On Tuesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 28, 2022, the Bartow Police Department will be conducting their annual Active Shooter Training at Bartow Middle School, located at 550 E. Clower St. in Bartow. The training is being held from 2:00 PM-6:00 PM led by Rangemaster and Lead Instructor Sgt. John McKee.
The exercise, which will also include Fire and EMS personnel, is designed to prepare for a real-life encounter with an active shooter. The officers are presented with different active shooter scenarios and must determine how to respond, what they would need to do once on scene, and to do so with speed and precision.
If you live near the area of Bartow Middle School and hear loud noises and emergency response vehicles during the time frame of 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, please do not be alarmed. No live weapons will be used during the training.
Bartow PD Alerting Community To Active Shooter Drill On July 26 & 28 At Bartow Middle School Tomorrow
PCSO Arrest Suspects In 33 Car Burglaries Since Monday
We arrested five suspects (a 20 yo and 4 teenagers) for 33 burglaries in the area. More information will be released at a later date. Thanks for sharing!
Original tweet with video here!
LOCK IT OR LOSE IT. Highland City residents – we’re investigating a rash of vehicle burglaries in the area of Central Avenue SE and 1st & 2nd Avenue SE that occurred on Monday evening/Tuesday morning, July 18-19th. So far we have nearly a dozen UNLOCKED vehicles that were ransacked, and 8 victims. Among the items stolen was a Mossberg Patriot .243 caliber rifle with a scope and ammo, and a woman’s purse with identification and credit cards in it.
Haines City Track Club Need Help & Funds Going to Junior Olympics
Haines City Track Club Need Help & Funds Going to Junior Olympics
by James Coulter
The Free&Forward Express Track Club in Haines City is set to compete in the Junior Olympics next month. However, they are currently seeking funds to cover their travel and lodging expenses.
All six student-athletes in the Haines City track club have ranked nationally following their participation in Nationals last weekend, where they competed against other young athletes from across the nation and world.
They have all become eligible to compete in the upcoming Junior Olympics, which will take place this August in Greensboro, NC. Their coach, Twana Henderson, is proud of their accomplishments and has high expectations for their participation in the Junior Olympics.
Some of the most notable team members and their feats include:
– Ariel Peers, 13-year-old. She ranked first in the discus throw (where she always places first) and second and third in shot put. Her coach expects her to bring home a medal, regardless of whether it’s first place or eighth.
– Derion Berry, 14-year-old. He competed in middle school state and ranked #1 in the region of Polk County. He received a medal for the long jump. His coach also expects him to bring home an Olympic medal.
– Trinity Hall, a 7-year-old girl, the youngest track team member, who took 12th place in the 100- and 200-meter dash. This will be her first year competing in the Junior Olympics. Her coach describes her as “fearless” with only the utmost confidence in her performance.
– Khayari “Kbox” Henderson, a 9-year-old girl who placed 12th in the 800-meter dash, placing her third in the nation. “Never did it before, never performed it before, and she went out last weekend and came out third place,” her coach said. “It was a good time.”
The Free&Forward Express Track Club is the first three and four-track club to be formed in decades at Haines City. Twanna Arnold Henderson started the team to honor the legacy of her father, Walter Arnold, a Haines City track star who holds the record for the 100-yard dash, along with many other accomplishments, in the city.
“He had been unbeatable,” Henderson said. “That is why I wanted to start the track club here because there hasn’t been one in a while.”
Henderson decided to start the track team around the same time she was taking her children to a similar club out of the city. She wanted to start something local, so she and her husband pooled together their funds to create it. Most of their expenses have been out-of-pocket, either being financed by them or the parents.
“It is not a popular sport, so we don’t get as much sponsorship as the Football League,” she said. “It is just our husband and I using our funds or if someone donates. It is on us and the parents.”
Rather than focus on the physical aspect of the sport, Henderson coaches her students holistically, training them both in body, mind, and spirit. She coaches them in the sport, tutors them in their academics, and mentors them both emotionally and spiritually.
“We are trying to keep them involved,” she said. “We don’t just do track practice. We tutor, we mentor, we console, and we try to get it more successful.”
Their upcoming trip to the Junior Olympics will cost each team member $100 for the entry fee. With six members total, the overall cost for their combined entry fees will be $600. Including the overall cost of travel, lodging, gas, and food, the overall cost for their trip to Greensboro, NC will be $3,500
Currently, due to finances, many members have to choose between traveling to the competition or staying home to attend school. Henderson so desperately wants her students to attend, and she is praying that other people donate to their cause.
“That is something a kid lives for, that is a big thing for me,” she said. “When you have athletes that make it to the Olympics, it is worldwide, so it is the same thing with the Junior Olympics. I feel those kids should be outlined. It is not fair to them or me that our city is not making it publicly known. I don’t know why. But I reached out and hopefully someone will see it and sponsor us to go.”
