UPDATE: Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy forced to shoot robbery suspect armed with a rifle.
On Saturday, February 26, 2022, an armed-robbery suspect was apprehended by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, after the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, was shot by a PCSO sergeant on State Road 540 near Winter Haven.
No deputies were injured, and the suspect is being treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect was identified as a 27-year old white male, Matthew Correa.
Correa’s early morning violent crime spree began when he and an unknown white female, when the pair went to the Sunrise Supermarket (3035 Thornhill Road near Winter Haven) at about 8:19 AM Saturday morning, arriving in an older model white Chevrolet Tahoe. While there, Correa stole a red Toyota pickup truck, and the female left in the Tahoe.
A short time later, the Tahoe was abandoned on the side of eastbound SR 540, east of Thornhill Road.
At about 8:44 AM, the couple arrived at the Ramirez Tires store at 5108 Spirit Lake Road near Winter Haven. Correa and the female went into the store and asked an employee for money, but the employee said there was no money. Correa then pulled a rifle out of a duffle bag, closed the door to the office, pointed the gun toward the employee, and began looking for money.
A customer arrived at the store, so Correa and the female left suddenly.
While deputies were searching for the suspects, the stolen red truck was spotted driving southbound on US 17 near Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle in the vicinity of SR 540, and made two unsuccessful attempts at disabling the vehicle with stop-sticks, and Correa intentionally tried to hit one of the deputies with the truck.
Correa then entered the eastbound lane of SR 540 and deputies were able to surround the truck and force it to stop, very close to where the Chevy Tahoe was abandoned.
While still in the truck, Correa pointed the rifle under his chin and told deputies multiple times to kill him. At this time the deputies attempted to deescalate the violent, dangerous situation.
During this series of events, Correa stood up in the sunroof holding the gun in a threatening manner. He then dropped from the sunroof out of sight for a moment, then stood up with a rifle in one hand, and a Busch Light beer bottle in the other, which he smashed against his forehead, breaking the bottle.
The sergeant who was behind Correa and unable to see the bottle, heard the popping noise and believed Correa had shot at his deputies.
The Sergeant fired one shot at Correa, striking him in the neck. Correa fell into the vehicle and dropped the rifle.
“Thank God none of our deputies were injured today. The suspect made several bad choices this morning, including the choice that forced our sergeant to shoot him. We still need help trying to determine who the white female suspect is and where she was left. She was not present during the traffic stop and shooting.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Anyone who has any information regarding the white female’s identity and/or whereabouts are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
Matthew Correa has a prior criminal history of three felonies, including a home invasion burglary, and spent five years in state prison.
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.
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media Regarding Deputy Involved Shooting
“Let’s Go Dreaming” Inspires Kids to Dream Big with 4th Storybook
“Let’s Go Dreaming” Inspires Kids to Dream Big with 4th Storybook
by James Coulter
Little Ari and her talking dog, Pepper, go on many big adventures in her dreams. In her latest nighttime trip, she dreams they meet a world-famous chef and a world-famous artist. Both of them try to teach her how to cook and paint. But will Ari be able to learn these new skills? Or will she discover new talents that will allow her to be famous?
“Let’s Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari” is the fourth and newest book in the “Let’s Go Dreaming” children’s storybook series by Lakeland author, Shanita Allen. The book is set to be published on Fed. 22, and will be available with the other books in the series on Amazon and other online distributors.
Shanita always wanted to be a published children’s book author when she was young. In high school, she became interested in psychology and inevitably set her career path as a behavior analyst. Her college and career would inevitably sidetrack her dream of becoming an author.
Around 2018, Shanita decided to rekindle her childhood dream of becoming an author and combine it with her current career as a Behavior Analyst by penning a storybook series about the dreams, emotions, and boundless imagination of children. The result was a planned series with four books already published and five books currently in the works.
“The main theme of my books [is] about following your dreams,” Shanita said. “It is about using your imagination about the things you can become, all the things you can do, all the endless possibilities of where you can go when you set your intention on something when you can dream.”
