Car struck by train near Frostproof; injures one and kills two others, including a baby
A 20-year-old woman and her 4-month-old son died Thursday, April 22, 2021, shortly after the car they were riding in was struck by an Amtrak train; the driver of the vehicle, who is the boy’s aunt and the sister to the other victim, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three are from Avon Park.
The crash occurred at about 3:17 PM on South Scenic Highway, between Livingston Lake Road and US 98.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and found Shala Cobb deceased. The little boy, Kingston Scott, suffered significant injuries and was transported to Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring, but died upon arrival.
The driver was identified as 26-year-old Kayla Cobb. She suffered an injury to her leg and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health.
There were no injuries to anyone on the Amtrak train.
The family members were travelling in a white Kia sedan.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Kia was going south on South Scenic Highway, and the Amtrak train was also southbound. Evidence and witness statements revealed that as the train approached the road, the warning lights were operational and the crossing arms were in the down position.
The driver of the Kia drove the car around the crossing arms, and before it was able to clear the tracks, the train struck the car on the passenger side, behind the rear door. The impact split the car in half, propelling the backseat area about 50 feet. The child and his mother had been seated in that portion of the car, and were ejected.
Despite a child safety seat being found, the initial investigation indicates that none of the occupants were properly restrained in their seats.
The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control while Scenic Highway was closed for approximately four hours.
Polk County, Florida- On Tuesday, April 20th an email was sent by the Dr. Joshua Lutz, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Support, for the Polk County School Board. The email consisted of a directive from the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) regarding how schools should observe the National Day of Silence. The “Day of Silence” in 2021 will be this Friday, April 23. Here is the email which was sent out:
“The National Day of Silence is Friday, April 23rd, 2021. This a day when LGBTQ staff, students and their allies may take a valve silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination LGBTQ individuals face specifically in schools. When observing the national Day of Silence students and staff may go through the school day without speaking unless an emergency arises. Some teachers have planned lessons and activities in advance so that they may continue to teach while also honoring the Day of Silence. Some students May respectfully choose not to answer a question allowed if called upon. Staff and students may also come together after school at the end of the day to break the silence, sharing stories and suggestions for how schools can be more inclusive. Please be aware that this is not an act of insubordination; but an act of civil protest by a community often subjected to persistent bullying and harassment and discrimination. To learn more about the National Day of Silence, please visit https:www.gslen.org/day of silence“
This had some parents questioning what was being considered or condoned by the Polk County School Board. One parent on social media commented “Is this county wide and in every school? Please tell me this will not be happening at my 1st grade son’s school!!! If it will be he will be absent that day! I am all for love who you love! But this should not be allowed at any school!!! ” And another wrote “Just gonna say it….. this is stupid!”
Parents and a new local group called County Citizens Defending Freedom of Polk County (ccdfusa.com) reached out to the school board. This appears to have made it clear to the Polk County School Board officials a clarification was needed.
At approximately 2:45pm the Deputy Superintendent John M. Hill put out the following email:
“Good afternoon Principals,
I wanted to provide some clarification regarding Friday’s National Day of Silence.
Regional assistant superintendents recently provided you some guidance regarding this event.
Polk County Public Schools celebrates the rich diversity of our community and encourages everyone to be tolerate and compassionate. Our highest priority is to create a safe learning environment for all.
To be clear, the National Day of Silence is not a part of curriculum, but we do anticipate some level of participation at our schools.
School will be in session on Friday, and during instructional time, teaching and learning should take place. Teachers and staff should be mindful of students who wish to participate and accommodate them to the extent consistent with teaching and learning.
If they choose, students are permitted to participate at school in such freedoms of expression during non-instructional time, such as the breaks between classes, before and after the school day, lunchtime, and any other free times during the day.
