Teens Take Flight At Winter Haven Library Drone School

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Teens Take Flight At Winter Haven Library Drone School

By Robert Blanchard

Winter Haven, Florida – Last week, local teens had a chance to fly one of several Syma X5c Drones inside a  large multi-purpose room at the Winter Haven Library.

Dubbed the Drone School; the Winter Haven Library hosted local teens for a class teaching flying skills and safety while operating a remote-controlled drone.

The room was separated by a net that kept the drones at a safe distance as they were being flown and protected the operators from errant drones that would lose control.

A pair of Library interns hosted the class and shared their skills with participants as they taught them control techniques on how to fly and basic flight operations. Some participants were even doing tricks with the drones by the end of the class.

Drone School is part of the library’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Youth Series.

For more information on the next Drone School, contact the Winter Haven Library at (863) 291-5880

The 325th Maintenance Company Celebrates 25th Reunion Of Desert Storm/Gulf War

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The 325th Maintenance Company Celebrates 25th Reunion Of Desert Storm/Gulf War

By Robert Blanchard

Lake Wales, Florida – The 325th Maintenance Company 25 Year Operation Desert Storm/Gulf War Reunion was held at the American Legion Post 71 in Lake Wales last week on Saturday August 13th.

Skydivers from Florida Skydiving Center parachuted in from the sky overhead to present an American flag at the start of the ceremony.

The flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff followed by a 21 gun salute and a military bugle playing Taps.

Guests and dignitaries then proceeded inside the American Legion for presentations, prayer and the tolling of the Honor Bell for fallen veterans from the 325th.

After the ceremony, attendees were treated to a buffet and dancing as well as a tour of the new facility in Lake Wales.

The first Gulf War, commonly known as operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, heralded in a new generation of warfare for the United States. It was the first time the US Military had to seriously flex its muscles since the conflict in Vietnam.

Sgt. Tracey Darlene Brogdon, the only Florida guardsman killed during Operation Desert Storm was a member of the 325th Maintenance Company, Florida Army National Guard, when she was called to active duty to serve in Operation Desert Storm.

Sgt. Brogdon served throughout the war and her unit was scheduled to come home shortly after her death on May 21, 1991.

She died in a vehicle accident just after the conclusion of hostilities.

Today the United States is still a strong and free country because of the dedication and sacrifice of American men and women who have fought in American battles and still continue to do so around the world.

Bicyclist Struck On S.R. 60 In Lake Wales 

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Lake Wales, Florida –      On August 22, 2016 at approximately 10:52am Sabrina Stewart, a 45 year old Lake Wales resident, was traveling eastbound on SR60 in a 2015 Kia Cadenza. Stewart was traveling in the outside lane of SR60 near the intersection of Center St. She stated she looked to her left to see if it was safe to change lanes. When she looked back up she saw Albert Tillman, a 67 year old Lake Wales resident, pushing his bicycle on SR60 in her lane of travel. Stewart was not able make an evasive move prior to colliding into Tillman. The collision resulted in Tillman and his bicycle landing several yards from the point of impact.

 

     The Lake Wales Police Department, Lake Wales Fire Department, and Polk County EMS responded to render aid and conduct the investigation. Lifesaving measures were not effective and Tillman was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Stewart’s vehicle received substantial damage but she was not injured. Members of the Lake Wales Police Department have notified Tillman’s family of his death.

 

     SR60 eastbound traffic was diverted into a single lane of the westbound lanes of SR60. This allowed for one lane of traffic to continue to flow westbound and the other eastbound. This traffic pattern occurred between Center St and Marietta St for approximately 3 hours. There are no known witnesses to the crash and no video of the crash was located.

 

     At this point in the investigation no charges have been filed. If anyone witnessed this crash they are asked to contact Detective Stephanie Goreck at (863) 678-4223 extension 269.    

One Person Shot & killed In Auburndale 

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One Person Shot & killed In Auburndale 

Auburndale, Florida – On Friday, August 19, 2016, at approximately 6:43 p.m., Auburndale police officers responded to the report of a suspicious death at 722 Sunset Avenue, Apartment #3, in Auburndale. Upon their arrival they were able to determine that Adam Hilarie, a 27-year-old black man, was the victim of a homicide. The investigation revealed that Hilarie was shot and killed during a robbery.

Auburndale police detectives have charged and arrested the following four individuals for their involvement in the homicide of Mr. Hilarie:

Haliey Rose Bustos, an 18-year-old Hispanic woman, of Bordeau Ct., #1, Auburndale, FL. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Robbery with a Firearm/Deadly Weapon, First Degree Murder and Violation of Probation.

 Andre Maurice Warner, a 26-year-old black man, of  Bordeau Ct., #1,Auburndale, FL. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Robbery with a Firearm/Deadly Weapon, and First Degree Murder.

• Gary Terrell Gray, a 31-year-old black man, of  N. Lake Avenue, Lakeland, FL. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Robbery with a Firearm/Deadly Weapon, First Degree Murder and Violation of Probation.

