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.
Brandy Lynn Brantley, 39, of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Brandy is survived by her loving husband Nick Mundy of 13 years, and her devoted children, Alyssa Balliett (19), and Logan Mundy (12); father Danny Brantley and stepmother Jennifer Brantley; mother Debbie Stembridge Hall and stepfather Robert Hall; brother Hunter Brantley; sister Daisy Marx; grandmother Martha Sue Brantley, and countless family and friends.
Brandy was a lifetime resident of Lake Wales and loved her family more than anything. Brandy worked for State Farm Insurance for 17 years and was passionate about traveling and living life to the fullest. Brandy and her family were also very involved in the Lake Wales Little League.
Brandy will be remembered for her huge loving heart, her “get things done” spirit, her love of travel, family and friends, and most importantly her love and devotion to her husband and children. She made a lasting impact on everyone she met and will be greatly missed by all.
A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales on Friday, July 14th at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow.
Polk Sheriff’s Charities and Bartow Ford are hosting a Back to School Bash at Bartow Ford (2800 US Hwy 98, Bartow) from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
We will be giving out 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies! Your child must be present to receive the backpack.
We will also have face painting, a balloon artist, food trucks, and games – fun for the entire family!
Please join us!
Thank you to our vendors and sponsors:
Freedom Tour Family Healthcare Foundation Peace River Center Volunteer Polk County BOCC Alzheimer’s Association Talbot House Ministries Polk State College Healthy Families Polk Farmworkers Career Development Program Pace Center for Girls Bartow Police Department Sam’s Club United Way of Central Florida Amazon Girl Scouts Burnetti PA Polk County Fire Rescue WPCV 97 Country Bartow location Ballpark Eats Early Learning Coalition Highway Patrol Target
You’re invited to our open house on how to become a Firefighter-EMT!
Join us at the Winston Creek station (1140 N Galloway Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810) on July 28 between 2-6 PM. You will hear from a panel of PCFR employees who will answer your questions and EMS/Fire schools who can provide additional information on their training process. #PolkFLFireRescue #Hiring #OpenHouse
You must be 18 years or older to attend.
For more information, reach out to Betzi LaCounte at [email protected] or 863-519-7350.
When Mary Anne Embiscuso contracted breast cancer and lymphoma in 2005, her faithful husband Lind Embiscuso dutifully served as her caregiver. He helped drive her and comfort her through her various treatments including chemotherapy and radiation until she recovered.
In 2008, when Lind was diagnosed with lung cancer, Mary Anne returned the favor by serving as his caregiver. Fortunately for him, he did not require chemotherapy or radiation. He simply required the bottom of his lung to be excised.
Later, in 2022, Mary Anne was diagnosed once again with breast cancer; and, once again, Lind served as her caregiver as she went through a second round of radiation therapy.
“I was hers. She was mine. That is what you called a marriage that you do things together,” Lind said.
Aside from serving as each other’s caregivers, both Lind and Mary Anne received assistance from the American Cancer Association (ACS). They even returned the favor by assisting at the organization’s Hope Lodge serving dinners for the guests there.
“I am a lucky person. She is a lucky person. We are both here because we had the backing of the ACS,” Lind said.
Both Lind and Mary Anne attended and spoke at this year’s Relay for Life Polk County event on Friday evening in Downtown Lakeland. They were among the many cancer survivors who proudly walked the first lap during the event, and joined the caregivers in the second lap.
Despite the rain earlier that day, the sun shone brightly to clear the sky for the annual ACS fundraiser. Several participating teams set up booths along the walkway near Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror. Aside from serving food and selling merchandise, each team allowed members to walk laps around the perimeter during the evening.
Relay for Life is the annual ACS fundraiser. According to their website, Relay for Life “is one of the largest peer-to-peer fundraising events in the world. For more than 35 years, communities around the globe have come together to raise funds for a future free from cancer and we have no intention of ever slowing down.”
AdventHealth served as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Polk County event. Susanne Frank serves as an AdventHealth Cancer Care Nurse Navigator who works out of Heart of Florida in Lake Wales. As someone who works alongside cancer patients and their families, she was more than impressed by the turnout that evening, even despite the rain.
“What an inspiration to see you all here,” she said. “My heart is with all of you who have fought the fight, who are fighting this fight. It has been a pleasure caring for you.”
Teresa Bright, ACS Board Member, stressed the importance of their fundraiser. Every year, 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer and more than 600,000 die from the disease. Through
the efforts of the ACS, especially through Relay for Life, more people have a chance of surviving and cancer stands less of a chance of winning.
“That is why ACS is fighting cancer on every front,” she said. “Together, we can make a great impact to save lives, and that is why we are here today. Today, we are here to celebrate all who have battled as survivors, remember loved ones lost, and strive for life-saving changes.”
