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Kitchen Emergencies and What to Do 

Staff Reporter
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Kitchen Emergencies and What to Do 

While the kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, with everything good comes the other side. Kitchens are where we come together as families to cook, bake, share and bond. But there are also hidden dangers lurking from sharp knives to boiling water, making unexpected accidents in the kitchen a fairly common occurrence. 

Read on to learn about three common kitchen injuries, how they occur and when to go to the ER. 

1. Burns 

Burns are common injuries in the kitchen as you move food in and out of ovens, navigate pots and pans on hot stoves and dodge sizzling oil and boiling water. Did the oven mitt slip as you removed a casserole from a hot oven? Did you forget the handle on your cast iron skillet was still scalding as you absentmindedly picked it up? These are understandable but painful accidents that happen to the best of us every day. 

To treat a burn at home, first cool the injury site as quickly as possible. Use cold water and react quickly to treat it to avoid the injury getting worse. 

Go directly to the ER if your burn: 

  • Has significant blistering 
  • Is bigger than the palm of your hand 
  • Is causing severe pain 
  • Is deep but doesn’t hurt to the touch, which could mean the nerves are burned 
  • Worsens over the next several hours 

2. Cuts and Scrapes 

Kitchen cuts and scrapes happen frequently if your knife slips while chopping or slicing, or a finger gets in the way while using a grater or zester. Cooking mandolins used to quickly slice vegetables, while convenient, can be dangerous and are the culprit for many kitchen accidents including lacerations. Use all your sharp kitchen equipment with care. 

If there is bleeding, put pressure on the wound right away. Go to the ER if: 

  • Bandage doesn’t cover the area 
  • Bleeding doesn’t stop 
  • Injury is over a joint or impairing your ability to move 
  • Underlying tissue is exposed from the cut 

3. Eyes 

Cleaning solutions, citrus juice and hot peppers sometimes make unwanted contact with your eyes, which can be very painful. First, rinse the affected area with lukewarm water. Milk might work better at neutralizing if the irritant is something like a hot pepper. Go to the ER if symptoms are severe, such as: 

  • Eyes are very irritated or swollen 
  • They are red or painful 
  • Vision is impacted 
  • Worsens over time 

Around-the-Clock Emergency Room Care 

While we hope you stay safe in your kitchen and wherever you may be, if an accident does happen, we’re here for you 24/7 to get you back to wholeness in body, mind and spirit. 

Visit YourLocalER.com to find an ER location close to you. 

26 Yr Old Man Critically Injured In 17/98 Crash Near Fort Meade

Carl Fish
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26 Yr Old Man Critically Injured In 17/98 Crash Near Fort Meade

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Around 11:35 p.m. on Apr 16, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle crash with injuries at 1915 US 17 N., Ft. Meade. Upon arrival of first responders, 26-year-old Ricardo Castillo of Arcadia was extricated from his vehicle and determined to have significant, life-threatening injuries. He had to be resuscitated twice and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance as a trauma alert. The driver of the other vehicle, 40-year-old Jesus Garza of Bowling Green suffered minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital.

Evidence and witness statements indicated that Castillo’s 2016 white Chevrolet 4-door sedan was heading northbound in the southbound lanes of US 17 at the same time that Garza’s 2021 red Mazda SUV was heading south in the southbound inside lane. The front driver side of each vehicle collided in a head-on crash within the southbound inside lane of US 17.

It is currently not known why Castillo was driving on the wrong side of highway or where he may have entered US 17 in the wrong direction. PCSO did not receive any calls regarding a wrong-way driver in the area prior to the crash.Castillo was not seat belted but Garza was.

US 17 southbound was closed at the scene for approximately 4 hours during the investigation. Castillo is in critical condition. Garza was treated and released. The investigation is ongoing.

Polk Sheriff Seeking Public Help On Information Regarding Davenport Murder

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff Seeking Public Help On Information Regarding Davenport Murder

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are seeking information about a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, on Acorn Court in Davenport. The victim, 29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson* of St. Petersburg, FL, was fatally shot during a drug transaction inside a home that he was renting via Air BNB. According to the investigation so far, Johnson and his associates had been selling 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. One of the suspects was carrying a gun.

