Latest news with #ABCActionNews
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Susan Solves It: Airlines Cashing In
ABC Action News Reporter Susan El Khoury provides tips on potentially saving money on checked bag fees while traveling.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida man running illegal dump on protected land — and neighbors say officials don't ‘spank him hard enough'
Maximo Sanchez is a Florida business owner operating dumping sites where debris is piling up. While that description alone makes clear he's running a dirty business, the reality is worse than it may seem. That's because the land includes protected wetlands — and Sanchez has refused to clean up the mess despite signing an agreement to do so. According to an investigation by ABC Action News Tampa, Sabchez is facing fines and penalties but hasn't cleaned up his act despite repeated warnings — and neighbors are concerned that officials aren't being aggressive enough in enforcement. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'I just don't think they spank him hard enough, to be honest with you,' Aaron Truman, a neighbor operating a company near one of Sanchez's properties, told Action News. Here's what happened and advice for anyone who may live near a rule violator. Problems with Sanchez's dumping grounds came to light more than a year ago, with Action News reporting in early 2024 that he was operating an unpermitted dump in an environmentally sensitive wetland. The news team's cameras recorded a three-story-high mound of debris, mostly construction and demolition materials, at Snchez's property on Hartford Street — and the pile was still growing, with trucks continuing to arrive at the site. "Any sort of material that would be put in a wetland that could degrade its environment would require an authorization from EPC point blank,' Michael Lynch, director of wetlands at Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), told Action News at the time. 'Currently, the site on Hartford Street has no authorization from EPC or any other regulatory body." Authorization is required because of the serious consequences that can come from dumping in wetlands. 'We are in the state of Florida in a very delicate ecosystem. It has to be protected at all costs,' Walter Smith II, owner of an environmental engineering firm and Sierra Club member, told Action News last year. Sanchez did sign an agreement last year with the county to clean up the site, Action News reported, but hasn't yet done so. The EPC has now alerted him that he missed the November 2024 deadline included in the agreement, and thus owes a fine of $7,900. This site isn't the only cause for concern, either, as neighbors near another unpermitted dumping site run by Sanchez have also made complaints to officials. "Dust just continually pours over this building,' said Truman in a video he sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, shared with Action News. Truman told reporters that he has to service the air conditioners at his flooring business on Linebaugh Avenue every three months and regularly replace carpets because of the dust, but it doesn't help much — and it could be more than just an issue of cleanliness. 'Concrete has what you call silicates in it. Those silicates can get into the air and cause a real problem if the dust isn't taken care of,' Smith said in a recent interview with Action News. "It's very dangerous." Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it After Action News originally reported on the unmitigated wetland dump in 2024, officials did spring into action, filing civil lawsuits against Sanchez for both of the unpermitted dumping sites he's running, alleging repeat offences. Officials are seeking fines of $15,000 daily if Sanchez doesn't correct course. Sanchez has also been charged with a felony violation of litter laws in Florida, as well as misdemeanor violations of environmental protection rules by the Hillsborough CountyState Attorney's Office, Action News confirmed. Still, Smith thinks more should have been done — and sooner. "I would have thought that they would have nipped this in the bud a long time ago. There appears to be a consistent pattern of defiance," Smith said, arguing that the delay may make it seem like officials aren't as serious as they should be about enforcing the law. "It says I can get away with this for just a little while longer. And that's not the type of message that needs to be had,' For his part, the news channel reports that Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to the criminal offenses and denied wrongdoing in the civil cases. He's also listed the Hartford Street site for sale, with the listing stating the property owner is in the process of environmental cleanup of wetland areas. He has until July 1 to comply with the court's new cleanup order. When he talked to the Action New reporters last year, he said "It's all being dealt with. And as I said, I'm not giving any statement. You talk to my attorney.' Sanchez may have gotten away with violating environmental rules for a while, but he's been fined and penalties could get worse pending the outcome of the civil and criminal cases against him. Companies that don't want to face these hassles should make sure they follow their state and local laws, including getting permits before dumping and making sure they are not performing any unauthorized operations in environmentally sensitive or protected areas. Citizens who spot rule violations can also do their part by reporting them so officials can take action. The process for doing this can vary by state, but usually involves: Taking pictures or video of suspected violations when possible and safe. Reporting issues to your local EPC or your state's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reports can usually be submitted online — the EPA offers this form — and the sooner a witness takes action, the quicker officials can respond and help mitigate environmental damage in their communities. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida man running illegal dump on protected land — and neighbors say officials don't ‘spank him hard enough'
