Killer Formally Indicted, In Haines City Murder, No Bail

Haines City

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March 4, 2022

Killer Formally Indicted, In Haines City Murder, No Bail

HAINES CITY, FL – A North Florida man who fatally stabbed an elderly man last week has been
formally indicted on eight charges and will be held without bail.

Christopher Lynn King, 32, of Madison, Fla. was indicted by a grand jury on counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, armed carjacking, grand theft auto, fleeing to elude, tampering with physical evidence, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.

King stabbed 79-year-old Carlos Manuel Goitia three times in the stomach with a pocketknife with a four-inch blade outside of a medical complex on Patterson Grove Road at about 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18. King then fled in Goitia’s 2003 blue Toyota Matrix. Following a short pursuit, assisting deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were able to use the PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver to take the vehicle off the road.

Prior to being pitted, King threw the knife from the vehicle. Despite attempting to run and being combative with officers and deputies, King was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains. He will not be eligible for bail.
Goitia was flown to Osceola Regional Medical Center where he underwent multiple surgeries. He died from complications from his injuries on Sunday, Feb. 20.

“The blatant and utter disregard for human life in this case is absolutely disgusting,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “Assisting the State Attorney’s Office by providing the strongest case possible will be among our highest priorities. It is our mission and duty to do what we can to get justice for Mr. Goitia’s family and to hold this criminal accountable for the all the hurt and grief he has caused.”

New Lakeland Business Offers Nothing Bundt Cakes

Lakeland

Allison

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March 4, 2022

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New Lakeland Business Offers Nothing Bundt Cakes

by James Coulter

Do you love cake? This new Lakeland bakery offers nothing but cake–or rather, nothing Bundt cake!

As its name implies, this bakery offers a diverse selection of Bundt cakes, from regular-sized 8-inch to 10-inch cakes to miniature “bundtlets” and bite-sized “bundtinis”, to various flavors including carrot, chocolate, lemon, red velvet, and confetti.

No matter what size or flavor cake you purchase, you’re sure to enjoy a homemade-style pastry prepared from all-natural ingredients that tastes just as good, if not better, than the cakes grandma used to pull fresh from the oven with fluffy textures and decadent frosting.

“We’re famous for the thick frosting petals that adorn each of our cakes,” their website states. “Our signature frosting is made with velvety cream cheese and real butter. For a lighter touch, choose our drizzle frosting.”

Founded in 1997, this nationwide franchise of bakeries started humbly enough as a personal cooking endeavor by two friends, Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, making cakes for their friends and families. Their cakes were so good that they opened their own bakery, and then several more until the rest was history.

“Built on Dena and Debbie’s vision, each bakery still has the warmth and nostalgia of its home-kitchen roots, but we also take a modern approach for the world today,” their website states. “There was a gap in the world for delicious cakes, readily available, that didn’t compromise on their ingredients. Real eggs, butter and cream cheese; nothing was too good to achieve perfection. And perfection is that decadent, slowly melting bite of cake we all know and love.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrated the grand opening of its Lakeland location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Bill Mutz, as always, cut the ceremonial ribbon and commented about how the franchise adds to the lively vibe of the city.

“I can tell you from personal testimony in other cities that this is a great place to buy some Bundt cake,” he said. “We are so thankful that you chose Lakeland. We want you to be one of those thriving successes.”

Robert Shuffield operates the Lakeland franchise. He originally started by running his own eatery before hearing about the Nothing Bundt Cake through a colleague. Upon learning about the franchise, its quality products, and its many opportunities nationwide, he decided to open his own bakery.

“It was a no-brainer: they are the best cakes out there,” he said.

Originally from Brandon, Shuffield decided to open in Lakeland because of his friends who live in the city. His franchise has been involved with many fundraisers with schools, hospitals, and churches, and he hopes to become just as involved in their new community.

“We are really excited for this great city,” he said. “We are excited to be here…and do a lot of fundraising with the community as well. It brings joy to the community. Best cakes ever, great gifts, friends and family, business and everything.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 4754 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813. For more information, call 863-345-7922 visit their website at: https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/fl/lakeland-south

You Don’t Point Laser Pointers At PCSO Helicopter’s

Carl Fish

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March 4, 2022

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You Don’t Point Laser Pointers At PCSO Helicopter’s

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52-year-old Douglas Norris of Davenportafter he aimed a laser-light at a PCSO helicopter that was flying overhead, which is a third-degree felony.

