The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate registered Sex Offender, Ridge White (DOB.: 04/19/1988). On November 8, 2023, Mr. White cut off his GPS ankle monitor. He was last seen at approximately 7:00 pm at the transient residence in the wooded area of 5025 South Rail Avenue in Kissimmee.
Ridge White has gunshot scars on his abdomen, chest, and right and left leg. Ridge White also has the following tattoos: Woman’s devil face on the upper right arm, angels on the left wrist, skull on the right leg and upper left arm, “Hell boy” on his back, “Cariene” on his right hand, “Panne” & skull w/horn on the left hand, mortal combat sign on his neck, stitch on his right wrist, and scorpion, “R.J.,” and “11/13/14” on his lower right arm.
A warrant has been obtained for his arrest in reference to Violation of Probation. Ridge White has an extensive violent criminal history; please do not attempt to contact him. If seen, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (407) 348-2222.
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The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. To report a crime, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477 (**TIPS).
Winter Haven Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the subjects who were involved in an incident at Publix (Northgate Shopping Plaza) today that ultimately led to the stabbing death of a male victim.
WHPD Ask Public’s Help To Identify Individuals Involved In Fatal Stabbing
Today (Nov. 9, 2023) at approximately 1:35 p.m., a man entered Publix (Northgate Shopping Center, 1395 6th St. NW, Winter Haven) when a group of men followed him inside. Ultimately, a fight ensued between the man and the group of men. The group quickly ran from the store and left the scene. It appears the man at the counter cut one of the males during the fight.
A male stabbing victim was later dropped off at the Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Department entrance, with the driver of the vehicle not staying at the hospital. The male was ultimately pronounced deceased.
WHPD Ask Public’s Help To Identify Individuals Involved In Fatal Stabbing
Anyone with information on the identities of subjects seen in the photos is asked to contact Detective Maldonado at 863-837-0946 or 863-401-2256.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $5,000.
Haines City Police are looking for two suspects connected to an armed robbery that took place at Las Tres Banderas. On Thursday at approximately 4:00pm, police were dispatched to 57 Highway 17/92 North in reference to an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers were informed that one of the suspects were armed with a firearm. While the male with the gun held the victim at gunpoint, the other demanded the money. After receiving the money, they both fled the store eastbound to the area of 18th Street South and Melbourne Avenue. Fortunately, the victim was not injured during this incident.
Las Tres Banderas Armed Robbery Suspect
When reviewing the images, please note the suspects red shoes, and the other’s jacket with a ribbon. If you have any information, please contact the Haines City Police Department at (863) 421-3636.
Winter Haven Police are on scene of a stabbing at Publix in the Northgate Plaza.
A male was inside of the store near the Customer Service Desk when a group of males entered behind himand a fight started. The group ran from the store and left the scene. It appears the man at the counter cut one of the males in the group during the fight. A male stabbing victim was later dropped off at the Winter Haven Emergency Department entrance, with the driver of the vehicle not staying. The male was ultimately pronounced deceased.
The Publix Store at 1395 Sixth St. NW (Northgate Shopping Center) is currently closed as the investigation is ongoing.
This is very early on in the investigation and will send out updates as the information becomes available
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for the arrest for 26 year old Enrique Martinez, who lives in a homeless camp at 2nd Eloise Terrace in Winter Haven, for first degree murder, possession of a firearm and ammo by a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence.
Martinez murdered an adult Hispanic homeless male in the camp last night, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, around 9:30 p.m.
Martinez is 5’6″ tall, 146 lbs, with brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo on his left wrist that says “W7” and one on the left side of his neck that says “Natalia.” His nickname is KiKi.
Martinez has a very lengthy and violent criminal history dating back to 2011, with 13 felonies and 15 misdemeanors. He spent 5 years in state prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery domestic violence – he was released in November 2022. He was most recently arrested for battery domestic violence and resisting arrest in April 2023, and was released on bond.
If you have information on his whereabouts please call PCSO immediately by dialing 911.
If you wish to remain anonymous and receive a $5,000 CASH REWARD, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
**CALL 1-800-226 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.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lakeland man on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, after a Door Dash food delivery driver reported seeing the man hitting a 16-year old boy on David Street in Lakeland.
47-year old Jarrett Garrett McCabe was booked-into the Polk County Jail with a charge of simple battery (M1).
During an interview with a PCSO detective, McCabe said that he was told by a neighbor that two boys had jumped McCabe’s son on November 6th.
The investigation determined that McCabe’s son had a fight with the one of the boys a few weeks ago, and the other boy on Monday, and the boy hadn’t been jumped in either incident.
