Sheriff Grady Judd will speak to the media at 10:45 this morning (February 1, 2022) at the Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keen Blvd., Winter Haven) about a deputy involved shooting that occurred just after 2:00 am. One suspect was shot and is being treated at a local hospital. No deputies were injured.
Who Cares BBQ Wins Pro Division at Lakeland Pigfest for First Year
Who Cares BBQ Wins Pro Division at Lakeland Pigfest for First Year
by James Coulter
Donald Cook has been traveling with his barbecue team Who Cares BBQ for eight years, competing in barbecue competitions across the country. This year was their first attending Lakeland Pigfest, and they were lucky enough to win first place in the proffesional division.
“Our secret is a lot of time and passion, a lot of everything… [just] practice, practice, practice,” he said. “We owe our success to competing a lot, preparing good meats from our sponsors, and just doing it a lot up and down the East Coast.”
Cook and his team have wanted to attend Lakeland Pigfest for quite some time. They were unable to do it last year due to the ongoing pandemic. Now that the event has made its epic comeback, they are pleased to have been able to not only participate but win.
“It is awesome,” he said. “I love it. I have been wanting to come for a long time, and it is a great contest. The hospitality, and it is a great venue with an amazing setup out here.”
Who Cares BBQ were named the Grand Champion of the proffesional division of Lakeland Pigfest on Saturday. The title of Grand Champion for the Backyard division went to Barely Sober BBQ.
Mac Miller and his team have been attending the event for nearly five years. This is their second year winning first place. He owes their success to their teamwork. Their teammates have been together for many years, and their experience and cooperation allow them to rise to the top.
“We have folks who push the limit, they practice a lot, [and] we really focus on the small things,” he said. “We have a great team…[that] loves being together. We start preparing on Monday. We finish up here on Saturday, and it is the camraderie and fellowship. We just love it.”
Lakeland Pigfest celebrated its 25th year at Sun n’ Fun Expo in Lakeland last weekend. Teams from across the county, state, and even country arrived to test their barbecuing skills in this annual Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned contest, competing in the backyard and proffesional division, and in categories such as chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs.
Pigfest was started nearly 26 years ago by a small group of local businessmen who wanted to start their own barbecue competition after attending an event in Georgia. What followed has been a local tradition that brings together the community to enjoy barbecue and help support local not-for-profits.
“It took 26 years for us to get 25 years under our belt,” event coordinator Bill Tinsley. “This has grown to be state championship of Florida…by far, the largest event in the Southeast.”
Following their absence last year due to the ongoing pandemic, the barbecue contest celebrated its 25th year last weekend. They owe their longevity to community support. Countless volunteers are required to help host the event, and such support has allowed the event to continue strong for nearly a quarter century.
“This year’s event, despite the cold weather, we had a great number of people come out on Friday and Saturday,” Tinsley said. “[And despite this] really challenging windy weekend, we are seeking the same thing we are providing, which is a great community event, post-Covid, people ready to get out, mingle, and have a great time.”
PCSO Traffic Unit conducts traffic safety initiative along I-4; highest speed recorded at 155 MPH
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit conducted a year-long (2021) traffic safety initiative on Interstate 4 in response to aggressive driving and excessive speeding within Polk County. “According to the Teletrac Navan study, Interstate 4 is the most dangerous highway in the United States. It is our mission to keep you safe while in Polk County along this stretch of roadway in our county by enforcing the speed limit and arresting those who drive recklessly. Please, slow down and pay attention. Your life and safety are important to us.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff During the 2021 initiative, deputies:
- Stopped 5,014 vehicles for speeding or reckless driving
- Issued 3,790 citations, of those:
- 257 drivers were issued citations for traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the highest speed recorded being 155 miles per hour.
- 1,490 drivers were issued citations for traveling between 90-99 miles per hour.
The speed limit on I-4 where it runs through Polk County fluctuates between 65 MPH or 70 MPH. Per Florida Statute 318.18(3)(b), the cost of a traffic citation for speeding in excess of 50 MPH on an Interstate is $1,104 and a required court appearance. 143 people were arrested during the initiative, for the following charges:
- Knowingly Driving With No Driver’s License
- Reckless Driving
- Racing
- Possession of Narcotics
- DUI
- DUI Manslaughter
- Violation of Injunction
The traffic safety initiative is on-going and will continue into 2022.
Affordable Senior Apartment Complex to Begin Leasing
Affordable Senior Apartment Complex to Begin Leasing
Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2022) — Leasing for the 102-unit Auburn Village Apartments begins Feb. 1 for those 55 years old and older who meet income requirements.
The apartment complex at 811 Jersey Road NW in Auburndale received about $354,000 from the county along with $716,406 in impact fee waivers to help build more affordable housing for one of Polk’s most vulnerable populations.
