On Sunday, April 10, 2022, at approximately 7:45 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 2900 block of West Memorial Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, a semi-truck with trailer was stopped inside the safety lane, facing eastbound with its hazard lights activated. At the same time, a 2018 Nissan Frontier truck was traveling eastbound on West Memorial Boulevard when for unknown reasons, the driver left his lane of traffic and traveled into the safety lane. The Nissan truck struck the stopped semi-truck and became lodged underneath the rear of the trailer.
The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene and began to provide life-saving measures. The driver of the Nissan truck, 28-year-old Devin Robert Henkel, was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the semi-truck, 60-year-old Ross Allen Green, was not injured as a result of the crash.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately five hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact investigating Officer Tyler Anderson at [email protected].
Looking for a beautiful wedding gown to wear on your big day but you’re strapped for time and money? No worries! Just drop into Bridal by Crown in Plant City. You can browse through more than 250 dresses to find the one you’re looking for, try it on, and buy it on the same day. Best of all, they are all designer gowns under $1,499.
The overall experience is the boutique’s biggest selling point. No need to wait for measurements or alterations. Just try and buy! The store itself can accommodate up to five brides and their guests at a time. And they can all spend quality time looking through dresses. Most brides-to-be start by trying on six or seven dresses, but some have gone through at least 20, explained Crystal Brown, co-owner with her partner, Leslie Wendt.
“We really pride ourselves at making this experience the best that it can be,” Brown said. “[We love] helping them find the perfect fit for them and make it the perfect day for them.”
Brown and her husband own and operate Crown Entertainment, through which they have coordinated weddings, serving as disk jockeys and taking photographs. Many of the brides they served were searching for the right dress to wear on their wedding day. So Crystal decided to take the opportunity to open a wedding dress boutique.
Her partner, Wendt, has nearly a lifetime’s experience in creating custom bridal wear. She grew up with her mother, who designed and sewed wedding gowns and dresses. By the time she had her wedding, her mother decided to switch careers, and Wendt decided to step up in her place.
“Whenever I got married, she said enough was enough and she could not custom make them anymore, so now she does alterations,” she said.
Wendt soon partnered with Brown to start their business together. They have since moved to their new location in Plant City, where they have resided since last July. They recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
“We are very excited to welcome Bridal by Crown in the Plant City community,” said Christine Miller, President and CEO. “They are bringing a new industry to the city. We hope they will do very well, and that they will be very successful.”
Brown was amazed by the overall turnout. She was grateful that the local community has welcomed her and her partner with open arms, and that the Chamber has offered them much support and assistance. She has high expectations that they will not only do well, but eventually branch out into other locations.
“We are so thankful for our families and how much support they give us and also the community. Plant City is such a wonderful place to live and work and raise our children, and we could not be any more thankful to have all of that all-in-one place,” she said. “We are really hoping to expand…[and] in looking to expand, we want to double the inventory at least.”
Bridal By Crown is located at 110 W Reynolds St Suite 107, Plant City, FL 33563. The boutique is by appointment only. For more information, call 813-652-8131, or visit bridalbycrown.com.
From: Rodolfich, Wayne Sent: Friday, April 8, 2022 4:38 PM To: Danny Gill; dailyridge.com Subject: Please Release Statement
Good afternoon Daily Ridge News,
Please release this statement:
Dear Parents, Students, and Educators of the Lake Wales Charter School System,
I am communicating about my announcement yesterday at a Lake Wales High School faculty meeting of my intent to retain Donna Dunson as the LWHS principal. This meeting was part of my 7 school tour over the last 2 days to meet with principals and teachers. At the time of the announcement, I was not aware that Ms. Dunson had submitted her resignation earlier this school year nor that her resignation had been acted on and accepted by the Board. I did not contact Acting Superintendent Alricky Smith, nor did I formally request a discussion with the Board prior to making the announcement. Additionally, the process for applications for the LWHS principal position had been opened and closed. I am publicly acknowledging my misunderstanding of the policies and my inability to make such decisions before my contract begins on July 1, 2022.
Grand Jury indicts one adult and two teens for first degree murder
The Polk County Grand Jury indicted three suspects yesterday, April 7, 2022, in connection with a shooting that occurred in the area of Martin Luther King Blvd., NE and 11th Street, Winter Haven on January 30, 2022.
