Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Robert Sewell Barth once had the honor of being named the Teacher of the Year for Cheney Elementary School. He now will have the distinction of being a convicted felon for his pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography. Investigators previously found 1100 photographic images and 25 videos of child pornography on Barth's computer. This is quite a frightening discovery in light of the fact that Barth was teacher children in the Orange County (Florida) School District. Barth also served as a foster parent for children. Mr. Barth faces a prison term for these crimes that has yet to be determined. From Teacher of the Year to just another deviant was quite a fall from grace for this teacher. Unfortunately, there are many others like Mr. Barth out in the community who are downloading and receiving child pornography. Even scarier is the thought of more teachers like Mr. Barth in the school system. You can read more about this story at Ex Teacher of the Year Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography.

In Middleburg, Florida and other parts of Florida, all drivers should exercise due caution when driving near school buses. Children are at risk for personal injuries in school bus accidents. While most school buses are large and yellow or orange in color, many drivers on Florida roads still fail to notice or yield to school buses. Not only is this dangerous to children - it is also quite dangerous to any driver / passengers crashing into the typical school bus which is a large and heavy vehicle. A tragic accident took place in Clay County Florida when a Pontiac sedan failed to stop as a school bus was turning. Two people died as a result of the accident and at least four children were treated for non life threatening personal injuries. You can read more about this accident at Fiery Crash in Middleburg, Florida Involves School Bus.

A 9 year old girl in Deland, Florida recently reported that she was the victim of an attempted kidnapping / abduction as she was walking home from a school bus stop area. The girl reported that a man grabbed her. The girl then screamed. Thereafter, the man ran let her go after the screams and after possibly being scared away once he was spotted by a motorist.

This incident shows the dangers of walking home from a school bus stop. Many working parents are not able to pick up their children from school or at a bus stop area. This, in turn, puts a child in danger for abduction, kidnapping, and injury. Parents should do their best to arrange for supervision and safety precautions for children walking home from bus stop areas. If a parent cannot personally be there, arrangements should be attempted with other parents. In addition, a buddy system should be arranged for children who do not have parental or adult supervision when walking home from a busy stop area.

You can read more about the incident in Deland, Florida at Dangers of Bus Stops for Elementary Aged School Children.

Florida has great beaches and many children and teens enjoy swimming in the ocean. With great fun also comes great danger. There have been many injuries and deaths that have resulted through the years due to rip currents in Florida. Brandon Martin went missing after a Saturday morning swim. He was found the next day as confirmed by officials with the Volusia County (Florida) Beach Patrol.

Rip currents are often times misjudged by children and teenagers. It is always best to use caution when swimming in the ocean. Speak to life guards and others experienced with this part of the beach and swimming area. If there is any question about the weather or rip currents, stay close to shore or just avoid going swimming that day.

The story about Brandon Martin was reported in the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

In day care centers throughout Florida, felons have been hired to supervise the health, safety and well being of children. In some instances, the day care worker had a history of violence against children. Yet, because of flaws in Florida law and / or lack of due diligence on behalf of the day care center, dangerous individuals have been hired and continue to be hired by Florida day care centers. Florida law allows day care centers to hire a day care worker first and then conduct a background search after the worker has been working with the children. Obviously, this is a dangerous approach that results in many hires that should have never been made or even considered. You can read more about these issues at the Orlando Sentinel - Is a Felon Supervising Your Child at a Florida Day Care Center?

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office located a 3 year old boy who was found wandering in a Kangaroo Gas Station Parking Lot on the Northside (Jacksonville, Florida) at 2:00 a.m. in the morning. The parents were directed to the gas station after they had called 911. The police and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will investigate this incident to determine the reason that the child was wandering in a gas station parking lot without proper supervision.

Fortunately, the child did not suffer any serious personal injuries or untimely or wrongful death. This story does show the importance of supervision. Furthermore, it shows even 3 year olds wander away and are in potential danger without supervision. You can read more about this story at 3 Year Old Boy Found Wandering in Parking Lot in Northside (Jacksonville, Florida).

