Winter Haven Police Department
A Rescue Of the Reptile Kind
This little guy (about 2 ft) was hiding under a vehicle at the Lake Maude Nature Park today. Of course he’s not huge, but he could have been hurt while in the parking lot or heading out to the roadway.
Officer Fulgham and CSO Hoverkamp came to the rescue – handcuffs weren’t needed after all – and the little guy was “transported” to Lake Maude in the back of Officer Fulgham’s car.
Winter Haven woman struck and killed while walking along US 27 in Lake Wales
The Traffic Homicide Unit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fatal crash that occurred on Thursday, July 8, 2021, between a vehicle and pedestrian.
The crash, which occurred on US 27 at Longleaf Boulevard near Lake Wales, at about 1:00 AM, claimed the life of 38-year old Mary Elizabeth Faison of Winter Haven.
According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Faison was walking northbound on US 27 along the west side of the southbound lane when she was struck by a silver 2019 Kia Soul, driven by 30-year old Edrick Williams of Sebring, who was driving south.
Mr. Williams contacted law enforcement immediately after the impact, but said he wasn’t sure what he hit, stating that he believed it might have been a deer.
PCSO deputies and Lake Wales Police officers arrived at the scene and began to search the area. Ms. Faison was located approximately 30-feet from the edge of the road, deceased.
Mr. Williams, who was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, was not injured.
Any charges against Mr. Williams are unknown at this time, and dependent upon the outcome of the investigation.
PCSO investigates two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle Monday in Lakeland; one person killed
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon around 1:30 p.m., July 12, 2021, at the intersection of Cherry Lane and Tower Palms Lane in unincorporated Lakeland which resulted in the death of 70-year-old Robert Black, Jr. of Lakeland.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Black was driving a white 2007 Harley Davidson eastbound on Cherry Lane. At the same time, 33-year-old Anointed Davis of Lakeland was driving westbound on Cherry Lane in a gray 2001 Nissan Rouge. Ms. Davis’s son was a passenger in her vehicle.
The evidence and witness statements revealed that Ms. Davis attempted to make a southbound turn onto Tower Palms Lane when her SUV struck the front of Mr. Black’s motorcycle. As a result of the impact, Mr. Black was thrown from the motorcycle.
Mr. Black died at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.
Ms. Davis and her son were not injured; both were wearing seatbelts.
Cherry Lane was closed for approximately two and a half hours.
No charges are anticipated but a final determination is pending completion of the investigation.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted murder at the Y’all Come Back Saloon (3230 SR 60 East) in unincorporated Lake Wales that occurred on Saturday, July 10, 2021. The shooter fatally shot himself.
At around 8:30 p.m., PCSO deputies, Lake Wales police officers, and Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to the bar where they found two males with gunshot wounds on the ground.
According to the evidence collected and witness statements so far, several times on Saturday, 41-year-old Kevin Cooper of Lake Wales called and harassed his ex-girlfriend. He was upset that she had broken-off the relationship and had begun dating someone new.
Cooper knew his ex-girlfriend would be at the bar that night and went there, detectives believe, with the intent to shoot her. When he entered the bar, Cooper approached his ex-girlfriend and shot at her. She was grazed by the bullets, and only suffered minor injuries. She was treated by PCFR at the scene.
Cooper then shot his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend, who was sitting at the bar, hitting him twice. Cooper then shot himself in the head.
The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated and is currently in critical but stable condition.
Cooper was also transported to a local hospital and died from his injuries.
This investigation is still on-going.
“Domestic violence is extremely serious, and often affects more than just the two people involved. Luckily, in this instance, one of the victims was not critically injured – and we’re hopeful the other victim will survive. If you are in an abusive relationship, get help. There are resources available to help victims of domestic violence.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Cooper’s prior criminal history includes 11 felonies for Domestic Violence Battery, Domestic Violence Kidnapping, Domestic Violence Stalking, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Grand Theft, Burglary, Dealing in Stolen Property, False Verification to a Pawn Broker, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Velazquez Cigar Company Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting
by James Coulter
The saying “close but no cigar” couldn’t be truer for Velazquez Cigar Company. For the past 30 years, it has sold only the highest quality cigars grown from the best-grown tobacco. Only the best of the best is sold. If it doesn’t come close, then it’s no cigar.
“Our owner…sees the production of our product in the Dominic Republic, and if it is not up to our standards, we do not sell it. Doesn’t matter if it is smokable or it is not,” said Magaly Velazquez, co-owner, manager, and daughter of the owner, Enrique Velazquez.