Organizers of the National Day of Silence have included guidance to participants advising them that students who are able to speak do not have the right to remain silent during class time if a teacher asks them to speak as part of class participation. However, we are confident that our teachers will be thoughtful and considerate of those who choose to participate. Ultimately, teaching and learning will be our focus.
Likewise, school district employees, if they choose, are permitted to participate at school in such freedoms of expression during any duty-free time, such as breaks, before and after the school day, lunchtime, etc.
I hope this provides the clarity necessary to provide a wonderful school environment. If you have any questions, please contact your regional assistant superintendent or myself for clarification or assistance.
Thank you for your leadership.
John“
Editors note: We have not been able to reach out to parents or others regarding this latest update by Polk County School’s.
Winter Haven Kidney Care Center Celebrates Grand Opening
by James Coulter
The new Winter Haven Kidney Care Center offers cutting-edge healthcare through state-of-the-technology and quality personable care that treats patients as individuals rather than numbers.
Located at 1007 3rd Street SW, right next door to Firehouse Subs, the new clinic provides patients in-center hemodialysis utilizing top-of-the-line technology, ensuring that patients receive safe, personable care and high-quality treatment.
“Our team prides itself on providing a calm and family atmosphere for our patients,” their website states. “Our patients are our number one priority. Kidney Care Center is proud to provide the best dialysis treatment in the area. Kidney Care Center’s vision is for our patients to have safe and high-quality care.”
The Kidney Care Center celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Attendees were able to tour the new facility and enjoy refreshments provided by Firehouse Subs and Chick-Fil-A.
Dr. Hal Dane Porteous serves as the medical director of the new facility. Since moving to Winter Haven in 2017, he dreamed of opening a dialysis center for the local community.
“Our center is one that is small but personable,” Dr. Porteous said. “The whole focus was not to have a big unit, but to have a unit where everybody knows everybody by name, one where we can focus on high-quality care.”
Dr. Porteous assures that his dedicated staff remains committed to providing only the best quality care for their patients. Their team works hard and strives to go above and beyond in their service through the center.
“I want everyone to know that this could not have been done by myself,” he said. “This is a team effort. We will all keep working together to give Winter Haven a place to offer the best care for patients with their dialysis.”
Katie Worthington-Decker, Winter Haven Chamber CEO and President, spoke on behalf of the city mayor, commending the new center and its staff for providing a valuable service to the local community.
“He called me and told me to express our gratitude for this investment that you all are making in this community today,” Worthington said. “This is a great investment. Access to healthcare is one of the most important things we need in the Winter Haven community.”
Robert Loftin, Chamber Chair, likewise commended the center for joining the Chamber and providing a much-needed investment in local healthcare: “On behalf of the over 700 members of the WH Chamber and Board of Directors, we welcome you and wish you success. You know you have a good CEO when a rainy day opens up for the ribbon-cutting.”
Pastor Clifton Dollison of First Missionary Baptist in Winter Haven attended to offer the benediction. He has married Dr. Porteous and his wife, so he knows from personal experience how a good doctor will serve the community.
Through his benediction, he expressed gratitude for the kidney care center. He prayed that it and its staff would provide only the utmost care for the community.
“We thank you [God] for the golden opportunity that you have placed before us,” he said. “This center will open and we see those who are already receiving such wonderful care. Thank you, dear God, for the wonderful touch. We thank you for the person-ableness of which they offer themselves. Thank you for this vision that has now come to be reality.”
The Winter Haven Kidney Care Center is located at 1107 3rd St. SW Suite 9, Winter Haven, FL, 33880. For more information, visit their website at: https://arcdialysis.com/winterhavenkidneycare
Auburndale Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Crash
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 9:19PM, officers with the Auburndale Police Department were dispatched to a traffic crash with injuries involving a bicyclist and a 2012 Nissan Rogue on 42nd Street near the entrance of Havendale Square / Publix in Auburndale.
