The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the community to identify the vehicle and driver involved in a hit and run crash that injured two 14-year old children.
The hit & run occurred Sunday evening, July 4th, on New Tampa Highway (US 92), about a ½-mile east of Clark Road in Lakeland.
The victims were walking westbound on the north shoulder of the road when they were struck from behind by a pickup truck.
One of the children is in critical condition. The other child was knocked to the ground but only suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop to check on the children, and the truck continued westbound toward Hillsborough County.
Detectives recovered some evidence from the scene, as well as a still image of the vehicle.
The suspect’s vehicle is a white Ford F150 (1997-2003). The truck should have damage to the grill and possible additional front-end damage.
If you have any information that could help in identifying or locating the truck and/or the driver, please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” * Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
A Haines City woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Poinciana, and the driver of the other vehicle was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for DUI Manslaughter and other charges.
The crash occurred on Marigold Avenue at Walnut Street in Poinciana at about 5:26 AM on the morning of July 4, 2021. Upon the arrival of Polk County Fire Rescue and PCSO deputies, 22-year old Phalande Celestin was found deceased in her vehicle, a blue 2018 Toyota sedan.
The other driver, 46-year old Dawn Nathaniel of Kissimmee, was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Her vehicle was a gray 2017 Kia Optima. During initial contact with Ms. Nathaniel, first responders noted a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on her.
There were no passengers in either vehicle. From the evidence and witness statements gathered, the two vehicles were driving in different directions on Marigold Avenue; Ms. Celestin’s Toyota was southbound, while Ms. Nathaniel’s Kia was northbound, but in the southbound lane.
As the vehicles neared the intersection with Walnut Street, another vehicle driving in front of Ms. Celestin made an evasive maneuver and avoided colliding with Ms. Nathaniel’s Toyota. Ms. Celestin also attempted to avoid a collision, but her car was struck head-on by the Toyota. During an interview at the hospital with detectives, Ms. Nathaniel admitted to drinking wine and smoking marijuana while she was in Orlando prior to the crash.
“The victim was still very young…her life was really just getting started. But it all comes to an end because someone made the wrong decision to drive after using alcohol and marijuana. I can only offer condolences to the victim’s family and friends, and to promise that our detectives will do all they can to prevent Dawn Nathaniel from getting behind the wheel of a car again anytime soon.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Hospital toxicology testing indicated a Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .230 (grams of ethanol per liter of blood) when she was admitted.
Following her treatment and release from the hospital, Dawn Nathaniel was arrested by the PCSO and taken to the Polk County Jail. After her arrival, she provided two breath samples that gave a result of .058 and a .059 (breath alcohol concentration). These samples were acquired eight hours after the crash and were consisted with the blood test at the hospital.
In addition to being charged with DUI Manslaughter (F2), Dawn Nathaniel was charged with DUI with Property Damage (M1), Possession of Marijuana (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), and DUI (M2).
Seven Haines City Student Athletes Heading to Junior Olympics
by James Coulter
The Free&Forward Express Track Club has superseded the expectations of their head coach Twanna Henderson. With the pandemic overshadowing society, Mrs. Henderson shared how her club faced various challenges due to different health and safety protocols.
Often, the team had to resort to practicing in the parking lot of her home church, New Mount Zion MB. Despite the odds, these Haines City student-athletes will be heading to the Junior Olympics for a chance to win the gold medal.
Seven members of the Free&Forward Express Track Club in Haines City will be going to the 2021 National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival later this month in Humble, Texas.
These seven student-athletes include Ariel Pierce (shot put and discus), Saahnir Young (shot put and discus), Isabella Saint Justin (100 meters), Derion Berry (400 and 200 meters), Jasia Jordan (long jump), Valeria (1500 meter), and Jakea Colman (shot put and discus).
They qualified for the Junior Olympics after competing at the regional district level. Ariel Pierce won second place in disc and sixth place in shotput. Isabelle won third place in the 100 meters. Derion won third place in the 400 meters. And Valerie won fourth place in the 1500 meters.
