More Than $207k Approved for New Mulberry Fire Rescue EMS Station
by James Coulter
A new fire rescue EMS station in Mulberry is closer to being constructed now that county commissioners have approved $207,090 for architectural and engineering (A&E) services.
At their regular meeting on Tues. Nov. 4, the Polk County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) approved a consultant services authorization (CSA) with CMHM Architects for Architectural and Engineering to provide services toward a new fire EMS Station.
The Willow Oak Fire Rescue EMS Station Building is slated to be constructed on county-owned property located at 4145 Willis Road in Mulberry. Approximately $207,090.00 in funds are currently budgeted and available within the Emergency Medical Millage Fund to help finance the A&E services.
Commissioner Martha Santiago commended county staff for locating the property for the project: “I know this was a long-time pursuit to find land. I thank you for sticking to it and finding a location.”
On November 4, 2025, PCSO deputies responded to the Target located at 5000 Grandview Parkway in Davenport in reference to a retail theft.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a Target loss prevention associate who stated he observed two female suspects enter the store at 7:29 p.m. Surveillance footage showed both women retrieving shopping carts and then making rapid selections throughout the store including bedding, decorations, clothing, and makeup. The associate reported that the suspects attempted to conceal the merchandise by placing Target shopping bags over the items in their carts before heading toward the exit. They were detained in the loss prevention office until deputies arrived.
The total value of the merchandise stolen was $2,487.70.
The suspects, identified as sisters 19-year-old Afnane Kamel and 32 year-old Hala Kamel, spontaneously offered to pay for the items in an attempt to avoid legal consequences. Both later admitted to deciding together to steal the merchandise while inside the store.
Afnane and Hala were arrested and charged with Grand Theft (F3) and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft (M1). They were transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident.
“When you walk into a store and try to leave with nearly $2,500 worth of unpaid merchandise, that’s not a mistake—that’s a crime. Thanks to a vigilant associate who saw something and said something, our deputies were able to respond quickly and make the arrest.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Florida Department of Corrections probation officers conducted a Halloween sexual offender/predator compliance initiative and probation checks for the weeks leading up to, and on, October 31, 2025. The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & FSS 943.0435) within Polk County* and probationers complying with their regulations.
There are 1,431 Sexual Offenders, 158 of whom are sexual predators, registered in Polk County. These offenders and predators are checked every quarter by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws. The state requires checks at least once a year.
During the weeks leading up to Halloween, 140 offenders/predators were contacted and checked for compliance with probation conditions and sexual offender/predator registration laws; 14 sexual offenders or predators were arrested, and two warrants were served out-of-state, for failure to comply with registration laws; another 16 offenders or predators were arrested for probation violations.
Sexual offenders/predators on probation are supervised by the Department of Corrections, and their probation stipulates they are prohibited from engaging in Halloween activities such as having contact with children, distributing candy/treats, or having Halloween decorations.
On Halloween, detectives and probation officers confirmed the compliance of 348 offenders and predators, and made 297 searches.
“I am proud of our deputies and probation officers for their hard work to ensure that these sex offenders and predators are complying with their court-mandated registrations and requirements. This is time consuming, but absolutely necessary. Our simple message is this — if you’ve been placed on the sex offender/predator registry, we will keep track of you, and we will hold you accountable for any violations, period.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
16 Arrests/warrants for failure to comply
• Terrell Denson (9/2/1973) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. He is required to report all changes in employment within 48 hours and failed to do so. Denson is designated a sexual predator based on prior convictions for sexual battery on a child under 12 years old. He has several prior convictions for failure to properly register as a predator.
• Mario Smith (10/5/1975) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. He failed to maintain his FL driver’s license (it was suspended) and failed to report his residence. Smith was convicted of sexual battery on a child between 12-15 years old in 2003, and convicted of producing/directing/promoting sexual performance by a child in 2015. He has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws.
• Travis Thompson (12/2/1982) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. In September, he failed to report his new permanent residence to the FL DHSMV within 48 hours, as required. Thompson was convicted of sexual battery on a child between 12-15 years old, sending harmful material to a minor, use of a computer to seduce a child, and has prior convictions for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws.
