As
the strain of COVID-19 continues to challenge emergency response systems and
hospitals, Polk Fire Chief Robert Weech asks that 9-1-1 calls be limited to the
most serious of emergencies.
“If
you can avoid using the 9-1-1 system, this is a good time to do that,” Polk
Fire Chief Robert Weech said. “The system is under strain. Certainly, if you
have an emergency, stroke, heart attack or if you have an accident, certainly
call 911. But if you have other ways of getting medical care, you need to
exhaust those at this time so that we can deal with those bigger emergencies.”
As
one of the busiest departments in the nation, a high volume of patient traffic
is nothing new. Polk Fire typically responds to about 280 calls a day during
this time of year. But in recent weeks, it has averaged about 340 calls a day,
up to about 400.
The
increased number of calls has led to additional wait times for ambulances
waiting to transfer patients to hospitals. It has also meant a delay in
response times to certain parts of the county. We are working diligently with
area hospitals during these challenging times.
“Right
now, while our system is being taxed, we are still holding up and able to
provide our normal level of service,” Weech added. “We just ask that, under the
circumstances, if it isn’t an absolute emergency to find another way for
medical care other than calling 9-1-1.”
A 56-year old man was killed in a
single vehicle crash early Wednesday morning, when his vehicle slammed into a
concrete utility pole.
The crash was reported via 911 at
about 3:13 AM Wednesday, August 18, 2021, on Lake Alfred Road, between Bolender
Road and Adams Barn Road.
Units responded from the Polk County
Sheriff’s Office, Auburndale Police Department, and Polk County Fire Rescue.
Upon their arrival, they determined the driver of the car, Danny Hawthorne of
Auburndale, was deceased. He was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the
crash.
According to the evidence at the
scene, Hawthorne had been driving a red 2007 Saturn Ion east on Lake Alfred
Road, and lost control on a curve. The car rotated and then slammed into a TECO
electric pole.
Lake Alfred Road was closed for about
four hours while the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigators
were on scene.
On Tuesday, August 17,
2021, undercover detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit
conducted an on-going operation focused on identifying possible human
trafficking victims and possible illegal conduct in a massage parlor.
During a check at the
Queen Massage Spa located at 7554 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, 44-year-old
Senhua Yang Matagolai of Orlando was arrested for Committing Lewd Acts (M2)
after she grabbed the detective’s groin. She was transported to the Polk County
Jail where she was released after posting a $250 bond.
“We are committed
to fighting human trafficking and to keep it out of Polk County. Our detectives
will continue checking these types of businesses to identify and help the
victims of this horrible crime.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
At this time, there is
no evidence or information that Ms. Matagolai is a victim of human trafficking.
Ms. Matagolai did not disclose to detectives that she is a victim.
A check was also
conducted at the New Oriental Massage business located at 6000 Lucerne Park
Road in Winter Haven. The business was in compliance.
Anyone with information about illegal activities
or suspected human trafficking occurring in a Polk County massage parlor
business is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or
visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com & click the “Submit a Tip” tab. Citizens
may also download the P3TIPS app on their cell phone or mobile device.
On August 16, 2021, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 29-year-old Jose Luis Garcia of Lakeland for Child Abuse (F3) and Resisting an Officer Without Violence (M1). According to the affidavit, a witness told detectives that Garcia had sent text messages and cell phone videos to her of him physically abusing a preteen boy. The witness showed detectives a video where “Garcia uses profanity towards the child and strikes him on the right side of the head, which causes the child to say “ow” and hold the side of his head where he was struck.” Detectives made contact with the boy and saw visible marks and bruises on his face and arms. When detectives asked the child to exit the house, Garcia told detectives, “He’s fine, he’s not going anywhere with you.” Garcia began closing the door to keep the child from leaving the house. Detectives prevented the door from closing and safely removed the child. Detectives learned that the child had been punched and whipped with a belt on and about his body. The abuse is inconsistent with lawful corporal punishment. Detectives contacted the Department of Children and Families, and they will ensure the child is placed with the appropriate family members or guardians. “There is never a reason to abuse a child, and the fact that this criminal videoed the abuse disgusts me. Thankfully the witness contacted us, and we will do everything we can to hold Garcia accountable for his actions. This is a perfect example of ‘if you see something, say something.’” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Garcia was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he is currently held without bond. His criminal history includes Grand Theft of a Vehicle, Habitual Driving on a Suspended License, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Detectives from the Special Victims Unit at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Hialeah man Monday, August 16, 2021, for traveling to Polk County in order to have sex with a 15-year old girl.
