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Polk Deputy Arrested For Past-Occurred Domestic Violence Incidents

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On July 3, 2024, Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into a domestic violence battery case involving deputy sheriff Anthony Martinez and two women he had previously dated. One of the victims contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2024 and reported several incidents. As the investigation developed, detectives determined there was another female victim.

Incident Summary:

– June 8, 2023: Victim reported that Martinez slammed a drawer on her hand during an altercation at their residence, causing a minor injury. (Victim 1)

– August 29, 2023: Martinez allegedly pushed victim into a wall during an argument, making threatening remarks. (Victim 1)

– November 2023: Victim reported that Martinez prevented her from leaving their apartment during an argument, physically restraining her for approximately 20 minutes. (Victim 2)

– March 26, 2024: Martinez attempted to forcefully take control of the vehicle victim was driving, creating a dangerous situation on Interstate 4. (Victim 2)

– May 20, 2024: Martinez grabbed victim’s backpack to prevent her from leaving for work. (Victim 2)

– June 21, 2024: During a confrontation over Martinez’s behavior, he brandished two firearms and made threats. (Victim 2)

Martinez was interviewed and admitted to several of the allegations, including grabbing the victim’s arm and leg to “protect her” and possessing firearms during the June 21 incident. He denied other accusations.

Based on the investigation, Martinez was arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. Martinez resigned upon arrival at the processing center. Martinez has been a deputy sheriff for less than a year (7/24/2023). He was hired by the PCSO in February of 2023 and entered the training program to become a deputy. 

A Risk Protection Order was issued and served. A check of Martinez’s record showed no prior convictions of battery.

“Real men should protect women, not harm them. Mr. Martinez obviously has some anger management issues. We have arrested him and he has resigned. Had he not resigned, he would have been fired. He has lost his ability to be a law enforcement officer.” Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Martinez has been charged with 6 counts of DV Simple Battery, 2 counts of DV False Imprisonment, 1 count of Culpable Negligence, 3 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and 2 counts of Improper Exhibition of a Firearm.

NOTICE OF BID

NOTICE OF BID

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

One Person Dead & Two Others Injured In Fiery Crash That Shut Down Hwy 27 Near Haines City

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A three-vehicle crash near Haines City Wednesday afternoon, July 3, 2024 resulted in the death of one person, and injuries to two others.

The crash occurred on US 27 at Morrison Ranch Road, at about 3:47 pm.

Upon the arrival of Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Haines City Fire Department, 64-year old Katrina Moore of Haines City was found deceased. Ms. Moore was the driver of a yellow 2009 Chevy Cobalt.

Two occupants of a black 2023 Dodge Durango were identified as 63-year old James Chadwick of Winter Haven (the driver) and 59-year old Shari Bissell of Orlando. Both were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of a 1997 Kenworth truck and trailer, 54-year old Carlos Perez of Orlando, was not injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Moore lost control of her Chevy while traveling south on US 27, crossed the median, entered the northbound lanes, and struck the Dodge head-on. After impact, both vehicles collided with the Kenworth.

Ms. Moore was not wearing a seat belt, and was ejected from the Chevy.

The three others involved had been wearing their seat belts.

Two lanes of southbound US 27 were closed for approximately 4 hours while the northbound lanes were closed for approximately 4.5 hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

FWC Running “Operation Dry Water” To Curb Boating Under The Influence

Operation Dry Water (ODW) weekend will take place July 4 through July 6. The national weekend of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) detection and enforcement is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol and drug related boating incidents and fatalities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other participating law enforcement agencies will work together to make Florida waterbodies safer by identifying and removing dangerous or impaired vessel operators.

Every year, heightened awareness and enforcement efforts occur over the three-day weekend around Independence Day, a busy boating holiday often plagued by drinking while boating and deadly incidents. During that weekend and throughout the year, FWC law enforcement officers play a vital role in protecting lives by promoting safe boating practices, fostering a culture of responsible behavior on the water and ensuring compliance with the law. 

“The safety of people enjoying our beautiful waterways here in Florida is a year-round priority for our officers” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Expect saturation patrols statewide during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and throughout the weekend. We will be looking for any signs of boater impairment and removing unsafe boaters from the water.”

During the ODW weekend, law enforcement officers will increase their presence on waterways, engaging with boaters to educate them about the risks of impaired boating. The goal is to combine education and enforcement to significantly reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents.

Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to series injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle. 

In collaboration with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, the FWC will kick off the 2024 ODW weekend with a national launch event in Destin, Florida, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

The FWC reminds boaters to remain sober to ensure the safety of everyone with and around them and encourages boaters to wear a life jacket and take a boating education course. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and OperationDryWater.org.

Hwy 27 At Morrison Branch Rd. Blocked Due To Fatal Crash

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Haines City Fire Department responded to a severe crash on US 27 at Morrison Ranch Road in Haines City at about 3:47PM.

One of the vehicles involved caught fire, but was quickly extinguished.

The PCSO can confirm that there is one fatality.

The northbound lanes of US 27 will likely be closed or at the very least will have reduced traffic flow until at least 6pm.

Please avoid the area.

318,000 Square-Foot Logistics Center Breaks Ground Off Hamilton Rd. In Lakeland

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Press Release

JLL tapped by Summit Real Estate Group to lease new industrial park in Polk County, Florida

The 318,000-square-foot speculative development broke ground this month, with plans of completion slated for Q4 of this year.