• Hardey Albritton (11/20/1980) – Sexual offender arrested for two counts of failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report to the Sheriff’s Office that he had vacated his permanent residence and was registering himself as “transient” and failed to report to the FL DHSMV to register the same. Albritton was convicted in Virginia in 2002 for aggravated sexual battery and has lifetime sexual offender registration requirements in VA and FL.
• Charles Denson (12/22/1980) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. Denson failed to register a vehicle within 48 hours and provided false registration information. Denson was convicted in 1999 for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 16 years old.
• Moises Rodriguez (1/27/1949) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to complete mandatory sexual offender registration during two different months in one year, and failed to report an active social media account. Rodriguez was convicted in 2020 for offender using coercion to commit commercial sexual activity.
• Jule Vandoorn (6/6/1972) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report two different residences to the FL DHSMV. Vandoorn was convicted in 2010 for lewd and lascivious sexual battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws.
• James Hutchins (11/26/1947) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to complete his quarterly registrations. Hutchins was convicted in 2006 for sexual battery on a victim under 12 years old and has prior convictions for criminal solicitation of a child under 12 years old.
• Elmer Hayes Jr. (4/7/1973) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report an active social media account within 48 hours of activating it and failed to report it on several mandated registrations. Hayes was convicted in 2000 for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between 12-15 years old.
• Larry Jones (1/30/1952) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. Jones is registered in Illinois as a sexual offender. He failed to report to FL and IL authorities his new FL address within the required time frames for both states’ registration laws. Jones was convicted in 1972 in Illinois for murder and rape.
• Bugsianta Williams (7/1/1972) – Sexual offender arrested for 4 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register four social media accounts, and his new phone number. Williams was convicted in 2005 in Louisiana for indecent behavior with juveniles, and has previous convictions in Lake Co and Polk Co (FL) for failure to comply with registration laws.
• Joseph Sifonte (4/26/1984) – Sexual offender arrested for 3 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register four vehicles with the FL DHSMV. Sifonte was convicted in 2012 for traveling to meet a minor for sex.
• Leon Leffingwell (4/30/1970) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register a social media account. Leffingwell was convicted in 2002 in Indiana for child molestation.
• Joseph Gambrell (3/14/1964) – Sexual offender arrested for 3 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He reported living at a residence in close proximity of schools or daycares, which is prohibited. Detectives spoke with people living there, who had no idea he had used their address – they confirmed he has never lived there. He has been living at a different residence, which he has never reported to authorities. Gambrell was convicted in 2007 for lewd and lascivious exhibition on a victim under 16 years old.
Two other sexual offenders, Kenneth Russell and Elijah Cannon, were found to have failed to comply with sexual offender registrations laws, both of whom are in jails in other states – warrants were served charging them accordingly.
16 Arrests for violation of probation
• Tommy Carrera (10/25/1967) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by failing a drug screen.
• Allen Hunter (5/20/1963) – He was designated a sexual predator based on a 2002 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by possessing pornography.
• William Kenna (9/6/1977) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2019 conviction for unlawful sex with a minor. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Peter Murphy (12/17/1992) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for use of a computer to lure a child for sex, and soliciting a child for sex. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Juan Rojas (3/24/1984) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for use of a computer to lure a child for sex, and soliciting a child for sex. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Clarence Williams (5/16/1969) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for produce/direct/promote sexual performance by a child and he has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Donald Brown (2/27/1943) – He was designated a sexual predator based on a 2013 conviction for sexual battery of a victim under 12 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Thomas Clingerman (2/27/1943) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by failing to follow officers’ instructions.
• Jose Ortega (8/30/1994) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2024 conviction for traveling to meet a minor for sex. He violated his probation due to having an out-of-county warrant.
• Joseph Little (9/24/1967) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 1990 conviction for child molestation. He violated his probation by failing a drug test and has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Brian Mitchell (5/23/1988) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2021 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation for viewing pornography and by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Antron Pompey (1/15/1985) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2003 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a chld under 16 years old and false imprisonment of a minor. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers. He has prior convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Michael Levieux (8/27/1968) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 1996 conviction for criminal sexual assault. He violated his probation by failing to register his cell phone and email address. He has prior convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Jeffrey Brown (11/10/1972) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers and failing to register a vehicle.
