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Winter Haven Man And Lake Wales Man Involved in Overnight Traffic Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Man And Lake Wales Man Involved in Overnight Traffic Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash with serious bodily injury that occurred early this morning in unincorporated Lake Wales. According to the preliminary investigation so far, it appears that just after 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025, a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle being operated by a 30-year-old Haines City man was traveling east on Tindel Camp Road approaching the intersection with Lake Mabel Loop Road when, for unknown reasons, the motorcyclist lost control of his bike, causing it to overturn and slide approximately 100 yards inside the eastbound lane.

 Another motorcycle, a 2024 Suzuki, was also heading east on Tindel Camp an unknown distance behind the Kawasaki. The 25-year-old Winter Haven man operating that bike appears to have swerved to avoid crashing into the overturned Kawasaki in the roadway front of him, causing him to lose control of the Suzuki and overturn, coming to a rest on the shoulder of the road. It does not appear that the two bikes collided. Both of the motorcyclists were ejected from their bikes.

 The Kawasaki driver has extremely significant head injuries and was unable to be interviewed regarding the crash. The Suzuki driver gave minimal information to the deputies at the scene. Both were transported to the hospital and were admitted. Neither were wearing helmets. The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately four hours, and the investigation is ongoing.

In Loving Memory of Philip Mason

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Philip Mason

Philip Mason

January 30th, 1951 – December 27th, 2024

Philip (Phil) Edward Mason, 73, passed away on December 27, 2024. Phil was born and raised in Rushville, IN and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 1970. After graduation, he was drafted into the US Army where he was a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War. After getting out of the service, he relocated to Winter Haven in the mid-1970s. Phil worked for John Woods clearing land for housing developments. After that, he worked in the telecommunications industry, retiring from CenturyLink in 2017.

Phil was preceded in death by his son, Jarrod “JP” Mason; parents, Fred and Clarabelle Mason; sisters, Patricia Ralston, Jeanie Laker, Barbara Eyler, and Linda Gipson.

He is survived by sisters, Pam (Kent) Brenneman of Kissimmee, FL, Nancy Woosley of Wheelersburg, OH; many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion of 22 years, Joann Hanmer of Winter Haven, FL; her daughters, Sheila (James) Westberry, Tammy (Josh) Noyes; and was “Peepaw” to Dylan, Justin, Parker, and RJ.

Services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 3, 2025, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven with Rev. Douglas McMahon presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family at the funeral home from 1 PM until the time of service on Friday. The burial will be in Rollings Hills Cemetery.

Oneblood Hosting Blood Drive in Auburndale January 2

Staff Reporter
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Oneblood Hosting Blood Drive in Auburndale January 2

Oneblood is hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, near the Parks & Rec. office in Downtown Auburndale.

Location: W. Park Street, Auburndale, FL 33823

Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025

Time: 1:00pm to 4:30pm

How do you prepare to donate blood?

  • Make sure that you drink plenty of water
  • Eat well-balanced iron rich meals (especially the morning before donating)
  • Bring an ID with you on to the bus; an ID is required!
  • Make sure you limit your caffeine intake the morning before drive.

Appointment link for donors: https://donor.oneblood.org/…/sch…/drive_schedule/1507958

** Appointments are not required, but are encouraged, however, they allow us plan for the drive to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible.

WALK – INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

All donors will receive a $25 egift card, a Oneblood T-Shirt, and a wellness checkup!

Thank you for being a lifesaver! See you soon!

Father Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of His Daughter In Fiery Crash

Carl Fish
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Father Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Death Of His Daughter In Fiery Crash

On December 31, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged 30-year-old Kody Wills of Lakeland, with DUI manslaughter (F2), DUI causing serious bodily injury (F3), and two counts of negligent child abuse (F2), for causing the death of his daughter and serious injury to his son when he crashed his Kia on Broadway Street in Lakeland on November 7th. 

PCSO Traffic Homicide Investigators recently received the toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, which revealed Wills’ blood alcohol content just after the crash to be three times the legal limit at .25 grams of ethanol per liter of blood (the legal threshold is .08).

The following is an excerpt from his affidavit, and it is self-explanatory:

On Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at approximately 6:26 pm Kody Jo Wills (White male, DOB 05/03/1994) was operating his 2013 Kia four-door passenger car on Broadway Street near Lake Parker Drive, Lakeland, Polk County, Florida when he ran a stop sign and crossed the roadway striking a tree. As a result of the crash, the vehicle caught on fire and Kody Jo Wills’ five-year old daughter died. Additionally, his three-year old son received serious bodily injuries in the form of burns to the face.

An examination of the crash scene revealed there was no obvious evidence of pre-impact braking. Based on the final rest position of Wills’ vehicle, extensive damage, and the short distance traveled; it is consistent that Wills failed to stop at the stop sign located at the intersection of Broadway Street and Lake Parker Drive.

