Sunshine News

12/23/2025

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

12/23/2025

Alachua County Sheriff

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

Beverly Springer was 38-years-old when she was found dead on December 23, 1997, in the 11000 block of North County Road 225, approximately one mile north of Gainesville Raceway.

Passing motorists initially believed they observed a dead animal along the west side of the roadway. Upon taking a closer look, they realized it was a person and immediately contacted law enforcement. The subsequent investigation determined that Ms. Springer’s death was the result of a homicide.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to identifying the individual responsible for Ms. Springer’s death and bringing resolution to this case. We continue to ask for the public’s assistance, as even the smallest detail may prove helpful.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Todd Hand at (352) 367-4164 or (352) 756-3308, or by email at [email protected]. Tips may also be submitted

anonymously to Alachua County Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP.

12/23/2025

SWFL Crime Stoppers

Our is Sherica Crews, wanted for violating probation -assault. If you know where she's at, call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS, submit online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or use the P3 Tips mobile app.

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

Donovan Metayer, a Parkland shooting survivor, has died at 26 after years battling mental illness. His family calls his death a heartbreaking reminder of the youth mental health crisis and lasting impact of gun violence. The trauma of such violence doesn’t end when the shooting stops. Rest in Power. 🙏🏿

Source: https://people.com/parkland-school-shooting-survivor-donovan-metayer-dies-by-suicide-age-26-11874136

12/23/2025

Barricaded Suspect Arrested After Reported Shots Fired in Havana**

GADSDEN COUNTY, FLORIDA — On Monday, December 22, at approximately 12:43 p.m., the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting shots fired in the area of Rich Bay Road in Havana.

Deputies responded to the scene and determined that a white male suspect had barricaded himself inside a residence located at 772 Rich Bay Road. The investigation revealed the suspect barricaded himself after firing a shotgun at his girlfriend.

A third-party witness confirmed hearing gunshots in the immediate area. The suspect’s girlfriend was safely located and transported for a routine medical evaluation.

With assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Havana Police Department, GCSO established a perimeter and initiated a tactical callout for SWAT.

GCSO SWAT responded and successfully apprehended the barricaded suspect inside a shed on the property.

The suspect was identified as Samuel Bellflowers of Havana, Florida. He was booked into the Gadsden County Jail on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.

12/23/2025

**ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY **

MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to identify a suspect in connection with a theft at the Bayshore Gardens Target, located at 6150 14th St. W.

On December 19 at approximately 5 p.m., a shopper accidentally left their wallet and phone inside a shopping cart. Rather than turning the items in to Target staff or contacting law enforcement, the suspect is seen on surveillance footage entering the store around 5:20 p.m. with the cart and later removing the wallet.

Anyone who recognizes the individual pictured is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011, Ext. 2260.

12/23/2025

**𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩**

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FLORIDA- A woman was arrested after a man was seriously injured during a knife attack at a homeless camp in Port Charlotte.

Just after noon on December 21, 2025, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office road patrol units responded to the intersection of Kenesaw Street and Cedarwood Street in reference to a physical altercation with injuries involving two homeless individuals.

Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim who was visibly bleeding from his left forearm. Deputies observed a laceration approximately three inches long and half an inch deep. A tourniquet was applied to the victim’s upper arm to control the bleeding until emergency medical services arrived and assumed medical treatment.

Before being transported by ambulance, the victim identified the suspect as a white female, later identified as Stephanie Hernandez (DOB: 01/25/1985). According to the victim, Hernandez had started a fire near his campsite the previous night. When she returned to his campsite on the day of the incident, the victim told her she was not welcome, which led to an argument. The victim stated the dispute escalated when Hernandez picked up a knife and sliced his arm in a horizontal motion.

Road patrol units later located Hernandez outside her tent at the campsite, approximately 100 feet from the scene of the incident. As deputies escorted her from the wooded area to the roadway, the victim, who was in the ambulance with a deputy, observed Hernandez crossing the street and positively identified her as the individual who cut him with a knife.

