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Couple Arrested On Multiple Charges Including Drug Possession, Child Neglect & Grand Theft After Bizarre Traffic Stop

Carl Fish
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Couple Arrested On Multiple Charges Including Drug Possession, Child Neglect & Grand Theft After Bizarre Traffic Stop

Yesterday, while conducting traffic enforcement in Polk County, Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) observed a grey Chrysler Pacifica westbound on Ernie Caldwell Boulevard.  The Pacifica had New York license plates and had been reported stolen.

After performing a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Stephanie Niccole Hanley, 33 years of age, of Davenport, was found to have no valid driver’s license. Hanley advised Troopers that she had taken possession of the vehicle on December 26, 2024, and was using it to take her son to school. 

An inventory of the vehicle was conducted, and a black backpack within was found to have several controlled prescription medications in a plastic bag, in addition to methamphetamine.  

Stephanie Niccole Hanley was charged with the following:  

  • Burglary to an unoccupied conveyance-unarmed   
  • Grand Theft of a motor vehicle   
  • Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription-Felony   
  • Possession of Methamphetamine with intent to deliver or distribute   
  • Possession of a controlled substance-Misdemeanor   
  • Possession of drug equipment   
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license  

As Troopers placed Hanley under arrest, a grey Hyundai pulled up. The driver, identified as Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres, 36, of Orlando, advised he was Hanley’s husband. After checking the Florida tag attached to the Hyundai, it was found that it was not assigned to the vehicle. Rivera Torres then asked the Troopers “how long this would take,” as he had left Hanley’s four-year-old daughter unattended at the residence.  

Troopers responded to Hanley’s residence and found that her four-year-old daughter had been left alone and unattended at the residence for over an hour. Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres was then placed under arrest for child neglect without great bodily harm.  

Both Stephanie Niccole Hanley and Giovanne Junior Rivera Torres were transported to Polk County Jail without incident. 

Opening Night of Anastasia at Theatre Winter Haven

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Opening Night of Anastasia at Theatre Winter Haven

January 16, 2025 – Opening night of Anastasia at Theatre Winter Haven!

Inspired by the beloved film, ANASTASIA transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” ANASTASIA is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.

Shows will run from Jan 16- Feb 16, 2025

For tickets and showtimes, please visit our website www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Theatre Winter Haven is located at 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd SW
Winter Haven, FL

Photo source: Theatre Winter Haven

Haines City: Wake up and smell your coffee

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Haines City: Wake up and smell your coffee

BY Anita Todd, Special Reports

HAINES CITY – Wake up and smell your new coffee, Haines City: Cafecito Roast, made especially for the city’s residents.

Launched just last month, Haines City is Polk County’s first municipality to introduce its own coffee. Cafecity Roast has a taste combination of chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker.

“We just launched last month so we are waiting until a full 30 days to see how we have been doing,” said Merissa Green, Communication and Marketing Manager, City of Haines City, regarding the sales of the coffee.

Green also said that the city is planning tastings toward the end of this month so shoppers can “taste before they buy.”

Polk Roasters in Winter Haven created the s’mores-flavored coffee, and Nostalgia Products has been chosen to create a social media campaign to promote it.

“Coffee brings people together, and when people drink Cafecito Roast, we want them to think about Haines City being the best place to live, work, and play,” said James R. Elensky, Haines City City Manager.

Last fall, city employees were selected to participate in taste tests and then contributed to choosing the coffee’s name. Lucia Gonzalez, Public Records Manager, City of Haines City, designed the coffee’s label.

The City of Haines City has posted information several times regarding the coffee on Facebook. Each time, the posts generated excitement and buzz about Cafecity Roast.

According to Green, some of the proceeds from the coffee sales will go toward supporting local non-profit organizations.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also has his own branded coffee. Judd Java was named after the Sheriff a couple years ago and proceeds go toward a new K-9 officer for the county.

Cafecito Roast, available in 12-ounce bags for $19.95, can be ordered by visiting www.hainescitycoffee.com.

For more information, visit cityofhainescity.com or call 863.421.3600.

Cooking on the Ridge: Classic Chicken Salad

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Cooking on the Ridge: Classic Chicken Salad
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by James Coulter

Part of my new year resolution this year is to cut back on fast food. As such, I’ve been preparing most of my meals at home.

