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City Of Winter Haven Honors Local Hero: Larry D. Hardaway 

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City Of Winter Haven:

Larry D. Hardaway, born March 7, 1954 in Winter Haven, grew up in a still segregated city. He worked hard his entire life to overcome the constraints of the culture he saw in his childhood and build a better community.

Attorney Hardaway grew up in Florence Villa in a family of citrus harvesters. He attended the Jewett schools in Winter Haven. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination took place during Mr. Hardaway’s eighth grade year. He later stated that this is when he decided to become an attorney as it seemed the most effective way to join Mr. King’s efforts to advance civil rights.

In tenth grade, Attorney Hardaway began attending Winter Haven High School during its first year of integration. He didn’t let the newness of integration slow him down as he excelled academically, athletically and socially. Mr. Hardaway was elected president of his senior class and was voted “best all-around” by his classmates.Banner honoring Larry D. Hardaway in downtown Winter Haven.

Larry D. Hardaway banner in Central Park in Downtown Winter Heaven.

Attorney Hardaway didn’t end his education there. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina, earning a bachelor’s degree and he continued on at the University of Florida College of Law to earn his law degree. He began his career in the offices of the State Attorney and then as a Public Defender. Mr. Hardaway then opened his own private practice where carved out resources to provide free representation to clients in need earning him the Pro Bono Award in the 10th Judicial Circuit by the Florida Bar in 2000.

Attorney Hardaway’s education achievements seemed impossible to his hardworking parents who had never had the opportunity. He was grateful for every teacher and mentor he encountered. He took the opportunities he was given and reinvested into Winter Haven. His nominator told us, “Attorney Hardaway has seen the world, but he lived for his community.”

Attorney Hardaway invested in our community numerous ways including as president of the Polk County Voters’ League, serving as NAACP lawyer, and working to restore voting rights to felons who completed their sentence. He invested through monetary donations to many organizations and churches in Winter Haven, as well.Larry D. Hardaway's family posing with commissioners at the January 24 commission meeting.

Larry Hardaway’s family attended the January 24 City Commission meeting to receive the proclamation honoring Mr. Hardaway. In attendance were Sharon Hardaway (wife), Perry Blocker (sister), Shandra Blocker, Teria Blocker, Jasmine Blocker, a host of great nieces and nephews, his church family, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Brothers.

Attorney Hardaway’s biggest cheerleader and listening ear was his sister, Perry Hardaway Blocker. He shared all his innovative ideas with her, and he brought many of them to life including allowing students to work in his office each summer, sponsoring college students, and his favorite project: The Polk County Voter’s League. This organization presented a platform for everyone to come out and view political candidates.

Attorney Hardaway showed love in his daily walk. He believed in helping the less fortunate and bringing his community together. He believed if people would just love each other, we could make the world a better place. Attorney Hardaway passed away September 9, 2021 following his lifetime of civil rights activism and public service.

This week, proclaimed to be “Larry D. Hardaway Week” by Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler at the January 25 City Commission meeting, we are pausing to remember Attorney Hardaway’s life and legacy. Banners honoring Attorney Hardaway have been placed along MLK Blvd., First Street and Downtown Winter Haven. These will continue to be raised year-after-year during Black History Month as we honor our local heroes.

Attorney Larry D. Hardaway is one of four local heroes being honored during 2022 Black History Month. Follow our blog and social media as we publish each Monday throughout the month honoring of this year’s heroes.

Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested After Brief Chase & Manhunt In Haines City

HAINES CITY. FL- A Winter Haven man with a warrant for attempted murder was arrested in the early hours Of Friday morning following a vehicle pursut and a brief manhunt.


Lemuel Johnson Jr., 36, is being charged by the Haines City Police Department with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude and driving with a suspended or revoked license. He is also charged with burglary of a structure, resisting arrest without violence and false imprisonment by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.


Johnson was driving a 2017 Ford Escape after 11 p.m. on Thursday when he was pulled over in the area of U.S. 27 and Bates Road. As Officer Haley McDonald made her way to the vehicle and requested Johnson roll down the window, he accelerated toward her, forcing her to jump out of the way to avoid being seriously harmed.
Johnson continued east on Bates Road and was pursued by officers from Haines City and the Davenport Police Department. After being located in the area of Uncle Tony Road and Kalogridis Road, Johnson left his vehicle and ran. A Haines City K-9 was deployed along with Air and Drone Units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.


After a perimeter was set up a nearby resident called to report a “suspicious person” in a trailer on the resident’s property. Johnson was located by the Haines City K-9 and Sheriff‘s Office Air Unit hiding in the trailer. He initially refused to come out. but ultimately surendered. was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail.


