R News is Your News

Articles written by tom lemons


Sorted by date  Results 26 - 50 of 655

Page Up

  • Two Injured in Crash Involving a School Bus

    Tom Lemons, September 6, 2024|Updated Sep 6, 2024

    OXFORD, FL – Two people were injured in an early morning crash involving a Sumter County school bus. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a school bus driven by a 50-year-old Wildwood woman was traveling southbound on CR-223, approaching CR-222. A 68-year-old Bushnell woman was traveling eastbound on CR-222, when she failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by the school bus. Both drivers were transported to area hospitals for treatment, with the 68-year-old woman s...

  • Investigation Underway into Game Room Robbery

    Tom Lemons, September 5, 2024|Updated Sep 6, 2024

    HUDSON – An investigation is underway into a robbery that took place earlier this afternoon at Plaza 19 near New York Ave. Sources say a game room was targeted but officials have not released any details into the investigation. Immediately after the robbery, R News learned that Sheriff's Deputies shut down US-19 in all directions to try and search for the suspect who was possibly in a vehicle. There are no injuries reported....

  • Fentanyl Disguised as Oxycodone Discovered During Drug Bust

    Tom Lemons, September 5, 2024|Updated Sep 5, 2024

    SPRING HILL – After a months-long vice and narcotics investigation, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office says three people have been charged in connection with the sale of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Hashish. Officials say during a traffic stop on Tuesday, 49-year-old Leonard Hall and 43-year-old Heidi Williams were taken into custody after detectives discovered Cocaine and Fentanyl in their possession. Detectives say Williams was also concealing Crack Cocaine in a body cavity. A...

  • Retired K9 Passes Away After Serving Five Years with HCSO

    Tom Lemons|Updated Aug 31, 2024
    1

    BROOKSVILLE – Sad news to report, after one of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office' (HCSO) retired K9 passed away Friday. K9 Judge worked the streets of Hernando County between 2013 and 2018 when he retired with his handler Lt. Brandon Cox. HCSO has very few working K9 and recently lost one of their handlers. Comparatively, the Pasco Sheriff's Office has over 50 K9 in service at this time....

  • Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Deputy Involved Shooting

    Tom Lemons, August 29, 2024|Updated Aug 31, 2024

    UPDATE: Sheriff Chris Nocco will be going live on Facebook in 15 minutes to provide an update on the deputy-involved shooting that occurred today in the Katherine Dr. and Widgeon Way area of New Port Richey. NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – An investigation is underway into a deputy-involved shooting that occurred earlier this afternoon in the River Ridge area. According to the Pasco Sheriff's Office, deputies who are part of a United States Marshals Task Force were attempting to l...

  • Spring Hill Woman Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse After Infant Suffers Multiple Fractures

    Tom Lemons, August 28, 2024|Updated Aug 29, 2024

    SPRING HILL, FL – The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is reporting the arrest of a woman who they say caused severe injuries to her infant child. According to reports, Detectives were alerted to a possible child abuse case by the Tampa Police Department, after an infant was airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital on August 25, 2024. Officials say the child suffered multiple skull fractures, along with fractures to both shins and both femurs and a collarbone fracture. All i...

  • BREAKING: Children Escape "Runaway" School Bus, Possibly Still Missing

    Tom Lemons, August 27, 2024|Updated Aug 28, 2024

    UPDATE 5:30 P.M. - Bjarkman says another parent told him that at least six children were able to escape. He says one child was driving to use the front exit door but fell back inside when the bus began moving again. Bjarkman says he's the Transportation Department is not taking parent's calls. "How can I put my kid back on that bus in the morning and how can the Transportation Department ignore our calls," says Bjarkman. SPRING HILL – There are unconfirmed reports that a F...

  • Spring Hill Woman Dies in Single Vehicle Crash

    Tom Lemons, August 24, 2024|Updated Aug 27, 2024

    BROOKSVILLE – A Spring Hill woman died last night after she lost control of her vehicle and struck a utility pole on Commercial Way. According to reports, the 20-year-old driver was traveling northbound on US-19, just north of Cortez Blvd, when she departed the roadway and collided with a utility pole. Transported to a trauma center, the woman later died from her injuries....

  • The Results Are In

    Tom Lemons, August 20, 2024|Updated Aug 20, 2024
    1

    HERNANDO COUNTY – After months of campaigning the unofficial results of the Primary Election are finally in. We will update this story once all votes have been confirmed. Office of Sheriff Al Nienhuis (REP) Winner Joe Puglia (REP) 000 County Commissioner District 1 Ryan Amsler (REP) Winner Beth Kirshy Narverud (REP) 000 County Commissioner District 3 John Allocco (REP) Winner Marvin Baynham (REP) 000 County Commissioner District 5 Steve Champion (REP) Winner Pam Everett (...

