Salvatore Joseph Cruz, 21, of Mims, was riding a 1998 Honda motorcycle west on Harrison Street just after 2 a.m. when he struck the wall. He was taken to Parrish Medical Center, where doctors pronounced him dead. Witnesses told traffic homicide investigators that Cruz may have been driving at a high rate of speed before the crash, according to police. for more information please visit: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-26/news/os-titusville-fatal-motorcycle-crash-20110326_1_titusville-police-concrete-wall-crash

"2 die in separate West Side wrecks"

Two people died in separate West Side accidents this week involving tractor-trailer rigs.An accident involving a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer in Bryceville claimed a Callahan man's life and critically injured a teen Sunday.R.J. Faulk, 20, died at the scene while Josh Vaden, 18, Callahan, is currently in critical condition at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. Faulk graduated from West Nassau High School last year and was attending Florida State College at Jacksonville. Vaden is a senior at WNHS.The 2000 GMC pickup driven by Vaden, with Faulk as a passenger, was traveling north on CR 121 when it approached a tractor-trailer backing across the road and into a private driveway near DB Hicks Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Vaden failed to observe the tractor-trailer before colliding with the left side of the tractor. The pickup reportedly traveled partly under the tractor-trailer before both vehicles came to a rest on the roadway.Neither Vaden nor Faulk was wearing a seatbelt, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured. Terri Lee Driver, 26, of St. George, Ga., died Monday after an accident about 6:43 a.m. at CR 121 and North Stokes Road. Driver's southbound Ford pickup truck reportedly drifted into the path of a northbound tractor-trailer. Driver was ejected from the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt, police said. for more information please visit: http://www.fbnewsleader.com/articles/2011/03/26/news/00newstwodieinwrecks.txt

Details released on Alligator Alley crash

BROWARD COUNTY Details released on Alligator Alley crash The Florida Highway Patrol on Thursday released details about the SUV passenger who died Wednesday in a crash with a pickup truck on Alligator Alley in Broward County Yvon Pierre, 49, of Oakland Park, was in the Toyota 4 Runner that was rear-ended by the pickup, sending the SUV veering off the roadway, crash­ing through a fence, and land­ing in a canal, the Highway Patrol said . The accident happened about 2 a.m. Wednesday as both vehi­cles were traveling west on Interstate 75 near Mile Marker 31, several miles west of U.S. 27. The driver of the SUV Harry Dontfraid, 51, of North Fort Myers, and the driver of the pickup, Hartley Joseph Jude Gorman, 19, of Auburndale, were not seriously hurt. Florida The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Sun Sentinel Broward County March 25, 2011

Man drives in wrong di-rection, dies in collision.

Man drives in wrong di­rection, dies in collision. Shane Swenson, 31, of Ti- tusville, was killed Thursday morning after driving the wrong way on a major Or­ange County road. The two-vehicle crash happened at about 3:40 a.m. at State Road 417 and Uni­versity Boulevard, and shut down the road for several hours, officials reported. An Orlando woman iden­tified as Angela Heine, had to be extricated from her 2002 Volkswagen following the head-on collision with Swenson's 1999 Oldsmo- bile. She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center where she was listed in criti­cal condition. Investigators said Swen­son was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of State Road 417 when the crash occurred. Swenson was not wearing a seat belt. Florida Today Brevard County March 25, 2011

Insurance fraud: Staged crashes rob Floridians

No-fault fraud gangs prove it's possible to steal more money with a ball­point pen than a gun. Insurance fraud: Staged crashes rob Floridians By Walter Dartland Every day. staged-crash gangs and crooked clinics rob hardworking Floridians with brazen insurance schemes that ex­ploit loopholes in our no-fault auto- insurance system. Large and loose­ly organized fraud gangs are setting up sham medical clin­ics around the state. These quack shacks steal hundreds of millions of dollars a year by mass-producing bogus injury claims from setup car crashes. The Sunshine State has the forget­table honor of being America's epi­center of this crime No-fault cons have rapidly spread upstate from South Florida in recent years. Typi­cal two-car Florida families now pay nearly $100 in higher auto premiums every year, says the Information Institute. The fraud tax could reach nearly $170 this year if nothing is done to stop what amounts to brazen highway robbery But thankfully, legislation (SB 1930 and HB1411) would set up much- needed roadblocks against no-fault schemes. Sen.EUyn Bogdanoff, R-Ft. I-auderdale and Rep. Jim Boyd. R- Brandenton. introduced companion bills last week. These bills would save drivers money and strike hard at no-fault crime. Among other things, the mea­sures would: Increase penalties for trying to deceptively set up shady medical clinics: Better identify bogus car pas­sengers who make dishonest injury claims: Allow insurers more time and tools to investigate suspicious no- fault claims, while encouraging them to pay legitimate claims fairly and quickly: Forbid medical providers to bill policyholders directly for question­able injury claims: Provide consumers discounts for using honest, insurer-vetted PPO clinics. Consumers, insurance companies and law enforcement have joined forces to support these reforms through the Sunshine Alliance to Erase Fraud. Together, we're pushing for passage this session. State CFO Jeff Atwater also is a committed supporter of the bills. No-fault fraud gangs prove it's possible to steal more money with a ball-point pen than a gun. But our lives and safety also are at stake. Some staged-crash gangs try to maneuver honest Florida motorists into real-live car accidents. At high speed, these crashes endanger in­nocent motorists who are just mind­ing their own business. People have been killed in other states. No-fault crooks also try to recruit real crash victims to unknowingly get worthless injury treatment at shady clinics. Would you or your family want medical care from fraud factories that exist only to steal mon­ey? Clamping down on no-fault crime is something we can all rally behind. But we only have a small window for passage this year. Tallahassee's short legislative session ends in less then two months. We must urge our state legislators to support passage of the Bogdanoff-Boyd reforms now. Together, all honest Floridians can show swindlers that no-fault fraud isn't a road to riches but a highway straight to jail. Walter Dartland is co-chair of the Sunshine Alliance to Erase Fraud, and executive director of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. Sun Sentinel Broward County March 27, 2011

Man crossing street hit, killed by car

Man crossing street hit, killed by car TAMPA — A 44-year-old man was hit by a car and killed while trying to cross West Hillsborough Avenue on Saturday night, police said. The accident happened about 9:40 p.m., when the man was trying to cross Hillsborough at North MacDill Avenue, police said. He stepped into the path of a 1996 Honda heading west on Hillsbor­ough, police said. The Tampa Police De­partment has not identi­fied the man. — From staff reports Tampa Tribune Hillsborough County March 29,2011

JURY DELIVERS $2.25 MILLION VERDICT IN 1-95 OFF-RAMP CRASH

LEGAL BRIEFS JURY DELIVERS $2.25 MILLION VERDICT IN 1-95 OFF-RAMP CRASH A Palm Beach County jury found a teen­age driver was responsible for the death of Ann Prushansky and awarded damages netting the victim's three surviving chil­dren $2.25 million. Fradley, 17 at the time, was blamed for killing Prushansky in a six-vehicle pileup on the 1-95 exit ramp at Boynton Beach Boulevard in 2008. Jurors heard testimony that Fradley had been drinking alcohol and taking Xanax the day of the crash. At one time, Fradley faced a drunken- driving manslaughter charge, but it was dropped after blood tests were ruled inad­missible. Prushansky, 70, was found 25 percent at fault in the collision, reducing a total award of $3 million by $750,000. The case was heard by Circuit Judge David Crow, and the verdict was rendered March 9. Kenneth Metnick of Metnick Levy & Long in Delray Beach argued for the plaintiffs. Bart Cozad with Derrevere Hawkes Black Cozad in West Palm Beach represented Fradley. (Adolfo Pesquera) Miami Daily Bus Review Dade County March 17,2011

Man seriously hurt in crash that killed one

POLICE BEAT Man seriously hurt in crash that killed one A Gainesville man was seriously injured in a head-on collision Wednesday night that left another driver dead. The Florida Highway Patrol said Michael David Delp. 49. was taken to Shands at the University of Florida following the 8:23 p.m. crash on State Road 40 at Northeast 231st Street. The name of the Daytona driver killed in the crash was not being released Thursday morning because the driver's relatives had not been notified. FHP Cpl. Susan M. Barge said Delp was driving a 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup west on SR 40. The other driver, who was pro­nounced dead at the scene, was in a 2011 Dodge Caliber headed east on SR 40. Barge said one of the drivers apparently crossed the double yellow line in the center of the roadway but that it could not immediately be determined which driver made the mistake. An investigation was continuing Thursday. — Karen Voyles Gainesville Sun Alachua County March 18, 2011

