Student Arrested After Bringing A Loaded Gun Onto Bus Headed To Lakeland High School

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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February 22, 2023

Student Arrested After Bringing A Loaded Gun Onto Bus Headed To Lakeland High School

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (February 22, 2023) – On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, just before 6:51 a.m., school resource officers assigned to Lakeland Senior High School were monitoring random student searches being conducted by school administrators at the bus loop on school property. During the process, a 17-year-old female student was found to have brought a handgun, concealed inside a purse, on the school bus. Officers responded accordingly, in partnership with school staff, and safely took possession of the firearm. Upon inspection, officers found the handgun to be loaded.

The student was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Illegally Carrying a Concealed Weapon. She was then transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. At this point in the investigation, officers have not found that any threats were made or that other students were aware of the handgun. The investigation is ongoing.

The message below was sent out to parents from Polk County Public Schools:

Dear families,

This message is being sent on behalf of Lakeland High School. All students and staff are safe. This morning we conducted a random search at school, and found a student in possession of a firearm. No one was threatened with the weapon; the student has been taken into custody and is facing serious legal consequences. As always, we thank our law enforcement partners for helping us conduct these searches and keeping our campus safe.

Thank you.

SyFy Bartow Boldy Goes into 10th Year

Bartow

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February 22, 2023

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by James Coulter

For the past decade, SyFy Bartow has hosted its annual celebration of all things nerdy and geeky from fantasy to science fiction. This year, for its tenth anniversary, the outdoor comic book convention decided to boldly go where no other convention has gone before…at least in Downtown Bartow.

SyFy Bartow celebrated its tenth anniversary with its Star Trek-themed event “To Boldy Go.” Attendees were encouraged to dress up as Star Trek characters and showcase Trek merchandise and memorabilia.

Werewoman Cosplay, a cosplayer from Bovard County, decided to dress up as Alice, a humanoid android slave from the planet Mudd in the original 1960s series. She has attended SyFy Bartow many times before, and she has cosplayed as various characters from Batman’s Poison Ivy to Thumbelina.

As someone who has visited SyFy Bartow many times, she keeps coming back time and again because of all the good people who attend.

“They are really awesome,” she explained. “And the people who run the show are amazing. Pretty much everyone one of my friends are here it is a really family-oriented show. It will be as sure as always.”

Nearly a hundred vendors lined Main Street and the adjoining streets in Downtown Bartow to showcase their memorabilia, from tabletop role-playing accessories to t-shirts and paintings.

Scott Martini displayed his woodcraft artwork that he perfected as a proffesional illustrator. He created many woodwork pieces based on popular characters including Marvel superheroes, Star Wars characters, and even the main cast of Bob’s Burgers.

“It is an awesome show,” Martini said. “We have been doing it for five years now. The event coordinators are awesome. It is a fun good time…Everyone is always happy in this little community. The event looks bigger than last year. So I think it is going to be even better.”

Sean Serdynski started SyFy Bartow ten years ago. He loves comic book conventions, and he wanted to create his own for his own community in Downtown Bartow.

This year’s event was estimated to draw in more than 30,000 to 40,000 visitors. Not only does it bring people who have the same interests together, but it also helps local businesses and shops, Serdynski said.

“All the businesses on Main Street, they love it because it brings a lot of foot traffic. It has grown and grown and they love it,” he said. “It is like a big family reunion to me. I see people I don’t often see.”

Serdynski will be hosting other big events later this year. He has Prehistoric Con planned for Mulberry, which will be a steampunk and dinosaur event. He also has a Writer’s Block Party event planned for Bartow to assist local indie authors.

For more information about this and other events, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/syfybartow

70 Yr Old Polk School Bud Attendant Charged with “Rough Handling “ 7 Yr Old

Carl Fish

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February 22, 2023

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70 Yr Old Polk School Bud Attendant Charged with “Rough Handling “ 7 Yr Old

Polk Sheriff Press Release

A school bus aide employed by Polk County Public Schools was arrested Tuesday afternoon, February 21, 2023, after a Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation determined that she grabbed a 7-year old student and forced him into a seat on the bus.

70-year old Christine Barnes of Lake Wales was charged with Abusing a Child without Bodily Harm (F3).

The investigation began after the victim’s mother filed a complaint on Friday, February 17^th, after school hours.

The incident occurred earlier that day on an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) bus that was parked at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School (501 McLeod Road) in Frostproof.

