“The more you know about the Past, the better you are prepared for the Future.” Theodore Roosevelt
The Highlander Booster Club is very excited for this year’s Highlander Hall of Fame. The Lake Wales community is deep rooted in its love for everything “Highlander”. If you are from this area, you wear the tartan plaid or orange and black colors with sincere pride. If you are new to the area you can’t help but yearn to be a part of these traditions. The event will take place at Lake Wales Country Club on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at a cost of $75.00. There are other sponsorship levels available. If you are interested see the post about sponsoring this event. This will be a night to recognize individual LWHS alumni, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves as outstanding representatives of any LWHS athletic team through accomplishment, leadership, support, service and/or character.
During this event we look forward to inducting alumni, having a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and an elegant dinner. For sponsorship, ticket and nomination information please check the Highlander Booster Club Website at www.lwhsboosterclub.com
Lakeland, FL – After a brief hiatus, the Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) and SPCA Florida are teaming back up to bring you the highly anticipated 2023 Rescued Pets Calendar. As in the past, the calendar will feature adorable, rescued pets and the hot heroes of LFD. Each month of the year will feature helpful safety tips and information from both organizations.
Lakeland firefighters offer up their great looks for this year’s smoldering calendar for a truly wonderful cause – all proceeds go directly to helping rescued animals in Polk County. Calendars from years past have generated more than $15,000 to cover expenses for the medical care of animals encountered on human emergency scenes by the Lakeland Fire Department and treated at SPCA Florida’s Reva McClurg Medical Center.
The calendar is still in its planning stages but is set to be released November 12, 2022, at SPCA Florida’s annual Auction for Animals, which is their largest fundraiser of the year. The calendar will be sold for $10.00 online and in-person. Details on how to purchase your copy will be announced later this year.
The annual calendar is a fun and philanthropic cornerstone of the partnership. It is an excellent way for SPCA Florida to expand on its mission of helping animals while the Lakeland Fire Department can show its compassion and care for all living creatures in its community.
The Good Times Roll Again at Lake Wales Mardi Gras after Yearlong Absence
by James Coulter
Sheriff Grady Judd works hard to perform his duties. Even then, in-between his involvement at the Jeepin With Judd fundraiser in Bartow and addressing the media regarding an officer-related shooting earlier that day, the honorable sheriff found enough time in his busy schedule to appear in the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday afternoon.
Sheriff Judd regularly appears with officers from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in parades across the county. He especially loves the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Parade, with its colorful costumes and festive floats.
“Maybe New Orleans can take a lesson or two from how some of these guys have dressed up and partied,” Sheriff Judd said. “I have seen a lot of people that did a lot of work to have this awesome party [with the] dresses and outfits.”
The annual parade made its epic return after a year-long absence due to the ongoing pandemic. Sheriff Judd considered it a relief to see the parade make a comeback and allow the good times to roll once again.
“COVID took away everything and ruined our social life. Even though we had to protect ourselves from a dangerous virus, our mental health is important too,” he said. “So when you see all of the partying, when you see all of the people here today, this is Polk County and Lake Wales as I know it, [with] friends all getting together to have a great time.”
For 30 years, Lake Wales Mardi Gras has let “the good times roll” with live music, vendors, and the signature parade through historic downtown. What initially started as a memorial service for a late restaurant owner has since evolved into the largest Mardi Gras event in Central Florida, drawing in thousands of attendees annually.
As the annual tradition was unable to be hosted last year, its comeback this year was a great relief for many locals and visitors and a sign that things are slowly but surely returning to normal. Joshua Curchy has been serving as the president of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras Committee for six years. Being able to host the event this year brought back fond memories of the old Mardi Gras events he attended in his youth.
“It is over and exceeded our expectations by far,” he said. “We love our community and we will keep giving back. Everyone is ready as were we, and we were encouraged by the crowds.”
The parade on Saturday afternoon was his favorite. More than several dozen floats and units started along Central Avenue in Historic Downtown and made their way to Lake Wailes Park where the main festivities were being held. Being able to participate in this annual tradition is his favorite part bar none.
