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.”
On Sunday August 8, 2021 at approximately 1:40 PM a vehicle crash occurred on Highway 27 at Washington Avenue between a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and a 1995 Ford F-150 pickup. The crash occurred when the driver of the Sport Trac, Jerry Lee, age 63 of Lake Wales, turned left from Highway 27 onto Washington Avenue to go west, into the path of the south bound F-150 being driven by 19 year old Tristan Barber, also of Lake Wales.
Barber’s F-150 struck the Sport Trac on the passenger side causing major damage to both vehicles. Barber’s vehicle traveled onto the Southwest corner of the intersection and overturned onto its roof. Lee’s vehicle traveled just south of the intersection before colliding with a fence belonging to Florida Natural where it burst into flames. Lee was pulled from the vehicle by good Samaritans who witnessed the crash.
Both Lee and Barber sustained serious injuries; both were flown by helicopter to an area hospital. Highway 27 was shut down for some time while emergency personnel treated the drivers. All but one lane was open during the remainder of the investigation. The complete roadway was reopened at approximately 5:00 PM.
Mr. Lee later succumb to his injuries from the crash at the hospital.
If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact either Officer Sean Robertson or Officer Rocky Myers at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223.
Tennessee woman killed in
single-vehicle crash in Poinciana
A single-vehicle crash in
Poinciana early Saturday morning, August 7, 2021 left a Tennessee woman dead,
and three others injured.
Deputies from the Polk
County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the
crash at about 3:05 AM, at the intersection of Poinciana Parkway and Cypress
Parkway. Upon their arrival, it was determined that the driver, 39-year old
Paris Leblanc of Nashville, Tennessee, was deceased.
The passengers in the
vehicle were identified as: 38-year old Darius Wright of Nashville; 27-year old
Tierra Crump of Chicago, Illinois; and 26-year old Martrelle Glasper of
Chicago. Their injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
The vehicle they were
travelling in was a gray 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
According to the
preliminary investigation based on evidence and witness statements, the Jeep
was southbound on Poinciana Parkway and failed to stop at the intersection with
Cypress Parkway. The Jeep drove across the T-intersection, entered a shallow
ditch on the south side of the road, and struck an embankment. After going
airborne, the Jeep struck the ground, nose-first, then tumbled end-over-end
before coming to a stop on its roof, at the edge of a retention pond.
Ms. Crump and Mr. Glasper
were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and suffered minor visible
injuries.
Ms. Leblanc and Mr.
Wright were not wearing seatbelts. Ms. Leblanc was partially ejected, and Mr. Wright
was ejected completely from the vehicle and suffered a broken leg and facial
fractures.
The investigation is
ongoing, but no criminal charges are anticipated.
Bartow Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday With Car Parade
by James Coulter
Patsy Harris has been living at her Bartow home ever since the 1950s. There she raised seven children who would go on to bless her with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild.
Over the past century, Harris has lived a full life as a wife, mother, hard worker, and faithful servant of God. More than 37 cars passed by her house to help celebrate her 100th birthday on Sunday.
Harris and her family sat outside her home and watched as a parade of 37 cars filled with neighbors and loved ones passed by to offer her birthday greetings. Even several police cars from the Bartow Police Department participated. Her family, in turn, greeted them to present them all with gift bags.
The occasion officially kicked off with a small ceremony started with a prayer from Rev. Markus Floyd from Burkett Chapple Primitive Baptist Church in Bartow, at which Patsy had faithfully served for many years. He commended her for her long life and legacy, and prayed that God would continue to bless her family.
“You said you will bless them to the third and fourth generation,” he said. “This is an example of your blessings being manifest. Continue to bless and keep her, Lord, and we thank you for this opportunity.”
An official proclamation was presented to her on behalf of Alphonso Wyche, Senior President of the Wyche Family Reunion Foundation, who commended her for becoming a centenarian with a long and fruitful life.
“May every minute of your 100th birthday be filled with the immense joy you have shared with your loved ones for 100 years,” Wyche wrote in the proclamation. “Happy Birthday. Wishing you many more years of good health, overwhelming happiness, amazing grace, and perfect peace of mind.”
