COMMUNITY PARTNER That’s So Tampa has been the most trusted local resource for discovering All Things Good in Tampa Bay Sheriff’s officials said they were called to the business, 11755 County Road 579, just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, where they found a man dead with a gunshot wound. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No other details were immediately released. Chris Tisch is the senior news editor overseeing breaking news, criminal justice, weather and environment. Reach him at tisch@tampabay.com. 2025 at 8:33 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A man was fatally shot Wednesday night at a Circle K gas station in Thonotosassa the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)THONOTOSASSA FL — A man was shot to death Wednesday night at a Circle K in Thonotosassa the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post The fatal shooting happened just after 8:30 p.m When deputies responded to the store for reports of a shooting Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO detectives at 813-247-8200 Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Florida Fish and Wildlife officers joined neighbors helping to rescue people living in the Pemberton Creek area on Friday Jay Bolnick has lived there since 1996 and told the ABC Action News I-Team The flooding not only got into his house — but stranded his nearly 50 head of cattle the sheriff's office wants to help him rescue “They’re on one little spot of dry land over there The hardest thing is — what do you do?” Bolnick said after swimming out and trying to coax the cattle to dry land Bolnick was able to save his donkey and alpacas But he wonders how devastating the flooding would have been had state and county leaders taken concerns more seriously we reached out to the county and our county commissioner a month ago and we told them before even Helene started you couldn’t even see the creek it was so full of vegetation," Bolnick said showing the I-Team a photo he took September 11 “They told me that after the rainy season’s over that’s when they’re going to come clean the creek out So you have a lot of areas draining into Baker Creek which our concern has been all along to get the county to come out here and clean the creek out," he said because there would have been a lot of water that got out of here," he said Bolnick brought the I-Team back to his home It’s just — I don’t think you can have as much empathy for what other people have gone through until you’ve gone through it yourself try to give thanks just for the fact that we’re here right now.” Sierra Schmidt and her family live on Flicker Court it’s about two and a half to three feet of water," she said “We have ridden the roller-coaster of emotions today I think we’ve had our time of crying and then our time — we have a wonderful church family that’s come out to help us and we were able to salvage some of the things in our home” left guessing why she and her neighbors' concerns about cleaning the creek weren't taken more seriously it’s going to happen after the rainy season this is part of that problem," Schmidt said “We would have liked for that to be a little bit higher on their priority list." The I-Team plans to bring the concerns to county leaders You have to have a sense of urgency," Bolnick said If you have something you'd like the I-Team to investigate and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark Latest Hillsborough County News from ABC Action News Report a typo Deputy Darell Brown, 40, was driving his personal Ford F-150 pickup north on U.S. 301 near Franklin Road about 7:50 a.m. when, for reasons that were still unclear, he crossed the center line into the path of a southbound flatbed semitrailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and Sheriff Chad Chronister. The semitrailer driver hit the brakes before the crash, causing it to jackknife, but was unable to avoid a collision, Chronister said at a news conference at the scene. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Deputy Darell Brown is seen in an undated photo released by the agency on Thursday after Brown was killed in a traffic crash on U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa. [ Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office ]The two vehicles crashed nearly head-on and came to rest on the west shoulder of the highway, according to the Highway Patrol. ”Our deputy was, tragically, instantly killed,” Chronister said. The semitrailer driver, a 32-year-old Orlando man, was shaken up but not injured, Chronister said. Authorities have not released his name. A flatbed semitrailer sits partially on U.S. 301 near McIntosh Road in Thonotosassa on Thursday after a crash that killed a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy. Troopers said the deputy was driving a Ford F-150 and collided with the semitrailer. [ Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office ]Brown had just finished his shift in the booking unit at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa and was on his way home in Pasco County, Chronister said. Brown, who joined the office in 2015, worked during his career at the Orient Road and Falkenburg Road jail facilities, according to the sheriff’s office. Chronister called Brown “a great employee” who was well-liked and “always there to lend that helping hand to book these individuals and get them through the process.” Brown was the father of five children in a blended family, Chronister said. Their ages range from 5 to 20, according to the sheriff. He said Brown’s father has been a crossing guard for the office for 11 years. The Highway Patrol closed U.S. 301 in both directions for several hours after the crash due to damage to