Motorcyclist, 34, dies after crash

SPRING HILL Motorcyclist, 34, dies after crash A motorcyclist died early Sunday after failing to make a curve, striking a tree and then being hit by another driver, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The name of the motorcyclist, who was 34 and from Spring Hill, was not released. The patrol said that around 3 a.m., the motorcyclist was driving a Yamaha R6 near Pinehurst Drive and Talbot Circle when he failed to negotiate a curve. The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, struck a tree and was ejected onto the road. Brendan Sean Haverty, 34, of Spring Hill was driving a pickup truck south on Pinehurst Drive and did not see the motor­cyclist in the road, the patrol said. He struck the man, who was declared dead at the scene. St Petersburg Times Pinellas County March 28, 2011

Motorists injured in head-on collision

Motorists injured in head-on collision Two motorists were taken to a local hospital after they suffered injuries Thursday when their vehi­cles collided, head-on, as they were traveling on U.S. Highway 441. Richard A. Cook, 55, of Orange Park, suffered serious injuries in the wreck, while the driver of the other vehicle, James C. May Jr., 21, of Lake City, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The wreck occurred about 2 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 441 at SE Burns Lane. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, May was driving south on the roadway in a 2004 Ford Ranger. At the same time, Cook was traveling north on the roadway in a 1994 Mazda three-door. Reports said as the vehicles were travel­ing, May's vehicle drifted into the northbound lane, which resulted in the front side of his truck striking the front left side of Cook's car. After the impact, both vehicles spun counter­clockwise and came to rest. May and Cook were taken to Lake City Medical Center for treatment. Charges in connection with the wreck are pend­ing completion of an FHP traffic crash investigation, Lake City Reporter Columbia County March 4, 2011

No one hurt in RTS, school bus crash

No one hurt in RTS, school bus crash No one was injured when an Alachua County school bus and a Gainesville Regional Transit System bus clipped each other in turn lanes at the intersection of Tower Road and Newber­ry Road on Tuesday morn­ing. reported the Florida Highway Patrol. The accident occurred at 7:40 a.m. as a school bus driven by Carolyn J. Dennev. 66. of Newberry, was northbound on Tower Road in the inside right turn while an RTS bus driven by Laronda J. Ivey, 26. of Gainesville, was in the outside right turn lane. FHP stated in a media release. As both began turning, the right side of the school bus collided with the mirror on the left side of city bus. pushing it forward. The school bus ended up facing south within the BP gas station lot on the south shoulder of Newberry Road. The city bus ended up facing north in the Exxon gas station lot on the south shoulder of Newberry Road. Seven teens were on the school bus. — Cindy Swirko Gainesville Sun Alachua County March 16, 2011

One dead, two others injured in accident on Alligator Alley

One dead, two others injured in accident on Alligator Alley FHP says pickup rear-ended SUV west of intersection with U.S. 27 By Joe Cavaretta staff writer One person died and two others were injured early Wednesday after an accident along Interstate 75 in western Broward County according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The accident happened about 2 a.m. near Mile Marker 31 on Alligator Alley, several miles west of the highway's intersection with U.S. 27. According to FHP Sgt. Mark Wysocky. a Toyota 4Runner and Dodge pickup truck were both traveling west when, for an unknown reason, the pickup rear-ended the 4Runner. sending it off the road. The Toyota driver, Harry Dontfraid, 51, of North Fort Myers, lost control as the vehicle rolled along a grass shoulder, through a fence and into the canal. Dontfraid and his male passenger were able to get out of the vehicle. "However, one of them evidently couldn't swim and he didn't make it," Wysocky said. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, but his name isn't being released until relatives are notified. Dontfraid and the driver of the pickup truck, Bartley Joseph Jude Gorman, 19, of Auburndale. were taken to Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Weston with minor injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation and charges, if any. are pending. Sun Sentinel Broward County