In Baker County, Florida, a man was recently arrested after he travelled to a Baker County, Florida high school to meet a 17 year old girl. Apparently, the teenage girl and the man befriended each other online and thereafter exchanged e mails and text messages. The man travelled to Jacksonville via Amtrak and then took a cab to meet the girl at the high school. The man, who is in his 20s, has been charged the following crimes: contributing to the delinquency of a minor, obscene communication use of a computer to seduce or solicit a child, and traveling to meet a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct.

The internet is a great tool in modern society . . . it is also be misused by men and women to prey on children. Some may argue that the girl was 17 years old and almost an adult for purposes of the law. Yes, that is true; however, what parent wants his or her son / daughter to be solicited online to be picked up by a man, with 7 outstanding warrants, in a taxi cab to run off and have sex and who knows what else. Parents should pay close attention to these stories and talk to their children about those who misuse the internet. Fortunately, the teenage girl in this story is alive and well. Many child victims of predators are abused, molested, and even die at the hands of those who claim to love them. You can read more about this story at Man Arrested at Baker County, Florida High School.

Despite the dangers of serious personal injury and death, people continue to ride in the back of pick up trucks in Florida and other States. In Jacksonville, Florida a pregnant women recently was killed in a pick up truck accident. Virginia Nicole Liming, age 19, was riding in the back of a pick up truck at the time of the crash. The force of the crash caused her to be ejected. Virginia was 7 months pregnant at the time of of truck accident. Both Virginia and the unborn child she was carrying died as a result of this accident. This truly is a tragic end to a young woman's life as well as her child.

Of course, Virginia was not at fault for the truck accident itself. She was not driving. As such, she cannot be blamed for the truck accident taking place. Safer driving by the truck driver may have prevented the truck accident.

Another tragic accident involving a pick up truck also resulted in death in Jacksonville, Florida. The driver in this prior pick up truck accident was recently charged with vehicular homicide. (See Pick Up Truck Driver Charged with Crime for Deaths of Passengers in Pick Up Truck). Pick up truck accidents are especially dangerous to passengers riding in the back of the pick up trucks without restraints or other protective devices in place. The risks of ejection form the pick up truck bed are especially high. These risks often times result in serious personal injuries including head / brain injury and death.

You can read more about this story at Pregnant Woman Dies in Pick Up Truck Accident in Jacksonville, Florida.

Lehigh Acres, Florida 8 year old (Brandon Castillo) dies one day after a tragic pedestrian / automobile accident in Lehigh Acres, Florida. Brandon was at or near a school bus stop area when he was hit by a van driven by Doris Toombs. A story reported in the News-Press Website reported that Brandon ran into the street from the school bus stop area. It was not reported in this article why Brandon ran into the street, how far he had run into the street, or the speed of the vehicle. The speed limit on the stretch of roadway in the area was 35 miles per hour. People familiar with the roadway stated that there is a problem with visibility / glare in the morning hours. Brandon died of automobile accident related injuries at Tampa General Hospital. When accidents of this nature take place, it is vital that parents, drivers, schools, and government officials consider current school bus safety issues and additional ways in which to provide safety for the children in and around these areas. I have handled cases involving children who have been injured at or near a school bus area in the past. Many issues or questions arise from these type of cases. In particular, the following should be evaluated:

*What was the speed limit in the area?
*What speed limit signs were posted?
*What school bus signs (if any) were posted?
*What supervision was in place at the school bus stop area?
*How did students get to the school bus stop area?
*Was adequate space provided to the students to wait for the school bus?
*Was there a better or safer area to place the school bus stop?
*Has there been other incidents or accidents in or around the area?

