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Lake Wales High School Football Coach Arrested For Aggravated Assault Following Road Rage Incident

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales High School Football Coach Arrested For Aggravated Assault Following Road Rage Incident

On June 18, 2023, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 33-year-old Don Wayne Wise, Jr. of Winter Havenfor three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm (F3) and one count of resisting arrest (M1) after he pointed a handgun at another motorist. Wise is a football coach at Lake Wales High School. 

At around 3:30 p.m., detectives responded to the area of Cypress Gardens Blvd. and Overlook Drive in response to the incident.

Please see the following excerpt from the affidavit:

Contact was made with victims, REDACTED, who stated that they were travelling eastbound on Cypress Gardens Blvd in the area of Overlook Drive when a blue Nissan Rogue bearing FL tag JUZU05 merged into their lane twice with in a close proximity. Upon stopping in the right lane at the right light at Cypress Gardens Blvd and Overlook Drive. The suspect vehicle pulled into the left lane. The passenger side window of the vehicle was down and REDACTED stated, “You pulled into my lane twice”. REDACTED both observed a light skin black male point a black or dark colored semi-automatic handgun at them. The firearm similar to the ones carried by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. They advised that the suspect pointed the firearm at them for a full 30 seconds. The actions of the suspect placed the victim’s in fear that they were going to be shot.

A check of the vehicles tag number JUZU05 revealed it was a blue 2016 Nissan Rogue registered to Don Wayne Wise Jr. A light skin black male similar to the description provided by the victims. 

At approximately 1601 hours I responded to the address listed for Don Wise Jr of Winter Haven, FL 33884. Upon knocking on the front door Wise answered. He was visibly upset and stood just inside the door. He demanded to know why we were present at his home. He was advised that we were at his residence due to a complaint that someone operating his vehicle pointed a firearm a two subjects. Wise denied being in a “road rage” incident or pointing a firearm at anyone. He did advise that he “at some point” was on Cypress Gardens Blvd today and always carries a firearm. At this time he crossed his arms over his chest and his shirt lifted up. I was able to observe a black semi-automatic handgun in a holster carried in the waistband appendix position. Wise refused to answer any further questions and I left his residence.

A photo lineup was created and administered…The lineup was shown to REDACTED. Both victims identified #5 as the suspect REDACTED. 

Based upon my investigation I had probable cause to believe that the suspect did knowingly and intentionally threaten the victims by pointing a firearm at them this placed them in a well-founded fear that violence was imminent and they were going to be shot. This was done in violation of FSS 784.021(1)(A)-Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. 

Upon his arrest, he repeatedly refused the deputies’ commands to sit inside the patrol car, and physically resisted their efforts to place him inside, resulting in an additional charge of resisting arrest. Wise was transported to the Polk County Jail where he was later released after paying a $15,500 bond. 

“Coaches are supposed to be mentors and models for appropriate conduct. Losing your cool while driving and then brandishing a firearm is the complete opposite. I’m proud of my detectives for their quick work to apprehend the man responsible.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

His Battle with Cancer Could Not Stop Him from Running an Italian Restaurant

Allison
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His Battle with Cancer Could Not Stop Him from Running an Italian Restaurant

His Battle with Cancer Could Not Stop Him from Running an Italian Restaurant

by James Coulter

He was diagnosed with Stage 4b squamous cell carcinoma of the left lateral lobe of his tongue. His case went from nothing to Stage 4b within three months. He had 75 percent of his visible tongue vein cut out and replaced with the artery from his left wrist and arm.

Yet despite his condition and all the odds stacked against him, not only did Blake Jones survive his cancer, he still had plenty of time to open an Italian restaurant in Bartow.

Blake Jones is the new executive chef at Tua Pasta Restaurant in Bartow, which will be celebrating its grand opening on Tue. June 27 at 5 PM. Jones will be running the eatery under the owners Gerado and Luisa Alanez. Not only was he able to achieve his dream of owning his own restaurant, but he managed to do so while battling cancer.

“I beat 20 people with half a tongue for a job,” Jones said. “I was there for a year and a half. This was not what I wanted. I have been trying to start my own business. Life happens, and it changes. In that aspect, I had to figure something out…I was meeting with the owners two weeks ago and now I have the keys to the eatery.”

