Lakeland Man Charged With Second Degree Murder Stemming from Mulberry Incident

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May 18, 2021

Lakeland Man Charged With Second Degree Murder Stemming from Mulberry Incident

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:

DENN,MICHAEL SHANE II; DOB 10/10/1991; Age 29; Height 605; Weight 300; Lakeland

Arrest Date 05/18/2021; Arrest Time 02:33:00; Booking # 2116373; Charge: SECOND DEGREE MURDER

Arrest Location: 1330 Virginia St., MULBERRY

PRB_CAUS:

“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.

Touch A Truck Makes Grand Return to Auburndale

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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May 18, 2021

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Touch A Truck Makes Grand Return to Auburndale

by James Coulter

After a yearlong hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Touch A Truck made its grand return to Downtown Auburndale. More than a dozen vehicles of all shapes and sizes from the city’s police, fire, street, and sanitation departments were showcased in Central Park on Saturday.

On display this year was the fire department’s new ladder truck. The shiny new red vehicle had a 107-foot ladder, the biggest apparatus in the department, explained Scott Finley, Fire Marshal.

Aside from allowing children and families to take pictures with the vehicle, the participating fire staff took the opportunity to explain local public safety concerns including car heat death. They instructed attendees to not leave their children and pets inside the car during hot weather.

“We had a lot of good interaction with the kids and parents,” said Marshal Finley. “[We appreciate] the interaction with the parents, in terms of getting the message our for hot car related safety. Getting their feedback has been the most fun. It has been the most personal to them.”

The annual outdoor event has been a staple in Downtown Auburndale for nearly seven years. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, last year’s event was canceled.

This year’s event was hosted as scheduled with extra precautions and measures taken to ensure public safety and health during these uncertain times. Hand-sanitizing stations and masks were available, and physical distancing was encouraged.

Bond Clinic also hosted temperature screenings at two booths on either end of the event. Ashely Conrad Scanlan, Marketing Director for Bond Clinic, mentioned how many attendees willfully participated with the temperature screenings, and not a single person had a high temperature.

“The turnout has been wonderful,” she said. “We couldn’t ask for better day for weather. So that has been a beautiful thing. But I think it is seeing so many smiling faces and being able to connect with the community, Bond Clinic thrives on events like this, and seeing people face to face, answering questions, that is what we love to do.”

Cody McGhee, Director of Parks and Recreation, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout that day. He owed the steady turnout to the great weather and to many people wanting to come out after a yearlong absence of local events.

Touch A Truck was a small test to see how many people would attend a local outdoor event. He hopes for future events to be hosted and to experience satisfactory turnouts.

“I think we are coming out of the desire of not wanting to be at events, and people want to come out and do events, especially outdoors events where people still feel a little safe and secure,” McGhee said. “This was our kick off [event], and we wanted to continue to go back to our

normal routine with some modification. [We are] paying attention to the size of things, and paying attention to how people are expected to come, and still doing things safe and smart.”

The Brack Shack Celebrates Grand Opening

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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May 18, 2021

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The Brack Shack Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

For the past eight years, Bracken Smith has been preparing and selling his famous barbecue pork egg rolls at Smoke on the Water and other local barbecue events. Now Smith can sell his egg rolls and other barbecue items from his new eatery in Auburndale.

The Brack Shack officially opened its doors to the public with a grand opening on Saturday. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce, with music entertainment provided by Melvin DjMelvinr Rios and Max 98.3.

The new eatery will serve as a permanent venue for Smith’s award-winning barbecue catering company, Kick Yo Butt Catering. His barbecue will be served at the location with indoor seating on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The menu will include Smith’s famous gourmet egg rolls, including barbecue pork, jalapeño, and breakfast. His second most popular best-selling item is the chopped brisket and cheddar melt sandwich.

The secret to the success of his barbecue has come through trial and error through attending and winning local barbecue events. Moreover, it has been with the wood used to smoke their meats, specifically fruit and pecan wood, which helps provide a distinct flavor.

Smith has been serving his award-winning at various barbecue events across the county, including Smoke on the Water in Winter Haven. He has even catered to many fundraising events and even donated his food to special causes.

Now, after eight long years, Smith has finally achieved his dream of opening his brick-and-mortar eatery, where he and his team will serve lunch. He hopes to soon obtain his beer and wine license, which will allow him to remain open for dinner hours.

“We’ve really been working hard for the last eight years, and it feels good to see it come into fruition,” he said. “It all started with Smoke on the Water ten years ago. It has grown to a successful catering business, and now we have our own brick-and-mortar store where we can sell them. It all started with that egg roll ten years ago.”