Day care centers in South Florida and the rest of the State have a duty to provide safe transportation when this service is provided as part of the day care program. The day care center should make sure that the driver has a valid driver's license and experience and training in driving the day care vehicle, van, or bus. Driver inattention, distraction, and negligence can prove to be quite dangerous when children are being transported. In Davie, Florida, a daycare van operated by the Nob Hill Academy recently collided with three other vehicles in an automobile accident. Seven children suffered personal injuries as the result of the crash. Most of the accident victims were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital - Hollywood, Florida for treatment and evaluation. News report state that the day care van driver failed to properly stop for a yellow school bus. One of the accident victims (an adult) was reported to be in critical condition.

You can read about this story at Day Care Center Van Accident in Davie, Florida Causes Injuries to Children and Adults.

In Hudson, Florida, a 10 year old boy recently suffered serious personal injuries while playing with friends. It was reported by the Associated Press that the boy and friends were pretending to use a wand to cast magical spells in a make believe game. The combination of gasoline, bug spray, and a match led to the boy catching on fire. The boy's mother heard screaming and was able to put out the fire. Thereafter, 911 was called and paramedics responded to the home. The boy was later taken to a Tampa hospital via helicopter.

Children lack good judgment when it comes to flammable products and matches / lighters / fire. What starts as a fun game for a child can lead to serious personal injures including severe burns.

Parents, to the best of their ability, should keep flammable items away from the reach of children. Of course, a 10 year old child can be quite skillful in getting to items that he should not touch. It is probably the safest to store flammable liquids and poisons in a locked cabinet or area.

In Coral Springs, Florida, a 13 year old Ramblewood Middle School Student was stabbed by a 12 year old neighbor. According to a story posted at The Sun Sentinel Newspaper website, the incident may have resulted from name calling and teasing by the 13 year old and another child. The 13 year old was transported to Broward (Florida) General Medical Center to surgically remove the knife and get treatment. The 13 year old is certainly a victim in this incident. Following the stabbing of the 13 year old, the 12 year old boy stabbed himself in an attempt to kill himself. It is obvious that the 12 year old boy was upset / disturbed as a result of the teasing and / or some other cause.

The police will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and the events that lead up to the stabbings. This incident may have resulted from bullying. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me" is a simple saying but not always easy to live by. Name calling and bullying do cause emotional harm and can, in some instances, lead to serious personal injuries. It would be interesting to know the background of the boys' relationship, the actions or inactions of parents, the actions or inactions of school authorities, and the psychological background of the 12 year old who committed the stabbings.

Whatever information is yielded from the investigation, these stabbings are tragic and disturbing. You can read more about this story at Coral Springs, Florida Stabbings May Have Resulted from Name Calling.

This Article was posted to the Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog.

The Santa Rosa School District is getting publicity for a problem with school prayer. Frank Lay, who serves at Principal of Pace High School in Pace, Florida, and Robert Freeman, who serves as the School Athletic Director, are the subject of legal proceedings accusing these administrators of promoting prayer in public schools. There is a big debate over the appropriateness and legality of prayer in public schools. Proponents of prayer in school argue that prayer is a tradition, that there is a tradition of prayer in school and public events, and that nobody is harmed when a brief prayer is given. Opponents of prayer in public school argue that the United States Constitution and Florida law ban prayer in public school and that the School District should not promote a religion or any religion for that matter. It is common to see the ACLU as well as the Liberty Counsel participating in these legal matters. The ACLU generally supports a ban or prohibition of prayer in public schools while the Liberty Counsel generally supports the freedom of religion and prayer in school.

Whichever side or philosophy you support, I believe that it is important to let our court and judicial system resolve disputes of this nature. People are very passionate regarding these issues and it is the rule of law and the Constitution that should control these issues rather than politics or the political philosophy of a school administrator or parent for that matter.

You can read more about these issues at Prayer in Public Schools Debates in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

This Article was posted to the Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog.

The St. Petersburg (Florida) Times recently reported that the deaths of two small children who were left in a hot car were accidental. The children were taken to a Tampa hospital with unusually high body temperatures. The children (Zionna Ervin - 18 months old - and Kaden Warren - 5 months old) both died at the hospital. These tragic deaths could have been avoided if their father (Michael Ervin, Jr.) had taken the time to remove the children from the hot car. Leaving small children in a vehicle unattended for any reason is unacceptable and dangerous. In addition to the dangers created by unusually hot or cold weather, children are at risk for other injuries, wandering away, and abduction when left in a vehicle. You can read more about this story at Autopsy Confirms that Deaths of Children Left in Car Were Accidental.

