Winter Haven Police Need Your Help – Have You Seen Zariah Guillaume?
Fifteen year-old Zariah Guillaume was last seen at her Vista del Lago Dr. residence, in Winter Haven, on 8-9-16 around 2 p.m. by her mother. She left the residence after an argument with her mother.
Currently, she is on medication for depression and bi-polar disorder, but has not been taking her medication. Police are concerned for her well being.
Anyone who knows where Zariah is should contact Detective LaDarius Cooper at 863-401-2256.
Missing & Possibly Endangered Teen – Have You Seen Zariah Guillaume
Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County is accepting applications for Frostproof Only
Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County is accepting applications for Frostproof Only.
Polk residents can stop by the Recker Highway location to pick up an application Aug 1 – Aug 31st. weekdays from Tuesday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.
DISCOVER YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
TO BUILD A NEW LIFE, MAKE NEW FRIENDSHIPS, SEE GOD’S BLESSINGS FOR YOU IN A HABITAT HOME.
TO BUILD A NEW LIFE, MAKE NEW FRIENDSHIPS, SEE GOD’S BLESSINGS FOR YOU IN A HABITAT HOME.
A HAND UP NOT A HAND OUT
LET US BUILD A SAFE DECENT AFFORDABLE HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY.
TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD HOPE FOR TOMORROW !
You can also print the application from their website. www.habitateastpolk.org
ARE YOU READY FOR STABILITY, SECURITY, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HOMEOWNERSHIP ?
IF SO CHECK OUT THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FIRST.
1. Florida Drivers License
2. Current Credit Report (see link below)
3. Proof of Employment or Proof of Income
2. Current Credit Report (see link below)
3. Proof of Employment or Proof of Income
Below is a list of the Minimum requirements for application consideration.
You should have a minimum credit score of 550. To view your credit score and credit report for free go to www.creditkarma.com
You should have a minimum credit score of 550. To view your credit score and credit report for free go to www.creditkarma.com
Be a citizen or legal immigrant of the U.S. AND Reside in Polk County for at least one (1) year.
Be verifiably unable to obtain conventional home mortgaging And maintain employment for a minimum of six (6) months.
Live presently in over-crowded, unsanitary or unsafe circumstances.
Deposit $500.00 prior to the start of your home and the remaining $500.00 before closing.
Volunteer a minimum of 250-350 hours. 100 hours minimum needed to begin construction of your home. 100 hours minimum needed on another Habitat home. 20 hour minimum each month for Habitat.
Attend a mandatory 6-hour Keystone Challenge Homeowners’ class.
Disclose all incomes, employment and financial obligations.
Supply a Credit Report. AND be free of foreclosure, repossessions and defaults for a minimum of three (3) years prior to application.
Attend a 9 week class session on Financial Peace distributed by Dave Ramsey and facilitated by HFH.
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATION FOR OTHER AREAS AT THIS TIME. CHECK BACK IN 2017 FOR WHEN WE WILL BE ACCEPTING MORE APPLICATIONS.
Wednesday’s Energy Fair In Winter Haven Can Help Pay Some Of Your Electric Bill
The Agricultural and Labor Program’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be accepting applications for light bill assistance at Wednesday’s LPLI Energy Fair at the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center located at 801 Avenue T NE in Winter Haven.
The event starts at 10:00 AM and lining up will be restricted to 7:30 AM and NO SOONER.
There will be plenty of other vendors who will be offering services including health care, child care and education, mental health support as well as many other community support services.
Participating vendors include Duke Energy, Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Central Region Advisory Council (ALPI), THAP-Coastal Bat Properties, Noel Denmark Insurance, Clark’s House, Headstart, Access Wireless, Central Florida Health Care, Early Learning Coalition, Florida Department of Health HIV, Healthy Families, Healthy Start, New Beginnings of Heartland, Polk Indigent Health Care, Senior Connections, Total Care Consultants, Humana, Tri-County, Peace River, George Harris Youth Shelter, Stand Up Polk and Simply Health Care.
To apply for LIHEAP assistance with your electric bill you must provide copies of the following: (No originals please)
> Photo ID (not expired) for all household members over 18 years of age.
> Social Security Cards for all household members
> Proof of Income for the past 30 days (No Bank Statements)
> Complete Light/Electric Bill
> Food Stamp Approval Letter (if receiving assistance)
> Section 8 or HUD Housing Rental Form 50059 (if applicable to you)
PLEASE NOTE: All photo copies will stay with your application….First Come, First Served Eligibility Requirements Apply!
