Welcome, World Travelers! Would You Wait Seven Hours to Buy a Figment Popcorn Bucket?

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January 28, 2022

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.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Crash On Buckeye Loop In Winter Haven

Winter Haven

Carl Fish

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January 27, 2022

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Crash On Buckeye Loop In Winter Haven

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently working a fatal crash on Buckeye Loop Rd in Winter Haven. The crash occurred around 2pm on Thursday afternoon. According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Alicia Manautou , the crash only involved a “single vehicle”. At this time the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances of the crash. Further details will be released as more information becomes available and next of kin is notified.

Appears drivers are being rerouted in that area.

38 Yr Old Man Killed In Polk County Crash Wednesday Morning

Carl Fish

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January 27, 2022

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38 Yr Old Man Killed In Polk County Crash Wednesday Morning

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a three-vehicle crash in Mulberry yesterday morning, Wednesday, January 26, 2022 that resulted in one fatality. The crash occurred around 7:50 am on SR 37 near Bluff Road.

According to the evidence and witnesses, 38-year-old Quantarius Kendrick of Tampa was driving a gold 2002 Toyota Camry southbound on SR 37 near Bluff Road. Kendrick was directly behind 43-year-old Michael Shealey of Lake Wales who was also driving southbound on SR 37 in a white 2012 Ford F450.

At the same time, 19-year-old Bella Flagg of Lithia was driving a bronze 2012 Honda Odyssey northbound on SR 37 toward Bluff Road.

Mr. Kendrick began to pass the Ford F450 and entered into the northbound lane. He then attempted to return to the southbound lane but was unable to do so before striking the left front side of Ms. Flagg’s Odyssey.

Mr. Shealey was unable to avoid the crash and struck debris from the vehicles. His truck came to a stop on the west shoulder of the road.

Mr. Kendrick’s car came to a stop on the northbound lane, facing south. Ms. Flagg’s van stopped on the east shoulder of the roadway, facing northwest.

Mr. Kendrick was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. Ms. Flagg suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released. Mr. Shealey was uninjured.

All drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

SR 37 in that area was closed for approximately one and a half hours during the investigation, which is still on-going.

Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Operation “Swipe Left” Where Drug Dealer’s Use Dating Apps to Sell Meth And More

Carl Fish

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January 27, 2022

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Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Operation “Swipe Left” Where Drug Dealer’s Use Dating Apps to Sell Meth And More

Following a 6-month-long undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover Narcotics detectives made 60 arrests throughout Polk County and obtained eight (8) arrest warrants related to the sale and/or possession of illegal narcotics. The drug sales transactions all took place on three different social media and mobile dating apps: Grindr, Scruff, and Taimi. Grindr was the app with more drug sales than the other apps mentioned. The investigation began in July 2021 when PCSO received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip indicating that people were openly selling drugs on the well-known dating app Grindr. PCSO detectives created undercover profiles within the app, and found it relatively easy to strike up conversations with those who were selling methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Fentanyl, and marijuana in Polk County. It was clear during the conversations and ensuing undercover drug buys that the suspects’ primary purposes for being on the dating app were to sell drugs – not to find a date. “We’ve known for some time that suspects will use the Internet and social media to prey upon children online, or to engage in prostitution, but this is something we are seeing more and more of in Polk County – suspects who are using dating apps to sell illegal narcotics. Suspects are getting more creative, but so are our detectives. We’re working with these mobile app companies to raise awareness, and asking for their cooperation during our investigations. The good news is, we found that some who were on the dating app were reporting illegal drug sales when it became apparent to them, and the mobile app companies were banning some suspects attempting to sell drugs. When we find drug dealers, we put them in jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Detectives filed 159 total felony and 72 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation. Altogether, the suspects have 908 previous charges, including 453 prior felonies and 455 prior misdemeanors. Eleven (11) of the suspects told detectives they receive government assistance. Detectives will continue to monitor social media and dating apps for illegal drug transactions. We encourage the public to send us specific tip information about online drug sellers through Heartland Crime Stoppers at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.
Based on the online drug sales, detectives obtained 52 arrests warrants for those who actually sold illegal narcotics. During the investigation they arrested 16 other suspects related to illegal narcotics. There are still eight suspects with warrants who are at-large. Detectives also served three search warrants at the following addresses: · 152 Abundant Life Drive, Auburndale· 1550 Robin Street, Auburndale· 2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven During the investigation:
· 14 firearms seized (2 were reported as stolen)· Approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine purchased (street value: approximately $14,000)· Approximately 3 grams of cocaine purchased · Approximately 113 grams (130 pills) of Ecstasy · Approximately 1.5 grams of Fentanyl/heroin · Approximately 1 gram of LSD· Approximately 28 grams of psychedelic mushrooms· Approximately 645 grams of marijuana Those arrested are as follows (in alphabetical order by first name): Abraham Hope, DOB 06/25/1994 of Davenport· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Adam Cooper*, DOB 03/30/1977 of Lakeland· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Allen Tyson*, DOB 03/21/64 of Bartow· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Angela Miller-Jordan, DOB 04/30/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Anthony Ballard, DOB 03/08/1975 of Auburndale· Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)· Sale of meth (F3)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F2)· Grand theft of a firearm (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Camilo Jaramillo, DOB 12/01/1994 of Haines City· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Chloe Vandendriessche, DOB 02/13/1995 of Auburndale· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Possession of weapon/ammo by convicted felon (F2)· Violation of injunction for protection (M1) Christina Earp, DOB 04/09/1985 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher R. Baker, DOB 05/24/1987 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)

