Haines City, Florida – According to the Haines City Police Department an accident between a semi tractor-trailer and a small vehicle has shut down Highway 27 in the area of Holly Hill Rd.
Traffic has been rerouted for several hours & may stay closed for a couple more hours. Witnesses advise the accident occurred near 3:30am.
More information will be available later this morning.
This is messed up! This guy stole a donation jar, not once, but twice! And he was wearing the same clothes, so hopefully someone recognizes him:
Around 2:45 p.m. on March 18, 2016, the unknown suspect seen here went into the Dollar General store, located at 2832 Recker Hwy, and took a donation jar off the counter. It contained $12.00. Around 8:45 p.m. on March 21, 2016, the same suspect entered the same store, dressed in the same clothing, and took $3.00 out of the jar, knocking the jar onto the ground and alerting the employees. The employees contacted PCSO, and the first theft was detected after reviewing the video surveillance images.
The donation jar is for the Dollar General Literacy Program, which “believes learning to read and receiving your high school diploma or equivalent is an investment that opens doorways for personal, professional and economic growth” and “is committed to helping individuals earn their high school degree or GED.” \
Click here for more information about this worthy cause: http://
The suspect is seen wearing a red hunting style vest, blue or purple shorts, and black slides on his feet. He fled the scene on foot.
If anyone has information about this theft they are urged to contact Detetive Kier at 863-297-1100.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers
Lake Wales, Florida – A 24-year-old Lake Wales man, Landon Myers, died early Monday morning when his motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier wall in Orange County, troopers say.Meyers was on the exit ramp from State Road 528 West to Interstate 4 West about 1 a.m. when he lost control of the 2015 Honda motorcycle he was operating, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier, throwing Meyers onto the grass, troopers said. He passed away at the scene.
He was born on November 28, 1991 in Winter Haven, Florida to Bret Myers and Michelle Lord Bixler and he has been a lifelong resident of this area. He was a Manager for Delmonico’s Steakhouse in Orlando. He loved to ride his motorcycle, drive his Cadillac and fish, but most of all he loved playing with his little papoose, “daughter Hayden”.
He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandmother, Judith Grace Myers; Maternal Grandfather, Jake Lord; Paternal Grandfather, Richard A Bixler, Sr.
Survivors include his father, Bret Myers of Ocala and mother, Michelle Lord Bixler & Richard Bixler, Jr. of Beverly Hills; daughter, Hayden Myers; Fiancé Brittany Lawrence; sisters, Whitney Forde of Ocala, Rhonda (Nigel) Ballard of Georgia; brother, Richard Bixler, III, of Georgia; Maternal Grandmother, Charlene Lord “The Granny” of Beverly Hills; Paternal Grandfather, Terry Myers of Lake Wales; Paternal Grandmother, Dorothy Bixler of Beverly Hills and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5:00 PM until service time at 6:00 PM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Minister John Guzetta officiating.
Reel In A Great Time at the Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern
By Robert Blanchard
Last week I was driving down US 27 South in Lake Wales, when I couldn’t help but notice the giant billboard introducing the Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern, the newest addition to the town of Babson Park. Although it was off the beaten path, I decided to give it a try.
Nestled in a quiet blend of farmland and residential areas just south of the entrance to Webber International University, the Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern is a dedicated full service restaurant & lounge that is open seven days a week and is the newest venture of husband and wife entrepreneurs Tim and Tammy Bracewell.
“I love serving people” says Tammy, “I’ve been in hospitality for years and my husband loves to cook”.
“My first job 35 years ago was with a company that supplied the McAllisters Grocery that was originally in this building…..I guess it was meant to be.”
Patrons arriving to the Babson Park restaurant are treated to a nautical feast of the senses from the moment they walked in the door. Outboard motors, cowlings and fishing elements adorn the walls above tables and booths which have been neatly accessorized with tackle boxes to hold condiments.
The menu was clear and easy to read and my server was at the ready as soon as I was seated. There was plenty to choose from including Burgers and Clubs on the menu but what caught my eye were their daily specials.
There was homemade spaghetti and meatballs with tossed salad and garlic bread on the specials board but since it was Tuesday, I opted to try their Tuesday Pick 2 (or Pick 3) seafood special; your choice of Shrimp, Scallops, Oysters, Clam Strips or Flounder with your choice of two sides and a salad for $16.00 (Pick 2) or $19.00 (Pick 3).
They even have Gator Bites once in a while!!!
The specials do change so call ahead for current specials and prices.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better; I ventured into the game room which was alive with the sound of good times and laughter. Two new pool tables; electronic dart boards and video games entertained customers as they socialized among themselves.
