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9th Annual Police Memorial 5K To Take Place On May 17th

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9th Annual Police Memorial 5K To Take Place On May 17th

9th Annual Police Memorial 5K To Take Place On May 17th

REGISTER TODAY!  https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/LakelandPoliceFoundationFallenHeroesMemorial5k

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 LAKELAND, FL (February 5, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Foundation will host the 9th Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Lakeland’s beautiful Three Parks Trail. The family event provides the opportunity to show support for local law enforcement and raise funds for the Lakeland Police Foundation, which provides support to officers and members of the Lakeland Police Department during times of hardship and crisis along with scholarship and educational opportunities. Also, a portion of this year’s race funds will go to support our Police Explorer program.

The chip-timed race will begin at 7:00 AM. Participants will meet at the YMCA located at 3620 Cleveland Heights Boulevard. Every participant will receive a beautiful finisher medal and race t-shirt. Placement medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each five-year age bracket (see full medal breakdown below). The registration fee is only $35.00 for those who sign up prior to April 13th. Race registration will increase to $40.00 for those who sign-up between April 14th and May 12th. After May 12th until race day, the registration fee will increase to $45.00. Participants must be registered by April 18, 2024, to guarantee race items.

USE COUPON CODE HONOR25 and save $5.00 off the registration fee. 

This event is rain or shine. There will be no cancellation or refunds due to the weather, nor is there a make-up date scheduled. 

MEDALS:

Every participant will receive a finisher medal and placement medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age 5-year age bracket.

Medals for MALE AND FEMALE in each category

Age Group Ten and Under

Age Group 11 – 14

Age Group 15 – 19

Age Group 20 – 24

Age Group 25 – 29

Age Group 30 – 34

Age Group 35 – 39

Age Group 40 – 44

Age Group 45 – 49

Age Group 50 – 54

Age Group 55 – 59

Age Group 60 – 64

Age Group 65 – 69

Age Group 70 – 74

Age Group 75 – 79

Age Group 80 – 84

Age Group 85+

Overall Champion

Master Champion

Grand Master Champion

Top Military/Public Safety Award – Whose got the best time?

A special award will be given to the top Male/Female finisher who are currently serving or who have previously served in the U.S. Military or Public Safety Professions (Police, Sheriff, Corrections, Probation, Firefighter, EMS).

For additional information regarding the Lakeland Police Foundation visit lakelandpolicefoundation.com. For more information about our Police Explorer program visit Explorer’s Program | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net).

Sponsorship Opportunities

For those friends and community partners who wish to become a sponsor and support the Lakeland Police Foundation in honoring our fallen heroes, please consider what we can accomplish together. There are five sponsorship levels for benefits and recognitions. We invite you to contact Assistant Chief Steven Pacheco at [email protected] and join our mission.

In Loving Memory of Henry Curtis Lefert, Sr.

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Henry Curtis Lefert, Sr.

Henry Curtis Lefert, Sr.

July 17th, 1937 – January 23rd, 2025

Henry Curtis Lefert Sr., 87, of Winter Haven, Florida  passed away January 23, 2025  in Lakeland, Florida . He was born on July 17, 1937  in Whitewater, Kansas  to Henry and Alma Ruth Lefert.

Henry is survived by: his wife of 54 years Ana Lefert, sons; Luis A. (Cathy) Lefert, Henry Curtis (Annette) Lefert Jr. and Jason Lefert, grandchildren; Matthew Lefert, Nathaniel Lefert, Isaiah (Taylor) Lefert, Noah Lefert, Raquel Davis, Aaliyah Davis and Alonzo Davis. Brother- in-law Luis Valle and sister in-law Vivian Valle (Juan) Palacio.  And family member; Trish A. Lefert, mother of Isaiah and Noah. 

Henry was a retired Network Administrator and retired from the Airforce. He loved computers and loved watching movies and T.V.. Was in the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. He was a devoted Catholic and attended St. Matthew Catholic Church. Will be highly missed by his friends and family. Henry loved his Kansas Jay Hawks and Miami Hurricanes. 

Funeral Mass of Henry Curtis Lefert, Sr.

