On November 4, 2025, PCSO deputies responded to the Target located at 5000 Grandview Parkway in Davenport in reference to a retail theft.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a Target loss prevention associate who stated he observed two female suspects enter the store at 7:29 p.m. Surveillance footage showed both women retrieving shopping carts and then making rapid selections throughout the store including bedding, decorations, clothing, and makeup. The associate reported that the suspects attempted to conceal the merchandise by placing Target shopping bags over the items in their carts before heading toward the exit. They were detained in the loss prevention office until deputies arrived.
The total value of the merchandise stolen was $2,487.70.
The suspects, identified as sisters 19-year-old Afnane Kamel and 32 year-old Hala Kamel, spontaneously offered to pay for the items in an attempt to avoid legal consequences. Both later admitted to deciding together to steal the merchandise while inside the store.
Afnane and Hala were arrested and charged with Grand Theft (F3) and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft (M1). They were transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident.
“When you walk into a store and try to leave with nearly $2,500 worth of unpaid merchandise, that’s not a mistake—that’s a crime. Thanks to a vigilant associate who saw something and said something, our deputies were able to respond quickly and make the arrest.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Florida Department of Corrections probation officers conducted a Halloween sexual offender/predator compliance initiative and probation checks for the weeks leading up to, and on, October 31, 2025. The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & FSS 943.0435) within Polk County* and probationers complying with their regulations.
There are 1,431 Sexual Offenders, 158 of whom are sexual predators, registered in Polk County. These offenders and predators are checked every quarter by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws. The state requires checks at least once a year.
During the weeks leading up to Halloween, 140 offenders/predators were contacted and checked for compliance with probation conditions and sexual offender/predator registration laws; 14 sexual offenders or predators were arrested, and two warrants were served out-of-state, for failure to comply with registration laws; another 16 offenders or predators were arrested for probation violations.
Sexual offenders/predators on probation are supervised by the Department of Corrections, and their probation stipulates they are prohibited from engaging in Halloween activities such as having contact with children, distributing candy/treats, or having Halloween decorations.
On Halloween, detectives and probation officers confirmed the compliance of 348 offenders and predators, and made 297 searches.
“I am proud of our deputies and probation officers for their hard work to ensure that these sex offenders and predators are complying with their court-mandated registrations and requirements. This is time consuming, but absolutely necessary. Our simple message is this — if you’ve been placed on the sex offender/predator registry, we will keep track of you, and we will hold you accountable for any violations, period.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
16 Arrests/warrants for failure to comply
• Terrell Denson (9/2/1973) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. He is required to report all changes in employment within 48 hours and failed to do so. Denson is designated a sexual predator based on prior convictions for sexual battery on a child under 12 years old. He has several prior convictions for failure to properly register as a predator.
• Mario Smith (10/5/1975) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. He failed to maintain his FL driver’s license (it was suspended) and failed to report his residence. Smith was convicted of sexual battery on a child between 12-15 years old in 2003, and convicted of producing/directing/promoting sexual performance by a child in 2015. He has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws.
• Travis Thompson (12/2/1982) – Sexual predator arrested for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws. In September, he failed to report his new permanent residence to the FL DHSMV within 48 hours, as required. Thompson was convicted of sexual battery on a child between 12-15 years old, sending harmful material to a minor, use of a computer to seduce a child, and has prior convictions for failure to comply with sexual predator registration laws.
• Hardey Albritton (11/20/1980) – Sexual offender arrested for two counts of failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report to the Sheriff’s Office that he had vacated his permanent residence and was registering himself as “transient” and failed to report to the FL DHSMV to register the same. Albritton was convicted in Virginia in 2002 for aggravated sexual battery and has lifetime sexual offender registration requirements in VA and FL.
• Charles Denson (12/22/1980) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. Denson failed to register a vehicle within 48 hours and provided false registration information. Denson was convicted in 1999 for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 16 years old.
• Moises Rodriguez (1/27/1949) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to complete mandatory sexual offender registration during two different months in one year, and failed to report an active social media account. Rodriguez was convicted in 2020 for offender using coercion to commit commercial sexual activity.
• Jule Vandoorn (6/6/1972) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report two different residences to the FL DHSMV. Vandoorn was convicted in 2010 for lewd and lascivious sexual battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws.
• James Hutchins (11/26/1947) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to complete his quarterly registrations. Hutchins was convicted in 2006 for sexual battery on a victim under 12 years old and has prior convictions for criminal solicitation of a child under 12 years old.
