In response to suggestions from our citizens, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office announces a new free program where citizens can elect to put decals on their homes and vehicles alerting deputies that someone within has been diagnosed with autism.
“Our deputies are trained on the unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs of people with autism. When a deputy sees one of these stickers, or responds to a home that has registered for this program, he or she will know they might interact with someone who has difficulty communicating or interacting with others. This enables us to better communicate with those who have special needs.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Autism Decal comes with a registration form, and the information on the form is entered into a database. Those who do not wish to affix a decal to their home or vehicle can still fill out the registration form to be entered into the database. The database enables PCSO to flag addresses into the dispatch system, so arriving deputies will be aware that someone with autism lives in the home.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please email [email protected] and a Crime Prevention Specialist will send you the form and corresponding information.
More Than 100 Artists Display Work at 8th Annual 863 Art Fest
by James Coulter
Most people don’t think twice when they see driftwood washed ashore on the banks of a river. For San Dyke, however, these stray pieces of fallen trees serve as canvases for his creativity.
Dyke loves to travel along the waterways of the panhandle in search of the gnarliest piece of gnarled driftwood. He then takes it back to his place, washes it, sands it down, and transforms it into a unique art piece that can either be used for landscaping or indoor decoration.
“I love being on the river,” he said. “I go out on the river and I treasure hunt, I am always looking for a more unique piece every time, that is how I find all the different pieces.”
Dyke showcased his driftwood artwork at the 8th Annual 863 Art Fest last Saturday in Downtown Winter Haven. From pieces of wood small enough to fit on a table, to gigantic pieces large enough to step inside, he displayed his various driftwood pieces large to small.
He was informed about the event by a local friend. This was his first time attending it. Overall, he enjoyed being able to interact with the locals and he was more than willing to come back again next year.
“This is my first time here, and I want to be back again,” he said. “I will definitely come back. Plenty of people are interested in my craft…I hope more people come to the next event and see what I have.”
Dyke was one of nearly 100 vendors who gathered together at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven for the 8th Annual 863 Art Fest. From metal sculptures made from scrap to painted pottery and ceramics, anything and everything that could be classified as art was showcased that Saturday.
Caroline and Laurie Hart a married couple who create one-of-a-kind handcrafted, hand-painted pieces of art, from as small as a plank of wood to hang on a wall to as large as a table.
As they previously owned a 1970-style camper, they used to travel across the country and become inspired by the places they visited. Their favorite subject to paint is Disney, as they frequently visit the parks.
This was their first year attending the festival, and their first visit more than meet their expectations. “We love meeting people and people who love our art,” Laurie said. “Everyone is very friendly and cheerful.”
When Sergio Cruz started the Art Fest eight years ago, it had 41 vendors. This year’s event had 97 vendors. And they expect to have 30 percent more next year, especially since they will not be hosting the event on Easter weekend, Cruz explained.
As for its popularity, he owes its success to their marketing and promotions, especially utilizing Google rankings. The 863 Art Fest has been growing exponentially since its inception, and it’s expected to continue growing, Cruz said.
“We are promoting arts and crafts from throughout Central Florida,” he said. “We love doing that…[and this year’s event] is above expectations, above our goal.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue is on scene of a wildfire in unincorporated North East Lake Wales. The call came in around 3:15pm with specific location being Huggins Rd.
Currently 7 units are on scene with another 6 units in route. It appears that a rv type vehicle is fully involved also.
This is a developing story. We will update if additional information comes in.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are seeking the identity of a suspect seen on video surveillance in the homicide of 29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson of St. Petersburg.
As previously released: On April 13, 2022, Johnson was fatally shot during a drug transaction inside a home on Acorn Drive in Davenport that he and his associates were renting via Air BNB. According to the investigation, Johnson and his associates had been selling trafficking amounts of marijuana from the house since April 8, 2022, when they took occupancy. Around 8:30 p.m. on April 13th, unknown suspects went inside the house, and shot the victim.
Video was released showing three unknown males carrying the victim out of the house, and thanks to tips received from the community, those three men were positively identified. Those three men drove Xavier Johnson to the Heart of Florida hospital and left him there. He succumbed to his injuries and died.
Also identified over the Easter weekend was 29-year-old Justin Jenkins (DOB 7/5/92) of Volusia County, and he has been taken into custody and booked into the Volusia Jail on a Polk County warrant for first degree murder. His criminal history includes 35 previous felonies and 20 previous misdemeanors. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later date.
