PORT RICHEY -- LaRita Shetler and several family members were traveling late Saturday when their vehicle was hit head-on by a woman driving on the wrong side of the road, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The crash killed Shetler, 26, of Hudson. The other car's driver, Shelby C. Smith, 34, of Tampa, also died.

Troopers, who were investigating the crash Sunday, said it was alcohol-related.

Shetler's husband, 29-year-old Jerry Wayne Shetler, was driving, troopers said. He was treated and released Saturday night.

Their children, 5-year-old Amanda Jane Shetler and 3-year-old Joshua Ryan Shetler, were flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, troopers said.

Survey of parents will shape Pinellas school plan

This month, every Pinellas school will hold an information session about the district's plan to let parents choose their children's schools beginning in 2003-04. At the end of April, parents will be mailed a survey asking which school they would choose for their children if choice were to begin this fall.

School Board members will analyze results of the survey (and a related focus group's findings) this summer. The results will include numbers such as how many parents will get their first or second choices. The results will help the board decide what kind of transportation to provide and whether the application process must be streamlined.

St. Petersburg girl dies in two-vehicle wreck

ST. PETERSBURG -- A 3-year-old girl was killed Easter Sunday after a two-vehicle accident threw her from a Chevrolet Blazer as it spun and flipped on its side.

Three others were injured during the crash, in which a Honda Accord collided with a Blazer at First Avenue S and Eighth Street.

The Blazer was driven by Renee Witherspoon, 25, of 616 36th St. S. Witherspoon's niece Alyssia Lumpkin of 1103 11th Ave. S was in a child seat in the back.

It did not appear the straps of the child seat were used, said Michael Jockers, St. Petersburg police traffic homicide investigator.

The Honda was driven by Hubert Connolly, 51, of 10401 Snug Harbor Road. Witherspoon and Hubert Connolly were treated and released. Connolly's passenger, Judi Connolly, was in stable condition Sunday night.

Man arrested on molestation charge

PINELLAS PARK -- A 39-year-old Pinellas Park man suspected of molesting two young girls was arrested early Sunday and charged with two counts of committing a lewd and lascivious act on a child.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office say Brian John Wilson of 7950 Park Blvd., No. 38, fondled an 11-year-old girl and an 8-year-old girl in separate incidents at his home.

Wilson was being held at the Pinellas County Jail on $40,000 bail.

No bail for man accused of raping 4-year-old girl

ST. PETERSBURG -- A 42-year-old St. Petersburg man was arrested late Saturday on charges of sexual battery.

Carl H. Heidenreich, of 3759 31st Ave. N, is accused of raping a 4-year-old girl in February.

He was being held without bail at the Pinellas County Jail.

Driver crashes after apparent heart attack

BROOKSVILLE -- A Weeki Wachee man apparently had a heart attack Sunday while driving on U.S. 19, then ran off the road, hit several trees and died, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Robert C. Hynes, 66, was driving south in a 1999 Ford van when he crashed near Cortez Boulevard in Hernando County, troopers said.

Back to Tampa Bay area news

Back

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

Special Links

Mary Jo Melone

Howard Troxler

Headlines
From the Times
local news desks