Communication consultant, former White House press pool, voice talent, amateur boxer, USF alum. My work has been seen on FOX, CNN, BBC, Reuters, Daily Show, TMZ
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Articles by Charles Billi
Florida toddler accidentally kills himself with dad's gun
EAST LAKE, Florida – A 2-year-old boy has died hours after he shot himself in the chest Wednesday afternoon in East Lake area of north Pinellas County. Police tape surrounds the home at 1094 Misty Hollow Lane, but the focus of the investigation is taken away on the back of a tow truck for processing. According to the Pinellas County sheriff, a tragic accident occurred inside the vehicle.
No winner in $500M Powerball jackpot, officials say
The Powerball jackpot continued to grow after no one was able to match the winning numbers Wednesday night, lottery officials say. That means the estimated prize for Saturday’s drawing is $675 million, the largest jackpot of any lottery game in U.S. history, said Kelly Cripe, a spokeswoman for the Texas Lottery. Odds to win the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million.
Video released of McDonald's shooting, questions remain
"He shot a black female who was sitting in the front passenger seat. The suspect they were looking for was in the rear passenger seat, he is now in custody," said Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg chief of police. What really happened inside that vehicle?
Massive beehive removed from Clearwater neighborhood
Hanging from an outside soffit, homeowner Kit Tuntasit and his wife have watched in fascination for 10 years as bees built a hive, until it became a safety risk. "We're just kind of afraid they will sting the neighbors," said Tuntasit. So the owners called bee expert Jeff McChesney who arrived armed with a full protective suit and a vacuum. "This colony here has about a quarter million bees in it, and 100 pounds of honeycomb," said McChesney.
North Tampa residents rescue abused dog
Someone didn't want their dog anymore, so they starved it and threw it out like trash. The dog, which is about 2 years old, was found in the 1200 block of East Hanna Avenue in Tampa, in a large, overgrown backyard, barely able to move and in grave condition. "When I found him he was very weak. His back hips didn't work that well, dehydrated, very underweight, his eye had been cut so he couldn't see. He was in pain," said Scott Bentley. Florence Marsan lives near where the dog was found.
Tampa's newest residential tower opens
A sensuous rooftop pool, floor to ceiling windows, and breathtaking views are the hallmarks of the newest residential tower in downtown Tampa -- Skyhouse -- and Tampa's mayor was there to kick it off. "Welcome the latest addition to the skyline. Enjoy," said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The grand opening brought out the benjamins and the beautiful. Food, drink, music and merriment, plus some of the biggest movers and shakers are already moving into units. It's more than just another apartment building.
Historian: Beach bomb surprise could happen again
An event of fascination and trepidation. More than 100 people evacuated, roads blocked, and the beach condoned off for an orchestrated explosion on the sand. A round of applause and a sigh of relief after a spectacular site. Hundreds of onlookers watch as Pass-A-Grille goes boom after a World War II ordnance washes up on the beach.
TPD names officer who hit 60-year-old man
TAMPA, FLA. -- The memorial still stands where 60-year-old Bill McIntire died after being struck by a car in the street. On Thursday, Tampa Police confirm one of their own was behind the wheel of the vehicle that hit him. The chief himself had a meeting with McIntire's son Brad. "He said they're pushing things along faster than normal," said McIntire. Video obtained exclusively by 10 News shows McIntire stumble and fall on N. 40th Street just seconds before he was struck.
Slow FHP response time raises questions
"I'm watching him ! He almost cut the back of us. Look at him. He's got to be drunk." Tiffany Martinez was stunned as she drove southbound on Interstate 75. She, her husband, kids and mother were on high alert after almost getting clipped by an erratic driver in a white car. Tiffany immediately called 911. "I think I'm following a drunk driver on I-75 southbound. We just passed Exit 240," said Tiffany.
