Man wanted for Polk City murder captured in Houston
The man wanted for last week’s murder of 74-year old Perfecta Paz Paz in Polk City has been captured in Texas. 39-year old Aroldo Paz was captured Monday, October 18, 2021, by the U.S. Marshals in the Houston area. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a tip via Heartland Crime Stoppers regarding Paz’s possible whereabouts in Houston. Detectives passed on the information to the U.S. Marshals, and they located Paz and took him into custody.
Upon learning of his capture, Polk County Homicide Detectives flew out to Texas to interview the suspect and he provided them with inconsistent statements before ultimately admitting that he beat his aunt to death. Aroldo Paz will remain in custody at the Harris County Jail with no bond until he can be extradited to Polk County.
“We thank the U.S. Marshals for their professionalism and successful capture of Aroldo Paz. This is the beginning of making sure he is held accountable for this brutal and senseless murder. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with Perfecta Paz Paz’s family.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
For the past six years, Harrells LLC has participated in the annual Lakeland Swan Derby. This year marks the fourth time they have won the title of grand champion in the main race.
“It feels amazing to win,” said Jodi Hargrove, a team member from Harrells. “It feels amazing and awesome.”
Hargrove was honored to be able to represent her company once again in this year’s race, especially since last year’s race was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. She loves being able to compete, and she especially loves to win.
“We keep coming back for the people and competition,” she said. “We were very blessed to have it this year…and we will be back again next year to be five-time champions.”
Harrels was one of the many local businesses and organizations that participated in this year’s Swan Derby. Hosted by LakelandVolunteers in Medicine (LVIM), the event serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit organization dedicated to offering affordable healthcare to local residents.
Normally hosted at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland, this year’s event was hosted at Lake Crago Park. Aside from the three main races, it also included other festivities including a hat contest, food trucks, and local vendors.
Harrells won the main race of the evening. The winners of the Maiden Handicap, featuring local non-profits, was Top Buttons, a local non-profit organization that operates a thrift store in Downtown Lakeland.
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Sarah Powers was not only honored to be able to compete in and win the race, but also to be able to enjoy a fun, quality evening at a new venue. She was born and raised in Lakeland, but this event was her first visiting the new Lake Crago Park area.
“It was so much fun,” she said. “I love competition. So it was really fun to have friends to be part of and totally crush the competition for a good cause.”
The winners of the Derby Dash, featuring the Leaders of Polk, was Publix Supermarkets. This was the first year that Kyle Thomas and his team participated. So being able to compete and win the race was a pleasant surprise for them. Overall, they expected for the event to meet their expectations.
“It was a great event,” Thomas said. It is a nice venue. “They did a fantastic job with the events, and we are happy to be here. It is amazing, always feels good to finish first.”
Located at the intersection of US 92, Maple Street, and Manatee Avenue in Downtown Davenport is The Hotel. This historic hotel is currently home to Cooters n Smoke, a local barbecue team whose barbecue has won countless awards from local competitions, including Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City. Currently, Cooters n Smoke is fourth in the state for the Florida Barbecue Association on the proffesional division.
Their award-winning barbecue was served at Taste of the Ridge last Friday in Haines City. While Daniel and Samantha Summerlin-Tomlinso, the power couple behind the barbecue, were unable to attend that evening, as they were attending a barbecue competition. Their daughter served their award-winning pulled pork, chicken, and yeast rolls in their place.
“We love doing this event,” she said. “It gives us a good outreach to the community…We love to see familiar faces and meet new people.”
Cooters n Smoke was one of many local establishments that attended the annual Taste of the Ridge on Friday evening. Nearly a dozen vendors, representing local resturaunts, eateries, and cooking teams, congregated inside the Lake Eva Event Center to share their best food with attendees. This year’s event served a diverse array of food options, ranging from tacos and nachos to pizza, sandwiches, and baked goods.
The Balmoral Clubhouse Bar and Grill offered meatballs, sandwiches, and soups from their menu. For Amanda Boutwell, Event Sales Manager, this was her first time attending the event to help promote Balmoral and its other amenities.
“We love seeing everyone come out to support our local community because that is that we do,” she said. “We thrive on local and we want to be everyone to come together as a family and a community.”
Taste of the Ridge is an annual fundraiser hosted by Haines City Rotary Club. It is the local non-profit organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, if not their most popular, explained Rotary President Steve Tiner.
