The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a two vehicle crash north of Polk City late Saturday night, December 14, 2024.
Units were dispatched at around 11:53pm, to 18870 North Commonwealth Avenue (State Road 33), about two miles south of the Polk County-Lake County border.
Upon arrival of first responders, a 49-year old Lakeland man was found deceased inside the 2021 Toyota Corolla LE that he had been driving.
The other driver, a 34-year old Orlando man, was found with serious injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured wrist. He was removed from a 2021 Mazda CX9, and transported to a local hospital.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Mazda had been traveling north on Commonwealth Avenue when it crossed the center line for an as yet undetermined reason, and struck the southbound Toyota nearly head-on.
Criminal charges are possible, but pending the outcome of this ongoing investigation.
The roadway was closed for approximately four hours.
Experience the Joy of the 2024 Bartow Magical Illumination Christmas Parade
The beloved Bartow Magical Illumination Christmas Parade is set to light up the streets of downtown Bartow, Florida, bringing festive cheer to residents and visitors alike. Scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, this highly anticipated event promises a night of holiday magic, community spirit, and dazzling displays.
The parade, has become a treasured tradition in Bartow. Beginning at 6:00 PM, it will feature dozens of brightly illuminated floats, Bartow marching band, and performers decked out in holiday splendor.
Spectators can line up along the parade route to enjoy the spectacle, with festivities kicking off from Broadway Avenue and winding through the heart of downtown. Local businesses and vendors will be offering seasonal treats, crafts, and gifts, making it a perfect opportunity to shop local and support the community.
The evening will also feature a special appearance from Santa Claus, who will close out the parade in his signature sleigh, spreading holiday cheer to kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re a Bartow local or visiting for the holidays, the Magical Illumination Christmas Parade is a must-attend event. Bring your family, bundle up in holiday attire, and prepare to be swept away by the festive spirit of Bartow’s most magical night of the year!
Bartow Water Treatment Manager, Tony Martinez, Gives Suggestive Reasoning for The Removal of Fluoride
On December 2, 2024, Tony Martinez, Bartow Water Treatment Manager, presented the Bartow City commission with an informative outlook and suggestive reasoning for the removal of Fluoride in the City’s Drinking Water.
In 2002 the Bartow City commission voted and effectively began preparing for the addition of Fluoride in the City’s drinking water. In October of that year, the request for ninety thousand dollars was presented and received for the city’s water fluoridation project. On January 12, 2004 the City of Bartow began adding Fluoride to the City’s Drinking Water and has continued the usage of this chemical still to this day.
Martinez states that while using this chemical, versus the other seven chemicals they use in Bartow’s water treatment such as lime and bleach etc., to ensure safety to the individual handling the fluoride they must wear full face mask, chemical apron, chemical resistant gloves that comes up to their shoulders. “It feels like a lit cigarette being put out on your skin” says Martinez, if the Fluoride comes into contact with your skin. Martinez who has 36 years of experience between the City of Winter Haven & the City of Bartow is not in favor of it.
Seventy-seven percent of Florida’s community water systems have incorporated Fluoride in some form as an additive to their drinking water supply. Since 2010 the United States has had more than 150 cities and counties discontinue the usage of Fluoride in their drinking water systems.
Auburndale, Lakeland, Lake Alfred, Haines City, and Bartow, have all been using the addition of Fluoride to their drinking water supply. The City of Winter Haven recently voted 3/2 to stop the addition of Fluoride to their city’s drinking water. Several opinions were represented by the city’s commission board. Autoimmune health concerns and cellular health issues in animals; and overall personal health concerns coming from topical applications of this chemical through the water which includes showers and washing your face or hands.
The commission also pointed out that the ADA has approved the use and has encouraged the addition of Fluoride in drinking water systems due the potential dental health benefits. This is a particular benefit according to the commission for lower income and established homes and families who may not be able to afford or appropriate the means to receive the proper dental care.
They have decided to announce a later date to discuss this topic further in the form of a workshop sometime in the beginning of next year during the month of January.
