Articles by Andy Cole
Gulfport votes to increase commercial marina rates Original
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla.—Late Tuesday, Gulfport city officials voted to raise commercial rates at its municipal marina. But it’s not the same plan initially proposed by marina staff. After hearing from several concerned captains, council members decided to change a few aspects. Gulfport will now offer a commercial option for residents running their own businesses out of the marina. Council members also decided to charge commercial vessels by how many people were on board instead of a blanket increase.
Crystal River monitors storm surge as coastal flood advisory remains
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Citrus County officials are monitoring the potential for coastal flooding in Crystal River as Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring 1 to 3 feet of storm surge to the area. A coastal flood advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Some beach communities, including parts of Citrus County, are under the advisory as the storm is expected to bring impacts to the region while the Panhandle is expected to receive the brunt of the storm.
Jeffrey Crum, Sr. found guilty in murder of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A jury found Jeffrey Crum Sr. guilty on all three counts Thursday in the kidnapping, sexual abuse and killing of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom, more than 33 years after she was killed. The jury deliberated for five and a half hours before reaching the verdict. What was expected to be a three-week trial ended after four days of testimony. Prosecutors said Crum took Odom from her bus stop in 1993 before sexually battering and beating her to death.
More mail-in primary ballots from Pinellas than any other Florida county Original
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas County voters cast ballots in the primary as election officials reported a smooth Election Day. Whether they dropped off their ballot, or dropped by a polling place, voters came out by the thousands and encouraged others to participate. “Do it because it impacts your pocket every day,” Pinellas County voter Larry Chee said. “Your gas, your food, your electric bill — you got to get out there and do it.
Speed cameras reactivate across Tampa Bay as students return to school
TAMPA, Fla. — For people driving their kids to school, or anyone driving past a school, it is important to remember to slow down. Many school zone speed cameras across Tampa Bay will be up and running again Monday for the start of the school year. According to information from municipalities across Tampa Bay, a Spectrum Bay News 9 Watchdog investigation found that 236,600 notices of violation were issued to drivers in school zones last year.
Filming at Fort De Soto raises concerns with some environmentalists
FORT DE SOTO, Fla. — Some environmentalists are pushing back after learning that a film crew wants to set up at Fort De Soto, right at the start of sea turtle nesting season.
Tampa Bay program training seniors for workforce
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The job market is tough for a lot of people right now, including older adults who lack technological and social skills that today’s workforce demands. That’s why one local program is training seniors for tomorrow.
Which is cheaper? Renting or buying in Tampa Bay Original
TAMPA, Fla. — Owning a home is part of the American dream, but for many, with the way prices are heading, that dream is feeling unattainable.
Nearly 20 years on, how the all-female krewe got its start
TAMPA, Fla. — Batton down the hatches! The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is now just a few days away, and one all-female krewe is ready to rock the boat as they have for nearly 20 years. It may be tucked away in storage now, but the Krewe of Ann Jeffrey’s massive float is ready to sail down Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard.
Florida AG accuses Winter Haven of not enforcing public sleeping law
TAMPA — Florida's attorney general is calling out the city of Winter Haven for its alleged lack of enforcement of public camping and sleeping laws against the community's homeless population.
FBI ranks Florida 3rd in the country for scam losses
LARGO, Fla. — Largo police are warning the public of a new scam targeting seniors, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation says Florida ranks third in the country for most losses from internet-based crimes.
'Buy now, pay later' crosses $1B threshold on Cyber Monday Original
TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time, Adobe Analytics, which tracks consumer spending, says more than $1 billion was spent using "buy now, pay later" programs on Cyber Monday. What You Need To Know Adobe estimates $10 billion was spent using "buy now, pay later" from Nov. 1 through Dec.
St. Pete closing in on downtown trail purchase
TAMPA, Fla. — St. Petersburg is one step closer to buying a tract of railroad land to convert into a trail downtown, connecting the historic gas plant district to the Pinellas Trail.
Jamaican families in Tampa wait in anguish for answers after Hurricane Melissa
TAMPA, Fla. — The island nation of Jamaica is reeling from a direct hit from the strongest hurricane to ever hit the country. Hurricane Melissa struck the southwest part of Jamaica, leaving behind destruction and devastation. What You Need To Know Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica earlier this week, and was the strongest storm to ever hit the island Boricuas de Coracon Inc.