Born and raised in Winter Haven, Jones moved to North Carolina in 2005 where he graduated high school. At age 16, he started working at Ruby Tuesday’s as a host before moving to the kitchen and eventually running it at only age 17. “I was running a kitchen for a multi-million corporation,” he said.”

Jones owes his career path to his family. His grandfather was an immigrant from Cuba who inspired him to eat different foods, while his father worked 35 years at Treat USA.

He eventually joined the army after high school. Once he returned from active duty, he decided to return to the kitchen. He worked at Ruby Tuesday’s again, then returned to Florida where he worked at Arabella’s, starting as a grill cook before being offered the position as sous chef only six months later when the original chef retired.

He later worked at Ninteen61, where he helped prepare the staff with 157 seats. Then he worked as the executive chef at Balmormal Resort, where he was given half a million dollars to help open the event center.

His life took a sharp left turn in November 2020. What appeared to be an innocuous canker sore, which Jones initially treated with salt water and vinegar, was discovered to be cancer. Three months later, following a biopsy, what started as a cancerous sore elevated to Stage 4b cancer.

“How do you react to that? It was that aggressive,” he said. “In 10 days, my cancer was so aggressive, not only did it transfer from my tongue, but it spread to my lymphatic system in my neck. If it went under the collar bone, to my lungs and thyroid, then I would need to get my affairs in order.”

Jones started receiving cancer treatment from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. He went into a 12-hour surgery, which eventually became a 36-hour surgery. He then received chemo therapy followed by 60 days of radiation. He lost 100 pounds after his first 8 days of chemo.

Through it all, what kept him alive and going what his loving family, especially his three-year-old daughter, who is turning four this year. Now that he has overcome his cancer, he hopes to live out the rest of his days running his new eatery.

“My inspiration, the only thing that got me through it, was my daughter,” Jones said. “She was a year old when I was diagnosed. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be here.”

Creek Legacy Ranch Trains Next Generation of Equestrians with Horse Summer Camp

Allison
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Creek Legacy Ranch Trains Next Generation of Equestrians with Horse Summer Camp

Creek Legacy Ranch Trains Next Generation of Equestrians with Horse Summer Camp

by James Coulter

Photo by Hayley Baxter

Summer vacation has arrived. What are your children doing for their break? Do you want them to do more than vegetate in front of the television and stare at their smart phones? Then how about getting them into the great outdoors with horseback riding?

Creek Legacy Ranch recently started hosting summer camps for horseback riding, not only allowing children to appreciate the great Florida outdoors, but also learn the age-old art of horseback riding.

In a time when riding horses is something that people only do in movies and television shows, these horse camps are teaching children how to mount, ride, and tend to their own steeds.

Hayley Baxter, granddaughter of Reggie Baxter, owner of Creek Legacy Ranch, has been carrying on her family tradition of horseback riding. Her grandfather had previously performed in various rodeos, while she has been riding since elementary school. She has utilized her experience at various competitions and summer camps.

“I have ridden for 10 years,” she said. “I have worked for several summer camps myself. I started out with two every year, which is great. [Now] I have started this and it has been really good.”

Located near Haines City, Creek Legacy Ranch sits on 1,400 acres of rugged wilderness, teaming with woodlands, Everglade wetlands, and countless Floridian flora and fauna. Of that wilderness, 700 acres are dedicated as an equestrian center where you can board, pasture, and ride your horse.

The center includes a lit arena for horseback riding. They will also rent out eight stables on a full-board basis and pasture up to 40 to 50 horses. Private paddocks and stables will also be available.

With her grandfather revitalizing Creek Legacy Ranch, she wanted to utilize the property and her expertise by operating her own summer camp for children. The first week drew in six campers, and the second drew in 11, with the next week expecting eight more, she said.

“It has excelled my expectations,” she said. “I did not expect this many people and this many campers loving it. We had a lot of repeats. I was afraid we would have some bumps in the road, but everyone loves it so far, which is why we decided to add another week.”

Aside from teaching campers how to ride horses, the camp also teaches them valuable skills such as teamwork and communication, which not only prepares them for horseback riding, but for overall social interactions.

“We teach them all around with the outdoors and have them see what they cannot normally see on a regular basis,” she said. “I think it has been going amazing. We have such amazing campers that are so willing to learn and who are really interested. I know they are going to excel and I think it will be great to see generations of coming out.”

Anyone interested in allowing their children to step outside and appreciate the great outdoors are welcome to sign up their children for future camps. “It is a great opportunity to let your kids see something different, something they may not see all the time, and give them an opportunity to meet a lot of new friends with ranch life and give them a new hobby.”