For three decades, Velazquez Cigar Company has been selling their quality cigars in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. They recently set up shop in Lakeland, down the street from their other business, La Imperial Bakery, which sells baked goods, quesadillas, and Puerto Rican food.
Upon graduating from college, Magaly was given the opportunity by her father to continue their family business. She and her family moved to Lakeland to offer a great product that their family had been making for three decades and counting.
The key to their success has been family. Not only has their family run the business for the longest time, but they treat their customers like close family. So, the minute you step into their store, be it the bakery or cigar shop, you’ll be sure to be greeted with a warm smile and maybe even a hug.
“We always like to say we are a big family here,” Maglay said. “So, when you come through our doors, there will always be a smile and a big hug because we are a big family…They can expect huge smiles, family atmosphere, and just a very relaxed laid-back environment to enjoy a cigar.”
Velazquez Cigar Company celebrated its grand opening last Thursday with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz appeared at the ceremony to cut the ribbon and offer encouraging words of support to the new business.
Mutz knows firsthand the high-quality service that the Velaquezes offer at their businesses. He and many other people love the great food their bakery serves and attests to their fine quality.
“People love the bakery,” he said. “Who goes there who doesn’t love eating there? No one. Or at least no who isn’t in their right mind. The same thing will be true of the cigar aficionados in our city here.”
Mutz especially loves the sense of family and community that the Velaquezes emanate from their two businesses. Such family values are a plus for Lakeland businesses, as it makes the community closer like a real family.
“So, we are grateful for that and our city from not only the standpoint of just the investment in the quarter and the offering of our citizens but mostly in terms of the examples that it sets and the jobs it creates and to do so in a culture that is healthy to be in,” he said.
Patrick Gogliardo, a chamber board member, spoke highly of the shop’s quality, especially since he took the opportunity that day to sample a drag from one of their cigars. But, most of all, he appreciated the dedication the business had to family, both theirs and their customers.
“As a New Yorker, when you said you met the family, well, I met the family,” Gogliardo said. “I got a taste of the heritage, and I got an education of what they do, they are very well educated about what they do, there is no doubt. I want to thank you for believing in the Chamber because the Chamber believes in you.”
Velazquez Cigar Company is located at 812 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.velazquezcigarcompany.com
Introducing “Welcome, World Travelers!”: A Walt Disney World Column
by James Coulter
When my editor asked if I would be willing to write about my experiences visiting Walt Disney World, I replied, quite enthusiastically, “Boy, howdy, would I!”
Ever since I was a young lad, my family and I have been visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. I made my first visit as a toddler, and I’ve made regular trips throughout my life. I’ve been an annual passholder for the last five years. Living a mere 45-minutes away, I have the enviable luxury of being able to go for the day, stay at a resort, or, with the added advantage of owning an RV, stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.
Every time we visit, I chronicle my trip at least every hour on the hour on Facebook. Whether grabbing a bite to eat, making a purchase at the shops, or waiting in line for the next ride, I always share my photos and thoughts.
These Disney World posts prove to be my most popular. Everyone likes them and comments on them, including my editors. They were so enthralled by these posts that they offered me the opportunity to write about my travel experiences professionally. And, well, here I am writing about it now.
That’s my way of introducing my new monthly/bi-monthly column, “Welcome, World Travelers!” At least once or twice a month, I’ll write about my experiences at Walt Disney World. Sometimes I’ll discuss the newest attractions and rides. Other times I’ll offer tips and tidbits about making the most out of your visits. Or perhaps I’ll simply geek out about my love for Disney.
To offer you all a glimpse into this column’s future and the topics I’ll be discussing, my very next column (or rather, my very first) will be sharing my experiences visiting the parks during the pandemic. The next column after that will detail the essential items visitors need to bring during their trips.
I’m looking forward to all of this. I couldn’t think of a better topic for a regular column. I love Disney. You love Disney. We all love Disney. The company has been around for nearly 100 years, and the resort has been around for 50. The fact that both have been around for so long proves how much people love them. So I hope you all love what I have to share.
By the way, before anyone asks, here’s a list of my absolute favorites:
Favorite Park: Hollywood Studios for the rides. Epcot for the aesthetics. Magic Kingdom for the nostalgia.
Favorite Rides: Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom), Test Track (Epcot), Rock n’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios), Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom).
Favorite Resort: Contemporary Resort. Love the modern architecture and the fact the monorail runs through it.
Favorite Restaurant: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Hollywood Studios. Come for the fast food. Stay for the corny 1950s kitsch!
Favorite Meal: The foot-long hot dogs at Casey’s Corner. Makes for a great lunch and gives you enough energy to go through the park until dinner.
