DAVENPORT – The first Bojangles in Polk County is opening its doors to the public on Tuesday, July 29 at 6 a.m., but the Southern-style chain is kicking things off with a tribute to local heroes the day before.
On Monday, July 28, Bojangles will host a “First to the Table” Celebration and Ribbon Cutting exclusively for local first responders, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and medics. From noon to 3 p.m., first responders are invited to be among the first to experience the new restaurant and enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring fan favorites like Bo’s Chicken Sandwich, Bo-Berry Biscuits, Chicken Tenders, and more. A special “biscuit-cutting” ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.
“The event celebrates the heroes who are first to every call – and who make it possible for families to gather safely around the table each night,” Bojangles shared in a press release.
Located at 40235 U.S. Highway 27, near AdventHealth Heart of Florida Hospital, the new Bojangles marks a major milestone. It is:
· The first location in Polk County;
· The fourth in the Orlando area;
· The ninth in Florida;
· And the 819th restaurant in the Bojangles chain nationwide.
Founded in 1977, Bojangles now employs nearly 10,000 people. Construction on the 1.24-acre Haines City property began late last year. The new location is next door to the new Wendy’s, adding to the growing number of dining options along the busy corridor.
In addition to its famous chicken, biscuits, and Legendary Iced Tea, Bojangles also offers a variety of benefits for hourly team members, including:
· Free meals during shifts;
· Flexible scheduling;
· Weekly pay;
· Part- and full-time positions;
· Scholarship opportunities;
· Career growth potential.
Those interested in applying can visit www.ziprecruiter.com.
To learn more about Bojangles, visit www.bojangles.com.
Polk County residents are feeling the full force of a Central Florida heat wave this week, with heat index values soaring to dangerous levels. In some parts of the county, the index has reportedly reached as high as 108 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor workers, vulnerable populations, and even household pets.
The heat index, often referred to as the “feels like” temperature, combines air temperature and humidity to give a more accurate measure of what people actually experience. While the actual air temperature in Polk County has been hovering in the mid-90s, the high humidity has pushed the index well into triple digits by the early afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for much of the Central Florida region throughout the week, warning residents to take precautions such as staying indoors during peak hours, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities. While no official warnings specific to Polk County had been issued as of Monday morning, local officials are urging people to remain alert to changing conditions and to check on elderly neighbors or those without reliable access to air conditioning.
Heat waves in Florida are not unusual in late July, but the prolonged stretch of high humidity combined with afternoon highs has made this particular system more oppressive than average. Meteorologists expect the pattern to persist for several more days, with little relief in sight until the weekend when rain chances slightly increase.
Mizkan America has announced it will permanently shut down the bottling department at its Lake Alfred facility, resulting in the loss of approximately 57 jobs. The closure is scheduled to take place around September 19, 2025, and will impact a range of positions including production workers, technicians, supervisors, and warehouse personnel.
Located at 445 North Dakota Avenue, the facility has been a part of the Lake Alfred industrial landscape for well over a decade. While an exact opening date for the plant wasn’t immediately available, company records show that in 2012 Mizkan invested in a new research and development center on-site. That expansion supported food innovation projects and helped diversify the types of condiments and vinegars produced at the location.
Although the bottling lines are being shut down, Mizkan will continue to operate the Lake Alfred facility for bulk vinegar production and warehousing. According to company officials, the closure of the bottling department is part of a broader shift in operations. Bottled product production will be moved to other Mizkan sites in the United States, while the Lake Alfred facility will focus on larger-scale bulk operations.
Mizkan America is the U.S. subsidiary of Mizkan Holdings, a Japan-based food company with more than 200 years of history. The company owns several well-known consumer brands including Ragú and Bertolli pasta sauces, Holland House cooking wines, and Nakano rice vinegars. Mizkan operates more than a dozen manufacturing plants across the country, but the Lake Alfred site is the company’s only facility in Florida.
In a written statement, Mizkan leadership expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Lake Alfred employees and indicated that assistance would be provided to help them through the transition. The company also stated there is no labor union representing the affected workers, and no internal job transfers or “bumping rights” will be available as part of the shutdown process.