“For me, [the best part] was running around the parade like a mad man, getting everybody excited, passing out beads, and getting down there to see the crowd,” he said.
Lake Wales Mardi Gras kicked off Friday evening with the Kick-Off Party in Lake Wailes Park, starting with the Glow Run 5K and continuing through the evening with live music performed by local bands such as Almost There and B Haven. The festivities continued the next day with food trucks, vendors, and live musical performances.
Leslie Grodin, who served on the krewe for the Walesbilt Hotel, and who also serves as a member on the Lake Wales Mardi Gras committee, loved being able to host the event and draw in their usual crowds.
“It is great we are bringing it back to Lake Wales, and it is certainly enjoyed,” she said. “I enjoy most the people of everyone coming out and enjoying the time.”
The Lake Wales Blue Marlins, our local swim team was making waves this weekend at the Florida Swimming Area 3 Championship. Four of their swimmers made it to finals, lead by Marcos Cabrera who scored 67 points and gave the team 3 medals overall.
Marcos won the gold medal on the 50 Fly, with a time of 30.81 in the 11-12 category. He also won silver on the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:19.84 and a bronze medal in the 50 Free, with a time of 28.14. Marcos not only won those events, but also qualified to swim the at the 2022 Spring Age Group Championships next weekend. His brother Jose Cabrera helped the team with another 15 points.
On the girls squad, Hannah Kincaid scored 52 points. Isabella Vangundy and Olivia Julich scored 9 points each.
Overall, a great meet for the LW Blue Marlins! We wish them all the best in their upcoming swim meets.
Haines City, Florida – In the early morning hours of Saturday, February 26, 2022 the Haines City Police Department arrested a fugitive from multiple states. The suspect Joshua Mitchell, 9/2/1995, was wanted in both Georgia and New York for the offenses of aggravated stalking, domestic battery, and false imprisonment, reckless driving and several other offenses. Below is a release from the Haines City Police Department (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the A law enforcement agency. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :
On February 26, 2022, the suspect operated a black 2018 Chevrolet sports utility vehicle in the area of 10th Street and Patterson Road, Haines City-Polk County, Florida 33844. The suspect drove through a posted stop sign, stopped in the roadway and reversed his vehicle. Officer Bruner observed the violation and affected a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, his license and registration were requested. The driver stated he did not have his license. Officer Bruner requested that he get it and the driver drove away at a high rate of speed.
Officer Bruner broadcasted the information and stated he was not in pursuit. Officers in the area of northbound Highway 27 and Davenport Boulevard located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect failed to yield for the emergency vehicles with emergency equipment activated. Just north of Davenport Boulevard, the suspect entered the southbound lane, driving against traffic. The suspect eventually turned around and drove southbound in the northbound lane. At approximately North Boulevard, the suspect crossed the median again and continued driving southbound at speeds greater than 80 miles per hour. The vehicle failed to stop for a steady red light at Sanders Road and Highway 27. Continuing southbound, the suspect turned the lights off and back on as it passed Bates Road. The vehicle continued driving recklessly as it approached Polk City Road. Officers were told to disengage and meet at the police department for debriefing. Nearing the intersection of Commerce Avenue and Highway 27, Corporal Turner saw the vehicle driving west from the intersection. As Corporal Turner turned onto Commerce Avenue, the vehicle was observed entering the Heartland Estates community located at 1701 Commerce Avenue West. The community has one entrance and exit. Officers were directed to set up a perimeter in an attempt to locate the suspect and the vehicle.
While circulating the community, the vehicle was located at the very south end of the community next to a motor home. Officer Bruner and Corporal Turner parked behind the vehicle in an attempt to get it stopped. Before exiting our agency vehicles, the suspect willfully and intentionally backed into to both our vehicles. Both officers were able to exit the vehicle and ordered the driver to exit. The suspect drove into a fence positioned at the front of his vehicle. While continuously giving orders to exit, the suspect backed his vehicle again, nearly striking the officers around it. Officer Bruner and Corporal Turner had to jump out way to avoid being struck. The driver was successful in ramming the gate where he was able to escape. Officer Holmes was located on the other side of the gate and ran for cover as the vehicle barreled down on him.