The three suspects are:
Antonio Bernard Lewis, Jr., 21, Winter Haven
Charges: First degree murder (782.04.01C, CF), Attempted first degree murder (782.04.01, LF), Attempted second degree murder (782.04.02, F) (2 counts), Shooting into or throwing deadly missile into a vehicle (790.19, F), Discharging a firearm from a vehicle (790.15.01, F).
Jermaine Leonard Hawthorne, 16, Winter Haven
Charges: First degree murder (782.04.01C, CF), Attempted first degree murder (782.04.01, LF), Attempted second degree murder (782.04.02, F) (2 counts), Shooting into or throwing deadly missile into a vehicle (790.19, F), Discharging a firearm from a vehicle (790.15.01, F), Tampering with physical evidence (918.13, F).
Mecheal Jean-Charles, 17, Winter Haven
Charges: First degree murder (782.04.01C, CF), Attempted first degree murder (782.04.01, LF), Attempted felony murder (782.051, F), Attempted second degree murder (782.04.02, F), Tampering with physical evidence (918.13, F).
On Sunday, January 30, 2022, 1:13 a.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Winter Haven Police responded to multiple reports of a shooting in the area Martin Luther King (MLK) Blvd NE and 11th St., Winter Haven. Upon arrival in the area, Winter Haven officers located a grey Toyota Camry, with multiple apparent bullet strikes stopped on the south shoulder of MLK Blvd. Further investigation revealed three occupants of the vehicle with multiple apparent gunshot wounds and a fourth person who appeared to flee from the area of the vehicle on foot. A perimeter was established and a search of the area conductedthe fourth occupant of the victim’s vehicle was not found initially, but was identified later by investigating deputies.
The occupant of the driver’s seat, a 26-year-old Bartow man, was found to have multiple apparent gunshot wounds. The left rear passenger, a 17-year-old Bartow teen, had multiple apparent gunshot wounds. The right front passenger, a 20-year-old Winter Haven man had multiple apparent gunshot woundshe was pronounced deceased at the scene by Polk County EMS at approximately 1:20 a.m. The deceased man was found to have an AR15 style rifle slung across his body and a Glock pistol in his waist band upon the arrival of law enforcement. The person who fled the vehicle was later identifieda 17-year-old Bartow teen who had been shot twice.
All involved who were injured by gunfire (except the man who was killed) were treated and later discharged from area hospitals.
Detectives determined, based on witness and victim interviews, that two vehicles were traveling westbound on MLK Blvd NE, Winter Haven, FL. A dark blue four door sedan, later identified as a Lexus, was traveling westbound behind the Toyota Camry. The Lexus entered the on-coming (eastbound travel lane) and paralleled the silver Camry at which time there appeared to be muzzle flashes and multiple gunshots coming from the Lexus. The Lexus then accelerated past the Camry, briefly losing control and leaving the roadway. After traveling along the grass shoulder, the driver of the Lexus regained control and continued westbound as the Camry crossed the center line and coasted to a stop along the south shoulder of the roadway.
Both vehicles were at the Cypress Lanes Bowling Alley at 2010 Dundee Rd. in Winter Haven, prior to the shooting. While detectives were investigating the shooting, they were advised that a dark blue four door sedan (the suspect vehicle) arrived at the emergency department entrance of Winter Haven Hospital (approximately two miles from the scene) at around 1:16 a.m. The occupants of the vehicle dropped off a black man, later identified as 21-year-old Antonio Lewis, with a gunshot wound to the chest area. The vehicle rapidly fled the hospital without providing any information to hospital staff.
According to hospital surveillance video, two passengers in the vehicle were observed assisting Lewis out of the vehicle and through the door of the hospital. The two ran back to the vehicle and fled. On video, dirt and clumps of grass were visible falling from the vehicle undercarriage. In an initial interview with law enforcement, Antonio Lewis admitted to being at the Cypress Lanes Bowling alley earlier in the night when some type of altercation occurred. Lewis was later transported to another hospital and was ultimately discharged into law enforcement custody.
Through further interviews detectives determined that the shooting was gang related and there was an exchange of gunfire between the two vehicles (one shooter from the Camry). On February 2nd, detectives located a dark blue Lexus sedan with gunshot holes in the passenger side near The Rock of Winter Haven Church, Winter Haven. Numerous spent shell casings were located inside the vehicle. It was learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Hillsborough County. A Lexus key fob in Lewis’ possession at the hospital was confirmed to match the stolen Lexus.
