The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a single-vehicle crash that occurred on November 18, 2023, at approximately 5:29 a.m., on the westbound side of Interstate 4 between U.S. Highway 27 and Old Grade Road in Polk City. When Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue personnel arrived at the scene, the fire engulfing the car, a 2007 gray Toyota Camry, was extinguished and the driver, 41-year-old Brian Herr of Spring Hill, was found inside deceased.
Evidence at the scene and witness statements indicate that Herr was traveling west in the inside lane of I-4 and beginning to transition to the middle lane at the same time an unknown vehicle was beginning to transition to the middle lane from the outside lane. Herr swerved back into the inside lane, and the unknown vehicle swerved back to the outside lane. At this time, there is no evidence or indication there was any impact between the vehicles, and a witness behind the two vehicles confirmed that.
As Herr swerved back into the inside lane, his car began to hydroplane and spin in a counterclockwise direction, entering into the center grass median of the interstate, at which time the passenger side of the car struck a large grouping of trees. The car then immediately became fully engulfed in flames.
At the time of the crash it was dark, the roadway was wet, and there was very little ambient lighting in the area.
Two westbound lanes of Interstate 4 were closed for approximately 4 hours.
The crash investigation is ongoing.
Updated Details Regarding Crash That Killed Polk County Firefighter/Paramedic
Off Duty Polk County Firefighter Killed In Tragic Crash Early Saturday Morning
Updated Details Regarding Crash That Killed PCFR’ Brian Kerr: Updated Details Regarding Crash That Killed Polk County Firefighter/Paramedic
BARTOW, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2023) — Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of 41-year-old Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Herr, who died in a vehicle crash while off-duty today on Interstate-4 in Davenport, FL.
The Polk County Sheriffs Office is investigating the single vehicle fatality crash that occurred early this morning (Sat, Nov 18, 2023) before 6:00 AMat 5000 I-4 westbound, near the exit to CR 557 in Polk City, in the center grass median.
Herr FF/PM was hired by the department in March 2023 and was sworn in on April 14, 2023. He was assigned to C-Shift on Rescue 7. Herr FF/PM lived in Westley Chapel and he is a first-generation fire service member. He obtained his fire standards in Chicago prior to relocating to Florida and obtained his Paramedic certification at Pasco-Hernando State College. Herr FF/PM was selected to speak as his class representative for PCFR New Hire Class 23-02. He is survived by his two sons and his mother.
“We are all grieving at the loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Heer who was just starting out on his career with Polk County Fire Rescue. Firefighter/Paramedic Herr was an outstanding member of this department. His teamwork and positive attitude shined tremendously during his short time with Polk County Fire Rescue. He will be greatly missed. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the single car vehicle crash. We will have more information regarding funeral arrangements for Firefighter/Paramedic at a later date.
Suspected Out Of Town Car Burglary Thief Learns The Hard-way “Polk County Is Not The Place To Be”
On 11/13/2023 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Timothy Hogue, DOB: 12/13/1986, who is no stranger to law enforcement was arrested and charged with drug possession, unarmed vehicle burglary, fleeing to elude, and more.
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office 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. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :
“On 11/13/23 I was directed to respond to the residence located at REDACTED Davenport FL in reference to multiple conveyance burglaries.
I made contact with DS Hurtado (9580) who briefed me on his investigation. I learned on 11/13/23 at approximately 0315 hours VICTIM heard his car alarm activate in front of the above residence. VICTIMreviewed surveillance video and observed a male suspect attempt to enter his vehicle, which is a black Infinity bearing FL tag # REDACTED. VICTIM observed the suspect to return approximately 15 minutes later and called 911. VICTIM was able to provide a suspect vehicle description to responding Deputies. As Deputies arrived in the area, Sgt. Collazo (7789) observed a vehicle matching the suspect description near the crime scene.