Road crossings take a deadly turn

State tops fatality list; some blame distractions for drivers and pedestrians Pedestrian fatalities The Tampa Bay area, like many others in Florida, has a high concentration of pedestrian accidents. In just three counties. 78 people died last year when they were struck by a vehicle. Many of the locations in Pasco. Pinellas and Hillsborough are particularly and repeated^ dangerous - roads such as Fletcher and Fowler avenues. Gulf-to- Bay Boulevard. Fourth Street and U.S. 19. This map shows where the highest clusters of pedestrian accidents occur. BY ROB SHAW The Tampa Tribune tamm — Some people call it a suicide mission. They dash and dart across multiple lanes of traffic, cars whizzing by at high speeds. Many times, they make it. Often, they don't. The numbers are disturbing. Last year, 41 pedestrians died in Mills- borough County; 25 were killed in Pinel­las County. In Pasco, die number was 12. Statewide in 2009, 482 pedestrians were killed, making the state No. 1 per capita in the country for such deaths. Preliminary reports for 2010 show the total was 492. Whether it's Fletcher and Fowler ave­nues in Tampa, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in Clearwater or U.S. 19 in Pasco County, the roadways with the most pedestrian accidents, the story is the same.Pedestrians try to cross where they shouldn't. Cars don't stop when they should. People on both sides of the problem are eating, texting, looking down, doing many tilings other than being aware of the danger.Maps show the locations of pedestrian accidents over the years. There are clusters across the Bay area. And law enforcement and'transportation officials are working to save lives and reduce the numbers. Jeanette Rouse, the commu­nity traffic safety manager for the local state Department of Transportation office, ticks off a number of reasons the Bay area sees such high numbers of pe­destrian fatalities. Drivers are more aggressive. Roads are wider, cars are faster. There is inattention to the road by pedestrians and drivers. "It's just bad behavior on both parts," Rouse said. She has seen drivers in other states anticipate that a pedestri­an will cross — even in the middle of the block — and stop the car. Not so much in Florida. "We don't have that mind-set here," she said. "It takes a lot to get their attention to make them stop." The state is trying several strategies to reduce the death rate. It has put up fences in prob­lem areas to force pedestrians to cross at stoplights. It has paid for advertising in restaurant rest- rooms to emphasize safe walk­ing. It has instituted a flag sys­tem that urges pedestrians" to grab flags and wave them as they walk across busy Gulf Boulevard along the Pinellas County beaches. "If it's a car versus a pedestri­an, the pedestrian always loses," Rouse said. Rick Clarke, the field supervi­sor for the DOT in Pasco, Her­nando and Citrus counties, can't get the evening of March 1 out of his mind. As he was making a U-turn, he saw a woman trying to cross U.S. 19 from west to east in Pasco County. She made it across one lane, then another, but stepped into the middle southbotuid lane and was struck by a pickup. "In 36 years, I have* seen a lot of bad tilings, but it's always been the aftermath," Clarke said. "I've not actually witnessed the happening of it."* He saw the woman, who was walking with another person, fly through the air. He called 911 as screaming and panicked rela­tives arrived and someone tried to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She died at a hos­pital. "I think about it a lot" Clarke said. "It bothers me." He feels for the families in­volved. And diere is more than one victim, he said. "This man after he struck die lady, I thought he was going to have a heart attack," Clarke said. "He was just an innocent person heading home." For someone who spends 10 hours a day, four days a week driving die three-county area, Clarke has seen it all. Drivers talking on die phone, texting, emailing. Others behind the wheel putting on makeup, shav­ing, drinking, eating. "People are doing everydiing but driving," he said. "I don't know where people's minds are. It's incredible how Uiey are not paying attention." The same, he said, goes for pedestrians. He saw five people just in one brief time along U.S. 19 walking with traffic, not against it as they should. "/Ml it takes is for somebody to go by and sneeze and turn die wheel and somebody is going to get hurt" Clarke said. V V It's 8 o'dock on Friday morn­ing on Twiggs Street in down­town Tampa, and die crosswalk is a busy place. People are rushing in their cars to get to the office. Workers in the sprawling courUiouse complex, in addition to those appearing at proceedings, have somewhere to be. Dee Walsh takes a step off die curb in an attempt to head across the four lanes of die crosswalk, but quickly steps back onto the sidewalk. Tne blinking light and bright yellow signs, along with her presence, aren't enough to stop the driv­ers. "I'm terrified," said Walsh, who works at the courdiouse. "You think people are going to stop and diey don't. I've seen a lawyer get hit. That can happen anytime." On this day, Tampa police officers are out in force to ticket dr ivers who don't yield to pedes­trians in the crosswalk. Money for the off-duty detail comes from a federal grant designed to provide safer streets. "Thanks, guys," one worker says as she navigates her way across die street, having to wait as a Toyota Corolla zips through die crosswalk. "I risk life and limb crossing this street everv dav. twice a day," another worker says. It's no exaggeration. Carl Giguere, a Tampa police sergeant who is die leader of the unit, said cars don't have to barrel along at 40 to 50 mph to inflict serious injuries. A vehicle moving iust 10 moh can break bones, he said. A car going 18 to 20 mph can ampu­tate limbs. "It's just devastating when you have an object that weighs 3,000 or 4,000 pounds," Giguere said. "There is so much kinetic energy being delivered into that body. "It's just horrendous." Pedestrian accidents are fre­quent on Hillsborough Avenue. And Nebraska Avenue. Giguere recalls an accident last year on Bay-to-Bay Boulevard in which two elderly people were hit by a car. One of them later died. He also remembers die lawyer hit outside the courthouse, where he and fellow officers recently stopped nine drivers in 22 minutes. There were 15 in 45 minutes, and 19 in an hour. Police issued 85 citations to driv­ers and handed out 59 warnings to pedestrians in about seven hours. A judge was almost run over, too. "I think die majority is diat people aren't used to yielding to pedestrians," Giguere said. "Most pedestrians, when they start walking in a crosswalk, will stop for a car. What happens is diere is confusion on one or two parts." There should be no confu­sion. If you're a pedestrian crossing a street with a "walk" light or a green light, you have die right of way, even with cars turning right or left across vour path. They must yield to you. Laura Ray was lucky. A University of South Florida student, she was hit by a car in October 2010 while trying to cross 50Ui Street, headed to the nearby Catholic Youth Center. The then 21-year-old suffered a broken left arm and some bruises to her face, said her father. Earl Ray. "She is very, very lucky," the fadier said. "Somebody needs to do somediing. How many peo pie arc going to get hurt or killed before somebody does some thing?" Ray said diere is a lack of crosswalks, lights and other safety features along that stretch of 50th Street near Fowler Ave nue. He said the same is true along U.S. 19 where he lives in Palm Harbor, in car-clogged northern Pinellas Comity. "It's suicide crossing 19," he said. "The drivers don't slow down They don't look when they turn," Ray said. "Everybody crosses when they can. The lights are too far apart." Linda Benware says she cant be too careful when she tries to cross four-lane Gulf Boulevard in Nordi Redington Beach, even in marked crosswalks. So she grabs a yellow flag before she heads from one side of the street to the other. The flags are part of a Walkwise program designed to make pe destrians more visible in several miles of Gulf Boulevard along the beaches in Pinellas County. "I don't care if people think I'm 95," she said on a recent morning as she waited for traffic to stop before venturing into the street. "I'm very cautious when cross. I don't want to get hurt." There are crosswalks along die beaches where pedestrians can push a button and activate lights. There are scores of signs along the roadway. "We can do all this stuff, but il they would just use common sense," said Bill Queen, mayor of North Redington Beach. "I'm a fan of anything that brings at tention to the problem and makes die pedestrian think about what they are doing." He has seen people talking on their cellphones as they navigate their way across the" road. Or texting. Or taking a bite out of a sandwich. "Everything but what they should be doing," Queen said. "Which is looking up and down the road." One of die biggest problems, the mayor and Benware agree, is that on" multiple-lane roads, not every lane of traffic might stop. "One lane will stop," Queen said, "but you better be looking at that next lane." The most important device aside from flags, lights, signs and crosswalks, die mayor said — is the pedestrian's eyes. "If the pedestrian uses his eyes, they are not going to get hit," he said. "I'll never get hit out diere. I look." rshaw@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7999

Teen Critically Injured in Three-Car Pile Up

Teen Critically Injured in Three-Car Pile Up East of Bronson The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred on State Road 24 east of Bronson. The crash resulted in life threatening injuries to an Archer teenager. A 1999 Saturn, driven by Nathan Lastra, 18, of Bronson was traveling east on State Road 24 and had stopped while attempting to make a left turn onto NE 96th Place. A 2004 Ford Pickup driven by Tim Rogers, 51, of Archer was also traveling eastbound on State Road 24. The Ford pickup rear-ended Lastra's Saturn causing severe damage to the rear of the car and critically injuring a rear seat passenger, John Deemer, 18, of Archer. A 2004 Honda automobile driven by Ashley Rhodes, 26, of Archer, was traveling behind the Ford pickup. After the pickup struck the Saturn, Rhodes' vehicle struck the rear of the pickup. Lastra and his passenger, and another teenager, 17, of Bronson received minor injuries. Rogers and Rhodes were not injured in the crash. Deemer was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville with life threatening injuries. FHP Troopers from the Cross City and Gainesville Districts are continuing the investigation. Levy County Journal Bronson March 17, 2011

Woman hit by SUV in parking lot dies

PORT RICHEY Woman hit by SUV in parking lot dies A 65-year-old woman has died after injuries she suf­fered earlier this month, when a driver hit her while backing out of a parking space. The accident hap­pened March 3 outside the Publix at Regency Park Boulevard and Ridge Road. Nitza Loyola-Smith was standing near the rear of a Toyota sport utility vehicle when it backed into her, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Loyola-Smith, of New Port Richey, was taken to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and later transferred to Morton Plant North Bay for her injuries. She died Thursday. The driver, Laverne Nathaniel Mills, 69, of Port Richey, was originally cited for improper backing. The Highway Patrol assigned the case on Friday to its traffic homicide division for additional investigation. St Petersburg Times Pinellas County Daily 447,200 March 26, 2011

"Tampa man hit, killed while crossing Hillsborough Avenue"

TAMPA -- A Tampa man was hit and killed while trying to cross Hillsborough Avenue Sunday night. According to reports, Bradly Cotner, 44, was trying to cross Hillsborough Avenue at North MacDill when he stepped into the path of a 1996 Honda traveling westbound. Cotner was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into this continues. for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/224386/Tampa-man-hit-killed-while-crossing-Hillsborough-Avenue

"Three hurt when truck and bus collide at Port Everglades"

Three people required hospital treatment after a collision at Port Everglades on Saturday, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. The crash involved a motor coach bus and a truck used for hauling containers at the port, Broward sheriff's spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright said. The accident happened at Eller Drive and Southeast 19th Avenue around 1:46 p.m., she said. Three people were transported to the hospital, their conditions unknown, but all were thought to have minor injuries, Coleman-Wright said. for more information please visit: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-03-26/news/fl-port-bus-crash-brf-20110326_1_port-everglades-eller-drive-bus

Victim's family files intent to sue county

ESTERO Victim's family files intent to sue county An Estero family whose 18- year-old son died in a Corkscrew Road crash Feb. 10 has notified Lee County of its intent to sue. A notice of intent to sue has been filed with the county. It gives the defendant brief time to research and decide whether to settle. Once a cer­tain time period is up, the plain­tiff can sue. Danton Gunter died after los­ing control of his vehicle as he tried to navigate a curve west of Bella Terra Boulevard. Gunter collided with a Lee County Department of Trans­portation truck. Mike Figueroa, a risk man­ager with Lee County, said the county received the notice "within the last couple of days." He said he couldn't comment further. Efforts to reach William Gunter, the father, were unsuc­cessful. Ft Myers News Press Lee County

"Spring Hill motorcyclist dies after striking tree, being run into"

