We Posted New Job Opportunities Today!
Openings Include:
• Police Officer
• Firefighter I
• Maintenance Operator I
• Irrigation Specialist II
• Building Service Worker
And more!
Learn More: http://ow.ly/uKwr50ML8Z3
New Job Opportunities Available In Winter Haven Including Police Officer And Fire Fighter
Havendale Boulevard Shut Down Both Directions From Highway 17 To 21st Street
Sheriff Grady Judd, Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor, and State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit Brian Haas, briefed the media from the scene of a multi-jurisdictional investigation that ended in the 1500 block of Havendale Blvd. in Winter Haven today (Monday, February 6, 2023) after a pursuit and an officer-involved shooting. Here is a brief summary of Sheriff Judd’s remarks.
This afternoon, detectives from the Lakeland Police Department, the ATF, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) were conducting surveillance on a suspect in the Eagle Lake area of Polk County who, according to LPD, was involved in last week’s shooting within the city of Lakeland. The suspect, 21-year-old Alex Greene (DOB 8/16/01) also has an active PCSO warrant for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and trespass/larceny related to utilities. While the detectives were conducting surveillance, Greene got into a white pickup truck and FDLE attempted a traffic stop, but Greene fled.
LPD pursued Greene from Eagle Lake, through Winter Haven, and then westbound down Havendale Blvd. LPD Captain Eric Harper utilized a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver and stopped Greene’s truck, at which point Greene jumped out of the truck, ran into traffic on Havendale, and into the parking lot of Andrea’s Family Restaurant. Harper followed on foot. Greene then ran into a car that was sitting in the parking lot while the car’s driver, a woman, was standing outside of it talking with a friend. The car owner ran to her car and attempted to shut the doors but Greene was able to get in and drive it directly at Captain Harper, who was still yelling at Greene to stop and trying to apprehend him. Captain Harper shot six rounds into the car, but Greene continued westbound down Havendale Blvd until he crashed into a vacant building. PCSO deputies who were in the area arrived on the scene moments later, pulled Greene from the car, and performed life-saving measures. He succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
In addition to his outstanding warrant, Greene would have been charged with multiple felonies, including Fleeing to elude, Attempted murder of a LEO, Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, Robbery and carjacking, and Resisting arrest. His criminal history includes 10 prior felonies.
The investigation is ongoing by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer-Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.
Fred Vegas Smokers Win Grand Champ at Smoke on the Water
Fred Vegas Smokers Win Grand Champ at Smoke on the Water
by James Coulter
Chris Salsberry and his team traveled from South Carolina to Winter Haven to escape the cold and enjoy the Florida weather.
They also arrived to compete among the best of the best barbecue teams at the annual Smoke on the Water. They managed to prove themselves as the best by winning first place as overall grand champions.
“We came down to Florida and had a great time,” he said. “It was a great competition and a great state. We wanted to come down from South Carolina and be with some of the best of the best.”
Chris owes the success of his team, the Fred Vegas Smokers, to their consistency and love of the craft. This was their first-time attending Smoke on the Water, and their first visit did not disappoint.
“It is fantastic,” he said. “It was a great contest with a great reputation.”
Brant Williams and his team, Piggin Whiskey, won second place as reserve champions. As with the first-place-winning team, they arrived in Florida on account of the colder weather up North and due to Smoke on the Water’s overall great reputation as a barbecue competition.
Williams claims owing his success to the “love” he puts into the barbecue is cliche. Rather, he owes his victory to “teamwork, consistency, and the ability to find that perfect balance of flavors that makes great BBQ.”
They traveled from Arkansas to compete in Smoke on the Water. The competition’s reputation preceded it, and it more than met their expectation, Williams said.
“We came to Florida to compete because these are some of the first contests to kick off the 2023 season. And being that it was cold back in our home state of Arkansas we saw it as an opportunity to enjoy some Florida sun,” he said. “We had a blast! Already looking forward to coming back next year!”
Smoke on the Water is the annual fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County, with proceeds going towards the Citrus Center in Winter Haven.
“Children need to have a place where they are physically and emotionally safe,” their website states. “In addition to providing a caring environment, we offer daily access to a broad range of programs that promote the education, health, social character, service, and leadership of the youth we serve.”
