April 15, 2022, Lake Wales Police officers responded to 2000 S.R. 60 (Wal-Mart) in reference to a retail theft. One white female and one Hispanic female failed to scan merchandise and passed all points of sale, failing to pay for the items. The Lake Wales Police Departments is seeking assistance with identifying the individuals.
If you have information pertaining to this case or the identity of this person, please contact Officer Sittnick at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers: call 1-800-226- TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS, or visit the website www.heartlanderimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
City of Lake Wales has ribbon cutting for new affordable housing
The City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) provides homes to new residents in the Northwest Neighborhood, as part of phase one of the affordable housing initiative. The city partnered with Keystone Challenge Fund to build two houses on lots previously owned by the Green and Gold Foundation across the street from the B Street Center.
“It’s rewarding to see our efforts positively impact families,” said CRA Project Manager Darrell Starling. “The affordable housing initiative aligns with the steps and goals included in the award- winning Lake Wales Connected Plan for the revitalization of the city’s historic downtown district and Northwest Neighborhood,” he noted. Officials said the homes have an estimated value of $175,000 with mortgage payments estimated at $950 a month, according to Jeff Bagwell, Keystone’s Executive Director.
“If you have looked at rents, what they cost, very few people can find a decent rental for $950, especially in the market we are in today,” said Bagwell. “This program truly changes people’s lives, and there’s a ripple effect,” he noted.
The houses were built by a collaborative effort of the city, CRA, Keystone, Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development, and SouthState Bank, formally CenterState Bank.
The city paid $10,000 to acquire the lots. An additional $30,000 to cover closing costs was awarded to the city in the form of a community reinvestment grant from SouthState Bank. The county provided up to $250,000 in initial building costs, while Keystone gave more than $50,000. CRA officials said the project will generate about $10,000 in tax increment funding over a three-year period, which would cover the purchase price on the empty lots. Increased tax revenues generated by new growth go back to the CRA to be used towards future development projects.
“We know if we do this right, we can take the entire block and really turn it around,” said Bagwell. We’re very excited about coming to Lake Wales,” Bagwell noted. Bagwell also expressed interest in working with the CRA on beautification projects for additional houses along B Street.
Families picked for the housing will go through class work provided by Keystone to cover such topics as credit, budgeting and how to apply for a mortgage.
“When we sell a home to a family, they are prepared, no doubt about it,” said Bagwell. CRA Chairman Robin Gibson reflected the positive response from city commissioners, which doubles as the CRA board.
“I’m excited to see this partnership go forward. This is something we have been talking about for a while, and this is an avenue that’s going to get us there,” Mayor Eugene Fultz added. Keystone Challenge Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1991 in Lakeland, Florida. For almost 30 years, Keystone has maximized the availability of affordable housing for low-to- moderate-income home buyers to connect families with home ownership, according to company officials.
On April 18, 2022, PCSO detectives arrested 34-year-old Taleta Collier of Winter Havenfor Criminal Use of a Personal ID (F3) and Uttering a False Document (F3) after she created a fake police report to avoid repercussions for excessive tardiness at work.
On April 4, 2022, detectives were contacted by the Assistant Federal Security Director of Law Enforcement with the Federal Air Marshal Service after Collier, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer submitted what appeared to be a fake PCSO burglary report.
During the investigation, PCSO detectives learned that Collier was on a TSA employee improvement plan for excessive tardiness when on March 20, 2022, she called the TSA telecommunications office and said she was going to be late for her scheduled shift. Once she arrived at work, Collier told her supervisor she was late because while she was at her parents’ home, a man armed with a knife attempted to burglarize her parents’ vehicle. Collier told her supervisor she drew her agency issued weapon and pointed it at the alleged suspect causing him to flee.
Collier informed her supervisor the incident was reported to PCSO. When asked for a case number or business card of the investigating detective, Collier said she was not provided with either. Collier was instructed to obtain and provide a copy of the report to her supervision.
On April 3rd, Collier texted her supervisor a screen shot of a document that looked similar to a police report. Collier was then instructed to provide an actual copy of the report and not a picture of it, which she never provided. Collier’s supervisor told detectives that the image provided by Collier was cut off halfway through the second page and no incident description was visible.
When Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives reviewed the image, they determined it was an obvious fake PCSO report. The form used to create the document was not an official PCSO form. Furthermore, Collier used the name of a current PCSO deputy and his assigned member number on the document. The deputy was on vacation and out of the country at the date and time listed on the fake report and told deputies he did not respond or create a report on the incident alleged by Collier.
Collier’s parents told detectives that they had no knowledge of a burglary report and that their vehicle had not been burglarized.
Collier was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. When detectives asked Collier about the armed burglary in an effort to investigate the alleged crime, Collier asked if her employer had contacted PCSO and that she didn’t want to discuss it.
