HAINES CITY, FL. – At approximately 3:24 p.m. yesterday, the Haines City Police Department responded to a significant traffic accident involving multiple vehicles at the intersection of Highway 17-92 and Highway 27. The incident, caused by erratic driving, led to the closure of the westbound lanes and required a coordinated response from both police and fire services.
The driver, operating a 2022 Ram truck eastbound on Highway 17-92, lost control of his vehicle, crossed the median into oncoming traffic, and caused a chain-reaction collision. The vehicle first struck a 2011 Toyota, then collided with a 2016 Chevy pickup truck towing a trailer. The truck sideswiped a 2022 Dodge Stratus before flipping over and coming to a stop on its roof, blocking all westbound lanes. Debris from the crash also damaged a 2003 Ford.
The Haines City Fire Department’s Engine 2 and Battalion Chief 1 arrived on the scene, finding two vehicles with significant damage. Contrary to initial reports, the driver was not entrapped in his truck but sustained injuries and was transported to a local trauma center. Another driver involved in the accident was treated for minor injuries and transported to a local hospital by Polk County Fire Rescue.
“Today’s incident underscores the dangers of reckless driving,” said Police Chief Greg Goreck. “Our officers responded rapidly to ensure the safety of all involved and to reopen the road as quickly as possible. We remind all drivers to stay vigilant when driving as you never know when an incident like this may occur.”
Fire Chief Drew Neubrand highlighted the prompt response and coordination of the crews on scene. “Our firefighters worked seamlessly with Polk County Fire Rescue and Haines City Police Department to manage the chaotic scene and provide immediate medical attention to those involved. The efficiency and professionalism displayed today ensured that the situation was handled swiftly and safely,” said Neubrand.
The driver of the 2022 Ram Truck has been cited for careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road. Three out of the five vehicles involved were towed from the scene due to severe damage.
The Haines City Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
He started as a drug dealer. Then as a king pin. Now Tyrone is back in his newest hit comedy as a trap lord. Join Tyrone as he engages in wacky shenanigans in his new movie Tyrone Da Trap Lord, a production of Beanie Baby Films, premiering this July 4 on YouTube.
Ever since he watched the blacksploitation classic Dolamite with his parents, Eddie Bower dreamed of filming and directing his own movies. This local filmmaker has since achieved his dreams, with his latest movie being the third in his Tyrone comedy series.
“My main message is that the streets ain’t no good for nobody,” Bower said. “You ain’t got to be a drug dealer to have money. You ain’t got to be in the streets to be popular or cool. You ain’t got to be gang-banging to be somebody who can stand on your own. I just wanted people to take from this movie that it is always good to transition to something better in life other than being in the streets.”
As a young man watching Dolamite, what impressed Bower the most about the film was how its director filmed it on the cheap. If someone like D’Urville Martin can direct such a cult classic without much money, then surely someone like him can do likewise. And that’s how his production company, Beanie Baby Films, came to be.
“That inspired me to go out and film my own movie, even if it was just with my iPhone,” Bower said. “What inspired me to make the movies that I make is the people, the fans who watch it, when they watch them and give me the feedback, whether it is good or bad. I like just to know that they are watching me and that inspires me.”
Other directors who have served as main inspirations for this aspiring local filmmaker have been Don Singleton, Ice Cube, and Tyler Perry. His latest movie had Bower traveling from Atlanta to several other filming locations in Florida like Gainesville and Miami. So far, this film has been his favorite to direct in the Tyrone series, even if others didn’t share his enthusiasm.
“It took me six months to make this movie,” he said. “I had people mistreating me and stuff. But it fueled me. It made me go harder so I can prove to those people that I can do it. And I did it.”
Bower has many more ideas for future Tyrone comedy films, though he also has aspirations for making serious movies as well. Only time will tell what the future holds for this ambitious filmmaker, but his ambitions remain as big as he can dream them.
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Tyrone the Trap Lord premieres Thurs. July 4 on Eddie Bower’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@beaniebabyfilms1369
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the addition of Meghan Petty to our team as a Public Information Officer. She brings a wealth of digital communications experience and a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Polk County with integrity, compassion, accountability, and professionalism.
Meghan joins us with three years of experience in social media and marketing management. She has a proven track record of effective communication using data to transform social media and marketing strategies. Meghan holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Florida International University. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and is actively learning both French and Portuguese.
“I am excited about Meghan joining our Polk County Sheriff’s Office family. I look forward to her positive contributions to engage and keep our citizens informed about Polk County’s quality of life, our historically low crime rate, and ways we can all work together to promote and protect public safety.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
“I am honored to be joining the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and look forward to working for such a meaningful and mission-centered public safety organization,” said Meghan. “Together, we will continue to build on the agency’s strong commitment to keeping the public informed about vital public safety information and delivering the highest possible level of customer service.”