Smoke on the Water is hosted at the Cirtus Center alongside Havendale Boulevard and near Lake Cannon in Winter Haven. The annual event, hosted last Friday and Saturday, included vendors, live musical performances, and even a ski show performed by the Cypress Gardens Ski Team.
The main event is the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition with categories including brisket, chicken, pork, ribs, and overall. More than 80 teams nationwide attended this year’s festivities.
Polk County Awarded $720,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Federal Grant
Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2023) – Polk County will receive a $720,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program. The competitive grant program provides $5 billion over five years for regional, local and Tribal initiatives — from redesigned roads to better sidewalks and crosswalks — to prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.
In 2021, the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, which encompasses all of Polk County, was listed as the ninth most dangerous metro area in the U.S. to be a pedestrian, according to a report published by Smart Growth of America, Dangerous by Design. To improve this statistic, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) has adopted a target of zero fatalities and serious injuries. The Polk TPO worked collaboratively with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and other Polk municipalities to develop the SS4A grant application to make Polk’s roads safer for all road users.
“Polk’s SS4A Grant award will be used to complete a Vision Zero Action Plan that will enhance the past and ongoing Vision Zero efforts,” said Parag Agrawal, director of Polk TPO. The funds will result in a federally qualifying, highly rated, comprehensive and robust strategy to reach the target of zero fatalities countywide.
This county-wide action plan will focus on equity, identifying low cost and high impact strategies to improve safety, mapping high risk areas and identifying the most dangerous corridors and intersections in the county to develop design and project estimates. It is an important first step to compete for additional SS4A federal Implementation grants which carry a maximum award of up to $30 million for safety projects identified as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan.
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is the lead transportation planning agency for Polk County. The Polk TPO is working with local governments and the Florida Department of Transportation to reach its goal of a future without traffic-related fatalities.
Haven Local Shop Celebrates Grand Opening
Haven Local Shop Celebrates Grand Opening
by James Coulter
Tea towels with logos of iconic Winter Haven businesses and eateries. Some with the exact longitude and latitude of the town.Orange-shaped and colored key chains. Wooden plaques in the shape of the state of Florida. Citrus-scented hand and body lotions.
All of these items and more can be found at the Haven Local Shop, Winter Haven’s newest hometown store with a hometown flare. Not only will you be able to find Winter Haven and Florida-themed merchandise at the boutique, but also other products and items created by Winter Haven locals.
Whether you’re looking for a bag of locally-roasted coffee provided by Haven Roasters, or you’re interested in buying some jewelry, lotions, clothing, and other products made for Winter Haven locals by Winter Haven locals, the Haven local shop has a menagerie of merchandise to make any resident of the Chain of Lakes proud.
“We want to keep alive the history and culture of Winter Haven,” said store owner Lynsey Lane. “I think the local part is what makes us stand out. Local is in our name. Most everything we carry in our shop will relate in some way to our community…just keeping it all right here and keeping with the same feel that we have for our roaster. Whatever we do, we want to bring love and light to our community and to people who come into the doors, so that is our heart in it.”
Lynsey Lane and her husband own Haven Roasters. They started the roaster and coffee shop two years ago. Originally, they had planned on opening a second location. However, when the original owner of the Haven Shop decided to sell the store, Lane and her husband jumped at the opportunity to expand their brand through a new venue.
“This opportunity opened for the shop,” she said. “We were asked if we were interested in taking over…We thought it would grow our brand and sell cool gifts to our community, and also [bring together] a bunch of local vendors and makers.”
The Haven Local Shop celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. From the moment you walk up to the door and see the Haven Local Shop name and orange logo, you will know this store caters to customers who love their hometown, and that fact will be made even plainer when you see all of the merchandise themed to citrus, water skiing, and Cypress Gardens.
“So we have a lot of really fun ideas…to integrate a lot of products that people can purchase that will allow them to throw back to fun memories of Cypress Gardens and the water skiing and the orange industry built our town and help keep that history alive,” she explained.
The Haven Local Shop is located at 329 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven, FL, United States, 33880. For more information, call 863-297-8027, or visit their Facebook at: https://m.facebook.com/HavenLocalShop/
VISTEBall Returns Live For 40th Anniversary
VISTEBall Returns Live For40th Anniversary
by James Coulter
After two years of hosting their event virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VISTEBall made its epic return to the Sun n Fun Expo Campus in Lakeland on Saturday evening.
