Deputy-involved shooting in Dover
The suspect in an Aug. 6 shooting in Seffner died Aug. 7 in Dover after shooting at Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Nicholas Kocolis, 51, was identified as the suspect in an incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. Aug. 6. According to HCSO, Kocolis approached a truck and shot its driver twice before forcing the passenger, who is Kocolis’s ex-girlfriend, into the driver’s seat. Kocolis got in the passenger seat and ordered her to drive, but she soon crashed the truck into a water-filled culvert and attempted to get away from Kocolis. A Good Samaritan let the woman into their vehicle and Kocolis shot at it, hitting the vehicle and causing the driver to crash on Williams Road. Kocolis fled the scene.
HCSO located Kocolis shortly after midnight on Aug. 7 at 12902 Newsome Road in Dover and attempted to arrest him in a parking lot. Kocolis fired multiple shots at Sgt. Jason Roberts and deputies Michael Vegeto and Derrick Shea, who were then forced to return fire. None of the officers were hit or injured and Kocolis died at the scene from his injuries.
According to HCSO, none of the deputies have previously been involved in a deadly use of force incident. Roberts has been with HCSO since 2003, Vegeto since 2013 and Shea since 2008. The Sheriff’s Office also said the shooting victim driving the truck was “alert and in stable condition” at a hospital following the incident.
“We are extremely thankful that none of our deputies were hit. This very dangerous individual is off the streets and he will not be able to victimize another person in this community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We believe this incident stems from domestic violence. I encourage anyone who may be the victim of abuse to reach out to one of the many resources available in Hillsborough County, such as the Spring of Tampa Bay at 813-247-SAFE (813-247-7233).”
Winn-Dixie hosting fundraiser for American Heart Association
Southeastern Grocers and the American Heart Association have teamed up to host a fundraising event for the fight against heart disease and strokes.
Through the Life Is Why We Give campaign, Winn-Dixie shoppers can choose to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar or make a contact-free donation from now through Aug. 25. Money raised from the drive will go toward research, educational programs and services and to help survivors and their families. SEG said this fundraiser is part of its Positive Change Round Up campaign “to help minimize the impact of the current nationwide coin shortage while also providing support to various charitable organizations committed to serving individuals and families in need.”
According to the AHA, heart disease and stroke are respectively the No. 1 and No. 5 killers of Americans.
“The health of our associates, customers and communities is at the heart of our business, especially as the country continues to adapt in the face of the evolving pandemic,” Elizabeth Thompson, EVP and Chief People Officer of Southeastern Grocers, said. “We are proud to stand with the American Heart Association to encourage our neighbors to educate themselves and make their health and well-being a priority. Our customers can support heart and brain health by rounding up their grocery bills at checkout and together, we will continue the fight against heart disease and stroke to cultivate stronger and healthier communities.”
PC Republican Women’s Club opens new office
The Plant City Federated Republican Women’s Club is getting ready to host a grand opening ceremony for its new campaign office, which opened Aug. 6.
The office, which will stay open through Nov. 3, is located in the reception area at Land Trucking, 2900 James L. Redman Parkway. A grand opening ceremony will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 15, at the office and attendees will have the opportunity to meet local candidates in the upcoming election. Vice President Judy Wise said food will be served, social distancing will be practiced and the wearing of face coverings will be encouraged.
For more information, contact Wise at judywise45@gmail.com.