BARTOW, Fla. (July 25, 2023) – FCC Environmental Services Florida, LLC and GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC have been selected to provide curbside residential solid waste collection services to Polk County Oct. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2029. The current waste collection contracts end on Sept. 30, 2024.
FCC will service Area 1 of Polk County. Area 1 encompasses about 65,000 dwelling units in the northwest quadrant of the county. The first year of the contract is valued at $16.9 million. FCC currently services this quadrant.
GFL will service Area 2 of Polk County. Area 2 encompasses about 65,000 dwelling units in the northeast quadrant of the county. The first year of the contract is valued at $22.3 million.
The two contracts differ in value because of the size difference between the two areas. GFL drivers will log more miles than the FCC drivers.
Polk County Waste & Recycling will service Area 3, which encompasses the southern portion of the county. The county’s residents are less condensed in Area 3, south of SR-60, and Waste & Recycling will service about 13,000 dwelling units.
On July 24, 2023, at about 0100 hours, members of the Auburndale Police Department (APD) responded to the Walmart located at 2120 U.S. Highway 92 West regarding an in-progress armed robbery.
Upon arrival, APD officers learned the victim arranged to meet the suspects to sell them a cell phone. During the transaction, one of the suspects produced a handgun and held it to the victim’s head and chest stating, “I will kill you” and forcefully stole the cell phone.
The victim was able to provide very good descriptions of the vehicle, the firearm, the suspects, and a partial tag number. Investigation through law enforcement technology indicated the suspects may have been going toward Davenport, and all information was immediately shared with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). PCSO observed the vehicle on Interstate 4 (I4) eastbound near exit 55. A traffic stop was conducted by PCSO without incident.
The victim was taken to the traffic stop on I4 and positively identified the two suspects. The firearm and the victim’s cellular phone were recovered from the vehicle.
APD detectives have charged Pedro Pablo Rivera (H/M, DOB: 02/26/2002) from Orlando, FL with robbery with a firearm, a life felony, and felony petit theft. Also charged in this case is Maria Velazquez-Almanza (H/F, DOB: 01/16/2004) also from Orlando, Fl with robbery with a firearm, a life felony, improper exhibition of a firearm, and petit theft.
As a result of their traffic stop, PCSO has charged Rivera with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia. PCSO charged Velazquez-Almanza with six additional misdemeanors for traffic and cannabis possession related charges.
As a reminder, APD suggests business transactions with unfamiliar people should take place during business hours, and even consider making such transactions in the police department lobby or other such location in public view.
The Florida Highway Patrol is reporting one local woman killed and another facing DUI Manslaughter charges following deadly crash early Sunday morning.
At approximately 4:10am a sedan, driven by Quarpaesha Prather, was traveling eastbound on SR-400 in the outside lane approaching Galloway Road. At the same time another sedan, driven by the victim, was traveling eastbound on SR-400 ahead of the first vehicle. Prather’s vehicle overtook and collided with the rear of the victims vehicle. The impact caused the victims vehicle to rotate and overturn onto the South shoulder of the highway where the victim was ejected and suffered fatal injuries. Post-impact, Prathers vehicle also traveled to final rest along the south shoulder. FHP Troopers later arrested Quarpaesha Raquel Prather for DUI Manslaughter and delivered her to the Polk County Jail.
The Florida Highway Patrol does not release the name of victims pursuant to Marsy’s Law.
A 44 yr old in the victim’s vehicle was transported for medical attention.
Pregnant woman and her unborn baby killed in apparent domestic-related double murder suicide
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent double murder suicide that occurred in the Inwood area of Winter Haven on Friday, July 21, 2023. The suspect, 26-year-old Riley Groover, fatally shot the pregnant female victim multiple times before fatally shooting himself.
The incident occurred just after 7:00 p.m. outside in a neighborhood in front of several witnesses near their home located on Central Avenue West.
At this stage in the investigation it’s clear that this is a domestic-related double murder suicide.
According to family members, the couple have argued in the past, and it has turned physical. None of those incidents were reported to law enforcement. Groover has prior arrests, for aggravated assault and domestic violence.
Despite all efforts from first responders at the scene and medical staff at the hospital, the unborn baby was unable to be saved.
“This was a violent and horrific double murder that ended the lives of an 21-year-old woman who was 8 months pregnant, and her unborn baby. When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help her get away from him. Please keep this family in your prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
This is your last opportunity to celebrate Sheriff Judd’s 50 years of law enforcement by purchasing a Limited Edition bobblehead!
Bobbleheads are $20 each (exact cash only) and supplies are extremely limited.
All proceeds benefit Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc.
