Humane Society Bowl-A-Rama Makes Epic Comeback Post-COVID

Polk County

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August 12, 2021

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Humane Society Bowl-A-Rama Makes Epic Comeback Post-COVID

by James Coulter

Melanie Brown Culpepper loves to host fundraisers for her own causes, including Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. However, she loves being able to attend other events and assisting them with their causes.

For that reason, she attended the annual Bowl-A-Rama on Sunday to support the Humane Society of Polk County, with proceeds going towards funding the operations of their local facility.

Melanie attended the event with one of her stylists from her hair salon, Melanie’s Cutting Edge. She has been close friends with the staff at Today & Tonight Magazine, which has been a sponsor of the annual Bowl-A-Rama and other events hosted by the Humane Society.

“I have been close with them for many years, and I try to help them with all of their events,” she said. “I am very proud of them today. When I showed up, they were sold out. I love the fact they have the kids and families all together.”

Melanie supports the Humane Society likewise, and she was proud of their big event, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic. The event more than exceeded her initial expectations.

“We are having a very good time,” she said. “Our expectations have been above and beyond. Especially since COVID shut down and they have been able to start bringing this back. This exceeded what they initially expected.”

Bowl-A-Rama more than exceeded expectations, explained Beth Koon Spiwak, President of the Humane Society. More than 40 teams attended the event at Cypress Lanes in Winter Haven. Aside from bowling, they were also able to win prizes through raffle drawings and enjoy a lunch buffet.

This year’s event was the second annual. Last year’s event was not hosted due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In light of the current pandemic, this year’s event exceeded expectations in terms of the turnout and proceeds raised.

“It is a great turnout today,” Spiwak said. “Lots of people out here today in support of the animals. I think everyone is ready to get out in the community again and support community causes…And it has been a lot of fun to be out and about again.”

Proceeds from the event go towards the operations of the Humane Society of Polk County and their facility along Dundee Road, right down the street from Cypress Lanes. They host the county’s premier no-kill animal shelter, and they spend $1,500 a day to operate their facility.

Tracey Greene works for both Today & Tonight Magazine and serves on the board for the Humane Society for more than 15 years. Her company loves animals, and they do everything to support organizations that help animals, including the Humane Society.

“My company, we love animals,” Greene said. “Animals are our passion. We work with many organizations in our county. This is the only one that I commit my time to personally as a board member.”

Part of the overall event’s success is with it being a family-friendly daytime event. Most other Humane Society events are fundraisers at night and for adults. This year’s event sold out, and Greene expects next year’s event to be bigger next year.

“It is a family friendly event fun for all ages,” she said. “I mean that when I say that….It is nice that we can have a Sunday afternoon event that is a Sunday fun day event for everybody.”

Water Main Break On Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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August 12, 2021

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TRAFFIC ALERT
There is a water main break on Cypress Gardens Blvd in the area of Roosevelt Dr. SE just past Cypress Gardens Rd.
Drivers will be impacted throughout the day. Please take care when traveling through this area.

Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Alleged Illegal Towing Practices By Company Who’s Owner Is Facing 2nd Degree Murder Charges

Staff Reporter

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August 12, 2021

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Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media On Alleged Illegal Towing Practices By Company Who’s Owner Is Facing 2nd Degree Murder Charges

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 10:30 a.m. this morning, Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center about:

Strapped Towing owners arrested for multiple felonies related to illegal towing of vehicles at mobile home park; One of the owners, Michael Denn, previously charged with 2nd degree murder after shooting a man at his tow yard

On August 11, 2021, PCSO detectives concluded an investigation into illegal towing practices being committed by a Mulberry business, Strapped Towing, specifically within the Stoll Manor Mobile Home Park in Lakeland, and charged the owners, husband and wife Michael and Elissa Denn, with multiple felonies.

Sheriff Judd will also give details about the second degree murder that occurred in May, for which Michael Denn was charged and is still in the Polk County Jail.