For More Information Call 863.956.3491 or visit www.alpi.org
Darlynns Darlins Animal Sanctuary Owners Arrested For Animal Cruelty
Polk City, Florida – On Tuesday, August 9, 2016, PCSO Agricultural Crimes detective obtained arrest warrants for a husband and wife, 65-year-old Darlynn Czerner and 61-year-old Clinton “Butch” Martin, owners of the Darlynn’s Darlins, Inc., animal sanctuary (9830 Evans Road, Polk City), charging both of them with three (3) counts of Felony Animal Cruelty (F-3), and 138 counts of Animal Neglect (M-1).
According to their website (darlynnsdarlins.webs.com) “Darlynn’s Darlins Inc., is a not for profit, No Kill, Animal Rescue, Sanctuary, Advocacy and Education organization. The Ranch provides a safe, loving, lifetime home to more than 200 exotic, farm, and domestic animals. We facilitate the adoption of spayed and neutered animals to appropriate and fully screened families. Many animals, due to age, physical issues, or type will remain at Darlynn’s Darlins Ranch for life. We offer help and solutions to animal behavior issues hoping to help animals remain in their homes.”
Of the approximately 200 animals at the sanctuary, the following animals suffered from cruelty and neglect:
135 hogs
Four dogs
One steer
Czerner and Martin were both taken into custody on August 9, 2016, and booked into the Polk County Jail.
According to their affidavits, on May 31, 2016, two representatives from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), began working as volunteers four hours per day, four days per week at the shelter, after receiving information that there were neglect issues at the facility. While there, the PETA members observed and video-recorded severe neglect of animals housed at the facility.
On August 2, 2016, PETA members contacted PCSO, told them of their findings, and gave detectives copies of their video recordings. The witnesses and the videos describe hogs on the property suffering from tumors, hair loss, overgrown hooves, open sores, and ambulatory issues. Additionally, there were dogs, cats, and a steer suffering from neglect.
Click here to view the PETA-produced video
“We consider this ‘bogus’ rescue to instead be a hoarding facility that left sick and injured animals to suffer without even basic veterinary care. Animals were found with open wounds, they starved in plain sight, and many went without water to drink in this summer heat. PETA thanks the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which swiftly responded to PETA’s evidence of a crime in progress and rescued these long-neglected animals from their living hell.” – Daphna Nachminovitch, Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations for PETA
On Thursday, August 4, 2016, PCSO Detectives and Animal Control Officers arrived at the facility in Polk City, and served a search warrant. They seized the aforementioned neglected animals, and additional animals (2 hogs, 43 chickens, 3 dogs, 7 cats, 2 ducks, a rabbit, and a horse), and brought all except the horse to PCSO Animal Control to be examined by Animal Control Veterinarian. The horse was taken to Hope Equine Rescue.
A total of 197 animals were removed from the scene.
The following are excerpts from the affidavit:
There were 23 hogs that were found to be a body score of a 1-1.5, fifteen were found to be a body score of 2-2.5, and 26 were found to be a body score of 3-3.5 [the body scores indicate animals were from very thin/skeletal frame to underweight]
Three hogs were found to have overgrown hooves that were causing the hogs to have issues walking.
One hog was found to have a broken leg that had healed in an unnatural position.
25 hogs were found to have severe skin conditions to include hair loose and severe sunburn.
11 hogs were found to have tusks that were growing into the side of the hogs’ faces or causing them to have difficulty eating.
Two of the hogs found in the house were very obese, barely able to walk, and were found to be blind.
Located inside the residence were 8 hogs, 7 cats, 1 dog, and 1 rabbit. The hogs located inside the house did not have access to water or feed being confined within the walls of the residence.
Four dogs that were located without food or water were confined inside kennels where they could not leave to obtain food or water.
Two of the hogs found in the house were very obese, barely able to walk, and were found to be blind.
Two hogs were located in the front yard of the residence. One hog was found to be over 50% non-ambulatory and had a severe infection to its back. Dr. DeGroat who responded to the scene recommended the hog be euthanized due to its severe condition. The hog was transported to the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control section and euthanized by Dr. DeGroat.
A small pot-bellied pig was found to be in distress and unable to walk. Dr. DeGroat examined the hog and determined it needed to be euthanized. The hog was euthanized at the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section.
Two of the cats were found to have an upper respiratory infection upon examination
Six barrels of vegetable scraps were found in the bed of a black Nissan truck parked beside the residence. The barrels were full and were gathering flies. Located in a small barn near the center of the property were 20 unopened bags of hog feed.