The preliminary investigation indicates the Nissan Rogue, operated by Jessica Lowery, 59, from Winter Haven, was traveling north on 42nd Street approaching the entrance to Havendale Square / Publix. The bicyclist, Ronald Campbell, 57, from Auburndale, was traveling east from the Havendale Square across 42nd Street and travelled into the path of the 2012 Nissan Rogue.
The driver of the Nissan Rogue attempted to swerve out of the path of the bicyclist but was unsuccessful. Upon collision the bicyclist was thrown into the northbound lane of 42nd Street. Another vehicle, possibly a 2009-2013 Hyuandi Sonata, also travelling northbound then struck the bicyclist lying in the roadway and fled the scene.
Campbell was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation is continuing at this time. Anyone with information on the driver and vehicle who fled the scene or witnessed the crash, is asked to contact the Traffic Homicide Investigator, Officer Adam Havranek at 863-965-5555 or the on-duty supervisor.
Avon Park Rotary Club Hosting 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival
by James Coulter
The past year may have left people feeling blue, but they can have their spirits lifted this Saturday at the 10th Annual Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival at Donaldson Park in Avon Park.
Hosted by the Avon Park Rotary Club, the festival will include 60 vendors showcasing homemade arts and crafts. Many highly anticipate this year’s event after last year’s event was canceled, explained Alice Oldham, Festival Co-Chair.
Performing again this year will be the bluegrass group, Highway 41 South. This will be the third year the band has performed at the bluegrass event.
When not listening to hot tunes, attendees can also enjoy a hot meal with all of the fixings. The Avon Park High School Champions Club will be serving their traditional barbecue chicken dinner, and the signature blueberry lemonade will also be served.
This year, the lemonade will be prepared by Hands for the Homeless, who will also be serving their blueberry coffee cake. Proceeds from their food sales will go towards funding their community projects.
The Avon Park Rotary Club has organized the Blueberry & Bluegrass Festival for the past ten years. It would have celebrated its eleventh year last year, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
In 2011, the event was started for two reasons. First, to raise funds for the Rotary Club and its many community projects. And second, to promote blueberries, which were then a relatively new produce crop for Florida.
“We are trying to promote a good healthy Florida produce in a local industry,” Oldham explained. “At the time, we did not have an influx of imported blueberries from Chile and South America, and they were just getting underway with a new blueberry crop.”
During its inaugural year, the festival initially started at the Rotary Club building across the street from the post office. The inaugural event drew in such a large crowd that the festival was moved to Donaldson Park, where it has been hosted ever since.
The event initially started with two bluegrass groups, but soon expanded with many more. The Highway 41 South was one such group that has been coming back time and again for the past three years, mostly due to the warm audience reception and the overall good cause, Oldham explained.
“They support the work of Rotary, and they were popular with the local people, and so we brought them back,” she said. “They are delighted to be able to play in front of a real audience again, so it will be fun for them and fun for us.”
Proceeds from the event go towards the Rotary Club’s many community projects. One such project, Freedom Festival, provides a two-day trip to Washington D.C. for local veterans. Another project donates dictionaries to fourth graders at Avon Park schools, private and public.
Previous years have drawn in crowds of 3,000 to 4,000 people. At least 3,000 attendees are expected this year. To maintain public safety and health, special precautions will be taken. Bleachers will not be provided as with previous years. Instead, attendees will be advised to bring their own chairs. Also, the children’s zone will not be provided this year.
Despite these uncertain times, hopes remain high that a good turnout will unfold this year, especially in light of the absence of last year’s event, Oldham said.
“We will have some happy vendors,” she said. “They are all excited that they have the chance to be out in the open and sell their products again because most of them are home arts and crafts people who have had no real outlet in the public directly during last year.”
