Outrage in Clearwater (33756): Stepfather Sentenced After Whipping Children Over Alexa Device – LIVE UPDATES

Clearwater, FL (33756) – A Clearwater man has been sentenced to two years in prison after he admitted to whipping his stepchildren with a belt because they were playing with an Amazon Alexa device without permission. The disturbing incident, which took place at an apartment near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, left two children with visible bruises and emotional trauma. During sentencing, the judge called the act “abuse, not discipline.” The case has sparked concern in the community and adds to a recent rise in child abuse-related cases in the area. Officials urge residents to report any signs of abuse by calling the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Clearwater man sentenced for whipping stepchildren after they used Alexa without permission

• IMPACT: Two children suffered visible injuries; court documents cite “excessive punishment”

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “This went beyond discipline—it was abuse.” – Judge Margaret Hudson

• ACTION: Call 1-800-962-2873 to report suspected child abuse in Florida

Impact Of Clearwater, FL (33756)

1. Precise Location:
   Clearwater, FL (ZIP: 33756) – Incident took place in apartment complex off Gulf-to-Bay Blvd

2. Community Connection:
   “This community’s heart breaks for those kids. They deserve safety, not fear.”
   – Linda Rhodes, Clearwater family advocate

3. Visual Proof:
   

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This is the second child abuse sentencing in Pinellas County in less than 30 days, drawing public attention to parental violence

• DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE:
  

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 (open 24/7)
  » Suncoast Center – Family & Child Counseling: (727) 388-1220

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “If you suspect abuse, report it immediately. One call can protect a child.”
  – Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Community Pulse

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Update Log

• 9:30 AM: Defendant sentenced to 2 years in state prison + mandatory counseling

• 10:45 AM: Children remain with mother under DCF monitoring

• 12:30 PM: Protective order extended until children reach legal age