While leasing begins Feb. 1, there are still some finishing touches left to complete the project. Tenants will be able to move into the new one- and two-bedroom units April 1. The units will be targeted to senior households earning 40 and 60 percent of the area median income or less. Of the units offered, 10 percent of the units will be set aside at 40 percent of the area median income and 90 percent set aside for 60 percent of the area median income.
“As the local real estate market continues to push prices of living higher, affordable housing for vulnerable populations, like seniors, becomes further out of reach,” said Tamara West, Polk’s Housing and Neighborhood Development manager. “Programs like this help level the costs for those who are eligible and need it most.”
The three-story, $20 million complex will offer 60 one-bedroom, one-bath units; and 42 two-bedroom, two-bath units. The apartments will also include Energy Star-rated appliances, washer/dryer hookups, open floor plans, balconies, wood cabinets and grab bars in bathrooms. Other amenities at the complex include a clubhouse, fitness center, community garden, pool, computer lab, fire pit, barbecue area with grill, on-site management offices and maintenance services.
The Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development Office supports multifamily development of affordable housing in Polk County through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program or Housing Credit Program.
For more information, call (863) 600-7638.
In Loving Memory Of Patricia Ann Barnhill November 22, 1944 – January 25, 2022.
Patricia Ann Barnhill of Lake Wales, Florida passed away on January 25, 2022.
She was born November 22, 1944, in Walker County, Alabama to the late John Thomas and Helen S. Dunn. She retired from the Polk County School Board and was a member of the Forgiven Fellowship Church in Lake Wales. She loved working with computers, belonged to the Senior Circle, and A.A.R.P. She was an amazing Nana who enjoyed time with the family and the beach.
Pat is preceded in death by her husband; T.C. Barnhill; and her brother Zackrie Taylor; her sisters Linda Suber and Mary Fisher; and her Aunt Johnnie Bea Dunn.
She is survived by her daughters; Janie Tschida Phillips and husband John of Lake Wales, Velma Ellis and husband Brian of Lake Wales, and Thelma I. Smith of Jacksonville; her son Thomas C. Barnhill Jr. Of Lake Wales; her sisters Helen Hawke of Phoenix, Arizona, Carolyn McDilda of Gardner, Illinois, and Louise Lowman of Dade City; her brothers John T. Dunn of North Carolina, John M. Dunn of Dade City, Michael Dunn of Ohio, and Joseph Dunn of Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Family will receive friends Saturday January 29, 2022, from 6-8 pm, with services following the next Monday January 31,2022 at 11:00 am. With Reverend Jim Furno officiating.
20 Yr Old Killed In What Sheriff Grady Judd Calls “Run & Gun Exchange “
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday, January 30, 2022. Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media this morning.
The shooting happened around 1:13 a.m. in the area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 11th Street NE in unincorporated Winter Haven when individuals driving in a silver Toyota Camry and a dark colored sedan exchanged gun fire. All four individuals in the Toyota were shot. Three are in local hospitals in critical condition (26-year-old black male, 17-year-old Hispanic male, and 20-year-old black male). The front-seat passenger, a 20-year-old black male, is deceased. All are from the Polk County area.
After the shooting, the dark colored vehicle was seen at a local hospital where one person was dropped off. That person was shot and is in critical condition.
Anyone who has information about this shooting is encouraged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Crime Stoppers. 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 www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com 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.
“This kind of run-and-gun exchange of gun fire is just not acceptable in Polk County. We are going to hold those responsible for this violence accountable for their actions. If anyone knows anything about this shooting, please call us or call Crime Stoppers.”Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Tom Brady Retires After 22 Seasons In The NFL
The greatest quarterback in NFL history has retired, as Tom Brady has decided to call it a career. The news of Brady’s retirement was originally reported by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports on Friday, who said that Brady was in the midst of telling people close to him he was preparing to announce his decision, and was confirmed by Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington of ESPN on Saturday.
Brady has hinted that he could be leaning towards retirement following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. During an episode of his “Let’s Go!” podcast, the 44-year-old Brady said, “I think as I’ve gotten older, I think the best part is, is football is extremely important in my life, and it means a lot to me, and I care a lot about what we’re trying to accomplish as a team and I care a lot about my teammates. The biggest difference now that I’m older is I have kids now, too, you know, and I care about them a lot as well. They’ve been my biggest supporters. My wife is my biggest supporter. It pains her to see me get hit out there. And she deserves what she needs from me as a husband, and my kids deserve what they need from me as a dad.”
The No. 199 pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Brady will go down as the greatest winner in the history of the league. No player (or, for that matter, franchise) has lifted the Lombardi Trophy more than Brady — six times with the Patriots, one time with the Buccaneers — with a record five Super Bowl MVP awards. His list of accomplishments beyond that include the NFL records for passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns, along with a trio of MVP awards and 15 Pro Bowl selections.
