At approximately 8:15 PM, the Frostproof Volunteer Fire Department received a structure fire call at a home on 11th Street East. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 8:18 PM.
Fire fighters battled blaze for three and a half hours and were able to put out the fire. Approximately 16 members from the Frostproof city volunteer fire department and four from Polk Fire Rescue were on the scene. Nearly a dozen emergency vehicles were on scene
According to Ryan Respress, Frostproof Firefighter EMT, “We were able to save two houses, one on each side of the house that was on fire. “There was no one in the house at the time of the fire, so no injuries from homeowners or firefighters.” He said.
Both fire teams were on the scene for three and a half hours. Frostproof firefighters eventually cleared the scene at 11:41 PM.
The source of the fire currently remains unknown and is still under investigation, Respress said.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024 in Poinciana.
PCSO deputies were dispatched at about 6:12 AM to the intersection of Cypress Parkway and Lake Marion Creek Road, along with members from Polk County Fire Rescue.
Upon the arrival of first responders, one of the drivers, 42-year old Vilmarie Munet of Kissimmee, was found deceased in her vehicle.
The driver of a second vehicle, 54-year old Jose Cirilo Martinez-Hernandez of Haines City, suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives and Forensic Investigators collected evidence and witness statements.
Ms. Munet had been driving a gray 2013 Toyota Camry west on Cypress Parkway, and Mr. Martinez-Hernandez was driving a gray 2011 Toyota Camry eastbound.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Munet’s Camry crossed the center line, into the eastbound lane. Mr. Martinez-Hernandez attempted to swerve to avoid the crash, but the two vehicles collided.
The vehicle was later located at the driver’s Polk County residence parked inside his garage where Troopers learned the driver then fled in a blue 2017 Ford Fiesta which also belonged to him. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputies would later locate the Ford Fiesta parked at the Brandon Mall and also located the driver inside the mall. The driver, Edgardo Joel Rosado Perez of Lakeland, aged 41, was later arrested by FHP Troopers for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and delivered to the Hillsborough County Jail.
Anyone with information regarding this case or observes the suspect vehicle is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS
On March 26th at approximately 11:30pm a black Dodge Challenger, was traveling eastbound in the 2100 block of Davenport Boulevard, east of US-27. The vehicle overtook and collided with a bicyclist, then fled the scene. The bicyclist, a 27-year-old Ocala man, was transported to an area hospital where he later expired from injuries suffered during the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation protects people’s physical well-being by donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Horses For Handicapped helps people’s mental well-being by providing horseback riding for people with various mental and physical disabilities. So, it only makes sense that both foundations would support each other with one donating to another.
Helen Heaney, a volunteer for Horses For Handicapped in Sebring, learned about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation while scrolling through Facebook in October. Upon learning about the organization, she reached out to its founder, Melanie Brown Culpepper, and requested an AED for her facility.
“I was very inspired by her story and how she made something tragic in her life, a positive for so many others,” Heaney said. “With Horses for Handicapped, having many children through adults with varying disabilities & medical issues, I thought having an AED would be our first defense in helping a tragedy not occur.”
Melanie and her team of volunteers visited Horses For Handicapped on Wednesday to donate and install the AED. This device will be the 38th device donated by her organization, and the first to not only be donated in Pinellas County, but also the first of five AEDs provided by Tampa Bay Lightning.
Horses For Handicapped started in 1981 with Founder Gene Harris of the Seminole Kiwanis & Mary “Snakey” Urguhart, a leader of the 4H & Girl Scouts. Heaney joined the program in Sebring to help accommodate her daughter, Kelly Krohel, who is diagnosed with Autism. Kelly started horseback riding at age eight and continues to do so even at age 29.
During their visit, Melanie was also able to meet Leah Frohnerath and her daughter Jocelyn Frohnerath, who was born with a disability and started horseback riding at age six. Jocelyn was able to show Melanie and her team her horse which won several competitions.
