News on the go

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 5, 2007

CARROLLWOOD

puppeteer is arrested in attempted rape

Hillsborough sheriff's deputies arrested a self-employed puppeteer Saturday and charged him with sexual battery after he allegedly broke into a woman's home and attempted to rape her. According to an arrest affidavit, David Moss Coronel, 43, of 12913 Four Oaks Road, approached the woman in her bedroom, forced her onto her bed, removed her clothes and threatened to rape her. Several Web sites list Coronel as the owner of the Native American Puppet Theater, which specializes in shows for children between 3 and 13. Earlier this year, the company listed an address in Miami Beach. Coronel was charged with felony sexual assault and felony burglary. He was in the Orient Road Jail without bail Sunday night.

PINELLAS COUNTY

Teens arrested in deaths of koi fish

Pinellas County sheriff's deputies have arrested two teens on charges of felony animal cruelty and felony criminal mischief for vandalizing a koi fish pond at a private residence. The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday at 802 Michigan Ave. in Palm Harbor. About 30 fish were killed. The damage was estimated at about $4,000. Deputies responded at about 8 a.m. Sunday after the homeowner found the pond filled with soapy foam and the fish dying. The Palm Harbor teens, both 17, were identified in video that captured them dumping liquid and powder dishwashing detergent into the pond, deputies said. Deputies later found a box and bottle of detergent after opening a manhole cover in front of one of the teen's homes. The homeowner installed video equipment because the pond had been vandalized twice in 2006, deputies said. The teens, who admitted to the crime, were transported to Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center.

HUDSON

Head to Seafest for a grouper platter

There will be live music, a kids' play zone, arts and crafts vendors and plenty of festival food, but the star of the Hudson Seafest, as always, will be the grouper platters. The annual festival, which raises money for area nonprofits, will be 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, but there is a $3 parking donation. The event is behind the USA Flea Market on U.S. 19, just south of State Road 52. For information visit www.hudsonseafest.com.

[Last modified November 5, 2007, 00:01:17]