27-year old Erick Rabelo was arrested by detectives as he entered Polk County, after arriving at Orlando International Airport a short time prior. He was charged with Lewd Battery (F2), Travel to Meet a Minor (F2), and Unlawful Use of 2-Way Communication Device (F3).
“The victim’s mom did the right thing by immediately calling us. The detectives working this case were thorough and swift, getting a dangerously twisted man behind bars. This guy is so messed-up that he actually got a tattoo on his forearm with the victim’s name and the date they met on Snapchat.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Detectives first became involved with this investigation Monday morning after the mother of the victim received a text message at 7:16 AM from Rabelo, introducing himself as the person who was “dating” the victim for a year and three months and claiming that he got her pregnant. According to the affidavit, the victim said she met Rabelo via the social media app Snapchat on May 16, 2020. The victim said that Rabelo traveled to Polk County on July 3, 2021 for the purpose of meeting up with her. He rented a room at the State Motel in Haines City, and visited the victim at her home. Once there, he sexually battered the victim against her will.
Detectives recovered text messages from the victim’s cell phone. The following are messages from Rabelo, and sent to the victim: · “I never ever loved you”· “You were just another person for me to (expletive)”· “And you know what (victim’s name) you’re right I did rape you”· “I rape a 15yo child”· “I’m a pedophile”
Detectives made contact with Rabelo via text, posing as the victim. During the text conversation, Rabelo said he would purchase a plane ticket to fly from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to Orlando International Airport. When he arrived in Orlando, detectives followed the vehicle he was travelling in, and arrested him once inside Polk County. Rabelo admitted to detectives that he had traveled to Polk County on July 3rd and sexually battered the victim. The investigation is ongoing. “Parents, please monitor your children’s on line activities. Make sure there are parental controls on any electronic device your children have access to.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
AEDs Installed at Cutting Edge Hair Salon & Old Man Franks by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
by James Coulter
Two automated external defibrillators (AEDs), funded by a local non-profit organization, were donated to two Winter Haven businesses and installed in their facilities.
On Saturday, Melanie’s Cutting Edge Hair Salon and Old Man Franks each received an AED donated to them by the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting local first responders.
Each defibrillator was donated with their cabinets, which contain an alarm that signals the local fire rescue if opened. They were installed at their respective facilities with the assistance of Eric Shimkus, an engineer, firefighter, and paramedic from the Winter Haven Fire Department.
Shimkus was one of the first responders who responded to a call by Melanie Culpepper Brown after her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, suffered from a cardiac arrest. Despite their best attempts to revive him and transport him to the hospital, Michael did not survive.
His passing inspired Melanie to create the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation in his honor. Her organization has been raising funds to install AEDs throughout the city and assist local EMTs and other first responders.
Shimkus has been assisting her with her endeavors since then. He offered his services on Saturday installing the AEDs cabinets at the two local businesses. He appreciates the foundation’s efforts to buy and install defibrillators and raise awareness of the hard work of people like him.
“I think it is a great thing for the city of Winter Haven,” he said. “I know through the city, they do get grants and place AEDs in separate businesses, but with Melanie doing it as well, it will be a bonus to the city of Winter Haven.”
Debbie Dekle, Assistant Manager for Old Man Franks, was present when the AED was installed at their lakeside eatery. Michael previously worked there as one of the very first security officers.
Dekle has worked at Old Man Franks for 20 years, and as a bartender for 15 years. She knew Michael personally, and was proud that an AED was installed next to a signed portrait of him in his memory.
“He was a teddy bear, [and] I miss him,” she said. “It is wonderful that Melanie has all these fundraisers to raise money for defibrillators, because every business needs to have one. I think her foundation is wonderful.”
Darren Ramsey served as a volunteer at Old Man Franks for the past seven years. He knew Michael, and considered him to almost be like a brother. Since his passing, he has assisted Melanie in her endeavors with her new foundation.
“I have helped her ever since she started it, and whatever event she has, I help her with that,” he said. “[AEDs are] a good thing that needs to be everywhere, not many companies have the defibrillators and all of that needs to be around in case people have a cardiac arrest.”
Melanie has hosted various fundraisers throughout the year to help raise money for these AEDs. Her next event will be “Racks for a Heart,” a pool tournament to be hosted at Slates on Sep. 18. Registration starts at 11 am, and the games begin at noon. $20 for buy-in, $10 to CCF plus $10 for each team.
Her foundation has also started Bricks-R-Us, which will allow people to purchase memorialized bricks to honor loved ones and which will be installed at various monuments at Winter Haven businesses, including Old Man Franks, Tanners Lakeside, and Caribbean Bay.
