Man arrested, woman hospitalized after rollover crash

A rollover crash in Floral City put a woman in the hospital and a man behind bars on DUI charges.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Steven M. Dickson, 62, was driving east on County Road 48 near Istachatta Road shortly before 10:30 p.m. Thursday when an animal darted into the road.

Troopers said Dickson swerved to miss the animal and drove onto the south shoulder, where his Chevrolet SSR to overturned.

Both Dickson and his passenger, Deborah A. Dickson, 62, were thrown from the vehicle.

Deborah Dickson was taken by air to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries.

Steven Dickson was arrested after troopers said he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. His breath test registered at 0.155, which is nearly twice the legal limit, investigators said.

Dickson was taken to Citrus County Jail on charges of driving under the influence with serious injury.

for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/may/244504/Man-arrested-woman-hospitalized-after-rollover-crash

Driver sought in fatal pedestrian accident

Tampa Police are investigating a hit-and-run in which a driver killed a pedestrian in Tampa.

According to the report, Aaron Cordes was pushing a shopping cart across 50th Street on Broadway in the crosswalk against the traffic light when the driver of an SUV, who had a green light, hit Cordes.

Investigators say the driver continued northbound on 50th Street without stopping to help Cordes.

Several witnesses stopped to help Cordes before Tampa Police and Fire Rescue responded.

Cordes was rushed to the hospital, where he later died several hours later.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 1993-94 black or dark-colored Ford Explorer with chrome trim. The vehicle should have right front-end damage, which may consist of blue paint from the shopping cart Cordes was pushing. The right front turn signal lens cover will also be damaged.

The Tampa Police Department is actively working this case and asking anyone to call (813-231-6130) if they see this vehicle or if they have any additional information about this fatality.

for more information please visit: http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/may/245042/Driver-sought-in-fatal-pedestrian-accident

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/

Lakeland Teen Struck by Car Listed in Serious Condition

A 14-year-old girl who was struck by a car Tuesday morning while attempting to walk across North Socrum Loop Road near Lake Gibson Middle School, was listed in serious condition in the Tampa General Hospital Children's Medical Center on Wednesday morning. Alexis Spiker, of 6950 N. Socrum Loop Road, in Lakeland, was taken to Tampa General Hospital on Tuesday night. Witnesses said about 6:45 a.m. Spiker walked into the path of a 1994 Toyota Celica driven by Morgan Taylor Thompson, 18, of 4336 Knight Station Road, in Lakeland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol's crash report. Spiker was trying to cross North Socrum Loop Road from east to west in front of the middle school. She was thrown about 30 feet from the impact, the report said. for more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20110412/news/110419807

Woman airlifted after head-on collision

SEBRING -- A woman was airlifted to Tampa Saturday morning after a head-on collision on Memorial Drive. The crash occurred at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Sunset Drive just before 11 a.m.. The two vehicles involved, a Saturn and a Rent-A-Center van, were headed in opposite directions on Memorial. "The van was headed northbound on Sunset and she was headed southbound," Highlands County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Barry Jones said. The West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department, several deputies, along with several on-lookers were on the scene. None of the on-lookers witnessed the accident. "They hit head-on; it looks like she crossed over into the other lane," said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper John Paikai. Jones echoed Paikai's observations, agreeing that the female driver of the Saturn had crossed into the northbound lane, though there was no concrete answer why she had. "He (driver of the van) is OK I think, just a scratch on the head and ear," Paikai said, but the driver of the Saturn wasn't so lucky. "She's being transported to Tampa for head trauma." The driver of the van was treated on site and was not transported to the hospital. The unidentified female driver was pulled from her vehicle by a handful of Highlands County EMT's and volunteer firefighters. The woman repeatedly told Paikai that she had been wearing her seatbelt, however Paikai and Jones are not completely sure the driver had been strapped in. "You can tell when a seatbelt was worn. There are indentations across the chest and the lap and I didn't see any," Jones said. Traffic along Memorial came to a short standstill as the accident site was cleaned up and the drivers were treated and transported. The accident is under investigation. for more information please visit: http://www.newssun.com/040311-sg-Memorial-Crash

Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on SR 50

A 24-year-old woman who ran directly into the path of a vehicle, died on the spot after she was struck on SR 50, east of Old Cheney Highway in Orange County, troopers said. Florida Highway Patrol said, Alicia Stokes, of Orlando, who was in the parking lot of Mr. Sisters, ran across the eastbound lanes of SR 50, into the direct path of a Toyota Camry driven by 37-year-old Nicole Williams, also of Orlando. The accident happened just after 1:30 am, on Saturday. Troopers said, the right front of Williams’ vehicle struck Stokes, who was pronounced dead on the spot by the medical examiner. Williams was not hurt as a result of the crash. No charges are pending, troopers said. for more information please visit: http://westorlandonews.com/2011/04/09/pedestrian-killed-in-early-morning-crash-on-sr-50/

