Plant City man killed in hit-and-run on I-4
A pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on I-4, west of U.S. 98, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The victim was later identified as McKenzie Jordan Messick by FHP. Messick was a 22-year-old from Plant City. He was found in the grass shoulder on the north side of the roadway.
FHP is searching for the driver and said evidence at the scene indicates the vehicle that hit the man may have front-end damage. FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins said the vehicle might also have headlight or turn signal damage.
Pedestrians are not permitted on the interstate and FHP is attempting to find out why the man was walking along the busy road.
The westbound lanes of I-4 were closed near US-98 as FHP assessed the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to notify FHP at 813-558-1800.
Smokin’ Aces BBQ owner arrested for failure to file sales tax return
The co-owner of Plant City’s Smokin’ Aces BBQ was arrested for failure to file sales tax returns and theft of state funds more than $20,000, according to an arrest report from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Robert Michael Jordan, who often goes by “Robbie,” was arrested at 8:45 p.m. on May 5 by Plant City Police Department. PCPD was tipped off that Jordan had a warrant and he was picked up at his address and sent to jail. Jordan, 30, bonded out the next day.
Smokin’ Aces was founded and launched in 2012 and is co-owned by Robert Jordan and his sons “Robbie” Jordan and Josh Jordan.
It started as a small stand in front of a car lot on US 92 before it transferred to the corner of County Line Road and U.S. 92 near Mozart’s Designs. After partnering with Keel & Curley for a brief time the business was able to set up its restaurant known as Smokin’ Aces BBQ.
PCHS coach accused of sexual misconduct
A wrestling and track coach at Plant City High School has been dismissed from his position after officials received allegations of sexual misconduct.
Both Plant City Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the situation and said the subject has been involved with the teams for the past two years.
The Hillsborough County Public Schools Board and PCHS are cooperating with investigators. Hillsborough County Public Schools says the coach was not employed by the district.
Anyone with additional information regarding the inappropriate conduct is asked to contact PCPD at 813-757-9200 or HCSO at 813-247-8000.
Plant City deacon accused of sexually abusing children
David Kenneth Buser, 72, of Plant City, was arrested on May 1 after Hillsborough County deputies said he admitted to having sexually assaulted two children.
Records show the most recent assault happened two months ago and one of the victims was abused for a decade, according to deputies. Buser was a deacon at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church in Dover and according to the report, the abuse did not happen at the church.
Buser is facing four counts sexual battery charges, two of which are for victims younger than 12. He's also charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation.