Single vehicle crash Tuesday on I-4 kills Orlando man

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January 26, 2022

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.”

Goats and Rabbits and Pigs (Oh My!) at 75th Annual Polk County Youth Fair

Polk County

Staff Reporter

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January 25, 2022

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Goats and Rabbits and Pigs (Oh My!) at 75th Annual Polk County Youth Fair

by James Coulter

Regan Durden, 13, never tied a goat before until a few weeks ago, yet she won first place at the goat tying competition on Monday at the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow.

Several dozen students from Polk County schools were able to see how quickly they could chase a goat, pin it to the ground, and wrap a rope around its legs. Reagan was able to do it in 13.48 seconds, placing her in first place. She won a golden belt buckle and a cash prize of $20.

A student from Winter Haven Christian School, Regan had been practicing for the past several weeks under the tutelage of her best friend’s grandfather. Chasing the goat and pinning it down proved to be the hardest part, she explained.

“It is running around trying to kick you,” she said.

Regan had been participating for several years with her family. She had previously won awards for raising a steer and for racing the fastest horse. She appreciates being able to see and showcase many animals.

“It feels really good,” she said.

She and her family had been attending the Polk County Youth Fair for 16 years. They have participated in everything from hog and horse raising to archery and the chili cook off. Her brother, Chase, has won first place in horticulture one year, while she had won a competition for horses.

Her mother, Stephanie Griggs Joiner, appreciates how the event allows children like her own to learn valuable job skills and impart upon them important lessons in virtues like hard work and responsibility.

“They learn something new each time,” she said. “It teaches kids there is more to life than video games. It teaches them responsibility and taking care of another animal.”

Since 1947, the Polk County Youth Fair has provided hundreds of local students from organizations like 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America the opportunity to test their skills and participate in competitions for livestock, agriculture, and consumer sciences.

From archery to whip cracking, to livestock breeding, cake baking, and sewing, students of all ages were able to prove themselves in a program, which, according to organizers, aims at “serving to promote the educational development of the youth of the county.”

“In addition to hundreds of students competing for top prizes and scholarships, more than 200 volunteers support and educate Polk’s youth in the best practices of raising animals and plants,” The Ledger reported.

The event was hosted from Fri. Jan. 22, and will continue to be hosted until Fri. Jan 28 at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s Stuart Center, located at 1702 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow, FL 33830. The event is free to the public.

Auburndale Police Investigating Death

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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January 25, 2022

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Auburndale Police Department Investigating Death

At approximately 3:36 p.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022, officers of the
Auburndale Police Department were dispatched to a report of a body found floating in Lake Stella near downtown Auburndale.

Officers arrived to find the body of a 40-year-old white male near the south shoreline of Lake Stella. The investigation determined that two young men were fishing from the grass banks of the lake when one of them cast a line that hooked something heavy. As he reeled it in, he realized it appeared to be connected to the body of an adult male.

One of the gentlemen called his father, who responded to the lake, determined it was, in fact, the body of an adult male, and called 911.

Officers arrived and investigated the scene. The decedent was identified as a local resident who had recently returned to the area. It appeared he may have been in the water for 24-48 hours. There were no obvious signs of trauma, though this is a medical examiner case. An autopsy is pending.

As of this writing, we have been unable to contact next of kin. Those efforts continue this morning.
If you have any information or witnessed anything in the area of Lake Stella over the past weekend, please contact Auburndale Police Department Detective Alex Pena at (863)965-5555.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

PCSO Detectives Arrest Kissimmee Woman For Fraud and Elderly Exploitation

Kissimmee

Staff Reporter

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January 25, 2022

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PCSO Detectives Arrest Kissimmee Woman For Fraud and Elderly Exploitation

On January 24, 2022, PCSO detectives arrested 56-year-old Donnitta Jean Vaughn of Kissimmee for stealing more than $14,000 from an 80-year-old Poinciana woman with dementia. Vaughn was the victim’s caregiver.

In June of 2019, the victim was evaluated by her physician who recommended that she not live alone in her home, at which time Vaughn, who is a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant, was hired as the victim’s caregiver to assist with personal care, household chores, and transporting the victim to her doctor’s appointments. Vaughn was paid $720.00 a week as the victim’s caregiver.

It was during another doctor’s visit in December of 2019, that Vaughn received the results from an exam revealing the victim did “not appear capable of making responsible decisions pertaining to healthcare, finances, or housing matters.”

Vaughn remained employed with the victim until March of 2021. During her employment, Vaughn had access to the victim’s financial information, including debit and credit cards, and other personal identification information.

In the final weeks of Vaughn’s employment with the victim, the victim’s friend (who had power-of-attorney) learned that one of the victim’s credit cards was missing. After reviewing the credit card statement, she found that there had been several fraudulent charges made with the card. She also discovered suspicious activity on the victim’s credit report.

While talking with the victim about her finances, her friend learned that Vaughn, who was initially paid by checks, was now driving the victim to the bank where she would withdraw cash to pay Vaughn. That’s when the victim’s friend contacted PCSO detectives.