In a pen area between the hogs was a Charolais / Long Horn cross steer. The steer did not have any hay, feed, or grass in the pen to eat.
During the investigation it was determined a large hog named “Buddy” laid on the ground for 14 days in respiratory distress. The hog was non-ambulatory and did not drink or eat for most of the time period. Witnesses observed the hog in that condition, photographed and videotaped the incident. The hog along with the hog located in the front yard suffered a cruel death that could have been avoided by the suspects. Witnesses observed the hog first on 06/01/2016, observed it for 14 days, and then observed it died on 06/14/2016. Witnesses assisted in burying the hog on 06/14/2016.
Through witness statements, evidence at the scene, and post-Miranda statements from the suspects, it was determined that three counts of felony animal cruelty were committed for the three hogs that died (two were euthanized, and one died in June). It was determined that 138 counts of animal neglect were committed on 133 hogs, 4 dogs, and 1 steer, for failure to feed, water, and provide proper medical care.
Click here to see an excerpt video from the PCSO search warrant
PETA has graciously donated feed for the animals. A civil hearing at a later date will determine the custody and disposition of all the animals seized.
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Polk County Woman Found In A Pond Wearing Her Blue Dress
Davenport, Florida – According to an arrest affidavit the suspect, Gwinson Clerger 22 of Winter Garden, is accused of sexual assault, indecent exposure, public masturbation & false imprisonment. The incident took place in the early morning hours of July 31, 2016 at an apartment complex in Davenport. According to reports deputies were called to the apartment complex due a sexual assault. They would eventually find out that Clerger is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the apartment complex. During the investigation it was determined that Clerger and the woman had went out the night before with friends to Orlando. The victim advised Clerger may have drugged her, prior to the repeated sexual assault.
When deputies arrived at the apartment complex they found Clerger in the pond behind the apartment complex. Clerger was allegedly wearing a blue dress, belonging to the sexual assault victim. Three witnesses also saw Clerger in the pond behind their residence. According to one resident, who was on her back porch, Clerger allegedly yelled to her “Hey you white bxxxx look” and then he proceeded to masturbate in front of her. According to the report when deputies confronted Clerger coming out of the pond he immediately stated “She wanted me to treat her like a dog and when I did she didn’t like it”. Clerger also allegedly told deputies at this time “Do you mind if I stick my finger up my axx”. Clerger was taken into custody and arrested at this time.
It would be later learned through the investigation that the victim accused Clerger of assaulting her sexually multiple times in a very lewd manner. Clerger denies that he assaulted her and that it was consensual. He did advise that he was under the influence of a drug called “molly”, better known as ecstasy. Clerger advised that the group was taking “Molly” during their time in Orlando. The victim however advises that she never took the drug unless it was slipped into the multiple mixed drinks the victim gave her.
Clerger was transported to Heart of Florida Hospital prior to going to Polk County Jail. Clerger’s bond was set $13,500.
Warning: The additional details of this case are very disturbing. We are attaching a screen shot of the arrest affidavit, but warn you it is verbally graphic.
100 New Jobs Coming To Auburndale In Distribution Center
Auburndale, Fla., Aug. 8, 2016 – Medline, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies and clinical solutions, today announced its purchase of 51 acres of land for a new distribution center in Auburndale. The facility is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the city. Construction will begin this fall on the 830,000 square foot medical supplies distribution center located at the Southern end of the Polk Commerce Centre. The state of the art industrial warehouse will be designed and constructed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification and will incorporate a variety of sustainable features.
Why Auburndale
After looking at several locations, Medline chose the site in the city of Auburndale for its central location and accessibility to its area customers. Five hospitals are located in Polk County along with a multitude of other medical care facilities. The distribution center will be situated right off of the Polk Parkway, near Interstate 4, and 45 minutes from Tampa and Orlando.
Medline is committed to helping healthcare providers perform at their very best. The company’s innovative products and programs can be found in hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, nursing homes, home care and at retail. This new distribution center is a strategic move that will allow the company to continue providing high quality products to its customers while positioning it for future growth. Medline is very excited for this opportunity to collaborate with and contribute to the Auburndale community.
“The name Medline is a big benefit, it joins the numerous businesses that we have here in Auburndale and Polk County,” says Auburndale Community Development Director, Amy Palmer. Saddle Creek Logistics Services recently opened a distribution center there, and will be expanding its facility from 468,000 to 811,000 square feet.