Judge Cassandra Denmark wrote a letter to Harris, calling her a gem so rare and beautiful now that she had reached the prime age of 100. In her letter, she expressed her joy of knowing someone who had reached such a ripe old age and wished continued blessings on Harris and her family.
“You are truly blessed,” Denmark wrote. “You have lived 100 years. And have 10 decades of memories as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and great-great-great grandmother. You are officially receiving birthday wishes, kisses, hugs, and a cake with 100 candles. This is an incredible milestone but nearly as incredible as you.
Your years of 100 years is a testament of the wonderful life you have lived, and I wish you love and continuous health.”
Harris was born on Aug. 9, 1921. She has lived in her current residence since the 1950s. During that time, as women were unable to buy houses, her brother purchased the house for her, though she paid the bills and eventually received the deed from him, her daughter, Sally Fields said.
Harris worked as a domestic worker and in the laundry department at Winter Haven Hospital. Her house only had three bedrooms and one bathroom, yet in it she was able to raise seven children. Though they did not have much, she always had an open heart and willingly gave to anyone who needed it, Fields said.
“My mother was a hard-working person,” she said. “She was a caring person. She mentored others. She loved people. She did not matter sharing what she had, no matter how little we had, people would come and stay and feed people and she took care of her father as a caregiver, so we are doing the same thing for her. We rotate in and out with her, because she did that with her and her siblings.”
Over the past century of her life, Harris would be blessed with 7 children, 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. Harris always supported her seven children with every aspect of their lives and encouraged them to be the adults that they are.
“She made sure we got the education if we wanted it,” Fields said. “She was supportive and always said we could be anything we wanted to do and the sky was the limit.”
Her eldest son, Walter, owes her long life to her faith in God. Her youngest daughter, Josephine Battles, likewise owes her mothers long life to faith in God, and described her legacy as a hard worker and even harder-working parent.
“We may not have got what we wanted when we wanted it, but we got it,” Battles said.
Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s What to Pack for Your Day Trip to Disney World
by James Coulter
So, you’re planning to visit the Happiest Place on Earth but you don’t know what to bring along? Perhaps this is your very first time visiting the parks. Or maybe you haven’t been to them in a long time due to the COVID-19 crisis. Whether this is your first time or your first time in a long time, here’s some of the bare necessities you need to take on your visit:
#1: Backpack
Of course you need something to carry your other things in. While some people settle for a purse or fanny pack, a backpack is the best overall option for carrying the most items.
Backpacks are convenient when you want to do a lot of shopping but don’t want to carry around your shopping bags all day. Stow away your merchandise and leave your hands free.
They also come in handy when protecting your valuables when boarding rides. Store the items from your pocket and place your bag either in the designated compartment or between your feet.
My Recommendation: Don’t get a drawstring bag. I bought three of them, and each of them snapped apart upon my second or third visit. They were relatively cheap, but I ended up getting what I paid for.
Buy a regular backpack instead. You don’t need a large camping or hiking knapsack. A small or moderate-sized school bookbag will do well. The more pockets and compartments, the more convenient organizing your items will be.
#2: Refillable Water Bottle
Walking around the parks in the Florida heat will leave you dry and thirsty. Don’t bother buying soft drinks. They cost more than three dollars a pop. Plus, the high sugar and sodium content will only make you thirstier.
Settle for good old H20 instead. You can get it for free from any water fountain or food vendor. But your best bet is to bring along a refillable water bottle, preferably one that can fit in your backpack’s side pouch.
Fill up your bottle before you leave, and refill it whenever you can at the water fountains. Don’t like the taste of plain water? Bring a few flavor packets. Or fill your bottle with fruit like lemons, berries, or cucumber.
My Recommendation: A regular plastic bottle works well. If you’re willing to invest in a refillable water bottle, don’t buy a large water jug. Either 16 oz to 24 oz is big enough for your hydration needs.