Video from the house shows three unknown males carrying the victim out of the house, and detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify them. Detectives would like to speak with these men.

If anyone has information about this investigation they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a CASH REWARD, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

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

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Death Investigation In East Lakes Wales

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Death Investigation In East Lakes Wales

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are conducting a death investigation in East Lake Wales. The investigation began earlier this morning on Walk In Water Rd. Near a trail entrance.

Multiple readers saw a white pickup truck at the scene. Almost a dozen sheriff’s deputy vehicles and crime scene units we’re investigating the incident.

This is a developing story and we will update as soon as available.

SPCA Florida Ended Walk for Animals with Final Annual Event 

Allison
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SPCA Florida Ended Walk for Animals with Final Annual Event 

SPCA Florida Ended Walk for Animals with Final Annual Event

by James Coulter

Local Lakeland residents and their fine furry friends walked around the Frances Langford Promenade for one last time at the final SPCA Florida Walk for Animals on Saturday morning.

The annual event allowed residents and their pets to raise proceeds for SPCA Florida by walking laps around Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade in Downtown Lakeland. Attendees could also peruse vendors and food trucks, listen to live music, and participate in other competitions and demonstrations.

For more than 30 years, Walk for Animals has been the signature fundraiser for SPCA Florida. While the current COVID-19 crisis may have affected the event over the past few years, this year’s event drew in one of the largest turnouts yet, explained Jordan LeVine, SPCA Manager.

“This year’s turnout was great,” she said. “We had more people register this year than we have in the past five years. It was a great turnout and we had a lot of fun.”

This year was the fundraiser’s grand finale, marking the end of its more than 30-year run. Next year a new event will take its place. LeVine mentioned how much she loved the event and how it brought so many people and pets together for a good cause.

“I think I loved most the community coming together,” LeVine said. “We all have one common thing, the pets in Polk County, and we all came together to help the animals and everyone was here and we had a lot of fun.”

Bob Fushetti and his fellow Elk Lodge members participated by grilling hot dogs and selling chips and drinks. They have been attending for the past 20 years. His wife, who has a birthday the month before, even helps by having a fundraiser at her birthday party to collect food and raise money for SPCA Florida.

Fushetti and his wife received their dogs from the SPCA. They love the organization and what it stands for. While they are slightly disappointed that Walk for Animals will now be discontinued, they still enjoy the memories it created for them.

“We love the organization,” he said. “It is full of good people…We have been doing this for a long time and it seems to be a fun time. Half the time, the weather is good, and the other half is almost good. We love to be with the SPCA.”

Fields Auto Group served as a main sponsor for the event. Several of their top model cars were showcased that day. Their manager has a heart for the SPCA and its cause, which is why they have been assisting their event for so long, said representative Nathan Briceland, who is also an animal lover himself.

“I love animals. I have several dogs myself. So anything we can do to support animals and the humane treatment of animals, I am all for it,” he said. “Our general manager…he supports the cause, he chose the event, he is there for animals.”

Local Authors Give 700 Free Books During World of Reading Event 

Allison
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Local Authors Give 700 Free Books During World of Reading Event 

Local Authors Give 700 Free Books During World of Reading Event

by James Coulter

Randy Richburg works at a Publix warehouse. During his off-time, he scribbles down any poem or doodle he randomly thinks about onto a notebook he carries with him. He has since compiled all of his poems and sketches into his book, “A Collection of Short Poems.”

Recently, Randy had the opportunity to share his book of poetry and illustrations during a community event in Lakeland on Saturday. He passed out more than 350 free signed copies of his book to local children and their parents. The fact he was even able to publish his book feels like a major accomplishment.

“This all feels fantastic,” he said. “It still feels surreal. This is the largest event that I have ever done, and I am still new at it. So this has been fantastic, a really good opportunity.”

Randy loved being able to meet potential readers, especially young readers, and share with them his love of drawing and writing. Being able to inspire the next generation of writers and artists felt like quite the honor, he said.

“I enjoy being out here,” he said. “I love the people. They have been supportive and positive, and the Junior League who put this on have been supportive and helpful, so it has been nice meeting all these new people.”

