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Lake Wales Police Arrest 4 Men During Sting Operation

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Lake Wales Police Arrest 4 Men During Sting Operation

Lake Wales Police Arrest 4 Men During Sting Operation

On Friday June 8, 2018 Lake Wales Police executed a search warrant at 223 E Street, Lake Wales. Members of the Lake Wales Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit began investigating this residence after getting information that illegal gambling was going on there. It was also learned that illegal narcotics were being sold at this residence.

During the undercover operation that followed, marijuana was purchased at the residence from the resident, Terry Lee Christian, age 37. Detectives obtained a search warrant which was served Friday evening. Upon entering the residence, Detectives found several subjects in the process of playing cards gambling at a table. Several other subjects were also located inside the home.

During a search of the residence prescription medication that did not belong to Christian was found. He was taken into custody for keeping a gambling house, keeping a house for drug purposes and possession of prescription medication without a prescription. He was found in possession of $871 cash.

Dewayne Henry, age 35 of 125 E Northside Drive, Lake Wales was found gambling at the table when Detectives entered. He was also found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of marijuana packaged in three separate baggies and $281 cash. He was charged with gambling, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Dewayne’s criminal history is extensive and includes multiple counts of possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, multiple counts of sale of marijuana within 1000 feet of a housing complex, multiple counts of sale of Schedule I drugs, fleeing to elude, multiple counts of burglary, multiple counts of grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle and multiple counts of resisting an officer without violence.

Jeremy Bonds, age 24 of 504 S 4th Street, Lake Wales was also found at the table gambling when Detectives entered. He was found in possession of $649 in cash. He was taken into custody for gambling.

Andrew Bonds, age 26 of 637 Jackson Avenue, Lake Wales was found gambling at the table with Henry and Bonds. He was found in possession of $361 cash. He was also taken in custody for gambling.  Andrew’s criminal history includes traffic offenses, open container and domestic battery.

All four subjects were transported to the Lake Wales Police Department and then to the Polk County jail.

If you have any other information about this residence or the subjects involved please contact Officer Mike Jones at 863-678-4223. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Success Story: How Anytime Fitness Helped a Woman Overcome Type 2 Diabetes

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Success Story: How Anytime Fitness Helped a Woman Overcome Type 2 Diabetes

Success Story: How Anytime Fitness Helped a Woman Overcome Type 2 Diabetes

By Allison Williams

We hear it all the time that diet and exercise are important steps to staying healthy. Beth Koon, a resident of Polk County learned this the hard way three years ago when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015. This is the most common form of diabetes.

People who have Type 2 diabetes are not able to regulate insulin in the body properly. The body tries to fix this on its own by making extra insulin, but as time passes, this becomes problematic. The body will not be able to produce enough insulin on its own; therefore blood glucose levels get out of sync.

Diabetes is very serious and can cause many complications if not treated properly or at all. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, which is nerve damage. Other complications include high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and Gastroparesis, among many more.

To read more about Type 2 diabetes, click here.

Brian Dyke, Regional Team Leader at Anytime Fitness, shared an alarming fact that almost 10% of the United States population has diabetes. He added that on top of this percentage, there are going to be more people who are either unaware that they are diabetic or may be in a pre-diabetic stage.

Shortly after Koon received her diagnosis, she walked through the doors of Anytime Fitness. She knew that if she did not make a lifestyle change, her life could be shortened significantly due to the complications that come with diabetes.

The diagnosis scared Koon. She decided to make the change right away to better her life and become healthier.

Dyke remembers the day Koon walked through the doors and shared her story. “Probably for the first time, I’ve actually had someone come in and take it head on, ready to do something about it,” Dyke said. “Most people kind of take it nonchalantly because they can take medications. She knows the repercussions and consequences of having that. She went and tackled it head on. She is very consistent. The only time she isn’t in here is if she is swamped with work, board meetings or on a cruise.”

Koon added, “I’m the only person I know who loses weight on cruises. The program doesn’t stop just because you are on vacation. There are gyms on every cruise ship, you can make your food choices and take the stairs.”

Koon is a PI project manager for Bay Care Health Systems and also does a lot of volunteer work for the community. “I made Brian that promise when I joined, that I’d be here every day when I didn’t have a board meeting, work or some type of community fundraiser,” Koon said.

