Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Dr. Randy K. Avent, President of Florida Polytechnic University, will discuss the details and launch of an exciting new initiative, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, on Friday, June 7 at 1:30 p.m., at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven. The purpose of the collaborative effort is to protect people and keep them safe from AI threats.
Multiple components of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will be discussed, including research, planning, and education; collaborations and partnerships; technology; protecting private data, and investigations.
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On New A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) Crime Lab
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 888329 from Paradise Lawn Care. Application received: February 13, 2024. Proposed activity: Construct several buildings, parking area and stormwater treatment pond. Project size: 6.0-acres Location: Section 15 Township 29, Range 27, in Polk County. Outstanding Florida Water: no. Aquatic preserve: no. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at the SWFWMD Tampa Service Office located at 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Performance Management Department, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Management Department at (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.
BayCare Board Approves $110 Million For Bartow Regional Medical Center Expansion
Bartow Regional Medical Center is expanding to meet the needs of a growing population.
The BayCare Board of Trustees approved a plan on June 4, that will take the hospital from a 72-bed hospital to 90 beds, along with enhancing its emergency, catheterization lab and surgical services departments.
“Bartow Regional Medical Center is located in one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation,” said Karen Kerr, the hospital’s president. “This project aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the health of all we serve. Our team has been working for months to determine how best to care for our community and we’re excited to move forward.”
The project, designed by Tampa-based HDR Architecture, has multiple phases, Kerr said. The first step is to relocate Bartow Regional Medical Center’s helipad to make room for the expanded Emergency Department, which will add 27 examination areas and a second floor. The following expansions are also planned:
- Moving the ICU to the new second floor and doubling the size from 6 to 12 beds
- Adding a 12-bed ICU step down unit to the new second floor
- Adding one additional cath lab/interventional radiology suite
- Adding two additional operating rooms
- Adding 11 new post anesthesia care unit (PACU) bays
- Adding space for Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
- Adding space for Clinical Engineering
The project also includes renovations to: Pharmacy, Lab, Operating Room Support, SPD, and Central Plant areas.
The $110 million project is targeted to begin construction by the end of this year.
Bartow Regional Medical Center joined BayCare Health System in 2016. Since then, Polk County’s population has increased by more than 152,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2018, Bartow Regional Medical Center saw about 37,000 emergency visits, and in 2023, the hospital saw 40,700 such patients.
“We’re committed to growing along with our community so we can meet their needs and provide access to high-quality healthcare that’s close to home,” said BayCare Co-Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Guy. “We’re excited that this project will put our patients first, as we always do.”
In the years since BayCare acquired Bartow Regional, the hospital has become a Primary Stroke Center (PSC)-certified hospital by the DNV, received certification as a robotic surgery center of excellence, established a STEMI program, provided cutting-edge services to the community such as aquablation and earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, which assesses hospital safety.
Bartow Regional Medical Center is a 72-bed acute care hospital serving South Lakeland, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Mulberry, rural south Polk County and northern Hardee County. Physicians and health care professionals at Bartow Regional Medical Center provide a variety of services. The hospital is equipped with four surgery suites and two gastroenterology suites. The emergency services department is staffed with board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nurses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to treat all types of emergency situations. The hospital is located at 2200 Osprey Blvd., Bartow, Florida. For more information: BayCare.org/BRMC.
Two Additional Suspects Arrested In The Homicide Death Of Ethan Fussell
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives continue to make arrests, including felony murder charges, in the investigation surrounding the homicide of 21-year-old Ethan Fussell.
“As I said on Monday, in some investigations one can choose to be a witness, or a suspect. And here we are putting two more suspects behind bars. We know now that Talon and Adonai brutally murdered Ethan Fussell, and they are being charged accordingly. We still need the public’s help to find Ethan’s body and return him home to his grieving family. Please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – you will remain totally anonymous and get a cash reward.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Crystal Droweingo (23) of Lakeland, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on June 3, 2024, and charged with giving false info to a LEO during a capital felony (F3) and tampering with evidence (F3). On June 4, 2024, she was additionally charged with accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1). Crystal is Adonai Rivera’s girlfriend.