Sgt. Collazo attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, later identified as a white Cadillac bearing FL tag # Y49FYP. The vehicle immediately fled deeper into the neighborhood toward a dead end. The suspect vehicle turned around at the dead end, and continued at a high rate of speed toward the original crime scene. The suspect vehicle crashed into the parked car at the original crime scene. Sgt. Collazo and gave the male driver lawful commands which he did not comply with. Sgt. Collazo deployed his agency issued Taser and was able to take the driver into custody. The driver was identified as Timothy Hogue through DAVID inquires. The vehicle was also occupied by a female in the front passenger seat, who was identified as Rebecca Kozub through DAVID inquires.
During a neighborhood canvass Deputies discovered additional conveyance burglaries. One occurred atREDACTED. to a white Ford F150 bearing FL tag # REDACTED. The vehicle is owned by REDACTED. A green purse was stolen from this vehicle. The estimated value of this property is $100.00. REDACTED did not give the suspect permission to enter the vehicle or remove her property. This incident was reported under case number 23-46314
An additional conveyance burglary was discovered at REDACTED. Sunglasses and medical paperwork were removed from a Kia SUV bearing FL tag # REDACTED. The estimated value of the property is $20.00. The vehicle belongs to REDACTED. She did not give the suspect permission to enter the vehicle or remove her property. This incident was reported under case number 23-46317.
Two additional conveyance burglaries were located at REDACTED. A Toyota Camry bearing FL tag #REDACTED, belonging to REDACTED was discovered to have been entered, and a purse valued at approximately $300.00 was removed from it. The victim did not give the suspect permission to enter the vehicle or remove her property. An additional Toyota Camry bearing FL tag # REDACTED was also discovered to have been entered. No property was removed from the vehicle. This incident was reported under case number 23-46317.
DS Nester (9575) conducted an inventory search of the suspect’s vehicle. The stolen property from the burglaries which occurred at REDACTED, REDACTED, and REDACTED. were located within the vehicle. Also located during the inventory search was a clear plastic baggie containing .22 grams of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine pipe, and aplastic baggie containing 2.55 grams of cannabis. The methamphetamine tested positive for methamphetamine using a nark test #15. The cannabis was tested with an AP-4 Hemp Typification Test Kit, which yielded a blue result, indicating the presence of more than 1% delta-9 THC.
During a post Miranda interview Timothy Hogue stated he picked up Rebecca and she directed him to the area of the crime scene. Rebecca exited the vehicle and returned with purses he believed to be stolen. Timothy stated he then attempted to enter two separate vehicle, one of which activated the car alarm. The suspect stated he left that vehicle, and returned a short time later to attempt again, but he was unsuccessful. The suspect stated he was able to see law enforcement attempt to stop him, but he “freaked out” and attempted to flee the area. The suspect stated he was fleeing at approximately 80 MPH at the time of the collision. The suspect also stated the narcotics discovered within the vehicle belonged to him.
It was determined both suspects live outside of Polk County FL.
FCIC/NCIC inquires revealed Timothy Hogue was convicted of petit theft on 2/5/07 in Orange County FL, and grand theft on 8/8/19 in Orange County FL.
Through my investigation I determined due to the facts stated above probable cause exists to charge Timothy Hague with attempted burglary of a conveyance, three counts of burglary of a conveyance, three counts of petit theft with a prior conviction, conspiracy to commit burglary of a conveyance, crossing county lines to commit burglary, fleeing to elude with lights and siren activated, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia.”
At this time we do not have any details as to whether Rebecca Kozub is being charged in any way. We will up when that information comes available.
Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Commercial Structure Fire on Combee Road Which Looks To Be Arson
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to a commercial structure fire at 2940 Combee Rd. S., Lakeland, on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 9:47 p.m.
Upon PCFR arrival, crews encountered heavy flames. They began working quickly to gain control of the fire and prevent it from spreading. While on scene, Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies advised PCFR units that they observed a possible suspect igniting the fire on video surveillance.
Sixteen PCFR crews responded to the scene. Additionally, one Lakeland Fire Department apparatus and multiple PCSO deputies responded. PCSO took one individual into custody that was believed to be involved.
“Our members continue to demonstrate readiness and timely mitigation of incidents across the county,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M.
Polk County Fire Rescue turned the investigation over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and PCSO.
