PCSO is also working a business burglary at Tenoroc High School, 4905 Saddle Creek Road. The burglary was discovered before students arrived and classes were delayed for a short time until detectives could begin their initial investigation.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives are Currently Working a Suspicious Death Investigation in Auburndale
Auburndale, Florida – At approximately 12:27 am, on Monday, May 23, 2016, a witness reported seeing a person in the front yard area of 108 Kim Street, Auburndale. The witness reported hearing a gunshot and then seeing person fall to the ground.
The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Larry James Graham, DOB 9-25-1998, of Avenue T, NW, Winter Haven. Graham is a white male.
The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with information about this investigation, or has information about Graham’s whereabouts prior to the incident, 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.
Winter Haven Police Investigating Shooting Saturday Night
Winter Haven , Florida – On 5-22-16 at approximately 2:30 a.m., Winter Haven Police were called to the Winter Haven Hospital in reference to a patient who was being treated for a gunshot wound. The patient was being prepared to be transferred to a Tampa area hospital. His condition at the time of this release is serious, but non life-threatening.
According to preliminary reports there was a block party occurring in the 1000 block of 6th St NE in Winter Haven. A large group had gathered in the area when the victim was reportedly involved in an altercation. As the victim attempted to enter the passenger side of a vehicle being driven by a friend, shots were fired by an unknown suspect in the crowd. The victim was struck and immediately driven from the area to the Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Room.
The victim was ultimately transferred to a Tampa area hospital for further treatment. At the time of this release, the victim is being treated for serious, but non life-threatening injuries.
Anyone who has information regarding the shooting is asked 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.
Starbucks Days May Be Numbered At Lake Wales Mall
Lake Wales, Florida – Rumors have been circulated for awhile now about the closing of Starbucks. The Eagle Ridge Mall coffee venue has been around nearly 10 years. Originally the location, which is just off the food court, was a Barnie’s Coffee for many years. According to multiple employees the location is going to close in the future, but an exact date has not been given. According to one employee they know it will be after summer, but before the holidays.
The restaurant chain has a Winter Haven location and employees were given option to working there.
It has been confirmed that another location in the mall will begin to sell coffee & another food vendor is entering the mall.
We will update this article as more information becomes available.
Mulberry High School Teacher Charged With Sexual Battery
Mulberry, Florida – On Friday, May 20, 2016, PCSO Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 34-year-old Jason Argo of Valrico for three counts of Sexual Battery by Custodian on Victim Between 12 and 18 Years Old, for engaging in sexual activity with a female student who was 15 years old at the time. The illegal conduct occurred during the 2014-2015 school year at Mulberry High School, where he is a teacher, and at his home when he lived in Mulberry.
According to an arrest affidavit provided by the PCSO the suspect Argo admits to having oral sex 2 times in his class room. He also allegedly admits to having sexual intercourse at his former home in Mulberry, June 30, 2015, which is his birthday. According to the affidavit a recorded call between Argo and the victim was conducted and Argo advised he would be interested in having sex again with her in the future. When questioned about the investigation Argo allegedly said he was “weak”.
“We are always disgusted and appalled when anyone in a position of authority over a child uses that authority to groom and sexually abuse a child. Jason Argo also brags that he is a military veteran, which to me is even more reason to be disgusted and appalled by his behavior.” – Sheriff Grady Judd
According to the Polk County School Board, Argo has been an employee of Polk County Public Schools since August 16, 2010. He began his employment as an English teacher at Mulberry Middle. He became an English teacher at Mulberry High in July 2014.
Argo was booked into the Polk County Jail earlier today, where he is being held on no bond until a first appearance tomorrow, Saturday May 21st. He does not have a criminal history.
More details to be released shortly.
Winter Haven Police Officer Stops The Car Jacking of 74 Yr Old Man Thursday Night
Winter Haven, Florida – A Winter Haven Detective was at the right place at the right time yesterday when she stopped a carjacking in progress.
On 5-19-16 at approximately 5:45 p.m., Detective Aida Roias was sitting in her unmarked agency vehicle in the parking lot of Walgreens (805 Havendale Blvd., NW, Winter Haven) when she saw 26 year-old Jose Noel Martinez (DOB 3-21-90, 282 Wahneta Palms Dr., Winter Haven) struggling with a 74 year-old man.
Roias immediately sounded her siren and exited her vehicle. She approached the pair and asked what was going on. The 74 year-old victim (Larry McClure) immediately told her that Martinez was trying to take his vehicle keys from his hand. The victim told Roias that he was in the process of unlocking the vehicle when Martinez grabbed the victim’s hand and demanded his keys. McClure was not injured in the incident.
Martinez was taken into custody and charged with one count of Carjacking without a Firearm (F1).
Fun Friday – Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team – Free Show This Saturday
Water Ski Shows are on the 3rd Saturday of each month on beautiful Lake Silver. (Except for June – see ‘Upcoming Events’ below)
Martin Luther King Jr. Park 199 Lake Silver Dr. Winter Haven, FL
Pre show is @ 5:00pm Regular show is @ 6:00pm
Admission is free. Rain or Shine (but not lightning). Bring lawn chair(s) or blanket. Concessions with t-shirts, hats, snacks, candy, popcorn, & drinks are available.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, May 21st: Regular Ski Show on Lake Silver, Winter Haven, FL (Begins at 5:00)
Monday, May 30th: Memorial Day Ski Show on Lake Silver, Winter Haven, FL (Begins at 6:00)
Saturday, June 11th: Regular Ski Show on Lake Silver, Winter Haven, FL (Begins at 5:00)
No Ski Show Saturday, June 18th!
COOKING ON THE RIDGE: WARM CHICKEN NACHO DIP
Warm Chicken Nacho Dip
Ingredients
Directions
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Prep 20 m
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Cook 1 h 15 m
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Ready In 1 h 35 m
- Place the diced tomatoes, processed cheese, chicken meat, sour cream, green onion, taco seasoning, and jalapeno pepper into a slow cooker. Cook on High, stirring occasionally until the cheese has melted and the dip is hot, 1 to 2 hours. Stir in the black beans, and cook 15 more minutes to reheat.
FloridaRXCard Offers Free Dental Assistance Card To Floridians Thru May 22nd
Tallahassee, Florida – All Floridians have the opportunity to receive free Aetna dental care this week. The special offer was launched to help celebrate Rx Awareness Week.
The Florida Rx Card is a free statewide prescription assistance program that was launched in 2003.
“Our goal this week is to inform the residents that there is a program that can help with their medication costs,” said Brandon Knox, Program Director for Florida Rx Card. “Many families are struggling with the rise of health care costs and we are pleased to offer these programs to help them.”
Aetna Dental Access provides savings on dental services at locations across the U.S. All Florida residents are eligible for this program. Visit http://www.FloridaRxCard.com to get your free Aetna Dental and Prescription card.
All cards are pre-activated and can be used immediately. The Aetna Dental offer runs through Sunday, May 22.
Lake Wales Medical Center names Lorraine Hardy, Employee of the Month For April
HARDY NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Lake Wales, FL – Lorraine Hardy, RN in the Emergency Department at Lake Wales Medical Center, was presented with Employee of the Month for April. Hardy was recognized for her excellent rapport with patients and their families, and her willingness to support the entire ER team.