37-year old Shastri Khan of Lakeland, a detention deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested on DUI charges Tuesday, March 21, 2023, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with: DUI with Property Damage/Personal Injury (M1, 3 counts) and DUI with BAC of 0.15 or Higher (M1).
The arrest is the result of a PCSO investigation of a four-vehicle crash that occurred on December 29, 2022 at around 9:42 pm, on Commonwealth Avenue in Polk City, near the intersection of Oak Avenue. At that time, Khan was cited for Careless Driving and for Open Container of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle pending a medical records subpoena for Khan’s blood. A sample of Khan’s blood from the hospital was submitted for testing. The results of the test were received last week and revealed that Khan’s Blood Alcohol Content was 0.289, over 3.6 times the statutory limit of 0.08.
“These blood alcohol results gave us the information we needed to charge him appropriately, in addition to the original charges. This is just one more reminder that driving while intoxicated leads to disastrous consequences—both for the innocent public, and for the drunk driver. ” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Update Wednesday Morning – From: City of Bartow Police Department
In reference to the shooting that occurred on 3/21/23 at approximately 1544 hours, two (2) subjects have been arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Attempted Homicide.
Tommy Almoza, B/M date of birth 10/29/2001 and Ezekeil Burch, B/M, date of birth 4/1/2004.
Several weapons were also confiscated during the investigation.
Bartow Police Department Press Release
On 3/21/23 at approximately 1544 hours the Bartow Police Department responded to a call of shots being fired in the area of 222 W. Ethelene Ave. in Bartow.
Responding officers made contact with a male subject who had been shot in the arm. That subject was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Crime Scene personnel processed the scene, which included the parking lot and adjacent business. A total of four (4) subjects have been identified as being involved in the shooting.
Charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.
He served his country, not once, not twice, but eight times. He was deployed four times to Afghanistan and five times to Iraq for a total of nearly 21 years. He would have served longer, but his body had become beaten and worn during his service.
This warrior has received neck surgery, endured paralysis, and suffered broken bones, bullet wounds, and even breast cancer. He was awarded a purple heart. Now he and his family will be able to enjoy a much-needed tranquil lifestyle at their new home, donated by Lennar Homes through Operation Finally Home.
Retired Army Sergeant Major Jose Luis Barreiro, along with his wife and daughter, officially broke ground for their new house, which will be located in Liberty Ridge in Bartow. Their family celebrated the momentous occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Lennar Homes and Operation Finally Home, the two organizations that donated the property and have arranged to construct the house.
“It’s indescribable,” Sgt. Major Barreiro said. “For the first time in a long time, I was completely speechless. It means a lot to us because it will allow us to dedicate more time to each other and our family and catch up on the time we missed since I was deployed. I am looking forward to spending more time with the family and less time having to worry about bills.”
Sgt. Major Barreiro received his new home through Operation Finally Home, a national non-profit organization that provides mortgage-free homes, modifications, and transitional homes to veterans, first responders, and their families.
This property is the third home Operation Finally Homes has provided in the Polk County Community. More than 400 projects are currently underway in 33 states across the country, and it is always an honor to give away another free home in the local community, said Molly Halliday, Operation Finally Home Senior Vice President of Marketing.
“We continue to share our mission across the country and we hope to be able to provide more mortgage-free homes in this area,” she said. “He [Sgt. Major Barreiro] is extremely deserving. He served nearly 20 years…He is a purple heart recipient. He fought and served for his country and his family wants to thank them for his service.”
Reggie Baxter founded Lennar Homes three years ago. His mission was to provide affordable housing, especially to people most deserving of a home such as local veterans. So far, his organization, through Operation Finally Home, has donated three homes to local veterans. In fact, the subdivision this newest home is located in, Liberty Ridge, was named in honor of the military and the people who served and continue to serve in it.
“It is an honor to be a part of something like this,” he said. “It is a way to give back to the local community…After this [house], we will designate another subdivision and do more of this in the future. Just a pleasure. It is a way to give back to the local community and make a living.”