  • False Accusations Lead to Ethics Complaint Filed Against Commissioner

    Tom Lemons, August 20, 2024|Updated Aug 20, 2024

    HERNANDO – The divide within Hernando County's Republican Party has never been greater and that's led to one of the most vicious election cycles the County has ever seen. Things were quiet until mudslinging began in the last few weeks and that's because the establishment incumbents have noticed growing support for their opponents in three very contentious races. Republicans Marvin Baynham, Ryan Amsler, and Joe Puglia are vying for the District 3 and District 1 Commissioner s...

  • Nienhuis Refuses to Acknowledge Fatal Shootings Ahead of Primary Election

    Tom Lemons, August 19, 2024|Updated Aug 20, 2024

    SPRING HILL – Since Saturday, there have been two fatal shootings, but Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis refuses to confirm that there have been any fatalities, provide suspect information, or talk about possible motives. Around 2:00 a.m. Saturday a man was shot in the head and then shot several more times as his body lay on the ground in front of Mermaids Lounge. The only information provided by the Sheriff's Office was a Facebook post stating that a shooting occurred a...

  • Second 'Deadly' Shooting in Two Days, One Person in Custody

    Tom Lemons, August 19, 2024|Updated Aug 19, 2024

    SPRING HILL – Several people were shot Sunday evening at a local apartment complex and there are unconfirmed reports that one person has died. The shooting occurred around 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Mariner Kay Apartments located on Northcliffe Blvd, where officials say three people were shot. During a press conference, Sheriff Al Nienhuis told reporters that a vehicle occupied by five subjects pulled into the complex and was approached by the suspect. Nienhuis says that's when he o...

  • Sheriff Nienhuis Accused of Exploiting Another Family's Grief for Political Gain

    Tom Lemons, August 17, 2024|Updated Aug 17, 2024

    HERNANDO – Last Saturday, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis drew criticism when he used the murder of a Lake County Deputy to solicit votes for his reelection campaign. There are now complaints pouring in from citizens who say Nienhuis is exploiting the search for a missing Brooksville man for the very same reason. On Tuesday, a massive search ensued for 70-year-old David Lamar Brown, who was last seen in the area of Batten Road. Since Tuesday, Nienhuis published 7 videos o...

  • Fatal Shooting at Local Bar, Sheriff Still Stays 'Crime is Down'

    Tom Lemons, August 17, 2024|Updated Aug 17, 2024

    SPRING HILL – At least one person is dead and another injured in a shooting at a local bar, according to sources. The incident occurred early Saturday at Mermaids Lounge and Eatery located at 4564 Commercial Way. The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is not providing details into the shooting other than stating, "All parties are accounted for." Multiple shootings, stabbings (Many fatal), and other violent crimes have taken place at Mermaids over the last decade, but there h...

  • Uncertainty Surrounds Reelection Bid for Sheriff and Two Commissioners

    Tom Lemons, August 15, 2024|Updated Aug 17, 2024

    HERNANDO – Early voting is underway in Hernando County and there is speculation that at least three incumbent candidates are in danger of losing to their opponents, something the local establishment never expected and wasn't prepared for. The most contentious races are for the Office of Sheriff and the District 1 and 3 Commissioner seats. According to a source, insider polling conducted by a high-profile politician revealed that Republicans Marvin Baynham and Ryan Amsler are a...

  • Search for Missing Endangered Adult Continues

    Tom Lemons, August 14, 2024|Updated Aug 15, 2024

    BROOKSVILLE – The search for a missing and endangered Brooksville man continues in the area of Batton Road and Hayman Road. Multiple resources from HCSO, the Pasco Sheriff's Office (PSO), the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR), and volunteers from the HCSO Sheriff's Emergency Response Volunteer team (SERV) have converged in the area to search for 70-year-old David Lamar B...

  • Sheriff Accused of Exploiting Deputy's Death to Advance Campaign

    Tom Lemons, August 12, 2024|Updated Aug 14, 2024

    HERNANDO - Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis is drawing fire for posting a politically driven Facebook video and exploiting the death of a deputy to advance his campaign. Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link was killed on August 2nd in Eustis after he and two other deputies were ambushed and shot. Bradley died from his injuries. On Saturday, August 10th, a Celebration of Life was held for Link in Clermont, Florida. Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis posted the following...