Second-longest government shutdown takes toll on Tampa federal workers
TAMPA, Fla. — Three weeks into the government shutdown, federal workers in Tampa wonder how much longer they can take it. The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, is now tied for the second longest in U.S. history. If a deal isn’t reached soon, many federal workers will go without a paycheck Friday.
Family: Savannah police kills dog, does nothing about it
IT'S A FATAL SAVANNAH POLICE SHOOTING YOU'VE NEVER HEARD ABOUT. CRAIG LANDOLT -- GEORGIA'S STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND HIS WIFE CINDY -- FORMER REVENUE DIRECTOR FOR THE CITY OF SAVANNAH -- SAY THEIR DOG WAS KILLED BY COPS -- AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE IN THE YEAR SINCE IT HAPPENED. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY COLE -- BRINGS US THE STORY -- YOU'LL SEE ONLY ON WJCL 22. SOT - NO LOWER WE HAVE THIS BECAUSE WE WERE WANTING TO PROTECT OUR FAMILY, OUR HOME.
FBI issues warning after several hoax threat calls across Georgia
Several Georgia universities and schools were targeted by swatting incidents, where someone falsely calls 911 claiming there’s an active threat, so frequently that the FBI has issued a new warning. It’s been a busy week for law enforcement across Georgia and the country. In Georgia, two universities and a high school were placed on lockdown. Police later determined the threats were fake. Major universities, including South Carolina, Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Villanova, have also been targeted.
'This is something special': Nearly 90-year-old footage shows Tybee Island life, battleship visit
RECEIVE ACCREDITATION AND WELCOME ITS FIRST RESIDENTS BY JULY OF 2027 NEXT TONIGHT TO A STORY NEARLY 90 YEARS IN THE MAKING... A GARDEN CITY MAN UNCOVERED RARE FILM FROM THE LATE 1930S... FEATURING THE BEACHES OF TYBEE ISLAND AND THE RARE SITE OF THE U-S-S SAVANNAH IN ITS NAMESAKE CITY. THE FILM HAS SINCE BEEN DIGITIZED... AND IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF TYBEE'S HISTORICAL SOCIETY... SUNDAY AT TYBEE... THROUGH THE LENS OF A FAMILY FROM JUNE 1938... THE PALM TREES - JUST AS PICTURESQUE...
Parts of Chatham, Effingham counties remain under boil water advisory
Editorial Standards ⓘ The City of Savannah has lifted parts of their boil water advisory, but hundreds of families are still being advised caution. The advisory, initialed issued Friday night for many parts of Chatham and Effingham counties, has been scaled back to areas north and west of Garden City.
Bluffton family, police search for uprooted memorial for DJ Fields
Bluffton police are searching for the person, or people, responsible for uprooting the memorial for a teen killed in a case of mistaken identity. "It's out of the way, it's not bothering anyone," said DJ Fields' father, Dwon Fields Sr. "My question is why." In March 2021, DJ Fields was driving down Bluffton Parkway when he was shot and killed. To honor 'the son of Bluffton,' family and friends installed a cross at the site. "I don't think it's a joke that someone is trying to play," Fields said.
Bodycam video sheds light on arrest of airline pilot in Savannah
Savannah airport police have released bodycam and surveillance video from the January arrest of a Southwest Airlines pilot accused of attempting to fly while intoxicated. The video sheds light on the arrest of Captain David Allsop and a curious request made by the airline to police. It started as a normal day for Allsop, who arrived at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport just before 6 a.m. and went through security. But TSA agents noticed something unusual.
Family of exonerated man, killed by Georgia deputy, celebrates deputy's federal indictment
A Camden County deputy, who sparked national outrage after the 2023 shooting death of Leonard Cure, has been federally indicted on cases far beyond the deadly traffic stop involving Cure. In October 2023, Cure was driving on I-95 when dashcam video captured him speeding in Camden County. Deputy Buck Aldridge pulled Cure over and immediately ordered him out of the car. Despite Cure cooperating, Aldridge tased him, sparking a fight that ended with Cure being fatally shot. The deputy was never charged.
'Brave' soldiers honored for taking down Fort Stewart shooter
New details have emerged about yesterday's mass shooting at Fort Stewart, where five soldiers were shot. All are now expected to survive. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll visited Fort Stewart Thursday, meeting with the victims and their families and honoring the soldiers who acted heroically during the incident. One of those heroes, Sgt. Aaron Turner, shared his harrowing account of the incident.