While her books are aimed at young children, her message is equally applicable to the parents who read it to them. As someone who recently decided to follow her childhood dreams, she wants everyone else to realize that it’s never too late for them to follow their own.
“Even for me as an adult, I have to be reminded about what my childhood dream was, so that is why I came up with the themes for this children’s books,” she said. “We all have dreams, and even when you get sidetracked, you have to remember what makes you happy and what is it that you are passionate about and how you can push through that and help others.”
Shanita loves being able to attend local events to promote and sell her books. She regularly frequents First Fridays at Munn Park in Lakeland, and she has attended other local events such as Children’s Week, the Author’s Expo, and even Central Florida Comic-Con. These appearances not only allow her to sell books to potential customers, but also make valuable connections with librarians, teachers, and marketing executives.
Since first being published in 2019, Shanita has been featured in local media such as The Ledger and The Daily Ridge. Her media appearances allowed her to gain attention from the Early Learning Coalition and Junior League, the latter of which will be honoring her as their featured author during their signature event in April.
Shanita has at least five more books planned in her series. She expects her brand to continue to grow, and for her stories to reach more people, both children and parents alike. After years of being sidetracked, she eventually started following her own dreams, and she wants other people to do the same.
“If you are looking for a fun story to inspire your children to listen to their imagination and get them encouraged to dream whether they are asleep or awake, then this will be the perfect story for your child,” she said.
“Let’s Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari”, along with the other books in the series, is available on Amazon and other online distributors. Shanita will be hosting a book signing at Pressed in Lakeland on Mar. 26 from 11 A.M. – 1 P.M., and she will be honored at the signature Junior League event on Apr. 9.
For more information, visit her website at: https://www.letsgodreaming.com/
Knife Wielding Woman Tasered After Allegedly Attacking Polk Deputy & Multiple Victims
Davenport, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Heyla Rivas, 32, from Logansport, Indiana, on multiple charges including attempted murder. The incident occurred at an apartment complex in Davenport. Rivas allegedly attacked a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy and multiple victims. The deputy who was allegedly attacked tasered Rivas and took her into custody.
The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit and specifically (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office . 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) (Deputy Charlotte Hartle) :
“On Monday, February 21st, 2021, at approximately 1124 hours, I (affiant/victim) was dispatched to the area of Sand Mine Road and Caribbean Drive, Davenport, FL 33897 in reference to a suspicious incident.
Upon arrival, I made contact with REDACTED (witness #1), who identified herself as an employee of Island Club West HOA. REDACTED informed me an unidentified female suspect, later identified as Heyla Rivas, entered the clubhouse in which she was working and attempted to stab her with a knife before pushing her. REDACTED advised the suspect also pushed two (2) other females who were present, identified as REDACTED (witness #2) and REDACTED (witness #3). REDACTED informed me the suspect was currently in the clubhouse destroying property within.
While making contact with REDACTED I was approached by REDACTED (witness #4), who advised the suspect scratched his vehicle with a knife. While speaking with REDACTED I observed the suspect exit the front doors of the clubhouse and approach my agency issued patrol vehicle. I observed the suspect to be in possession of a knife.
I identified myself as a Deputy Sheriff with the Polk County Sherifrs Office while wearing my agency issued “class B” uniform. I requested the suspect drop the knife and place her hands behind her back. The suspect continued to approach me while failing to comply with my verbal commands and swinging the knife in an aggressive manner.
I retrieved my agency issued Taser and deployed one (1) successful five (5) second cycle to the suspect which resulted in complete neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). The suspect dropped the knife at this time. I was able to gain compliance of the sus�_ect and place her in handcuffs without further incident.
