Local Firehouse Subs franchisee Bobby Sahgal owns both restaurants in Bartow and Winter Haven alongside his son Abhay, who serves as the General Manager. The father and son duo have just as a strong working and personal bond outside of their restaurant as they do in it and Abhay plans to one day take over his dad’s restaurant, continuing the family tradition. When asked what’s one thing that most people don’t know about owning and operating a restaurant within a family dynamic, Bobby responded, “Things are easier because you can trust someone and feel strong about running a restaurant because you can always rely on your family members.” Bobby and Abhay are dedicated to sharing the brand’s commitment to giving back through Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has granted more than $1.2 million in the greater Tampa area. A portion of every sale at their Firehouse Subs restaurants and all in the U.S. benefit the Foundation to help achieve its mission of providing lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations across the country. Guests can enjoy any FREE medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips and a drink for one day only on Father’s Day, June 20*. *Dine-in or takeout only (not valid for online or delivery orders).
On Monday, June 7, 2021,
the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Andrew Pierce Weaver
of Lakeland, the youth pastor of Highlands Church of Christ in Lakeland,
for attempting to have sex with a minor.
On June 3, 2021,
Highlands Church of Christ staff contacted PCSO detectives to report that
Weaver may have been engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a
17-year-old girl in his youth group. The alleged contact occurred for
approximately five months between September of 2020 and January of 2021.
During an interview, the
victim told detectives that Weaver had been giving her informal guidance. She
told detectives that she told Weaver that she was having sexual fantasies and
at one point Weaver asked her if any of the fantasies had involved him. She
said she told him she did have sexual fantasies about him.
The following is an
excerpt from the affidavit describing what the 17-year-old victim told
detectives, and is self-explanatory:
The VICTIM disclosed she
showed Weaver naked pictures of herself on her cell phone device, and
Weaver would frequently ask to see these pictures, but insisted she never
transmit them to him electronically. The VICTIM believed he requested this to
avoid getting in trouble, as he also requested she keep their relationship
secret.
The VICTIM also
disclosed on a non-specific date in late December or early January she and
Weaver went to the Best Western Hotel in Mulberry, FL. The VICTIM disclosed she
drove to the Highlands Church of Christ and met Weaver there. The VICTIM
then got into Weaver’s vehicle and he asked her how she felt about getting a
hotel room for the two of them.
Weaver then drove
himself and the VICTIM to the hotel. She and Weaver were at the hotel for
approximately 30 minutes and were naked from the waist up in their room. The VICTIM disclosed she
and Weaver were making out, and Weaver touched and kissed the bare area of her
breasts. The VICTIM advised she and Weaver were interrupted by a maid
knocking on the door, but the maid did not enter the room. The VICTIM disclosed
this startled Weaver, and they both put on their clothes and returned to the
church. The VICTIM advised she believed their sexual contact would have
continued to progress if they had not been interrupted by the maid.
During an interview on
June 7th, Weaver confirmed he took the victim to the hotel in Mulberry after
the two had been discussing sexual fantasies. According to the affidavit:
Weaver advised he
believed he had “crossed a line” with the VICTIM, which he further explained
that he was closer to the VICTIM emotionally than he should have been. Weaver
subsequently confessed to driving around with the VICTIM on the day of
12/29/20, and discussing more of the VICTIM’s sexual fantasies. Weaver stated
he struggles with impulse control and then drove himself and the VICTIM to the
Best Western Hotel in Mulberry, FL after discussing the VICTIM’s sexual
fantasies. Records were obtained from the Best Western Hotel, which confirmed
Weaver checked into the hotel on 12/29/20 at approximately 13:13 hours.
“Youth ministers
are entrusted with mentoring our children. This minister betrayed that trust
and he must be held accountable. Thankfully, the church leadership did the
right thing by reporting his inappropriate behavior.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Weaver was arrested for Attempted Unlawful
Sex with a Minor (F3) and Interference with Child Custody (F3) due
to Weaver taking the child from the church and to the hotel with the intent to
have sex with her. He is currently in the Polk County jail and has no bond.
Weaver told detectives he is married.
PCSO Homicide
detectives have arrested two 16-year-old suspects in the homicide of
17-year-old Taigur Taguri – both suspects have been charged with first degree
murder, along with other felonies. At least two other suspects are still at
large.
Based upon interviews
with witnesses, suspects, and others, and evidence collected so far in the
investigation, at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, Taguri drove to
Gordon Heights Park near Bartow with the intention of selling marijuana to
someone with whom he was communicating on social media. He was accompanied by a
female.
When Taguri arrived at
the park, he stopped his truck. Several unknown black male suspects approached
the truck. One suspect opened the driver’s door, and another suspect opened the
passenger side door. During this time Taguri was heard saying “no” and “don’t.”
Multiple shots were fired at Taguri by both suspects. The passenger was not
injured. A total of 3-4 suspects are believed to be involved.
