HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Today, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Florida State Guard Director Chris Graham, Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, Major General Rafael Ribas, FEMA Region IV Administrator Gracia Szczech, Major General Rafael Ribas, National Hurricane Center Acting Director Jamie Rhome, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Red Cross Regional Executive Josett Valdez in Homestead to recognize the 30-year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew’s devastating landfall. Attendees highlighted lessons learned to improve preparedness, response, and recovery for future storms.
“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, we have made great strides to improve Florida’s readiness for the next major storm,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Governor DeSantis has made it a priority to support the resilience of Florida’s communities and the availability of recovery resources in the aftermath of a disaster. Florida is proud to be a national leader in emergency management and we will continuously strengthen our response to hurricanes and natural disasters.”
“The lessons learned in 1992 forever changed the field of emergency management and how we prepare for, and respond to, hurricanes impacting our state,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “Thanks to the tireless work of emergency managers, first responders, and meteorologists over the last thirty years, Florida is a national leader in emergency management, and we continue to improve our field and become more resilient in the face of future hurricanes.”
“Having lived through Hurricane Andrew’s devastation with my family at the age of 15, I vividly remember the aftermath and recovery of our community and how we came together to rebuild,” said Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez. “I am pleased to see how far we have come over the last 30 years.”
“I wish I could be there with my great friends from Homestead to remember the night that changed all our lives and also, to celebrate the determination and resilience of the people of South Dade who fought a war with an incredible, off-the-charts hurricane and won,” said Fox Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross. “Congratulations to all of you, the true heroes of Hurricane Andrew.”
Hurricane Andrew made landfall near Miami, Florida on August 24, 1992, as a powerful Category 5 storm. To date, Hurricane Andrew is the most destructive hurricane to ever hit Florida in terms of structures damaged or destroyed. With maximum sustained winds of 165mph, Hurricane Andrew is one of only four hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 storm since 1900.
Hurricane Andrew marked a turning point that set the State of Florida on track to become a national leader in emergency management. Many lessons learned in the wake of Hurricane Andrew led to improvements in technology for early storm forecasting and modeling, increased coordination between local, state, federal and private sector partners to enhance response capabilities, and a larger focus on mitigation and preparedness efforts to minimize the impact of future storms impacting the state.
Emergency Support Functions (ESF) that are vital components of the State Emergency Response Team were created after Hurricane Andrew, including ESF 5 Planning and ESF 14 Public Information. These functions allow for more efficient communication between responding agencies to ensure all resource needs after a disaster are being met, including the dissemination of information necessary for Floridians to begin their recovery process.
The Homestead community was hit the hardest, and Homestead Air Reserve Base was one of several structures to be completely wiped out as a result of the storm. Today, Homestead Air Reserve Base is stronger than ever and hosts officials from Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard and the Florida Air National Guard. The base has streamlined its processes for preparing for hurricanes and is able to support local, state and federal agencies during post-hurricane relief and recovery efforts.
More information on Florida’s State Emergency Response Team can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/SERT.
Welcome, World Travelers! Why Does Disney World Matter to Polk County?
by James Coulter
It’s been more than a year since I started “Welcome, World Travelers!” here on the Daily Ridge. What originally started as a monthly column about Walt Disney World had since evolved into a bi-monthly installment about the Walt Disney Company in general (including reviews of Disney movies) and has now become a bi-weekly feature with a broader perspective encompassing local attractions like LEGOLAND Florida and Bok Tower Gardens.
After one full year, the question must be asked: Why? Why dedicate a regular column to Disney? This is a question that has been asked many times by many Daily Ridge readers and commenters. In fact, this particular column topic was inspired by a question posed in a Facebook comment to another column regarding the Reedy Creek District. So why is a Polk County news site running a regular column about Disney?
The short answer: because people like Disney. It’s a world-renowned multibillion-dollar multinational corporation, and while our capitalist economy isn’t a perfect meritocracy, a company doesn’t gain that much profit or acclaim by selling a product people don’t want to buy. I love Disney. You love Disney. We all love Disney. People in Polk County love Disney. They visit there. They shop there. They even work there. So why not write about Disney in a dedicated column?
Pic from Wikipedia
The long answer: Disney affects the local economy. Walt Disney World is Florida’s biggest job creator and tax revenue generator. One 2019 study, as summarized by Oxford Economics, shows that Disney produced a $75.2 billion annual economic impact for Central Florida, which includes 462,000 jobs, and $5.8 billion in additional sales tax revenue, as reported by Tallahasse.com.