One year after Debby, Bulloch County reflects on recovery
One year since Tropical Storm Debby brought devastating floods to Bulloch County, we're revisiting to talk with neighbors directly impacted and to learn how the county has responded. For Register resident Marion Hulsey, Aug. 8, 2024, feels like it was yesterday. "The water was very swift, and very noisy," Hulsey said. "When the water started rising through the dock and rushing into the backyard, that's when I got scared." WJCL 22 News was there in August 2024 to witness the damage firsthand.
Police: Savannah boy shot in the arm Sunday afternoon
Editorial Standards ⓘ Police officials in Savannah say a juvenile has been shot in a neighborhood just off West Bay Street.In a post to X Sunday evening, Savannah police say a boy was shot in the arm on Baker Street, just a few blocks from the Moses Jackson Advancement Center.Police say the male victim sustained non-life-threatening wounds. No word on the arrest of any suspect, or suspects. If you know anything about this shooting, you're asked to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020.
Flash flood warning issued for Chatham County, many other counties under flood advisories
TODAY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGH NEAR 87. CALM WIND BECOMING EAST AROUND 6 MPH IN THE MORNING. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 60%. NEW RAINFALL AMOUNTS BETWEEN A TENTH AND QUARTER OF AN INCH, EXCEPT HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE IN THUNDERSTORMS. TONIGHT SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BEFORE 9PM, THEN SHOWERS LIKELY AND POSSIBLY A THUNDERSTORM BETWEEN 9PM AND MIDNIGHT, THEN A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOW AROUND 73. SOUTHEAST WIND AROUND 5 MPH BECOMING LIGHT AND VARIABLE IN THE EVENING.
Commission reviewing Guyton city councilman receives extension
WHO WAS REMOVED FROM THAT ROLE IN SEPTEMBER .. AND CURRENTLY REPRESENTS LONG COUNTY DISTRICT-5./// FOR THE FIRST TIME ... WE'RE LEARNING NEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARREST OF GUYTON - CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ... THEODORE - HAMBY... IN MARCH HE WAS CHARGED WITH THEFT BY TAKING ... AND FINANCIAL - TRANSACTION - CARD - FRAUD. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY ... COLE ... SPENT WEEKS GOING THROUGH CITY EMAILS ... AND DOCUMENTS.
Sixth suspect, wanted for role in Oglethorpe Mall shootout, turns himself in
NOW TO THE LATEST ON THE OGLETHORPE MALL SHOOTOUT. 5 OF THE 6 SUSPECTS -- WHO YOU SEE ON YOUR SCREEN -- WERE IN COURT TODAY. SOME FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY COLE REPORTS - THEY'LL BE BACK AGAIN -- AFTER THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY -- ASKED THE JUDGE FOR A DELAY.// FOR THE FIRST TIME - WE'RE GETTING A LOOK AT SOME OF THE SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF PLAYING A ROLE IN THE DEADLY OGLETHORPE MALL SHOOTOUT. THE GROUP APPEARED VIRTUALLY FROM JAIL...
District attorney asks for delay in case of Oglethorpe Mall suspects
The suspects in the deadly Oglethorpe Mall shootout appeared in court Wednesday, some for the first time, but they'll be back soon after the district attorney requested a delay. Some of the group, suspected of playing a role in the shootout, appeared virtually from jail, while their families and attorneys filled Recorder's Court.
Man 'significantly injured' in shooting on Savannah's southside
Police in Savannah are investigating a shooting that left one man 'significantly injured.' It all happened around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, at a bus stop near the Savannah 24-Hour Clubhouse, an alcoholics anonymous meeting place. Savannah police haven't released many details, beyond the condition of the adult victim, saying he was 'significantly injured.' In a later post Sunday, police confirm they were able to arrest a suspect but haven't released their identity.
Savannah school leaders discuss new year, new changes
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools are gearing up for a new school year starting Aug. 4, and with it comes several changes. The district marked the unofficial end of summer with SCCPSS Media Day, where officials kicked off the upcoming school year. "August 4 is not just another date on the calendar," said Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts.
