Just can’t make this stuff up. The pair pictured below visited West Marine (1107 3rd St SW) on 3/21 around 11:45 a.m. They walked around the store and selected multiple fuel pump items (to the tune of $1,129) and concealed them. They left the store in an unknown vehicle. If you recognize either of these two, call Det. Maldonado at 863-291-5676. 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!
Woman Arrested After Asking for Drugs to be Returned
On March 22, 2021
Carmela Thomas, a 43 year old at large resident, came to the Lake Wales Police Department
to claim her purse which had been collected during a March 12, 2021 search
warrant. The purse had been collected by officers because it was found inside
the residence the warrant was being served at and upon a search of the purse it
was found to contain .1 gram of heroin and 6.7 grams of methamphetamine. While
at the police department Thomas described her purse and its contents, including
what she referred to as her “dope”.
With Thomas claiming the “dope” as hers and requesting to have it returned her with her purse she was placed under arrest for Possession of Heroin and Possession of Methamphetamine. Thomas was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged accordingly.
Previous release:
Unrelated
Investigation Leads to Large Drug Seizure and Recovery of Stolen Rifle
On
March 12, 2021, a victim contacted the Lake Wales Police Department to report a
suspicious incident that occurred during a visit with 55 year old Johnny
Hamilton, at 219 D Street. The victim reported that she believed she had been
sexually battered by Mr. Hamilton at the home he shares with his mother.
The
investigation revealed the victim had been drugged, which lead to a search
warrant for the residence. Having
knowledge of the community, officers knew Mr. Hamilton’s mother was inside;
therefore they used a soft approach while maintaining safety. Mr. Hamilton was allowed to leave the
residence after officers began the search since there were no current charges
against him at the time.
Mr.
Hamilton returned a short time later, crossing through the crime scene tape and
came at the Officers carrying a bottle of bleach. Police gave numerous commands for him to
cease his aggressive behavior and to put down the bleach, yet he continued his
aggressive approach toward them. Mr.
Hamilton was safely and quickly subdued, then placed under arrest for resisting
without violence. Mr. Hamilton told officers at the scene that whatever they
find inside the house was his. During
the search warrant, detectives did locate evidence related to the initial
investigation. Additionally, they located more than half a pound of
methamphetamine, a pistol, a stolen rifle and many other illegal items and
substances. The rifle had been previously reported stolen to Polk County
Sheriff’s Office.
Due
to the efforts of the Lake Wales Police Officers and Detectives, a known drug
location was shut down, illegal narcotics and dangerous weapons were taken off
the streets and a victim will have their stolen property returned to them.
Mr.
Hamilton is a convicted felon and is not allowed to have any firearms. He is charged with trafficking
methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of
MDMA, possession of heroin, possession of crack cocaine, and possession of drug
paraphernalia. The sexual battery is
still under active investigation.
The
Lake Wales Police Department appreciates the relationships it has with the
members of our community. The residents of this neighborhood can rest more
peacefully tonight knowing this dangerous criminal is off the street and behind
bars.
Local Rap Artist Terry Bradley Draws More Than 2,000 To His Performances
by James Coulter
Even amidst an ongoing pandemic, Terry Bradley still draws in big crowds for his performances; and especially since COVID-19 restrictions have been slowly lifted, he has seen more and more people flocking to his concerts to hear live music.
His last big show drew in more than 2,000 people. The performance was an all-ages event at a stadium in Auburndale. He has performed other shows at venues big and small from Tampa to Orlando and everywhere else in between in Polk County.
Since the COVID-19 crisis, Bradley has still performed shows, both on-line and in-person. During that time, he has hosted 30 to 40 shows, and they all draw in large crowds eager to listen to anything to keep their spirits uplifted through these uncertain times, he said.
“Since COVID, I still have been able to perform and…[I] still draw in a big crowd, even when COVID is still here,” he said. “I was still able to do all types of venue, not just club scenes. I was still able to gain followers with everything going on.”
Born in Bartow and raised in Lake Wales, this local rap artist originally started dreaming about becoming an athlete. Before he began dropping beats, he was dribbling a ball with high hopes and aspirations of becoming a big-name basketball player.
While he was playing basketball, Bradley discovered another outlet through rap. He started rapping with his cousin, and soon his passion for music grew to the point where it overshadowed his former love for basketball. He then decided to drop the ball on his basketball dream and pick up a mic.