• Elmer Hayes Jr. (4/7/1973) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to report an active social media account within 48 hours of activating it and failed to report it on several mandated registrations. Hayes was convicted in 2000 for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between 12-15 years old.
• Larry Jones (1/30/1952) – Sexual offender arrested for 2 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. Jones is registered in Illinois as a sexual offender. He failed to report to FL and IL authorities his new FL address within the required time frames for both states’ registration laws. Jones was convicted in 1972 in Illinois for murder and rape.
• Bugsianta Williams (7/1/1972) – Sexual offender arrested for 4 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register four social media accounts, and his new phone number. Williams was convicted in 2005 in Louisiana for indecent behavior with juveniles, and has previous convictions in Lake Co and Polk Co (FL) for failure to comply with registration laws.
• Joseph Sifonte (4/26/1984) – Sexual offender arrested for 3 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register four vehicles with the FL DHSMV. Sifonte was convicted in 2012 for traveling to meet a minor for sex.
• Leon Leffingwell (4/30/1970) – Sexual offender arrested for failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He failed to register a social media account. Leffingwell was convicted in 2002 in Indiana for child molestation.
• Joseph Gambrell (3/14/1964) – Sexual offender arrested for 3 counts failure to comply with sexual offender registration laws. He reported living at a residence in close proximity of schools or daycares, which is prohibited. Detectives spoke with people living there, who had no idea he had used their address – they confirmed he has never lived there. He has been living at a different residence, which he has never reported to authorities. Gambrell was convicted in 2007 for lewd and lascivious exhibition on a victim under 16 years old.
Two other sexual offenders, Kenneth Russell and Elijah Cannon, were found to have failed to comply with sexual offender registrations laws, both of whom are in jails in other states – warrants were served charging them accordingly.
16 Arrests for violation of probation
• Tommy Carrera (10/25/1967) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by failing a drug screen.
• Allen Hunter (5/20/1963) – He was designated a sexual predator based on a 2002 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by possessing pornography.
• William Kenna (9/6/1977) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2019 conviction for unlawful sex with a minor. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Peter Murphy (12/17/1992) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for use of a computer to lure a child for sex, and soliciting a child for sex. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Juan Rojas (3/24/1984) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for use of a computer to lure a child for sex, and soliciting a child for sex. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Clarence Williams (5/16/1969) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for produce/direct/promote sexual performance by a child and he has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Donald Brown (2/27/1943) – He was designated a sexual predator based on a 2013 conviction for sexual battery of a victim under 12 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Thomas Clingerman (2/27/1943) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation by failing to follow officers’ instructions.
• Jose Ortega (8/30/1994) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2024 conviction for traveling to meet a minor for sex. He violated his probation due to having an out-of-county warrant.
• Joseph Little (9/24/1967) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 1990 conviction for child molestation. He violated his probation by failing a drug test and has a prior conviction for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Brian Mitchell (5/23/1988) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2021 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He violated his probation for viewing pornography and by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Antron Pompey (1/15/1985) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2003 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a chld under 16 years old and false imprisonment of a minor. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers. He has prior convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Michael Levieux (8/27/1968) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 1996 conviction for criminal sexual assault. He violated his probation by failing to register his cell phone and email address. He has prior convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws.
• Jeffrey Brown (11/10/1972) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under 12 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers and failing to register a vehicle.
• Oscar Gauntlett (9/21/1955) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for lewd and lascivious conduct against a victim under 16 years old. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
• Eric Olson (6/29/1995) – He was designated a sexual offender based on a 2021 conviction for solicit/possess/view child pornography. He violated his probation by having unregistered internet identifiers.
Several of these VOP arrests are pending further investigation and more charges are pending the outcomes.
*Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned. The law specifies time frames during which notifications of any changes to the above information must be made.
“I know this might be hard to believe but there are actually people in this world who like being in jail so much, they just find a reason to go back!! You know people like this guy, Kevin Berrios who either likes jail a whole lot or is just dumber than a box of rocks or should I say “rock!!”
It all began yesterday as Berrios was released from Ivey‘s Iron Bar Lodge at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon, and within 20 minutes he encountered Deputy Haney who was driving down Camp Road. Dep. Haney was on his way to bring someone else to jail, when Berrios, who was walking down the road, decided to throw a rock at Dep. Haney’s patrol car!! That’s right folks…in broad open daylight this guy decides to throw a rock at a Deputy driving a marked patrol car!!