“They are some of the tops in this region that represents Florida,” explained Henderson. “It is very, very hard to make Junior Olympics your first year, especially to do it out of district, so we were successful to get at least seven.”
Henderson comes from a family of track and field athletes. Her father still holds the state championship record at Haines City High School.
Henderson has three children: two sons, 26 and 21, and a daughter. All of them have competed in track. Her daughter participated in various track clubs, but she did not like them. This inspired Henderson to start her own.
She started the AAU track club last year with her partner, Kenneth. They have since changed the name to the Free&Forward Express Track Club. Their team currently consists of 30 members from local schools.
They currently practice at Haines City High School and have been able to participate in over 10 track meets this season.
“Every track meet, we are getting better and better,” Henderson said. “We haven’t had a track club in Haines City for the past few decades, so to bring that avenue back to the kids has been an awesome experience and the kids involved are gaining more and more interest in the sport. Not to mention we have some of the highest-ranking kids in the area in their events.”
Henderson owes their success to training her students in body as well as in mind and character. She does not simply teach them track and field. She also instills in them training in good behavior and self-management skills.
One of their proudest achievements was traveling to Atlanta to participate in the 14th annual Mark Trail Invitational and compete alongside some of the highest-scoring athletes around the country. They returned home with four medals.
“Everywhere we go, we get applauded for the success we are having as a first-year club,” she said. “Our eight and under are very successful. The field athletes are a team of four, ‘The Four Stooges’, and they are the top four out of the region.”
Henderson hopes to return from the Junior Olympics with her students bringing home at least two medals. Their hopes remain high, and considering their previous track record, they expect to exceed those expectations.
“At first, it was a little shaky and often times along this year we have battled doubt and discouragement but through it all God has sustained them and for that she’s grateful! Our Athletes will be taking donations for their trip [through the] Cash App Free&Forward. [Any donation] will be greatly appreciated.”
A Sunday night crash near Winter Haven claimed the lives of two people, and left six others injured.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with Polk County Fire Rescue members, responded to the crash at around 10:30 PM, Sunday, July 4, 2021, at the intersection of Thornhill Road and Byni Ridge.
When deputies arrived, 29-year old Brittny Washburn of Eagle Lake was found deceased in the driver seat of a maroon 2016 Kia Optima. Her front-seat passenger, 36-year old James Mullins of Auburndale suffered head and blunt-force trauma injuries. He was transported to the hospital but was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Another passenger in Washburn’s Kia was her 4-year old son. He was airlifted to a Tampa hospital with possible head injuries and was in critical condition.
The second vehicle involved was a blue 2004 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, driven by 51-year old Fredric McCreary of Winter Haven. He was taken to an area hospital with a broken leg.
All four of Mr. McCreary’s passengers were also transported to local hospitals. They were: 33-year old Alexander McCreary of Lakeland, 14-year old Piper Mikel of Winter Haven, 52-year old Melissa Mikel of Winter Haven, and 28-year old Corey Pickering of Lakeland.
According to the preliminary investigation based on evidence and witness statements, both vehicles were travelling on Thornhill Road in opposite directions just prior to the crash. Washburn’s Kia was northbound; Mr. McCreary’s Toyota was southbound.
As the vehicles approached the intersection, the Kia crossed over the center line, appearing to attempt a left hand turn (west) onto Byni Ridge, in front of the oncoming Toyota.
None of those involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. The 4-year old child was in a car seat, but was not buckled into the seat.
The crash investigation remains ongoing at this time.
A reported domestic violence event has landed a female Winter Haven Police Officer in jail after an altercation in an apartment parking lot On July 4, 2021 at approximately 11:20 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received regarding a dispute that was occurring in the parking lot of Vista Del Lago in Winter Haven. The caller stated there was a disturbance involving a male and a female with the female having a firearm in her hand. As officers arrived, the victim had left the area, but found the female awaiting in the parking lot. According to the witnesses, Manisia Robinson was outside in the parking area arguing with a male when an altercation occurred. Witnesses state they saw Robinson with a firearm pointing at the victim. Officers were able to contact the victim and when interviewed, the victim stated there was no firearm involved. Manisia Robinson has worked as a Winter Haven Police Officer since November 2020. Robinson is on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation. When the investigation is concluded, additional information will be released.
