Chad Mills

1 week ago | abcactionnews.com | Chad Mills

LAKELAND, Fla. — Saving four-legged lives costs money, and Jennifer Rader’s Lakeland-based rescue, Saving Paws Rescue of Florida, saves about 200 of those lives a year. So, it needs a lot of money to carry out that life-saving mission. “That’s an understatement,” Rader said. “These buildings are pretty much built with my — or bought with my retirement money.” A Venmo scam has hurt several animal shelters Every dollar donated to this rescue matters, too.

1 week ago | abcactionnews.com | Chad Mills

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — On the first day of May, protesters in Dunedin declared Mayday, a signal of the distress they’re feeling a hundred days into President Donald Trump’s second term. “Mostly been on the sidelines, but no longer,” said Paul Heinemann. “It’s time to contribute to the cause,” added his wife, Noni. The protest they attended was one of many across the nation Thursday, part of a grassroots movement called 50501: fifty protests, fifty states, one day.

2 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Chad Mills

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The tragedy that killed a beloved family pet has a Holiday neighborhood united in a search for answers and justice. Last Friday, Jesse Stanaszek’s dog, Chase, escaped from their Forest Hills backyard and ended up a few blocks away — on Landau Street — where the dog was hit and killed by a driver. The pet had grown up with Stanaszek’s eight-year-old son, Kaiden. “I feel, you know, sad losing the family pet,” Stanaszek said.

2 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Chad Mills

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Animal advocates argue that changes are needed at Polk County Animal Control, as evidenced by the shelter’s 2024 statistics. According to records from the University of Florida’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, the county shelter’s “Live Outcome Rate” was 58% in 2024, which means 42% of animals did not leave the county shelter alive. However, that wasn’t the 2024 statistic that raised the biggest red flag.

2 weeks ago | abcactionnews.com | Chad Mills

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The progress is slow, but progress is happening for Deputy Andy Lahera. The progress comes as he recovers from a traumatic brian injury he suffered almost two years ago near Lecanto, when he was hit by a car while directing traffic for the sheriff’s office. Recent videos posted to Facebook show the deputy is regaining some key functions, like lifting his left arm. Michelle Lahera, his wife, is by his side daily. “He’s trying, and he’s still fighting,” she said.