Bobbleheads are available at these PCSO locations:
Sheriff’s Operations Center: 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven Central District: 3635 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven Northwest District: 1045 Wedgewood Estates Blvd., Lakeland Southwest District: 4120 US Hwy 98 South, Lakeland Northeast District: 1100 Dunson Road, Davenport Southeast District: 4011 Sgt. Mary Campbell Way, Lake Wales Central County Jail: 2390 Bob Phillips Road, Bartow South County Jail: 1103 US Highway 98 W., Frostproof
If you have questions please call 863-298-6242. Limit 2 per customer.
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office recently made an arrest following the investigation of two retail thefts from the Target store at Posner Park in Davenport.
The first theft occurred on July 12th and the second occurred two days later on July 14th.
The suspect had managed to swipe about nearly $500 worth of Pokemon cards on his first visit, and about $300 worth of Pokemon cards on his second go round. If you’ve ever purchased Pokemon cards for your child, you know that it doesn’t take many packs of cards to amount to those totals—they ain’t cheap.
On Monday, July 17th, the PCSO detective investigating this case located the suspect at his Davenport residence. His name is James Lebron Cordell II.
Some of the Pokemon cards were recovered at James’ residence, but he said he had thrown out the ones he didn’t want, so the detective wasn’t able to “catch ’em all.”
James Lebron was arrested and his talents were taken to the PCSO Sheriff’s Processing Center to be charged with Grand Theft and Tampering with Evidence.
WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER | Domonique Rakeem Graham, 30, is wanted for attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery without intent to kill, shooting into an occupied conveyance, and child neglect in connection with a shooting that took place shortly after 9 p.m. last night on Sturgeon Drive in Sebring.
Graham involved himself in a domestic dispute that took place at a home on Sturgeon Drive. As a truck drove away from the residence with multiple children inside, Graham fired multiple rounds at the vehicle. One of the rounds struck an 11-year-old boy in the jaw, and a 12-year-old girl suffered a cut to her face from debris. The boy was airlifted to a trauma center where he is in stable condition, and the girl was treated and released.
“We have been told that family members are trying to not only hinder the investigation but also are actively working to hide Graham from us,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “I want his family to know that if we find out you have helped him avoid being captured and facing justice for this reckless act that almost killed a young boy, we will pursue criminal charges against you, as well.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 863-402-7250 or email[email protected]. Anonymous tips can be left via the HCSO app or with Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (**TIPS on your cell phone) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers tips are always anonymous and could result in a cash reward.
LAKELAND, FL (July 17, 2023) – On Sunday, July 16, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 4300 block of Williamstown Boulevard for a traffic crash involving a pedestrian. At the scene, officers located an unresponsive male who had been struck by a 2016 Nissan pickup truck. The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. Despite the efforts of first responders, the 62-year-old male pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered at the scene, officers believe the pedestrian was struck and killed while walking in the westbound lane, crossing Williamstown Boulevard. The driver of the pickup truck, Kenneth Spencer Hudson, was driving westbound on Williamstown Boulevard just prior to the crash. Hudson stopped immediately after the crash and remained at the scene.
The roadway was shut down for approximately 2.5 hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. At this time, the deceased’s name is not being released pending the open investigation in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Inspector Ofc. Camilo Almeida [email protected].
A total of eight people were treated for minor injuries Friday, July 15, 2023, following a crash in Lakeland between an Amtrak train and a semi-tractor pulling a car-hauler.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeland Police Department, and Lakeland Fire Department were dispatched to the scene at about 7:04 pm.
Seven of the injured were taken to a local hospital by ambulance, and one person went by private transport. Their injuries were only minor.
The train was carrying 163 passengers and ten crewmembers.
“It is truly a miracle that nobody was seriously hurt in this crash. A collision between a passenger train and a semi-truck could have been much worse. Our sympathies are with those who were injured. I don’t think I could say enough about the incredible response and total team effort by all of the agencies involved.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
From the evidence and witness statements, PCSO crash detectives found that the truck was driving north on Canal Avenue North, just south of US 92 (Memorial Boulevard), hauling seven vehicles on a trailer. As it crossed over the tracks, the trailer became stuck on the tracks.
The Amtrak train, which had recently left the Lakeland Amtrak station on a Miami to New York trip, was traveling east on the tracks which runs parallel with US 92.
As the train was approaching Canal Avenue North at about 78 mph, the engineer, Ronald Webb of Jacksonville, saw the truck and began blowing the train’s horn.
The crossing arms and lights activated, and began to impact the truck’s trailer and the truck driver, Walberto Carrazana Bermudez of Homestead, and his passenger, Jose Luis Lahera Vidal of Hialeah, both jumped out of the truck.
Upon impact, the train (consisting of two engines and eight cars) continued traveling east for another 200 yards before coming to a stop.
The front portion of the lead engine derailed, and a small amount of diesel fuel leaked.