Previous Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release On 2nd Degree Murder Case

Lakeland man charged with second degree murder stemming from Mulberry incident

Media Contact: Scott Wilder, Director

Michael Shane Denn II, 29, of Lakeland was arrested early this morning in Mulberry after he shot and killed a man Monday night the 17th during an altercation involving a towed vehicle. Please see the following details in the redacted affidavit:

“On Monday, May 17, 2021 at approximately 1815 hours, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to 1330 Virginia St., Mulberry FL, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, the victim/decedent REDACTED, was located lying in the front yard of the business, Strapped Transport Towing and Recovery, with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. A second victim, REDACTED, was located lying in the front yard of the same business, with apparent injuries from being [struck] by a vehicle. Both victims were transported to Lakeland Regional Health by Polk County Fire Rescue. Medical staff at Lakeland Regional Health declared REDACTED [GUNSHOT VICTIM] (decedent) deceased at 1859 hours. The second victim, REDACTED, is currently being treated at Lakeland Regional Health and is in stable condition.

Investigation revealed the decedent responded to Strapped Transport Towing and Recovery to obtain his vehicle that had been impounded the previous day. While completing the process of retrieving his vehicle, the decedent was advised by staff that he would have to stand by for the tow truck to arrive back at the business to pull his vehicle out of the impound lot. When the owner of the business/suspect, Michael Shane Denn, arrived at the business with the tow truck, he requested the victim wait for his impounded vehicle off of the business property. A verbal dispute then began between the suspect’s REDACTED, REDACTED (victim two), and the decedent. The decedent removed his vehicle [that was driven to the business] from the business property by backing his vehicle into the roadway. Once the decedent was in the roadway, REDACTED approached the decedent’s driver window and began punching the decedent in the face while the decedent was sitting in the driver seat. When the decedent would attempt to exit his vehicle, REDACTED would shut the driver door preventing the decedent from exiting his vehicle and continue punching him. The decedent was able to put his vehicle in gear and drive down the roadway to get away from REDACTED. Once down the road, the decedent turned his vehicle around and accelerated his vehicle towards REDACTED and the suspect who were still standing in the roadway. The decedent struck REDACTED with the right front bumper of his vehicle which caused REDACTED to go airborne and land in the front yard of the business. The decedent then exited his vehicle which was still in the roadway and attempted to run towards the trunk of the vehicle and away from the suspect. As the decedent exited his vehicle and ran away from the suspect, the suspect fired three rounds at the decedent. The third round struck the decedent on the right side of his head, slightly just behind and above the right ear. No exit wound was observed. The decedent immediately fell to the ground.

The location of the casings recovered at the crime scene, the strike mark from a projectile on a residence located behind the decedent’s vehicle, the gunshot entry wound to the right side of the decedent’s head, and the positioning of the decedent’s body suggest the decedent exited his vehicle and was running away from the suspect, not towards the suspect, when the suspect fired his firearm at the decedent. The evidence at the scene suggests the suspect was tracking the decedent and shooting at the decedent as the decedent was attempting to flee the roadway and seek cover from the suspect.

The suspect stated at no time during the incident did he witness the decedent with any weapons. The suspect was unable to advise where the decedent’s hands were when the decedent exited his vehicle and the suspect did not hear the decedent make any threats or statements when he exited his vehicle.

Based on the interview’s and investigation, [it was] determined the suspect committed the criminal offense of 2nd degree murder, when the suspect intentionally discharged a firearm at the victim as the victim ran away, striking the victim in the head, which resulted in the victim deaths.”

Lake Wales Woman Arrested At Dundee Spa For Alleged Inappropriate Touching

Staff Reporter

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August 11, 2021

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Lake Wales Woman Arrested At Dundee Spa For Alleged Inappropriate Touching

On Tuesday, August 10, 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 I-Spa located at 28079 U.S. 27 in Dundee, 52-year-old Junxia Li of Lake Wales 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.
“Illicit massage businesses can be hotbeds for human trafficking. Some people working in them are brought to our country with the promise of a better life, but that’s not what they get. We will work hard to keep human trafficking out of Polk County by continually checking these types of businesses.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
At this time, there is no evidence or information that Ms. Li is a victim of human trafficking. Ms. Li did not disclose to detectives that she is a victim.
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.

