On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash around 10:15 a.m. on US 98 near the 11000 block in unincorporated Lakeland. The two vehicles involved were a silver 2001 Honda Accord being driven by 49-year-old Angela McDaniel of Lakeland, and a burgundy 2019 Volvo Semi-truck and trailer being driven by 28-year-old Tyler Palmer of Irmo, SC.
According to the investigation so far, Ms. McDaniel was driving southbound on US 98, when for unknown reasons her Honda entered the northbound lane and into the path of the semi-truck, where the two vehicles collided. The Honda was redirected to the west and came to a final stop on the west shoulder of the roadway. The semi-truck slid northwest across the southbound lane where it entered the wood line and struck several trees.
Ms. McDaniel died at the scene. Mr. Palmer was uninjured.
Witnesses told detectives that Ms. McDaniel’s vehicle had drifted across the center line and the fog line multiple times over several miles just prior to the crash.
Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2022) — Polk County Parks & Recreation is hosting the Sixth Annual Hunt for Sasquatch 10k, 5k and 1-mile trail runs this weekend.
The races are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 5 at Bone Valley ATV Park, 104027 County Road 630 W, Mulberry. Runners can sign up to participate in the races that will wind thru the various trails of the park.
The race will be timed by FITniche and will end with an awards ceremony for various age groups. Runners can pre-register at http://bit.ly/22-Sasquatch.
Costs for each race vary and include a t-shirt and swag bag while supplies last. Runners can also register the day of the event at the park for an additional $10 per race with t-shirt and swag bag available while supplies last.
For more information about the Hunt for Sasquatch 10k, 5k and 1-mile run call (863) 534-6911.
Bone Valley ATV Park will be closed to all off road vehicles during the event. The park will resume normal operations after 1 p.m. and will be free entry for all dirt bikes, ATVs and riders. For more information on the park, along with all regulations, visit www.BoneValleyATV.com or call (863) 428-0525.
Lake Wales, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2022) –Jordan Colon, a student at Victory Ridge Academy in Lake Wales got a big surprise when City of Lake Wales police officers presented him with a Kaye Dynamic Stander, a multi-positional standing aid with 360 degrees of movement.
Colon has a developmental disability that affects his balance and postural control, making it difficult to walk unaided.
“This is something special the Police Officers Association wanted to do for Jordan,” said David Black, Deputy Police Chief. “It’s part of our annual Shop with A Cop program that we hold every year with children,” he noted.
The Kaye Dynamic Stander is designed to enable users to pair postural control with function, experiencing the typical weight shifts that accompany reaching, manipulation, speech, eating and self-care activities.
“This is such a bonus for Jordan,” said Dr. Erika Timpe, Director of Therapy Services at Victory Ridge Academy.
The base of the standing aid is equipped with a spring that activates Jordan’s lower extremities and core muscles, strengthening his ability to stand in an upright position.
“As Jordan works with this adaptive device, he will be able to build muscle strength that will enable him to use a walker with adult assistance,” Dr. Timpe noted.
Not only will Jordan be able to move more freely now, he will also be able to expend some stored-up energy, which is so important for adolescents, mentioned Police Chief Chis Velasquez.
The Lake Wales Police Officers Association is a non-profit organization for police officers to join voluntarily.
Victory Ridge Academy is a non-profit learning center serving students with a variety of special needs, such as Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome and many more.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in unincorporated Lakeland. According to the preliminary investigation, at around 7:20 p.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, 25-year-old Neil Bourcy of Mulberry stole a dark color Dodge Nitro from a business on Old Tampa Highway in unincorporated Lakeland. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDU5okEWLzY He then drove the stolen vehicle to the area of Ruby Street in Lakeland where he abandoned the car near a park in the area. According to witnesses, Bourcy entered a residential community, began banging on the front doors of several residences, and unsuccessfully attempted to steal a vehicle at one of the homes. Bourcy then went to another home where he again attempted to steal a vehicle. When the home owner refused to give Bourcy the car keys, Bourcy cut the homeowner with a knife. The victim is in stable condition at a local hospital. The Lakeland Police Department is investigating the stabbing. Bourcy then went Josephine Street in Lakeland where he stole an unlocked Lincoln MKX. At around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, during the course of the investigation, deputies located the stolen Lincoln MKX on US 98 and CR 540A in Highland City. The vehicle turned northbound on Combee Road and deputies followed while communicating with other units their direction of travel. Bourcy drove the stolen vehicle to the area of Denver Street in unincorporated Lakeland, where he abandoned the vehicle after it became stuck in the backyard of a residence. The PCSO aviation unit located Bourcy in a residential back yard and directed 31-year-old Deputy Sheriff Christopher Warren to the suspect’s location. Bourcy fled from Deputy Warren. The air unit advised Deputy Warren to “Use caution. He just did something with his waistband. Use caution.” Bourcy told Deputy Warren that he had a gun, and shortly afterward he pulled a black object from his pocket and pointed it at Deputy Warren. Deputy Warren shot Bourcy six times then immediately began life-saving measures. Bourcy was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. Detectives located a black cell phone and a box-blade style knife next to Bourcy. Deputy Warren was uninjured. “Once again this shows the dangers that deputies face every day. By stating he possessed a gun and then pointing and unknown object at my deputy, Bourcy chose this outcome. My deputy did exactly what he had to do at that exact moment in time to protect himself and others from this violent criminal.