Overall, while she is currently uncertain about finances, she has high hopes that all of her students will do well if they cancompete: “I want them to make it. I owe them my dedication. I will try my best for them to succeed and make it there for their dreams. It is their dream to place well this year. My [hope] is for them to get there and perform and do their best.”
The Free&Forward Express Track Club will be leaving for the Junior Olympics on July 31. To learn how you can donate for their trip, please e-mail them at [email protected].
Motorcyclist Killed Early Wednesday Morning In Mulberry
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred in the early morning hours on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in Mulberry.
At around 1:15 a.m., PCSO deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the crash on Nichols Road just east of Anderson Road.
According to evidence at the scene, 67-year-old Jerrold Williams of Lithia was driving a yellow 2005 Suzuki motorcycle southbound on Nichols Road when he failed to negotiate the curve just east of Anderson Road. Williams drifted off the right shoulder of the road just as the curve straightened out toward the east. Williams continued off the roadway, entered a drainage ditch where he struck a culvert, and was ejected from the motorcycle.
Williams died at the scene. No other vehicles were involved.
Excessive speed is being investigated as possible cause. The roadway was closed in the area of the crash for about three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
Man Enters Home, Opens Fridge, Exposes Himself To 89-Year-Old Woman and Caregiver
Haines City Police officers were called to a Haines City residence Monday when a man, later identified as Keandra Griner, 25, of Haines City, entered a home and exposed himself to the 89-year-old homeowner and her 32-year-old caregiver.
Officers were told by the elderly homeowner that Griner entered the home and attempted to pull down the pants of her female caregiver. When Griner was not able to do that he approached the homeowner and displayed his genitals in front of her.
When Haines City Detective Trajabar arrived on the scene the victims said the man entered the residence through an unlocked rear door, went to the refrigerator, grabbed an apple juice, and walked into a bedroom with his pants down and his genitals in hand. The woman pushed Griner out of the way and went into her living room where Griner continued to display his genitals. The woman told Griner to leave. He initially refused but eventually left through the back door.
The woman said she was never touched by Griner and that he did not have permission to be in her residence.
Armed with the victims’ description of the suspect, officers were able to locate Griner at the 7-11 on Hinson Avenue. The caregiver was able to positively identify Griner and he was transported to Haines City Police Department headquarters, interviewed by detectives and arrested.
Griner is charged with Burglary-with assault and battery and two counts of Exposure of Sexual Organs.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Hosting Job Fair July 28
Polk County, Florida-
We’re hiring at Polk County Sheriff’s Office!
Come see us on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, our Human Resources team will be at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keene Blvd. Winter Haven) to process your applications and answer questions about working for PCSO.
All qualified applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment THAT SAME DAY!
Also, you can SAVE TIME AND SKIP THE LINE by filling out our application in advance at: https://lnkd.in/ee7mHMq3
We have multiple positions available such as:
• LE Academy Recruits – candidates become certified in law enforcement; Stipend $3,000 monthly (approximately 5 1/2 months)
• Dual Academy Recruits – candidates become certified in law enforcement and detention; Stipend $3,000 monthly (approximately 8 months)
• Telecommunicators – starting salary: $36,680 plus excellent benefits
• Detention Support Specialists – starting salary: $29,411 plus excellent benefits
• Intake Records Specialists – starting salary: $31,592 plus excellent benefits
• Part-time Civilian positions – starting hourly wages: $10-$11.50
Click here to learn how to become a member and view our benefit package:
https://lnkd.in/eGVarn6V
We are an equal opportunity employer.
lawenforcement #opportunity #employment
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NowHiring
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H.L. Smith Road Closing for Three Weeks
H.L. Smith Road Closing for Three Weeks
Bartow, Fla. (July 19, 2022) — Starting Wednesday, July 20, offsite widening and turn lane construction for a new subdivision will close H.L. Smith Road for three weeks in unincorporated Haines City just south of the intersection at Lake Hatchineha Road (County Road 542). Traffic will be briefly detoured along Lake Hatchineha Road, Alford Road, and Edwards Road to bypass closure. Minor delays are possible, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters are advised to drive with caution, be alert to detour signs, and to add extra drive time to trips through this area.
For more details, contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (8363) 535-2200.
Welcome, World Travelers! Cool Off with the Balmoral Resort Pool Series on July 22
Welcome, World Travelers! Cool Off with the Balmoral Resort Pool Series on July 22
by James Coulter
Last Saturday may have risen to the 90s, but once the sun went down, Balmoral Resort went back to the 90s—the 1990s, that is! With totally hip 90s music blaring over the sound speakers, people dressed in their classic 90s gear, and lights glowing up in radical colors, Balmoral Resort Florida was set to party like it was 1999 down at their pool and clubhouse.
DJ Melvin was on the scene to blare only the greatest hits. He even led the crowd with some dance moves from the Macarena to the Cha Cha Slide. Meanwhile, guests who wanted to stand out in the dark could paint themselves up with glow-in-the-dark colors and slap on some glowsticks. Overall, it was a totally rad evening that went gnarly to the max.