According to the arrest affidavit, Barnes “grabbed (the victim) by the front of his jacket near his throat, lifting him off the seat causing (the victim’s) head to snap backwards.”

Barnes then, “forcefully put (the victim) into an open seat on the other side of the aisle.”

During an interview with Ms. Barnes, she told detectives that she lost her temper with the boy, and felt her actions were harsh. She added that she was feeling overwhelmed.

“Fortunately, the little boy only received a small scratch on his cheek from this incident. If you’re a school bus aide, your job is to keep children safe on the bus. You’re also in a position of being a role model—losing your temper with a child is not setting a good example.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Three 17 Yr Old’s and One 18 Yr Old Busted In Mulberry For Grand Theft Of Motor Vehicles & Burglaries

Carl Fish

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February 21, 2023

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Three 17 Yr Old’s and One 18 Yr Old Busted In Mulberry For Grand Theft Of Motor Vehicles & Burglaries

PCSO Press Release

On February 20, 2023 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Eugene Akines of Tampa, 17-year-old Cedric Upshaw* of Tampa, 17-year-old Jamari Footman* of Tampa, and 17-year-old Sergio Hollis* of Bartowafter they burglarized 15 vehicles at three Polk County apartment complexes: Avenue Apartments (6720 South Florida Ave.) and Ariva Apartments (5190 Ariva Blvd.) both in Lakeland, and the Huntington at Sundance Apartments (300 Heartland Blvd.) in Mulberry.

One of the victims reported a firearm had been stolen from his vehicle. All of the burglarized vehicles were unlocked.

At around 2:10 a.m. Monday morning, deputies responded to the Avenue Apartments about a report of multiple vehicle burglaries. When they arrived, they learned that a witness saw four burglary suspects flee the parking lot driving south on Florida Avenue and then turning west on Shepherd Road in a sedan style vehicle.

During a canvass of the area, detectives located a purse belonging to one of the victims and learned her Ford Explorer and credit cards had been stolen. The victim told detectives she received an alert from her bank that one of her credit cards had been used to purchase gas at a RaceTrac in Bartow.

The stolen Explorer was recovered at Mavis Tires and Brakes (5120 Dave Robbins Way) in Lakeland.

Detectives obtained video surveillance from Mavis Tires that shows two suspects arriving at the business in a four-door Kia, parking, and then walking towards the Ariva Apartments. The suspects return to the Kia and wait for several minutes, until the stolen Explorer arrives and parks. Two other suspects exit the SUV and get into the Kia, and all four leave. Detectives also obtained video from the RaceTrac that shows the suspects using the stolen credit card to put gas in the Kia, and an attempt to withdraw cash from the ATM.

Based on surveillance video, detectives were able to identify the registered owner of the Kia, and located the four teens at Upshaw and Hollis’ relative’s residence in Bartow where they were arrested. During a search of the house, detectives found two handguns in Upshaw’s laundry and one handgun in his bedroom. The seized handguns are not reported as stolen, and detectives are working to locate their owners.

Also located in Upshaw’s bedroom were stolen credit cards and the keys to the stolen Explorer.

Akines, Hollis, and Footman told detectives that they, along with Upshaw, burglarized the vehicles at the apartment complexes. Akines admitted he tried to use the stolen credit card to withdraw $500 from an ATM at the RaceTrac in Bartow. Akines also told detectives that he was a look-out while his friends broke into vehicles.

“Thanks to the citizen who saw something and said something, four criminals are off the street. Our Juvenile Justice System must hold juveniles committing crime accountable to protect communities from becoming victimized. I also have another message to the community — please help yourselves by locking your vehicles to help prevent thieves from easily accessing the things you work hard for. And don’t leave firearms or other valuables inside unsecured vehicles.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Private Christian School 9th Grade Teacher’s Assistant Who Taught Bible Studies Charged With Sex Crimes Against Student

Carl Fish

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February 21, 2023

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Private Christian School 9th Grade Teacher’s Assistant Who Taught Bible Studies Charged With Sex Crimes Against Student

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Poinciana Christian school 9th grade teacher’s assistant early Tuesday morning, February 21, 2023.

53-year old Roberto Diaz, who is employed by the Poinciana Christian Preparatory School South (601 Walnut Steet in Poinciana) was charged with Sex Offense on a Student by Authority Figure (F2). Diaz also taught a Bible studies class at the school.