SPRING HILL — A motorcyclist was killed early Sunday after failing to make a curve, striking a tree and then being hit by another driver, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The name of the cyclist, 34 from Spring Hill, was not released pending notification of relatives. The patrol said that around 3 a.m., the motorcyclist driving a Yamaha R6 was traveling near Pinehurst Drive and Talbot Circle when he failed to negotiate a curve. The driver, who was not wearing a helmet, struck a tree and was ejected onto the roadway. Brendan Sean Haverty, 34, of Spring Hill was driving a pickup truck south on Pinehurst Drive and did not see the motorcyclist in the road, the patrol said. He struck the cyclist, who was declared dead at the scene. The crash is still under investigation, the patrol said. for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/spring-hill-motorcyclist-dies-after-striking-tree-being-run-into/1160074

"Parrish man injured in crash"

MANATEE -- A 60-year-old Parrish man was listed in serious condition after a collision with a box truck at 4:16 p.m. Saturday. The man was at a stop sign in a 1995 four-door Chevrolet, looking to head southbound in the drive access of 9005 U.S. 301 approaching the intersection of Old Tampa Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The truck driven by a Lakeland man was westbound on U.S. 301 when the Chevrolet driver entered the roadway, the report states. The Chevrolet’s front left struck the truck’s front right. The truck driver and his passenger were both uninjured. The Parrish man, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center. No skidmarks were found at the scene and alcohol was not involved, troopers said. The Parrish man was cited with failure to yield right of way from a stop sign, the report adds. for more information please visit: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/26/3064649/parrish-man-injured-in-crash.html

"School bus hits SUV, two transported, no one on bus hurt"

SEBRING - The Florida Highway Patrol investigated a crash between a Highlands County school bus carrying more than 30 children and a Ford Explorer on Thursday afternoon. Two people in the Ford were transported to Florida Hospital Heartland, according to Lance Duvall, supervisor with the Highlands County Emergency Medical Services. "There was no mention of any injuries on the bus," he said. It was not known Friday to what extent the two were hurt. Nor have their names been released. The accident took place at about 3:39 p.m. at the intersection of Citroen Avenue and Grand Prix Drive, in Sebring, said Transportation Director David Solomon. "Our driver was cited for failure to make a proper stop," he said. Solomon said there were more than 30 children on the bus at the time, but he did not get the sheet with the exact count back from the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver has been driving for the district since 2005, he said. "We haven't completed our internal investigation yet," he said. "He will undergo further training. He feels real bad about it." for more information please visit: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2011/mar/25/251651/LAINSIDO1-school-bus-hits-suv-two-transported-no-o/news/

"Two police officers injured in crash in Tampa"

TAMPA -- Two Tampa police officers were hospitalized following a traffic crash early Sunday morning. Police said officers Gary Saunders and Robert Partner were heading south on Tampa Street shortly before 1 a.m. in an unmarked white Ford Crowd Victoria. At the same time, Charles D. Barrett, 34, was heading west on Polk Street in a 1997 Ford Explorer, police said. The unmarked police vehicle struck the Explorer at the intersection, the report said. The officers were taken to Tampa General Hospital with injuries originally considered serious. They have since been upgraded to stable condition. Barrett suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. Investigators are looking into the cause of the crash, and to determine whether there were any other contributing factors. for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/223841/Two-police-officers-injured-in-crash-in-Tampa

"Pasco County woman dies from injuries after being hit in parking lot"

PORT RICHEY -- A woman died as a result of her injuries after being hit by a car earlier this month in a Port Richey parking lot. According to officials, Nitza Loyola-Smith was hit by a Toyota SUV as it was backing out of a parking space outside the Publix at Regency Park Blvd. and Ridge Road on March 3. Our partners at the St. Petersburg Times say Loyola-Smith, 65, was taken to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and later transferred to Morton Plant North Bay, where she later died on Thursday. Florida Highway Patrol originally cited the driver of the SUV, Laverne Mills, 69, for improper backing, but more charges could be assigned. for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/223995/Pasco-County-woman-dies-from-injuries-after-being-hit-in-parking-lot

"Motorcyclist dies after crashing into dog"

OCALA, Fla. (AP) - A man who fell off his motorcycle last month after hitting a dog in north Florida has died. Florida Highway Patrol reports that 71-year-old Robert J. Lendman died Saturday at a Gainesville hospital. FHP says Lendman was riding his 2006 Harley-Davidson on a county road near Ocala Feb. 15 when he struck a dog that ran across the busy street. The motorcycle flipped, leaving Lendman with serious injuries. It wasn't clear what happened to the dog. for more information please visit: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/marion_alachua/032211-motorcyclist-dies-after-crashing-into-dog

"Construction worker hit, killed by traffic roller while working on Turnpike"

A construction worker died on Florida's Turnpike Thursday after he was struck by a traffic roller, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. It happened shortly after 3:15 p.m. on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes just north of Oakland Park Boulevard, FHP said. Construction workers were in the area as part of the project to widen the turnpike in Broward County. Junior St. Auben Pardo, 40, was working in the construction zone when a traffic roller backed up and hit him, FHP said. Pardo died at the scene. The traffic roller's operator was identified by FHP as Joey Sneed, 38, of Lauderhill. What caused the traffic roller to strike Pardo was still under investigation Thursday. FHP said charges were pending. The workers were there as part of the ongoing project to widen the turnpike in Broward County, turnpike spokeswoman Nichole Kalil said. The contractor for the project is Russell Engineering. for more information please visit: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-03-24/news/fl-turnpike-worker-killed-20110324_1_turnpike-spokeswoman-fhp-northbound-lanes

"Deadly Alligator Alley Crash"

WESTERN BROWARD (CBS4) – One person was killed, two others injured in a pre-dawn accident on Alligator Alley. Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Mark Wysocky said the accident happened around 2:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-75 near Mile Marker 31. Nineteen year old Bartley Gorman, who was driving a red Dodge pick up truck, rear-ended a Toyota 4Runner being driven by 51-year old Harry Dontfraid from North Ft. Myers. On impact Dontfraid lost control, went off the road and plunged into a canal. “The two occupants of the vehicle that went into the canal were both able to get out of the vehicle however one was able to get to the bank, but the second wasn’t able to and drown,” said Wysocky. According to Dontfraid, his passenger did not know how to swim. Dontfraid and Gorman, who is from Auburndale, were taken to the Cleveland Clinic in Weston to be treated for their injuries. The FHP has not released the name of Dontfraid’s passenger. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. “We’ll get some blood drawn to see if alcohol was involved, we’ll see if somebody may have fallen asleep,” said Wysocky, “That will all be part of our investigation.” for more information please visit: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/03/23/one-dead-two-hurt-in-alligator-alley-crash/

"Trucks collide; driver critically hurt"

A fiery collision of two trucks on Florida's Turnpike early Wednesday left one of the drivers in critical condition with third-degree burns over at least 50 percent of his body.
Marquis Adams, 28, of Miami Gardens was flown to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach and later transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital's burn unit in Miami, said Lt. Tim Frith, spokesman for the Florida Highway Patrol.
The second driver, John Massey, 61, of Orlando, was taken to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center with minor injuries, Frith said.
The Florida Highway Patrol was treating the investigation as a traffic homicide "because of the severity of the injuries" of the burned driver, Frith said.
When rescue workers responded to the crash at 4:47 a.m., both trucks were engulfed in flames, according to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Capt. Don DeLucia.
Investigators determined that the accident occurred at the end of a work shift when Massey, driving a dump truck that trailed a sweeper that cleans debris off the roadway, merged with the sweeper onto the southbound lanes to head home.
Adams, driving a tractor-trailer, also was heading south in the right lane and crashed into the back of Massey's truck, Frith said. The dump truck's signal lights were on, he said.
"There was an inability of the semi driver to identify the slower-moving vehicles," Frith said. "The fire started in the engine compartment and spread through the load of the truck."
The sweeper driver said he didn't know exactly what happened. He said he heard a "big boom" and turned to see a fire.
DeLucia said that a caller reported to dispatchers that Adams jumped out of his truck with his legs on fire and Massey doused the flames with an extinguisher, but Frith could not confirm those details.
The blaze charred one trailer Adams was hauling and caused "heavy structural damage" to the road, Frith said.
Southbound lanes reopened around 4 p.m. after crews ripped out the damaged asphalt and replaced it. Northbound lanes reopened around9:30 a.m.
Charges are pending, Frith said.