Possession of meth WITS (F2)

· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Battery domestic violence (3 counts) Daniel Zahony, DOB 11/12/1985 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Conveyance burglary (F2)· Petit theft (M2) Danyell Coggins, DOB 01/14/1975 of Winter Haven· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) David Caines*, DOB 12/04/1975 of Mulberry· Trafficking in meth (F1)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of structure or vehicle for drug sales (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Dawanda Gunter, DOB 08/02/1997 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donald King, DOB 08/22/1982 of Lakeland· Possession and delivery of LSD WITS (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) Donald Taft, DOB 06/30/70 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Doug Billings, DOB 01/25/1968 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1) Frederick Bollard, DOB 09/11/1984 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)

Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

Gator Kleizo, DOB 01/22/1966 of Auburndale· Trafficking in meth (F1)· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jack Bohannon*, DOB 04/16/1953 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Jacob Cogswell, DOB 09/12/1987 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) James Deese, DOB 10/06/1955 of Auburndale· Trafficking in meth (F1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jaime Acevedo, DOB 11/09/1986 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jarvis Tibado, DOB 10/11/1982 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Giving false ID to LEO (M1) Jessalyn Humbertson*, DOB 8/24/99 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*she told detectives she receives government assistance Jim Luna, DOB 03/14/1962 of Lakeland· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jireh Brooks, DOB 04/13/1996 of Lakeland · Sale of meth (F2)· Conspiracy to sell meth (F3)

Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

John Davis, DOB 07/12/1981 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of heroin (F3)· Possession of cocaine (F3)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Possession paraphernalia (M1) John Panzarella*, DOB 08/30/58 of Winter Haven· Delivery of marijuana (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Jonus Banks, DOB 12/28/1980 of Lakeland· Sale of cocaine (F2)· Possession of cocaine WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Keone Fox, DOB 11/24/1986 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Maegan McCarthy, DOB 07/14/1984 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mar’dasia Brooks, DOB 05/23/1998 of Winter Haven· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mark Cox*, DOB 01/14/1981 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Mark Scott, DOB 09/15/1963 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mary Heffler, DOB 05/17/1972 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Michael Blankenship*, DOB 04/08/1956 of Lakeland· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*an affidavit was filed with these charges Michael Decker, DOB 08/13/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1) Michael Sonja, DOB 08/06/1975 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Minter Hall*, DOB 07/12/1955 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Nicholas Sferrvzza, DOB 06/07/83 of Auburndale· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Noel Heyne, DOB 10/13/1972 of Lakeland (in custody)· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Phillip Carter, DOB 09/24/1965 of Winter Haven · Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Reynaldo Lopez, DOB 06/16/2000 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Richard Sturges, DOB 06/07/55 of Lakeland· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Robert Reedy III*, DOB 09/17/68 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Rodney Bacon, DOB 01/06/80 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Rodney Davis*, DOB 05/03/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth with intent to sell (WITS) (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Ronald Stowe, DOB 04/09/1958 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· VOP (F3) Scott Ledington, DOB 12/06/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Stacey Shepherd, DOB 11/29/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Thomas Bohuslaw*, DOB 05/30/1965 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Timothy Machado, DOB 08/10/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Ty’Bias Giles, DOB 08/12/1999 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Carrying concealed firearm (F3)· Armed robbery (Capital Felony)· Aggravated battery with deadly weapon (F2) Tyler Oliver, DOB 04/10/1998 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Wandy Noel, DOB 10/22/1991 of Winter Haven· Driving while license suspended (knowingly) (M2) William Anglin, DOB 08/10/1987 of Bartow· Delivery of marijuana (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) William Waddell, DOB 02/07/77 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Detectives obtained arrest warrants for these eight (8) suspects: Adam Trembley, DOB 08/14/1982 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2) · Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Angelo Lopez, DOB 10/28/1986 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher Wright, DOB 04/16/1989 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donovan Brandt, DOB 03/18/1983 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jesse Velez-Pagan, DOB 10/03/1990 of Dundee· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) John Rials, DOB 12/05/1978 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Matthew Gamwell, DOB 07/07/1982 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Willy Dunn, DOB 11/26/1994 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) During the investigation, these three (3) suspects were also arrested/charged: Joshua Allen, DOB 09/13/1980 of Auburndale· Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Henry Sanchez, DOB 10/19/1994 of Orlando· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1)· Battery on LEO· Giving false info to LEO Robert Tillis, DOB 03/09/1973 of Mulberry· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)