Stingray leaves barb 3 inches deep in boy's foot
"It went almost to my heel, but went in at an angle." Ten-year-old J.D. Delesline points to where a stingray sank an eight-inch barb into his foot. Three inches deep. "I didn't know it was a stingray. I thought it was a bone 'cause it was white," said Delesline. It happened while he was walking on Fort De Soto Beach with his family. Walking one minute, then bang, and J.D., being precocious, knew he needed to get to a doctor. "I was crying because I didn't know what it was.
Deputies: 3-year-old shoots 1-year-old sibling in face
VENICE, Fla. — A 3-year-old boy accidentally shot his 1-year-old sister in the face, authorities say. According to Sarasota County sheriff's deputies, the shooting occurred around 4:30 p.m. Friday in a car outside the Sonshine Learning Center in Venice, south of Sarasota. They said the children were alone in the car at the time and a gun was left inside.
'American Flag Challenge' goes viral
Videos of people stomping on the American flag is a sign of troubled times. Although it's protected free speech, Arizona resident Bryce Wagoner was disgusted when he saw it. So he went outside and recorded a video message for America. "I challenge everyone I know to go get a flag, put in your front yard, and show that you're proud to be an American," said Wagoner. It's a called the American Flag Challenge.
An order for pizza reveals hostage situation
TAMPA — A woman is being credited for ending a hostage situation Tuesday by sending a message seeking help along with an order to a Pizza Hut in Florida. The order included a comment that said a mother and her children were being held by a man. The message was spotted by chef Alonia Hawk and was printed by store manager Candy Hamilton.
Pizza Hut order reveals hostage situation
A woman is being credited for ending a hostage situation on Tuesday by sending a message seeking help along with an order to a Pizza Hut in Avon Park, where employees made sure help was on the way. The order had an added comment that said a mother and her children were being held by a man, and the message was spotted by Chef Alonia Hawk. "It said 'Please help! Get 911 to me.' And she placed a pizza order and then down here it said, '911 hostage help," said Hamilton.
Pizza Hut order reveals hostage situation
A woman is being credited for ending a hostage situation on Tuesday by sending a message seeking help along with her order to a Pizza Hut in Avon Park, where employees made sure help was on the way. The order had an added comment that said a mother and her children were being held by a man, and the message was spotted by Chef Alonia Hawk. "It said 'Please help! Get 911 to me.' And she placed a pizza order and then down here it said, '911 hostage help," said Hamilton.
Man smokes Flakka, runs naked in street
A man, fully exposed, gives people an eyeful, running through cars at this downtown intersection, dodging cops and motorists. Police say 34-year-old Matthew Kenny told them he had smoked Flakka and was running from people that he believed had stolen his clothes and were trying to kill him. Flakka is the frightening new and more potent bath salt that's gaining ground in Florida. Last week, 10 News confirmed through the Pinellas County Forensic Lab that several local arrests have involved Flakka use.
Tampa's technology prowess displayed at new Gasparilla Festival
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- A singing robot that solves the Rubik's cube, an infrared toy tank that can target an object, and a printer that can build things. Welcome to the Gasparilla Interactive Festival -- an expo for cutting edge technology and digital innovation in downtown Tampa. The festival is the latest addition to the Gasparilla brand and aims to promote Tampa's diverse and aggressive technology culture.
Tampa's Buckhorn has big plans in second term
"If you want to come on the field with us, you better bring you're A game." Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is ready to put the hammer down. Other than a write-in candidate, Buckhorn is running unopposed for his second term, and is more than likely to win. His top priority? Growth. "We need to grow our downtown and finish Jeff Vinik's project, and get the medical school downtown," said Buckhorn.
Despite ISIS threats to military spouses, soldiers defiant
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. "If you're gonna come after us and our spouses, you better be prepared." That is MacDill Air Force Base defiance, thumbing its nose at ISIS and its threats. Recently, a group calling itself the CyberCaliphate hacked the social media pages of a military support group, targeting the spouses of military personnel who spoke out against the terror organization online.
Powerball jackpot up to $500M, drawing tonight!
