Tire Recycling and Community Cleanup Planned on March 4, 2017

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Tire Recycling and Community Cleanup Planned on March 4, 2017

Tire Recycling and Community Cleanup Planned on March 4, 2017

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February 22, 2017 – Keep Polk County Beautiful will host a FREE Tire Recycling Event on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 8am- noon at the Haines City Police Department, 35400 US Hwy 27, Haines City. Polk County Residents may dispose of up to 24 tires at no additional charge. Tires on the rim will be accepted. For more information, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863)875-8911.

Join the City of Haines City for their annual Great American Cleanup from 8am-noon at the Haines City Police COPS Station – 1008 Ave. D. To pre-register or for event information, contact Lt. Harris at (863)421-3636 xt 2226 or email – [email protected] .
Trash collection services donated by Republic Services.

In addition to these cleanup efforts….

Polk County’s Waste and Recycling Division will be hosting a Household Hazardous Waste – Mobile Collection Event at NO Additional Charge to Polk County Residents. This event will be held at the Haines City Public Works Complex – 300 N. 5th Street from 8am-12 pm. For information on this event, contact Polk County’s Waste and Recycling Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (863)284-4319 or visit polk-county.net.

It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .
For Tire Recycling limits and questions, contact KPCB before the event date. KPCB and Waste Resource Management (Board of County Commissioners) will be at this community event to answer any trash/recycling questions, provide informational items and provide residents with a recycling bin if they currently do not have one.

Former PCSO Civilian Detention Clerk Arrested for Filing a False Police Report

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Former PCSO Civilian Detention Clerk Arrested for Filing a False Police Report
Former PCSO civilian detention clerk arrested for filing a false police report 
On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PCSO deputies arrested 31-year-old Lindsey Shinall of Winter Haven, for filling a false report to law enforcement. Shinall claimed she was battered by a firearms instructor assigned to the Polk State College Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety law enforcement academy during a firearms training class. Shinall resigned from PCSO on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. 
 
According to the affidavit on February 21, 2017, Shinall alleged that during the course of receiving instruction, a firearms instructor intentionally slapped her in the back of the neck with an open hand against her will. During this investigation there were four (4) other recruits and three (3) other firearms instructors present. All seven (7) individuals were interviewed and all said they never saw the firearms instructor hit Shinall.
 
Based on her battery allegation, detectives interviewed Shinall. After providing several inconsistent statements, and being informed that no one else saw the battery occur, Shinall admitted that she did not tell the truth about the incident because she was upset with the firearms instructor, and that she was never battered by anyone.
 
Shinall was hired by PCSO in July 2016 as a Detention Support Specialist, working in the South County Jail in Frostproof.  She was paid an hourly rate of $17.89. She resigned from PCSO on Wednesday, February 22, 2017- had she not resigned, she would have been fired. 
 
Lindsey Shinall

Scale House Construction at Landfill could cause delays

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Scale House Construction at Landfill could cause delays
Scale House Construction at Landfill could cause delays
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Bartow, Fla. (February 21, 2017) — In our long-term effort to better serve our customers, construction continues on improvements to the scale house at Polk County’s North Central landfill. On Thursday, February 23, 2017, the in-bound lane of the scale house will be undergoing construction that may cause some traffic delays. Please be aware that if you are bringing items to the landfill, you may have to wait while staff assists other patrons.
 
We appreciate your patience during construction.