Proceeds from the event go towards their scholarships program for scholarships for students at Haines City High School and Ridge Community High School. Haines City Rotary routinely assists many local non-profit organizations and causes within the area.
“I think it is awesome,” Tiner said. “A little disappointed we had some eateries back out at the end…but [otherwise], it is about us having a good time. We expect Rotary and these events to continue to grow.”
PCSO investigates fatal motorcycle crash Friday morning near Winter Haven
A Winter Haven man was killed Friday morning, October 15, 2021, when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Spirit Lake Road and Thornhill Road in unincorporated Winter Haven.
43-year old Willie Graham, who was driving a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle, died at the scene.
The other driver, 40-year old Bobby Mobley of Eagle Lake, was in a white 2001 Ford F150 pickup; he was uninjured.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene at about 3:46 AM.
Based on evidence and statements at the scene, the preliminary investigation shows that Mr. Graham was driving his motorcycle south on Spirit Lake Road while Mr. Mobley was driving northbound. Both drivers had a green light at the intersection, but Mr. Mobley, who stated he did not see the motorcycle coming in his direction, made a left turn toward westbound Thornhill Road, into Mr. Graham’s path.
Mr. Mobley was not wearing a seatbelt, and Mr. Graham was wearing a helmet.
The intersection remained closed for approximately three hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Shortly after midnight on October 13th, in a residential area of Highland City (near US 98 and Clubhouse Road), an argument erupted between two groups of people. That argument turned extremely violent when shots were fired which struck a vehicle and a house (with three young children inside).
The suspects fled in a white 2014 Hyundai Elantra.
These three suspects have been identified as: 18-year old Jehozadok Randall, 19-year old Dylan Tyson, and 23-year old Victoria Johnson. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has now obtained warrants for the arrests of these three.
Randall’s warrant is for: Attempted 1st degree Homicide 5 counts (10-20-Life enhancement) Shooting into a Dwelling, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.
Tyson’s warrant is for: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Accessory After the Fact.
And Johnson’s warrant is for: Attempted 1st degree Homicide (5 counts), Shooting into a Dwelling, Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.
The two men live in Highland City and the woman lives in Lake Wales, but they could be anywhere. They are considered armed and dangerous.
If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of any or all of this trio, or even the Hyundai Elantra (Florida Tag #Z649FJ), please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 863-298-6200 .
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* 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.
A company comptroller was arrested on Tuesday evening after defrauding her former employer, a local car dealership, out of nearly $450,000.
Marion Chamberlain, 37, of Kissimmee is charged with grand theft of between $20,000 and $100,000 and
obtaining property of greater than $50,000 by fraud. She was arrested at her home and transported to the Polk County Jail.
An audit conducted by Miracle Toyota, a subsidiary of Murphy Auto Group, found that Chamberlain had written 63 checks to herself and another to her husband dating back to February 2020, valued at more than $447,000. Chamberlain, an employee since 2017, was tasked with logging vendors, issuing payments and accounting for the company’s finances. To conceal the fact that the checks were written to herself, she created new vendors in the company’s accounting system. She would take the checks directly from a printer near her workspace.
Chamberlain violated company policy by not having the checks signed by two separate parties and was fired for poor performance in June.
Last week, a financial services company that cashes checks provided 11 fraudulent checks that were cashed by Chamberlain, totaling nearly $80,000. As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives are working with other financial institutions to verify that Chamberlain signed and cashed additional fraudulent checks. Charges are then expected to be upgraded to grand theft of more than $100,000 – a first-degree felony. Her current grand theft charge is a second-degree felony.
“During a time where millions of Americans were out of work, this woman was not only fortunate to have a job working for an established, community-minded company, but she had the gall to steal from them,” Interim Police Chief Loyd Stewart said. “Often times, these types of crimes go undetected. We commend Miracle Toyota for taking action and our detectives for their thorough investigation.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of an elderly Polk City woman, and looking for the man responsible for her death. Detectives obtained a warrant for 39-year old Aroldo Enrique Paz, for 1st Degree Murder (FC), Grand Theft (F3), and Tampering with Evidence (F3).
He is currently at large and believed to be driving a 1999 beige Toyota Camry with Texas license plate PTC9735.
The PCSO first got involved in the investigation as a missing person case on Wednesday, October 13th.
The 74-year old female victim, Perfecta Paz Paz (victim’s name is being released with permission of her family), was reported missing by her sister at that time. The woman said she had not seen the victim since 5:30 AM Tuesday morning (October 12th).