• Joshua Ellington, a 26-year-old black man, of Old Haines City-Lake Alfred Rd., Lake Alfred, FL. Charges: Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Robbery with a Firearm/Deadly Weapon, First Degree Murder and Violation of Probation

During the investigation it was determined that Bustos met Hilarie on an on-line dating site. Hilarie picked up Bustos and they went on a date on Thursday 

evening. After he dropped her off, Bustos conspired with the others and returned to his apartment to rob Hilarie of his belongings, which ultimately led to his murder.

Woman On Bicycle Struck & Killed In Lake Wales Thursday Night

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Woman On Bicycle Struck & Killed In Lake Wales Thursday Night

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a car vs bicycle accident. The accident occurred on Chalet Suzanne Rd. sometime around 10pm, near Dinner Lake Shores community . An exact time was not availble at time of this article. According to Carrie Hortsman, public information officer, the car tried to go around lady on a bike, but she veered into his path and the car struck her. The driver stopped & other cars stopped,  the woman unfortunatly died. Hortsman advised “It’s not well lit and she was in the roadway”. 

At this time the victim has not been identified. Additional information has not been released at this time. We will update as soon as more information is available.  

Home Invasion Shooting In Frostproof Being Investigated 

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Home Invasion Shooting In Frostproof Being Investigated 


Frostproof, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office  a home invasion and shooting occured Thursday night in Frostproof. According to Carrie Hortsman,  public information officer, the home invasion took place at 1240 West Frostproof Rd. at approximately 3am. The victim Micel Guisao, DOB 1/18/77, advised deputies that 3 suspects were involved.   Guisao was shot during the home invasion,  his condition is not currently available.  Hortsman advised that a marijuana grow house was located at the scene & charges are pending.

Deputies searched for the 3 suspects,  but they have not been apprehended or identified at this time. 

We will update this article as soon as more information is available.  

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash Thursday Night

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Crash Thursday Night

Davenport, Florida -Around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016, a silver 2007 Yamaha 660 sport motorcycle being driven by 23-year-old Brandon Gregorich of Kissimmee was heading eastbound on Ronald Reagan Parkway at Rosselli Blvd in Davenport when, for unknown reasons, the bike drifted south (to the right), striking the raised concrete curb. It traveled approximately 30 feet until it jumped the curb and traveled east along the sidewalk about 200 feet, then in the grass for another 50 feet. The motorcycle then struck a wooden utility pole and the driver was ejected. Both the bike and driver came to a final rest on the sidewalk. Gregorich was wearing a helmet. He was declared deceased at the scene.
Evidence at the scene suggests he was traveling in excess of the posted 45 MPH speed limit. It does not appear at this time that any other vehicles were involved. The roadway in that area was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Community Forum Thursday August 25, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM at the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center in Winter Haven

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Community Forum Thursday August 25, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM at the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center in Winter Haven

The public is invited to attend a community forum scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center in Winter Haven.
Reinforcing Our Bridges – A Community Forum is an opportunity for citizens to  share ideas and concerns with leaders and to ensure the lines of communication are always open.
Shawn Kinsey will represent the Winter Haven Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. and is the moderator of the forum. The forum panel will consist of Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird, Captain Vance Monroe from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Chief Chris Nelson and Assistant State Attorney Brad Copley.
City leaders will be on hand and attendees will have an opportunity to learn about ways to be engaged in the community and also about the various career opportunities available in law enforcement.
The Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center is located at 801 Ave. T, NE in Winter Haven.
For more information, contact the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-291-5858.

reinforcing bridges

Brazen Bud Light Beer Bandits

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Brazen Bud Light Beer Bandits
Brazen Bud Light Beer Bandits
beerbandits
On 8-16-16 at approximately 4:30 p.m., two males walked into the WaWa, located at 1490 3rd St SW in Winter Haven through the rear entrance doors. The two males entered the beer cooler and each selected three cases of Bud Light beer (24 pack cartons.
They both proceeded back out of the exit doors without any attempt to pay. They are seen leaving in a blue late-model Ford F150 truck. As clerks attempted to get the tag, one of the males who was in the bed of the truck leaned over to cover the tag.
They are described as both white males, in their late 20’s – one wearing a red shirt and blue shorts. The other was bald and wearing a black shirt with tan cargo shorts.
Anyone with information on their identities is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward. Tips can also be submitted to the private inbox on the Winter Haven Police Department’s Facebook page.

Blue Thumb Pool Care Services Lake Wales, Frostproof, Babson Park, Indian Lake Estates, and Surrounding Areas!

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Blue Thumb Pool Care Services Lake Wales, Frostproof, Babson Park, Indian Lake Estates, and Surrounding Areas!

Blue Thumb Pool Care Services Lake Wales, Frostproof, Babson Park, Indian Lake Estates, and Surrounding Areas!

Bluethumb

Customers want more from a pool service than just a clean pool.  They want the assurance of knowing that all their pool equipment is working properly and that their calls with any questions or concerns will be returned promptly.  They want assurance that their pools will be serviced as promised.

Blue Thumb Pool Care is reliable and dependable, and provides quality work at a reasonable price. If you want quality pool maintenance at reasonable prices, including Residential Service, equipment repairs, upgrades and remodeling, then give Blue Thumb Pool Care a call today. Free Home Estimate For a free at home estimate call 863-528-0979 or email us at [email protected]

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