Holiday Greeting Card Class at the Lake Wales Public Library

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Holiday Greeting Card Class at the Lake Wales Public Library

holiday-greeting-cards-classHoliday Greeting Card Class at the Lake Wales Public Library

Who doesn’t appreciate receiving a beautiful greeting card? We’ve expressed sentiments of love, caring, friendship, celebration and sympathy through greeting cards for over a century.

The Lake Wales Public Library will host a workshop that will take the gift of a greeting card to another level. Crafting Holiday Greeting Cards will be led by husband and wife, Lynn and Marjola Burdeshaw, 2 p.m., Thursday, October 27.

During the class participants will create three cards that can be taken home.

There is a $10 supply fee for each student. This class is for teens through adults and is limited to 12 students. Registration is required to reserve a seat. You may register at the Lake Wales Public Library.

For details call 678-4004 or email [email protected].

Winter Haven Man Charged With Sexual Battery On A Minor & Sexting Minors

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Winter Haven Man Charged With Sexual Battery On A Minor & Sexting Minors

– Press Release Winter Haven Police Department –

ortizA Winter Haven man has been arrested on multiple felony charges for sexting minors and sexual battery on a minor.
Winter Haven Police detectives began investigating 62 year-old Ezekial Ortiz (DOB 7-4-54) of Winter Haven after information was received that he was possibly sexting girls ages 16 or younger and having inappropriate contact with them as well. All of the victims are acquainted with Ortiz through other members of his family.
On 9-22-16, detectives were notified that there were concerns of inappropriate activity via cell phone between a 16 year-old female and Ortiz. An initial interview with the victim uncovered that in August 2016, she didn’t have a cell phone, so Ortiz provided her with one. The victim considered the phone a nice gesture from Ortiz with no further intentions. Ortiz immediately began sending text messages to the victim. Over time, the messages became more frequent and turned sexual in nature. Eventually Ortiz requested the victim send him nude photos of herself. The victim stated she complied, although she was uncomfortable doing so, because she felt obligated to Ortiz since he gave her the phone. He had also purchased other personal items for her, such as shoes. After the victim sent the first photo, Ortiz continued to send text messages to the victim asking for more photos. The victim started ignoring the text messages and ultimately returned the phone in early September 2016.

Based on the information received by the tip and the victim, a search warrant was obtained on Sept. 27, 2016 for Ortiz’s phone. On Sept. 28, detectives executed the search warrant and collected Ortiz’s phone. Detectives were also able to obtain the phone that was provided to the victim.

A KIK account was also utilized to send explicit messages to the victim even after the phone had been returned to Ortiz. The messages continued to get more and more graphic and Ortiz asked for more photos and requested specific nude poses of the victim.

During the initial investigation, a second victim was identified and interviewed. The second victim told detectives that Ortiz began sending her messages of a sexual nature at the age of 16, which ended up with sexual contact on at least five occasions at Ortiz’s residence.

Additional investigations have revealed multiple victims who Ortiz contacted through cell phone text messages and his KIK account. These investigations have found that at least seven girls under the age of 17 have been victimized by Ortiz. One victim states the contact began three years ago while she was 13 years old. The sexting progressed to physical sexual contact on multiple occasions at his residence.
Ortiz was taken into custody on Oct. 6, 2016 and booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Sexual Battery of Victim Under Age 18 and Over age 12 (F1), Promoting Sexual Performance By A Child (F2) and two counts each of Using Computer to Seduce/Solicit Lure Child (F3) and Use 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F3).
Additional charges are pending as detectives continue to interview other possible victims.
Anyone who is possibly a victim of Ortiz and has not contacted law enforcement is encouraged to call Detective Charles Blanton at 863-401-2256.

Auburndale Hires Panama City Assistant City Manager

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Auburndale Hires Panama City Assistant City Manager
Auburndale Hires Panama City Assistant City Manager
tillman
 
AUBURNDALE- City Manager Bobby Green is pleased to announce that Panama City Assistant City Manager Jeff Tillman will become the new assistant city manager in Auburndale.
The position became vacant after Shawn Sherrouse became the assistant city manager in Lakeland.
“After receiving over thirty applications and inquiries for the position, and interviewing five very qualified candidates, Jeff Tillman’s dedication to the public sector and strong career development makes him most qualified to serve as the next Auburndale Assistant City Manager,” said Green.
Tillman said he appreciates the opportunity to return home.
 
“I look forward to serving the community where I grew up,” he said. “I really wanted to move back because of the team that Auburndale has and the residents who make it a special place.”
While attending Auburndale High School, Tillman was employed by the City working summers and after school.  During this time Tillman began showing an interest in municipal management.
 