New 'gruesome' details revealed about Liberty County man who killed his wife
The Liberty County man accused of killing his wife in 2022 appeared in court Thursday ahead of his early August trial. Newly released details were shared during the Thursday pre-trial motions hearing for Nicholas Kassotis. “This case, as the court knows, is incredibly gruesome in a way that I believe will create additional trauma,” said Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Laurie Baio.
Ex-Southwest pilot, who tried to fly drunk out of Savannah, looses FAA license
An ex-Southwest Airlines pilot who was pulled off a Savannah-bound flight for attempting to fly drunk, has had his license revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration. The career-ending decision comes more than seven months after Allsop, a former Southwest Airlines pilot, was removed from a flight after TSA officers noticed signs of intoxication.
Suspects fire at Jasper County deputies during pursuit
Update, 5:30 p.m.: Jasper County deputies say both suspects are now in custody. Officials say they're wrapping up the scene and will provide suspect information later. Initial coverage: Two suspects, running away from Jasper County deputies, fired at deputies and remain on the run. Sunday afternoon, Jasper deputies say they tried to pull a vehicle over in the area of Highway 462 between Old House Road and Snake Road. The suspects didn't stop.
Facebook Ads Lead Form not allowing to ask for address.
Hello Everyone. I am fairly new to wholesaling and started running ads on Facebook in early December 2020. Today I tired making modifications to a currently running ad and got an this error preventing me from relaunching the ad. "Form Violates Ad Policy: The form in this ad violates Advertising Policies that prohibit discrimination in credit, employment or housing opportunities.
Gunman sentenced to prison for shooting of Statesboro police officer
TONIGHT - THE WIFE OF A STATESBORO POLICE OFFICER SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY... IS THANKING HIS DOCTORS, HIS PARTNERS... AND THE COMMUNITY .. FOR RALLYING BEHIND THE FAMILY. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY COLE TALKED TO HER THIS AFTERNOON... ABOUT HER HUSBAND'S RECOVERY EFFORTS SO FAR... AND THE BATTLES STILL TO COME. TAKE PKG THESE LAST TWO DAYS...
Gov. Brian Kemp deciding whether or not to suspend Guyton official accused of theft
Above video: WJCL 22 News Investigation into the theft arrest of Guyton City Councilman Theodore Hamby Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has appointed a review commission to determine whether or not to suspend a Guyton city council member after they were accused of stealing city funds. Back in March, prosecutors indicted 27-year-old Councilman Theodore Hamby on theft by taking and financial transaction card theft charges.
6-year-old shot in Hampton County
Editorial Standards ⓘ Officials with the Hampton County Sheriff's Office say a child has been injured after a shooting Sunday afternoon. While details remain limited, HCSO says a 6-year-old has been shot in the Early Branch area of the county. They were taken to the hospital for treatment.Deputies promise to provide more information, as it becomes availableThis is a developing story. Stay with WJCL 22 News for the latest.
Masked gunman fires at Claxton youth detention center, facility on lockdown
TODAYA 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, MAINLY AFTER 3PM. MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR 92. HEAT INDEX VALUES AS HIGH AS 102. CALM WIND BECOMING NORTHWEST AROUND 5 MPH. TONIGHTA 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, MAINLY BEFORE 8PM. MOSTLY CLOUDY, THEN GRADUALLY BECOMING CLEAR, WITH A LOW AROUND 78. LIGHT AND VARIABLE WIND. MONDAYA 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFTER 2PM. MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR 91. HEAT INDEX VALUES AS HIGH AS 102.
McIntosh County sheriff recovers $137k in fuel tax oversight
RIGHTS. THE CAF?S -- HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL THIS DECISION.// MCINTOSH COUNTY'S NEW SHERIFF SAYS -- HE'S DISCOVERED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT -- ON WHAT HE CALLS -- A "FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT". AS WJCL 22 NEWS ANDY COLE REPORTS... LIKE OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES... THE MCINTOSH COUNTY SHERIFF BUYS HIS FUEL IN BULK... IT SAVES TAXPAYERS MONEY... UNLESS YOU'RE BEING CHARGED TAX...
Georgia removes nearly 500,000 "inactive" voters from rolls
Nearly half a million Georgia voters, who haven't cast their ballots since the November 2022 election, are being removed from the state's voter rolls. The Secretary of State's Office says the move is part of an effort to keep elections secure. A total of 478,000 Georgia voters are being removed from the rolls.
