The Peace River Tribune

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The Peace River Tribune delivers local news, events, and weather from Punta Gorda to Fort Meade—keeping our communities informed, connected, and ready for what’s next. The Peace River Tribune, part of The Mobley Company LLC, is dedicated to serving Central Florida to SouthWest Florida regions and it's people as the community's most credible and dynamic source of news, information, and advertising

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⚠️TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST OF PLANT CITY MAN ON ANIMAL FIGHTING EQUIPMENT CHARGES⚠️ . — A traffic stop in Plant City...
07/31/2026

⚠️TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST OF PLANT CITY MAN ON ANIMAL FIGHTING EQUIPMENT CHARGES⚠️

. — A traffic stop in Plant City led to the arrest of a 38-year-old man after officers discovered ma*****na and items investigators say are commonly associated with illegal cockfighting.

According to authorities, the investigation began on July 27 during a routine traffic stop. During the encounter, officers recovered evidence they said was connected to the training and preparation of fighting roosters.

Investigators reported finding multiple items, including cockfighting knives, also known as slashers, knife-mounting devices, sparring muffs used during bird conditioning, double-edge razor blades, rooster conditioning supplements, and other equipment commonly associated with organized animal fighting.

Based on the evidence collected and statements made during the investigation, the driver, identified as 38-year-old Baltazar Mandujano, was taken into custody.

Mandujano was charged with possession of equipment used for animal fighting, a felony offense, as well as possession of ma*****na under 20 grams and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation remains ongoing.

07/31/2026

🚨GRAPPLER DEPLOYMENT LEADS TO ARREST OF SUSPECT FOLLOWING DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE INVESTIGATION🚨

. — A suspect was taken into custody after deputies used a grappler device to stop a vehicle following a domestic disturbance investigation in Estero.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Sunday to a residence in Estero regarding a reported domestic dispute involving Ryan Hillaker.

Investigators said Hillaker was involved in a verbal argument with the victim during which he allegedly made threats to kill the victim. Authorities stated that when the victim attempted to call 911, Hillaker took the phone and threw it out of reach, preventing the call.

Deputies said Hillaker left the residence before law enforcement arrived. Following an investigation and additional leads, deputies located Hillaker driving in the area of Three Oaks Parkway and Alico Road.

Due to the alleged threats made toward the victim and law enforcement, deputies deployed a grappler device, successfully stopping the vehicle and allowing them to take Hillaker into custody.

Hillaker was arrested and charged with obstructing justice and simple assault.

🚨ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO WOMAN'S ARREST🚨HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA- A 38-year-old woman has been arreste...
07/28/2026

🚨ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO WOMAN'S ARREST🚨

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA- A 38-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals following an investigation into the alleged neglect of two dogs found in her care, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

On July 14, 2026, at approximately 1:49 p.m., deputies responded to an apartment in the 800 block of East 120th Avenue. While at the residence, they found two dogs in the care of Bernice Smith.

Deputies reported that both dogs appeared to be severely underweight and malnourished, with their ribs, hips, and spinal bones visibly protruding. Hillsborough County Animal Services responded to the scene and removed the dogs for medical evaluation and treatment.

On July 23, 2026, detectives received veterinary reports from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center indicating that both dogs were suffering from emaciation and multiple medical conditions consistent with prolonged neglect.

Based on the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith. She was taken into custody on July 27, 2026, and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case serves as a reminder that pets depend on their owners to provide food, water, shelter, and necessary medical care. He also commended detectives, Hillsborough County Animal Services, and the Pet Resource Center for their efforts in protecting the animals and pursuing the investigation.

Authorities said the dogs have since shown significant improvement after receiving medical care and rehabilitation. Photos released by investigators, taken about two weeks after the rescue, show the dogs reunited with the detective who investigated the case, highlighting their recovery.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional updates may be released as they become available.

🚨ARREST MADE IN FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION🚨FORT MYERS, FLORIDA- An arrest has been made in connection with a fatal sho...
07/28/2026

🚨ARREST MADE IN FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION🚨

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA- An arrest has been made in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in Fort Myers, according to the Fort Myers Police Department.

On July 27, 2026, officers responded to the 2800 block of Winkler Avenue after receiving reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they located an adult who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives determined that the suspect and the victim were acquainted.

Authorities said 26-year-old Willian Rosa Do'Amaral surrendered to a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. He was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700.

⚠️SARASOTA POLICE SEARCHING FOR PALMETTO MAN WANTED IN BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING CASE⚠️ - The Sarasota Police Departm...
07/28/2026

⚠️SARASOTA POLICE SEARCHING FOR PALMETTO MAN WANTED IN BOOKER HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING CASE⚠️

- The Sarasota Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Dameon Jashuan Brydson of Palmetto, who has an active warrant connected to the shooting incident at Booker High School on July 18, 2026.

Brydson is wanted on charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm on School Property.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, Brydson is a four-time convicted felon and is currently on probation for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Authorities are urging anyone who knows Brydson’s whereabouts not to approach him and to contact law enforcement.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers of Sarasota at 941-366-TIPS.

07/28/2026

🚨DEADLY HOUSE FIRE LEADS TO MURDER AND ARSON ARREST IN FORT MYERS🚨

- The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 23-year-old Fort Myers man following a homicide investigation connected to a residential fire on Ranchette Road.

On July 25, 2026, deputies arrested George Beemer (DOB: 02/06/2003) after investigators determined he was responsible for the death of a woman and the intentional burning of the home located at 11417 Ranchette Road.