Maximo Sanchez is a Florida business owner operating dumping sites where debris is piling up. While that description alone makes clear he's running a dirty business, the reality is worse than it may seem. That's because the land includes protected wetlands — and Sanchez has refused to clean up the mess despite signing an agreement to do so. According to an investigation by ABC Action News Tampa, Sabchez is facing fines and penalties but hasn't cleaned up his act despite repeated warnings — and neighbors are concerned that officials aren't being aggressive enough in enforcement. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'I just don't think they spank him hard enough, to be honest with you,' Aaron Truman, a neighbor operating a company near one of Sanchez's properties, told Action News. Here's what happened and advice for anyone who may live near a rule violator. Problems with Sanchez's dumping grounds came to light more than a year ago, with Action News reporting in early 2024 that he was operating an unpermitted dump in an environmentally sensitive wetland. The news team's cameras recorded a three-story-high mound of debris, mostly construction and demolition materials, at Snchez's property on Hartford Street — and the pile was still growing, with trucks continuing to arrive at the site. "Any sort of material that would be put in a wetland that could degrade its environment would require an authorization from EPC point blank,' Michael Lynch, director of wetlands at Hillsborough County's Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), told Action News at the time. 'Currently, the site on Hartford Street has no authorization from EPC or any other regulatory body." Authorization is required because of the serious consequences that can come from dumping in wetlands. 'We are in the state of Florida in a very delicate ecosystem. It has to be protected at all costs,' Walter Smith II, owner of an environmental engineering firm and Sierra Club member, told Action News last year. Sanchez did sign an agreement last year with the county to clean up the site, Action News reported, but hasn't yet done so. The EPC has now alerted him that he missed the November 2024 deadline included in the agreement, and thus owes a fine of $7,900. This site isn't the only cause for concern, either, as neighbors near another unpermitted dumping site run by Sanchez have also made complaints to officials. "Dust just continually pours over this building,' said Truman in a video he sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, shared with Action News. Truman told reporters that he has to service the air conditioners at his flooring business on Linebaugh Avenue every three months and regularly replace carpets because of the dust, but it doesn't help much — and it could be more than just an issue of cleanliness. 'Concrete has what you call silicates in it. Those silicates can get into the air and cause a real problem if the dust isn't taken care of,' Smith said in a recent interview with Action News. "It's very dangerous." Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it After Action News originally reported on the unmitigated wetland dump in 2024, officials did spring into action, filing civil lawsuits against Sanchez for both of the unpermitted dumping sites he's running, alleging repeat offences. Officials are seeking fines of $15,000 daily if Sanchez doesn't correct course. Sanchez has also been charged with a felony violation of litter laws in Florida, as well as misdemeanor violations of environmental protection rules by the Hillsborough CountyState Attorney's Office, Action News confirmed. Still, Smith thinks more should have been done — and sooner. "I would have thought that they would have nipped this in the bud a long time ago. There appears to be a consistent pattern of defiance," Smith said, arguing that the delay may make it seem like officials aren't as serious as they should be about enforcing the law. "It says I can get away with this for just a little while longer. And that's not the type of message that needs to be had,' For his part, the news channel reports that Sanchez has pleaded not guilty to the criminal offenses and denied wrongdoing in the civil cases. He's also listed the Hartford Street site for sale, with the listing stating the property owner is in the process of environmental cleanup of wetland areas. He has until July 1 to comply with the court's new cleanup order. When he talked to the Action New reporters last year, he said "It's all being dealt with. And as I said, I'm not giving any statement. You talk to my attorney.' Sanchez may have gotten away with violating environmental rules for a while, but he's been fined and penalties could get worse pending the outcome of the civil and criminal cases against him. Companies that don't want to face these hassles should make sure they follow their state and local laws, including getting permits before dumping and making sure they are not performing any unauthorized operations in environmentally sensitive or protected areas. Citizens who spot rule violations can also do their part by reporting them so officials can take action. The process for doing this can vary by state, but usually involves: Taking pictures or video of suspected violations when possible and safe. Reporting issues to your local EPC or your state's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reports can usually be submitted online — the EPA offers this form — and the sooner a witness takes action, the quicker officials can respond and help mitigate environmental damage in their communities. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
New York Post
07-06-2025
- New York Post
Courtroom chaos unravels as son charges at father's killer: ‘Going to eat your f–king heart'