Amtrak arranged transport of the passengers and crewmembers to be taken to Tampa via bus.
Mr. Bermudez was issued a citation for insufficient clearance at a railroad crossing.
Initial estimates provided by officials indicate damages to the train, tracks, CSX property, cost of cleanup, and losses due to track downtime is estimated to be between 6 and 10 million dollars.
US 92 and Canal Avenue North were closed for approximately ten hours.
Officials from CSX, Amtrak, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also responded to the scene.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the crash investigation, and it remains ongoing.
Real question: Was there a reason why we needed a fifth Indiana Jones movie? The original trilogy was good enough, and The Last Crusade ended the series on a perfect high note. That’s where the Indiana Jones franchise should have ended.
Unfortunately, in 2008, Paramount wanted to milk the Indiana Jones franchise for what it was worth. So, they made Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and that movie received mixed to negative reception. (Personally, I liked the film, but I understand why other people didn’t.) And, honestly, that’s where the Indiana Jones franchise should have ended.
Now it’s 2023 and Disney has released the fifth (and, hopefully, final) Indiana Jones movie—if for no other reason than they acquired the rights to the franchise when they purchased Lucasfilm and wanted to make an Indiana Jones movie of their own. So, now the question remains: did this movie deserve to be made, or should Disney have left well enough alone?
Dial of Destiny starts with a flashback World War II. Young Indiana Jones has infiltrated Nazi Germany to rescue a colleague and retrieve a stolen ancient artifact, the Spear of Destiny. However, that artifact proves to be a fake, and Jones instead uncovers a real artifact called Archimedes’ Dial.
Flash forward to 1969. Indiana Jones is living in New York City past the prime of his life and career. He’s retiring from a dead-end teaching career at a college. He’s divorced from Marion Ravenwood, and his son from the previous movie passed away during the war. Needless to say, Indiana’s best days are far behind him.
Inevitably, one last unexpected grand adventure arises when Helen, the daughter of the colleague he rescued from Nazi Germany, comes knocking at his door. She has uncovered the secret to the other half of the Dial of Destiny; unfortunately, so has a former Nazi who seeks the artifact with a diabolical plan to change the course of history. Will Indy defeat the Nazis and save the artifact? (This is an Indiana Jones movie, so what do you think?)
Let me start by saying something positive. This movie has plenty of the good things you’d expect from an Indiana Jones movie: death-defying stunts, adrenaline-pumping chase scenes, fist-throwing fight scenes, and a globe-trotting adventure to exotic locations via map-charting montages. The good parts of this movie are the good parts you’d come to expect from any Indiana Jones movie. So what you love about those films is what you’ll most likely love about this one.
However, while I loved parts of this movie, the overall whole left me wanting. The remainder of the movie drags on with languid pacing and trite character and plot beats. The only real interesting character in this movie is Indiana Jones himself—and part of that is due to the fact that, interestingly, Harrison Ford was able to reprise his iconic role even as he’s pushing 80. The fact he agreed to do this movie at his advanced age is a miracle in and of itself.
The other characters, however, leave much to be desired. I can’t really call them proper characters. They’re simply stock characters who exist in this movie because they need to exist in an Indiana Jones movie. The female side character is a female side character. The plucky young kid sidekick is a plucky young sidekick. And the evil villain and his lackeys are an evil villain and his lackeys.
Helen has somewhat of a potential for an interesting character arc, as she faces a crisis of conscience as someone who only wants to locate ancient artifacts to sell them to the highest bidder. Does the movie do anything interesting with her character outside of that? Unfortunately, not.
The first part of the movie is by far one of the more interesting, as it’s a flashback with Harrison Ford de-aged as a younger Indiana Jones. Honestly, it’s nice to see Young Indy on the big screen again, even if he’s evidently obscured by a digital facade. Otherwise, you’d almost swear it really was Harrison Ford 30 years younger.
The plot, of course, involves time travel. Throughout the movie, I was hanging on the edge of my seat awaiting when the Dial of Destiny would be used and how its time travel gimmick would be used. No spoilers, but let’s just say the plot twist involving it really is a unique and interesting twist on the time travel plot device.
Overall, the movie has a very flashy performance, but the substance behind it feels and tastes lacking. Imagine visiting a Japanese steakhouse where an energetic grill cook goes above and beyond to wow you with the preparation of your meal—juggling and flashing knives in the air, turning up the flames an extra notch, and ending the presentation with an onion volcano that gives off a spectacular fireworks-style display—only for the food to end up bland and flavorless. It’s the very definition of style over substance.
If you’re really eager to watch one last Indiana Jones movie, by all means, feel free to watch it. The good parts are still good, even if the whole leaves much to be desired. However, I’d highly recommend either watching a matinee showing or waiting until the film is released on streaming and home media.