Earlier that morning, Lee County EMS responded to the residence after Beemer reported experiencing chest pain. He was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Shortly after EMS left the scene, a second 911 call was received reporting a fire at the same residence. Firefighters with South Trail Fire responded and entered the home to extinguish the blaze, where they discovered the body of a severely burned deceased female.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation. At the same time, the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations began working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

During the investigation, detectives developed probable cause indicating that Beemer shot the victim before intentionally setting the residence on fire.

Beemer was arrested and charged with:

• Second Degree Murder
• First Degree Arson
• Abuse of a Dead Human Body

He was transported to the Lee County Jail, where he remains in custody.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno praised the coordinated response between deputies, fire personnel, EMS crews, Major Crimes detectives, crime scene investigators, and other law enforcement partners, stating that their quick actions and investigative efforts led to a swift arrest.

“Their professionalism, attention to detail, and relentless investigative work ensured a swift arrest was made,” Marceno said. “My prayers remain with the victim and loved ones as they begin to process this unimaginable tragedy. They deserve answers, and we will continue working tirelessly to provide them.”

The investigation remains active as detectives continue working with the District 21 Medical Examiner’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office.

⚠️MAYOR OF NAPLES CONVICTED OF VIOLATING DUI PROBATION⚠️ - Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann has been convicted of violating...
07/28/2026

⚠️MAYOR OF NAPLES CONVICTED OF VIOLATING DUI PROBATION⚠️

- Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann has been convicted of violating the terms of her probation stemming from a DUI case to which she entered a plea on February 16, 2026.

Following a non-jury trial, Judge Rob Crown found Heitmann guilty of violating two conditions of her probation. The court determined she failed to comply with the rules of her court-ordered supervision and failed to abstain from the excessive use of intoxicants, as required under the terms of her probation.

As a result, Judge Crown extended Heitmann's probation through May 16, 2027. The court also ordered her to serve 10 days in the Collier County Jail as a special condition of the extended probation.

According to the sentence, the jail time may be served as 10 consecutive days, on weekend lockdown, or through the weekend jail work program until the required 10 days have been completed. Heitmann has been ordered to surrender to the Collier County Sheriff's Office within two weeks to begin serving her sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Sabsina Karimi, chief of the State Attorney's Office misdemeanor division.

⚠️TEACHER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION⚠️ . — The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office announ...
07/25/2026

⚠️TEACHER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION⚠️

. — The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office announced that Brian L. Pavluchuk, 40, was arrested on July 24, 2026, following an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Pavluchuk was taken into custody with assistance from the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Fort Myers.

Investigators allege the offenses involved a child known to Pavluchuk and occurred over multiple years between 2014 and 2017. Based on the investigation, which authorities said included interviews, witness statements, and other evidence, detectives established probable cause for charges of Sexual Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

The Sheriff's Office identified Pavluchuk as a teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School.

In a statement, Charlotte County Public Schools spokesperson Claudette Smith said the district is "deeply troubled" by the arrest. School officials stated that although the allegations are not connected to school activities, employees are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity both on and off campus.

The district also announced that Pavluchuk has been placed on administrative leave while the legal process moves forward and said it is cooperating with law enforcement. Officials encouraged anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact authorities.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with additional information related to the case or who believes they may have relevant information to contact its Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900. The investigation remains ongoing.

The charges are allegations, and Pavluchuk is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

07/25/2026

⚠️MAN SOUGHT AFTER VANDALISM INCIDENT AT BRADENTON RESTAURANT⚠️

- The Bradenton Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying a man in connection with a vandalism investigation at Mattison's City Grille Riverwalk.

According to investigators, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 12, at approximately 10:27 p.m. Police say the unidentified man allegedly slashed a screen at the restaurant before leaving the area.

About 30 minutes later, authorities say the same individual returned and used the business's water hose to spray water into the restaurant, causing additional damage.

The Bradenton Police Department has released surveillance video of the suspect and is asking anyone who recognizes him to come forward.

Anyone with information about the man's identity is encouraged to contact Officer Phillipa Olivas by email and reference Case No. 26-005004.

⚠️IDENTITY THEFT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN MULTI-STATE BANK FRAUD INVESTIGATION⚠️ — Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Depa...
07/25/2026

⚠️IDENTITY THEFT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN MULTI-STATE BANK FRAUD INVESTIGATION⚠️

— Detectives with the Cape Coral Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit have arrested 31-year-old Santino Parreno Guerra following an investigation into an alleged identity theft and grand theft scheme that targeted bank customers in multiple states.

The investigation began in early July 2026 after corporate security personnel at a financial institution notified law enforcement of coordinated account compromises. According to investigators, suspects posing as bank representatives contacted victims and tricked them into providing one-time passcodes and account verification information through phishing scams.

Detectives said the stolen information was then used to contact the bank's customer service center, where suspects allegedly changed victims' mailing addresses to locations in Cape Coral and requested expedited replacement debit cards.

Through the investigation, detectives linked Guerra to fraudulent cash withdrawals and the purchase of high-value money orders using compromised accounts.

On the morning of July 23, 2026, Cape Coral Police Economic Crimes detectives, assisted by the department's SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on Northeast 24th Avenue. Investigators reported locating evidence related to the case, and Guerra was taken into custody before being transported to the Lee County Jail.

Guerra was charged with:

* Fraudulent or Illegal Use of Personal Identification Information involving a victim 60 years of age or older, a second-degree felony.
* Grand Theft, a third-degree felony.
* Resisting an Officer Without Violence.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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