PIRTLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER TEAM FOR THE PROJECT, IS SOLICITING BIDS FROM QUALIFIED SUBCONTRACTORS AND VENDORS FOR THE CITY OF HAINES CITY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, LOCATED ON PARK PLACE BLVD, DAVENPORT, FL 33837. THE PROJECT IS THE OF CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND FIRE STATION 2-STORY BUILDING OF APPROXIMATELY 26,000 TOTAL SF. TRADES INCLUDE TILT UP CONCRETE, STRUCTURAL STEEL & MISC METALS, MILLWORK & CABINETS, METAL WALL PANELS, METAL ROOFING, CAULKING & SEALANTS, METAL DOORS & FRAMES, OVERHEAD DOORS, WINDOWS GLAZING & STOREFRONT, FRAMING, DRYWALL & PLASTER, CERAMIC & QUARRY TILE, ACOUSTIC CEILINGS, RESILIENT FLOORING & CARPET, PAINTING, RESINOUS EPOXY FLOORING, SPECIALTIES, SIGNAGE, OPERABLE PARTITIONS, ALUMINUM WALKWAY COVERS, FIRE SUPPRESSION, PLUMBING, HVAC, ELECTRICAL, EARTHWORK & PAVING, FENCE & GATES, AND LANDSCAPING. THE PROJECTED START OF THE PROJECT IS SEPTEMBER 2024. A NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING/SITE VISIT AT THE PROJECT SITE WILL BE SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE. TOPICS OF THE MEETING INCLUDE SPECIFIC SCOPE DISCUSSIONS, PROJECT SCHEDULE AND ANY OTHER BIDDING REQUIREMENTS. BIDS ARE REQUIRED VIA EMAIL BY JULY 30, 2024, AT 5:00 PM. BID CONTACT: SCOTT LARSON, [email protected] 954-343-5945
On June 4, 2024, a deputy with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address here in Osceola County to take a report from a teenager who alleged she had been the victim of sexual abuse nearly 4 years ago.
The victim reported that the person who had abused her was Mr. Giancarlo Gonzalez-Nieves. She reported that this abuse started when she was roughly 8 years old and continued until she was roughly 12 years old. At the time of this abuse, the alleged abuser, Mr. Gonzalez-Nieves, was over the age of 18.
The deputies taking this report began working with detectives with the Special Victim’s Unit at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout the detective’s investigation they were able to obtain multiple admissions from Mr. Gonzalez-Nieves that confirmed the allegations of abuse from the victim. This abuse occurred at a residential home on Pleasant Hill Rd. in Kissimmee Florida.
A warrant for the arrest of Mr. Gonzalez-Nieves was submitted and executed on June 27, 2024. Mr. Gonzalez-Nieves is now under arrest for the crime of Sexual Battery (suspect over 18 and a victim under 12). This charge is a capital offense in the State of Florida.
If there are any other victims or witnesses aware of any information regarding Mr. Gonzalez-Nieves, please come forward and help us seek justice by calling the number below.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. Anyone with information related to this case or any other similar incidents, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
“On June 19, 2024, Taiwan Blandin was convicted of First Degree Murder, Attempted Sexual Battery, Robbery, Arson, Animal Cruelty and other charges for his October 1, 2019 crime rampage that left an 80 year old Frostproof woman dead in her home.
Following the crime spree, a nationwide man hunt ensued, with Blandin finally being apprehended two weeks later in Atlanta.
Taiwan Blandin will be sentenced on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 8:30a.m. by Senior Circuit Judge Dennis Maloney.
State Attorney Brian Haas thanks the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra for their hard work and dedication in bringing Taiwan Blandin to justice.”
Previous News
The man who detectives said went on a crime spree in October – murdering a woman and raping another woman – was extradited to Polk County after he was arrested in Atlanta nearly three months ago.
Convicted Murderer Taiwan Blandin
Polk County detectives said 30-year-old Taiwan Blandin of Frostproof was booked into the county jail Saturday.
Sheriff Grady Judd said his crime spree began on the morning of October 1 when he broke into the first victim’s home in Fort Meade. The victim said she woke up to find Blandin standing naked. He allegedly said he was going to rape her, but she resisted, detective said at the time.