While the bulk production side of the operation will continue for now, the end of bottling operations marks a significant shift in Mizkan’s Florida footprint. For many in the community, it’s another reminder of how quickly the economic landscape can change—and how important it is to support workers and families during periods of transition.
Clearwater, FL – Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old following an apparent cardiac arrest, according to a report from TMZ Sports.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater residence early Thursday morning. First responders reportedly described the call as a “cardiac arrest.” Several police vehicles and EMT units were seen outside the home, and Hogan was transported via stretcher into an ambulance.
The tragic news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly denied rumors that he was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart was “strong” as he recovered from recent surgeries. In May, Hogan had undergone a neck procedure, and although there were reports suggesting he was on his “deathbed,” sources close to the family downplayed the concerns at the time.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan was more than just a professional wrestler—he was a cultural phenomenon. Hogan became the face of wrestling in the 1980s, turning what was once a niche sport into a mainstream family entertainment sensation. With his signature mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and booming charisma, he captivated children and adults alike and helped launch the WWE (then WWF) into global stardom.
In 1996, Hogan made headlines again when he rebranded himself as a villain by forming the New World Order (NWO) and adopting the persona “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. The bold move revived his career and helped usher in a new era of wrestling entertainment.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but controversy followed in 2015 when he was removed after a leaked video showed him making racist remarks during a private encounter. The video, published by Gawker, led to a high-profile lawsuit which Hogan ultimately won.
Despite the scandals, Hogan’s legacy in professional wrestling remains undeniable. He headlined countless events, inspired generations of fans, and helped shape the modern landscape of sports entertainment.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife Sky and his children. Further details regarding funeral arrangements have not been released at this time.
Growing up, many of us dream of what we want to become. On July 3rd, I had the privilege of speaking with someone who turned his childhood dream into a successful career—JP Peterson.
Mr. Peterson’s journey into the sports industry began in the 1980s at Florida State University, where he studied Communications. While at FSU, he helped develop a magazine-style show called 1800 Seconds, and it was there that he got his first real opportunity in sports media as an intern for the show’s sports department. It quickly became clear to Mr. Peterson that this was what he had been preparing for his whole life.
Growing up, he had spent most of his time watching and playing sports, and now he had found a way to turn that passion into a profession. The more he got involved at FSU, the more he realized this wasn’t just something he could do—it was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
Since those early days, the sports media landscape has changed dramatically. Back then, the typical career path meant starting in a small market, moving to a medium market, and then on to a large market. Local television was a major platform at the time, regularly drawing audiences of 100,000 viewers. Today, those numbers have dwindled, and local TV stations are happy if they attract just a few thousand viewers.
The production side of the industry has evolved as well. What once required large crews can now often be done with just a handful of people.
Early in his career, Mr. Peterson moved from market to market before returning to Tallahassee, where he worked at the ABC affiliate covering the 6 o’clock sports segment. He later transitioned to the Florida State Radio Network, where he covered FSU sports—a dream come true, given that Florida State was his favorite team growing up. Though Tallahassee was a smaller news market, it was the perfect launchpad for his career. Not only was he covering the team he loved, but he was also growing professionally in a meaningful way.
After spending nine years in Tallahassee, Mr. Peterson quickly rose through the ranks, eventually landing his big break in Tampa/St. Petersburg as the Sports Director for NewsChannel 8. This was a major leap, placing him in the nation’s 14th-largest media market at the time, where he remained for five to six years.
Over the years, Mr. Peterson has had to adapt and reinvent himself multiple times to remain relevant and, as he puts it, “stay in the game.” His passion has never wavered, and he credits that love for the job as a key to his longevity. As he says, “If you are working in your passion, you haven’t worked a day in your life.”
Through his decades-long career, Mr. Peterson has built lasting relationships with athletes and figures across the sports world—from Tampa Bay Buccaneers legends like Derrick Brooks and Brad Johnson to Tampa Bay Lightning icons Dave Andreychuk and Martin St. Louis.
His story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets persistence. From a student intern to a respected sports media personality, JP Peterson’s journey shows that with dedication, dreams really can come true.