Walt Disney World drives Florida’s tourism industry, and in turn, the tourism industry drives Polk County. Visit Central Florida estimates that tourism employs 21,815 people in the county and that tourists spend $1.5 billion each year and generate $29.3 million in state tax revenue sharing. Overall, each Polk County household saves $1,735 per year in taxes due to the tourism industry, Visit Central Florida reports.
Every dollar spent by tourists visiting from Disney stimulates the local economy. Every dollar spent at a local business helps fund the paycheck to a local family. Every sales tax funds our public infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and other utilities. Walt Disney World may not be located in Polk County, but its economic impact hits close to home.
“The tourism from Disney and all the theme parks culminates into jobs,” explained Carl Fish, Daily Ridge Editor. “Real estate is dramatically affected by Disney. Legoland is affected greatly by how well Disney does. Tons of service businesses in the Davenport and Haines City areas are affected by Disney combined with other theme parks. Maid service, pool service, restaurants, supermarkets, and so many other businesses are affected by the large numbers of people that work at Disney and visit Disney.”
It goes without saying: what affects Disney affects Polk County. When Gov. DeSantis threatens to dissolve the Reedy Creek District and Disney’s other “special corporate privileges”, that decision has a ripple effect on the surrounding communities including Polk.
As I mentioned in my column on the topic, if the Reedy Creek District were to be officially dissolved next year, the tax burden of $105 million in general revenue and $280 million in property taxes, along with a $1 billion bond debt, will be passed to Orange and Osceola counties taxpayers. That tax burden will hurt Florida residents and businesses, and it will have a ripple effect that will reach Polk County.
In fact, DeSantis’ feud with Disney has already impacted the Florida economy. Disney has already halted moving 2,000 high-paying jobs to Central Florida. While both Disney and DeSantis have denied that the current controversy is the reason why, it’s pretty evident that it is. To think, that’s 2,000 fewer jobs created for Florida, 2,000 jobs worth of tax revenue, lost over this debacle.
Love it or hate it, Walt Disney World has an undeniable impact on Polk County, if not the whole state of Florida. What happens to it happens to the rest of us. Disney matters to Polk County. It matters to Florida. It has mattered for the past 50 years, and it will continue to matter potentially for the next 50. That’s why I write about it.
Local Polk County Resident Running for Polk County School Board, District 6
By Allison Williams
Photo provided by Sara Jones
Sara Jones, a local Polk County resident is running for Polk County School Board, District 6. Jones grew up in Lake Wales. She has deep roots in Lake Wales, as her family has lived there for at least five generations. Education has always been an important part of her life.
“I was raised in a family of educators,” Jones said. “My mother, grandmother, and a host of other relatives have been educators for my entire life. I grew up volunteering in Polk Schools and other community organizations. I continued to volunteer my time with community organizations that emphasized children’s education and wellness throughout my adult life. When I moved back to Polk County after I graduated from law school, it was my natural inclination to contribute my time, energy, education, and experience back to the community that had contributed to my success. I currently own a law firm in Lake Wales and serve as a school volunteer and community advocate.”
Jones attended her early education at Polk County Public Schools. She attended Janie Howard Wilson and Babson Park Elementary Schools and Frostproof Middle/Senior High School.
“During my elementary, middle, and high school years, my mother taught at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary School, which is right down the road from FMSHS. I spent many years volunteering and tutoring in schools almost daily for my entire childhood,” Jones said.
College proved to be a rewarding experience for Jones. She was very involved in her studies and related programs and continues to be involved within local schools here today.
“In college, I was recruited as a peer tutor, and worked tutoring first generation college students during my years in college,” Jones said. “During that time, I studied under and worked with a professor who had built his career and literally wrote the book on mentoring at-risk children. I continued that work, to a lesser degree, while in law school. Shortly after I moved back to Polk County, I sought opportunities to teach and pour into students. On that journey, I served as an adjunct professor for Polk State College, where I taught Business Law to Collegiate High School students as well as Polk State College students. I currently serve as a volunteer at McLaughlin Middle School and as the Founding President of the Lincoln Community Development Corporation in addition to my day job as an attorney.”
Tuesday, August 23 is election day. Jones is running for Polk County School Board, District 6. She is very passionate about what she does and feels she is the best fit for the role.