That’s when Blandin allegedly pulled a knife, held it to her throat, and raped her. The victim said Blandin grabbed two handguns and two shotguns from her home, bound her wrists and ankles, wrapped her in a blanket, put her in the backseat of her own car.
Detectives said she told them they drove toward Frostproof, turning down dirt roads. They finally stopped at a dirt path where she said Blandin got out of the vehicle and opened a gate. They drove through to a mobile home. She said Blandin got out, knocked on the door, and spoke an elderly woman, and went inside the mobile home with her.
The victim said she had been trying to remove the bindings from her arms and legs and, when Blandin went inside the mobile home, she broke free, got in the front seat, and took off, detectives said. The victim told deputies Blandin had taken her cell phone, so she drove back to her home and asked a neighbor to use the phone to call for help.
Soon after, the victim said Blandin sped up driving a red Chevy Cruze and opened fire. An 81-year-old neighbor of the first victim was shot in the foot.
When detectives spoke to the two victims, the first victim realized she knew Blandin. She told them Blandin and her ex-boyfriend once attended school together.
Once investigators figured out where Blandin had taken the victim and whose car he was driving, they rushed to the mobile home where the first victim escaped. When they arrived, there was smoke coming from the home.
Inside, they found the body of Clara ‘Peggy’ Margaret Schiering, 80.
Neighbors and family say Schiering was active and was still working as a substitute teacher for the Polk County School Board.
This year is proving to be one of the most contentious, heated elections of all time. Fortunately, one local Marine Veteran has experience navigating heated battlefields. And she wants to use her 20 years of experience to help Florida Republicans navigate the upcoming battlefield of the 2024 Presidential Election.
Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper is currently campaigning to become the Polk County State Committeewoman for the Florida Republican Party. As a Marine Veteran, she served her Country in the military for more than 20 years on Active Duty and in the Reserves. Now, she wants to continue her service through Politics, specifically by helping Political Candidates get Elected on All Levels of Government.
“My proudest accomplishments was serving my Country,” she said. “I am in Politics because I want to continue my service to my Country.”
As a Female Servicewoman who enlisted in the U.S. Marines in the 1970s, Gates-Skipper helped pave the way for Women like herself to serve within that branch of the military. She was the First Woman in the Marines to perform Joint Service Exercises with men and women, the First to serve aboard a Warship, and the First to serve in Combat Operations in Desert Storm.
Since her military service, Gates-Skipper has had a fruitful career as a civilian. She currently owns and operates Kat & Son Airport Transportation Service and a Cattle Ranch. Her most notable accomplishments include being Inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, receiving the Inaugural Florida Woman’s “Edna Giles Fuller” Award, becoming the First Woman Commandant of the local Marine Corps League, and serving as the Florida Federation of Republican Women Armed Services Chair.
Perhaps her most humbling accomplishment was working for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. She served as the Florida Veterans State Director and National Surrogate for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and on the Trump Advisory Board for the National Veterans/Military Families in 2024.
As a proud Republican, her political beliefs and actions are grounded in Biblical truths and the U.S. Constitution, and she firmly believes that many of society’s ills can be alleviated by returning to these fundamental guiding principles.
She aspires to do just that through her position as Florida Republican State Committeewoman if elected, vowing to place Conservative Candidates into office on All Levels of Government. Her years serving in government, business, and the military have provided her the experience and wherewithal to accomplish such a task head-on.
“I have a proven track record of Success, from serving in the United States Marine Corps, which I am obviously very proud of, raising my Family, starting and running a Small Business, raising Cattle, and serving on various Leaderships Boards,” she said. “I have demonstrated for more 30 years that I can effectively Lead, overcome Challenges, and achieve meaningful results.”
Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper recently joined us on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss her political campaign and her military experience. Listen to the full interview on the latest podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-38-kathryn-kat-gates-skipper-updates-on-past-guests
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a deputy sheriff who showed up for duty on Saturday morning, June 22, 2024, and exhibited signs of being intoxicated.
27-year old Joseph Everett was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI) Alcohol. Everett has worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for two years.