the road surface. The highway was reopened as of about 4:45 p.m. Thursday, the Highway Patrol said in an update. Tony Marrero is the criminal justice and breaking news reporter. Reach him at tmarrero@tampabay.com. 9Troopers have reopened the westbound lanes of Interstate 4 in Plant City after a three-vehicle crash Thursday morning Troopers were dispatched shortly after 6 a.m to the crash at mile marker 19 near the Thonotosassa Road exit according to a highway patrol news release The driver of a Hyundai minivan heading west failed to halt for stopped traffic and crashed into the back of a Chevy Tahoe and then into a Chevy Silverado Occupants of the Hyundai and Chevy Tahoe were taken to a hospital with serious injuries The driver of the Silverado had minor injuries and was treated at the scene Troopers initially closed all westbound lanes troopers were allowing traffic to pass the crash scene on the shoulder TRAFFIC: I-4 backups remain in the Plant City area after earlier crash closed the westbound lanes near Thonotosassa Road exit. Traffic being allowed by on shoulder. Real-Time Traffic Map: https://t.co/noNRm20qPd pic.twitter.com/excG05Zk7L TRAFFIC: I-4 backups remain in the Plant City area after earlier crash closed the westbound lanes near Thonotosassa Road exit. Traffic being allowed by on shoulder. Real-Time Traffic Map: https://t.co/noNRm20qPd pic.twitter.com/excG05Zk7L Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInTHONOTOSASSA (WWSB) - A Hillsborough County deputy was killed in a crash in Thonotosassa on Thursday Deputy Darell Brown was killed after a collision involving a semi-truck on US-301 just north of Stacy Road and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister “This tragedy comes at an incredibly difficult time as our Sheriff’s Office still grieves the loss of Deputy White I humbly ask the community to pray for all those impacted by these painful losses Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.” Brown joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in January 2015 and faithfully served his community as a detention deputy in both detention facilities he served in the Booking Unit at the Orient Road Jail Deputy Brown was off-duty driving his personal vehicle at the time of the crash Once on scene deputies located 37-year-old Paul Strickland with a gunshot wound Strickland was pronounced deceased at the scene detectives determined two-time convicted felon Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office started its 9/11 looking for a man who had been arrested 20 times its aviation and K-9 units worked together to locate Roger Cox who was wanted on multiple felony warrants (CBS12) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office started its 9/11 looking for a man who had been arrested 20 times See also:Lifeline in crisis: 211 Helpline launches campaign for new hurricane-proof headquarters Deputies say Cox was eventually found hiding in the woods and was taken in without incident "This arrest highlights the effectiveness of our specialized units and our commitment to keeping our community safe," said Sheriff Chad Chronister "Their efficient teamwork ensured that this criminal will be held accountable for his actions." Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- More than two weeks after Milton, a Plant City native is organizing relief efforts to help his community which is still dealing with the aftermath Spectrum Bay News 9 usually highlights an individual overcoming obstacles a group is putting aside their own storm challenges to help others you will still hear and see the chain saws cutting through storm debris in Thonotosassa Mike Perry is one volunteer helping his neighbors "There's so much destruction everywhere," said Perry "And out here in our slice of where we live everywhere you turn there's someone in need." Perry joined the group to help in Milton recovery Some in the community and online call them the “Chainsaw Crew,” organized by Plant City native Aaron Davis Davis has helped thousands and spent more than that amount of his own funds in relief efforts buying equipment such as chain saws and generators for others He helped organize a tree removal at a Hillsborough sheriff deputy's home What can I do to help?" said Perry about the moment the crew went into action "And literally within the hour we had people on the ground getting this tree off this guy's house and his garage." Davis has been posting about the recent hurricanes Helene surge washed away Davis’ Anna Maria Island home he has been leading all this relief effort for others joined the efforts and is doing the same after Hurricane Milton "We had some water damage in our house We had two barns collapse," said Perry I was at home went I got the call to come over here from Aaron But we're trying to help our neighbors out." Today's job included a visit to the west Thonotosassa Baptist church Pastor Jerry Waldrop told Spectrum Bay News 9 there is a force for good playing out after experiencing the recent force of nature "Clearly some people have been devastated," said the pastor "But there's a lot of good coming out of this and we're able to minister perhaps to people we haven't ministered to before." Perry said they will continue to pursue helping their neighbors stop the job that they're doing to come help us," he said "it's disheartening to see the destruction but it's also nice to see the people coming together for a common good." This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page — A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy was killed early Thursday in a crash in Thonotosassa WATCH the sheriff's news conference was killed in the crash when his Ford F150 collided with a flatbed tractor-trailer The commercial