Lake Wales Police Take Man Into Custody After Responding To Shots Fired Call Late Wednesday Afternoon

Lake Wales

Carl Fish

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January 26, 2022

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Lake Wales Police Take Man Into Custody After Responding To Shots Fired Call Late Wednesday Afternoon

Lake Wales, Florida- The Lake Wales Police Department responded to a call of “shots fired” in the area of Polk Ave., Townsend Ave. & Steedly Ave. late Wednesday afternoon. While officers were in the area they also heard gunshots. According to the Lake Wales Police Department’s Deputy-Chief, David Black, officers were able to track down the man who was firing the shots.

LWPD officers took Victor Hansen into custody. According to Black, the suspect alleges that he shot into the ground. The incident is under investigation, but there is currently no danger to the public.

We will update this article as more details are available.

Fictitious Name Notice

Polk County

Staff Reporter

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January 26, 2022

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Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Living Water Ministries under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Paul J. Guertin, LLC.

Lake Wales Seminole Hotel Foreclosure Complete

Staff Reporter

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January 26, 2022

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Lake Wales Seminole Hotel Foreclosure Complete

The City of Lake Wales has had many challenges when it comes to revitalizing its downtown landscape. Some of the building on the radar include the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel as well as the Seminole Hotel.

DailyRidge.com obtained documentation that the foreclosure of the Old Seminole Hotel has been completed. The city can now move forward with finding a new developer who will renovate the building and help improve the downtown experience.

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency will now be able to seek a responsible party to redevelop the property.

The Seminole Hotel was built on North First Street, at the northwest corner of Crystal Avenue and 1st Street.

Lake Wales Charter School could lose $248,317.41 in funding due to FTE Audit

Staff Reporter

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January 26, 2022

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Lake Wales Charter School could lose $248,317.41 in funding due to FTE Audit

During the November 29, 2021 Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees Work Session and Board Meeting the Schools attorney Robin Gibson shared a legal counsel update. Mr. Gibson advised the board that a new legal matter had arisen. Each Board member was presented with a Memorandum from the Law Offices of A.M. Stuckey with offices in Lake Wales. Gibson shared the Memorandum appeared to be about an FTE audit that would affect Lake Wales High School. Mr. Gibson went on to state that he would reach out to the lawyer that presented the Memorandum directly and accommodate them as much as possible.

Danny Gill the Trustee and Chair asked Alricky Smith the CFO of the Lake Wales Charter School System if there was any validity to the $248,000 audit. Mr. Smith stated that the document appeared to be the scope of an audit that is called the Florida Education Program Audit that’s typically completed by the Florida Auditor General.

Mr. Smith shared that the audit is part of ongoing engagement. Since Lake Wales Charter Schools is part of the Polk County School district the actual engagement was with the Polk County School Board. One of the schools identified in the audit was Lake Wales High School and was subject to an audit review.