for more information please visit: http://www.fireengineering.com/index/articles/Wire_News_Display.1385420880.html

"One injured in motorcycle wreck"

CRESTVIEW -- A Crestview man was flown to Baptist Hospital in serious condition after being ejected from his motorcycle.
The wreck happened today shortly after 4 p.m., according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
John C. Williams, 67, was driving his Honda motorcycle west on James Lee Boulevard in the outside lane.
Crestview resident Vickie L. Fredericks, 33, was heading south on Valley Road and came to a stop sign on James Lee Boulevard. She stopped but failed to yield the right of way to Williams.
Williams changed into the inside lane but was unable to avoid hitting Fredericks’ 1988 Chevrolet 4-door. The front and right side of his bike hit the left side of Fredericks’ vehicle.
Williams was ejected from the motorcycle on impact. He was wearing a helmet.
Fredericks, who was wearing a seatbelt, was uninjured. She was cited for violation of right away.


for more information please visit: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/motorcycle-38580-crestview-williams.html

"Clearwater man accused in two hit-and-run crashes just blocks apart"

CLEARWATER — A Clearwater man was drunk Tuesday night when he crashed into two vehicles in two separate accidents within a mile of each other and didn't stop at either, according to arrest reports.
Stephen M. Provenzano, 24, of 300 Gunn Ave., No. 2, was charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage.
According to Clearwater police, Provenzano had a blood alcohol level of 0.184, more than twice the limit at which a driver is presumed impaired in Florida.
Both crashes happened around 6:45 p.m. Police said Provenzano was southbound on Belcher Road when he hit a Lincoln Navigator near NE Coachman Road. A 6-year-old girl riding in the Navigator sustained a minor injury to her leg, police said, and the crash caused major damage to the sport utility vehicle.
Provenzano kept driving south and hit another vehicle a few blocks away, near Cleveland Street. He fled from that accident, too, and went to his home about a quarter of a mile away, police said.
He was released from the Pinellas County Jail on Wednesday morning after posting $5,750 bail.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/clearwater-man-accused-in-two-hit-and-run-crashes-just-blocks-apart/1159158

"Woman killed in wreck during commute"

A 27-year-old Daytona Beach woman killed in a head-on crash in Marion County last week had just moved to the area six weeks ago, family friend Ron Sayyah said Monday.
Elizabeth Rose Hart was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday after the Dodge Caliber she was driving collided head-on with a pickup driven by Michael David Delp, 49, of Gainesville.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators determined Delp had crossed the double yellow lines on State Road 40 in the area of Northeast 231st Street.
A news item on page 3C of Friday's News-Journal incorrectly reported that Hart had crossed the double-yellow lines.
"Her mom and sister had been begging her to move here," said Sayyah, who is engaged to Hart's sister, Gillian Hart. "The timing just couldn't be worse."
Gillian Hart said her sister was outgoing and personable.
"She loved her work as an occupational therapist," Gillian Hart said. "She really enjoyed working with the elderly."
Though she lived in Daytona Beach, Elizabeth Hart, who went by "Liz" to friends and family, took a job at the Parkland Nursing Center in Gainesville to move to the area.
"She was on her way home from work when this happened," Gillian Hart said.
Delp was taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville in serious condition. Information about his condition was not available Monday.
"Her (Elizabeth Hart's) family is from Rhode Island," Sayyah said. "Gill's lived here about three years and her mother about 10. They've been trying to get here for a long time.
"Everybody was so happy that we could all be together. She was going to help (Gillian) plan the wedding."


for more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/03/22/woman-killed-in-wreck-during-commute.html

"Woman cited with careless driving in three-car wreck"

NAVARRE — A Cantonment woman was cited for careless driving after running into the rear of a car, which then struck the vehicle in front of it.
Vera Daniel, 55, was seriously injured in the 10 a.m. wreck Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol media release.
She was heading east on U.S. Highway 98 when she ran into a Hyundai 2007 van waiting at the intersection of Coral Street. The van was propelled forward by the impact and struck a 2001 Volvo driven by a Fort Walton Beach woman.
Daniel's passenger, Iliones Mota, had minor injuries.The occupants of the van, Vincenzo and Loredana Bassolino of Navarre, were not seriously injured. Elaine Bustamante of Fort Walton Beach, who was in the Volvo, was not injured.
Everyone was wearing a seat belt. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.


for more information please visit: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/woman-38427-careless-cited.html

"Worker Hurt When Car Hits Dealership"

ORANGE CITY, Fla. -- An employee in his 50s was seriously hurt Wednesday afternoon when a vehicle slammed into a building at a car dealership in Orange City.
It happened at the Coggin DeLand Ford Lincoln dealership on Volusia Avenue.
Video from Chopper 2 showed a car went through a wall in the service area of the dealership.
Authorities said it's not known if the owner or another employee was behind the wheel when it went crashing into the building.
The injured worker was transported to a hospital as a trauma alert.


for more information please visit: http://www.wesh.com/news/27217977/detail.html

"Three die in crash in Suwannee County"

Three people were killed, including one from Lake City, in a two-car crash in Suwannee County Friday morning, reported the Florida Highway Patrol.
Killed were Oedis Walter Blanks, 69, of Lake City; Dorothy Lee Sherman, 53, of Harris Township, Mich.; and a passenger in her car whose identity was not available but was also from Harris Township, FHP stated in a media release.
The accident happened at 10:48 a.m. at the intersection of Suwannee County roads 132 and 795.
Sherman was driving a 2008 Kia SUV north on CR 795 approaching the intersection of CR 132, the release states. Blanks was driving a 2008 Chevrolet truck west on CR 132.
According to FHP, Sherman failed to stop and remain stopped at the intersection of County Road 132. She drove into the intersection into the direct path of Blanks.
Polly Jones Blanks, 64, a passenger in Blanks’ truck, was hospitalized in Shands at Live Oak with serious injuries, FHP stated.


for more information please visit: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110319/ARTICLES/110319307

"Pedestrian killed in motorcycle crash ID'd"

Port Orange police have identified a man killed by a motorcycle as he crossed Ridgewood Avenue during Bike Week.
George F. Searles, 51, of Port Orange, died about 10 p.m. March 10 when a southbound motorcyclist hit him at Ridgewood's intersection with Niver Street, in front of a Dollar General store.
Port Orange Assistant Police Chief Wayne Miller also identified the motorcyclist, 26-year-old Kevin Armstrong Jr. of Roselle, N.J.
The crash investigation remained open and active Friday, Miller said.


for more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/breakingnews/2011/03/pedestrian-killed-in-motorcycle-crash-idd.html

"Bradenton man dies in S.R. 70 crash"

A 56-year-old Bradenton man died in a traffic accident Wednesday night.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol: At about 8:10 p.m., Frank James Constantino was eastbound on State Road 70. Neil Ordway, 81, of Sarasota, turned left onto S.R. 70 from 1st Street. Ordway's sport utility vehicle collided with Constantino's vehicle.
Constantino died at the scene.
Charges are pending. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the accident to call (941) 751-7647, ext. 131.


for more information please visit: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110317/BREAKING/110319565

"Motorcyclist dies in crash with car"

A motorcyclist trying to pass a car as it turned off Bee Ridge Road was thrown from the bike and died from the impact Saturday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Christopher L. Farr, 26, of Sarasota was killed in the accident, which occurred shortly before noon on Saturday.
Both Farr and Sarasota resident Maria Wieters, 25, were heading west on Bee Ridge Road approaching the intersection of Wake Avenue when the accident occurred. Wieters began to turn her Toyota Prius left onto Wake Avenue just as Farr was attempting to pass her on the left side, the FHP said.
Farr collided with the Prius and was thrown from his motorcyle. He was wearing a helmet, the FHP report said.


for more information please visit: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110319/ARTICLE/110319367

"Bicyclist, 84, in critical condition after accident involving police vehicle"

ST. PETERSBURG --
An unmarked St. Petersburg Police vehicle hit and seriously injured a bicyclist about 10:20 a.m. Tuesday.
This is what police say happened:
Benjamin Kincaid, 84, was riding a bicycle northbound in the bike lane in the 100 block of 37th Street North.
A 2008 Ford Crown Victoria unmarked police vehicle being driven by on-duty St. Petersburg Police Officer Lenard Cox was traveling northbound in the 100 block of 37th Street North.
Officer Cox saw Kincaid riding his bicycle slightly ahead of him in the bicycle lane. As Officer Cox approached the intersection of 2nd Avenue North, police said Kincaid made an abrupt left turn.
Officer Cox swerved to the left in an attempted to avoid the collision, but the right front of the vehicle collided with the left side of the bicycle.
Kincaid, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the bicycle onto the roadway. He was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition. Officer Cox was not injured.


for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/221820/Bicyclist-84-in-critical-condition-after-accident-involving-police-vehicle

"Pedestrian killed in Tampa traffic crash on Kennedy Blvd."