After being shot,
Taguri accelerated, and the truck crashed into a fence then came to a stop
against some playground equipment. The suspects fled in an unknown direction.
The passenger called 911 and another witness in the area called 911. When first
responders arrived on-scene, Taguri was deceased.
During the
investigation, detectives gathered evidence including spent shell casings at
the scene, and searched social media channels for any communication between the
victim and others. Detectives discovered and were provided with several names
of people with whom Taguri had been communicating on social media – one of
those people was tentatively identified as 16-year-old Jevon Berrien, Jr.,
who lives on Gause Street in Bartow.
Detectives responded
to the residence, and interviewed Berrien. Detectives also found 16-year-old
Margus Johnson hiding in the home, unbeknownst to some in the family who
were in the home. During a search of the residence, detectives found a loaded
Glock 9 mm handgun in Berrien’s room. The gun and casings found at the scene
were taken to the FDLE lab for testing. FDLE confirmed that the shell casings
found at the scene matched the handgun and ammunition that was submitted for
testing. Detectives also found numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, including
a grinder, scale, and glass jar, all containing marijuana residue, and a burnt
marijuana cigar in Berrien Jr.’s room.
16-year-old Jevon
Berrien, Jr. was charged with:
· First degree murder (Capital felony)
· Attempted armed robbery (F2)
· Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
· Unlawful possession by a minor of a firearm
(M1)
· Possession of marijuana (M1)
· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
Berrien, Jr. has
previous arrests for robbery by sudden snatching and battery domestic violence.
16-year-old Margus
Johnson was charged with:
· First degree murder (Capital felony)
· Attempted armed robbery (F2)
· Conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2)
During the search of
Berrien’s home, detectives found another loaded firearm in Jevon Berrien Sr.’s
room, along with a large red container of methamphetamine, and several items of
drug paraphernalia. Inside Berrien Sr.’s car detectives found a camera bag with
a digital scale, multiple plastic baggies, and individually packaged baggies of
marijuana. A lunchbox contained another digital scale and a gallon-sized bag of
marijuana.
47-year-old Jevon
Berrien, Sr., was placed under
arrest and charged with:
· Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
(F2)
· Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
(F2)
· Possession of methamphetamine (F3)
· Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
(F3)
· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Berrien Sr.’s criminal history includes three arrests in Georgia (trafficking in cocaine, drug sales, violation of controlled substance act); an arrest in Oklahoma (DUI); and 7 felonies and 4 misdemeanors in Florida (possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, DWLSR, failure to appear, probation violation, non-payment of child support) including a felony conviction.
THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO MORE SUSPECTS AT LARGE AND DETECTIVES ARE SEARCHING FOR THEM. THERE IS A $5,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION! If you have any information about this investigation and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Detectives have arrested two 16-year-old suspects in the homicide of Taigur Taguri. Both were located yesterday at a home on Gause Street in Bartow near the park where the homicide occurred. Both are being charged with first degree murder. One of the suspect’s father was also arrested on drug charges.
We will have more information from Sheriff Grady Judd at 12:30 today.
Original Release:
Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media this morning from the scene of a homicide investigation. Here are some preliminary details:
Around 9:40 p.m. last evening (Monday, June 7, 2021) the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from Gordon Heights Park near Bartow in reference to a shooting.
Taigur Taguri
When deputies arrived on-scene they located 17-year-old Taigur Taguri of Bartow deceased in the driver’s seat of a red Chevrolet Silverado truck. A female witness was in the passenger seat and told deputies the following: Taigur was hanging out with her in Lakeland earlier in the evening when he asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. They ended up at this park, where she has not been before; she was not quite sure where they were. He told her when they arrived that he was going to sell marijuana to some guys.
The witness then saw several unknown black males approach the truck, open both doors, and begin shooting the victim. Multiple firearms were discharged and Taigur was shot multiple times. The witness, miraculously, was not hit by any bullets.
The suspects then fled the scene. The victim’s truck has been towed to PCSO Crime Scene for processing. A photo of the victim is attached in the link below.
We are seeking information about this homicide. If you have any information please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Polk County Public Schools is no longer requiring students and staff to wear face coverings.
During tonight’s meeting, the Polk County School Board voted unanimously to lift a requirement that students wear face coverings. The requirement for PCPS employees to wear face coverings is also being lifted.
Beginning tomorrow (June 9, 2021), face coverings will no longer be mandatory in PCPS schools, offices, and buses. Face coverings will be optional for students and staff members for the 2021-22 school year.
“We still continue to encourage masks for anybody who is not vaccinated, but we are giving the option and flexibility to families and staff to make those decisions,” said Frederick Heid, incoming PCPS superintendent.
Students who opt to wear face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
This guy! Can you identify him?
On June 2, 2021, he enters Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) around 9:10 p.m. and proceeds to select a large TV and two hover boards to the tune of $707.
He takes them to the Garden Center where he goes to the fenced area. Finds a weak spot in the fence and stages the items just inside the fence. He then walks back through the store to the grocery side and leaves the store empty handed. He proceeds around to the outside of the Garden Center and reaches through the fence to retrieve the items.