Detectives reviewed bank statements and credit reports, and discovered Vaughn obtained $4,868.00 more than her agreed upon salary.

Detectives also found payments to Duke Energy which were applied to Vaughn’s personal residence account. Additionally, Vaughn fraudulently obtained three credit cards in the victim’s name and used them to buy clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, bath and travel items, eat out at restaurants, and pay childcare fees. Vaughn fraudulently charged a total of $9,594.28 to those cards.

Vaughn admitted to detectives that she felt she wasn’t getting paid enough, and knew the victim did not have the mental capacity to give permission for an increased salary, so she began using the victim’s credit cards to pay her bills and purchase other items.

“Licensed medical professionals are entrusted with caring for and protecting people during their most vulnerable moments. Instead of caring for the victim, Vaughn took advantage of her situation and stole thousands of dollars from her. Thankfully, the victim’s friend called us right away, and we will do everything in our power to ensure Vaughn is held accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Vaughn was arrested for:

Criminal Use of Personal ID of a Person over 60-years-old (F2)
Exploitation of the Elderly (F2)
Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards (F3)
Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3)
Grand Theft (F3)

She is currently in the Polk County Jail being held on $18,000 bond.

City’s Partnerships Dedicated To Providing Affordable Housing For Families

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 25, 2022

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City’s partnerships dedicated to providing affordable housing for families

Lake Wales, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Community Development Agency (CRA) provides homes to new residents in the Northwest Neighborhood, as part of phase one of the affordable housing initiative.

The city partnered with Keystone Challenge Fund to build two houses on lots previously owned by the Green and Gold Foundation across the street from the B Street Center.

“It’s rewarding to see our efforts positively impact families,” said CRA Project Manager Darrell Starling. “The affordable housing initiative aligns with the steps and goals included in the award-winning Lake Wales Connected Plan for the revitalization of the city’s historic downtown district and Northwest Neighborhood,” he noted.

Officials said the homes have an estimated value of $175,000 with mortgage payments estimated at $950 a month, according to Jeff Bagwell, Keystone’s Executive Director.

“If you have looked at rents, what they cost, very few people can find a decent rental for $950, especially in the market we are in today,” said Bagwell. “This program truly changes people’s lives, and there’s a ripple effect,” he noted.

The houses were built by a collaborative effort of the city, CRA, Keystone, Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development, and SouthState Bank, formally CenterState Bank.

The city paid $10,000 to acquire the lots. An additional $30,000 to cover closing costs was awarded to the city in the form of a community reinvestment grant from SouthState Bank. The county provided up to $250,000 in initial building costs, while Keystone gave more than $50,000.

CRA officials said the project will generate about $10,000 in tax increment funding over a three-year period, which would cover the purchase price on the empty lots. Increased tax revenues generated by new growth go back to the CRA to be used towards future development projects.

“We know if we do this right, we can take the entire block and really turn it around,” said Bagwell. We’re very excited about coming to Lake Wales,” Bagwell noted.

Bagwell also expressed interest in working with the CRA on beautification projects for additional houses along B Street.

Families picked for the housing will go through class work provided by Keystone to cover such topics as credit, budgeting and how to apply for a mortgage.

“When we sell a home to a family, they are prepared, no doubt about it,” said Bagwell.

CRA Chairman Robin Gibson reflected the positive response from city commissioners, which doubles as the CRA board.

“I’m excited to see this partnership go forward. This is something we have been talking about for a while, and this is an avenue that’s going to get us there,” Mayor Eugene Fultz added.

Keystone Challenge Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1991 in Lakeland, Florida. For almost 30 years, Keystone has maximized the availability of affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income home buyers to connect families with home ownership, according to company officials.

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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.

25 Yr Old Davenport Man Killed In Afternoon Crash

Carl Fish

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January 25, 2022

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25 Yr Old Davenport Man Killed In Afternoon Crash

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit investigated a two-vehicle crash in unincorporated Davenport yesterday (Monday, January 24, 2022) that resulted in one fatality.

Around 1:45 p.m. the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from the area of CR 547 and Ernie Caldwell Blvd. When first responders arrived on-scene they found 25-year-old Christian Soto (male) of Davenport unresponsive in his gray Chevrolet Camaro. Polk County Fire Rescue personnel extricated him from the car and performed CPR, and transported him to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the evidence and witnesses, Soto was traveling east on Ernie Caldwell while a black Ford Explorer being driven by 39-year-old Brandy Swearegin of Haines City was traveling south on CR 547. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The front of the Explorer struck the Camaro on the driver’s side. There were three passengers in Swearegin’s SUV and two of them were treated and released from a local hospital with minor injuries – she was not injured.

Portion Of Scenic Hwy To Be Closed At Mountain Lake Cut-Off Rd To Install Traffic Light

Lake Wales

Carl Fish

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January 24, 2022

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Portion Of Scenic Hwy To Be Closed At Mountain Lake Cut-Off Rd To Install Traffic Light

Starting Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, a portion of the intersection of SR 17 at Mountain Lake Cutoff Road will be closed to install a new traffic signal. Visual map of detours available.