You can probably guess how things went from there, as they were pretty close to the jail already, so Deputy Haney got out of the car and asked Berrios why he would throw a rock at a patrol car!! With no good reason as to why, one could only assume he wanted to go back to the Lodge and that’s exactly where he went!!
After Deputy Haney dropped everyone off at the jail, he brought his vehicle over across the street to Fleet to get a loaner, when he noticed a few other vehicles that appeared to be damaged by rocks!! General Crimes Unit Agent Dylan Cervenak was called to follow up with the investigation to see who could’ve possibly been dumb enough to do that type of criminal mischief!!
After reviewing the surveillance video, Berrios was observed exiting the jail, casually walking across the street to our Fleet Maintenance Building, and picking up some objects that he hurled towards 2 patrol cars!! After that he headed down Camp Road and made the even dumber decision to throw a rock at Deputy Haney’s vehicle!! In total he caused approximately $3,700 worth for damage to all of the vehicles.
So now Berrios finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place as he is back with his friends at Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge on No Bond!! While he is probably in a different bed, I can guarantee you he is still experiencing the same sorry accommodations and a one star dining experience!!
Hopefully while he’s in there he can figure out what not to do next time he gets out of jail, because the plan he had this time didn’t end very well for him!!
A big thanks to Deputy Haney and Agent Cervenak for another job well done!!
“Emergency utility maintenance will take place on N. 6th Street between E. Main Street and Court Avenue beginning Saturday, November 7, 2025, at 7 p.m..
Work is scheduled to continue through Monday, November 10, 2025. Work will resume Tuesday, November 11 through Wednesday, November 12, 2025. During this time, a lane closure will be in effect on northbound travel from Court Avenue to E. Main Street. Court Avenue will serve as the designated detour route.
The estimated completion time is currently undetermined. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Map of work zone and detour route
We ask all motorists to use caution when traveling through the area and follow posted signs and personnel directions for everyone’s safety.”
If there’s one food item that brings everyone together more than most during the holidays, it’s warm, delicious desserts. From classics like pumpkin pies and cookies to extravagant dishes like souffles, loved ones can savor the flavor of sweet treats at the dessert table all season long.
This much-loved version of Pumpkin Pie is a delicious take on a traditional dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Even if you’ve never baked a pie, this easy rendition makes it a cinch to share with your nearest and dearest.
It’s made with Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, which is more than just a seasonal product. You can enjoy it as a go-to for smooth, pure pumpkin in baked goods, chilis, savory dishes or morning smoothies as a wholesome boost full of earthy pumpkin flavor.
Or you can celebrate its deliciousness in these coffee house-style Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Featuring a rich, buttery flavor, these pumpkin cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, bake up soft and boast a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s perfect for those who love pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Pie
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Roll out dough to 2 inches larger than pie dish. Gently press dough into dish until it lines bottom and sides. Trim dough to within 1/2 inch of dish edge. Fold edges underneath themselves, creating thick 1/4-inch border. Crimp edges with fingers. Refrigerate. Preheat oven to 375 F.
In large bowl, whisk eggs and sugars until smooth. Add pumpkin, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Stir until well blended
Slowly pour filling into pie shell. Cover edges with thin strips of aluminum foil. Bake 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 70 minutes
Yield: 48-50 cookies
1 cup unsalted butter
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups brown sugar
1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
For Rolling:
2 tablespoons cane sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
In small saute pan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir regularly until butter turns deep golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Pour browned butter into heat-safe bowl or measuring cup and refrigerate until cooled, but not solid, about 15 minutes.
In large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
In separate medium mixing bowl, stir browned butter and brown sugar. Whisk in pumpkin ano vanilla extract followed by eggs and egg yolks.
Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry until evenly mixed. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.Form dough into four separate logs 2-3 inches in diameter and about 7 inches long. Wrap each cookie dough log with plastic wrap. Freeze dough 30 minutes, or until ready to bake.
For rolling: Preheat oven to 350 F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir sugars and cinnamon on large plate. Unwrap desired amount of dough (thaw slightly at room temperature if dough is completely frozen) and roll each log in sugar mixture.
Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Place on baking sheet 3 inches apart.
Bake 14-15 minutes. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.
Cool cookies at room temperature on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack and cooling 10 minutes.
Heart health is about more than just the heart itself. It’s a two-way street between the heart and the rest of the body. However, many U.S. adults aren’t aware of the connection between organs.
According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, 42% of U.S. adults do not understand how the heart can be impacted by other organ systems.
Health issues in other organ systems, like the kidneys or metabolic system – which includes how the body manages weight and blood glucose – can lead to heart trouble.