“Anytime someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, it shows a lack of good judgement. If you lack the proper judgement when it comes to drinking and driving, you have no business working in law enforcement. We hold our deputies to a higher standard than the community, and he failed to meet that standard.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
According to the arrest affidavit, D/S Everett’s supervisor noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Everett’s breath and suspected he was under the influence of alcohol.
Everett admitted that he consumed about three coffee mugs of whiskey Friday night. A Standardized Field Sobriety Test was administered to Everett and he exhibited numerous signs of obvious impairment. Joseph was cooperative during the investigation and he resigned upon his arrest.
LAA 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at FSC / Melvin Gallery
Since the Lakeland Arts Association’s (formerly the Lakeland Art Guild) Fine Arts Exhibition inception in 1972, the LAA has sponsored an annual exhibition at Florida Southern College Melvin Gallery. The affiliation of the LAA with FSC for the annual exhibition goes back to 1972. Under the LAG leadership of Chryssie Taverides, John Streetman, director of the Polk Museum of Art, initiated the annual LAG Fine Art Exhibition. As a professionally juried and judged exhibition, monetary awards were established, and a Peoples’ Choice Award was initiated. While the monetary awards were selected by the judge, the public voted on their personal Best of Show – an award that sometimes meant more to the artists than the cash awards!
By 1975 the LAG needed a new venue for their annual juried exhibitions. Floyd Bombard, then LAG president, agreed that Mary Lou Hartweg would discuss the possibility of holding it at FSC Melvin Gallery with Dr. Donna Stoddard, chair of the college’s art department. The Lakeland Art Guild was awarded a March date on a probationary status for three years. If the shows were successful, the LAG Fine Art Exhibition would become part of the FSC Festival of Fine Arts. Upon Dr. Stoddard’s retirement, the LAG held the annual March exhibition under the auspices of Downing Barnitz. Upon his retirement, newly named chair, Dr. Hiames Rogers moved the date from March to three weeks in May.
The LAA 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at FSC Melvin Gallery is coming up with an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony July 19, 6:00 – 8:00pm. The exhibition will hang through August 5. Artists will compete for an award package of $3000.00. This year’s juror and judge is Dr. Alex Rich, director of the Polk Museum of Art. Dr. Rich will present the awards at the opening ceremony with remarks about the winning selections.
The history of the Lakeland Arts Association goes back to the 1950’s. The trio of founders included Mary Carter, Winnie Shelheimer and Murray Goldsborough who brought the guild to life in 1952, naming their organization the Lakeland Art Guild. In 1956 the guild was incorporated, a logo created, and the Lakeland Art Guild became official. The Lakeland Art Guild enjoys a rich history spanning their days at Tigertown at Joker Marchant stadium to today. In 2022 the Lakeland Art Guild changed their name to the Lakeland Arts Association with a new logo that projects a diverse community of creatives. The Lakeland Arts Association is one of Polk County’s oldest and most prestigious arts organizations.
Local Polk County Teen Hayleigh Rodgers Ranks 134th out of 585 at 2024 NBHA State Championships
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by James Coulter
The bad news is that Hayleigh Rodgers, a 14-year-old high school student from Frostproof High School, was only five spots away from reaching the finals at the 2024 NBHA State Final in Kissimmee, Fl last weekend.
The good news was that she was able to provide rodeo-riding experience to two of her horses, including 18-year-old mare Reba and a 5-year-old gelding Snoopy.
Her five-year-old horse proved skittish at first, what with this being his first competition. His first-round competition had him complete a 26-second run. From there, both Hayleigh and him took it slow the rest of the competition that week.
“It was his first time,” she said. “He was really confused about it all. He didn’t know what going on. He was really stressed out. He took off with me in the warmup area. However, I did get back on him and I took him back in there.”
As for her 18-year-old mare, they experienced their fastest time riding in that arena, which lasted approximately 15.3 seconds. Having attended that rodeo for the past five years, she was able to ride her fastest time ever that past week, Hayleigh said.
“My past week was really stressful, but it was also really fun at the same time,” she said. “I really have to put my trust into my horses and trust that they will take care of me and that helps them trust me to take care of them.”
Rodgers has been horseback riding since she was six years old. Recently, she was named the 3D Youth World Champion last years. Her awards included a championship belt buckle, two finalist buckles, a customized leather jacket, a new saddle, and $2,500 in cash.
