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One Dog Found Dead & Two Others Severely Malnourished Gets Lakeland Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

Carl Fish
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One Dog Found Dead & Two Others Severely Malnourished Gets Lakeland Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit has made another arrest for animal cruelty in the same week, unrelated to the October 1st arrest.

This most recent suspect, 26-year-old Andrew Whitehurst, who lives at home on 3rd Street SE in Lakeland, told deputies that he “left town for work” and assumed a family member was going to take care of his three dogs. Instead, the dogs were left inside the residence without air, or water. One of the dogs died, while the other two were severely malnourished and dehydrated.

Andrew Whitehurst

“If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn’t deserve to be a pet owner ever again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The investigation began on October 2, 2024, when deputies were contacted to do a well-being check at the home. The witness reported seeing skinny dogs inside. When deputies arrived, the power appeared to be off and nobody was home and they could smell a foul odor coming from within. They retrieved the homeowner’s information and called him (the suspect). When the man showed up, he told deputies his name was “Kevin James” and that he was a friend of Andrew’s coming to check on the dogs. Deputies queried his information and confirmed he was the suspect, who then advised he was scared to give them his real name. He confirmed that he lived there and the dogs were his, and that he left on September 26th for work. He said he assumed his father would come take care of the dogs but did not specifically make those arrangements.

Home Where One Dog Found Dead & Two Dogs Found Malnourished

When the Animal Cruelty Investigations detectives went inside, here’s what they found:

  • Flies on the insides of the windows
  • A deceased dog
  • Two obviously malnourished dogs
  • The floors covered in feces and urine
  • No fresh water
  • No air conditioning or ventilation

Here is an excerpt from the affidavit:

The first dog scored a 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences evident from a distance, with no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass.

The second dog scored a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 2 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible, with no palpable fat and some evidence of other bony prominences, as well as minimal loss of muscle mass.

The deceased dog was located in the living room area and was beginning to decompose. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death; however, at this time, it appears the dog died from a heat-related issue.

Whitehurst is charged with:

  • 3 counts felony animal cruelty (F3) 
  • 1 count confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1)
  • 1 count giving false info to a LEO (M1)

He’s being held in the Polk County Jail until a first appearance hearing this afternoon. The two dogs are at Polk County Animal Control where they will be treated and rehabilitated.

Cooking on the Ridge: Steel-Cut Oats Chili

Staff Reporter
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Cooking on the Ridge: Steel-Cut Oats Chili
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by James Coulter

This Sunday (Sep. 22) was the first day of fall. Autumn is officially upon us. The nights are getting longer. The air is getting cooler. (Okay, maybe not so much in Florida!) And with this cooler weather comes jackets and hot drinks.

Obviously, everyone is clamoring for pumpkin spice. After all, what could be more warming on a brisk autumn day than a pumpkin spice late?

Well, there’s a meme currently circulating on Facebook: “When people think of fall, they think pumpkin spice. I think chili.”

After a long day strolling through the brisk autumn air, nothing feeling more relaxing than returning to a home filled with the spicy aroma of chili either cooking on the stove or in a crockpot and ladling a piping serving of beef and beans slowed cooked into a savory stew.

Of course, anyone could post any run-of-the-mill recipe chili. Me? I wanted to be different. So, what makes this chili recipe different? Simple: it’s meatless.

That’s right. This chili recipe still has everything else you’ve come to love from classic chili including beans, tomatoes, and corn. But what sets this batch apart from the rest is the lack of meat.

Instead, this chili is made with steel-cut oats.

You heard correctly. Oatmeal! And interestingly enough, it tastes just as good as beefy chili.

This recipe requires the chili to be prepared and cooked on the stove. However, I decided to use my slow-cooker instead. Because who doesn’t like dumping all of their ingredients into a pot in the morning and enjoying a hearty meal once dinner rolls along later that evening?

As for my own attempt at making this, the chili itself tasted like authentic chili sans meat. My only deviation was that I used chili powder rather than cumin, so this batch was particularly spicier.

My only other reservation was the significant lack of meat. Without that beef, the overall texture tasted more like a soup than a stew. Perhaps next time I will add more than a half cup of oats to provide more texture.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for a meatless chili alternative, give this recipe a try. I highly recommend it.

Recipe from SheKnows.com:

Ingredients

2 cups water plus 1 veggie bouillon cube (or 2 cups veggie broth)

1/2 cup steel-cut oats

1 tbsp. oregano

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 1-1/2 cups homemade)

1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1-1/2 cups homemade)

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, regular or fire-roasted

1 cup frozen corn, regular or fire-roasted

1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, to taste

Juice of 1/2 a lime

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring the water and bouillon to a boil in a soup pot. Add oats and lower to medium heat.

