Polk Traffic Update: Emergency crews are working to reopen Eloise Loop Rd after semi flipped over in accident. The accident occurred around 2:10pm today. The accident is located at Eloise Loop Rd & Rifle Range Rd. Please avoid the area for the next hour.
*** Polk County Sheriff’s Office advises no serious injuries in accident on Eloise Loop Rd. *** We will update as more information is available.
Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, PCSO Homicide detectives charged 50-year-old Randolph Maya of Dixie Hwy in Auburndale with first degree murder in the strangling death of his wife, 50-year-old Jodi Maya.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we are sad to report that we’re already investigating a domestic-related murder on the first day of the month. Please, if you are in a dangerous situation, get out and get help before things escalate. There are so many resources out there to assist victims of domestic violence.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
According to his affidavit, on Sunday, September 30, 2018, around 7:40 p.m. the PCSO ECC received a 9-1-1 call in reference to a disturbance at the home. When deputies arrived, they met Randolph at the front door, who told deputies that nothing was going on and that they weren’t needed. In the background, deputies could hear crying, which was coming from a witness. The other witness living there approached the deputies and said, “I think she’s dead.”
Deputies located the victim slumped over in a bathroom, unresponsive. CPR was performed, and she was transported to Winter Haven Hospital. Her heart stopped beating several times during the transport and after she was admitted. She was pronounced deceased at 6:55 a.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018.
An autopsy conducted on October 2, 2018, ruled that her cause of death was asphyxiation, and the manner of death, homicide.
During interviews, one of the witnesses told deputies she heard Jodi scream and say, “He is going to kill me,” and then everything went quiet, so the witness left a bedroom to see what was going on. She observed through the crack of the bathroom door Randolph facing Jodi while Jodi was sitting on the toilet, as he was standing between her legs and leaning on her. The witness called 9-1-1. The witness then went into the bathroom, where Jodi was unresponsive – the witness didn’t know where Randolph was at that time.
Randolph told deputies that the victim had high blood pressure, and he would not explain his swollen left eye. He also had a bite mark on his left wrist.
The victim had bruising on her neck, consistent with being strangled, bruising on her upper arm, her thigh, and a broken fingernail.
Randolph was booked into the Polk County Jail during the early morning hours of Monday, October 1st, and charged with one count Attempted Murder, and one count VOP. His attempted murder charge was upgraded to first degree murder after the autopsy on Tuesday.
In 2011, Randolph was sentenced to 15 years’ probation for organized fraud, out of Broward County. His recent arrest violated that probation.
Randolph Maya’s criminal history includes the following previous arrests:
• December 1991 – FHP – DUI
• November 1993 – Osceola Co SO – Aggravated Assault
• September 1994 – Osceola Co SO – DUI
• September 1998 – PCSO – Larceny
• February 1999 – PCSO – Battery
• March 2000 – Auburndale PD – Fraud
• March 2003 – Orange Co SO – DUI
• December 2004 – Orange Co SO – Battery
• March 2006 – Broward Co SO – Failure to Appear
• December 2007 – PCSO – Out of County Warrant
• January 2008 – Broward Co SO – Larceny, Fraud
• May 2008 – Broward Co SO – Failure to Appear
• June 2008 – Miami-Dade PD – 4 counts Larceny
• August 2009 – PCSO – Out of County Warrant
PCSO responded to the residence most recently on September 14, 2018, to a disturbance call, during which Jodi told deputies that no battery occurred.
Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Police Department is currently on scene of a fatal crash which has occurred on Hwy 92 & Lake Parker Avenue N. It appears that there are now four people killed in this crash.
The accident occurred at 11:30am and involves a silver car, a silver/with Green pickup which was hauling a horse trailer and another unknown vehicle. The area of the accident will be closed for several hours. Please avoid the area.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On September 29, 2018, at approximately 2252 hours, PCSO deputies and Auburndale PD officers responded to the area of Recker Hwy and West Derby Avenue in reference to a CSX train striking a male walking on the train tracks. Upon arrival, the victim was located near the RR tracks approximately 100 yards or so east of Recker Hwy. The victim was unresponsive and had apparent facial and head injuries. PCFR responded and transported the victim to Lakeland Regional Medical Health Center as a trauma alert. According to the conductor, the locomotive was headed West. The conductor, Eric Howell, stated that as the engine rounded the approaching curve, they saw the victim walking east on the tracks. They blew their horn and the victim paused for several seconds and then looked up at the train. According to Howell, the victim attempted to move but it almost appeared to stumble, and was struck by the train in what he described as a “glancing blow.”