Here is the entire meeting so you may here first hand what commissioners had to say:
Richard Johnson Jr. Jay to many, Shakey to a few, passed suddenly December 6, 2024 in Bartow, FL
Jay was the strongest of men. He fought a great fight but eventually succumbing to years of illness and dialysis and heart break, his wife Kelly preceding him in death. Through his 45 years he always tried to be strong, loving and kind to all. He was always the jokester at a party or family event.
He is survived by his parents Louise and Richard Sr., sister Jenifer (Johnson) Parker, brother-in-law Randy, son Montrell and Jaay, daughter DJana, nephew Bryce, niece Sarae, and numerous cousins and friends.
We are SOOOO overwhelmed by the tributes that have come in for him and appreciate and love all of you.
Services will be held at Williams Funeral Home-Bartow, FL Saturday December 14, 2024. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 760 5th Avenue South, Bartow, FL 33830
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 32-year-old Robert Cruceta-Pimentel today, December 11, 2024, for the following charges: felony murder (2nd Degree), conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, maintaining a vehicle for drug use/sales, tampering with physical evidence (x2), providing false information to a law enforcement officer during an investigation, and unlawful use of two-way communication device.
The charges stem from a December 2023 botched robbery that resulted in the self-defense shooting of 33-year-old Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz (Cruz) of Davenport at the Tropicana Resort Motel near I-4 and US 27. Cruz died as a result of the shooting. Cruceta conspired with Cruz to stage a robbery during a marijuana transaction in his, Cruceta’s, vehicle. When Cruz threatened the victim in the car with Cruceta, the victim shot and killed Cruz in self-defense.
Cruceta was originally arrested on the above charges on December 20, 2023. He was held in the Polk County Jail on no bond until he was released on December 8, 2024 after the State Attorney’s Office dismissed (temporarily) the charges against Cruceta.
The Sheriff’s Office was able to quickly locate a key witness after the case was temporarily dropped, allowing the State Attorney’s Office to re-file all the charges against Mr. Cruceta.
Subsequent to Mr. Cruceta’s release from the Polk County Jail on December 8, 2024, Mr. Cruceta’s lawyer, Mr. Ralph R. Maiolino III, Esq. of the law firm Smith & Eulo PLLC, released a snarky and braggadocios statement / news release about his client that included false and exaggerated claims to the West Orlando News, which they posted on December 9, 2024.
“I would like to thank lawyer Ralph R. Maiolino of the law firm Smith & Eulo PLLC for brining to my attention that the murder charge against his client, Mr. Cruceta, had been temporarily dropped. This allowed us to quickly locate a needed witness, which enabled the State Attorney’s Office to re-file murder and other charges against his client. I thank the State Attorney’s Office professional team for their persistent and hard work in this case.” — Grady Judd, Sheriff
PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASE:
Date: Wed Dec 20, 2023 From: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating overnight shooting death in Davenport
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the shooting death of 33-year-old Harold Omar Sepulveda-Cruz (Cruz) of Davenport that occurred in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel located at 43420 Hwy 27, Davenport, Florida just before midnight on Tuesday, December 19th.
Deputies were called to the scene by 44-year-old Christian MacDonald of Davenport, who admitted to shooting and killing Cruz. He told deputies the shooting was in self-defense. MacDonald told deputies that Cruz entered into the back seat of the car that MacDonald and, 31-year-old Robert Rafael Pementel-Cruceta Jr.(Cruceta), were sitting in. MacDonald said Cruz immediately began demanding money and drugs from both of them while threatening to kill them if they did not comply.
MacDonald told deputies that Cruz’s demands continued to get more aggressive. MacDonald told deputies he retrieved a firearm from his jacket pocket, and fired several rounds toward the back seat and the suspect. Cruz was struck in the upper torso. He was deceased when deputies arrived at the scene.
Upon further investigation by deputies, based on interviews and evidence recovered, it became clear that the shooting was a result of an illegal drug transaction that was taking place inside the car and a planned robbery between Cruz and Cruceta.