vehicle driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries Brown joined HCSO in January 2015 and faithfully served his community as a detention deputy in both detention facilities and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This tragedy comes at an incredibly difficult time as our Sheriff's Office still grieves the loss of Deputy (Tim) White and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him." The Florida Highway Patrol will conduct the crash investigation — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating after the body of a man was found with "upper body trauma." Deputies said the body of a man was found Tuesday July 26 in the 12000 block of Thonotosassa Road around 8 a.m Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 Check back with Bay News 9 for more information 2022 at 5:35 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is conducting a homicide investigation in Thonotosassa FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is conducting a homicide investigation in Thonotosassa deputies responded to the 12000 block of Thonotosassa Road where they found a man dead from upper-body trauma The sheriff's office provided no other information Anyone who knows anything about this homicide is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200 Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. — A village of tiny homes called Escape Tampa Bay recently opened in Thonotosassa and there's big plans to expand according to Vice President of Development David Peterson.  "Planning to expand to have 30 more," said Peterson "The interest is growing."  Two of those homes have already been sold.  was the first resident to purchase a tiny home that he loves enormously I even have a little workout space inside of 388-square feet," he said "It's more than enough for what I need The homes for sale range in size from 260-square-feet up to a whopping 650-square-feet The largest tiny home offers a 120-square-foot mother-in-law suite "You'll see how much work we've put into making them huge but look small from the outside," said Peterson "The big windows inviting the outside in is always a big thing." Peterson said the homes are manufactured and towed from Wisconsin The tiny homes have wheels and are considered RVs "They're built as strong as a house that you live in Made of two-by-four's and two-by-six's," he said "We've designed it to travel on a road on a trailer." "It's definitely not for everyone," he said "But give it a try because when you find out life's not about stuff it really takes on a whole new meaning."  – A Thonotosassa man is dealing with car crashes in his backyard — literally.  Nam Nguyen suddenly woke up early in the morning on April 1 to the sound of car crash on Harney Road He went outside to see a car through the fence of his backyard He says this isn’t even the first time this has happened to him And he has other neighbors who have dealt with similar incidents He feels cars traveling at a high rate of speed and increased traffic in recent years on Harney Road is to blame you hear cars racing down this road,” Nguyen said Nguyen lives near the intersection of Harney and Tom Folsom Road Nguyen and his neighbors feel it’s time for a traffic light or 4-way stop to slow down the cars Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to Hillsborough County to see if any changes there are in the works The story will be updated when an update is provided 2021 at 10:33 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Hillsborough County wants to expand recreational space in Thonotosassa by 36 acres FL — Hillsborough County will potentially expand recreational space and the new library in Thonotosassa using 36 acres of nearby land Thoughts are welcome from local residents on the proposed expansion from Oct is on the north side of the existing Thonotosassa Park and Recreational Center on Skewlee Road Thonotosassa Projects — Park Expansion and Library Replacement Consists of Two Parts: Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. — A farm in Thonotosassa is fun for the whole family with kids of any age Passion Organics is family-owned and operated with some of the sweetest strawberries you'll find this year pick as many as they'd like and pay by the pound "What we grow is what you're going to buy up there whatever the season has available," owner Gerald Wright said "That's what we try to plant and harvest and keep everything fresh Everything we have out there usually was picked that morning So you know it's going to be fresh and good." also stop by the Shake Shack for a strawberry shake or shortcake and don't forget to say hi to the goats and chickens it was let the community come out and take a look around," Wright continued "Anybody can go to a grocery store and buy anything But can you come out here and watch somebody actually pick it out of the field and bring it up to you That's why I say we need the community more than the community needs us." Passion Organics also works with Feeding Florida to accept EBT cards and to help make the money go a little further They'll give you coins to make your EBT Dollars Click here for more information on their hours Plant City Observer The new Eagle’s Nest Thrift Store has a library with computers for those in need Helping people is in Daphne Jones’ blood.  The Gibsonton native was born into a migrant family and grew up in a household rooted in hard work “You did what you had to do,” Jones said “You don’t take no for an answer You don’t take excuses for an answer It’s what I’m called to do.”  Jones is the founder of Eagle’s Nest Coalition Inc. a nonprofit which covers 4 acres of land on McIntosh Road The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the organization which is dedicated to helping the homeless Jones formed Eagle’s Nest about three years ago but earned nonprofit status in June.  