Congressman Buddy Carter says his granddaughters were at flooded Texas summer camp
Above video: Aftermath of flooding in Central Texas Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter says his granddaughters are safe after being rescued from deadly floods that ripped through Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in central Texas. As of Sunday afternoon, at least 70 people were killed, and at least 11 girls and a counselor remain missing. In a post to X, Carter confirms his granddaughters were at Camp Mystic when the floodwaters swept through the area. Carter says they are both safe.
Chatham DA criticizes Savannah mayor over gang-related arrest comments
THE MALL -- REMAINS CLOSED TODAY -- AS POLICE CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATION./// TONIGHT - CHATHAM COUNTY'S DISTRICT ATTORNEY -- USING FIERY - WORDS. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY COLE JOINS US NOW LIVE - ANDY: THE D-A SAYS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.// YEAH - SHALENA COOK-JONES RARELY SPEAKS ON ACTIVE CASES... SO IT WAS A BIG SHOCK - WHEN WE SPENT MORE THAN AN HOUR WITH HER TALKING ABOUT THIS MALL SHOOTOUT. I ASKED HER WHY - SHE SAYS IT WAS VIDEO SHE SAW FROM THE SHOOTING...
Mayor: 3rd suspect arrested in connection to Oglethorpe Mall shootout
TONIGHT - WE'VE LEARNED THE SHOOTOUT -- AT THE OGLETHORPE MALL-- HAS TURNED DEADLY. WJCL 22 NEWS' ANDY COLE REPORTS - SAVANNAH'S MAYOR SAYS -- CHARGES FOR THOSE RESPONSIBLE -- ARE COMING.
Structural issues force Beaufort to close portion of Chambers Waterfront Park
Above video: WJCL 22 Archives: Beaufort's Waterfront Park receives security upgrade "Significant deterioration and overstressed piles within the platform system" have forced the City of Beaufort to shut down a 40-foot-wide section of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. In a statement, released Sunday, Beaufort officials say engineers assessed the park finding issues with the waterside portion of the park.
Head on collision near Hardeeville leaves one dead, another injured
Editorial Standards ⓘ One person is dead, another injured after two vehicles collided on a busy stretch of highway near Hardeeville. The South Carolina Highway Patrol says it happened Sunday afternoon, just after 3 p.m., on Us-17, about five miles south of Hardeeville. Troopers say the driver of a 2012 Mustang, driving south on 17, hit a F-150, traveling north on 17, head on. The crash happened near the intersection with Telfair Plantation Drive. SCHP says the driver of the Mustang died on scene.
Daufuskie Island voices outrage over ferry fees, safety concerns
Daufuskie Island residents expressing outrage after Lowcountry Ferry announced changes that some residents describe as detrimental. “Does a death need to occur on this boat? Does somebody need to fall through the dock, like they did at Sapelo Island? What is it going to take for somebody to take some action and step up and help the residents of Daufuskie,” said Pam Cobb, a Daufuskie Island resident and business owner.
Arrest made in 2023 murder, kidnapping of missing Beaufort County mom and son
RIGHT NOW... WE ARE TRACKING TWO SEPARATE SHOOTINGS IN SAVANNAH....THE DETAILS WE HAVE ON WHAT LED UP TO THE CRIMES...AND THE CONDITION OF THE VICTIMS AND..... A COUPLE ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED FOUND DEAD IN LAKE OCONEE..... WHAT INVESTIGATORS KNOW AFTER THE LENGTHY SEARCH...AND HOW THEY SAY THE TRAGIC FATE PLAYED OUT.
Operation Patriots FOB gifts Hardeeville home to veteran
A veteran's family can rest easy in their new mortgage-free home, gifted by the organization Operation Patriots FOB, or OPFOB. OPFOB is an organization dedicated to preventing and reducing veteran suicide. That mission struck close to home for Morgan Strain had been making regular trips to the organization’s compound in Ridgeland, South Carolina, nearly every other weekend. Now, that commute will be much shorter, as his family settles into their new home in Hardeeville.
Savannah suspect in Amazon disguise robbery requests jury trial
One of two Savannah men accused of dressing as Amazon delivery drivers to break into a home and assault the resident, appeared in court Wednesday for the first time since the incident. Tyrone Anthony was arraigned in Judge Tammy Stokes’ courtroom and will return for a trial docket in mid-September.
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