Having ridden for nearly a decade, Rodgers has learned that the secret to riding horses is to remain calm. She and her father talk with each other before her runs, helping her to calm down before the competition.
“He stands there the whole time before I run to talk and it helps me to relax and that helps the horses relax,” she said. “I loved hanging out with the horses, friends and family. Having fun out there is really all that matters, just having fun and making memories.”
Hopefully, by their next competition, her five-year-old horse will have worked up the strength and courage to run better in the arena. Rodgers hopes to train him well before then.
“I want to put in more work with my five-year-old to help him get ready for next year so he will be ready for state and world finals. And [also] moving up in my career to benefit myself and my horses,” she said.
A viral post released on Facebook, purportedly from an employee, shows Lakeland Hooters abruptly and permanently closed. If this post is true, unfortunately no press release or statement, it wouldn’t be the first time a Hooters closed abruptly with no warning to employees or the community. According to an article in the Arcadiana Advocate a similar situation happened at a Louisiana location in January. Abruptly closed with no warmth at all to employees.
According to multiple comments by purported employees the company had a meeting and advised all employees this morning and everyone including management was let go. Here is an excerpt of a letter, reportedly by the company, to employees:
“6/23/2024
Dear Hooters of Lakeland Team Members,
Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores including the Hooters of Lakeland located at 3437 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803, effective today, June 23, 2024. We deeply regret that we were not able to give you notice. Please trust that we did everything we could to avoid closing this location and the decision was not made lightly. We appreciate your hard work of and dedication and support of the Hooters Brand”
Letter shared on Facebook
Here are some comments by purported employees:
The DailyRidge has reached out to Hooters Of America LLC. for comment, but as of this article no response has been received.
This is a developing story and we will update as more information is released.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Founder of DuckDuckJeep Movement, Allison Parliament, Passes Away
June 22, 2024 – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Allison Parliament, the visionary founder of the DuckDuckJeep movement, on June 22, 2024. Allison’s kindness, creativity, and passion have left an indelible mark on the Jeep community and beyond.
In the summer of 2020, amidst the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Allison Parliament started the DuckDuckJeep movement. What began as a simple act of kindness, leaving rubber ducks on Jeeps to spread joy and positivity, quickly became an international phenomenon. Jeep owners and enthusiasts embraced the movement, which became a symbol of unity, camaraderie, and unexpected happiness in trying times.
Allison’s inspiration for DuckDuckJeep came from her desire to uplift others. She believed that small gestures could make a significant impact, and she proved this through her unwavering commitment to spreading smiles one duck at a time. Her movement brought together a diverse community, fostering new friendships and creating a shared sense of belonging among Jeep enthusiasts worldwide.
Allison was the heart and soul of DuckDuckJeep and a beloved member of her local community. She was known for her generosity, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to making the world a better place. Her legacy is one of kindness and connection, reminding us of the power of simple acts of kindness.
In honor of Allison’s memory, the DuckDuckJeep community plans to continue her mission of spreading joy. Tributes and messages of condolences have been pouring in from all corners of the globe, reflecting her profound impact on so many lives.
Allison Parliament is survived by her family and countless friends who will cherish her memory and continue to be inspired by her remarkable spirit. We ask you to keep Allison’s spirit alive with a Duck-a-thon Sunday and support the #ducksforallison.
About DuckDuckJeep DuckDuckJeep is a global movement founded in 2020 by Allison Parliament. It encourages Jeep owners to leave rubber ducks on other Jeeps as a gesture of kindness, fostering a sense of community and spreading positivity. What began as a simple act has become a worldwide phenomenon, bringing smiles to countless faces and uniting Jeep enthusiasts everywhere.
The City Commission is planning for the reinstatement of a Municipal Pool and Aquatics Program, and they want to hear from Bartow residents!
When the City last operated a municipal pool, it was located at the Civic Center on S. Floral Ave. Constructed in 1967, that pool has been closed for several years due to operational issues.
The Commission is considering two locations for a new Pool / Aquatics Program. In addition, the City is looking at other amenities that will enhance our community as part of the Parks & Recreation spending plan.