2.Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the oats are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

3. Stir in the oregano, cumin, garlic, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, corn and liquid smoke.

4. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Before serving, add the juice of half a lime as well as salt and pepper, to taste.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest Poinciana Man For Animal Cruelty

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest Poinciana Man For Animal Cruelty

Polk County Sheriff Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit arrested and charged Lanoris Parker, DOB 7/11/1974, of 2299 Rock Drive in Poinciana (Kissimmee mailing address) with multiple felonies for neglect and abuse of dogs on a piece of property he rented in Polk County, as well as having an unpermitted landfill.

The rental property where he kept the dogs is on Sylvan Ramble Road in Davenport. The property owner contacted PCSO when she noticed several dogs in cages who did not appear to be healthy. Parker does not live on the property. When deputies arrived they located two deceased dogs in crates, and several other dogs in extremely poor conditions. They contacted the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, who responded and initiated an investigation. The following are excerpts from the affidavits:

Two deceased dogs were located in crates. These two dogs were beginning to decompose however all ribs were visible. A total of nine other dogs (alive) were located on the property. Three of these dogs were unable to stand or walk and in extreme medical distress. Based on these conditions, all of the animals on the property were immediately seized, pursuant to F.S. 828.073, and transported to Polk County Animal Control for emergency treatment. It was noted there was no food present in any of the dog kennels and most did not contain any water.

Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM, examined the nine dogs at Animal Control, each of which performed 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition Score, indicating ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and no discernable body fat with obvious muscle loss.

In Doctor Jackson’s professional opinion, the starvation of the two deceased dogs, and condition of the remaining dogs resulted in the cruel death or excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering. I determined the suspect committed nine (9) counts of aggravated animal cruelty. The suspect also committed animal neglect by confining the dogs without sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water.

The three previously mentioned dogs that were unable to stand or walk succumbed to their injuries. 

PCSO Environmental Crimes detectives also responded to the scene to investigate the multiple environmental hazards, including well over 400 pounds and 500 cubic feet of solid wastes, dilapidated structures, metal waste, and multiple containers holding congealed water allowing the breeding of mosquitoes and larvae. There was a burn pile in the center of the yard measuring 5 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 2 feet high, and no active burn permit was issued for that property. For these crimes, Parker is charged with:

  • Operating an unpermitted landfill (M1) – $1,000 bond
  • Burning without a permit (M2) – $250 bond
  • Keeping a nuisance injurious to health (M2) – $250 bond

When detectives arrived at Parker’s Poinciana/Kissimmee home to place him under arrest, they found seven dogs there. Six were confined to crates inside a garage with no air movement, no water, and no food. A second investigation was initiated at this house, and all seven of those dogs were seized. Six of those were also severely and criminally neglected.

Parker’s animal cruelty charges are:

  • 15 counts felony animal cruelty (F3) – $5,000 bond each
  • 2 counts confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1) – $2,000 bond each

He’s being held in the Polk County Jail on $80,500 bond.

“The horrific abuse and neglect that these animals suffered is too awful for words and the photos don’t even adequately describe how much pain these dogs were in, not to mention the conditions, sights, and smells that our detectives were exposed to. Lanoris Parker is being held accountable for these crimes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure he never owns animals again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Propane Gas Leak At Sleepy Hill Elementary Sends 5 Patients To Hospital- No Student’s Involved & Situation Is Under Control

Carl Fish
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Propane Gas Leak At Sleepy Hill Elementary Sends 5 Patients To Hospital- No Student’s Involved & Situation Is Under Control

The Polk County Fire Rescue, Lakeland Fire Department and other local emergency personnel were called to Sleepy Hill Elementary, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland, FL 33810, due to a propane gas leak in the school’s cafeteria. The call appears to have come in around 11:30 am.

Multiple ambulances from PCFR were called to the scene. According to Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer, with Polk County Fire Rescue (who is at the scene) they transported 5 adult patients. Those were all the details she could provide at the moment as the scene is under the jurisdiction of the Lakeland Fire Department. Emergency units are still at the scene on standby to assist if needed.

The Daily Ridge reached out to Stephanie Lewis, Public Relations & Information Manager, for the Lakeland Fire Department (who is also at the scene) and she advised the scene is secure. The cafeteria building (it’s a separate building from the rest of the school) has been evacuated. The fire department turned of the gas and a gas inspection is to take place to determine the leak and repair it. An additional 5 adults suffered minor illness from the exposure to the propane gas, but did not wish or require to be transported.

According to Lewis, no students were involved and currently no danger to the students. It appears classes are continuing as normal.