The ribbon cutting for the coalition coincided with the grand opening of Eagle’s Nest Thrift Shop a for-profit business Jones hopes she can eventually use to fund her nonprofit.  thrifting was a hobby that turned into a way she could fuel her true passion: giving back.  who instilled in her the desire to help others.  “I grew up with 12 other grandchildren,” Jones said Sometimes people wouldn’t treat her fairly.” she never turned anyone away — a policy Jones has adopted at Eagle’s Nest Coalition.  A small home at the front of the property is used to house those in need The coalition operates on an honor code: promises to be nonviolent to stay away from drugs and to seek employment and a better future The organization frequently works alongside the Thonotosassa-based foster home Everyday Blessings “We help them get any needed documents,” Linda McCabe The housing is free for as long as they are actively employed It humbles me immensely … (Jones) is in it for the greater good.”  When an individual in need comes to the coalition for help Jones sets them up with housing and food and helps them obtain necessary documents to find a job If the individual violates the zero tolerance policy for drugs Jones will fund travel costs back to where they came from.  “I eventually want to see to every aspect of the homeless,” Jones said “That includes helping people who get out of prison Nobody’s above reproach.”  the funds to help those in need have been coming from donations and out of Jones’ own pocket.  I’m sharing out of the goodness of my heart I believe God makes everything happen for a reason.” The Eagle’s Nest Thrift Store just opened but the walls of the warehouse are packed with records “I love to decorate,” Jones said “All of this is my personal touch.”  The home goods are labeled at discounted prices a small room operates as the coalition’s library and resource center access to the Internet can come to the thrift store to apply for jobs and obtain necessary documents The library also is connected to ACCESS Florida the Florida Department of Children and Families Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency program The program centers around helping those in need obtain benefits Jones already has plans for the future of both the shop and the coalition.  “We’re working toward getting staff members,” Jones said “I eventually want a men’s center.”  She hopes to hire someone to live on the coalition’s grounds and oversee the housing area She believes having an overnight mentor and supervisor would help with accountability.  “It has to be more of a heart (matter) than a job,” Jones said.  She also wants the thrift store to garner enough support to eventually be profitable — the funds of which would go back to the coalition.  the more she’ll do,” McCabe said “It really is a community resource.”  “There’s no red tape,” Jones said Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.  Filed Under: News Browse a digital collection of our other publications magazines and special sections such as Season Magazine Copyright © 2025 Plant City Observer 2022 at 6:59 pm ETHillsborough County Fire Rescue was called to 9933 E Fowler Ave and arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the home (Hillsborough Fire Rescue)Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was called to 9933 E Fowler Ave FL — A fire in Thonotosassa left a home gutted Tuesday Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was called to 9933 E Fowler Ave Crews performed an aggressive interior attack to keep the blaze in check and were able to put out the fire in about 15 minutes There was no one inside the home when the fire broke out Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Saviyon Woods, 18, and Samir Young, 17, each face charges of first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm, the agency said in a news release Friday night. The Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office has not provided the name, age or any other identifying information about the person who died or their manner of death. Woods was arrested Wednesday and booked into a Hillsborough County jail, where he is being held on $300,000 bail, jail records show. Young was arrested Friday, deputies said. No booking information was available for him Friday evening. Amy GehrtProduction Editor Scott Tomlinson, 51, was found shot to death in the kitchen of his 5,000-square-foot home, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Detectives believe he was killed by his older brother, Todd Tomlinson, 53. When deputies arrived at the victim's home, they said they encountered Todd Tomlinson standing outside the winding driveway, gun in hand. They told him to drop it. He refused, deputies said, and instead started to raise it. Two deputies opened fire, fatally wounding Todd Tomlinson. Then the deputies discovered the body of the younger brother inside the home. The Sheriff's Office on Wednesday identified the two brothers as the gunman and murder victim they encountered the day before at 11008 Smoken Gun Lane, a 3.4-acre gated property in a well-to-do collection of homes near Lake Thonotosassa. But the agency has not said what led to the younger brother's murder or the older brother's confrontation with deputies. Scott and Todd Tomlinson were more than just brothers, however. They were also business partners who spent three decades working together in the construction industry. A neighbor and close friend said the two brothers had been feuding recently over the fate of Tomlinson Brothers Plastering Inc., the family business located less than a mile from where both