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Feds raid tax fraud suspect's home with possible 9/11 connection
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May 15, 2012 at 8:59 PM

TAMPA, Fla.- The FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals and IRS -- they were all part of the massive raid on a Riverview home early Tuesday. U.S. prosecutors allege the Bay Area business man who lives in the home, Osama "Sam" Mustafa, was one of at least three men who conspired to defraud millions...more of dollars from the U.S. government.

"It's appalling," said neighbor Ginger Kaas. "It's our money. It's very, very painful."

Investigators say between July of 2009 and May of this year, Mustafa and two others purchased fraudulent income tax return checks and cashed them at banks both in Florida and Virginia. They allege the three made more than $17.5 million on the scheme.

"There's a lot of Americans out there that would love to have jobs and all that money could be spent on much better things than someone stealing it from the government," said Robert Maddock, who lives near one of Mustafa's several Bay area businesses, including a tow truck company, used car lot,
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Feds raid Riverview home, man arrested
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May 15, 2012 at 7:31 PM

Riverview, Florida -- A man whose name has come up in connection with the 9/11 terrorist attacks is now facing criminal charges for alleged tax fraud.

Federal agents raided the Riverview home of Osama Mustafa Tuesday morning. He's accused of defrauding the U.S. government and...more financial institutions out of millions of dollars, filing false tax returns, and committing money laundering.

Photo Gallery: Feds raid Riverview home

More than 50 agents seized a number of Mustafa's vehicles, including a Silver Porsche.

Two other suspects, including a Virginia man, are listed as co-conspirators in the indictment. The operation was conducted by the FBI, the Secret Service, ICE, U.S. Marshals, IRS and U.S. Attorney's Office. 

Mustafa appeared in Federal Court late Tuesday afternoon, and was booked into the Pinellas County Jail where he's being held on $50,000 bond.

He was previously investigated after allegedly hiring one of the 9/11
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Riverview High School takes the cake in the High School Iron Chef competition
May 14, 2012 at 7:03 PM

 
Brandon, Florida – Riverview High School's Culinary Team brought the flavor to the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s First Annual High School Iron Chef Competition.
Riverview's team took the cake at the competition, but only a few points separated the members of Durant High School’s...more Culinary team, and Martin Gendron, Ryan Allers and Travis Gentile of the Riverview team. 
According to RollingPinOnline, each culinary team created an appetizer, main dish and dessert using the secret ingredient; carrot.  The use of an added secret ingredient, pear, was required in each dish when the teams arrived at Rolling Pin. 
The addition of the pear ingredient was eagerly taken on as a challenge by both teams. 
They were judged on taste, presentation and use of the secret ingredients by:Tampa Tribune Food Editor, Jeff HouckFood Blogger for Tampa Tribune South Shore, Lynn KesselOsprey Observer writer, Kelly LeggChef Dave West, Owner and Executive Chef of Rolling Pin
Each
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Another teacher accused of relationship with student
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May 11, 2012 at 8:53 PM

Riverview, Florida - It's happened again. This time a 29-year-old social studies teacher from Riverview High School is accused of having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student.

The teacher is now out of work, but some wonder why she isn't in jail.

Hillsborough...more County School officials say 29-year-old Chung Ramos started her teaching career in 2004, and where they say it should end, after she admitted to having an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of her students.

"I can't comprehend why anybody would do that," said Linda Cobbe, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District.

School officials say they were sickened when they confirmed it.

Ramos, who graduated from the same High School, was a ninth-grade social studies teacher and former swim coach at Riverview.

The student, they say, is an 18-year-old senior.

"That's one of the worst offenses you can make. It is against the teacher tenure
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Police: Standoff deaths may have been suicide pact
May 11, 2012 at 9:36 AM

Gibsonton, Florida -- Homicide detectives investigating the deaths of 29-year-old James Seagraves and his girlfriend, Kayla Nemoto in Thursday's standoff say preliminary information indicates the two may have planned a suicide pact.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says it is...more still too early to know for sure if that was what transpired or if it one shot the other and then turned the gun on themself. But both Seagaves and Nemoto did die due to a single gunshot wound to the head before SWAT members entered the home.