For those that enjoy a little nightlife with their meal; the Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern has live entertainment throughout the week featuring local artists and bands. Karaoke is also featured on occasion. All in all, this hot spot has all the makings of a successful family-style restaurant. Their motto says it all- “In the Heart of Babson Park—where you’ll land fresh food and catch friendly faces!”
Landlubbers and seafaring alike, take note of this hideaway as it is a hidden gem among gems!!!. The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern could be the new home of the best surf & turf menu on the Lake Wales Ridge.
Located at 1010 N Scenic Hwy Babson Park, FL 33827 – ½ block from entrance to Webber International University.
Open 7 days a week / Mon- Fri M-F.. 11am – 10pm / Serving Breakfast Sat-Sun 8am
Call (863) 589-5887 for more information………Happy Dining!!!
We have reports of an accident blocking the intersection on 60 by citizens bank. Please avoid the area and PLEASE DRIVE SAFE!
N I C E ! 2002 Honda Accord SE, power sun roof, 4cyl., 4 speed automatic (rebuilt 12,000 miles ago), good overall shape. Second owner – all maint. up-to-date.
(Can produce receipts). Wife’s car – not used much lately!! Call/text 863-258-6537
You can add your new listings to RidgeClassifieds.com too. It’s Fast, Simple and Best of All Free!
To see more classifieds click the picture below:
An 18 year-old is facing felony charges after utilizing the social media app “Kik Messages” to solicit sex from a 15 year-old girl in return for information on a burglary.
On April 11, 2016, the 15 year-old victim started receiving messages via Kik Messenger from 18 year-old Jerry Lee Thomas (DOB 6-24-97, Winter Haven) indicating he knew who burglarized her home. (Thomas was referring to a burglary that occurred on April 5, 2016 when two Xbox systems and other electronics were stolen.)
Thomas messaged the girl that he would tell her who committed the burglary if she “did him fair.” When the victim responded, “what?”, Thomas replied back “10$” or “let me ****….ill tell you right after though.” Thomas continued to ask the victim if they had a deal, to which the victim responded no.
When the victim’s mother learned of the messages, she immediately contacted Winter Haven Police and detectives worked to contact the suspect through Kik Messaging. A message was sent to Thomas asking if he wanted to do the deal with information regarding the stolen electronics. Once again, Thomas responded to the victim stating that, “you **** me and I promise.” At this point, Thomas indicates to the victim that he feels as if it’s a set up. He also tells her that he is on his way to her residence.
Several minutes later, Thomas is seen in the area of the victim’s home and ultimately approaching her door. As Thomas walks back out to the street appearing to look to see if anyone is watching, officers make contact with Thomas and place him under arrest. Thomas was in possession of a cell phone and an unopened condom.
When Detectives questioned Thomas about the messages, he denied having the Kik Messaging app on his phone. He also denied knowing the victim was 15 years-old, though earlier communication indicate he acknowledged her age.
Thomas was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Travel to Meet After Use of Computer to Lure Child (F-2) and Use Computer to Seduce Solicit Lure Child (F-3). Thomas was also charged with Violation of Probation from an out-of-county juvenile probation charge.
“This is another example of how parents should continue to monitor what their children are doing with social media,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “I applaud this mother for getting involved and stepping in to take this threat off the street.”
UPDATE:
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide deputies are conducting an overnight single car fatal crash.
Preliminary information is as follows, at approximately 11:40 pm, on Monday, April 11, 2016, an adult male driver from Lake Wales was operating a 2004 Suzuki SUV eastbound on State Road 60 approximately one mile west of West Lake Wales Road, Lake Wales. His passengers included an adult female from Lake Wales, and a 7-year-old child.
For unknown reasons, the SUV drove off the right (south) side of the roadway onto the grass shoulder where it lost traction and began to rotate counter clock wise as it re-entered the roadway.
Upon re-entering the eastbound lanes, the SUV began to flip multiples times and again left the south edge of the roadway. It came to final rest upside down facing southwest in a shallow ditch running along the SR 60.
As the SUV flipped, the child was ejected from the SUV and came to rest along the right edge of SR 60 eastbound. The child died at the scene.
Within minutes of coming to final rest, the SUV caught fire and began to burn with the adult female passenger still inside the vehicle. The driver was found outside of the vehicle.
Passing motorists, Southeast District Patrol Deputies, and a Polk County Fire supervisor all arrived on scene and utilized multiple fire extinguishers to slow the fire long enough to extricate the adult female passenger. Additional Fire/Rescue personnel arrived and the fire was extinguished.
