Carlos A. Fabano

Published on: October 22, 2025

‘Look for these kids who dart out of nowhere:’ Monroe County Sheriff Offers Advice for the Area Ahead of Halloween.

Monroe County, a cluster of islands off Florida’s southern coast, is accustomed to an influx of tourists during events like Halloween, but, this year, the sheriff is emphasizing one priority above all — public safety.

In an advisory posted Monday, Oct. 20, to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office official Facebook page, Sheriff Rick Ramsey noted that the increased crowds in the keys in the week leading up to Halloween might cause traffic and other issues.

“So, look for officers giving you directions, but, more so, look for these kids who dart out of nowhere … ” he said. “Put your phones down, no distracted driving.”

Published on: September 30, 2025

One Dead in U.S. 1 Crash in Florida Keys. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A woman and a dog have died, and a man was injured during a car crash on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys Tuesday morning, according to reporting from local media.

The head-on collision occurred around 11 a.m. on Summerland Key at mile marker 19.

The woman, 44, whose name has not yet been released by authorities, was heading southbound on U.S. 1 in a Kia sedan when she drifted into the northbound lane, hitting a Ford pickup truck going in the opposite direction.

Published on: September 25, 2025

Child on the mend after shark bite in the Florida Keys. There’s another hazard in the area you’re more likely to face.

By Leesfield & Partners

The family of an 8-year-old boy from Pinecrest, Florida, who was attacked by a shark while snorkeling near Key Largo said he is getting stronger each day.

The boy, identified as Richard Burrows, was snorkeling with his father, David, and 10-year-old sister, Rose, around 3:24 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. when he was bitten by a blacktip shark, according to reporting from national media.

A Good Samaritan helped Burrows apply a tourniquet to Richard’s right leg while they waited for emergency responders. He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami where he underwent surgery.

Published on: September 18, 2025

Which Florida Airports Made the Cut? See the Traveler’s List & Vote for Your Favorite.

By Leesfield & Partners

These Florida airports have landed three spots on a USA Today-compiled list of nearly two dozen standout small airports nationwide; now, you can vote for your favorite.

Key West International Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport all earned recognition — and now travelers are invited to cast their votes to help decide the nation’s top 10.

With decades of personal injury practice, Leesfield & Partners attorneys know that it’s not just dining options, design, or convenience that make a good airport. Having represented countless families in aviation and other air-travel-related accidents over the past 49 years, our attorneys understand that safety remains the most critical measure of a great airport.

Published on: September 4, 2025

‘It’s a Pain, Heartache, and Void:’ Influencer Speaks Out Publicly for the First Time Since Son’s Tragic Drowning.

By Leesfield & Partners

Emilie Kiser, the well-known social media and lifestyle influencer, has released a public statement, the first since her 3-year-old son, Trigg, drowned in the family’s backyard pool.

“Loss of this magnitude feels impossible to put into words,” Kiser said in a statement to her nearly 2 million Instagram followers. “I’ve spent days, weeks, months trying to find them and also take the time I’ve needed to digest the loss of my baby.”

Trigg died at the hospital after being in critical condition for several days following an incident at the family’s home in Chandler, Arizona, on May 12. Emergency responders were called out to the home around 6 p.m. after the boy was found unresponsive in the pool. He was rushed to Chandler Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

Published on: September 2, 2025

One Dead After Ocean Testing of Vessel Goes Awry. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

At least one person has died in Pinellas County after a sea trial resulted in a crash, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies were called out around 2:35 p.m. to the area of 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard after getting reports of the crash. The boat allegedly crashed into Stebbins Island and ejected its operator, 56-year-old Pal Pataki, of Clearwater, Florida.

Pataki was pronounced dead at the scene.

Published on: August 27, 2025

Scooter & Moped Accidents in Key West: Liability for Tourists, Locals, and Drivers

By Leesfield & Partners

It’s not uncommon to see someone cruising down the streets of historic Key West on a moped or scooter, often clad in Hawaiian shirts — seemingly the area’s unofficial dress code.

This mode of transport is extremely popular in the area. However, like any vehicle, it carries risks and can lead to serious consequences. There are a myriad of reasons why a moped or scooter accident may occur — from narrow streets and tourist inexperience to distracted driving. When they do occur, Leesfield & Partners attorneys know the consequences can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, paralysis, broken bones, and more.

Scooters and mopeds are an efficient and fun way to explore Key West’s historic streets, lined with palm trees and the inviting sea breeze. It’s no wonder many tourists opt to rent them or borrow them from friends when visiting the area. Their inexperience on the roads, however, can lead to costly mistakes. Speeding, failing to yield, or not understanding local traffic patterns can all contribute to collisions. Under Florida law, a tourist who negligently causes an accident can be held just as accountable as a local driver. Even if they lack Florida insurance, their out-of-state auto policies may provide coverage, and an injured party can still bring a claim against them in Florida courts.

Published on: August 19, 2025

One Dead in Boynton Beach Jet Ski Crash. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A 49-year-old man died following a crash near the West Gateway Boulevard Bridge in Boynton Beach’s E-4 Canal Sunday evening, according to local media.

The man was identified as Jeffrey Civitano, of Sunrise, Florida.

Emergency responders were called out to the area just before 6 p.m. after a report of a jet ski crash. Police told reporters that the jet ski was traveling northbound in the canal at the time of the crash. Civitano was found in the water while the jet ski continued traveling north on its own.

Published on: August 18, 2025

High-Speed Chase in Florida Keys Results in Police Using Spike Strips. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A Fort Lauderdale woman faces multiple charges after police say she led them on a high-speed chase Saturday in the Florida Keys.

Lianet Rodriguez, 35, was charged with felony fleeing and eluding police, a misdemeanor moving traffic violation, driving under the influence and resisting an officer.

The chase was sparked by multiple 911 calls that reported a car was driving into oncoming traffic and passing on the shoulder near mile marker 21, according to reporting from local news outlets. Mile Marker 21 is on Cudjoe Key.

Published on: August 15, 2025

Researchers’ Bio-Engineered Molecule May be First-Ever Antidote for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. What to Know.

By Leesfield & Partners

A new protein therapy discovered by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine may be the first-ever antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning, officials with the school announced this week.

The announcement followed the publication of their new study in the journal for Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). This came after researchers had bio-medically engineered a new molecule that could prove fruitful with reversing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. The new molecule, said study corresponding author Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, has fewer side effects than other molecules that are currently being tested, including only minimal changes to blood pressure.

“This has the potential to become a rapid, intravenous antidote for carbon monoxide that could be given in the emergency department or even in the field by first-responders,” he said.