#3: Entertainment
The average wait time for most rides is around half an hour. The more popular attractions will have you waiting over an hour. However, some attractions, like Flight of Passage, will have two to three hour wait times. Of course, this all depends on the time of year and whether it’s a holiday.
No matter what, you’re going to be doing a lot of waiting in line. Unless you’re content with playing “I Spy” or singing “99 Bottles”, you’ll want to bring along something to keep yourself entertained.
Some people settle for their phones, but you want to conserve your battery life. Instead, bring along a small tablet or a handheld video game, something that can easily fit in your pocket or bag.
Public Wi-fi is available, but the park’s bandwidth is not ideal for streaming videos, movies, or games. Also, unless your device is equipped with a VPN, using public internet can leave your personal information and data vulnerable.
My Recommendation: I recently purchased an Amazon Fire 7 Tablet. It cost less than $50, and it’s small enough to carry safely in my backpack or even my pocket.
Sometimes I use it to surf the internet or read e-books. But I especially make good use of the Netflix and Disney Plus apps, both of which allow for downloadable movies and episodes. Nothing passes the time better than binge-watching The Mandalorian.
#4: Portable Charger
Obviously, your phone is a basic necessity, and portable devices help keep yourself occupied in line, but your battery is going to run out sooner or later. That’s why you never leave home or the hotel without a portable charger.
While a single charge battery will suffice, a charger that can contain multiple charges are ideal, especially during stays over multiple days. Simply charge your battery the day before you depart on your trip, and you have enough power to last you two to three days without recharging after returning to your room or home.
My Recommendation: I own two power banks. One contains two full charges. The other, four. Both fit in my pocket and use the power cords for my phone and other devices. The four-charge bank is ideal for long trips. Again, simply charge it the day before you leave, and you have enough power for a good week.
Other Essentials
Sunscreen: Spray-on sunscreen is best. Lotions are far too messy. Anything over SPF 30 offers the best protection. Some people carry their sunscreen with them to the parks, but if you have a high enough SPF, then one spray before you leave will protect you for the day.
Snacks: You’ll want something to keep your energy up between meals while walking through the parks. Try to pack light with foods that don’t need refrigeration and won’t melt in the heat. Protein bars or small bags of chips, cookies, or gummy candies offer something small to eat to keep your hunger sated and your energy levels high.
Ponchos/Umbrella: With Florida weather being, well, Florida weather, there’s always an unexpected chance of inclement weather. Don’t bother with a big rain jacket or umbrella. A handheld umbrella or disposable poncho will suffice.
Hats/Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat, especially a sun hat or baseball cap, will keep the sun out of your eyes. Pair them with a pair of sunglasses, preferably prescription sunglasses tailor made for your eyes.
My Disney Experience App: This mobile app is a must for any visit, be it a day trip or a several day-long vacation. It has everything you need: wait times, fast passes, dining reservations, park maps. Don’t leave home without it. Download it to your mobile device through Apple Store or Google Play.
Other Suggestions
Dry Bags: You might want to get soaked on the big water rides, but your electronics probably don’t. To keep them dry during water rides or heavy rain, bring along a cheap zip-top bag for protection.
First Aid Kit: First aid stations are available at the parks for your minor first aid needs from nausea to headaches. However, if you’d prefer personal care, bring along a small bag with bandages, aspirin, and antibiotic cream.
Portable Fans: Personally, I’ve never needed one. But if Florida weather leaves you sweltered and breathless, consider a portable fan. Don’t burn away money with the fans sold at the park. Buy something affordable from a dollar store or supermarket. If you are super budget conscious, bring an empty spray bottle that you can fill with water to help you cool down.
Personal Information For Children: Disney does an overall good job reuniting lost children with their parents. However, make sure your little ones have their personal information available just in case. A small slip of paper will work. Some parents write their number on their child’s arm with a sharpie.
What To Wear
Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must. A good pair of sneakers allow you to tread several miles through your park stay comfortably. However, if you plan on riding water rides, consider wearing shoes that can dry quickly like crocs, or bring along a spare pair of flip flops and dry socks just in case.