“We take any and all accusations involving our officers seriously,” said Winter Haven Police Chief David Brannan. “With the differing statements at the scene, we will ensure everything is covered to solidify this case no matter what the outcome.”
On Sunday, July 4, 2021, shortly after midnight, uniform patrol officers responded to the Mobil gas station located at 1615 West Memorial Boulevard in reference to a shooting. On scene, officers located a34-year-old male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began securing the scene and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Prior to the shooting, the victim was pumping gas when two armed suspects began to approach him. The suspects had just exited a vehicle that was parked on an adjacent street. As the victim saw the two suspects approaching, he attempted to flee on foot when he was shot. The two suspects retreated to their vehicle and fled the area. Their identity is not known at this time. Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads as this is still very early in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Russ Hurley at 863.834.8973 or [email protected]. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest. The name of victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
A crash involving two vehicles Friday afternoon, July 2, 2021 near Polk City resulted in the death of a Valrico man, and injuries to his passenger and the other driver.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and members of Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the crash on Commonwealth Avenue (SR 33) at Evergreen Boulevard, after it was reported via a 911 call at about 3:18 PM. The scene was about a mile-and-a-half north of Polk City.
Upon the arrival of first responders, 59-year old Angel Cano was found deceased. His passenger, 49-year old Geisha Machado Carranza of Valrico, suffered a broken leg and internal injuries and was taken to a local hospital where she was listed in fair condition.
The other driver, 39-year old Nicolas Roldan of Miami Beach, suffered bruises and abrasions, and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to the preliminary report based on evidence and witness statements, Mr. Roldan was driving a white 2021 Toyota Highlander south on Commonwealth Avenue while Mr. Cano was driving northbound in a white 2021 Ford Ecosport.
For unknown reasons at this time, Mr. Roldan’s Highlander crossed the center line and struck Mr. Cano’s Ecosport head-on. The impact caused significant front-end damage to both vehicles.
All three people involved were wearing seat belts.
The Florida Department of Transportation provided assistance with traffic control, as Commonwealth Avenue remained closed for about three-and-a-half hours.
There are no charges at this time, but the investigation remains under investigation by the PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
Sandbag Locations: Preparations are underway in anticipation for higher-than-normal winds and rain Hurricane Elsa could send our way. The Public Works Department will set up a self-serve 24-hour sandbag station starting Sunday, July 4 at W.G. Roe Park, 2269 7th St. SW, on the southern side to lessen boat launching impacts. There is a limit of 10 bags per household. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels to fill the bags.
The Polk County
Sheriff’s Office arrested 16-year-old Victor Antonetty and 17-year-old
Geovanni Luis Vizcaino, both from Orlando, after they stole three vehicles
and burglarized multiple other vehicles in the Loma Del Sol subdivision in
unincorporated Davenport on July 1, 2021. All but one of the vehicles were
unlocked.
At around 5:00 a.m.
Thursday morning, a deputy responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in
the area. When he arrived, he observed two vehicles (that turned out to be
stolen) speeding from the subdivision – a white Mercedes Benz, driven by
Antonetty and a black BMW, driven by Vizacaino. The deputy attempted to stop
the vehicles, but the two suspects fled the area.
Antonetty ran over a
concrete curb as he was exiting the subdivision, damaging the stolen Mercedes
Benz. He got out of the vehicle and called for a Lyft, but deputies quickly
apprehended him before the ride share driver picked him up.
Vizcaino crashed the
stolen BMW near the intersection of Ronald Regan Parkway and Champions Gate
Boulevard and then fled the area. Detectives were able to locate and contact
Vizcaino’s mother, who helped find her son. She then picked him up and took him
to a local hospital following the crash. Once at the hospital, she contacted
detectives. Vizcaino suffered no injuries from the crash, and deputies took him
into custody at the hospital. His mother is cooperating with this
investigation.
