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Florida Midland Railroad Closing Hunt Brothers Road In Lake Wales For Two Days

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Florida Midland Railroad Closing Hunt Brothers Road In Lake Wales For Two Days

Bartow, Fla. (February 10, 2022) — On Monday, February 14, Florida Midland Railroad Company, Inc. will close Hunt Brothers Road at their rail crossing west of Lilly Street near the Hunt Brothers Citrus Growers Cooperative in Lake Wales. The two-day long repair project will be the first of six scheduled along nearly nine miles of Florida Midland tracks from Lake Wales to Frostproof. Traffic will be detoured to bypass closed crossing. Motorists can use County Road 17-B and Lewis Griffin Road as alternate routes to Hunt Brothers Road. Commuters are advised to drive carefully, follow detour signs, and add extra time to trips through this are

Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 for further details.

PCSO Continues Traffic Safety Initiative Along I-4 in January; Deputies Conduct 425 Traffic Stops and Write 312 citations

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PCSO Continues Traffic Safety Initiative Along I-4 in January; Deputies Conduct 425 Traffic Stops and Write 312 citations

Throughout 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is conducting a year-long traffic safety initiative on Interstate 4 in response to aggressive driving and excessive speeding within Polk County.

During January, 2022, deputies:

  • Stopped 425 vehicles for various violations
  • Issued 312 citations
  • Arrested 9 people

Of the citations issued:

  • 102 drivers were traveling between 90-99 miles per hour
  • 18 drivers were traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the highest speed recorded being 109 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.

The average speed for citations written was 90 mph in the 70 mph zone and 86 in the 65 mph zone. The traffic safety initiative is on-going.

“According to the Teletrac Navman 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 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

PCSO Jail Inmate Work Program Saved Taxpayers Over a Million Dollars in 2021

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PCSO Jail Inmate Work Program Saved Taxpayers Over a Million Dollars in 2021

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Program accomplished 281 projects in 2021, and saved the county over a million dollars in the process.

The Inmate Work Program provides convicted criminals –those who commit crimes such as traffic violations and drug crimes – to pay their debt to society through work instead of being sentenced to jail. This is an alternative sentencing option judges can choose to administer.

Picking up trash is one of the primary duties assigned to those in the program, but they also help keep parks, schools, public facilities, and cemeteries clean. Throughout the year, they painted government buildings; completed landscaping projects for county, state, and city properties; cleaned up the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Villa; filled sandbags; and participated in five Keep America Beautiful events.

Inmates worked more than 111,656 hours and ultimately saved taxpayers $1,135,541.52 (calculated at $10.17 per hour). In addition, the inmates themselves pay to participate in the program, funding the cost of the program.

They collected 35,843 bags of trash and 3,458 discarded tires, and cleaned almost 1,000 miles of roads in 2021.“This program is a win-win. It not only saves taxpayers millions of dollars, it also allows those who have violated the law and who have jobs to keep them. Additionally, they can continue to support their families and feel proud that their hard work has made Polk County an even better place to live, work, and visit.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sheriff Grady Judd is named the Major County Sheriffs of America’s Sheriff of the Year

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Sheriff Grady Judd is named the Major County Sheriffs of America’s Sheriff of the Year

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, Sheriff Grady Judd was awarded the inaugural Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) Sandra S. Hutchens Sheriff of the Year award.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens (Orange County, CA) served as the MCSA President during Sheriff Judd’s term as the Association’s Vice-President. She unfortunately passed away in 2021 following a long battle with breast cancer.

MCSA President Sheriff Dennis Lemma presented the award during the 2022 Winter Conference annual awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C., for Sheriff Judd’s “steady leadership, mentorship, and friendship at the helm of MCSA [which] gave this association a visionary foundation for growth to ‘Lead the Way’ in the profession of law enforcement.”

