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You Don’t Point Laser Pointers At PCSO Helicopter’s

Carl Fish
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You Don’t Point Laser Pointers At PCSO Helicopter’s

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52-year-old Douglas Norris of Davenportafter he aimed a laser-light at a PCSO helicopter that was flying overhead, which is a third-degree felony. 

On Thursday, March 3, 2022 at about 10:00 p.m., the helicopter was flying over Davenport assisting patrol units on the ground with aerial surveillance when the two pilots observed an adult male in the area of Burford Circle pointing a laser-light at the chopper three times. 

The pilots relayed a description and location to patrol units on the ground. Deputies located Norris at 302 Burford Circle. Norris admitted he pointed the laser-light at the helicopter and that he knew it was against the law.

“Aiming lasers at an aircraft is dangerous because the light becomes magnified when the pilot is wearing night vision assistance. This reckless act could cause a crash, endangering the lives of those in the aircraft as well as those on the ground. Thankfully, in this instance, no one was injured.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Norris was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of a Laser Light Device (F3). He was released after paying a $1000 bond.

Polk County Has First Confirmed Case of Rabies in 2022

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Has First Confirmed Case of Rabies in 2022

The first case of rabies in 2022 has been confirmed in Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section received the test results from the state laboratory in Tampa on Thursday, March 3, 2022, which showed a bat recovered in Winter Haven was positive for the deadly virus.

On March 1st, a family dog in the Lake Mirror area of Winter Haven was found with a live bat in its mouth. The family contacted the PCSO Animal Control, and an officer took possession of the bat. It was then sent to Tampa for testing.

The dog was not injured by the bat, but was at risk due to its exposure to it.

“Fortunately, this dog was current on its rabies vaccination, but it will have to be quarantined to make sure it is not infected. Remember, if a wild mammal is acting aggressive or appears sick, stay away from it and contact Animal Control immediately.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Polk County had five confirmed cases of rabies in 2021, and two in 2020.

PCSO Computer Crimes Unit Charge Five For Possession of Child Pornography

Staff Reporter
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PCSO Computer Crimes Unit Charge Five For Possession of Child Pornography

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) charged five suspects for possession of child pornography after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) that the suspects were possibly transmitting or downloading the harmful images and videos. Detectives served search warrants at the five suspects’ houses and seized all of their digital devices for further analysis. Each suspect faces additional charges if more illegal content is found.
 
“We are thankful for our partnership with NCMEC. By combining our resources, we are able to take criminals who prey on our children off the street. Please, if you see something while you are online or on mobile apps, say something. Contact your local law enforcement agency or go to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org/ to report suspicious online activity.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
29-year-old Kevin Hairston of Lakeland was arrested and charged with one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2), and 10 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 10 images and videos of children as young as 2-years-old being sexually battered. Hairston told detectives that over the last couple of years he has actively searched for child pornography online. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $55,000 bond ($5,000 per charge).
 
19-year-old Felipe Ortiz of Bartow was arrested and charged with six counts of possession of child pornography (F3) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found images of children as young as 10-years-old being sexually battered. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $60,000 bond ($10,000 per charge).
 
21-year-old Deamontavese Sanders of Lakeland was arrested and charged with one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2), and two counts of possession of child pornography (F3) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found two images and videos of children as young as 7-years-old being sexually battered. Sanders told detectives that in addition to using Discord, he has shared child pornography on Kik. He told detectives he is employed at Harvey’s Supermarket (1305 Ariana St. W.) in Lakeland. Sanders was released after paying a $10,000 bond.
 
18-year-old Juan Valdez of Haines City was arrested and charged with one count transmission of child pornography (F2), and 200 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 200 images and videos of children as young as 2-years-old being sexually battered. Valdez told detectives that he has been viewing child pornography since he was a freshman in high school and is currently a senior at Ridge Community High School. He was transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
 
Additionally, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 39-year-old Jianchai Chen of Winter Haven. Chen is charged with one count transmission of child pornography (F2), and 132 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography (F2) after an on-scene preview of his devices, during which detectives found 132 images and videos of children as young as 5-years-old being sexually battered. Chen is currently in China where he lives part time with his wife and children. When in the United States, he works at Lucky Wok restaurant in Lake Wales.
 
The images did not appear to depict local Polk County children, but the investigation is ongoing to identify them.
 