TAMPA --
A pedestrian has died following a traffic accident in Tampa.
The accident happened at Kennedy Boulevard and Tampania Street shortly after 9 p.m.
The victim, identified only as a man in his 60s, sustained massive head trauma and was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died.
This is what police say happened:
The man was attempting to cross Kennedy Blvd. He failed to observe the on-coming traffic and stepped into the path of a 2004 Jeep Wrangler.
The driver of the Jeep did not see the pedestrian until she struck him with the left front end of her vehicle, police say.
Kennedy Boulevard is closed between South Habana Avenue and North Armenia Avenue. It will remain closed for some time.


for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/222007/Pedestrian-killed-in-Tampa-traffic-crash-on-Kennedy-Blvd..

"Loxahatchee man killed while driving wrong way in Royal Palm Beach"

ROYAL PALM BEACH — A Loxahatchee man was killed early today when he was driving in the wrong direction on Royal Palm Beach Boulevard and crashed into another car.
Andrew Frank, 26, was driving northbound in the street's southbound lane at about 2:30 a.m., the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Frank's car struck head-on a car being driven southbound by Alexandra Mikolajczak, 19, of Delray Beach.
Frank was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach and was pronounced dead at 3:43 a.m.
The Sheriff's Office said there were signs that either alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
Mikolajczak and a passenger, Andrew Hagen, 21, of Wellington, were not injured, the Sheriff's Office said.


for more information please visit: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/loxahatchee-man-killed-while-driving-wrong-way-in-1334224.html

"ATV rider killed after collision with cable across roadway in Pahokee"

PAHOKEE — A 24-year-old man riding an all-terrain vehicle died Friday evening after colliding a with a wire cable line that blocked off part of a dirt road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Jervenski Javon Parker, of Pahokee, was riding northward on a dirt road south of Rim Canal and Section 20 roads at about 5:30 p.m. when he hit the cable.
The impact threw him from the ATV, which eventually landed in a drainage ditch.
Parker was air-lifted to St. Mary's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"It's unusual," FHP Lt. Tim Frith said. "We haven't had a lot of ATV fatalities here."


for more information please visit: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/traffic/atv-rider-killed-after-collision-with-cable-across-1332593.html?cxntcid=breaking_news

"Two motorcyclists injured in fatal crash identified"

Police on Thursday identified two motorcyclists who were injured in an accident that killed a man late Tuesday night. Robert Moore, 38, and Nicole Moore, 41, both of Holiday, were airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg after the accident that happened around 11:15 p.m. on U.S. 19 near Tookes Road. On Thursday evening, Robert Moore was in serious condition and Nicole Moore was listed as stable, according to a hospital spokesman. James Perrini, 68, of New Port Richey died at the scene. Richard Warth, 50, of Dunedin suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. According to Tarpon Springs police, the four motorcyclists were riding northbound together on U.S. 19 when Perrini hit the back of Warth's 2004 Harley-Davidson, which caused the Moores to lose control. They were ejected from their motorcycle. None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets. Friends of Perrini's said the group was returning to Pasco County from a birthday celebration for a friend in Palm Harbor. An investigation is ongoing. Police said alcohol may have been a factor.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/two-motorcyclists-injured-in-fatal-crash-identified/1158011

"Bicyclist struck, killed on Alt. U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor"

PALM HARBOR — A retired schoolteacher and father of three from Ontario was struck by an SUV and killed Wednesday night while riding his bike on Alt. U.S. 19.
His death marks at least the 16th bicycle fatality involving vehicles in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties since July.
Michael J. McGowan, 62, and his wife were headed south on Alt. U.S. 19, biking home from a family dinner at Ozona Blue restaurant, when McGowan was struck about 9:10 p.m.
McGowan was here visiting his mother, who winters at the Westwind Mobile Home Park. Each year, he helped her settle in at the park and then returned to bring her back home, said park real estate broker Dan Hintz. McGowan retired last summer and had been staying with his mother since November.
"He sure took good care of his mom," Hintz said.
He loved to play golf and rode his bike quite a bit, Hintz said.
McGowan's niece, Cassandra Hall of Vancouver, said her uncle was humorous, fun-loving and thoughtful.
"He was always planning activities for us to do down here," said Hall, 38, who was visiting McGowan's mother, her grandmother.
Hall said her family was driving at a distance behind McGowan and his wife on Wednesday when they came upon the accident.
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating, but the agency said McGowan rode into the path of a 2003 Isuzu Ascender driven by Christopher W. Painter, 55, as McGowan tried to turn left into the park. He had no lights on his bicycle, and he was not wearing a helmet, the FHP said. No charges have been filed.
Painter of Palm Harbor was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg with serious injuries, according to the FHP. On Thursday afternoon, he was in fair condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
A funeral for McGowan will be held in Ontario.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/article1157901.ece

"One dead after motorcyclists collide on U.S. 19"

TARPON SPRINGS — If you ask anyone in the local cadre of motorcyclists in New Port Richey, they'd tell you James Perrini was one of their brothers.
"He'd take the shirt off his back if you needed it," said friend and colleague Andrew Mackay.
Perrini, owner of Chickies Pub and a member of the Suncoast Brotherhood Biker Rights Group, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Tarpon Springs late Tuesday night.
According to friends, the 68-year-old motorcyclist was returning from a friend's birthday celebration at Stix Billiards in Palm Harbor with three other motorcyclists, who also were injured in the crash.
Perrini was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Police are not releasing the names of the injured due to an ongoing investigation. Authorities suspect that the accident may be alcohol-related.
A 38-year-old man and 41-year-old woman, riding a 2004 Harley-Davidson, were critically injured and taken by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
On Wednesday afternoon the man was in critical condition and the woman in serious condition.
An unidentified 50-year-old man from Dunedin, also riding a 2004 Harley-Davidson, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Police said the crash happened about 11:17 p.m. Tuesday in the northbound lanes of U.S. 19 near Tookes Road in Tarpon Springs. Perrini struck the rear of the motorcycle operated by the man from Dunedin. The crash then caused the operator of the third motorcycle to lose control and both occupants were thrown off the bike.
None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets.
Megan Walling, a bartender at Chickies who has known Perrini for seven years, said that besides his dedication to the biker community, he loved to help children.
Mackay echoed her thoughts.
"Toy runs, benefits, you name it," he said. "Every week."
Perrini would often host charity events at Chickies. Most recently, he hosted a fundraiser for Horse Connections, a therapeutic horsemanship program for people with disabilities.
Mackay said the mood at the bar was somber Wednesday.
"He's one missed man," he said.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/one-dead-after-motorcyclists-collide-on-us-19/1157636

"Troopers looking for hit-and-run driver"

SPRING HILL - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run accident that damaged a house and two vehicles Saturday morning.
The driver and vehicle involved in the accident have not been found.
Troopers said the vehicle is possibly a maroon Jeep Cherokee based on the bumper cover that was left at the scene of the crash.
The driver was speeding northbound along Overland Drive when he or she lost control while navigating a curve in the road, veered off the street and struck two mailboxes, according to FHP.
The Jeep drove onto the property at 1511 Overland Drive and crashed into the house, troopers said.
The hit-and-run driver then backed up to flee the scene and rammed his vehicle into a Jeep Liberty parked in the driveway next door, according to FHP.
Afterward, the driver pulled away in an unknown direction, troopers said.
There were no known witnesses to the crash, according to a media release.
A vehicle inside the garage at 1511 Overland Drive also was damaged, troopers said.
Approximately $1,500 in damage was done to the house, according to FHP.
Authorities are asking the public's assistance to locate the vehicle involved in the accident and identify the driver.
The Jeep likely has "heavy front-end damage" and a broken rear right tail light, troopers said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Tod Cloud at 1-800-500-1240, Ext. 151.


