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Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies On Scene Of Double Fatal Crash In Auburndale

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies On Scene Of Double Fatal Crash In Auburndale

TrafficAlert for Auburndale.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash between a motorcycle and van which resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to another.

The crash occurred Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at about 4:07 p.m. on Berkley Road in Auburndale. 

Also responding to the scene were Auburndale Police, Auburndale Fire, and Polk County Fire Rescue. 

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as 50-year old Michael Hamilton of Lakeland. He and his female passenger, 46-year old Jeana Wright of Auburndale, were killed when the black 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle they were on slammed into the side of a burgundy 2012 Honda Odyssey van, driven by a 79-year old woman from Lake Alfred. She remains hospitalized in stable condition. Her 20-year old passenger was not injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, PCSO detectives attempted a traffic stop on Mr. Hamilton on eastbound Old Dixie Highway at Berkley Road, after they noticed the tag registration didn’t match the motorcycle. 

After the detective activated emergency lights, the motorcycle turned onto Berkley Road and began to accelerate. Upon realization that Hamilton was fleeing, the detective deactivated the emergency equipment and discontinued efforts to stop him. 

The motorcycle continued northbound at a high rate of speed while it approached the intersection of Oak Crossing Boulevard. 

The driver of the van was stopped at the intersection at the Oak Crossing neighborhood. She then began to turn left, into the southbound lanes of Berkley Road.

The motorcycle struck the van at a high rate of speed right behind the driver’s seat. Hamilton and Wright were ejected from the motorcycle and landed inside of the van.

“Two witnesses confirmed that the motorcycle passed them at a high rate of speed, and there were no law enforcement vehicles or emergency lights in sight, and they heard no sirens. Detectives recognized right away that Hamilton was being reckless, so they disengaged. He fled from law enforcement one time too many; this time it cost him his life. Had Hamilton survived the crash, he would have been charged with the death of his passenger.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff

Michael Hamilton has an extensive arrest history which includes two convictions of fleeing to elude law enforcement. His driver’s license is currently revoked, he has no motorcycle endorsement, and has had 15 previous license suspensions. His prior criminal history includes arrests for grand theft motor vehicle (4x), driving without a license and causing death or serious injury, theft, trespassing, and numerous drug possessions.

Lakeland Celebrates Red, White, And Kaboom for 22nd Year 

Allison
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Lakeland Celebrates Red, White, And Kaboom for 22nd Year 

Lakeland Celebrates Red, White, And Kaboom for 22nd Year

by James Coulter

The City of Lakeland celebrated the country of the red, white, and blue with the red, white, and kaboom of fireworks during its annual Fourth of July celebration on Sunday.

Despite the cloudy, rainy weather earlier that day, several hundred residents and guests congregated along Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland for an evening of patriotic festivities.

Several dozen food trucks lined the lakeside park area, as well as gathered within Munn Park, to provide attendees with a selection of food as diverse as America itself, from hot dogs and funnel cake to plenty of exotic dishes.

Attendees could also listen to music performed by Andrew Love and the Franchise Band on the concert stage and peruse several dozen vendors from local organizations. Many including the Polk Supervisor of Election and Women’s Democratic Party of Polk County encouraged people to perform their civic duty and vote in the upcoming elections by registering to vote.

The big finale, of course, were the fireworks. After a day of grey skies, the dark clouds parted the night sky clear, allowing for several hundred colorful fireworks to launch within a spectacular patriotic display.

The fireworks show, along with most of the event, was sponsored by T. Mims Corp, a local real estate development and investment firm. For the past 12 years, Tom Mims. President & CEO, and his business have sponsored the annual event.

He loves seeing the community coming together to celebrate unity through patriotism. Most of all, he enjoys giving back to the community that has allowed his business to thrive, he said.

“It is a great time for people to get together,” he said. “The community has been amazing to us, we have grown up here our whole lives. [We love] just seeing the kids play and the families get together and enjoy the fireworks…It is just a great event that brings the community together.”