This Article was posted to the Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a baby girl suffered serious head and other injuries. According to an article in the Florida Times Union (Jacksonville, Florida), Jason Shegog, age 28, and his fiancee, Victoria Pursley, age 29, were charged with child neglect for injuries that resulted from Jason Shegog shaking the 6 week old child.

In Florida and other States, parenting classes are not mandated when having a child. Despite news stories, public service announcements, as well as the availability advice from family, extended family, and the community. Shaking a baby is not a way to discipline a child of any age. You can read more about this story at Police Report: Make Shakes Baby and Causes Severe Head Injuries.

This Article was posted to the Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog.

In Baker County, Florida, a 1 year old (Jeffery Dale Doss, Jr.) suffer serious personal injuries in a tractor accident. Prior to the accident, Jeffery was playing in a small pool while his father was working. A neighbor was operating a tractor on the Doss property at the time. Unknown to the father and the neighbor operating the tractor, Jeffery moved behind the rear tire of the tractor. What happened next was very tragic and frightening . . . Jeffery was run over and injured by the tractor and is rear wheel.

Jeffery was taken to a Baker County, Florida hospital and then transferred to Shands. You can read more about this story at Boy Injured by Tractor in Baker County, Florida.

Tractor related injuries and deaths happen in Florida and other States. There was a study of tractor related deaths many years ago in Georgia. In a ten year period, over 200 people died as a result of an accident or incident involving a tractor. While tractors are typically slow moving, serious injuries and deaths continue to take place. As such, safety precautions should be taken especially when small children are present or near the operation or use of a tractor.

In South Florida, the school year has commenced with violence and the death of a 17 year old student (Juan Carlos Rivera). Information and details are general so far in news report as to why and how this fight or attack took place. The Associated Press has reported that one student stabbed another student in the courtyard of Coral Gables High School. Many questions and issues come to mind regarding incidents of this nature:

Did the student who attacked Juan Carlos Rivera have a history of violence?

Was there any time or notice for school officials to act to prevent this violence?

What supervision if any was present in the area of the attack?

What was the weapon used? How was the weapon brought into the school?

Did the attack take place during a break or during a scheduled class?

Who witnessed the attack?

It is quite unfortunate for Juan Carlos Rivera, his family, the school and the community that a life was lost to violence. Apparently, the alleged attacker was taken into custody but no further details regarding the attacker were released. You can read more about this story at Fight at Coral Gables High School Leads to Death of 17 Year Old Student.

Walt Disney World recently announced plans to expand the Fantasyland part of the theme park in Orlando, Florida. Disney will add a Little Mermaid Theme Ride. In addition, plans include relocating the Dumbo ride and adding a Circus theme part of Fantasyland. See Walt Disney World Facelift Will be Biggest Renovation in Theme Park's History.

Theme Parks like Disney World need to update and renovate over time in order to attract more business and re-energize those who have visited Disney in the past. In addition it is important to renovate in order to update safety precautions for guests including children who visit the park. Safety precautions that were put in place 20 years ago have been and should be updated. In adding new rides and taking down old ones, Disney can evaluate and re-evaluate safety measures.

Many people believe that Disney will pay for any injury that takes place on its premises. Not true. Disney has a duty to provide for a reasonably safe environment. Disney has a duty to inspect and maintain its theme park. Just because a child happens to be injured while visiting the theme park does not mean that there is civil liability for the injury. Each injury or incident is evaluated on its own merits. Issues or questions that arise include the following:

*Where did the incident take place in the theme park?

*Was there anything that a Disney employee did or failed to do that caused the injury?

*Was there a maintenance issue or mechanical defect that caused the injury?

*Was there anything that Disney and its staff could have or should have done to prevent the injury?