She Started Swimming at Age 5. Now This LWHS Senior Will Be Swimming Her Way to FSU!
by James Coulter
Mary Leigh Hardman, 18, graduates from Lake Wales High School next year. She will be attending Florida State University. She remains undecided about what she will be studying in college. She does know she will be on the athletic swim team.
Mary recently signed her letter of intent for Florida State University last Tuesday during a signing ceremony hosted at the school library. She was joined by family, friends, and classmates.
Mary had been swimming since age 5. In fact, the person who gave her swimming lessons was none other than LWHS Athletic Director Arianne Seidl (affectionately called “Coach A” by the students).
Coach A remembers giving young Mary her first swimming lessons. Now that she has grown up, Mary certainly has the tall stature and lean frame that makes for an excellent professional swimmer, Coach A commented.
Moreover, Mary’s determination has been the real driving force in her athletic and school career, as she has proven to be both an excellent athlete and top-grade student, Coach A explained.
“So her hard work and dedication in the classroom and the pool has been amazing and set her up for success, and [now] her dreams are coming true,” she said. “I look forward to her success. She will have great success on the college level. It will all depend on her determination, but what she has thus far has shown she is willing to work hard and has high goals and the ability to reach those.”
Ever since she learned how to swim at age 5, Mary has been participating in competitive swimming. During her high school athletic career, she won the state championship in her freshman and sophomore years, and she attended state her senior year as well. Being able to do so allowed her to travel with her team and participate in the relay.
“I just love being on the team,” she said. “It is a lot of fun, especially when we get to travel to a lot of different meets and do fun things together…Honestly, I feel it is the team that has been keeping me interested in swimming because of the relationships I have on the team. It makes it all the more fun to train and compete.”
Ribbon Cutting for Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
by James Coulter
Brian Lamar Brady was raised by a single mother. While he did not have a consistent father figure, he did have his grandfather. Upon receiving an epiphany in seventh grade, he strived for excellence in his education. That drive led him to graduating valedictorian in high school, and later graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in finance (a college education he helped pay for by detailing vehicles on the weekend.)
His initial aspiration was to work in finance at a local truck company. When a finance position was not available, he started humbly enough with a job dispatching trucks. When finance season rolled around, he worked his way up to finance, where he specialized in insurance finance.
“[He] said I did not know what I was doing, all I know is what I wanted, I just saw that,” his wife, Jessica Brady, said. “He would volunteer his time, and after one season, he was hired. He worked every day. Even at the height of his sickness, he was being headhunted for the acumen he gained in finance.”
He and his wife, Jessica, were married for 21 years. Together, they had two children. When asked about what motivated him to do what he did, he mentioned the rough moments in his life, and how they inspired him to work harder rather than give up.
“While other people crashed upon the rocks, he used those rocks to sharpen himself, and he had people in his life who showed him and let him see there was something laid out before him,” she said.
Four years ago, Brian was diagnosed with cancer. Initially, he was expected to only live for 18 months. However, he managed to fend off his cancer for much longer, and, last July, he passed away. His wife mentioned that it was his children who inspired him to live longer than expected.
“He fought every day for his children,” Jessica said. “[He said] if I didn’t have these kids, I wouldn’t have a reason to fight this cancer.”
As someone who was encouraged to overcome his shortcomings and make something of himself, the new Boys and Girls Club of Polk County facility was named in his honor during its ribbon cutting on Monday evening. His wife was honored her husband would become the “namesake of a program that will never let any Polk County kid fall behind.”
The ribbon cutting was hosted last Monday by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by several Chamber officials and by several people from the Boys and Girls Club and the Lake Gibson Middle School, where the new facility is located.
Principal Ismael Portillo expressed his honor of having his school facilitate the newest branch of the Boys and Girls Club. As a principal, he knows working with children, especially in public education, is not easy, but that hard work is more than worth it if it allows a child to reach their full potential.
“Wise men plant seeds for trees whose shade they will never sit under,” he said. “That [quote] gets me up every morning because that is what we owe to our future generations. That is why we get up in the morning. That is the same thing that drives people like you to participate in the board of an organization like this.”