Due to the suspect intentionally and unlawfully approaching me, a self-identified law enforcement officer wearing an agency issued “class B” uniform, while swinging in a knife in an aggressive manner which created in me a well-founded fear that violence was imminent, I determined probable cause exists to charge the suspect with one (1) count of 784.07(2)(C) – Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
Due to the suspect knowingly and intentionally failing to obey commands given by me, a self-identified law enforcement officer wearing an agency issued “class B” uniform, during the execution of my legal duty, I determined probable cause exists to charge the suspect with one (1) count of 843.02 – Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Sherifrs Processing Center (SPC) without further incident.”
Here is a second affidavit which explains a little more regarding the charges Rivas is facing (Deputy Oscar Ardon)!
“On 02/21/22, Northeast deputies responded to Island Club west subdivision, located at 3100 Caribbean Dr, Davenport FL, in-regards to a suspicious person threating to stab people.
D/S Hartle 8901, responded to the scene and made contact with the suspect, later identified as Heyla G. Rivas. D/S Hartle 8901, noticed that Rivas, had a weapon in her hand at which point D/S Hartle 8901, gave several verbal commands, which Rivas ignored and continued to approach D/S Hartle 8901 with weapon in hand. D/S Hartle 8901 deployed her agency issued Taser and placed Rivas under arrest.
During the investigation I learned that Heyla Rivas, unlawfully forced her way into the HOA office, and pushed, REDACTED, and REDACTED, who were attempting to keep the suspect from entering the building.
During a sworn recorded statement with REDACTED, she advised that on 00/21/22, Heyla Rivas, unlawfully forced her way into the office building, armed with a weapon (knife). REDACTED stated once Rivas, entered the build Rivas pushed her and attempted to stab her in the abdominal area with a knife. REDACTED stated that Rivas actions placed her in fear for her life and believes that Rivas intentionally tried to kill her by attempting to stab her in the stomach area.
REDACTED, stated during a sworn recorded statement that she was inside the HOA office, when the suspect entered the building and was screaming. REDACTED walked towards the front desk, at which point the suspect (Rivas) physically grabbed REDACTED against her will, and forcibly moved REDACTED out of the building pushing her causing REDACTED to fall and causing an abrasion on REDACTED left hand. REDACTED is an elderly person of the age of REDACTED Years-old.
REDACTED, provided a sworn recorded statement, I n which she advised that she witnessed Rivas walking over towards the HOA office. While Rivas was crossing the street from the gate area, Rivas stopped in front of a white vehicle and witnessed Rivas scratch the vehicle’s passenger side. REDACTED stated that she walked over towards the front door of the office with REDACTED in an attempt to keep Rivas from entering the building. REDACTED stated that Rivas forced the front door open and pushed REDACTED out of the way as Rivas unlawfully entered the building.
At the scene REDACTED, provide a sworn recorded statement in regards to the incident. REDACTED stated he was driving his white Toyota FL REDACTED, into the community. REDACTED advised that while entering the front gate an unknown female, later identified as Heyla Rivas, stopped in the middle of the road in front of his vehicle keeping him from driving. REDACTED waited a few seconds before he drove around Rivas, who was blocking the road. REDACTED stated that as he drove around Rivas, he heard a loud scratching noise coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. REDACTED pulled into the HOA, got out of his vehicle and walked over to the passenger side of the vehicle and noticed a large scratched on the passenger door to the rear fender of the vehicle caused by Rivas. REDACTED estimated the damages to be over $1000.
I made contact with REDACTED oflsland Club West, who provided a sworn recorded statement in reference to the incident. REDACTED advised the Rivas (suspect) unlawfully forced her way into the HOA office and caused over $1000, worth of damages by destroying and breaking several items, slashing the furniture with a knife.
During a post Miranda interview with Heyla Rivas, she admitted to all the charges and advised she did what she did out of frustration.
Based on the victim’s statements and evidence, there’s probable cause to charge, Heyla Rivas, with attempted murder, armed kidnaping, aggravated battery on a person over 65 years-old, Felony criminal mischief, armed burglary of a structure, simple battery.