Florida panther population estimate updated

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Florida panther population estimate updated
Florida panther population estimate updated
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Photos available on the FWC’s Flickr site: http://bit.ly/2kLU8xu
Suggested Tweet: Florida #panther population estimate is updated by @USFWS and @MyFWC:[VIEW_THIS_URL]] #Florida
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have updated the estimated number of endangered Florida panthers in their breeding range south of the Caloosahatchee River.
The updated population estimate is 120 to 230 adult and subadult Florida panthers, according to a February 2017 report from the agencies collaborating on conservation and recovery efforts. The previous Florida panther population estimate was 100 to 180 adult and subadult panthers in 2014. These population estimates do not include kittens, which are still dependent on their mothers.
The panther population report is available on FloridaPantherNet.org.
The report emphasizes both the importance and difficulty in obtaining accurate panther population estimates, which is similar to estimating other puma populations in western states. Currently, Florida scientists are evaluating several methods to refine their ability to estimate the panther population size, including the use of trail cameras and panther road mortality data. The current numbers, developed jointly by USFWS and FWC scientists, use annual counts of panthers primarily conducted on public lands. Density of panthers on these areas is then multiplied across the larger area that makes up the primary breeding range in south Florida. Although there are some panthers outside of this range in south Florida and in areas north of the Caloosahatchee River, they are primarily dispersing males and do not significantly contribute to the breeding population.
“This latest Florida panther population estimate is good news, an indication that conservation efforts are on track in helping recover this endangered animal,” said Kipp Frohlich, FWC’s Deputy Director for the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. “In the 1970s and 1980s, it was estimated only 20 to 30 panthers remained in Florida.”
Larry Williams, the USFWS’s Florida State Supervisor of Ecological Services, believes the new numbers indicate things are trending in the right direction — due in part to a strong partnership with the state of Florida.
“Continued recovery will require a long-term concerted effort by many partners committed to finding common-sense solutions that balance many different and competing interests, yet are grounded in a shared purpose of conserving the lands that support Florida’s native wildlife and its ranching heritage,” Williams said.
The public is encouraged to report sightings of panthers or their tracks, and in particular photos, toMyFWC.com/PantherSightings to help with panther research and management. Biologists are especially interested in pictures of panthers north of the Caloosahatchee River, which runs from Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers.
Floridians also can help panther conservation efforts by purchasing the “Protect a Panther” vehicle tag from local tax collector’s offices.
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Brush fire prompts home evacuations in Alturas

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Brush fire prompts home evacuations in Alturas
Brush fire prompts home evacuations in Alturas
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BARTOW, Fla. (February 21, 2017) – Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched at 2:11 p.m. to a brush fire near residential homes. Seven homes near 6974 Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road in Alturas were evacuated. The fire grew to approximately a half acre and was approximately 25 feet away from one of the homes.
 
Firefighters worked quickly to stop the fire from spreading to the homes. Crews had a hard time reaching the fire because it was in a thick wooded area. A gooseneck trailer was damaged, but firefighters were able to protect the homes and vehicles.
 
Bartow Fire Department, Ft. Meade Fire Department and the Florida Forest Service assisted Polk County Fire Rescue bring the fire under control. The fire was brought under control at 3:13 p.m.

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center –Citrus Label Tour Dedication February 28th

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Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center –Citrus Label Tour Dedication February 28th

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center –Citrus Label Tour Dedication

When: Tuesday, February 28th

Address: 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales Florida 33853

Time: 3pm

Admission: Free

citrus-label-tour

The Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center is excited to announce the dedication of our crate label banners on Tuesday, February 28th at 3pm at the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center. A partnership between the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Visit Central Florida and the Polk County History Center’s History and Heritage Trail inspired the creation of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County. We are happy to become another spot on this historic tour. Join us as we dedicate our labels which highlight the crate label designs of the Lake Wales Citrus Growers Association.

For more information, contact the Museum at: 863.676.1759 or follow us on

Twitter: @LWDepot_Museum

Facebook: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center

Instagram: LWDepot_Museum

Website: Lakewalesmuseum.org

Update on Overturn Vehicle Accident on SR 60 Near Jay Bee’s Restaurant Yesterday

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Update on Overturn Vehicle Accident on SR 60 Near Jay Bee’s Restaurant Yesterday

Update on Overturn Vehicle Accident on SR 60 Near Jay Bee’s Restaurant Yesterday

It was a single vehicle accident.  The truck rotated and landed on its roof.

Sarah Hancock and Kaylee Belcher were the only two occupants in the vehicle and both escaped with minor injuries and are expect to make a full recovery.

Be Alert and Drive Safe!

 

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Parents Plan To Hold Protest As Officials Discuss Middle School Portion Of Roosevelt Academy

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Parents Plan To Hold Protest As Officials Discuss Middle School Portion Of Roosevelt Academy

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Lake Wales, Florida – “This is going to be our one and only shot for them to hear us!” these are the words on the facebook event page for Save Roosevelt Middle School Peaceful Protest .  Local parents say they will be at the school on February 21, 2017 at 12:30pm which will be about an hour before state and local education officials convene a meeting at the school. The school is located at

Recently parents were told that the middle school portion of the school would not be accepting 6th graders. When inquired to who made this decision no one has taken responsibility. According to a recent article in the Lakeland Ledger  the county and the state were pointing fingers at each other on who was responsible. Recently the decision to allow 6th graders for the 2017 – 2018 school year. However parents want to know that the school will be protected in the future. The current option is to have students transported to Denison Middle School in Winter Haven.