According to medical staff, the victim suffered facial injuries (lacerations), several “punctures” in his torso, a fractured left shoulder, and a left femur fracture. He is currently in critical but stable condition and is unconscious and intubated.
Deputies responded to LRHMC, using the subject’s cellphone and a Guatemalan interpreter on staff, he was able to possibly identify the man. Further investigation is needed to positively identify him.
The trauma nurse stated he suffered a left femur fracture, a left shoulder fracture, punctured hip, and three lacerations to his face. He is currently intubated and unconscious, and his status is listed as critical but stable.
LWMC OFFERS FREE HANDS-ONLY CPR CLASS TO COMMUNITY
Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center, in partnership with Citizen CPR, is offering a free Hands-Only CPR class to the community on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The class will begin at 2 p.m. in the hospital’s Hunt Building 3rd floor community education classroom. Instructor will be Roy Leath from Citizen CPR.
“One in 7 of us will witness a Sudden Cardiac Arrest in our lifetime,” said Andrea Clyne, Chief Nursing Officer at Lake Wales Medical Center. “Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and statistics show the chances of survival are greatest when CPR is started immediately. It’s vitally important to know how to do hands-only CPR.”
The 90-minute training course teaches participants how to do effective chest compressions and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). It is not a certification course, and does not teach any breathing method.
For more information or to register, call Maryemma Bachelder, Director of Community Relations, at 863-679-6869.
Winter Haven Police Department Press Release
The Winter Haven Police Department is investigating the death of a 21 year-old man who was shot while in bed over the weekend.
On 9-29-18 at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers responded to a call of multiple gunshots heard in the area of Ave. V NE and 5th St NE in Winter Haven. As officers were responding, another call was received reporting that someone had been shot at 502 Ave. V NE. When officers arrived, it appeared the shots came from the outside through a window.
Twenty-one year-old Darnell Powell was found on a bed inside the residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began to render aide, however Powell succumbed to his injuries.
This incident does not appear to be a random act. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding this case to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed and callers could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.
Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 19 year old Chester Boatwright of Winter Haven, and co-defendant, 19 year old Nicholas Kirkwood of Haines City, in connection to an armed robbery at Citgo Express at 4850 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven, Florida. Here is the initial article on that theft that occured at 12:30 pm Saturday, September 29, 2018 Deputies-seeking-two-armed-suspects-who-robbed-winter-haven-convenience-store.
According to the clerk working at the Citgo Express two masked black males entered into the store and demanded money. The clerk stated both of their faces were covered and the taller suspect had a semi automatic firearm and pointed it in his direction as he was demanding the money. The two suspects grabbed the money and fled the store running to the left. The suspects fled the store and ran to the rear of the store property jumping fences and into a storage business. The defendants then entered into a car and fled the area.
During the investigation it was found Konger Storage located at 4820 Cypress Gardens Rd. had surveillance cameras on the property. The suspect vehicle was observed entering the storage business at 11:55:13. The two defendants are observed exiting on foot from the front of the business then returning on foot at 11:59:28 into the business. The defendants then exit the business again on foot at 12:02:40. The suspects are observed jumping fence at 12:32:47 back into the business and the vehicle leaving the business at 12:33:55. The vehicle tag was observed on the video as being a white Chevy Impala four door.
According to the affidavit the vehicle was found to be registered to an address in the area listed nearby in Winter Haven. Deputies took one of the suspects, Boatwright, into custody. Post Miranda, Boatright, stated he was driving his mother’s car earlier in the day with his godbrother Nick Kirkwood. Boatwright allegedly confessed to committing the robbery with Kirkwood. Boatwright advised he did not have a weapon.