Syfy Bartow 2022 Traveled to Galaxies Far, Far Away
Syfy Bartow 2022 Traveled to Galaxies Far, Far Away
by James Coulter
Most women who try to win beauty pageants try to be the “fairest of them all.” However, Allison Lovelady won her title of Miss SyFy by being a villian who preys upon “pour unfortunate souls.”
Lovelady attended the annual outdoor sci-fi festival in Bartow dressed as Ursula from The Little Mermaid. She bought the dress from a thrift store and sewed her own tentacles. The suction cups were created from a pool noodle, and each were wrapped in purple ribbon and sewed on individually.
“Each one [tentacle] took five to seven minutes,” she said. “There is ninety six of them, and it took a long time to get each tentacle together.”
She participated in the cosplay contest with several other costumed attendees. Her outfit won her the title of Miss SyFy, a win that totally caught her by surprise.
“I am shocked, and it feels great,” she said. “I enjoy all of the inspirational cosplay. I love seeing people be who they want to be.”
For its tenth annual event, SyFy Bartow drew in fans, geeks, and nerds of all shapes and stipes to Downtown Bartow to share their love of comics, video games, movies, and other fandoms. This year’s event was themed to “Galaxies Far, Far Away” with an emphasis on Star Trek, Star Wars, and other sci-fi franchises.
All along Central Avenue, vendors showcased their merchandise and collectibles, from costumes and tabletop roleplaying accessories, to lightsabers and other toy weapons. Many attendees arrived dressed in cosplay, or “costume play”, of their favorite characters from movies, shows, games, and comics.
Ray Ballard and his wife, Lynn, attended with their cosplay company, Full Steam Ahead. Keeping with the event’s theme, they arrived with many of their friends dressed up as characters from Star Wars. For the past decade, they have been attending SyFy Bartow every year except the very first, Ray said.
“So, the only year we have missed was year number one just because we did not know it was happening,” he said. “We have been here forever. This is one of the best sci-fi conventions in all of Central Florida bar none….When you see someone dressed as Boba Fett, or that and they notice the character, they are excited to be a part of this, and that is the excitement of bringing people back.”
Many artists arrived to showcase their fan art. Britney Ann from Tampa arrived to show her drawings of her favorite Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel characters. She has been drawing ever since she could pick up a pencil, and she has been drawing professionally and visiting events like this for four years.
“It is a lot of fun seeing all the people here. I think it [the best part] is [the] interaction of people liking the same thing you do,” she said.
Frostproof Celebrated 20th Orange Blossom Festival
Frostproof Celebrated 20th Orange Blossom Festival
by James Coulter
For nearly two decades, the City of Frostproof has been celebrating the start of spring with orange blossoms and classic cars with its titular Orange Blossom Festival and Classic Car Show.
More than 75 classic cars and 60 vendors were lined up along Wall Street from Central Park to Lake Reedy. Attendees could enjoy live music, food trucks, and other fun games and activities during the annual event.
Angela Ball, Executive Director for the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce, has been holding her position since January. Nevertheless, she has remained engaged in these annual events, from the Valentine’s Street Dance a week ago to the Orange Blossom Festival.
She was more than pleased with the turnout this weekend. With everything from bounce houses and children’s games to health services such as blood pressure checks and free COVID vaccines, this year’s Orange Blossom Festival brought the whole town together as usual for good times and great company.
“It is a great community event, and people come out and enjoy themselves,” she said. “We had a short amount of time to put it together, and we had an awesome turnout. The weather turned out well for us. And we were very fortunate for us, and we are really looking forward to it.”
From the Lions Club to Frostproof Boosters, many local organizations attended the event for fundraising efforts. Future Farmers of America Alumni sold sausages with peppers and onions and French fries to support their local fair.
John Briggs, FFA Alumni President, has been attending with his alumni for five years. He loves to support the children in his organization, and he loves being able to participate in the community through fun events like this.
“This is our fifth year, and we enjoy it,” he said. “We like the community support. It turned out real well. [I especially love] looking at all the cars come by.”