Sheriff Bill Prummell addressed the incident, stating that while tensions may run higher during this time of year—especially among individuals facing hardship—there is no excuse for violent behavior. He emphasized that disagreements are inevitable, but how individuals handle those moments is critical, and expressed hope that the incident would be resolved and that the suspect would learn to better manage herself in the future.

Following the investigation, Stephanie Hernandez was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm. At the time of this release, she is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.

12/23/2025

**𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧**

SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Criminal Investigations Section conducted a targeted holiday retail theft operation in the Bee Ridge Road and Cattlemen Road corridor on December 18–19, 2025.

Recognizing that retail thefts typically increase during the holiday shopping season, the operation focused on identifying, disrupting, and preventing retail theft while arresting individuals engaged in criminal activity.

During the two-day operation, deputies arrested 11 individuals and issued three Notices to Appear. A total of 23 new misdemeanor and felony charges were filed, including Petit Theft, Possession of Anti-Theft Devices, and multiple violations of probation. Collectively, the individuals involved accounted for 78 prior felony charges and 92 prior misdemeanor charges.

Those arrested include:

* Lisa S. Hayes, W/F, DOB 07/07/1972
* Timothy D. Baker, B/M, DOB 08/14/1988
* Lya Jaramillo, W/F, DOB 12/07/1982
* Jacari R. Curry, B/M, DOB 09/04/1996
* Jesus L. Rosell Dobao, H/M, DOB 01/16/1990
* Debora J. McAndrew, W/F, DOB 11/15/1962
* Nora R. Madelung, W/F, DOB 04/16/1962
* Yadien A. Gaona, W/M, DOB 10/22/1996
* Edward D. Ryerson, W/M, DOB 09/25/1993
* Todd Karcher, W/M, DOB 11/14/1968
* Jane Kendyl Holmes, W/F, DOB 09/29/1985

“This proactive enforcement was a success and will hopefully deter criminal activity,” Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said. “The results of this retail theft operation demonstrate our continued commitment to stopping organized theft and repeat offenders while ensuring the safety of our community.”

12/23/2025

The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to suspend the search for two missing boaters at sunset, Monday, pending the development of new information.

Coast Guard and partner agency crews searched by air and sea, covering approximately 6,700 square miles, about the size of the state of Connecticut. On-scene weather conditions during the search were approximately 10 mph winds and 3-foot seas.

“The Coast Guard diligently searched with our pilots, boat forces, cutter crews, and numerous partners,” said Lt. Harrison, a search and rescue mission coordinator for U.S. Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg. “We saturated an incredibly large search area but, unfortunately, were unable to locate the two missing men.”

“After the utmost consideration and careful review of all factors involved in this case, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend its active search efforts,” said Capt. Corrie Sergent, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “There is no harder decision than suspending a search. I am incredibly grateful for the crews, partners, and volunteers across this community who executed this massive search with the utmost professionalism, persistence, and compassion. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Spivey and Mr. Billmaier during this extremely difficult time.”

Press Release: https://bit.ly/44K3Oga

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife
North Collier Fire Rescue District
920th Rescue Wing
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Florida State Guard

12/23/2025

**⛽ CASE UPDATE: SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED IN DIESEL FUEL THEFT SCHEME**

BRADENTON, FLORIDA- Authorities have identified and arrested the man previously captured on surveillance video purchasing 44 gallons of diesel fuel with a stolen credit card at Walmart on Cortez Road on October 17, 2025. The arrest came after the suspect was caught committing the same crime again at the same location.

While conducting follow-up on the original case, Detective Scanlan was at the Walmart when store employees alerted him that the suspect’s truck was once again at the fuel pumps. Detectives observed the suspect purchase approximately $150 worth of diesel fuel before initiating a traffic stop.

The suspect, identified as Sergio Gonzalez-Chinque, was arrested after investigators determined he had used a stolen credit card number to pay for the fuel. Authorities noted that the credit card used during this incident was different from the one used in the October 17 offense.

Gonzalez-Chinque is facing two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and two counts of petty theft. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.