The vehicle made it onto Prado Grande where it continued in a reckless manner towards Highway 17-92 West. The vehicle turned onto Highway 17-92 West towards Lake Alfred at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. Prior to entering Lake Alfred’s jurisdiction, the vehicle turned around and drove eastbound toward Haines City. Officer Trajbar was able to successfully deploy stop stick. As the tire on the vehicle deflated, the driver entered the northbound on ramp for Highway 27. Officer Holmes was able to successfully pit the vehicle. The vehicle became mobile and drove down the embankment, and back onto Highway 17-92 West. Officer Holmes and Officer Gilman were able to disable the vehicle.
Once the vehicle was stopped, the driver, an Adult Black Male, wearing all blue climbed out of the driver’s window and fled towards the southbound on ramp for Highway 27. After crossing the on ramp, he entered a wooded area to the north. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit arrived on scene and located the suspect walking near railroad tracks in the area of Tennessee and Kentucky Streets. The aviation unit was able to direct K-9 to the area where K-9 Officer Webster and K-9 Matrix were able to take the suspect into custody. During the K-9 apprehension, the suspect attempted to gouge K-9 Matrix’s eyes out. The suspect was transported to Advent Health Heart of Florida for minor abrasions to the lower right leg. The suspect was later identified as Michael Brown September 29, 1994. While speaking to Brown at Advent Health, it was learned he provided false information. The suspect, Joshua Mitchell, September 2, 1995, was positively identified via a fingerprint scanner and found to have extraditable felony warrant out of Dekalb County, Georgia for the offenses of aggravated stalking, domestic battery, and false imprisonment. An additional extraditable warrant was located from Nassau County, New York for reckless driving and several other offenses. During a post Miranda interview, Mitchell stated he was afraid due to a family member dying at the hands of law enforcement. Mitchell stated he was not trying to hurt anyone, he knew his license were suspended and wanted to get away. Mitchell’s passenger who was later identified as (redacted) was transported to the Haines City Police Department. Upon arrival, (redacted) indicated she was approximately 5 weeks pregnant and later transported to Advent Health. A post Miranda interview was conducted by Corporal Turner. (Redacted) stated she met Mitchell approximately a month ago. She stated they were in the Haines City area visiting his father when he inadvertently ran through a stop sign. (Redacted) explained there are no four way stop signs where they are from. (Redacted) relayed the vehicle was stopped after running through the stop sign and the officer requested Mitchell’s license. (Redacted) indicated Mitchell made her aware of his license status as suspended. (Redacted) stated while the officer was near the car, Mitchell took off at a high rate of speed.
(Redacted) stated the vehicle was on the highway when Mitchell drove on the opposite side of the road which frightened her. (Redacted) via a recorded statement stated she told him to stop. (Redacted) stated she needed to urinate badly when Mitchell entered the Heartland Community. (Redacted) recalled exiting the vehicle with Mitchell so she could urinate, but law enforcement arrived. She stated she and Mitchell entered the vehicle when she believes the vehicle was “bumped” from behind. As Mitchell continued to ram law enforcement vehicles and the gate, (Redacted) stated she asked Mitchell to stop. (Redacted) stated she could not really recall much as the situation was very stressful for her. (Redacted) was treated by medical staff and released.
An FCIC/NCIC checked confirmed that Mitchell has numerous felony warrants out of New York and Georgia. The New York warrants is for violation of probation – riskless driving and several others. The Georgia warrants are for aggravated stalking, Criminal damage 2nd, False imprisonment, family violence battery.
Following the pursuit, an on scene debriefing was conducted where Corporal Turner, Officer Bruner, Officer Holmes, and Officer Gilman’s cars were damaged. During the pursuit, there were no vehicles or pedestrian on the roadway at the time except for the suspect vehicle and law enforcement. The weather was clear and not raining. The pursuit time frame is from 0131 hours to 0247 hours. The pursuit audio was obtained from the ECC and provided to Lieutenant Jackson. Corporal Turner called Lieutenant Jackson and notified of the pursuit, K9 apprehension, and damaged patrol vehicles. The protective action and pursuit critique was completed and submitted in a file to Lieutenant Jackson.
