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an hour ago
- Yahoo
Teens on dirt bikes vandalize Florida golf course, spark safety concerns
The Brief Teens riding electric dirt bikes have been caught on camera damaging a Brevard County golf course. Residents say the bikes are also endangering pedestrians along sidewalks and pathways. Deputies are increasing enforcement, and officials warn the behavior could lead to felony charges. VIERA, Fla. - A group of teens riding high-powered dirt bikes has drawn the attention of law enforcement and frustrated residents after being caught on camera tearing up the turf at Duran Golf Club in Brevard County. What we know Teens riding high-speed electric dirt bikes have been caught on video damaging the turf at Duran Golf Club in Brevard County, prompting public safety and property damage concerns. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office confirmed the riders were seen recklessly operating the vehicles, some capable of reaching 50 mph, across the greens and nearby pedestrian areas. Officials say the issue has grown throughout the summer. What we don't know Authorities have not identified any of the teens involved or whether charges have been filed. It's also unclear if the bikes are registered or if any riders have been cited for violations so far. The backstory Electric dirt bikes have surged in popularity, but their powerful engines and off-road capabilities have clashed with residential safety norms. In Viera, residents say the bikes are frequently spotted on sidewalks and walking paths, endangering pedestrians and damaging community property. Big picture view Neighborhoods in central Brevard County are seeing a shift in public space use, raising questions about enforcement, youth supervision, and e-vehicle regulation. Community leaders and residents alike are expressing growing frustration as safety risks mount. What they're saying Surveillance video shared by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office shows teens recklessly riding across the greens at full speed — a problem that authorities and neighbors say has been escalating throughout the summer. Some electric dirt bikes, like the ones seen in the footage, can reach speeds up to 50 mph. Residents of the Viera area say the teens aren't just confined to the golf course — they're also riding on sidewalks and neighborhood pathways used daily by pedestrians. "There's a safety concern — number one, that they could have an accident," said sheriff's office spokesman Tod Goodyear. "But there's also the issue of criminal mischief." Mary Lewis, a local resident, said the young riders have nearly run her off the sidewalk. "They're just not obeying any rules," she said. "They think they can do whatever they want. And when people confront them, they swear and give you grief. It's really a problem." What's next Though tracking down the bikers has proven difficult in the past, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office says it is now stepping up enforcement. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, and Viera resident Mary Lewis.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Fourth of July travel could reach 'historic' levels in Florida, AAA says
The Brief The Independence Day travel period could set records in 2025, according to AAA. AAA projects 72.2 million domestic travelers nationwide, including 4.6 million Floridians. Gas prices are lower as of June 20 compared to the same date last year. TAMPA, Fla. - The Fourth of July travel period could be a record-breaker nationwide and in Florida, according to new projections released by AAA. By the numbers AAA says about 72.2 million people nationwide will travel domestically during the Independence Day travel period, which runs from June 28 through July 6. The projection marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers over 2024 and 7 million compared to 2019. In Florida, AAA says nearly 4.6 million people will travel for the holiday, broken down as follows: Road trip: 4 millionUp from 3.9 million in 2024 Up from 3.9 million in 2024 Flying: 329,762Up from 325,471 in 2024 Up from 325,471 in 2024 Other modes: 203,629Up from 188,809 in 2024 Up from 188,809 in 2024 As of Friday, June 20, Florida drivers are paying an average of $3.14 per gallon for regular gas, according to AAA – slightly less than the national average of $3.21. The average price of gas in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area is $3.17 per gallon, down from $3.63 on this date a year ago. AAA warns prices at the pump could fluctuate over the next two weeks, with the cost of crude oil surging last week amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. READ: Southwest adds 'powerful' cockpit alert system to detect runway danger Dig deeper AAA also put out a list of the best and worst times to be on the road if you're driving during the upcoming holiday travel period. Saturday, June 28: Before 10 a.m. Sunday, June 29: Before 11 a.m. Monday, June 30: Before noon Tuesday, July 1: Before 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: Before noon Thursday, July 3: Before noon Friday, July 4: Before noon Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m. Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, June 29: 2-4 p.m. Monday, June 30: 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 1: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, July 3: 2-6 p.m. Friday, July 4: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 6: Noon-6 p.m. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from AAA. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of sexually exploiting, extorting underage victims online charged with 200 counts of child porn