His interest in local government earned him the Ridge League of Cities Scholarship in 2003.
Following his graduation from Florida State University in December 2007, Tillman worked an eight-month post graduate internship with the Auburndale City Manager’s Office. In October 2009, Tillman was hired by the City of Lake Alfred as their Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Tillman supervised Lake Alfred’s Parks and Recreation staff, with responsibilities including overseeing the city’s parks, youth recreation programs and community events.  He also planned several successful community-wide festivals and parades.  During his employment with Lake Alfred, Tillman obtained his Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of South Florida in 2013.
 
In 2014 Tillman served as a Management Analyst with the City of Kissimmee. Since April 2015 Tillman has served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Panama City, Florida, working with City Manager Jeff Brown, also a former Auburndale Assistant City Manager.
Tillman is married with a German short-haired pointer. He enjoys fishing and hiking.
Tillman will be paid $80,664 annually.
 

Parents Can Enjoy Winter Haven Oktoberfest Friday while Kids Enjoy Supervised Pumpkin Fest

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Parents Can Enjoy Winter Haven Oktoberfest Friday while Kids Enjoy Supervised Pumpkin Fest

oktoberfest

Main Street Winter Haven is hosting it’s 10th Annual Oktoberfest in Central Park this Friday from 6pm-9pm. The Event is sponsored by Victor Smith Law Group, LLC.

Live Music Beer & Brats ! The event includes beer tasting, bratwurst and samplings of other foods.

Get your tasting ticket and enjoy of 20 Craft Beer Tastings & Bratwurst or BBQ Dinner by Rick’s BBQ.

Tasting Ticket $25.00 or you can come out and join us with single beers available for only $4.

For more information call (863) 295-9422 or order online at www.mainstreetwh.com.

Bring the family and let the little-one’s celebrate Pumpkinfest at the Winter Haven Library while you attend Oktoberfest.

Kids will enjoy supervised games, decorating pumpkins, and even some pizza at the Winter Haven Public Library.

The event will be held on October 14th from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Children must be Kindergarten-5th grade.

There are limited spaces available and the price is $10 per child. Please contact Megan Leary for questions or to register at 291-5656.

Father and Daughter Artists Present Exhibition of New Works at Outer Space Gallery in WH

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Father and Daughter Artists Present Exhibition of New Works at Outer Space Gallery in WH

The Outer Space Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new works featuring Artists Trent and daughter Harlow Manning.

outerspace
The father daughter show, “Inspired,” will run from October 20, 2016 – December 1, 2016 with an opening night reception Thursday October 20th from 6-9 p.m. and a daytime reception with kids activities on Saturday October 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Inspired by his daughter Harlow (age 7) and her drawings, Trent began to collaborate with her to bring her sketch drawings from concept to fine art.

The exhibit will included mixed media sculptures directly inspired by her and her drawings and paintings based on her original sketches. This show will astound art lovers and inspire both young and seasoned artists.

Former Assistant Haines City Wells Fargo Bank Manager Charged With Grand Theft & Scheming To Defraud

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Former Assistant Haines City Wells Fargo Bank Manager Charged With Grand Theft & Scheming To Defraud

natalie-mercado

Haines City, Florida – According to reports a former Wells Fargo Bank manager and a former assistant manager defrauded the Haines City branch of Wells Fargo. According to reports Natalie Mercado, assistant manager at Haines City Wells Fargo, and the bank manager of Wells Fargo began marking up each other negative accounts. By doing this it allowed each to continue to withdraw money out of an ATM. This apparently began on April 4, 2016 and did not stop until it was discovered. Eventually the amount Mercado allegedly was actually in the negative for was $5,880.00. The former manager allegedly was in the negative for was $6,026.00.  According to reports an internal investigator found the negative accounts and approached the two who were still employee’s at the time. An arrest affidavit for Mercado states that they two helped each other because of financial hardships. According to the arrest affidavit for Mercado and the former bank manager allegedly wrote statements admitting to the transactions.

On 8/29/2016 Wells Fargo reported that the former manager paid all the outstanding money owed to the bank. Mercado however only paid back $1,700.00 of the money she unlawfully took from the bank. An arrest warrant was issued for her arrest and served near the end of September. There has been no arrest of the former bank manager and no court documents show pending charges at this time. Mercado faces Grand Theft & Scheming To Defraud A Financial Institution charges.

Kwitowski Arrested Again on Perjury Charge

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Kwitowski Arrested Again on Perjury Charge

Kwitowski arrested again on perjury charge

 

kwitowski

57-year-old Chester R. Kwitowski, Jr. of Tampa was arrested yesterday on a Polk County Warrant for 1 count of “perjury in an official proceeding that relates to the prosecution of a capital felony.” The charge was direct filed by the State Attorney’s Office, 10th Judicial Circuit and relates to Kwitowski’s September 22, 2016, arrest for: two counts Giving False Statements During Prosecution of Capital Felony (F-2), and three counts Giving False Statements In Official Proceeding (commonly known as Perjury) (F-3).