for more information please visit: http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/mar/16/161037/troopers-looking-for-hit-and-run-driver/

"Motorcyclist tried to bribe his way out of speeding ticket, deputies say"

A motorcyclist was arrested in the Port Orange area early Saturday after he tried to bribe his way out of a speeding ticket, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.
According to sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson, a deputy spotted 20-year-old Andrew Ouellette traveling 67 mph in a 50 mph zone on Nova Road about 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
The deputy pulled Ouellette over near the intersection of Herbert Street and Old Hammock Road. According to the Sherriff's Office, Ouellette told the deputy he had been ticketed several times recently and "couldn't afford another one," asking if there was anything he could do to avoid being cited.
Davidson said Ouellette then pulled a roll of cash from his pocket and asked the deputy, "Are you sure we can't do anything?"
When the deputy handcuffed him, Ouellette insisted his comment was not meant to be taken as a bribe, Davidson said. "However, he also couldn't provide another explanation for the meaning of his comment."


for more information please visit: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-03-12/news/os-man-arrested-bribe-deputy-20110312_1_bribe-deputy-motorcyclist

"5 injured in crash on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor"

PALM HARBOR — Five people were seriously injured in an accident on U.S. 19 just north of Alderman Road Tuesday morning.
Witnesses and authorities said that about 10:15 a.m., a Pontiac GTO traveling north on U.S. 19 at a high rate of speed collided with a Toyota Highlander turning north onto U.S. 19 from Colonial Boulevard.
After the collision, the Pontiac careened into a utility pole, knocking it down across several lanes of U.S. 19.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Evan Nicholas Andropoulos, 28, of Tarpon Springs, was driving the Pontiac. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa by ambulance.
His two passengers, Gavin Clarkson, 28, of Palm Harbor and Jennifer Daly, 28, of Tampa, were flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
Sylvia Benedetti of Endicott, N.Y., 67, was driving the Toyota. An ambulance took her to Bayfront. Her passenger, John Little, 68, of Palm Harbor, was flown to Bayfront.
The conditions of the injured were not immediately available.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 19 were closed between Alderman Road and Innisbrook Drive for more than an hour. Troopers are continuing their investigation. Charges are pending.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/5-injured-in-crash-on-us-19-in-palm-harbor/1157408

"Elderly driver injured in hit-run crash at Clearwater post office"

An elderly woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday afternoon on Belcher Road near Rainbow Drive. According to police, Ellen Sweeney, 79, of Largo was traveling south on Belcher at 12:30 p.m. when a Dodge pickup truck turned into her path as it tried to enter an "exit only" area of the post office at the corner of Belcher Road and Rainbow Drive. Authorities said Sweeney was not able to stop and her car hit the rear of the truck, traveling another 200 feet before crashing into a sign near Rainbow Drive. According to police, the truck continued through the parking lot and left the scene. Sweeney was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities describe the truck as a silver or gray 2005-2006 Dodge pickup truck with tinted windows that has damage to the rear quarter panel and the back end of the truck. Anyone with information about the crash or the vehicle is asked to call the Clearwater Police Department at (727) 562-4200.


for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/elderly-driver-injured-in-hit-run-crash-at-clearwater-post-office/1157507

"Bicyclist airlifted after accident"

MANATEE - A 31-yearold man was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg with life-threatening injuries after his bicycle collided with a car Saturday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol reports. The accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. in the 2500 block of Cortez Road when the bicyclist was weaving in and out of stopped cars in the westbound lane, according to FHP. As he made it to the left turn lane, a car struck his front wheel, according to trooper Ken Piegari. The victim was not wearing a helmet and no charges have been filed.


Bradenton Herald
Manatee County
Daily 48,600
March 13, 2011

"17-year-old Bonita Springs boy dies six days after SUV crash; driver still unnamed"

A 17-year-old Bonita Springs boy has died from injuries suffered in a SUV crash last Sunday morning.
Billy Cortez died today at Lee Memorial Hospital according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP reports that the identity of the driver and the other passengers who fled the scene is still pending investigation.

POSTED EARLIER
One south Lee County teenager lost his life and another is in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital following a vehicle accident early Sunday morning in San Carlos Park, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Fort Myers resident Edgar Salgado, 18, died and Bonita Springs resident Billy Cortez, 17, was critically injured after they were ejected during the rollover of a 2004 Suzuki sport utility vehicle packed with a total of eight individuals, according to an FHP report.
The driver, whom the agency did not name pending identification, was reported to suffer minor injuries. Three unnamed passengers fled the vehicle after the accident, the report stated.
Two other passengers suffered minor injuries in the crash, Bonita Springs residents Noe Mairena, 17, and the deceased’s brother, Alan Salgado, 15.
According to the report, the Suzuki was moving east on Winged Foot Drive near Three Oaks Parkway at 1:48 a.m. when the driver didn’t turn to follow a slight right curve in the road and drove onto a shoulder on the left side of the road.
The driver then over-corrected to the right, causing the Suzuki to rotate clockwise, overturn and eject Edgar Salgado and Cortez, who were not wearing seat belts, the report said. The crash resulted in $10,000 in damage to the vehicle, the report said.
Alan Salgado said the teens were drinking at the time of the accident, according to Edwin Negron, a family friend interviewed by NBC-2.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, two of the four passengers identified in the report have been arrested on felony charges in the past.
Edgar Salgado was arrested on a felony burglary charge on Feb. 26, 2010, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Mairena has been arrested on 13 different felony counts between June 2007 and September 2008, including six counts of felony burglary, three counts of felony larceny, two counts of theft of a firearm, and two counts of dealing in stolen property, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Office Spokesman John Sheehan said information concerning any misdemeanor arrests of juveniles can not be released.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Cpl. Steven Devore of the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-354-2377, ext 111


for more information please visit: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/mar/12/billy-cortez-edgar-salgado-south-fort-myers-high/

"Man hit at antique car show ID’d"

ENGLEWOOD — The man who was hit on an Englewood sidewalk Sunday and killed by a 1965 Cobra as he watched cars at an antique car show has been identified as Gerald A. Neumann.
A German citizen who rode around town on a yellow Peugeot bicycle, Neumann was a vital man of 79 who followed a strict daily exercise regimen and was determined to stay in shape after suffering a stroke, neighbors say.


for more information please visit: http://www.yoursun.com/sunnews/englewood/2246369-281/sunnewspapersmanhitatantiquecarshowidd.html.csp

"Lakeland Man, 75, Killed in Crash; Two Others Are Injured"

LAKELAND One man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a two-car crash at U.S. 98 and West Socrum Loop Road on Monday morning.