“I was humbled and honored to receive the very first Sheriff Sandra Hutchens MCSA Sheriff of the Year award at the MCSA conference in Washington, D.C. this week. I served with Sheriff Hutchens on the MCSA board. She was a consummate professional and she is dearly missed.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff



Established in 1998, The Major County Sheriffs of America is a professional law enforcement association of the 113 largest Sheriff’s Offices representing counties or parishes with 500,000 population or more. They are dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law enforcement and the elected Office of the Sheriff. Their membership represents over 130 million citizens.

The Major County Sheriffs of America is a united and powerful voice of community leaders on issues of public concern through: Sense of Urgency, Communication, Education, Advocacy, and Research.

Click here for more information about MCSA: https://mcsheriffs.com/ 

Missing Teen from Bartow (Highland City Area)

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Missing Teen from Bartow (Highland City Area)

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for a Missing/Endangered juvenile.

16-year old Carter Culala of Bartow (Highland City area) has not been seen since he left his residence on Wednesday morning, February 9th at around 8:30 AM.

Carter is described as a white male, about 5’10” and 150lbs, black hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark sweatpants, a white t-shirt, white hat, white gym shoes, and a blue backpack.

If you have any information regarding Carter Culala’s whereabouts, please contact Detective Clark at 863-271-3134.

Lake Wales High School Basketball Team Wins District Title 

Allison
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Lake Wales High School Basketball Team Wins District Title 

Lake Wales High School Basketball Team Wins District Title

by James Coulter

There is no ‘i’ in ‘team’, the old saying goes. This is a saying that 16-year-old Jameria Robinson and her teammates not only keep to heart, but which has allowed them to win big.

Jameria and her teammates won big last week after the Lake Wales High School Women’s Varsity Basketball Team won district title with a total season wins of 18 to 4.

Jameria has been an athlete since the 5th grade, when she and her cousins would visit Kirkland Gym and sign up for sports teams. They would often play drills outside, which allowed her to train herself in the game and perfect her sportsmanship.

However, at the end of the day, she owes her success not to her own individual ability, but to the teamwork and cooperation among her teammates. Both practice and chemistry allow them to work together as a team and overcome any obstacle facing them.

They do not focus on grandstanding their own talents on the court. Instead, they focus on supporting each other. At the end of the day, they refuse to play what Jameria calls “selfish ball.”

“With my teammates, we grew as a team and learned each other’s skills and play each other and share the ball,” she said. “That is what got us the championship…Practice and chemistry got us so far, and our chemistry has been way better, no drama in our team, we are friends on and off the court, and we always go hard in practice, if you don’t go hard in practice, you don’t go hard at the game.”

Her mother, LaKendra McMath, as with all good parents, feels nothing but pride for her daughter and her teammates. She attributes her daughter’s success to her keeping her eyes on the prize.

“We owe her success to her hard work and being extremely dedicated to basketball,” McMath said. “She let’s nothing distract her…[and] I am hoping she gets a scholarship to go to college.”

Even though they lost four games, Jameria and her team remain determined to go out on the court and do their best. Their best already allowed them to win more than 18 games and counting, and Jameria hopes to continue playing and winning championships back-to-back.

“My expectation is to get another championship for my team next year, and for the future, keep our champs going regularly,” she said. “The job is not done. We will go to the state and be the first team in Lake Wales girls to make it out, because we want to be the word around town.”

Florida Man Goes On Alleged Methamphetamine Crime Spree In Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Florida Man Goes On Alleged Methamphetamine Crime Spree In Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department has arrested Alex Rodriguez II, of Sebring, Florida and charged him with grand theft of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash without giving information, and burglary of a business. The following is a long exerpt from the Lake Wales Police Department affidavit and specifically (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. 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 02/04/2022, I responded to the Love’s Travel Stop, located at 17309 Hwy 27, in reference to a grand theft auto. I met with officers already on scene who updated me on what occurred. At the conclusion of my investigation I determined the following:

Witness, REDACTED, was pulling into the parking lot of Love’s at approximately 0400 hours when he
observed a dark colored vehicle parked near Love’s tire service center. This vehicle (tag #REDACTED) was later confirmed to be registered to the defendant, Alex Rodriguez II. REDACTED stated the vehicle accelerated through the parking lot and cut him off, stopping in front of him near pump 1. REDACTED then observed Rodriguez exit the
vehicle and run towards a Love’s work truck, which had just been left unlocked by its driver. Rodriguez then entered the Love’s work truck and quickly accelerated towards the Love’s exit to Hwy 27.

