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Multiple Burglaries In Lake Wales In The Last 48 Hours – Some Suspects Arrested

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Multiple Burglaries In Lake Wales In The Last 48 Hours – Some Suspects Arrested

Lake Wales, Florida – Burglaries are common everywhere. Often they happen to unlocked vehicles at night. In this case several have happened in the Lake Wales area involving breaking and entering. Here is a list of recent burglaries.

Burglaries reported around Monday:

Lake Wales Police responded to 322 Scenic Hwy S in reference to a burglary to a conveyance. The victim stated his employee found his vehicle broken into. He checked his vehicle and property had been taken. There are no leads or suspects in this case at this time.

Lake Wales Police responded to 221 S.4th St (Church of the Good Shepherd)in reference to a burglary to a conveyance. The victim advised officers the burglary occurred between the hours of 1pm and 2:15pm. She explained she exited the church around 2:15pm and found her vehicle with a broken driver side rear window and she found her purse in the trash can at the southeast corner of the church. The only item missing from the vehicle is a coin purse containing approximately $15.00. No suspect at this time.

Lake Wales Police Officers responded to robbery in progress at 409 4th St N (Kirkland Gym). A description of suspects was broadcast and a perimeter set up. The suspects were located and detained. The victims positively identified the suspects and they were arrested. All parties involved in this case are juveniles. There were no injuries. This burglary is an ongoing investigation.

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Burglaries reported around Tuesday:

Lake Wales Police Officers responded to a residence on Nassau Ave. and met with the victim who told them an unknown offender entered into her residence without her knowledge or consent and removed property. Entry was made by prying the lock mechanism on the back door. Case turned over to investigations.

Lake Wales Police Officers responded to Pearl Street and met with the victim in this case. The victim told officers that some unknown offender entered into this residence without his knowledge or consent and removed property. This incident occurred sometime between 9:15am and 1:30pm while all residents were at work. Case turned over to investigations.

Spooktacular Mall-O-Ween at Eagle Ridge Mall a Big Hit with Kids and Families

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Spooktacular Mall-O-Ween at Eagle Ridge Mall a Big Hit with Kids and Families

This years Halloween celebration at the Eagle Ridge Mall on Monday evening was a huge success as hundreds of children enjoyed balloon sculptures, face painting and a live DJ along with free candy given out at stores all throughout the mall.

Local radio station Max 98.3 FM (WWRZ) was onsite for a live remote as well.

There was an all-ages Costume Contest with participants divided into several age groups who’s winners were then chosen by a panel of three judges. With so many unique and well-crafted costumes, that decision could not have been easy…

All told, it was a fun evening filled with candy that was enjoyed and celebrated by families from all over Polk County as well as many local dentists I’m sure!

Thanks to the Eagle Ridge Mall and their hard-working staff for providing another safe Halloween for everyone!

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To Host your Event or Celebration at the Eagle Ridge Mall Contact Bruce Schilling at (863) 676-2300 or by email to: [email protected] – Catering and Entertainment Available

 

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Winter Haven Woman Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charges After Striking Elderly Woman With Dementia

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Winter Haven Woman Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charges After Striking Elderly Woman With Dementia

baxterWinter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Linda Baxter on October 27, 2016 in connection to the death of 70 yr. old Patricia Baxter. The victim was the ex-mother in law of Linda Baxter.

According to an arrest affidavit furnished by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office an altercation occurred between Linda Baxter and Patricia Baxter on October 11, 2016. Patricia Baxter the victim was diagnose with dementia 2 years ago. As a result of the dementia , Patricia Baxter would get angry and frustrated , and at times become “physical” with others around. On October 11th an altercation occurred between Tiffany Baxter (Linda Baxter daughter & Patricia Baxter’s granddaughter) who was living with Patricia Baxter & her grandfather Edward Baxter. The altercation became physical when Patricia Baxter became physical. Tiffany Baxter advised she allegedly bear hugged her grandmother and eventually Patricia Baxter calmed down. Tiffany Baxter called her mother, Linda Baxter, to come over and get her dog.