Aside from allowing the Lakeland community to come together to celebrate their country, Red, White, and Kaboom also allows them the opportunity to give back to their community by donating canned food items to VISTE, Volunteers in Service of the Elderly. The local non-profit organization helps at-home senior citizens enjoy a comfortable, independent lifestyle by providing them the food and supplies they need.

For 18 years, volunteers from VISTE push around empty shopping carts to ask people for donations of canned food and other grocery items. Being able to host their food drive during the most patriotic event of the year makes them feel especially connected to the people in their community and country, Steve Bissonnette, VISTE President.

“Everyone has a parent or a grandparent. We all have a personal understanding of what it means to care for the elderly so it is great to have the whole community involved out here,” he said. “I like to see the whole community come together like this, whatever event, and the celebration. We are grateful they are providing us food.”

For the past 22 years, Red, White, and Kaboom has united the Lakeland community to celebrate their love of country and city. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was re-hosted the following year. This year’s event had high expectations to be larger than the previous years, and the turnout that evening did not disappoint, said Kevin Cook, Communications Director with the City of Lakeland.

“I enjoy the fact that the whole community is coming together,” he said. “We don’t care if you are red, white, or blue for this event. We just look forward to the fireworks and great entertainment.”

Writers on the Ridge: To The American Colors

Staff Reporter
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Writers on the Ridge: To The American Colors

The color red flows as blood shed

To keep our people free

In times of war, today and yore,

Fought for our liberty.

The color blue shows loyalty to

All things under the sky

Over our land, so rich and grand,

We pledge so faithfully.

The color white glows as the light

Of moral purity

That shines so bright from the pulpit

To guide our land safely.

We salute you, red, white, and blue,

For the country we all love

You symbolize before our eyes

Along with the grace from above.

About The Author

Ever since he could pick up a pencil, J.C. Alexandre has been passionate about expressing himself through the written word. He has enjoyed an illustrious decade-long career as an award-winning journalist. He now hopes to jump into the world of fiction with his debut fantasy novel, The Light Prince: Grail, now available on Amazon in e-book and paperback: https://amzn.to/3bFTCfG For more information about him and his work, visit his website at: https://jcalexandre.com/

Lakeland Police Say 24 Yr Old Man Murdered Saturday

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Say 24 Yr Old Man Murdered Saturday

LAKELAND, FL (July 3, 2022) – On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at approximately 4:47 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Big Oaks Apartments, located at 1586 Big Oaks Drive, in reference to a shooting. On scene, officers located a 24-year-old male victim inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Detectives responded to the scene and began processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, including the multiple people who shared the apartment. While it is very early in the investigation, this does not appear to be a random act. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863.834.8958or [email protected].

Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:

  • Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
  • From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
  • Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.

The name of the victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law. There is no additional information available at this time. When available, additional information will be provided via media release.

Local Home Inspector Teaches Community Members About Their Homes And About The Importance Of Faith

Allison
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Local Home Inspector Teaches Community Members About Their Homes And About The Importance Of Faith

Local Home Inspector Teaches Community Members About Their Homes And About The Importance Of Faith

By Allison Williams

Curt Kniffin, Home Inspector of Boomers Property Services in Polk County has lived in Florida for the past 33 years. Not only is he a certified inspector who helps people with both commercial and residential inspections, but he is also a man of faith and is heavily involved with volunteer work across Polk County.

Background on Curt

Curt started construction at the young age of 15 up in the north. Living in Florida for the past three decades he has gained extensive experience working with local county inspectors and local contractors. He works with both commercial properties as well as residential properties.

“I’ve worked for companies that put lipstick on the pig, so to speak,” he said. “So I know the tricks of the trade, if you will.”

For many years prior, Curt was a construction coordinator for Habitat for Humanity in the lower parts of the Florida Keys. During his nine years with Habitat, they built 60 homes and completed rehab work on hundreds. The Florida Keys in known for historic homes, and many of the homes Curt rehabbed were historical homes. 

In 2010 alone, his team was completing about 300 rehabs in a single month.

He also spent several years in commercial construction, where he built various fitness clubs and rehabbed retail facilities. 