More Than 6,000 Pounds Of Food Donated Through Feed The Ridge

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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August 11, 2021

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More Than 6,000 Pounds Of Food Donated Through Feed The Ridge

by James Coulter

Approximately 6,075 pounds of groceries were donated to The Mission of Winter Haven through the seventh annual Feed The Ridge food drive on Sunday. Hosted by Winter Haven Christian Church, the food drive spent two hours collecting cans, boxes, and packets donated by their congregation and other members of the local community.

The church also purchased groceries using money donated to them during the drive. All of the food, both donated and purchased, were then loaded onto a trailer and delivered to The Mission of Winter Haven, a local non-profit ministry dedicated to providing services to people in need.

Feed The Ridge wrote on their Facebook page: “We filled up a trailer twice and a pick-up truck with groceries. It may have been a different format again this year, but our community showed up to support this event. Thank you to all who donated, volunteered, and prayed for the success of Feed the Ridge. Continue to pray for the ministry of The Mission and all who will be blessed by these donations.”

For the past seven years, Winter Haven Christian Church has sponsored the annual food drive through Feed The Ridge. In previous years, they have collected up to 8,000 pounds in food donations. While this year’s collection was not as big, the church received a substantial amount of food donations, even in light of the current pandemic, explained Heather Reuter, Founder and Coordinator of Feed the Ridge.

“I am again humbled by our amazing community showing up to help donate and serve,” she wrote via Facebook Messenger. “It was such an amazing day to serve together as we filled container after container with groceries for The Mission of Winter Haven.”

Most of their success, both this year and in previous years, has been due to word of mouth. This year’s event was promoted well, and it even managed to receive media attention, explained church member Larry Ferguson.

“Last year was a little off due to the pandemic, but this year was far better,” he said. “We have been with The Mission for a number of years. Just to be able to feed the homeless, and take care of the people and their needs, it has been a gift. Only through the grace of God have they been able to give what needs to be done…We look forward to continuing and to furthering feeding the ridge, putting food where it needs to go.”

To learn more about Feed The Ridge and their future fundraisers, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FeedtheRidge

Woman’s Purse Stolen After Unknowingly Dropping It Outside of Walmart

Staff Reporter

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August 11, 2021

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Woman’s Purse Stolen After Unknowingly Dropping It Outside of Walmart

Winter Haven Police Department

How many times do we have to say Finders Keepers isn’t a thing?
The pair you see in the video ride in front of Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) around 8:10 a.m. on Aug. 5.
Our victim had just exited the store riding her electric wheelchair when she thought something fell. She stopped and couldn’t see anything so she went on her way.
The two on the bike (and the unwilling dog) ride by and the male stops, picks up the victim’s black purse and loads it into the cart and they ride off.
If anyone knows who they are or sees them riding around, please call Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.

https://fb.watch/7jwQRy38X6/

Update: Pilot and Passenger Survive Aircraft Crash in Mulberry

Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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August 10, 2021

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Update: Pilot and Passenger Survive Aircraft Crash in Mulberry

This morning (Tuesday, August 10, 2021) around 8:00 a.m., PCSO received calls about an aircraft crash alongside Coronet Road in Mulberry, and deputies along with Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

The pilot of the maroon DeltaJet Apollo Light Sport aircraft, 71-year-old Charles McLochlin of Lake Placid, was conducting “touch and go” landings on the grassy runway that parallels Coronet, when on his fourth “touch and go” the front wheel collapsed upon landing, causing the nose of the craft to collide with the ground, and then rotate and come to a stop in a ditch.

McLochlin and his passenger, 68-year-old Michael Hano of Lakeland, were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

39th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Returns To Lake Eva Center

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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August 10, 2021

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39th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally Returns To Lake Eva Center

by James Coulter

There are four things Sergio Ortiz loves: God, family, country, and pork. This congressional candidate was able to share his love of all four at the 39th Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally in Haines City last Friday.

Ortiz is currently running as a Republican for the U.S. House to represent Florida’s 9th Congressional District. As a real estate broker with 30 years of experience in the industry, he claims to have the business savviness to represent Florida small businesses.

“We need to get our country moving forward, because we are heading backwards with a lot of people in fear of what is going to happen to them in the future,” Ortiz said. “We need to open up the economy, open up the businesses, so that the people can go out there and provide for their families.”