Steve Tiner serves as the co-owner of the Haines City franchise of Ameriprise Financial Advisers and as a member of the Haines City Rotary, which hosts the annual Chili on the Ridge.
So, it was quite surprising for his Ameriprise Financial team to win first place at this year’s chili contest. Winning first place, they won the $1,000 grand prize and a glass trophy.
As for the secret behind their success, Tiner confesses that his team does not have a secret ingredient behind their chili recipe. He simply tossed in whatever item he had available and cooked it.
“We just threw in a bunch of stuff into the pot and it happened to work out this year where it didn’t last year,” he said. “I think the turnout was great. We had a lot of good events. I used most of my chili. That normally doesn’t happen.”
As a Rotary Club member, Tiner appreciates being able to participate each year. He especially loves the overall camaraderie among his fellow vendors.
“It feels great to win. It is a great event. A lot of people came out to support our Rotary Club,” he said. “We like meeting new people. All the camaraderie and fun banter between the teams and the public coming out to have a great time.”
Third place went to Titan AC, which received $250. Second place went to Jared Gordon Ford, which received $500.
Hayden Register, an employee at Jared Gordon Ford, owes their success to his employer who prepared the chili. He added hot dogs, which made it taste like a chili dog.
Their team has been participating for the past four or five years. They keep returning for the overall atmosphere and participation.
It is pretty good. Definitely not what I expected but I am happy with it.
“I like being able to taste the other chilis and having a bit of a good time,” he said.
Chili on the Ridge is hosted by Haines City Rotary as a fundraiser for scholarships. Their scholarships are conferred to local high school students at Haines City, Davenport, and Ridge Community High School.
More than a dozen vendors participated this year, with local businesses and organizations including the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce, AdventHealth, and the Haines City and Davenport Fire Departments.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the Haines City Rotary Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/hainescityrotary
For the third consecutive year, Balmoral Resort Florida brought the Luck of the Irish with its annual Shamrocks and Shenanigans.
The free event invited attendees to dress all in green and celebrate their Irish heritage (or even lack thereof) with food and drink specials and live music and dance performances.
For the traditional Irish holiday, attendees could enjoy traditional Irish music and step dancing, along with several Irish-themed games and shenanigans. The event especially went wild around sundown with the Byrne Brothers performing live.
Chris Mursalski, the new Food and Drinks Director at Balmoral Resort, oversaw the event for the first time this year. He recently started his new position two weeks ago and brings with him 25 years of experience in the food and drink industry.
Mursalski has big plans for upcoming events. He jumped on board with Balmoral Resort due to its commitment to overall service.
“What makes us stand out is our guest services,” he explained. “The team here is spectacular. We are willing to do everything for the guests. And that is what it all comes down to.”
As for Shamrocks and Shenanigans, he appreciated that the event experienced an overall great turnout, and he hopes that future events will experience similar success.
“The event here is getting off to a great start,” he said. “We have a lot of people coming out with musicians, dancers, and everything all Irish. It is amazing to spectacular. I am enjoying that people are coming out.”
For more information about upcoming events at Balmoral Resort Florida, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/balmoralflorida
Downtown Bartow felt the luck of the Irish during its annual St. Patrick’s Day Un-Parade hosted at Bartow First Friday. Several dozen units from floats to golf carts decked themselves with green and shamrocks to celebrate the holiday.
Sweet Magnolias hosted a float with its participants dressed as candy and toys for their candy store-themed unit. King S.L., meanwhile, had all of its participants dressed in green from green clothes to green hair.
These sights were some of the lucky attendees in this year’s UnParade, which kicked off the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event. The remainder of the evening showcased live musical performances, vendors and food trucks, a car and jeep show, and even line and belly dancing in Downtown Bartow.
The reason why the opening festivities are called an “UnParade” is that anyone is invited to participate. So the “UnParade” can have as many as 10 to 100 units, explained Linda Holcomb, Executive Director with Main Street Bartow.