When Curt was just 12 years of age, his mother was killed by a drunk truck driver and he had to go live with his father. This is where the name of his current business, Boomers Property Services stemmed from. He learned at a young age the importance of personal relationships and personal touch. Being a part of the end of the baby boomer era, he came up with his company name.

“The baby boomers crowd seems to be the crowd who is more willing to work hard no matter what it takes to get the job done,” Curt said. He added, “Today’s 30- or 40-year-olds, are more of a non-confrontational crowd, where they’re used to texting and emailing and having a digital relationship. The baby boomers are about personal relationships and building a human relationship, shaking hands, personal meetings, and talking with people; whereas this new generation is about zoom meetings, distancing and getting things done without that personal touch. We always welcome and accommodate both. I’m not disparaging to the younger crowd. It’s just a new and different way that works for them, and gets the job done. We’re flexible.”

Adding that personal touch is an important part of what Curt does with Boomers Property Services. He never rushes his inspections. It is most important to him to get a complete and comprehensive report while taking his time, no matter what at the end of the day. He looks deeper and is never about how many he can get done, but is about how complete can he get this one inspection done.

“The client really needs an advocate,” Curt believes. “They need a third party, independent, non-biased opinion of this house.”

Curt doesn’t offer summaries and opinions after completing an inspection. That is not what it’s about. His job isn’t to recommend whether a client should proceed with a house purchase for example. His job is to report what he sees and finds. He does not have nor give an opinion. 

“I’m obligated, morally obligated to write down what I see,” he said. “I’m not concerned about the deal whatsoever. What I’m concerned about is making sure that the house is safe, secure and sound for decades to come.”

Curt’s honest work carries through to his volunteer work. He is heavily involved in the community, for both youth and for adults. He is sponsoring the Lakeland High School Dreadknaughts football program as well as the Lake Gibson High school football program this year. His sponsorship will allow him to hang a banner and have a logo in each football program. They are even going to hand out business coupons to help the community save money on inspections. He is supporting the youth while helping people save money on inspections. 

“I’m always happy to support the youth because like I said my mom was killed when I was 12 and I’ve just been on my own ever since,” Curt said. “I think it’s a shame that people don’t support our youth and encourage them along the way because I surely didn’t get that growing up.”

Curt is also a man of faith. He belongs to Faith Baptist Church and also volunteers every second Saturday at the Lighthouse Ministry. 

“It’s a ministry that helps people put their lives back together when they’re ready to put down the drugs and alcohol and clean up their lives,” Curt said. “The Lighthouse provides them food, shelter, clothing, and even work to where they can stay there, and part of their salary goes into a savings account so they can get back out on their own.”

He just signed up as well to become a mentor/discipleship, where he will visit weekly to give people outside support and encouragement. 

“I do my best to give back to the community as much as I can,” Curt said. “I love to teach people.”

Whether it is teaching people how to live a life of faith or teaching people about their homes, Curt is always lending a helping hand.

To find out more about Boomers Property Services, visit https://www.boomerspropertyservices.com

Phone: 863-604-5646

Email: [email protected]

Polk Deputies Shoot Suspect After He Reportedly Draws Gun On Them

Carl Fish
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Polk Deputies Shoot Suspect After He Reportedly Draws Gun On Them

Convicted felon who pulls handgun on deputies shot

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in the Wahneta area of unincorporated Winter Haven. No deputies were injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, at about 3:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2022, detectives were following-up on information that a man in the area was possibly in possession of a stolen handgun and may have been involved with a stolen motorcycle.

The two detectives spotted a white male suspect who matched the description given, walking on Avenue A West near 17th Street West. The detectives, who were wearing vests marked with SHERIFF, stopped and attempted to make contact with him.

The suspect, later identified as 31 year old Brent Conley, abruptly pulled out a hand gun on the detectives.


Fearing for their lives and safety, one of the detectives fired his handgun at Conley to stop the threat. The detectives then began life-saving measures on Conley and requested medical assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue.

Conley was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and was last reported in critical but stable condition.
The handgun Conley had is a 9mm handgunit was recovered at the scene and was loaded.