Speaking with people in the area of the Church led to the identification of Jermaine Hawthorne. Detectives later recovered distinctive clothing worn by Hawthorne the night of the shooting from his residence.
Further investigation led to the identification of Mecheal Jean-Charles being the third person in the Lexus the night of the Shooting. Jean-Charles was identified as the driver.
Video evidence at the Cypress Lanes bowling alley shows the stolen Lexus in the parking lot prior to the shooting and immediately following the Toyota Camry as it left. It followed the Camry until the shooting.
“We are not putting up with this gang violence in Polk County. These three will be held accountable for murdering a man and shooting the other victims. The investigation is ongoing, so if there is anyone out there who can help us with more information, please call Heartland Crime Stoppers to receive cash rewards.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving one vehicle that occurred on I-4 Thursday evening, April 7, 2022.
Deputies responded to the crash scene on the eastbound lanes of I-4 near mile marker 52 at about 7:28 PM, along with Polk County Fire Rescue. The Florida Department of Transportation also responded to assist with traffic control.
Upon the arrival of first responders, 22-year old Sandra Diaz of Tampa was found deceased. 18-year old Maria Cruz of Tampa was transported to a local hospital but passed away shortly after arrival. A 16-year old boy from Lutz was also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that Ms. Diaz was the driver of the red 2015 Toyota 4Runner. Ms. Cruz was a front-seat passenger, and the juvenile was sitting in the back. Diaz and Cruz were both ejected during the crash; neither was wearing their seat belt. The juvenile was wearing his seat belt.
According to evidence and multiple witness statements, the preliminary investigation shows that excessive speed was a factor in the crash.
The Toyota was travelling east on I-4 well over the 70-MPH speed limit. The vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) indicated that the Toyota was going 93 MPH just prior to the crash.
Witnesses reported that the Toyota and another vehicle were both going very fast, and making lane changes, but the two vehicles did not appear to be racing each other.
“Seat belts save lives. The two who weren’t buckled in, tragically died, while the one who was buckled in survived with minor injuries. But this could have been avoided; According to the witnesses and investigation, the vehicle was being driven recklessly and too fast. It is an example of why we started the Interstate 4 Initiative in September of 2020…to show people we are serious about cracking-down on this type of driving on I-4. Since it began, we have cited 397 drivers for going in excess of 100 MPH. “–Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The Toyota began to transition from the inside lane to the middle or outside lane, and Ms. Diaz lost control of it. The Toyota began to rotate, and then left the roadway off of the south shoulder and flipped. Ms. Cruz and Ms. Diaz were both ejected from the Toyota, which continued on until it came to a stop in the middle and outside lanes.
One lane of eastbound I-4 was able to be kept open to allow traffic to continue through, but three lanes were closed while deputies were on scene.
Copy of Email provided by Alricky in response to Daily Ridge’s request
Based on information provided it appears that Donna Dunson submitted her resignation on August 6, 2021 in which it was accepted. Interim Superintendent Alricky Smith asked the HR Director to take the necessary steps to fulfil the vacant Lake Wales High School Principal position for the 2022-2023 school year.
The posting provided 44 new applicants to be considered and vetted for interview by the Superintendent. Alricky Smith shared in the email that if Dr. Wayne Rodolfich made a formal request to reopen the posting it would allow Donna Dunson to re-apply and be considered for nomination.
Per Lake Wales Charter School policy (LWCS BP#2021-003) the Superintendent may only recommend nomination or re-nomination of Administrative Staff and Program Directors.
The Superintendent may not promise or imply permanent or guaranteed employment. Ultimately the Superintendent recommends an appointee and the Board Confirms the appointee with an approval.
As witnessed in the Superintendent selection for Dr. Wayne Rodolfich a committee recommended he be appointed as the new Superintendent. As part of the confirmation process the Board voted to accept the nomination. Once the nomination is approved by the board the Board Chair, Danny Gill, enforces what the board voted in favor of and ensures proper policies and procedures are followed.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes detectives arrested 24-year-old Richard Dalton Battle of Palmetto, who is a Polk County Fire Rescue firefighter, for having inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old Polk County girl via the mobile app “Snapchat” and extorting her to send nude videos of herself to him.
