Winter Haven Police Department D.A.R.E. Graduation – Long Time DARE Officer Retiring

Winter Haven Police Department D.A.R.E. Graduation – Long Time DARE Officer Retiring

Bwoden
On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. at Winter Haven Worship Center 1835 Overlook Dr. Winter Haven, FL, D.A.R.E. Officer Terry Bowden will conduct his final D.A.R.E. Graduation as he hands the responsibilities to Officer Kris Bhoj.
The annual D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Graduation has been the highlight of fifth grade students who attend Winter Haven Elementary Schools.  More than 600 fifth grade students from local elementary schools will be graduating from the D.A.R.E program at this year’s ceremony.
D.A.R.E. is a ten week program taught to all fifth grade students who attend school within the Winter Haven city limits reaching children at the age where they are most receptive to drug prevention.  Project D.A.R.E. seeks to prevent adolescent drug use and reduce drug trafficking by eliminating the demand for drugs. D.A.R.E provides students with the tools they need to build a better life and a brighter future.
Fifth-grade students from across Winter Haven will participate including Brigham Academy, Chain of Lakes Elementary, Elbert Elementary, Garner Elementary, Grace Lutheran School, Inwood Elementary, Jewett School of the Arts, Saint Joseph’s Catholic School and Winter Haven Christian School.
The D.A.R.E. program has been taught by officers of the Winter Haven Police Department since 1989. More than 14,000 students have successfully completed the D.A.R.E. program since its inception.   This program has tremendously impacted our community.
Media is welcome to come celebrate this wonderful event and wish Officer Bowden well on his final Graduation!

Cooking on the Ridge: Pork Chops Italiano

Pork Chops Italiano

porchopsitaliano

Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 (3/4 inch thick) pork loin chops
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chopped onion
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup water, if necessary
1 large green bell pepper, cut in 6 pieces

Directions

  • Prep 15 m
  • Cook 1 h 10 m

  • Ready In 1 h 25 m

  1. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops, browning on both sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Place the pork chops on a plate, then drain all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from the skillet. Stir in the garlic and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the tomatoes, then season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Transfer the pork chops back to the skillet; cover and simmer until the pork chops are tender and no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes. Stir in some water if the mixture becomes too dry. Place the bell pepper on top of the pork, then add the reserved mushrooms. Continue to simmer until the bell pepper is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

POLK MUGSHOT OF THE DAY – APRIL 25, 2016

AMANDA ALEXANDER

alexander

Race: W Sex: F DOB: 12/19/1975 Height: 500 Weight: 117

Charge Number 1

Statute: 893.13(6A)****…… POSS OF COCAINE
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSS OF COCAINE
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Statute: 893.13(6A).,, Possession of CLONAZEPAM
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSSESSION OF CLONAZEPAM
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Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 1000.00
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Charge Number 3

Statute: 790.23(1)(A)… Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSS OF FIREARM CONVICTED FELON
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Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 5000.00
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Charge Number 4

Statute: 918.13** TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Charge on Arrest Docket: TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
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Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 1000.00
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Charge Number 5

Statute: 893.135 (1)(F)1****** ARMED TRAFFICKING IN AMPHETAMINE >= 28 GR
Charge on Arrest Docket: ARMED TRAFFICKING IN AMPHETAMINE
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Statute: 893.13(6)(B) CANNABIS POSSESS Not More Than 20 grams
Charge on Arrest Docket: CANNABIS POSSESS NOT MORE THAN 20 GR
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Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 500.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
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Statute: 893.1351(2) Possess Structure VEH Know Traffic Drugs
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSSESS STRUCTURE VEH KNOW TO TRAFFI
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SURVIVING SPRING ALLERGY SEASON

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SURVIVING SPRING ALLERGY SEASON

 Ajay

Lake Wales, FL – As your nose, throat and eyes have probably already told you, 2016 is expected to be an exceptionally bad spring allergy season, and people who suffer from seasonal allergies need to be prepared. The unusual up-and-down weather patterns across the country all winter have spawned “pollen superbursts” this Spring.

 

“It’s important to manage allergy symptoms early, before the effects take a toll on overall quality of life,” said Dr.  Ajay Mangal, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Lake Wales Medical Center.  “Left untreated, seasonal allergies can cause sinus swelling, leading to chronic sinusitis.”

 

While Americans spend nearly $2 billion each year on over-the-counter allergy remedies, many feel their effectiveness is minimal. There are also potential risks to self-medicating, as some over the counter medications can interfere or interact poorly with other medications. If you suffer from more than just the occasional sneezing fit or itchy eyes, it’s best to schedule time with an ear, nose and throat specialist to map out a plan.

 

“There are many different types of environmental allergies, including the most common: pollen, grass, ragweed and mold,” says Dr.Mangal. “There are also a variety of potential symptoms, with each allergen affecting each person differently. Working with your doctor to determine what you are allergic to and how to best manage your unique symptoms should reduce your suffering dramatically.”

 

A variety of diagnostic tools help physicians narrow in on the specific cause of allergies, including skin tests, journal tracking, and blood tests. Your physician can then focus on developing the most appropriate treatment path. Options may include a combination of antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroid or cromolyn sodium sprays, eye drops, sublingual tablets or allergy shots.