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Bourcy’s previous criminal history includes 9 physical arrests, including 8 felonies, and 8 misdemeanors. His previous charges include: robbery, assault, harassment, burglary, DUI, various drug possession charges, and probation violations. He also served a prison sentence in Florida State Prison. Deputy Warren was hired as a deputy sheriff in December 2020. He served three years as a police officer with the Bartow Police Department. Per agency protocol he will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation. Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings includes three independent investigations: PCSO will conduct a criminal investigation, PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday, January 30, 2022. The shooting happened around 1:13 a.m. in the area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 11th Street NE in unincorporated Winter Haven when individuals driving in a silver Toyota Camry and a dark colored sedan exchanged gun fire. All four individuals in the Toyota were shot. Three are in local hospitals in critical condition (26-year-old black male, 17-year-old Hispanic male, and 20-year-old black male). The front-seat passenger, a 20-year-old black male, is deceased. All are from the Polk County area. After the shooting, the dark colored vehicle was seen at a local hospital where one person was dropped off. That person was shot and is in critical condition
Update to PCSO investigation of Sunday’s fatal Winter Haven shooting
These are pictures of the second vehicle involved in the early Sunday morning (January 30) shooting between two vehicles that occurred at about 1:13 a.m. near Winter Haven on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., near 11th Street NE. It is a four door blue sedan with a sunroof, possibly a Lexus IS 250 sedan between 2006 and 2013.
These photos are from Winter Haven Hospital’s surveillance cameras. A man with gunshot wounds was dropped off from this vehicle at Winter Haven Hospital minutes after the shooting.
Anyone who has any information about this vehicle, its owner, or anyone who was in this vehicle in the Winter Haven area early Sunday morning or late Saturday night are asked to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Crime Stoppers.
. If you wish to remain anonymous, or if you would like to receive a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477) * From your cell phone, dial **TIPS * Or visit the website: www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” * Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Lake Wales Marine Veteran Honored At Orlando Magic Basketball Game
by James Coulter
Orlando Magic honored a Lake Wales veteran for their service during a basketball game on Friday evening.
Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper, a local retired U.S. Marine, was formally recognized for her military service by honoring her as a “hometown hero.”
“Kat” served 20 years in active reserve and became the first female marine in combat operations. Her achievements inducting her into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. She is married to an Army veteran, and they have had two sons together: one in the Navy, and one in the Air Force.
Orlando Magic periodically recognizes first responders, fire fighters, police officers, medical professionals, or military personnel as a “hometown hero” during their games.
“We look forward to receiving nominations for any and all Central Florida heroes,” its website states. “We love seeing nominations for individuals who play a big part in our community and have been recognized for specific achievements.”
Kat was previously scheduled to be recognized at an Orlando Magic game two years ago, but that honor was postponed, along with most games, following the start of the ongoing pandemic.
She and her family were given free tickets and parking passes to attend the game. She arrived there with her son and grandson. They sat at front seats near the court. They were also able to visit the VIP Lounge where they could enjoy free food and drinks.
Prior to the game, the arena hosted a presentation with an announcement on the Jumbotron with pictures of Kat in military uniform and a brief biography of her life and achievements. The national anthem was then performed by a children’s choir prior to the game’s start.
“They took really good care for us,” Kat said. “It made me queen for the day.”
Her favorite part of the game was being able to enjoy it with her family, especially her grandson. He enjoys basketball, and being able to watch a game in person is better than watching it on television, she said.
“I was happy to have one of my children and grandson to recognize my recognition,” she said. “That overwhelmed my heart.”
While she appreciated the honor for her military service, Kat humbly admits that her motivation is purely for the love of her fellow Americans, especially her fellow retired veterans.
“I do things not to give anything in return, but it does make you feel good when people respect you and appreciate the things that you do for others,” she said. “I am just so appreciative that magic would honor me as their hometown hero, and it is good they have such a program available to do that, and I was glad to be a part of it.”
Daily Ridge had reached out to Orlando Magic for an official comment, but had not received a response.
Sheriff Grady Judd will speak to the media at 10:45 this morning (February 1, 2022) at the Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keen Blvd., Winter Haven) about a deputy involved shooting that occurred just after 2:00 am. One suspect was shot and is being treated at a local hospital. No deputies were injured.
Who Cares BBQ Wins Pro Division at Lakeland Pigfest for First Year
by James Coulter
Donald Cook has been traveling with his barbecue team Who Cares BBQ for eight years, competing in barbecue competitions across the country. This year was their first attending Lakeland Pigfest, and they were lucky enough to win first place in the proffesional division.