“You can’t make this stuff up. I don’t understand why anyone would go to the extent of creating a fake police report to avoid a reprimand at work for tardiness. Collier has violated the trust of her coworkers and the people she was supposed to keep safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
In response to suggestions from our citizens, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announces a new free program where citizens can elect to put decals on their homes and vehicles alerting deputies that someone within has been diagnosed with autism.
“Our deputies are trained on the unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs of people with autism. When a deputy sees one of these stickers, or responds to a home that has registered for this program, he or she will know they might interact with someone who has difficulty communicating or interacting with others. This enables us to better communicate with those who have special needs.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Autism Decal comes with a registration form, and the information on the form is entered into a database. Those who do not wish to affix a decal to their home or vehicle can still fill out the registration form to be entered into the database. The database enables PCSO to flag addresses into the dispatch system, so arriving deputies will be aware that someone with autism lives in the home.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please email [email protected] and a Crime Prevention Specialist will send you the form and corresponding information.
More Than 100 Artists Display Work at 8th Annual 863 Art Fest
by James Coulter
Most people don’t think twice when they see driftwood washed ashore on the banks of a river. For San Dyke, however, these stray pieces of fallen trees serve as canvases for his creativity.
Dyke loves to travel along the waterways of the panhandle in search of the gnarliest piece of gnarled driftwood. He then takes it back to his place, washes it, sands it down, and transforms it into a unique art piece that can either be used for landscaping or indoor decoration.
“I love being on the river,” he said. “I go out on the river and I treasure hunt, I am always looking for a more unique piece every time, that is how I find all the different pieces.”
Dyke showcased his driftwood artwork at the 8th Annual 863 Art Fest last Saturday in Downtown Winter Haven. From pieces of wood small enough to fit on a table, to gigantic pieces large enough to step inside, he displayed his various driftwood pieces large to small.
He was informed about the event by a local friend. This was his first time attending it. Overall, he enjoyed being able to interact with the locals and he was more than willing to come back again next year.
“This is my first time here, and I want to be back again,” he said. “I will definitely come back. Plenty of people are interested in my craft…I hope more people come to the next event and see what I have.”
Dyke was one of nearly 100 vendors who gathered together at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven for the 8th Annual 863 Art Fest. From metal sculptures made from scrap to painted pottery and ceramics, anything and everything that could be classified as art was showcased that Saturday.
Caroline and Laurie Hart a married couple who create one-of-a-kind handcrafted, hand-painted pieces of art, from as small as a plank of wood to hang on a wall to as large as a table.
As they previously owned a 1970-style camper, they used to travel across the country and become inspired by the places they visited. Their favorite subject to paint is Disney, as they frequently visit the parks.
This was their first year attending the festival, and their first visit more than meet their expectations. “We love meeting people and people who love our art,” Laurie said. “Everyone is very friendly and cheerful.”
When Sergio Cruz started the Art Fest eight years ago, it had 41 vendors. This year’s event had 97 vendors. And they expect to have 30 percent more next year, especially since they will not be hosting the event on Easter weekend, Cruz explained.
As for its popularity, he owes its success to their marketing and promotions, especially utilizing Google rankings. The 863 Art Fest has been growing exponentially since its inception, and it’s expected to continue growing, Cruz said.
“We are promoting arts and crafts from throughout Central Florida,” he said. “We love doing that…[and this year’s event] is above expectations, above our goal.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue is on scene of a wildfire in unincorporated North East Lake Wales. The call came in around 3:15pm with specific location being Huggins Rd.
Currently 7 units are on scene with another 6 units in route. It appears that a rv type vehicle is fully involved also.
This is a developing story. We will update if additional information comes in.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are seeking the identity of a suspect seen on video surveillance in the homicide of 29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson of St. Petersburg.
As previously released: On April 13, 2022, Johnson was fatally shot during a drug transaction inside a home on Acorn Drive in Davenport that he and his associates were renting via Air BNB. According to the investigation, Johnson and his associates had been selling trafficking amounts of marijuana from the house since April 8, 2022, when they took occupancy. Around 8:30 p.m. on April 13th, unknown suspects went inside the house, and shot the victim.
Video was released showing three unknown males carrying the victim out of the house, and thanks to tips received from the community, those three men were positively identified. Those three men drove Xavier Johnson to the Heart of Florida hospital and left him there. He succumbed to his injuries and died.
Also identified over the Easter weekend was 29-year-old Justin Jenkins (DOB 7/5/92) of Volusia County, and he has been taken into custody and booked into the Volusia Jail on a Polk County warrant for first degree murder. His criminal history includes 35 previous felonies and 20 previous misdemeanors. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later date.
We are releasing additional video today that shows Jenkins and an unknown white or Hispanic male – we are seeking the public’s help to identify the unknown male. The video is posted on our YouTube page https://youtu.be/ZIwIe0Wdtlo
Tampa, Florida – A Florida federal judge has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa was the advised in her ruling “It is indisputable that the public has a strong interest in combating the spread of COVID-19. In pursuit of that end, the CDC issued the Mask Mandate. But the Mandate exceeded the CDC’s statutory authority, improperly invoked the good cause exception to notice and comment rulemaking, and failed to adequately explain its decisions. Because “our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends,” id., the Court declares unlawful and vacates the Mask Mandate. Accordingly, the following is ORDERED:
1. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 48) is GRANTED on Counts I, Il, and IlI. Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 45) is DENIED.
