January 20, 2025
January 20, 2025
SPRING HILL, FL – If you've lived in the Spring Hill area for more than a few years, you've probably noticed an increase in gang activity and violent crime. Homicides, Shootings, stabbings, carjackings, and home invasions are occurring more often, especially near the intersection of Northcliffe Blvd and Mariner Blvd or what is referred to as "Three Corners." Residents living in Mariner Cay Apartments say they've had enough, and many of them have decided to pack up and leave...
TRINITY, FL – An investigation is underway into alleged inappropriate touching by the Principal at a local charter school, and the teacher who reported it says she's being retaliated against for doing her job. According to a substitute teacher at Plato Academy, who wishes to remain anonymous at this time, three female students between the ages of 12 and 13 approached on December 19, 2024, with disturbing accusations about their Principal. The teacher tells R News that...
UPDATE: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 17:30 p.m. Yesterday, R News presented HCSO with several questions regarding the accident, only to receive the following responses just before 10:00 a.m. this morning: * Is Jayden Garcia still employed with HCSO? Please provide any documents in Garcia's file pertaining to the accident, separation, or disciplinary action in the last 3 days. HCSO: NO RECORDS RESPONSIVE * Is Jayden Garcia on administrative leave? Please provide documentation....
SPRING HILL, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting the arrest of a Tampa man after he allegedly stole a large amount of fuel from a Spring Hill gas station. According to reports, a manager at the RaceTrac gas station located at Cortez Blvd and Deltona Blvd called 911 on January 10th to report a possible fuel theft in progress. The clerk advised that their system alerted them to a major fuel loss and that they noticed a silver van parked over the area where tankers...
HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – With the steady increase in population over the last several years, a lot of new residents have never heard the story of serial killer Billy Mansfield, who buried his victims at his home in Spring Hill. That changed last month after Jacksonville-based director Warren Skeels released his film The Man in the White Van in theaters nationwide. Between 1975 and 1980, Billy Mansfield struck fear in residents as young female victims disappeared across...
HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – The Hernando County School District announced today that they are adding a new K-9 to aid School Resource Officers (SROs) in locating contraband on school campuses. According to school officials, Hernando County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Burburan and his Black Labrador Retriever "Skyy" will be patrolling all school campuses throughout the district. "This is a proactive step to increase security measures on our campuses," said Brandon DeRespiris, Director...
BROOKSVILLE, FL – A former program director for the Brooksville Youth Academy is facing a charge of aggravated child abuse, after officials say he broke a child's arm during an incident at the facility last summer. According to reports, on June 6, 2024, the victim was allegedly standing in the doorway of his room and refused to go back inside at the direction of a staff member. 40-year-old Juan Carlos Baez responded and began pushing the victim back into his room. At that...
SPRING HILL, FL – For most, the holidays are a time of joy and spending time with loved ones, but for the Ptarscinski family, it's a painful reminder of how their beloved 18-year-old daughter Arianna was brutally murdered inside their own home on Christmas Eve 2021. Born and raised in Spring Hill, FL, Arianna had her whole life ahead of her. She graduated with honors from Central High School, worked part-time, and was preparing to start college after the holidays. Arianna's...
HOMOSASSA SPRINGS, FL – A suspected medical episode is what sources say led to the death of an elderly man who was involved in a single-vehicle crash Sunday. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 87-year-old driver of a Kia Forte was pulling out of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles located at 5340 West Grover Cleveland Blvd, when he drove across the roadway and struck a posted sign. Officials say the driver's foot was pressed against the accelerator, which...
Lutz, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting the arrest of a Lutz man in connection with an overnight fatal crash involving a motorcycle. Officials say 72-year-old William Edward Ricks was traveling southbound on US-41 in a Ford Escape when he turned into the path of a motorcycle driven by a 26-year-old Largo man at Lake Floyd Drive. The motorcyclist was transported to a trauma center where he later died. During an investigation, it was determined that Ricks was...
WEEKI WACHEE, FL – An investigation is underway into a structure fire that destroyed a home on Heather Blvd. Officials say firefighters responded to the 8800 block of Heather Blvd to find fire on the roof that traveled through the attic, destroying the home. No injuries have been...
BROOKSVILLE, FL – There are new details regarding a shooting that took place in the Hill' N Dale subdivision on Monday, and it's raising more concerns about transparency and the safety of Hernando County Residents. On December 30th of last year, Public Information Officers with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) posted the following on the agency's Facebook page: "INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE There is an increased law enforcement presence in the area of...
SPRING HILL, FL – A Spring Hill teen is behind bars this evening after officials say he was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in the Glenn Lakes Golf and Country Club. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Cameron John Grosso was driving a BMW 528i southbound on Lenox Drive when he struck and killed a 68-year-old Brooklyn, New York man. Officials say instead of stopping at the scene of the crash, Grosso drove approximately one block south to Maybelle Drive....
SPRING HILL, FL – An early morning fire could have turned deadly if not for the quick thinking of a passerby. According to Hernando County Fire Rescue, just after 7:00 a.m. this morning, firefighters were dispatched to the 3200 block of Harrow Road for a residential fire. Officials say prior to their arrival, a bystander walking by the residence noticed flames shooting from the front window and used a garden hose to extinguish the fire. Despite significant damage to the...
SPRING HILL, FL – A quick response by firefighters prevented further damage to a residence this morning. According to Fire Officials, firefighters responded to a residence on Don Loop around 7:00 a.m. to discover a fully involved SUV. The fire was quickly extinguished, preventing the fire from spreading to the home, however, there was some heat damage to the residence. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under...