A second witness, REDACTED, said Rodriguez approached him on the north side of Love’s Travel Stop, in a section exclusive to semi-trucks. REDACTED, observed Rodriguez “cut off” another semi-truck driver next to the gas pumps. Rodriguez then told REDACTED someone had been shot in the back seat of his vehicle. REDACTED immediately called law enforcement. REDACTED then observed Rodriguez enter into a Love’s work truck and drive through the parking lot in an unknown direction. Rodriguez therefore did knowingly and intentionally take the Love’s Travel Stop work truck, without permission, and against the will of the Love’s Travel Stop business.


Show-ups were completed and both REDACTED and REDACTED identified Rodriguez as the suspect they observed taking the Love’s Travel Stop work truck.

At approximately 0438 hours, a vehicle crash was reported at Hwy 27/Hwy 60 E on-ramp. Responding officers discovered one of the involved vehicles was the same Love’s work truck stolen from the Love’s Travel Stop.


Rodriguez, while driving the Love’s work truck, struck the rear of victim, semi-truck not realizing his vehicle had been struck, continued east on Hwy 60 until Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies eventually made contact with him. After fleeing in and crashing the stolen vehicle, Rodriguez did knowingly and intentionally leave the scene of the
traffic crash, without providing information. Rodriguez then walked to Woody’s Barbecue, located at 19501 Hwy 27.

At approximately 0455 hours, officers were advised of an alarm at Woody’s Barbecue. The alarm indicated back dining glass breakage. Officer Ricks responded to the alarm call and immediately located a broken glass door on the north side of the business. Officer Ricks then observed a Hispanic male, wearing blue shorts and no shirt, standing in the middle of the McDonald’s parking lot (416 W Central Ave,) directly east of Woody’s Barbecue. This description matched the description previously provided of the suspect who took the Love’s Travel Stop work truck. The subject was detained and identified as Rodriguez.
I responded to the Lake Wales Police Department and met with Rodriguez. I read Rodriguez his Miranda Rights off my department issued Miranda Rights card. Rodriguez stated he would speak with me Post-Miranda, without an attorney present.

During the interview, Rodriguez stated he had gone to the Love’s Travel Stop. Rodriguez claimed he witnessed a shooting while at the Love’s Travel Stop. Rodriguez stated he then entered a Love’s work truck, which had the keys inside. Rodriguez stated he began driving and was later involved in a
crash involving a semi-truck. Rodriguez confirmed he ran into the back of a semi-truck.

Rodriguez stated he later walked to a restaurant, in the area of where the crash occurred. Rodriguez stated he was supposed to meet an unknown subject at the restaurant to “fight.” Rodriguez advised while at the restaurant, he became thirsty and wanted to get a drink from inside. Rodriguez advised he then used a chair to break the glass door to the business. Rodriguez therefore did knowingly and intentionally attempt to enter or remain in the business with the intent to commit an offense therein. Rodriguez would not advise if he actually
gained entry to the business. Rodriguez then left the business, before being detained by the responding officers.

Throughout Rodriguez’ interview, he made outlandish and far-fetched statements which were later disproved.

These statements gave Rodriguez the appearance of having delusions or being under the influence of illegal narcotics. While completing a vehicle inventory of Rodriguez’ vehicle, Officer Douglas did locate suspected methamphetamine, which could explain Rodriguez’ delusions.

Rodriguez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash without giving
information, and burglary of a business.

