Gigantic Python Captured

128 Pound Female Snake Killed In Miami

A Miami man has caught and killed the longest Burmese python ever captured in Florida: 18 feet, 8 inches. The python was a 128-pound female that was not carrying eggs, according to University of Florida scientists who examined the snake. The previous record length for a Burmese python captured in the wild in Florida was 17 feet, 7 inches.

On May 11, Jason Leon was riding late at night in a rural area of southeast Miami-Dade County when he and his passenger spotted the python. About 3 feet of the snake was sticking out of the roadside brush. Leon stopped his car, grabbed the snake behind its head and started dragging it out of the brush. 

When the snake began to wrap itself around his leg, he called for assistance from others and then used a knife to kill the snake. Leon once owned Burmese pythons as pets and has experience handling this nonvenomous constrictor species.

“Jason Leon’s nighttime sighting and capture of a Burmese python of more than 18 feet in length is a notable accomplishment that set a Florida record. The FWC is grateful to him both for safely removing such a large Burmese python and for reporting its capture,” said Kristen Sommers, Exotic Species Coordination Section Leader for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Leon reported his python capture to the FWC’s South Region office, which connected him with 888-IveGot1(888-483-4861), the FWC’s hotline for reporting exotic species. Cheryl Millett of The Nature Conservancy’s Python Patrol Program helped coordinate the response, and Jeff Fobb of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Venom Response Program arranged to pick up the snake from Leon. 

Finally, the python was turned over to the University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, where UF staff experienced in working with Burmese pythons performed the necropsy.

“With the help of people like Mr. Leon and our ongoing partnerships with other agencies, the FWC is advancing what we know about Burmese pythons in Florida,” Sommers said. “This event highlights how the Exotic Species hotline allows the public to help us obtain more information about Burmese pythons, so we can improve management of this invasive species. It also reflects the cooperative efforts of the FWC and its partners to address python sightings by the public.”

The public is asked to report sightings of exotic species to IveGot1.org or 888-IveGot1. There is also a free smartphone app: IVEGOT1.

The Burmese python is an invasive species that has negative impacts on the Everglades ecosystem and its native wildlife. The FWC actively coordinates with local, state and federal partners, including university researchers, native tribes and nongovernmental organizations, on the research, management and capture of pythons.

What's Coming For Gas Prices?

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have fallen 0.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.45/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 8,237 gas outlets in Florida. This compares with the national average that has increased 8.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.67/gallon.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 7.8 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are unchanged versus a month ago. The national average has increased 16.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 3.0 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

"The last seven days have delivered some shocks at the pump for motorists in the nation's Midwest," said Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "I don't believe I've ever seen gasoline prices in the Midwest surpass California- areas of Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Kansas- have done that. Gas price records in these areas aren't being quietly replaced, they're being blown out of the water. I don't believe I've ever seen such crazy trends in gasoline prices occur all at one- prices spiking in one area, falling in another, and holding steady in others. What we're seeing today is certainly rare," DeHaan said.

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash

U-Turn In Front Of Oncoming Cyclist

NAPLES, FL. -- A 26-year old motorcyclist died after being hit by a 2007 Honda Odyssey Saturday afternoon at 3:57 p.m. in Collier County, Florida

84-year old Mary L. Griffith of Naples was traveling west on CR886 (Golden Gate Pkwy) in the left turn lane in as Urbeil S. Hernandez was traveling east on Golden Gate Pkwy in the outside through lane on a 1998 Honda CBR900RR motorcycle.

Griffith attempted a U-turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle. The front of the cycle collided with the right side of the car in the outside through lane of Golden Gate Pkwy, east of 68th Street SW. 

As a result of the collision, Hernandez was thrown from the motorcycle and collided with the right side of the car. He traveled to the right, off of the roadway and collided with the sidewalk on the south shoulder and continued to traveling to the right and came to final rest in the grass on the south shoulder. 

The car was at final rest facing northwest straddling the eastbound right turn lane and the sidewalk on the south shoulder. Griffith had minor injuries and was taken to NCH Downtown.

The motorcycle was at final rest lying on its right side straddling the eastbound right turn lane and the sidewalk on the south shoulder.