A two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon, July 8, 2023 in Lakeland left one person dead and three others injured.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 1:06 pm, along with Polk County Fire Rescue to Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road. Upon arrival, emergency responders located 62-year-old James Flemming of Plant City deceased at the scene.
Evidence and witness statements revealed a silver 2012 Kia Optima, driven by 34-year-old Javaris Simmons of Mulberry, was traveling east on Galloway Road North. At the same time, Mr. Flemming, driving a white 2010 Ford F250, was traveling south to west on Galloway Road North.
As Mr. Flemming entered the westbound curve, his truck began to slide into the eastbound lane where he lost control. Mr. Simmons attempted to avoid the collision, but the front passenger side of the Kia struck the front of the pick-up truck.
Mr. Simmons and his two passengers were transported to an area hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Excessive speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road were closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
CRIME: GRAND THEFT OF A CELL PHONE CRIME SCENE: PUBLIX, 6075 US 17/92, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #23-25318
On June 17th at about 8:05 pm, the victim was in the process of checking out in self-checkout when he encountered an issue and spoke with an employee a few feet away, leaving his cell phone at the check-out.
The man in these photos took the opportunity and swiped the man’s cell phone and left.
The cell phone is a Samsung S21.
If you recognize this suspect, or you have any information that could be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Hartle at 863-236-3900 or at [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
A very nice photo on this one. Hopefully, it will lead to an identification, arrest, and the victim getting his cell phone back.
CRIME: GRAND THEFT OF A CELL PHONE CRIME SCENE: PUBLIX, 6075 US 17/92, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CASE #23-25318
Polk County Sheriff’s detectives have charged husband and wife Joel and Jazmine Rondon, both 33 years old, of Winchester Estates Circle in Lakeland, with aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first degree felony, after the couple left an 18-month-old toddler in a car overnight when they returned home from partying, and the child died while strapped into her car seat in the extreme heat the next day.
Click here to see Sheriff Judd’s comments about the investigation on the PCSO FB page.
On July 4, 2023, the couple went to a Fourth of July celebration in Lakeland with three children under the age of 9 years old, and did not return home until around 3:00 a.m. on July 5th. The pair consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana while at the party. When they returned home, as they began unloading food and items from the car, Jazmine told Joel to bring the female toddler inside while she brought the two other children inside. Joel observed that one of the car doors was open at the time. Joel brought stuff inside their home, and when he went back outside, he saw all four doors to the Hyundai Elantra closed, and assumed Jazmine had gotten the toddler out. He went inside and laid down in bed with his wife. Neither husband nor wife asked each other if they had brought the victim inside. They went to sleep.
Joel woke up around 10:00 a.m. that morning and spent about an hour getting ready for work. Around 11:00 a.m. he asked one of the kids to go “check on the baby” in the bedroom. The child told Joel that the baby was not in the bedroom, at which time Joel began looking around the house for her. He then went outside and looked in the car, which was parked in the driveway in the full sun. Inside the car he saw the victim still strapped in her car seat and unresponsive. He brought the toddler still strapped in her car seat into the house in a panic, and then he and Jazmine drove the child to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Despite all efforts and cooling her body down, she could not be revived and was declared deceased. At 2:42 p.m. her internal body temperature was 104.4. LRH staff notified law enforcement, and they assumed the investigation.
Around 7:00 p.m. that evening, Joel and Jazmine both submitted to drug screens by the Department of Children and Families; Joel tested positive for meth, marijuana, and alcohol; Jazmine tested positive for marijuana and alcohol.
An autopsy determined that the victim’s cause of death is hyperthermia due to being left in a car, and the manner of death is homicide. Joel and Jazmine were taken into custody on July 6, 2023, and booked into the Polk County Jail.
Joel’s criminal history includes the following arrests and charges:
· September 2003 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for criminal mischief
· December 2005 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of paraphernalia – adjudication was withheld
· February & April 2007 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for resisting arrest
· March 2008 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for attempted murder – nolle prosequi
· July 2009 –arrested by Plant City P.D. for resisting arrest
· November 2010 – arrested by HCSO for resisting arrest
· February 2023 – arrested by PCSO on a Lakeland PD warrant for carrying a concealed firearm, possession of meth, possession of paraphernalia
Bartow, Fla. (July 6, 2023) — Bayberry Street at Marigold Avenue in Poinciana has closed for three-weeks of emergency utility repairs and road restoration. The work zone is located just east of the intersection along the Dollar General frontage on Bayberry Street. Traffic will be detoured to Dogwood Court and Lake Marion Creek Drive to bypass closure. Bayberry Street is scheduled to reopen Monday, July 31. Until then, commuters can expect short travel delays, particularly during peak-hour drive times.