Earlier in the evening, MacDonald communicated by phone with Cruceta about buying a marijuana from Cruceta. They agreed to meet in the parking lot of the Tropicana Resort Motel to conduct the drug transaction. MacDonald was the buyer, and Cruceta was the drug dealer/seller.
On the way to the drug transaction, Cruceta picked up his friend, Cruz. Cruceta told deputies that Cruz told him he wanted to get some quick cash and that he wanted to “hit a lick,” meaning commit a robbery. Cruceta dropped him off near the hotel and then met MacDonald. MacDonald drove to the location, parked, walked over to Cruceta’s car (2017 white Kia) and got inside the front passenger side. Shortly thereafter, Cruz entered into the back passenger seat of the Kia and attempted to commit a robbery using a makeshift simulated firearm, hitting MacDonald in the back several times. He was then shot and killed by MacDonald.
After the shooting, Cruceta is seen on motel surveillance video rummaging in the back seat of the Kia, collecting evidence, taking it, and throwing it over a high fence into a brushy area. Detectives later recovered Cruz’s identification, keys, and cellphone on the other side of the fence.
Based on interviews and evidence collected in the investigation, deputies arrested, 31-year-old Robert Rafael Cruceta-Pimentel on the following charges:
– Felony Murder (2nd Degree) – conspiracy to commit robbery – possession of cannabis with intent to sell – possession of heroin – possession of drug paraphernalia – possession of a controlled substance without a prescription – Maintaining a vehicle for drug use / sales – Tampering with physical evidence (x2) – Provide false information to LEO during investigation – unlawful use of two-way communication device
As the iconic Grinch story goes: perhaps Christmas doesn’t come from a store; perhaps Christmas means a little bit more.
Christmas is more than ribbons, more than tags, much more than packages, boxes, or bags. And Christmas is much more than simply presents.
Actually, in fact, Christmas is about gifts–because it all started with a gift of love. And that reason is why Believer’s Fellowship Church of Lakeland hosts its annual Christmas festival.
This weekend, the Lakeland church will be providing holiday arts and crafts, hot cocoa, smores, hay rides, and free food during its annual holiday event. And highlighting the evening will be the main event: a live nativity depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.
Believer’s Fellowship Church of Lakeland was founded in 1978 by Pastors Wayne and Matti Friedt. Their son, Jon, assumed the role of pastor in 2018, when he started their annual Christmas Festival and Live Nativity.
“That’s what I want people to get while they are here,” he said. “I want them to get that gift. I want them to realize that God loves them so much that he sent Jesus. And it’s not just a baby born in a manager. Every person is born with a purpose, including Jesus.”
The Christmas Festival and Live Nativity will be hosted this Fri. Dec 13 and Sat. Dec. 14 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The church is located at 5240 N Socrum Loop Rd in Lakeland, FL. For more information, visit their website at: believersfellowship.com
Pastor Jon Friedt recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his church’s upcoming holiday event. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-50-make-it-magical-at-the-nativity-wronni-wood-pastor-jon
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Bartow Police Department in the investigation into the murder and attempted murder of a man and woman who were both shot by their son inside the city limits of Bartow. On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Susan Voigt, age 58, reported that her son, Joseph Voigt, had shot both she and her husband, 63-year-old Marvin Voigt.
When Bartow Police Officers arrived, Marvin Voigt was found with apparent gunshot wounds and was lying deceased in the driveway. Susan Voigt was located inside the residence with a serious gunshot wound. Mrs. Voigt told officers that Joseph Voigt, their son, had shot them both, and fled the scene. The Bartow Fire Department and EMS arrived on scene and pronounced Marvin Voigt deceased, and performed life saving measures on Susan Voigt, who was transported to the hospital. She is currently in critical condition, but stable. The Bartow Police Department asked PCSO for assistance in this investigation.