February 6th, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Saint Matthew Catholic Church

Winter Haven Man Flees Police After Allegedly Stealing Car From Local Business

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Winter Haven Man Flees Police After Allegedly Stealing Car From Local Business

A crash on K-Ville Avenue led to 19-year old Jeremiah Franklin of Winter Haven getting arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for some serious crimes.

On Wednesday, January 29th at around 9:30pm, Deputy Sommers noticed a 2016 Kia Forte traveling without its headlights on, while on Recker Highway near K-Ville Avenue (CR 542), west of Winter Haven.

The deputy turned on his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop on the Kia.

Rather than stopping, the Kia quickly accelerated to flee.

But the escape was short-lived. The Kia ran off the road and got stuck in the sand, east of Jimmy Lee Road.

The driver of the Kia exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Additional deputies responded to the area to located the driver.

The suspect approached a woman on her property, and she told him to leave, but he refused. She then informed the suspect that she had a gun. The suspect decided to leave.

Deputies were soon able to find the suspect, thanks in large part to another nearby resident.

Jeremiah Franklin was taken into custody. He confessed to stealing the Kia from a Winter Haven auto mechanic business earlier that evening.

Jeremiah Franklin was taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: grand theft motor vehicle, fleeing to elude, trespassing, and reckless driving. He was also cited for driving with no lights on after dark.

Redevelopment to Old Fire Station Number One Reviewed by City of Winter Haven

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Redevelopment to Old Fire Station Number One Reviewed by City of Winter Haven

Redevelopment to Old Fire Station Number One Reviewed by City of Winter Haven

by James Coulter

 

Fire Station Number One may be receiving much-needed renovations now that the City of Winter Haven has given preliminary approval to award design-build services for its redevelopment.

 

At their regular meeting on Mon. Jan 27, Winter Haven city commissioners considered reviewed the first reading of an ordinance that would award design-build services to Whitehead Construction for redevelopment of Old Fire Station Number One.

 

On August 21, 2024, the City of Winter Haven requested proposals for design plans for the redevelopment of Old Fire Station Number One. Four proposals were received by the deadline of Oct. 9, 2024.

 

On Dec. 10, upon reviewing the other submissions, Whitehead Construction was chosen with a recommendation of award by the City’s selection committee.

 

“The City has approximately $7,000,000 set aside in the Construction Fund for the construction of Building Division facilities,” Cedric Cox, Economic Opportunity & Community Investment Assistant Director, wrote in the city agenda memo.

 

“The reconstruction of old Fire Station Number One into new administrative space for the Building Division is not specifically defined as a goal or strategy within the Strategic Plan,” he wrote. “However, it is aligned with the Responsible Government Strategic Pillar.”

Lakeland Man, 40, Charged With Shooting & Murdering His Brother In Law

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man, 40, Charged With Shooting & Murdering His Brother In Law

LAKELAND, FL (February 5, 2025) – On February 4, 2025, at 5:58 p.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to a mobile home park in the 2900 block of New Tampa Highway for a shooting that just occurred. Upon arriving, officers learned Joseph Gray (age 49, of Lakeland) had just been shot by his brother-in-law, Jermaine Harrison (age 40, of Lakeland) inside of his residence. Following the shooting, Harrison was seen leaving the residence and entering a nearby residence on the same property. Gray was transported to Lakeland Regional Health via police vehicle for treatment by medical professionals but sadly succumbed to his injuries a short time later. 

The Victim’s wife, who is also the Suspect’s sister told officers that Harrison had been exhibiting erratic behavior in the last week and believed he was under the influence of illegal narcotics. She conveyed Harrison came into the residence around 4:00 p.m. and asked for mail which he was anticipating. While she was searching for the mailbox key, Harrison pointed a gun in her direction then shot a laundry hamper next to her. Harrison then pointed the firearm at Gray and shot him several times in the upper torso.

The adjacent residence into which Harrison fled was occupied by an adult female. Harrison pushed the female inside the residence and threatened her with a handgun if she reported him. She advised that Harrison was in possession of two firearms. Upon the approach of law enforcement, Harrison became distracted and the Victim was able to escape to safety. 

Responding officers immediately secured the scene and surrounded the residence where Harrison was hiding. He was taken into custody without further incident at 1:27 a.m. 