Bracken owes the opening of his new venue to the many people who supported him over the years, including the City of Auburndale. It was only through such consistent support that he was finally able to open his brick-and-mortar eatery, and he has high expectations for the future moving forward.

“I cannot thank the support that we have gotten from day one to now and still get supported,” he said. “If we did not have the support from everyone who loves our food, it is all a huge thanks to them. It is why we are here where we are at.”

Mayor Tim Pospichal commended the eatery for being the latest business to open in the city. The Brack Shack joins the ranks of other big businesses and companies in town, including the Coca-Cola manufacturing plant, the SunTrax autonomous vehicle testing facility and site, the Amazon fulfillment center, and the Cabana Club RV Resort.

Mayor Pospichal especially loved how the eatery would allow them to enjoy Smith’s famous barbecue, especially his gourmet egg rolls, year-round without having them wait for specific barbecue events throughout the year.

“On behalf of the city commission and its citizens, I would like to congratulate you and welcome you to the Auburndale family of businesses,” he said. “You are in great company, and we are so glad we are here.”

Especially significant was how the new eatery was opened in the former location of the local VFW. As a token, Sandra Hall, Auburndale Chamber Executive Director, presented Smith with a before and after photograph, showing the facility as a VFW and as an eatery. Underneath the picture is inscribed: “A legacy of heroes now transformed in a future of serving our community with the same pride and patriotism.”

“We appreciate you, we appreciate the VFW, and appreciate our city,” Hall said.

Melvin DjMelvinr Rios provided musical entertainment at the event. He and Smith have been close friends for the past 20 years. Both of them have worked at various events, with Melvin offering music and Smith providing catering.

As a lifelong friend, Melvin is proud to see his close partner finally live out his dream of opening his own eatery. He hopes not only to see it grow and expand, but also to potentially open up a second location, specifically in Winter Haven.

“I am very proud of him,” he said. “This is something we take pride in…I want him to grow. He does give back to the community like I have. He even donates food to certain events. He is like a brother to me, and I want to see him succeed.”

The Brack Shack is located at 231 E. Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823. For more information, https://www.facebook.com/KickYoButtCatering.

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Deliver Lunch to First Responders at Inagural First Responders Friday

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 18, 2021

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Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Deliver Lunch to First Responders at Inagural First Responders Friday

Firefighters and other first responders received a hearty lunch delivered to them by volunteers from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and Freedom Tour Church on Friday.

More than a dozen meals were delivered to the No. 1 Winter Haven Fire Department, complete with meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, brownies, and sports drinks.

The homemade lunches were prepared by Bobby Williams, Pastor of Freedom Church, and delivered with the help of Melanie Brown Culpeper of the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation, Brandie Aderholt of Manny’s Chophouse, and John Haight, a former fire inspector.

Melanie delivered these meals as part of her inagural initiative, First Responders Friday. On the first of every month, she and her team of volunteers plan on delivering meals to local first responders.

The Winter Haven Fire Department was their first choice, as the fire team was on sight on the day her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, suffered cardiac arrest and passed away. She wanted to do something for the people who assisted him during his last moments.

“It touches me more than you could ever imagine,” Melanie said. “I wanted to make sure I gave back to the first responders. That is one of the big things about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. That we support first responders.”

Since that fateful day, Melanie started the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation to provide assistance to local first responders. She had especially become friends with fire fighter and paramedic Eric Shimkus, who was on sight when her husband passed away.

“We had worked many events together,” she said. “I did not know it was him at first, but then when I found out it was him, I had to call him and ask him a lot of questions because I was so upset about losing Michael. He guided me through everything and the team of Winter Haven was number one with me that day.”

Eric appreciated the meals that were delivered to his department that day. He especially appreciated everything the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation has done to help assist him and other first responders, whether through food deliveries, donations raised through local events, and defibrillators provided at various locations in the city. Of course, the free food was good, too.

“Anytime we have food delivered to us is really nice,” he said. “It is an honor when the citizens of the city do this. We come and help them in need, and they repay us with these small things, these little gestures, that show us we are appreciated in the community.”

Since being founded nearly a year ago, The Cardiac Culpepper Foundation has hosted various fundraisers. Recently, they hosted a 5K walk that raised $5,100 for two $1,000 scholarships. One scholarship went to an EMT student, the other for a cardiac student.

The Foundation has also purchased two defibrillators that will be set up at different locations in Winter Haven. One will be set up in Melanie’s own store, Melanie’s Cutting Edge. The other will be set at Old Man Frank’s where Michael Culpepper was head security for many years.

