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This Frostproof Man Loves Playing Santa—Especially for Sheriff Grady Judd! 

Allison
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This Frostproof Man Loves Playing Santa—Especially for Sheriff Grady Judd! 

This Frostproof Man Loves Playing Santa—Especially for Sheriff Grady Judd!

by James Coulter

Photos provided by Betty Shelton

You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, and I’m telling you why: because Mike Shelton is coming to town!

Yes, you heard that right! His name is Mike Shelton, but other people—especially young children–know him better as Santa Claus.

This 74-year-old Frostproof resident has been playing Jolly Old St. Nicholas at various Christmas events for many years. Even without his bright red suit, he looks exactly like Santa Claus. Many children even run up to him in the store to greet him and ask for pictures.

What inspired him to take up the red suit and persona of Old Kris Kringle? Only the satisfaction of little children, of course. He does not have any challenges playing the part or hard parts assuming the role. He doesn’t even have a greater reason for playing Santa other than that he loves it.

“I just like doing it,” Mike said. “There is no [other] reason for it. I’m just a crazy old man, and I like doing it. I get a lot of attention other than my wife. I just love doing it. There isn’t much else to it.”

Mike and his wife, Betty, lived in Indiana before moving to Frostproof to retire. Previously, he had worked at a Chevrolet body shop for 20 years and drove a truck for 23 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Florida and settled in Frostproof.

Mike did not start playing Santa Claus until coming to Florida.He did not even remember exactly how and when he first started. He claims it all began because people started referring to him as such, especially since he was a fresh new face.

“I just grew a beard and everyone started calling me Santa and it led to where I am right now,” he said. “It wasn’t real long ago. I started going to stores. People would start calling me Santa Claus. That is the way it started. It was simple. Everywhere I went, a lot of places I go in Frostproof, they don’t know my name is Mike, they think it is Santa Claus. I really enjoy it.” 

Mike remains so committed to the part that he even has an entire room decorated year-round with holiday decorations. He even has his truck painted bright red with Christmas decals. The Florida heat may hamper him down sometimes, but being in the suit makes it feel like he’s flown in from the North Pole.

He grows out his white beard before December, dons his red coat, and then visits stores, resturaunts, and other places for meet and greet occasions. He plans on participating in the annual Frostproof Christmas Parade this year in his festive truck.

No matter where he goes, Mike never charges for his Santa appearances. Everything he does is free of charge. His wife, Misty, loves how he gets into the spirit. While she has never joined his Christmas charade by becoming Mrs. Claus, she loves seeing him interact with other people, especially young children.

“Everything he does, he does not charge,” she said. “He just does it. It is just for the enjoyment. We enjoy it, and we want other people to enjoy seeing Santa. I enjoy seeing how people respond to it.”

Perhaps his proudest moment was being able to dress up for his grandchildren and Sheriff Grady Judd. Both Mike and the Honorable Sheriff share grandchildren, as Mike’s daughter married Sheriff Judd’s son and had children together. One day, he was asked to dress up for them, and it was his favorite moment acting the part.

“I get a kick from being at Grady Judd’s house,” Mike said.“Because everybody, most people in Polk County love him to death. I really enjoy going over to Grady’s. His wife invited me over to play Santa Claus. So I really enjoy that.”

Even without his famous red coat, people still recognize him in public as Santa Claus. He can walk into Walmart in only a white shirt and shorts, and little children will run up to him to meet him and ask for pictures and autographs.

Mike wants to continue playing Santa Claus for as long as he can. Though he may be diabetic, and his weak legs require him to walk around with a cane, he plans on acting like Santa until “his legs give out on me.”

“It makes me feel important,” he said. “There is nothing hard about it. I just like doing it. I tell Betty to get into the car, and take off and go to places. There is not much of a challenge to it other than growing hair and growing a beard. And sweating to death in Polk County. I just love doing it…I love having fun with people. I have people coming up to me that I never saw in my life and they have a ball with it.”