“I found another outlet for rapping,” he said. “I started rapping with my cousin. It was easier for me to catch their [the crowd’s] attention because they always follow me, and it turns out it was perfect for me because I make music and they have adapted to me.”
Bradley started rapping at age 24. Five years later, he’s still going strong writing and performing his own songs. He has released some of his music through videos on YouTube.
His cousin, Arthur Vaan, inspired him to make his career change. Under his rap name, Bone You A Fool, Arthur worked for many other artists as a producer, sometimes even performing with them.
Terry worked along his cousin, helping him to pass out flyers and put up posters for upcoming shows. Terry helped him out however he could, and he eventually received enough nerve and courage to start rapping himself.
“I have been working with him as a manager since he started,” Arthur said. “I have been like a guide, a mentor…We were working, and we are doing this together. [We’re] more like business partners…He was always there to help me out with that, my success around [my own career], [and] it grew traction for his success.”
Terry especially loves performing his music live in front of an audience. He has performed anywhere and everywhere, from wedding and sweet 16 birthday parties to football camps and concerts. He has even performed for Columbia Records and for a local radio station, 94.1 Wild in Tampa.
“The thing that I enjoy the most about the stage, I always bring energy,” he said. “Right now, I am pretty good. I am making more money. I am gaining more followers. Almost every show I have done has sold out.”
Arthur owes his cousin’s success to his ability as a performer. While most other rap artists simply rap, Terry goes above and beyond in his performance, to the point where he more than a rapper, Arthur explained.
“He is a performer,” he said. “Most rap artists are not performers. He actually put on a show as something of his and then going and playing his music. He grows as an artist and as a performer on stage because he is a natural performer. He does not rehearse, he is a natural performer, and I want to see him grow with bigger venues and shows and more money.”
More than simply his music and his performance, Arthur lauds Terry for his vision as an artist. Such bold artistic vision is what draws more than 2,000 adoring fans to his show, and he hopes that such a vision will allow him to peer into an even more prosperous future.
“His vision, he has an energy,” Arthur said. “It is fun making music with him. What makes him unique is his voice. He has a strong voice…He is the label. He is a listener. He cares about my vision and voice. He is easy to work it.”
No matter where he goes, he sees many people flocking to listen to his music and hear the message he has to deliver through it. Especially during these uncertain times, more people now more than ever want to have their spirits uplifted through good music, and musicians like Bradley are more than willing to deliver.
“They wanted me,” he said of his most recent performance in Auburndale. “Before my performance, they were excited. They were screaming and hollering. I feel like I am one of the top dogs who are being looked over.”
For more information about Terry Bradley and his upcoming shows, visit his YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/1BONEBABY, or visit his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BONEBABY
Shamrocks and Shenanigans Ensued at Balmoral Resort Florida
by James Coulter
Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City may have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a few days late. Still, their belated celebration drew in a large crowd for traditional Irish food, music, and dance.
On Saturday afternoon, the Clubhouse Bar & Grill hosted its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Shamrocks & Shenanigans. Attendees flocked to the pool and eatery dressed in their greenest attire. Some dressed in shamrock green suits. Others dyed their beards green.
Participants could enjoy authentic Irish culture with a menu of traditional Irish food, including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and green beer. They could also listen and watch live entertainment provided by Irish performers, including dance troupes, a three-person band, and even the Bryne Family from Disney Springs. From jigs to step dancing, performers as young as three-years-old performed traditional Irish dances to traditional Irish music.
Despite the overcast and cooler weather that afternoon, the event drew in an enthusiastic crowd more than willing to celebrate the Luck of the Irish even a few days after St. Patrick’s Day, explained Garret Kenny, owner of Feltrim Sports and Balmoral Resort.
“We are a little bit disappointed with the weather…but we had good support,” he said. “A lot of people came out with their green shirts. Yes, St. Patrick’s Day was two days ago, but it is the middle of the week, and it is not always possible for people to come out and entertain themselves. That is why we chose today as Saturday.”
As someone originally from Dublin, Garret wanted to bring authentic Irish culture to Central Florida through his resort’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day celebration. After a year of the COVID-19 crisis, he wanted to draw more people to his resort for a much-needed reprieve. He was especially surprised by the turnout, with many attendees being of Irish descent.