“This was one very touching moment for me, as was able to place the AED at a location that I’m honored that it went to so many different reasons,” Melanie said. “This went to a foundation from another foundation that are out to help ones in need.”
Melanie started her foundation three years ago following the untimely death of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, from cardiac arrest. Not wanting to see anyone else suffer a similar fate, she started her organization and has raised proceeds to donate nearly 40 AEDs to businesses and other establishments across Polk County.
As someone who operates her own foundation to help people in need, Heany was inspired by Melanie’s story, which prompted her to reach out and request an AED of their own. Being able to coordinate with another local foundation was nothing short of motivational.
“It’s truly a godsend having an AED donated,” she said. “Seeing that we rely on donations to care for and run the program, we couldn’t possibly buy one on our own. Melanie is such an inspiration to others. Her story is sad & tragic, but her love for Michael lives on in what she has accomplished by giving others the opportunity to save a life.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday, March 25, 2024, in the unincorporated area of Bowling Green, south of Fort Meade.
Around 9:30 a.m. that morning, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from 41-year-old Jose Rivera, Sr., of Wauchula, who told the call-taker that he had just shot his brother in self-defense at a harvesting business where Jose works, located at 290 Old Bowling Green Road. When first responders arrived, they found 32-year-old Samuel Rivera (his 2022 Polk County Jail mugshot is seen here) with three gunshot wounds on his body. They rendered first aid and rushed him to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to the witnesses and the investigation so far, Samuel had an argument with Jose at a family party on Sunday regarding Samuel wanting to borrow a family member’s four-wheeler. Jose would not allow Samuel to borrow it due to the fact that Samuel previously battered the owner of the four-wheeler back in June 2023.
On Monday morning, Samuel told different family members that he was still angry with Jose about being denied the four-wheeler, and that he was going to “beat his a**.” Samuel also called the owner of the four-wheeler and threatened him. Samuel went to Jose’s place of business (Samuel did not work there) Monday morning prior to Jose arriving. When Josearrived, Samuel immediately and violently confronted Jose, who recently had significant eye surgery.
Jose kept his hands in his pockets as Samuel attacked him. This was witnessed by several others at the scene. While being actively punched on his body, head, and his back, Joseretrieved a handgun from inside his truck. Samuel grabbed the gun and a struggle for possession over the firearm ensued, at which point one round was fired, striking Samuel on the top of his foot. Samuel looked down at his foot, then aggressively charged Jose again with his fists clenched. Jose then shot Samuel two times in his upper body.
Samuel is a registered violent felony offender in Florida and was on probation at the time this crime occurred, for possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon and drug possession. His criminal history includes 12 previous felonies and 4 previous misdemeanors dating back to 2012. In 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated stalking (Hardee County).
“This investigation is still ongoing, but based on witnesses at the scene, it appears that Samuel Rivera, a violent and out-of-control convicted felon, through his own actions, created such an element of fear that the victim was forced to protect himself with a firearm. Trying to solve a dispute with violence never ends well.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Haines City Police Department has arrested Robert Wayne Graves Jr (DOB 11/10/1962) and is charging him with 4 counts including Grand Theft and fraud.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Haines City Police Department. 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 March 14, 2024, Uniformed Patrol responded to the Citizens Bank & Trust located at 36250 Hwy 27, Haines City, FL, in reference to a suspicious person in the lobby impersonating a customer and attempting to conduct a wire transfer with a fake identification.
Upon arrival, Officer Tarr (HI 726) was made aware of the incident and she made contact with the suspect. Officer Tarr requested the suspect’s identification and as he opened his wallet to provide Officer Tarr with a Florida Driver’s License, Officer Tarr observed a Texas Driver’s License in the wallet. Officer Tarr collected both licenses and the suspect was identified as Robert Wayne Graves Jr (DOB 11/10/1962) on a Florida driver’s license. Officer Tarr asked Robert why he had a Texas driver’s license with another name on it and he stated something to the effect of, “I just got lucky.”