Politics In The Park Draws Plenty of Politicans and People to Downtown Lakeland 

Allison
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Politics In The Park Draws Plenty of Politicans and People to Downtown Lakeland 

Politics In The Park Draws Plenty of Politicans and People to Downtown Lakeland

by James Coulter

Sarah Fortney considers herself to be a problem solver. She sees a problem, and she wants to fix it. That reason is why she is running for the Polk County School Board in District 3.

“People reach out to me all the time,” Fortney said. “I am a problem solver. I solved a problem about [a] family and [their]child. Matter of fact, I got an update about it tonight. There is even better news coming down the road.”

Fortney was one of several dozen local politicians who attended Politics in the Park in Lakeland on Tuesday evening. She, like the other participating candidates, set up a booth along Lake Morton Drive and mingled with visiting residents and other interested attendees.

“I love talking to folks,” she said. “I just talked to a couple that did not know me. And they are strong supporters of public education, and they are now going to vote for me because they now know that I am a strong supporter of public education. I spent my entire adult life fighting for it.”

More than 30 local candidates running in the upcoming election participated in the outdoor political rally. From the school board and county commission and even the U.S. Congress, politicians running on every level of government attended to mingle with their potential constituents.

Aside from meeting local candidates, the event also allowed them to enjoy barbecue served by local vendors and to vote in a straw poll to show their popular support for the many candidates participating.

Carmalita Lall is running for Polk County Judge Group 8. She has a decade’s worth of experience in the courtroom. That experience has provided her with a broad skill set and perspective that she hopes to utilize as a county judge.

Politics in the Park allowed her the opportunity to meet with residents and potential constituents to share her platform and hear their concerns. She loved how the event brought so many different people together for a common cause, especially for an upcoming election.

“I like to meet the citizens of Polk County and talk to them so when they go and they see a name on the ballot,” she said. “They know who they are voting for, whether they choose to vote for or talk to me, they know my platform, I love meeting people, loving the citizens, because I want to work for the citizens of Polk County.”

Adam Patton, who is also running for a county judge position, likewise attended to speak with potential voters. As an American who cares about the Constitution, he wants to be in a position where he can defend it and govern by it, unlike most other politicians these days, he said.

“I want someone to follow the constitution as it is written,” he said. “If they follow the constitution as it is written, then it gives everyone the same rules to follow. If one person gets an advantage, then everyone else is a disadvantage.”

Being able to speak with other people at this event allows him to not only promote himself, but to learn about other people and have them learn about him on a personable level, he said. “I like to let people get to talk to people and get a real sense of who they are and what they stand for. When that happens, it is not just rhetoric.”

Tara Wheat has served more than 20 years on the bench and as a public servant. She hopes to utilize her experience as she is running for county judge. As with most other attendees, she appreciated how this event brought so many people together to discuss local politics in a cordial setting.

“I think this is a great event,” she said. “I have never been to an event like this before. But I really like all the candidates in our area are together outside. And talk to everybody…So I really like it, I think it is really great. And I hope more people show up. I love meeting with the community. Talking to people, and getting more involved with people I had never met before.”

Polk State President Falconetti Appointed to Education Commission of the States by Gov. DeSantis 

Allison
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Polk State President Falconetti Appointed to Education Commission of the States by Gov. DeSantis 

Polk State President Falconetti Appointed to Education Commission of the States by Gov. DeSantis

by James Coulter

Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, Polk State College President, was recently appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Education Commission of the States, where she will serve alongside Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Dr. Henry Mack.

Gov. DeSantis made his appointment on July 29. Both Falconetti and Mack will represent him and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz as an extension of the state’s education policy team.

Polk State further elaborated in a press release: “The Commission comprises seven members from each state and territory. In most states, these appointees include the governor, four individuals appointed by the governor, and a representative from each chamber of the state’s legislature. Often, gubernatorial appointees include the head of the state education agency, the governor’s education policy advisor, a representative from higher education, a state board member, and/or industry and community partners. However, state statute governing each of these appointments can vary across the states.”