Their next event will be the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation “Fishin For A Heart” Tournament, to be hosted on Sat. June 12 at Lake Shipp. First place will win $1,000. Check-in is at 5:30 a.m., and weigh-in is at 3p.m. at Tanners Lakeside with music and activities.

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating Shooting Homicide In Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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May 18, 2021

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Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies Investigating Shooting Homicide In Mulberry

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident and disturbance that occurred in Mulberry at around 6:20 p.m. One person was transported to an area hospital with a gunshot wound, another person was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and another person was transported for a medical condition as a precaution. The person (adult male) transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound died as a result of his injuries. According to initial reports, this is an incident involving two groups of people and detectives are aware of the primary people involved and are investigating the specifics of what occurred. The circumstances of the dispute indicate there is no danger to others in the area. We expect to release more details tomorrow after reviewing evidence at the scene and speaking with those involved and with witnesses.

Winter Haven REUSE Water For Irrigation Unavailable Until Further Notice

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 17, 2021

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Winter Haven REUSE Water For Irrigation Unavailable Until Further Notice

City of Winter Haven:

ATTENTION customers who use Winter Haven REUSE water for irrigation. REUSE WATER IS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE. If you are unsure if you are a reuse water customer, start by checking your Winter Haven Water bill. You will see “RU” under your Service Readings section. Help conserve the reuse supply by following the Southwest Florida Water Managements Watering Restrictions:
Even Addresses may water on Thursday and Sunday
Odd Addresses may water on Wednesday and Saturday
Watering times are prior to 10:00 am and after 4:00pm. (The coolest part of the day)
Water loss due to evaporation happens when watering in the heat of the day and causes damage to lawns and landscapes, and puts strain on irrigation supply.
NOTE: Potable water is available and running with no issues at this time.
If you have any questions on water conservation and or this immediate issue please call 863-298-5495 or 863-291-5678.

Man Attempts To Pay For Honey Bun With Car Wash Coin, Then Returns To Store Later And Fills Door Lock With Glue

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 17, 2021

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Man Attempts To Pay For Honey Bun With Car Wash Coin, Then Returns To Store Later And Fills Door Lock With Glue

Winter Haven Police Department

Recognize this guy?
On 5-11-21, this male attempted to pay for a honey bun at Reed’s Grocery (1516 7th St SW) with a car wash coin. (yes, you read that right)
Of course, the clerk didn’t allow him to purchase said honey bun without the proper currency. Later in the evening after the store closed, this guy came back to the store and damaged the lock by filling it with glue.
If you know who he is, please contact Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.

Local Anglers Wins First Place and Biggest Catch at Inagural Blazing Bass Challenge

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 17, 2021

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Local Anglers Wins First Place and Biggest Catch at Inagural Blazing Bass Challenge

by James Coulter

What could be better than winning first place at a bass tournament? How about winning first place AND biggest catch? Because that’s exactly what one team of local anglers won during the inagural Blazing Bass Challenge at A Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort.

Ryan Cooper and Owen Gooding both had the honor of winning first place and biggest catch at the Blazing Bass Challenge on Saturday at Camp Mack in Lake Wales. They won first place with an overall catch of 25.58 pounds, and biggest catch with a fish weighing 8.65 pounds. Each contestant received a check for $480.

Both Cooper and Gooding have been fishing together for many years. They have participated at numerous tournaments at Camp Mack. Cooper himself is a captain for Junior Bassmasters at a local high school. As such, he and his friends are regulars at Lake Kissimmee.

“We just love fishing and competition fishing,” he said. “It is fun, as is fishing in general.”

Ryan owes his success landing the big catch with first place on overall good timing. Both he and his partner put time into their fishing, they work hard at what they do, and they go with their gut feeling, he explained.

Overall, Cooper and Gooding love the good times spent on the water with other likeminded anglers. They enjoy being able to wake up at the crack of dawn and spending the day casting lines.

“It feels pretty good,” he said. “These [catches] are bragging rights. There are pretty good sticks out here. So when a plan comes together, it is always good.”

Camp Mack, A Harvey Guy RV River Resort, hosted its inagural Blazing Bass Challenge last weekend. The event kicked off on Friday with a Captain’s Party sponsored by The Florida Brewery Co, which provided free complimentary beer to participating anglers.

The tournament commenced early the next morning at 5 a.m. and concluded with the weigh-in at 2 p.m. The remainder of the event included a bonfire party with various activities including a 50/50 raffle, live music, children’s games, and a fishing clinic on Sunday.