We are releasing additional video today that shows Jenkins and an unknown white or Hispanic male – we are seeking the public’s help to identify the unknown male. The video is posted on our YouTube page https://youtu.be/ZIwIe0Wdtlo
Tampa, Florida – A Florida federal judge has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa was the advised in her ruling “It is indisputable that the public has a strong interest in combating the spread of COVID-19. In pursuit of that end, the CDC issued the Mask Mandate. But the Mandate exceeded the CDC’s statutory authority, improperly invoked the good cause exception to notice and comment rulemaking, and failed to adequately explain its decisions. Because “our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends,” id., the Court declares unlawful and vacates the Mask Mandate. Accordingly, the following is ORDERED:
1. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 48) is GRANTED on Counts I, Il, and IlI. Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 45) is DENIED.
2. The Court DECLARES UNLAWFUL and VACATES the Mask Mandate, remanding it to the CDC for further proceedings consistent with this order.”
More Than 3,000 Attend Inagural Scars Farm EggFest
by James Coulter
More than 3,000 children and their families scampered about hunting for eggs at the inaugural EggFest, hosted at Scars Farm in Bartow on Saturday.
Hidden in the untamed wilderness of Polk County, this tamed piece of landscape was the ideal location to hide several hundred eggs, and hundreds of children were let loose to find them during the big Easter egg hunt that afternoon.
Aside from hunting eggs, children and their families could also meet and greet several colorful characters for photo opportunities, from the Easter Bunny himself to Spider-Man and Cinderella with her magic coach.
Other activities they could engage in that day included carnival-style lawn games, food trucks and vendors, musical performances, and Easter basket giveaways. Overall, an afternoon of fun and games was to be had by one and all.
The overall turnout more than exceeded expectations. With nearly 3,000 attendees, the line to get into the venue stretched along Alturas Road to the gas station located along the highway, explained owner Michael Kiremisti.
“We were not prepared for this number of people today,” he said. “Our expectations have blown us away.”
Previously a pasture that served as an old horse farm, Scars Farms is a 54-acre outdoor venue located on the outskirts of Bartow. Five years ago, Kiremisti purchased the area with his partner with a vision to transform it into a vibrant food forest. It has since been transformed into a nursery, farm, and event venue.
Last month, Scars Farm hosted its inaugural Central Florida Food Forest Festival to introduce its venue and showcase its facilities. It plans on hosting several more events like it soon, such as its upcoming Oktoberfest event in October.
Kiremisti owes their overwhelming success with its events to their marketing. They had excellent marketing on Facebook and even offline with several posters and displays spread throughout the town. So hopefully these events have been with their exceptional turnouts, he expects to draw in 5,000 at their Oktoberfest in October.
“I just enjoy seeing people come out and enjoy the property,” he said. “That is why we are out here. People are having a great time.”
Jillian Childs, an organizer for Florida Farm Finder, has been attending events hosted at Scars Farm to help promote local farmers and growers. She was especially amazed by that day’s turnout, which she owes to word of mouth. Ever since their event last month, other people have
shared news about the venue and everything it has to offer, and she hopes word will continue to spread.
“We were completely blown away by the number of people who showed up today. We are just thrilled that everyone came out,” she said. “We got the word out with the Central Florida Food Festival and people are paying attention. We are doing great things here. I think it is great, and it can only get better. And every time we host an event, we learn something new and we can only improve from here. We are only going to get bigger and bigger.”
Scars Nursery & Gardens is located at 777 Alturas Rd, Bartow, FL 33830. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/scarsgardens
More Than 600 Kids Hunt Eggs at Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
by James Coulter
Nearly 600 children and their parents were able to scavenge for colored eggs at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center during its fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.
Every hour on the hour from 9 am to noon, children in different age groups were able to participate in egg hunts at the visitor center, located along US Hwy. 27 in Davenport. Each colored egg was filled with candy and other neat prizes that children could collect in their baskets. Other festivities attendees could enjoy that day included food trucks, local vendors, carnival-style lawn games, and even sidewalk chalk drawings.
The fourth annual event drew in an estimated 600 children and their parents, which was slightly more than anticipated, explained Ashlyn Deeringer, Visitor Services Supervisor. She and her staff had filled countless colored eggs in preparation for the event. They had anticipated great numbers this year, as last year’s event drew in an equally surprising number, she explained.
“We had a phenomenal event here today,” she said. “Last year, we were very surprised at the numbers. This year, we were surprised again at how many families and children came out here today. We were very thankful for the participation we had here today.”
Deeringer enjoyed being able to see the small children scamper about the facility and its play area during the event, excitedly scooping up eggs and placing them in their baskets. With how many people attended last year, this year’s turnout proved to be just as satisfactory, if not more so, she said.