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Watch the Powerball drawing live on 10 News tonight at 10:59 p.m. The Powerball jackpot stands at $500 million. Ben Taran and Dave Baker are armed with a fist full of bills -- 222 of them. "111 Powerballs please, quick pics, 111, let's do it," they say as they approach the lottery counter. Taran and Baker work at Carrollwood Country Club and took up a collection. It wasn't difficult.
Backyard gun range concerns St. Pete neighbors
St. Petersburg, Florida -- "The time for polite conversation about this is gone. When you see a gun range being built in a resident community, it's time for action." Paul Leary is angry. When he found out his 21-year old neighbor, Joseph Carannante, built a gun range in his yard, Leary's jaw hit the floor. "I mean this is just nuts," said Leary. Leary isn't alone. Other neighbors have taken Carannante to task, and as the cameras were rolling, the debate got testy on several occasions.
FDOT reveals new express lane design
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Largo, Florida -- The Florida Department of Transportation's 3-D animation of the future of Tampa Bay's interstate system is impressive, and it debuted Tuesday night at a public workshop. "Essentially over the next 10 years were adding more capacity to the interstates. Extra lanes will be toll lanes or express lanes," said FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson.
2-year-old dies after shooting himself with dad's gun
Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate) 00:02 Police tape surrounds this harbor springs home. But the focus 00:06 of the investigation is taken away on the back of this 00:08 tow truck for processing. According to the Pinellas County sheriff but 00:12 tragic accident occurred inside the vehicle. There's a two and a 00:16 half year old killed was able to get the gun. Turned 00:20 the gun on his chest and pulled the trigger and shot 00:23 killed himself.
Florida toddler dies after shooting himself with dad's gun
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — A 2-year-old boy died hours after he shot himself in the chest Wednesday. Police said the toddler, identified as Kaleb, found a .380-caliber weapon that belonged to his father in the family vehicle and fatally shot himself. According to authorities, the family was getting ready to leave home in the father's car about shortly before 5 p.m., when Kaleb got into the vehicle, where the gun was in the glove box.
2 dead, 2 suspects on loose in Haines City
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Haines City, Florida -- Two people are dead, two suspects are in custody and two more armed suspects are on the loose Thursday night after a chase and shootout following a pawn shop robbery in Auburndale. Law enforcement warns residents of the Chanler Ridge development in Haines City that two armed and dangerous suspects are still on the loose.
Judge Hinkle: Clerks must issue gay marriage licenses
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. An explosion of happy emails and phone calls in the Equality Florida office tonight after a much-awaited legal clarification. U.S. Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that all Florida clerks are bound by the U.S. Constitution not to enforce Florida's gay marriage ban. It means all stays are exhausted and same-sex marriage will become legal on January 6th.
St. Pete council, frustrated by Rays, rejects stadium deal 5-3
St. Petersburg, Florida -- A crushing defeat inside City Hall when council members reject allowing the Tampa Bay Rays to look for a new stadium site within the region. The reaction was swift. The city council voted 5-3 to reject the deal. Here's how the council members voted. "I feel good. I think St. Petersburg has put his best foot forward in keeping the Rays," said Ferg's owner Mark Ferguson.
Shoppers want deals, but not Black Friday
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- It might be the final countdown to Black Friday, but shoppers are already out. Why? "Too much drama, it's crazy," said Kaitlynn Gordon. "People get crazy. They start shoving and pushing. I'm not going to deal with that," said Joel Rodriguez. But if you do plan on braving Black Friday, 10 News has some insider information. On Black Friday, stores try to accommodate massive amounts merchandise and shoppers, so the layouts change.
President's sexual assault email stirs Eckerd College
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. St. Petersburg, Florida -- A big controversy has started on a small campus after an email on sexual assault is sent to the student body of Eckerd College. It's part warning, part ideology on how to think and prevent sexual assault, but the college president's words offending some students who said Dr. Donald Eastman chose his words poorly. "I don't think he meant any harm, but he didn't put it very well," said Eckerd college student Erica Worth.
