News Stories: December 17 - January 28
“Tattoo Business Linked To Drug Trafficking, ”
12-17-07
ORLANDO - A local tattoo parlor may be responsible for dealing in more than just ink and art. Fresh Flesh Bodily Designs studios was investigated yesterday by local DEA agents due to allegations that the establishment was trafficking illegal drugs. These allegations have produced a small uproar with some of the twentysomething locals, as well as accusations that the investigation was based solely on stereotyping. “You never see an antique shop or bridal boutique under this kind of suspicion,” rants Jerry Ellison, 26, who is a customer of Fresh Flesh. “It’s 2008 (sic) and people still have this prejudice against people with tattoos.” A representative for the studio could not be reached, and the DEA has declined to comment on the issue.
“Tattoo Parlor Burns, Hinders Investigation”
12-19-07
ORLANDO - Only two days after local DEA agents began an investigation of Fresh Flesh Designs, a local tattoo parlor, the establishment suffered the loss of a substantial portion of their building through a ‘lab fire’. Police officials say this fire could not have occurred at a less-opportune time, as a search warrant was issued for the business a mere hours later. OPD are now working closely with the DEA to determine the cause of the fire. As yet, none of the proprietors of Fresh Flesh have opted to comment on the situation.
New Story Note: “Tattoo Artists Wanted for Questioning”
12-26-07
ORLANDO - Another snag hit the investigation of Fresh Flesh Designs, the tattoo parlor under investigation for drug trafficking and insurance fraud. After the business suffered the destruction of much of its property during a fire, the owners and several employees were to be brought in for questioning by local authorities. However, when the police arrived to escort the men to the station, they found the parlor deserted. All six individuals implicated in the investigation have fled the state, telling their families and loved ones only that they were taking ‘extended vacations’. Police have not yet been able to locate any of the employees.
“Fog Dangerous Late at Night”
1-13-08
The large amount of fog that local drivers have been complaining about has grown largely over the area of Orange county. Police ask civilians not to bike or drive between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless necessary, as the fog seems to be at its thickest then. Meteorologists are unsure whether or not the fog is due to the unexpected cold front that has moved into Orlando, bringing with it some of the coldest weather for the city in several years, with temperatures as low as the mid-30’s.
"Unexplained Night-Terrors"
1-14-08
ORANGE COUNTY – Several pediatric clinics have reported a dramatic increase in what is commonly known as ‘night-terrors’ that have been plaguing children and young adults in the last month. No definitive explanation has been offered, though many doctors agree that recent films such as Sweeney Todd and I am Legend may have influenced the surge of these afflictions. This has prompted a call for parents to be more responsible when choosing the films their children are allowed to see, as well as tougher restrictions imposed by the MPAA.
"Winter Park Wins Rights to New Artifact"
1-20-08
WINTER PARK - The Winter Park Museum has been chosen via a raffle to be the first to display a new artifact discovered in Apopka, where Florida’s oldest skeleton was originally unearthed. Archaeologists describe the artifact as something of a pre-modern sarcophagus that has never been opened or touched. Researches are still studying the artifact and are curious as to what era it comes from. They have determined that it is not part of the original tribe or pre-modern aspect of tribes that were native to this area. Some speculate that it arrived over the Land-Bridge, which explains the water-damage on the edges of the object. The sarcophagus will be open to public viewing within the next month, but an official date has not yet been released.
"Another Murder of Local Homeless"
1-22-08
ORLANDO – Nicholas Hurtz, a homeless man still at large and wanted by police for the murder of another homeless man has committed another murder. His second victim is Vincent Deon, who was killed in a small sidestreet downtown that is a congregating place for other local homeless. Witnesses' to the murder say Hurtz “simply glared and sputtered incoherently” and advanced on another of those gathered, only to be chased off by an unidentified man. When police questioned the witnesses to learn the identity of the man who stopped the third attack and drove Hurtz off, the only answer they received was, “You don’t need to speak to Canker”. Police are unsure who this ‘Canker’ is, but are continuing with the investigation to find and arrest Hurtz.
“UCF History Professor Comes Out of Retirement”
01/28/2008
ORLANDO – 80-year-old previously-retired History Professor Maxwell Brooks of UCF has decided to come out of retirement. Brooks cites the reason for this decision as having ‘some startling new ideas and leads on the topic of Arthurian Legends, as well as some new evidence of crossings from Rome over to England proper.’ Though his colleagues have expressed doubts on his capabilities due to his age, Brooks has remained adamant, energetic and determined to get back to work.
- news stories courtesy the DST, Jake T., US2002022694