On Tuesday, McCabe went to the bus stop and waited to see if the boys were going to fight his son again, but when he saw the boys get off the bus, he confronted them instead. McCabe said he slapped one of the boys in the face with an open hand. According to the witness, McCabe punched the boy in the face and twice in the stomach.
“It’s understandable that a dad would be upset about his son getting jumped, but waiting at a bus stop to beat-up a kid is not the kind of example you want to be setting for your child. Based on this and his criminal history, he clearly has anger-management issues.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The victim was the child who fought with McCabe’s son a few weeks ago. The boy who was with the victim when McCabe confronted them was the boy who fought with McCabe’s son on Monday.
Following the fight on Monday, the boy and his mother spoke with McCabe and the boy apologized to him for fighting with his son.
Jarrett McCabe’s criminal history includes prior convictions for 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, and Shooting/Throwing Deadly Missile into Building or Vehicle (served six years and eleven months in Florida state prison).
It’s become a common sight around Lake Wales, land that used to have orange and grapefruit trees being bulldozed over for housing.
Lake Wales New Subdivision Taylor Groves 108 Homes
One of the newest is a 28 acre development originally called the Tangelo PDP or Planned Development Project, is no called Taylor Groves. A 10 acre parcel approved back around May of 2022 by the Lake Wales City Commission. Those 28 acres are located just South East of Walmart on State Road 60 and Tangelo St.
The site is planned to have 108 homes along with a small park near the middle.
The development was one of many the city has been considering in the last 2-3 years. It’s estimated if all of these housing projects come to fruition that the population would triple in Lake Wales in the next 10 years.
Proposed 3-2 bath homes going in to Taylor Groves In Lake Wales, Florida
The project is being build through D.R. Homes. Here is a little more about the from their website:
In 1978, D.R. Horton broke ground on our first home in Fort Worth, Texas. Since that day, the company has defined its success not by bricks and mortar, but by the satisfaction of the families that make our houses their homes. Our foundation is a single, guiding principle: a value-first dedication to the individual needs of each and every one of our nation’s homebuyers.
From first-time homebuyers to empty nesters, D.R. Horton provides a home for every stage in life. Our highly-trained, market experts are where you want to live, from New Jersey to Hawaii, providing unique, personalized services tailored to your individual needs. But the real value comes from the quality construction we put into every home, and the peace of mind that comes with a premium-backed warranty from America’s Number One Homebuilder.
What else should you consider as you select a new home? We believe the financial strength of the builder is an important consideration. Below are a few items for your consideration in determining our ability to be there for you, both during the construction process and after you close on your home.
We’ve delivered more than 1,000,000 homes to our nation’s customers since our company’s inception.
Since 2002, more homebuyers have chosen D.R. Horton than any other national builder.
We operate in 45 of homebuilding’s top 50 markets in the U.S., and rank among the top 5 in 37 of these.
Our team of operating experts are spread across the nation in 33 states and 118 markets.
Above all, our customer-driven principles have allowed us to work closely with each individual market to gain insight into the needs and wants from those who matter most: you.
Building the Future
We’ve come a long way, and while more people choose our family of brands over any other builder in the country, we never forget the most important thing of all – the families that choose us for their place to call home.
So continue to live out those dreams, America, and know we’ll be here for you every step of the way.
Two months after being discovered near a fallen tree following a storm, a rescued bald eagle has been returned to the wild.
The eagle was released on Knoll Hill at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales on Saturday. Several dozen curious spectators gathered to take a glimpse at the bird as it was released and took flight.
The bald eagle was transported to Bok Tower by volunteers from the Audubon Society, who had delivered the bird from the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay in Brandon.
The spectators were able to get a glimpse of the eagle up closer before they were instructed to watch its release from the bottom of the hill.
The bird’s handlers unlocked its shackles and removed its hood before allowing the bird to first fly to the crest of the hill, and then take flight toward the south.
“It is an exciting and beautiful day,” said Catherine Price, wife of David Price, President of Bok Tower Gardens. “It is wonderful. There are a lot of bad things happening in the world, but this was a good thing that happened. A lot of people came out to see an eagle released. So it’s a great beautiful day.”
The female eagle was found lying on the ground on a side road on Walk in the Water Road in Lake Wales on Sep. 12. Ricky Norris, a county employee, discovered the eagle next to a fallen tree the night following a bad storm.
“So, we are thinking the eagle was in the tree when the tree came down, or it was hit by a tree when it came down. Not sure how it happened,” said Cathy Terry, a local member of the Audubon Society Eagle Watch.
Upon being notified of the injured bird, Terry called the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. She then called Catherine Price to ask if she had something to transport the bird in. Price replied that she had a chicken cage and volunteered to deliver the bird.
