Shark Case Archives - WTF Florida?

Mother of Convicted Animal Abuser Issues Defensive Statement

Bradenton (WTFF) – The mother of Robert Lee Benac issued a statement defending her son after he took a plea deal last week, stating that she and her family have been the subject of a “campaign of hatred and persecution.” »

Final Defendant in Shark Dragging Case Will Serve 10 Days in Jail

Sarasota (WTFF) – The final defendant in the case involving a shark dragging video has taken a plea deal. »

Michael Wenzel Gets 10 Days in Jail for Torturing Animal

Tampa (WTFF) – The man piloting the boat in the infamous shark dragging case was sentenced to 10 days in jail. »

Judge delays trial for shark-dragging suspects again

Tampa (WTFF) – The two men facing animal cruelty charges in the infamous shark dragging case will have another two months until their next court date. »

Michael Wenzel’s Next Disposition: August 21, 2018

The case of Michael Wenzel was stifled in the 12th court, in Bradenton where his father works for Manatee County as the planning section manager. It seems to be stalling in the 13th court, as we’re seeing disposition after disposition, charges dropped for Spencer Heintz, and justice delayed. With our watchful eye, the public will […] »

“Shark Torture” Animal Abuse Trial Results – May 1, 2018

Charges were dropped against one of the men. A status hearing has been scheduled to continue the trial on June 13. »

Animal abusers in ‘Shark Case’ going to court today

Tampa (WTFF) – Michael Wenzel and Spencer Heintz are scheduled to be in court this morning for a disposition. Both are facing trial for two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, which is a 3rd degree felony. Wenzel was also charged with a 2nd degree misdemeanor for violating FWC regulations F.S. 379.401 (2) (a). Robert […] »

Animal abusers in ‘Shark Case’ will appear in court on March 6, 2018

All three men involved in the Shark Case have pleaded not guilty. Their trial will be held on March 6, 2018. Court Documents PDF »

Open Letter to the 13th Judicial Circuit

We sent the following letter to the Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (email address !homepage@sao13th.com) on December 18, 2017: »

Three charged in shark dragging video

Tampa (WTFF) Three men have been charged in connection to the infamous “shark dragging video.” For those of you who have been following the case since the beginning, this is monumental news. »

‘Shark-Dragging’ Case Extends to 13th Judicial Court

(WTFF) – Ed Brodsky of the 12th Judicial Court states that many of the violations in the “shark-dragging case” may have occurred in Hillsborough County. »

Letter to State Attorney: Shark Dragging Incident

A formal decision from the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney is expected by mid-August as publicly announced by assigned Assistant State Attorney Andrew Van Sickle to the shark dragging incident. But still NOTHING has been done. Four men allegedy dragged a shark going at super high speeds while the still-live black tip sharks body was […] »

‘Shark Dragging’ Petition Delivered to Ed Brodsky

We have officially delivered our petition to Ed Brodsky and Andrew Van Sickle of the 12th Judicial Circuit. They refused to meet with us in person, but news agencies filmed as I handed the 250,000+ signatures to the receptionist who agreed to deliver our message. The delivery location was the Manatee County Building at 1112 […] »

Deliver the Shark Petition

Join us Monday, August 21 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Manatee County Building Department to deliver our petition. We will be gathering in the courtyard facing the building. Come any time you can, even it’s just on your lunch break. »

Shark-drag investigation uncovers other violations

link to article: »

Commissioners should just Ask Gary what they can do for him

By Tom Lyons via Herald Tribune Given the predicted sea level rise already underway and causing problems in places like Miami, it is remarkable that Sarasota County would even entertain any development plans that would increase density on a barrier island. »

‘Ask Gary’ founder wants county to consider Siesta Key hotel

Gary Kompothecras is seeking help reviewing his hotel project as the MTV reality series starring his son launches this week. SIESTA KEY — The famed founder of 1-800-ASK-GARY has retained legal services for himself to appeal a county board’s decision that could threaten his plans for a hotel on Siesta Key. Gary Kompothecras — a […] »

Boycott 1-800-Ask-Gary Hotel on Siesta Key

*Everyone* should call/write/email the Sarasota Commissioners, as well as the ‘Siesta Key Association’, and tell them you don’t support a Hotel on Siesta Key built by Gary Kompothecras. He’s got attorneys, and is trying to bully this thing into getting built. Currently “Captain Curt’s Crab/Oyster Bar”, and “Clayton’s Siesta Grille” have said they support Gary […] »

Email from Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office

Hi, thanks for connecting. I understand and respect the concerns of everyone seeing this situation unfold, and like everyone, am waiting to see the outcome of the various investigatory actions underway by authorities and the fact-finding they make public. There has been no indication to our office that a second season is being considered, but […] »

Sarasota County and MTV Siesta Key – Public Record Documents

Files: The first PDF contains potential filming locations and contacts and more, the second PDF is an insurance agreement between Bobby Aguilar of Entertainment One Reality Productions and a few Sarasota County departments. The third file is a DOCX of their production schedule. mtv_siesta_key_wk_4-10_to_4-15 Entertainment_One_signed001 4Entertainment_One_production_schedule Email response: RE: Public Records Request of 8/8/2017, Reference […] »

Boycott These MTV Siesta Key Sponsors

Download the original list in a twitter-ready text file… MTV Siesta Key Sponsors: MTV Viacom Secret Deodorant Mountain Dew Tobacco Free Florida Extra Gum Gain Know The Real Cost Arby’s Dr Pepper Metro PCS Gatorade eBay Dawn Dish Sour Patch Kids Taco Bell Mr Clean Frontier Corp Gifted (Movie) Cox Auto Sony Pictures Victorias Secret […] »

Andrew Van Sickle assigned as prosecutor in the infamous ‘shark’ case

BREAKING NEWS: Assistant State Attorney Andrew Van Sickle has been assigned to the case. He states that lots of violations have been uncovered and lots more are coming. They will have answers to whether charges will be filed mid August. See Video for breaking news... »

Boaters drag a tormented shark around while laughing

To keep the pressure on, we have decided to start a petition, demanding the perpetrators of this violent act serve jail time and pay 1000 hours of community service to Manatee County, under the supervision and coordination of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Sign this petition to put them at the mercy of […] »