Balmoral Resort Florida is currently hosting its Summer Pool Series all month long to help draw in locals and have them enjoy its pool and waterpark area. For the low price of $15, attendees 21 and older can enjoy all of the amenities of the pool at the Balmoral Bar and Grill at the Clubhouse.
Why settle for a bland pool when you can slip down two giant waterslides, romp around the children’s play area and splash zone, get soaked by a giant water bucket, and enjoy a pool and spa with a gorgeous lakeside view? At Balmoral Resort Florida, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet and wild during these hot and humid dog days of summer.
Currently, Balmoral Resort offers daily passes for their pool and water park. Locals who want something slightly more exciting than their ordinary community pool can drop by and dive right in to enjoy true wet and wild fun in the summer sun (or even the moo
Their Pool Series was created to help inspire the younger generations (specifically ages 21 to 45) to check out their pool and clubhouse. Each night has a special theme to add a little more fun and excitement with live entertainment and food and drink specials.
“This is the first year we have ever done evening pool parties like this, and we are really excited about it,” said Nanay Pittman, Feltrim Group Chief Marketing Officer. “We know the locals will love this place. Balmoral Resorts is open to the public and is for the everyone to enjoy. The food is great, the drinks are wonderful, the staff is fantastic, they have to come out here, take a look, and they will love this local resort.”
Their previous event was their 90s Glow Party last Saturday. The totally tubular evening gave every 90s kid the opportunity to pump up the jam and party like it was 1999 with glow-in-the-dark paint, live music, and food and drink specials.
Their next installment in their Pool Series will be their Black and White event on Friday, July 22 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guestwill be invited to dress up in either black and white and enjoy specialty drinks served all-night long.
After that event will be their Sunday Luau Brunch on Sun. July 31 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Because when you can’t afford an all-paid vacation to Hawaii, the next best thing is a luau-style brunch event with authentic Hawaiian cuisine, hula dance lessons, and performances by traditional Hawaiian fireknife dancers.
Jeff VanDivers, Balmoral General Manager, loved being able to see so many local families come to their facility and enjoy their pool and clubhouse. He feels the resort is a great asset to the community, not only by providing them with plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment, but plenty of job opportunities as well. Their Pool Series is sure to invite more people to drop by and see what they have to offer, he said.
“We were very happy with the turnout with our first pool series party, and we are looking forward to the same turnout [in the future],” he said. “This is something we wanted to bring to Haines City for the younger crowd so they did not have to travel outside of the ridge area. I think as we continue to grow, we will see an increase each week.”
Aside from their Summer Pool Series, the Balmoral Bar and Grill Clubhouse offers many daily events and activities including trivia night, karaoke, bingo, local bands, and food and drink specials. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/balmoralbarandgrill.
Haines City Police Officer Shot Transported To Hospital
Haines City, Florida – The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting situation that occurred tonight in Haines City. According to the public information officer, Jim Gouvellis, an officer was shot. It’s believed that the officer was shot in the leg by their holstered weapon while struggling with a suspect.
We will update this article as more information is made available.
Lakeland Man On State Prison Probation Arrested By PCSO For Stealing A U-Haul Truck From Georgia
On Thursday, July 14, 2022 Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 45-year-old Marshall House of Lakeland for stealing a U-Haul truck and other charges, including violating his Florida state prison probation.
At around 8:30 p.m. a PCSO deputy spotted the stolen U-Haul parked at the Circle K store (4950 U.S. 92 east) in unincorporated Auburndale. The truck was reported stolen from Valdosta, Georgia.
The deputy drove into the parking lot and saw the suspect, later determined to be House, pumping gas into the truck and that the truck’s driver’s side window was broken out. When House saw the patrol car drive into the parking lot, he moved away from the U-Haul and sat on cases of water that were displayed in front of the store.
Store security video showed House driving the U-Haul into the parking lot and to the gas pump where he was first seen by the deputy.
House initially gave the deputy a false name and birthdate. When checked, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle photo of the person whose name was provided was not House.
House was arrested, and during a search, deputies located a syringe in House’s pants pocket with contents that tested positive for methamphetamine. House was also in possession of a debit card belonging to deceased woman and a credit card belonging to Marshall House, which led to his identification.
House was also wanted by the Florida Department of Corrections for violating his state probation. He was on probation for felony driving with license revoked, uttering a forged instrument, fraud, grand theft, and possession of methamphetamine.
“Apparently this felon has not learned his lesson and belongs back in prison. And we will do everything we can to make sure that’s exactly what happens.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
House was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto (F3), Habitual Driving with a Suspended License (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), False Identification to Law Enforcement (M1), Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), and Violation of State Probation. This is his 18th arrest in Polk County, and his previous criminal history includes 10 felonies and 21 misdemeanors for forgery, grand theft, fraud, petit theft, domestic violence battery, resisting a firefighter, resisting a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, as well as multiple charges of driving with a suspended or revoked license, failures to appear, and violations of probation.