  • Sheriff Candidates Trade Barbs, Transparency, Body Cams, 'Crime is down' Top Issues

    Tom Lemons, August 12, 2024|Updated Aug 12, 2024

    SPRING HILL – It was a busy weekend for candidates running for public office in Hernando County, but all eyes seemed to be focused on one particular race – the Office of Sheriff. It was standing room only at the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Hernando Beach, Friday, where candidates from all local races faced off to answer tough questions from voters. As candidates took their seats on stage, one thing became clear, the only incumbent in the room was Sheriff Al Nienhuis. It also bec...

  • Source: Property Appraiser Manager Asked Employees to Campaign for Johnston - Possible Criminal Violation

    Tom Lemons, August 10, 2024|Updated Aug 12, 2024

    BROOKSVILLE – Since R News broke the story of a cyberattack on Hernando County Government's IT Network, officials say they are still not fully back online, but that most systems are working properly. One of those systems that caused the most disruption is the Property Appraiser's Office. When the system went down, nearly all real estate transactions came to a screeching halt. But it's what employees of the office were allegedly ordered to do while working from home that could...

  • Crossing Guard Returns to His Post After Near Fatal Hit and Run

    Tom Lemons, August 9, 2024|Updated Aug 10, 2024

    SPRING HILL – One of the school crossing guards severely injured by a hit and run driver earlier year is back on the job, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Officials say School Crossing Guard Nicholas Gallicchio made a full recovery after being struck by 55-year-old Robert Noack at the intersection of Northcliffe Blvd and Deltona Blvd on February 14th. A second crossing guard is still recovering from their injuries. Gallicchio will return to his same post a...

  • Man Found Guilty of Attempted Murder in ATV Shooting Incident

    Tom Lemons, August 8, 2024|Updated Aug 8, 2024

    CITRUS – A Citrus Hills man has been found guilty of Attempted Murder after shooting at three teenagers who were riding an All-terrain vehicle (ATV) near his property. On April 22, 2023, then-65-year-old Michael Regalski was working outside his garage when he became angry over a group of teenagers riding an ATV near his home. That's when officials say he pulled out a 40-caliber Glock semi-automatic handgun and began firing at the teens, striking one juvenile in the abdomen. T...

  • Teacher Arrested for Discussing Sex Acts with Student

    Tom Lemons, August 7, 2024|Updated Aug 8, 2024

    SPRING HILL – The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is reporting the arrest of a Deltona Elementary School teacher who they say used a dating app to talk about sex acts he would perform with a 14-year-old student. Officials say while 47-year-old Michael Ronald Iannaccone was working as a teacher at Deltona Elementary, he would communicate with the victim and discuss various sex acts. Detectives say Iannaccone was often in the classroom while communicating with the child. On A...

  • Candidate Receives Unexpected Visit From Detectives as Election Day Draws Near

    Tom Lemons, August 6, 2024|Updated Aug 7, 2024

    WEEKI WACHEE – Candidate for Hernando Board of County Commissioners Marvin Baynham expected a fierce battle against the incumbent for the District 3 seat John Allocco, but he didn't expect to have detectives sent to his doorstep just two weeks before election day. Yesterday, R News reported that Baynham, a Republican, had been attacked by members of his own party over claims that he signed a petition supporting late-term abortions. Baynham says the claims are not true and t...

  • Aftermath of Debby: Extensive Flooding, Downed Trees, Power Lines, Commercial Fire

    Tom Lemons, August 5, 2024|Updated Aug 6, 2024

    HERNANDO – Widespread flooding, and downed trees and power lines plagued residents throughout the county last night, and now it's time to begin the cleanup. Residents along Hernando Beach and the Weeki Wachee River saw the worst flooding around high tide in the early morning hours. There are unconfirmed reports that multiple residences were flooded along the river, but there is no firm assessment on how extensive at this time. The owners of Lei Lo Tiki Hut Restaurant on C...

  • Threats, Intimidation, Lies, Forgeries, Fakes, How Far Will Hernando's "Crime Family" Go?

    OPINION - Tom Lemons, August 5, 2024|Updated Aug 5, 2024

    HERNANDO – Since President Donald Trump took office in 2016, he's endured multiple impeachments, arrests, prosecutions - persecutions - and even an assassination attempt on his life, all in an effort to prevent him from returning to the White House in 2025. Anyone with an ounce of common sense can see that the efforts have been methodically planned and carried out by the Progressive Left and the Biden Administration. Now I'm not saying the assassination attempt was part of a...

Page Down

Rendered 10/17/2024 14:32