Both the driver and the adult passenger were transported to Lakeland Regional Health where the female is currently listed in critical condition, while the driver is currently listed in stable condition.
Through the initial investigation, it appears as though the child was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The female passenger was belted, but it is unknown at this time if the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
Eastbound SR 60 was closed for approximately one hour. Single lane travel in each direction lasted until 5:00 am this morning, Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
There is no evidence or witnesses indicating other vehicles were involved in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. Speed may be involved and distracted driving is being investigated.
Original Release:
Alturas, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that one person was killed in a single vehicle crash on S.R.60 last night. According to witnesses the accident occurred shortly after 11:30pm. The crash occurred East of Alturas Rd. and caused traffic to be rerouted for several hours.
The PCSO advise the accident involved a single vehicle. According to witnesses multiple people including a child were in that vehicle.
The driver is 42-year-old Harry Figueroa-Vazquez, Emerald Avenue, Lake Wales. He remains in stable condition.
The adult female passenger is 35-year-old Olmary Liz Gonzalez-Bonew, Tower Point Circle, Lake Wales. She remains in critical condition.
Figueroa-Vazquez and Gonzalez-Bonew are friends.
The decedent is 7-year-old Kamicheliz Ayala, also of Tower Point Circle, Lake Wales and she is Gonzalez-Bonew’s daughter.
Tech Tuesday
FaceBook: How to set news feed to see what you want to see first.
By Kip Kirchberg
DailyRidge.com receives daily messages, emails, or questions as to why they rarely see our posts. In case you have not noticed yet facebook has once again changed its news feed algorithms. Most of the times it seems its attempting to fill your news feed with more of what you do not want to see and less of the stuff you actually want to see or keep tabs on. Well the good news is Facebook has a News Feed Preferences setting to give you more of what you want.
Since we all are constantly looking at DailyRidge.com for what’s happening around Polk County let’s just take it a step further and utilize Facebook to make sure our news feed shows us DailyRidge.com posts in our news feed before other posts.
Step One – Select More on the bottom Right
Step Two – Select Settings
Step Three – Select News Feed Preferences
Step Four – Select Prioritize who to see first
Step Five – Select DailyRidge
That’s it! Now your facebook feed will start with DailyRidge.com news first allowing you to stay on top of what’s happening around Polk County and hear it first with the help of DailyRidge.com
You can follow Kip on 
and 
**UPDATE**
The preliminary report from the Medical Examiner in Hillsborough County indicates that the injuries sustained by Steven Bradley Smith are consistent with someone striking their head on pavement, causing fatal injuries. The final autopsy results are pending toxicology reports.
The investigation is ongoing.
Original Release:
Winter Haven Detectives are investigating the death of a 24 year-old Auburndale man after an altercation in a parking lot landed him in the hospital where he later died.
On 4-8-16 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received from a patron of Floridino’s restaurant ( 8th St., NW, Winter Haven) who indicated he saw someone lying on the ground with a group of people around him. The initial call was answered by the Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County EMS as a medical call.
Winter Haven officers arrived and determined that the man on the ground, 24 year-old Steven Bradley Smith (Lighter Log Lane, Auburndale) was unresponsive and EMS personnel were performing CPR. Ultimately, Smith was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and then transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa where he died.
Smith had been at the restaurant with co-workers 25 year-old Sherrick Forrester, 24 year-old Ryan Donley and 27 year-old Omar Marrero. The four work together at the Aldi Distribution Center and were there following their shift. As the four talked, Marrero and Smith had a disagreement regarding work, but witnesses state the argument was not heated.
Forrester and Donley walked out, with Marrero and Smith following behind. At some point there was a physical altercation between Marrero and Smith, although there reportedly was no yelling nor did anyone see the altercation. Donley and Forrester were standing at their vehicles when they turned to see Smith lying on the ground. As Forrester and Donley rushed over to see what was going on, Marrero got into his vehicle and left.
Detectives were able to locate Marrero and he initially told Detectives that he punched Smith in self-defense after Smith slapped his hand away. Marrerro indicated that he reached out in a non-aggressive manner in an attempt to make amends.
At this time, there are no witnesses to the actual altercation; therefore additional interviews are being conducted. The investigation continues and further updates will be given after the autopsy is conducted (scheduled for today in Hillsborough County) and further interviews are completed.
Anyone who was in the area of Floridino’s Friday night (April 8) and possibly saw anything unusual occur is asked to call Sgt. Garrett Boyd at 863-401-2256.
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