“I am running because I want to do a great job as an advocate for our students, staff, and community. When Lynn Wilson, the current school board member for District 6, announced that he would not seek re-election, many staff members and administrators approached me asking me to run for the open seat. I initially declined. I had managed four political campaigns in the past. While three of the four were successful, I had long since decided that I never wanted to be the candidate. After several months of being asked repeatedly, I agreed to pray about what I should do. In those moments of prayer, it was clearly revealed to me that I had been blessed with background knowledge of Polk County Public Schools by virtue of my life experiences and that I had been afforded the privilege of a high-quality education that taught me how to read and analyze the law and to advocate for others. I realized that I could not say ‘no,’ particularly at a time when there is so much at risk. While I still don’t love being a political candidate, it would be my pleasure to serve Polk County Public Schools as a school board member.”
Why vote for Sara Jones?
“Simply put: I’m the better candidate. Honestly, it took me a long time to be able to say that publicly because it feels boastful. However, it’s true. I have the education and background to be able to analyze the education laws that are being implemented by the state, and the critical thinking skills to come up with great solutions to difficult problems. I have a proven record of being present, advocating effectively, and producing great results with few resources. Additionally, I’m willing to speak the truth without fear of the consequences, and I’m the only candidate in my race that can honestly say so. I have been open and transparent about my positions about the issues and the people of Polk County are my top priority.”
If elected as school board member, Jones has many plans to serve her community.
“I plan to be a fierce advocate for our students, staff, and community. I value excellence and problem-solving. I plan to work with the other members of the board to set sound policy that puts our schools in a position to offer every student a high-quality education that leads to post-graduation success, whether that means going on to college, the military, the workforce, or entrepreneurship. I also want to work with other local leaders and community members to advocate for more state funding for Polk Schools, specifically to address educator pay.”
Jones believes strongly that she is the best fit for the role. Her extensive knowledge and education will help her succeed as school board member. She cannot stress enough how important it is to go out and vote. It is time for change.
“The School Board elections this year have been disgusting,” Jones says. “There have been so many partisan politics that have come into this race. Crimes have been committed. Candidates have been falsely accused of bad acts and publicly slandered. Political back and forth is par for the course when you run for office. However, Polk County has been the target of outside influence and dirty politics that sets a horrible example for our children and repels reasonable people. Getting out to vote is more important than ever. Public education is quite literally under attack. If we don’t make sound decisions now, we may not have a system that offers a free high-quality education to children very soon.”
Sheriff Grady Judd: “Criminal Justice is a Great Thing. It Keeps Us All Safe.”
by James Coulter
Over the last two years, Polk County has grown by 58 thousand people, roughly the population of Winter Haven and Dundee, or half the population of Lakeland. This year, it’s expected to draw in 25 to 35 thousand new people.
Sheriff Grady Judd has one message to people moving to the county from other states: Polk County takes crime seriously. If you commit a crime, you will be arrested and thrown in jail.
Many new residents are moving from states like New York that have laxer laws. For example, New York has a “no bail jail” policy for most criminal offenses except violent crimes. If a person is arrested, they are taken to jail where they are processed and prepared for court but eventually released. Sheriff Judd claimed crime skyrocketed because of that policy.
He brought up an anecdote concerning a disturbance at a gated community. While he and his deputies were speaking to the person who reported it, another man ran up, pushed aside a deputy, and punched the person. The officers quickly “introduced [the man] to the ground” and threw him into the police car.
The man asked where he was being taken to. Sheriff Judd replied that they were taking him to the county jail. The man replied he was from New York City, where they are given a citation and asked to show up for court later.
“I want you to look around the jail and ask yourself if you are in New York City,” Judd said. “This is not New York City. You do not…push the cops, hit someone in my presence, and not go to jail. If you are allowed to do that, then you do. That is what we are seeing around the country [with these lax laws].”
Sheriff Judd shared this experience during an update he provided at a luncheon hosted by the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce. The chamber luncheon was held at Tom Fellows Community & Event Center in Davenport with several hundred people in attendance.
During the luncheon, Sheriff Judd provided an update on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). He assured guests that he and the PCSO take criminal justice seriously. Polk County is currently experiencing a 50-year low in violent crime, and he expects crime to remain low under him.