Lakeland, FL, July 3, 2024 –JLL announces today that Summit Real Estate Group has selected the firm to manage leasing for Hamilton Logistics Center, a new 318,000-square-foot facility located at 4141 Hamilton Road in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, the country’s fifth fastest-growing metro. Construction is currently underway at the industrial park, which will feature two state-of-the-art buildings ranging in size from 135,000 to 183,000 square feet.

The JLL brokerage team of Executive Managing Director John Dunphy, and Associate, Olivia Brock, will spearhead leasing efforts on behalf of the building’s ownership group, Summit Real Estate Group. Summit is an independent, industrial investment real estate company focused on opportunities within select U.S. markets. With over 25 years of experience, Summit has extensive expertise in land sourcing and entitlement, design and construction, equity and debt financing, leasing, and asset and property management.

“As demand for new, quality industrial product throughout the area continues to remain robust, Polk County has emerged as a top choice for occupiers and investors in manufacturing, distribution and logistics,” said JLL’s John Dunphy. “Thanks to its strategic location along one of the state’s major thoroughfares and the top-of-the line amenities, we feel confident a project like Hamilton Logistics Center will be well received and appeal to a variety of users across all sectors.”

Rendition Of New Logistics Center In Lakeland

To accommodate small to mid-size tenants, Building 100 at Hamilton Logistics Center will be 134,970 square feet with 36 dock high doors, a truck court depth of 135’, and 124 parking spaces. Directly south, Building 200 will span 182,985 square feet with 42 dock high doors, a truck depth of 190’ including 55’ trailer parks with 60 spaces, and 148 parking spaces. Both buildings will feature a clear height of 32’ with two drive-in ramps. Additional amenities at the park include rear-load configurations, tilt-wall construction, spec and build-to-suit office space, and 60’ speed bays.

Located in the heart of Polk County in the “I-4” corridor, Hamilton Logistics Center is situated in a well-known distribution hub, surrounded by nationally recognized companies. The property is 30 miles west of Tampa and 60 miles east of Orlando, providing future tenants the opportunity to benefit from an abundant labor pool. Data from the Central Florida Development Council recognizes Polk County as Florida’s Best Place for Business, with advanced manufacturing being a high-growth industry. Additionally, according to JLL’s Q1 Industrial Insights Report for Polk County, demand in the area remains robust with asking rates posting 10.6% growth year-over-year.

Rendition Of New Logistics Center In Lakeland

About JLL
For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.8 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 108,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

J.C. Reviews: In Which I Review Thelma the Unicorn in Rhyme

J.C. Reviews: In Which I Review Thelma the Unicorn in Rhyme

by James Coulter

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Sometimes, you watch a movie that’s so bland, so generic, and so boring that talking about it would only make you sound equally bland, generic, and boring. I don’t want to write such a review. And you don’t want to read it.

So, in an attempt to write an interesting review of a movie that’s anything but, I will be reviewing Thelma the Unicorn in limerick form. (Apologies to Yahtzee Croshaw from Zero Punctuation for blatantly ripping off this idea.)

Ahem.

There once was a pony named Thelma,

Who was faced with quite the dilemma:

She wanted to go far

As a rock superstar

But she had the appeal of Max’s Velma.

Her day job is pulling cow s**t

On a farm, and here, I admit

That I let out a wail

And wanted to bail

When she got comically covered by it.

Her friends are a llama named Reggie

And a donkey who plays D&D.

There’s not else to say

For they just get betrayed

In the first act break-up, you see.

They attempt to play a talent show,

Yet all of the judges say, “No!”

Before they can play.

Cause they can tell right away

That their act is going to blow.

Now Thelma is feeling quite bitter

When opportunity literally hits her,

For a truck on the road

Being driven by a chode

Covers her in pink paint and glitter.

Having put on her head a stray horn

She gets mistaken by folks as a unicorn.

Upon seeing her chance

She does a song and dance

And now a new pop star is born.

There’s also a narwhal named Vicki,

A pop star who’s frankly quite icky,

For when Thelma goes viral

And becomes her new rival

See seeks to end her life quickly.

Her new manager, Vic Diamond, his name is,

And his entire schtick is he’s British!

He’s a real bloody wanker

Who sounds like the announcer

Of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Really, there’s not much to say,

For this plot has been overplayed

In movies of yore

Many times before,

Leaving older viewers dismayed.

The message, as learned by the pony,

Is “Just be yourself, not a phony!”

We’ve heard it before

So, it’s really a bore

To hear it again from this movie.

And what can I say about the animation?

They’re clearly ripping off Illumination!

It’s so plain to see

It’s look like Despicable Me.

But at least there aren’t any minions!

The soundtrack is really abysmal,

Just another jukebox musical.

Filled with too many ditties

Ripped straight from the 80s.

Of which we’ve enough of our fill.

When I looked up who made this, it shocked me.

The directors who made Nacho Libre?

And Napoleon Dynamite?!

They turned out THIS shite?!?

I guess they ran out of creativity.

And the book this is based on? Surprise!

Made by the dude who wrote The Bad Guys!

This should have been better,

Which makes it only sadder

That this movie I really despise.

In short, it shouldn’t be surprising

That Thelma the Unicorn, I’m despising,

You want an animated flick

Available on Netflix?

I suggest you watch Ultraman: Rising!

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Bad Accident On 17/92 In Haines City Blocks Roadway For A Few Hours

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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.

Eddie Bower’s New Hit Comedy Tyrone Da Trap Lord Premieres on July 4

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by James Coulter

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 welcomes new Public Information Officer – Meghan Petty

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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.”