Ashley Ray, Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Club, expressed her gratitude that another facility has been opened to allow them to assist local children, especially those from low-income households, and help further their education.
“I can stand up here and throw all the statistics at you…but at the core of everything we do, we are mentors,” she said. “We provide that stability that children need especially in middle school. It is a rough age for a lot of kids. Having an extra support system is an integral part of success for these kids.”
In addition, the new site will be used for the Boys & Girls Club hot meal program. This site will be their 11th location to serve hot meals. What started as serving snacks to children after school in 2010 has since grown to serve more than 800 hot meals daily across the county, said Casey Kind, Director of Food Services.
“We know without this program, many of our youth would go home with no food,” she said. “We know when our kids are being tutored and trying to do their homework, that it is very hard for them to concentrate when their stomachs are rumbling. So we are proud of our food program here and are glad to add this additional stop onto our route.”
For more information, visit their website at: https://bgcpolk.org/
From Star Wars to Surreal Art: Bartow Chalk Walk Chalks Up Another Successful Year
by James Coulter
A dragonfly balances upon a brain while balancing a scale from either wing. Such a sight might come across as rather curious, but the symbolism behind it proves equally enlightening.
Laura Thomas calls this chalk piece “Balance” because the piece showcases the importance of a balanced life in the face of struggle and adversity. The scales, of course, represent balance while the dragonfly represents change.
“You have to reach inside, retrain our brains, and make the change you need to, [and then] you can find that balance in life,” Thomas explained.
With people facing so much stress in their daily lives, especially in light of current events, Thomas discovered that many people were unable to achieve balance in their lives. So, she decided to create this piece to help people find that focus to achieve balance.
“I have come across a lot of people this year who have been having a hard time with a lot of struggles,” she said. “I wanted to create something to inspire people to find that balance because it is tough in this world.”
A professional artist from St. Petersburg, Thomas travels the state and country. She has been attending the Bartow Chalk Walk, where she created her latest piece, for the past several years. The drive to inspire others through her craft keeps her coming back year after year.
Thomas was one of several dozen artists who put chalk to the pavement in Downtown Bartow for the Annual Bartow Chalk Walk. Nearly 50 artists knelt along the sidewalk in the park outside the courthouse to create their chalk masterpieces.
Some artists like Susan Kelly from West Palm Beach were inspired by history. She chose to create a portrait of the indigenous woman Chasing Horse to help commemorate Native American History Month in November.
She had been attending the chalk festival for the past few years. She loves how recent festivals have been held in conjunction with the Annual Honeybee Fair to draw bigger crowds.
“It is wonderful,” she said. “I have been coming here for a couple of years. It is a great festival. I love doing this. I love this.”
Other artists like Joel Nathan drew their inspiration from popular media. His piece that year included the characters Sabine and Ezra from Star Wars Ashoka. He loved watching the Star Wars Rebels animated series growing up, and his family often cosplayed the characters.
“I am a huge fan of Star Wars Rebels,” he said. “I love to cosplay as Ezra Bridger. These are characters that mean a lot to me because we also have a cosplay family that cosplays as the Rebels characters. So I wanted to do this piece.”
Nathan has been an artist for the past five years. This year was his second year attending, having first attended in 2021. He loves the overall atmosphere, especially with the festival being hosted in a small town like Bartow.
“I love the atmosphere,” he said. “It is a good community, it is also a good time of year to come back here.”
You Won’t Bee-Lieve This Year’s Bartow Honeybee Fair
by James Coulter
Downtown Bartow proved to be busy as a bee last Saturday during its Annual Honeybee Festival. Several hundred vendors lined Main Street and the nearby streets selling various arts and crafts, many related to honey and bees.
The Ridge Beekeepers Association and a few other vendors showcased hives with real-life bees to demonstrate how honey is produced, while several other vendors served raw honey and honey-related food and products.
The annual event was started long ago when the Ridge Beekeepers wanted to partner with Main Street Bartow for the annual craft fair. The event was since renamed the Honeybee Fair, and since then, it has been an annual fall season tradition.