When Linda Baxter arrived she was allegedly confronted by Patricia Baxter. That confrontation also ended up in a physical altercation. Tiffany Baxter told deputies that she allegedly heard her mother tell Patricia Baxter “if you want to hit someone hit me”.  Tiffany Baxter would go on to say that Patricia Baxter allegedly began flailing her arms and struck Linda a couple of times. According to Tiffany Baxter she allegedly saw her mom slap her granny on the left side of the head. She advised Patricia Baxter first swayed to the left and then to the right, falling and striking her head on the couch.

When detectives interviewed Linda Baxter she allegedly acknowledged that Patricia Baxter has dementia. Linda Baxter acknowledged that Patricia Baxter would become physical at times when she was angry. Linda Baxter allegedly stated to detectives if you engage Patricia, the aggression becomes worse, but if you walk away Patricia will forget she is mad and calm down. When detectives questioned Linda Baxter she told multiple stories about what occurred. In one version Linda Baxter allegedly advised she never hit Patricia Baxter.

After the altercation Timothy Baxter, Patricia Baxters son and the ex-husband of Linda Baxter, visited his mother and noticed blood by her ear. Patricia Baxter allegedly told Timothy that Linda had hit her. Timothy contacted Linda Baxter who text him back saying ” what r u talkin about she knocked the shit out of me and tiffany.  I hit her just like desi did”. The “desi” who is being referred to is another granddaughter of Patricia Baxter. Timothy Baxter spent the day with his mother, Patricia Baxter, and she appeared fine. Timothy Baxter took is mother to church that night. Patricia Baxter began to have severe headaches and vomited. Patricia Baxter was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and was unresponsive. A CAT scan revealed a brain bleed on the left side of Patricia’s head and a mid-line shifting of her brain. Patricia was flown to Tampa General Information. When detectives made contact with TGH medial staff they were advised that Patricia Baxter was 99% brain dead and not expected to survive. Detectives observed bruising to the top portion of Patricia’s left ear and bruising behind her left ear. There was a small cut inside her ear also. On October 14, 2016 Patricia Baxter passed away.

An autopsy was performed on the victim and it was determined the victim died from a Subdural Hematoma and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage of the brain due to blunt impact to the head.

Linda Baxter was taken into custody for Aggravated Manslaughter Of An Elderly Person/Disabled Person. Baxter was released on $30,000 bail.

COOKING ON THE RIDGE: Monster Munch Halloween Popcorn Mix

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COOKING ON THE RIDGE: Monster Munch Halloween Popcorn Mix

Monster Munch Halloween Popcorn Mix

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Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 15 m

  • Ready In 15 m

  1. Mix popcorn, candy corn, peanuts, and peanut butter pieces together in a large bowl.
  2. Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth, 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave). Do not overheat or chocolate will scorch.
  3. Pour melted almond bark over popcorn mixture; stir until popcorn is well coated. Spread popcorn mixture out onto a flat surface lined with waxed paper or parchment. Let dry completely, then break into clumps.

HCPD Investigating Shooting Last Night

Staff Reporter
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HCPD Investigating Shooting Last Night

Haines City, Florida – On October 30, 2016 at approximately 0430 hours, the Haines City Police Department responded to 303 North 19th Street in reference to several gunshots being fired. The investigation revealed that a known suspect fired several shots from a rifle at the victim as she stood near her vehicle. The victims’ vehicle was struck at least five times from the bullets being fired in her direction. The victims’ three children, ranging in age from three to seven, were in the vehicle at the time. There were no injuries reported at the time of the incident. A second suspect kept encouraging the first suspect to shoot the victim.

The suspect and a second suspect were involved in an argument earlier in the evening with the victim at a different location, when it escalated and the first suspect pointed the rifle at the head of the victim, threatening her. The victim left the scene and traveled to North 19th Street where both suspects also arrived and fired several shots at the victim and her children.

The two suspects fled the scene in a white Chevy Malibu which was later recovered but the suspects could not be located. Arrest warrants were issued on suspect one, Alexander Soto, h/m, 9/13/95 of 17 North 11th Street, Haines City for Attempted Felony Murder (4 counts), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (4 counts), Discharging a Firearm in Public and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle. The second suspect, Francisco Martinez-Delgado h/m, 10/17/91 of 401 Ray Keen Road, Haines City also had a warrant issued for his arrest for Aggravated Battery on a person with use of a deadly weapon (4 counts).