The suspect was attempting to impersonate REDACTED. The suspect was read his Miranda Warnings, to which he invoked his right to remain silent.
The suspect was transported to the Haines City Police Department.
The Assistant Branch Manager, REDACTED, arrived at the Haines City Police Department to conduct a sworn taped statement of the incident. In summary, REDACTED stated the following:
REDACTED said she was working at the bank when the suspect entered the bank and requested a wire transfer for the amount of $65,734.62. The suspect handed her a Texas Driver’s License and a credit card with the name “REDACTED”. The suspect handed her a work order from “Robert Graves Pool Creations” for $65,734.62. He then opened up a black notebook and provided her with a routing number and account number. The account number was to a Citizen’s bank account which belonged to REDACTED. He also provided a routing number for a PNC bank account.
REDACTED stated she began the paperwork for the transaction she-ran the Texas License and observed the photo and driver’s license did not match the driver’s license and photo information on their database. REDACTED contacted the Winter Haven branch where the account was originally opened and spoke to REDACTED who normally handles REDACTED banking when he is in FL. REDACTED contacted REDACTED and he stated he was currently in Houston, TX, and did not give anyone permission to make a wire transfer.
Based on statements made by REDACTED, I find probable cause to charge Robert Wayne Graves J r with FSS: 322.212(1)(A)- Possession of Counterfeit Driver’s License (UTC ticket # AIK80ME), FSS: 812.014(2)(BX1)- Grand Theft $20,000 less than $100,000, FSS: 817.5685(3(A)(2)- Unlawful Possession of Personal ID of4 orless, andFSS: 817.568(2)(A)Criminal Use of Personal ID.
Graves wastransported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office processing center.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Daily Ridge prompted by recent events requested and was granted an opportunity to review the investigation into the allegations of racism in its promotional practices of Chief Christopher Velazquez regarding a recent Lieutenant position. That investigation preceded the actions of the city manager to first suspend/look for a replacement of Chief Velazquez (story here: Suspension/Termination) and then a reinstatement and no termination this past Tuesday night (story here: Reinstatement).
Editors Note: The desire of the Daily Ridge is to give you the factual details. So in the interest of transparency here is the entire report and below photos as proof no details are left out. It should be noted that the below information is expounded from what was in the memorandum that Sandra Davis the Human Resource Manager produced. We are currently trying to verify why the posting was extended. We have been advised if they didn’t change the job posting it would have discriminated against a female officer, but we have not confirmed. We will continue to investigate and bring you the FACTS. We have enough partisan blocks spewing false information.
“
ALLEN NORTON & BLUE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
REPORT OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS REGARDING
POLICE LIEUTENANT
PROMOTIONAL DECISIONS
February 26, 2024
Submitted by:
Brian Koii
ALLEN NORTON & BLUE, P.A.
324 S. Hyde Park Ave., Suite 225
Tampa, Florida 33618
Page 1 of 6
February 26, 2024
City of Lake Wales
201 W. Central Avenue
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Re: Findings and Conclusions Concerning 2024 Promotional Police Lieutenant
Promotion Decisions:
In February 2024, the City of Lake Wales retained Allen Norton & Blue to review allegations raised regarding the propriety of recently completed Police Lieutenant promotions.
Please accept this correspondence as our report of the findings and conclusions of that investigation.
This inquiry originated after a local community organization, the Poor Minority Justice Association, submitted a complaint on February 8, 2024, asserting that the recent promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by the candidates’ race. In response to these allegations, the City immediately ordered a review of the promotional process and the decisions. The City’s Human Resources Director was tasked with interviewing all relevant witnesses and gathering the pertinent facts. Those statements and facts were subsequently reviewed and analyzed by the undersigned to determine if the allegations of racial discrimination were credible.