Dr. Falconetti recently sat down with the Daily Ridge for an interview, where she discussed her plans to serve in her new position. Here is what she had to say:

Q: How does it feel to be appointed this honor by Gov. Ron DeSantis to this position?

A: As the President of Polk State College, I cannot be more honored than to serve as the president of our institution, and I am incredibly honored, humbled, and grateful for the governor’s appointment to the education commission of the state. I will represent our state proudly, and I will continue to work hard and diligently to elevate Florida to become #1 in the nation for workforce education by 2030, which is one of our governor’s goals. It is also a goal for the Florida College System to continue to strive and exceed because we do believe that, as a system, we are the state’s #1 workforce provider.

Q: How has your career at Polk State College best qualified you for this position?

A: First and foremost, my service to Polk State as president in the five years I have served has been remarkable with plenty of positive accomplishments. I recently served as the Florida College System Council of Presidents Chair during the last academic year. Formerly, I have served as Vice Chair and Chair of Policy and Advocacy. This last year, it took a team of all our presidents and members of the legislature and our governor, but we experienced historical outcomes for our college and system. There are many more who are involved, like our amazing District Board of Trustees at Polk State and trustees across the state who advocated for our 28 colleges.

That experience helped me further my understanding of how policies within our state impact our 28 institutions and our education system at large. While a great deal of effort is advocating for items related to funding and investment, the advocacy work that is a little less visible in regards to those bills…our council spends a great deal of time working with the legislature to share information about the system and help propose bills that positively impact colleges and students. I do believe that my national experience provides me with background, knowledge, and perspective in the form of policy making to see how national policy impacts local institutions as well as the state. At the national level, I served as special assistant to the first deputy assistant for community colleges of our nation, in Washington, D.C.

I also completed an endowed post-doctoral fellowship incommunity college leadership with The University of Texas in Austin while working as a research associate for the Community College Survey of Student Engagement. In these roles, I learned a great deal about community college policy on a national level, how it impacts the state and from there other institutions. I have also published more than 25 scholarly papers chapters, and have served as editor of two journals, and I do maintain a deep appreciation for research and policy development, The Education Commission of the States is focused on policy development and research.

I look forward, and I am honored, to be a part of the Florida team, and will ensure that our education system in our state, from K-12 to our higher education system, continues to be #1 in the country.

Q: What are your expectations for your position, and what will your priorities be?

A: The expectations and priorities, from my perspective, are one and the same. The Education Commission of the State, Four Pillars of Work: Research, Report, Council, and Convene. The Commission is responsible for providing education leaders with trusted knowledge on education issues, from early learning towork force, and I am thrilled to assist and bring knowledge with my national experience as well as experience with the Florida College System and Polk State to ensure we continue to elevate our education system on the national level.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most upon assuming this position?

A: I look forward to representing Governor Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Education and Manny Diaz, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System, and of course, our amazing Polk State as we critically serve and support our education system across the country, but specifically in the state. I am just really looking forward to the opportunity. I am honored and humbled.

Welcome, World Travelers! Light Up the Night at Balmoral’s Glow Foam Party 

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Light Up the Night at Balmoral’s Glow Foam Party 

Welcome, World Travelers! Light Up the Night at Balmoral’s Glow Foam Party

by James Coulter

We here at Welcome, World Travelers love to discuss Walt Disney World. However, we also want to take the opportunity to promote the local attractions here in Polk County. So please enjoy this week’s column on some fun events and activities happening at Balmoral Resort in Haines City.

Summer may be coming to a close, and school may be coming back in session, but it’s never too late to have some summer fun. End summer with a bang and some glow-in-the-dark paint at Balmoral Florida Resort with their upcoming Glow Foam Party.

Balmoral Resort will be ending their Summer Pool Series with two special events: one for families, and one for adults. Their first foam party will be on Sun., Aug. 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The foam party will be open to all ages, and admission is $30 for adults and $25 for Kids.

Their next glow foam party will be hosted on Thur., Aug. 25 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will be open for guests 21 and over, and admission is also $15 per person. Ladies Night will also be hosted that evening, with buy one/get one BOGO drink specials. 