Video shows him loading up and leaving in a white four-door sedan.
If you recognize him, contact Det. Taylor at 863-837-9074.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
Gail Quam Retires After 36 Years As Principal Of Polk Avenue Elementary
by James Coulter
Polk Avenue Elementary in Lake Wales has a unique new tradition. Whenever a student meets their academic goal, they can ring the bell installed in the school courtyard. The bell is positioned so that everyone in the school can hear it when it rings out.
Principal Gail Quam had served at the school for the past 36 years. Now that she had retired, she had met a goal of her own. So during her retirement ceremony, she proudly rang out the bell in honor of her accomplishment.
Her students, colleagues, and friends celebrated her retirement from her 36-year-long career on Thursday afternoon. Everyone gathered in the school courtyard for the celebration to hear kind words spoken on her behalf and to witness gifts and honors conferred to her.
Mrs. Quam was presented with the Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award from the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, which confers the awards to select residents who exemplify community service. She also received a glass plaque from the school officials, a birdbath for her new lakeside home, and a plaque naming the school courtyard after her.
Ever since she started her career at the school 36 years ago, Mrs. Quam owed her success to the many friends she made within the staff. They encouraged her to do her best and offered her advice on how she could approve.
Such support allowed her to progress in her career from a humble teacher to the principal for the past 14 years, and it will be such close friendships she will miss most now that she has retired, she said.
“I have been blessed over the years to work with amazing people, amazing teachers, and amazing people as individuals,” Quam said. “I know that I am leaving Polk Avenue in such great hands, and that is such a comforting thought to know that you all have what is best in mind for our students, and that will continue, and I love each one of you very much.”
Gail Quam and her husband, Rob, originally planned to move to a larger community after spending one year working at an elementary school. However, upon joining Polk Avenue Elementary, her initial one-year assignment bloomed into a 36-year-long career.
She started her career in 1985 as a classroom teacher. She taught first, second, and third grade. She became a reading facilitator in 1997, an assistant principal in 2003, and then as a principal in 2007, where she continued for 14 long and fruitful years.
“During these years, she has served with distinction, and her devotion to children has not gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Greg Hall, President Emeritus of Warner University, who offered the tribute that afternoon. “The school has enjoyed no small amount of influence and remarkable success under her leadership.”
At the end of her third year as principal, Polk Avenue was only one of a handful of schools in Polk County and the only school in Lake Wales to improve two full letter grades in state ranking for school improvement. Her secret was her emphasis on improving school character. When character improved, so would academics, she said.
“She was right, and the school has benefited greatly from such wisdom and insight,” Dr. Hall said. “This achievement is remarkable to the point where it cannot be overstated. This is a first-class upgrade of which the entire school can take pride.”
Her husband, Rob, mentioned how she never approached her position as a job. Instead, she considered her students and staff like family, and she would treat them as such. That reason was why she applied for the school in the first place: because she loved the people within it and wanted them to succeed.
“These are the reasons your legacy is going to last,” Dr. Hall said. “Your fingerprints will forever be on this place…It is the stuff of greatness. Gail, you have set the bar pretty high, but that is the way it should be. We need these examples of leadership.”
However, while she has formally retired, her career has not truly ended. If anything, this ending in her life is yet another beginning for her, and one that she will no doubt use for the benefit of others, as had been her focus during the past 36 years.
“I regret to inform you that when it comes to being retired, there is no such thing for a truly called person,” Dr. Hall said. “You are about to not be retired but rather to be re-deployed. Your best, most productive, most influential years are before you, not behind you. We anxiously await what the Heavenly Father has for you today. Three are assignments coming down the pipe that you alone are the one uniquely qualified to perform.”
Several students and teachers offered words of gratitude for her. Two of them were staff members who had previously attended the school as students. They now serve proudly as colleagues for the woman who helped shape and influence their life.
Another student, Artuno Barcenas, mentioned how honored he was to have Mrs. Quam as his principal. She always showed respect to the students and allowed them to lead forums and discussions at the school. Overall, she taught them how to be kind, how to help others, and how to keep the Seven Habits held dear at their school.
“Every time I would get my report card, she would write a note at the end with words of encouragement,” Artuno said. “She saw the best in someone. When I went to school, every day I felt I got to her school instead of having to go to school. I really loved that. Thank you for making Polk Avenue a home away from home.”
Mayor Brad Dantzler was recently appointed to the Florida League of Cities 2021-2022 Legislative Policy Committee where he will help develop the League’s Legislative Action Agenda detailing priority issues likely to affect municipal governance and local decision-making during the upcoming legislative session. Mayor Dantzler was recently recognized by the Florida League of Cities with the Home Rule Hero Award due to his hard work throughout the Legislative session to protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda. His advocacy work will continue as he serves on this important committee. Congratulations Mayor Dantzler! Thank you for serving as a voice on behalf of the City of Winter Haven.
