Polk Sheriff’s Department Busts Grow House After TECO Worker Notices Unusual Wiring

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Polk Sheriff’s Department Busts Grow House After TECO Worker Notices Unusual Wiring

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Auburndale, Florida – On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, a Tampa Electric Company worker was looking into a power problem at a residence on Dixie Drive near Auburndale when he detected unusual wiring near the residence located at 1342 Dixie Drive, Auburndale. The TECO worker also noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from a barn/garage located on the property. The TECO worker called the Sheriff’s Office.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA) detectives obtained a search warrant and executed the warrant on Thursday, February 11, 2016. Inside the barn/garage, HIDTA detectives discovered 111 marijuana plants inside two separate growing rooms. In another area of the structure detectives found numerous pieces of grow house equipment to include, 24 high intensity light bulbs, 11 ballasts, nine hoods, an industrial sized cannabis grinder machine, a vacuum sealer, audio monitor, soil, chemicals, plastic pots, buckets, and a digital scale. In addition, detectives found a drying screen with a large amount of harvested marijuana buds lying on it.

Inside the residence, HIDTA detectives discovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, an audio monitor, and approximately three pounds of marijuana packaged for sale.

Tampa Electric Company investigators responded to the residence and located an underground electrical tap where the owner of the property was stealing electricity; TECO investigators estimated the total cost of stolen electricity to be $3,605.93.

Detectives located and arrested Philip James Prior, III, of 1342 Dixie Drive, Auburndale, charging him with Armed Trafficking in Cannabis, Manufacturing Cannabis, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Trafficking, and Grand Theft of Utilities. Detectives also arrested Linda B. Labounty, also of 1342 Dixie Drive. Labounty was charged with Armed Trafficking in Cannabis, Manufacturing Cannabis, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Prior’s criminal arrest history is extensive, dating back to the 1970s in New York state where he was arrested three times for grand larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. In 1990 he was charged with custodial interference, 2nd degree kidnapping, and burglary. Prior also was arrested in New York in 1990 on federal fraud and false statement charges. In 2008, he was federally charged in New York with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and smuggling marijuana.

Prior was also arrested in Mississippi in 2008 on a controlled substance violation. Prior has been arrested 4 times previously in Florida, including an arrest in 1975 for grand larceny by Tampa PD, violation of probation and resisting a law enforcement officer in 1979 (Hillsborough County), another violation of probation in 1983, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill in 2000 (Davenport PD).

During the investigation, detectives initiated civil forfeiture proceedings on a 30-foot Scarab, twin engine speed boat and trailer and a 2016 Chevrolet 2500 HD pickup truck.

Both Prior and Labounty were booked into the Polk County jail without incident.

New Freshwater Bass Conservation Regulations Approved By Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

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New Freshwater Bass Conservation Regulations Approved By Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

New Florida Bass Regulations
New Florida Bass Regulations

Tallahassee, Florida – At its meeting Thursday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved sweeping changes to streamline bass regulations and increase effectiveness. Commissioners meeting at the Florida Institute of Public Safety near Tallahassee approved implementation of new black bass conservation measures, which will go into effect July 1.

Anglers will be allowed to keep smaller, more abundant largemouth bass. Length limits for black bass species will be changed and many specific rules for different water bodies will be eliminated.

“The intent is to simplify existing rules and increase abundance of larger bass statewide,” said Tom Champeau, director of the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.

Black bass are the most popular group of sport fish in North America. In Florida, they include largemouth bass and more specifically the genetically unique Florida bass that is renowned for its trophy potential. Other black bass species in Florida include Suwannee, shoal, spotted and Choctaw basses that thrive in the northwest areas of the state, primarily in rivers.

Black bass regulations have evolved over the past century as scientists learn more about the species, their habitat requirements, population dynamics and angling impacts. The FWC has been a leader in determining better ways to manage harvest not only with hands-on experimentation but also by monitoring successes and failures of bass regulations in Florida and other states and evaluating the results. Integrating social science with biological research allows the FWC to develop measures that are justified biologically while accommodating angler opinions, attitudes and behaviors.