As detailed below, this investigation determined that there was no supporting evidence establishing that the recent promotional decisions were based on any candidate’s race.
Notwithstanding, the procedure employed by the Police Department to select the successful candidates for promotion in this instance deviated somewhat from the process used in the past, which, in conjunction with the decision to permit James Hampton to apply for the position despite not yet having obtained his degree, gave the process an appearance of unfairness. As a consequence, we recommend that the City revisit the decision to promote Hampton after devising a formal promotional process approved by the City Manager.
Allegations Raised
The complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association alleged, in relevant part (italics):
Recently, our office has been in receipt of complaints, in regard to discriminative practices in the procedures concerning promotions within the Lake Wales Police
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Department. On October 30, 2023, Lieutenant Stephanie Goreck produced an email inviting sergeants to apply for an open lieutenant position. The memo gave specific directives expressing the requirements and deadlines for submitting an application for this promotion. Although Sergeant James Hampton did not qualify according to general order 3.05, he was allowed to apply. This is inconsistent with the policies of promotion as ascribed by the Lake Wales Police Department.
We are concerned that there is an element of untruth on his behalf and discrimination actions on the department’s behalf. We also have determined, based upon the information that we have received, that neither sergeant that were promoted had met the qualifications, unlike their black counterparts had.
During the course of this investigation, Sgt. Alvin Maultsby also raised a concern that his race had played a role in the promotional decision.
Applicable Policies General Order 3.05 (March 2020) governs promotions to the position of Police Lieutenant.
That General Order prescribes that, “[a]s an administrative position, the promotion will be made by appointment of the Chief of Police.” While the General Order does not mandate a specific procedure to be used, it does require that the process “be standardized and provide a fair and equitable means of advancement for all members who participate.” It further requires that the “promotional process be job related and non-discriminatory.”
Regarding the qualifications for the position of Police Lieutenant, General Order 3.05 requires that candidates hold the position of Sergeant, have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree, and have completed the CJSTC Middle Management course.
The City’s personnel policies prohibits “illegal discrimination in employment, employment opportunities or job actions on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, legally recognized disability, political affiliation, or marital status[.]” PAP, §2-201.06.
Investigation Process
In addition to reviewing the pertinent policies, emails, and documents, the following individuals were interviewed over the course of several days by the Human Resources Director with the relevant information subsequently shared with the undersigned:
Edward Palmer
Alvin Maultsby
Emmanuel Figueroa
William Raebig
William Smith
Terry Schulze
Stephanie Goreck
James Hampton
Troy Schulze
Page 3 of 6
Chris Velasquez
Findings and Conclusions
A. The allegations of racial discrimination are unfounded.
This investigation did not uncover any evidence that race was a factor in the decisions to promote James Hampton or Andrew Brown.
Both federal and state law make it unlawful to fail to promote a candidate because of race.
See Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000-2(a); Florida Civil Rights Act, S 760.10(1)(a), Fla. Stat. To establish a claim of unlawful racial discrimination, it must be shown that an unsuccessful candidate was qualified for the position but that a candidate of a different race received the position and the decision was motivated by race. Griffin v. City of Demorest, 635 Fed Appx. 701 (11th Cir. 2015). Assuming the emplover articulates a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the promotional decision, the complainant has the burden of proving both that the employer’s reason is false and that racial discrimination was the real reason for the decision. Blue v. Dunn Const. Co., Inc., 453 Fed.Appx. 881, 884 (1 1th Cir. 2011) (citing St. Mary’s Honor Ctr. v. Hicks, 509 U.S. 502, Si5 (1993)). As the courts have repeatedly made clear, this inquiry “centers upon the employer’s beliefs, and not the [complainant’s] own perceptions.1” Jackson v. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Fla., 608 F. App’x 740, 742 (1 1th Cir. 2015).
