Silas “Pops” ONeal Spradley, 84 of Lake Wales, Florida, born in Georgia on July 24, 1939, entered into eternal rest on October 26, 2023. He is preceded in death by his wife Rosa Jane Spradley; and son, Mike Spradley. He is survived by children, Mark, Ben (Carla), Bobby (Jennifer), and Patrick (Starr), daughter-in-law, Susan Spradley; 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held December 9, at Apostlic Lighthouse Church, 403 Frederick Avenue, Dundee, where the family will receive friends at 11:00 A.M. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Man Killed In Lake Wales Industrial Accident Thursday
On Thursday, November 30th, 2023 Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions located at 200 Story Road in Lake Wales regarding a forklift accident. Upon arrival, Polk County Fire Rescue was directed by employees to an unresponsive male patient later identified as Christian Torres. Mr. Torres was an employee of the business who was discovered unresponsive pinned between a stack of roofing pallets and a forklift. As a result, Mr. Torres was transported to Advent Health in Lake Wales by PCFR where he was pronounced deceased at 1417 hours.
Torres been employed by Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions for five years and is a certified forklift operator.
He was observed at approximately 1145 hours going to lunch and later observed after his lunch break operating his forklift in his assigned area.
A coworker later saw Torres’ hardhat on the ground and as he approached the area he realized Torres was pinned between the forklift and a stack of pallets. The coworker then immediately called for help with his business radio. CPR commenced until first responders arrived on scene and assumed life saving measures.
Torres was transported to the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will occur at a later date. OSHA was notified of this industrial accident and initiated an independent investigation into the incident.
Polk Teacher Charged After Allegedly Having Sex With Students
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a substitute English teacher working at New Beginnings High School, a charter school in Lakeland, for sex offenses against two of his female students.
33-year old Jerron Dunn of Lakeland is being charged with having Sex Offense on a Student by an Authority Figure (F2), and Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (F3). He was booked into the Polk County Jail during the early morning hours of November 30, 2023, and is being held on no bond until a first appearance hearing.
The investigation began when the two female victims, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, told their guidance counselor that Dunn sent them both videos of himself masturbating, via Snapchat. The guidance counselor contacted the Sheriff’s Office.
The first victim (17) told detectives that she borrowed a charger for her phone from Dunn and while her phone was charging, he went into her phone and added himself onto her Snapchat. He then began sending her messages asking her to come visit him at his house. She declined but he continued sending messages, and then sent her a video of himself masturbating.
The second victim (18) told detectives that she accepted Dunn’s friend request on Snapchat, after which he began messaging her and telling her that she was pretty and he wanted to start a relationship with her. The victim told Dunn that he was too old for her and that it would be “weird” because he is her teacher. He continued to send her messages, and then sent her several videos of himself masturbating. He told her he wanted her to be a “friend with benefits” and to come over to his house and have sex with him.
Dunn admitted to communicating via Snapchat with the 17-year-old victim, and to asking the 18-year-old to be his girlfriend and also sending her the explicit videos. Detectives will conduct a forensic analysis of his cell phone, and further charges are pending.
“This suspect used his position of authority over students to groom them and attempt to have sex with them; our hope is that there are no other victims. We encourage anyone who has been victimized by Jerron Dunn to please contact law enforcement.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
If anyone has information regarding similar acts by Jerron Dunn, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
Man Killed & His Family Injured In Lakeland Single Vehicle Crash
LAKELAND, FL (November 30, 2023) – On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at approximately 10:58 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single vehicle on North Combee Road near the intersection of State Road 33. Just before the crash, a 2010 Chrysler van was traveling northbound on North Combee Road when, for unknown reasons, just prior to the intersection, the vehicle continued in a northwest direction on the grassy shoulder and impacted a concrete traffic signal support pole. The vehicle came to rest against the pole.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The driver was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The front passenger was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with critical injuries and the rear passenger was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The roadway was shut down for approximately 4 hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].
Driver:
Mitchell Parker
Age: 38
Lakeland, FL
Front passenger:
Jennifer Parker
Age: 31
Lakeland, FL
Rear passenger:
Male
Age: 9
Lakeland, FL
Public Notice
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Shannon’s Mobile RV Repair under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Shannon Carnley.
Welcome, World Travelers! The Marvels is a Marvelous Marvel of a Marvel Movie!
by James Coulter
2023 has not been a good year for superhero movies. Quantumania was meh! Guardians 3, though interesting, was disappointingly meh! And the less said about Shazam 2 and The Flash, the better. The only bright spots in this whole year were Across the Spiderverse, which was an excellent movie, and Blue Beetle, which was surprisingly underrated and deserved better at the box office.
So, now we have the last Marvel movie of the year—and, apparently, the last Marvel movie until 2025 now that the company is desperately trying to re-route the direction of the MCU. So, how is The Marvels? Will this movie allow this year for Marvel to go out like a brilliant supernova? Or will this year end, not with a bang, but a whimper?
The Marvels is the sequel to Captain Marvel, whose titular hero is trying to track down and stop a supervillain from stealing resources from other planets to save their dying planet. However, things quickly become complicated when the discovery of a mysterious magical bangle causes Captain Marvel to spontaneously change places with two other characters, Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) and Monica Rambeau (Photon), whenever she uses her powers. Will the three heroines learn to work around this problem and stop the bad guy from nearly destroying the universe?
Let me cut to the chase: if you’re someone who thinks superhero movies are better when they’re “dark” and super “serious”, if you’re one of the people who petitioned Warner Bros to #ReleaseTheSnydercut and thus were responsible for the monstrosity that is the 4-Hour long cut of Justice Leauge, and now you’re super salty that James Gunn is taking over for Zack Snyder on the DC Movies, and if you’re someone who gets upset and cries “woke” when a female superhero takes the lead, this movie is NOT for you—and chances are, you’ve already review bombed this movie before it came out.
However, if you’re a normal person who loves “fun”, and your favorite superhero movies are the ones that have “fun” like Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool, Shazam, and Birds of Prey, then you are absolutely going to enjoy The Marvels. I myself was pleasantly surprised, as it’s the most fun I’ve had watching a Marvel movie (that wasn’t the Spiderverse films) in a long time. In a year of superhero monotony, this film was a breath of fresh air—on a roller coaster!
What I love most about the film is how much of an improvement it was from the original Captain Marvel movie. Personally, I didn’t care too much about that film when I first saw it. My biggest problem was how much of a stick-in-the-mud Captain Marvel’s character was in two-thirds of the movie (albeit for plot-related reasons)—with the other third actually allowing her to go hog wild. The Marvels allows her to go hog wild through the entire movie, and she is much better as a character for that. I really love it when Brie Larson gets snarky, sarcastic, and witty—and I really love it when she brings the thunder (sorry, wrong superhero!) with her powers!
Speaking of powers, I also love how well she bounces off the other two main leads, Ms. Marvel and Photon. The banter and chemistry they share are really enjoyable. And I especially love the overtly enthusiastic fangirl that is Kamala Khan. She gives off real Tom Holland vibes playing the Spider-Man to Captain Marvel’s Iron Man (which, I guess makes Photon the Iron Patriot?) My favorite part is when these three learn to work around their quirk of changing places with one
another, especially during action sequences, which leads to some visually interesting and high-octane scenes.
But my absolute favorite part involves Goose the Cat. No spoilers, but if you loved Goose in the first movie, you will LOVE her in this movie, as she the inciting incident of one of the best (if not absolutely hilarious) scenes in the movie. Again, no spoiler, but let’s just say that scene does a better job of paying homage to Cats: The Musical than the abomination that was the live-action 2019 film.
There are only two real downsides to this movie. One is the homework. This movie expects you not only to have seen the previous Marvel movies, but also the Disney Plus mini-series Wandavision, Ms. Marvel, and Secret Invasion. Fortunately, I had seen those series (minus Secret Invasion, which I still haven’t watched). But I feel sorry for anyone who needs to buy a Disney Plus subscription and binge-watch hours of episodes just to catch up to this movie’s plot.
The other downside is the villain. Let’s face it: aside from Thanos and Loki, the Marvel movies are lacking in real memorable villains. This film’s antagonist is no exception. In fact, they’re so forgettable I don’t even know or remember their names. (Looks it up on Google: oh, it’s Dar-Benn the Accuser!)
Otherwise, The Marvels is a fun superhero movie that really knows how to have fun with fun characters and fun moments. If you love “fun” superhero movies, this one has plenty of high-octane action and quippy banter. If not, well, you can always watch the 4-Hour-Long “SnyderCut” of Justice Leauge on Max (if Zaslav doesn’t decide to scrap that for a tax write-off like he did Batgirl and Coyote Vs. Acme!)
Oh, and don’t forget to stick around for the post-credits scene. It is the best reveal in a post-credits scene thus far! You will be pleasantly surprised!
Motorcyclist killed after rear-ending an SUV on Interstate-4 near Davenport Tuesday
Motorcyclist killed after rear-ending an SUV on Interstate-4 near Davenport Tuesday
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday morning, November 28, 2023 and caused significant traffic delays on Interstate-4 during morning rush hour in the Davenport area.