The inappropriate contact began in 2019 after Battle found the victim on Instagram and then added her on Snapchat. The victim told Battle that she was only 14-years-old, to which Battle replied, “Okay.” The victim asked Battle how old he was, but he did not answer. The conversations between Battle and the victim turned sexual in nature, and Battle began threatening to tell the victim’s mother that she was on Snapchat unless the victim sent him nude videos. He told the victim that he knew her location because Snapmaps was turned on and the victim was in fear that he would come to her home, therefore the victim sent Battle two videos of herself nude.
Battle then continued to send her Snapchat messages, which the victim ignored. He repeatedly asked her to send more videos, which she ignored until late March 2022 when she decided she “couldn’t take it anymore.” The victim searched for Battle’s true identity online and found a Facebook profile “Dalton Battle” where he is wearing a Polk County Fire Rescue T-shirt. The victim reported the online conversations to an adult, and an investigation ensued.
The victim told detectives that she felt pressured into sending the videos, and that it was disgusting and “the worst thing ever.”
The bitmoji Battle used on Snapchat is of a male wearing a firefighter uniform. His Snapchat username is “battle_dalton_.” See excerpts below of their late March 2022 conversation.
PCSO detectives interviewed Battle when he arrived to work at the Ewell Road fire station on April 7, 2022, and he told them that he had met the victim, whom he believed to be at least 18-year-old, on the dating app “Tinder.” He denied the threats and denied soliciting her to send videos, but did admit she sent videos to him. He denied being on Snapchat at all.
The following are excerpts of Snapchat conversations between Battle and the victim, recovered as evidence in this case:
Battle – Where’s the spicy video you used to send ???
Victim – Wtf
Battle – Hey you’re hot what can I say
Battle – Liked seeing you shake that a**
Victim – No
Battle – Haha damn had to try you used to send them now you don’t such a shame
Victim – You’re a shame for thinking I’ll send them again
Victim – Like seriously wtf is wrong with you
Battle – Was trying to see some a** but okay
Victim – leave a b**** alone
Victim – especially after she says no
Battle was placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for one count solicitation of a person under 16 to commit a lewd act (F3), one count unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3), and one count extortion (F2). He is being held on no bond for the solicitation charge, and $6,000 bond total for the other two charges. Please direct any inquiries about his employment to Polk County Fire Rescue.
“This is a clear cut case of why parents need to be all up in their children’s business when they are online and using mobile apps. We are happy the victim turned this suspect in and we hope she is able to recover from the abuse she suffered at the hands of this deviant suspect. Please put parental controls on your children’s tablets and cell phones – parents and guardians are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping children safe.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
A teacher from Crossroads Christian School in Lakeland (615 Old Polk City Road) was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, after an investigation determined that he had inappropriate sexual conduct with two students at the school.
39-year old Derek Stribling of Lakeland was arrested at his home on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at about 10:52 PM. He refused to speak to detectives about the investigation and was transported to the PCSO Sheriff’s Processing Center where he was charged with Lewd/Lascivious Molestation of a Minor (F2), Lewd/Lascivious Conduct (F2), Offenses against Students by an Authority Figure (F2), and Transmit Material Harmful to a Minor (F3).
“For a 39-year old married deviant to do this to two teens is horrible as it is, but when you add in that he’s a teacher doing this to his students—it infuriates me. Most teachers do everything they can to protect their students, but this guy was the complete opposite. He preyed on them for his own sick desires, and he should never be allowed to be near children again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Detectives from the PCSO Special Victims Unit began investigating Thursday morning after becoming aware that Stribling had sent explicit text messages to two of his female students. One of the students is over 18-years old, and the other was 14-years old at the time.
The adult student informed detectives that Stribling asked her for her phone number back on February 14, 2022, so he could check up on her after she had an argument with her father. Stribling told the victim that she had a “D” in his class, and she could get extra credit to help her grades. He initiated a sexual conversation via text and on the FaceTime app. During the video chat, Stribling showed his penis to the victim while he was masturbating. On another occasion, Stribling tried unsuccessfully to get the victim to meet him in a hotel parking lot for oral sex, but she refused.