“Our job is to serve you,” Sheriff Judd said. “If you are not safe, if you do not feel safe, communities can’t thrive.”
Sheriff Judd mentioned how his department was implementing new technology to help them better protect the community. One such example of new technology was Live911, software which allows deputies to hear the details on emergency calls and use geofencing technology to better track the caller’s location.
Live911 software allows first responders and deputies to cut down on response time to emergency calls. The PCSO had beta-tested the software in the county for 30 days. During that time, they were able to save two lives, Sheriff Judd said. Today, Live911 has been implemented countywide.
Sheriff Judd was also one of many law enforcement officers who were commissioned by the Florida Speaker of the House to serve on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission. Their pejorative was to investigate the mass shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and use the data collected to implement policies that state schools can utilize to prevent potential mass shootings.
During their investigation, Sheriff Judd discovered there was a “total failure” within the system of Boward County to prevent that mass shooting. Even now that rules have been changed and implemented throughout the state to prevent future tragedies, Boward County was the very last county to come into compliance with these changes.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was with the mass shooter himself. Investigating his record revealed that the shooter was an “evil being” whose threat had been ignored by the entire system. Despite receiving mental health counseling his entire life and being moved around from school to school, at no point was law enforcement ever inquired or informed about his situation. Sheriff Judd claimed it was because the people involved did not want “to criminalize him and ruin his life.”
“There is a false narrative going around that the criminal justice system is a bad thing,” Sheriff Judd said. “The criminal justice is a great thing. It keeps us all safe…Had they introduced him to the criminal justice system…because he was committing crimes along the way, instead of hiding him from the criminal justice system, we could have mandated services and communications of services and maybe have prevented that horrible event from happening that day.”
Conversely, Sheriff Judd claims the PCSO takes these potential scenarios seriously. He wants “layers and layers” set up to ensure that potential mass shooters get nowhere near the school building and the children within it. If for some reason a shooter were to breech these defenses and protections, Sheriff Judd has only one objective.
“If someone shows up at school, I want you to shoot them,” he said. “I want you to shoot them alive. I want you to shoot them so much you can read the New York Times through them.”
Moreover, he wants to proactively weed out troubled students who show all the warning signs of potentially becoming school shooters. He feels mental health has been the biggest oversight since mental health hospitals shut down decades ago. While there are no longer any mental health facilities in Florida, he claims his county jail is the largest mental health facility in the area because of the criminals they arrest.
He shared the anecdote of one troubled student. Not only did he check off boxes of warning signs, but he also added them, Sheriff Judd said. Throughout the school year, PSCO would escort him to school, pat him down, and ensure he received proper mental health counseling. By the end of the year, the student, who had previously been a loner, was eating lunch with his colleagues and laughing with them.
“We did the things that are necessary and legal,” Sheriff Judd said. “We believe in our heart of hearts that we turned that child around. But we won’t give up, and we won’t close our eyes, and we have got to pay attention.”
Teen arrested for making bomb threat during piano recital
A Haines City student who apparently didn’t like a school piano recital is now facing the music, as well as facing felony charges for making a bomb threat.
After a four-month investigation into a bomb threat at Ridge Community High School,16-year-old Ruben Diaz was arrested by Haines City Police Department detectives for posting a threatening social media comment during a school piano recital.
The recital was live-streamed on Instagram on May 13, 2022, so students and parents could watch it live. The comments function on the stream, usually turned off during the recitals, was accidentally left on for this recital.
During the recital, Diaz commented “Don’t mess up or I will report the stream”, and “I’m gonna have to ban you,” apparently as a gesture of his dissatisfaction with the piano performance.
But what led to the teenager’s arrest was his next comment, “There’s a bomb at the school.”
If Diaz was hoping to disrupt the recital, he got his wish and a whole lot more.
The teacher notified school administrators and immediately shut down the recital and the livestream. Due to the nature of the comment, bomb threat protocols were quickly activated and a school lockdown was put into place. Detectives, police officers, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office bomb sniffing canines searched the entire campus, finding no evidence of explosives, and cleared the scene.
Haines City Police detectives immediately began a summer-long investigation into the matter. Detectives were able to obtain investigative subpoenas that led to Diaz being identified as the commenter on the live stream. The FBI also assisted with data analysis in this case.
On Thursday, Diaz was located and arrested and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice Center in Bartow.