Randy was one of two local authors who passed out free copies of their book during the World of Reading Festival hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. Shanita Allen, author of the “Let’s Go Dreaming” storybook series, also attended to offer free copies of her books. Together, they passed out 700 free copies.

Shanita recently released the fourth book in her series, “Let’s Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari.” A behavior analyst, Shanita combined her experience in child psychology with her love of writing to write her own storybooks about children exploring their dreams and feelings.

She loved being able to attend the event that morning and offer local children copies of her book to add to their personal collections. She especially loved hearing about how children were inspired to write their own books thanks to her storybook series.

“It feels absolutely amazing,” she said. “I am enjoying meeting new fans and signing and getting the words out about Let’s Go Dreaming. I loved meeting all the children and hearing their stories about how they want to write and become authors.”

Hosted at Barnett Park near Lake Mirror, World of Reading was hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland to encourage childhood literacy. Aside from offering free books by local authors, the event also offered other activities like arts, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and live music.

The total impact reaches over 1000 children. Each child leaves with at least three free books,” said Nicole Summer, Event Chair. “We have three spotlight tents, there are crafts, each kid will visit each tent and do a craft. After they do that, they will go and see our celebrated reader, and they will receive their copy there.”

The overall beautiful weather that morning drew in a large crowd. They also credited their success to their advertising campaign through Citrus Connection. Overall, the event was a huge success and managed to help them reach their goal of inspiring young children to read.

“I think literacy is always important,” she said. “And so this event focuses on encouraging literacy in our community by providing children with free books. So they can build a home collection or library and be encouraged to read. I think making reading fun is a big deal.”

To learn more about the Junior Leauge and its upcoming events, visit their website at: https://www.jlgl.org/

In Loving Memory Of Austin Velasquez | January 4, 1997 – April 7, 2022

Carl Fish
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In Loving Memory Of Austin Velasquez | January 4, 1997 – April 7, 2022

Austin Nicholas Velasquez

Austin Nicholas Velasquez was born in Lake Wales, Florida on January 4, 1997.

He is survived by his wife Harley Jane Velasquez, parents Christopher and Kimberly Velasquez, brother Cameron Velasquez, paternal grandmother, Annetta Jo Velasquez, maternal grandparents Julia Jordan and William Lamar Robinson and six cousins.

Austin graduated from Avon Park High School in 2015 where he was a member of the wrestling team and National Honor Society. After graduation, Austin attended South Florida State College and pursued a degree in criminal justice. After completing the Criminal Justice Academy in 2018 he began working for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Austin most recently worked as a team member at Anderson Arms in Avon Park manufacturing ammunition. Austin was creative and always found pleasure in creating things with his hands.

On September 19, 2019, Austin married his beautiful high school sweetheart, Harley Shafer in a private ceremony. They lived in Avon Park and cherished spending time together with their family and friends. Austin was an affectionate young man that dearly loved his family as well as his cat, Elon.

Throughout the years Austin enjoyed target shooting, hunting, fishing, snorkeling, riding ATVs and attending church at Grace Bible. He loved going to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, watching scary movies with his wife and watching UFC events with his dad.                                                                     

Austin had accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior.                               

Jesus called Austin home to become an angel on April 7, 2022 when he died in a fatal car accident in Okeechobee, Florida. He is free now, and although our hearts are broken, we know we will meet again in heaven.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 14, 2022 at 4:00 PM at Grace Bible Church, Sebring.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office coordinates multi-agency year-long “Sex Money Murder” gang racketeering investigation; 41 charged

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office coordinates multi-agency year-long “Sex Money Murder” gang racketeering investigation; 41 charged

Detectives with the PCSO Organized Crime Unit, working together with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ashley Moody, Attorney General, conducted a comprehensive Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act investigation that resulted in 41 members and associates of the “Sex Money Murder” criminal gang enterprise being arrested or charged. The investigation was initiated in March of 2021 when, based on information obtained from historical on-going criminal investigations, detectives uncovered an extensive criminal network associated with the Sex Money Murder gang. 