The other student reported an incident which she said occurred in 2020 while Stribling was her basketball coach. She said that he had asked her to meet him in the gymnasium’s equipment closet. The victim said that Stribling began kissing her while rubbing her breast and buttocks over her clothing. She also reported that he began communicating with her via the Snapchat app and text messaging, and he called her twice via video chat in which he showed himself masturbating. She also claimed that he tried multiple times to get her to meet him to engage in oral sex, but she refused.
Both victims provided details of Stribling’s anatomy.
The detectives were told that Stribling serves as a teacher, dean, and basketball coach at the school. Any inquiries regarding his employment status at the school should be directed to them.
Recently on social media Donna Dunson announced that she spoke with Dr. Wayne Rodolfich, Lake Wales Charter Schools new superintendent, and he asked Donna if she would consider staying onboard as Principal for another school year. Donna quickly accepted the offer from Dr. Wayne Rodolfich and released a statement to students that was shared on social media explaining that she would be back for one more year.
Donna Dunson’s statement to students
Comments on social media flooded in showing support for Donna’s return. Many parents even expressed that they were excited for the following school year knowing she would be at the helm as principle.
Snippet of positive feedback about Donna’s return
Donna’s return from retirement was short lived. A statement from Donna Dunson was posted on social media that acting Superintendent Alricky Smith and board Chair Danny Gill had declined her offer to rescind her resignation.
Donna’s statement that her resignation would not be rescinded
Donna gave her best wishes in an email that was posted to social media stating she hopes the system will return to its original core values to create an environment where both teachers and students can flourish.
Based on comments left on social media it appears that the parental community is split between two groups. One group is made up of an outside political group looking to influence the schools curriculum, staff, and board. The other group is made up of parents who have children in the school or are a member of the Charter School system.
While on the surface it appears to be very clear that lines have been drawn in the sand, I for one know the Lake Wales Community is better than this. Both sides need to come together and determine some common ground that will allow them to move forward together and once again unify the community.
Boys & Girls Club Hosted Opioid Awareness Health Fair
by James Coulter
More than 49,000 people died from overdosing on opioids, which are currently the main driver of all drug overdose deaths. The Girls and Boys Club of Polk County wished to raise awareness of this ever-present danger in the hopes that one less person would become another statistic.
In partnership with InnerAct Alliance, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County hosted an Opioid Awareness Health Fair on Thursday evening. Nearly a hundred students and their parents received information from vendors about opioids and drug prevention, as well as participated in other activities including free food, bike raffles, and bounce houses.
Sgt. Frank Vargas, who participates in the Drug Outreach Program for the Florida Army National Guard, spoke alongside Paul Maxwell, a Drug Intelligence Officer, to spread awareness of synthetic opioids through a presentation. They mentioned how many drugs are disguised as candy and other food items, encouraging adults to remain vigilant about what their children eat. They also explained how to dispose of their medications safely to prevent other people, including children, from consuming them.
“There is a lot of candy that looks like candy…but some of those candies can be harmful to kids, and parents need to be aware of what their kids are taking and be engaged,” Sgt. Vargas said.
“We want to get the awareness out there to parents so they understand these pills look like regular medicine, but they are not, they are counterfeit, and one pill can kill if they take it,” Maxwell said. As for the presentation, he commented: “It was a small turnout, it was a little smaller, but if we can reach out to one person, it is worth it for us.”
Stephanie Shultz of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) crime division unit likewise participated to educate the public on the ongoing opioid epidemic. She was one of the many vendors who attended to disperse information about her organization as well as provide free pamphlets and gift items to help spread awareness.
“We want people to know that whatever your situation is, if it is in your family or you know someone who has a drug addiction, that you seek help,” she said. “This is a great event. We are proud to see the kids, to be here and interact with the community, [and] to reinforce the message that we are here to serve the community.”
James Shiver, a volunteer from InnerAct, attended as a vendor representing his organization, which partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to host the event. As both organizations focus on improving their community through drug prevention and mental health awareness, they hosted the event that afternoon to further both their causes.
“I am so glad to see so many children are excited to see the table and parents to go into the presentation, and I am excited to see so many people out and about in the community,” he said. “I hope they take away that students are still growing and changing, and [how] it is really important to get the info [out] before they face the challenge of substance abuse and bullying.”