He shared his pro-family, pro-business, pro-conservative views to potential voters during last week’s political rally and dinner. The only thing he loved more than speaking his mind was enjoying his fill of good food and better company.

“This is my second time,” he explained. “It is a wonderful event. I love the place. The food is great. The people are amazing. And I believe this is something worth doing. You get to meet people you don’t normally see every day.”

The Northeast Chamber of Commerce hosted its 49th Annual Pig Roast and Political Rally last Friday in Haines City. The annual dinner and political event hosted its welcome return at the Lake Eva Center, with last year’s event being hosted at Balmoral Resort due to pandemic restrictions.

The annual event served a barbecue dinner catered by John Michael Exquisite Weddings & Catering, with live entertainment performed by Red Hot Rooster. Attendees were able to meet and greet many local politicians and political candidates from local, state, and federal offices.

This year’s turnout was slightly smaller from previous years. This slight decline in attendance was most likely due to this year’s event being hosted during a year without a major election, and also due to the recent spike in COVID-19 rates, explained Olivia Moorehead, Media and Community Relations Coordinator for the Northeast Chamber.

“Some people may not be as comfortable attending, but we are still happy with everyone who showed up and we hope everyone has a great time,” she said.

Moorehead has been officially part of the Chamber for the past three years. She had previously volunteered during high school, and had worked part-time until recently. She enjoys being able to mingle with locals and chamber members alike during these major events, she said.

“I enjoy most that it is a social time, but it is more than that,” she said. “People get to be informed about the candidates running for office and being able to advocate for them. Overall, it is a great time for all of our members to come together and enjoy the night.”

Darren Soto, the Democratic U.S. Representative for Florida’s 9th District, was one of the many politicians who attended that evening’s event to mingle with his constituents and discuss his politics. He focused primarily on hot button issues like jobs and infrastructure. Most importantly, he discussed the measures needed to address the ongoing pandemic.

“Right now, it is all about trying to combat COVID, and getting relief to small businesses, and getting better infrastructure to the county,” he said. “It is nice to be able to reach out to small businesses and see how we can help.”

Soto has been attending the annual political dinner ever since his first campaign for the state senate in 2012. Being able to speak with his supporters is his favorite part of the evening. His second favorite part? Being able to enjoy good old-fashioned barbecue.

“We enjoy the food, mixing with folks in a very laid back, very Polk County manner, and so it is excited to be able to be here,” he said.

Puppy Parade Graces Dixieland National Night Out in Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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August 10, 2021

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Puppy Parade Graces Dixieland National Night Out in Lakeland

by James Coulter

Several dozen pupper doggos and their human companions marched their way through Dobbins Park in Lakeland as they made their grand arrival to National Night Out on Tuesday evening.

The puppy parade arrived from the adjacent Camphor Heights neighborhood. Lee Robinson led the makeshift parade, which included many of his neighbors walking, biking, and pushing strollers with their doggie companions by their side.

Robinson works as a dog trainer, so the parade came naturally for him. He attended that evening with his own female white boxer, Pandora. This was the second year he and his neighbors hosted the event in conjunction with the annual National Night Out in Dixieland.

“I think it is great,” Robinson said. “What they do out here…I think it is a great thing the city does and they help promote it.”

The Dixieland Neighborhood Association celebrated their annual National Night Out last Tuesday at Dobbins Park. The annual celebration included food, games, and other activities for the local children.

More than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to participating children on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also given away that evening were two bicycles with helmets, both of which were conferred to a lucky boy and girl respectively through a raffle drawing.

Free pizza was provided from Hungry Howie’s Pizza, along with free drinks and water. Attendees were also able to play games with chalk drawings, soccer, basketball, and cornhole.

National Night Out is a nationwide initiative hosted in an effort to bring local communities and police departments together for a quality evening of camraderie. The Lakeland Police Department attended that evening to showcase many of their special units, including a demonstration with the K9 Unit.

Officer Simmons of the Lakeland K9 Unit participated with his fellow officers. He has been attending for many years, and he was glad to be able to do so again this year, even in spite of the ongoing pandemic.

“It looks like a great evening out here,” he said. “We are showing some of the special units of our agency, and making sure our community sees us, and [that] we interact with them and give them an insight of what we do on a daily basis.”