For lunch, this often involves making mostly sandwiches. Sandwiches prepared from cold cut lunch meats are good. But nothing beats a good tuna melt or chicken salad sandwich.

It’s simple, of course. But my secret is to add a little punch to my salad with a few sprinkles of curry powder and a small pinch of chili powder. A little really goes a long way with flavor.

Otherwise, this recipe is what you would come to expect from chicken salad: mayonnaise, carrots, celery, pickles and relish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add diced apple or raisins.

Of course, you can always substitute the chicken with tuna. Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian/vegan option, try a can of chickpeas slightly cooked and mashed. Add some mashed avocado for an extra veggie boost.

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Chicken Salad Sandwich

12.5 oz. can chunk chicken breast

3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise

1-2 teaspoons mustard, yellow or brown

1-2 tablespoons relish

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 small carrot, chopped

1-2 tablespoons curry powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1. Combine ingredients into bowl and stir together until mixed.

2. Scoop several tablespoons of salad onto bread, toasted or untoasted. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles.

Award-Winning, Grammy-Nominated Mary Gauthier Performing in Winter Haven January 30

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Award-Winning, Grammy-Nominated Mary Gauthier Performing in Winter Haven January 30

Award-winning, Grammy-nominated Mary Gauthier, will be performing in Winter Haven on January 30th at Gram Parsons Derry Down.

Ticket info: https://www.marygauthier.com/tour

Doors open at 6pm

Jaimee Harris at 7pm

Mary Gauthier at 7:45 pm

Gram Parsons Derry Down is located at 297 5th St NW in Winter Haven.

Photo source: Gram Parsons Derry Down Facebook

More info about Gauthier:

NASHVILLE, TN – Highly acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier’s influential sophomore album Drag Queens In Limousines turns 25 this year.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, Kill Rock Stars will reissue the album on vinyl for the very first time on October 18th.

Gauthier just released the first-ever video for the celebrated title track, directed by Irakli Gabriel and Anana Kaye of Duende Vision. Inspired by the line in the song’s chorus, “dreamers with big dreams”, the Italian neorealist-influenced clip was beautifully shot in black and white and features everyday people in their natural settings.

“Anana and I are huge fans of Italian Neorealist cinema and in a way, Mary’s song has similar elements – everyday characters looking for a place to fit, standing up to the world and the realities they find themselves in,” says Gabriel. “Characters that we may see in grocery stores or pubs, but it takes a great artist to notice and feel their essence and bring them into life within a work of art. Neorealists often asked regular people, not trained actors, to be in their films, but also had one or two professionals in leading roles.

It was natural to follow a similar path for us and capture the characters we knew – dreamers with big dreams – in their element and ‘natural habitat.’” He adds, “We are also big believers that in film every frame should stand on its own and look like a picture that you could hang on the wall. Much like in a song, where every line should have its own purpose and merit and ideally, could serve as a beginning of a new song.”

To kick off AMERICANAFEST on September 17th in Nashville, Gauthier was honored during the All-Star Tribute to Mary Gauthier. Some of her heroes, peers and dear friends celebrated the artist by performing moving renditions of songs from her venerated body of work. Some of the evening’s performers included Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell,Lori McKenna, Gretchen Peters, host Jim Lauderdale, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Verlon Thompson, Jaimee Harris, Steve Poltz and many more. Later in the week veteran journalist Jewly Hight hosted a panel discussion, “Drag Queens in Limousines Forever: The importance and influence of Mary Gauthier’s Songs.”

Released independently on September 13th, 1999, Drag Queens In Limousines introduced the world to a special songwriter whose narratives spoke of the outsiders, those not considered the “normal” members of society. Much like so many of her musical heroes, such as John Prine, Lucinda Williams and Tom Waits, Gauthier’s thoughtful lyrics and honest voice shone light on the humanity deep within her protagonists, which served to remind us that we are all connected after all.

Mary Gauthier has released nine critically acclaimed studio albums that have received several award nominations, including the Grammy for Best Folk Album. She has won an Americana Music Award, International Folk Music Awards (Folk Alliance) “Album Of The Year” award and Americana Music Association’s UK “International Artist Of The Year” Award.

Catch Mary Gauthier on tour. Visit MaryGauthier.com for tickets and information.