One piece of advice Mr. Peterson offers to those starting out in the industry is to build relationships and network as much as possible because you never know when those connections will benefit you. For example, right after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl, he was able to get an on-field interview with starting quarterback Brad Johnson—an opportunity made possible by their prior relationship at Florida State.
Through Mr. Peterson’s connections in the sports world, he has been able to be part of some incredible moments. In 1993, he was on the field for Florida State’s first national championship in football. He also covered the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first Stanley Cup championship. These are just a couple of the amazing moments he has experienced throughout his career.
When reflecting on how his career has unfolded and the expectations he had starting out, Mr. Peterson said, “You can’t really plan on it—you just have to put your head down and work.”
Today, Mr. Peterson remains heavily involved in the sports industry. He hosts his own sports talk show, The JP Peterson Show, is involved with Fan Stream Sports, and serves as the studio host for the Tampa Bay Lightning. One thing is certain: sports have always been, and continue to be, a big part of Mr. Peterson’s life.
HAINES CITY – At only 12 years old, Khayari Henderson is racing past the competition — all while courageously managing epilepsy, a condition that sidelines many.
A rising star in youth athletics, Khayari — known as “K-Box” on the track — has spent the past school year competing in both Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) events and with Shelley Boone Middle School’s track and field team. Most weeks, she raced for both organizations on different days.
She is currently ranked second in Florida and 12th in the nation by the AAU in the 800-meter race. She also competes in the 200- and 400-meter sprints and the long jump.
#image_title
At school, she was the only sixth grader in Polk County to compete in cross country — a two-mile race. She’s ranked number one among Polk County middle schoolers in the 800 meters and won every meet she entered this season.
She just completed her first Iron Kids in Haines City and was first in the girl’s division for the mile and a half race.
Now, K-Box is gearing up for the AAU Junior Olympics for Track and Field in Houston, where she’ll compete in the 800-meter event next week. Remarkably, this is her fourth consecutive qualification for the prestigious national competition.
#image_title
What makes her accomplishments even more extraordinary is her ongoing battle with epilepsy — a neurological condition marked by recurring seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Khayari’s passion for running began at the age of four. While most little girls were playing with dolls, she was lacing up sneakers and chasing dreams — inspired by her two older brothers. Though she initially wanted to play football, her parents, Kenneth and Twanna Henderson, guided her toward track instead. Their decision was influenced by safety concerns and her health.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at age two, Khayari manages her condition with daily medication, staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and staying calm — no small feat for a high-level athlete.
“It’s hard to do all those things when she’s practicing and competing,” said her mother, Twanna. “Her original doctor didn’t want her to compete. But her new doctor has been more supportive. I didn’t want man — the doctor — to determine her future.”
While the family makes careful medical decisions, their foundation is built on faith.
“With faith and prayer, she’s going to do it,” Twanna said. “Even on a bad day, she excels.”
Khayari is deeply grounded in her faith as a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she also sings in the choir.
#image_title
“I want other kids to know they can battle anything as long as they believe in God,” Khayari said. “Don’t ever doubt yourself.”
Her determination and athletic success have already begun turning heads. The Florida Epilepsy Services Foundation recently named her a youth advocate and ambassador.
“She wanted to be there to support the community. Her eagerness to be a voice was so special,” said Camille Washington, Operations Manager at the Foundation. “It’s not very often we find someone so passionate. We thought she’d be great on a youth-to-youth basis.”
A longtime supporter and volunteer coach of Khayari’s is Jamorris Hill, the track and field and basketball coach at Haines City High School.
“She’s so far ahead of her time,” Hill said. “Usually, you don’t get a runner with both a strong work ethic and natural talent, but she has it all. She doesn’t give up. She gives 100 percent every time she’s out there.”
Known as “Lala” to her friends and family, Khayari trains every morning, running at least two miles. This year, her mother has taken on the role of trainer — running alongside her and watching videos afterward to analyze and correct technique.
The 800-meter race — roughly half a mile — is a grueling event even for experienced athletes, but Khayari thrives on the challenge.
“I never get tired of running,” she said with a smile.
Her family’s support is unwavering. Her mother attends every meet, and her father has only missed a few due to work commitments.