Sherry Maczao, health care navigator for BayCare, attended with her organization to offer tests for blood pressure and blood sugar levels. BayCare offers medical services to the local community, and the Orange Blossom Festival and other local events allow them to promote those services by offering free tests and vaccines.
“This is our first time, [and] this is fabulous,” she said. “The car show, I have been floored by it. It is a great event. I think it is a great turnout, it is fabulous for the community.”
Sweet Smoke Q Wins Ribs on The Ridge 2022
by James Coulter
Jim Elser has been attending Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City since 2010. He and his barbecue team, Sweet Smoke Q, have been attending it and other barbecue events all throughout Polk County. Such dedication has allowed him to win first place for overall barbecue on Saturday.
Elser owes his success to focus. His best barbecue was his brisket, and he won first place that day also for chicken. He appreciates being able to attend the annual barbecue event and participating alongside other great teams from across the county and even the country.
“The secret to our success, you have to be focused, really focused,” he said. “This event is great, and…for the community, I could not be happier to support it.”
Sweet Smoke Q won first place for overall barbecue at Ribs on the Ridge on Saturday in Lake Eva Park in Haines City. Second place went to Rooster Bulls Boars.
The professional barbecue team has been competing for 11 years. Practice has been the secret to their success over those years. They attend events such as Ribs on the Ridge purely for the sake of competition, said their team leader Bobby King.
“We enjoy competition BBQ,” he said. “It is great with this group of people because this is one of the great groups in the world…It is friendly competition.”
One of the largest barbecue events in Central Florida, according to its website, this Florida Barbecue Association-sanctioned competition, sponsored by Miracle Toyota, brings in backyard and proffesional barbecue teams from across the state and county for a chance to compete for the best chicken, brisket, ribs, pork, and overall barbecue.
Last year, the barbecue event was combined with the city’s Fourth of July event, Thunder on the Ridge. This year, both events are hosted during their respective times. Regardless, this year’s event drew in a sizeable crowd with several dozen barbecue teams competing.
“I enjoy most about ribs are seeing these teams travel from around the state to our beautiful Lake Eva Park, to have a good time and compete with each other, and they come back every single year,” Lindasia Jaynemeyer, Special Events Supervisor.
She attributed the turnout to the overall good weather. Being able to see so many people come out for an annual city tradition is always appreciated, and she has high expectations for the upcoming Chili on the Ridge event hosted by Haines City Rotary.
“People came out,” she said. “They have a great time. They enjoy the music and barbecue and the friendly competition. So, we are very appreciative of all the sponsors and all the attendees they came out today.”
Action and History Unite in “The Commodore and the Powder Monkey”
Action and History Unite in “The Commodore and the Powder Monkey”
by James Coulter
The year is 1812. America is once again at war with Britain. Young Charlie Wheeler desperately wants to aid the war effort. There is only one problem: Charlie is a girl and women aren’t allowed in the military.
Wanting to help her country fight the war, Charlie disguises herself as a boy and boards the Commodore’s flagship to serve as a powder monkey, someone who ferries gunpowder from the hold to the cannon crews up top. She finds herself stalked by a vicious predator who knows her secret, loved by a surgeon who doesn’t know her secret, and caught in the white-hot heat of war during the Battle of Plattsburgh.
“The Commodore and the Powder Monkey” is the third installment by Sebring author Mark Barie, in his trilogy on love and war. “War Calls, Love Cries” and “Sister Marguerite and the Captain”, are based on the Civil War and the American War for Independence, respectively.
A retired native of Upstate New York, Barie became interested in writing historical fiction when his wife, an expert genealogist, discovered that he had descendants who fought in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. This revelation, coupled with the free time that comes with retirement, inspired him to combine fiction with history.
He published his debut novel, “War Calls, Love Cries”, in 2018. His first book more than exceeded the author’s expectations. It won national and international recognition. He received a gold medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association for Historical Fiction and was designated a Finalist in the prestigious Eric Hoffer book awards.