The crash occurred at about 6:56 am on the eastbound side of the interstate between US 27 and Champions Gate Boulevard.
Killed in the crash was 21-year old Jandihel Ortiz Aviles of Kissimmee.
A PCSO deputy who had just completed an unrelated traffic stop nearby arrived at the scene of the crash shortly after it occurred and immediately began life-saving measures and requested Polk County Fire Rescue and additional PCSO units.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives responded and began their investigation.
It was determined that Mr. Aviles was traveling east on I-4 and at one point was seen driving on the outside shoulder of the roadway prior to the crash.
As the motorcycle changed lanes and entered the center lane of travel, it violently collided with the rear of a white 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 36-year old Hamilton White of Orlando.
The impact caused Mr. Aviles to be ejected from his motorcycle and caused significant damage to the back of the Equinox. Mr. White was not injured.
Mr. Aviles was not wearing a helmet.
A portion of I-4 eastbound was closed for approximately four hours, and the crash remains under investigation.
Man Killed In Early Morning Crash In Davenport
A two vehicle crash north of Davenport on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, resulted in the death of one driver, while the other driver suffered no injuries.
The crash occurred at around 4:19 am on US 17/92 North, just south of the intersection with Ernie Caldwell Boulevard.
Upon arrival by members from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue, 34-year old Luis Garcia III of Clay County was determined to be deceased.
The other driver, 29-year old Kevin Fontanez of Winter Haven was not injured.
The preliminary investigation by PCSO Traffic Homicide investigators revealed that Mr. Garcia had been driving a white 2011 Dodge Charger and traveling south on US 17/92 North.
Mr. Fontanez was driving a green 2013 Mack semi-truck and traveling north on the same road.
As the two vehicles approached each other, Mr. Garcia’s Charger struck the semi-truck head-on. It is currently unknown why the Charger crossed into the northbound lane, but the crash remains under investigation.
Mr. Fontanez was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, but Mr. Garcia was not.
US 17/92 was completely shut down between Lem Carnes Road and Ernie Caldwell Boulevard for about five hours.
Haines City Police Arrest Polk Math Teacher For Relationship With Student
HAINES CITY- Haines City Police Department arrested a 23-year-old math teacher today for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Earlier today, a tipster who suspected there was an inappropriate relationship between Kevin Rodriquez-Febus provided information to investigators. In statements to detectives, the victim said she and Febus were in a dating relationship since early 2023. The victim claimed that he approached her on a gaming platform through Xbox. The victim stated that they have met at various locations throughout the state to go on dates. After interviewing the victim, detectives met with Febus.
Febus told detectives that he was in love with the victim and wanted a relationship with her. Febus then told detectives he was her boyfriend and the victim was his girlfriend. Febus admitted to several acts of inappropriate behavior with the victim. Police charged Febus with offenses against students by authority figures, a second-degree felony.
“We are thankful to the witness who spoke up on behalf of the victim, as this inappropriate relationship would have likely continued.” Said Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck. “Based on the initial contact between the victim and the suspect taking place online, I would encourage parents to always be mindful of who their children are communicating with and the nature of their conversations.”
Polk County School Board Superintendent said teachers and school employees are held to the highest standards. “We trust them with our children, and anyone who takes advantage of such positions of authority has no place within our schools. We are moving forward with ending this person’s employment with Polk County Public Schools, and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement in their investigation,” said Heid.
Anyone with additional information about the case or other potential victims should call the Police Department at 863-421-3636. If you would like to report anonymously, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 888-400-8477.
Sex Offender Charged With Lewd Behavior With A Minor Child In Lakeland
On November 22, 2023 the Polk County Deputies arrested 68 Yr Old Robert Earl Dick’s In Lakeland. According to the arrest affidavit Dick’s is accused of Lewd Molestation of a minor child (suspect over 18 Yr old and victim under the age of 16 Yr old.) The suspect was also charged with allegedly failing to register as sex offender. According to the affidavit, below, it appears Dick’s allegedly tempted a juvenile boy by allowing him to use his cellphone to play a game. This was allegedly witnessed by a minor girl whom reported the incident to her mother.
Warning The Following May Disturb Certain Individuals
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 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 November 21, 2023, at approximately 2330 hours, I responded to REDACTED in Lakeland where I made contact with D/S Foresyth #9788 who advised he responded to REDACTED in Lakeland, Florida in reference to a lewd molestation investigation. Through his investigation, D/S Foresyth learned the victim,REDACTED, disclosed to his parents that (SUSPECT)asked him to show him his penis and touch his buttocks over his clothing.