Each foam party will allow guests to party by the pool and water park with glow in the dark clothing and paint. And, of course, plenty of foam will be supplied by the Foam Factory with great music and blacklights for the adult foam party to ramp up the celebration.

Both foam parties will mark the end of the resort’s Summer pool series, a series of events hosted to attract locals to its pool and water park area. Past events included a luau brunch, 90s dance party, and black and white pool party. Each event offered entertainment, food and drink specials, and glowing elements to enhance the experience at the pool.

“All of our events have been very successful” said Nanay Pittman, Chief Marketing Officer at Balmoral Resort. “We are looking forward to another successful event for kids and adults We would like to encourage everyone to come and participate in our events, relax, and try our new Balmoral Pizza. We anticipating another fun night.

Located near Haines City along U.S. Highway 27, Balmoral Florida Resort is a 115-acre resort with vacation rental homes and other amenities including an indoor event center, an outdoor sports facility, and a clubhouse with pool and waterpark with attractions including water slides, spray cannons, and a splash pad and play structure with splash bucket.

More than simply being a place where tourists can rent homes during their visit to Central Florida, Balmoral Resort is conveniently located within Polk County with plenty of amenities and events to entertain local residents. The pool series was one such effort to encourage locals to visit the resort and check out all we have to offer, and it has been an overwhelming success, Pittman said.

Even when summer ends, the fun at the pool will not. Balmoral Resort has many upcoming events planned. On Oct. 28, they will be hosting a Halloween Costume Party with costume contests, haunted houses, live music, and trick-or-treat candy buckets. The party will be hosted from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with adult tickets at $20 and children’s tickets at $15.

“We are a fantastic resort that is great for all families for all ages” she said. We offer  events for kids, and some that are specific for adults. It is a family resort, so we encourage everyone to come out, buy a pool pass, lounge by the pool, and enjoy our events.

Balmoral Resort Florida is located at 124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.feltrimresorts.com/balmoral-resort

Florida Poly Preparing To Open $47 Million Applied Research Center

Carl Fish
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Florida Poly Preparing To Open $47 Million Applied Research Center

Grand opening of Florida Poly’s new state-of-the-art research building

WHAT: Florida Polytechnic University leaders will be joined by state and community officials to celebrate the grand opening of the Applied Research Center, a cutting-edge facility designed to serve as a research hub for innovation and attract economic development. The $47 million building enhances the already iconic campus located in Lakeland, Florida.

WHO: Participants include State Sen. Kelli Stargel, State Rep. Colleen Burton, University President Randy Avent, and members of the Florida Poly Board of Trustees. The event will begin with a brief program followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Reporters will be able to walk through the facility and are encouraged to take photos and video. 

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Florida Polytechnic University, 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. The event will take place in the area between the famous Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building and the Applied Research Center (ARC). 

PARKING: Press should park in parking lot 4. See an interactive map of campus here. Click on Parking/Transportation to see parking location.  

RSVP: We encourage members of the media to RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 17, as space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Lydia Guzmán by email at[email protected] or call 863-327-9762.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE ARC:

  • The Applied Research Center (ARC) is Florida Poly’s second academic building.
  • The ARC will serve as a research hub for faculty and students, as well as a magnet for economic development.  
  • The $47 million, two-story building is a more than 90,000-square-foot facility that houses research and teaching labs, student design spaces, conference rooms, and faculty offices.
  • The ARC is located on the northwest side of campus adjacent to the famousInnovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building.
  • Its design complements the architecturally renowned IST, featuring large reflective windows and extensive views of the campus.  
  • The ARC is also visible from I-4. 
  • The builder is Skanska USA, which also developed the IST, and the architect design firm is HOK.

 

 

About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is a nationally ranked Top 100 engineering college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. It is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

Haines City Police Seeking Suspect Who Allegedly Stabbed A Man Late Tuesday Night

Carl Fish
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Haines City Police Seeking Suspect Who Allegedly Stabbed A Man Late Tuesday Night

Suspect sought in attempted murder

Haines City – Detectives have issued a warrant for the arrest of a Haines City man on attempted murder charges after he stabbed a man in the neck and collar bone during an argument just before midnight Tuesday.