The tournament was the second qualifying event of the Bonfire Series Tournament & Festival. The first qualifying event was The Lunker Lovin’ Smackdown, hosted in February, with the next two events to be the Tickled Pink Playoff in October and the Bonfire Shootout in November.

Each event was hosted with proceeds going towards a local cause. This event was hosted to benefit the Bobby Lane Cup. The February event was hosted to benefit for Keep Polk County Beautiful. October’s event will benefit breast cancer awareness, and November will benefit local veterans.

As for this recent event, the turnout proved to be exceptional, even in spite of these uncertain times. Kevin DeNell, EVP, owed the overall success to people wanting to venture out into the outdoors, even after a yearlong pandemic.

“Turnout has been good,” he said. “Everyone wants to be outside…We can be outside and there is no issue with that, so the turnout has been good as a spectator and angler standpoint.”

To learn more about the Bonfire Series and Tournament Series, visit their website at: https://guyharveycampmack.com/bonfire/

Man Charged With Raping Woman On Lakeland Street

Staff Reporter

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May 17, 2021

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Man Charged With Raping Woman On Lakeland Street

Lakeland, Florida – Lakeland Police have arrested a Lakeland man for allegedly raping a woman in the early morning hours last week.

Derrick Woodard 34, is currently being held in Polk County Jail pending $115,000 bond. Woodard is being charged with sexual battery, battery, robbery and false imprisonment.

On May 7, 2021, at approximately 5:19am Lakeland Police Department officers were dispatched to the America’s Best Motel located at 518 Memorial Boulevard East, Lakeland, in reference to a disturbance where a subject was possibly being raped.

Officers arrived on scene and made contact with the the victim who was sitting on the ground visibly shaking, rocking back and forth, and crying. The victim was wearing only a t-shirt with no pants. The victim pointed at the defendant, Derrick Woodard, and said that he attacked her. She stated he penetrated her vagina with his fingers multiple times against her will and bit her on the neck. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for medical treatment.

Here is an exerpt from the arrest affidavit: Officers made contact with two witnesses. One witness advised he was standing in the parking lot of 508 Memorial Boulevard East when he heard the victim screaming for help. He stated he began searching for the victim and located her at 518 Memorial Blvd. He stated he saw the defendant on top of her actively holding her arms down. He stated he saw the defendant actively penetrating the victim. He began yelling at the defendant and he did not stop. He stated the defendant told them that the victim was his wife and to get out of their “business.” He advised he heard the victim tell the defendant to stop multiple times. He advised the victim was clearly not consenting to the sexual contact. The witness also stated the defendant stole the victim’s cell phone during the attack.
Another witness, advised he saw the defendant on top of the victim, but did not see the penetration due to the angle he was standing at. He advised he heard the victim screaming for help and telling the defendant to stop. The witness advised the defendant was doing “thrusting” motions with his hips and it was clear he was having sex with the victim. He stated the defendant then stole the victim’s cell phone and left the parking lot.

According to the arrest affidavit the victim stated she was in the parking lot picking up trash when the defendant walked up to her and grabbed her hand. The victim stated she attempted to pull away and the defendant became aggressive with her, accusing her of stealing his money. The victim stated the defendant grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her onto the ground, becoming increasingly more violent. She stated the defendant used his fingers to penetrate her multiple times, and grabbed her around the throat, impeding her breathing. She stated he then pulled her pants down. She stated the defendant also stole her phone and left. She stated the entire encounter lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

According to the affidavit when patrol officers responded to the scene, they detained the defendant walking away from the scene. He had in his possession the victim’s shorts and her stolen cell phone. The defendant allegedly spontaneously stated, “that’s just her pants, just her pants, and her phone, she stole mine.”

Woodard is no stranger to the legal system. He is a convinced felon and spent 2 1/2 yrs in prison for armed robbery, not with a gun, fleeing to elude and child abuse. He also spent just over 8 years for armed robbery when he robbed the Winter Haven Family Dollar at gunpoint.

53 Yr Old Lakeland Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash

Staff Reporter

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May 16, 2021

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53 Yr Old Lakeland Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash

LAKELAND (May 16, 2021) – On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at approximately 4:04 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single motorcycle near the 1100 block of North Lincoln Avenue. According to reports, just before the crash, the driver of a 2018 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling southbound on North Lincoln Avenue when they lost control of the motorcycle for unknown reasons. After striking a curb, the driver was separated from the motorcycle and hit a chain-link fence.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Unit, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene and began to provide life-saving measures. The driver, 53-year-old Darry Darnell Townsend of Lakeland, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation.

If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact Officer Camilo Almeida at [email protected].

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