PCSO deputies arrested 34-year-old Douglas Morse of Polk County after a routine traffic stop in Winter Haven. Around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024, a deputy sheriff on patrol witnessed a man driving a red Jeep in the area of Recker Hwy and Avenue G NW, repeatedly honking its horn. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and spoke with Morse, who was driving the Jeep. Morse said he honks his horn because it “makes him drive faster.”
After the deputy wrote Morse a citation for the violation, Morse became upset and verbally abusive. He then dialed 911. When the deputy asked him to hang up, he refused, saying he did not agree with the citation. He also refused to step out of his vehicle when directed to. When the deputy took control of Morse’s arm to escort him out of the Jeep, Morse pulled away and continued to resist.
Mr. Morse was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail for misuse of 911 and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors. Staff at the Florida Department of Corrections were notified of the arrest.
“We expect more professional behavior from those who work in the public service industry. And dialing 911 because you are upset that you received a traffic citation is not only ridiculous, it ties up an emergency line and resources that are designated for those who have true emergencies.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
I’ll confess: As much as I like Star Wars, I’ve never really been a huge fan. I love the original movies and prequel films, but mostly as popcorn flicks. I’ve never been deeply invested in the lore to the point of becoming a walking encyclopedia—or rather, Wookiepedia.
That’s especially been true of Star Wars since Disney’s acquisition. I consider the sequel film trilogy to be one exceptional masterpiece sandwiched between two mediocre movies. And as for the Disney Plus streaming shows? Aside from The Mandalorian, most of them haven’t captured my interest, being middling at best and meh at worst.
(I’ve heard Andor is great, but I could never make it past the first few episodes. So, I’ll take everyone’s word that it’s the GOAT.)
But then something like The Acolyte comes along: a highly-promising show with a highly-promising premise that carries with it the potential of setting itself apart from the current sludge of mass-produced Disney/Star Wars content—if for no other reason than it’s an original show that doesn’t try to connect itself to the larger Star Wars narrative.
So, will The Acolyte succeed in fulfilling this potential and bringing balance to the Force? Or will its potential end up being burned away more severely than Anakin after Obi-Wan defeats him on Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith?
The Acolyte takes place during the High Republic Era, nearly 100 years before the events of the prequel films. A former Jedi named Osha is framed for the murder of several high-ranking Jedi. Now, she must team up with her former Jedi master to clear her name and solve these crimes.
Through their investigation, she learns the culprit is her long-lost twin sister, Mae, who was presumed dead following an incident on their home planet. She also learns that these murders are connected to that same fateful incident, implying that what happened long ago may have been a cover-up for much shadier intentions. Will Osha solve this mystery and uncover the truth about the past?
As I mentioned, The Acolyte has the potential to become a great show, if for no other reason than that it’s an original story. Most of the other Star Wars streaming shows set themselves during the main movies. As such, they usually devolve into mere fan service by trying to tie themselves into the larger Star Wars narrative and through cameo appearances of fan-favorite characters.
By being set during the High Republic Era, not only can The Acolyte explore and develop a time period rarely explored in Star Wars media (outside of the Knights of the Old Republic video games), but it also forces the story to succeed or fail on its own merits. There will be no Uncanny Valley appearances of young Luke Skywalker or obscure characters from children’s shows to fall upon for cheap fan service. The Acolyte can only prove itself through good storytelling and character development.
So far, four out of eight episodes have been released on Disney Plus, and (despite the incessant whining of terminally online toxic fanboys) The Acolyte is showing some real promise. The
entire story is an unfolding mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing until the very end. (No spoilers, but the fourth and newest episode does reveal one character to potentially be a red herring and another to be the real mastermind behind the scenes.)
The premise itself is sheer gold. The main characters are a set of twins: one raised on the light side of the Force, and the other (presumably) on the dark side. As such, they serve as a unique foil for one another and make for a much more compelling “force dyad” than what was offered in the sequel film trilogy. (Also, this series has a Jedi Wookie. How is that not cool?)
Moreover, The Acolyte explores themes and concepts often overlooked in the Star Wars universe. For example, witches who use magic rather than the Force have long been established in the franchise but rarely explored. This show manages to expand upon their presence and belief system, revealing themselves to be a small religious faction with a contentious history with the Jedi.
Speaking of the Jedi, the show also fleshes them out as an institution. For most of Star Wars, the Jedi were presumed to be the only (if not most dominant) religious belief system in the Star Wars universe. By introducing another religion (and a rival one at that), the show makes some implications about the Jedi and their rise to power.