When she returned later on Tuesday afternoon, she saw Aroldo Paz, who also resides at the residence, in the yard. Aroldo told the woman that the victim had left.
When the woman returned from work on Wednesday, she found that Aroldo was not at the residence and his car and belongings were gone. She continued trying to call the victim, but would get no answer.
The victim usually kept some cash in her home, and it was also missing.
Another relative reported to detectives that she spoke with the victim on Tuesday (Oct. 12th), and at that time, the victim disclosed that she wanted to move out because she and Aroldo were not getting along and they were always fighting with each other.
While checking the area around the residence, detectives located some freshly disturbed soil. The victim’s body was found buried there in a shallow grave, with visible indications that she suffered a violent death.
“The suspect may be headed to Texas, due to his previous history there. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Our homicide detectives, who are simply the best, will do everything possible to find him, bring him back, and ensure that justice is served for Perfecto Paz Paz, and her family.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
If you have information on this suspect’s whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)DIAL **TIPS from your cell phoneVISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation with a known suspect in the Polk City area.
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media regarding this case at 11:00 AM this morning (Friday, October 15, 2021) at the Sheriff’s Operation Center at 1891 Jim Keene Boulevard in Winter Haven.
One man was killed and another suffered only minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash near Lakeland on Thursday night, October 14, 2021.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the crash scene on Frontage Road South, near the intersection with Matthew Road, at about 7:22 PM.
The drivers of the two vehicles were the only people involved, and they were both transported to a local hospital for treatment.
43-year old Eric Farr of Lakeland died a short time later at the hospital.
Jorge Rodriguez, Jr., 39, of Lakeland, suffered only minor injuries.
Farr was the driver of a silver 2015 Toyota Rav4, while Rodriguez was driving a white 2019 Hino 268 box truck.
According to evidence and statements at the scene, Rodriguez was driving west on Frontage Road, and Farr had been driving east, in the westbound lane.
Both drivers swerved simultaneously to the south in an attempt to avoid colliding, but struck each other head-on.
Detectives from the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit determined that Farr had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, but Rodriguez was.
Frontage Road was closed for about four hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.
LAKE WALES, FLORIDA, OCTOBER 12, 2021 – The Lake Wales History Museum will host the 45th Annual Pioneer Days Festival on Saturday, October 23 & 24, 2021 from 9 AM – 5 PM each day in Lake Wailes Park. This event is a heritage celebration for the whole family with free admission and parking on both days. This year the festival will feature the same great old-fashioned fun and new offerings for the whole family. The event draws a diverse audience of nearly 10,000 visitors and residents annually to the area.
For the health and safety of all our participants, this event will be held entirely outdoors, and mask requirements and physical distancing will be implemented in accordance with regulations and guidance from the state of Florida, City of Lake Wales, and the CDC. We are so excited for the return of this community event, and we will do everything we can to make it safe.
The Lake Wales History Museum’s Pioneer Days Festival is synonymous with Lake Wales history and culture, and celebrates the heritage of the greater Polk County community. The two-day event will feature 50 craft & community market vendors, dozens of heritage education activities, historical reenactors, live entertainment, a dozen new and returning local food vendors, a new Pioneer Beer & Wine Garden, The Pumpkin Patch family activity area with petting zoo, antique car & tractor show, architectural tours, and the naming of Lake Wales’ Pioneer of the Year.
During the Pioneer of Year Celebration, the museum will honor Gladys Howell as the 2021 Lake Wales Pioneer of the Year. The celebration will be held during the festival on Saturday, October 23 at 10 AM.
Mrs. Gladys Howell was born in Florida in 1926 to Richard and Theresa Isom, and moved with her family to Lake Wales as a young child. She attended and graduated from Roosevelt School in 1944. She then attended Bethune-Cookman University, and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1960, and afterwards she received her master’s degree from Alabama State University. During that time, she met and married Robert Howell, and they moved back to Lake Wales to live permanently in 1964. Mrs. Howell starting teaching at her own alma mater, the Roosevelt School in 1960, and then later at Polk Avenue Elementary.
She taught school in Lake Wales for more than 30 years. She was the first teacher in Polk County to raise fund and take her 4th th grade class to Washington D.C. This was one of many extra-curricular activities for the students she raised money for. She worked part-time at Mountain Lake Estates so she could travel and pursue further educational experiences. Robert and Gladys Howell had four children, all of whom pursued the educational fields and community activities. Mrs. Howell’s dedication to her community is evident by the organizations she has volunteered at over the years including Girls Scouts, the NAACP, Lake Wales Care Center, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, and the Bethune-Cookman Alumni Association, and her hometown church, the First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church.