“I don’t worry about the results of the race. With God, all things are possible,” said her father, Kenneth.
While neither parent was a runner, athleticism runs in the family. Twanna’s father, Walter Arnold, held long-standing records at Haines City High School in the 60-, 100-, and 200-meter events during the early 1970s.
That legacy is now being passed on to the next generation.
Khayari, a beacon of strength and positivity, has a message for anyone facing obstacles:
“Own your limits — or your limits will own you,” she said. “Don’t limit yourself. Push through. Don’t even think about it.”
#image_title
To watch her compete at the Junior Olympics, visit https://flosports.link/3VBXKSs
To help out financially with her trip there, please donate using CashApp $FForwardTrackclub or Zelle at 301.357.1723.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested one individual after a traffic crash fatality early Tuesday morning. The crash occurred at Snell Creek Road in Davenport and is still under investigation by the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit.
A white F250 work truck with one adult male driver was driving northbound on Power Line Road which intersects with Snell Creek Road. A silver Toyota truck with one adult male driver and two adult female passengers was travelling westbound on Snell Road approaching this intersection. The Toyota truck failed to stop at the stop sign resulting in a collision with the F250 truck. The F250 crashed into the driver’s side of the Toyota. The F250 spun 180 degrees and came to a final stop in a yard northwest of the intersection. The Toyota flipped onto its roof and came to a final stop in the same yard.
All except one of the passengers were wearing seatbelts. The passenger with no seatbelt, a 34 year old woman from Davenport, was determined to be deceased inside the vehicle when help arrived. The other passenger, a 36 year old woman from Groveland, had serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the F250, a 45 year old Haines City man who was in the country legally from Mexico on a valid work authorization card, suffered some bruising and abrasion and was also transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Toyota suffered some abrasions but refused medical attention.
The driver of the Toyota truck, 45 year-old Billado Mendez, originally said the deceased female passenger was driving at the time of the crash but evidence showed he was the actual driver. Mendez is in the country illegally from Mexico and has never possessed a valid driver’s license.
Mendez’s criminal history includes a DUI arrest and operating a vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Mendez was arrested for No Valid Driver’s License Involving Death (F2) and Giving False Information to Law Enforcement During an Investigation (F3). Both charges are enhanced due to Mendez being an unauthorized alien. An ICE hold has been placed on Mendez.
“This is a tragic incident that never should have happened. Driving without a license endangers lives, and lying to investigators only makes matters worse. What’s especially troubling is that this individual was in our country illegally and had no legal authority to operate a vehicle, yet his reckless decisions led to a woman losing her life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Detectives are still trying to locate any next of kin or family to the decedent, 34 year-old Heydi Maricela Funes Inestroza, if you have any information please contact Detective Mendez at 863-668-3105.
Lakeland Man Arrested After Fleeing in Stolen Truck; Passenger Also Faces Drug, Trespassing Charges
Lakeland, FL – July 23, 2025
A stolen truck, a late-night police pursuit, and two suspects now facing a long list of charges—this was the result of a multi-agency effort Tuesday night involving Lakeland Police, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident began when a 2019 Toyota Tundra, which had been reported stolen from the parking lot of Just Move gym on Highway 98 North around 8:38 a.m. on July 21, was spotted late Tuesday night by law enforcement.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the vehicle was detected through a FLOCK camera system hit around 11:55 p.m. on July 22. Lakeland Police officers attempted a traffic stop near Lakeland Hills Boulevard and Bella Vista Street, but the driver refused to stop and fled. As the pursuit exited the Lakeland city limits, troopers from FHP took over.
FHP Troopers De La Cruz and Chavez pursued the fleeing truck through portions of US-92 and surrounding roadways, while the Polk County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit was called in to assist. Additional LPD officers, deputies, and FHP personnel responded to the area, including Sergeant Moore and Trooper Medina.
The chase came to an end shortly after midnight on July 23. As the vehicle traveled west on Fletcher Avenue toward State Road 659 (Combee Road), the driver began to lose control while making a turn. Sergeant Moore used the opportunity to make contact with the vehicle, causing it to overturn and ending the pursuit.