Many fans have complained this show has “ruined” Star Wars by implying that the Jedi may not have always had noble intentions (you know, like most other religious institutions). But, if anything, the show is only continuing to add depth and dimension to the Jedi that George Lucas started exploring in the prequels. After all, this was a group of “warriors for truth and justice” who were more preoccupied with grooming a prophesized “chosen one” that they unwittingly assisted a dictator’s rise to power that led to the downfall of them and the republic.
Overall, only time will tell if The Acolyte’s unfolding mystery will pay off by the series finale. But so far, this is proving to be one of the more interesting Star Wars streaming series to debut on Disney Plus in a long time—for me at least. Don’t listen to the toxic fanboys! Give this show a watch and decide for yourself.
When most people think of lawyers, they think of one of the highest-paying jobs second only to doctors. However, when Blair Allen started her career as a lawyer 17 years ago, she did not do it for the money. She did it to advocate for people who needed the most support. She did it for her clients.
“I did not become a lawyer for prestige and wealth,” she said. “I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless in our system, to advocate for our clients who all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Even with the most challenging of clients, those clients who may be dealing with mental illness or drugs or trauma, I remind myself that this is someone else’s child, that this person’s life has meaning.”
Born and raised in Polk County, Blair Allen began her career path after her high school graduation from Lakeland Senior High School in Lakeland. She went to college in Virginia at Washington & Lee University before attending and then graduating law school in St. Petersburg from Stetson College of Law.
Her career officially started in 2006 at the State Attorney’s Office in Bartow. She worked there as a prosecutor for a year before transitioning to the Public Defender’s Office in 2007. For the past 16+ years, she has served in nearly every division of the office, allowing her to learn every aspect of public defense, and thus making her the most qualified to run for Public Defender.
“It gives me a unique perspective, knowing the challenges we face and difficulties we face and knowing how to do the job and do it well,” she said.
Over the years, her mentors and those who knew her best encouraged Allen to consider running for Public Defender in the future. They saw her level of dedication to the job, to the clients, and to the justice system.
“It was not a decision that I made quickly or lightly,” Allen said. “I knew how hard the campaign would be on our family…I prayed about it, and when the decision was made to do this, I felt a moment of clarity, of peace, and of confirmation that I was meant to be the next Public Defender. Because I believe in our community and a bright future for it. I believe in public service, and the best way to serve our community is for me to serve as the elected Public Defender.”
Allen begins with her three ideals that have served as the modus operandi through her career. The first of these ideals, ideally enough, is idealism. Allen firmly believes that every client deserves a fair defense. She is an idealist believer in the justice system. She became an attorney with the Public Defender’s Office to ensure that all of the clients’ rights are protected—that they are protected—which is a fundamental right that our Constitution is based on and that our adversarial justice system depends on.
Her second ideal is fairness. Through her life and career, she has carried with her the idea of fundamental fairness, challenging the adage that “life isn’t fair” by striving to make it fair – for everyone. As such, everyone deserves a fair and speedy trial, as guaranteed by the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
“There’s a misconception that public defenders do not like rules, but we do, we just expect those rules to be applied fairly and equally to everyone,” Allen said. “To the prosecutors, to law enforcement, to our clients, regardless of whether that client is poor or a person of color or a person struggling with mental illness. We believe that the justice system must be fair to everyone because that is what it is fair.”
Her third and final motivating ideal is service. Being able to serve her community by defending the vulnerable and giving a voice to the voiceless through her clients has motivated her to wake up every morning and go to work for the past 16 years. And she only expects to continue her commitment to service through her position as the elected Public Defender.
“My career has been a commitment to service,” she said. “I have spent countless hours with clients in trial, spending nights and weekends meeting with clients at the jails, or staying up to research and prepare a client’s defense. I have spent time away from family. I It is often a thankless job. But I am committed to being a public servant who is compassionate, resilient, and unwavering in the belief that everyone deserves an advocate in life, and sometimes we are the first real advocate that individual has. Putting others before our self is the very essence of a public defender. That is who I am.”
As the elected Public Defender, she expects to tackle one of the biggest problems facing criminal justice, which is retention of staff while facing increased caseloads. Currently, the annual turnover for public defenders throughout the state of Florida is about 28 percent, which is huge.
“So, it is really challenging to figure out creative ways to retain our experienced defenders and staff,” she said. “But I am optimistic that we will be able to figure out ways to keep those quality people on a long-term basis because that is what our system needs.”
Overall, with her motivating values of idealism, fairness, and service, Blair Allen has high expectations in becoming the first female elected Public Defender for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.
“I believe in what we do as public defenders: defending our clients, serving as a check on any government overreach, and challenging the system so that the rules are equally applied to everyone, regardless of who that person is,” she said. “I believe in our clients – their plights, their trauma, and even their mistakes. I believe in their humanity. I believe in being a public servant, placing others’ needs before my own, giving back to the community that raised me so that I can be a positive change-maker in it. And most of all, I believe that I am the best candidate for Public Defender. I am by no means perfect or infallible, but what defines a leader is the ability to make hard decisions and to lives with the consequences of those decisions. And to lead by example, with integrity, with high expectations, and with the optimism that together, we can make a difference.”