The Avon Park Rotary Bluegrass and Blueberry Festival will be hosted on Sat., Apr. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Donaldson Park, located at E Main St Avon Park, FL 33825. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.avonparkrotaryblueberryfestival.com/
Bruce Edwards And The Groovediggers Dig Some Real Grooves
by James Coulter
When listening to the radio, have you ever heard a song that you remembered loving the first time you heard it but haven’t heardfor the longest time? If you enjoy revisiting classic gems buried deep within the recesses of your nostalgia, then you’ll enjoy The Groovediggers.
While most bands play the recent popular hits, Bruce Edwards and his band delve deep into the classic tunes that were once popular between the late-50s to mid-80s. Their song roster consists of underrated gems many people forgot that they lovedbut instantly remember why they loved them upon hearing them again.
“When you hear a song on the radio, you love that song, but you don’t hear it every day, that is the music that the Groovediggerstry to do,” Edwards said. “We want you to have that moment when we are performing that you go, ‘I love this song, and I don’t hear bands play it, but it is a part of my life, and it takes me back.’ That is in a nutshell what the Groovediggers are about.”
Their music proves to be a genuine grab bag of hits from the 50s to 80s. From county to disco, any song that any Baby Boomer or Gen Xer would have remembered playing on the radio is played by them. No matter your musical tastes, their performance is sure to offer something you either like or once liked.
“So no matter who you are, in that hour’s worth of music, you will hear at least a few songs that are right in your sweet spot,” Edwards said. “[That’s] what makes the Groovediggers very special. We really try to make everything that we do accessible for as many people as possible. We don’t try to be everything for everybody, but we do try to be the best with what we do and reach as many people as we can through that.”
Such an enigmatic song roster makes The Groovediggers a perfect fit for the upcoming Central Florida Cannabis Fest, to be hosted in Plant City on Sat. Apr. 24 and Sun. Apr. 25. The Groovediggers will be one of ten local bands playing that weekend during the free outdoor music festival.
Edwards’ own eclectic musical tastes stem back to his childhood. He started playing music at the ripe age of 12. Before then, he was introduced to a diverse array of musical selections, from 50s doo-wop to 60s British Invasion hits.
Young Edwards lived next door to an owner of a jukebox warehouse. When the neighbor passed away, his wife gifted the young boy, who was around ten years old, with nearly a thousand 45-inch records, all with classic songs dating as far back as the early 50s.
Though his new record collection, Edwards developed a love for such illustrious bands and musicians, including Buddy Holly, Frankie Lane, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. He combined his appreciation for the old with his love for the then-new, including Queen, Styx, and Pink Floyd.
Edwards was also inspired by the music in his own church. He grew up during the early years of Contemporary Christian Rock, so he fell in love with many of the big names within that movement such as Larry Norman, Terry Taylor, and the Resurrection Band.
All musical influences, both old and new, mainstream and counter-culture, secular and religious, significantly affected his musical tastes. With such an enigmatic musical upbringing, it’s no wonder that his musical performances tend to be a real mixed bag.
Edwards currently serves as the pastor of Resurrection House Mission, an ELCA Lutheran Congregation in Dade City. His side gig is performing in his band, The Groovediggers. The band initially started several years ago as The Tonebenders. The name was later changed to its current iteration after two of their members retired, but the others wanted to remain.
“A couple of us decided that we were old, but not quite that old,” Edwards said. “We weren’t ready to throw in the towel and we decided to keep on going. Got some new guys and have been blessed with some pretty good success these couple of years.”
They found a new bass player and a new keyboard player (the latter replacing Tater Hayes from Boss Hog Radio, who dropped out of the band to continue his position at the station) and renamed themselves The Groovediggers.
While many current bands play modern hits, or stick to a single genre like Top 40 or country, The Groovediggers refuse to compartmentalize themselves. In fact, they owe their success to mixing and matching their songs.
“In the old days, when we got started in music, live music was very compartmentalized,” Edwards explained. “Then the internet happened a few years back, and suddenly people were not stuck with whatever music they bought on records or tapes.”