To learn more about Creek Legacy Ranch and future camps and events, visit their website at: https://creeklegacyranch.com/

Father’s Day Special For Local Teen Dad Attending School at Travis Technical Center

Allison
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Father’s Day Special For Local Teen Dad Attending School at Travis Technical Center

Father’s Day Special For Local Teen Dad Attending School at Travis Technical Center

by James Coulter

Like any other teenage pregnancy, when 17-year-old Dylan Sox and his 16-year-old girlfriend, Zoie Andree, learned that they were expecting, their world was turned upside down.

Neither of them knew what they would do with their lives with a new life on the way, let alone how they would tell their parents.

However, with the help of their families, along with the Traviss Teen Parent Program and the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, these two teenage parents were able to balance their new family life with work and school.

One year later, both are enrolled through the Travis Technical Center, where they are both receiving their education with the hopes of pursuing careers that will allow them to provide for their one-year-old daughter, Evealynn.

“There have been challenges,” Sox said. “There is a lot of growing up I had to do. I had to start working more hours at work to make enough money to provide and make sure we have enough for our new daughter.”

Currently in the 12th grade, Sox is studying in the medical program with hopes of obtaining his CNA certification and plans to become employed in the Polk County Fire and Rescue Program following graduation.

When not at school or work, he is spending quality family time with his infant daughter and his girlfriend, soon to be fiancée. They occasionally go on family outings once or twice a week, and he will assist his girlfriend so she can do what she needs.

He owes his success thus far to the Polk Schools Teen Parent Program, which have assisted him and his girlfriend through their new chapter of life together. Without its assistance, neither of them would be able to accomplish as much as they have through work, school, or family.

“The Polk Schools Teen Parent Program has been really good to us,” Sox said. “They have helped with a lot of the daycare workers. They are on top of everything, making sure we have what we need.”

Zoie Andree, meanwhile, is currently is the 11th grade. She is also studying within the medical program to become an ultrasound technician. She plans on obtaining her certifications in CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy. When not at school, she works three times a week to help support her family.

“I think it is certainly a lot of work but I love being a mom,” she said. “Just watching her grow up and thinking that I created that, that has been awesome.”

When she first had her baby, school work proved to be a real chore. However, through the assistance of the Polk Schools Teen Parent Program, she has been able to stay on top of her schooling and work as well as provide for her family.

“One of the biggest challenges is when he is at work and I have to do this alone, but I overcome it,” she said. “I had a lot of help with childcare. I am lucky with that. School has been great this year. But it was a challenge to get my grades up when I had her and I was out for many weeks. It was not my best year, but childcare really helped me out.”

For the past 30 years, the Polk Schools Teen Parent Program has assisted teenage parents dealing with unexpected pregnancies, allowing them to balance their school and new family lives as to pursue their education and career.

LaTonnja Key, Director of the Teen Care Program and Child Services, has been in her position for 15 years. When she first started, there were two locations, now there are five.

Key remains impressed by Sox and his commitment to his new family, education, and career. When most teenage fathers abandon their families and new responsibility, Sox has proven himself to be the upmost responsible and reliable.

For Valentines’ Day, Key often buys flowers and carnations for mothers in the program. However, when she forgot, Sox took initiative to buy the flowers and carnations himself.

“It takes more than one person to make a baby, but usually the young lady end up raising their baby on their own. So Dylan is coming with his mother of his child,” Key said. “I think Dylan sets the bar high for other fathers. If they can see how important it is for them to be involved in their child’s life, they can see that they will change the future if they are involved.”

Marc Hutek, Ed. D, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County commended Sox for his maturity in recognizing the importance of his role as a father. The Coalition provides coaching and support to the child care staff at the Traviss Teen Parent Program’s childcare canter where baby Evealynn is enrolled.

“Dylan’s commitment to his paternal responsibility is a huge undertaking for a teenager today, said Hutek.” Studies have shown that children who grow up with involved fathers are twice as likely to attend college and find stable employment after high school. They are also 75% less likely to have a teen birth themselves! I admire the role Dylan has taken as a father and look forward to having him reap the rewards as Evealynn is currently growing through her most influential years!”

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grantfrom George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation

Allison
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Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grantfrom George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation

Lake Wales, Florida – On June 5, 2023, Victory Ridge Academy(VRA) was awarded a grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation. All funding received from this award will go towards supporting VRA’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication Program.