The school which has been in existence since 1937 is currently home to 6-12 graders, many of whom are exceptional student education (ESE). The purpose of ESE is to help each child with a disability progress in school and prepare for life after school. ESE services include specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of the child.

Some of this has to from fallout of a 2014 decision made by the state to stop Special Diploma’s for students with learning disabilities. A decision that has not sat well with teachers or parents.

Special diplomas were available to students with disabilities who are not able to meet the requirements for a standard diploma. The State of Florida provides general guidelines for special diploma options. This however changed in 2014.

 

UPDATE: DCF Social Worker Booked In Polk County Jail for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine

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UPDATE: DCF Social Worker Booked In Polk County Jail for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine

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Laymeshia Hicks was booked into the Polk County Jail last night for:

Trafficking in Heroin (no bond until First Appearance)
Trafficking in Cocaine (no bond until First Appearance)
Maintaining Structure for Drug Use ($5,000 bond)
Possession of Paraphernalia ($500 bond)

She has also been placed on a NEBBIA Hold (if inmate is being bonded out, inmate must prove bond is being paid by funds not acquired through illegal means).

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

UPDATE: Laymeshia Hicks turned herself in around 5:45 this evening. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail tonight.

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

They are both charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges
Arrest warrants have been obtained by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for two Mulberry residents, 25-year old Laymeshia Hicks and her fiancé 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott. They are charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. Hicks was employed by the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protection Investigator prior to discovery of the probable cause established in the arrest warrant. Hicks has since been fired from DCF.
 
The charges stem from an investigation into a reported armed home invasion at their home in Mulberry on Friday, February 17, 2017. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the home.
 
According to two victims (nephews of Scott, a 16-y-o and 18-y-o) who were at home at the time of the armed home invasion (Hicks and Scott were not home at the time), two black male suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the home and ransacked the residence. No one was injured. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects are described as follows: suspect one is a black male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01” tall, skinny build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a camouflage-style sweatshirt and pants, black mask with a skull face, black shoes and gloves; suspect two is a black male, approximately 5’10″tall, husky build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a red/orange hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, black shoes, black bandana, gray skull cap, and black gloves.
 
When robbery detectives arrived on scene to investigate they searched and found trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the master bedroom. The total weight of the heroin is 68.9 grams and the total weight of the cocaine is 288 grams.
 
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Hicks and her fiancé Scott live in the master bedroom of the home. Two children also lived in the home, Hicks’ 3-year-old child, and Scott’s 16-year-old nephew. Scott responded to the residence during the investigation and later left. Detectives subsequently contacted Scott and Hicks by phone, but they refused to meet or speak with detectives.
 
Arrest warrants have been obtained charging both suspects with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
“Laymeshia Hicks should be ashamed of herself-this is the farthest thing I can imagine from ‘protecting children.’ She needs to turn herself in and take responsibility for her actions.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
See below for pictures of Hicks, Scott, and the two home invasion suspects.
If you have information about the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. \
suspects
 Suspects 

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Laymeshia Hicks            Xzaiveous Scott
 

Update: CR 630 E Fire – February 20th

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Update: CR 630 E Fire – February 20th
Update: CR 630 E Fire – Feb. 20
 
BARTOW, Fla. (February 20, 2017) – The CR 630 Fire is now 85 percent contained and Polk County Fire Rescue crews are no longer standing by at the scene. On Sunday and Monday, Polk County Fire Rescue did not respond to any events outside of routine patrols in the Indian Lake Estates area.
 
Polk County Fire Rescue station 960, which is located at 6221 Hogan Lane in Indian Lake Estates, has extra staff and a brush truck.
 
The forestry service advised Polk Fire that over the next week or two, unburned tops from fire-damaged trees will begin to fall. This will likely create an after burn and flare-ups. Polk Fire crews are ready to respond should this occur.
 
The Florida Forest Service has mapped the fire to have affected 5,600 acres, but is expecting that number to be greater after another analysis.
 
The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to have increased patrols on State Road 60 and County Road 630. The roads will be shut down if dense fog develops. Motorist should stay alert and drive carefully, especially early in the morning.
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