Darnell Lee Richardson, 29, whose last known address is 1209 Avenue N, Haines City, is being sought after fleeing the scene of the stabbing.

The incident took place at a rooming house at 1209 Avenue N after the victim and his girlfriend were in a shared bathroom that all residents of the house share.

The victim told detectives a woman threw a bottle at the bathroom door because she said the couple was taking too long. When the victim and his girlfriend exited the bathroom, the bottle-throwing woman’s boyfriend, Darnell Richardson, pushed the victim’s girlfriend out of the way and began fighting with the victim for about five minutes.

After the fight, the victim and his girlfriend went into their room and closed the door. Richardson then kicked in their door and stabbed the victim in the neck with a small kitchen knife. After Richardson stabbed the man he told him to “drop dead.” 

The victim then fled the residence and waited for help after 911 was called. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital where he is in stable condition.

Detectives say Richardson and his girlfriend were last seen fleeing the residence on foot. Air, drone, and K-9 units searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

A warrant has been issued for Richardson’s arrest for:

– One count of First-Degree Attempted Murder

– One count of Burglary/Battery 

– One count of Simple Battery.

If you have any information about Richardson’s whereabouts please contact the Haines City Police at 863-421-3636. Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is GUARANTEED.

Polk County Fire Rescue Captain arrested for possession of child pornography

Carl Fish
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Polk County Fire Rescue Captain arrested for possession of child pornography

Former Polk County Firefighter arrested for possession of child pornography

 

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Captain Brian Steger (40-years-old) for 25 counts possession of child pornography – enhanced* (F2) andone count promotion of child pornography (F2), after a tip was received by PCSO detectives and they responded to Polk county Fire Station #26 in Lake Wales to investigate. Steger resigned his employment in lieu of termination.

 

At around 9:00 p.m. on August 7, 2022 detectives arrived at the fire station where 40-year-old Brian Steger was currently on duty. Steger told detectives he had set up an internet account in his name at the fire station for his personal use. When detectives located Steger’s personal computer, it was actively downloading pornography files. During an on-scene preview of his electronic devices, detectives found 25 files of enhanced pornography, depicting children as young as five years old being sexually battered. All of his devices were seized and will be examined – if any additional files containing child pornography are found, he will be charged accordingly.


“One of the most important kinds of investigations we do is identifying those who are distributing child pornography. Those who download, view, and exchange these terrible images and videos fuel the market for exploitative images that are dependent upon the continued and ongoing sexual abuse of children. I appreciate the hard work our detectives do to locate and charge those in Polk County who download child sex abuse images and videos. The fact that the person we arrested is a public servant is especially troubling—we will make sure he is held accountable for his actions.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Steger is currently in the Polk County Jail and has no bond. He was hired by PCFR in 2003. Please direct any inquiries about his employment to Polk County Fire Rescue.


*enhanced child pornography meets one of the following criteria:
A child who is younger than 5 years old
Sadomasochistic abuse involving a child
Sexual battery of a child
Sexual bestiality involving a child
Any movie involving a child, regardless of length

Three Suspects Arrested After Gun Battle & Crashes On Hwy 92 & Combee Rd. In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Three Suspects Arrested After Gun Battle & Crashes On Hwy 92 & Combee Rd. In Lakeland

On August 7, 2022 the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Naveli Dixson (DOB: 08/23/2002) with multiple charges including 2 counts of attempted murder. Additionally on the same date deputies arrested Ra’quan Thompson (DOB: 01/18/2000) and Tyreke Thompson (DOB: 10/08/2001) charging them with multiple charges also including attempted murder. The three young men were arrested due to a raging gun battle down Hwy 92 & Combee Rd. on August 6th. The incident also involved multiple vehicle crashes. One injuring a motorcyclist and the other taking down a power pole.