“As far as [the number of] units in the parade, we never know,” she explained. “That’s why we call it the un parade. It’s completely wacky and unorganized. There could be anywhere from 10 units to own up or less. We just never know.”
The overall turnout for both the parade and Downtown Friday Fest proved phenomenal as always, and it more than exceeded expectations, Holcomb said.
“My expectations are that I am hoping that it’s going to be bigger and wackier than ever we just want it to be fun,” she said. “I love this one because it is unorganized it’s just to show up be yourself have fun be wacky dress wacky and have a good time.”
Bartow Friday Fest is hosted on the third Friday of every month in Downtown Bartow. For more information, visit their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/bartowfridayfest/
Update 1pm Monday from PCSO: this is an update to the search ongoing for Mr. Ortiz and Mr. Marrero on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven:
We continue to search the lake, with four PCSO watercraft and sonar equipment, two FWC watercraft and sonar equipment, and a Seminole County Sheriff’s Office watercraft and their underwater drone. We will not leave this lake until both men are found.
The lake is still closed to the public. All other lakes on the chain are open. However, anyone launching a boat onto Lake Summit will not be allowed through the canal leading into Lake Eloise – boats being launched at Lake Summit will have to remain on Lake Summit until further notice. The other canals leading into Lake Eloise are also blocked.
Update 1:25pm Sunday: At 4:12 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, the 10-year-old daughter of Jeffrey Marrero from Auburndale called 911 to report that she and her 8-year-old sister were alone on a boat on Lake Eloise. The boat, a 16-foot Tahoe ski boat, had been rented by Marrero’s friends, 38-year-old Velcky Velasquez and her boyfriend, 32-year-old Orlando Ortiz, both of Winter Haven, to celebrate their one-year anniversary of being together.
Central District deputies Glenda Eichholtz and Jonathan Munoz heard the 911 call via the Live 911 system, and self-dispatched to the Lake Summit boat ramp, knowing that there is no public access to Lake Eloise. When they arrived at the boat ramp, they saw a man who was just putting his boat into the water. They asked for his assistance, and he immediately agreed to transport them from Lake Summit and through the canal to the adjacent lake, which is Lake Eloise.
The deputies and Good Samaritan found the boat with the two little girls in it. Deputy Munoz got onto that boat and drove them to the nearby Legoland dock. The deputies then found Ms. Velasquez treading water a distance away from the boat. She told the deputies that she had jumped into the water with the anchor in order to secure the anchor to the boat, but due to the wind and heavy chop to the water, the boat began floating away. The two men jumped into the water to help her. They are not strong swimmers and ended up going underwater.
The PCSO Marine Unit and FWC using side scan sonar, and Seminole County deputies using their underwater drone, will be searching Lake Eloise 24/7 until both men are found. The lake will be closed to the public until they are found.
Update 8am Sunday: to search and recovery investigation on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven:
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 10:30 a.m. this morning at the Lake Summit boat ramp located on West Lake Summit Drive (cross street Cypress Gardens Blvd near Overlook Drive) with an update to the investigation. The missing boaters – two adult males – have not yet been recovered. The FWC and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office are assisting.
This is the 16’ Tahoe ski boat that was rented yesterday by a woman and her boyfriend, along with a friend of theirs and his two children in #WinterHaven.
———
Original post
In response to your inquiries, the PCSO Marine Unit, assisted by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is conducting a search and recovery mission on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven regarding two adults who are believed to have drowned. We received calls just before 5:00 p.m. this afternoon (Saturday, March 18, 2023).
We are asking the public to avoid the Lake Summit boat ramp and Lake Summit and Lake Eloise until further notice.
Welcome, World Travelers! Quantumania is Quantum-Meh-nia!
by James Coulter
I’m going to be perfectly honest: I’m getting tired of these Marvel movies. Have you heard of “Marvel fatigue”? Because I’ve been feeling it. Once upon a time, I loved the MCU, but the franchise undoubtedly peaked with Avengers: Endgame. Ever since then, the movies have been average at best and boring at worst. (I’m looking at you, Eternals!)