The Polk County School Board sent out an email that stated the following:

“Sleepy Hill Elementary

Dear families,

This message is being sent on behalf of Sleepy Hill Elementary. The fire department and EMS are currently on campus responding to a propane leak in the cafeteria.

Some of the cafeteria staff have reported feeling ill and are receiving medical attention.

There are no reports of illness from students.

Again, we have responders on scene attending to the cafeteria staff, but no students have reported feeling sick. We intend to continue with our school day and will ensure that the campus is safe for everyone. This message is just to keep you informed, thank you.”

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is released.

Lakeland Man On Pre-Trial Release For Sexual Battery On A 12-18 year Old Is Back In Prison

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man On Pre-Trial Release For Sexual Battery On A 12-18 year Old Is Back In Prison

48-year old Tyresse Harris was arrested by the Polk County Sheriffs Office on Monday, September 30th.

An arrest warrant was issued earlier that day for Tyresse, for Violation of Pre-Trial Release for Sexual Battery on a 12-18 year old by a Custodian and Sexual Battery by Custodian on Victim under 12.

PCSO deputies located Tyresse while he was driving, and conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle at 5620 US 98 North in Lakeland.

Deputies arrested him without incident.

At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of two plastic baggies of marijuana, and a plastic baggie with MDMA (ecstasy).

Tyresse Harris was taken back to the Polk County Jail.

He is no stranger to being locked-up…he has an extensive history of burglaries, vehicle theft, prowling, fleeing to elude, battery on LEO, drugs, and numerous sexual battery violations. Since 1998, he has been in Florida prisons four times.

Off-Duty Polk Deputy (Now Former Deputy) Charged With Lewd Act

Carl Fish
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Off-Duty Polk Deputy (Now Former Deputy) Charged With Lewd Act

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Rodney Isaiah Williams, III, a 20-year-old deputy sheriff who resigned immediately upon his arrest, with one count unlawful exposure of sexual organs, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Had he not resigned, he would have been terminated.

Williams was observed completely nude and then masturbating in full view of a camera. The crime occurred at an apartment complex in Davenport, in an open landing area shared with multiple other apartments. Deputies responded and interviewed Williams, who admitted to stepping outside of his apartment and masturbating “for the thrill” and then stated that he “did something stupid.” He was off-duty at the time.

“This vulgar and indecent behavior by one of our now former agency members is completely unacceptable, not to mention illegal. We will never tolerate such immoral and illegal conduct. That is why he was promptly arrested.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Williams was hired as a deputy sheriff in November 2023. He was booked in during the early morning hours of Sunday, September 29th, and is being held on $1,000 bond. 

Home Health Care Worker Charged With Aggravated Man Slaughter In Death Of 86 Yr Old Man

Carl Fish
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Home Health Care Worker Charged With Aggravated Man Slaughter In Death Of 86 Yr Old Man

On September 26, 2024, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives arrested and charged 25-year-old Beatrice Taylor of Dundee with one count aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person (F-1) after their investigation revealed that she neglected to dial 9-1-1 or provide health care to the 86-year-old male patient who was under her care when he died in his home.

According to the affidavit, Taylor, who was employed by Assisting Hands Home Health Care as a health aide, worked the evening hours at the man’s home in Winter Haven. The victim’s family hired around the clock care from Assisting Hands, which consisted of two 12-hour shifts during the day and night. The victim had recently been hospitalized and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was also receiving services from Good Shepherd Hospice beginning on August 14, 2024. 

As a home health care aide, Taylor was tasked with watching the victim during her nighttime 12-hour shift, and in the event of an emergency, was to call 9-1-1. On August 15th, 2024, Taylor began her shift at 9:00 p.m. When she arrived at the victim’s home, the dayshift health care aide told Taylor that the victim and his wife were prepared for bed but were not yet asleep. After the day shift worker left, Taylor immediately fell asleep on the couch in the living room (per company policy, she should not have been sleeping). Taylor awoke at 1:00 a.m. on August16th, when she heard a thump coming from the victim’s bedroom. She went into the bedroom and observed him lying on his right side, on the floor, with his head wedged in between the nightstand and the bed. She told detectives that she attempted to assist him back into the bed but that he told her not to touch him, so she left him on the floor and did not call anyone, including 9-1-1 or her employer (against company policy). She then fell back asleep and did not wake up until sometime between 3:45 and 4:53 a.m.

Taylor called her parents and spoke with them for approximately 36 minutes, and then while still on the phone, she checked on the victim and found him still on the floor and now unresponsive. Her parents told her to call 9-1-1. She hung up and called Assisting Hands first, and left a message through the company portal; she then called 9-1-1 at around 5:37 a.m.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed the company’s policies, which stated:

1. If a patient falls, home aides are required to seek help which may entail calling 9-1-1. Home aides must notify the company as soon as the patient is safe (which should have happened at 1:00 a.m.)