 

Timing is also important. Experts agree that for best results, you should begin applying appropriate allergy medications and remedies at least one to two weeks prior to the start of allergy season, and continue with the protocol throughout the season. It’s much more difficult to halt allergy symptoms once they’ve started.

 

Dr. Mangal is accepting new patients; his office can be reached at 863-676-1960.

 

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!

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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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Person Killed Jumping From Upper Floor Of Winter Haven Hospital

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Winter Haven,  Florida – The Winter Haven Police Department has confirmed a person has been killed at Winter Haven hospital.  The incident is believed to have taken place early Saturday afternoon.  According to reports the person jumped from the 3rd floor.

The scene is being investigated. No further details have been released by Winter Haven Police Department.  We will update as more information becomes available. 

Sheriff’s Office Searching For Winter Haven Armed Robbery Suspect

Armed Robbery Winter Haven

Winter Haven, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives are asking for the public’s help in an Armed Robbery investigation.

The robbery occurred at approximately 9:44 pm, on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in the parking lot of the 34th Street Super Market located at 1915 34th Street NW, Winter Haven Florida.

The female victim and her child had parked in the parking lot and was waiting for her boyfriend to get off work. While parked, a light skin male, approximately 5’6” to 5’10” tall, and weighing 140- 160 pounds, wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black pants, a black mask, a tan work vest, and armed with a black semi-automatic handgun approached her window.

The suspect began demanding the victim’s purse. The victim unlocked her door and the suspect opened it. The victim handed him her large black leather purse and wallet containing the victim’s personal items, credit cards and cash.

The victim’s boyfriend exited the store and approached the suspect who, in turn pointed the gun at the male victim. The suspect then fled the area, running south toward Avenue S NW.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Detective K. Smith 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!

Home Invasion Suspect Tried To Run Over Polk County Deputies

juan Carlos Fernandez-Quinones

Lakeland, Florida – On 4/19/2016, Polk County Sheriff’s Department deputies respond to a home on Fletcher Ave in Lakeland. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim who advised her sister’s ex-husband, Juan Carlos Fernandez-Quinones, came to the residence. Fernandez-Quinones entered the residence via an unlocked door and then went to the victim’s room demanding she call his ex-wife. The victim attempted to call her sister but she did not answer. Fernandez-Quinones snatched the victims phone from her hands and left the residence in his vehicle. The victim advised the suspect has been to the residence when he was with her sister but he never came inside. The victim stated the suspect  did not have permission to enter the residence.

While deputies were investigating the incident dispatch received a suicide attempt at another home also on Fletcher Ave. The caller stated a man was in her front yard threatening to kill himself. Deputies arrived to find the man was seated in a red GMC truck. The deputy realized the truck matched the description of the one Fernandez-Quinones drives. The deputy attempted to make contact with the driver of the vehicle. The suspect fled  towards woods on the property. The driver then turned around and drove directly towards the deputy. The was in fear the driver was going to hit him with the vehicle and took cover a tree.

At this time several other deputies arrived on scene and gave the suspect several orders to stop and exit his vehicle. The suspect refused to comply with their orders. According to reports the suspect backed his vehicle up several times and drove straight at the deputies. He then allegedly drove around in circles attempting to find a way off the property during which he swerved at the deputies several times, reports stated. The suspect was able to get onto Ellis Ave. by driving around the house. Accoridng to reports he fled the scene followed by several deputies in marked vehicles, with lights on. The chase finally ended when the suspect crashed into a fence on Waterfield Rd. & Brooks Rd. Reports stated the suspect exited his vehicle but would not comply with the deputies orders. A Polk County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit was deployed to apprehend the suspect.

According to the arrest affidavit during a post arrest search of Fernandez-Quinones person, a clear plastic baggie was located in his shorts pocket. The baggie contained a crystal like residue consistent with methamphetamine. A glass pipe with a bulbous end was also located in the suspects  shorts pocket. The baggie and pipe were field tested using Nark test kit #15 which yielded positive results for methamphetamine.

Fernandez-Quinones sustained lacerations to his arm during the apprehension and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. After being released Fernandez-Quinones was transported to the Polk County jail without incident. The suspect was on probation for driving without  license, battery – domestic violence and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being charged with home invasion robbery, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession or use of narcotics, resisting arrest, violation of probation and fleeing to allude.

Check RidgeClassifieds.com for your local Yard Sales!

Dining room set, TV, Go Cart, House hold items, Big shed, Brand name toys, clothing and more.

This Friday the 22nd and Saturday 23rd, 8am – 1pm. Location 2854 Laurel Ave Lake Wales 33898

 

yardsales2

Haines City Police Investigating Friday Morning Robbery At Murphy Gas Station

HCMurphy

** Haines City Police Department advises suspect arrested who was wanted in Murphy gas station robbery Friday morning. Possibly responsible for another 5 robberies. More information to follow **

Haines City, Florida – Haines City police is actively investigating a robbery at Murphy gas station on US highway 27 and Southern Dunes Blvd. It is believed to be the sixth in a series of robberies between Osceola county and Haines City.

More information to come as HCPD releases about this robbery this morning!