Mitchell was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a Leo with a deadly weapon, three counts of aggravated assault on a Leo with a deadly weapon, fleeing to elude with lights and sirens and high speeds/property damage, resisting officer with violence, no valid driver’s license, battery on a police canine, and the Fugitive from justice warrants.
After being medically cleared through the Advent Health Heart of Florida, Mitchell was transported to the Polk County Jail.
Polk County’s emergency plan for waste collection begins today.
Recycling collection is now suspended in the FCC collection area only. All items from household waste, recycling and bulk waste should be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regularly scheduled collection day.
As part of this plan, the county suspended the 72-hour bulk collection process and these items will be collected as part of regular garbage routes. The two-bulk item per week policy remains in effect.
Yard waste collection service remains the same and should be placed at the curb on your regularly scheduled garbage day.
Recycling collection by FCC will resume Monday, April 4 on an every-other-week schedule until further notice. Details of that schedule will be communicated to customers prior to April 4.
Earlier this month, the county reached an agreement with FCC, its contracted waste hauler, to implement an emergency plan for collection services. This temporary change is for customers only serviced by FCC who live in unincorporated areas west of U.S. 17. There are no changes for households serviced by ADS.
The Polk County emergency plan, which suspends recycling collection service temporarily, has been effective for other local governments across the country that has put service changes in place dur to challenges caused by the pandemic.
Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office believe dense fog contributed to an early Monday morning crash, which included six vehicles and closed down the southbound lanes of US 17 (south of Carlton Road) for about seven hours.
The crash occurred at about 6:34 AM, Monday, February 28, 2022. Among the vehicles involved were: a semi with trailer, an ag-worker bus, two pickup trucks, and two sedans, one of which belongs to the PCSO Department of Detention.
The ag-worker bus was carrying 36-passengers at the time of the crash.
Based on evidence and witness statements, it was determined that the semi-tractor and trailer, driven by 35-year old Jeffrey Banks of Orlando, pulled out of a cement facility from the west side of US 17 and crossed the southbound lanes while attempting to make a left turn to travel north. The other five vehicles, which were in the southbound lanes, struck the trailer and/or other vehicles involved.
All but one of the injured victims were treated and released from the hospital. The exception was Eduardo Maldonado, a passenger on the bus, who remains hospitalized with facial injuries, but stable.
No criminal charges are expected, but civil charges are pending the completion of the crash investigation.
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit Go Bang Supply under which we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Jason Grubb.
UPDATE: Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy forced to shoot robbery suspect armed with a rifle.
On Saturday, February 26, 2022, an armed-robbery suspect was apprehended by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, after the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, was shot by a PCSO sergeant on State Road 540 near Winter Haven.
No deputies were injured, and the suspect is being treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect was identified as a 27-year old white male, Matthew Correa.
Correa’s early morning violent crime spree began when he and an unknown white female, when the pair went to the Sunrise Supermarket (3035 Thornhill Road near Winter Haven) at about 8:19 AM Saturday morning, arriving in an older model white Chevrolet Tahoe. While there, Correa stole a red Toyota pickup truck, and the female left in the Tahoe.
A short time later, the Tahoe was abandoned on the side of eastbound SR 540, east of Thornhill Road.
At about 8:44 AM, the couple arrived at the Ramirez Tires store at 5108 Spirit Lake Road near Winter Haven. Correa and the female went into the store and asked an employee for money, but the employee said there was no money. Correa then pulled a rifle out of a duffle bag, closed the door to the office, pointed the gun toward the employee, and began looking for money.
A customer arrived at the store, so Correa and the female left suddenly.
While deputies were searching for the suspects, the stolen red truck was spotted driving southbound on US 17 near Cypress Gardens Boulevard.
Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle in the vicinity of SR 540, and made two unsuccessful attempts at disabling the vehicle with stop-sticks, and Correa intentionally tried to hit one of the deputies with the truck.
Correa then entered the eastbound lane of SR 540 and deputies were able to surround the truck and force it to stop, very close to where the Chevy Tahoe was abandoned.