The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is a redacted, unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :

“On August 6, 2022 I was contacted as the Southwest General Crimes on call Detective in reference to an attempted murder case.


Through my investigation I learned the following.
Suspects Tyreke Thompson and Ra’quan Thompson went to the Auburndale Flea Market at approximately 0900 hours. The two of them spent about 45 minutes to an hour at the flea market and then left. They left in a 2019 Silver Honda bearing FI. specialty tag DBRATT. Tyreke was the driver and Ra’quan was in the front passenger seat.


They turned right out of the flea market and began driving in the left lane westbound towards Lakeland on Hwy 92. As they approached the traffic light at Hwy 92 and the Polk Parkway they observed a 2012 Silver Cadillac bearing FL. tag 390GP in the right lane. As the light turned green, Tyreke and Ra’quan advised they heard multiple gun shots and then saw the front passenger window shatter. They both advised the gunshots came from the Cadillac and then they observed the Cadillac increase speed and take off westbound down Hwy 92. Tyreke seeing this, began pursuing the vehicle and attempted to catch up to it.

Tyreke and Ra’quan pursued the Cadillac all the way to the intersection of Hwy 92 and Combee Rd. Once at the intersection, both vehicles turned northbound on Combee Rd. As the high speed driving continued northbound, Ra’quan armed himself with a rifle, leaned out of the passenger window and began shooting at the Cadillac. 14
spent rifle casings were located in the roadway on Combee Rd. After shooting at the Cadillac, the two vehicles began to weave in and out of oncoming traffic trying to get close again. At one point, the Honda was in the northbound lane and the Cadillac was driving northbound in the southbound lane parallel to the Honda. The two vehicles approached a motorcycle club that was driving northbound on Combee Rd. As they approached, the Honda lost control and went off the right shoulder and crashed into a power pole causing it to snap in half.
After the Honda crashed, the Cadillac crashed into one of the motorcyclists causing him to fall off and become injured. The Cadillac continued to drive northbound on Combee Rd. after hitting the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, REDACTED, had to be transported to REDACTED.

After crashing the Honda, Ra’quan and Tyreke exited the vehicle and ran into the adjacent wood line approximately 75 yards from the road. Witness, REDACTED, advised he observed the crash happen and then watched Tyreke and Ra’quan get out. WITNESS stated he observed Ra’quan holding a rifle in his right hand as he was running. After a couple minutes of Tyreke and Ra’quan being in the woods the two were seen by WITNESS exiting the wood line and walking back towards the vehicle, but Ra’quan no longer had the rifle in his hands. At this point deputies began to arrive on scene and gave commands to Tyreke and Ra’quan to get on the ground to which they complied. Both Tyreke and Ra’quan were detained at this time.

It was learned later the Cadillac had left the scene and responded to REDACTED Hospital. Suspect, Naveli Dixson, was learned to of been the driver of the Cadillac and PASSENGER, was in the passenger seat. Naveli responded to REDACTED Hospital because PASSENGER had been shot in the jaw on the left side of his face and bleeding profusely. PASSENGER was taken in to surgery and later released to the ICU for further care.

A Post Miranda interview was conducted with Ra quan and he confessed to leaning out of the Honda and shooting multiple rounds at the Cadillac with a rifle. Ra quan admitted after crashing him and Tyreke fled in to the woods where he threw the rille in to the trees in attempt to get rid of It. (see taped statement for full interview).


A Post Miranda interview was conducted with I Tyreke and he confessed to chasing the Cadillac after it shot at him and Ra quan. Tyreke claimed he was chasing the vehicle to get the tag number and never knew Ra quan was going to shoot back. Tyreke advised after crashing, he fled in to the woods because he was scared and didn’t
know what Ra quan was going to do. (See taped statement for full interview).


A Post Miranda interview was conducted with Naveli and he confessed to shooting his mm pistol at the silver Honda that was next to him.
Naveli advised he believed a barrel was being pointed at him and that is why he shot
at them first. Naveli could not advise the type of car, the type of weapon, or any descriptive traits of the people in the car just a barrel was pointed at him. Navell admitted as he was driving fast on Combee Rd he crashed in to a motorcycle and continued driving without stopping. (See taped statement for full interview).