More information about the options, as well as a link to the survey is available here: Pool / Aquatics Program In addition, paper copies of the information and survey can be accessed at all City facilities including the Civic Center, Polk Street Community Center, Carver Recreation Center, City Hall, the Bartow Public Library and the Golf Course.
Please take a moment to learn more about the potential for an Aquatics Program and complete the survey to ensure your voice is heard.
Aquatics Program Options
City Of Bartow Aquatics Program Proposals
The City of Bartow City Commission is planning for the reinstatement of a Municipal Pool and Aquatics Program. When the City last operated a municipal pool, it was located at the Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave. Constructed in 1967, that pool has been closed for several years due to operational issues. Locker room facilities, including changing booths, restroom facilities and showers still are available at this facility.
The goals for a pool and aquatics program include:
Teach children within our community to swim with year-round learn-to-swim programs
Provide families with a water entertainment amenity
Establish an aquatics program for all ages to include activities like water aerobics and wellness programs
Offer a training option for local swimmers
The City Commission is considering the two location options for an Aquatics Program. In addition, the City is looking at other amenities that will enhance our community as part of the Parks & Recreation Spending plan.
The Aquatics Program Options are as follows:
OPTION 1:
The establishment of an Aquatics Center at the Oaks Building, 455 N. Wilson Ave. (the site of a City Recreation Center built in the 1930s – now vacant). This proposed concept aims to revitalize this locally significant site into a state-of-the-art community hub for recreation and wellness by creating a new aquatics facility. The proposed Aquatics Center would honor the site’s multifaceted history, from its New Deal origins to its educational and civic roles. Admission fees would be required.
This concept would include:
Exercise, activity & recreation pool with six 25-yard exercise lanes
Children’s pool with play structure and zero depth pool entry
Replacement of the current pool at the Bartow Civic Center. This proposed concept aims to remove the existing pool and replace it with the Aquatic Center Design. This design does not include concessions. The existing locker rooms/restrooms would be utilized. Admission fees would be required.
The design would include:
Six 25-yard exercise lanes
Zero-depth pool entry
Children’s pool with play structure
“Splash Pad” interactive water feature
Shaded event pavilion
Pump & filter equipment
With this concept, there would be no Outdoor Rental Venue or Recreation Lawn constructed.
Estimated costs:
Construction – $3.93 million
Personnel – $406,835
Operational – $61,000
Maintenance and Repair – $25,000
Total Operating Expenses – $492,835*
* Does not include potential revenue
ADDITONAL AMENITIES:
SPLASH PADS
The City is considering future construction of 2000 to 2,500 square foot Splash Pads within the City of Bartow. This type of facility allows the City to incorporate a water feature at lower operational costs. Admission would be free.
Possible locations for the splash pads would be the following:
Carver Recreation Center, 520 S. Herbert Dixon Blvd.
Polk Street Community Center, 1255 W. Polk St.
Mary Holland Park, 2015 Shumate Dr.
Estimated cost (each):
Construction – $1.5 million
Personnel – $52,310 (based at $15/hr)
Operational – $10,000
Maintenance – $10,000
Total Operating Expenses – $72,310
OUTDOOR VENUE AND RECREATION LAWN
Either as a stand alone project or in addition to Option 1, the existing (inoperable) Bartow Civic Center pool area would be filled in and an Outdoor Rental Venue along with a Recreation Lawn with concrete games, sitting areas and other amenities would be created.
Estimated Cost:
Construction (including filling in existing pool) – $3.1 million
Personnel – $52,310
Operational – $8,000
Maintenance – $5,000
Total Operating Expenses – $65,310
SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT
Survey
The Mayor and City Commission, along with the City Manager and other City leadership want to hear from Bartow citizens regarding these options and the other choices that will need to be made when establishing a new Aquatics Program for Bartow.
In addition, paper copies are being distributed and collected at all City facilities, including the Public Library, Carver Recreation Center, the Civics Center, Polk Street Community Center, the Golf Course and City Hall. Please see a City staff member at any facility if you require assistance with the survey.
Responses must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, July 19.Public Meeting
Want to know more? Make plans to attend a public meeting being held on Tuesday, July 9, from 6 – 8pm in the Commission Chambers at Bartow City Hall, 450 N. Wilson Ave.