Out of the 41 identified during the investigation, 12 are charged with racketeering (see Florida Statutes Chapter 895 Florida RICO—Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization—Act) for their role in directing members in organized criminal activity, such as illegal drug sales, robberies, introduction of contraband into prisons, conspiracy to commit murder, and coordinated attacks on other gang members. The RICO charges are first degree felonies punishable as a life felony based upon specific provisions in FSS 874.04 (Gang-related offenses; enhanced penalties). In some cases, criminal gang members were in the Florida state prison system or in the county jail conducting and coordinating gang business.

The 41 suspects are charged with a total of 121 felonies and 40 misdemeanors. The suspects’ previous criminal histories include 1,147 felonies, 161 misdemeanors, and 205 felony convictions; an average of 28 felonies, 4 misdemeanors, and 5 felony convictions each.

“All you need to know about this gang is in its title: Sex Money Murder. We are not going to put up with these gangs brazenly coordinating and committing crimes in our communities. They are an organized criminal enterprise, ruthlessly focused on violence, theft, fraud, and profiting from the human misery and violence of the illegal drug trade. Our message to other gang members in Polk County and throughout Florida: don’t throw your life away on gangs. If you do, we will catch you, and you will go to prison for a long, long time.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This massive law enforcement operation eliminated the main state leadership of a notorious, nationwide gang operating across Florida. Our law enforcement heroes put in countless hours and risked their own safety to take down gangsters who demonstrated a complete lack of respect for human life. Because of these officers and my Statewide Prosecutors, we are all safer, and their actions will have far-reaching, positive implications on communities across the state.”

“FDC is proud to work in concert with our law enforcement partners as part of our of public safety mission,” said FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon. “This partnership represents an ongoing effort and our commitment to identifying and preventing criminal activity from occurring within our walls. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for those entrusted to our care and furthering public safety for all Floridians.”

FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingensaid, “Meticulous investigative work led to the identification of local and statewide gang leadership ensuring this Blood-affiliated criminal gang can no longer terrorize our communities. Thank you to our FDLE agents, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for making Florida safer.”

The investigation has been able to identify the ranking structure and numerous members of the gang, operating both inside and outside of prison and in the county jail, in Polk County, in various other areas of the state of Florida, and in North Carolina. Detectives uncovered multiple instances of coordinating crimes, directing and coordinating gang activities, recruitment of new gang members, discussing bond payments, and gang financing, including setting and collecting gang dues.

Detectives served six search warrants throughout the investigation in Lakeland (2), Winter Haven, Mount Dora, Orlando, and Lake City.

Illegal drugs, firearms, and currency seized:

·      21.45 Pounds of Methamphetamine 

·      2,595 grams of cocaine 

·      3,051 grams of cannabis 

·      249 grams of MDMA 

·      719 grams of Synthetic Cannabis 

·      7.86 grams of Fentanyl (one gram can kill hundreds)

·      28 grams of Mushrooms 

·      8 grams of Alprazolam 

·      52 grams of Oxycodone 

·      1846 grams of Promethazine 

·      18 firearms

·      $17,514.00 in US currency

The total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $1.5 million.

Two suspects have warrants for their arrests:

Hernando Thompson, Jr., 36, of Orlando has a Polk County warrant for his arrest forRacketeering (F1), Conspiracy to Racketeer (F1), Directing Criminal Gang Activity (F1) (3 counts). Thompson is the Sex Money Murder gang leader of Florida.

Xavier Ulysse, 27, of Lake Wales has a Polk County warrant for his arrest for Conspiracy to Commit Murder (F1). He attempted to arrange the murder of a gang member who robbed one of the leaders.

Sex Money Murder

The Sex Money Murder gang is a criminal gang which became a subset of The United Blood Nation. The gang was founded by Peter “Pistol Pete” Rollock, who is revered as the “Godfather” of the criminal gang—he is currently serving life in federal prison. The Sex Money Murder gang’s primary focus was initially street-level drug dealing, aggravated assaults, and murders to further their criminal organization. 

As members of Sex Money Murder were arrested and incarcerated, they indoctrinated new members from other regions into the gang who were also in prison. This enabled the gang to spread throughout the east coast and into central Florida as more and more prisoners became members and then were released from prison.