The additional charge is related to Kwitowski making false statements under oath in a September 13, 2016 pretrial hearing. According to the information filed (Case #:53-2016-CF-007839-A000-XX):

“Count 2: Informant aforesaid, under oath, further information makes that Chester Ralph Kwitowski, Jr., on or about September 13, 2016, in the County of Polk and the State of Florida, who was testifying in a pretrial evidentiary hearing, did appear before notary public, Tammy Lay, and after having been duly sworn, did make a false statement, to-wit:

B. He had a current Encase certification or
C. He had a Cisco certification or
I. He was a certified forensic examiner (CFE) in the military

Which he did not believe to be true, under oath in an official proceeding that relates to the prosecution of a capital felony, to wit: sexual battery on a child under 12 years of age, in regard to a material matter, contrary to Florida Statute 837.02. (2nd degree felony, level 8)”

Kwitowski lists his occupation as President/CEO of Brightside Enterprises, Inc. According to the affidavit filed in September and the current direct filing, Kwitowski appeared as a subject matter expert witness for the defense, during five sexual battery on a minor and/or possession of child pornography jury trials or depositions in the 10th Judicial Circuit, and provided sworn testimony that he has formal education and certifications including: a Master’s Degree from USF in Computer Science and Engineering, current Encase certification, had a Cisco certification, had a secret clearance from the federal government, had a top secret clearance from the federal government, and/or he was a certified forensic examiner (CFE) in the military. PCSO detectives determined that none of the above are true, and that Kwitowski lied under oath about his certifications, education, and level of expertise.

Kwitowski was arrested on the outstanding warrant at around 4:45 p.m. yesterday, Monday, October 10, 2016 near his home in Tampa. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on $25,000 bond. He was released early this morning on a cash bond.

“Simply put, Kwitowski has been lying under oath. This investigation is continuing and we are committed to making sure our legal system is not undermined by a so called expert’ claiming to be something he’s not.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

Lake Wales Mother Arrested For Child Neglect After Allegedly Leaving 2 Yr. Old & 4 Yr. Old Home Alone During Hurricane Matthew

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Lake Wales Mother Arrested For Child Neglect After Allegedly Leaving 2 Yr. Old & 4 Yr. Old Home Alone During Hurricane Matthew
justine-jones
Justine Jones arrested for child neglect after allegedly leaving her children home alone during Hurricane Matthew

Lake Wales, Florida – Lake Wales Police responded to Carillon Place on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 3:35am in regards to a four year old child found wandering around the apartment complex. Lake Wales Police talked with the child and asked where her parents were, she stated, she didn’t know. The person who called police advised he heard a child outside his door calling for her mother. He stated he opened the door and found the child asking for her mother. He stated after the parent did not show up for 20 minutes, he called law enforcement. While checking the residence, LWPD located a two year old male asleep in his crib. After LWPD was on scene for approx. 20 minutes the mother, Justine Jones 24, arrived home. Jones allegedly advised she went to pick up her live in boyfriend from work. She stated she was only gone for 10 minutes but this was not the case. At the conclusion of his investigation, it was determined, the children were left unattended for a period of at least 45 minutes. Jones was taken into custody and charged with child neglect without bodily harm for leaving the four year old and the two year old unattended for such a long period of time. Jones was later transported to the county jail without incident. The Department of Children and Families was notified. Jones’ mother responded to the location and took custody of the children.

Cooking on The Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast

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Cooking on The Ridge: Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast

 potroast

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 20 m

  • Cook 6 h 30 m

  • Ready In 6 h 50 m

  1. Generously season both sides of roast with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the top until well coated, and pat it into the meat. Shake off any excess.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Sear the roast on both sides for 5-6 minutes each, until well browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in mushrooms and butter; cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in onion; cook for 5 minutes, until onions are translucent and begin to brown. Add garlic, stir for about a minute.
  5. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons flour; cook and stir for about 1 minute. Add tomato paste, and cook for another minute.
  6. Slowly add chicken stock, stir to combine, and return to a simmer. Remove skillet from the heat.
  7. Place carrots and celery in the slow cooker. Place roast over the vegetables and pour in any accumulated juices. Add rosemary and thyme.
  8. Pour onion and mushroom mixture over the top of the roast. Cover slow cooker, turn to high and cook the roast for 5-6 hours, until the meat is fork tender.
  9. Skim off any fat from the surface and remove the bones. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This article is brought to you by Sweet Ella’s Produce in Lake Wales!  Get fresh ingredients for your next meal!

sweet-ellas

21 Yr. Old Lakeland Man Shot Multiple Times & Killed Sunday Morning

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LAKELAND, Florida – On October 9, 2016, the Lakeland Police Department responded to 1315 W 14th Street at approximately 4:34 a.m., in reference to reports of shots fired. Responding officers discovered the victim, Jean Makenson Deroche, 21 years of age, lying in the parking lot adjacent to his vehicle.  Deroche had been shot multiple times. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

 

Detectives have no suspects at this time and will be clearing the scene shortly. This is an ongoing investigation.

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