WOKC Local News – July 02, 2026, 7:40 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. Sentencing and fatality with WOKC News. I’m Charles Murphy. Cameron Runyon was celebrating his 18th birthday when he struck and killed his stepmother, Erica Smith, killing her on Southeast 16th Avenue. He then led deputies on a high-speed chase. He was in court for sentencing in late June and received eight years in prison and three years probation. Several family and friends spoke in support of a reduced sentence as he was a youthful offender. Judge Letha Mullins says the high-speed chase and comments from Runyon were nefarious. It’s my birthday, man. I don’t want to DUI. I think I hit someone. Stating that means that you knew it, and you still chose, rather to stop to check on the well-being of someone that you possibly hit or injured, you kept driving in order to avoid the law enforcement. You did note he was remorseful and cooperating with law enforcement. Prosecutor Assy Albright read a letter from the victim’s father who says he’s been devastated by the loss of his daughter. Albright says the judge needed to weigh the human cost of this fatality. My daughter mattered. Her life was precious, and the impact of losing her is something I will bear for the rest of my life. Runyon had a blood alcohol of .136 and .138. The Okeechobee Utility Authority giving an update to the county on their many projects. Executive Director John Hayford says they’re actively looking for more federal and state funding to help with more septic-to-sewer connection fees. The commission also getting ready for hurricane preparedness. Public Safety Director Justin Hazelieve had some advice. Preparation’s key, and now’s the time to be doing that. A case of road rage involving a bicyclist. Eric Frizzoloni is facing charges of battery. He got mad after nearly being hit by a car as they turned onto Northeast 8th Avenue and followed the driver home to 113 Northeast 8th Avenue and then punched the man. The wife called the law. The husband suffered minor injuries. Tourism was a little bit down in rural areas of Florida, including Highlands County this winter. Fewer northern visitors this year. Theme parks are reopening, and there was fewer Canadians visiting Florida. Tourism Coordinator Casey Hart says their tourist taxes were down 13%. It declined international and Canadian interest. A lot of destinations, it’s not just us, have had a hit from the Canadians not wanting to come to Florida or to the United States. A 46-year-old Okeechobee woman will get 20 years in prison for DUI manslaughter. Selena Harvey was behind the wheel of a vehicle in a two-vehicle crash in Fort Passenger at 98 and 721 on March 31st of 2022. The crash killed the Oreck Kiv, and three passengers were seriously injured in the wreck. The sentence means she will never have a driver’s license again. The restitution was over $8,000. She pled straight up to the court with no plea deal. She’ll also serve five years probation. I’m Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).