Lake Wales Police Seeking Suspect Theft Case

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Lake Wales Police Seeking Suspect Theft Case

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Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department is attempting to identify the suspect in these photographs. During the afternoon of May 26, 2016, the suspect pulled in front of Wal-Mart, located at 2000 SR60 E, driving this truck and pulling this trailer. The suspect loaded a Coleman Go-Cart and a Coleman Mini-Bike onto the trailer and drove away without paying for either item. The go-cart is valued at $998 and the mini-bike is valued at $499. The suspect was wearing a Wal-Mart vest and name tag but current Wal-Mart staff was not able to identify him.

 

     If you have information on the identity of the suspect please contact Detective Stephanie Goreck at (863) 678-4223 exten

Regal Automotive Is Running a Great Special

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Regal Automotive Is Running a Great Special

Regal Automotive is running a great special:

20% Off All Repairs up to $300.00 Discount! Call for your Appointment Today!

2615 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805

863-687-8000

 Regal

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Working Fatal Crash In Fort Meade

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Working Fatal Crash In Fort Meade

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Fort Meade, Florida – On 05/27/2016, at approximately 1:15pm, the Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a driver who crashed on Parrish Road, Ft. Meade, then fled the scene. That caller continued driving in the same direction and observing the suspect vehicle (eastbound on US 98 E). Caller further advised the suspect vehicle had struck a tree and rolled over, ejecting the driver. The crash happened in the area of 3101 US 98 E., Ft. Meade.
 
Polk County Fire and Medic units responded finding the vehicle driver unresponsive. CPR was initiated, but showed no results.

The driver was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center where he was pronounce deceased at 2:08 pm.
 
After interviewing witnesses and evaluating evidence investigators determined that Vehicle 1 was southbound on Parrish Road near Keller Road when he turned around travelling northbound on Parrish Road. At the 90 degree right hand curve the driver lost control and entered a yard on the southwest corner of this curve (1645 Parrish Road) damaging shrubs and a cable Viacom cable box. The driver fled this scene and continued north on Parrish Road, then east on US 98 East. Near the 3100 block of US 98 East, the driver began to pass another vehicle at a high rate of speed. While passing, the vehicle exited the left (north) side of the roadway and continued east along the grass shoulder “fish tailing” about 200 feet. The vehicle then struck a large tree on the north shoulder causing it to begin flipping and rotating in a southeast direction causing the driver to be ejected. The driver came to rest in the westbound lane of US 98 and the vehicle came to final rest (on its roof) on the south shoulder, approximately 200 feet from the tree.

The driver killed has been identified as Richard Alavez, DOB: 12/07/1996 of Baptist Church Rd., Frostproof, FL.
           

Bartow Police Warn Of Scam Involving Fake Representatives Of BHS Football Players

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Bartow Police Warn Of Scam Involving Fake Representatives Of BHS Football Players

Scam-Alert

SCAM WARNING: The Bartow Police Department received information about a recent scam within the City of Bartow. Several juveniles are representing themselves as Bartow High School football players and asking for money for a fundraiser event. THIS IS A SCAM. The Bartow High School football team is not currently holding any fundraiser events.

If you have any information regarding this scam, or if you want confirmation on BHS fundraising events, please contact Officer Heather Vance at the Bartow High School, 863-534-7400.

Jacob Byers Wanted For Murder of Winter Haven Teen Larry Graham

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Jacob Byers Wanted For Murder of Winter Haven Teen Larry Graham

Jacob Byers

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are asking for the public’s help in a Homicide investigation.
Detectives are seeking the whereabouts of 20-year-old Jacob Byers, Avenue U NW, Winter Haven – Byers has an outstanding warrant for Homicide in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Larry Graham.
At approximately 12:27 am, on Monday, May 23, 2016, Graham was seen on the property of a Kim Street, Auburndale residence. A witness told detectives after seeing Graham on the property, a gunshot was heard – Graham was found deceased moments later.
Through the investigation, detectives learned Graham had conspired with Byers to commit a robbery and during the incident Graham was shot and killed
Anyone who may have information in Byers’ whereabouts is urged to contact the PCSO at 863.298.6200.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED! iPhone users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install this free app, search for “TipSoft” or “TipSubmit” on the Apple App Store.