BARTOW, Fla. (July 1, 2024) — Thanks to an increase in rain, Polk County is repealing the active burn ban today, July 1. The Polk County Fire Chief declared a burn ban throughout Polk County on May 28, due to dangerous fire conditions throughout the county.
Less than 10 percent of Polk County is averaging over 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) and the average KBDI across Polk County is 312. The KBDI index is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which is no danger and rises to 800, which is extreme danger.
Polk County could reinstate a burn ban if conditions get dry once again.
The repeal means residents in all unincorporated Polk and municipalities who participated in the burn ban can now burn yard debris, campfires, bonfires and construction debris.
Fire officials warn residents celebrating Independence Day to be mindful and use caution when using fireworks, ensuring they are a safe distance from structures and people.
HAINES CITY, FL. – Yesterday morning, the Haines City Police Department (HCPD) responded to a fatal shooting near La Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant. The victim, a 29-year-old female, succumbed to her injuries despite emergency medical efforts. A suspect believed to have been involved has been arrested.
At approximately 10:55 AM, HCPD received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the parking lot near the restaurant. Multiple calls followed, confirming that someone had been shot. The victim also called 911, describing the suspect as the father of her children; estranged boyfriend of at least 7 years, Rolando Guevara Zarate.
Units arrived on the scene at 10:58 AM and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, a burgundy Ford Mustang, prompting HCPD to issue a BOLO to surrounding agencies while they began providing first aid to the victim.
At 11:18 AM, a Winter Haven Police Department K-9 officer spotted a vehicle matching the description coming into their jurisdiction. With assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Aviation Unit, the vehicle was stopped, but the suspect fled on foot. He was promptly apprehended by Winter Haven police officers. The suspect’s vehicle was seized for evidence, and a rifle was observed inside, for which a search warrant is being obtained.
Despite the swift emergency response from both Haines City Police Department, Haines City Fire Department, and hospital staff, the victim was pronounced deceased at approximately 12:03 PM.
“This is a tragic and needless loss of life! Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Greg Goreck. “I commend the coordinated efforts of our officers and the cooperation with the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the swift apprehension of a suspect we believe to have carried out these heinous acts.”
Detectives are processing multiple scenes, continuing to interview the suspect, and notifying the victim’s family members. Zarate has confessed to the crime, stating that he was concerned the victim was going to take their children from him. He also confessed to disposing of the firearm he used, while driving away from the scene. A weapon matching this description has since been recovered.
Zarate also has a past allegation of domestic battery with the victim along with; possession of cocaine, DUI, possession of methamphetamine, violation of injunction, battery, aggravated battery, and several misdemeanor traffic charges.
Rolando Guevara Zarate is being charged with the following offenses:
First Degree Murder (Florida Statute 782.04)
Aggravated Stalking (Florida Statute 784.048(3))
Violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence (Florida Statute 741.31)
Discharging firearm in public (Florida Statute 790.15)
Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (Florida Statute 918.13)
Unlawful use of a two-way communications device (Florida Statute 934.215)
As part of our investigation, we will be examining the interactions between the suspect and the victim leading up to this fatal incident; to include any calls for service received by this agency, or other agencies. The Haines City Police Department will conduct a comprehensive review of these interactions to ensure that all protocols were followed.
The investigation remains ongoing. If you or anyone you know has information about this investigation, contact the Haines City Police Department at (863) 421-3636. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at (888) 400-8477.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a vehicle versus pedestrian crash that occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in the eastbound lanes of State Road 60 at Turner Roadin unincorporated Mulberry.
The driver of a gold Ford Taurus, 59-year-old Tressa Brantley of Winter Haven, was heading east on SR 60 when the pedestrian, 39-year-old Maximino Amiltempa of Mulberry, entered into the path of the car as he was attempting to cross 60. Brantley was unable to avoid striking Amiltempa, and he suffered significant injuries. He was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he was declared deceased. Brantley and her passenger were not injured.
Brantley was evaluated and showed no signs of impairment, and neither excessive speed nor distracted driving appear to be factors. It was dark at the time of the crash and there is no crosswalk in the area. The eastbound lanes of SR 60 were closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal pedestrian involved crash that is shutting down all eastbound lanes of SR 60 between Willow Oak Rd and Pine Grove Rd until further notice. The initial call came in at approximately 10:08pm and multiple units from the Polk County Fire Rescue including an ambulance and fire truck.
The driver who struck the pedestrian stayed at the scene to assist the pedestrian.