Polk County sits in the middle of the Florida Super Region, an area with the country’s ninth largest economy, and creating $300 billion dollars a year in economic activity. Thanks to a growing population, educated work force, and excellent transportation network, the region is positioning itself to be a major economic force nationally as well as internationally.
“Great proximity and our positive relationship with our talent-rich community partners is what brought this project together. In addition, we are creating more opportunities with Federal incentives like New Market Tax Credits which combines Polk County’s location qualities and attractive workforce,” said Spiros Balntas, Director of Business Development for the Central Florida Development Council.
About Medline
Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the health care industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., the company offers 350,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,200 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels.
About the CFDC
Established in 1985, the CFDC has helped transform Polk County’s economic landscape into a flourishing, opportunity-rich business environment. Our continued mission is to promote and grow a local economy based on high-skill, high-wage sustainable and evolutionary business. If you’d like to learn more about what we do or are interested in having a member of staff present at one of your functions, visit www.cfdc.org or call (863) 937-4430 for more information.
About the City of Auburndale
Incorporated in 1911, The City of Auburndale has 14,009 residents and is 25.3 square miles. The city prides itself as being the premiere place to live, work, play and shop. Learn more at auburndalefl.com.
Winter Haven Police Looking For Two Burglary Suspects Who Kicked In the Door of a Home While A Woman Was Inside
On Monday 8-8-16 at approximately 8 a.m., two men kicked in the door of a Wallace Manor residence while the homeowner was inside.
The homeowner was in another part of the home when she heard knocking on the door. She went to the door and, looking out of the peephole in the door, saw a black male standing outside. She did not answer the door and went back to the other part of the house.
She then heard the knocking even louder. She once again went to the door and looked out when she saw another man with the first man she originally saw knocking at the door.
As she walked to the back of the home, she called police and then heard the door being kicked in. The homeowner locked herself in the back of the home while she was on the phone with the dispatcher. The suspects entered the home and took a television and purse. The homeowner was uninjured.
A home a few houses away that has outside surveillance video shows the suspect car drive down the street at approximately 7:52 a.m. The suspect vehicle passes the victim’s home, stops and reverses back and pulls into the driveway of the residence. A short time later, the vehicle is seen leaving the driveway and leaving the neighborhood.
The vehicle is a dark gray or black newer model Chrysler 200. The suspects are described as black males, in their 20’s – 30’s. The first male has a stocky build with a long black beard and was wearing a black shirt, light gray skinny-style jeans that were not pulled up all the way and wearing an unknown color hat. The second suspect is also stocky build wearing a black tank top, black shorts with short hair and no facial hair.
Anyone with information on the suspects or the vehicle shown in the photos attached is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
Truck Involved In Serious Crash On Hwy 98 & C.R. 630 In Frostproof
Frostproof, Florida – Around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016, a 2006 Kenworth Semi Tractor Trailer was traveling north on U.S. Hwy 27 and attempting to make a U-turn in the intersection of U.S. 27 and U.S. Hwy 98 in Frostproof, when a blue 2003 Chevy S-10 pickup truck that was traveling southbound on U.S. 27 struck and ran under the trailer portion of the semi, which was across the southbound lane in the midst of the U-turn.
The damage to the pickup truck and driver was extensive. The driver of the pickup truck is believed to be 65-year-old Timothy Caruthers of Kitten Trail in Hudson, who was declared deceased on-scene. Caruthers is the registered owner of the truck; deputies made contact with his next of kin, and based on interviews with her, they do believe he was driving.
The driver of the semi, 45-year-old Jorge Hernandez-Rodriguez of Hialeah, was not injured.
The intersection was closed for approximately 5 hours during the investigation. Impairment does not appear to be a factor, but the investigation is ongoing.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Traffic Stop In Lake Wales
Lake Wales, Florida – On Firday night, August 5, 2016 the Lake Wales Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 27 & Washington Ave. As officers Hartwell and Peck exited their vehicle and began to approach the suspect vehicle, the driver put the vehicle into drive and fled. Officer Hartwell shut down their emergency lights and followed as the vehicle fled across Hwy 27 west onto Northside Dr. The information was dispatched out as officers respond to assist with locating the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was later located near 206 Northside Dr. Deputy Shaw was requested to responded to assist due to the location. While attempting to locate the occupants a black male juvenile approached Officer Peck. He claimed he was coming to the residence because his family called him about her dogs barking. When questioned about the vehicle he claimed he knew nothing about the vehicle but it belonged to his cousin. He could not advise his cousin’s name. Officer Schwarze observed a subject pop out of the darkness on the south side of the residence. Upon seeing Officer Schwarze the subject fled on foot. Officer Schwarze yelled for him to stop. Other officer then assisted and chased after the subject clearly yelling “Stop Police”. The subject, later identified as Wesley Whitmore, DOB: 10/18/1993 , ran north through several yards before jumping over a fence. Officer Hernandez began to jump the fence after Whitmore at which time he yelled stop again and then yelled taser. Whitmore fell to the ground and complied with commands. As a result of the investigation Whitmore was charged with fleeing to elude and resisting without violence. Whitmore was booked into the PCJ. The juvenile was released to a parent.
