Three Oaks Middle teacher injured in Alico Road crash

LEE COUNTY — A Lee County teacher was severely injured Monday morning in an early morning crash near the intersection of Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Lee County School District spokesman Joe Donzelli said the driver injured in one of the vehicles was William “Skip” Perry, band director at Three Oaks Middle School. No additional information about Perry’s condition was available. Donzelli said the district will have grief counselors on available to students and teachers Tuesday. “All those preparations for people to remain in standby were made tonight,” he said. According to Florida Highway Patrol, Perry was driving a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse east on Alico Road, while fellow Fort Myers resident Michael Dewayne Bertsch was driving a 2006 Peterbuilt semi-truck west on Alico Road. FHP reports said that at around 8:44 a.m. Perry’s Eclipse crossed the center line and hit the left front side of the truck. After the impact, FHP reports said that the Eclipse rotated counter clockwise and came to a final rest on the east bound lane facing south. The truck continued eastbound and came to a final rest facing west. Perry was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The accident shut down Alico Road at Ben Hill Griffin Parkway in Lee County for several hours, and a HAZMAT crew had to clean diesel fuel from the accident off the road before it could be reopened. FHP reports said charges are pending in the accident. for more information please visit: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/apr/11/three-oaks-middle-william-skip-perry-alico-crash/

Child struck, killed when truck backs over her

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A 4-year-old girl died after she was run over by a pickup truck being worked on outside her home. Authorities say Jalessa Gonzalez was struck about 5:12 p.m. Monday. Lee County Sheriff's deputies say 43-year-old Damon J. Drouin was in the driver's seat of a Chevy Silverado when his friend asked him to move the truck so he could continue working on the stereo system. He struck the child after putting the truck in reverse. Drouin was arrested on multiple charges of driving with a suspended driver's license. Deputies say Drouin has a history of criminal traffic violations, including DUI. He is being held in Lee County Jail and bond was denied. for more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/12/2163029/child-struck-killed-when-truck.html

Cocoa couple killed in motorcycle crash

KISSIMMEE — A husband and wife from Cocoa died when a pickup truck turned into the path of their motorcycle on U.S. 192 in Osceola County. The Florida Highway Patrol says 55-year-old James Hudson and 56-year-old Mary Hudson died Sunday afternoon. Officials say 22-year-old Ashley Williams was driving the pickup truck, which was stopped at a stop sign before turning into the direct path of the motorcycle. Williams was treated for minor injuries at a hospital. The Highway Patrol says the accident remains under investigation and charges are pending. for more information please visit: http://www.app.com/article/A9/20110404/NEWS01/110404001/Cocoa-couple-killed-motorcycle-crash

Key Largo man dies when struck by truck

A Key Largo man was killed Thursday when his bicycle was hit from behind on County Road 905 on North Key Largo. Gil Grove, 57, was riding south along the two-lane road to the Ocean Reef Club when he was struck from behind by a pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The 11:30 a.m. accident took place about four miles north of the intersection with U.S. 1 at mile marker 107, said FHP Lt. Alex Annunziato. Grove died at the scene, Annunziato said. The pickup, also headed south, was driven by Francisco J. Revuelta, 32, of Homestead. No charges have been filed pending additional investigation. Memorial arrangements, still being finalized, are being handled by Beyer Funeral Home of Key Largo. Grove's death is the fourth traffic-related fatality on roads south of Florida City this year. for more information please visit: http://www.keysnet.com/2011/04/02/325034/key-largo-man-dies-when-struck.html

Fort Lauderdale truck driver killed crossing I-75 after crash

A truck driver from Fort Lauderdale died on Interstate 75 on Friday after his rig was in a crash and he tried to cross the highway on foot in the predawn darkness. Lucas Joseph Folino, 36, was driving south around 6 a.m. when his truck hit the back of another tractor-trailer and jackknifed into the median, the Florida Highway Patrol said. After leaving his cab, Folino was hit by a northbound car and died at the scene, investigators said. It is the fourth time in recent months that motorists have exited vehicles on busy South Florida highways and were fatally struck by fast-moving traffic. for more information please visit: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-04-08/news/fl-interstate-75-accident-20110408_1_truck-driver-busy-road-early-morning-crash

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

"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

"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

"Clearwater man dies after motorcycle hits truck"

CLEARWATER — Gary Kitchen was riding his black Harley-Davidson motorcycle home from a dental appointment Thursday when, somehow, he lost control.