After July 1, the new rule will eliminate the three zones that currently regulate bass harvest along with 42 site-specific regulations for largemouth bass. This simplification has been a long-standing desire of anglers and resource managers.

Anglers may still keep up to five black bass (all species combined) of any size, but only one bass 16 inches or longer in total length may be kept per angler per day. For Suwannee, shoal, Choctaw and spotted basses, the current 12-inch minimum size limit remains in effect, but there will be no minimum length limit on largemouth bass. In addition, the proposed changes include a catch-and-release-only zone for shoal bass in the Chipola River.

Anglers are practicing voluntary catch-and-release at record levels. While reduced harvest of large bass is beneficial, allowing more bass under 16 inches to be kept may improve some fisheries by reducing competition so other individuals grow faster and larger.

The existing bass tournament permit program will continue to allow anglers participating in permitted tournaments temporary possession of five bass of any size. This successful program has been in place for over 20 years and allows delayed-release bass tournaments to remain viable, but requires proper care, handling and release of all bass caught during the tournament (even those that could otherwise be legally harvested).

Meanwhile, the FWC’s TrophyCatch program (www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com) continues to reward anglers for registering, documenting and releasing bass heavier than 8 pounds. This incentive-driven, citizen-science initiative further ensures recycling of the trophy bass that anglers from all over the world come to Florida hoping to catch.

The FWC will advertise details of the changes in the new regulation summary (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017), on-line, via FWC apps, on signs at boat ramps and fish management area kiosks, and at local bait-and-tackle stores. The FWC will monitor the results, but anticipates the simplification will make it easier for anglers, while resulting in more bass longer than 16 inches being caught and released routinely by anglers in the future.

Instant licenses are available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling 888-404-3922, *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or texting to [email protected]. To subscribe to FWC columns or to receive news releases, visit MyFWC.com/Contact.

Tiger’s World Challenge Begins in March

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Tiger's World

Winter Haven, FL – Registration is now open for the 12-Week Tiger’s World Body Transformation Challenge.

“We aren’t the newest gym, we are not the biggest gym, but we are the best gym, and we have proven results,”  Said Dieuseul Berto, Owner of Tiger’s World.  “Or results are typical. When you see our before and after photos, you can expect to see similar results yourself.  We provide the personal training expertise, the nutrition plan, and the awesome workouts that will target every area of your body, and burn 1,000 calories per class.  You will get results!”

Weigh-ins and “before” photos will be 2-4 PM on Saturday, March 19, at Tiger’s Worlds, 1007 6th St SE, in Winter Haven (across from Winter Haven High School).  The “welcome to the Challenge” meeting will be Friday, March 25, at 6PM, and the first challenge workout will be 6 AM on Saturday March 26th.

“One of the best things about the Tiger’s World Challange is all the support you get from the trainers at Tiger’s World, and from the other people in the challenge,”  said Maryemma Bachelder, who won the Fall 2015 Challenge at Tiger’s World.  “I lost 42 pounds in 12 weeks and absolutely transformed my body.  It was a lot of hard work, and even more self-discipline, but it was worth it.  When you’re ready to get serious about getting fit and healthy, this is the program to help you succeed.”

Cost is $475 for non-members, and $350 for members, and includes meal plans, three Challenge specific workouts per week, plus all the cardio boxing classes you want during the week.  Tiger’s World offers cardio kickboxing classes throughout the week at various times of day and night.

 

For more information or to register, call Tiger’s World at 299-3661 or stop by the gym.  You can also learn more by visiting their webpage at Facebook.com/tigersworld.

Polk County Parks & Recreation Valentine’s Dance In Winter Haven Feb. 12th

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Polk County Parks & Recreation Valentine’s Dance In Winter Haven Feb. 12th
Free Valentines Dance
Free Valentines Dance

Winter Haven, Florida – Bring your little love monsters to Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Valentine’s Dance at the Wilfred Smith Resource Center in Winter Haven on Friday, Feb. 12.

Location: Wilfred Smith Resource Center
135 Avenue Y NE, Winter Haven
Date: Friday, Feb. 12
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Details: This free family Valentine’s Dance is for children through the sixth grade. Children will enjoy music, sweet treats, arts & crafts, a coloring contest and a dance contest.