“Even though this incident occurred towards the end of the last school year, the public needs to know that we take any type of school threat seriously. The detectives and officers at the Haines City Police Department will do whatever it takes to arrest anyone who makes a threat against our students and teachers, no matter how long it takes,” said Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck.
“We appreciate the Haines City Police Department’s thorough investigation of this matter, and we’re disappointed that a student was responsible for this reckless act,” said Superintendent Frederick Heid. “There is no excuse for making threatening messages. Every instance will be treated seriously, and major consequences will follow. We urge parents to speak candidly with their children about not making poor decisions that will negatively impact their lives.”
Diaz is facing the following charges:
• False report of a bomb, a felony
• Unlawful use of a two-way communication device, a felony
Are you one of the countless people whose job has you sitting at a desk for long periods of time? If so, you might be familiar with back and neck pain from slouching. We’re here to explain how to improve your posture at work and the benefits of better ergonomics.
Poor Posture Can Impact Your Health
Chronic slouching and overall poor posture increase your risk of chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, all of which impact long-term health and productivity. Even if you exercise regularly, poor posture from sitting still causes musculoskeletal symptoms from reasons like:
Bad habits like crossing your ankles and legs cause hip misalignment
Continuous sitting increases wear and tear on your spinal discs
Lack of movement restricts blood and nutrient flow to spinal discs
Poor workstation setup causes neck straining if computer monitors aren’t at eye level
Slouching occurs the longer you stay seated, keeping your spine misaligned
Even with the strong link between desk work and chronic neck and back pain, you can use the following tips for better work ergonomics to reduce pain and improve your overall health long term.
Use Neutral Posture
Neutral posture is the spine’s natural alignment position. It creates the least stress on your nerves and joints.
A neutral posture at work is possible even if you sit at a desk. Here are some tips on how to improve your posture while sitting:
Keep your computer monitor at eye level
Pull your shoulders back and keep your back flat against the chair
Rest your feet flat on the ground
Use a lumbar support tool to ease your low back and help keep your upper back straight
Take Movement Breaks
Research shows that regular movement breaks every 30 minutes greatly reduces the health risks associated with being sedentary. Desk workers who have chronic low back pain can reduce symptoms by taking regular movement breaks.
To reduce the health risks of sitting for long periods, it’s important to make time for scheduled breaks and perform good posture exercises throughout the day. Stretching overhead and opening up your chest and back can counteract slouching. A brisk walk around the room can help boost circulation and energy.
Invest in Ergonomic Supports
There are many wonderful support products out there that encourage neutral posture and help build better ergonomic habits.
An ergonomic workstation should fit you and your body type. With so many ergonomic products for the workplace to choose from, you can build the perfect adjustable workstation that keeps you in a neutral position and comfortable throughout the day.
Therapy for Body, Mind and Spirit
At AdventHealth Sports Med and Rehab, we want to see you pain-free, active and living life to the fullest. If you’re ready to feel like you again, we’re ready to help with individualized treatment plans developed in close collaboration with your team of physical therapists and other rehab specialists. If you’re experiencing chronic pain from posture issues, an injury or a medical condition, we’ll help you to feel whole again. Call now to schedule: (833) 787-6755.
Winter Haven Police announce an arrest has been made in the July 4th shooting death of Demetrick Brown.
After non-stop investigations that started the night of the incident, investigators arrested 47 year-old Bernard Footman (DOB 3/12/75) in the July 4th shooting that occurred during a pop-up block party on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Winter Haven. On August 18, 2022, a warrant was obtained for Footman’s arrest. He was located and taken into custody without incident. “Our investigators worked tirelessly to get justice for Demetrick’s family,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “We know this doesn’t erase the pain the family has gone through, but we are glad to help bring closure for them.” Footman was booked into the Polk County Jail for Second Degree Murder-Firearm (FL) of Demetrick Brown, Two Counts of Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (F1), Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon(F2), Tampering with Physical Evidence(F3) and Discharge Firearm in Public(M1).
**ORIGINAL RELEASE** On July 4, 2022 just before midnight, Winter Haven Police officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. As officers arrived, they found one male shot. Officers started life-saving measures to the victim who was transported to the hospital ultimately succumbing to his injuries. Two other males were found at the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Preliminarily, it was discovered that a pop-up block party occurred bringing a very large crowd to the area. “With the large crowd in attendance, somebody knows something,” said Chief David Brannan. “I implore anyone who knows any information to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers.”