He initially refused to come out, but ultimately surrendered, was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail. The Lake Wales Police Department had an outstanding warrant for Johnson’s arrest for first-degree attempted homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Throughout the pursuit, there was a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle. He was cooperative with the investigation and told law enforcement that he was fearful and pleaded with Johnson to let him out of the vehicle during the pursuit.


“As a result of outstanding police work and collaboration, a very dangerous person is off the streets,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “A suspect wanted for trying to take someone’s life put police officers, his passenger and everyone on the road in danger with these reckless actions. We’re grateful that no one was hurt and appreciate the hard work of everyone involved to put him behind bars.”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft of a pickup truck from US 98 North in Lakeland.

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The stolen truck (pictured here) is a black & gold 2006 Ford F-250; it has a 3″ lift kit with 35″ tires and 20″ black moto metal wheels. It also had a Boomer’s Trucks license plate holder with an Oregon temporary tag at the time of the theft.

The truck was stolen on January 26th at about 1:21 AM.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact Detective Arbogast at 863-577-1630 (CASE # 22-3808).

If you wish to remain anonymous, or if you would like to receive a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

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

You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

Polk County Clerk & Comptroller Holding Saturday Passport Application Event


Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2022) — Those hoping to resume traveling in 2022 can get a jump-start on applying for a passport at this year’s Saturday passport event, hosted by
Stacy M. Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller on Feb. 26.

Work, school, and COVID-19 have made weekday passport applications difficult. To help make the application process easier, Clerk Butterfield is hosting a Saturday passport application event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 26, at the Clerk’s Lakeland and Winter Haven locations. Instant passport photos are also available on-site for $10.70.

“We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors the past two years, and many of us are looking forward to travelling again in 2022,” Clerk Butterfield said. “Coming into the Clerk’s office to fill out an application during weekday business hours isn’t always convenient or possible, so our Saturday opening provides a more convenient time for customers to apply for a passport.”

To provide the quickest service possible, the Clerk’s office is unable to serve customers by telephone during the events. Please call ahead for questions and additional details.

Suggested Time Savers:

  1. Visit the Clerk’s website www.polkcountyclerk.net to review passport application requirements, required documentation, and fees.
  2. Passport application forms can be found at travel.state.gov. You may complete the application in advance using BLACK INK ONLY, and DO NOT SIGN UNTIL IN FRONT OF A CLERK.
  3. Make sure to bring:
    • a check or money order for the correct amount AND cash or credit card (passport fees can be found on the Clerk’s website). A separate check or money order is required for each application. Both forms of payment are required as there are two separate fees for every application.
    • Proof of citizenship and identification.
    • Customers requesting overnight shipping must bring an overnight stamp with the application.
    Contact the Polk County Clerk’s office at 863-534-4000,visit www.polkcountyclerk.net, or like the Polk County Clerk Facebook page for updates and announcements.

City greenlights first of many projects in the Lake Wales Connected Plan

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Lake Wales, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Commission approved an agreement with Cobb Site Development, Inc. to perform the construction of the city’s new Park Avenue Connector Trail.

The trail will connect Lake Wailes Park with the historic downtown district at Scenic Highway and East Crystal Ave.

“This is an exciting addition to the Lake Wales trail system,” said Michael Manning, Assistant to the City Manager. “The trail will provide residents and visitors a convenient connection to the historic downtown district from one of our most frequented parks,” Manning noted.

The construction of the 3,000 foot multi-use trail is anticipated to start this spring. Plans include narrowing Park Ave. and closing a section of Third Street to accommodate the trail. Parallel parking will be added to Park Ave.

The Park Avenue Connector Trail is the city’s first step in establishing a network of trails linking residents to parks and area establishments.

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It is the goal of the City of Lake Wales to ensure that the services we provide are as accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are for individuals without disabilities. If this correspondence or any attachments provided do not address your specific needs, please email us and we will work to provide the information to you via alternative means. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the City Clerk at [email protected]. City of Lake Wales e-mail and web site domain name have changed to Lakewalesfl.gov. E-mails to cityoflakewales.com addresses will no longer be delivered. NOTICE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this department by phone or in writing.   ­­  

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Gratitude Grant from Elks National Foundation, Inc.

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Lake Wales, Florida – On December 9, 2021, Victory Ridge Academy was awarded a $2,500 Gratitude Grant from Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882. All funding received from the Foundation will go towards purchasing equipment for VRA’s newly developed outdoor classroom.