“When you pull a gun on my deputies, they have an obligation to protect themselves and othersyou can expect to be shot.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Conley has a prior criminal history consisting of 12 felonies and 9 misdemeanors which includes charges for Aggravated Battery, Burglary, Obstruction, Battery on LEO, Theft, Resisting, and Drug Possessions. He was released from the Polk County Jail on May 12, 2022 (arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Paraphernalia, and Resisting). He was released from Florida State Prison on August 8, 2021.

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings includes three independent investigations: PCSO will conduct a criminal investigation, PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation.

FWC Reveals TrophyCatch Pink Tag Hint Maps

Carl Fish
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FWC Reveals TrophyCatch Pink Tag Hint Maps

FWC reveals TrophyCatch pink tag hint maps

As TrophyCatch heads into the last months of Season 10 and the 10-Tag Celebration, eight more prized fish are still swimming in Florida lakes and the FWC is offering clues about where to find them. These new tagging maps of the remaining lakes could lead lucky anglers to the pink-tagged bass.

Through Florida bass telemetry and tagging studies, FWC biologists have found that where a largemouth bass is tagged and released can frequently coincide with where an angler catches the same bass weeks, months or even years later. Based on these patterns in bass behavior, TrophyCatch is releasing “tag zone” maps for the remaining eight waterbodies, showing the areas where the prized bass were tagged and could potentially be caught.

Dale Dew, who caught the first 10-Tag bass, was within yards of where the fish was released with its pink tag in Lake Griffin. Of course, these hints come with a caveat: while bass can be predictable, there are many exceptions to their typical home range patterns and some bass are not homebodies at all. In contrast to Dew’s catch, the second reported 10-Tag bass was caught by RJ Crawford in Newnans Lake over three miles away from where it was tagged. Thus, these new hints don’t eliminate water in which a 10-Tag bass might be found but should be treated as higher-probability areas. View each of the ranges on the maps located on the 10-Tag Celebration web page. Let’s see how many can be found!

For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake. To learn about top destinations to go freshwater fishing, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing, click on “Freshwater Fishing” and select “Fishing Forecasts.” You can learn more about FWC stocking programs by visiting MyFWC.com/fishing, clicking on “Freshwater Fishing” and then “Fish Stocking.”

Here is Walk In Water Map

Here is Tenoroc FMA

Polk County Fire Rescue Offering FREE Paramedic School Program

Allison
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Polk County Fire Rescue Offering FREE Paramedic School Program

Polk Count, Florida – Polk County Fire Rescue:

Have you been thinking about furthering your education as a certified paramedic but the cost is just too much right now?

Well don’t miss out on #PCFR’s Free Paramedic school program!

For more information, please contact Betzi LaCounte at [email protected] or call (863) 519-7350.

PolkFLFireRescue #PolkCountyFL #WeAreHiring #FireDepartmentHiring

Writers On The Ridge: Hood Riches 

Allison
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Writers On The Ridge: Hood Riches 

Writers On The Ridge: Hood Riches

Content Warning: The following selection contains profanity and adult situations. Strong language has been censored. Reader discretion strongly advised.

The following is a selection from “Hood Riches: BoostinB*****”, an urban romance by Trinidy. To read the full story, check out her novel and other books on Amazon in e-book and paperback. Follow the links below for more details.

*****

3:42 a.m.

“Hey, stop! Bring yo’ a** back here!” The police officer shouted as I took off running outta the store as fast as my six-month pregnant belly would allow me. Which wasn’t fast at all. It was more like I was power walking. I looked back to see how far the fat a** police officer was behind me, and to see where Itali was. D***, I hope she went in the other direction. This what the f***happens when you don’t listen to your first mind, you get caught. 

Itali and I ran in the Versace store at Houston Premium Outlet. Now we were running like some runaway slaves. My stomach started to cramp. I was dropping the clothes that I snatched, and my legs burned like turkey legs on the grill. Just as I was turning the corner heading to the stolen car, I ran into another police officer.

“Get yo’ f***kin’ hands off me.” I demanded struggling to get away from the police. “Is all this necessary?” I questioned the officer with my face frowned up.