Harrison was charged with First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary to an Occupied Dwelling, Armed Kidnapping and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jaime Smith at [email protected].

In Loving Memory of Eugene Edwin Dudley of Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Eugene Edwin Dudley of Winter Haven

Eugene Edwin Dudley, Sr.

February 8th, 1944 – January 12th, 2025

Eugene Edwin Dudley, 80, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away January 12, 2025, at his residence in Winter Haven, FL. He was born on February 8, 1944, in Macon, Georgia to Eugene and Edwina Dudley. 

Eugene is survived by sons, Jamie (Michelle) Dudley, daughter, Roseanne (Randy) Vincent, son, Eugene Dudley Jr., and grandson Chase Pumarol.  

He was preceded in death by wife Judith Dudley.  

First Friday Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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First Friday Winter Haven

Eat, drink and shop every First Friday in downtown Winter Haven 5-8 PM

First Friday is a monthly can’t-miss event that brings the community out to downtown Winter Haven for dinner, drinks, vibes and shopping! Centered around our downtown corridor, patrons can enjoy food and drink specials from downtown restaurants while dining al fresco under market lights or at our new sidewalk cafes. They can shop with downtown businesses who stay open late for the event, and we’ll have live musicians and other entertainment at multiple venues.

February’s first Friday will be Feb 7.

Information from https://www.winterhavenfirstfriday.com

MISSING PERSON – BARBARA HARRISON LOCATED SAFE

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MISSING PERSON – BARBARA HARRISON LOCATED SAFE

*****UPDATE*****

LAKELAND, FL (FEBRUARY 4, 2025) – Barbara Harrison has been located safe and reunited with family! Thank you to everyone who shared this important information.

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*****ORIGINAL RELEASE*****

LAKELAND, FL (FEBRUARY 03, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department is continuing efforts to locate, Ms. Barbara Harrison, age 72. Barbara was last seen around 10PM yesterday evening. (February 2, 2025) at a residence in the 3600 block of Peregrine Way in south Lakeland. She was discovered missing this morning.

Barbara around 5’3” tall, weighs 120 lbs. It is unknown what Barbara might be wearing. Her family has advised she has early stages of Dementia.

Anyone with information with information on the whereabouts of Barbara Harrison is asked to call 911 or Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6966.

Wanted Man Arrested by PCSO in Winter Haven

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Wanted Man Arrested by PCSO in Winter Haven

PCSO: We made an arrest on Monday, February 3rd that brings to mind a song by R. Dean Taylor from 1970 called, “Indiana Wants Me.”

38-year old Phillip Stone of Winter Haven knows what it’s like to be wanted by Indiana.

Stone had a warrant out of Huntington County, Indiana (not too far from Fort Wayne, the home of the Komets). Stone was wanted for selling synthetic narcotics.

At around 12:07pm Monday, PCSO deputies went to a residence on Varner Drive in Winter Haven (near Jan Phyl Village Park).

Stone saw deputies coming, so he ran into the house. Then he tried to run out the back, but went back inside. Then he tried to run out again, but ran back inside again. Stone had no escape plan, and it showed.

After about 15 minutes, Phillip Stone surrendered, and he was taken to the Polk County Jail on his warrant. He was additionally charged with resisting for not surrendering sooner.

Stone will receive “deluxe” travel accommodations to Huntington County, Indiana. #BonVoyage, Phillip!

PCFR and PCSO on Scene of Injury Crash In Winter Haven Involving Trauma Alert

Staff Reporter
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PCFR and PCSO on Scene of Injury Crash In Winter Haven Involving Trauma Alert

UPDATE:

PCSO has confirmed the crash involved a semi and a car. The driver of the car appears to have non-life threatening injuries. The roadway is all clear now. 

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This morning, February 4, 2025 around 7:40 a.m. Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to Hwy 60 E and Logistics Pwky in Winter Haven for a vehicle crash.

It has been very foggy this morning on the roadways and initial reports are a semi vs car.

We have reached out to law enforcement and PCFR for details.

Nathanial Gale, PCFR Public Information Officer confirmed they transported one trauma alert via ground.

There is heavy traffic backup at time of publication.

We will update this article with more information after confirmation from law-enforcement.

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