Detectives recovered several firearms from inside the home at 9641 Symmes Road including the gun used in the couple's death.

Detectives also say Nemoto may have been pregnant at the time of her death but are waiting confirmation from the medical examiner's office.

Related Stories:

Suspect dead after killing restaurant manager

Bodies Identified in Fatal SWAT Standoff

Stand-off ends, bodies found
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Suspect dead after killing restaurant manager
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May 10, 2012 at 9:12 PM


Deland, Florida - Tom Walsh was in love with the American dream.

He was trying to make a better life for himself and his 12-year-old little girl, Kira.

The Irish immigrant moved to the U.S. and was quickly drawn to the charm of Deland, a small town where restaurants...more like the MainStreet Grill are a mainstay. 

It is a place where everyone knows your name, residents say, the kind of place Tom felt at home.

He rose to ranks of manager and loved it.  The locals and patrons alike considered him one of their own.

"I miss him so much.  I want to say I'm sorry to his family," sobbed the restaurant owner, Phil Martin.  Martin spoke at a press conference on Thursday.

Just as Tom had done dozens of times before, he was working late and was ready to close the restaurant in the heart of downtown Deland.

He had no way of knowing that the man who walked through the door late that night would pull out a gun.   

Police
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Bodies identified in fatal SWAT standoff
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May 10, 2012 at 8:50 PM

Gibsonton, Florida - Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office have confirmed that the bodies found inside a home after a SWAT standoff are those of a DeLand man wanted in connection to a murder and his girlfriend.

Authorities say 29-year-old James Seagraves was found...more dead inside a home along the 9000 block of Symmes Road along with his girlfriend, Kayla Nemoto. This comes after a five-hour standoff at Seagraves' father's trailer.

Seagraves was wanted in connection with the shooting and killing of a DeLand restaurant manager back on March 31.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, it all started around 12:30 Thursday afternoon, when deputies were trying to serve a warrant at the house.

Authorities said Seagraves and Nemoto barricaded themselves inside and refused to come out. Deputies said they spent hours negotiating with the two.

"He was very antagonistic towards the deputies and we had the anticipation
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Standoff ends: Bodies found inside mobile home
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May 10, 2012 at 3:36 PM

Gibsonton, Florida -- Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee says a standoff with a possible murder suspect is over, as the bodies of a man and a woman were found inside a barricaded mobile home.

Sheriff Gee is not confirming that the deceased man is a suspect wanted on murder charges in...more Volusia County.

Earlier in the day, Hillsborough deputies say they, along with US Marshals, attempted to serve a warrant for the arrest of 29-year-old James Seagraves. The Hillsborough SWAT team and negotiators were called out to try and coax the suspect from the residence.

Officials initially said the suspect had barricaded himself inside along with his girlfriend, but deputies say they cannot confirm what relationship the deceased woman had with the man.

Police in DeLand, Florida say Seagraves is wanted for the shooting death of a restaurant manager. The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports Tom Walsh's body was found inside the Mainstreet Grill back on April
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Learn Japanese Taiko drumming
May 10, 2012 at 10:03 AM

Ruskin, Florida - In celebration of May being Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, you can learn about the culture and history of Japanese Taiko drumming for free.
Organizers say the high-energy, interactive musical event will feature a live drumming demonstration and step-by-step...more instruction in Taiko drumming techniques.
The audience will even have a chance to play the Taiko drums in a group drumming session during the event at the SouthShore Regional Library,15816 Beth Shields Way in Ruskin, on Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m.
The event is for adults and families but you must register in advance at the Information Desk or by calling 813-273-3652.
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Schools affected by nearby SWAT standoff
May 10, 2012 at 2:22 PM

UPDATE: All students who were held at schools due to law enforcement activity and the closure of Symmes Road are now home.

Gibsonton, Florida -- Due to the ongoing standoff in the area of Symmes Road, some students will be kept at their schools late to keep the area...more clear.