Kirkwood was located near his residence and taken into custody. Kirkwood allegedly stated to deputies he entered the store first and pulled the gun from his waist band. Kirkwood stated he then told the clerk to give him the money and both he and Chester grabbed the money from the drawer. Kirkwood stated the gun was a BB gun. Kirkwood stated he and Chester then ran out the door and jumped the fence back to the storage area and got into the car and left. Kirkwood stated he and Chester drove back to Chester’s house and then to Haines City where he was dropped off. Kirkwood stated they split the money up between them , which totaled $900.00. Kirkwood stated he ate good all day and when he was told to come home by his mother due to law enforcement at his house he threw the money away on the roadway. Kirkwood stated he wanted to tell the truth since his mother saw the photos of him at the robbery.
Both suspects were arrested and charged with Armed Robbery and remain in the Polk County Jail under no bond.
Winter Haven, Florida- The Polk County Sheriffs Office is currently investigating an aggravated assault which occurred on Friday night.
Here are excerpts from the PCSO arrest affidavit: “On 09/27/2018 the victim, Gregory Bailey, asked the suspect, Ronald White, if he could come to Whites residence and play pool. White agreed and Bailey arrived with beer and a Red Bull. White advised that he is a “two beer commando” he drinks one and spills the second. White advised that he had five beers this night and played multiple games of pool with Bailey. White advised that the two began to gamble on the pool games and White was winning. White advised that Bailey began insulting him and calling him a “pxxxx” and stating, “I don’t know how you were a Marine being a candy ass pxxxx”. White advised that Bailey was standing next to him and repeatedly making these statements and others that were insulting. White advised that he pushed the butt of the pool stick he was holding into the “solarplexes” of Bailey and pushed him backwards. White advised that Bailey then completed a combination of punches and slaps totaling 14 strikes to his face and head. White was examined and a small cut was observed on the inner top lip. this was the only sign of injury observed and it was photographed. White advised that he “Had enough” and claimed, “I am a hell of a boxer”. White advised that he then punched Bailey with a closed fist five times and put him on the ground where he then “Put the boot to him”. White advised that he kicked him in the back and head. White advised that he was bleeding and not able to get up and leave on his own so he called the reportee, Travis Morton, (Baileys roommate) to come get him. White advised that he only struck Bailey with the pool stick on the one encounter. White advised that his roommate witnessed the entire event and could support his story.
Detective Richards made contact with witness Ronald Abraham and asked if he could tell me what he witnessed. Abraham told me that he saw Bailey on the ground and that they were arguing. When Detective Richards started the recorded interview Abraham advised that he saw Bailey hitting White and Detective Richards asked for clarification as it contradicted what was just advised. Abraham became nervous and advised that he heard the two yelling and arguing and when he came out to see what was going on he saw Bailey on the ground bleeding profusely. Abraham did not witness anything further.
When Morton saw the extent of Baileys injuries he took Bailey to the hospital immediately.
White signed a consent to search for his residence where large amounts of blood trace was observed on the kitchen table, floor, and pool table were observed. The scene was photographed and White advised that after the incident he spent 45 minutes cleaning all of the blood up. ”
The Polk County Sheriffs Office contacted the attending physician at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center advised that Bailey has several broken ribs and injuries to his head. Bailey is currently unconscious and intubated. It was advised that there is bruising that is consistent with strikes from a pool stick on Baileys person.
According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office it was determined through statements obtained and evidence observed that White knowingly and intentionally caused great bodily harm to Bailey by repeatedly kicking “putting the boot to him” while he was on the ground. Evidence shows signs of injuries caused by sever strikes from an object such as a pool stick on Baileys person. White did admit to striking Bailey once with a pool stick during the altercation. White was advised that he was under arrest for aggravated battery and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.
Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release
At approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday, 2 unknown Black Suspects entered the Citgo Express at 4850 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven, produced handguns and robbed the casher of an undisclosed amount of the money from the cash register. The suspects then fled the area on foot.
No one was injured in the robbery.
The Polk County Sheriffs Office is currently investigating.
Chat And Chew Kicks Off New Season For 2018/19
by James Coulter
In 1982, Ruth Heidrich was diagnosed with breast cancer. For most other women back then, such a diagnosis would have been a death sentence.
For her, however, not only has she survived and lived to be the golden age of 83 years old, but she has accomplished so much within her active life since then.
To date, she has won five Iron Man competitions, won more than 900 gold medals and trophies in the U.S. Senior Olympics, run 67 marathons all over the world, and has been named one of the ten most fittest women in North America.