For more information, please call (863) 298-7898 or e-mail [email protected].

Save the Date: Wednesday, February 17th Local Author Miriam Rockness is Coming to Park Avenue Christian Bookstore!

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Save the Date: Wednesday, February 17th Local Author Miriam Rockness is Coming to Park Avenue Christian Bookstore!

 

Local author Miriam Rockness is coming to Park Avenue Christian Bookstore!
Many Beautiful Things, Oxvision Films

Save the Date: Wednesday, February 17th

Miriam Rockness, leading expert on the life and works of Lilias Trotter, will be coming to Park Avenue Christian Bookstore to sign her two new books: Lily: The Girl Who Could See and Parables of the Cross, which is a reproduction of Lilias Trotter’s work under the same title.
Wednesday, February 17th, 2016 10:00am-12:00pm

Park Avenue Christian Bookstore 218 E Park Avenue Lake Wales, FL 33853

Books Available: A Passion for the Impossible A Blossom in the Desert Lily: The Girl Who Could See Parables of the Cross
Lilias Trotter was a talented painter, in addition to the great missionary work she accomplished in Northern Africa

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Sheriff Judd Warns Residents About IRS Scam

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Sheriff Judd Warns Residents About IRS Scam 
irsscam
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeing an increase in telephone scams in Polk County where the caller claims to work for the IRS and demands payment of taxes owed.
“We want to remind residents to treat any call where someone threatens you or demands money as suspicious, and to immediately report it to the appropriate agency. Get as much information about the caller as you can so that it can be investigated. If you have elderly relatives, ensure they are aware of scams like these. NEVER send money to someone or give personal information to someone you do not know.” – Sheriff Grady Judd 
The IRS never makes phone calls or sends email about taxes – they only communicate via U.S. Postal Service.
 
The IRS has created a page specific to this scam and are requesting that victims report the incident on the site so they can investigate it.  The website is http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml.
From the IRS website:
These phone scams include many variations, ranging from instances from where callers say the victims owe money or are entitled to a huge refund. Some calls can threaten arrest and threaten a driver’s license revocation. Sometimes these calls are paired with follow-up calls from people saying they are from the local police department or the state motor vehicle department.
Characteristics of these scams can include:
  • Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.
  • Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security Number.
  • Scammers “spoof” or imitate the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.
  • Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to some victims to support their bogus calls.
  • Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.
  • These scammers often: use common names and fake IRS badge numbers; know the last four digits of your Social Security number; demand payment via a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS doesn’t ask for either of these payment methods, nor will they ask for credit card numbers; rig caller ID information to appear as if the IRS really is calling; send fake emails that look like legitimate IRS correspondence; make a second call claiming to be the police or department of motor vehicles, rigging the caller ID information
After threatening victims with jail time or a driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.
In another variation, one sophisticated phone scam has targeted taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do: If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue – if there really is such an issue. 
 
If you know you don’t owe taxes or have no reason to think that you owe any taxes (for example, you’ve never received a bill or the caller made some bogus threats as described above), then call and report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
 
If you’ve been targeted by these scams, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission and use their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.  Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments of your complaint.”  

Free Concert: Singer, Songwriter and Mandolinist Sierra Hull Tonight At Lake Wales Arts Center

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Free Concert: Singer, Songwriter and Mandolinist Sierra Hull Tonight At Lake Wales Arts Center

 

Sierra Hull
Sierra Hull

Lake Wales, Florida – Singer, songwriter and mandolinist Sierra Hull, whose fans include Béla Fleck and Alison Krauss, will perform two free concerts at Polk State College in February.
Hull performed at the Grand Ole Opry when she was just 11 years old, and would go on to perform at the White House, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. She also became the first bluegrass musician to receive a Presidential Scholarship to the renowned Berklee College of Music.
Her talents have received the approval of some of music’s most celebrated artists, including multiple Grammy award winners Fleck and Krauss.
As quoted on sierrahull.com, Fleck said:
“She plays the mandolin with a degree of refined elegance and freedom that few have achieved. And now her vocals and songwriting have matured to the level of her virtuosity.”
Krauss added:
“I think she’s endless. I don’t see any boundaries. Talent like hers is so rare, and I don’t think it stops. It’s round.”
Hull is currently touring to promote her latest album, “Weighted Mind.”
Hull will perform at the Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 East, on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., and at the Polk State Lakeland Student Center, 3425 Winter Lake Road, on Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m.
Both concerts are free and open to the public. Hull will perform as part of the College’s Downtown Concert and Campus Concert series, both of which have brought a wide variety of artists to the area.