In this inquiry, the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief articulated legitimate, non-discriminatory, job-related reasons for the decisions. Nobody who was interviewed could provide any support showing that any candidate’s race played a role in the decision to promote Brown and Hampton. Although it is apparent that Maultsby and the Poor Minority Justice Association genuinely believe that race played a decisive role, there was no evidence that that belief is supported by any evidence. As a consequence, we find this allegation to be unfounded.
Moreover, contrary to the allegations of the complaint submitted by the Poor Minority Justice Association, it is apparent that both Brown and Hampton were qualified to perform the duties of the Lieutenant position, as were the unsuccessful candidates. In this instance, the Chief concluded that Brown and Hampton were the most qualified candidates and, as noted above, there is no evidence that any candidates’ race played a role in those decisions.
B. Based on the appearance of a potential unfairness, the City should consider redoing the promotional process as to decision to promote James Hampton.
Although we did not uncover any evidence of impermissible race discrimination, the inquiry did uncover circumstances which could lead the participants and others to question the fairness of the process. In particular, the facts established that, on October 30, 2023, the Police Department, through Lt. Stephanie Goreck, initially announced the vacancy in the Lieutenant positions. At that time, interested candidates were instructed to submit a memorandum and resume by November 3, 2023. Candidates were further instructed that their memorandum “needs to express your interest in being appointed to the position of Lieutenant, the fact that you meet all policy requirements and anything else you would like to include.” As noted above, the minimum requirements for the position included that each candidate hold the position of Sergeant, have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree, and have completed the CJSTC Middle Management course.
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The next day, on October 31, 2023, Lt. Goreck sent out an email changing and clarifying the promotional requirements. In particular, the deadline to submit the memorandum and resume was changed to November 10, 2023, and the directive was clarified to make it clear that candidates who did not meet the minimum qualifications by November 10 could still compete for the position so long as they could meet those qualifications by January 1, 2024.
This change effectively clarified that James Hampton could compete for the position as he had not yet obtained his college degree but would have it by January 1. When Hampton was subsequently one of the successful candidates, some candidates concluded that the decision had been preordained. While the investigation did not substantiate that to be the case, the change in the process could lend itself to that appearance.
While the Police Department’s General Order does not specify exactly when a candidate must have met the minimum requirements, a review of prior promotional processes did show that on at least one occasion a candidate in similar circumstances was not eligible to apply. Although there is no evidence that race played any role in this process, based on this appearance of unfairness and inconsistency, we recommend that the City consider redoing the promotional process as it pertains to the Hampton’s promotion.
In the event that the city concurs and elects to redo the promotional process, we further recommend that the Police Department outline the process to be used and the selection criteria in writing and have it reviewed by the City Manager and by Human Resources. The current General Order only provides that the promotional decision is to be made by the Chief, but does not dictate how the decision is to be made Or the criteria to be used. While this, by its nature, affords the Chief maximum flexibility and latitude to determine the best fit for the position, it also unfortunately lends itself to allegations of impropriety even in instances where there is none. To alleviate those concerns and to ensure that the decision is based solely on qualifications and merit, we would recommend that the Department outline its process and selection criteria in advance.
It is our understanding that, in the past, the Department has also employed outside experts to review and interview candidates and make non-binding recommendations to the Chief.
Although it is our belief that the Police Department’s administration is ultimately in the best position to determine who is the best candidate for a position, we also believe that there is great added value through the use of outside experts who can provide guidance and recommendation Is such, we would recommend that the Police Department consider that in this instance as-well particularly since both internal and external constituencies subjectively believe that the process was unfair and preordained.
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Closing remarks
Finally, all who review this report are reminded that the City expressly forbids retaliation against employees who raise concerns of discrimination or who participate in an investigation into such allegations. Accordingly, all employees who participated in this inquiry must not be subject to any adverse action as a result of such participation.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to the City of Lake Wales in connection with this investigation. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, or otherwise wish to discuss any of the findings, conclusions, or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
s/ Brian Koi
Brian Koji
Page 6 of 6 “
Editors Note: We have spoken to City of Lake Wales Manager James Slaton and the city is currently working with HR director Sandra Davis and Chief Velazquez to have a more streamlined process that will help resolve any appearance or perception of favoritism in the future.