“I’ve had a battle with weight all my life,” Koon added. “This was the first gym that I belonged to where I felt welcomed. Brian made me feel welcomed. Everyone here cheers everyone else on. You have various ages, backgrounds and fitness levels. I’ve seen some people make tremendous changes in here.”

Nearly three years later, she is still keeping that promise she made. “I started off with a Hemoglobin A1c of 7.5. A couple months ago it was down to 6.1. I’ve gone from full diabetes to pre-diabetes. If I continue in the downward trend, my doctor is going to take me off of diabetes medication. Diet and exercise is what makes it most manageable.”

She thanks Anytime Fitness and its employees for her success. She admires their creativity when it comes to creating individualized workouts and feels that the personal training they offer is really catered to each person as an individual. Everyone is on his/her own exercise path and Anytime Fitness acknowledges this.

Dyke credits a lot of this creativity and diverse workout options to his experience in the fitness world. “I’ve been in the industry for a while. You research new exercises and you know what challenges people can complete.”

Koon has optimistic plans for her future. Her goal is to totally become diabetes free by continuing to make smart exercise and diet choices. This motivates her.

“I hate the process but love the results,” Koon said. “Only you can make that decision to change your life. You can do this. It’s in your hands.”

Dyke added, “You have to be willing to take control of your own life and be willing to do it. Sometimes people get too wrapped up in results in the mirror and on the scale, and they ignore the health benefits. Preventing diabetes or getting off the medication has to come first before appearance. You want to be healthy and live a long life, and longevity comes from taking care of your health and exercise and eating properly.”

“The number on the scale is not as important to me as those other numbers: blood glucose, other lab levels, etc.,” Koon said. “Honestly, this is the way to get well if I can continue the way that I’m going with the numbers that count in my world.”

Dyke encourages anyone with health and fitness goals to stop by the gym. At Anytime Fitness, staff members make it their goal to provide a supportive community. No one is alone.

Anytime Fitness:

710 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone:

863-280-6954

Website:

https://www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/3278/Winter-Haven-FL-33880/

How to Prepare for This Year’s Hurricane Season

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How to Prepare for This Year’s Hurricane Season

How to Prepare for This Year’s Hurricane Season

By Allison Williams

With hurricane season just beginning, businesses and residents of Florida are finding ways to become better prepared for this year’s hurricane season.

Hurricane season officially started June 1, 2018 and will continue over the next several months. August and September are the peak hurricane months.

It is important to know the differences between depressions, storms and hurricanes:

The lower level storm is referred to as a tropical depression. In this type of storm, winds do not reach above 38 miles per hour. Once the winds are between 39-73 mph, the storm level upgrades to a tropical storm. Hurricanes produce the strongest winds of 74 mph and above.

Disaster Kit

One of the easiest ways to prepare for hurricane season is by putting together a disaster kit. This kit should include essential supplies that will help you and your family through the storm and help prepare you for the aftermath of the storm. These kits will come in handy if you choose to stay at your home during a hurricane OR if you hit the road, especially if there is a mandatory evacuation. It is smart to have these supplies with you wherever you go.

  • Water
  • Food that is nonperishable
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlights
  • Sanitary items
  • Battery operated radio to keep track of the storm after losing power
  • Important documents (passport, ID, birth certificate, medical information, proof of address, etc.)
    • Be sure to keep these in a waterproof bag or container.
  • Matches/lighter
  • Cooler/ice packs
  • Manual can opener
  • Additional batteries
  • Any medication for people you are with
  • Cash
    • Many people don’t think of this, but if you do not have power, ATMs, banks, etc. will likely be unhelpful.

Joe Garrison, owner of Garrison Land Management Inc., Garrison Property Services, LLC and an Assistant Chief of the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department shared his personal tips on hurricane prep.

“Prepare early, and staying prepared throughout the year is always good,” Garrison said. “Don’t wait until the last minute.”

Sandbags are also beneficial to have ready before a hurricane hits.

“It’s a lot of work filling sandbags and not really knowing if you need them or not, but certainly if you have sandbags standing by in your garage ready to go you will avoid the rush,” Garrison said. “This year at my office I bought a bunch of sand and advertised it on Facebook because I saw on Facebook that everyone was asking for sand, so I just opened up a place at my office where people could get sand right there on 27.”

Other important things to help you prepare include having a full tank of gas before a hurricane is scheduled to hit and keep spare clothes in that vehicle, especially rain gear. Also, charge any devices such as phones, iPad’s and tablets before losing power.