Airlines passengers have power to stop seat shrinkage
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. St. Petersburg, Florida -- With the holiday season, comes holiday travel. Millions will take to the skies, and many times, that means jets filled to capacity. This week, 10 News revealed an airline trend to add even more seats. To accomplish this, airlines must reduce the pitch -- the distance between seats -- and that can seriously cramp passengers by squeezing them into smaller spaces. Travelers at Tampa International Airport didn't like hearing that.
Accident spurs fear of students walking near USF
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- A pedestrian accident Thursday that has left a University of South Florida in the hospital has stirred fears of other students who walk to the campus. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says 19-year-old Elizabeth Courtney was using a crosswalk at 50th Street at Sun Ridge Palms Drive when she was hit by a Nissan Altima driving southbound from Fletcher Avenue. The windshield of the car smashed in from the impact.
Beware of shrinking airline seats
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Air travel is the one of the most popular and convenient ways to move around for the holidays, but traveling on airliners isn't as roomy as it used to be. Now, get ready for the really big squeeze. In an effort to accommodate more passengers, airlines are adding more seats and that can mean cramped quarters. One example is reducing pitch.
Cold threatens Bay area fish farms
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Plant City, Florida -- A sense of urgency has taken hold at Connor Farms. The drop in degrees puts the Plant City tropical fish farm in jeopardy. Eighty percent of the nation's tropical fish supply comes from Hillsborough County, and a major loss has severe consequences for hundreds of workers. Ron Connor, the owner of Connor Farms, gave 10 News a tour of the facility, and with 15,000 fish per pond, the loss from a cold snap is easy to understand.
Holiday sinkhole ready to be filled
Holiday, Florida -- The manager of the Holiday Travel Park -- after sizing the first sinkhole with a measuring tape, geologist and engineer -- said the first sinkhole that opened last Monday will be the first to be filled. And the resident evicted by the hole will get another place to live. Filling the first hole that is 25 feet by 22 feet, will bring a long-awaited resolution to the mobile home park. "It's going to a be a hybrid solution.
FHP on hunt for wrong-way drivers
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- Florida Highway Patrol troopers file out of the North Tampa field office on a mission: hunt down impaired drivers who could end up going the wrong way on city streets. "An impaired driver gets out on the road and can travel in the wrong direction. We're trying to interdict those drivers before the incident starts," said FHP Sgt.
Moms of sick kids to fight for medical pot
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Renee Petro describes the horrible side effects prescription drugs have had on her son, Brandon. He has a severe form of epilepsy, and Petro was losing hope. "As mothers, we will do anything to give our children the quality of life they deserve," said Petro. Mariah Barnhart faces a similar hell with her daughter Dahlia who was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of two.
Clinton rallies UCF students for Crist
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Orlando, Florida -- Former President Bill Clinton helped rally support Monday night for support for Charlie Crist at the University of Central Florida. The day before the election, about 1,000 students packed an arena to hear Clinton's support for equal pay for women, raising the minimum wage, Medicaid expansion and jobs. Crist hammered home his call for equality, and inclusion.
Road rage suspect sought in Ellenton case
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Ellenton, Florida -- "I saw cops were on both sides." Martine Anguiano had just come home and was getting his son's Halloween costume ready when he saw police swarm his apartment complex. "I heard commotion so I came outside and they said someone ran," said Anguiano. Manatee County deputies had a chased a road rage driver into the Oaks at Ellenton apartments, where the suspect ditched the car and took off on foot, but the suspect gave them the slip.
Polk student removed from school after threat
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. "I'm happy thanks to you." Milagros Felizola is relieved for her daughter Millie. Millie says she was threatened by a male student at Valley View Elementary who reportedly brought a knife to school. The student was removed from class, but roughly a week later returned. Felizola was furious and contacted 10 News.