The biggest challenge in writing his books is editing: “No matter how many times you read it, every time you read it, you find another error,” Barie said.”
The second biggest challenge is the research. His recent book required him to read 30 to 40 books and review several dozen articles about the War of 1812. Even when writing a work of fiction, writing historical fiction requires that the historical details be accurate.
“You do get to make up certain parts but you can’t fool with anything that is a known historical fact. Your sharp-eyed readers will see the mistake and point it out,” said Barie. As a result, Barie claims to have a “love-hate relationship” with each of his novels.
When Barie is researching a book, he always discovers a series of fun facts he never knew about. He has assembled these tidbits into a several presentations and now speaks to military societies and service clubs, throughout Florida and upstate New York. His most recent presentation is titled “Seven Facts About the War of 1812 That Will Amaze You!” Similar presentations on the Warfor Independence and the Civil War are also in the author’s repertoire.
For example, during his presentation on the Civil War, he shares the shocking revelation that Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 was the second time Lincoln was shot at. He had been the target of a failed assassination attempt one year prior in 1864.
“It is fascinating to me that these things happened and most of us never heard about it, before. I am always surprised when I do my research,” said Barie.
One fact that many of his readers and fans find shocking, is the level of violence. One fan approached him after a presentation at the Daughters of the American Revolution and told him how violent his books were. Barie’s response was that our ancestors lived in extremely violent times.
From the War of Independence to the Civil War, countless people died, some from their wounds but even more from sickness and disease. In those times there were no antibiotics or even anesthesia. “Illness, disease, and injuries were rampant, but often deadly, as well,” said Barie.
“I want my readers to understand history and I want them to enjoy my books. But I also want them to understand that large portions of our history were violent and an extremely unpleasant time in which to live. We should be impressed with our ancestors who lived through those difficult times,” Barie concluded.
His next book will be set during the Spanish-American War. It will center on the mysterious explosion which destroyed a United States Battleship, the “Maine”, in the Havana Harbor.
Readers are expected to unfold the history and mystery of that fateful event and discern for themselves who or what may have caused the death of more than 250 sailors.
“The Commodore and the Powder Monkey” is available in paperback and eBook on Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-commodore-and-the-powder-monkey-mark-barie/1140831642 and Amazon.com.
For signed copies and Barie’s complimentary newsletter, visit his website at: https://www.markbarie.com
Looking for a Prom Outfit? Here’s How You Can Get One for Free in Lakeland!
Looking for a Prom Outfit? Here’s How You Can Get One for Free in Lakeland!
by James Coulter
Can’t wait to go to the prom, yet don’t have enough money to buy your own dress or tux? No problem! If you promise not to get drunk or high, you can get a prom outfit for free from Project Prom.
Located in Lakeland Square Mall on select Saturdays, Project Prom offers a vast array of thousands of dresses and outfits for juniors and seniors to wear to their big night. All they have to do is show their student ID (or proof of residence for home school students) and sign a pledge promising that they will avoid alcohol and drugs.
Project Prom not only provides good-looking clothes for high school students who would otherwise not be able to afford them, but also helps deter substance abuse through their pledges to keep these students drug and alcohol-free during their big night.
Their first official shopping day was hosted last Saturday, and it allowed more than 50 local families to receive their own prom outfits. Angie Ellison, Executive Director of the InnerActAlliance, which hosts the initiative, hopes that this steady influx will increase over the next few weeks as the prom date draws near.
“We are really excited,” she said. “We were a bit nervous because it was a year and a half since we have been able to have a store open because of COVID, we were a little nervous we had lost our audience…[but] we were very encouraged, it was a steady influx of folks all day long.”
Formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center, InnerActAlliance, according to its website, “is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities…[through] family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, adults, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important anti-substance abuse and anti-bullying message.”
Project Prom is an initiative operated through their UthMpactsubsidiary, which, according to their website, “is a youth coalition of teen leaders committed to delivering key substance abuse prevention messages to teens by their peers.”