Based on the information above. I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Naveli Dixson with 2 counts FSS 777.04(1)** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 790.15(2). Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS 784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS 790.07(2). Use/Display Firearm During a Felony Off, FSS 790.19.. Throwing Deadly Missile Occupied Vehicle, FSS790.10. Improper Exhibit Firearm/Dangerous Weapon, FSS316.192(3)
(A)I Reckless Driv Damage Person or Prop and ESS 310.02/(2)(A) Leave Scene of Crash Involving Injury ”

“ Based on the information above, I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Ra’quan Thompson with 2 counts FSS 777.04(1) ** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 777.04(3).., Conspiracy Commit Munder, FSS 790.15(2). Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS 918.13** Taupering with
Physical Evidence, FSS 790.07(2). Use/Display Firearm During a Felony Off, FSS 790.23(1)(A) …
Poss Firearm/Ammo/Con Wpn by Delinquent, FSS 790.19.. Throwing Deadly Missile Occupied Vehidle, FSS893.13(6) (B) Cannabis Possess Not more than 20, FSS 893.147 (1) Poss/Use of Narcotic Paraphernalia, FS$ 893.13(7XA)5. Drugs Keep Shop/Veh Etc for Drugs 1st Viol and FSS 790.10. Improper Exhibit Firearm/Dangerous Weapon.”

“Based on the information above, I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Tyreke Thompson with 2 comhts FSS 777.04(1)** Attempt Murder in 2nd Degree (firearm), FSS 777.04(3)…, Conspiracy Commit Murder, FSS 790.15(3). Direct the Discharge Firearm from Vehicle, FSS784.05(1) Culpable Negligence, FSS918.13** Tampering with Physical Evidence, FSS322.34(2), Knowingly DWLSR, FSS 316.192(3)(A)1 Reckless Driving Damage Person or Prop, and FSS 316.061 Leave Scene of Crash Involve Prop Damage.”

This isn’t the first brush with Polk County Law Enforcement for the Thompson’s. They each have multiple previous arrests and charges. Dixson appears to not had a previous arrest.

Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Ice Cream Social – Free Admission

Allison
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Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Ice Cream Social – Free Admission

Stop on by for a scoop and some games at Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 9. Enjoy a free ice cream sundae (1 per person, first come first served), family games, prizes and giveaways. You will have a sweet time!

Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center
2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales

PolkCountyfloirda #icecream #Sundaes #MaryNormaCampbellResourceCenter

New Transfer Station Opens August 8 at North Central Landfill

Carl Fish
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New Transfer Station Opens August 8 at North Central Landfill

New Transfer Station Opens August 8 at North Central Landfill

BARTOW, Fla. (August 8, 2022) –The North Central Transfer Station (NCTS) will open on the north side of the Polk County Landfill. The NCTS is located at 3131 K-Ville Road, Auburndale, and the hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  This will replace the “Customer Convenience Center” that has been located at the main entrance.

 

The NCTS will be open to Polk County residents, allowing them to dispose of their waste materials more conveniently. With a dedicated entrance, residents will no longer utilize the same entrance as commercial haulers.

 

“This will help decrease wait times for our residents who are self-hauling to the landfill,” said Waste & Recycling Director Ana Wood. “The NCTS will have 16 lanes, so residents will be able to unload safely and quickly, resulting in less time spent at the facility.”

 

Residents will be able to back into these spaces and dump their materials directly on the ground instead of having to lift items into a dumpster or carting items up to “the hill.” The NCTS is a covered facility, providing protection from the elements while residents dispose of their waste.

 

Materials that will be accepted at the NCTS include: garbage, trash, construction debris, scrap metal and appliances, and tires. (See website for applicable rates.) Prohibited materials include: bulk liquids, ammunition/explosives, hazardous materials, asbestos, radioactive waste and pressurized tanks.

 

For more information, including holiday hours/schedule, please visit www.PolkWasteWise.net.

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