“There is a large Irish contingency in the area that doesn’t always get recognized every day, ” Garrett said. “Even myself, I am from Dublin, Ireland. I have been working here for 21 years this year, and I didn’t realize the number of Irish people within 25 minutes from Haines City.”
Aisling Kane from Celebration was one of the many Irish locals. She helped oversee some of the Irish performers at the event, with many of them being as young as three-years-old.
“We are all Irish, so we are here to celebrate our Irish heritage and have fun,” she said. “It is absolutely brilliant. There are so many people here already, and it is only five in the afternoon, so we hope to see even more tonight, and the atmosphere is electric, really good.”
She especially loved being able to share her Irish heritage with others and celebrate the holiday with many attendees. Ashlinghad visited Balmoral Resort before. She loves the facilities there, and she is amazed at the amenities provided at the resort.
“This event is absolutley brilliant,” she said. “It is so great to have such an amazing resort so close to everything. It is great to introduce Irish music and dance to everyone who comes here.”
On Sat. Apr. 17, from 3 to 9 p.m., Balmoral Resort Florida will be hosting its inaugural Battle of the Bands. Hosted at its FeltrimSports Village, the musical event will allow up to ten local bands to perform for the chance to win first place through either people’s or judges’ choice. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.feltrimresorts.com/balmoral-resort
This Artist Won For His Photorealistic Wildlife Paintings At The Central Park Art Festival
by James Coulter
For nearly 40 years, Danny O’ Driscoll from South Carolina has been capturing wildlife’s natural beauty in his art. His artwork is so realistic that you can almost mistake them for photographs. But they’re not! They’re paintings.
Driscoll attributes his success in capturing attention to detail to his 40-years experience painting wildlife. He has been painting professionally for 15 years, 11 years of which were spent working for zoos and zoological parks across the country.
His experience has allowed him to study his subjects thoroughly and examine every minute detail, all of which are translated into photorealism upon his canvas. He then places his subjects against airbrushed backgrounds that are then sketched over to appear almost three-dimensional.
“They look photorealistic,” he said. “That comes from studying and research. You have to know your subject before you paint it. I learned that when I went into the zoological field. Nowadays, I go out and photograph, and I also do a lot of sketches.”
His nearly-photographic wildlife paintings earned him the honor of winning Best of Show at the 43rd Annual Victor Smith Central Park Art Festival last weekend.
He has been attending the show for the past 15 years. He especially appreciated the high-quality artwork displayed this year, even despite these uncertain times. So being able to win first place felt like a real honor for him.
“It is really good because realism doesn’t normally win most awards…[so] it is nice that realism and naturalism have won an award for a change,” he said. “This year’s show has the best quality work I have seen for the longest time, which makes me humble thinking I can win the best of show against all this beautiful work around here.”
Ron Malone from Bartow won Judge’s Choice for his portraitseries, “Women in Hats.” True to its name, his series showcases 20 portraits of local women, predominantly African-American, all dressed in their finest hats.
Each of his subjects visited his home, where he conversed with them, took their photograph, and even recorded video footage of them. He wanted to do more than capture their likeness on canvas, he said.
“Each one, I didn’t just want to do a portrait,” Malone said. “I wanted to capture their personality.”
Malone has been painting for many years. He usually paints portraits of people in natural poses within natural settings. One painting of a local musician, Robert Rackleman, who passed away last December, he painted with him leaning against his banjo.
“A lot of people know him,” he said. “The people who pass by, they say I captured his impression. That is the way he was.”
This was the first year Malone attended the Victor Smith Central Park Art Festival. His visit more than exceeded his initial expectations, especially since he won such an honorable award for his work.
“I feel shocked,” he said. “I did not anticipate that. I did not plan on winning. I just like the experience for people to see them and the reaction people get. I like that.”
More than 40 vendors showcased their artwork over the weekend in Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. For the past 43 years, the Ridge Art Association has been hosting this annual art festival to allows artists, both locals and visiting, to share their art in the community.
Christy Hemmenway, Executive Director of Ridge Art Association, and her team prepared to ensure attendees’ public health and safety. No children’s activities or live entertainment was provided to deter crowding, and vendors were set to ensure “social distancing.”