His wife, Cathy, had kissed him goodbye that morning, like every day she went to work.

"He's a homebody," she said of her husband of nearly 35 years, who couldn't work due to a medical condition.

But on Thursday, Kitchen never made it home.

The 55-year-old Clearwater resident died Thursday morning after he crashed his bike into the back of a semitrailer truck on Sunset Point Road near the intersection of Stetson Drive.

According to police, about 9:50 a.m. the truck was traveling westbound on Sunset Point Road in the median lane and attempted to make a right turn into the back lot of the Publix plaza at 1921 N Belcher Road. Because of the length of the truck, the driver made a wide turn into the driveway, police said.

Kitchen was traveling westbound in the curb lane when the truck began to turn into the parking lot. Police said he tried to speed up and pass, shifting to the median lane to avoid the truck. He lost control and was ejected from the bike.

He died at the scene.

Nearby resident Joe Hodge, 65, of Clearwater was taking his garbage out when he heard tires squealing. He saw Kitchen braking and sliding before crashing into the truck and being thrown underneath its rear left tires.

Hodge rushed inside to tell his wife to call 911.

"There's been a terrible accident," he said.

As police investigated, the semitrailer remained where it had stopped, angled and half in the street. The turn signal kept blinking.

Police closed Sunset Point Road between Belcher Road and Old Coachman Road in both directions for much of the morning and early afternoon to investigate. By 2:30 p.m., the road was open.

Cathy Kitchen, 55, who had been with Gary since they were both 15 years old, said he had ridden motorcycles since he was 13.

"He loved his motorcycle, and he loved riding," she said.

They would often ride together, taking short trips to nearby small cities, but never going too far.

She said the accident comes just shy of a milestone.

"Next week was our 36th anniversary," she said.

for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/clearwater-man-dies-after-motorcycle-hits-truck/1154989

"Two Killed When Motorcycles Collide"

Authorities said two people died after a pair of motorcycles crashed into each other.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the drivers of both motorcycles were trying to avoid hitting a trailer-toting truck in front of them and they ended up colliding. FHP identified the victims of Saturday night's crash as 48-year-old Kevin Winne of Winter Springs, who was one of the motorcycle drivers, and 46-year-old Teresa Madden of Oviedo, who was a passenger on the other motorcycle.

Authorities are still investigating and charges are pending.

For more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20110306/NEWS/103065039/1018/sports?Title=-geneva-

"Hudson woman dies after being hit by truck on U.S. 19"

A Hudson woman was killed as she walked along U.S. Highway 19 on Tuesday evening, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

According to a report, about 7:48 p.m. Jaculine D. Wakefield, 39, was walking across the southbound lanes of U.S. 19 south of Sanderling Lane, crossing the path of a 2004 Dodge Ram PK.

The right front of truck struck her. She was taken to Bayonet Point Hospital, where she died, the patrol said.

The driver of the truck, Jerry B. Jordan, 64, of Dunedin was not injured.

The incident remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact Cpl. D.L. Frye at (352) 797-5737.

For more information please visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41862011/ns/local_news-tampa_fl/

"Motorcycle, pickup strike different building along Jefferson Street"

BROOKSVILLE - Jessica Varner said she keeps the blinds down in her office because she got tired of seeing all the accidents taking place along West Jefferson Street.

The one that occurred Wednesday afternoon was only a few steps away from her desk, she said.

Shortly before 4 p.m., a white Dodge pickup truck smashed against the front portion of the office building at 303 W. Jefferson St., according to the Brooksville Police Department.

Varner, an administrative assistant at Combs Services Inc., said she heard a collision outside. As soon as she backed away from her desk, she heard a louder boom and felt the building shake.

"Everybody's OK," she said over the phone a half-hour after the crash. "There are some bumps and bruises."

Moments later, Stephen L. Miller, 55, of New Port Richey, crashed his motorcycle into a tire shop building at 1360 E. Jefferson St., said Brooksville Police Chief George Turner.

Miller was airlifted to a Tampa-area hospital.

"His injuries are very serious," Turner said.

Turner said a wrecker was called to the scene at Combs Service and a building inspector also would be summoned to review the damage.