This isn’t the first time Whitmore has been involved with the law. He was listed as a registered felon on 11/27/2013. He has been arrested 7 times in Polk County.
Frostproof Native & Buffalo Bills Cornerback Changes His Name
Frostproof, Florida – Frosproof Native & Buffalo Bills cornerback leading by example. You won’t hear his name for some crazy off the field incident. You will hear it associated with great athlete, business man & philanthropist.
The back of the No. 37 Buffalo Bills jersey looks a bit different this year. There’s a new name, but the number still belongs to the same player. Nickell Robey is now Nickell Robey-Coleman – a change he made to honor his late mother, Maxine.
Robey-Coleman filed the paperwork to change his name in his home state of Florida back in May.
“It was a neat moment. It was a historic moment for me,” Robey-Coleman said of seeing his new jersey for the first time. “This name is going to go on through my whole NFL career. It’s going to carry on to my kids, whether I have sons or daughters. Maybe they’ll play in the NFL, or they’ll go to college and compete there. I wanted to make it their name now.”
Robey’s mother died in 2010 at the age of 44 after suffering a massive heart attack. Shortly before she passed away, Robey-Coleman committed to the University of Southern California. After her death, he vowed to one day make it to the NFL and always make her proud.
“That makes me go,” Robey-Coleman told The Buffalo News last year, speaking in depth about the impact the passing of his mother had on him. “I know if she was living, she’d be appreciating everything that I’m doing and pushing me through it. This is all for her. My whole game, the way I play, is all for her. I know she’s watching.”
Adding Maxine’s last name is another way to guarantee her legacy is never forgotten.
“It’s a bloodline thing,” Robey-Coleman said.
After Maxine’s death, Robey-Coleman’s father, Earl, eventually remarried. His new wife took the Robey last name, and people began asking Robey-Coleman if Earl’s new wife was his mother. He wanted to clear up any confusion.
“Basically, it was just like thinking of the future, thinking about my kids, thinking about my family lineage down the line,” Robey-Coleman said. “It pretty much came from my dad’s side. He had got remarried. I wanted my mom’s name to remember her for my future. My dad and his situation had happened and so I just made my decision of putting my mom’s name on the back of my jersey, in remembrance of her.”
Maxine Coleman would have plenty to be proud of. Robey-Coleman is entering the fourth season of his professional career as a former undrafted free agent. That’s an accomplishment on its own – but one that’s even more impressive considering Robey-Coleman is just 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds – measurements that make him the smallest player on the team.
In his first three seasons, he’s played in all 48 games with 13 starts, making 132 tackles, 21 passes defended, five sacks and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. Last year could be considered a down season for Robey-Coleman, though, as he finished with just four passes defended – the fewest of his first three years.
“There were some things I wanted to do better,” he admitted after Friday’s practice at St. John Fisher College. “I wanted to make bigger plays, I wanted to make more plays, actually. That didn’t really happen. I’m trying to come out here and every opportunity I get, just make a play on the ball. Last year I feel like I could have done more.”
Robey-Coleman said Year Two in coach Rex Ryan’s scheme has him feeling “way more comfortable.” As the nickel cornerback, he’ll play an important part for the defense. Even though he only started three games last season, Robey-Coleman played 62 percent of the defensive snaps.
“I’ve been very impressed with him,” Ryan said. “I’ve had the officials just gluing all over him. I say study our nickel – make sure he’s not holding. … I don’t think he’s gotten a penalty all camp.
“That’s something, because I want him to understand, you don’t have to grab anybody. He’s got quickness. He’s got all that and I think he’s doing a good job.”
Last year, Robey-Coleman took a pair of critical pass-interference penalties in losses to Jacksonville and Kansas City. Even though both calls were highly questionable – the league actually admitted to errors after the fact on both plays – the damage was done.
Robey-Coleman said his focus in camp has been improving his technique, to avoid putting himself in those situations.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I’m having fun out there. Every time I step on the field, I just want to make the most of my opportunity.”
He’ll also be honoring his mom every time he does.