• Oscar Gauntlett (9/21/1955) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct against a victim under 16 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Eric Olson (6/29/1995) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2021 conviction for solicit/possess/view child pornography. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
Several of these VOP arrests are pending further investigation and more charges are pending the outcomes.
*Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned. The law specifies time frames during which notifications of any changes to the above information must be made.
Polk County Parks and Recreation November Rec@Home kits contain neat activities and crafts that are all about Thanksgiving. Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 500 registrations. Limit one registration per household.
Madeleine J. Artabasy, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 89 in Winter Haven, Florida. Born on April 19, 1936, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, she moved to Florida in 1970 from Massachusetts and called it home.
Madeleine’s life was a tapestry of love, compassion, and dedication. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing in 1957, beginning a rewarding career as a registered nurse. Known for her kind and loyal nature, she made significant contributions to the field of nursing, serving as an OB nurse in Massachusetts and later taking on leadership roles as head nurse in both the Florida hospital and the Winter Park hospital, and as a case manager for Travelers Insurance with a focus on workers’ compensation. Her specialized work as an orthopedic nurse earned her the respect of colleagues and patients alike. A woman of many interests, Madeleine found joy in shopping, reading, traveling, and immersing herself in music and dancing. An avid fan of history and musicals, she cherished the moments spent with her family and her dogs. She was well-known for her love of ironing while watching the Boston Red Sox play on television, a pastime that brought her joy over the years. Her commitment to her community was evident through her active involvement at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Winter Springs, Florida, and as president of the local garden club, showcasing her dedication to nurturing both people and plants.
Madeleine is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Albertine Tellier; sister, Claudette Moore; husbands, Louis Faubert, and Joseph Artabasy. She leaves behind a loving sister, Martha Patnode; son, James (Dianne) Faubert, daughters, Renee (Chuck) Gaynor and Lynne (Brent) Ramsey, along with her grandchildren, Matthew (Erica) Faubert, Joel (Monica) Faubert, Brenden (Brittany) Ramsey, Alex Berger, Christopher Berger, Christian (Faith) Ramsey; great-grandchildren, Rowe Ramsey, Gabriela Faubert, Louie Ramsey, Iain Faubert, and Cyrus Ramsey, with another on the way.
The warmth of her spirit, her unwavering honesty, and her deep care for others will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Although she is dearly missed, Madeleine’s legacy of kindness, loyalty, and compassion will live on through her family and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life. In remembrance of her, the family invites all to celebrate her life and the joy she brought into the world. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time, please check back soon for that date.
Drury, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 59 in Auburndale, Florida. Born on February 16, 1966, in Winter Haven, Florida, Troy lived a life marked by kindness, honesty, and consideration for others, qualities that endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Troy was known for his adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors. He enjoyed hog hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling, often surrounded by his hunting buddies, where he created countless memories that will be cherished forever. His faith was important to him, and he attended services at Mount Olive Baptist Church. In his professional life, Troy served as a dedicated maintenance man, where his work ethic and commitment earned him respect from his peers. His personality shone brightly in all facets of his life, and he will be remembered for his warmth and the genuine connections he formed over the years.
Troy is preceded in death by his mother, Ouida Drury. He is survived by devoted wife of 30 years, Angie Drury. Together, they built a loving family that included their son, Wyatt Drury; and two daughters, Erin (Justin) Butler and Brooklyn Drury. He took immense joy in being a grandfather to Cade and Elijah Butler, whom he cherished dearly. He is also survived by his father, Jimmy Drury and stepmother Beth Drury; as well as his brother, Roy (Connie) Drury; stepbrothers, Kenny Odum, David Odum, and Scott (Sue) Moore.
The family invites those wishing to honor Troy’s memory to reflect on the love and laughter he brought into the world. His presence leaves a significant void in the lives of those who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the memories and love he shared with his family and friends.