Even despite these uncertain times, the event proved successful,with many people visiting and artists experiencing great reception for their art.
“One artist told me she had done more yesterday in sales than she usually does two days at an art festival, so she was thrilled,” Christy said. “Several artists told me they had commissions moving forward, so they will be busy after the show fulfilling orders. So that is pretty exciting.”
The event was smaller and more concise than previous years, yet despite the odds, the show received a good turnout and reception, with high hopes for next year’s event.
“Next year, we will be back full force, and it will be fantastic,” Christy said. “The artists [this year] have been fantastic. Even one of my artists who did not win came over to me and told me this is one of the best quality shows we had in a while, so I am excited about that.”
“Love Doggo Treats” Sells Special Dog Treats Made By Three High School Friends
by James Coulter
We all love our pets and want to give them tasty, fresh-baked treats because they do so much for their families and owners.For the past four months, “Love Doggo Treats” has been creating healthy treats for dogs. These treats are all prepared and sold by young people with special needs.
All the treats are freshly baked from all-natural ingredients, ensuring that they taste good to pets and are also good for pets. The treats are then sold either at local markets, door-to-door, or through Facebook orders.
Last Saturday, they visited the Surf’s Up Ice Cream Shack in Haines City to sell their merchandise. They sold out of the treats and received positive high reviews from all the customers, said Brandy Dykes, one of mothers involved.
Emry Dykes and Robert Norris, who have Down syndrome, and Mia Linamen, who has Autism, are high school classmates. Inspired by their love for dogs, they all came up with the idea of creating their own small business selling pet treats.
While these young entrepreneurs’ parents and families offer their assistance, the three friends, even despite their disabilities, are more than capable of doing almost everything on their own from preparing and baking the treats to packaging and selling them.
“They do it all,” says Brandy, Emry’s mother. “We help them when they need it, but they do it all overall…they love working together, and they also love going out and socializing when they sell them.”
Cindy Lineman, Mia’s mother, says the pet treat business gives their teenage children an opportunity to achieve their entrepreneurial endeavors while also giving back to their local community. They have a mission to give back to certain charitable organizations and to raise awareness in society.
Wanda Norris, Robert’s mother, knows that her son and his friends wanted to start this business because of their shared love of pets. Not only does it allow them to do something fun together through a shared interest, but it also teaches them life skills.
“They are building up their confidence that they can run their own business. It helps to bring awareness of people with disabilities and enhance their ability to be entrepreneurs,” she said.
Love Doggo Treats has grown so popular and successful over the past four months that demand has surpassed what they can produce in their home kitchen. As such, they are seeking local sponsors to help facilitate the cost of their operations.
Brittney Oakes, a former special education teacher, is one local who agreed to serve as a sponsor. As someone who works with special needs children, she is more than willing to jump at a local opportunity to assist them, which is why she has worked alongside Love Doggo Treats for the past month.
“It is so important to teach life skills and be hands-on with them, so I am excited to be a part of teaching them the processes and skills that they need to apply and real-life situations,” she said. “My hope is that the community can come together and support this cause. I enjoy seeing the success that these kids are making. This is a great thing for them.”
For more information about Love Doggo Treats, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/Love-Doggo-Treats-113170244187713/
Can you identify this woman? She used a stolen credit card account to purchase an iPhone and open a Verizon account. Our victim found out after receiving a Verizon bill, which she doesn’t have a Verizon account. Ultimately, it was determined the female pictured went to Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd.) and opened the account using the stolen credit card information. Anyone with information on the identity of this woman is asked to call Det. Wierzba at 863-291-5304. 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.
On Friday evening,
March 19, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested three PCSO deputies
and charged them with felonies related to evidence tampering. All three
resigned upon their arrests; they would have been terminated had they not
resigned.
The investigation
began when a suspect who was arrested on December 21, 2020, inquired about the
return of her personal property on March 15, 2021. On March 15th, she initially
contacted the PCSO Property and Evidence Section and was directed to the district
where she was arrested. She informed the district that she was missing $723.00
and her cell phone. At that time, supervisors who were alerted to the missing
property immediately began an investigation.
The original arrest
occurred after a traffic stop in Winter Haven, during which the deputy who
pulled her over, Deputy John Raczynski, conducted a search of her vehicle and
found narcotics and cash. Two other deputies arrived as backup units, Deputy
Jamal Lawson and Deputy Garrett Cook.
