Latest news with #ManateeCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former New College official now facing felonies after indecent exposure accusations
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A former New College of Florida official and former spokesperson for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now facing felony charges after authorities said he exposed himself to multiple people over the course of several months. Fredrick Piccolo Jr.'s charges were upgraded from misdemeanors to felonies this week, according to Sarasota County jail records. He faces three counts of exposure of sexual organs — each of which is considered a third-degree felony due to it being a second or subsequent offense. 'Pure evil': Lakeland man sets house on fire with roommates inside, Judd says The man who once played a prominent role in Florida politics was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in April after deputies said he exposed himself to a woman while asking her for directions. He's also accused of exposing himself to multiple people at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota. Court records show the incidents occurred between Aug. 22 and Sept. 4 of last year. Piccolo worked as the director of communications for DeSantis' office from August 2020 to December 2021 before he resigned over a controversial social media post. He also held leadership roles with the Florida Speaker of the House and New College in Sarasota. His father, Rick Piccolo, told News Channel 8 that a worsening medical condition has contributed to his son's 'impulsive and compulsive behaviors,' including 'hypersexual activities.' The Piccolo family provided a statement this week saying they have sought medical and mental health services to help him recover. The family's full statement is below. While our family is deeply saddened and surprised by the accusations contained in the arrest reports, our son Fred Jr. was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease about ten years ago. As the disease has progressed, he has had various and increasing medications for the affliction. One of the listed side effects of the medications, particularly the dopamine agonists he is taking, is impulsive and compulsive behaviors, including gambling and hypersexuality activities. We are very sorry that any individuals were subjected to any inappropriate conduct, and we have already started the medical and mental health services necessary to return him to the wonderful and caring individual we knew before this decade of doctor prescribed medication. Rick Piccolo Jail records show Piccolo Jr. was booked into jail on the upgraded charges on May 21, but bonded out two days later. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
106-year-old WWII veteran receives honor in Manatee County
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (WFLA) – The Manatee County Sheriff's Office escorted Sgt. John Skeen to the Elks Lodge in Lakewood Ranch on Thursday, where he was set to receive a special honor. A room packed with people welcomed him with applause on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Mother and son achieve milestone together over Mother's Day weekend Members of the French Consulate were in town to present the 106-year-old World War II veteran with the Knight of the Legion of Honor for his contribution to the liberation of France. It is the highest decoration of the French Republic. 'I never expected anything like this. I'm finding out that life is full of surprises and this is one of them to be honored in such a fashion,' said Sgt. Skeen. Skeen said as the program was ongoing on Thursday, he couldn't help but think of all of his platoon members no longer here, who were worthy of this recognition. Those who know the platoon sergeant said the highly decorated veteran is incredibly humble about his service and is well-deserving of all of the accolades. 'It is an honor for a brother veteran, a brother in arms/soldier; what he did, taught us what we did in our military, that we are what we are today,' said Captain Thomas J. Carter. The 106-year-old is one of less than 5,000 living WWII veterans in Florida. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Teen shot during drug deal; 16-year-old charged with attempted murder: MCSO
The Brief Detectives say two teens drove to a subdivision in Parrish for a reported drug deal. Two other teens approached their vehicle, and one of the shot the driver in the arm. The victim was flown to a hospital in critical condition, according to detectives. PARRISH, Fla. - The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that left a 17-year-old injured and a 16-year-old charged with attempted murder. The backstory Investigators say around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, a 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl drove to the pool in the Summerwoods subdivision in Parrish for a drug deal. Detectives say while they were in their vehicle, they were approached by a boy and a girl. Officials say the boy shot the 17-year-old driver in the arm. The suspects took off while the victim and his companion drove away from the scene and later flagged down a deputy for help. The wounded boy was airlifted to a Tampa hospital in critical condition. Other deputies began investigating the scene where the shooting happened and obtained surveillance video. A perimeter was established and a K9 unit was used to track the suspects. Dig deeper Multiple residents called in to report two teenagers running through the neighborhood. One resident told deputies that a person fitting the description was behind their house in the wooded area and had been seen throwing a backpack into the woods. Deputies found the backpack and found a handgun and clothing that matched the suspects' initial outfits. K9's tracked the suspects to a nearby home. The shooting suspect, later identified as 16-year-old Syncere Watkins, was found inside the house with a 15-year-old girl. After several minutes, they surrendered to deputies and were taken into custody. Watkins has been charged with attempted murder and was taken to the Manatee Juvenile Booking Facility. What's next The shooting victim underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. The investigation is ongoing. The Source Information for this story was provided by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. 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
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida deputies wrangle alligator outside high school: 'Biggest fight we've had in a while'
The Brief Deputies in Parrish, Florida, wrangled an alligator outside Parrish Community High School on April 22. Bodycam footage shows the skilled capture, with the gator safely relocated away from the school. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of managing wildlife interactions in Florida's growing suburban areas. ORLANDO, Fla. - Deputies in Parrish, Florida, wrangled an alligator outside Parrish Community High School on April 22. What we know On April 22, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office were called to Parrish Community High School in Parrish, Florida, to deal with an unexpected visitor — a full-sized alligator found lurking near the campus. Bodycam footage shows multiple deputies skillfully capturing the gator using rope to secure its snout before loading it into a truck. According to the sheriff's office, the animal was safely relocated to a more appropriate environment, well away from the school grounds. What we don't know Authorities have not said how the alligator ended up near the high school, nor the exact size or age of the reptile. It's also unclear whether the school day was disrupted, or if students were present during the incident. Additionally, the destination of the gator's relocation has not been disclosed. The backstory Florida is no stranger to alligator encounters, particularly in spring, when warming temperatures and mating season increase the likelihood of sightings near residential and public areas. Still, finding one near a high school is unusual — and added a wild twist to an otherwise ordinary school day in Parrish. The quick response and skilled handling by deputies turned what could have been a safety hazard into a safe and even entertaining moment. Big picture view This encounter highlights a uniquely Floridian challenge: balancing human development with the state's diverse and sometimes dangerous wildlife. As suburban areas expand into natural habitats, interactions with animals like alligators become more frequent. The incident underscores the importance of public safety readiness and the training law enforcement undergoes for wildlife scenarios. What they're saying "You all make this look like you do this on the regular," one bystander said during the takedown, captured on bodycam video. "We do," a deputy replied, underscoring the routine nature of such unusual calls in the Sunshine State. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office later confirmed the outcome: the alligator was "safely relocated to a more suitable environment, far from the classroom." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, via Storyful.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Plane crashes after veering off runway, sparking brush fire in Myakka City: MCSO
The Brief A plane crashed on Wednesday morning at Bald Eagle Airfield in Myakka City, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say three people made it off the plane without injuries. MCSO says the crash then caused a brush fire, which crews have since put out. MYAKKA CITY, Fla. - A single-engine plane crashed at Bald Eagle Airfield in Myakka City, sparking a brush fire on Wednesday morning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. What we know MCSO tells FOX 13 three people – Christopher Mischo, 35, Timothy Vasiloff, 35, and Alyssa Vasiloff, 34 – were onboard the plane and made it out of the aircraft uninjured. Investigators say the single-engine Grumman Tiger AA5 began to veer left during takeoff from the private airstrip before crashing into nearby trees. Crews then worked to put out a brush fire that investigators say was caused by the crash. What we don't know The cause of the plane crash is not yet known. The FAA is investigating. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. 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