Autumn Thomas (25) of Lakeland, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on June 4, 2024, and charged with giving false info to a LEO during a capital felony (F3), tampering with a witness (F3), and accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1). Autumn is Talon Page’s girlfriend.
Detectives confirmed Crystal was at Talon Page’s house on Driggers Road the night Ethan disappeared; Autumn denied being there but detectives were able to confirm she was there as well.
As the investigation progressed, detectives learned the following: Autumn lied about her whereabouts during that time frame; contacted others and told them to lie to detectives; and helped Talon evade law enforcement, knowing they were looking for him.
Crystal lied to detectives by saying she was asleep when Ethan was killed by Talon and Adonai, and aided in the cover-up of his death by continually lying to detectives.
On June 4, 2024, detectives reviewed new video evidence that was previously requested through search warrants and ultimately delivered to PCSO, that shows the Talon severely beating Ethan. The recording took place inside Talon’s Driggers Road home and the carpet, which was later removed and disposed of by the two suspects, is clearly seen with Ethan’s blood on it. Evidence retrieved by detectives also confirms Crystal was not asleep during the time frame she claimed to be.
During a search warrant on May 15, 2024, detectives discovered that the carpet had several large pieces missing and a carpet cleaner in the home had blood residue which matched Ethan’s blood. The video was time stamped 18 minutes after Ethan’s last text message to his girlfriend, where he stated he was going to sleep at that house.
Talon Page and Adonai Moran-Rivera were both arrested and charged with accessory after the fact in a capital felony (F1), and tampering/destroying evidence (F3) on June 2, 2024.
Yesterday, June 4, 2024, they were both additionally charged with first degree murder, a life felony, and two counts of tampering/destroying evidence (F3).
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Talon Page’s 2000 silver Lexus 400, four doors with a with dark tinted windows, a sun roof, and FL tag CC02IL.
It was last seen heading east on I-4 in the Lakeland area around 4:00 p.m. on May 13, 2024.
If you have information on the whereabouts of this vehicle and/or Ethan’s body and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
- CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
- DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
- VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
- DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Additional Victim Comes Forward Regarding Bartow Police Officer Who Was Arrested For Inappropriate Relationship With A Minor
The former Bartow police officer who remains in the Polk County Jail for his arrest on May 28, 2024 for inappropriate and criminal behavior with four teenage females, now has additional criminal charges from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives from the PCSO became aware of a comment on a Facebook post about the arrest of 24-year old Markanthony Fernandez, which indicated that the commenter may also have been a victim of Fernandez.
The commenter was contacted by a PCSO detective and she agreed to speak about an encounter she had with Fernandez back in July of 2023.
The adult victim stated that Fernandez had reached out to her on Facebook and immediately became persistent about going out on a date with her, and she eventually agreed. She said that during the date, he slapped her, hit her with a fist, and choked her to the point she couldn’t breathe. The victim said she began to scream and begged Fernandez to stop as he sexually battered her.
The victim provided detectives with text messages from Fernandez that showed he attempted numerous times to solicit her for sex, but she continually refused.
A detective attempted to speak to Fernandez in the Polk County Jail about the new accusations against him, but he declined to make a statement.
Mark Anthony Fernandez was additionally charged with Sexual Battery with Physical Force (FL) and Aggravated Stalking (F3).
“When we make an arrest during an investigation, it doesn’t necessarily mean the investigation is finished. We often hear from others who claim to have been victimized by the suspect. We investigate those claims, and if we find probable cause, we will most definitely tack-on additional charges. We want to see every victim receive justice. If there are any more victims of Markanthony Fernandez, please come forward.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Tests Confirm Significant Amount Of Blood, Which Suspects Allegedly Tried To Conceal Was Ethan Fussell’s
Sheriff Judd briefed the media this afternoon with an update on the Ethan Fussell missing persons case, which is now considered a homicide.
The following suspects have been arrested so far:
Talon Page, DOB 1/18/1999, of 1116 Driggers Road in Lakeland; charged with one count accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1), and one count destroying/tampering with evidence (F3). His criminal history includes 11 previous felonies and 16 previous misdemeanors.