After 58 Years Family Owned Lake Wales Business Kieffer & Son’s Closing

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After 58 Years Family Owned Lake Wales Business Kieffer & Son’s Closing

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Lake Wales, Florida – After 58 years a local Lake Wales business is closing today. The original owner, Clyde Kieffer, opened up Kieffer and Son’s as a full service gas station in 1958. Located at 842 FL-60 (across the street from the Lake Wales Country Club)  it benefited from the traffic on S.R. 60.   The business was also ran by 3 brothers, the sons of Clyde, for many years. The sons Kim, Kerry and Kevin Kieffer all worked together until just a few years ago when Kevin left to work at a local container company.

The closing is bittersweet. Asked why they were closing and the two remaining brothers, Kim & Kerry, stated they were retiring. Mind you they said this with a smile on their faces. You could tell this was both a sad and glad moment for them. Asked what the brothers would do now and one said fishing.

The brothers recalled how the business started as a gas station and then progressed to minor mechanic work and eventually after self serve gas came in it changed to just service repair. They reminisced about  working on cars brought down by snowbirds which were always rusting out. A local from the Golfview Park area just behind the shop shared these memories  ” all of us as children use to run down there and get a cold drink out of the cooler box not a machine and if our grandma / parents gave us at least another dime or so we could get a good amount of candy” said Debbie Booth.

Asked why no one else in the family took over the business the brothers just smiled. They explained that everyone else had a good job. Many of the male grandchildren of Clyde had jobs working for the local power companies. Clyde’s wife reminisced about how the shop was smaller when it first opened. Clyde added on a waiting room and atleast one more bay for repairs.

Editors Note: While the closing of this longtime business is sad, it is also nice to see that it is done on their terms. It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Kim & Kerry along with the rest of the Kieffer family. It was very easy to see how they were in business for 58 years serving this community. We wish them all the best in there retirement and hope they enjoy every minute of it. 

New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center

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New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center
New Nature Photography Exhibit Opening Featuring 
Sheriff Judd’s Photography at Polk County History Center
The Polk County History Center will open a new exhibit featuring nature and wildlife photography by local photographers at 4:00 p.m. on June 2, 2016. Through the Lens: Polk County’s Natural Beauty captures Polk’s remarkable natural beauty that can’t be found anywhere else in the state. From its vivid wildlife in places like the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, to its delicate ecosystems on the Lake Wales Ridge, Polk’s natural resources are an attraction to many.
The opening reception for Through the Lens: Polk County’s Natural Beauty will include an opportunity to meet the exhibitors,both enthusiasts and professional photographers, including Willie A. Brown, Professional Photography by Brown; Polk Sheriff Grady Judd; Jeff Spence, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources director and his wife Lynette Spence, a clinical trauma registrar with Lakeland Regional Health Systems.
While most would agree that Sheriff Grady Judd is quite comfortable in front of a camera, he enjoys being behind one as well. He has always had an interest in photography, but a few years ago he turned that interest into an outlet from the daily demands of his high adrenaline job. Armed with a Canon 7D and professional grade lenses, Sheriff Judd hunts for the ultimate treasure – wildlife, plants and landscapes that he can capture in an image to be shared for generations to come. 
 
Through the Lens will be on display June 2 through Oct. 29 in the first floor northeast gallery.
 
About the Polk County History Center: The History Center is located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit  www.polkhistorycenter.org or call (863) 534-4386 for more information on exhibits and programming. All events and programming are free and open to the public.
 
*the above information is an excerpt from May 12, 2016, news release sent by the BOCC
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Polk Deputies Arrest Woman After DUI Crash

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Polk Deputies Arrest Woman After DUI Crash

Natividade Francisco

Lakeland, Florida – On May 19, 2016 Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to an area on Duff Rd.  at approximately 10:30pm. Witnesses called saying that a black Ford SUV had crashed and overturned on their street. Witnesses say they observed a woman driver, later identified as Natividad Francisco, crawl over the passenger. She then pulled the passenger out of the vehicle, later identified as Doloras Chavajay. Francisco then allegedly pulled a passenger out of the rear of the vehicle, later identified as Ana Francisco, and she laid on the ground. According to a witness  Chavajay & Natividad Francisco attempted to flee the accident scene, but were detained by a passing police officer.