On Thursday, March 3, 2022 at about 10:00 p.m., the helicopter was flying over Davenport assisting patrol units on the ground with aerial surveillance when the two pilots observed an adult male in the area of Burford Circle pointing a laser-light at the chopper three times.

The pilots relayed a description and location to patrol units on the ground. Deputies located Norris at 302 Burford Circle. Norris admitted he pointed the laser-light at the helicopter and that he knew it was against the law.

“Aiming lasers at an aircraft is dangerous because the light becomes magnified when the pilot is wearing night vision assistance. This reckless act could cause a crash, endangering the lives of those in the aircraft as well as those on the ground. Thankfully, in this instance, no one was injured.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Norris was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Laser Light Device (F3). He was released after paying a $1000 bond.

Polk County Has First Confirmed Case of Rabies in 2022

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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March 4, 2022

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Polk County Has First Confirmed Case of Rabies in 2022

The first case of rabies in 2022 has been confirmed in Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section received the test results from the state laboratory in Tampa on Thursday, March 3, 2022, which showed a bat recovered in Winter Haven was positive for the deadly virus.

On March 1st, a family dog in the Lake Mirror area of Winter Haven was found with a live bat in its mouth. The family contacted the PCSO Animal Control, and an officer took possession of the bat. It was then sent to Tampa for testing.

The dog was not injured by the bat, but was at risk due to its exposure to it.

“Fortunately, this dog was current on its rabies vaccination, but it will have to be quarantined to make sure it is not infected. Remember, if a wild mammal is acting aggressive or appears sick, stay away from it and contact Animal Control immediately.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Polk County had five confirmed cases of rabies in 2021, and two in 2020.

PCSO Computer Crimes Unit Charge Five For Possession of Child Pornography

Staff Reporter

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March 3, 2022

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PCSO Computer Crimes Unit Charge Five For Possession of Child Pornography

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) charged five suspects for possession of child pornography after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) that the suspects were possibly transmitting or downloading the harmful images and videos. Detectives served search warrants at the five suspects’ houses and seized all of their digital devices for further analysis. Each suspect faces additional charges if more illegal content is found.

“We are thankful for our partnership with NCMEC. By combining our resources, we are able to take criminals who prey on our children off the street. Please, if you see something while you are online or on mobile apps, say something. Contact your local law enforcement agency or go to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org/ to report suspicious online activity.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

29-year-old Kevin Hairston of Lakeland was arrested and charged with one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2), and 10 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 10 images and videos of children as young as 2-years-old being sexually battered. Hairston told detectives that over the last couple of years he has actively searched for child pornography online. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $55,000 bond ($5,000 per charge).

19-year-old Felipe Ortiz of Bartow was arrested and charged with six counts of possession of child pornography (F3) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found images of children as young as 10-years-old being sexually battered. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $60,000 bond ($10,000 per charge).

21-year-old Deamontavese Sanders of Lakeland was arrested and charged with one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2), and two counts of possession of child pornography (F3) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found two images and videos of children as young as 7-years-old being sexually battered. Sanders told detectives that in addition to using Discord, he has shared child pornography on Kik. He told detectives he is employed at Harvey’s Supermarket (1305 Ariana St. W.) in Lakeland. Sanders was released after paying a $10,000 bond.

18-year-old Juan Valdez of Haines City was arrested and charged with one count transmission of child pornography (F2), and 200 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 200 images and videos of children as young as 2-years-old being sexually battered. Valdez told detectives that he has been viewing child pornography since he was a freshman in high school and is currently a senior at Ridge Community High School. He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Additionally, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 39-year-old Jianchai Chen of Winter Haven. Chen is charged with one count transmission of child pornography (F2), and 132 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 132 images and videos of children as young as 5-years-old being sexually battered. Chen is currently in China where he lives part time with his wife and children. When in the United States, he works at Lucky Wok restaurant in Lake Wales.

The images did not appear to depict local Polk County children, but the investigation is ongoing to identify them.