“This is very much necessary, with yo’ thieving a**.” The officer said snatching my arms behind my back so that he could handcuff me.

“I’m pregnant, dammit!” I made sure to put emphasis on the fact that this mu’f***a was snatching and pulling on me, like he couldn’t see my d*** stomach protruding. I was out of breath and tired, snatching away from the officer I sat my big a** down on scorching curb.

“Alright be easy guys, as you can see her stupid a** is pregnant” They picked me up off the ground immediately, while laughing. I turned to look at the officer who was talkin’ s*** to me. I wasn’t surprised to see he was black trying to act white. 

“You talk big shit Mr. Jones,” I said reading the name on his badge. I bet yo’ p**** a** wouldn’t last a day in the hood.” 

“You can talk all you want, but I’m not the one who is going to have to explain to that child why you missed out on half their life because you were in prison. Keep that same nasty a**attitude at sentencing,” he said, winking at me. I wanted to choke his b**** a** out.

“Ahhhhhhhhh!” I screamed. His b**** a** was gettin’ on my nerves he had my a** itching. If he mentioned my baby one more time it was gon’ be over for his a**, he really didn’t know who he was f*****’ with.

“We got a feisty one,” the other officer said grabbing me by my arm and pushing me towards the police car that was closest to me. 

“We’ll see how feisty she is once she gets booked.”

I couldn’t believe I was sittin’ in the back of a f*****’ police car. I was trying to hold it together, hearing them raggedy a**officers talk about my baby had me p***ed. I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. Snot was running out of my nose; I could taste the saltiness of it. I still didn’t know where my sister was.

I wiggled my hands to try and adjust the handcuffs because they were tight as hell. When I looked out the police car all I saw were flashing red and blue lights. It had to be about five or six police cars here just for me. The manager and security guard that originally spotted me were talking to the police officers that just picked me up off the ground, pointing their fingers at me…

S***! I jumped up in the bed soaked in sweat. I looked over to my right and Cory was laying there fast asleep. I took both my hands and pushed my hair back while getting out of the bed. I slid on my silk robe and silk house shoes and headed to the master bathroom. I switched the light on looking in the mirror to see that my edges were sweated out. D***, I just got my hair done. I turned the water on and ran some over my face with my right hand. I reached for the decorative towel I had on one of the rings on the wall. I didn’t allow anyone to touch my towels, but at this moment I didn’t care. 

The dream I just had scared the s*** out of me, it was too real. Long as I’ve been a booster, I never got caught. Knock on wood. This was all I knew. I wanted to do something legal. I just didn’t know what. For right now though, this was my life and I’m gon’ continue to get this money.

*****

About the Author

Born and raised in Lake Wales, Trinidy graduated from Prairie View A&M University on May 14, 2022 with a bachelor’s in business administration. She will be returning to college later this year to obtain her bachelor’s in education, and she plans on getting a doctorate in law school.

Her passion remains writing. She has thus far published eight books on Amazon. Inspired by the urban fiction of Tony Morrison, Trinidy blends steamy romance with a gritty realism that speaks to the lived experiences of people like herself.

Her books are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NoedCt For more info, visit her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortrinidy/

Forty Eight Yr Old Lakeland Man Killed When Truck Crashes Into Utility Pole

Carl Fish
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Forty Eight Yr Old Lakeland Man Killed When Truck Crashes Into Utility Pole

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred, Tuesday, June 28, 2022 in unincorporated Lakeland.

 

At around 3:30 a.m., PCSO deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the single-vehicle crash on Main Street East just west of Eleanor Drive.

 

According to the preliminary investigation, 48-year-old Pedro Alcantra of Lakeland was driving a white 2001 Ford F-150 westbound on Main Street East, when for unknown reasons, the truck traveled across the eastbound lane and into a ditch on the south side of the road. The truck then hit a culvert and crashed into a power pole on the southwest corner of the intersection.

 

Mr. Alcantra died at the scene.

 

Excessive speed is being investigated as a possible cause. Main Street East was closed in the area of the crash for about four hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.

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