With this new development, very few people felt the desire to sit in one place for three to four hours and listen to the same music. And while many bars survived with 100 to 200 people showing up one weekend and listening to their band, those numbers quickly started to dwindle.
To keep up with new tastes and trends, Edwards and his band decided to mix and match music and genres, exposing listeners to music they had never heard before, or may have heard before but had long forgotten about, he said.
Edwards and his bandmates come from all over Central Florida, and their band plays everywhere from Winter Haven, Crystal River, and Palm Harbor. They especially love playing their gig at The Caribbean Bay in Winter Haven.
They are excited to play at the upcoming Central Florida Cannabis Fest. They are incredibly honored to play alongside the nine other bands performing that weekend.
“I have done many festivals, and I have to tell you, the quality of the bands across the board, all of the bands there, us included, these are all headliner quality bands,” Edwards said. “So we are hoping that people will hop at the opportunity to have a really good time, to get out, to breathe a little, to stretch their legs, people have been locked out for a while, and felt cooped up and have not been able to attend events like this very much. So we are hoping that people will come out and have a good time.”
Central Florida Cannabis Fest will be hosted on Apr. 24 and 25 at the Plant City Farm & Flea Market, located at 906 West Sam Allen Rd in Plant City. Admission is free with $2 parking. For more information, visit their website at: https://centralflcannabisfest.com/
Polk County Jail inmates to receive Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations
Through a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, and Corizon Health, the health care provider in Polk County’s jails, county inmates will be offered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine starting this weekend.
“COVID-19 vaccinations are now readily available to the general public in Polk County. We believe now is the appropriate time to offer inmates the vaccine. We are thankful for the partnership we have with the Florida Department of Health and Corizon Health to make this happen.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Vaccines will be available at the Central County Jail in Bartow and the South County Jail in unincorporated Frostroof. Beginning Thursday and Friday, any Polk County Sheriff’s Office members working in the facilities who have not yet had the vaccine, and who want to receive one, will have the opportunity to be vaccinated prior to the general vaccination of inmates. Then, over the weekend and going forward, any inmate who wants a vaccine will be able to receive them, based on available supply. Second vaccines will also be available for those inmates still in jail. For those who will be released, they would contact the Department of Health to schedule their second vaccine.
At approximately 7:54 pm, deputies received an assist FHP call to the area of Highway 60 near Walk-in-Water Road. It was a BOLO for a white Dodge Challenger westbound on Highway 60. At approximately 7:55 p.m., a PCSO deputy located a white Dodge Challenger that was travelling west on Highway 60 near Buckmoore Road in Lake Wales.
Deputies began following the vehicle and attempted to stop the white Challenger at Highway 60 and High Street. The Challenger began to pull over but then accelerated west on Highway 60. We then pursued the vehicle with lights and sirens. The Challenger was able to rapidly accelerate to where the pursuing units were unable to see it within one minute of the initial traffic stop. As units continued west on Highway 60, they observed the vehicle had been involved in a traffic crash at the Highway 60 off ramp to Highway 27.
We made contact with the driver, 52 year old Darrell Kelley of Stone Mountain, Georgia. There were two passengers, a 33 year old woman from Clarksville, Tennessee and a 24 year old woman from Jackson, Mississippi. The 33 year old woman said she was sore but was not injured—as a precaution she was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center and was treated and released. The 24 year old woman was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment for injuries and admitted. Kelley was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center but refused treatment. Kelley was charged with Aggravated Fleeing to Elude and Reckless Driving w/ Serious Bodily Injury and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The driver and passengers of the secondary vehicle involved with the traffic crash all said that they were not injured but as a precaution were taken to Lake Wales Medical Center where they were treated and released. The pursuit lasted just over one minute and there were no deputies or law enforcement officers injured.
Investigation determined that a sister of the 24 year old called FHP and told them that she had been communicating with her sister, and she said she was supposed to be returning to Mississippi, but the people who she was with were taking her somewhere else, kept changing routes, and that Kelley was making her nervous.