Chaos exploded in a California courtroom Thursday when a grieving son charged at the man who killed his father in a shooting outside their family home. Israel Trevino III hurled threats and tried to hop over the court gate just moments after a judge sentenced convicted killer Joe Gomez Jr., to life behind bars. Wild video of the encounter showed officers rushing Gomez into the back rooms as Trevino's anguished shouts could be heard in the background. 4 Deputies rushed Gomez out of the courtroom as Trevino began shouting. ABC 30 Behind the camera, Trevino's family desperately held him back by his shirt as he attempted to hop the railing, according to ABC Action News. 'You couldn't take me, huh? Huh, motherf–ker? Huh? Huh?' Trevino can be heard screaming. 'That was my dad! That was my dad! Motherf–ker. I'm going to f–king hunt you, and when you come out, I'm going to eat your f–king heart!' The chaos lasted just two minutes, and Judge Arlan Harrell verbally reprimanded Trevino for the display. 4 Joe Gomez Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for killing Israel Trevino Jr. and shooting his son. Fresno County Sheriff's Office 4 Israel Trevino Jr. was killed outside his home in 2021. GoFundMe 'You have every right to let it out. But please do not take it out on these people who are here doing their job. OK? Harrell said. Gomez, 63, was convicted last year of gunning down Trevino's father and namesake outside his home in 2021. Trevino testified that Gomez repeatedly drove by the family's home, revving his engine and driving erratically before walking up to the father and son to accuse the elder Trevino of 'talking s–t on Facebook.' 4 Trevino's son charged the courtroom at Gomez's sentencing. Israel Trevino Jr / Facebook Then Gomez pulled out a gun and opened fire, killing the father, a retired corrections officer, and pumping several bullets into his son's torso. 'The big question is, 'Why?' It's never been addressed. It's never been answered,' Harrell said in court. Gomez continues to maintain his innocence — and used his final words in court to criticize the legal system. 'The defendant, Joe Gomez's, constitutional due process rights to a fair trial and an impartial trial were violated with suppression of evidence by a state attorney and the conviction of (inaudible) perjury. I, Joe Gomez, am going to file an appeal with an appellate court,' he said. A judge on Thursday denied his request for a new trial.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida homeowners say between soaring fees and sky-high insurance, state condo reform ‘too little, too late'
For Fran Sullivan, living in a Florida condo has become financially unbearable. 'I've seen my condo HOAs at $450, double in two years to $900, and I've seen thousands of dollars in assessments. That's what it's cost us,' Sullivan, a condo owner in St. Petersburg, told ABC Action News. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Across Florida, thousands of condo owners are facing similar financial pressures as homeowner association (HOA) fees and insurance premiums skyrocket. The 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, which claimed 98 lives, prompted Florida lawmakers to enact sweeping safety regulations. The disaster exposed widespread structural vulnerabilities in the state's aging condo buildings. The resulting legislation requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for condos 30 years or older and three stories high, as well as strict funding requirements for future repairs. The compliance deadline — Dec. 31, 2024 — triggered fee hikes and surprise assessments. Some owners, like Sullivan, have already paid thousands for repairs with little warning. 'A lot of people here were financially strapped for doing this, myself included,' said fellow condo owner Tyler Clee. 'To come up and say, I need $10,000 in three months — for most of us, that's not realistic.' The financial fallout is chilling Florida's condo market. Listings in areas like Pinellas County have been sitting on the market longer, ABC Action News reports, as buyers balk at unpredictable costs. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it In response to mounting pressure, lawmakers passed House Bill 913 — the latest revision to the post-Surfside condo reform. While core safety rules remain intact, the bill includes key concessions: A one-year delay in funding structural integrity reserve deadlines. Permission for associations to use loans or lines of credit instead of cash. Clarification from inspectors on which repairs are safety-related. The bill also allows electronic voting to engage more owners in financial decisions. For many residents, the changes come too late. Sullivan's building has already set its budget and has completed major repairs based on the earlier deadlines. 'It's too little, too late,' she said. 'I was hoping they would have done that before the end of last year, because we were forced into a position, because of the timeline, that we had to take care of all of that. … Now, I'm not sure if other condos could be helpful to them, that's great. It's not for us.' Instead, residents hope for zero- or low-interest loans to offset assessments that weren't included. While the new law offers short-term relief, many say broader reform is needed. One of the biggest frustrations is that the legislation does little to address soaring condo insurance. Experts and residents alike suggest more balanced, long-term strategies. These could include: Phased timelines. Allow condo associations to resolve urgent repairs first and offer extended deadlines for less critical upgrades. That way, owners have time to plan, save and avoid sudden, unaffordable assessments. Means-tested aid. State-backed grants or low-interest loans to seniors and low-to-moderate-income residents to help cover extensive assessments or emergency repairs. Tax incentive. Provide tax credits or deductions for unit owners or associations making qualified repairs — such as structural reinforcements, roofing or waterproofing. Exemptions or relaxed rules. Exempt or reduce requirements for small, low-rise or recently constructed condos with clean inspection records. As Florida's condo communities grapple with the financial fallout of much-needed reforms, many hope lawmakers will allow sustainable recovery. The goal being to ensure staying safe doesn't mean losing your home or going into debt. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