Mountain Lake Cutoff Road will be closed on the east side of the intersection during construction.

Construction is anticipated to end early April, weather permitting.

The Well In Lakeland Honors Community Heroes In Mural

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 24, 2022

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The Well In Lakeland Honors Community Heroes In Mural

by James Coulter

A jazz musician, a mayor, and several community activists were honored on a mural outside The Well, a local collaborative workspace in Lakeland that aims to assist new business startups.

The vibrant mural, painted on the walls of The Well building, located at 114 E. Parker St. in Lakeland’s Midtown neighborhood, showcases the portraits of several community figures past and present, including Dr. Larry Jackson, the first black mayor of Lakeland; Nat Adderley, a jazz trumpeter; Morris Chestang, a retired teacher and president of the Gladys Leggett Neighborhood Association; and Annie B. Phyall, a retired educator.

Chestang and Pharyll were both present during the unveiling of the mural on Friday during The Well’s ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Chestang mentioned that his portrayal on the mural was a real “surprise, surprise, surprise,” while Pharyll considered it “a real honor.”

The Well, as described on its website, is, “a high-design flexible workspace used by a diverse community of independent professionals, startups, and teams from small and large businesses…[It] is a purpose-built environment that provides members with a variety of areas to focus, collaborate, learn and innovate at any given time.”

Built at the cost of $1.3 million, the 4,700-square-foot collaborative workspace and business center will be utilized by more than a dozen local entrepreneurs, offering them the space and resources to allow their business startups to grow and flourish. The facility’s amenities include a co-working space, executive suites, catering kitchen, music recording studio, and several other media production rooms, according to LKLD Now.

Dr. Sallie Brisbane-Stone, an events services business owner and educational consultant, started The Well with the expectation of allowing local entrepreneurs and fledging business owners the opportunity and resources to grow from the ground up. She owes her success thus far to the support of her local community, including city officials, as well as family and friends.

“I am so thrilled,” she said. “So [with] family, faith, and community, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Mayor Bill Mutz compared the opening and preparation of the new community collaborative workspace to Jacob’s Well in the Bible. Now that The Well has been offer, the blessings that will hopefully flow forth from it will help spur economic growth and development.

“This is an exciting day,” he said. “If you are digging a well, you have to find the right spot, and make sure you are deep enough, that is the well we have here. It will allow us to create many opportunities. It is an exciting moment.”

Stacey Weekes, a Chamber board member, could hardly hold back her excitement for the opening of the new facility and the many new opportunities it will hopefully provide and nurture for the Lakeland community.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am,” she said. “You have created such a dynamic space, and being in this room, and [with] the energy that you feel, you know it will be a great success.”

The Well is located at 114 E. Parker Street, Lakeland, Fl 33801. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.thewell-lakeland.com/

POLK COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE RECOMMENDS AVOIDING THE LINES BY USING FLORIDA MV EXPRESS KIOSKS LOCATED AT PUBLIX

Staff Reporter

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January 24, 2022

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The Polk County Tax Collector’s four service centers throughout Polk County will be experiencing longer than normal customer wait times during the months of February and March.

Several factors contribute to the longer wait times. In the past, Federal income tax refunds would arrive during this time, which allowed many people to pay outstanding bills, including driver license sanctions and tax liens. Given this situation, the Tax Collector’s Office recommends that customers who need to renew their vehicle registrations, including heavy trucks (with a GVW under 26,000 pounds), utilize the Florida MV Express KIOSK services available at the Oakbridge and Grove Park Publix locations in Lakeland. Publix offers no line, instant printing, extended hours and Saturday convenience, all while shopping for essential grocery items.
Customers interested in using the KIOSK services available in the Oakbridge and Grove Park Publix locations in Lakeland should bring their registration renewal notice or license plate number and cash, credit, or debit card for payment to complete the transaction.

For customers outside of the Lakeland area, the Tax Collector’s Office recommends using mail and online services, including Express PickUp, whenever possible.

Customers are reminded that appointments are required for all driver license, I.D. card, road test, written test, and concealed weapon services conducted in our service centers.

For online payment services, office hours, and locations, as well as online services and payment options, please go to www.PolkTaxes.com.

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About the Office of Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County, Florida
Joe G. Tedder is elected by the people of Polk County to serve as their Tax Collector. The Office of Tax Collector is provided in Florida’s Constitution to serve in the state’s political subdivisions known as counties. The Tax Collector’s Office for Polk County has service centers in Bartow, Lakeland,
Davenport, and Lake Wales. The Tax Collector’s Office serves over 720,000 residents in Polk County, offering services such as: Driver licenses and identification cards; motor vehicle registrations, decals,
license plates, titles and disabled person parking placards; real estate and tangible personal property taxes; county local business taxes; tourist development taxes; concealed weapons license applications and renewals; and, other services.

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