It is also smart to let friends and family know where you are going to be staying for the duration of the storm. This is important in case you lose contact with your loved ones.

Where to Go as a Hurricane Approaches

Sometimes hurricanes are so dangerous, they require a mandatory evacuation of an area. If this is the case, always follow directions and board up your home, securing it as best as possible, pack your hurricane kit and hit the road.

If you choose to stay home and weather a hurricane, no matter what category it may be, you should always take precaution. Designate a room in your house as a bunker room. This room should be as far away from windows in the house as possible.

Other Ways to Protect Your Home

Secure all outdoor furniture. Furniture could be dangerous to your home and surroundings if the winds become strong enough. Bring all chairs, tables, umbrellas and trash bins indoors. For larger items or items that cannot be secured indoors such as propane tanks, be sure to find a way to anchor these objects down outside. Turn off propane tanks before the storm if possible.

If you own a property with a lot of surrounding trees, trimming and/or removing threatening trees could potentially prevent tree damage to your home.

Generators

An extremely important thing to note: Generators should ONLY be used outdoors, as they emit carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous if it filters through your home. Generators should be kept in a dry location, away from windows. Garrison suggests keeping generators at least 25-30 feet away from your home if at all possible.

Also, keeping them secure and dry will help reduce the risk of electrocution.

Always wait for the generator to cool before adding fuel. This will reduce the risk of fire if fuel gets on the engine.

Carbon monoxide can be very dangerous. It cannot be spotted or smelled, so it is important to keep the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in your home to a minimum. This is why a generator should always be used outdoors, never in an enclosed area.

If you think you have come in contact with carbon monoxide while using a generator and start feeling sick or dizzy, find fresh air immediately.

One way to detect carbon monoxide is by installing CO alarms in your home. This will help detect leaks early on. See the American Red Cross website for more generator information and safety:

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage/safe-generator-use#What-size-generator-will-I-need-

Aftermath

To be better prepared for the aftermath of a hurricane and losing power, consider the following:

  • Keep your fridge and freezer on the coldest setting and keep opening the doors to a minimum. This will help keep any perishables cold for longer.
    • If you suspect anything from the fridge or freezer is spoiled, do not risk it. Throw it out.
  • Do NOT cross flooded roadways or bridges.
  • Stay clear of fallen or loose power lines.
  • Avoid tap water in case of contamination.

The local fire departments do their part to help after the storm. They go out and assess areas, searching for anyone they may be of assistance to along the way.

“After the storm has passed or even through the eye of the storm, there are going to be power lines down and it is going to be dangerous out there, so you don’t want people walking around the neighborhood,” Garrison said. “Buildings and structures are not stable.”

The best thing to do is leave it to the fire department, and do a quick, personal assessment of your home and stay safe.

*Information provided by the American Red Cross, State of Florida website and Ready.gov.

Leadership Lake Wales Graduates Class 22

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Leadership Lake Wales Graduates Class 22

Leadership Lake Wales Graduates Class 22

by James Coulter

Fourteen participants graduated as part of the 22nd Class of the Leadership Lake Wales Program on Thursday.

The graduation ceremony was hosted at The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern, where participants received their diplomas and mingled with family, friends, alumni, and their fellow graduates.

Founded in 1996, Leadership Lake Wales is a program hosted by Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Council to help instill leadership skills and a sense of community among local business owners and residents.

Through their program, Leadership Lake Wales helps better acquaint its participants with their community through tours and field trips to many local businesses and industries.

Jolee Martin of MultiAxis Manufacturing, as the class coordinator for this year’s program, recalled the many highlights of their program that year, which included visits to the fire department and police station, as well as other businesses.

For her and the other participants, it allowed them a fresh glimpse of a community where many of them had lived there their whole lives.

“I can’t tell you how many comments took place from people who have lived here their whole life and did not realize the things that are in in their backyards,” Martin said.

Through their tours of the community, not only did they discover places they’ve never been to before, but also witnessed how the community takes care of their own through such services as the Lake Wales Care Center and Victory Ridge Academy.

“Lake Wales is one of the most giving towns I have ever lived in,” she said. “How many towns can show the community how well they take care of people?”

Most impressive of all was how this year’s class was able to form a camaraderie among each other to help accomplish their goals, a quality that Martin expects to take them far within the future.