“It infuriates me that someone in this kind of a position, as an educator, role model, a religious instructor, and a person of influence, would attempt to take advantage of a student for his own sexual satisfaction. He should be locked up in prison and never have access to schools or children again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on Monday, February 20th at about 6:15 pm, after an 18-year old student told school staff that Diaz had sent her about six messages between February 6th – February 14th via the WhatsApp messaging app asking her for photos of herself, including a request for one in the nude.

The victim said she refused Diaz’s requests and told Diaz to stop sending her messages.

The victim also stated that on February 15th, Diaz placed his hand on her chin and neck area and attempted to kiss her and touch her breast.

School officials notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office about the allegations. They informed detectives that Diaz was suspended immediately pending the investigation.

During an interview with detectives, Diaz admitted that he kissed the victim and touched her breast against her will. He also admitted to asking her for a nude photo of herself.

Roberto Diaz was arrested and taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

Manheim Lakeland Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 21, 2023

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Manheim Lakeland Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

For the past 55 years, Manheim Lakeland has been “setting the industry standard for buying and selling used vehicles” as a wholesale vehicle auction operation. They have since celebrated re-joining the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce through a ribbon cutting last Friday.

Established in 1945, Manheim has garnered national acclaim for its experience in buying and selling used cars with its 75 years of experience. Lakeland Manheim opened 55 years ago as part of the “nation’s leading provider of end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions.” They are part of a business chain that offers more than six million used vehicles through transactions that represent $60 billion in total value, their website claims.

“Beyond the physical and digital auction lanes, we offer retail-ready services that prepare vehicles to arrive at the dealership ready to be placed on the sale lot,” their website states.

Last Friday, Manheim Lakeland celebrated its re-joining the Lakeland Chamber with a ribbon cutting. Laura Valle, Assistant General Manager, mentioned how they had been members of the community for many years, and how they felt the best way to continue partnering with the community was to partner with the Chamber once again.

“We want to be partners with the community,” she said. “We have been part of the community for many years. We think being a partner with the community and chamber is very important…[We expect] to do more community service, connect with customers, and do more business within Lakeland.”

Manheim Lakeland hosts its Sales Days on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and its Heavy Metal Sales on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. It hosts RV sales on the first Wednesday at 9 a.m. and boat sales at 11 a.m., as well as the third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m.

Their facility is located at 8025 N. State Road 33, Lakeland, FL 33809. For more information, visit their website at: https://publish.manheim.com/en/locations/us-locations/manheim-lakeland.html

Here’s How To Get A Free Dress or Suit For Prom

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 20, 2023

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Here’s How To Get A Free Dress or Suit For Prom

by James Coulter

Prom is right around the corner. Need a dress or suit but can’t afford one? No problem! You can get a prom outfit for free if you promise to stay away from alcohol, drugs, and other trouble on prom night.

Project Prom is offering free formal wear for high school students to wear during their prom night. All they need to do is visit their store at Lakeland Square Mall, show their student ID, pick their outfit, and sign a pledge promising that they will avoid risky behavior during the prom festivities.

For 11 years, Project Prom has been hosted by UthMpact, a non-profit coalition through InnerAct Alliance, which, according to their website, is “for teens by teens, educating and empowering teens to make healthy decisions and actions against alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.”

Project Prom was created to assist students who would otherwise be unable to attend their prom ceremonies due to lack of formal wear, as well as encourage them to avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other risky behavior.

The store will be hosted inside Lakeland Square Mall on select weekends and staffed by high school volunteers from UthImpact and InnerAct. The dresses and suits are provided through donations from the local community.

“Our community is amazingly generous,” explained Angie Ellison, Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance. “We could not give away things unless people donate them. So we have thousands of dresses and suits they have donated over the years. Prom is important for kids. They want the best outfit. Those two things, the generosity of our community to give and the desire of kids to come in and receive, make it special.”

The Project Prom store will be inside Lakeland Square Mall, located at 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use the entrance to the right of Dillards). The store will be open on the following Saturdays: Mar. 4, Mar. 18, Apr. 1, and Apr. 15 from 11 AM to 4 PM.

For more information, please contact Samantha McCain at InnerAct Alliance (863) 802-0777.

Plant City Jazzes It Up at 20th Annual Black Heritage Jazz Fest

Plant City

Staff Reporter

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February 20, 2023

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Plant City Jazzes It Up at 20th Annual Black Heritage Jazz Fest

by James Coulter

Last weekend, Downtown Plant City celebrated Black History Month in style with the 20th annual Black Heritage Jazz Festival.