FHP Trooper Sean R. Ellis and homicide investigator Corporal Robert Ellis said Hernandez was wearing a helmet and charges are pending completion of the investigation. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

One Dead In Canal Crash

Popular DJ Dies In Tragic Crash

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- A Saturday afternoon crash left the driver dead as his car overturned and ended in a canal.

At 5:18 p.m., according to Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kenite Webb, Sheldon Hamilton Martinez, 43 of Orlando, Florida was westbound on State Road 25 (US 27) in Glades County in an unknown lane of travel. 

Martinez allowed his 1998 Buick Century to travel into the grass median where it continued to travel in a southwest direction and crossed both eastbound lanes of State Road 25.

The car traveled onto the south grass shoulder of State Road 25 and over turned into a canal, coming to final rest on the south shoulder of State Road 25, in the canal, on its roof. 

Martinez was transported to Hendry Regional Hospital by Glades County EMS. He suffered fatal injuries as a result of this crash, according to FHP homicide investigator Corporal R. Ellis. 

It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a factor according to the FHP report.

Update: Martinez, also known as "DJ Saxwell", was a popular musician, entertainer and DJ, and studied music at Florida's FAMU from 1988 to 1992 and was in the famous FAMU 100 marching band. He had also lived in Trinidad and Washington, D.C.

He had been on Twitter Thursday night to announce appearances over the weekend including a Friday night FAMU National Convention in Weston, Fl., a Saturday night event in Lakeland, Fl, and on Sunday at the American Legion in Orlando.

His many friends have set up a Facebook Tribute Page. Friends can email tributes and condolences to: sheldonmartineztribute@yahoo.com

A viewing will be Friday, May 24 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Mitchell's Funeral Home Chapel in Orlando. The funeral service will be May 25 at 12 pm at Faithworld Church, 7601 Forest City Rd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32810

Photo: Twitter

3 A.M. Prowler Caught On Video

Ski Masked Prowler Caught At Door Of Home

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Sheriff would like any information about this masked male subject who was caught on camera about 3 a.m. Friday morning, May 10th, apparently prowling around homes in a west Hendry county neighborhood.

If you think you may know this person, wearing light colored baggy shorts, light shirt, dark tennis shoes, a ski mask, and gloves contact the Sheriff's department. Note: the video is using an  infrared camera so the colors appear only in black and white.

Consumer Alert - Tree Services

Unlicensed "Tree Service" Knocking On Doors

LABELLE, FL. -- Area residents may be hearing knocks on their door in coming weeks and lots of business cards left at the door. Unlicensed tree service workers are out in force trying to get odd jobs trimming trees and hauling away yard debris.

Unfortunately for customers, there's no way to protect yourself if you hire any of these "have chainsaw - will cut"  people. Being unlicensed, there's no way to track them down if there's a problem. If an accident happens on your property, you will be liable. Not only do they not have a business license or even a registered business name, they won't have insurance.

If you get a flyer or business card with no business license number or full name of the company or person, you're probably seeing an unlicensed contractor.

This week's unlicensed outfit is "S & N Tree Service." They give two Fort Myers area phone numbers on their card and the name "Noe." They are knocking on doors and leaving cards, dressed in a new bright t-shirt with the name on it driving a pickup truck with small trailer. There's no record of the name on the Florida Secretary of State website.

We'll be keeping track of the unlicensed people we see here. Send us names of any you come across and we'll check them out and publish names.

Hunger "Summit" In Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, FL. -- The 2013 Hunger Summit will be held May 31 at Hodges University in Fort Myers. Hunger continues to be evident throughout Southwest Florida, and the 2013 Hunger Summit will focus on that face.

All Harry Chapin Food Bank partner agencies in Southwest Florida, their guests, and the public are invited to participate in the Summit on Friday, May 31, at Hodges University, on Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, to develop collaborations and new ways to help our neighbors in need.

The day of learning will include sharing best practices. The summit will feature a diversity panel, which will be moderated by Gail B. Williams, MBA. Workshops will include information on addressing burnout, choice pantries, school pantries and food bank 101.

The summit is being offered through the auspices of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The one-day event begins with a continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m.; the program begins at 8:45 and concludes at 1:30 p.m. A box lunch will be provided on the premises.

There is no charge for attending the Summit, but it is important to register. To register or for more details please contact Katie Schweikhardt at 334-7007 ext. 200, or katieschweikhardt@harrychapinfoodbank.org.