Finally, a mobile app is currently being created that will allow people to locate various AEDs within the Winter Haven area in case of an emergency.
“These are the first two that have been installed, and I plan on putting one on every block,” she said. “It will take me a while, but I will do it.”
While the world continues to struggle to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and the grayness it has spread into everyone’s life, The 5th Annual Fine Art at the Magnolia hopes to bring some color back into the world during their two-day indoor art event.
The annual art show will be showcasing 19 accomplished artists and their work, which will be showcased at the lovely Magnolia Building located in the beautiful garden and theater district of Downtown Lakeland. Various art styles will be displayed that weekend, from oil and acrylics to clay and fiber sculptures.
“The highlights are the artists and the showcase of their artworks,” said Betsy Bohrer, Owner of The Bohrer Gallery LLC, and Artist, Curator & Founder of the Fine Art at the Magnolia & Scholarship. “Expect to be ‘WOW’d by some of the most fantastic artwork and meet the artists in person.”
The past year has brought about plenty of challenges and struggles for these artists, especially during the ongoing pandemic with the threat of COVID-19 still looming. However, despite these dark times, these skilled artists and craftsmen still managed to bring some much-needed color with their artwork, and they all hope to showcase it at this upcoming show.
“The past year (2020) was extremely difficult in hardships for the working artists of all genres…with Covid wreaking havoc closing Art Shows across the country,” Bohrer said. “The entire industry was shut down, a complete full stop. Stranded working artists were instantly unemployed. The artwork that has emerged out of those hardships is as unique and diverse as the individual experiences. This is why it is vital to continue to support the Fine Arts!”
To help ensure public health and safety during these uncertain times, attendees are highly recommended to wear masks in this indoor event. All participating artists have been vaccinated, and they will also be wearing masks and providing hand sanitizer.
Fine Art at the Magnolia is recognized and endorsed by Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, according to the Visit Central Florida website, “for its role of further enhancement and advancement of the fine arts and artists during Florida’s ‘off’ season.” Its success over the past five years hasbeen due in part to its many supporters, Bohrer explained.
“Fine Art at the Magnolia is extremely honored to have a magnificent support base: Our Artists, The City of Lakeland – Parks & Recreation, the Mayor, local businesses & the community – are all the life line of this little Fine Art Show of awesomeness!” she said.
The 5th Annual Fine Art at the Magnolia will be hosted on Sat., Aug. 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sun., Aug. 22 from 10 am to 4pm. The event will be hosted at the Magnolia Building, located at 702 E Orange St Lakeland, 33801. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FineArtMagnolia
Can you identify the woman in this video? She conducted a fraudulent return in Vero Beach on 8-4-21 at 4:06 p.m. She then is at the Winter Haven Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) where she not only conducts a fraudulent return, but then takes a cooler, some cans of degreaser and walks out without paying for any items. The Florida license she produced for the returns does not come back to anyone, so it is probably a fake. In both locations, she was seen leaving in a red Chrysler minivan. If you recognize her, please contact Detective A.J. at 863-292-7921.
Inspector Taylor Riley Earns Certified Fire Protection Specialist Credential
Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Fire Department Inspector Taylor Riley has earned the National Fire Protection Association’s Certified Fire Protection Specialist credential. This credential exhibits his ability to provide the highest level of fire protection for the department and the City of Lakeland while demonstrating his commitment to excellence and advancement in his career.
Inspector Riley has joined an elite group of professionals by gaining this meaningful achievement for those responsible for applying fire safety, protection, prevention, and suppression technologies. This certification substantiates expertise in state-of-the-art fire protection and fire prevention practices, including prevention of ignition, design to slow early fire growth, detection and alarm, suppression, confinement of fire, and evacuation of occupants.
The National Fire Protection Association created the Certified Fire Protection Specialist credential in 1971 to document competency and offer professional recognition for individuals involved in curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial. Since then, the credential has been awarded to more than 5,000 people who have demonstrated a level of professionalism through applied work experience, related education opportunities, and successful completion of a certification examination.
Inspector Riley joined the Lakeland Fire Department in 2011 as a Firefighter/Paramedic and was promoted to Driver/Engineer in June 2017. He was promoted to Fire Safety Inspector I in October 2017 and then to Fire Safety Inspector II in October 2020. Inspector Riley also earned the following certification: Firefighter II, Paramedic, Fire Inspector I and II, Fire Instructor III, Certified Fire Plans Examiner.
The Lakeland Fire Department is proud of Inspector Riley’s accomplishments and his commitment to excellence.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are dealing with a situation in the Wahneta Area of Polk County. A this time information is still being gathered, but it is a complexed situation. Details are still being gathered regarding the incident which took place