A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) notice was issued for the vehicle Joseph Voigt was driving, to all law enforcement agencies in Polk County and surrounding counties. At approximately 2:00 a.m., Voigt’s vehicle was spotted in Orlando on International Drive. The Orlando Police Department conducted a felony traffic stop on Voigt’s vehicle, and took him into custody. He is currently in the Orange County Jail, awaiting transport to the Polk County Jail.
PCSO deputies spoke to Voigt and he admitted to shooting both his father and mother. He said his father was upset with him about spending the majority of his time playing video games and “riding his ass” about making something of himself and getting a job.
Joseph Voigt’s criminal history includes arrests for firing a weapon in a residential area, and battery.
“Thanks to the rapid response of the Bartow Police Department this violent and dangerous suspect was quickly apprehended. They asked for our assistance and we were happy to oblige. My detectives will continue their thorough investigation into this crime to ensure Voigt will face the full consequences of his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless shooting. We sincerely appreciate the assistance provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department in this case, which led to the quick arrest of the suspect, Joseph Voigt. – Chief Stephen Walker, Bartow Police Department
The suspect is still in the Orange County Jail and will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later date.
Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after December 18, 2024 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com Units belonging to the following:
CUSTOMER NAME:
Ike Knighten
This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. *Unless otherwise noted units contain household items.
The holiday season is upon us. And if you’re family is anything like mine, that means ham is on the menu. In fact, my family served both turkey and ham for Thanksgiving.
Of course, this leads to the dilemma of what to do with the leftover ham. And ham sandwiches can only take you so far.
If you looking for a good way to make use of your leftover holiday ham and to warm yourself up from the cold weather, then there’s no better way to do so than with a piping-hot bowl of ham and potato soup.
Every holiday, I’ve been preparing this soup using the ham left over from the big holiday dinner. With hearty chunks of potatoes, veggies, and diced hams served in a savory cheesy broth, this soup is sure to warm you to the bone when the weather outside is frightful—especially with the warmth being so delightful.
This recipe is cooked on a stovetop. However, this year, I once again used my slow cooker—yes, that handy-dandy cooking utensil for when you want to cook a meal without slaving over a hot stove. Just dump in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner rolls around.
And for most soups, I like to dice up my veggies and meats into itty bitty pieces. Some people love their soups with big old chunks that require several bites to eat, but, personally, I like being able to eat everything in a single spoon without much chewing, almost swallowing it all.
Again, if you’re looking for something to make with your leftover holiday ham and to warm you up on a cold winter evening, this warm hearty soup is your best choice. I highly recommend it on a chilly day.
***
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
(recipe from Food.com)
Ingredients
3 1⁄2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (I keep mine with the peel)
1⁄3 cup celery, diced
1⁄3 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup chopped carrot
1 -2 cup ham, diced and cooked
3 1/4 cups chicken broth or 3 1/4 cups ham stock
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules (omit if using chicken broth)
salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions
1. Combine potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, ham, and water/broth in a stockpot and bring to a boil.
2. Then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt (if using), and pepper.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook stirring constantly until thick.
5. Slowly stir in milk so as not to allow lumps to form and all milk is added. Turn up to medium heat. Continue to stir until thick (4-5 minutes).
6. Add in cheese and stir until melted.
7. Stir the cheese mixture into the stockpot and cook until heated through. (I also will break up some of the potatoes for thickness. It gets thicker as it cools and the next day).
The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting that on December 5th around 6:30pm a single vehicle accident occurred on SR 400. The crash resulted in the death of a 76 year old man.
According to Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Public Affairs Officer, with the FHP the following occurred:
Vehicle 1, a Toyota Tundra, driven be a 76-year-old Polk City man, was traveling westbound on SR-400, west of SR-557 and near the 47 Milepost. The driver suffered a medical emergency, lost control of the vehicle and entered the center median. Once in the median, the vehicle struck a cable barrier and came to final rest. Transported to an area hospital, the driver later expired.
The Florida Highway Patrol does not provide names of crash victims per their interpretation of Marsy’s Law. We will have no further details on this crash