“One of the biggest things…in business and in life, is your willingness to listen and communicate, and what that means…as a community,” she said. “I have a feeling that those relationships will grow well beyond Leadership Lakes Wales.”

Jim Weaver, International Chairman for the Breakfast Rotary Club, served as the guest speaker that evening, as he offered words of wisdom about being a good leader.

Weaver spoke from experience as a respected leader within the Rotary Club, as his humanitarian trips to Honduras has garnered him many recognitions, including Rotary District Service Award and The Humanitarian of the Year.

Along with sharing several memorable quotes from respected figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Amelia Earhart, he shared a story about how the local rotary managed to accomplish a major feat by planting 51 live oaks along the shores of Lake Wailes Park.

“A leader is someone who sees something that needs to be changed and has other people to help get it done,” he said.

The graduates for this year’s program were as follows:

David Barker, Florida’s Natural Growers

Megan Cook, Citizen’s Bank and Trust

Gregory Hall, Lake Wales Medical Center

Jennifer Hutson, Lake Wales Medical Center

Sara Jones, Green & Gold Foundation

Brian Kistner, Lake Wales Care Center

Shelby Loveless, James M. Weaver, PA

Andy Oguntola, Polk State College

Andrea Thies, Warner University

Elizabeth Tyler, Babson Park Elementary School

Chris Velasquez, Lake Wales Police Department

Brian Vogel, Legacy Real Estate Center

Steven Whitaker, Victory Ridge Academy

Ivory Wilson, Green & Gold Foundation

WOUND CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS; EXPANDED CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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WOUND CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS; EXPANDED CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 WOUND CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS; EXPANDED CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered recently to celebrate the hospital’s Wound Healing Center receiving both the Center of Distinction Award and the Center of Excellence Award from Healogics.

“This is our fifth year winning the Center of Excellence Award, and our sixth year winning the Center of Distinction award, and we are very proud of that accomplishment,” said Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Program Director at the Wound Healing Center. “We have won these awards consecutively every year that we’ve been  eligible since we opened in December 2010.”

Hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer praised the center’s success rate in healing difficult wounds.

“Our Wound Healing Center has consistently provided excellent patient care since it opened, and as a result, has gotten so busy that we are building an expanded facility for it, scheduled to open late this year,” Brewer said.

The new facility is being built at the corner of Hwy. 60 and 11th Street in Lake Wales. “We are excited to be expanding our Wound Healing Center because we know the positive impact it has on the lives of so many patients each year.”

The Center of Distinction award recognizes outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal.

The Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award recognizes the Wound Healing Center meeting benchmarks including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days, among other quality standards for a minimum of two consecutive years.  The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The expanded facility will add a third hyperbaric chamber, with the option of expanding to four when needed.

The center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers.

 

— end –

Photo Info: Lake Wales Medical Center staff and physicians celebrated recently the hospital’s Wound Healing Center, which received two prestigious awards, the Center of Distinction and the Center of Excellence awards from Healogics. Both awards are given to outstanding wound treatment centers for meeting and exceeding benchmarks in healing rates and patient satisfaction. Pictured are, Front row, from left: Amanda Williams RN; Monte Holm, certified hyperbaric technician; Irena Neal, office coordinator; Dr. Fred Howard; Estela Bass, office coordinator;  Dr. James Nelson, Medical Director; Lindsay Kula CMA; Dr. Sajid Ismail; Lisa Foster, Area Vice President for Healogics; Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Director of the Wound Center; Dr. Prerna Mall; and Porscha Haak, RN.

 

 

UPDATE on Fatal Crash from Last Night on Rifle Range Rd and 1st Street West in Wahneta

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UPDATE on Fatal Crash from Last Night on Rifle Range Rd and 1st Street West in Wahneta

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a two-vehicle crash last evening that resulted in one fatality. Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2018, PCSO and PCFR responded to Rifle Range Road at 1st Street West in the Wahneta area of Winter Haven. They found an adult male in his 60s who lives in Wahneta partially ejected from his 2001 Ford Explorer, and deceased. He was the only occupant of the SUV. The Explorer was turning left from eastbound 1st Street West onto northbound Rifle Range Road when it entered into the path of a 2014 Nissan Altima that was heading northbound on Rifle Range Road. When the vehicles collided, the Explorer spun and flipped onto its side, partially ejecting the victim.