Business women flash for Amendment 2
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. St. Petersburg, Florida -- It caused quite the commotion. People looking, pointing, not exactly sure what they were seeing on Spa Beach in downtown St. Pete. An intimate group of professional women were disrobing as a drone with a camera buzzed overhead. One by one, the women taped Yes on 2 bumper stickers to their breasts. Minutes later, lined up on the seawall, they ripped off their tops in the big reveal. "1, 2, 3 ... Yes on 2! Wooo!" they cheered.
Lakeland 5th-grader threatened at school
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Lakeland, Florida -- Ten-year-old Millie is an A student at Valleyview Elementary School in Lakeland, but she's no longer going because she fears for her life. One month ago, a male student physically threatened her and was later busted with a knife in his bookbag. He was removed from class, but this week, he returned. "I'm afraid of him harming or killing my daughter or killing other kids in school because this kid brought a knife.
Cell phones can detect hidden cameras
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. In today's high-tech world, surveillance cameras are everywhere. Technology has advanced so quickly, the cameras themselves can be the size of a pinpoint. "It happens more often that you would expect. Surveillance cameras are so cheap nowadays, anybody can get a hold of them," says Ian Robinson from Privacy Electronics in Pinellas Park.
U.S nurses send Ebola warning to Obama
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- Although it's only make believe, it's graphic in its simplicity. Lying on the sidewalk in Ybor City, dozens of Ebola "victims." They lay on sheets of red plastic representing the bloody fluid that oozes from the body in the last minutes before death from the virus. The brutal imagery is not only a warning, but also a call to action. "I fear for for everyone's life.
Threat of Ebola impacts chocolate market
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. St. Petersburg, Florida -- Chocolate is an $83 billion a year business, but something unsavory is threatening the industry -- Ebola. The disease has decimated the work force of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in West Africa. More than half the cocoa in the world is produced in neighboring Ivory Coast, which has now shut its borders to prevent infection of its laborers.
New legislation aims to curb youth jail time
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. St. Petersburg, Florida -- The stained glass of Holy Family Catholic Church is illuminated even after the sun sets. Inside, more than a dozen congregations sounded off. The spirited groups asked state officials to reduce the number of youths tried as adults after arrest in Florida. "Will you do this," yelled the pastor.
Snapchat hacked through third-party app
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Make no mistake, Snap Chat is the bomb for teenagers. The app allows users to share pictures and videos. Part of the popularity of Snap Chat is that the pictures disappear 10 seconds after they are seen, leaving no trace, but we now know that's not true.
Suspects caught in attack, robbery at shop
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- Surveillance video from inside Peaches and Pearls, a Town 'N Country boutique, is disturbing as it shows owner Corey Hernandez fighting to protect her life and business. Detectives say 25-year-old Tanisha Gadskin and a 16-year-old male walked in to the shop and browsed for more than 20 minutes. The juvenile then led Hernandez to a back room filled with clothes.
Sex offenders, homeless stall V.M. Ybor progress
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- Kelly Bailey and her boyfriend Terry love V.M. Ybor, a tiny, historic community just north of Ybor City. "It's very special," said Bailey. They are urban pioneers, buying and restoring several historic homes, but recently, the community's progress has regressed. Just a block away on Nebraska Avenue, several boarding homes have started renting to sexual offenders, and that concerns the V.M. Ybor community.
Tampa celebrates lower crime in National Night Out
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tampa, Florida -- National Night Out has become an iconic American event where relationships between communities and law enforcement have yielded great results. Tampa included. "We are out here just meeting with the community, showing what a great partnership we have, and how we've been able to reduce crime so dramatically in the city of Tampa. It's a great event," said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor. But some people might not buy that.
North downtown Tampa finally getting hot
Tampa, Florida -- There is so much development going on in downtown Tampa, it's hard to keep track of it all. On Harbour Island, in the southern part of downtown, another residential tower is going up. The apartment complex will rise from an empty lot just off Harbour Drive. The financing has been secured and vertical construction should begin soon.
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