The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Fire Rescue are on scene of a very bad crash in Davenport. According to initial reports the accident occurred at the intersection of Pine Tree Trail & Solterra Blvd. The crash occurred at 6:41pm.
Initial reports are multiple people seriously injured including one pediatric patient and to adult patients going by helicopter. Currently emergency is working landing zone for the helicopters.
We have a message into Polk County Sheriffs Office regarding roadway conditions.
This is a very bad accident. So we would advise people to find alternative route rather than Pine Tree Trail.
This is a developing story and we will update as information becomes available.
JC Reviews: Kraven the Hunter Makes Madame Web Look Good!
by James Coulter
Let’s be honest: was anyone expecting this movie to be good?
Kraven the Hunter is the last in the line of films attempting to create a cinematic universe of Spider-Man characters sans Spider-Man: Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web. And to no one’s surprise, nobody wanted to watch Spider-Man movies without Spider-Man.
Every single one of these movies has been terrible. The only exception is Venom, but only because those movies proved to be so bad they’re hilarious. So, was it any surprise Kraven the Hunter turned out to be a massive flop?
Honestly, the only reason I even watched this stinker was because I had to watch two movies, one of which was Nosferatu. The only other movies playing at the theater were Sonic 3(which I already reviewed), Gladiator II (which I never saw the first movie), and Mufasa (which I refuse to watch on principle).
So, I knew I was watching this movie under protest. And I knew it was going to be bad. The only question was, “How bad?” Bad enough to make you visit the DVD aisle of a store just so you can find a copy of Madame Web and apologize for being too harsh on it.
Yes, that bad!
Let’s skip pretenses. We know this movie was awful. Let’s just explain why.
Kraven the Hunter follows the story of Sergei, one of two sons of a criminal overlord. During a hunting trip, he is mauled by a lion. His life is saved through a potion given to him by a voodoo priestess. That potion also gives him the strength and agility of a lion. Sergi eventually escapes the clutches of his abusive father and uses his new powers to hunt down poachers. And so he becomes Kraven the Hunter, a hunter who hunts the hunters.
Years later, his brother, Dimitri, is kidnapped, and now Kraven needs to hunt down his captors. However, he will need to evade a super-powered assassin and one of his father’s former colleagues to do so. Will Kraven take down the hunters along with his father and his criminal empire?
Kraven the Hunter does the impossible. It makes Madame Weblook good in comparison. Yes, it’s really that bad!
Madame Web was undoubtedly bad, but at least it was bad in interesting ways. At least it had interesting ideas and concepts, even if it failed spectacularly in implementing them.
Madame Web had an interesting concept concerning time travel and manipulation. It didn’t implement that concept very well, but it was interesting nonetheless and could have made for a good movie if done properly.
Sure, Madame Web had bad dialogue, line deliveries, flat characters, and incessant Spider-Man Easter eggs up the wazoo, but at least all of those flaws made the film so bad it’s good. At least Madame Web was bad enough to be unintentionally hilarious. At least it had notable flaws to talk about.
But, folks, what am I supposed to talk about with Kraven the Hunter? This isn’t even a movie that’s so bad it’s good. It’s just so bad it’s boring. There is nothing interesting to talk about, either good or bad.
Stop me if you heard this one before: a person is on the near brink of death until he is saved by magic that gives them superpowers. If that sounds like something that’s been done before, that’s because it is, and Kraven the Hunter does absolutely nothing new or original with it. Kraven is just some guy who’s super strong and agile and who uses his powers to fight criminals…you know, like most other superhero movies!
The only interesting note is with the villains. One is an assassin who can freeze time, which sounds cool, but, like everything else in the movie, this character’s not put to good use. And his defeat in the end feels extremely anti-climatic.
And then there’s the Rhino. No spoilers, but let’s just say that anyone who ever made fun of the Rhino mech suit in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 owes it an apology. Because…my goodness, is this version of the Rhino bad!
The only good part of the movie is the opening act, which is an excellent prison breakout scene. In fact, if you do watch this movie, only watch that part and stop the movie after it’s done. Because the movie won’t get any better after that.
To quote another movie critic, Kraven the Hunter is “less of a structured narrative with a beginning, middle, and end and more like disjointed scenes and action sequences thrown into a blender and spat out the other side. Actions and events have almost nothing in common with their consequences, characters talk at each other like they’re having completely different conversations, the antagonist is one of the weakest and most ludicrous villains I have seen in any movie ever, the acting is atrocious, the effects are laughable, and there’s an almost palatable air of indifference to the entire movie.”