William T. Snow, 75, of Lakeland, died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a result of injuries. His wife, Elaine S. Snow, 75, was seriously injured. So was William Lee Lavender, 41, the driver of the other vehicle.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at 6:49 a.m. when a 2006 Chrysler minivan driven by Lavender of Dora, Ala., was driving west on West Socrum Loop and he pulled out in front of a 2008 Saturn SUV being driven north by Elaine S. Snow.
The impact of the crash caused Lavender, who was not wearing a seat belt, to be ejected into the grass median after his vehicle spun before stopping near the intersection.
Both of the Snows were wearing seat belts. Their vehicle came to rest in the southbound lane of U.S. 98.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash caused a traffic detour at Socrum Loop Road until officials were able to reopen the highway in both directions around 830 a.m.

for more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20110314/NEWS/110319886

"UF senior suffers head injuries learning to ride motorcycle"

A senior at the University of Florida suffered critical head injuries Sunday, apparently while learning to drive a motorcycle.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, the accident happened while Stacie Lavender, 21, was in a parking lot at Arbor Place apartments at 309 SW 16th Ave.
Witnesses told police that she was being taught to drive a motorcycle when she apparently lost control and hit her head on a stairwell. She was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in critical condition following the crash at about 4:45 p.m.
UF officials said Lavender is a majoring in sociology and has a minor in women’s studies.
The accident remained under investigation on Monday.


for more information please visit: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110314/ARTICLES/110319697

"Florida woman charged with hitting triplets with Jeep, killing one"

HUDSON, FLA. — A Tampa Bay-area woman who authorities say hit a group of young girls with her Jeep — killing one — faces several charges.
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested 39-year-old Betty-Jo Tagerson on Friday and charged her with vehicular homicide, reckless driving and driving involving property damage.
Authorities say Tagerson was upset after an argument with her boyfriend and speeding through the Hudson neighborhood in November. FHP says Tagerson lost control of her jeep and went up on a curb, where she hit the group.
A girl who was part of a set of triplets, 5-year-old Delany Rossman, died a day after the crash. Another triplet sustained critical injuries but recovered. A third sister and a neighbor girl had minor injuries.
Tagerson was being held on $20,000 bail.


for more information please visit: http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110311/NEWS03/110311039/Florida-woman-charged-hitting-triplets-Jeep-killing-one

"South Bay man, 31, killed in possible hit-and-run in Belle Glade"

BELLE GLADE — A 31-year-old pedestrian from South Bay was killed along State Road 715 sometime this morning in an apparent hit-and-run.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol Report, George Jermaine Dyous was found in a grass ditch on the side of the road early this morning. Investigators believe Dyous was walking either on the road or on a nearby grass shoulder when a Chevy Blazer hit him and the driver left the scene.
The driver has been identified as Juan Bernardo Nunez, 24, of South Bay, according to the FHP. Nunez has not been charged, but the case is still under investigation.
Anyone with information on the crash should call FHP Cpl. Kathy Casella or Sgt. K.A. Hardley at (561) 357-4119.


for more information please visit: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/south-bay-man-31-killed-in-possible-hit-1318862.html

"Bradenton hit-and-run victim OK; suspect behind bars"

MANATEE -- The 5-year-old victim of a hit-and-run over the weekend was in stable condition Sunday in a St. Petersburg hospital while he suspect was behind bars at the Manatee County Jail.
“The young boy is in All-Children’s Hospital and he is stable with a broken leg,” Lt. William Fowler of the Bradenton Police Department said Sunday. “The driver of the pick-up truck that hit him turned himself in.”
At 3 p.m. Sunday, police arrested Lionso Martinez-Vera, 25, and charged him with leaving the scene of an accident with serious bodily injuries, reckless driving and having no valid driver’s license, Fowler said. He was being held on bonds totaling $7,000.

Police were investigating in a neighborhood not far from the hit-and-run site when Martinez-Vera walked up and surrendered himself, Fowler said.
“He had no explanation for the hit-and-run and, during his interview with police, he invoked his right not to speak,” Fowler added.
Martinez-Vera is accused of striking the boy in the 500 block of 22nd Street East in Manatee County about 7:30 p.m. Saturday and then fleeing, Fowler said.
Fowler was not sure what type of sentence the charges could bring if Martinez-Vera is convicted.
“These are serious charges, but each case is different,” said Fowler, who also did not know when Martinez-Vera will make his first appearance before a judge.
The investigation is ongoing as to how fast Martinez-Vera was going and where the boy was at the time of the crash.
“The boy was riding his bike in the road when the pickup heading southbound on 22nd Street hit him,” Fowler added.

Read more: http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/14/3029869/hit-and-run-victim-ok-suspect.html

"Four teens die in crash in Sarasota"

SARASOTA (AP) — Authorities in Sarasota say four teens have died in a car accident.
The Florida Highway Patrol says the SUV they were riding slammed into a wall after the driver lost control on Sunday around 5:25 a.m. FHP says alcohol was not a factor in the crash.
The vicitims have been identified as 19-year-old Sean Leonard, 19-year-old Andrew Monroe, 15-year-old Kelly Janis and 14-year-old Jessica Leonard.

for more information please visit: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-four-teens-dead-car-20110313-20110313,0,70958.story

Pedestrian killed along SR 715

A 31•yearold pedestrian from South Bay was killed along State Road 715 sometime Sunday morning. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report. George Jermaine Dyous was found in a grass ditch on the side of the road early Sunday. Investigators believe he was walking on the roadside when a Chevy Blazer hit him. The driver has been identified as Juan Bernardo Nunez, 24, of South Bay, according to the FilP Nunez had not been charged as of late Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call FHP Cpl. Kathy Casella or Sgt. KA. Hardley at (561) 357-4119.

Palm Beach Post Palm Beach County Daily 245,000 March 14, 2011

"3 injured in 1-75 crash near Santa Fe bridge"

Three people were hospitalized following an early-morning crash on Interstate 75 near the Santa Fe River bridge in northern Alachua County. One person was critically injured and two others suffered serious injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The accident occurred around 1:15 a.m. Friday near mile marker 407. FHP Trooper Matthew Simmons said a south-bound 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix being driven by Timo-thy Wayne Atwell, 47, of Fort McCoy, hit the front of a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country van being driven north by Britteny Nicole Lungren, 19, of Leesburg. Simmons said that after the initial impact, the Pontiac was rotating and was hit in the back by the left side of a northbound 2006 Chevy Silverado. Atwell was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in critical condition. Lungren and her passen-ger, Lana Johnston, 19, of Michigan City, Ind., were taken to Shands in serious condition. The three people in the pickup were not injured and were all from out of the region, Simmons said. Everyone involved was wearing a seat belt, according to an FHP report on the crash, and charges are pending further investigation.

Gainesville Sun Alachua County Daily 57,000 March 5, 2011

"1 dead, 1 hurt after lift falls"

TAMPA—A maintenance worker was killed and another was injured early Friday after an automated lift machine fell 20 feet onto them at a Tampa warehouse, officials said. The machine was undergoing maintenance when it fell at about 1 a.m. at the Pepsi bottling ware-house, 11315 N. 30th St., according to Tampa Fire Rescue. Inside the warehouse at about 1:20 a.m., rescuers found one man dead under the machine. The other man had serious leg injuries and was taken to Tampa General Hospital. The men, reportedly from Pennsylvania, worked for a company contracted to maintain the system, Tampa Fire Rescue said. The warehouse is at least 100 feet tall and full of racks with pallets of Pepsi products, officials said. The machine, an automated storage and retrieval system, is used to move pallets of products. Typically, people are not in the area where the equipment is operating. After the crash, firefighters used heavy rescue equipment to move the machine off the victim's body. Police were investigating and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified, officials said. The workers' identities weren't released.

Tampa Tribune Hillsborough County Daily 227,000 March 12, 2011

"1 critical in Bradford crash"

A Baldwin man is in ciritcal condition following a Feb. 27 traffic crash in Bradford County. According to the report by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Justin Smatt, Charles D. O'Neal, 54, of Baldwin was northbound on U.S. 301 north of C.R. 125. He was driving a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup. William E. Freese, 52, of Lawtey was driving a 1998 Kenworth semi. He was in a driveway on the opposite side of the road. Freese drove the Kenworth onto U.S. 301, across the southbound lanes and then merged into the outside lane with the northbound traffic, in front of O'Neal. O'Neal's truck collided with the rear of the Kenworth and then hit the pole of a roadside sign. He was transported to Shands UF in critical condition. Charges are still pending the completion of the investigation. Damages to O'Neal's pickup are estimated at $1,200. The Kenworth was not damaged.

Bradford County Telegraph Starke Weekly 10,400 March 3, 2011

"Victim ID'd in fatal Duhme Road crash"

PINELLAS COUNTY --

A Saturday morning crash near Duhme Road and 54th Avenue North killed a 26-year-old St. Petersburg man.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Lindsey Hudson was headed south on Duhme Road in a 4-door 1999 Mercury. The FHP said his Mercury turned into the path of a 1998 Chrysler convertible.

Hudson died at St. Petersburg General Hospital. The driver of the Chrysler, 48-year-old Jacquelyn Simmons of Clearwater, is in serious condition at Morton Plant Hospital.

The investigation continues.

for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/march/220778/Victim-IDd-in-fatal-Duhme-Road-crash