The 33 year old told deputies on scene that she was friends with the 24 year old but did not know Kelley. She further stated that Kelley and the 24 year old were supposed to be taking her back to Mississippi from Miami but they kept stopping places and making her uncomfortable so she began asking them to let her out of the car but they refused.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the relationship and nature of what was going on between the three, and whether or not Kelley will be facing additional charges.
One person killed, three injured in two-vehicle crash Tuesday, near Lake Wales
A two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021, resulted in one man being killed, and three others suffering injuries.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Polk Fire Rescue responded to the crash on US 27, in front of the Camp Inn neighborhood, at about 5:49 PM.
Upon the arrival of first responders, 73-year-old Robert Jackson of Yorkville, Illinois, was extricated from his black 2020 Jeep Cherokee, and transported by air to Lakeland Regional Health where he died from his injuries.
The other vehicle involved in the crash, a blue 2003 Toyota Camry, was driven by 21-year-old Jannisha Moffatt of Sebring. She and her 2-year-old daughter were flown to St. Joseph Hospital in St. Petersburg, while Moffatt’s 2-year-old son was transported by ground to Lakeland Regional Health. Injuries to the three are not believed to be life-threatening.
According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Moffatt’s Camry was travelling south on US 27 on the inside lane and approaching the area of the Camp Inn neighborhood. At that time, Mr. Jackson exited from Camp Inn, and entered onto the road way of US 27, and into the path of Ms. Moffatt’s Camry, which had the right-of-way. The front of the Camry struck the driver’s door of Mr. Jackson’s Cherokee.
The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control; the southbound lanes of US 27 were closed for approximately four hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Early Learning Coalition Will Cover Child Care Expenses ForWorking Families
by James Coulter
Child care costs are so expensive these days that many parents are forced to choose between finding a job and looking after their children. In fact, child care in Florida is even more expensive than in-state college tuition, according to recent statistics.
Fortunately, the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is willing to help, as it’s currently assisting over 5,000 families in Polk County with child care expenses. The Coalition is willing to pay up to $200 a week to help working parents balance their child care needs with their job.
The Early Learning Coalition assists with child care cost for working families, providing resources to educate families onchoosing quality child care, and working with providers to offer quality care.
Their eligibility requirements are based on employment and/oreducation. Recently, the Office of Early Learning has waived the requirement for schooling and education, allowing unemployed parents to receive assistance with child care for up to 90 days provided they are actively job searching.
Diane Bowman, Vice President of Family Services stated, “We are working with our families to educate them on how to choose quality childcare so they can go to work with the peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe environment.”
Bowman has been involved with the School Readiness program for the past 24 years. She appreciates her job, and she enjoys being able to assist parents so that they can make informed decision on their child care needs.
Currently, parents can receive assistance for child care services based upon their child’s age and the child care setting. For example, if a parent decides to utilize a family child care home provider, the provider could potentially be reimbursed up to $42 a day, which is $210 a week, Bowman explained.
Furthermore, parents are assessed a co-payment based on their household income and family size. For example, a family of four at an income of $30,000 annually, would have a co-payment of $3.20 a day for the first child and $1.60 for the second child. The total would be $24.00 a week out of pocket for both children, with the coalition covering the remaining costs.
The School Readiness program requires that all children birth to 5 years of age receive a developmental screening. Children 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year are eligible to be enrolled in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, allowing them to receive pre-school education regardless of their income.
“We are trying to get word out there,” Bowman said. The biggest challenge is getting families to learn about the Early Learning Coalition and the different programs that the Coalition offers. More than 5,000 families in Polk County are already being assisted, but many more remain unaware of these services that could assist their family while education their children. The Coalition maintains an expedient enrollment process. Any parent who applies on Monday could have their children enrolled in aprogram within a week.
To learn more about the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County and their services, visit their website at: www.elcpolk.org
