Home Destroyed By Fire In Auburndale Sunday Morning 

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Home Destroyed By Fire In Auburndale Sunday Morning 

Auburndale, Florida – One person and a dog was found deceased in a structure fire at 1204 Taylor Street in Auburndale. Polk County Fire Rescue and Auburndale Fire crews were dispatched just before 11 a.m. this morning.

Crews were told that one person may have been inside the house, but due to heavy fire conditions, crews were forced to battle the fire from outside before making entry. Once it was safe to enter the home, firefighters located a deceased person in a bedroom.
A deceased dog was also found.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is investigating what caused the fire. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the death investigation.

 

3 Car Injury Accident In Frostproof On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes

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3 Car Injury Accident In Frostproof On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes


Frostproof, Florida – According to the Florida Highway Patrol an accident is currently blocking 2 southbound lanes of Hwy 27 & CR 630. 

According to reports the accident occured at approximately 10:45 am. The accident does involve injuries. 

We have no further details at this time.  

One North East Polk County Man Dead & Another In Jail For Murder

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One North East Polk County Man Dead & Another In Jail For Murder

Kissimmee (Poinciana) man arrested for murder

Poinciana, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 29-year-old Daniel Ponce of 423 Mallard Lane, Kissimmee, for stabbing (and killing) 38-year-old Brandon J. Burchett of 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee. Ponce has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. 

According to detectives, at approximately 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Emergency Medical Services responded to a stabbing at 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee, Florida. Upon their arrival the victim, Brandon Burchett, was located just inside the doorway to his residence, bleeding from apparent stab wounds. He was transported to Poinciana Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 5:15 p.m. Burchett was stabbed with a knife several times in his driveway during a physical altercation with Daniel Ponce.  The suspect is a neighborhood acquaintance of the victim.

Based on information gathered by detectives and interviews with witnesses, Ponce rode a bicycle to the front of Burchett’s residence and began yelling expletives at the victim when he came outside.  Ponce walked into the victim’s driveway and assumed a fighting position, holding his fists up and in front of him.  Ponce then swung at Burchett, which led to a physical altercation. Ponce then retrieved a folding pocketknife from his pocket, opened the knife, and intentionally stabbed the victim in the abdomen area and arm.

Burchett then ran inside of his residence yelling for someone to call 911 and that he had just been stabbed.  Ponce fled the area on a bicycle. Detectives learned there had been some kind of argument between the two on January 27th and Ponce was asked to leave Burchett’s residence and that the two had been arguing via text messages. The text arguments led Ponce to Burchett’s residence where Ponce asked Burchett to come outside via text.

After the stabbing, while Burchett was receiving medical treatment, Ponce called 911 and stated he was at the intersection of Herron Road and Herron Court, not far from the scene.  Deputies arrived and made contact with the suspect, who advised the deputy he had the knife in his right front pocket.  The suspect then admitted to becoming engaged in a physical altercation with the victim and stabbing the victim in the course of the altercation.  Ponce said he was in fear for his life and stabbed the victim in self-defense.

Ponce’s criminal history includes battery domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic offenses.

Ponce was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held on no bond

Kiwanis Pancake Festival Saturday January 28th

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Kiwanis Pancake Festival Saturday January 28th

Kiwanis Pancake Festival

kiwansi

Jan 28, 2017
7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy pancakes for breakfast served by local celebrity chefs while supporting programs benefiting children through the Winter Haven Kiwanis Foundation. The event will also feature gift basket drawings and free entertainment for all ages. Proceeds support programs benefiting children and families in the greater Winter Haven area.

 

 

 

Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools

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Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools
Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools
polkcountyschools
Florida First Lady Ann Scott visited two schools in Polk County this week as our state recognizes Celebrate Literacy Week.
On Jan. 25, Mrs. Scott started the day at Lake Alfred Elementary and then visited Karen M. Siegel Academy. Mrs. Scott let students vote for what book she would read to them, and encouraged them to ask her questions.
For video footage of her visit to Polk County, please visit https://vimeo.com/201197522
For photos of her visit to Lake Alfred Elementary, visit http://bit.ly/2ktgT8S
For photos of her visit to Karen M. Siegel Academy, visit http://bit.ly/2j5ii5o
 
Mulberry High Officially Names Gym For Beloved Coach and Teacher
Mulberry High officially named its gymnasium for Collins Smith, the school’s longtime athletics coach and P.E. teacher. Mr. Smith serves as a city commissioner in Mulberry and was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
For photos from the ceremony on Jan. 25, visit http://bit.ly/2jtT92Y
 
Barrage 8 Performs at Bartow Elementary Academy on Jan. 27
A special music performance from Barrage 8 will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the auditorium of Bartow Elementary Academy.
Barrage 8 is a high-energy show featuring a wide range of musical styles. The performance will also have a special guest appearance by orchestra students from Polk County.
Bartow Elementary Academy is located at 590 S. Wilson Avenue in Bartow.
Tickets for the show are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. They can be purchased at www.barrage8.com or at the door. For more information, please see the attached news release.
 