Truck Overturns Multiple Times - Driver Seriously Injured

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- A 9:26 a.m. crash Thursday morning left the driver in serious condition as his truck overturns multiple times.

Joseph Raymond Navarro II, 26 of Lehigh Acres was traveling north on CR 731 in Glades county as his 2007 Ford F-150 pickup truck ran off the right side of the roadway while negotiating a left hand curve. 

FHP Trooper J. Mulhern said the driver then over-corrected and the truck ran off the roadway on the left side and overturned multiple times, causing the driver to be ejected. 

Navarro is in serious condition at Lee Memorial Hospital.

Fake Pot Drugs Illegal Starting Today

DEA Makes Three More “Fake Pot” Drugs Temporarily Illegal Today
Today the United States Drug Enforcement Administration made the synthetic cannabinoids UR-144, XLR11, and AKB48 Schedule I, illegal drugs under the Controlled Substances Act for the next two years. These cannabinoids are often seen in so-called “fake pot” products that are falsely marketed and sold as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” products on the Internet and by a variety of retail stores.

Synthetic cannabinoids refer to a family of substances that act on the brain similar to delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis. The actual chemical names of today’s controlled cannabinoids are:

· (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)(2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone (UR-144);

· [1-(5-fluoro-pentyl)-1H- indol-3-yl](2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropyl)methanone (5-fluoro-UR-144, XLR11); and

· N-(1-adamantyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (APINACA, AKB48).

This action is based on a finding by DEA’s Deputy Administrator Thomas Harrigan that the placement of these synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. The DEA published a notice of its intent to do this and issued a press release about it on April 12, giving makers, sellers, and other possessors of these drugs a month to rid themselves of their current stocks and to cease making or buying more.

Over the past three years, smokable herbal blends containing synthetic cannabinoids have been marketed under the guise of being “legal” and have become increasingly popular, particularly among teens and young adults. These products consist of plant material that has been laced with these cannabinoids. These substances have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption or for medical use. The long-term physical and psychological effects of these substances and their associated products are unknown but are potentially severe, and psychotic and violent behavior has been observed in short-term users of these products.

During the next two years, DEA will work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to determine if these chemicals should be made permanently illegal.

Doctors Indicted For Offshore Bank Concealment

Husband And Wife Caught By IRS With Undeclared Offshore Bank Assets

FORT MYERS, FL. -- Doctors David Leon Fredrick and Patricia Lynn Hough, of Englewood, Fla., were indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Myers, Fla., for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in offshore bank accounts at UBS and other foreign banks, the Department of Justice and IRS announced today.

According to the indictment, Fredrick and Hough, married doctors, served on the Board of Directors of two Caribbean-based medical schools – one located on Saba, Netherlands Antilles, and one located on Nevis, West Indies. Fredrick had an ownership interest in the medical school on Nevis until 2007, when both medical schools were sold.

The indictment alleges that Fredrick and Hough conspired with each other and with Beda Singenberger, a citizen and resident of Switzerland who is under indictment in the Southern District of New York, and a UBS banker to defraud the IRS. 

They carried out the conspiracy by creating and using nominee entities and undeclared bank accounts in their names and the names of the nominee entities at UBS and other foreign banks to conceal assets and income from the IRS, including the sale of real estate associated with the medical school on Saba and shares they owned in the medical school on Nevis. 

The real estate was sold for more than $33 million, all of which was deposited into one of their undeclared accounts in the name of a nominee entity.

It is alleged that Fredrick and Hough caused funds from the medical schools’ undeclared accounts to be transferred to undeclared accounts in their individual names or in the names of nominee entities. Fredrick and Hough then used the funds in their undeclared accounts to purchase an airplane, two homes in North Carolina and a condominium in Sarasota, Fla. Fredrick also transferred more than $1 million to his relatives.

Fredrick and Hough were also charged with four counts of filing false tax returns for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The indictment alleges that Fredrick and Hough filed false tax returns which substantially understated their total income and failed, on Schedule B, Parts I and III, to report that they had an interest in or signature or other authority over bank, securities or other financial accounts located in foreign countries.

A trial date has not been scheduled. An indictment is merely an accusation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, said the Justice Department today.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The false return charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Caryn Finley of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and was investigated by IRS – Criminal Investigation.