The driver of the Dodge, who did not want to be identified, said she swerved off the road to avoid hitting a passing Mitsubishi SUV.

Police officers stayed for only a few minutes at the first accident before heading toward the other side of town to respond to the motorcycle wreck, Turner said.

Combs Service is an appliance repair shop located near the corner of South Bailey Avenue.

Varner said the truck didn't penetrate the wall, but "knocked it loose."

For more information please visit: http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/mar/02/021905/motorcycle-pickup-strike-different-buildings-along/

A Brandon man was badly injured Monday when his motorcycle collided with a truck.

It happened just after 11 a.m. on Lakeland Drive in Flowood, near the Walmart and Hugh Ward Parkway.

Police say a pickup truck pulled out in front of 62-year-old Stephan Hinkle as he was driving his motorcycle east on Lakeland.

Hinkle was taken to a Jackson hospital with serious injuries.

For more information please visit: http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11713289

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because a motorist violated your right of way, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

A motorcycle collided with a truck this morning along Indiantown Road

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, which is investigating the accident, the driver of a GMC Sierra had just left a gas station and turned onto Indiantown Road. The motorcycle, which was also traveling along that road in the eastbound direction, could not stop in time to avoid hitting the truck.

FHP identified the motorcyclist as 45 year old Richard E. Craig of Jupiter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eastbound traffic was blocked for two hours.

No charges have been filed, but the accident remains under investigation.

For more information please visit: http://www.wptv.com/content/news/northpbc/jupiter/story/Motorcyclist-killed-on-Indiantown-Rd-in-Jupiter/1EiyHiOvXkO9qEDNWvVu6g.cspx

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

An early-morning collision on Interstate 275 killed a Pasco County man and injured three other people in Pinellas County.

Daniel Harrell, 22, of Land O' Lakes, was driving a 1987 Nissan pickup north on I-275, just past Fourth Street when it was hit from behind by a 2004 Mercedes Benz that failed to slow down, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The wreck happened at 3:15 a.m., just before the Howard Frankland Bridge.

The impact caused the pickup to lose control, hit a center barrier wall, then go into a spin and turn on its side. Harrell, the driver, was ejected as the truck flipped, an accident report states.

He was not wearing a seatbelt, the report said.

Passenger James Keene, 22, of Land O' Lakes, was taken to Tampa General Hospital with injuries the FHP described as serious. Another passenger in the truck, Laci Fisher, 21, also of Land O' Lakes, received minor injuries. Both were wearing seatbelts, the report said.

The Mercedes' driver, William Storey, 40, of Kenneth City, received minor injuries, the FHP said.

The accident remains under investigation.

For more information please visit: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/23/i-275-wreck-kills-one-injures-three/news-breaking/

Flagler deputy injured in traffic accident

A Flagler County sheriff's deputy responding to a crash on a motorcycle was injured Wednesday when a tractor-trailer struck him in Palm Coast, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.

Sgt. Michael Van Buren, 42, was riding west on Palm Coast Parkway when he collided with a tractor-trailer coming from the northbound Interstate 95 exit ramp, said sheriff's spokeswoman Debra Johnson.

The crash involving Van Buren occurred shortly before noon as the sergeant was responding to a minor crash in which no one was injured. He suffered several fractures and other injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler where he will remain overnight, Johnson said.

Van Buren, who is the supervisor of the Flagler County sheriff's Traffic Unit, has worked for the Sheriff's Office since 1987, Johnson said.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident but said Van Buren suffered facial injuries when his motorcycle crashed into the tractor-trailer. The driver of the truck, Roy L. Sanner, 66, of Ohio was not hurt, said FHP Lt. William Leeper.

Charges against Sanner are pending a full investigation, Leeper said.

For more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Flagler/flaFLAG01080609.htm

Driver Injured as Truck Overturns

A cement truck overturned in Grand Ridge Wednesday morning, injuring the driver.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Roy Davis, 44, of Altha, was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries.

The incident occurred at about 7 a.m., when the truck was traveling north on State Road 69 and turned right onto a dirt road at a construction site, highway patrol said.

The truck overturned on its left side on the dirt road. jackson County Fire Rescue had to extract the trapped driver from the truck.

For more information visit: http://www2.jcfloridan.com/jcf/news/local/article/driver_injured_as_truck_overturns/86421/