Both the driver and passenger were safely extracted from the vehicle and taken into custody. EMS evaluated both suspects before they were transported to the Polk County Jail.
The driver was identified as Michael Ray Miller, 47, of Lakeland. He is facing the following charges:
Grand Theft – Motor Vehicle Fleeing to Elude Knowingly Driving on a Suspended License (3rd or subsequent offense) Possession of Methamphetamine Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Keeping a Vehicle for Drug Use
The passenger, identified as Christina Clary, 35, also of Lakeland, was charged with:
Trespass in a Conveyance Possession of Methamphetamine Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Violation of Probation (Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer) Outstanding Polk County Warrant (VOP – Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer)
Lakeland Police are handling the recovery of the stolen Toyota Tundra. Both LPD and FHP will be filing charges in the case.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested eight suspects in connection to a multi-million dollar fraud investigation impacting 235 victims across various states and totaling $8.8 million in stolen funds. The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Florida Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and detectives from the Maryland State Police, Virginia State Police, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office (MD), and Florissant Police (MO), assisted in the investigation. The suspects who lived outside of Florida had Polk County warrants issued for their arrests, and they have all been extradited and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The victims were mainly targeted due to the fact that they were elderly. The suspects transferred money into accounts the suspects opened and then either disbursed amongst themselves, or made purchases such as new cars.
The investigation began in April 2023, when Synchrony banks noticed suspicious activity tied to a newly opened account belonging to 27 year-oldMichael Nevarez of Lakeland. The account, opened one month earlier, received a $250,000 transfer from another bank and the funds were quickly dispersed to other accounts:
$25,000 was transferred to Nevarez’s personal Suncoast Credit Union account and taken out in cash over the following days.
$54,710.98 was sent to several accounts linked to 26 year-old Roshado Durrantfrom Lakeland.
$763.11 was sent to an account belonging to 23 year-old Hassan Phillips from Maryland.
The remainder was transferred to Nevarez’s other personal accounts.
Detectives also found links to 25 year-oldKevin Clayton of Lakeland who opened a Synchrony bank account around the same time as Nevarez and was also receiving large amounts from bank accounts ranging from $15,000 to $54,000.
Clayton was also transferring these funds from his Synchrony bank account to his own personal accounts. Clayton is in the country illegally from Jamaica.
As the investigation progressed, detectives discovered incriminating messages, emails, and images between the suspects discussing the stolen funds.
Detectives were able to identify the source of the stolen account information as coming from three bank employees in Maryland. 65 year-old Barbara Frazee and 57 year-old Camala Shafer were 35+ year veteran employees at this bank with full access to customer data. 32 year year-old Antonio Penn, a 5-year employee from the same branch, did not have authorized access but according to evidence, would ask Frazee and Shafer to log in, then he would take photos of account details and login credentials. He sold this information via an encrypted messaging mobile app called Telegram, enabling the suspects to commit large-scale fraud. The bank that employed the three victims was completely cooperative during the investigation.
Penn and his associate, 29 year-old Okeroghene Akushe, met at West Virginia University, where they played football together before transferring to different schools. Between February 2022 and June 2023, Penn brokered stolen account information to Akushe, who then sold the information to others for a profit of over $78,000. Penn received $69,750 from Akushe for the stolen account data.
Roshando Durrant, who admitted to his involvement in the scheme for two years, described his role as a “recruiter,” acting as a middleman between sellers of stolen bank credentials and buyers intending to commit fraud. He stated that he met Akushe through the Telegram app. According to Durrant, Akushe would send him stolen bank files, which Durrant would then forward to the fraudsters who had paid for the account information.
Durrant maintained long-standing Telegramcommunications with other suspects, including Phillips and Clayton, and had between 10 and 20 images of victims’ banking credentials stored on his phone. He and Phillips had a lengthy history of exchanging large sums of money dating back to 2022. Their messages contained 58 screenshots of victims’ personal identifying information. Additional messages revealed that Durrant and Clayton had worked together to target and compromise the same bank accounts. Investigators determined that a majority of these compromised accounts were accessed using Frazee’s credentials.