Lakeland Police Make Arrest In Deadly Hit & Run

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Make Arrest In Deadly Hit & Run

LAKELAND, FL (January 15, 2025) – On January 15, 2025, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Daniel Kovacs in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash which occurred on November 23, 2024, in the 700 block of South Florida Avenue. Kovacs was arrested at his home around 1:45 p.m.

During the post-crash investigation it was determined the suspect vehicle was possibly a silver or grey Range Rover. On November 25, 2024, as investigators were checking with local repair shops, an employee of The Lakeland Body Shop Collision Repair contacted LPD and advised there was a vehicle dropped off for repairs which matched the suspect vehicle in this incident. Investigators examined the vehicle and found evidence consistent with the crash circumstances and evidence found at the scene. The vehicle had been recently washed, and attempts had been made to fix the damage with tape and zip ties. The vehicle was a 2022 silver Land Rover Range Rover Sport registered to Kovacs.

Investigators gathered video surveillance and other evidence which showed prior to the crash Kovacs spent a few hours at a downtown restaurant where he was seen consuming alcoholic beverages with another male, Miguel Rodriguez (age 41 of Windemere, FL). Further video showed Kovacs left the downtown area driving his Land Rover with Rodriguez as a passenger just prior to the crash which occurred at 12:02 a.m. Surveillance video from the crash scene showed the Land Rover colliding with the victim, Robin Brown (age 67 of Lakeland), and leaving the scene without stopping to render aid to the victim.

Having developed sufficient probable cause, investigators arrested Kovacs; charging him with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Death (F1) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (F3).

“This certainly is a heartbreaking case in which we are grateful for the cooperation of many Lakeland businesses who provided the evidence needed to ensure justice was served for Robin Brown. Our investigators have poured many dedicated hours of their time into this case to ensure that as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Brown as they mourn her loss.” – Chief Sam Taylor

This case remains an open and active Investigation.

Lakeland Police Department Now Hiring: Digital Evidence Management Specialist

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Lakeland Police Department Now Hiring: Digital Evidence Management Specialist

City of Lakeland, FL – Government

The Lakeland Police Department is now accepting applications for a Digital Evidence Management Specialist. This position will be responsible for overseeing the comprehensive inventory and computer applications associated with our agency’s body-worn camera systems, car video systems and additional related equipment. (link to full job description below)

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Oversees a comprehensive inventory of body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, TASERs, signal devices, VR equipment, and related accessories, ensuring all items are accounted for, functional, and ready for deployment.
  • Assists with installations of in-car video equipment, performing tasks such as wiring, fuse replacement, and mounting cameras as necessary.
  • Delivers onboarding and certification training for new users of Axon products. As a certified TASER Instructor, provide additional training in TASER and Virtual Reality use, ensuring all personnel understand safe and effective equipment handling.
  • Reviews monthly footage from body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and interview room recordings, confirming operational integrity and reliability of captured evidence.
  • Reviews publicly uploaded evidence to identify and secure sensitive content and mark department-held sensitive evidence as restricted or confidential to uphold privacy and information security.
  • Oversees evidence retention schedules and policies, ensuring adherence to established departmental protocols and maintaining accurate records.
  • Administers and optimizes Axon’s auto-tagging features for seamless integration with the department’s records management system (Tyler) to maintain accurate and efficient data handling.
  • Reviews audit trails for Axon products, maintains transparency and accountability, and provides technical support for internal investigations related to Axon equipment.
  • Manages the department’s mobile devices through MaaS360, including assignment, configuration, secure data wiping, and coordinating SIM card operations with COL IT Help Desk.
  • Reviews requests for mobile applications from department personnel, ensuring compliance with security standards and safe integration into the department’s systems.
  • Collects, assesses, and secures electronic equipment, such as laptops and cell phones, from departing employees to maintain asset accountability.
  • Reviews and validates monthly wireless bills for cost management and provide logistical support in transporting LPD fleet vehicles as needed.
  • Acts as a backup administrator for the Flock License Plate Reader system, offering technical support to the Intelligence Unit as required.
  • Serves on the Incident Management Team, providing Axon-related equipment and technical assistance during critical incidents to facilitate efficient response efforts.
  • May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
  • May require 24/7 availability in support of Mission Critical applications.
  • Position is designated as Mission Critical.