*Were there any witnesses to the incident?

*Did any employees of Disney make any statements regarding the incident, maintenance in the area, or condition in the area?

While Disney is a big company that rakes in millions every day, Disney will not just open its "wallet" because there is an injury that takes place at the park. If there is no fault on the part of Disney or if it is difficult to prove fault, Disney, in most cases, will challenge or fight any attempt to collect money from Disney. In most cases, it is helpful to have the advice, counsel and representation of a Florida child injury attorney or a Florida personal injury lawyer to find out your legal rights and options.

In Florida, rough waters, at times, claim the life of divers. In Miami Dade, Florida, Miami Dade Police reported that at diver (Antonio Gonzalez), age 24, recently drowned near the Fowey Rock Lighthouse near Key Biscayne, Florida. He was diving with two friends at the time.

I grew up in Miami and went snorkeling from time to time in and around Key Biscayne. Fortunately, I did not encounter any unexpected weather or ways. I also tended to swim close to shore and safety.

Since weather and waters can be very unpredictable, it is important to take safety precautions when diving, snorkeling, or swimming in Florida waters. While not all drownings are preventable, a great many can be avoided by take the appropriate safety precautions while participating in water related / swimming / diving activities. Boaters and swimmers should pay close attention to weather condition and always act on the side of caution and safety.

You can read more about the drowning in Miami Dade County at Diver Drowns Near Key Biscayne, Florida.

In Jacksonville (Bartram Park Boulevard), Florida, a tragic pick up truck accident took place on July 27, 2009. The driver (Joel David Stauder), age 19, was recently arrested and released on bail. Investigators / law enforcement officers determined that the deaths resulted, in part, from the fact that the occupants were unsecured in the bed of the pick up truck.

It is common to have people including children travel in the back of pick up trucks in Florida and other States. While it is quite common, it is also very dangerous. This is evident when there is a pick up truck crash with associated injuries and deaths. Passengers are at serious risk for personal injuries including head injuries and fractures when there is an accident.

You can read more about the arrest of Joel David Strauder at Driver Arrested for Pick Up Truck Crash.

In Tampa, Florida, a 7 year old girl (Anja-J'Kovi Jackson) died from injuries suffered in a van accident There were 11 children traveling in the van at the time of the accident. It was reported that none of the children were wearing a seat belt. Anja was the only child who suffered critical injuries. The mother, Amanda J. Nelson, was driving the van at the time of the accident. Ms. Nelson lost control of the van and crashed into a concrete wall. Law enforcement officials are continuing an investigation into this accident.

It is uncertain from details contained news report if a seat belt would have saved the life of this little girl. If a seat belt was available and would have made a difference, it is certainly a tragedy that it was not used. Parents should use all efforts to make sure that a child is safe and secure in a vehicle. This includes the use of seat belts and booster seats. The laws in Florida and other States require the use of seat belts. It is important to follow the law. It is even more important to provide for the safety of children. You can read more about this story at Child Dies Following Van Accident in Tampa, Florida.

A Tampa mother was recently arrested after leaving her 10 year old son alone at the Tampa International Airport. Martine Lifluer (age 31) was arrested one week after leaving her 10 year old son alone at the airport with no money and no supervision. The mother told her son to wait for his grandmother who apparently did not even know that the boy was at the airport. The mother left her son alone at the airport and then boarded a plane. After waiting over 1 hour and 30 minutes, the boy found airport personnel and asked if his grandmother could be called for him. The incident was reported to the Department of Children and Families. You can read more about this story at Mother Leaves 10 Year Old Son Alone and Unsupervised at the Tampa (Florida) International Airport.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidelines for day care centers through the nation in preparation for the Swine Flu. There is a real danger of the spread of Swine Flu through day care centers. One infected child or child care worker could spread the Swine Flu throughout the day care facility. As such, it is important for day care center operators and managers to be proactive in their attempts to prevent or limit the spread of Swine Flu. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that day care centers take the temperature of children entering the day care facility. Those children who are healthy can remain in the day care center. You can read more about this protocol at Daycares Issued Protocols for Dealing with Swine Flu.