At Victory Ridge, 60% of students are nonverbal and require augmentative and alternative forms of communication. Through this unique program, students will be provided with iPads and speech-language applications to aid them in communicating with their teachers, therapists and peers. 

“Our students will benefit tremendously from the interaction and inclusion these applications will provide them through daily use,” said Dr. Erika Timpe, Victory Ridge’s Director of Therapy Services.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation for their generous donation and continued support over the years!

GiveWell Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Central Florida. The Community Foundation holds more than 380 charitable funds established by individuals, families, organizations and serves a wide variety of charitable services. For 25 years, GiveWell Community Foundation and its fund holders have been investing in the future of our communities through impactful, philanthropic giving.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org.

A Lake Wales High School Alum Starting Developmental Football Team Here In Lake Wales

Allison
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A Lake Wales High School Alum Starting Developmental Football Team Here In Lake Wales

Lake Wales High School Alumni Starting Developmental Football Team Here In Lake Wales

by James Coulter

Amari Ward was never handed an opportunity in life. Like every great athlete, he earned it by playing hard in high school and college. Now he wants to offer Highschool graduates and college graduates an opportunity to prove themselves that they deserve this opportunity they been desiring 

“I am here to give an opportunity for guys who want to go to college, or any older guys in the area of Lake Wales/Polk County who want a pro-opportunity, and that is what I am here to help for,” he said.

Anyone with a dream of playing football at the next level will be allowed to improve their games and increase their chances of playing at the next level through this new developmental team Central Florida Buccaneers. Ward already opened his roster looking for talent across Polk County and he’s looking to increase their ranks with a 60-man roster.

“It will give people an opportunity to get where they want to be,” he explained. “They just give up football because they didn’t get any offers, or they may not be fully developed and ready to go to college. That is where I come in: to help you get more developed and get to the next level. So, I am developing you to get where you want to be.”

Ward started playing football in high school at Lake Wales Highschool before playing on the college level at MTI Preparatory. He owes his success to his coaches and teachers pushing him to do his best both on the field and in the classroom.

“Every day, Coach Johnson would tell me to stay on top of my school work,” he said. “I was one of those ones who did not get offers coming out of high school because I did not get the grades. I was the hard-headed ones who had to learn the hard way.”

He returned to Lake Wales High School with the intent of working there as a coach. However, on his way to the office, he ran into a coach from Jackson State University, who, upon learning about his qualifications, offered him a chance to return to playing college-level football.

“He told me let’s go, I packed my bags, and things went well,” he said. “So now I am in the transfer. And I am waiting to be accepted. My top three schools right now are Colorado, Bethune Cookman, and Tusculum University.”

Ward now wants to offer other high school graduates and college-aged students the same opportunity he had to prove that if you don’t give up keep going everything is possible by starting his own developmental football team. With his brothers and friends helping him make this possible without them none of this would be possible Ward has big expectations for his players.

“My expectations for my players is to come to dominate every day, work hard every day, bust your butt, and grind,” he said. “Everything is earned, nothing is given. Nothing in this world is given. These guys want the opportunity to go to college or to play in an arena. I will not lie to you. They need to come in and show that they want it each and every day.”

His advice for potential players: “If you want something, you work hard for it. You must be done with it. Every day, my players, I want them to give 100 percent every day. The platform is there already.”

Ward is seeking support from the community’s potential sponsors or any potential donation to help them have a great first Also looking for more athletes and coaches to fill in on the coaching staff. Prospective athletes/coaches can call or text him at: 863-978-9576

Chase Leads To Deputy Involved Shooting & Killing Of Wanted Suspect In Highlands County

Carl Fish
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Chase Leads To Deputy Involved Shooting & Killing Of Wanted Suspect In Highlands County

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at approximately 7:45 a.m., deputies with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office were involved in an officer-involved shooting.


The shooting took the life of 31-year-old Matthew Dillon Owens. No deputies were injured as a result of the shooting. This investigation is in the very early stages and information can change as evidence is located.


During the early morning hours of June 20, at approximately 4:57 a.m., deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a blue Dodge pickup truck driven by Owens, who refused to stop the vehicle and led law enforcement on a chase from Highlands County into Hardee County then back into Highlands.