Haines City Fire Department On Scene Of A Multi-Family Structure Fire

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Haines City, Florida – The Haines City Fire Department is currently on scene of a multi – family structure fire. The fire is reported on Avenue J. inside city limited. The fire call is believed to have come in around 5:40pm. Initially it was believed a subject may have been inside the structure, but the all clear was given at around 6pm.

We will update this article as soon as more information is available.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy & Pedestrian Struck By Hit & Run Driver – Pedestrian Killed

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy & Pedestrian Struck By Hit & Run Driver – Pedestrian Killed

Update #2 : Strong words by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd : 

“We are confident that with the community’s help, we will identify and arrest the coward who ran over a deputy and a young woman and left them both for dead, and then fled the scene. We will work day and night until this case is solved. And to the coward who did this – we advise you to turn yourself in, sooner rather than later.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to identity and arrest of the suspect responsible for killing 33-year-old Jessica Enchautegui-Otero of Tampa, and seriously injuring 25-year-old PCSO Deputy Sheriff Adam Pennell.

Update: Statement From Deputy Pennell Wife, Deputy Christin Pennell:
 “Our prayers are with the family of Jessica Enchautegui-Otero,  and we remain hopeful that with the public’s help we will find the person responsible for killing her and severely injuring Adam. We appreciate everyone’s support while Adam faces upcoming surgery for his injuries, and we ask for your privacy and your prayers. More than anything we hope the suspect is found. Please join us in keeping Jessica’s family and loved ones in your prayers during this extremely difficult time.”  – Deputy Sheriff Christin Pennell
Adam was hired as a deputy sheriff in December 2013. Christin was hired as a clerical assistant in 2011, put herself through the law enforcement academy, and became a deputy sheriff in May 2014. She and Adam were married in March 2016.

Previous Release :

Lake Wales, Florida – At 12:40 a.m. this morning (Saturday, October 29th) 25-year-old Deputy Sheriff Adam Pennell, who is assigned to the Southeast District, was enroute to a call for service heading westbound on SR 60, between Tiger Lake and Sam Keen Roads, when he saw a citizen standing in the grass median of SR 60.

Deputy Pennell stopped his patrol car in the inside lane of SR 60, activated his emergency lights, and got out of the car to talk to the citizen. He learned the citizen had struck a tree and had injuries from the crash – the vehicle was off the roadway against the tree. The citizen had walked out onto SR 60 to flag someone down for help.

Deputy Pennell called for EMS to respond to the scene to treat the citizen, when an unknown vehicle heading westbound entered the median and struck them both, and then fled the scene.

According to Carrie Hortsman, Public Information Officer, “We do not have any information about the suspect vehicle. We are hopeful someone will have information about this. The vehicle will have front-end damage.
Deputy Pennell has a broken pelvis and other broken bones but should recover. The other person on the scene is deceased.”

The deceased victim in this crash has been identified as 33-year-old Jessica Enchautegui-Otero of South Cameron Avenue in Tampa.

Deputy Sheriff Adam Pennell saw Ms. Enchautegui-Otero standing in the grass median when he stopped to talk to her.

Here is the timeline of events.

At 12:34 a.m. he told dispatch he was making contact with an unknown person

At 12:35 p.m. he called for EMS in reference to her injuries

At 12:37 a.m. he reclassified the call to a traffic crash (in reference to her car)

At 12:38 a.m. he made his last transmission updating dispatch with more information

At 12:45 a.m. EMS arrived and found D/S Pennell and Ms. Enchautegui-Otero with significant injuries

She was taken to Lake Wales Medical Center where she was declared deceased. D/S Pennell is at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with serious injuries.

Deputy Sheriff Pennell is married to another PCSO Deputy, Christin. His father is a retired PCSO Sergeant.

We are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect vehicle. It will have front-end damage.

If anyone has information about this incident they are urged to contact PCSO immediately at 863-298-6200.

TO remain anonymous call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (0344). Anonymity is Guaranteed!