The close relationship between heart health, kidney health and metabolic health is known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, and it is the focus of an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness of how the systems function together. When one system is affected, it can make the others worse – creating a condition called CKM syndrome.
Close to 9 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one component of CKM syndrome, according to a study in the “Journal of the American Medical Association.” Components include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol or other lipids, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone.
The survey also found that while only 12% of U.S. adults have heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome, 72% said they’re interested in learning more and 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM health.
“What we want people to know is it’s really common to have heart disease, diabetes or metabolic disease and reduced kidnev function at the same time,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. “It’s reassuring to hear that once the CKM connection was defined around three-quarters of respondents understood that it was important and wanted to learn more.”
Highlighting the two-way street of the heart-body connection, the “2 Truths and No Lie” video offers a simplified visual:
-The heart pumps blood to the body.
-The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) in the blood into energy.
-The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood.
-The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with blood pressure.
-Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood to the body.
While providing resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected, the American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative is also working with health care teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. Better awareness and improved screening can help people take action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
The initiative is made possible by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, supporting sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and champion sponsor DaVita.
Get ready for a day full of fun and learning at the RideSafe Fall Fest, happening this Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Bonnet Springs Park.
Hosted by Lakeland Regional Health and Bonnet Springs Park, this free community event focuses on promoting bike safety for children while offering plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Kids can participate in hands-on activities that teach essential biking skills — including helmet fitting, bicycle inspection, and safe riding techniques — through interactive courses and demonstrations.
Along with the safety fun, guests can enjoy live music, a petting zoo from Hearts of Heaven Farm, games for kids and families, and a fall-themed photo opportunity.
The RideSafe Fall Fest builds on the success of previous Bike Rodeos, expanding the event into a larger fall celebration centered around family, fitness, and safety.
Bonnet Springs Park — 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL
Saturday, November 8 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Free Admission
It’s festive, educational, and fun for the whole family — don’t miss
Get ready — the countdown is on for the 2nd Annual Hoop It Up Charity Basketball Game, and both teams are fired up for another exciting matchup!
Join us on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 PM at Ridge Community High School as your Haines City Fire Department faces off against the Police Department — all for a great cause.
Enjoy an afternoon of food, prizes, music, and family fun, while helping support local families in need.
Entry: $10 donation per family
Your generosity helps us make a difference — on and off the court.
*UPDATE: Fire has spread to 20 acres, but is 75% contained.
FORT MEADE, Florida – November 3, 2025
Multiple agencies are working a wildfire south of Fort Meade this afternoon near the intersection of Mt. Pisgah Road and 9th Street SE.
According to the Florida Forest Service (Lakeland District), crews are currently working to contain a 5-acre wildfire. The fire was first reported shortly after 12:40 PM. Polk County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the area and arrived on scene to assist with containment and monitor nearby homes and properties.
At this time, no structures are threatened, and no evacuations have been issued.
The cause of the fire has not been released at this time.
This is a developing situation. The Daily Ridge will provide updates as additional details become available from the Florida Forest Service and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Lakeland, Florida – A routine tag check at a red light led to two arrests on Saturday, November 1st, after a Polk County Sheriffs Office deputy noticed something unusual about a vehicle license plate.
According to PCSO, the deputy was stopped at the light at US 92 and Combee Road behind a red 2015 Hyundai. While waiting for the light, he ran the tag number. The query showed that the tag was not registered to a Hyundai at all. It came back assigned to a trailer.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as fifty six year old Thomas Stokes of Lakeland. Stokes told the deputy he did not have a valid drivers license.
When asked about the incorrect tag, Stokes said the Hyundai had been given to him as a gift and that the tag was already attached when he received it. He claimed he only knew the man who gave him the vehicle by the first name Lucius.
Even though the story sounded questionable, the deputy continued investigating.
Deputies confirmed the vehicle was not listed as stolen. They found that the Hyundai was registered to a woman named Taunya. When contacted, she said it was registered in her name, but the car actually belonged to her son.
The deputy then contacted the son, who said the Hyundai stopped working. When he moved to North Carolina, he told his landlord Lucius to dispose of it.
Stokes story turned out to be true. However, Stokes was still arrested for driving while license suspended or revoked.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as thirty nine year old Amy Eddy of Lakeland, also ended up in custody. Deputies learned she had an active warrant out of Marion County for Violation of Probation for Petit Theft.
Both Stokes and Eddy were transported to the Sheriffs Processing Center. The Hyundai was towed from the scene.
