Latest news with #HernandoCounty
Yahoo
5 days ago
- 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
20-07-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man's address was on a busted shipment of credit card skimmers — here's how the devices steal data
Three people are facing multiple charges after Florida law enforcement officials busted a massive skimming operation in Hernando County, reports FOX 13. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) began an investigation after U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated a shipment of illegal skimming devices headed to the home of Yunior Juan Camacho in Spring Hill, Florida. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it The skimming devices — which fit over card-swiping devices at ATMs and cash registers — steal sensitive information, allowing fraudsters to clone cards and make unauthorized purchases. Camacho and two other associates were reportedly taken into custody on multiple felony charges after OALE, Homeland Security and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Camacho's home. "This was a very large ring, and so we're very proud to get this one busted up immediately," Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson told FOX 13. 'This is going to help us get a much larger network' Agents reportedly discovered a wide range of devices when they served the warrant on Camacho's home, suggesting a sophisticated criminal network was in the works. According to authorities, the search uncovered: 354 suspected counterfeit payment cards Over 150 digital storage devices 17 illegal skimming devices Electronic components used in skimming schemes $47,350 in cash Investigators also impounded a 2022 Ford F-350, which contained illegal fuel tanks believed to be part of a diesel fuel theft operation. In addition, officials found 17 gaffs — sharp instruments that are commonly associated with cockfighting — adding another potential layer of felony charges to the case. All three suspects are now facing multiple felony counts for possession of skimming devices, possession of equipment used for animal fighting and trafficking in counterfeit goods. "This is something that we have worked very hard on the last two years," said Commissioner Simpson. 'And we've had many busts like this around the state, [but] not to this magnitude. Very proud of that. This is going to help us get a much larger network.' Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. How to protect yourself from skimming devices While skimming can happen anywhere, it's most common at gas stations and standalone ATMs because they are less likely to be monitored or inspected. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim to skimming fraud: Take a close look at the card reader: If it appears loose, crooked or feels too thick, don't use it. Tug on the reader and if it moves out of place, find another option. Check for hidden cameras: Criminals often place tiny cameras near keypads to obtain your PIN. Look for anything that looks out of place; pinhole cameras can be very small. Use tap-to-pay: When possible, use the tap-to-pay option. These replace physical card readers and can thwart would-be scammers. Run your debit card as a credit card: While not foolproof, it can help protect your PIN. Use well-lit or indoor readers: Avoid gas pumps or ATMs in dark or less-trafficked areas, as these are easier for criminals to tamper with. Cover the keypad when typing your PIN: Always fully cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This can block cameras from gaining access to your account. Check your accounts regularly: Keeping a close eye on transactions can help you spot and report fraudulent activity faster, improving your chances of recovering losses. The FBI estimates that consumers and banks lose more than $1 billion every year to skimming. As fraudsters get more sophisticated, keeping a sharp eye and using tap-to-pay whenever possible can help protect your finances. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of 'massive unemployment' in the US due to the 'biggest change' in history — and says this 1 group of 'smart' Americans will get hit extra hard. Are you one of them? How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man arrested for DUI on lawn mower along toll road: FHP
The Brief Troopers say Christopher Spain rode a lawn mower southbound on the Suncoast Parkway while impaired Friday morning. Witnesses reported seeing Spain riding erratically from Citrus County into Hernando County. Spain refused to perform field sobriety exercises, according to troopers, and was arrested. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - A man faces charges after troopers say he took his riding mower onto a busy toll road while impaired. The backstory According to the Florida Highway Patrol, dispatchers received calls from multiple witnesses around 8:30 a.m. Friday reporting a man operating a lawn mower erratically on the southbound side of the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589). Troopers say traffic cameras showed the lawn mower going south from Citrus County into Hernando County, and the rider was pulled over just south of the exit to U.S. 98. FHP says Christopher Spain, 38, showed several signs of impairment, including small pupils, flushed skin, dry mouth, and visible irritation to the inside of his nose. Spain also had a small blue straw in his back pocket, according to troopers, and repeatedly cleared his throat, sniffed, and spit during the traffic stop. Troopers say Spain refused to perform field sobriety exercises, and he was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence. Jail records show Spain was released Friday afternoon on $500 bond. The Source This story was written with information from the Florida Highway Patrol and Hernando County Jail records.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputy-involved crash investigation underway in Hernando County
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) —The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved crash that occurred Saturday night. Deputies are currently on the scene near the intersection of South Main Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in South Brooksville. The crash occurred at 8:30 p.m. when a deputy on patrol observed a vehicle heading south on Main Street commit a traffic infraction as he was headed in the opposite direction. Upon seeing the deputy's vehicle turn around, the suspect attempted to flee at a high speed. He then proceeded to run a stop sign at the South Main Street intersection. According to deputies, at this point, the suspect collided with a K-9 deputy's vehicle that was also traveling on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The collision caused both vehicles to spin out, and the K-9 deputy's vehicle came to a stop after veering into a power pole. Deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office were able to arrest the suspect after a brief pursuit on foot. As of 10:45 p.m., the area is closed to traffic and experiencing power outages due to the damage caused to the power pole. The deputy sustained minor injuries in the crash. The K-9 involved was also unharmed. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