2. The Court DECLARES UNLAWFUL and VACATES the Mask Mandate, remanding it to the CDC for further proceedings consistent with this order.”
More Than 3,000 Attend Inagural Scars Farm EggFest
by James Coulter
More than 3,000 children and their families scampered about hunting for eggs at the inaugural EggFest, hosted at Scars Farm in Bartow on Saturday.
Hidden in the untamed wilderness of Polk County, this tamed piece of landscape was the ideal location to hide several hundred eggs, and hundreds of children were let loose to find them during the big Easter egg hunt that afternoon.
Aside from hunting eggs, children and their families could also meet and greet several colorful characters for photo opportunities, from the Easter Bunny himself to Spider-Man and Cinderella with her magic coach.
Other activities they could engage in that day included carnival-style lawn games, food trucks and vendors, musical performances, and Easter basket giveaways. Overall, an afternoon of fun and games was to be had by one and all.
The overall turnout more than exceeded expectations. With nearly 3,000 attendees, the line to get into the venue stretched along Alturas Road to the gas station located along the highway, explained owner Michael Kiremisti.
“We were not prepared for this number of people today,” he said. “Our expectations have blown us away.”
Previously a pasture that served as an old horse farm, Scars Farms is a 54-acre outdoor venue located on the outskirts of Bartow. Five years ago, Kiremisti purchased the area with his partner with a vision to transform it into a vibrant food forest. It has since been transformed into a nursery, farm, and event venue.
Last month, Scars Farm hosted its inaugural Central Florida Food Forest Festival to introduce its venue and showcase its facilities. It plans on hosting several more events like it soon, such as its upcoming Oktoberfest event in October.
Kiremisti owes their overwhelming success with its events to their marketing. They had excellent marketing on Facebook and even offline with several posters and displays spread throughout the town. So hopefully these events have been with their exceptional turnouts, he expects to draw in 5,000 at their Oktoberfest in October.
“I just enjoy seeing people come out and enjoy the property,” he said. “That is why we are out here. People are having a great time.”
Jillian Childs, an organizer for Florida Farm Finder, has been attending events hosted at Scars Farm to help promote local farmers and growers. She was especially amazed by that day’s turnout, which she owes to word of mouth. Ever since their event last month, other people have
shared news about the venue and everything it has to offer, and she hopes word will continue to spread.
“We were completely blown away by the number of people who showed up today. We are just thrilled that everyone came out,” she said. “We got the word out with the Central Florida Food Festival and people are paying attention. We are doing great things here. I think it is great, and it can only get better. And every time we host an event, we learn something new and we can only improve from here. We are only going to get bigger and bigger.”
Scars Nursery & Gardens is located at 777 Alturas Rd, Bartow, FL 33830. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/scarsgardens
More Than 600 Kids Hunt Eggs at Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
by James Coulter
Nearly 600 children and their parents were able to scavenge for colored eggs at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center during its fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.
Every hour on the hour from 9 am to noon, children in different age groups were able to participate in egg hunts at the visitor center, located along US Hwy. 27 in Davenport. Each colored egg was filled with candy and other neat prizes that children could collect in their baskets. Other festivities attendees could enjoy that day included food trucks, local vendors, carnival-style lawn games, and even sidewalk chalk drawings.
The fourth annual event drew in an estimated 600 children and their parents, which was slightly more than anticipated, explained Ashlyn Deeringer, Visitor Services Supervisor. She and her staff had filled countless colored eggs in preparation for the event. They had anticipated great numbers this year, as last year’s event drew in an equally surprising number, she explained.
“We had a phenomenal event here today,” she said. “Last year, we were very surprised at the numbers. This year, we were surprised again at how many families and children came out here today. We were very thankful for the participation we had here today.”
Deeringer enjoyed being able to see the small children scamper about the facility and its play area during the event, excitedly scooping up eggs and placing them in their baskets. With how many people attended last year, this year’s turnout proved to be just as satisfactory, if not more so, she said.
“I am enjoying most the children being excited to open their eggs with how many eggs we anticipated more people this year so we stuffed more eggs for the kids,” she said. “And they have been so excited to come back with bucket fulls as we pass away special prizes throughout the hunt.”
Located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport, the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, true to its name, welcomes visitors to Polk County arriving along Hwy 27 and I4. Aside from offering complementary information and discount tickets to local attractions, the center also hosts events such as this for the benefit of not only visitors but also local community residents.
The Visit Welcome Center will be hosting its Hurricane Expo in June, its Back To School event in August, and its Fall Festival in October. For more information, visit their website at: https://visitcentralflorida.org/
