Latest news with #CitrusCounty
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Florida representative enters race to replace Ingoglia's former senate seat
INVERNESS, Fla. (WFLA) — Former State Rep. Ralph Massullo has entered the race to fill the now-vacant state senate seat after Blaise Ingoglia was appointed Chief Financial Officer. District 11 covers Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties. This is not the first time Massullo has had his eye on the senate seat. Back in 2022, he ended his bid following Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsing Ingoglia. Now that the seat is open again, Massullo has thrown his hat in the ring. Fired federal prosecutor based in Tampa plans to sue Trump administration 'We're emphasizing workforce and career development. We're incorporating AI into a lot of our services that the state is suing, as well as trying to incorporate that into workforce as well as education and also trying to improve health care,' Massullo said. Massullo also said he wants to focus on improving the environment along with agriculture. Massullo, who's a dermatologist, has support from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier through a post on X and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, with an official endorsement. 'I'm extremely happy. I'm a small business owner myself. I've worked with the chamber for many years,' Massullo said. This week, Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order calling for a Special Primary Election on Sept. 30. So far, no democrats have entered the race. But if that happens, both sides will face off on Dec. 9. Candidate qualifying is Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. After that, voters officially know who will appear on the ballot for the Special Primary Election. 'I ask all of your viewers to investigate the various candidates that are running, particularly the ones that running in my district, and go out and vote,' Massullo said. Massullo served in the Florida Legislature from 2016 to 2024, when he couldn't run again to remain in the state House because of term limits. The campaign for Republican Anthony Brice confirmed he will enter the race for the Special Election. He already had plans to run for the seat in 2028. However, with the vacancy, he will ramp up campaign efforts now ahead of September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Benefit held to help Pasco deputy injured in the line of duty
The Brief Pasco Deputy Buddy Allman was injured while alerting people to rising water during Hurricane Milton. He spent several weeks in the hospital in a medically-induced coma. The type of injury he suffered only allows him to collect 66 percent of his pay. PASCO COUNTY, Fla. - More help could be on the way for law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty across the state. The Deputy Andy Lahera Act, named after critically injured Citrus County Deputy Lahera, would help financially cover law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty. On Saturday, a benefit event for injured Pasco Deputy Buddy Allman was held at the Rotary Concourse Pavillion in Spring Hill. On October 18 last year, Allman was riding in a Humvee to urge people to evacuate as the Withlacoochee River crested from Hurricane Milton. He said, "I was in a Humvee driving up and down the roads. We had a big speaker up on top of it which would project the sound letting people know that the waters were rising." The asphalt under his and his partner collapsed. He explained, "The vehicle went down and, on its side, and I couldn't get my door open because of the way that the vehicle lodged itself in there." Roaring floodwater poured inside. "Within seconds it was all the way up to my mouth," he added, "I tried to take one last breath and when I did, I was sucking in some water." Allman's partner safely escaped. While bystanders sprang into action to rescue him. He said, "They gave me a two percent chance of survival when I left out of Dade City in the helicopter." Hurricane Season 2025 hurricane season guide: Here's how to prepare For the next 3.5 weeks, Allman was in a medically induced coma. He said, "It was touch and go at the hospital for three weeks because I was on the highest level on the machines that they would take there in order to save my life." On November 27, he was released from the hospital. But to this day, he's coping with a host of issues. "I've got torn rotator cuffs on both sides, I've got a traumatic brain injury from losing oxygen that won't get any better," he said, "I've got neuropathy from my knee to my hips on both legs." All proceeds from the event on Saturday were donated to the family. But they say with more surgeries to come, they're concerned about bills. He said, "In Florida, if you get hurt in the line of duty, and you were not chasing a fleeing felon, or you weren't shot, you only get 66 percent of your pay." Right now, full coverage eligibility only extends to law enforcement officers injured in "fresh pursuits, an emergency, or an unlawful act committed by another." The Deputy Andy Lahera Act would expand employer-paid health insurance to cover law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers who are injured during an official training exercise or in the line of duty. The act currently sits at Governor Ron DeSantis' desk awaiting to be signed into law. The Source FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis 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
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Person stabbed during early-morning fight in Homosassa woods, deputies say
HOMOSASSA, Fla. (WFLA) — One person has been hospitalized, and another is behind bars following an early-morning stabbing in Homosassa, authorities said. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office said two people are believed to have gotten into a fight sometime around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Kayaker killed in alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park, FWC says As the fight escalated, 25-year-old Jacob Earl Keefer, drew a knife on the victim in a wooded area near Fishbowl Drive and Halls River Road, investigators said. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was taken to a medical facility in Ocala. Authorities said the person's injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, and they were listed in stable condition. Detectives said Keefer is an acquaintance of the victim, but did not further describe their relationship. Enough evidence was gathered for detectives to issue a warrant for Keefer's arrest, the sheriff's office said. He was found later Tuesday and arrested on one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill. Officials said he was being held at the Citrus County Detention facility without bond. 'This swift arrest is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our deputies and detectives,' said Sheriff David Vincent. 'Thanks to their efforts, we were able to quickly apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of our community.' Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 352-726-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Citrus County by calling 1-888-ANY-TIPS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