Police identify man who died in Port St. Lucie crash Monday

PORT ST. LUCIE — The motorcycle rider who died following a Monday night crash at Southwest Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Southwest Chestnut Lane has been identified as Jeffery Stone, police said Wednesday. St. Lucie County Fire District crews at 9:50 p.m. Monday were called to the reported collision involving a car and a motorcycle, Fire District spokeswoman Catherine Chaney has said. The motorcycle is thought to have been traveling at speeds greater than 100 mph before crashing into the car, Officer Tom Nichols, Port St. Lucie police spokesman, has said. Stone, 25, died at the scene, while a woman in her late teens was flown to a local trauma center in stable condition. The woman was driving the car. for more information please visit: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/apr/06/police-identify-man-who-died-in-port-st-lucie/?partner=yahoo_feeds

I-4 crash kills Orlando man

A 22-year-old man died in a crash on westbound Interstate 4 Sunday and one of his passengers is in serious condition. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said Ali Muhammad Chehab, of Orlando, died when his Toyota Scion flipped on I-4 south of State Road 436. Troopers said Chehab was driving on the inside lane when another driver suddenly veered their car into his lane without using a turn signal. Chehab veered quickly to the left and drove off the roadway. He steered right and then left again, causing his car to overturn at least once. Officials said Chehab was partially ejected. He died at Florida Hospital Altamonte. Passenger Stanley Augustin, 20, of Kissimmee, is listed in serious condition at Orlando Regional Medical Center. The other two passengers in Chehab's vehicle were not injured in the crash. FHP investigators said Chehab and Augustin were not wearing their seat belts. Troopers said the driver of the car that veered into Chehab's lane didn't stop. for more information please visit: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-04-11/news/os-fatal-crash-seminole-20110411_1_orlando-man-crash-troopers

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

Orlando Boy Struck, Killed While Riding Scooter

Boy, 7, Struck And Killed While Riding Scooter An Orlando boy was struck and killed by a car while riding his scooter in an apartment complex parking lot. Police said 7-year-old Alberto De Alba darted in front of a car driven by Merline Jean about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The accident happened at the Ridge Club Apartments in Orlando. The boy was taken to a hospital, where he died. Authorities said he was not wearing a helmet. Police said no charges were filed against the driver. for more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20110411/NEWS/110419892/1374?Title=Boy-7-Struck-And-Killed-While-Riding-Scooter-

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

Motorcyclist, 19, killed in Holiday crash

HOLIDAY — A 19-year-old motorcyclist died early Sunday after colliding with a vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash happened about 7:55 a.m. on Grand Boulevard near Cheyenne Drive, according to the patrol. Bryan Lohr of Holiday died at the scene. Troopers said a 1997 Mercury driven by Christopher Henn, 27, of Holiday was southbound on Grand Boulevard when Henn attempted to turn left into a driveway. Henn apparently didn't see Lohr's northbound motorcycle, crossing his path and causing the front of the motorcycle to hit the right side of the vehicle. Henn and passenger Scott Ebersole, 52, of South Bend, Ind., suffered minor injuries. Lohr was wearing a helmet, according to the patrol. Henn and Ebersole were wearing seat belts. for more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/motorcyclist-19-killed-in-holiday-crash/1162952

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash On S.R. 33

A Mulberry motorcyclist was killed Thursday morning after trying to pass a truck on State Road 33 north of Polk City, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Donald D. Allen, 69, of 355 Lake Huron Drive, was flown from the crash scene to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The crash occurred just before 11 a.m. while Allen was driving north on State Road 33, approaching Double Diamond Drive, deputies said. He was behind a pick-up truck driven by Robert Heidler, 35, of 1010 Sunshine Drive E., in Lakeland, who was towing a boat. Heidler began to make a left turn onto Double Diamond Drive when Allen crossed a double yellow line into the southbound lane of State Road 33 and tried to pass, deputies said. Allen's 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle struck the driver's side door of the truck. He was ejected and came to rest on Double Diamond Drive. He was not wearing a helmet, deputies said. for more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20110407/news/110409559&tc=yahoo

Truck hits riding mower, killing one and injuring another

A 45-year-old Hernando, Fla. man crossing a Citrus County highway on a riding lawn mower Friday night died after he was hit by a pickup truck. His passenger was injured. The riding mower's driver, Rex Siglin, 45, was attempting to cross State Road 200 from the west shoulder down East Brave Lane in Citrus County, a Florida Highway Patrol report said. At the same time, a 2005 Ford F-350 pickup, driven by Woodrow Story, 30, of Homosassa, was traveling north approaching the same intersection. Siglin failed to yield the right of way to Story and was struck by the pickup, the report said. Siglin was taken to Citrus Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries. Siglin's passenger, Terry Rowe, 63, also of Hernando, Fla., sustained minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation. for more information please visit: http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/apr/11/111030/truck-hits-riding-mower-killing-one-and-injuring-a/

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

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