Nominees for Polk County Schools Hall of Fame Accepted Until Feb. 1
There’s not much time left to submit your nominations for the 2017 Hall of Fame. We’re looking for former Polk County Public Schools students who have gone on to distinguish themselves in their careers and communities.
 
The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1. Get more info and see past inductees here: http://bit.ly/1LCol3z
 
Polk Symposium on Special Education Scheduled for Feb. 25
The public is invited to a day of learning and sharing at the Polk Symposium on Special Education.
This free event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeland High, 726 Hollingsworth Road.
Families of students with disabilities can learn more about resources available to them and ask questions. An expo area will have agencies and vendors present to provide answers and support.
In addition to workshops, visitors can also enjoy lunch, snacks and opportunities to win door prizes. For more information, contact Lisa Miller, Chair of the Polk ESE Advisory Council, at (863) 698-6240 or [email protected]

Man Uses App To Lure Two Polk County Men Into An Attempted Armed Robbery Situation

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Man Uses App To Lure Two Polk County Men Into An Attempted Armed Robbery Situation

Harris

Lakeland, Florida – A Lakeland man is behind bars after attempting to use an App to lure two Polk County men into an attempted armed robbery.

According to Gary Gross, Lakeland Police Department spokesperson, on January 11, 2017 at approximately 7:30 p.m., the victims, James Few and his brother, Joseph Few arranged to purchase a 2006 Chevy Impala that was listed on mobile app letgo. James agreed to meet the defendant, Jarquez Harris, at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments.

After discussing the sale of the vehicle, James Few showed Harris $1000.00 in cash, and agreed to purchase the vehicle. While sitting in the backseat of the victim’s vehicle, Harris pulled a small semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at both victims. Harris demanded the money and counted down from five, but did not shoot the handgun. He then fled on foot without the money, and was wearing a Florida State University maroon sweatshirt.

Lakeland Police Detectives created a letgo profile and began to communicate with Harris about the purchase of a vehicle. Over the course of several days, Harris agreed to meet at the same location, Lakewood Terrace Apartments. When he arrived, Harris was wearing the same distinctive maroon FSU sweatshirt as before and he matched the same general description the victim gave.

Detectives made contact with Harris and he later admitted to the attempted robbery. Harris remains in the Polk County Jail.

Polk State Collegiate High Schools to Host Informational Sessions

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Polk State Collegiate High Schools to Host Informational Sessions
Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School will host informational sessions for current high school sophomores.

The collegiate high schools serve juniors and seniors. Students fulfill high school requirements while also earning college credits. In many cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees. Attendance at the collegiate high schools is free.

In addition to the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs, Polk State’s collegiate high schools also offer courses that lead to industry certification in computer programming and infrastructure, as well as the health sciences. A pre-teaching academy and enhanced STEM curriculum are also available at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate. Polk State Lakeland Collegiate offers enhanced curriculum programs in leadership and pre­-teaching.

The informational sessions will allow prospective students to learn about the application process, meet with current students, tour the building, and receive tips for preparing for the Post-secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). To be admitted to the school, students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average (un-weighted and cumulative) and a passing score on the PERT.
Sessions will be held:
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Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
February 2, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 13, 2017, 6:30 pm
Polk Sate College
Winter Haven Campus, WST 126
For more information, 863.298.6800
Lakeland Collegiate High School
January 31, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 8, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 16, 2017, 6:30 pm
Polk State College,
Lakeland Campus, LTB 1100
polk-state-3For more information call (863) 669-2322

 

The application period begins ­­­February 1, 2017.
polk-state

Polk State College operates three public charter high schools, including Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate, and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate. All three high schools allow students to fulfill requirements for their diplomas while also earning college credits.
~Soar Eagles~

Silver Alert Cancelled – Missing Davenport Woman Located

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Silver Alert Cancelled – Missing Davenport Woman Located

Missing 78-year-old Davenport woman located

SILVER ALERT CANCELED

Early Friday morning, January 26, 2017, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Ms. Margaret Teresa Ryan (78 -years-old) was located at the Circle K store at 4950 Highway 92 E., Lakeland. She approached a deputy sheriff saying she was lost and she was disoriented. She was in good health but taken to LRHMC to be evaluated.