During the crash investigation, Deputy Justin Register responded to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and contacted Kody Jo Wills in the emergency room at approximately 8:39 pm. Deputy Register could smell the odor of what he commonly associates with an alcoholic beverage coming from Wills’ breath. Additionally, Wills’ eyes appeared watery. Post-Miranda, Wills admitted he was driving his vehicle at the time of the crash and that the only passengers in the vehicle were his juvenile children which he had just picked up from their grandfather’s residence. Wills stated he was driving home at the time of the crash and missed a turn. Wills stated after the crash he got out of his vehicle and attempted to get his son out, but he fell to the ground. A stranger then came and helped. When asked about the odor of alcohol, Wills admitted he had one shot of Maker’s Mark alcohol earlier in the afternoon at approximately 1:00 pm. 

Deputy Register performed the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus task on Wills while in the emergency room and Wills exhibited six clues of impairment. Wills had lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, onset before 45 degrees in both eyes, and nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes. Deputy Register was unable to perform any standing Standardized Field Sobriety Tasks (SFST’s) due to Wills’ injuries and ongoing medical treatment. Wills received a broken ankle, an acetabular fracture, and multiple fractured ribs as a result of the crash and was admitted to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

Based on Deputy Register’s observations of Wills and his post-Miranda statement, the affiant authored a search warrant for a legal blood draw to determine the alcohol content of Wills’ blood from the vials of blood drawn from him for medical purposes on November 7th, 2024. A review of the certified medical records revealed that Kody Jo Wills’ medical blood (serum) tested positive for ethanol alcohol at a level of 263 mg / dL. Additionally, the records document that Dr. Shannon Covitz diagnoses included “Alcohol Intoxication” as part of his medical condition at the time of treatment. The vials of blood were sent to the University of Florida Pathology Laboratories for testing. 

On Thursday, December 26th, 2024 the affiant received the toxicology result from The University of Florida Pathology Laboratories for testing. Director of Toxicology Dr. Chris W. Chronister, Ph.D., F-ABFT certified that the blood sample from Kody Jo Wills on November 7th, 2024, tested positive for ethanol alcohol at a level of .25 grams/dL. 

Based on the totality of the crash investigation, the affiant has reason to believe that Kody Jo Wills was knowingly and intentionally operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of Polk County, Florida with a blood alcohol level of .25 grams/dL which is greater than .08 grams/dL. While operating the motor vehicle, Wills was involved in a motor vehicle crash that caused the death of a human being which was his daughter. Additionally, his son received serious bodily injuries in the form of burns which will leave permanent scarring. Additionally, by knowingly and intentionally operating a motor vehicle on the roadways of Polk County, Florida with an unlawful blood alcohol level: Kody Jo Wills knowingly and intentionally endangered / neglected both children who were juveniles in his custody and care as their biological parent. The endangerment / neglect led to a motor vehicle crash which caused the death of the five-year old child and permanent disfigurement of the three-year old child.

Wills was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail. He will have a first appearance hearing on January 1, 2025.

“Nothing will bring this beautiful child back to her family, nor heal the injuries to her brother or the emotional devastation that Kody Wills has caused to so many people. We know that it has been a horrific seven weeks for this family while our detectives made sure to cross every T and dot every I throughout every step of this investigation; we are confident that we have done everything in our power to ensure Kody Wills is charged appropriately with every felony that he committed, and hopeful that justice will be served. Please continue to pray for this family.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

Staff Reporter
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:


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Notice is hereby given that on 01/16/2025 at 09:00 AM the following vehicles(s) may be sold at public sale at 720 PINE ST AUBURNDALE FL 33823 for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien for repairs, services and storage charges and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.2C3CDZC98FH816026 2015 DODG 18949.46

The name, address and telephone number and public sale location of the repair shop claiming the lien for unpaid charges is:
Lienor Name: BME AUTO & TRUCK SALE LLC
Lienor Address: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823
Lienor Telephone #: 863-808-9829
MV License #: MV111561
Location of Vehicles: 720 PINE ST, AUBURNDALE, FL 33823

The customer or person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on or before the sale date and time. The customer or person claiming an interest in or lien on a vehicle may file a demand
for a hearing with the Clerk of Court in the POLK County where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale a customer or person of
record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice with the Clerk of Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred.

Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Polk County

The National Weather has issued a Dense Fog Advisory from Monday, December 30, 2024 10:00 pm until Tue 10:00 am EST.