According to the school district, some of the schools affected are Corr, Doby and Gibsonton elementary schools; Eisenhower Middle School; East Bay High School; and South County Career Center.

Students who live in the area of Symmes Road between Bull Frog Creek and East Bay roads and who ride school buses are also being kept at their schools because buses cannot get to their stops.

In addition, magnet school students who live within those boundaries are being dropped off at Corr Elementary School, located at 13020 Kings Lake Dr.

School and Transportation Department staff are notifying the parents of affected students.  If the standoff is over before all students are
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Learn how to be a better public speaker
May 9, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Riverview, Florida -- Organizers say if you'd like to become an exceptional presenter you should attend Gary Mull's event on Thursday morning.
Mull is a featured speaker and past toastmasters int. director. He will teach the 5 key techniques to sharpen your speaking skills.
Organizers...more say the event will be humorous but educational. Mull says you will learn to score a direct hit with every presentation you make, so that others can sense your confidence, conviction, and enthusiasm when you speak.

Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated but the event is free.
The event is being held at The Alley at South Shore at 10221 Big Bend Road in Riverview on Thursday, May 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
For more information call Christian at (813) 325-5626.
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Go fishing in Ruskin for charity
May 9, 2012 at 10:05 AM

Ruskin, Florida -- The SouthShore Professional Fishing tournament will be held at The Resort and Club at Little Harbor, 611 Destiny Drive, Ruskin on Thursday, May 10 and Saturday, May 12.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit charities serving the children of the SouthShore...more Communities. These include the Rotary Club of South Shore- Ruskin, YMCA Camp Cristina, and the Rural Social Services Partnership.

The tournament will include a children's fishing activity, a Captain's dinner and a professionally run fishing tournament. The lead Captain for the tournament is Danny Guarino. Captain Danny, a regional director of the Florida Guides Association, has lived and fished the Tampa area his entire life. 

Thursday, May 10

4 - 6 p.m. - Children's Tournament an opportunity for children to learn about fishing from the dock. Limited to 60 children aged 6 - 12. Registration includes fishing and other fun activities. $10.00 per child accompanied by an
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Police: Woman killed after running stop sign
May 8, 2012 at 9:18 AM

Ruskin, Florida -- A Ruskin woman was killed in an early morning crash after police say she ran a stop sign and was hit by another vehicle.
According to the sheriff's office, around 7:20 a.m., 41-year-old Cristy Jean Brock was hit on the driver's side by a Chevrolet HHR, driven by Vician...more Bolan, at the intersection of 21st Avenue S.E. and 30th Street S.E.
Brock, who was driving a Chevrolet Camaro, died at the scene. 
Bolan, 59, was taken to South Bay Hospital with minor injuries where she was treated and released.
The investigation continues.
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Taking Care of Business Relationship Building network
May 7, 2012 at 8:27 PM

 
Riverview, Florida-- The Greater Riverview Chamber of Ccommerce Taking Care of Business Relationship Building Team meets at 7:30 a.m. Thursday mornings at The Alley At SouthShore. 
Don't miss this a great networking opportunity!
The Alley at SouthShore is located at 10221 Big...more Bend Road, Riverview, Florida 33569.
For more information, contact The Greater RIverview Chamber of Commerce, (813) 234-5944.
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin

Canine Cabana celebrates four years
May 6, 2012 at 12:58 PM

Riverview, Florida-- May 1 marked the four year anniversary of the Canine Cabana, a local doggie daycare, lodging and training facility.
Angie Frazier, a Canine Cabana representative, reported that more than 50 dogs and owners joined in the celebration of this milestone.
From 5 - 7...more p.m., dogs dined on biscuit martinis and cake and their owners helped themselves to pizza and refreshments, all provided by the Canine Cabana. 
The event focused on the business' clients and allowed the owners to get-to-know the Cabana's staff, who care for the dogs each and every day.
The award-winning, premium pet lodging facility is located at 9708 Carr Road, Riverview, FL 33569, and they offer overnight accommodations, doggie daycare and training as well. 
To find out more about the facility, call 813-672-9663, or visit their website.
Riverview-Apollo Beach-Ruskin