Today, the Howell family has been recognized for their community contributions with a park named in their honor in Lake Wales, and Mrs. Howell was also personally honored at the Green and Gold Foundation Gala for her education and community efforts in 2019. Milford is an integral part of Lake Wales’ community history. Please join the museum in honoring Mrs. Gladys Howell on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10 AM in Lake Wailes Park.
Heritage education activities offered throughout the weekend celebration include historic architecture tours of downtown Lake Wales, canoe carving, wood working & turning, weaving, knitting, spinning, basket weaving and pine needle basket making, blacksmithing, candle making and dipping, cast-iron, camp fire cooking, pioneer camps, the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame with Miss Florida Citrus and citrus labels, a 1861 cracker chuck wagon, along with the Florida Flywheelers antique tractor, engine exhibits, antique car show, and the museum’s own 1985 fire truck.
Forty (40) craft market vendors will be selling a range of handmade, gemstone and silver jewelry, home goods, kitchen items, gourds woven with natural materials, essential oils, organic & natural clothing & hats, handmade holiday home décor items & candles, organic health products, nail polish, fiber art & crocheted home goods, hand spun & dyed yarn, reclaimed and recycled art, wood décor, home goods, hair accessories, Teddy bears, photography artwork, bath & body care products, greeting cards, children’s items, repurposed furniture, gourmet and homemade culinary & food gifts.
Community organizations will be onsite to share information about how you can get involved in community social services and civic clubs in and around Lake Wales including Fellowship of Christian Farmers, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lake Wales Literacy Academy, Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Wales Heritage, Lincoln Community Redevelopment, Circle of Friends, Women’s Club of Lake Wales, Removing the Barriers, and Rotary on the Ridge.
Food concessions include the return of local favorites and new offerings including, WTF Concessions, Little Joe’s, Rodney’s Funtime Concessions, Cuppa Joe, Topsy’s, Tony’s Italian Ice, Fresh Lemonade, The Sweet Spot, Old-Fashioned Soda Wagon, Taco Riendo, Weekend Catering, and Tallulah’s by the Sea. Food for sale includes Coffee, Smoothies, Funnel Cakes, Hot Dogs, Polish Sausage, Corn Dogs, French Fries, Philly Cheesesteaks, Hamburgers, Fresh Lemonade, Slushies, Hoagies, Chicken Tenders, Po Boys, Fish & Shrimp Platter, Wings, Italian ice, Tacos, Conch Fritters, Salads, Fried Crab, Rib Platter & More!
NEW! The Pioneer Beer & Wine Garden will feature a selection of beers and wines for sale from 11 AM – 5 PM each day. Enjoy a selection of beers, hard seltzers, and wine while listening to the live entertainment along the shores of Lake Wailes Lake, presented by Rotary on the Ridge. Purchase a 45th anniversary commemorative, custom-made Pioneer Day glass for $10, and receive one free drink!
Live entertainment will feature music and performances each day including the Lake Wales High School Highlander Band, Sandy Back Porch, PT Mortimer Medicine & Magic Show, Grateful Alive, Studio 6 Academy of Dance, Jimi Pappas, Mountain Brew Trio, and Bryan Rivers.
The Pumpkin Patch family friendly activity area includes all sizes of pumpkins for sale, to paint and decorate, along with fall crafts, a corn crib, old-fashioned games, hay pit, face painting, relay races, and live animal petting zoo.
Kids Costume Contest will be on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 3 PM. Children ages 3-12 are invited to dress up and enter for a chance to win prizes for the following categories: Cutest, Spookiest, Most Original, and Best Overall Costumes.
NEW! A Dog Parade will be on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 1 PM. Well-behaved dogs of all shapes and sizes, along with their owners, are welcome to dress up and enter for a chance to win prizes for the following categories: Cutest Costume, Most Original, and Best Overall.
Sponsors and media partners who help make Pioneer Days Festival possible include the City of Lake Wales, Visit Central Florida, Advent Health, Citizens Bank & Trust, Duke Energy Foundation, SEMCO Construction, Gibson Law Firm, Jahna Industries, Family Elder Law, MAX 98.3, The Ledger Media Group, Haven Magazine, Polk News Sun, WUSF Public Media, 97.5 WPCV, 90.7 WMFE, and Orlando Sentinel Media Group.