Adonai Moran-Rivera, DOB 10/5/2002, who also lives at the Driggers Road address; charged with one count accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1), and one count destroying/tampering with evidence (F3). His criminal history includes 41 previous felonies, 16 previous misdemeanors, and a trip to state prison from which he was released in May 2023.
They were both arrested on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Mulberry after PCSO received a tip that they were seen at a house there. Deputies arrived and arrested them for their active warrants. They refused to cooperate with this investigation.
Sheriff Grady Judd revealed to the media that a significant amount of blood found at the house on Driggers Rd. tested positive to Ethan Fussell. The suspects tried to tamper with the evidence, by allegedly cleaning up the crime scene.
Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Ethan Fussell’s body and any other arrests related to his murder.
Full Press Conference Here:
J.C. Reviews: The Garfield Movie is a Big Fat Nothing Burger
by James Coulter
If you don’t know who Garfield is…you know who Garfield is! For more than 40 years, Garfield has remained the most famous orange cat in comics. In fact, the only other orange comic strip cat, Heathcliff, is most infamous for being mistaken for him—even though Heathcliff’s comic strip premiered five years before Garfield’s!
Garfield has appeared in comic strips, Saturday morning cartoons, animated television specials, live-action movies, video games, theme parks, and especially on car windshields. Now, 18 years after his last theatrical film, A Tale of Two Kitties, this big cat is making his big return to the big screen. But will the big screen be able to handle this big cat in his next big adventure? Or will audiences end up liking this move as much as Garfield loves Mondays?
The Garfield Movie starts with the titular cat as a scrawny little kitty. After being abandoned by his father, Garfield is adopted by Jon and eventually grows up into the lazy lasagna-eating fat cat. One night, he and his dog companion Odie become unintentionally reunited with his father when his father’s former partner-in-crime ropes them all in on a criminal raid. Now Garfield needs to work together with his estranged father to pull off the biggest milk heist of the century. Will the two rekindle their relationship and succeed in their mission? Or will this milk robbery go sour?
I’ve been a big fan of Garfield ever since I was young. I loved watching Garfield and Friends every Saturday, reading the comic strips on Sunday. I played a Garfield video game on the Sega Game Gear. I even somewhat enjoyed watching the 2004 live-action movie starring Bill Murray—even if he did consider it his worst acting role, and all because he assumed the film was being directed by the Cohen Brothers and not Joel Cohen! (The 2006 sequel, on the other hand, belongs in the litter box.) So, being a lifelong Garfield fan, you’d think I’d enjoy this movie, right?
Well, I loved this movie as much as Garfield loves Mondays. And spiders. And Binky the Clown. Which is to say I didn’t like it at all.
Credit where it’s due, the animation looked decent. The art style certainly captures the cartoony aspect of the Garfield comics, but not so much that it looks like a comic strip come to life. If you’re expecting an innovative art style along the lines of Spider-Verse or The Peanuts Movie—well, this film ain’t it!
Chris Pratt as Garfield is—fine! He’s just fine. I love Chris Pratt. He’s my favorite actor of all time. I loved him as Star Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy. And I enjoyed him as Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. And to his credit, he does manage to capture the snarky personality of the fat comic-strip feline. I don’t know. He certainly does a better job than Bill Murray, but, in the end, the late Lorenzo Music will always remain the definitive voice for Garfield, to the point where there can never be a proper replacement.
As for the story itself? Well, stop me if you’ve heard this before: a character is separated and later reunited with their long-lost father…yes, we’ve heard this all before! They don’t get along at first. Then they do. But then there’s a big misunderstanding and the two of them fall apart again. Then the main character figures out that the obvious misunderstanding was an obvious misunderstanding. And the father and son become reunited once again and live happily ever after. Roll credits. (If you consider this a “spoiler”—I’m sorry, you haven’t watched that many movies!)
Honestly, this trite plot wouldn’t be so bad if the comedy was actually good. It isn’t. If you’re expecting humor similar to the Garfield comics or cartoons, you might want to look somewhere else. The “funniest” joke from the film takes place inside a train boxcar, with Odie working in the background while Garfield and his father are arguing with each other. Otherwise, this movie is filled with jokes that are either not funny or not jokes. One excruciatingly-long sequence has Garfield’s father planning out their heist in the forest and Garfield arguing over who gets represented by what random forest item.
