Florida woman arrested for DUI while riding a horse
LAKELAND (FOX 13) - It's possible to be arrested for a DUI while riding a horse. That's what happened to a Florida woman who decided to ride a horse on a busy road, according to Polk County deputies.
Thursday afternoon, deputies say, a passerby noticed the female horse rider -- later identified as Donna Byrne -- appeared confused and maybe in danger. They responded to Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road in Lakeland.
When they approached the rider, they said, she had an odor of alcohol, red watery eyes, and was staggering.
Her breath-alcohol level was double the legal limit. She allegedly blew samples of .157 and .161, while the legal limit in Florida is .08.
“Well, this in Polk County. You can get a DUI in a car, in a truck or on a horse,” offered outspoken Sheriff Grady Judd.
Defense attorneys may not agree. According to Florida statute, to get a DUI you must be operating a vehicle.
On Friday, Byrne was in the Polk County Jail. Her horse, Bo Duke, was being cared for at Polk County Animal Control.
Teens charged as adults in brutal beating of homeless man
Three teens accused of beating and critically injuring a homeless man in Tampa are now being charged as adults.
ICE awards $16.7M contract to buy electric shock gloves for officers
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has awarded a $16.7 million contract to purchase 6,000 pairs of gloves that can electric shocks, saying officers would use them to control detainees and protesters who resist.
Rays stadium deal: Tampa City Council approves funding for $2.3B ballpark project
Tampa City Council has approved their portion of the funding for the Tampa Bay Rays' proposed stadium deal in a key vote on Thursday.
Couple inspires seniors with lively dance parties
A husband and wife spend their days working together with a purpose. The couple wants to get seniors on their feet and moving in a fun way. FOX 13's Mark Wilson reports.
Clearwater moves to establish manatee protection zone in Stevenson Creek
Clearwater officials are moving forward with plans to create a new manatee protection zone aimed at safeguarding the marine mammals in Stevenson Creek.
Volunteers restore sea oats on Anna Maria Island
From an empty section of shoreline to a beach thriving with sea oats. Volunteers laid the ground work for this success story on Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon reports.
Inside Amazon's massive Lakeland Air Hub
Ever wondered how your Amazon order lands on your doorsteps in less than 24 hours? It's a high speed, coordinated operation to move packages across state lines. FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia reports.
Teens transferred as Hillsborough Juvenile Center closes
According to the county's public defender, ever teenager housed at the Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center will be moved out by the end of day. FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer reports.
Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center to close, teenagers moved out of facility
All the teenagers being held at the Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center are expected to be moved out of the facility by the end of Thursday, according to Hillsborough County Public Defender Lisa McLean.
Tampa council approves Rays stadium funding
Tampa City Council voted to approve their portion of funding for the Rays' $2.3 billion stadium project. FOX 13's Evan Axelbank reports.