Tonya Rogers, President of the Dixieland Neighborhood Association, has been with the organization for many years. She loves being able to see the neighborhood and police department come together during events such as this.

“Ever since I have been on board, it [the event’s success] has been due to the love of the neighborhood and everybody who likes to get together,” she said. “I enjoy meeting with police officers and the neighbors and the kids.”

Dewey Cain served as a volunteer that evening. He has been with the association ever since it first started. During that time, he has seen his neighborhood rise and fall in quality. Even during the low moments, his community rallied together to make things better, he said.

“Now things are starting to improve, people are putting money into it, and it is becoming a real nice neighborhood again,” he said. “It is a good local area.”

Cain loves seeing friends, family, and loved ones come together for events like this: “I love the good friendly neighbors all my neighbors are real tight friends…We always enjoy it and the kids really enjoy it. When they come down, they look forward to it and have a good time.”

The Dixieland Neighborhood Association will be hosting a Taste of Dixieland event later this November. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dixielandfl

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Visits Lake Wales For First Responder Friday

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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August 10, 2021

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Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Visits Lake Wales For First Responder Friday

by James Coulter

Deputy Chief Roy Wilkinson has been serving at the Lake Wales Fire Department for 21 years. He loves the community he was raised in, and he appreciates being able to serve it through his career in the fire department.

What he loves even more are local residents and other community members showing their appreciation through small kind gestures. He and his staff received one such gesture last Friday when volunteers delivered lunch to the fire station.

Melanie Brown Culpepper and the volunteers from her non-profit organization, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, delivered several boxes of food, including filet mignons, chips, drinks, and other snacks, to the Lake Wales Fire Department for the monthly First Responders Friday initiative.

“It has been amazing,” explained Deputy Chief Wilkinson. “It helps you know what you are doing is worth it. That you are impacting and helping people. Sometimes in the monotony of doing the job every day, it seems like you are going through the motions, but when you hear how it impacts people’s lives, it is powerful as well.”

During the visit, the chief and his staff were able to learn about the good work Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has been doing, especially by raising awareness for heart health and raising donations to supply defibrillators throughout the county.

Melanie started the non-profit organization last year following the death of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who suffered from cardiac arrest despite the best efforts of the responding EMTs. She has since been raising money to set up defibrillators at various locations, including Tanner’s Lakeside and her own salon, Melanie’s Cutting Edge.

“I think it is powerful how she is turning her tragedy and loss into something positive,” Wilkinson said. I had a heart attack a year and a half ago, so I know what she was going through and what she is talking about. And I appreciate what she is doing.”

Melanie has hosted various fundraisers throughout the year to help raise proceeds for her cause. Recently, she hosted Saving Lives Matters to raise awareness for heart health and local emergency services. This November, she will be hosting a pool tournament at Slate 8 Billiards.

She enjoys being able to deliver meals to first responders on the first Friday of every month. She and her team had previously served the fire departments in Bartow, Winter Haven, and Haines City.

“That made me very happy for them to be with me today, and I was able to be with them today,” Melanie said. “It was very touching and rewarding and it makes me very happy to see the firefighters very appreciative and thankful that we do this because they put their lives out for us every single day.”

Bobby Williams, Pastor of Freedom Tour Church in Lake Wales, helps prepare the food delivered to the fire departments. He and his church believe in setting an example by serving other people as they would God. Being able to participate with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is one way he does that.

“We appreciate the fire fighters,” he said. “It is a way for us to give back to them and show them to keep up the good work, to show people they are appreciated, [because] people out there do appreciate them and will lift them up in their prayers and that we are praying for them and they are one of us.”

Terica Moore also participated that day. She was one of the EMTs who administered defibrillation to Melanie’s fiancée on his way to the hospital. Since then, she had been good friends with Melanie and helped her in her endeavors.

I am very proud of Melanie for what she is doing and for her community,” she said. “Me and Melanie have been doing this for many years. She helped me when I lost my son, and we started doing benefits for that and raising scholarships for kids going to college…She has helped me out with that and I have been with her ever since, so every benefit she has, I have been right there by her side and vice versa.”

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