According to the current investigation, in late 2018 and into 2019 and 2020, Polk County, and neighboring counties within the state of Florida began to experience a string of home invasion robberies and other violent and property crimes associated with members of the Sex Money Murder gang. Based on information developed by detectives, a wire investigation was initiated of the identified secretary of Polk County for the Sex Money Murder criminal gang, Cerenia Mixon. This ultimately allowed for the monitoring of communications for the leader of Polk County, Andree Romeus. Information obtained from monitoring those communications ultimately allowed for the monitoring of communications associated with the number one and number two ranking members for the State of Florida, Hernando Thompson and James Roundtree. 

Communications were often heavily coded in an attempt to thwart any efforts to monitor criminal activity. Subsequently, detectives were able to identify a vast network of communications by the Sex Money Murder gang ranging from the street to within various prisons around Florida. Detectives worked with the Florida Department of Corrections to identify inmates and confirm gang affiliations while monitoring communications where instruction and direction was provided from leadership both within the prison and from the leadership on the street on how the gang should operate. Communications also revealed discussions on physical attacks on members in bad standing and an attempt to kill a gang member. 

Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act

In Florida (FSS Chapter 895 Sections 895.01-895.06), a racketeering offense (RICO) occurs when an unlawful organization commits or attempts/solicits/conspires to commit coordinated illegal activities such as murder, money laundering, embezzlement, extortion, weapons offenses, burglary, theft, bribery, and other crimes. In Florida, RICO is charged as a first-degree felony and it can result in 30 years imprisonment and significant monetary fines. In cases related to organized gang crimes in Florida, according to Florida Statute 874.04—Gang-related offenses; enhanced penalties—first-degree felonies can be enhanced to a life felony, meaning for RICO gang crimes the sentence can be up to life in prison upon conviction. 

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) was designed to prosecute individuals engaging in organized crime. A person can be charged with racketeering if they engage in a pattern of racketeering—such as committing at least two racketeering activities within a ten year period. 

The following is a list of those arrested, the circumstances of their arrests, and details of the six search warrants, in chronological order:

May 31, 2019. One arrested:

Quandavize Street, 24, of Lakeland

·      Attempted first degree murder

·      Robbery with a firearm (3 counts)

·      Armed burglary with assault

·      Shooting into an occupied vehicle

·      Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

·      Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

·      Introduction of contraband into a jail facility

July 1, 2019. One arrested:

Artavious Smith, 21, of Lakeland

·      Attempted first degree murder

·      Robbery with a firearm (2 counts)

·      Armed burglary with battery

·      Shooting into an occupied vehicle

·      Possession of a firearm by a delinquent

August 6, 2019. One arrested:

Jaquel Fleming, 25, of Auburndale

·      Armed burglary with battery

·      Burglary 

·      Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

·      Resisting arrest 

·      Leaving the scene of a crash with property damage

·      Fleeing to elude

·      Fleeing to elude – reckless driving

·      Knowingly driving with a suspended license

Undercover operation at 425 Van Fleet Dr. E., Bartow, July 21, 2021. 719 grams of synthetic marijuana was seized. Four arrested:

Marcus Mitchell, 19, of Lakeland 

·      Unlawful use of a two way communication device 

·      Conspiracy to intro contraband into receiving facility 

·      Trafficking synthetic cannabis 

Telly Nance, 34, of Bartow 

·      Unlawful use of a two way communication device 

·      Conspiracy to intro contraband into receiving facility 

Deondre Powell, 25, of Lakeland 

·      Trafficking synthetic cannabis 

·      Unlawful use of a two way communication device 

A male juvenile* was also arrested for possession of marijuana. 