The annual fundraiser for Volunteers in Service of the Elderly (VISTE), VISTEBall allowed attendees to mingle amongst each other, play mini golf and other yard games, and place bets on silent auction items.
This year was the first time that attendees could attend the event in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. Since then, VISTE has hosted its annual fundraiser as an online virtual event.
“We are very excited to be back in person,” said Steve Bissonette, VISTE President. “This is also VISTE’s 40th anniversary. In both ways, it is great to be back in person to kick off our 40th anniversary.”
VISTE, true to its name, is a Lakeland-based non-profit organization that services local senior citizens to help them live safely and comfortably in their own homes. One of their services is a monthly delivery of groceries, toiletries, and other necessities.
“The elderly are the fastest growing age group in the U.S.A.,” their website states. “People are living longer and are often financially unprepared to do so. VISTE provides the elderly with resources that help our greatest generation remain safe and independent in their own homes. Transportation, monthly commodity boxes, hot meals, and wheelchair ramps are just a few of the programs carried out by VISTE volunteers that help preserve our client’s dignity.”
Funding for VISTE is provided through the United Way of Central Florida, the Cities of Lakeland and Bartow, GiveWell, and through the generous donations of local individuals and businesses. For the past 18 years, VISTEBall has proven to be a popular fundraiser. Bissonette owes the fundraiser’s success to its reception by the local community.
“We are grateful for the community for its support,” he said. “We were grateful the event turned out so beautifully. And we had a wonderful crowd. It looks like a fantastic crowd where everyone is excited to be back in person.”
Rachel M. Cashdollar, Vice Chairman, had her expectations more than exceeded by their first in-person event in years. Their virtual event has proven successful in previous years, but being able to see people in person after such a long absence was a true godsend, she said.
“I am glad we did it,” she said. “I think that people wanted to get back together again. So while we were fortunate for the events that were virtual. We are even more fortunate for the turnout in person. It is wonderful. I have not seen one person not smiling, that is the goal.”
FHP Trooper Injured In Shootout With Suspect
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, at approximately 3:15 AM, an FHP Trooper on patrol along I-75 came upon two pickup trucks with two adult males near the northbound 279 Milepost. The men appeared to be attempting to steal the second truck or items within the vehicle. The men then fled northbound on I-75 in their pickup truck with the Trooper in pursuit. As the pursuit continued the men discharged a firearm several times from their vehicle, striking a tanker truck traveling northbound also. Upon reaching SR-50, the men reversed course and began traveling southbound on I-75 where two additional Troopers joined the pursuit. As the men reached Overpass Road, they exited the interstate and a Trooper successfully performed a PIT maneuver which terminated the pursuit. The two men then fled on foot towards a wooded area just south of Overpass Road where one man surrendered to a Trooper while simultaneously the other man produced a handgun. Shots were exchanged between the second Trooper and assailant. The Trooper was struck in the torso, while the assailant was struck and suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The Trooper was airlifted to an area hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with members of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit, and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Crime Unit are investigating the incident. Charges against the second assailant apprehended by Troopers, who was also transported to an area hospital for medical care, are pending
Thirteen Year Old Middle Schooler Struck & Killed While Waiting At Lake Wales Bus Stop
Thirteen Year Old Middle Child Struck & Killed While Waiting At Lake Wales Bus Stop
On Friday, February 3, 2023, at 6:15 A.M., officers from the Lake Wales Police Department responded to Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue and Miami Street in reference to a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. On scene, officers learned a 13-year-old child; Jadin Galindo, was waiting for his school bus when a 2013 GMC Sierra truck struck him.
Jadin was sitting near the center of the paved alleywayapproximately 30 feet from Dr. J.A. Whiltshire Avenue waiting for his school bus. It was dark and foggy. There were no street lights in the immediate area, only ambient light from nearby Florida’s Natural plant. Jadin lives in Lake Wales and attends McLaughlin Middle School. The GMC Sierra was traveling east on DR. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue and turned north into the alleyway where Jadinwas struck. Jadin was transported to the Lake Wales Advent Health by Polk County Emergency Medical Services. There, Jadin succumbed to his injuries.