Lakeland Police Investigating “Shots Fired Call” At Daycare Facility Late Friday Morning
Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Police Departments responded to the Lakeshore Drive area shortly after 11:20 a.m., in response to a “shots fired call”. According to Robin Tillet, Lakeland Police Department Public Information Officer, upon arrival, officers discovered the childcare center (Golden Gate Preparatory) and a vehicle parked in the parking lot had been hit by projectiles fired from a BB gun. Officers recovered two BB guns adjacent to the daycare. No injuries were reported at the scene.
In photos posted to Facebook you can clearly see holes in a window at the daycare.
LPD advised this is an ongoing investigation and more details will be released when available.
Polk Deputies Investigating Body Found Near Reynolds Road Train Tracks
Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a body found near the railroad tracks off Reynolds Rd. and Hwy 92. According to Alicia Manautou, PCSO Public Information Officer, the body is of a male subject. The call came in around noon, Thursday January 27th. It does not appear foul play was involved at this time. No further information is being released at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation and we will up more if more information is released.
Welcome, World Travelers! Would You Wait Seven Hours to Buy a Figment Popcorn Bucket?
by James Coulter
Have you ever read a news headline so mind-bafflingly bizarre that you had to double check to make sure you weren’t reading something from The Onion? Because that’s what I did when I stumbled across this headline: “Disney fans line up for seven hours to buy Figment popcorn buckets.”
Yes, I checked. That wasn’t a satirical article from The Onion. That was a real news headline from a real news story from a real news source. Disney Park guests are really standing in line for several hours to buy a popcorn bucket shaped like Figment.
At this point, you’re probably asking one of two questions. First: “What? Really?!?” And: “Who the heck is Figment?”
To answer your last question: Figment the Dragon is the mascot character for the Disney Epcot attraction, Journey Into Your Imagination. You’d be forgiven if you’ve never heard of it, even if you regularly frequent the park. The attraction itself rarely gets a line longer than 10 minutes, even on a busy day. And yet a popcorn bucket designed after the ride’s mascot, which is currently being sold during Epcot’s Festival of the Arts, has drawn in lines several hundred minutes longer.
How long are these lines? Disney Tourist Blog reports: “At its longest, the line stretched back to the Epcot Experience, going down the walkway pictured above, past the side of Test Track (by the Donut Box), along the side of Creations Shop, snaking up and down the walkway to World Showcase before winding back towards Journey into Imagination, and then up the path towards the Culinary Corridor where the Pop Eats Food Studio was located…Essentially, the line wound around the entire south half of Future World, taking up any walkway space that was available and wouldn’t impede crowd flow.”
Sources have claimed these lines could last anywhere between four to eight hours. In contrast, the longest wait times at the parks to date was 280 minutes (or nearly four and a half hours) for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance on Christmas Eve, according to Disney Tourist Blog.
And yet people are willing to wait nearly twice as long in line, not for a ride, not for a character meet and greet, and not even for a doll or plush toy, but for a plastic container that carries popcorn. Because it’s designed after a cult-favorite character from an attraction that barely receives any visitors.
While a phenomenon like this seems perplexing, it’s not exactly unheard of. Long lines are common at Disney, to the point where services like Disney Genie have been created to let guests pay to skip them. And Disney is known for releasing limited-time collector’s merchandise for special occasions. So it should not be surprising that Disney guests are willing to stand in line for hours on end for a popcorn bucket.
Sadly, also not surprising, many of these people are not merely waiting hours in line so they could buy a purple dragon-shaped popcorn container for themselves. As the New York Post reports, many of these Figment buckets have appeared on on-line auction sites like eBay selling for as low as $90 to as much as $150 to $200. (The actual container costs $25!)
These “resellers”, or “flippers”, have become notorious in recent years for buying park merchandise, often rare collectors’ items, only to later sell them on-line. As The Kingdom Insider reports, many of these resellers abuse the Annual Passholder discount to buy these items on the cheap and later resell them on Amazon or eBay for double or triple the sale price.
Perhaps most notorious have been pairs of 3D glasses taken from EPCOT’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which have appeared for sale on eBay for around $19.95, as reported by Inside The Magic. Yes, apparently some guests have ignored instructions to deposit these glasses into their bins after getting off the ride so they can make a quick buck! Fortunately, Disney has recently cracked down on resellers by limiting the purchase of many products to two per guest and revoking annual passes from offending guests.
Still, regardless of whether or not the guests waiting seven hours in line sincerely want a Figment bucket for themselves or to sell on eBay, there’s no denying this level of demand has outpaced supply. Only three days after its initial premiere, a sign was placed outside the stall saying the bucket was unavailable, and even on days when the buckets have been available, cast members have reported they were “almost out of stock” and “cannot guarantee everyone waiting in line” a bucket, as WDW News Today reported.
Would you wait seven hours or more for a Figment popcorn bucket? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.