Search warrant at 3625 Kathleen Rd Lot #7, Lakeland, September 24, 2021. Over 20 pounds of methamphetamine, 8 grams of alprazolam, 52 grams of oxycodone, and 1,712 grams of Promethazine were seized. Four arrested:

Dashawn Bather, 25, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of cannabis 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

·      Violation of probation

Laconia Blake, 31, of Lakeland 

·      Trafficking Oxycodone 

·      Possession of alprazolam with intent to sell 

·      Possession of MDMA 

·      Possession of a structure/vehicle to sell narcotics 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

Antoine Cruz, 25, of Winter Haven 

·      Possession of alprazolam with intent to sell 

·      Possession of a structure sell narcotics 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

Destiny Daniels, 28, of Lakeland 

·      Trafficking Oxycodone 

·      Possession of structure/vehicle to sell narcotics 

·      Possession of paraphernalia

October 5, 2021. Two arrested:

Daniel Jackson, 29, of Winter Haven 

·      Possession of cocaine 

·      Aggravated assault on law enforcement (2 counts) 

·      Aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer

·      Resisting arrest with violence 

·      Resisting arrest 

Crameshia Jackson*, 26, of Winter Haven

·      Resisting officer without violence 

October 12, 2021. Over 367 grams of methamphetamine; 160 grams of MDMA pills, 15 grams of marijuana, and one handgun seized. One arrested:

Dornell Anglin, 26, of Haines City 

·      Possession of cannabis with the intent to sale 

·      Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 

·      Tampering with physical evidence 

·      Resisting arrest 

·      Fleeing to elude 

Undercover operation at 2000 S.R. 60 E., Lake Wales, October 12, 2021. Over 112 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun, and $2,790 seized. One arrested:

Jamarr Cole*, 37, of Lake Wales 

·      Armed trafficking in Methamphetamine 

·      Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 

·      Grand theft firearm 

·      Carry concealed firearm 

·      Unlawful use of a two way communication device 

·      Possession of paraphernalia

Undercover operation at 131 Scottsdale Loop, Lakeland, October 13, 2021. One arrested:

Jasmine Weber, 28, of Winter Haven

·      Defraud financial institution 

·      Fraudulent use of credit card 

·      Petit theft 

·      Criminal use of personal ID 

Flagler County, October 24, 2021. Two firearms seized (one previously reported stolen. Two arrested:

Maclindell Hardy, 29, of Fayetteville, NC 

·      Grand theft of a firearm

·      Possession of cannabis 20 grams or less

·      No valid DL

Jonathan Fleming, 33, of Wilson, NC 

·      Conspiracy to Racketeer

·      Carrying a concealed firearm

Fleming, the leader of the North Carolina “Sex Money Murder” gang was in Florida attending a mandatory national meeting for the illegal enterprise. The gathering occurred in Osceola County. 

Undercover operation at 1035 Reynolds Rd., Lakeland, December 9, 2021. 0.66 grams of fentanyl seized (one gram can kill hundreds). One arrested:

Carlos Mercado*, 24, of Lakeland

·      Sale of fentanyl 

·      Negligent child abuse 

·      Unlawful use of a two way communication device 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

Undercover operation near the intersection of Reynolds Rd and Ned Engle Blvd., Lakeland, January 4, 2022. Over 7 grams of fentanyl (one gram can kill hundreds), 37 grams of marijuana, and a handgun seized. Two arrested:

Demarrius Faniel*, 30, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of cannabis over 20 grams 

·      Possession of cannabis WITS 

·      Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 

·      Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon 

·      Possession of paraphernalia 

·      Violation of probation 

Anteria Bell*, 28, of Lakeland 

·      Trafficking in fentanyl 

·      Possession of cannabis over 20 grams 

·      Possession of cannabis WITS 

·      Possession of structure to traffic narcotics 

·      Knowingly driving with a suspended license 

·      Possession of paraphernalia 

Search warrant at 2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven, January 7, 2022. Over 90 grams of MDMA, 28 grams of mushrooms, 134 grams of promethazine, 3 grams of methamphetamine, and 249 grams of marijuana were seized. Three arrested:

Danyell Coggins, 47, of Winter Haven 

·      Possession of methamphetamine 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

John Davis, 40, of Winter Haven 

·      Trafficking phenethylamine 

·      Possession of methamphetamine 

·      Possession of cocaine 

·      Possession of heroin 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

·      Possession cannabis over 20 grams 

Wandy Noel, 30, of Winter Haven 

·      Knowingly DWLSR 

Assisted FDOC Probation and Parole Services with a routine probation check at 3655 Peregrine Way, Lakeland, January 31, 2022. Three arrested: 

