Latest news with #Homosassa
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Manatee left unattended before death while employees drained pool at Homosassa state park: Report
The Brief A manatee died at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in January after employees left her unattended while draining the pool, according to a new report from the USDA. The inspection report said the pool drained faster than anticipated when nobody was watching, and because of how Shantay was positioned, she got trapped and drowned. The necropsy also states that Shantay's immobility from the pre-existing injuries "likely contributed to this unfortunate event." HOMOSASSA, Fla. - A 1,000-pound female manatee named Shantay died at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in January after employees left her unattended while draining the pool she was in, according to a new report from the USDA. "They've had really an excellent record for manatee care, but it is something that I believe was avoidable. And at the same time, I think the measures are being taken to ensure this wouldn't happen again," Save the Manatee Club Executive Director Dr. Patrick Rose said. READ: FWC investigating 9 manatee deaths in 6 weeks in the Homosassa River Dig deeper The inspection report said the pool drained faster than anticipated when nobody was watching, and because of how Shantay was positioned, she got trapped and drowned. She had been recovering at the state park after suffering a boat strike. "They were trying to give better personal care to Shantay, the manatee, that was being rehabilitated. And in order to do that, they needed to lower the level of water in the tank where she was being held. And at that situation was the water drained faster. There should have been someone there on it all the time, in my opinion, and there wasn't," Dr. Rose said. The necropsy also states that Shantay's immobility from the pre-existing injuries "likely contributed to this unfortunate event." Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "Failure to implement proper handling procedures can result in injury or death of the animal. Handling of all animals shall be done as expeditiously and carefully as possible in a manner that does not cause trauma," the report states. The other side In a statement sent into FOX 13, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection wrote in part "...park staff worked closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to review what occurred and have taken steps to help prevent future issues. As part of these efforts, the manatees under care were relocated to a secure spring location and have not been housed in that pool until necessary repairs were completed..." Dr. Rose said he's confident the proper changes have been made to prevent something similar from happening in the future. "I do believe changes are already being made. It's not to excuse what happened, but to learn from it and to ensure that this would never happen again," Rose said. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jordan Bowen. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: 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
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.
