Our network

Crime

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater warns underage drinkers

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater warns underage drinkers

Tampa, Florida-- Despite its multiple name changes, one of Tampa's main concert and event venues has a clear stance on at least one thing- a "zero tolerance" policy for underage drinking on the premises. 

The newly named MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater- first known as the "Ford Amphitheater" before becoming "1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheater", and then briefly the "Live Nation Amphitheater"- has joined forces with local law enforcement and the Florida State Fair Authority. Together, they are warning anyone underage that they will strictly enforce drinking laws. 

Law enforcement target Bay area gang members

Plant City, Florida -- In a press conference Monday, multiple law enforcement agencies announced the take down of members of a notorious gang in the Bay area.

After a 10-month investigation, 10 members of the "Norte 14" gang -- accused of committing violent crimes including aggravated battery, robbery, aggravated assault and homicide -- are behind bars and the residents of Plant City can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Have you seen these stolen pit bull puppies?

Thonotosassa, Florida - Can you imagine snatching not one but two little puppies from the watchful eye and sharp jaws of a nursing pit bull dog? Well, investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office say that's what happened in broad daylight in the 9400 block of Ripley Road in Thonotosassa on Sunday, May 19 around 12:24 p.m.

70-year-old Terry Thomas says he was sitting on his couch, next to the window that overlooks his front yard, watching TV when his four adult dogs started barking.

Woman recovering after machete attack by grandson

Plant City, FL -- Deep machete wounds to her arms and face.

A Plant City woman is recovering after she was attacked by her own grandson over the weekend.

Neighbors were worried something awful might happen to Barbara Harvey, but at 75 she had been worried she would need someone to look out for her, even if that someone was -- as neighbors put it -- her "deadbeat grandson."

Man robs 4 gas staions of lotto tickets

East Lake, Florida -- A man has been arrested for robbing multiple gas stations of lottery tickets. 

Beginning on March 9, at 7:46 a.m., Paul Johnson entered the Marathon Gas Station located on Hillsborough Avenue in East Lake, and asked for $200 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets. When the clerk placed the tickets on the counter, Johnson grabbed the tickets without paying and fled on foot.

Crime down in Hillsborough County

Crime down in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County, Florida -- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office has released that crime in Hillsborough County is down 53.2% since 2007. 

For the sixth straight year, deputies have reduced overall crime in Hillsborough County. With a population in unincorporated Hillsborough County of more than 800,000 residents, the number of victims of  crimes was also reduced from 21,617 in 2011 to 20,072 in 2012. This violent crime rate is the lowest since recording started in 1985.

Man arrested on molestation charges

Man arrested on molestation charges

Plant City, Florida -- Around noon Thursday, the Plant City Police Department arrested 82-year-old Efrain Rosa Vargas for various molestation charges.

Vargas is being charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on a victim under 12-years-old, and Showing Obscene Materials to a minor, among other things. 

Vargas' arrest stems from allegations that he engaged in inappropriate behavior with two minor children on February 15.