Favorite Snack: Dole Whip. What’s not to love about pineapple soft serve?
But that’s enough about me. What do you all think? What do you love best about Walt Disney World? And what topics would you like to see discussed in future columns? (Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook.)
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are investigating a shooting at the Y’all Come Back Saloon. The bar which is located at 3200 S.R. 60 East was the scene of an apparent domestic incident culminating in the shooting of a victim and the death of the suspected shooter.
According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Alicia Manautou, one person, an apparent victim was shot and is hospitalized. Manautou went on to say the suspected shooter, unidentified at this time, appeared to have turned the gun on themselves.
The shooting occurred around 7:50pm, Saturday evening.
The bar posted the following message after the shooting (we cannot confirm all the details in this post at this time): This is an update to all our family and friends ! There was an incident that occurred tonight, Everyone that works at the bar are ok the man that came in ( that doesn’t frequently) which was an ex of one of the bartenders came in shot at the bartender and then shot her new friend and then shot himself. PLEASE PLEASE KEEP ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN YOUR PRAYERS. AND PLEASE KNOW THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BUSINESS IT SELF. It was a domestic dispute!
This is an ongoing investigation and we expect further details.
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has is currently investigating a shooting at popular Lake Wales Bar.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are investigating a shooting at the Y’all Come Back Saloon. The bar which is located at 3200 S.R. 60 East is usually very busy on Saturday evenings.
According to Alicia Manautou, public information officer with the PCSO, could confirm that a shooting has occurred and that this time no fatalities. She could not confirm at this time the number of victims involved and their condition.
According to early information the call came into officials at 7:50pm.
This is an ongoing situation and we will update information as soon as it becomes available.
Polk Soil & Water Conservation District
PSWCD Board Meeting July 20th, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Meeting Located at:
1702 Highway 17 S., Bartow FL, 33830
This meeting is open to the public.
Thunder On The Ridge Made Epic Return With A Bang
by James Coulter
After last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis, Thunder on the Ridge made an epic comeback this Sunday to as Haines City’s most beloved Fourth of July celebration and Polk County’s most spectacular fireworks display.
Although rainy weather may have nearly drowned out Ribs on the Ridge the day before, the summer sun cleared the clouds away for Sunday’s event. Several dozen attendees and groups gathered on the lawn of Lake Eva Park to listen to live music and wait in anticipation for that evening’s fireworks. All the while, they enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with lawn games, food trucks, and vendors.
Thunder on the Ridge on Sunday was part of a two-day celebration this year, being paired up with Ribs on the Ridge on Saturday. Both events were held simultaneously that weekend to help celebrate the return of Haines City’s Fourth of July event, which had been canceled last year due to the ongoing pandemic.
“It is amazing,” said Lindasia Jaynemeyer, Special Events Supervisor. “We are happy to see the community out here having a good time with their families and enjoying our beautiful park. They are out and having a good time. We are excited for the fireworks, and we are really glad that people are out to have fun and enjoy the day.”
This year’s event was hosted by their presenting sponsor Miracle Toyota, their entertainment sponsor Proflex Products, Inc., and all of their supporting sponsors, local business partners, city commission, administration, and city staff, she said.
“We couldn’t do this without our awesome staff and our sponsors,” Jaynemeyer said. “It is a team effort. That comes from everybody’s hard work to make it happen.”
Humberto Torres, GM Assistant with Miracle Toyota, was pleased by the turnout this year, especially following a yearlong pandemic and the cancellation of last year’s event. He and his business have been sponsoring the event for several years. This year’s event reminded him why they love it so much.
“We were unable to do it last year due to COVID,” he said. “Now that we can, it is very nice to see all of the community coming out and seeing all of the vendors and enjoying time together. It is a great thing to do.”
Miracle Toyota has remained a big influence on the Haines City community. Torres insists that sponsoring events like this allows his business to remain faithful to the three C’s: community, charity, and customers.
“This is something we do to give back to the community,” he said. “We are a very big influence upon the community. We are big business here. We enjoy coming out and helping out the community as much as possible.”
Visit Central Florida participated as one of the many vendors. They offered material promoting many of the other things to do in Polk County to play, stay, shop, and dine. Thunder on the Ridge is the largest fireworks display in the county, so this event is an opportune time to showcase everything the county has to offer.
“We want people to know there is a lot to do in Polk County,” Emily Marshall, representative with Visit Central Florida. “Everybody was so excited to have this event happen this year. Everyone was excited to come outside and to celebrate America and have a good time.”
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