So, Price drove to the location of the injured eagle and then drove it to Bartow, where it was then transported to the Raptor Center of Tampa. Price mentioned that the bird was discovered in bad condition, thus raising doubts about the likelihood of its survival.
“When Ricky picked it up, the bird was limp,” she said. “She laid her head down and closed her eyes. We looked at her and said there was no way. He found another juvenile who died. [And yet] she perked up a little bit in the car.”
The eagle remained at the Raptor Center where it was treated and rehydrated with fluids through subcutaneous transmission. After two months, the eagle had recovered to the point where it could be released back into the wild.
Bok Tower Gardens was chosen as the release location as it was close to where the eagle was discovered. The only reason it was not released in the location where it was found was because of three other eagles’ nests within the area, Terry explained.
“Normally, you would release an eagle where they were found because they may have mates or babies there,” she said. “But in this case, [we] were not sure which nest she came from. Even if she came from a nest there, there are three monitored eagles’ nests there in a three-mile radius. If we release her there, and none of them are her nests, she will get into a territory fight with the other eagles. They have a two-mile radius around the nest. So, if it is hers, Bok Tower is not too far away that she can’t find her way back home.”
Terry mentioned how very few injured birds can recover. As such, many of them are sent to animal control to be euthanized. This eagle was one of the lucky ones to survive and be returned to the wild. Being able to help that bird recover and see it released and take flight is nothing short of a miraculous experience, Terry said.
“They were pretty happy that she will get to go free,” she said. “Not everybody gets to rescue a bald eagle, and not everybody gets to see one released. It is an amazing experience.”
Though you might not be able to tell with the typical Florida weather, we currently are in the middle of autumn. (However, with the recent weather dropping to the “chilly” 60s, it’s technically jacket weather around these parts.) Last Saturday, several Auburndale residents and visitors celebrated the autumn season with the city’s annual fall fest.
The Auburndale Fall Fest drew hundreds of attendees downtown to the City Park, where they were able to bounce around in bounce houses, take a spin on a few carnival rides, peruse several dozen local vendors, listen to live music, and even check out a few dogs for adoption.
More than 80 vendors set up shop at the park in conjunction with the city’s First Saturday Market. These vendors showcase many of their wares, including homemade arts and crafts, clothing, local-grown honey and produce, and even freeze-dried candy.
Cody McGee, the City Recreational Director, owed their success this year and in previous years to the beneficial partnership between the City of Auburndale with the downtown market. Such cooperation allows the city to draw in both residents and visitors to the downtown area while the vendors attract potential customers.
“Everybody seems to be happy,” he said. “It seems to be good weather. Everything is working out. “I think we have a pretty good partnership with our First Saturday Market and the city because they want to bring in some funds to be able to bring in the fun stuff like bounce houses and the train ride and live music. And it gives us an opportunity for partnership. And it works out well. I enjoy seeing the kids and the face painting with the overall food and atmosphere.”
The City of Auburndale will be hosting several upcoming holiday events. Their annual tree lighting ceremony will officially kick off the holiday season on Dec. 7. Next will be the Havendale Holiday Parade, the annual parade held in conjunction with the City of Winter Haven, on Dec. 8. Finally will be Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 9.
For more information on upcoming events, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.mainstreetwh.com/
Jesus may be the reason for the season on Christmas, but Pastor John Friedt of Believers’ Fellowship Church in Lakeland wanted people to know that Jesus is the reason for every holiday season—especially Halloween!
On Halloween night, Believers’ Fellowship Church hosted their annual Hallelujah Night Fall Fest. Several hundred costumed children and their families turned out that evening at the church to enjoy hay rides, bounce houses, carnival-style games, and free food like popcorn, hot dogs, and snow cones. They could even roast marshmallows over a campfire and make smores!
However, more than simply providing residents with a fun Halloween evening, Pastor John Friedt used the event as an opportunity to share the gospel message with the community. He and his church members even hosted a prayer tent to pray over attendees and their needs.
“Our goal, the reason why we are here, is to spread the gospel of Jesus,” Pastor Friedt said. “It was effective for our mission to minister to people and pray for them. As far as the turnout goes, it is fantastic. It is a fantastic turnout. They are having some parking trouble. It’s a good trouble to have.”
This year’s event was their fifth annual event. Believers’ Fellowship Church has hosted similar events this time of year for 40 years. Their big annual event is their Christmas event, which usually draws in a turnout 150 percent greater than the Halloween event. They even hosted a special political rally during the 2020 Elections.
“I love getting to meet a lot of people from the community,” he said. “Lakeland is an absolutely amazing place. We love Lakeland. Jesus loves Lakeland. And the Spirit of God is here for people to set them free.”