According to reports a distinctive odor of alcohol could be smelled on Natividad Francisco. Deputies asked Francisco if she had been drinking and she advised she had a couple of beers per the arrest affidavit. She advised that she was not driving. She also refused a sobriety test and later a breathalyzer test.

Natividad Francisco was on probation for willful child abuse and she was driving after having her license permanently suspended/revoked. She has been arrested on two prior occasions for DUI. She is currently in jail on Violation of Probation for Willful Child Abuse, Violation of Probation for DUI, Violation of Probation for Driving While License is Suspended / Revoked. She faces new charges of Driving While License is Suspended / Revoked, Leaving Scene of Crash With Property Damage, Leaving Scene of Crash Involving Injury & Driving Under The Influence.

Center State Bank Robbed Today Suspect Sought

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Center State Bank Robbed Today Suspect Sought

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Lakeland, Florida – Around 12:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, a white male dressed in jeans, a long sleeve buttoned shirt, and what appears to be a hat, entered the Center State Bank located at 4719 South Florida Avenue, in Lakeland.

Once inside, the man passed a teller a note demanding money and implying he was armed.

The teller complied and the suspect left the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863.298.6200.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!  iPhone users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install this free app, search for “TipSoft” or “TipSubmit” on the Apple App Store.

3 Suspects Arrested By Polk Deputies After Allegedly Shooting, Burning & Leaving A Man For Dead

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3 Suspects Arrested By Polk Deputies After Allegedly Shooting, Burning & Leaving A Man For Dead

Ares Attempted MURDER

Poinciana, Florida – On May 21, 2015, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Timothy Rivera Rosado, Anthony Louis Rivera Rosado, and Jeremy Stuart Vilella, charging them with attempted murder.

The victim, Daniel Ares, advised deputies that at approximately 11pm on May 19, 2016 he allegedly started communicating with three known associates to go and buy some cocaine. The three associates,Timothy Rivera Rosado, Anthony Louis Rivera Rosado, and Jeremy Stuart Vilella were known to buy “weed” from him weekly. In the early morning hours of May 20, 2016 the three suspects allegedly picked Ares up in Timothy Rivera Rosado’s mothers car to buy the cocaine. After driving for an extended period of time, they ended up in an abandoned area of Poinciana, FL. According to the arrest affidavit, Ares, advised the suspects told him they were meeting their “cocaine plug” there, however he never observed anyone besides the three people in the vehicle with him. Ares advised he was sitting in the rear driver’s side seat of the vehicle and exited when they stopped, as they planned to smoke a blunt. He stated when he began to stretch and walk from the vehicle he was shot from behind. He fell to the ground, and heard multiple gun shots. Ares advised deputies that Anthony Rivera Rosado allegedly came to him and told him he was tired of being disrespected. A substance was then poured on him, which he believed was gasoline, and then he was lit on fire.

At this point it is appears the suspects left Ares for dead. Ares was able to extinguish himself and contacted law enforcement. According to the affidavit at no time did anyone of the three suspects offer him assistance, contact law enforcement or medical services. Ares could not advise who specifically shot him and poured the gasoline on him.
Ares was located bloody in the roadway of Hemlock Ave at Dogfish Road, Poinciana, FL 34759 which is a remote location with sand dunes on either side of a two lane road with no residences or buildings within sight. Ares was flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center to be treated for three gunshot wounds and second and third degree burns to approximately thirty percent of his body.

At the scene Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies found five shell casings, a cannabis cigarette, US currency, the victim’s clothes and shoes, and other items of evidence were obtained, consistent with Ares’ statement. It appeared that no money or property was removed from Ares’ person or clothing. The Fire Marshall responded to the scene. His K-9 partner detected to the odor of accelerants on the clothing left at the scene, which were collected for further testing.

The three suspects are currently in Polk County Jail with a $30,000 bond each. They have been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder & Conspiracy To Commit First Degree Murder.

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