Clothing: With the exception of water parks, swimsuits are not allowed in the parks. Between the rides, the rain, and the sun, quick-drying UPF shirts are an excellent choice. They offer sun protection, they are designed to keep you cool, and they dry quickly if they get wet.
What Not To Bring
All bags are searched prior to entering the park. With fluids being the exception, if you can’t take it on a plane, you cannot take it in Disney. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the parks so leave the pocketknives, tasers, pepper spray and firearms at home.
For more suggestions on what to bring on your Disney trip, visit: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/03/moms-panel-update-know-before-you-go-tips-for-your-next-park-visit/
Those are my thoughts, but I want to know what you think: What are some “must have” items you bring with you to the parks? What can’t you leave your home without before going to Disney World? Leave your comments below or on Facebook!
38-year-old Danielle
Jensen of Davenport was arrested Monday
morning, August 9, 2021, at around 12:45 a.m. for Battery Domestic Violence
(M1).
The victim told the
responding deputy that Jensen slapped him in the face after he had returned
home from a bar. Jensen told the deputy that she and the victim were arguing
because he had taken her car without permission.
“Anyone who works
in public service must be held to a higher standard. Violent behavior is
unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially from a public service
employee.” – Grady Judd,
Sheriff
Jensen was transported
to the Polk County Jail and is being held without bond until her first
appearance hearing.
Jensen told deputies that is is currently employed as a Sergeant at the Polk Correctional Institute.
A Polk County deputy
sheriff investigating a disturbance at the Economy Motor Lodge in Dundee,
Florida, was injured when a homemade explosive device concealed on 39-year-old
Marco Antonio Tolentino of Dundee was triggered, firing a 12 gauge shotgun
buckshot round. The single round struck the deputy’s hand and struck Tolentino
in his hand and shoulder. The deputy was transported to the hospital with a
serious injury to his hand. Tolentino was also transported and is being treated
for non-life-threatening injuries. Both are in stable condition.
Deputies responded to a
disturbance call for service on Sunday, August 08, 2021 at approximately 9:30
p.m. to the Economy Motor Lodge in Dundee. Upon arrival on scene, the deputies
were directed to a woman who was sitting on a bench at the neighboring motel,
the Monticello Motel. The woman had walked to the neighboring motel prior to
the arrival of law enforcement.
Another deputy arrived
on scene as a backup. Marco Antonio Tolentino, apparently unrelated to the
disturbance call, approached the scene on a bicycle. The deputy began
interacting with Tolentino, who was being evasive about who he was and said he
did not have identification. During the interaction, the deputy asked the
suspect if he had anything illegal on him. At that time, the suspect lifted his
shirt exposing a metal pipe which was concealed on the suspect’s person;
stating the item was for protection.
A portion of “the pipe”
was concealed in the suspect’s right pocket and also extended upwards to the
abdomen underneath the shirt. The suspect reached for the pipe and the deputy
stopped him; telling him that he would retrieve the item. At this point, the
deputy was unsure what the item was, but believed it was some sort of weapon
based on the interaction. The deputy reached for the item, at which time the
suspect also again reached for the item, and also was trying to pull away from
him. At that time, the pipe (which is also known as a zip gun or improvised
firearm) came apart as it was pulled from the pocket and then a “blast” went
off.
Another deputy on scene
immediately responded to provide aid; Polk County EMS and other deputies
also responded.
Tolentino later told
deputies that he had “a tube” with a 12 gauge round in his waistband. He said
it went off while being removed. He told deputies he carries “the tube” for
protection stated that he made “the tube” himself. He does not have a concealed
carry license.
The destructive device
has two inter-locking pieces of metal pipe that hold a single shotgun shell.
When pressed together, the device is designed to fire the single projectile.
The device contained a single spent 12 gauge round (Winchester- 00 buck shot). During
a search of Tolentino’s room, additional shotgun rounds of the same nature were
located and recovered. Only one shot was fired. No deputies fired any weapons.