What’s more fun than a parade? How about an un-parade? What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s like a regular parade, but more fun and chaotic.
Downtown Bartow kicked off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Un-Parade during Friday Fest last Friday.
Nearly 100 units including floats, decorations, and attendees participated in this year’s parade, which started at Nye Jordan and made its way through Downtown Bartow.
Spath Jewelers served as the sponsoring unit and was accompanied by several dozen decorated vehicles and 18 golf carts. Most everyone wore green, and even a few belly dancers appeared and performed in the parade.
“Everyone loves the Un-Parade because of it just being wild and wacky and completely unscripted,” explained Linda Holcomb, Executive Director of Main Street Bartow, which hosted and organized the event.
Following the event, attendees could continue enjoying the festivities during Friday Fest, with several dozen vendors, food trucks, and other activities.
“I felt like we were a little bit down this year with it being spring break but everyone who attended or watched enjoyed it,” Holcomb said. “What I like most about this is that the kids get into it just as much as the adults and everyone has a great time.”
Main Street Bartow’s next major event will be the Spring Fling & BBQ, which will be hosted on Sat. Apr. 6 from 10 AM – 3 PM. The event will feature more than 80 crafters and vendors, and include barbecue served by local eateries including the Cultivated Pig, Bad Dog BBQ, Legacy Craft BBQ, Coach Eddie Backyard BBQ, and Uncle Bucky’s. All five will be competing for the honorable title of Best Ribs.
For more information about other upcoming events in Downtown Bartow, visit: https://lakelandmom.com/event/spring-fling-downtown-bartow/
Lake Wales, Florida – More than one week after a being suspended and relieved of his duties, Lake Wales Chief of Police Christopher Velasquez has been re-instated by the City Manager.
At their most recent city commission meeting on Monday evening, Lake Wales City Manager James Slaton announced he was rescinding his memorandum made on Mon. Mar. 11, 2024 relieving the police chief from his position.
Slaton mentioned that, upon his request, he and Chief Velazquez met earlier that day. They both had issues to navigate, and that they will continue to navigate, but otherwise, Slaton decided to reverse his decision to suspend the police chief. His announcement was met by thunderous applause within the city commission chamber.
“Chief Velazquez was cooperative and eager to ensure any issues that may have caused concerns in the past will not be repeated in the future,” Slaton said. “Our citizens need stability in our local government. Chief Velazquez will remain chief of police of the lake Wales police department, and we will continue to support each other as we support the community.”
Last Monday, Slaton had released a memorandum announcing that he was suspending Chief Velazquez due to allegations concerning perceived “nepotism within the department” and “lack of transparency.”
Specifically, the city had received a complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association alleging that “recent lieutenant promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by race and that at least one candidate was ineligible for promotion at the time of his interview.”
Lake Wales Police Chief Christopher Velazquez
Chief Chris Velazquez, following the announcement of his reinstatement, thanked both the city manager and commission for giving his job back and the citizens within the audience and community who supported him during this situation.
“I would like to say thank you,” he said. “I would like to apologize for any kind of a challenges that we have gone through as a city or department. But I want to thank you for your support. For 31 years, I have put this uniform on every day and I have been proud to wear it. I will continue to do that, I will continue to serve, and I will continue to do my job with honor and integrity, and there is no really greater honor than to serve and protect you. For that, I thank you for that privilege.”
During public comments, a local resident, Al Goldstien, commended both the city manager for his decision to reinstate the chief and the chief for his service to the local community.
“Thank you for getting this situation worked out. I think it will work out for the city and I know it will because we have two great gentlemen,” he said. God bless America, and God bless these two gentlemen.”