The felony child porn charges are upgraded (enhanced) if the suspect possesses 10 or more images of child pornography and at least one image contains any of the following criteria:
·        Image depicts a child younger than the age of 5
·        Image depicts sadomasochistic abuse of a child
·        Image depicts sexual battery of a child
·        Image depicts sexual bestiality involving a child
·        Any movie involving a child

2nd time in as many days: Pedestrian hit and killed on Polk County road

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 3, 2022

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2nd time in as many days: Pedestrian hit and killed on Polk County road

Traffic Homicide investigators with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal pedestrian/vehicle crash for the second time in two days on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at 8:51 PM, to US 92 in unincorporated Lakeland. The scene was approximately 100-yards west of Old Dixie Highway.

When first responders arrived, 37-year old Ryan Simmons of St. Cloud was found deceased.

The vehicle that hit Simmons, a white 2007 Ford Focus, was still at the scene. 22-year old Jan Carlos Correa Figueroa of Davenport was the driver, and was not injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, evidence and witness statements show that the Ford had been travelling westbound in the inside lane of US 92 and just passed the intersection of Old Dixie Highway when it struck Simmons.

The area where Simmons attempted to cross has very little lighting, and no crosswalk.

No criminal charges are anticipated, but the investigation is ongoing.

The westbound lanes of US 92 were closed for about two-and-a-half hours, with traffic control assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Community Petition!

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 3, 2022

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Seeking concerned citizens to join petition in Federal Court to overturn the recent FAA’s final Environmental Assessment administrative decision (October 29,2021) to allow up to 42 wide-body planes a day to either fly in or out of Lakeland’s city-owned Linder Airport. No costs or fees required. Join Petition and let them know you disapprove! Call now The Harden Law Group, 3730 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Suite 1, Lakeland, Florida 33803 at 863-825-4540 and ask for Kennedy.

Eighth Annual Top Chef of Polk County Event Held to Benefit Achievement Academy

Carl Fish

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March 2, 2022

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Eighth Annual Top Chef of Polk County Event Held to Benefit Achievement Academy

LAKELAND, FL (March 2, 2022) – Nine chefs hosted sponsors, guests, and community leaders at their respective restaurants on February 28th for a three-course meal with pairings in support of Achievement Academy’s eighth annual Top Chef of Polk County! With the community’s support, this year’s event proved to be our most successful yet, raising $230,000 that will benefit the children served through Achievement Academy programs!

The team of judges consisted of Chef Darci Kropp, Chef Arielle Hirsch, and Chef Adam Walkover who tasted each chef’s signature dish and scored them on criteria including taste, texture, creativity, and balance, among others. Congratulations to Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland, for winning the coveted title of Top Chef of Polk County with her masterpiece that included homemade ricotta dumplings, braised rabbit, rutabaga puree, seared rabbit saddle, and elephant garlic chips. Chef Nicolas Mut, Terrace Grille, took home the award for Most Creative Chef for his use of the mystery ingredient, a new award this year.

Pat Spinosa, AgAmerica Lending, and Chef Cem Demirhan secured the highly sought after recognition as our Top Philanthropic team, raising nearly $70,000 for our programs. All of our Chefs and Community Leader teams did an outstanding job with their fundraising efforts, collectively raising more than $130,000!

Our deepest appreciation to this year’s participating chefs and their community leaders:

Chef Brandon Bailey, Lakeland BBQ Company and Caitlyn Salters, Exxact Transport

Chef Tina Calhoon, Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar and Danielle Harris & Dawn Lyons, Bank of Central Florida

Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland and Par Sahota, Boring Business Systems

Chef Cem Demirhan, Nineteen61 and Pat Spinosa & Mac Miller, AgAmerica Lending

Chef Jason Ellis, Cob & Pen and Kyle Kilburn, Gate Arty & the Group – Keller Williams Realty

-More-

Chef Gene Gelb, Publix Aprons Cooking School and Catering and Emily Topper, Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Chef Nicolas Mut, The Terrace Grille and Barbara McMickle, The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Chef Abigale Weech-Starkey, The Chop Shop and Alexandra Lee, Citizens Bank & Trust

Chef Chris Worley and Chef Terrie Lobb, Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. and Adam Riley, Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance.