The felony child porn charges are upgraded (enhanced) if the suspect possesses 10 or more images of child pornography and at least one image contains any of the following criteria:
·        Image depicts a child younger than the age of 5
·        Image depicts sadomasochistic abuse of a child
·        Image depicts sexual battery of a child
·        Image depicts sexual bestiality involving a child
·        Any movie involving a child

2nd  time in as many days: Pedestrian hit and killed on Polk County road

Staff Reporter
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2nd  time in as many days: Pedestrian hit and killed on Polk County road

Traffic Homicide investigators with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal pedestrian/vehicle crash for the second time in two days on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at 8:51 PM, to US 92 in unincorporated Lakeland. The scene was approximately 100-yards west of Old Dixie Highway.

When first responders arrived, 37-year old Ryan Simmons of St. Cloud was found deceased.

The vehicle that hit Simmons, a white 2007 Ford Focus, was still at the scene. 22-year old Jan Carlos Correa Figueroa of Davenport was the driver, and was not injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, evidence and witness statements show that the Ford had been travelling westbound in the inside lane of US 92 and just passed the intersection of Old Dixie Highway when it struck Simmons.

The area where Simmons attempted to cross has very little lighting, and no crosswalk.

No criminal charges are anticipated, but the investigation is ongoing.

The westbound lanes of US 92 were closed for about two-and-a-half hours, with traffic control assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Community Petition!

Staff Reporter
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Community Petition!

Seeking concerned citizens to join petition in Federal Court to overturn the recent FAA’s final Environmental Assessment administrative decision (October 29,2021) to allow up to 42 wide-body planes a day to either fly in or out of Lakeland’s city-owned Linder Airport. No costs or fees required. Join Petition and let them know you disapprove! Call now The Harden Law Group, 3730 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Suite 1, Lakeland, Florida 33803 at 863-825-4540 and ask for Kennedy.

Eighth Annual Top Chef of Polk County Event Held to Benefit Achievement Academy

Carl Fish
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Eighth Annual Top Chef of Polk County Event Held to Benefit Achievement Academy

Eighth Annual Top Chef of Polk County Event Held to Benefit Achievement Academy

LAKELAND, FL (March 2, 2022) – Nine chefs hosted sponsors, guests, and community leaders at their respective restaurants on February 28th for a three-course meal with pairings in support of Achievement Academy’s eighth annual Top Chef of Polk County! With the community’s support, this year’s event proved to be our most successful yet, raising $230,000 that will benefit the children served through Achievement Academy programs!

The team of judges consisted of Chef Darci Kropp, Chef Arielle Hirsch, and Chef Adam Walkover who tasted each chef’s signature dish and scored them on criteria including taste, texture, creativity, and balance, among others. Congratulations to Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland, for winning the coveted title of Top Chef of Polk County with her masterpiece that included homemade ricotta dumplings, braised rabbit, rutabaga puree, seared rabbit saddle, and elephant garlic chips. Chef Nicolas Mut, Terrace Grille, took home the award for Most Creative Chef for his use of the mystery ingredient, a new award this year.

Pat Spinosa, AgAmerica Lending, and Chef Cem Demirhan secured the highly sought after recognition as our Top Philanthropic team, raising nearly $70,000 for our programs. All of our Chefs and Community Leader teams did an outstanding job with their fundraising efforts, collectively raising more than $130,000!

Our deepest appreciation to this year’s participating chefs and their community leaders:

Chef Brandon Bailey, Lakeland BBQ Company and Caitlyn Salters, Exxact Transport

Chef Tina Calhoon, Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar and Danielle Harris & Dawn Lyons, Bank of Central Florida

Chef Lucy Cortes-Castaneda, Red Door Lakeland and Par Sahota, Boring Business Systems

Chef Cem Demirhan, Nineteen61 and Pat Spinosa & Mac Miller, AgAmerica Lending

Chef Jason Ellis, Cob & Pen and Kyle Kilburn, Gate Arty & the Group – Keller Williams Realty

-More-

Chef Gene Gelb, Publix Aprons Cooking School and Catering and Emily Topper, Publix Super Markets, Inc. 

Chef Nicolas Mut, The Terrace Grille and Barbara McMickle, The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Chef Abigale Weech-Starkey, The Chop Shop and Alexandra Lee, Citizens Bank & Trust

Chef Chris Worley and Chef Terrie Lobb, Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. and Adam Riley, Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance.

Publix Super Markets Charities was the Exclusive Presenting sponsor, joined by Artistic General Contracting as the Master Chef Sponsor. Head Chef Sponsors include Hillcrest Partners Limited Partnership, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Pallet Recycle, and Steve and Janice Jones. Sous Chef Sponsors are Citizens Bank & Trust, Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center, LLC, The Heritage Group at Morgan Stanley, and Senator Kelli Stargel. Dessert Sponsors are Interstate Batteries of Lakeland, John and Deborah Weber, Luke Markham and the law firm of Johnson Pope, and Mulling Insurance Agency, Inc. Sauté Chef Sponsors are Alexander and Chandra Frederick, CPS Investment Advisors, David and Shi Adams, DSM Technology Consultants, Lakeland Electric, Payne Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., Polk State College Foundation, Prime Meridian Bank, Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Summit Consulting, LLC, and Valley Bank.