In total, detectives documented $8,842,398.25 in unlawfully accessed funds during the course of the investigation. All suspects have been arrested and charged with racketeering and felonies related to racketeering.
“This wasn’t some small-time scam, this was a well-organized fraud ring stealing millions from innocent victims across the country. They thought they could hide behind mobile apps and fake accounts, but we found them. And we’ll continue to go after anyone who targets hardworking people’s life savings. Racketeering is a serious crime, and these suspects are facing serious consequences for their illegal criminal conduct.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Charges:
Barbara Frazee, of West Virginia – Conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), access computer without authorization (F3). She was taken into custody in West Virginia on the Polk County warrant, and is now being held in the Polk County Jail on $260,000 bond.
Camala Shafer, of Maryland – Access computer without authorization (F3). She was released from the Polk County Jail on June 30, 2025, after posting $10,000 bond.
Antonio Penn, of Maryland – Racketeering (F1), conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), organized fraud (F1), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), criminal use of personal identification information (F1), access computer without authorization (F3). He was arrested on the Polk County warrant by the Maryland State Police, and is now being held in the Polk County Jail on $1,020,000 bond.
Okeroghene Akushe, of Missouri – Racketeering (F1), conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), criminal use of personal identification information (F1). He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $760,000 bond. His criminal history includes prior arrests for fraudulent use of credit card, counterfeiting/forgery, and drug sales.
Michael Nevarez, of Lakeland – Racketeering (F1), conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), organized fraud (F1), Grand theft more than 20k (F2), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), criminal use of personal identification information (F3). He is being held in the Polk County Jail on $425,000 bond.
Roshado Durrant, of Lakeland – Racketeering (F1), 2 counts conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), organized fraud (F1), 2 counts grand theft more than 20k (F2), conspiracy to commit grand theft more than 20k (F3), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), 2 counts criminal use of personal identification information (F1). He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.
Hassan Phillips, of Maryland – Racketeering (F1), conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), organized fraud (F1), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), criminal use of personal identification information (F1). He was arrested in Maryland on his Polk warrant and is now being held in the Polk County Jail on $1,010,000 bond.
Kevin Clayton, of Lakeland – Racketeering (F1), conspiracy to commit RICO (F1), organized fraud (F1), Grand theft more than 20k (F2), Grand theft more than $750.00 (F3), unlawful use of a two way communication device (F3), criminal use of personal identification information (F3). He was arrested in California on a Polk County warrant, and is now being held in the Polk County Jail on an ICE hold.
LAKELAND, FL (July 22, 2025) – On Monday, July 21, 2025 the Lakeland Police began receiving multiple reports of a phone scam. Reportees had similar accounts of an unknown subject calling claiming to be a Sergeant with the Lakeland Police Department. The subject identified himself with the name of an actual Sergeant who does work for LPD says he is calling about a “legal matter.” The suspect gave a call back number and when called, the voicemail indicated it was the Lakeland Police Department’s Civil Division. In one case he provided a local business to meet at to clear up warrant paperwork.
The Lakeland Police Department does NOT have a “Civil Division.” We encourage everyone to stay vigilant against phone scams. If you receive a call from someone who claims to be with our agency and wish to verify their identity, please call our non-emergency number 863-834-6900 and ask for the officer by name. We are here 24/7.
Remember, we do not take any type of payment over the phone or in person, and we would never accept gift cards, wire or cash-app transfers, ATM deposits or prepaid debit cards. If you get a call where someone is claiming you have a ticket or are warrant for arrest and that you can simply cash-app or wire transfer funds, make a deposit at an ATM, or buy gift cards or prepaid debit cards and provide them with the redemption codes to clear it, hang up — it’s a SCAM!
Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated and will go to great lengths to fool you and take your hard-earned money. Another common scam is being contacted via phone, email or text from someone claiming to be their bank and asking to confirm their personal information and/or banking information. If you receive a request like this, DO NOT GIVE YOUR INFORMATION, but call your financial institution to confirm any request.
We appreciate those who called in to report this. If you wish to report a similar phone call, please contact our General Crimes Unit Sergeant Jeremy Williams at (863) 834-8923.