You must RSVP at 863-298-6883

Autism Awareness Weekend at Rockin’ On The River February 26th – 28th

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Autism Awareness Weekend at Rockin’ On The River February 26th – 28th

This is Rockin’ on the River’s Second Annual fundraiser for Autism which benefits Our Children’s Academy in Lake Wales and other non-profit organizations who directly impact the autistic community. 

Free Admission but donations are welcome.

We will have 9 bands over the course of the 3 days. 

Friday, 2/26
6:00pm- 8:00pm Coastal Acoustics Barefoot, Duke Burr & T Micheal (at the firepit)
8:00pm- 12:00am Redhot Roosters (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

Saturday, 2/27
1:00pm- 3:00pm Redhot Roosters (River Stage)
4:00pm- 6:00pm Hunter Smith & Frienda (Rover Stage)
7:00pm- 9:00pm Next Level (River Stage)
9:30pm- 12:00am Raisin Cain (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

Sunday, 2/28
1:00pm- 4:00pm Nathan Baldwin (Liar’s Lair Saloon)
5:00pm- 8:00pm Blackwater (Liar’s Lair Saloon)

Sponsorships Available

Food Vendors
Rick’s Bar-B-Q
Tanner’s Lakeside
Havana’s Cuban Sandwich Shop
Kick- Yo- Butt (Bracken Smith)
Tulluah’s Table by the Sea

Raffles
50-50
Chest of Cheer

Rain of Shine. Bring your dancing shoes and chairs!!!

rockin on the riverad122215

 

 

Treasures for the Violin February 17, 2016

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Treasures for the Violin February 17, 2016
Violins
Rimma Bergeron-Langlois

Lakeland, Florida – Back by popular request for the third year in a row, Orlando Philharmonic concertmaster and FSC violin professor Rimma Bergeron-Langlois brings her incomparable artistry to the Faculty Artist Series. Having treated her audiences to transcendent musical interpretations and demonstrated extraordinary feats of virtuosity in past performances of great classics for violin by composers like Brahms, Franck, Debussy, and Ravel, Rimma and her dynamic collaborative pianist Keiko Andrews will once again share beautiful treasures from the riches of violin/piano repertoire. The event is Wednesday, February 17, 2016 – 7:30 p.m. at Anne MacGregor Jenkins Recital Hall. Tickets for all Festival of Fine Arts events may be purchased in person using cash or credit card at the Branscomb Auditorium Box Office, located on Johnson Avenue (use Parking Lot VA), or by telephone at 863.680.4296.

RidgeClassifieds.com: Professionally built & maintained with the best of equipment & parts available.No expense spared.

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RidgeClassifieds.com: Professionally built & maintained with the best of equipment & parts available.No expense spared.

Professionally built & maintained with the best of equipment & parts available.No expense spared.

Quad was built & raced only one TT national.Has 2 hours running time since complete build.JB a arms +2(chrome),JB swingarm-2 no link(chrome),walsh tie rods,PEP ZPS duel stage remote res.with piggyback clamps(chrome)fronts,PEP ZPS duel stage PB1no link rear,shocks designed & built by Baldwin Motorsports.Dura-blue sway bar(chrome),Roll design steering stem(chrome),Baldwin billet front hubs,Dura blue billet rear hubs (new) ,RPM adjustable axle(new),stainless sprockets(new),antifade rear axle nut(new),A/C ft. bumper,nerfs,rear grab.Douglas A/5 roll bead wheels(8),Hoosier & Maxxis tires(8)soft & hards.ENGINE-12:1 JE piston,HRC kit,Hinson clutch(everything),Curtis Sparks large pipe(chrome),K&N,Vortex programmable ign.Lots more chrome on quad.Too much invested!
Find out more info + pics on this item….

 

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