brothers were killed. "They worked together hard, they built a business together," Steve Kocsis told WTSP 10News. "They built a lot of things together, so to end this way is sad." Kocsis, who has known the brothers for 20 years, said they'd been arguing over the construction company and planned to split it up in the coming days. State records show that this wasn't the Tomlinson brothers' first business dispute. In 2007, they were sued by a third brother, Jeff Tomlinson, who accused the other two brothers of pushing him out of the family construction company he said he helped build. Jeff Tomlinson, 48, said in the lawsuit that he helped his brothers found the company in 1984, then left to form his own company, Jeffco Construction Co. In 2003, Jeffco merged with the family business. Things went well for four years, the lawsuit said, the brothers split the profits "evenly" and Jeff Tomlinson was paid a salary. In 2007, according to his lawsuit, Jeff Tomlinson said his two brothers "took control" of the family business while he was in surgery to remove "malignant tissue." The two brothers fired Jeff Tomlinson's assistant, withheld his salary and canceled his phone service, company credit card and health insurance, according to the suit. They reported Jeff Tomlinson for theft, the lawsuit said, and barred him from the workplace. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. He sued the other two brothers for damages and lost wages, and asked for an injunction to prevent them from removing him from the family company. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2013. Jeff Tomlinson did not return a call for comment on Wednesday. The Sheriff's Office said deputies were brought to the Smoken Gun Lane by the family: Todd Tomlinson had called a family member about an ongoing argument, authorities said, and that person reported a "domestic in progress" to 911. When deputies pulled up to the mouth of the driveway about 3:17 p.m. Tuesday, the agency said, they saw an armed Todd Tomlinson descending the gated brick driveway. The Sheriff's Office said neither deputy involved in the shooting was injured. They were identified as Deputy Mark Barnwell, 52, who has spent 29 years with the agency, and Deputy Irazema "Izzy" Viera Roquemore, 45, who has put in 15 years. Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said nobody else was home at the time of the shootings. On Tuesday night, authorities finished searching the house and returned the property to Scott Tomlinson's wife. Scott Tomlinson's wife declined to comment Wednesday. Family of Todd Tomlinson could not be reached for comment. Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Contact Michael Majchrowicz at (813) 226-3374 or mmajchrowicz@tampabay.com. Follow @mjmajchrowicz. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an alligator bit someone Wednesday afternoon FWC said the alligator bit the person at Lake Thonotosassa and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue all responded to the scene but the extent of the injuries wasn't released by FWC The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said agents contracted a nuisance alligator trapper at the location but there has been no word if the specific gator has been captured An amazing $22 million lakefront mansion has just gone on the market in Hillsborough County The home has a 1/4 mile of lakefront property on the county's largest lake And none of that even includes the main house Former Phillies All-Star Ryan Howard sells Belleair Shore mansion for $16.5 million PHOTOS: FORMER PHILLIES ALL-STAR RYAN HOWARD SELLS BELLEAIR SHORE MANSION The main home is four-stories and 27,152 square feet “The Oaks is an architectural masterpiece of epic proportions and achieves the rare ability for a home of this size to feel warm listing agent for the Pond Gunning team at Smith & Associates Real Estate Silk wallpaper and herringbone pattern wood floors are just some of the intricate details that make the house special It also includes a fitness room complete with steam showers and lockers as well as a basement bowling alley indoor heated saltwater pool and full-size game room this will reportedly be the biggest sale in Hillsborough County You can see photos of the spacious property here. 2021The sweeping Thonotosassa estate belonging to a co-founder of Lazydays RV dealerships has sold for $16.7 million for what is the highest sale price so far this year in Tampa Bay and one of the highest prices ever for the region The estate, dubbed “The Oaks,” was listed for $22 million in February 2019 and then the price was lowered to $17.5 million early last year A wood-paneled room in the Oaks Estate in Thonotosassa [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]The former owners combined four adjacent properties to form the sprawling grounds They also created hills and planted hundreds of trees including live oaks and imported Italian cypresses with an elevator connecting all four floors Its amenities include a wood-paneled men’s lounge a bowling alley and a game room with retro decor a mansion formerly owned by Lazydays RV co-founder Donald Wallace and his wife Erika [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]In addition to the house a real estate agent with Smith & Associates represented both the buyer and sellers and said the property is truly one-of-a-kind “The Oaks is an architectural masterpiece of epic proportions,” she said including the guest house is over 36,000 square feet A room within the Oaks Estate. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]The property features a collector's garage that can store 20 cars. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]Bowling shoes are stashed in cubbies at the Oaks Estate, which features its own bowling alley. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]Emily L. MahoneyEnergy Reporter — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is conducting a homicide investigation in Thonotosassa deputies were dispatched to the 9400 block of Goldenrod Road to conduct a welfare check "We are devastated to see such senseless violence end someone’s life, “said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister “Detectives are currently working to piece together the events that led up to this tragic death This cruel violence will not be tolerated in our community Detectives believe this was an isolated incident Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813)247-8200 2023 at 3:34 pm ETThis two-story eOneXL model boasts plenty of glass spacious feel and provides an abundance of natural light (ESCAPE Homes)The Oaks offers 23 affordable and sustainable ESCAPE tiny homes in a private (ESCAPE Homes)The all-electric kitchen of the eOneXL Tall model comes with an induction cook top (ESCAPE Homes)The Traveler XLS Wide features a cedar exterior and metal accents maple trim and a first floor walk-around queen bedroom with a sliding patio door to a private deck the Traveler XLS Wide creates a sense of spaciousness (ESCAPE Homes)The newest model is the N1 with a Mid-Century Modern design featuring clean lines a neutral color palette and an emphasis on the outdoors (ESCAPE Homes)The minimalist design of the N1 features soft white walls with hard maple trim a huge opening window wall with a large deck (ESCAPE Homes)The kitchen of the N1 has full-size appliances including a stainless convection range and venting storage shelf and a laundry center with a washer and dryer (ESCAPE Homes)The Escape Vista Boho XL Wide is priced at under $100,,000 FL — Residents who are really serious about downsizing now have the option of moving into Tampa Bay's tiniest community Situated next to the original village in an environmentally sensitive area this new eco-friendly tiny home community at 11008 N U.S although its homes are still tiny ranging from 400 square feet up "Forbes says Florida's the best place to live and demand for our first ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village was so strong that we developed a multimillion dollar expansion of the next phase of tiny living next door." The original ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village was designed in 2020 as a prototype for the post-pandemic world offering 10 eco-efficient tiny homes in a quiet park-like setting with easy access to downtown Tampa Related: Escape Tampa Bay Tiny Home Community Opens In Thonotosassa “Little did we know we’d experience such demand so quickly,” said Dobrowolski reduce the carbon footprint and still live in a beautiful home for a fraction of the cost has energized people to take the step toward tiny living.” The Oaks offers 23 affordable and sustainable ESCAPE tiny homes in a private The Oaks will feature most of the popular ESCAPE tiny home designs as well as the company's first Mid-Century Modern tiny home and the last of its original tiny home design outdoor deck and a panorama of windows that draw the outdoors in others around a central park featuring live oaks Amenities include a large community pool and indoor and outdoor community work and relaxation spaces a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa and a former TV personality for WFLA-TV in Tampa enlisted the expertise of Frank Lloyd Wright protege an award-winning architect emeritus from SALA Architects in Minneapolis He said ESCAPE Tampa Bay Village has been designed as a more affordable alternative to apartment living where the owners not only save money monthly but also build equity The purchase price of a tiny home starts at $500 a month plus a $625 average monthly lot rental fee that includes water sewer and garbage/recycling and designated parking That's about 35 percent less than the median apartment rental rate in Tampa of $1775 a month The total cost of a tiny home ranges from $82,072 to $249,550 for the new Mid-Century Modern design For more information, email sales@escapetampabay.com or call 844-696-3722 This is not a topic he broaches with brides at his Lemon Orchard Venue on the Lake, a 23-acre Thonotosassa citrus farm and event venue. But he has recently learned which of those brides are fans. The WWE and Mike’s Hard Lemonade teamed up for two days in March to film a series of vignettes on Balaban’s property. The videos were part of WWE’s WrestleMania 38 on April 2 and 3. “I start getting calls from brides who were watching,” said Balaban, 64. “The videos are great,” Balaban said. “They’re so funny and were even funnier to watch in person.” The Harder Farmer puts the wrestlers through a series of ridiculous training exercises, ranging from bench pressing baskets of lemons to deflecting the fruit shot from a potato gun. “No, stop the montage,” Boogs says in a vignette after the Harder Farmer orders the wrestlers to squeeze lemon juice into their eyes. “That’s just irresponsible.” Balaban said the production learned about his farm on Lake Thonotosassa via the Hillsborough County film commission. “Where else are you going to find a property like this?” Balaban said. “I have acres of trees, 903 feet of shoreline, I’m only 25 minutes from the airport, I have an office, bathrooms, an indoor facility, and we’re secure, private and away from the public.” Don Balaban, owner of the Lemon Orchard Venue on the Lake, looks out to Lake Thonotosassa from his property. [ ARIELLE BADER | Special to the Times ]The property also has a dock and a century-old wooden cart that was once parked at the original Chicago Union Station. Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter “Don Balaban has created a beautiful and unique property that’s perfect for attracting high-end commercials and productions,” Hillsborough film commissioner Tyler Martinolich said. “We hope this leads to other property owners throughout Hillsborough opening their doors to potential film shoots in the future.” Balaban’s farm was missing just one thing that the production needed. “I didn’t have any lemons on my trees,” Balaban said with a laugh. “My lemons were done for the season. So they spent time putting fake ones on my trees.” The Lemon Orchard Venue on the Lake in Thonotosassa. [ ARIELLE BADER | Special to the Times ]Balaban, a retired Hillsborough deputy, purchased the property around 20 years ago. It’s one of four farms he owns in Hillsborough. “I want to keep agriculture alive,” he said. “And I am trying to keep housing developments out. I know I can’t stop growth, but I can stop them from taking all the farms.” He initially opened his lemon orchard to inner city kids. “We would make bamboo poles and teach them how to fish,” Balaban said. “I’d have my pond stocked with fish, we’d cook hot dogs and marshmallows and watch Christian films. We then started hosting fundraisers. Then people wanted to have parties here. Then came weddings. Now, we are doing second-generation weddings.” Rick Boogs bench presses baskets of lemons as he is spotted by Shinsuke Nakamura and trained by the Harder Farmer as part of a WrestleMania vignette that was filmed at the Lemon Orchard Venue on the Lake in Thonotosassa. [ Courtesy of WWE ]The WWE vignettes were the highest-profile productions to use his property, Balaban said, but not the first. “I’d like to see a big movie come here,” Balaban said. “And, before I’m dead, I’d love to see Hallmark make something here. You should see this place when we have a wedding with carriages. We put Disney World to shame.” Paul GuzzoFormer Culture and Hillsborough Reporter 2021THONOTOSASSA — Two men were killed in a head-on collision early Saturday on U.S A 29-year-old Dade City man was driving a pickup truck north on U.S Headed in the opposite direction was a 61-year-old Zephyrhills man driving south on U.S Two men were killed in a head-on collision early Saturday on U.S 301 in Thonotosassa in northeastern Hillsborough County [ Florida Highway Patrol ]Then for reasons unknown to the highway patrol the 29-year-old Dade City driver crossed the centerline and entered the SUV’s path The pickup spun and came to a stop in the northbound lane The SUV rolled over and fell off a bridge and landed in a ditch Both drivers died at the scene of the crash The Highway Patrol did not release the names of the men involved in the crash because of its interpretation of Marsy’s Law a voter–approved amendment to the state Constitution that was meant to protect crime victims but that deprives the public of information long available under Florida’s public records law Two men were killed in a head-on collision early Saturday on U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa in northeastern Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. [ Florida Highway Patrol ]Natalie WeberPinellas Criminal Justice Reporter It's beautiful day in Tampa, Florida, one of the most significant homes to be built in the State of Florida in the last hundred years. We have a collector's car garage that will blow your mind. We have a bowling alley, we have a retro diner, a 72-foot outdoor pool, a beautiful pool house, where you can keep all of your toys and entertain. What I think you'll love the most about this house is that it's grand as well as comfortable. This amazing property is on the market for $17,500,000. To me, this is the most elegant room in the house. We have gold leaf inlays and chalk painted walls. This house truly has so much to offer you, Traditionally, they call this the men's lounge, but anybody will feel comfortable in this space. we have Sub-Zero wine chillers, sitting area where anyone could curl up with a good book. In this room, you also have a drop-down projector screen and electric shade, so this will be the ultimate theater. So what they've done is they've moved this furniture out Notice the herringbone French oak hand-scraped floors. You really don't see these in many houses. The attention to detail in this room to make it comfortable There's so much more to see, let's go to the kitchen. this is the kitchen you will want to be in. It was designed around this imperial blue granite The jewelry of the kitchen is this awesome that there is a catering kitchen that they use And then this custom hook rug is one of a kind. This is one of the most comfortable rooms in the house. We are now standing in the owner's private garden. It is just off the family room, and it is used year round. Only the best of the best was used in this house, I want to point out the Gracie wallpaper panels. When they purchased this property, it was all orange groves. We have the French oak hand-scraped floors. This time we have them in a Versailles pattern. from the crown moldings to the decorative medallions, and then these three amazing light fixtures Right now we are on the ground level of the house. From a space to do karaoke, we have car simulators, we have the retro diner, we've got billiards. And now we'll go see my favorite room in the house. As you can see, we have a pull-down screen that comes down so you could watch the game. And then my favorite thing, if you don't have bowling shoes, You have your friends and family bowling shoe rack. We are now in the wellness wing of the house, Who wouldn't want to have their own gym? Through those doors we have an indoor therapy pool This room is so large, you can actually hear the echo. It is absolutely, drop dead one of the