A visitation will take place on November 7 at 12PM with a funeral service to follow.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise Hamilton, who left us peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Auburndale, Florida. Born on June 4, 1961, in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Denise earned her master’s degree in education and dedicated herself to nurturing the minds and spirits of young children as a pre-kindergarten teacher. Her energetic and kind nature made a lasting impact on the countless children she taught and cared for over the years, leaving them filled with joy and a love for learning. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Denise was a woman who embraced life fully.
She had a remarkable ability to live in the moment, always encouraging her loved ones to appreciate each day and never take life for granted. Her warmth and sociability brought together friends and family in joyful gatherings, often at the dog park or during adventurous shopping trips. She adored taking care of animals and formed a special bond with her beloved pets who were a source of endless happiness for her.
Denise is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Jared) Hyman; granddaughters, Kayleigh and Keanna. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A gathering of friends and family will take place on November 12 at 2 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.
James Powell Raub, born June 4, 1931, in Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida, at the age of 94.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean Rux Raub and his sister Jane Raub Wilkinson. He is survived by his brother, Miller Joseph Raub (Sue) and his four children, Polly Roddy (Mike), Scot Raub (Mary), Sara Test (Gary), and Andy Raub (Kathy). Jim was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.
A proud Boilermaker, he carried his love for Purdue sports with him everywhere. He also enjoyed volunteering weekly with Meals on Wheels and loved being in church with his family on Sundays. Jim will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, love of family, and humorous stories that he shared with those around him. His legacy lives on in the skies he loved and the family he cherished.
A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM on November 8th at Holy Cross Church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to an organization of your choice in Jim’s honor.
Get ready to light up the lakes as the City of Winter Haven hosts its beloved Annual Christmas Boat Parade. This cherished holiday tradition brings the Chain of Lakes to life as beautifully decorated boats glide across the water, spreading festive cheer from shore to shore.
Parade Route: The parade begins in Lake May, travels counterclockwise around Lake Howard, continues through Lake Shipp, and returns to Lake May.
Participants: Boat owners are invited to join the celebration by decorating their vessels with holiday lights and creative themes. Participation is free, though registration is encouraged to help ensure safety and coordination.
Best Viewing Areas: Spectators can enjoy the best views from Lake Shipp Park and public areas around Lake Howard, where the lights reflect beautifully across the water.
And don’t miss a visit from Santa Claus, who will be leading the parade from the first boat!
“I know this might be hard to believe but there are actually people in this world who like being in jail so much, they just find a reason to go back!! You know people like this guy, Kevin Berrios who either likes jail a whole lot or is just dumber than a box of rocks or should I say “rock!!”
It all began yesterday as Berrios was released from Ivey‘s Iron Bar Lodge at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon, and within 20 minutes he encountered Deputy Haney who was driving down Camp Road. Dep. Haney was on his way to bring someone else to jail, when Berrios, who was walking down the road, decided to throw a rock at Dep. Haney’s patrol car!! That’s right folks…in broad open daylight this guy decides to throw a rock at a Deputy driving a marked patrol car!!
You can probably guess how things went from there, as they were pretty close to the jail already, so Deputy Haney got out of the car and asked Berrios why he would throw a rock at a patrol car!! With no good reason as to why, one could only assume he wanted to go back to the Lodge and that’s exactly where he went!!
After Deputy Haney dropped everyone off at the jail, he brought his vehicle over across the street to Fleet to get a loaner, when he noticed a few other vehicles that appeared to be damaged by rocks!! General Crimes Unit Agent Dylan Cervenak was called to follow up with the investigation to see who could’ve possibly been dumb enough to do that type of criminal mischief!!
After reviewing the surveillance video, Berrios was observed exiting the jail, casually walking across the street to our Fleet Maintenance Building, and picking up some objects that he hurled towards 2 patrol cars!! After that he headed down Camp Road and made the even dumber decision to throw a rock at Deputy Haney’s vehicle!! In total he caused approximately $3,700 worth for damage to all of the vehicles.
So now Berrios finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place as he is back with his friends at Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge on No Bond!! While he is probably in a different bed, I can guarantee you he is still experiencing the same sorry accommodations and a one star dining experience!!
Hopefully while he’s in there he can figure out what not to do next time he gets out of jail, because the plan he had this time didn’t end very well for him!!
A big thanks to Deputy Haney and Agent Cervenak for another job well done!!