Overall, while this movie isn’t “bad”, it’s simply not good either. It’s a mediocre film equivalent to dietary fiber: it passes through you easily with no real lasting impact on your system. This is the type of movie you put on for your children to keep them pre-occupied for an hour or two while you work on something else. In other words, don’t bother watching this film in theaters. And if your kids really want to watch it, wait until it comes out on streaming or rental.
If you really want to watch good Garfield content, I highly recommend the old Garfield and Friends animated series. It’s even available to stream for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel. You won’t believe how well this show holds up even 30 years later. It truly was a series ahead of its time, and it’s a much better watch than this movie.
Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On The Investigation Into The Disappearance Of Young Lakeland Man Ethan Fussell
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, Monday, June 3, 2024, with an update on the Ethan Fussell missing persons investigation.
The 21-year-old was last seen on May 7 on Driggers Road in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Last week deputies were searching for Talon Page, 25, and Adonai Moran Rivera, 21, the last two people seen with him, according to the PCSO.
Fussell is 5 feet 7 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes, and weighs about 150 pounds.
Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to contact PCSO at 8630-298-6200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS.
Two People Killed When Alleged “JoyRide” Goes Wrong On Hwy 98
Around 11:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle – 2018 black Porsche 911 – that had been traveling north on US Hwy 98 after leaving the “Wine Bar” lounge in Bartow when it left the roadway and crashed, ejecting both the driver and passenger. Both occupants were found deceased upon first responders’ arrival. The crash occurred just south of the intersection with Smith Lane.
According to the investigation thus far, the driver, 66-year-old Michael Price of Miami, was at the bar with a 54-year-old female, Johnnie Levin of Bartow, when they decided to leave and take a “joy ride” in the Porsche. A witness to the crash who was driving north on 98 at the time saw the Porsche approach from behind without headlights, and then suddenly exit and roll multiple times along the east shoulder of the road. The witness turned around and found the wreckage, then called 911. The Porsche was broken into several pieces. Excessive speed appears to be a factor. The investigation is ongoing.
Alleged Grand Theft Auto & DUI Suspect Threatens To Kill Deputy Sheriff & Allegedly Assaulted Polk Fire Rescue Paramedic
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office on May 24 arrested 20 yr old Milo Pemberton. He was involved in a vehicle crash and while being treated he became combative. During the course of the investigation it was alleged that Pemberton assault both law enforcement and emergency response personnel
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit and (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted, report of facts, by the PCSO. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :
“On 05/24/24 at approximately 0638 hours, I responded to the area of Florida Ave S and Shepherd Rd, Lakeland in reference to a vehicle crash with unknown injuries that was being received by Live911.
Prior to my arrival, D/S Billek #9491 arrived on scene and took primary on the traffic crash investigation.
Upon arrival, I made contact with D/S Billek and assisted him in the traffic crash investigation. While on scene, I observed Polk County Fire/EMS rendering aid to one of the drivers (later identified as Milo Pemberton). I was requested to stand by with Polk County Fire/EMS due to Pemberton being irate and verbally combative. Pemberton began to calm down and was escorted to the rear of Polk County Fire Rescue Ambulance #2 by Polk County EMS/Fire personnel.
A short time later, I was requested by Medic #1 to assist with Pemberton due to his behavior in the rear of the ambulance. D/S Billek and I responded to the rear of ambulance #2. Upon entering, I observed Firefighter/Paramedic (Medic) #2 attempting to restrain Pemberton who had removed the gurney restraints. Medic #2 advised Pemberton stated “You don’t know if I have a gun” and “I have a gun.” Medic #2 advised Pemberton began to reach into his pants. Medic #2 advised he was placed in fear of imminent danger due to Pemberton’s statements. Medic #2 believed Pemberton had a firearm as Pemberton appeared to be reaching for one. Medic #2 advised to he attempted to restrain the subject until law enforcement could assist further.
Due to Pemberton’s threats of a firearm, D/S Billek conducted a search of his person. During this search, an unopened “BuzzBallz Chiller” was located in Pemberton’s pocket. BuzzBallz Chillers are alcoholic beverages that have a 15% alcohol content by volume. At the time of this incident, Pemberton was 20 years old.