Last year was when I fell out of love with these films. Don’t get me wrong. They’re still entertaining. But after seeing three of them in a row with Multiverse of Madness, Love and Thunder, and Wakanda Forever, the formulaic nature of these movies became evidently clear. And no more is the formula clearer than in the latest movie: Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Following the events of Endgame, Scott Lang, the alias of the Ant-Man, is living his best life being hailed as a hero. He hosts his own podcast. He published his own book. He even gets recognized on the street. They only aspect of his life which isn’tfine is with his daughter, Cassie, who’s grown estranged ever since his disappearance during the Blip, and who’s become vigilante in an effort to be a hero like her father.
Cassie reveals she has been working on a device that can communicate with the Quantum Realm. Shenanigans ensure when its signal is intercepted and Scott and his allies are transported into the microscopic world where an old foe awaits them. Who is this enigmatic enemy who has conquered the Quantum Realm, and what threat does he pose the real world if he escapes?
It’s Kang the Conqueror.
Does that count as a spoiler? We’ve all seen Loki on Disney Plus. We all heard the news that Jonathan Majors was going to play the character in this movie. We all know he’s playing the big bad villian in this Multiverse Saga. We all know the next big Avengers event will be The Kang Dynasty. The movie may be playing up the reveal as a big twist, but knowing all of this information beforehand sort of deflates it.
Sorry. I hate to be cynical, but it’s hard not to be after being inundated with mostly mediocre Marvel content, both in theaters and on Disney Plus. Honestly, the last time a Marvel project truly excited me was with Spider Man: No Way Home, and that had Tobey McGuire and Andrew Garfield making epic cameo appearances. The only future Marvel movie that even entices me is Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3, and that’s only because it’spart of my favorite franchise.
Okay. I’ll play nice. Let’s list some positives.
The best thing I can say about the Ant-Man movies is that they can get really creative. This movie takes place in the Quantum Realm, a subatomic world filled with bizarre lifeforms and landscapes. The (overworked) VFX artists clearly went above and beyond to bring this world to life. And aside from some creative creatures, we also get a surprise cameo from a popular actor (who I dare not spoil, but I promise will make you gasp in laughter when they appear.)
Also, Ant-Man’s main power, aside from communicating with ants, is being able to grow small and large. The films take real advantage of these superpowers, with the epic fight on the Thomas the Tank Engine toy set in the first movie and Ant-Man skateboarding on a truck in the second.
This movie is no exception. No spoilers, but there’s a moment where Ant-Man shrinks down to such a subatomic level that he enters what is called the Probability Storm, which plays off the quantum principle of superposition in which objects can exist in multiple states simultaneously. The end result is many different Ant-Mans playing off each other, and it is glorious.
What makes these movies work is Paul Rudd. Unlike other Marvel superheroes like Iron Man and Captain America, Ant-Man has a very average-man-turned-superhero vibe. He acts and reacts just like any average person would if they were suddenly granted such superpowers, with shock, awe, and heavy sarcasm. What results are very quippy one-liners and overt meta commentary that leads to some rather comedic moments. What else can you expect from a superhero who’s main powers are talking to ants and shrinking? Wagnerian melodrama?!
The worst thing I can say about this movie is that it’s yet another Marvel movie. You’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen most of them. Except for the Avengers and Guardians, there’s nothing exceptionally exceptional about them, especially in the wake of Endgame.
I say this as someone who’s been a huge fan of the MCU. I want to love these movies, but lately, they’ve been rather “mid”, as the kids these days would say. Honestly, I’m only continuing to watch them to see how they incorporate the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool now that Disney and Marvel own those properties. Otherwise, until the next big Avengers movie (and Guardians: Vol. 3), I’m just not that excited about them.