Local Polk County Resident Opens Camaraderie Rescue Mission Inc. To Support Veterans Dealing With PTSD
By Allison Williams
Photos provided by Greg Bicknell
Greg Bicknell spent much of his adult life serving our country. He joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and served for 28 years. Upon retirement, he eventually moved to Polk County, where he currently resides. He spent a few years at Draken International and then decided he wanted to focus all of his attention on helping veterans.
Backstory
After serving for nearly 30 years in the Air Force, Bicknell underwent a brain surgery in 2018 that was not successful, and after this he felt lost.
“I was at the point where suicide seemed like my best choice to take care of my family,” Bicknell said. “When I reached out to a mental health professional via email at the local military clinic, I was met with a response that stated, ‘make an appointment with the front desk’ along with a copy of the Air Force instruction that explained why I used the ‘wrong’ method of communication. No follow-up, no phone call, just the email. As unbelievable as that response was, it angered me so much that I came out of the fog and refocused the negative thoughts and vowed to never let something like that happen to anyone else under my supervision or within my reach.”
Shortly after his move to Florida, Bicknell started seeing the death notices of several military members.
“I saw seven military maintenance badges with black stripes across them on my Facebook feed, indicating a Facebook friend had passed away,” Bicknell said. “What I later found out was that six of them were from suicide…and that was when Camaraderie Rescue Mission Inc. was officially born. Over the next week, the paperwork was completed and officially became a Florida nonprofit on January 18, 2021.”
Bicknell explains what the his nonprofit is all about:
“Camaraderie Rescue Mission Inc. is a veteran-founded and veteran-led nonprofit organization that focuses on providing social and humanitarian outreach. Specifically, our mission is to directly engage with local and national agencies to connect, support and sustain veterans and first responders through our offerings as well as through other likeminded organizations within our network of friends. Utilizing this vast network, it is our intent to end isolationism and suicide one life at a time.”
This organization is near and dear to Bicknell himself, as he struggled with suicidal thoughts and did not feel he had a supportive outlet to express his feelings. He used this to make sure others don’t feel the same way he did when he went through that experience.
His goal is to support veterans who are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or suicidal thoughts.
“Through Camaraderie Connection events, retreats, virtual and online mentoring, and follow-up interactions, we will provide connect with community services, outreach organizations, and likeminded veteran nonprofits to offer assistance to our brothers and sisters as they face challenges daily,” Bicknell explained. “By connecting with teammates at events held in outdoor settings and providing information in a classroom setting, we will restore old friendships as well as build new ones along the way.”
Camaraderie Rescue Mission Inc. has an ongoing fundraiser with Freedom Boat Club in Winter Haven. They are selling $100 raffle tickets for a chance to win a 6 month membership with the boat club (valued at $7,500).
“Additionally, our goal at a minimum is to raise enough money for a membership ($4,500) and then to utilize the membership to take veterans out boating, fishing and whatever other fun things we can come up with,” Bicknell said. “We intend on utilizing this membership at the local Winter Haven location as well as at some of the other 350+ locations across the country where it has a reciprocal agreement.”
He added, “In January and May of this year, we had a retreat at Nancy Slater Natural Horsemanship Cowboy Camp in Lake Wales. The event in May included 13 veterans to include a visitor from InStride Therapy at Easterseals SW Florida. Since then, I have attended their four week (every Friday) horsemanship event and am now a certified volunteer at their Sarasota location.”
This weekend, the nonprofit is hosting a fundraising, dinner and silent auction in Key West to help provide boat trips for the future for veterans with PTSD.
Bicknell is in the process of planning two additional weekend events for this year. For more information on then nonprofit, visit https://www.tcrmi.org
Detectives with the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, working together with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the country, conducted a two-year-long undercover drug trafficking investigation that resulted in 85 suspects being arrested, and three other suspects charged via warrants.
“I’m so very proud of our detectives and the agents and law enforcement officers who partnered with us to get these dangerous drugs and felons off the street. This is the single largest seizure of drugs and arrests made in the history of Polk County during an undercover wiretap investigation. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us – think again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The partnering agencies are: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); Office of the State Attorney for the 10thJudicial Circuit, Brian Haas; U.S Border Patrol; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Tampa International Airport Police Department; Winter Haven Police Department; Orlando Police Department; Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (FL); St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (FL); Fresno Police Department (CA); and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (TN).