This is their tenth year operating Project Prom, and their first year in operation since their two-year absence following the start of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They owe their success to the support from their local community, especially with the donation of their many outfits. Currently, they are seeking and requesting donations of large-sized outfits for women and small-sized outfits for men.
“We would like to served 500 kids this year, it will double our normal year,” Ellison said. “Normally, we serve 250, so it is a big goal, but we also know they have not been able to go to prom for many years, so we are hoping that there is a lot of enthusiasm around those events this spring.”
Project Prom will be hosting shopping days on the Saturdays of Feb. 26, Mar. 12, Mar. 26, and Apr. 9 from 10AM – 4PM. The store is located inside Lakeland Square Mall at 3800 US Highway 98 North, Lakeland, FL 33809.
Donations of dresses and suits can be made to the InnerActAlliance office, located at: 621 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.inneractalliance.org
Polk Deputies Working Fatal Crash On Hwy 92 In Auburndale
At around 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. The crash occurred on US 92 West at the S.R 570 (Polk Parkway) off-ramp in unincorporated Lakeland. The two vehicles involved were a maroon 1992 Suzuki motorcycle being driven by 24-year-old James Jett of Auburndale, and a gray 2007 Ford Escape being driven by 34-year-old Trevor Donley of Lakeland.
According to the investigation so far, Mr. Jett was driving west on U.S. 92 at a high rate of speed and through congested traffic. At the same time, Mr. Donley attempted to turn onto the S.R. 570 eastbound ramp. As Mr. Donley entered the intersection, Mr. Jett’s motorcycle struck the Escape.
Mr. Jett was ejected from his motorcycle and died at the scene. Mr. Donley was uninjured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
Polk County To Implement Emergency Plan To Improve Waste Collection
Residents in unincorporated Polk County should soon begin to see improvements in their waste collection service.
Polk County has reached an agreement with its contracted waste hauler FCC to implement an emergency plan for collection services. The county is currently operating under a local state of emergency declared by the Board of County Commissioners due to ongoing missed residential waste collection in unincorporated Polk. According to the Board, the missed collections have caused solid waste to accumulate on roadways which endangers the public health, safety and welfare of Polk residents.
Residents who live in unincorporated areas east of U.S. Highway 17, who are serviced by ADS, will see no changes in their current waste collection schedules.
For residents who live in unincorporated areas west of U.S. Highway 17, who are serviced by FCC, there will be temporary collection changes.
Here are the details of the emergency plan:
- Recycling collection will be suspended February 28,2022 through April 1, 2022.
- Beginning Monday, Feb. 28, through Friday, April 1, all household waste, bulk waste and recycling should be at the curb by 6 a.m. of your regular garbage collection day. To speed operations, all recycling put at the curb will be collected with regular household waste. Residents may put garbage from over-flowing cans into their recycling bin during this emergency period. This allows FCC to deploy all recycling equipment and staff to support a focused effort to garbage collections.
- Bulk waste should be put at the curb on your household garbage collection day. The county will temporarily suspend the 72-hour collection process and focus on collecting bulk waste as part of regular garbage routes until further notice. Residents setting out bulk waste should expect collection on their scheduled garbage collection day. The two bulk items per week policy remains in effect.
- Yard waste collection service remains the same; routine lawn and landscape maintenance items should be curbside on your regularly scheduled yard waste collection day.
- Recycling collection by FCC will resume on Monday, April 4 on an every-other-week schedule until further notice. Details of that schedule will be communicated to customers prior to April 4, 2022.
“This emergency plan should greatly improve the public health and safety of our residents in many neighborhoods in western Polk County caused by the uncollected solid waste,” said County Manager Bill Beasley. “I’m encouraged by the cooperation that we are receiving from our hauler FCC, and our ability to develop this short-term emergency plan together so that we can resume our regular service schedules as quickly as possible.”
The Polk County emergency plan, which suspends recycling collection service temporarily, has been effective for other local governments across the country that have put service changes in place due to challenges caused by the pandemic.