She was last seen leaving her residence located at 183 Citrus Ridge Dr. in Davenport in her 2012 Black Toyota Camry bearing Florida Handicap tag Y6KXN at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Original Release:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives issue Silver Alert for missing 78-year-old Davenport woman

ryan
On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Ms. Margaret Teresa Ryan (78 -years-old) was last seen leaving her residence located at 183 Citrus Ridge Dr. in Davenport in her 2012 Black Toyota Camry bearing Florida Handicap tag Y6KXN. Ms. Ryan is exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s disease but has not been medically diagnosed. She was last seen wearing a white/blue blouse. Margaret has no other medical conditions and does not take medication. This behavior is not usual for Margaret, who normally returns after a couple of hours.

She has brown eyes, brown hair, weighs 140 pounds, and is 5′ 6″ tall. If located please notify the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

PCSO Deputies Charge Man With Stolen Valor After Receiving Tip From Stolen Valor Website

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PCSO Deputies Charge Man With Stolen Valor After Receiving Tip From Stolen Valor Website
PCSO Deputies Charge Man With Stolen Valor After Receiving Tip From Stolen Valor Website
 
barwan
On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, PCSO deputies obtained an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Kyle Christopher Barwan of Glen Road in Lakeland for Soliciting Funds/Misrepresenting Military Service (F-3). 
 
FSS 817.312 – Unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia.– (1) A person may not misrepresent himself or herself as a member or veteran of the military or wear the uniform of or any medal or insignia authorized for use by members or veterans of the military which he or she is not authorized to wear while soliciting for charitable contributions or for the purpose of material gain.
In December 2016, PCSO received a tip from someone who read a blog about Barwan impersonating military officers. During the investigation, deputies learned Barwan has previously been arrested and charged federally for impersonating an officer in the military, in two different states (Kentucky and Illinois). Barwan befriended a Polk County woman online, and told her many lies about his military service while also soliciting money from her “to benefit one of his fellow soldiers who was injured in the war.”
 
Barwan was taken into custody in Plant City on January 25th, and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on the Polk County warrant. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later time.
 
“Lying about being in the military to steal money from someone is not only egregious, it’s against the law. It’s also a slap in the face to all the fine men and women across the nation who have served in our country’s military with honor. Kyle Barwan is a disgrace.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
 

 

Polk County Man Arrested & Charged With DUI Manslaughter Of College Softball Player

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Polk County Man Arrested & Charged With DUI Manslaughter Of College Softball Player

yutzy

Pasco County, Florida – On Monday, January 23, 2017, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office served a Pasco County arrest warrant on Scott Thomas Yutzy, Jr. of Lakeland. The warrant was for DUI Cause Death To Human and Homicide Negligence. The arrest stemmed from an accident back on April 25, 2016.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol on April 25, 2016 Brooke Ashlee Gonzalez, 19, of Citra, Florida was walking West along State Road 52 near Chenwood Avenue when she was struck at about 10 p.m., troopers said Yutzy, 22, lost control of his 1999 Ford Escort before the collision. Investigators said. Gonzalez was walking on the concrete sidewalk at the time of the crash. The Escort stopped after hitting a guardrail. At the time of the crash charges were pending, but no details were provided.

Yutzy reportedly sustained minor injuries.

According to an article in the Tampa Tribune Gonzalez, who was a sophomore at Pasco-Hernando State College, was set to earn her associate degree with a 3.5 GPA and wanted to have a career in fire rescue. The article went on to say that she was a member of the softball team and played first base with a .416 batting average.

“This is such a tragic loss, she was doing a nice little run last night and then the car came speeding down the road, and that is when the accident occurred,” Pasco-Hernando head softball coach Tom Ryan said.

“She was exceptional,” Ryan said. “Brooke was a person that everybody needs to emulate. From her work ethic and her work habits to her athletic ability. She was just an extremely popular and well-loved student athlete at the campus.”

“She was a role model to a lot of her friends and teammates and had a lot of qualities that we all should aspire to have.”

At the time of this article the details of the arrest warrant from Pasco County were not available. We will update this information as it becomes available.

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