View the Full Job Description and Apply Today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakelandfl/jobs/4739614/digital-evidence-management-specialist-lakeland-police-department?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony in Winter Haven

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MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony in Winter Haven

City of Winter Haven:

Join Us for the MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony

Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this special event filled with reflection and unity.

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: MLK Park, Winter Haven

This meaningful ceremony will include remarks from local leaders, a moment of silence, and the placement of a commemorative wreath at the MLK Memorial.

After the ceremony, join us for complimentary snacks sponsored by Starbucks and Panera at the Garden Center, located right next to the park!

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and peace. This event is free and open to the public—everyone is welcome!

Upcoming CSX Railway Crossing Closures Will Impact Winter Haven

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Upcoming CSX Railway Crossing Closures Will Impact Winter Haven

CSX will be performing maintenance on train tracks, requiring temporary road closures. These projects are not overseen by the City of Winter Haven, but we are sharing this information to keep our residents informed. The map will highlight exactly where the crossings are located: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1ShCBzG5TQ-npFI2LeCVklY-VeXIA4tc&usp=sharing

For questions, contact:
Erika E. Nickell
Assistant Manager, CSX Transportation Division
Southern Commercial Development, LLC
Office: (229) 262-4394
Email: [email protected]

Road Closures Scheduled for the Week of January 20, 2025:
Coleman Road
24th Street SW
15th Street SW
Private Road / Orrin Avenue (One way in/out – 4 homes)
PVT Central FLGA (One way in/out – 1 business)
7th Street SW

Road Closures Scheduled for the Week of January 27, 2025:
American Superior Boulevard
Croton Road
Eloise Loop Road
Macon Road
Eagle Lake Loop
Pollard Road

We appreciate your patience as CSX completes their work. Please plan your routes accordingly!

Winter Haven Man Charged with Manslaughter After Shooting in Winter Haven

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Winter Haven Man Charged with Manslaughter After Shooting in Winter Haven

A Winter Haven man is behind bars charged with Manslaughter after a shooting along Ave. H NW in Winter Haven resulted in the death of a 27 year-old man.

On Monday, January 13, 2025 at approximately 4:37 p.m., Winter Haven Police responded to a 9-1-1 call involving a shooting in the roadway on Ave. H NW in Winter Haven. The caller, 35 year-old Andre Sequan Harris (DOB 1-4-90, Homeless) stated to the operator he, “had to shoot my friend.”  

Winter Haven Police along with Winter Haven Fire responded and started rendering aid to the victim who was lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Ultimately, Polk County Fire Rescue transported the victim to the Winter Haven Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to a witness at the scene, the two men had been arguing in the parking lot on the back-side of the Ave H NW duplexes just prior to the incident. Harris left the scene in his black Ford F150 leaving the victim in the parking area. The victim ultimately walked to the front side of the duplex, along Ave. H NW, when Harris came back asking the witness where the victim had gone. When learning the victim walked to the Ave. H NW side of the duplex, Harris drove around and confronted the victim. The witness, who had retreated into the duplex, heard a spray of gunshots, which two entered into the residence. Nobody inside of the residence was injured.

When detectives arrived, they located seven shell casings scattered across the roadway, along with two holes in the witness’ residence directly in front of the scene. The victim was lying on the sidewalk directly next to the truck.  Harris, who remained on scene, was taken to the Winter Haven Police Department to be interviewed. Harris claimed that he and the victim had been arguing over money and some items that Harris had lent the victim. The argument turned physical when Harris left in his truck leaving the victim in the parking area. 

When encountering the victim again, Harris got out of his truck and retrieved his Ak-47 rifle and walked to the back of the truck. Harris claimed that the victim, who is known to carry a K-bar Knife in his sleeve, started to approach Harris with the knife extended. Harris fired the weapon striking the victim five times. Once on scene, officers found the victim with the knife still tucked into his sleeve and not extended as Harris claimed. 

Harris is being charged with one count of Manslaughter (F-1), Shooting into a Dwelling (F2) and Discharge of Firearm in Residential Area. Harris was transported to the Polk County Jail where he remains with no bond.

“It is a miracle that innocent bystanders were not injured or worse with this reckless behavior,” said Police Chief Vance Monroe. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they face the future without their loved one.”
Chief Monroe went on to say, “I am extremely proud how our officers and detectives worked diligently for a swift resolution to this case bringing justice to the victim’s family.”

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