coolest rooms in this house, and in it we have all these beautiful cars. These doors over here open up into 256,000 antique bricks, and so there's another courtyard out there. This really is the space for any car enthusiast, because not only do we have this 20-car garage but the main house has seven-car garages also. We are now standing in the owner's suite. It really is comprised of six different areas, the sitting area, the owner's bedroom, and plus there's two private bathrooms and closets. In this room. though, you have the French oak hand-scraped floors, and please note all the attention to detail in the trim work that's taking place We are now in of the owner's closets, they don't make them like this all the time. Right through those doors is a circular staircase that is a secret entrance into the sewing/craft room, This is one of the children's bedrooms. There's a total of six bedrooms in the main house. If I had to pick a guest room, this would be the one that I would pick, not only because of the bathroom that it has of the lake, the pool and the boat house. And in Florida, you may need a chilled pool. Behind me also is the pool house that has a big dining area to see the back of the house from this view. 36,000 square feet of Texas limestone was used. what they did is they made all the different structures have a little bit of a different exterior to make it look like it was built over an extended period of time. We are now in the two-bedroom, two-story guest house. It has a full kitchen, and upstairs you have two bedrooms. To top it all off, you have gorgeous views of the lake. And believe me, your company will not want to leave. one of Florida's most significant homes We have the main house with the bowling alley the collector's car garage for up to 20 cars. We have jogging tracks, we have race car tracks. everything to live the Florida lifestyle here. All of this is on the market for $17,500,000. "We were at the right place at the right time We would have done it for anyone with no hesitation." what they did Saturday night was nothing short of heroic because their actions likely saved two lives on Lake Thonotosassa "We do a dinner pontoon cruise here — like dinner on the water so we were out here that night," Conover said they overheard a worrying conversation: a Hillsborough County deputy who had been on a routine patrol in the area needed help finding two jet skiers — a dad and his 13-year-old daughter — who hadn't returned to shore as day became night Conover had seen the two earlier and feared for the worst finding bodies or a gator having them," she said and fiancé quickly offered the deputy a ride on their boat to work together to search the lake but I didn't want to show it," Conover recalled Conover and the other searchers heard a scream that caught their attention The jet ski had sunk in the middle of the lake The dad and daughter were not injured but tired after treading water for almost an hour As the deputy with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office — Deputy Kevin Reich — delicately maneuvered the boat toward the father and daughter Conover's fiancé emptied his pockets and jumped in to pull them out The deputy's body camera captured the thrilling yet emotional moment as the two were successfully pulled aboard the pontoon boat we're good," the relieved daughter answered With the dad and daughter in the boat and safe Conover and her friend helped comfort them with beach towels Conover's fiancé and the deputy shared a grateful handshake "Happy ending," her fiancé told the deputy Watching the replay of that moment still gets Conover teary-eyed and I feel like every time I watch the video "I never thought I would be in that situation and I'm glad that I was able — we were able — to help save them." Conover hopes the happy ending will show other boaters why it's important to wear a life jacket and leave a float plan with someone you trust The dad and his daughter were wearing life jackets but according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office "So this is a good reminder to make sure yours is fitted correctly," the dad said according to a sheriff's office news release FL — Winn-Dixie officially unveiled its newly remodeled Thonotosassa store and new liquor store to the community Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store at 9535 E Winn-Dixie presented a $1,000 donation to Folsom Elementary School to support the school’s vital programs and future leaders of the community Winn-Dixie gathered feedback directly from customers and associates totransform the Thonotosassa store into a shopping destination that is both convenient and attractive The refreshed store now offers an updated produce department a new liquor store and additional offerings To celebrate the new and improved store with the community Winn-Dixie will host aweekend-long community celebration with live entertainment and giveaways there will be raffles for a $100 gift card every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. for a chance to win a Traeger grill package as well as live cooking demos by a local chef Attendees will also have the opportunity to take holiday photos with Santa from noon to 2 p.m with prize wheel giveaways and a special raffle at 1 p.m for a chance to win a YETI Tundra 75 Cooler and YETI accessories The Thonotosassa store is open seven days a week from 7 a.m and the new liquor store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m Winn-Dixie now offers online shopping and delivery in as little as two hours Customers can shop online through the Winn-Dixie website and app and receive the same promotions Shop online this holiday season and receive $10 off orders of $50 or more with free delivery for a limited time