The driver of the Nissan, 31-year-old Susan Smith of Winter Haven, was wearing her seatbelt and was not seriously injured. She was taken to Winter Haven Hospital where she was treated and released.

Rifle Range Road was closed in both directions for several hours during the investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to locate next of kin for the deceased.

Winter Haven Man Wanted for 1st Degree Murder by PCSO

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Winter Haven Man Wanted for 1st Degree Murder by PCSO

UPDATE:

Last night, PCSO detectives arrested first degree murder suspect 36-year-old James “Spooky” Williams in the Carefree Cove neighborhood after a Crime Stoppers tip led detectives to his location. He was taken into custody without incident. He was arrested on his warrant for one count first degree murder, one count attempted first degree murder, and one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in the murder of 23-year-old Nasir Sutton and shooting of 38-year-old Bennie Joiner, on Sunday, June 10, 2018. A handgun was also recovered during the arrest.

PCSO Release:

Winter Haven Murder suspect being sought by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have obtained an arrest warrant for the man who shot and killed 23-year-old Nasir Sutton and critically injured 38-year-old Bennie Joyner, Sunday, June 10, 2018 at around 6:22 p.m. The arrest warrant is for 36-year-old James Steven “Spooky” Williams, who lived (on and off) with the victims.

Deputies responded to a reported shooting at 1098 Carefree Cove Drive, Winter Haven Sunday evening, June 10th. There they discovered Sutton, deceased with at least one apparent gunshot wound. Joyner suffered at least one gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Detectives have determined that a known suspect 36-year-old James Steven “Spooky” Williams arrived at the address, an argument occurred, and the Williams fired gun shots killing Mr. Sutton and injuring Mr. Joyner & then left the area.

If anyone knows where James Steven “Spooky” Williams is, please call 863-298-6200 or, if you’d like to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a CASH REWARD of up to $3,000, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!

The investigation is ongoing.

One Person Killed & One Critically Injured In Winter Haven Shooting Last Night

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Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a homicide and shooting investigation in the Carefree Cove area of unincorporated Winter Haven. Deputies were called at 6:22 p.m. this evening, Sunday, June 10, 2018 to a reported shooting at 1098 Carefree Cove Drive, Winter Haven. There they discovered 23-year-old Nasir D. Sutton of 1098 Carefree Cove Drive, Winter Haven, deceased with at least one apparent gunshot wound. Another man from the same residence, 38-year-old Bennie Joiner, suffered at least one gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospitalhe was in critical condition as of 9:30 p.m. Detectives have determined that a known suspect arrived at the address, an argument occurred, and the suspect fired gun shots killing Mr. Sutton and injuring Mr. Joiner & then left the area. The investigation is ongoing.

Lakeland Man Found Shot To Death In Alleyway

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Lakeland Man Found Shot To Death In Alleyway

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, Fl (June 9, 2018) – On June 8, 2018 at approximately 1:52 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to 519 West Magnolia Street in reference to an unresponsive male with an injury to his head located in the alleyway. A citizen had located the victim in the alleyway. The subject was transported to Lakeland Regional Health and was subsequently declared deceased at 2:33 a.m.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to investigate the incident and interviewed the witness as well as canvass the neighborhood. Later in the day, the Medical Examiner determined that the victim had been shot. He has been identified as, Mack Holloman Jr, 38 years old, 508 East Memorial Boulevard, Apartment#123, Lakeland.

There are no other details at this time.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Lakeland Police Department at 834-6900. If you’d like to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a CASH REWARD, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is guaranteed!

Media inquiries should be directed to 863.583.2357.

Viral Video Goes Live Moments After Man Shot In Auburndale.

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Viral Video Goes Live Moments After Man Shot In Auburndale.

Auburndale, Florida – An Auburndale man was shot on Friday and a live Facebook video caught the aftermath.

According to Scott Wilder, Public Information Officer with the PCSO, the shooting took place around at 12:30pm on Friday in the area of Henry St.

The victim (person shot) is Jim Bob Beardon a resident of Auburndale. He was listed in stable condition at a local hospital.

According to Wilder the investigation is ongoing as to exactly what took place. An arrest appears to be imminent, said Wilder.

The video which show Beardon went live moments after he was shot. He was seen laying on the ground bleeding from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Here is a link to the graphic video: Link

The video was taken by Anthony Martin, Jr. The video is rather graphic and unedited.

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