Detectives learned
Antonetty and Vizcaino drove to Loma Del Sol in a white van, which was reported
stolen in Orange County, to break into as many vehicles as they could in order
to steal money. When deputies searched the stolen white van, they found
multiple credit cards and identifications related to other burglary incidents
which occurred in Orange County. PCSO detectives are working with other law
enforcement agencies to follow up on the found IDs and credit cards.
In total, Antonetty
and Vizcaino stole 3 cars and burglarized or attempted to burglarize 13
vehicles.
“This is yet again
another example of juveniles who are committing crimes and need to be held
accountable for their actions. Our Juvenile Justice System must stand up for
victims by getting a handle on juveniles committing crime in central Florida.
We cannot allow out-of-control juveniles to continue to erode our quality of
life.” – Grady Judd,
Sheriff
Antonetty was arrested and charged with:
Attempted Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (8
counts) (F3)
Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (5 counts)
(F3)
Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle (3 counts) (F3)
Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (F3)
Use of a 2-Way Communication Device to Commit
a Felony (F3)
Possession of Burglary Tools (F3)
Fleeing to Elude (F3)
Petit Theft 2nd Offense (M1)
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
(M1)
Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property
Damage (M1)
Resisting an Officer without Violence (M1)
No Valid Driver’s License (M2)
He was transported to
the Juvenile Assessment Center. Antonetty’s criminal history includes 2
felonies for Burglary and Grand Theft. He was sentenced to 6 months of
community service on those charges. The sentence concluded in March of this
year.
Vizcaino was arrested and charged with:
Attempted Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (8
counts) (F3)
Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (5 counts)
(F3)
Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle (3 counts) (F3)
Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (F3)
Use of a 2-Way Communication Device to Commit
a Felony (F3)
Possession of Burglary Tools (F3)
Fleeing to Elude (F3)
Petit Theft 2nd Offense (M1)
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
(M1)
Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property
Damage (M1)
No Valid Driver’s License (M2)
He was transported to
the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Enjoy A Teddy Bear Picnic at Bartow Public Library on Saturday July 10
by James Coulter
If you go to Bartow on Saturday, you’re sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the library, you’d better go in disguise! For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain. Because that’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.
Yes! You, your young one, and their teddy bear can come on down to the Bartow Public Library on Saturday and enjoy a teddy bear picnic with other children and their teddies this upcoming Saturday.
Attendees and their little ones are encouraged to bring their teddy bears, a picnic lunch, and a blanket or towel to sit upon to enjoy a bear-y good time at the library from 10 AM to noon. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.
Aside from enjoying a fun time with fellow teddy bear lovers, children and their favorite stuffed friend will be eligible to win prizes awarded to the prettiest, funniest, oldest, most handsome, or most loved bear.
July 10 is the official Teddy Bear Picnic Day. This will be the second event hosted by the Bartow Public Library. The picnic was previously hosted two years ago. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it was not hosted last year.
“It [the first picnic] met with a great deal of enthusiasm, so we promised to hold it again,” said Miss Melissa, Youth Services Librarian. “We expect the children to have a good time. We expect them to have a good time with their teddy bear.”
To ensure everyone’s health and safety, masks are optional, and social distancing is encouraged. Anyone who is not comfortable sitting in a group are welcome to sit in the back. The entire library is still maintaining maximum cleanliness with the disinfecting of keyboards, tables, doorknobs, and other objects, explained Miss Melissa.
The library will also be hosting a virtual, interactive event via Zoom on Wed., July 7 at 2 PM. The Tampa Bay Bats will be hosting will be presenting a program on Florida bats. Attendees will be able to view the event via Zoom. For more information, contact the reference librarian for assistance at: 863-534-0131
The Teddy Bear Picnic will be hosted on Sat., July 10 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Bartow Public Library, located 2150 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. For more information, call 863-534-0131, or visit their website at: https://bartowlibrary.org/