Due to Pemberton’s actions, Medic #2 began to apply soft restraints to Pemberton’s wrists. D/S Billek and I assisted by keeping the subject on the gurney as he continued to move around and attempt to get off the gurney. During this time, D/S Billek and I gave multiple verbal commands for Pemberton to stop moving around and to lay still on the gurney. I maintained control of Pemberton’s upper body and left arm. As Medic #2 began to apply a soft restraint to Pemberton’s left arm, Pemberton grabbed my right wrist with his right hand and attempted to remove it from his person. I immediately ordered Pemberton to let me go as he continued to push my arm away. I was able to remove my wrist from Pemberton’s grasp and handcuffs were applied in lieu of the soft restraints.
I exited the ambulance and entered my agency issued marked patrol vehicle to follow Ambulance #2 to the hospital. Prior to leaving the scene, Medic #1 exited the ambulance again and advised Pemberton was able to remove his right wrist from the handcuff. I re-entered the ambulance to reapply the handcuff. While reapplying the handcuff, Pemberton moved his head towards me rapidly while yelling. Due to his actions, I believed Pemberton was attempting to head-butt me and I had to move to prevent this from occurring. After applying the handcuff, Pemberton continued to try and head-butt me while saying “When I get out of jail, I will kill you.” I placed my left hand on Pemberton’s chest and pushed him away from me and told him to stop. Pemberton continued to threaten to kill me after leaving jail but no longer attempted to head-butt me.
Ambulance #2 began to transport Pemberton to the hospital due to injuries from the crash and medical clearance for the jail.
In the area of Old Hwy 37 and Oak Ln, Lakeland, ambulance #2 activated their emergency lights and pulled over to the side of Old Hwy 37. Medic #1 exited the driver seat and advised Pemberton was actively fighting in the rear of the ambulance. As Medic #1 opened the rear door, I observed Pemberton kick Medic #2 multiple times. I entered the ambulance and assisted with restraining Pemberton while Medic #2 began to obtain items for chemical sedation.
I observed Medic #2 deploy one medication into the left buttocks of Pemberton. As Medic #2 was about to deploy the second medication, I observed Medic #2 remove the needle cap and move towards Pemberton. When Medic #2 got near Pemberton, I observed Pemberton grab Medic #2 left wrist (which held the uncapped needle) and begin to pull on it. Due to the uncapped needle and the struggle between Medic #2 and Pemberton, I immediately deployed my agency issued Taser (S/N: X1200EW5X) via a drive stun technique for a full five second cycle into the abdomen of Pemberton while giving him commands to release Medic #2’s wrist. While the cycle was being applied, Pemberton grabbed my right hand and the Taser with his right hand. Pemberton began pulling on both in an attempt to remove the Taser from his abdomen. I gave Pemberton multiple verbal commands to let go of my hand and Taser. During the five second cycle, Pemberton released his grasp on Medic #2. After the five second cycle, Pemberton let go of my hand and no longer attempted to resist.
Ambulance #2 transported Pemberton to Bartow Regional Medical Center for medical clearance.
During the course of this investigation, D/S Billek learned the vehicle (black 2021 Jeep Compass bearing FL Tag #DAGC62) being operated by Pemberton prior to the crash was owned by REDACTED (friend of Pemberton). REDACTED advised D/S Billek she did not give Pemberton permission to take or drive the vehicle and wanted to press charges. The vehicle was valued at $10,000.
During the course of this investigation, D/S Billek and I were wearing our agency issued Class B uniforms with silver “Deputy Sheriff” badges affixed to the front, insignia patches on both arms, and agency issued duty belts clearly identifying us as law enforcement officers. Medic #2 was wearing his agency issued uniform which consisted of a Polk County Fire/EMS shirt with “Firefighter” on the front and BDU style pants, which clearly identified him as a firefighter.
Pemberton was arrested and charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (two counts), Battery on a Paramedic/Firefighter, Aggravated Assault on a Paramedic/Firefighter, Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Resisting an Officer without Violence (two counts), Corruption by Threat, Grand Theft – Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Alcohol by Person under 21. Pemberton was medically cleared by Bartow Medical Center and transported to Polk County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff’s Processing Center without further incident.