Publix Super Markets Charities was the Exclusive Presenting sponsor, joined by Artistic General Contracting as the Master Chef Sponsor. Head Chef Sponsors include Hillcrest Partners Limited Partnership, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Pallet Recycle, and Steve and Janice Jones. Sous Chef Sponsors are Citizens Bank & Trust, Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center, LLC, The Heritage Group at Morgan Stanley, and Senator Kelli Stargel. Dessert Sponsors are Interstate Batteries of Lakeland, John and Deborah Weber, Luke Markham and the law firm of Johnson Pope, and Mulling Insurance Agency, Inc. Sauté Chef Sponsors are Alexander and Chandra Frederick, CPS Investment Advisors, David and Shi Adams, DSM Technology Consultants, Lakeland Electric, Payne Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., Polk State College Foundation, Prime Meridian Bank, Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Summit Consulting, LLC, and Valley Bank.

For more than 65 years, the Achievement Academy has been serving children from birth through age five with various developmental delays and disabilities. Achievement Academy offers two programs, each provided at no cost to the child or family. The Birth to Three program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers who are “at-risk” for developmental delays and/or have been diagnosed with a specific challenge. Professional Early Interventionists serve these children and their families in the child’s home. The ESE Charter Pre-Kindergarten offers specialized instruction by certified teachers; small class sizes; individual speech, occupational, and physical therapies; and assistive technologies that enable each student to reach his or her full potential at one of the Achievement Academy’s three campus locations (Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow.) For more information, please visit AchievementAcademy.com or call 863-683-6504.

Pedestrian Hit and Killed While Trying to Cross Road

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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March 2, 2022

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Pedestrian Hit and Killed While Trying to Cross Road

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash which occurred Tuesday evening, March 1, 2022, in the Wahneta neighborhood of unincorporated Winter Haven.

Deputies were dispatched at about 7:19 PM, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, in response to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on Rifle Range Road near 12^th Street. When they arrived, they found 49-year old Randy Lemay of Wahneta, deceased.

The gray 2018 Toyota Corolla which struck Lemay was still on scene, and deputies made contact with the driver, 19-year old Genesis Cosme-Sanchez of Kissimmee. Cosme-Sanchez was not injured.

Based on evidence and witness statements, Lemay attempted to cross Rifle Range Road about 75-yards north of 12^th Street, going from the east to west.

Cosme-Sanchez’s Toyota was travelling south on Rifle Range Road when Lemay crossed in front of it, and he was hit.

PCSO Traffic Homicide investigators noted that the crash occurred after sunset, Lemay was wearing a dark colored clothing, and he was not using a crosswalk.

Rifle Range Road was closed for about two-and-a-half hours for the duration of the on-scene portion of the investigation.

No civil or criminal charges are anticipated, but a final determination is pending completion of the investigation, which is ongoing.

Lake Wales Highlanders Baseball Invite You To Home Opener On “The Hill”

Lake Wales

Carl Fish

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March 2, 2022

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Lake Wales Highlanders Baseball Invite You To Home Opener On “The Hill”

Contributed By Jan Lewis

The crack of the bat, the chatter in the pen, fresh clay on the mound, and lights on “The Hill” tell us that Highlander Baseball season has begun. Help us start the season by coming out on March 3, 2022, for our first home varsity game against Mulberry. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. See you at the “Hill” for some great baseball, supporting your Highlanders, and enjoy a full concession with all your ballpark favorites!!

Coach Steve Wilmoth, had these words to say about the 2022, Varsity team. I have watched and worked with these young men in baseball for 10 years. This year’s team has worked very hard off season, and look forward to us accomplishing our team goals.

Senior Outfielder, Chad Ridell, feels the team has a strong defense this year and is capable of shutting out our competition.

Senior Third Baseman, Mason Hixenbaugh, says “this team is going in strong and has high hopes of a winning season. Our 7 returning Seniors bring lots of experience and leadership to our team.”

Senior Catcher Bryson Fackendar, believes with the 7 returning Seniors the team is destined for a successful season!

So again, we are encouraging you to come out on March 3,2022, and enjoy some Highlander BaseBall!

Highlander Strong!-Highlander Proud!

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