Based on the information provided Mr. Smith indicated there were some preliminary findings for the amount $248,000. Mr. Gill asked Mr. Smith if he was involved or part of the audit. Mr. Smith replied, “No Sir, I’m sorry one part of it”. Mr. Smith shared he had some discussions about the audit with Lake Wales High School’s Principal Donna Dunson back in September. Mr. Smith went on to share that he was never engaged with the auditor and was not part of the exit conference. Mr. Gill shared there was a lot of information that needed to be reviewed and thanked Mr. Smith for answering his questions.

The Daily Ridge researched the audit claims and it appears that Lake Wales High Schools 2019-2020 school year was part of the Audit. The notice of audit was provided to the school March 9, 2021 which was to begin April 19, 2021. The audit revealed eight deficiencies the school did not meet according to state standards. Based on the states audit findings these eight deficiencies could result in the school receiving a $248,317.41 adjustment that could be levied against annual funding the school receives from the state.

The Daily Ridge reached out to Mr. Smith for further clarification regarding the Audit.

Was this potential adjustment resolved with the state?

The Polk County School Board FTE Audit Report for the 2019-20 FY(AG-424) has not been issues as a final report by the Florida Auditor General’s Office. The Lake Wales High School will have a chance to respond to their findings once the report has been released to the Florida Department of Education(FDOE).

Will the adjustment be applied or will the adjustment be dropped?

Once the findings are resolved, FDOE will instruct the Polk County School Board on how to collect any funding due back to the State, if that is the final outcome.

When were you made aware of the FTE audit?

In the Spring of 2021, the school’s Principal first noted that the school was engaged in an ongoing FTE audit during a Lake Wales Charter Schools leadership meeting. Later the school noted the audit was still ongoing during the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board’s Annual Retreat.

When did you learn that a potential adjustment of $248,317.41 being levied against the school?

The first draft of the Preliminary and Tentative findings were present to me on August 10, 2021.

Is there a policy or protocol in place that would notify the Chair or the Board of Trustees of audits or possible levies?

Lake Wales Charter Schools does not currently have a policy on notifying the Board of audit engagements. However, the CFO has always noted during a board meeting that the Financial Statements audit was ongoing.

If there is a policy or protocol did Principal Dunson follow the policy?

No, policy was violated, but the school leaders has been put on notice that all external reviews or audits must be communicated with the Superintendent and CFO prior to engagement.

Based on the School Boards Agenda and Minutes posted to their website it does not appear that the School Board addressed the findings of the Audit nor addressed the items contained within the Memorandum that was presented that could result in the school losing $248,317.41 in funding.

You can watch the video here LWCS Board of Trustees Work Session and Board Meeting – YouTube

Audit Conversation takes place during first 17 minutes of meeting.

Single vehicle crash Tuesday on I-4 kills Orlando man

Staff Reporter

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January 26, 2022

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Single vehicle crash Tuesday on I-4 kills Orlando man

One man was killed and another was critically injured Tuesday, January 25, 2022, when the vehicle they were in spun out of control on I-4 in Polk County and crashed into a tree.

Both men were from Orlando; 42-year old Jean Marie St. Gilles died at the scene, and 55-year old Divel Laurent suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash at about 10:21 AM, along with Polk County Fire Rescue.

Mr. Laurent had been driving the white 2006 Lincoln Town Car east on I-4 just before the crash, which occurred about a half-mile west of US 27 (Davenport area).

A witness told detectives from the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Investigations that the Town Car may have gotten too close to another vehicle and Mr. Laurent jerked the steering wheel to move away, but lost control of the vehicle.

The Town Car began to rotate across the roadway as it slid into the median and struck an oak tree.

Detectives reported that both men had been wearing their seat belts, and that it was raining at the time of the crash.

Two eastbound lanes of I-4 were shut down for approximately three hours while units were on scene.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Lakeland Man Facing Multiple Charges After Deputies Respond To Vehicle Accident With Shots Fired

Lakeland

Carl Fish

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January 25, 2022

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Lakeland Man Facing Multiple Charges After Deputies Respond To Vehicle Accident With Shots Fired

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Connor Walker (DOB 12/07/1993) and charged him with FSS 784.045(2) 3 counts Commit Aggravated Battery, FSS 784.021(1)(A).. Agg Assault Deadly Weapon w/o Intent to Kill, FSS 790.23(1)(A)… Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon, FSS 893.13(6)(B) Cannabis Posses not more than 20 grams, FSS 893.147 Poss/Use of Narcotic Paraphernalia, FSS 316.061 Leave Scene of Crash Involve Prop Damage and CO94-28 Possession of Open Container. The charges stem from an incident in Lakeland last Saturday night. According to reports deputies were called to a vehicle accident with shots fired. The following is a long excerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (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):

“On January 22, 2022, I was contacted as the Southwest General Crimes Unit on call Detective in reference to a shooting.