The success she has gained within her active and healthy lifestyle she attributes to her plant-based vegan diet, which she started after her breast cancer diagnosis.
She was inspired to take up such a diet upon visiting with Dr. John A. McDougall, the world-famous physician and plant-based lifestyle advocate.
“He explained the program to her, and in two hours she became a vegan,” explained Vikki Deedrick, member of Chat and Chew, a local health advocacy group.
Heidrich will be sharing her testimony and advocating for a vegan plant-based lifestyle at Chat and Chew during its first meeting of the new season on Fri., Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m.
She had been eating and living her plant-based lifestyle for the past 36 years, and she claims it has allowed her to live and remain active for as long as she has.
She has written countless books upon the subject. One thing that she always stresses is that anyone can get started with such a lifestyle during any point in their life, no matter how young or old they are.
“It’s never too late to start,” Deedrick said. “Doesn’t matter how old you are. It is never too late to start. So I think she is inspirational.”
Chat and Chew is a health advocacy group in Winter Haven that promotes a plant-based lifestyle by providing access to educational material and resources.
Throughout the year, they host public events to educate the community on healthy eating and living through cooking classes, grocery store tours, and teleconferencing chats with healthcare and nutrition specialists.
The group started in 2011, and their membership has grown significantly since then, not only within the county, but also across the world through social media.
They have since started a satellite group in Lake Ashton, and have extended their outreach to Lakeland in several locations.
Most of this success has been due to heightened interest in healthy living and eating within recent years.
While many older people such as those within Chat and Chew are making health-promoting diet and lifestyle choices a priority, young people are becoming more health conscious than previous generations, according to surveys as reported by the Huffington Post.
“What we are seeing is an increased interest in Polk County in terms of health and diet,” explained Cathy Thornhill, leader of Chat and Chew. “They are interested in their own health and not feeling the way they want to feel, and they are remembering what their grandmother or mother may have told them: that you are supposed to eat your vegetables and put more plants on your plate.”
With more and more people dedicated to improving their overall health, groups such as Chat and Chew serve as places where like-minded individuals can come together to show their support and share their own success, and they hope to continue doing so in the future.
“It has gotten to it now where people have all these success stories, and they are telling what is happening to them, and continuing to learn more new information or relearn old things we may have forgotten in our childhood with what food we should be eating,” she said. “That has been our success.”
Here are more upcoming events for this year’s season of Chat n Chew:
Polytech Garden Tour (Fri., Nov. 2, 2018, 9am – 1pm): A 2.5 mile tour of the student research gardens at Florida Polytech in Lakeland, followed by a lunch of quinoa and sweet potato salad.
Sharing Spuds at Senior Center (Tue, Nov. 13, 2018, 5 – 6:30pm): Enjoy a potato bar buffet with all the low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar fixings along with a fruit dessert.
Cooking Class (Tues., Dec. 12, 2018, 10:30am – 1pm): Learn to make plant-based holiday treats and meals at the Publix Apron Cooking School in Lakeland.
Skype with Doug Lisle, PHD (Fri. Jan. 18, 2019, 11:30am – 1:30 pm): Learn about making better decisions for your diet with the author of “The Pleasure Trap” at the Winter Haven Library.
Skype with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (Fri., Feb. 22, 2019 11:30am to 1:30pm): Learn how a plant-based diet can help reverse diseases such as heart disease from the author of “Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” at the Winter Haven Library.
Tasting Tour (Tue., Mar. 5, 2019, 2 – 3pm): Take a tour of the Cypress Gardens Plaza Publix in Winter Haven and taste various plant based treats offered by a local registered dietitian.
Skype with Dr. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai (Fri., Mar. 22, 2019, 11:30am – 1pm): Learn how Alzheimer’s can be prevent and treated through a plant based diet from the co-directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at the Winter Haven Library.
Skype with Adam Sud (Fri. Apr. 12, 2019, 11:30am – 1:30pm): Learn how one man lost 100 pounds in 10 months and recovered from type 2 diabetes and other inflictions after changing his diet at the Winter Haven Library.
Skype with Tim Kaufman (Thur. May 2, 2019, 5-6:30pm): Learn how one man lost 200 pounds and controlled his blood sugar and other health problems by switching to a plant-based diet at the Winter Haven Library.
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