2. Home aides are not permitted to sleep during their assigned shift unless it is a “live in” shift (Assisting Hands confirmed this was not a “live in” shift)

3. Home aides are required to submit care notes using the company portal throughout their shift to ensure assigned services are being followed appropriately. 

During an autopsy, it was discovered the patient had an implanted pacemaker. The device manufacturer was later able to conduct a download and provide cardiac data stored on the victim’s implanted pacemaker which confirmed that the victim was still alive at 1:00 a.m. when the victim was initially found by Taylor lying on the floor. According to the Medical Examiner, had Taylor called 9-1-1 when she first found the victim, as required by her own company’s policy, the victim would not have died. The Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s cause of death positional asphyxia with a contributory cause of pre-existing health issues. 

Detectives placed Taylor under arrest, at which time she made several statements that she had done nothing wrong and she “didn’t kill that man.” One of the paramedics who arrived after Taylor eventually called 9-1-1 overheard Taylor say to someone on the phone, “He was old anyway so what does it matter.” 

Assisting Hands confirmed that Taylor had worked for them for approximately eight months. After August 16th, she did not show back up to work and they terminated her employment. She was a licensed home health aide, having completed 10 online courses and passed a state exam. She does not have a medical license and is not a nurse. The courses include caring for patients with Alzheimer’s, basic life support including CPR, using an AED, and performing the Heimlich maneuver. 

“The complete disregard for Mr. Anderson’s life by the person who was employed by his family is completely outrageous, and egregious. I believe someone who was not even being paid to look after this elderly man would have immediately dialed 9-1-1 under these circumstances. Her behavior and attitude are simply deplorable. Mr. Anderson’s family members are in our prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

She remains in the Polk County Jail being held on no bond.

86 Yr Old Man Killed In Two Vehicle Polk Crash Sunday Morning

Carl Fish
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86 Yr Old Man Killed In Two Vehicle Polk Crash Sunday Morning

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a two-vehicle crash in Poinciana that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred around 9:34 a.m. on Cypress Parkway at the intersection with San Clemente Avenue on the south and Lassiter Way on the north.

 

Ronald Maynard, 83, of Monterey Street in Kissimmee, was driving his red 2013 Toyota Rav4 and exiting off of San Clemente Avenue to turn onto Cypress Parkway when he entered into the path of a gray 2011 Infiniti being driven by 22-year-old Abbas Saedi of Kissimmee, who was heading east on Cypress Parkway. Based on the evidence and witness statements it is believed that Mr. Maynard did not see the other vehicle approaching. San Clemente and Lassiter both have stop signs where they intersect with Cypress Parkway; Cypress Parkway does not have stop signs at that intersection.

 

The Infiniti struck the Toyota on the driver’s side, causing significant intrusion into the vehicle and fatal injuries to Mr. Maynard. Saedi had minor injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

 

Polk Water Rates Going Up 6% This Week

Carl Fish
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Polk Water Rates Going Up 6% This Week

Water and wastewater rates will increase by 6% beginning Oct. 1. The surcharge assessed on water usage and reclaimed water usage also will increase, as will connection fees. The increases are necessary to allow the county to meet its current and future water demands.

 

There are steps you can take, however, to conserve water and reduce your bills, including:

 

  • Install low-flow toilets and shower heads.
  • Check washing machines, toilets and pipes often for leaks.
  • Do not let water run needlessly.
  • Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth.
  • Invest in water-saving appliances.
  • Modify landscapes to feature Florida-friendly plants and grass.
  • Invest in rain sensors or smart irrigation timers.

 

For more information, visit https://www.polk-county.net/how-floridas-water-dilemma-is-impacting-polk-utilities-rates/.

 

Residents may text “HELLO” to (888) 299-POLK (7655) to receive non-emergency updates and alerts, including changes in waste collection.

Polk County Household Waste & Yard Waste Changes Coming October 1st

Carl Fish
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Polk County Household Waste & Yard Waste Changes Coming October 1st


Effective Tuesday, Oct. 1, Polk County Solid Waste will collect household waste and yard waste on the same day. Yard waste and household waste can be collected by the same truck. If you are a residential customer of unincorporated Polk, this may affect your collection days. Your collection days may also be changing. Most yard waste and residential waste guidelines will remain the same. Yard waste within the guidelines listed below may be mixed with residential waste. Yard waste in personal containers, bags and bundles will still be collected separately so that it can be ground up and used as landfill cover and free mulch for residents.

 

For more information, including your scheduled collection day, visit www.polkwastewise.net or www.polk-county.net/services/polk-county-solid-waste/waste-collection-update/

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