In addition to following the protocols or recommendations of the CDC, day care centers should follow their own policies and procedures as well as the regulations set forth by the regulatory agency for that particular State. Many personal injuries and illnesses can be prevented or limited by the following the rules and regulations for the day care center.

In Florida, there are thousands if not millions who have a passion for fishing. Some spend the better part of the weekend and even the week boating and fishing in Florida waters. Recently, a father and son (William Reed and John Reed), both experienced fishermen, drowned while participating in a Bass fishing tournament. Neither man was wearing a life jacket or life vest while fishing.

From a safety standpoint, it is important for all men, women, and children who are boating on Florida waters to wear a life vest or life jacket. Professional and amateur fishermen may avoid or bypass such safety devices to gain a competitive edge for fishing. While this is understandable from a competition standpoint, it makes no sense from a safety standpoint. Safety should always trump competition.

You can read more about this story at Bass Fishing Tournament - Father and Son Drown.

In Ponte Vedra (St. Johns County), Florida, a young man died a hero. Jarrel Stewart, age 17, was at Mickler's Beach with his girlfriend. Jarrel observed that his girlfriend was having trouble in the rough surf and swam out to her to assist her. Unfortunately and tragically, the rip currents appeared to have dragged Jarrel under and caused him to drown. His girlfriend was able to make it back to the shore safely. Surfers in the area tried to locate and assist Jarrel to no avail. Even though Jarrel was young and had good conditioning from the football program at Mandarin High, the strong currents and surf overpowered Jarrel.

Due to the age and circumstances of his death, I expect that there may be an autopsy to determine if there were any other causes or explanations for the untimely and tragic death of this young man.

The death of Jarrel Stewart is certainly a loss for his family, girlfriend, and the community. You can read more about this story at Mandarin (Jacksonville) High School Football Player Drowns at Mickler's Beach.

St. Johns County (Florida) Animal Control recently put down two Pit Bulls who were involved in prior dog attacks in August 2009. The owner of each dog did not appeal the decision. St. Johns County Animal Control has the duty and responsibility to investigate dog attacks and enforce animal control ordinances for St. Johns County / St. Augustine, Florida. One of the dog attacks involved serious facial injuries (personal injuries) to a 10 year old boy. The other dog attack involved a woman who was walking with her Chihuahua dog. You can read more about this story at Pit Bulls Put Down Following Serious Dog Attacks in St. Johns County, Florida.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a jury recently convicted Syna Lim, a 41 year old babysitter, who was accused of beating a 2 year old girl under her care with the handle of a fly swatter. The criminal defense attorney representing Ms. Lim argued at trial that someone else caused the injuries to Amara Ou of St. Augustine, Florida.

Following the personal injuries / death of the child, an investigation was conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Child Protection Team.

Child abuse and neglect does result from improper and dangerous punishment techniques by parents, caregivers, teachers, day care workers, and child care providers. I believe that the use of physical punishment or corporal punishment is an archaic and frequently abused method by adults who do not want to take the time to counsel their children. Beating a child does not teach a child anything but violence.

You can read more about the conviction of Syna Lin at Mandarin Babysitter Convicted of Murder for Death of 2 Year Old Girl.

In Orange City, Florida, a 4 year old girl wandered out of a day care center near a busy highway. This incident could have had a tragic ending if the child suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death. Fortunately, the child wandered near a safe place - another day care facility. The little girl was quite upset when she was discovered near the other day care center. Kids Learn and Play is located in Orange City, Florida. Some how, the 4 year old was wandered out the door and near a busy street. The child was missing for 13 minutes before the owner called for help. The story was covered by Fox 35 Television News (Orlando) and a video can be viewed about this story.

One of the basic responsibilities of a Florida day care center is to properly supervise children. It is vital that day care centers secure the facility and playground so that curious children, who do not by their age and immaturity lack the ability to recognize dangers like traffic, are not injured or harmed.