Linda Holcomb, Executive Director of Main Street Bartow, was blown away by this year’s turnout, which proved to be bigger and better than last year’s event. She attributes the success to not only hosting the event alongside the Bartow Chalk Walk but also to its long-running reputation.
“I think partly because of the reputation it has, we have grown and doubled our vendors this year. So part of that is reputation, advertising, and word of mouth,” she said. “The turnout is better than expected. We expected good crowds, but we have exceeded that. It has been packed. I think it is going to be our best year yet.”
The Honeybee Festival shared the same date as the Bartow Chalk Walk. The decision to host both events on the same weekend proved beneficial, as both events drew double the crowds downtown, Holcomb said.
“That chalk walk was previously hosted in October, but it kept being rained out,” she explained. “So we decided to incorporate it into the Honeybee Fair so that the honeybee crowd could get a finer taste of some of the marks of chalk artists and it has grown popular also. Both events have helped each other.”
Main Street Bartow will be hosting its annual Magic on Main holiday event next Friday around sundown. The downtown area will be cast aglow in holiday lights and decorations with an appearance by Santa Claus himself and even real snow.
“If everything goes as it has been going, they will be bigger than they have ever been,” Holcomb said. “Our events keep getting better and better.”
This Softball Coach Learned About Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation on Facebook. They Donated an AED to her School.
by James Coulter
Monica Villanueva serves as the head softball coach at Mulberry High School. She learned about the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation through an article on their donation of an automated external defibrillator to Blackburn’s BBQ in Auburndale.
As a softball coach, Villanueva knows of the many risks that players and even spectators can experience during a ball game. So, she reached out to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and requested an AED for her school’s ballfield.
On Thursday, Melanie Brown Culpepper and her team with the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation arrived to Mulberry High School to donate an AED to the school’s new gymnasium and ball field facility.
“We did not have one at our brand-new facility,” Villanueva said. “And I saw that Melanie story on Facebook and reached out to have one here just in case we have an issue here with the kids’ playing sports.”
“It is wonderful,” Villanueva continued. “I think that she saved us money by donating to us…We really appreciate it. It means a lot to us that she is willing to do this for us, and hopefully we never need it, but in case we do, it is nice to know we have it.”
David Gotauco, the head baseball coach, likewise appreciated the donation. As a coach, he knows that his players can play hard, and as such, emergencies can arise. As such, he appreciates having an AED available at their facility in case of such an emergency.
“It is amazing,” he said. “If it helps save a life, it is amazing. It is amazing we can have this device out here…It is huge. It gives us an option to save a life when it happens, so we are excited to have it.”
Michael Young, the principal at Mulberry High School, likewise appreciated the AED donation, and he especially appreciated a local organization like Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation reaching out to his school.
“I think it is incredible for an individual [like Melanie] to take on this cause, to help other people, and that is encouraging that we have those kinds of individuals in the world and help others out for no gains to themselves,” he said.
Melanie Brown Culpepper started her organization three years ago after her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her organization to assist local first responders, raise proceeds for scholarships to fire fighters and EMTs, and donate and install AEDs across the county.
Since its inception, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has donated and installed AEDs to local establishments including eateries, gyms, VFWs, and Moose lodges. These locations include Caribbean Bay, Tanner’s Lakeside, and Old Man Franks.
Melanie appreciated being contacted by someone who read about her story on Facebook. Such recognition proves that other people are inspired by her own story and are more than eager to help others in their community.
“I am glad Monica reached out to me,” she said. “I am privileged and honored that we got to bring out one here, and we hope to be able to save some athlete here at the high school…I thank the community as always for helping support us. It’s not just me, it is a team and it is the whole community pulling together that makes it happen.”
For more information about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
Single Vehicle Crash Blocking Traffic On Thompson Nursery Rd In Lake Wales
Lake Wales Police Department is on scene of a single vehicle traffic crash at Thompson nursery Road and Conservation Way.
There are minor injuries, but total road blockage at this point. Thompson Nursery Road between Highway 27 and Lake Ashton is temporarily shut down until we get a tow truck on scenes to remove the vehicle.
We will update you once the roadway is back open.