Former LWHS Coach Rod Schaffer Honored at Legion Field on Saturday

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Former LWHS Coach Rod Schaffer Honored at Legion Field on Saturday
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Coach Rod Shafer was honored during last Friday’s halftime game as the Lake Wales Highlanders hosted the Sebring Blue Streaks for a Class 6A, District 8 game at Legion Field. The Highlanders lost to Sebring 44-14.
Shafer garnered a 276-91 record during 35 seasons of college and high school coaching, including 25 in Florida and was inducted into the 40th Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Shafer coached the Highlanders from 1991-2000 and again from 2006-2014, winning 187 games and earning 15 district championships during his tenure. He is credited with founding the football program at Webber International University and is currently the head coach of Warner University’s football program.
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HOSPITALS OFFER FREE INSURANCE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

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HOSPITALS OFFER FREE INSURANCE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

HOSPITALS OFFER FREE INSURANCE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

 

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LAKE WALES – People who need help comparing plans or filling out an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace can get that help at either Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Davenport, or at Lake Wales Medical Center. The two hospitals are once again offering free assistance during Open Enrollment, which runs from Nov.  1, 2016 through Jan. 31, 2017.

 

Appointments may be made with the certified assisters at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center by calling 800-353-1380 or at Lake Wales Medical Center by calling 863-678-2734. Appointments also can be booked online for either location at: www.GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector.

 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, and this year’s Open Enrollment marks the fourth annual campaign to extend healthcare coverage to citizens who would otherwise be uninsured. More than 13 million people enrolled in Marketplace plans for 2016.

 

News of several large insurers either reducing their participation in the Marketplace, or exiting it altogether, has spurred concern about rising premiums and higher deductibles.

 

However, Kaiser Health News (KHN) reports the majority of enrollees will be insulated from premium increases, since eight in 10 receive subsidies based on income/household size. As premiums rise, subsidies increase.

 

“There are always questions concerning changes to premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits before Open Enrollment launches each year,” said Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center CEO Ann Barnhart. “This will always be the case as insurers enter and exit different markets. But what is consistent, year-to-year, is the value of the Marketplace. Millions of people are able to sign up for insurance who otherwise wouldn’t have access to care, or who would face a financial crisis due to medical bills.”

 

 

Majority of enrollees will receive assistance

 

To help make health insurance affordable, the government uses household income to determine who is eligible for financial assistance. As in past years, a majority of enrollees are expected to qualify for some type of financial support in 2017.

 

“I think this is where our certified assisters add so much value,” said Rebecca Brewer, CEO of Lake Wales Medical Center. “They know how to explain the pros and cons of each option, and they carefully screen each person to make sure any subsidies toward premiums, or any discounts available for deductibles or co-pays, are accessed.”

 

All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services; doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services, and mental and behavioral health treatment.

 

Penalties

Individuals who are eligible for health insurance who do not purchase coverage not only pay a penalty when filing their tax return, but they also forfeit financial help with healthcare expenses throughout the year. The penalty is either 2.5% of family income or a predetermined flat rate, whichever is higher. The 2016 penalty was $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, with a maximum fee of $2,085; these fees will be adjusted for inflation in 2017.

LWMC ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY AWARDS

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LWMC ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY AWARDS

LWMC ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY AWARDS

 

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Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center presented quarterly awards recently.

 

Employee of the Quarter was Annette Baldree, RN, from Infection Control. Annette was recognized for her professionalism, pleasant demeanor, and ability to implement effective changes and improvements to the hospital’s Infection Control program.

 

Manager of the Quarter was Serkan Sare, Nutritional Services. Serkan was recognized for his can-do attitude, pleasant personality, and his focus on and dedication to making improvements to the hospital’s Four Ten Café and to the meals provided to patients.

 

Volunteer of the Quarter was Sue Messenger, who volunteers in the hospital’s Hunt Building Lobby. She was nominated by several employees, who noted that Sue is always smiling, friendly and engaging to everyone who enters the building. She also is very focused on making sure she does her job correctly, and is great at training new volunteers as well.

 

The awards were presented at a recent employee social.

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