Owens crashed the truck into a citrus grove just south of Old Bombing Range Road in the Avon Park area, then fled on foot through the grove.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Teams responded to the area and located Owens approximately a quarter mile from the vehicle, hiding in the top of a tree approximately 25 feet off the ground.


At this point, deputies gave Owens verbal commands to come out of the tree, and he refused. Deputies could see something in Owens’ hand, and commanded him to drop it. Again, Owens refused to follow commands. Owens then pointed the object at deputies, who fired their weapons, striking Owens.


Owens was removed from the tree and immediately given medical attention. At approximately 8:30 a.m., he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Owens was very aware he was wanted by law enforcement. On the evening of Sunday, June 18, Owens fled from law enforcement in Highlands and Hardee counties and then again on Monday June 19, he fled law enforcement in the St. Lucie County area.


Owens had several active warrants for his arrest, which included two counts of capital sexual battery, one count of lewd molestation of a child under 13 years of age, and felony domestic violence battery.
As is the policy of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, this deputy-involved shooting will be investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.

Man Killed By Vehicle That Crashed Into Lakeland Home

Carl Fish
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Man Killed By Vehicle That Crashed Into Lakeland Home

LAKELAND, FL (June 20, 2023) On Monday, June 19, 2023, at approximately 4:12 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single vehicle and a residence in 2100 block of North Crystal Lake Drive. Just before the crash, a 2016 Dodge Durango was traveling southbound on Longfellow Boulevard, approaching the intersection of North Crystal Lake Drive. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and continued across North Crystal Lake Drive, striking two signposts before crashing into the occupied residence. The vehicle came to final rest inside the residence, striking a 24-year-old male who was inside the home.

The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The victim inside the home was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Durango and two additional persons inside the home did not require medical treatment.

The intersection was shut down for approximately five hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. At this time, the deceased’s name is not being released pending the open investigation. 

Anyone with additional information regarding the crash should contact investigating Officer Travis Payne at [email protected].

Victim:

Male

Age: 24

Address: Brazil

Driver:

Alexander Dalton Collins

Age: 27

Address: Lakeland, FL

Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party Hosted For 2nd Year

Allison
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Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party Hosted For 2nd Year

Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party Hosted For 2nd Year

by James Coulter

The evening may have started with thunder and lightning, but the clouds soon parted and the sun came out to dry up Lincoln Street long enough for the Lake Wales Juneteenth Festival & Block Party.

On Friday evening, several food trucks and vendors lines Lincoln Street in Northeast Lake Wales for the annual Juneteenth Festival & Block Party. Attendees had plenty of options for food to choose from with food trucks like Whadda Wings and Slush Yo Mouth. Likewise, many local vendors set up shop in the nearby park to sell cakes, pudding parfait cups, and other homemade treats.

“Considering we had thunder and lightning, I think that things have exceeded our expectations,” said DJ Bush, the master of ceremonies for that evening. “People are showing up, money is being made, there are smiles on kids’ faces, I am excited.”

This year was the first for Bush to organize the event, although he has assisted with the Lincoln Street CDC for the past two years when the annual Juneteenth celebration started.

More than simply allowing residents to celebrate an important date when slavery was officially ended in America, Juneteenth allows the community an opportunity to gather together in unity and solidarity, Bush explained.

“I love bringing the community out, allowing people an opportunity to fellowship and enjoy each other’s company, I think that is the most important thing, to keep Lake Wales connected,” he said.

Bush has organized many other local events for the Lake Wales community. He will be assisting with the Ladies Night at Wales Pointe Restaurant on June 23, as well as Jokes n Jams on August 26.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit Investigating Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash That Took The Life Of An Adult Female During The Early Morning Hours Of June 15

Allison
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit Investigating Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash That Took The Life Of An Adult Female During The Early Morning Hours Of June 15

CRIME: FATAL HIT-AND-RUN
CRIME SCENE: CR 547, DAVENPORT
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #23-24912

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that took the life of an adult female during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Around 2:20 a.m. two witnesses saw a white Ford truck, possibly a Super Duty model, strike the victim who was walking along the side of the road approximately 1/8 mile north of Crescent Valley Ranch Road. The truck was heading south, and fled the scene. It should have damage on the front bumper and possibly the grill and hood.

The attached photo is an example and is NOT the actual vehicle.

If you have any information about this please contact Detective Christello at 863-668-3101 or at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

  • CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
  • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
  • VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com
    and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida

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