As a result of the
investigation, Marco Antonio Tolentino was charged with:
· Attempted
felony murder (FL)
· Possessing
or discharging a destructive device (F1)
· Resisting
an officer with violence (F3)
· Carrying
a concealed weapon / firearm (F3)
· Providing
false info to a law enforcement officer (M1)
Tolentino is in custody
in an area hospital. He is in stable condition.
The investigation is
ongoing. The State Attorney’s Office was notified of the incident and responded
to the scene.The standard protocol for deputy-involved shooting, though in this
case, no deputy fired any shots, will include three independent investigations:
a PCSO criminal investigation will be conducted, Administrative Investigations
will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney’s Office will
conduct a separate review.
Dundee, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that occurred this evening in Dundee.
According to Scott Wilder, Director of Communications, with the PCSO the incident involved a deputy and another person. “Deputy was searching a bag and a gun went off, striking deputy and other person. Non life threatening injuries on both”.
The deputy and other victim have been transported for medical attention.
Additional details will be released tomorrow morning.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Shot’s Fired Call In Dundee
Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently investigating a shots fired call at East Central Park near Dundee Ridge Academy.
At around 7:30pm emergency calls went out for a shots fired situation at East Central Park near Dundee Ridge Academy.
Initially it appears not one has been seriously injured, but the Daily Ridge is in contact with Polk County Sheriff’s Office for confirmation. At this time no official information is available.
It appears that multiple shots were fired while children played and practiced football. Multiple shell casings are visible on the ground less than 100 yards from where organized football practice was occuring.
Deputies are on scene and have taped off multiple areas and appear to be searching a vehicle in the taped off area. At this time no suspect or suspects appear to be apprehended.
This is a developing story and we will update you as soon as information is available. It does not appear that there is any current danger to the public.
George Beato, 9/30/1979, was convicted late Friday by a 12 person jury of first degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. The trial in this 2016 murder case, lasted for 2 weeks. Following the verdict, Beato was immediately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole by Judge Jalal Harb. This was the second time this case was tried. The first case resulted in a hung jury in May of this year. The deceased victim in this case was Alexander Vigo.
Kristie Ducharme was the Assistant State Attorney who prosecuted the case. The defense attorney was Sean Landers.
State Attorney Brian Haas reacted to the verdict by stating, “George Beato is a cold-blooded murderer, I am thankful that we were able to obtain justice for the victim’s family. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant State Attorney Kristie Ducharme worked tirelessly to convict Beato.”
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander Vigo’s body was found Jan. 19, 2016 in a wooded area near the intersection of Sand Mine Road and Island Club West.
Investigators say Vigo was last seen alive the night of Jan. 17, 2016 where he was seen walking out of the Island Club West subdivision toward the wooded area, where his body was later found.
Detectives said two residents reported hearing gunshots in the area between 11:40 p.m. and midnight.
Surveillance video shows another man following him at a distance toward the wooded area. Then the man that was following Vigo was seen on video “stealthily” making his way back to the subdivision at about 11:47 p.m., toward Beato’s home. Deputies say a few minutes later, Beato is seen on different footage ariving home and carrying a firearm.
A Jan. 20, 2016 autopsy found that Vigo had been shot two to four times. The medical examiner recovered two projectiles from Vigo’s body, which are identified as small caliber, likely .32 or .380.
The cause of death was listed as “multiple gunshot wounds,” and the manner of death as “homicide.”
Deputies obtained a search warrant for Beato’s house, and Beato was interviewed during the search. Beato told detectives he doesn’t own any firearms and that he hasn’t touched one since August 2015, when he used military-issued firearms as part of his National Guard training.
However, deputies said that when they searched Beato’s home office, they found a gun case and a bag of .38 special ammunition.
Deputies say Beato later went to the management office at Island Club West and demanded to see surveillance video. When they refused, he tried again later the same day, calling on the telephone and asking to see it.
Deputies say that during the search, they also found evidence that Beato had been counterfeiting and trafficking in fraudulent credit cards and personal identification.