“I am enjoying most the children being excited to open their eggs with how many eggs we anticipated more people this year so we stuffed more eggs for the kids,” she said. “And they have been so excited to come back with bucket fulls as we pass away special prizes throughout the hunt.”
Located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport, the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, true to its name, welcomes visitors to Polk County arriving along Hwy 27 and I4. Aside from offering complementary information and discount tickets to local attractions, the center also hosts events such as this for the benefit of not only visitors but also local community residents.
The Visit Welcome Center will be hosting its Hurricane Expo in June, its Back To School event in August, and its Fall Festival in October. For more information, visit their website at: https://visitcentralflorida.org/
While the kitchen is often thought of as the heart of the home, with everything good comes the other side. Kitchens are where we come together as families to cook, bake, share and bond. But there are also hidden dangers lurking from sharp knives to boiling water, making unexpected accidents in the kitchen a fairly common occurrence.
Read on to learn about three common kitchen injuries, how they occur and when to go to the ER.
1. Burns
Burns are common injuries in the kitchen as you move food in and out of ovens, navigate pots and pans on hot stoves and dodge sizzling oil and boiling water. Did the oven mitt slip as you removed a casserole from a hot oven? Did you forget the handle on your cast iron skillet was still scalding as you absentmindedly picked it up? These are understandable but painful accidents that happen to the best of us every day.
To treat a burn at home, first cool the injury site as quickly as possible. Use cold water and react quickly to treat it to avoid the injury getting worse.
Go directly to the ER if your burn:
Has significant blistering
Is bigger than the palm of your hand
Is causing severe pain
Is deep but doesn’t hurt to the touch, which could mean the nerves are burned
Worsens over the next several hours
2. Cuts and Scrapes
Kitchen cuts and scrapes happen frequently if your knife slips while chopping or slicing, or a finger gets in the way while using a grater or zester. Cooking mandolins used to quickly slice vegetables, while convenient, can be dangerous and are the culprit for many kitchen accidents including lacerations. Use all your sharp kitchen equipment with care.
If there is bleeding, put pressure on the wound right away. Go to the ER if:
Bandage doesn’t cover the area
Bleeding doesn’t stop
Injury is over a joint or impairing your ability to move
Underlying tissue is exposed from the cut
3. Eyes
Cleaning solutions, citrus juice and hot peppers sometimes make unwanted contact with your eyes, which can be very painful. First, rinse the affected area with lukewarm water. Milk might work better at neutralizing if the irritant is something like a hot pepper. Go to the ER if symptoms are severe, such as:
Eyes are very irritated or swollen
They are red or painful
Vision is impacted
Worsens over time
Around-the-Clock Emergency Room Care
While we hope you stay safe in your kitchen and wherever you may be, if an accident does happen, we’re here for you 24/7 to get you back to wholeness in body, mind and spirit.
Visit YourLocalER.com to find an ER location close to you.
Around 11:35 p.m. on Apr 16, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle crash with injuries at 1915 US 17 N., Ft. Meade. Upon arrival of first responders, 26-year-old Ricardo Castillo of Arcadia was extricated from his vehicle and determined to have significant, life-threatening injuries. He had to be resuscitated twice and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance as a trauma alert. The driver of the other vehicle, 40-year-old Jesus Garza of Bowling Green suffered minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital.
Evidence and witness statements indicated that Castillo’s 2016 white Chevrolet 4-door sedan was heading northbound in the southbound lanes of US 17 at the same time that Garza’s 2021 red Mazda SUV was heading south in the southbound inside lane. The front driver side of each vehicle collided in a head-on crash within the southbound inside lane of US 17.
It is currently not known why Castillo was driving on the wrong side of highway or where he may have entered US 17 in the wrong direction. PCSO did not receive any calls regarding a wrong-way driver in the area prior to the crash.Castillo was not seat belted but Garza was.
US 17 southbound was closed at the scene for approximately 4 hours during the investigation. Castillo is in critical condition. Garza was treated and released. The investigation is ongoing.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives are seeking information about a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, on Acorn Court in Davenport. The victim, 29-year-old Xavier Antonio Johnson* of St. Petersburg, FL, was fatally shot during a drug transaction inside a home that he was renting via Air BNB. According to the investigation so far, Johnson and his associates had been selling marijuana from the house since April 8, 2022, when they took occupancy. Around 8:30 p.m. on April 13th, unknown suspects went inside the house, and shot the victim. One of the suspects was carrying a gun.
Video from the house shows three unknown males carrying the victim out of the house, and detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify them. Detectives would like to speak with these men.
If anyone has information about this investigation they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. If you have information and wish to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a CASH REWARD, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477) DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