Thus Kraven the Hunter ends the Spider-Man-less Spiderverse, not with a bang, but a whimper.
The Can Do Team has a property for sale in Winter Haven!
4 bed 2.5 bath
$300,000
Property details:
Welcome to the community of Eagle Landing in beautiful Winter Haven, Florida. This new 2023 construction home offering 4 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms with a spacious two-story layout that maximizes space and natural light perfect for any lifestyle. Featuring a modern kitchen design with Island and Breakfast Bar complete with granite countertops. The primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, walk in shower and walk-in closet. Conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood, this property is ideally situated close to Publix, Legoland, and schools. If you’re looking for a modern, quiet neighborhood, this is your chance. Schedule your showing today before it’s gone!
Get ready for a night of dancing, bonding, and creating unforgettable memories with your little princess at our Daddy Daughter Dance!
Fun for all ages!
When: Saturday, February 22 from 5 – 7pm
Where: Grace Lutheran School gym
321 Avenue C Southeast
Winter Haven, FL 33880
This event is the perfect opportunity for dads and daughters to bond and have a great time together. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Barbara’s Center For Dance Dazzler Dance Team is hosting a Ties and Tiaras Daddy Daughter Dance to continue their development of artistic talent through traing and competitions.
We will have a candy bar station, a craft station, kid friendly food, photos, and a raffle for items such as an American Girl Doll and a barbie dream house.
HAINES CITY – Sip Haines City has some new beverages on the menu.
Sip Haines City is a lounge and wine bar that, until recently, only served wine and beer in addition to a variety of menu options. However, on Jan. 9, the Haines City Commission gave approval for the establishment to become a full-service bar.
In December, Jonathan Anglin, the owner of the establishment, applied to the City of Haines City for a conditional use permit “in order to change a wine bar, Sip Haines City, to a full-service bar.
According to the request submitted to the Haines City Planning and Zoning Department, “This conditional use request is not only a necessary pivot to ensure our viability but also an opportunity to align more closely with the preferences and expectation of Haines City residents and visitors.”
At the time, there were two other full-service venues located in downtown Haines City – Rudy’s Liquorup Lounge and The Cigar Quarters. According to the request, Sip Haines City has partnered with another business with a state liquor license.
The request also reads, “Sip was originally established with a business model focused on being a high-end wine bar with a limited menu. Despite our best efforts and significant investments in the initial concept, we have faced challenges that have rendered the original business model unsustainable. Factors contributing to this include changing consumer preferences, evolving market dynamics, and unanticipated operation constraints.”
Anglin continued the request writing that by the venue becoming a full-service bar this “adjustment aligns with our commitment to adapt our offerings to better meet the desires of our customers while remaining a valued contributor to the local economy.”
The owner of the building, Christopher Diaz, spoke during the meeting in support of the request.
“The Sip bar owners have been model tenants and as the property owner, I fully support the move,” Diaz said. “It is wonderfully run and managed.” The Commission voted unanimously for approval of the request.
The business opened its doors in 2022 and can be found at siphainescity.com.
Sip Haines City is located at 21 6th Street North.
On January 18, 2025 a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was attempting to make a traffic stop after finding a vehicle speeding in Eagle Lake. After a short police chase by car and then on foot, the driver of the vehicle was stopped and identified as Lashawn Marquice Boone.
Boone picked up several charges including trafficking in fentanyl.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by 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. Winter Haven Daily 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 your own conclusion.
“PRB_CAUS
On 01/18/2025, I was conducting proactive traffic enforcement in the area of E Laurel Ave/5th Street, Eagle Lake, FL., when I observed a gray Chevrolet sedan travelling northbound at a high rate of speed. I had a clear visual of 5th St. and the target vehicle, which I estimated to be travelling approximately 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.
I confirmed the speed of the vehicle at 62 mph in a 45 mph zone utilizing a handheld radar speed measuring device. As I was catching up to the target vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, I initiated my red and blue lights and my siren on my marked agency issued Polk County Sheriff’s Office vehicle to initiate a traffic stop.