Women United Celebrated 3rd Annual Gents & Bourbon

Allison
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Women United Celebrated 3rd Annual Gents & Bourbon

Women United Celebrated 3rd Annual Gents & Bourbon

by James Coulter

For its third year, United Way of Central Florida brought together the local gents of Lakeland to enjoy bourbon, live music, and other light festivities during its Gents & Bourbon social event on Thursday evening.

Hosted at Marc Nelson Denim at 716 E Lime St. in Lakeland, Gents & Bourbon was a late afternoon social event that allowed attendees to enjoy cocktails served by Nineteen61, along with light refreshments and live music performed by a local band.

Aside from enjoying bourbon and music, attendees could also peruse the Marc Nelson Denim, a new haberdashery that sells brand-centered, small-batch craft denim products such as jeans and other assorted clothing.

Having relocated from Knoxville, owner Marcus Hawl wanted to host the event, not only to showcase his new business, but also to help support a local cause like United Way of Central Florida. Seeing the good it has provided to the local community, he collaborated with them to host the event at his store.

“One thing that we do is work with the community to make the community better,” Hawl said. “So we decided to do the event to bring awareness not only to their cause but to our brand name…. I appreciate most their power with what they are doing in Lakeland and giving back [to the community]. And it is what it is all about. To raise a lot for them so they can continue to do good deeds in the city of Lakeland.”

According to their website, the mission of United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is “to improve lives and strengthen our community.” Their vision is “to create positive lasting change in our community by helping children succeed in school; promoting family financial stability and independence; and improving people’s health.”

For the past three years, Gents and Bourbon has served as a fundraiser for Women’s United of Central Florida, which is part of United Way of Central Florida, to help provide proceeds for their various education programs.

This year, they are promoting their Celebration of Women Tribute Book, a coffee table book that will offer bios and photos of local women who have made an impact within their community.

“People can purchase it for their mom, sister, teacher, someone who has made an impact on our life, and the funds from those features go to support education programs,” Katherine Fitzwater, Vice President of marketing for Women’s United of Florida.

Gents And Bourbon not only allows them to raise proceeds and spread awareness for their various community programs and projects, but also being the community together for good quality time.

“Our community is so generous, and they love to have a good time,” she said. “So you combine those two things together and people are willing to come out, have a good time, and give to a good cause…[I love] just getting and mingling in our community and let them come out and see what they are passionate about.”

City Of Winter Haven Honors Local Hero: Larry D. Hardaway 

Allison
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City Of Winter Haven Honors Local Hero: Larry D. Hardaway 

City Of Winter Haven:

Larry D. Hardaway, born March 7, 1954 in Winter Haven, grew up in a still segregated city. He worked hard his entire life to overcome the constraints of the culture he saw in his childhood and build a better community.

Attorney Hardaway grew up in Florence Villa in a family of citrus harvesters. He attended the Jewett schools in Winter Haven. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination took place during Mr. Hardaway’s eighth grade year. He later stated that this is when he decided to become an attorney as it seemed the most effective way to join Mr. King’s efforts to advance civil rights.

In tenth grade, Attorney Hardaway began attending Winter Haven High School during its first year of integration. He didn’t let the newness of integration slow him down as he excelled academically, athletically and socially. Mr. Hardaway was elected president of his senior class and was voted “best all-around” by his classmates.Banner honoring Larry D. Hardaway in downtown Winter Haven.

Larry D. Hardaway banner in Central Park in Downtown Winter Heaven.

Attorney Hardaway didn’t end his education there. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina, earning a bachelor’s degree and he continued on at the University of Florida College of Law to earn his law degree. He began his career in the offices of the State Attorney and then as a Public Defender. Mr. Hardaway then opened his own private practice where carved out resources to provide free representation to clients in need earning him the Pro Bono Award in the 10th Judicial Circuit by the Florida Bar in 2000.

