Polk County History Center Hosts Citrus Label Tour Dedication

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Polk County History Center Hosts Citrus Label Tour Dedication
Polk County History Center Hosts Citrus Label Tour Dedication
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Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2016) – A new way to experience central Florida’s rich citrus history is coming soon. The Citrus Label Tour of Polk County is a unique driving experience featuring enlarged and reproduced citrus labels on various buildings around Polk.
The Polk County History Center will host the Citrus Label Tour kick-off and dedication at 3 p.m. on March 11.
A partnership between the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Visit Central Florida and the Polk County History Center’s History and Heritage Trail inspired the creation of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County. The tour explores part of the historic marketing portion of citrus through the artistic labels that once adorned the old wooden crates used to ship the fresh fruit off to northern markets in the early 1900s.
Marketing labels were used to distinguish citrus brands from others when selling them to markets. These artistic labels displayed various depictions of Floridian heritage, flora and fauna, historical sites, military and animals. The citrus labels were popular during the early 1900s and thrived until the end of World War II. After the war, there was a serious shortage of wood and metal, which brought about the switch to shipping citrus in cardboard boxes with pre-printed labels, putting an end to the creative crate labels for which Polk was known.
The labels will be displayed on various buildings along the tour trail. When the trail is complete, a map will be available marking the exact locations of the labels.  Those interested in securing citrus labels for display should contact the History Center for details and an application. 
This one of a kind tour is sure to enhance anyone’s knowledge of Polk’s rich history, and expose many to the beautiful artwork that evolved out of the industry. 
About the Polk County History Center: The Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St. in Bartow, 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.

Office Hampton & K9 Badge

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Office Hampton & K9 Badge

Great Story Here: The community of Lake Wales helped rally to get officer Hampton & K9 Badge to competition. We have some of the finest K9 Teams not only in Polk County, but in the nation. Good Luck Dale Hampton Jr & K9 Badge!

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Arrest Four Teens in Burglary and Vandalism Investigation

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Arrest Four Teens in Burglary and Vandalism Investigation
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Arrest Four Teens in Burglary and Vandalism Investigation
 On Tuesday, February 23, 2016, PCSO detectives arrested: 
  • 15-year-old Joshua D. Hamilton – charged with three counts of Burglary, three counts of Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief
  • 15-year-old Forrest H. Kinsley – charged with Burglary of Structure, Grand Theft, and VOP
  • 16-year-old Mark Dejesus – charged with Burglary of Structure, Grand theft, and VOP
  • 17-year-old Austin Self – charged with Burglary of Structure and Grand Theft 
On Monday, February 15, 2016, PCSO detectives responded to Clubhouse Road, in Winter Haven, after receiving a report of a burglary to a maintenance building on the property. 
 
At approximately $8,000 worth of property was taken from the building which included a large mower specifically designed for golf course maintenance.  The mower was later found stuck in the mud along the property fence line.
 
Through the investigation, detectives learned the suspects who had broken into the property had cut a barbed wire fence to get to the maintenance building before forcing their way into the building. 
 
During the course of the initial investigation, two subsequent burglaries occurred at the same location.  On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, a $35,000 tractor was taken.  The tractor was later found in a nearby pasture submerged in a pond.
 
On Friday, February 19, 2016, detectives learned someone had returned to the property and attempted to remove the same mower from the first incident.  Detectives found evidence of the mower being started while inside the building.  The suspect was unable to remove the mower from the building and it was found crashed into the bay door.
 
Through the investigation, detectives identified four suspects, Hamilton, Kinsley, Dejesus, and Self.  Detectives learned all four had participated in the original burglary and that Hamilton had committed the second and third burglaries alone.  Hamilton told detectives he was stealing the equipment for joy rides.
 
All four suspects reside in the Whispering Trails subdivision.  They were transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center late evening Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
 
At the time of the burglary, Kinsley was on probation for Battery on a law enforcement officer and Dejesus was on probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. 

Winter Haven Teen Charged with Robbery With a Deadly Weapon after Attacking a Man and his Pregnant GirlfriendT

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Winter Haven Teen Charged with Robbery With a Deadly Weapon after Attacking a Man and his Pregnant GirlfriendT

A Winter Haven teen has been charged with Robbery with a Deadly Weapon (F-L) after he attacked a male and his pregnant girlfriend over the weekend.

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On 2-27-16 at approximately 7:45 p.m., the victims, 19 year-old Briahien Jean-Baptiste and his girlfriend, 19 year-old Myranda Shuttera drove to the Lake Maude Nature Park to meet up with some friends. As the pair arrived at the park, Jean-Baptiste started getting out of the car when he was attacked, beaten and robbed. Jean-Baptiste recognized the attacker as 17 year-old Terron Boone (DOB 6-27-98, 319 Ave P, NE, Winter Haven).