Horatio Walker, 24, of Lakeland 

·      Racketeering

·      Conspiracy to Racketeer

·      Tampering with a Witness (gang enhanced)

·      Violation of probation 

Raquan Thompson*, 22, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of cannabis 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

Tyreke Thompson*, 20, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of cocaine 

·      Possession of cannabis 

·      Resisting without violence 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

·      Violation of probation 

February 3, 2022. Two arrested:

Kayshia Jenkins*, 35, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of suspended driver’s license 

Kalaysha Wilson, 22, of Lakeland 

·      Possession of cannabis 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

·      Violation of probation 

Undercover operation at 1502 Recker Highway, Winter Haven, February 1, 2022. Over 40 grams of marijuana seized. One arrested: 

Andree Romeus, 30, of Winter Haven 

·      Racketeering

·      Conspiracy to Racketeer

·      Directing Criminal Gang Activity (3 counts)

·      Possession of cannabis over 20 grams 

·      Possession of cannabis WITS 

·      Possession of drug paraphernalia 

·      Possession of a structure to sell narcotics 

·      Knowingly driving with a suspended license 

March 10, 2022. Over 30 grams of marijuana and $4000 seized. One arrested:

Leroy Scarlett, 29, of Bartow 

·      Possession of cannabis over 20 grams 

·      Possession of cannabis WITS 

·      Possession of paraphernalia 

Search warrant at 975 Hyde Park Blvd #201, Lakeland, April 8, 2022. One arrested: 

Cerenia Mixon, 22, of Lakeland 

·      Racketeering 

·      Conspiracy to Racketeer 

·      Directing Criminal Gang Activity (2 counts)

Search warrant at 416 E. Pine Ave, Mount Dora, April 8, 2022Over 512 grams of cocaine, 485 grams of marijuana, and 3 firearms (one was stolen) were seized. One arrested:

Tonisha Fisher, 36, of Mount Dora 

·      Racketeering

·      Conspiracy to Racketeer

Search warrant at 4407 Sugar Loaf Way, Orlando, April 8, 2022. Over 1,535 grams of marijuana and one fully automatic handgun were seized.

The Auburndale Police Department Participates in High Visibility Enforcement Program to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Carl Fish
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The Auburndale Police Department Participates in High Visibility Enforcement Program to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

The Auburndale Police Department is continuing its High Visibility Enforcement Program through April and into May. This program, with support of the Florida Department of Transportation, aims to improve road safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through education. 

 

During the program, our department has placed additional officers to monitor Berkley Road, between U.S. Highway 92 and Donovan Drive. This specific area has a high occurrence of pedestrians and bicyclists’ crashes. Special attention will be directed towards increasing awareness of the dangerous behaviors that are contributing to serious and fatal injuries at these locations.

 

Officers have been on the lookout for drivers speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns, signal violations, or using hand-held devices while driving. They have been watching for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to motorists who have right-of-way. They have also been looking out for bicyclists who are riding against traffic, riding at night without lights, or not abiding by the same laws as motor vehicles. Officers have been issuing warnings and citations only when appropriate.

 

This goes hand-in-hand with the current Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Whether you are driving a vehicle, bicycling, or walking, please put down your device and focus on where you are going. Additional information about pedestrian and bicycle safety is available at www.alerttodayflorida.com.

Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media Along With Attorney General Ashley Moody Regarding Gang Racketeering Arrests

Carl Fish
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0
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media Along With Attorney General Ashley Moody Regarding Gang Racketeering Arrests

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 11:00 a.m. today, April 13, 2022 at the Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keene Blvd.) in Winter Haven about a multi-agency, year-long gang racketeering investigation. Ashley Moody, Attorney General, FDOC Secretary Ricky Dixon, and FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell will also speak.

During the investigation, PCSO, along with the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ashley Moody, Attorney General, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, charged 41 suspects who are either known gang members or criminal business associates of gang members from Florida and North Carolina. Twelve of the suspects are charged with racketeering.

The 41 suspects are charged with a total of 121 felonies and 40 misdemeanors. The suspects criminal histories include 1,147 felonies, 161 misdemeanors, and 205 felony convictions; an average of 28 felonies, 4 misdemeanors, and 5 felony convictions each.

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