Attorney Hardaway’s education achievements seemed impossible to his hardworking parents who had never had the opportunity. He was grateful for every teacher and mentor he encountered. He took the opportunities he was given and reinvested into Winter Haven. His nominator told us, “Attorney Hardaway has seen the world, but he lived for his community.”

Attorney Hardaway invested in our community numerous ways including as president of the Polk County Voters’ League, serving as NAACP lawyer, and working to restore voting rights to felons who completed their sentence. He invested through monetary donations to many organizations and churches in Winter Haven, as well.Larry D. Hardaway's family posing with commissioners at the January 24 commission meeting.

Larry Hardaway’s family attended the January 24 City Commission meeting to receive the proclamation honoring Mr. Hardaway. In attendance were Sharon Hardaway (wife), Perry Blocker (sister), Shandra Blocker, Teria Blocker, Jasmine Blocker, a host of great nieces and nephews, his church family, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Brothers.

Attorney Hardaway’s biggest cheerleader and listening ear was his sister, Perry Hardaway Blocker. He shared all his innovative ideas with her, and he brought many of them to life including allowing students to work in his office each summer, sponsoring college students, and his favorite project: The Polk County Voter’s League. This organization presented a platform for everyone to come out and view political candidates.

Attorney Hardaway showed love in his daily walk. He believed in helping the less fortunate and bringing his community together. He believed if people would just love each other, we could make the world a better place. Attorney Hardaway passed away September 9, 2021 following his lifetime of civil rights activism and public service.

This week, proclaimed to be “Larry D. Hardaway Week” by Mayor Bradley T. Dantzler at the January 25 City Commission meeting, we are pausing to remember Attorney Hardaway’s life and legacy. Banners honoring Attorney Hardaway have been placed along MLK Blvd., First Street and Downtown Winter Haven. These will continue to be raised year-after-year during Black History Month as we honor our local heroes.

Attorney Larry D. Hardaway is one of four local heroes being honored during 2022 Black History Month. Follow our blog and social media as we publish each Monday throughout the month honoring of this year’s heroes.

Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested After Brief Chase & Manhunt In Haines City

Carl Fish
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Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested After Brief Chase & Manhunt In Haines City

HAINES CITY. FL- A Winter Haven man with a warrant for attempted murder was arrested in the early hours Of Friday morning following a vehicle pursut and a brief manhunt.


Lemuel Johnson Jr., 36, is being charged by the Haines City Police Department with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude and driving with a suspended or revoked license. He is also charged with burglary of a structure, resisting arrest without violence and false imprisonment by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.


Johnson was driving a 2017 Ford Escape after 11 p.m. on Thursday when he was pulled over in the area of U.S. 27 and Bates Road. As Officer Haley McDonald made her way to the vehicle and requested Johnson roll down the window, he accelerated toward her, forcing her to jump out of the way to avoid being seriously harmed.
Johnson continued east on Bates Road and was pursued by officers from Haines City and the Davenport Police Department. After being located in the area of Uncle Tony Road and Kalogridis Road, Johnson left his vehicle and ran. A Haines City K-9 was deployed along with Air and Drone Units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.


After a perimeter was set up a nearby resident called to report a “suspicious person” in a trailer on the resident’s property. Johnson was located by the Haines City K-9 and Sheriff‘s Office Air Unit hiding in the trailer. He initially refused to come out. but ultimately surendered. was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail.


He initially refused to come out, but ultimately surrendered, was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail. The Lake Wales Police Department had an outstanding warrant for Johnson’s arrest for first-degree attempted homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Throughout the pursuit, there was a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle. He was cooperative with the investigation and told law enforcement that he was fearful and pleaded with Johnson to let him out of the vehicle during the pursuit.


“As a result of outstanding police work and collaboration, a very dangerous person is off the streets,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “A suspect wanted for trying to take someone’s life put police officers, his passenger and everyone on the road in danger with these reckless actions. We’re grateful that no one was hurt and appreciate the hard work of everyone involved to put him behind bars.”

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