Boone punched, kicked and struck Jean- Baptiste multiple times with a blunt object. During the attack, Boone took the victim’s phone. According to the victims, Boone was accompanied by four other black males who ran out from a shadowed area and engaged in the beating as well.
Shuterra, who was still in the car when the attack began, feared her boyfriend was seriously injured and got out of the car attempting to pull the attackers off of her boyfriend. The group continued to beat Jean-Baptist with their fists and what she described as gold toned brass knuckles. During the attempts to help her boyfriend, Shuterra was thrown down to the ground and punched in the back. When she got up from the attack, she saw two black males walking towards her, one pointing a black shotgun or rifle directly at her. The two males got into the car and ransacked the inside. The group then ran from the area in a southbound direction of 7th St. N.E.
Shuterra sustained scrapes and abrasions from the attack. Jean-Baptiste sustained multiple gashes and abrasions from the attack. He was taken to the Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Room where he was treated and released.

Detectives searched for Boone, but he was not located. On 2-27-16, Boone reported to the Winter Haven Police Department where he was interviewed and arrested.  Boone, who is a student at Winter Haven High School, told detectives that he “whooped him” in retaliation of a fight that occurred another time.

When asked what he meant by “whooping him”, Boone advised that he “beat him badly.”
Boone was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with one count of Robbery with Deadly Weapon. Throughout the interview, Boone would not divulge information on the other suspects, Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the incident or possible identities of the other subject to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.

Two Haines City Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery Investigation

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Two Haines City Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery Investigation
Two Haines City Teens Arrested in Armed Robbery Investigation
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On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, PCSO Robbery detectives arrested 17-year-old Georquan Jefferson and 16-year-old Everod Williams, Jr., both of Haines City, and charged both with one count each Armed Robbery, for an armed robbery that occurred in Lake Alfred on February 20, 2016. Williams was additionally charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.
According to their affidavits, around 7:45 p.m. that evening, the victim was offered a ride to Lakeland by a female friend of his, who then picked up two unknown black males on the way. During the car ride, the suspect who was sitting in the front seat, pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim, who was in the backseat counting money. The other suspect, who was in the backseat with the victim, jumped on the victim. The victim was able to jump out of the moving car, in fear of being shot. He suffered road rash and was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. He confirmed money was missing from his jacket.
The witness/driver of the car, who only knew the two suspects by their nicknames, “Beno” and “Tae,” cooperated with detectives and they were able to positively identify the two suspects as Jefferson and Williams, respectively. Both were taken into custody without incident and charged accordingly.
Jefferson’s criminal history includes arrests for armed burglary, grand theft, larceny, dealing in stolen property, and VOP.
Williams was just recently charged as an adult, and convicted, for robbery, and had just started probation. His criminal history also includes arrests for assault, vehicle theft, and burglary.

You know what cures The Monday Blues?

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You know what cures The Monday Blues?

You know what cures The Monday Blues? Relaxation at The Oasis Spa! Start your week off right with a Slice of Paradise or let us exfoliate that frown upside down with a Microdermabrasion Facial midweek! Choose from these coupons and come relax for LE$$! (863) 232-6968

 

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Come join the Lake Wales Police Department at Bob Evans this weekend to help us raise money for Special Olympics Florida athletes

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Come join the Lake Wales Police Department at Bob Evans this weekend to help us raise money for Special Olympics Florida athletes

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Come join the Lake Wales Police Department at Bob Evans this weekend to help us raise money for Special Olympics Florida athletes. This Law Enforcement Torch Run, TIP A COP event is this Saturday and Sunday, March 5th and 6th at Bob Evans Restaurant, 23269 US 27 in Lake Wales.

Come meet some of our local athletes as they greet you and your local officers as they serve you. Please bring a copy of the attached flyer with you or show a copy of it on your phone from our Facebook page at:

Saturday

https://www.facebook.com/237352606324104/photos/pcb.1025126214213402/1025125817546775/?type=3&theater

Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/237352606324104/photos/pcb.1025126214213402/1025125820880108/?type=3&theater

When you present this flyer during these two days, 15% of your total bill will be donated by Bob Evans to Special Olympics Florida. The athletes and officers will be at Bob Evans Saturday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Thank in advance for your support of our Special Olympics Florida athletes!

Questions, please contact Lieutenant David Black at 678-4223 ext 277.

Winter Haven Man Killed In Friday Evening Accident On Recker Hwy

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Winter Haven Man Killed In Friday Evening Accident On Recker Hwy

Winter Haven Man Killed In Friday Evening Accident On Recker Hwy

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At approximately 4:30 pm, on Friday, February 26, 2016, 18-year-old Dominique R. White of Auburndale was traveling eastbound on Recker Highway in a purple, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier and was slowing down as she reached the intersection of McKean Street in Auburndale.