The Brief A Hillsborough County man is accused of sexually exploiting minors he met online and blackmailing them. Sunghyun Kim, 29, is facing 200 counts of child porn possession. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Sunghyun Kim is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office immediately at 813-247-8200. RIVERVIEW, Fla. - Hillsborough County deputies arrested a man they say was using social media sites to get sexual content from multiple juveniles and then blackmail them. The backstory Detectives began investigating Sunghyun Kim, 29, on February 5, 2025, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They said the anonymous tip came from one of the victims, who said the suspect sexually exploited and blackmailed them. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, over the course of three months, detectives learned that the suspect was engaging with multiple juveniles through social media sites, receiving sexual content from them, and then blackmailing them. READ:Machete-wielding man dies after partner stabs him in self-defense, Lake Wales police say On May 20, 2025, the HCSO Internet Predator Unit went to Kim's Riverview home to execute a search warrant. During the search warrant, detectives seized multiple electronic devices and said they found more than a thousand files of child sexual abuse material and computer-generated child sexual abuse material. Detectives also discovered 45 files depicting sexual activity with an animal. Kim has been charged with: Possession of child pornography (10 or more images and content of images) (x100) Possession of generated child pornography (x100) Film, distribute, or possess videos or images depicting sexual activity with an animal (x45) Promotion of sexual performance by a child (x14) Transmission of harmful material to a minor (x9) Use of computer service for lewd or lascivious exhibition (x6) What they're saying "To manipulate and extort underage victims for his sick gratification is beyond disgusting, it's evil," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Let me be clear: anyone who preys on children will face the full force of the law. We will not tolerate this in our community." What you can do Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Sunghyun Kim, is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office immediately at 813-247-8200. The Source This story was written with information provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Brandon road rage shooting suspect appears in Hillsborough County court
The Brief 21-year-old Aiden Richards will remain in jail without bond until her next hearing on Tuesday, June 17. Gunfire was exchanged on Brandon Boulevard after HCSO says Richards pulled out a gun following a road rage altercation. FHP says you should avoid eye contact and get away from road rage drivers immediately. TAMPA - Shots fired on a busy Hillsborough County roadway could have turned out much worse. Several gunshots were exchanged during a road rage incident in Brandon. What we know Around 2:15 on Thursday afternoon, a driver's dash camera captured road rage at the intersection of South Hilltop Road and West Brandon Boulevard. After a liquid was poured on a blue Hyundai, a pop could be heard. Seconds later, as the light turns green, a barrage of gunfire rings out. Hillsborough County Deputies said the altercation escalated with 21-year-old Aiden Richards pulling out a gun and firing. Deputies said the driver of the other vehicle shot back, hitting Richards and the vehicle she was in. "Ms. Richards, you are charged with two counts of shooting at or within a vehicle, two counts of attempted murder in the second-degree with a firearm discharge, and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon," said Hillsborough County Judge Logan Murphy. Richards walked with a limp as she appeared in court Friday afternoon. Drivers in Brandon said road rage is becoming all too common. "This area is so busy with traffic it's not really shocking. People it's hot out and between that and everything, unfortunately it seems more normal than it should be," said Jenny Shields. Shields said she tries to avoid frustrating other drivers, but it can still happen. "I just try to avoid confrontation and maybe do a slight wave that's obviously not aggressive, but I just keep going or go down another street if I feel like somebody is being aggressive, but I don't engage," she said. The Florida Highway Patrol said Shields' advice is right. "You want to create distance from the aggravated driver and try to get away. First, don't make eye contact. Get away from the driver immediately. Don't make hand gestures at them or stay away from them at all costs. Pull over on the shoulder if you can safely or call FHP," said Trooper Andrew Schmidt. Confrontations like this by law enforcement continue to occur. "Everybody gets upset with that, especially with traffic in Florida it's so busy. You just need to stay behind, stay away and be vigilant of your surroundings," said Schmidt. The Source Information was gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon through the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Hillsborough Courts and asking FHP for tips for drivers. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tampa-based non-profit enroute to Middle East to evacuate Americans amidst Iran-Israel conflict
The Brief Project DYNAMO CEO says there are teams in Jordan and Israel already. So far, they've seen an uptick in requests for rescue. The organization was created in 2021. TAMPA - A local veteran non-profit is working to get Americans, including Tampa Bay area residents, out of the Middle East and home safe. Since its creation back in 2021, Project DYNAMO has rescued more than 7,000 Americans from conflict zones and disaster areas across the world. What we know Its teams are made up of former Special Forces and intelligence officers and volunteers from all across the nation. They're currently en route to the region to evacuate Americans as missile strikes and bombings escalate between Iran and Israel. CEO Mario Duarte says there are teams in Jordan and Israel already. RELATED: Iran retaliates against Israel after attack on nuclear program "We can do it via air or land or using ships and boats," he said. "We can use multiple routes to make sure our people get to a safe location and from there we can help them find a way back home." So far, they've seen an uptick in requests for rescue. Duarte says they're stepping up to help because there's always a gap in response capabilities. "There are millions of Americans at any given time around the world and the U.S. government is not always capable to respond to all of them. That's why Project DYNAMO exists," said Duarte. The backstory After Hamas invaded and attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the donor-funded organization and Gov. Ron DeSantis helped charter evacuation flights for hundreds of Americans out of Israel. In this latest conflict, Duarte says, ideally, they can have evacuees safely back in the US within 72 hours. "Seeing a mother and father embrace their child or grandpa holding their grandchildren. That's why we do it. To make sure American families are back together, and we'll keep doing it so long as we're needed," said Duarte. American citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and allies of the U.S. in need of evacuation are urgently requested to register by clicking here. The Source FOX 13's Carla Bayron gathered the information for this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