I conducted a recorded interview with the victim’s mother, REDACTED, who advised her daughter,REDACTED, told her that she was asked by REDACTEDto keep a secret. REDACTED told her mother that in the past couple of days, unknown exact time, (SUSPECT)asked REDACTED to show him his private parts in order to play on (SUSPECT’S) cellphone. At this time,REDACTED is grounded from having any electronics due to school behavior. REDACTED did not witness REDACTED exposing himself to (SUSPECT). REDACTED disclosed to his mother, after being confronted, that he was playing on (SUSPECT’S) phone in exchange to show him his penis. REDACTED was unable to disclose if he exposed himself but disclosed(SUSPECT) touched his buttocks area over his clothes.
At approximately 1114 hours on November 22, 2023, REDACTED (the victim) was taken to the Child Advocacy Center for a forensic interview. During the forensic interview, REDACTED disclosed that REDACTED, Robert Dicks, touched him on the buttocks. REDACTED then advised Robert asked him to show him his private parts, in exchange, to let him play on his phone. REDACTED advised he did not show Robert his private parts. REDACTED advised Robert asked him to then touch his private parts with his hand but he did not. REDACTED advised Robert exposed himself and stated he had no clothes on. REDACTED was unable to describe his penis or manner due to looking away. REDACTED was able to demonstrate on the forensic drawings the difference between a penis and the buttocks.
At approximately 1156 hours on November 22, 2023, REDACTED (the witness) was taken to the Child Advocacy Center for a forensic interview. During the forensic interview, REDACTED disclosed that REDACTED, Robert, asked REDACTED to show his private parts on several occasions. REDACTED advised on 11/21/2023, she went to the bathroom at her residence while REDACTED was at, (SUSPECT’S) house. REDACTED disclosed while walking back and approached the gate to Robert’s yard, she heard and saw Robert ask REDACTED to show him his private parts in order to use Robert’s phone. REDACTED advised REDACTED then pulled his pants down and showed Robert. REDACTED advised she then went to her residence where she told her mother that REDACTEDhad a cellphone. Both children then returned to their residence. REDACTED advised Robert told her “don’t tell, don’t tell, that is what boys do”. REDACTED advised she knew this was wrong and went to tell her parents.
It should be noted, at this time in the investigation, it was made aware that Robert Earl Dicks Jr. is a registered sex offender based on child sexual abuse convictions in 1991.
On November 22, 2023, at approximately 1354 hours, I conducted a recorded interview with Robert Earl Dicks, Jr. Robert advised he was aware of why we wanted to speak to him. Robert was read his Miranda Warnings and advised he understood. Robert advised he REDACTED. Robert advised for the past year REDACTED and REDACTED would come over and keep him company. Robert advised the kids would play on his swing and in his garage. Robert advised on November 21, 2023, in the afternoon, REDACTED was playing outside in the yard of her house with her friend and REDACTED was inside of his garage. Robert advised he was aware that REDACTED was grounded from electronics, however, letREDACTED use his phone to use Monopoly GO game. Robert advised REDACTED was sitting on the recliner playing on his cellphone. At this time, Robert needed to urinate but due to his bilateral amputation, he turned facing away from REDACTED, and urinated in an Apple Juice jug. Robert could provide no logical reason why he chose to urinate in the garage in the presence ofREDACTED. Robert then advised REDACTED asked him what he was doing and he stated he needed to urinate. Robert advised REDACTED got up and came over to where he was and that is when REDACTED saw his penis. Robert advised REDACTED stated “oh wow” and pulled his pants down and stated “mine is poking up and yours is poking that way”. Robert advised he then covered his eyes and told REDACTED “don’t do that, you’re going to get me in trouble”. Robert was then asked about touching REDACTED ‘s buttocks and he advised he told REDACTED to bend over and he spanked him in a playful manner. Robert advised he was demonstrating what happens if REDACTED was to be disciplined.
Based on my investigation and the totality of the circumstances, Robert’s combined actions during this incident show a clear lewd intent behind his behavior towards REDACTED. I have sufficient probable cause to charge Robert Earl Dicks Jr. with F.S. 800.04(5)(b), Lewd Molestation when Robert intentionally touchedREDACTED on the buttocks in a lewd manner with no legitimate or lawful reason; F.S. 800.04(6)(b), Lewd Conduct when Robert asked REDACTED to commit a lewd act by exposing his genitals to Robert; and F.S. 800.04(7)(b), Lewd Exhibition when Robert intentionally exposed his genitals in a lewd and lascivious manner. At the time of these incidents, Robert was 68 years of age and REDACTED.”