In light of the 2020 pandemic, Victory Ridge converted an outdoor area, previously used for equine therapy, to an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is under a large 40’ x 40’ shade, and contains a concrete perimeter with ADA compliant bleachers beneath it. The school will be using funding awarded from Elks National Foundation to purchase picnic tables and swing sets.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882 for their generous donation.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.’s mission is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Polk County Fire Rescue Personnel “Ran For Cover” After Shooting In Front Of Haines City Station

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Haines City, Florida- The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting which occurred in front of a Polk County Fire Rescue station in Haines City. The shooting suspect is in custody. The name of the suspect is Robert Earl Greer III.

The following is a long exerpt from the Haines City Police Department affidavit and specifically (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Haines City Police Department. 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) :

Note we have two sets of victims. The first REDACTED/VICTIM is the person directly shot at by suspect. The REDACTED/PCFR VICTIMS that were at the EMS station. Remember as victims their identity and location is protected by Marsy’s Law.

“On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at approximately 1937 hours, REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM(S) contacted the Polk County Emergency Communications
Center (ECC), in reference to a shooting in front of ADDRESS REDACTED, Haines City police officers were dispatched and arrived within minutes to find several spent shell casings in the roadway. The Emergency Medical Services personnel were able to provide a description of the vehicle and its direction of travel. No County personnel or
equipment was affected.

While attempting to gather information, the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call from REDACTED/VICTIM indicating he was shot at. Officers responded to 10th Street and Avenue E, where contact was made with REDACTED/VICTIM.

Officers maintained the crime scenes until detectives arrived. At approximately 2037 hours, I, Detective Stoudemire arrived on scene and assumed the investigation. Upon arrival I was briefed and proceeded to contact REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM(S) who advised they were REDACTED
when they heard multiple shots fired.

REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM advised she looked outside the door of the garage to see what was going on, and observed the driver of a black vehicle fire three rounds. REDACTED/PCFR VICTIM advised she was unaware of what or who he may have fired at because she immediately ran for cover.
Detective Turner later responded to the scene proceeded to 10th and Avenue E where contact was
made with the REDACTED/VICTIM was observed near the intersection. Crime scene tape was placed around the victim’s vehicle and officers secured the integrity of the scene. An inspection of REDACTED/VICTIM’s vehicle, a REDACTED, was conducted. The inspection revealed what appeared to be a single gunshot to the front left quarter panel. Contact was made with REDACTED/VICTIM who agreed to be interviewed. Via a sworn recorded statement REDACTED/VICTIM said the folowing:
He was travelling on Hinson Avenue in congested traffic. Due to the trattic, he turned onto 9th Street and drove north. The vehicle in front of him began to drive erratically and began to slam on the brakes.

REDACTED/VICTIM started as the vehicles continue north towards Lily Avenue, the black Toyota Camry in front of him continued to slam on
the brakes. REDACTED/VICTIM stated he attempted to go around the vehicle, but could not due to the driver’s erratic behavior. While at the intersection of 9th street and Lily Avenue, the driver of the Camry exited the vehicle told me he recognized the driver to Robert Earl Greer III, whom he has known most of his life. REDACTED/VICTIM told me he asked Greer III if he was okay and indicated he did not want any problems. REDACTED/VICTIM
stated Greer III stated, “I’m going through something today.” REDACTED/VICTIM stated he did not exit his vehicle and both vehicles
continued onto Lily Avenue and stopped near 10th street. REDACTED/VICTIM revealed that he and Greer exited their vehicles where words were exchanged. At some point during the exchange, it became physical with both men fighting.
stated he “got the best of Greer III.” As Greer III proceeded to his vehicle, REDACTED/VICTIM recalled Greer III stating; “You gone die tonight.” REDACTED/VICTIM advised he continued to his home and didn’t think much of it. REDACTED/VICTIM told me he drove to Publix on Hinson Avenue sometime later to pick up dinner. While en route back to his home, he observed the black Camry and followed the vehicle in an attempt to canture the tag number. REDACTED/VICTIM
followed Greer III east on Hinson Avenue, where both vehicles proceeded south on 10th Street. REDACTED/VICTIM stated Greer III turned onto ADDRESS REDACTED and drove west. While following the vehicle, Greer III completed a U-turn. As Greer III’s vehicle was next to his, Greer III fired a shot at his vehicle. REDACTED/VICTIM stated he continued west and observed Greer III stop near the EMS station. REDACTED/VICTIM stated Greer III exit the vehicle and fired another 5 rounds towards his car.