At approximately the same time, 50-year-old Samantha La Vonne Hienerman of Winter Haven, was traveling westbound on Recker Highway and was approaching the intersection of McKean Street, she was driving a silver, 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

50-year-old Lemoine Charlemond, of Winter Haven, driving a green, 2000 Toyota four-door, was also headed eastbound on Recker Highway and was behind White in her Cavalier.

For unknown reasons, Mr. Charlemond suddenly veered to the left as he approached the Cavalier and entered into Hienerman’s lane of travel.

Mr. Charlemond’s Toyota struck Ms. Hinerman’s Toyota FJ in an offset head on collision. Mr. Charlemond’s Toyota was redirected backwards and started to rotate. Mr. Charlemond’s Toyota came to rest on top of the back of Ms. White’s Cavalier, which had come to a stop at the intersection. Ms. Hinerman’s Toyota FJ rotated and came to rest facing eastbound in the northwest corner of the intersection.

Polk County Fire Rescue responded to assist. Mr. Charlemond was entrapped in the vehicle initially. Once he was extricated, he was taken to Lakeland Regional Health by ground. However he was declared deceased upon arrival. Both Ms. Hinerman and Ms. White were also taken by ground to LRC. Ms. Hinerman is currently listed in critical condition. Ms. White is listed in stable condition.

Mr. Charlemond and Ms. Hinerman both appeared to be wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. It is unknown at this time if Ms. White was wearing her seatbelt. Airbags deployed in Mr. Charlemond’s Toyota and in Ms. Hinerman’s Toyota FJ.

Initially, impairment does not appear to play a role in this crash. It is unknown if distracted driving was a factor at this time.

Recker Highway and McKean Street were closed for several hours during the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing,

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to Un-Incorporated Haines City – Johnson Ave. Area on March 5, 2016

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“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to Un-Incorporated Haines City – Johnson Ave. Area on March 5, 2016

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to Un-Incorporated Haines City – Johnson Ave. Area on March 5, 2016

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February 18, 2016 – Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners is bringing their “Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program back to Un-Incorporated Haines City (Johnson Ave & West Old Polk City Rd.) Area on Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this pilot program that will consist of a large-scale trash pick up throughout the selected community (clean sweep). This program will provide disposal of items that are NOT generally collected with their residential garbage such as remodeling & household construction debris (shingles, drywall, etc.) on THIS DAY ONLY. All households are asked to participate by placing these items by the curb no later than 8 am for this one day event.
Absolutely NO tires or hazardous waste will be collected curbside.

Keep Polk County Beautiful will host a FREE Tire Recycling Event from 8am- noon at the Haines City Police Department, 35400 US Hwy 27, Haines City. For Tire Recycling limits and questions, contact KPCB before the event date. KPCB will be at this community event to answer any trash/recycling questions.

Trash collection services donated by Republic Services.

For additional information on the “Clean It Up to Green It Up” program, Tire Recycling or to find out when/if this program is scheduled to come to your community, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .

In addition to these cleanup efforts….

Polk County’s Waste and Recycling Division will be hosting a Household Hazardous Waste – Mobile Collection Event at NO Additional Charge to Polk County Residents. This event will be held at the Haines City Public Works Complex – 300 N. 5th Street from 9am-1pm. For information on this event, contact Polk County’s Waste and Recycling Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (863)499-2689 or visit polk-county.net.

Join the City of Haines City for their annual Great American Cleanup from 8am-noon at the Haines City Police COPS Station – 1008 Ave. D. To pre-register or for event information, contact Lt. Harris at (863)421-3636 xt 2226 or email – [email protected] .

It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .
For Tire Recycling limits and questions, contact KPCB before the event date. KPCB and Waste Resource Management (Board of County Commissioners) will be at this community event to answer any trash/recycling questions, provide informational items and provide residents with a recycling bin if they currently do not have one.

Lake Wales Police Searching For Bike Theft Suspect

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Lake Wales Police Searching For Bike Theft Suspect

Lake Wales Police Searching For Bike Theft Suspect

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Lake Wales, Florida – On February 22, 2016 at 7:21pm officers were dispatched to 135 W. Central Ave, Family Dollar, in reference to a bicycle that was stolen. Officers learned the victim rode his black 26” Huffy bicycle to the store, parked it on the front sidewalk, and went inside to purchase a few items. When the victim went to leave the store his bicycle was missing. Security cameras captured the suspect in these photographs taking the bicycle while the victim was inside the store. Anyone who knows the identity of this suspect is asked to contact Detective Alvin Maultsby at (863) 678-4223 extension 265 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

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