 

For more than 65 years, the Achievement Academy has been serving children from birth through age five with various developmental delays and disabilities. Achievement Academy offers two programs, each provided at no cost to the child or family. The Birth to Three program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers who are “at-risk” for developmental delays and/or have been diagnosed with a specific challenge. Professional Early Interventionists serve these children and their families in the child’s home. The ESE Charter Pre-Kindergarten offers specialized instruction by certified teachers; small class sizes; individual speech, occupational, and physical therapies; and assistive technologies that enable each student to reach his or her full potential at one of the Achievement Academy’s three campus locations (Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow.) For more information, please visit AchievementAcademy.com or call 863-683-6504.

Pedestrian Hit and Killed While Trying to Cross Road

Staff Reporter
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Pedestrian Hit and Killed While Trying to Cross Road

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash which occurred Tuesday evening, March 1, 2022, in the Wahneta neighborhood of unincorporated Winter Haven.

Deputies were dispatched at about 7:19 PM, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, in response to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle on Rifle Range Road near 12th Street. When they arrived, they found 49-year old Randy Lemay of Wahneta, deceased.

The gray 2018 Toyota Corolla which struck Lemay was still on scene, and deputies made contact with the driver, 19-year old Genesis Cosme-Sanchez of Kissimmee. Cosme-Sanchez was not injured.

Based on evidence and witness statements, Lemay attempted to cross Rifle Range Road about 75-yards north of 12th Street, going from the east to west.

Cosme-Sanchez’s Toyota was travelling south on Rifle Range Road when Lemay crossed in front of it, and he was hit.

PCSO Traffic Homicide investigators noted that the crash occurred after sunset, Lemay was wearing a dark colored clothing, and he was not using a crosswalk.

Rifle Range Road was closed for about two-and-a-half hours for the duration of the on-scene portion of the investigation.

No civil or criminal charges are anticipated, but a final determination is pending completion of the investigation, which is ongoing.

Lake Wales Highlanders Baseball Invite You To Home Opener On “The Hill”

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales Highlanders Baseball Invite You To Home Opener On “The Hill”

Contributed By Jan Lewis

The crack of the bat, the chatter in the pen, fresh clay on the mound, and lights on “The Hill” tell us that Highlander Baseball season has begun. Help us start the season by coming out on March 3, 2022, for our first home varsity game against Mulberry. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m. See you at the “Hill” for some great baseball, supporting your Highlanders, and enjoy a full concession with all your ballpark favorites!!

Coach Steve Wilmoth, had these words to say about the 2022, Varsity team.  I have watched and worked with these young men in baseball for 10 years.  This year’s team has worked very hard off season, and look forward to us accomplishing our team goals.

Senior Outfielder, Chad Ridell, feels the team has a strong defense this year and is capable of shutting out our competition.

Senior Third Baseman, Mason Hixenbaugh, says “this team is going in strong and has high hopes of a winning season. Our 7 returning Seniors bring lots of experience and leadership to our team.”

Senior Catcher Bryson Fackendar, believes with the 7 returning Seniors the team is destined for a successful season!

So again, we are encouraging you to come out on March 3,2022, and enjoy some Highlander BaseBall! 

Highlander Strong!-Highlander Proud!

Local Polk County Man Donates 100s Of Chicken Eggs Weekly To Local Food Bank

Allison
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Local Polk County Man Donates 100s Of Chicken Eggs Weekly To Local Food Bank

Local Polk County Man Donates 100s Of Chicken Eggs Weekly To Local Food Bank

By Allison Williams

A local resident right here in Polk County is making a difference every day in the community by helping others and giving back.

Joe Garrison is very involved within the community. He is the owner of Garrison Companies, a member of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, elected official for the Polk Water Soil & Water Conservation District, former city commissioner and mayor of Dundee, and was a member of the Dundee Fire Department for over 34 years, with the last 14 years as the assistant chief.

About a year ago, he and his son Joseph, along with his other children Jake and Danielle and his employees, built a chicken coop on one of his lemon grove farms. Each week, Associate Pastor Arnulfo Gomez picks up over 20 dozen eggs and donates them to The Freedom Church food bank in Lake Wales. 