Parents, who have their children in day care centers, should inspect the facility and ask staff what measures are put in place to supervise the children and prevent the children from wandering away from the facility.

In Holly Hill, Florida, street racing caused the untimely and tragic death of three passengers. It was reported NBC WESH 2 News that the illegal street race took place in Holly Hill, Florida. Two cars crashed while participating in a race. While it cannot be said that movies like the Fast and Furious are responsible for such tragedies, movies like these do glorify street racing. Teens, young adults, and even older adults as well do not recognize the dangers of street racing. Plain and simple, street racing is a bad idea. It is illegal. More importantly, many people suffer serious personal injuries and wrongful death as a result of street racing. Those who want a thrill from racing should go to the amusement park and ride Go Karts or play a video game. You can read about this story at Police Report Three Deaths from Street Race in Holly Hill, Florida.

In Gainesville, Florida, an Alachua County school bus was recently involved in an automobile / bus accident. The school bus reportedly hydroplaned and then hit a tree. There were 41 children on the school bus at the time of the accident. A few children suffered minor personal injuries. It appears that a combination of the speed of the bus with the wet roads led to the crash. Fortunately, there were no serious personal injuries or wrongful deaths that resulted from this bus accident.

With students now back to school, all drivers including school bus drivers should pay close attention to traffic and road conditions. Child safety should be the primary mission of all school bus drivers and personnel. You can read more about this story at Gainesville, Florida Bus Accident - 41 Children on the School Bus.

Getting publicity can come back to bite you. In Bradenton, Florida, a snaker trapper claimed that he trapped a Python snake near a day care center. The fact of the matter is that Justin Matthews, supposed hero for protecting children and others from this snake, is actually, in my opinion, a zero. Mr. Matthew staged the event. State wildlife investigators determined that Mr. Matthews had concocted the story line of the his heroic capture. Mr. Matthews did not expect the story to get so much attention and press.

It would appear that Mr. Matthews staged the event to get publicity for his business and try to add some focused attention on his claimed expertise and skills in capturing snakes.

Mr. Matthews should not have staged the event or incident especially if it put any children or others at risk whatsover. What if someone got hurt during this stunt? What if the snake escaped while under Mr. Matthews' watch? What about the emotional trauma or fear that the snake may have caused for children and others in the area of the faked or staged snake capture?

You can read more about this story at Snake Capture Was Staged Near Day Care Center in Bradenton, Florida.

In New Port Richey, a 2 year old boy (Taner Markal) suffered serious personal injuries after he was run over by a vehicle in a driveway. His mother (Chelsea Decker) was getting her son out of the car and then went to help his twin sister. The vehicle then rolled backwards over Taner Markal. It is unknown what safety precautions Ms. Decker took to prevent an incident like this from taking place. Parents are often times distracted by the demands of multiple children. Was this incident caused by inattention? Was there a defect in the parking brake? Either way, it is a tragedy for this family to have to deal with. It was reported that criminal charges are not expected to be pursued on this matter.

You can read more about this story at Florida 2 Year Old Child Suffers Serious Personal Injuries.

To the surprise of some, driveways happen to be very dangerous places for children. This is especially true in back over accidents or incidents that take place far too frequently. Keep children away from the back end of any vehicles. Make sure that children are cleared away from the area. Drive very slowly in driveways and always use your parking brake.

News 4 Jax has reported that a Fernandina Beach, Florida man (David Seaton Teller) has been arrested for possession of child pornography. Apparently, Mr. Teller previously took a polygraph test and admitted during the testing that he had touched a genitals of a Jacksonville, Florida boy in the past. He also admitted to downloading child pornography on his home computer. Further investigation by police lead to the impoundment of the computer and examination of the computer by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Mr. Teller had previously applied to be a law enforcement officer in Nassau County, Florida. It does not appear that Mr. Teller has any future whatsoever in law enforcement. You can read more about this story at Florida Police Recruit Charged with Possession of Child Pornography.