The investigation was initiated in September 2020 when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. From that point forward detectives continued to make undercover narcotics purchases from dealers in the Winter Haven area, and learned that large amounts of methamphetamine were being smuggled from California to Florida in checked luggage on domestic flights. In February 2022, detectives began a wiretap investigation, during which court-order intercept of communications between suspects within the criminal drug trafficking organization were initiated and monitored.
As a result of the investigation, 85 suspects were arrested and charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. The suspects’ previous criminal histories include 690 previous felonies, 712 previous misdemeanors, and 194 felony convictions.
Detectives served 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, and Riverview, FL, as well as in Fresno, California.
Illegal drugs, firearms, and currency seized:
· 268 pounds of Methamphetamine / 112,563 grams ($9,725,040 street value)
· 31 pounds of Cocaine / 14,055.17 grams ($1,405,337 street value)
· 180 pounds of Cannabis / 81,417.89 grams ($1,628,357 street value)
· 3.4 pounds of MDMA (Ecstasy) / 1,692.02 grams ($84,601 street value)
· 6.8 ounces of Fentanyl / 192.77 grams ($26,880 street value)
· 68 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills
· 173 Oxycodone pills
· 49 firearms
· 3 non-active grenades
· 2 bulletproof vests
· 1 stolen motorcycle
· $235,000 cash
The total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 Million. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are pending.
The six ring leaders of the organization are:
Demarcus Terrell Jefferson, DOB 10/19/1989. On September 13, 2020, Demarcus crashed his 2015 Kia Optima into the Marathon gas station on Havendale Blvd in Winter Haven, killing a male customer inside. He has been charged with DUI Manslaughter and his criminal case is still pending. Detectives received information that Demarcus and other family members were involved in smuggling large amounts of methamphetamine through the airlines in checked luggage on domestic flights from California. Detectives made multiple undercover drug purchases at his home, 2073 9th Lane NE in Winter Haven. During the investigation, detectives also learned that one of Demarcus’ brothers, Devontae, died as a result of an overdose of Fentanyl and Xanax at that same house on March 24, 2020. Drugs continued to be sold by family members after his death.
Dwayne Kenneth Stackhouse, Sr., DOB 12/2/1982. Stackhouse was identified as a large scale cocaine supplier in the central Florida area. On April 20, 2022, detectives conducted a traffic stop on US Hwy 27 in Davenport as Stackhouse was traveling from Orlando. They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case. Detectives also executed a search warrant at his residence, 160 Serenity Blvd. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm. He was charged with trafficking in cocaine (F1), possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2), and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). They arrested his partner, Vicente Carranza-Basanta, the same day. Stackhouse was released from jail on May 31, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $116,250, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him.
Abadosh McKenzie, DOB 5/8/1981. McKenzie was identified as a counterfeit Fentanyl pill supplier, as well as a supplier of methamphetamine, MDMA, and marijuana. He lives in Riverview but conducts undercover drug sales in Winter Haven. On September 14, 2021, McKenzie attempted to flee from undercover detectives but crashed his vehicle. He was taken into custody but released from jail two days later after posting bond. He was re-arrested on warrants on September 20, 2021. During this investigation, he was arrested on June 1, 2022, and charged with trafficking in Fentanyl.
Lenard Henderson, DOB 1/7/1980. He was identified as a ring leader in the drug trafficking organization, as a large-scale cocaine supplier. Several suspects who were arrested obtained their narcotics from Henderson. He was arrested on August 16, 2022, and charged with 25 counts conspiracy to sell cocaine, conspiracy to sell marijuana, conspiracy to purchase marijuana, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. He was released from jail after posting $24,500 bond.
Javarius Samuel, DOB 2/14/1991. On August 5, 2022, detectives in Fresno served a search warrant on his residence there, and seized 68 pounds of marijuana, 109 grams of Fentanyl, 14 grams of cocaine, 3 firearms, and $45,000 cash. The same day, detectives conducted a traffic stop and arrested Samuel on his two active warrants here in Florida – he has been using a forged Georgia driver’s license, with which he used to evade law enforcement and travel back and forth from Florida to California. They served a search warrant at his Davenport address (928 Brooklet Drive) and seized two loaded black AK-47 pistols, which were out in plain view and in a home with six children. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in Fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to sell marijuana, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a fictitious driver’s license, felony battery, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and three counts of probation violation. He is being held on no bond.
