Deputies follow neighbor's nose

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 12, 2007

SPRING HILL    

Hernando County deputies are crediting a "nosy" neighbor with the tip that helped them raid an elaborate marijuana-growing operation.

A Spring Hill homeowner called authorities after smelling marijuana emanating from a house on Chamber Court off Landover Boulevard.

One grow house led to another and another. Authorities raided two houses on Chamber Court and one on Spring Hill Drive on Tuesday morning, collecting a total of 381 marijuana plants worth an estimated $380,000 and arresting one person.

Carlos L. Valle-Perez, 48, faces charges of cultivating marijuana, grand theft and theft of services, according to an arrest report. He is being held in lieu of a $10,500 bail. The investigation continues, and deputies expect to make more arrests.

It was the second such raid in Spring Hill in as many months.

LARGO

Apartment fire forces 12 out of their homes

A fire early Tuesday at an apartment complex displaced 12 people, some of whom likely will not be in their own homes during the holidays.

The fire was reported about 3:15 a.m. at the Midtown Plaza Apartments in the 500 block of Clearwater-Largo Road. Fire officials estimated the damage at $50,000 to $75,000 and condemned four apartments. No one was injured in the blaze.

"It may be some time before (residents) can return due to the fact that the roof will have to be replaced," said Gary Hixson, Largo Fire Rescue operations chief.

TAMPA

Two house fires ignite within two hours

Tampa firefighters were busy Tuesday afternoon, extinguishing two separate house fires before they hurt anyone.

The first erupted about 4 p.m. at 3703 Granada St., a vacant home in South Tampa owned by several people.

Investigators determined the fire started in the kitchen as a result of an electrical problem. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within a half-hour.

Damage to the home, which was under renovation, is estimated at $100,000, Tampa fire Capt. Bill Wade said.

At 5:40 p.m., firefighters responded to 3306 W Main St. in West Tampa, where a 69-year-old woman left a pot of oil unattended on a hot stove in her garage, Wade said.

[Last modified December 12, 2007, 01:29:07]