“I am blessed in life, but I wasn’t always blessed in life,” Garrison said. “We grew up poor ourselves, so I’m always looking for ways to give back and it’s not just only about giving money.” He came up with the chicken coop idea from close family friends, Dave and Susan Sinclair.  They had their own chicken coop, and this inspired Garrison to start the program. 

Garrison donates the eggs to Freedom Church. The church does many food banks and is giving to the needy community. “Their food bank is pretty much nonstop,” Garrison said. “They give away food and donations to the needy and hungry pretty much every day of the week, so I am blessed that way and that is one of my ways of giving back and helping people.”

He added, “We all have good times and bad times. Don’t be shy and don’t be embarrassed to reach out and get help.” His main goal with the chickens is to feed people in need.

The Freedom Church feeds anywhere from 3000-5000 families every single week depending on food and availability. They have a facility over by Eagle Ridge mall, where they run the food bank from. 

Pastor Bobby Williams of The Freedom Church says that the eggs have made a big impact. “The eggs have made a difference in our community,” he said. “Eggs are the one thing we don’t usually get much of, so it is a blessing to get the 20 dozen or so eggs we get weekly.” These eggs feed roughly 500 families every week.

“I encourage everybody, no matter what your status is, if you are able to help even a little for the unfortunate and needy, donate something to them,” Garrison said.  “We should help our fellow Americans. If everybody donates a little, it adds up to a lot and we can really help a lot of people. The people we help are just as good as those who are giving.”

For those interested in giving back to this cause, there are a few options. If you have spare egg cartons you wish to donate, please feel free to drop them by the Garrison Companies office on HWY  27. The address is 28609 US HWY 27 S, Dundee, FL 33838. Another way to donate to the cause is by putting money toward the Garrison account at Dundee Feed & Hardware. This money goes to feeding the chickens, which in turn feeds those in need. 

Detroit Tigers Welcomed Back for Spring Training with 75th Tiger BBQ 

Allison
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Detroit Tigers Welcomed Back for Spring Training with 75th Tiger BBQ 

Detroit Tigers Welcomed Back for Spring Training with 75th Tiger BBQ

by James Coulter

The City of Lakeland took the tiger by the tail, after a yearlong hiatus, and welcomed back the Detroit Tigers for spring training with its annual Tiger BBQ event hosted on Wednesday evening.

For nearly 75 years, the city has welcomed its spring Major League Baseball visitors for spring training with a good-old fashioned barbecue. The annual spring tradition was hosted once again at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium after a yearlong hiatus due to the ongoing pandemic.

Several hundred visitors gathered at the stadium that evening to welcome back the Detroit Tigers with a vast buffet of barbecue items ranging from ribs and brisket to sausage and shrimp. This year’s event also commemorated Tigers Hall of Famer, “Mr. Tiger” Al Kaline, who passed away last year on Apr. 6. He was honored with a special souvenir cup.

The turnout that evening proved to be quite exceptional, especially since the dinner had not been hosted for a good year, explained Kris Keprios of Visit Central Florida. The Detroit Tigers bring revenue and visitors to Lakeland during their spring training, so their presence has proven to be quite the valuable asset.

“We are looking forward to have everything here. Their future is very bright,” he said. “The Tigers being here for as long as they have for the city and the county because it creates a direct link between our community and all of Michigan. All of Michigan knows where Polk County is because of the Tigers. So we are very fortunate to have them here and for the fans to come down and spend the night here in our community spending money. It is a great relationship and partnership and we are very fortunate to have them.”

The Detroit Tigers help provide an estimated economic impact of $753 million (approximately $45 million in Lakeland) each year through their spring training, according to the Visit Central Florida website. This economic impact especially has an effect on the downtown area, with many visiting Tiger fans frequenting the local eateries and other businesses, explained Mayor Bill Mutz.

Mutz himself has been attending the barbecue for nearly a decade. He loves the food and the company, and he loves being able to participate in a local tradition of welcoming back the visiting spring training team with open arms.

“They mean a lot for us,” he said. “We love the fact that we are centrally located in Florida, where so many Tiger fans love coming here for the games. It adds vibrancy downtown, and they are who we are.”

​

Through their spring training in Lakeland, the Detroit Tigers provide a link between Michigan and Central Florida. This connection strengthens both communities, and its longevity these past 85 years and counting is something worth celebrating, said County Commissioner Martha Santiago.

Al Avila, the current Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Detroit Tigers, consider Lakeland their “home away from home.” He also appreciates the local community and hopes that he and his team will continue to train there for years to come.

“We may be here for spring training…[but] this is our year-round place,” he said. “We are here to play and be part of a community. As we move forward, we hope for a very exciting year. And for many of you, we appreciate to continue this.”

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