The information provided by REDACTED/VICTIM
was consistent with the casings located at the scene and with the information provided by EMS personnel. Due to intimate knowledge of Greer III, deputies proceeded to Greer’s listed address in Dundee, Florida. Greer III was not located however, his parents were. No information his whereabout was readily available. Later during this investigation, Greer III’s mother contacted the
Polk County Sheriff’s Office advising Greer III turned himself into the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Contact was made with Sergeant Frias of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and learned Greer III was being detained. During his detention in Osceola County, it was learned that the vehicle involved in this incident was left at REDACTED ADDRESS.


A criminal history check revealed Greer III has prior felony convictions for Attempt Throw Shoot into building (02/19/2019) and Possession of Controlled Substance (10/02/2019).

Based on the information provided during this investigation, your affiant finds probable cause to charge Robert Earl Greer III, in violation of Florida State Statutes 784.021(1(A).. – Aggravated Assault Deadly w/o Intent to Kill, 790.19. – Shoot into an Occupied Vehicle, 790.15(2) -Discharge Firearm from Vehicle and 790.23(1)(A). Possess Firearm Convicted Felon.”

UPDATE TO BODY/VEHICLE RECOVERY AND INVESTIGATION IN POLK COUNTY

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Missing Lakeland woman’s body found after YouTube group locates her vehicle in a lake

On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, a YouTube group who specializes in searching for vehicles in bodies of water located a 2012 Kia Soul connected to a missing Lakeland woman’s case. The group had been contacted by the family of Margaret “Jan” Smith, who was 59-years old when she was reported missing to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on April 2, 2021.

The group attempted searches at several bodies of water in the area of Ms. Smith’s south Lakeland home, but were unsuccessful. A PCSO deputy informed the group that Ms. Smith had been involved in a minor crash at Socrum Loop Road North and Old Polk City Road in Lakeland the night she went missing. The crash investigator told detectives that she had driven west from the crash scene, although she eventually got turned around because the Kia was discovered in a retention pond north of the crash scene.

With the information about the crash, the group made one last attempt at one of several retention ponds around the Hunters Crossing subdivision and located it completely submerged near the middle of the pond where the water was seven feet deep.

PCSO’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USART) pulled the vehicle from the pond, and a female body was discovered in the Kia.

Positive identification remains to be made.

“This was a tragic accident, and our prayers are with the family. We’re grateful for “Adventures with Purpose” working with us in locating the vehicle.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE:

Date: Wed Feb 02, 2022 17:07:23

From: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation near Victoria Road (near the intersection of Grady Mock Road and Old Polk City Road) in unincorporated Lakeland.

Deputies responded to the area on Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022, at around 10:33 AM, following a report of a vehicle submerged in a retention pond.

The PCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USART) entered the water and confirmed that a brown 2012 KIA Soul was in the water. After the vehicle was removed from the water, a body was recovered from within.

The identity of the victim has not yet been verified, but the vehicle is related to a missing persons case from 2021.

Haines City Sewer Project to Close Johnson Avenue for One Month

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Bartow, Fla. (February 2, 2022) — A Haines City sewer main relocation project will close Johnson Avenue (County Road 580) from U.S. Highway 17/92 to N. 18th Street to traffic for one month starting Monday, February 7. Westbound traffic on Johnson Avenue will detour south along N. 18th Street, then west on Summit Avenue to U.S. Highway 17/92. Eastbound traffic will detour south onto U.S. Highway 17/92, then east on Summit Avenue to N. 18th Street. While detours are short, travel delays and heavy congestion are expected during peak-hour commutes. Motorists should add extra time to trips through the area or consider alternate routes to avoid delays. Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 for further details.

City Commission Qualifying Begins on Feb. 14

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City Commission Qualifying Begins on Feb. 14

HAINES CITY — Qualifying for City Commission Seat No. 2 takes place later this month.


Qualifying will last from Monday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m. until Friday, Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. Candidates must be residents of Haines City of at least one year and registered voters.

Those interested in running for City Commission must provide photo identification and proof that he or she is a registered voter. Qualifying documents will be accepted by City Clerk Erica Anderson at 620 E. Main St. City Commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid a salary of $11,581 annually. There is a filing fee of $25 and 1% of the annual salary ($115.81), which comes to a total of $140.81.

The municipal election takes place on Tuesday, April 5. In the event that none of the candidates receive greater than 50% of the vote, a run-off election will be held on Tuesday, May 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters in precincts 402, 407 and 408 will vote at Oakland Neighborhood Center, 915 Ave. E. Voters in precincts 306, 405, 409 and 410 will vote at Haines City Community Center, 555 Ledwith Ave.

The deadline to vote in the regular election is March 7. Should there be a run-off election, the deadline is April 4. To request a mail-in ballot, contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 or visit www.polkelections.com.