On Saturday afternoon, several live musical performances were hosted at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Performing artists include the Mixx Group from Lakeland and saxophone player Joe Lewis. Attendees could also enjoy refreshments provided by food trucks and vendors and peruse merchandise sold by local merchant vendors.

The Jazz Fest was part of a weekend-long celebration. The festivities kicked off Friday evening at the Black Heritage Gala hosted at Hillsborough Community College. The ceremony was hosted by Captain Alfred Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department, who served as the master of ceremony, and included keynote speaker Maurice “Mo” Bilington from 102.5 The Bone.

Saturday’s festivities started with a Youth Summit at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community College, and the weekend concluded with a gospel concert hosted at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on Sunday.

Sharon Moody, the founder of Plant City Black Heritage, started the annual celebration 20 years ago to help the community celebrate their black history and heritage as part of Black History Month.

“It has been very successful because it has been growing each year,” she said. “Each year, it gets bigger and better…So we have different generations in the community who paved the way for us…The celebration, the fellowship with different ones to come together and build each other better.”

Bodega Market Celebrates Soft Opening in Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 20, 2023

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Bodega Market Celebrates Soft Opening in Lakeland

by James Coulter

Lakeland residents, would you like a place where you can buy fresh bread and fresh-sliced deli meats? Where you can pick up a ready-made breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee to go? And where you can buy some craft beer and wine for later that evening?

Sure, you could pick up all of those items at a convenience store, gas station, or fast food place. But how many of those places support large multinational corporations over local businesses and workers?

If you want a local shop that supports local businesses by selling locally-sourced food and drinks, then look no further than the new Bodega Market in Downtown Lakeland.

Located next door to Divicious Deli and Coffee Shop on Main Street, and owned and operated by the same owners, Bodega Market provides a convenient location for those who live and work in Downtown Lakeland to pick up and buy coffee, drinks, snacks, pre-made sandwiches, and other items.

The new store has been described as a “throwback” to the old corner stores that used to be common in most cities and towns. It is a place where locals can conveniently walk to and pick up the items they need, which they would have otherwise driven several miles to obtain at a typical convenience store.

Moreover, the bodega market will also sell fresh-sliced Boars Head cold-cut meats, fresh-baked bread from local bakeries, and locally-sourced and produced coffee, beer, and wine. So not only will customers be able to pick up something at their convenience, but their purchase will help support local businesses.

“People can expect to have great service and also find things they normally would have to drive to a big store,” said store co-owner, Yohansi Santana. “So they now have this convenience downtown.”

Santana was born and raised in New York. She now lives in Winter Haven. Having lived in a city where such bodega markets were common, she wanted to start something similar for her community. She and her husband have owned Divicious Deli for nearly eight years, and they wanted to utilize the space next door that was previously Silver Ring Café.

“The bodega is a little dream of my husband and I,” she said. “We saw a necessity that people were looking for…and that is how the idea started coming along.”

Santana is collaborating with small local businesses like Honeycomb Bakery and Heirloom Gem to stock their merchandise, thus allowing her business to support other local businesses in her area. She has high expectations to provide a store for locals, by locals.

“We want to grow with the community,” she said. “Our expectations are to meet the needs of the neighborhood and to anyone stopping by.”

Bodega Market is located at 106 N. Tennessee Avenue in Lakeland. For more information, call 863-937-6310, or visit their website at: bodegamarketlkld.com

Polk Deputy Arrested For DUI Resigns At Booking

Carl Fish

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February 18, 2023

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Polk Deputy Arrested For DUI Resigns At Booking

Polk County Sheriff Press Release

At approximately 3:12 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, Bartow Police responded to a single vehicle crash off the roadway of Highway 60 in Bartow near Main Street. They discovered 29-year-old James Peach of Polk County had been driving eastbound on Hwy 60 when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree on the shoulder of the road. He was driving his personal Chevrolet Silverado which sustained damage. Bartow officers determined that Peach appeared intoxicated, and he was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. Peach was uninjured.

Peach was taken to the PCSO Processing Center, where his blood alcohol concentration was determined to be .153 (over the legal limit of .08). Peach was hired in April of 2019 as a detention deputy and became a deputy sheriff in September of 2022. PCSO supervision accepted Peach’s resignation during the booking process. Peach would have been fired had he not resigned. He posted a $500 bond and was released.

“In orientation I tell everyone you are held to a higher standard than the rest of the community and if you drink and drive you will be arrested and lose your job–that’s exactly what happened.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

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