Straighten Your Smile at Parajon Orthodontics New Location
by James Coulter
Do you want a brighter, straighter smile? Whether you require braces or aligners, Parajon Orthodontics can provide your teeth with what you need at their new Lakeland location.
Located at 1040 Breezewood Dr. Unit in Lakeland, Parajon Orthodontics offers a scenic view from their second-floor office, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery while their trained professional orthodontic practitioners work hard to straighten your smile.
Dr. Parajon Jorge brings with him nearly two decades’ worth of orthodontic experience. He is a member of several dental and orthodontic associations, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
As his website states: “Dr. Parajon’s personal treatment philosophy is to emphasize the prevention of “tooth removal” to maximize the esthetic benefits of a well-balanced facial profile and the achievement of a gorgeous smile!
Being able to relocate to their new office has proven to be quite the undertaking, not only for himself, but also for his dedicated staff, without whom his orthodontic practice would not be possible, as would be their relocation over the past three months.
“It is a special moment definitely for me and my team and all of the people who have been part of this process,” he said. “I am just really grateful and humbled for today and all of the support that I received from the friends and families that we serve dailyhere.”
Dr. Parajon also thanked his wife, Amanda, for looking after their children and providing emotional support throughout the entire endeavor. He also introduced Dr. Tanya Cruz as a practicing dentist to their new office, thus expanding their services to provide dental as well as orthodontic treatment.
“Of course, the most important thing for me is that God gave us this opportunity,” Dr. Parajon said. “It was a validation. Every difficulty, every challenge, every obstacle, they provided, and I felt it would happen, there were those moments where he would open a new door and through it I went.”
Parajon Orthodontics celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The event also included bounce houses, vendors, food trucks, and even entertainment by a children’s performer.
Faith Carr, Director of The Lakeland Convention & Visitor Bureau, commended them for the move to their new location. While she specializes in tourism, she understands that new businesses help draw people to Florida as tourists and potential new residents.
“New businesses are what we like to promote here in Lakeland,” she said. “They bring in new tourists, new business, all good things. So I would like to say that, on behalf of the Chamber and the City, congratulations on your new building. We are so excited you are here.”
Parajon Orthodontics is located at 1040 Breezewood Dr., Unit 210, Lakeland, FL 33809. For more information, visit their website at: https://parajonortho.com/
Spring Obsession Springs Back to Munn Park for 20th Anniversary
by James Coulter
The official first day of spring maybe two weeks away, but spring already sprang in Lakeland with its annual premier garden event, Spring Obsession.
After two years of being hosted at Lake Cargo Park, Spring Obsession made its epic return to its home venue to celebrate its 20th anniversary last Saturday.
Several dozen vendors congregated at Lake Munn Park to sell a diverse selection of flora including flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables, along with outdoor garden items like signs, windchimes, and pinwheels.
Hosted by the Lakeland Rotary Club, 100 percent of the proceeds from this year’s event will go towards charitable organizations and efforts to support local schools.
Over the past 20 years, proceeds have been raised to furnish park benches in Hollis Gardens, support the construction of Bonnet Springs Park, erect artful bile racks for the local library and art museum, and provide trauma packs for local police and fire departments, according to their website.
Spring Obsession originated in Munn Park, but in the last two years had the event hosted at the new Lake Cargo Park due to pandemic recommendations requiring more space for such events to better permit social distancing.
“It was so wonderful with this being the 20th annual event to be back in Munn Park and enjoying being downtown with the Farmers Market and being back to where it all started,” said Melody Rider, event coordinator with the Rotary Club.
Each year, Spring Obsession requires nearly six months of planning and 40 to 60 volunteers. Overall, the hard work of fellow Rotarians allows the event to remain successful for 20 years strong, Rider said.
“We love working hard together as Rotarians, service before self…and enjoying ourselves. Having a great time and giving back is what it is all about,” she said. “[We owe] the support of the Lakeland Rotary, the support of Downtown Lakeland, for letting us have it here and all the Rotarians for making it happen.”