“Our secret is a lot of time and passion, a lot of everything… [just] practice, practice, practice,” he said. “We owe our success to competing a lot, preparing good meats from our sponsors, and just doing it a lot up and down the East Coast.”
Cook and his team have wanted to attend Lakeland Pigfest for quite some time. They were unable to do it last year due to the ongoing pandemic. Now that the event has made its epic comeback, they are pleased to have been able to not only participate but win.
“It is awesome,” he said. “I love it. I have been wanting to come for a long time, and it is a great contest. The hospitality, and it is a great venue with an amazing setup out here.”
Who Cares BBQ were named the Grand Champion of the proffesional division of Lakeland Pigfest on Saturday. The title of Grand Champion for the Backyard division went to Barely Sober BBQ.
Mac Miller and his team have been attending the event for nearly five years. This is their second year winning first place. He owes their success to their teamwork. Their teammates have been together for many years, and their experience and cooperation allow them to rise to the top.
“We have folks who push the limit, they practice a lot, [and] we really focus on the small things,” he said. “We have a great team…[that] loves being together. We start preparing on Monday. We finish up here on Saturday, and it is the camraderie and fellowship. We just love it.”
Lakeland Pigfest celebrated its 25th year at Sun n’ Fun Expo in Lakeland last weekend. Teams from across the county, state, and even country arrived to test their barbecuing skills in this annual Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned contest, competing in the backyard and proffesional division, and in categories such as chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs.
Pigfest was started nearly 26 years ago by a small group of local businessmen who wanted to start their own barbecue competition after attending an event in Georgia. What followed has been a local tradition that brings together the community to enjoy barbecue and help support local not-for-profits.
“It took 26 years for us to get 25 years under our belt,” event coordinator Bill Tinsley. “This has grown to be state championship of Florida…by far, the largest event in the Southeast.”
Following their absence last year due to the ongoing pandemic, the barbecue contest celebrated its 25th year last weekend. They owe their longevity to community support. Countless volunteers are required to help host the event, and such support has allowed the event to continue strong for nearly a quarter century.
“This year’s event, despite the cold weather, we had a great number of people come out on Friday and Saturday,” Tinsley said. “[And despite this] really challenging windy weekend, we are seeking the same thing we are providing, which is a great community event, post-Covid, people ready to get out, mingle, and have a great time.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit conducted a year-long (2021) traffic safety initiative on Interstate 4 in response to aggressive driving and excessive speeding within Polk County. “According to the Teletrac Navan study, Interstate 4 is the most dangerous highway in the United States. It is our mission to keep you safe while in Polk County along this stretch of roadway in our county by enforcing the speed limit and arresting those who drive recklessly. Please, slow down and pay attention. Your life and safety are important to us.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff During the 2021 initiative, deputies:
Stopped 5,014 vehicles for speeding or reckless driving
Issued 3,790 citations, of those:
257 drivers were issued citations for traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the highest speed recorded being 155 miles per hour.
1,490 drivers were issued citations for traveling between 90-99 miles per hour.
The speed limit on I-4 where it runs through Polk County fluctuates between 65 MPH or 70 MPH. Per Florida Statute 318.18(3)(b), the cost of a traffic citation for speeding in excess of 50 MPH on an Interstate is $1,104 and a required court appearance. 143 people were arrested during the initiative, for the following charges:
Knowingly Driving With No Driver’s License
Reckless Driving
Racing
Possession of Narcotics
DUI
DUI Manslaughter
Violation of Injunction
The traffic safety initiative is on-going and will continue into 2022.
Bartow, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2022) — Leasing for the 102-unit Auburn Village Apartments begins Feb. 1 for those 55 years old and older who meet income requirements.
The apartment complex at 811 Jersey Road NW in Auburndale received about $354,000 from the county along with $716,406 in impact fee waivers to help build more affordable housing for one of Polk’s most vulnerable populations.
While leasing begins Feb. 1, there are still some finishing touches left to complete the project. Tenants will be able to move into the new one- and two-bedroom units April 1. The units will be targeted to senior households earning 40 and 60 percent of the area median income or less. Of the units offered, 10 percent of the units will be set aside at 40 percent of the area median income and 90 percent set aside for 60 percent of the area median income.
“As the local real estate market continues to push prices of living higher, affordable housing for vulnerable populations, like seniors, becomes further out of reach,” said Tamara West, Polk’s Housing and Neighborhood Development manager. “Programs like this help level the costs for those who are eligible and need it most.”
The three-story, $20 million complex will offer 60 one-bedroom, one-bath units; and 42 two-bedroom, two-bath units. The apartments will also include Energy Star-rated appliances, washer/dryer hookups, open floor plans, balconies, wood cabinets and grab bars in bathrooms. Other amenities at the complex include a clubhouse, fitness center, community garden, pool, computer lab, fire pit, barbecue area with grill, on-site management offices and maintenance services.
The Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development Office supports multifamily development of affordable housing in Polk County through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program or Housing Credit Program.