Darmonte Munson, AKA D-Money, AKA Money, DOB 9/4/1991. A luggage that was intercepted was slated for Munson’s residence, 514 Lake Dexter Blvd in Winter Haven. On August 16, 2022, detectives served a search warrant at 2245 5th Street NE in Winter Haven, one of his known residences. Large amounts of illegal narcotics were seized, along with scales and paraphernalia, and two firearms – a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm handgun. The drugs seized were: 551 MDMA pills; 86 grams of methamphetamine; 6 hydrocodone pills; 51.97 grams of cocaine; 2,492 grams of marijuana; and 53 Oxycodone pills. He was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in MDMA, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of marijuana resin, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of methamphetamine, possession of oxycodone, possession of hydrocodone, maintaining a structure for drug trafficking, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from jail on August 18, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $119,500.
Other notable arrests:
Antonio Deandre Jefferson (Demarcus’ brother), DOB 6/15/1991. On April 21, 2021, HIDTA task force detectives arranged to purchase a large amount of methamphetamine from Antonio in Winter Haven. Detectives placed Antonio under arrest and searched his vehicle, seizing 168.45 grams of meth, a pound of marijuana, and a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun. He was charged with armed trafficking in meth over 28 grams (FL), possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) and possession of paraphernalia (M1). He was released on April 28, 2021, after posting a bond amount of $56,500, and had a GPS ankle monitor placed on him. While out on bond and with an ankle monitor, Antonio continued to distribute trafficking amounts of meth, and detectives intercepted communications between Antonio and his brother, Demarcus, as they conducted drug deals. Antonio was arrested again on August 16, 2022, and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine (F1), use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3), and possessing a structure or vehicle for drug trafficking (F2). He’s being held in the jail under Parker v. State.
Vicente Carranza-Basanta, DOB 7/5/1982. On April 20, 2022, detectives arranged to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from Vicente in Lake Wales. He delivered 1012 grams zipped inside a black leather Bible cover. The amount is over twice the trafficking amount, which is 400 grams. Vicente was immediately taken into custody and charged with trafficking in cocaine (F1), conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), and possession of drug paraphernalia. He told detectives that he was in the country seeking political asylum from Venezuela. He was booked into the Polk County Jail, but released on May 25, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $105,500, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him.
Cley Bryan, DOB 11/20/1990. On July 24, 2021, two juveniles stole Bryan’s vehicle from the Racetrac in Eagle Lake, which contained a pound of methamphetamine. They drove the stolen car and drugs to another juvenile’s house, who planned to sell the drugs and split the profits three ways. As detectives were following up with the car theft victim, Bryan, they found a cooler containing 24 pounds of methamphetamine in his home. The juveniles were all charged with possession of meth, and two of the juveniles were charged with grand theft auto. Bryan was arrested for trafficking in meth, possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking, and possession of paraphernalia. He was arrested again in April 2022 for violating his pre-trial release conditions on those charges. He was released from jail on May 20, 2022, and had a GPS ankle monitor placed on him.
A Lakeland man was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, after he intentionally fired a rifle numerous times at his former business partner’s residence in north Lakeland.
Nobody was shot during the attack, but five people were in the home at the time; one victim was struck in the arm by a piece of shrapnel but refused treatment.
Several witnesses and victims saw the shooter, 27-year old Michael Stribling, flee from the scene in his truck—deputies found him a short time later at his residence in north Lakeland and took him into custody.
Victims at the scene told detectives that they believe Stribling was upset about his construction business, and the decision by his partner to leave the company. The business partner had returned a work van to Stribling Wednesday afternoon, and about 20 minutes later, at around 6:00 p.m., Stribling showed up at the victim’s house with a rifle.
“The fact that nobody was seriously injured in an attack like this is both astonishing and fortunate. Business partnerships end all the time…but going out and trying to end someone’s life for it while endangering the lives of four other people in the process is completely unhinged.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
One victim reported that she heard about six to ten shots fired at the house. Seven bullet holes were found in walls and doors of the home.
During a search of Michael Stribling’s home, detectives recovered five firearms, ammunition which matched casings found at the scene of the shooting, marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
Michael Stribling was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder (5-Counts, F1), Firing a Weapon into a Dwelling (F2), Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle (F2), Discharging a Firearm in Public (M1), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Marijuana Possession (M1), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).