While still in the truck, Correa pointed the rifle under his chin and told deputies multiple times to kill him. At this time the deputies attempted to deescalate the violent, dangerous situation.
During this series of events, Correa stood up in the sunroof holding the gun in a threatening manner. He then dropped from the sunroof out of sight for a moment, then stood up with a rifle in one hand, and a Busch Light beer bottle in the other, which he smashed against his forehead, breaking the bottle.
The sergeant who was behind Correa and unable to see the bottle, heard the popping noise and believed Correa had shot at his deputies.
The Sergeant fired one shot at Correa, striking him in the neck. Correa fell into the vehicle and dropped the rifle.
“Thank God none of our deputies were injured today. The suspect made several bad choices this morning, including the choice that forced our sergeant to shoot him. We still need help trying to determine who the white female suspect is and where she was left. She was not present during the traffic stop and shooting.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Anyone who has any information regarding the white female’s identity and/or whereabouts are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
Matthew Correa has a prior criminal history of three felonies, including a home invasion burglary, and spent five years in state prison.
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.
“Let’s Go Dreaming” Inspires Kids to Dream Big with 4th Storybook
by James Coulter
Little Ari and her talking dog, Pepper, go on many big adventures in her dreams. In her latest nighttime trip, she dreams they meet a world-famous chef and a world-famous artist. Both of them try to teach her how to cook and paint. But will Ari be able to learn these new skills? Or will she discover new talents that will allow her to be famous?
“Let’s Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari” is the fourth and newest book in the “Let’s Go Dreaming” children’s storybook series by Lakeland author, Shanita Allen. The book is set to be published on Fed. 22, and will be available with the other books in the series on Amazon and other online distributors.
Shanita always wanted to be a published children’s book author when she was young. In high school, she became interested in psychology and inevitably set her career path as a behavior analyst. Her college and career would inevitably sidetrack her dream of becoming an author.
Around 2018, Shanita decided to rekindle her childhood dream of becoming an author and combine it with her current career as a Behavior Analyst by penning a storybook series about the dreams, emotions, and boundless imagination of children. The result was a planned series with four books already published and five books currently in the works.
“The main theme of my books [is] about following your dreams,” Shanita said. “It is about using your imagination about the things you can become, all the things you can do, all the endless possibilities of where you can go when you set your intention on something when you can dream.”
While her books are aimed at young children, her message is equally applicable to the parents who read it to them. As someone who recently decided to follow her childhood dreams, she wants everyone else to realize that it’s never too late for them to follow their own.
“Even for me as an adult, I have to be reminded about what my childhood dream was, so that is why I came up with the themes for this children’s books,” she said. “We all have dreams, and even when you get sidetracked, you have to remember what makes you happy and what is it that you are passionate about and how you can push through that and help others.”
Shanita loves being able to attend local events to promote and sell her books. She regularly frequents First Fridays at Munn Park in Lakeland, and she has attended other local events such as Children’s Week, the Author’s Expo, and even Central Florida Comic-Con. These appearances not only allow her to sell books to potential customers, but also make valuable connections with librarians, teachers, and marketing executives.
Since first being published in 2019, Shanita has been featured in local media such as The Ledger and The Daily Ridge. Her media appearances allowed her to gain attention from the Early Learning Coalition and Junior League, the latter of which will be honoring her as their featured author during their signature event in April.
Shanita has at least five more books planned in her series. She expects her brand to continue to grow, and for her stories to reach more people, both children and parents alike. After years of being sidetracked, she eventually started following her own dreams, and she wants other people to do the same.
“If you are looking for a fun story to inspire your children to listen to their imagination and get them encouraged to dream whether they are asleep or awake, then this will be the perfect story for your child,” she said.
“Let’s Go Dreaming: The Famous Ari”, along with the other books in the series, is available on Amazon and other online distributors. Shanita will be hosting a book signing at Pressed in Lakeland on Mar. 26 from 11 A.M. – 1 P.M., and she will be honored at the signature Junior League event on Apr. 9.
For more information, visit her website at: https://www.letsgodreaming.com/