Upon arrival, I responded to the intersection of South Florida Ave and Schoolhouse Road in reference to the shooting. I made contact with victim, REDACTED, who stated he was driving southbound on South Florida Ave when he drove past a vehicle crash. The vehicle crash had already occurred and he did not witness the crash. THE VICTIM stated he was a former paramedic and felt he had a duty to render aid. THE VICTIM conducted a U-turn and drove north bound until he stopped in the northbound inside lane. THE VICTIM exited his vehicle and began to check on various subjects who had been involved in the crash. THE VICTIM stated one of the vehicles, which he described as a red car, rammed a vehicle head on that he was standing approximately four feet away from. THE VICTIM stated the vehicle then backs up about 6 feet and the driver, later identified as Connor Walker, then turns the car towards THE VICTIM . Walker reaches with his right hand across his body and in his hand THE VICTIM describes seeing a silver reflective object which he interprets as a firearm. While pointing at THE VICTIM , Walker says “Move mother fucker” and before the vehicle hits THE VICTIM the vehicle serves away from him. Once THE VICTIM interpreted the object as a firearm he then reaches into his waistband to obtain his concealed firearm and proceeds to shoot at the vehicle. THE VICTIM stated he was in fear for his life and the lives of the people around him.

Walker then crashed in the south bound median a short distance away from the original crash. Walker then exited the vehicle and walked back towards the crash scene. When emergency sirens were heard Walker fled the scene. The red vehicle is a Red 2011 Chrysler bearing Florida temporary tag DBV5912.The vehicle is registered to a Connor Walker DOB 12/07/1993. Walker’s last known address is Harrison Rd Lakeland, FL 33810.

I made contact with victim2, REDACTED, who advised she was sitting at the left turn light and it was a red arrow. VICTIM2 then felt a sudden impact to her vehicle and her four year old, REDACTED, began to cry. VICTIM2 exited her vehicle to check on REDACTED. As VICTIM2 was out of the vehicle she observed the Red Chrysler intentionally hit her rear passenger side quarter panel as it was trying to flee the scene. VICTIM2 stated Walker appeared to be dazed and out of it but he continued to try and flee the scene. At this time, a bystander came over and helped REDACTED get to safety.

I made contact with victim3, REDACTED, who advised he drove up to the left turn light behind the crashed vehicles. VICTIM3 advised the Chrysler was the vehicle he pulled up behind. VICTIM3 stated the Chrysler was facing southbound in the northbound lane and began to come towards him. VICTIM3 attempted to back up but there was a vehicle behind him. Walker then intentionally rammed his vehicle in to VICTIM3’s vehicles front end. After being rammed, VICTIM3 heard gunshots and immediately left the turn lane. VICTIM3 got in to the southbound lanes and looked at Walker and observed him holding a black pistol in his hands. VICTIM3 watched Walker flee in to the woods on the west side of S Florida Ave whenever he could hear emergency sirens. VICTIM3 positively identified Walker via photo pack.

I approached the crashed Red Chrysler and on the passenger side seat in plain view, I observed a clear plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance. I seized the green leafy substance and a portion of the substance was placed into an AP-4 Hemp Typification Test Kit, which yielded a blue result, indicating the presence of more than 1% delta-9 THC. Also in plain view on the passenger floorboard was a 16 oz. can of Heineken beer.

Based on the above information I determined sufficient probable cause to charge Connor Walker with FSS 784.045(2) 3 counts Commit Aggravated Battery, FSS 784.021(1)(A).. Agg Assault Deadly Weapon w/o Intent to Kill, FSS 790.23(1)(A)… Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon, FSS 893.13(6)(B) Cannabis Posses not more than 20 grams, FSS 893.147 Poss/Use of Narcotic Paraphernalia, FSS 316.061 Leave Scene of Crash Involve Prop Damage and CO94-28 Possession of Open Container.”

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