The GMC was driven by Sherry Kinney, age 47, of Bartow. Kimberly Johnson, age 33, also of Bartow was the front passenger in the GMC. Neither were injured in the crash. Neither speed nor impairment appear to be a factor.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Our hearts break for all those involved and the loss of such a young man.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Traffic Homicide Investigator Meyers at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Cutrupi Benefit Bass Tournament Scheduled For April 15 In Winter Haven
Tanners Lakeside- Winter Haven, Fl –
Fishing friends, family, and anyone that would like to participate!!!
One of our amazing friends has been fighting leukemia for some time now and has been kicking its butt! Recently, Robert Anthony Cutrupi found out he will need to start treatments, and we want to help him out in every way we can!
EL’s Mobile Fleet Services, LLC is going to sponsor the 1st place prize of $1,000.00.
Big fish will pay out $250.00 as well.
Entry fee: $100.00 per boat!
As more donations come, in the prize value and placing will increase!
The after party and weigh in will be Tanners Lakeside at 3pm.
Fisherman’s Candystore is also going to be donating some awesome raffle prizes!
We will also have a 50/50 raffle!
The Nathan Baldwin Band will be playing as live entertainment at Tanners as well! Thank you Nathan Baldwin and Nicky Godwin!
All proceeds will be going back to the Cutrupi family to help Rob with his fight.
This is the first time we’ve ever held an event, but we have some awesome people helping us get it rolling.
• Any local businesses that would like to help out by donating raffle prizes or a monetary donation, please call or text me.
• Anybody who wants to pre register can call me.
Registration will be open the morning of the tournament as well.
• Take off is at safe daylight from the new Lake Shipp boat ramp.
Weigh in will be at Tanners at 3:00 pm.
We appreciate evervone and look forward to seeing everyone come out and support a great family!
Winter Haven Man Arrested for 300 Counts on Possession of Child Pornography
Winter Haven Man Arrested for 300 Counts on Possession of Child Pornography
On February, 1, 2023, 31 year-old Nikolas Andrew Young (St. Georges Circle, Winter Haven) was taken into custody after a two-month investigation revealed hundreds of still images and videos depicting children appearing as young as four years old involved in sexual conduct with adults and/or other children. (Please note that the content did not involve Young or any known children from Winter Haven or Polk County.)
The investigation started after a Civil Dispute/Eviction was served on Young by his former roommate in December, 2022. While the officer was on scene of the dispute, the roommate alerted the officer to the child pornography on Young’s computer. The roommate stated that Young showed the roommate the images that depicted children between the ages of 12 and 14 engaged in sexual intercourse with apparent adult males and females.
A follow-up was conducted by a Winter Haven Detective and the roommate told the detective he has known Young for three years and they shared the residence for the past 15 months. The roommate told the detective of the “secured”
folder that was located on the Apple Laptop. Further, Young advised the roommate, “Don’t tell anyone, I have a secured file that could put me in jail for the remainder of my life because I do watch child porn.” The roommate described the computer to the detective and the folder on the desktop of the computer. Detectives were made aware of the new location Young had moved to Poinciana.
On January 20, 2023, a Winter Haven Police Officer and Detective responded to the Poinciana residence to interview Young. Throughout the interview, Young stated that in the past, he did watch pornography but he erased all of the files because he wanted to, “clean myself up.”
After continued questioning, Young told the detective that there was child pornography previously on the computer, but he had erased it “years ago”. The detective asked Young if he still had the computer and he ultimately retrieved the computer allowing the detective to take it.
A search warrant was obtained on January 25, 2023 to have a forensic download of the full computer. On February 1, 2023, the download was conducted where hundreds of images and videos depicting child abuse, child pornography along with images of erotica involving children (boys and girls) were located.
On February 1, 2023, Young was taken into custody and charged with 300 Counts of Enhance, Possession, Control, View Depicting Child Pornography (F.S.S.827.071). He is currently in the Polk County Jail with no bond.
“We are thankful for that roommate who spoke up to report this heinous crime that was occurring,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “These children had their innocence taken away for deviants like Young and they will never get that back. He is where he needs to be and should be staying there for a long time.”
Winter Haven Police want to remind anyone who knows of any sexual exploitation of children or knows of someone who has this type of material to report it to your local authorities immediately.