After I initiated my lights and sirens, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and began weaving in and out of traffic on 5th St. The vehicle suddenly turned right onto E McLeod Ave and turned right again into the parking lot of the Miss K’s daycare facility; which is a fully operational daycare which looks after more than 5 children during normal business hours. As the vehicle turned into the parking lot, I continued to follow with my lights and sirens still activated.
As the vehicle came to a rest in the northwest corner of the parking lot of Miss K’s daycare, I observed a black male subject exit the driver’s seat and take off running in a full sprint towards 5th St. The suspect was observed wearing a blue t-shirt and white pants. I remained inside my patrol vehicle with my lights and sirens still activated and continued to follow the suspect while he continued to flee on foot.
As I entered into the median area of 4th and 5th St., I observed the suspect run across 4th street and eventually onto 3rd St. As the suspect entered the intersection of W McLeod Ave., and 2nd St., he realized he was not out running my agency vehicle. As I exited the vehicle the suspect began uttering statements such as “I’m done, I’m done” and proceeded to raise both of his hands in the air, symbolizing he was surrendering. The suspect was quickly and safely placed in handcuffs and apprehended.
The suspect was identified as Lashawn Marquice Boone by his FL ID card. Mr. Boone was read his Miranda rights and stated he understood them and was willing to talk with me. Post Miranda, Boone stated he ran due to his license being permanently revoked and for having an outstanding warrant. I confirmed Boone’s identity through his FL ID card and the provided information through the DAVID database.
A query through FCIC/NCIC, revealed Boone had an active Polk County warrant for Writ of Bodily Attachment; reference case #53-2021-DR-008516-AXXX-XX for further information. The query also revealed that Boone’s driver’s license was permanently revoked as of 10/31/2020. The suspect vehicle, which Boone advised belonged to his father, also did not have any insurance on file.
While conducting an inventory search incident to arrest, I located two small clear plastic baggies in the front center console of the vehicle; one with yellow cylinder pills and the other with white rectangle pills. Located on the front of the white rectangle pills, was a capital letter “Y” and on the back of the pill was the number “21.” Utilizing drugs.com, I was able to confirm the white rectangle pills were Alprazolam (Xanax), which is a controlled 4 substance. There were 19 Xanax pills located in the one plastic baggie. The unknown yellow pills did not have any markings or unique identifiers, which raised suspicion they were homemade pills in a pill press. I field tested some yellow residue that was in the same baggie as the yellow pills with a Narc 2 33 Fentanyl Reagent test kit which immediately displayed a red color, indicating a presumptive positive test result for Fentanyl. There were a total of 23 Fentanyl pills located in the clear baggie with additional yellow Fentanyl powder in the baggie as well.
After packaging the narcotics into evidence, it was determined Boone was in possession of 4.85 grams of Fentanyl, which is a trafficking amount, and 5.03 grams of Alprazolam.
Through my investigation, I determined that Boone violated FSS 316.1935(2) by fleeing to elude my marked patrol vehicle with lights and sirens activated. Post Miranda, Boone also advised he ran because he “didn’t think I would chase him.” Boone also violated FSS 843.02 by resisting due to him fleeing on foot from my traffic stop and my marked patrol vehicle. FSS 893.13(6A) by being in possession of Alprazolam without a prescription. FSS 324.022 for failing to maintain motor vehicle insurance as an operator of the vehicle he was operating on Florida public roadway. FSS 322.34(2)(A) for driving while Boone knew his license was revoked. FSS 893.13(7)(A)5 for maintaining a vehicle for drug use by having Alprazolam and Fentanyl inside of his vehicle. FSS 893.147(1) for being in posession of 6 marijuana baggies and 4 clear small plastic baggies used for the Xanax and Fentanyl pills. Lastly, FSS 893.135(1)(C)4A for being in possession of a trafficking amount of Fentanyl without prescription, which is anything over 4 grams.
Boone was placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without further incident.”
This afternoon just after 1:00 p.m. Winter Haven Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activated at Winter Haven High School (600 6th St SE).
The scene was cleared quickly as there was no threat to the school or staff/students.
We reached out to Winter Haven Public Safety Department’s Public Information Officer Jamie Brown to confirm no threat and she advised that the fire alarm activation was accidental and there was no concern or threat to the school.
If it were a legitimate concern, Winter Haven Public Safety Department would put out a statement to the community.