Action Recommended

Execute a pre-planned activity identified in the instructions

Issued By

Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Portions of southwest and west central Florida (including Polk)

Description

…DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY… WHAT…Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. WHERE…Portions of southwest and west central Florida. WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Tuesday. IMPACTS…Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Auburndale Man Arrested Twice for Dine and Dash Incidents in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Man Arrested Twice for Dine and Dash Incidents in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Police Department:
24 year-old Shane Wiley of Auburndale was recently arrested twice, once by PCSO and next by WHPD for Dining & Dashing from two Winter Haven restaurants. He actually was a former employee of one and all totaled, he left tabs of $494.54 (obviously none of that was a tip).
On 12-14-24, Wiley went to The Harborside Restaurant located at 2435 7th St. SW in Winter Haven and for the next three hours, ordered a total of $285.50 of food and beverage. Wiley was a former employee of the restaurant and known to the server. After his three-hour indulgence, he walked to the back patio doors and fled the area with no attempt to pay. Ultimately, Wiley was located at his O’Shea Court residence in Auburndale and taken into custody by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Defrauding an Innkeeper. He was transported to the Polk County Jail where booked in and released on bond a few days later.
Fast forward to 12-26-24, Wiley visited The Hungry Crab located at 1551 3rd Street SW in Winter Haven where he proceeded to order food and beverage for the next five hours totaling $209.04. He proceeded to leave and when approached, he told the hostess that he paid his tab and fled the area on foot. Workers of the restaurant posted his images from their cameras on social media and he was immediately identified as the same dining bandit from Harborside.
Winter Haven Police located him at his Auburndale residence (deja vu?) where he was taken into custody and booked into jail for Defrauding an Innkeeper, where he currently remains.
Restaurants – keep your eyes out for this guy. He has a large appetite and a not-so-large conscience for paying his way,

Haines City Police Arrest Man Charging Him With Attempted Murder After Domestic Situation Gets Ugly

Carl Fish
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Haines City Police Arrest Man Charging Him With Attempted Murder After Domestic Situation Gets Ugly

HAINES CITY, FL – The Haines City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is investigating a shooting that occurred in the area of Tennessee Street within the city limits of Haines City.


On Sunday, December 29, 2024, at approximately 5:45 P.M., a 911 call was received from a homeowner, stating someone had been shot at their residence.
When officers arrived on scene, a 42-year-old Hispanic male was located inside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Haines City officers initiated lifesaving efforts to stabilize him until he could be transported to a local hospital for medical care. At this time, the victim has serious injuries, but is expected to eventually recover.


At this point in the investigation, evidence suggests the suspect, Jervin Omar Mendieta Romero, H/M, 08/20/1984, and his former domestic partner of over 20 years, a 40-year-old Hispanic female, were going through a difficult separation. Throughout their separation (which occurred over four months ago), Mendieta Romero has been sending messages to
his ex-domestic partner, threatening violence and death, including a picture of him holding a firearm.

On Sunday, December 29th, Mendieta Romero informed the female he would be coming to her residence. Later that evening, around 5:45 P.M., Mendieta Romero knocked on the front door, but the occupants refused to answer the door.
Mendieta Romero then walked to the back of the residence, removed a screen, and entered the residence through a window. Once inside, Mendieta Romero confronted the residents inside, his ex-domestic partner and her new boyfriend. A verbal altercation ensued between Mendieta Romero and his ex-partner’s new boyfriend, at which point
Mendieta Romero pulled out a firearm and shot the male victim multiple times. The female was in the residence at the time of the shooting, but was not injured. In all, Mendieta Romero fired 5 shots, striking the victim in the hand, chest, shoulder, and grazing his head. During the onslaught of rounds he was firing towards the victim, the suspect managed to shoot off his own ring finger in the process. This caused the suspect to drop the firearm and flee the residence on foot, leaving his vehicle behind.


Officers from the Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office converged on the area to establish a perimeter to contain the dangerous suspect. With the assistance of Polk County Sheriff K-9 Reno and his handler Deputy Sheriff Giles, the suspect was apprehended hiding in some trees, within a mile
of the incident location.


Haines City Police have charged Romero with the following offenses:

Attempted first-degree murder

Auburndale Pizza Connection Evacuated And Fire Rescue Battling Active Fire

Carl Fish
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Auburndale Pizza Connection Evacuated And Fire Rescue Battling Active Fire

The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a commercial structure fire at Pizza Connection in Auburndale. According to initial reports the incident was called in at 9:02pm. One person was still inside as fire rescue arrived and may need medical attention.

The fire is active and they are currently putting water on it. Flames shooting from the roof.

The address is listed as 220 Lake Ave E. Please avoid the area at this time.

The restaurant is typically closed on Sundays, but appears one person was inside the restaurant at the time of the call.

Update: 9:39pm no more active Fire.

Former President Jimmy Carter Has Passed Away At 100 Yrs Old

Carl Fish
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Former President Jimmy Carter Has Passed Away At 100 Yrs Old

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away today at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953, when he returned to Georgia to manage his family’s peanut farming business. His political career began with his election to the Georgia State Senate in 1962, followed by his tenure as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he was elected the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.

Carter’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. However, his term also faced challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties. After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, notably through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982 to promote human rights and alleviate human suffering. His post-presidential work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

In recent years, Carter faced health challenges and entered hospice care in February 2023. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024, becoming the longest-lived U.S. president.

Carter’s legacy is characterized by his commitment to peace, human rights, and public service. He is survived by his family and a grateful nation that honors his contributions to both the country and the world.

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