Starting today (January 30, 2025), for the next few weeks, new traffic control measures are in place on Lake Elbert Dr NE from Dundee Rd to Drexel Ave NE for utility work. This section is closed, with detours via 16th St NE, Drexel Ave NE, and northbound Lake Elbert Dr NE.
Local traffic only—residents will have access at all times, though directions may vary depending on work progress. This project is expected to last 2-3 weeks.
Thank you for your patience as this work is completed. For questions, please contact Cathcart Construction, at (407) 629-2900.
More Than $20,000 Raised for Saving Lives Matter 2024
by James Coulter
Despite the fundraiser being postponed due to inclement weather, Saving Lives Matter raised more than $20,000 to help donate and install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across Polk County.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) hosted its fourth annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser last November at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven. The event included live music performed by several local bands and musicians, along with 50/50 raffles and silent auctions.
Saving Lives Matter was originally going to be hosted in September; however, the fundraiser was inevitably postponed due to Hurricane Milton. Despite the rescheduling, the event drew in hundreds of attendees and raised more than $20,000.
Proceeds will go toward helping CCF achieve its goal of donating and installing AEDs across the county, as well as helping finance scholarships for students seeking to become firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Melanie Brown Culpepper, CCF founder, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout and proceeds. She owed its overall success to the community for supporting her and her cause.
“I would like to thank all who made this possible,” she wrote. “To each and every one of you who helped…it all helps. It takes a village to do this and if we save one person’s life, this is all worth it as Saving Lives Matter.”
Melanie started her non-profit organization more than four years ago following the untimely passing of her fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had suffered cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started CCF. Since then, her organization has donated more than 50 AEDs across the county to businesses like Tanner’s Lakeside.
Terica Keene has been a close friend of Melanie and Michael. In fact, she was present to place a life vest on Michael before he passed. Having supported Melanie since day one, she never hesitated to help however she could.
“I knew what she was doing was a great thing, and if one life could be saved, then it was all worth it,” she said. “I have always enjoyed helping others and giving back to our community.”
As for the recent fundraiser, she was likewise impressed by the proceeds and turnout despite the sudden schedule change.
“Despite having to change the date due to the hurricanes and the event being Thanksgiving weekend, we all worked hard to pull it together and had a very successful event.”
Likewise, Kelley Harris has known Melanie for 15 years. Her husband, Jay, also suffered and passed from a heart attack during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, she knows the importance of life-saving devices like AEDs, which is why she has been a supporter of CCF.
“We were onboard with this since the beginning to help with this due to it being close to our hearts [because] we understood the importance of AEDs being available in case of a cardiac emergency,” she said.
In fact, to help honor her husband, Kelley has requested that an AED be placed at the Eagle Lake Diner. Being able to support local businesses like this makes her support more worthwhile.
“What I enjoy most about helping with these events is the gratitude I have knowing that we can and will save lives with these AEDs,” she said. “I now feel the need to continue to be a part of this amazing organization and hope that if we can save even one life with an AED that we have raised at these events, then it is so worth it.”
On Tuesday, January 28th, 23-year old Sabastian Angel Suarez of Winter Haven couldn’t control himself, and ended up getting arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
At around 9:25pm, PCSO deputies were working on a crash investigation at Winter Lake Road (SR 540) and Brandy Chase Boulevard.
Suarez approached the scene and asked one of the deputies, “Yo, what the **** happened?”
The deputy stopped what he was doing, turned to Suarez and explained it was a crash, and that everyone appeared to be doing alright.
Suarez got within a foot of the deputy and angrily snapped back, “No **** a car crash happened! Who hit who?”
The deputy told Suarez to step back so the deputies could work.
Suarez yelled, ” **** you! You can’t tell me what to do!”
The deputy explained to Suarez that he was impeding the deputy’s work, and he needed to move back or be arrested.
Suarez said, “I’m on an ankle monitor with a curfew…you can’t do ****, you can’t take me anywhere.”
Long story short, Sabastian was arrested. He continued to act out, and was uncooperative.
Sabastian was taken to the Polk County Jail and he was charged with: Violation of Probation (Willful Child Abuse), Interfering with a First Responder, and Resisting (2-counts).
Upon his arrival at the jail, Sabastian had calmed down and explained that a relative was involved in the crash that the deputies were investigating.
Had he led with that nugget of information, and not been so confrontational and hindering deputies, Sabastian’s evening would have ended much differently.