Raczynski documented
in his report that in addition to the narcotics, “the driver was found to have
a large amount of US currency inside her right pants pocket. The
denominations of the US currency are consistent with small narcotic
sales.” Based on this evidence, combined with the nature of the narcotics
located, the narcotics violations were elevated as Possession with Intent to
Sell charges. On December 23rd, Raczynski placed 13 items of evidence in a
property and evidence storage locker at his substation. The currency,
which he documented in the probable cause affidavit and PCSO incident report,
was not listed as an item of evidence, nor was it logged in the arrestee’s
property at the jail.
The arrestee contacted
PCSO on March 15, 2021, inquiring about her money and cell phone. During the
investigation, detectives found a supplemental report created by Raczynski on
March 16th, adding an item of evidence in the “Property insert” portion of
the report, U.S. Currency valued at $723.00. Raczynski electronically
signed the report, and the report was electronically notary approved
(officially witnessed) by Cook. This electronic notary was later determined to
be fraudulent.
Detectives interviewed
a PCSO Property & Evidence Officer, who told them that on March 15th, Raczynski called her
at work and asked her to call him back from her personal cell phone. When she
did, he told her that all of the evidence from the December arrest was
accounted for except the money. He told her that Lawson moved evidence from his
trunk to Raczynski’s trunk, and that they could not find the money after that.
Raczynski asked the P&E Officer if there was something he could do to
replace the money. After the phone call, the P&E Officer checked all of the
databases, reports, and locations at P&E where any record of the money
might be, but could not locate it. She then reported the suspicious phone call
to her supervisor. Her supervisor called Raczynski’s Sergeant.
The Sergeant called
Raczynski and asked him about the phone call to P&E, and the missing money.
Raczynski told his Sergeant that he and Lawson were going to “make it right” by
submitting their own money into evidence to replace it. The Sergeant instructed
Raczynski that was not proper procedure, and to take no further action. An
internal and criminal investigation was initiated at that time.
On March 19th, detectives
interviewed Lawson. He confirmed the events of the original arrest and that a
large amount of money was removed from the arrestee. He gave conflicting
stories of where the money was placed after being seized, but then said that a
couple of days later, Raczynski noticed the money was missing and asked Lawson
and Cook about it. Lawson said at that time they discussed a plan to each
contribute money to replace it, and submit it into evidence, but that never
happened. Raczynski called Lawson on March 15th, at which time Lawson
sent Raczynski $500.00 via CashApp. The plan was for Raczynski to add the
remaining $223.00 of his own money, and submit it to P&E.
When that attempt
failed, Lawson asked for the money back via CashApp.
Sufficient probable
cause was established to charge Lawson with violating:
· FSS 777.04(3) Conspiracy to commit tampering
with evidence, for conspiring with Cook and Raczynski in unlawful tampering or
fabricating evidence (F3)
· FSS 838.022 Official misconduct, for knowingly
and intentionally causing another person to falsify an official record to cover
up the loss of evidence (F3)
· FSS 918.13 Tampering or fabricating evidence,
by transferring money to Raczynski via the CashApp, knowing it was to be
unlawfully submitted as evidence (F3)
On March 19th, detectives
interviewed Cook. He confirmed the events of the original arrest and that a
large amount of money was removed from the arrestee. He said he last saw the
bag of evidence sitting on the trunk of a vehicle (he didn’t say which vehicle)
and did not recall touching it or putting it into Lawson’s trunk. When
Raczynski told him a few days later that the money was missing, Cook said he
told Raczynski that they should tell their Sergeant about it, but Raczynski
maintained that he did not want to get into trouble and preferred to try to
replace the missing money with his own money. During the ensuing months, Cook
was aware of the plan to replace the money and that it was not right, but he
took no steps to prevent it, nor did he notify his supervisors. He did confirm
that Raczynski knew his (Cook’s) password, and that Raczynski likely used it
when he fraudulently signed the report as a witness/notary (this was later
confirmed by Raczynski). Cook later transferred to another unit within the
agency.
Sufficient probable
cause was established to charge Cook with violating:
· FSS 777.04(3) Conspiracy to commit tampering
with evidence, for conspiring with
Lawson and Raczynski
in unlawful tampering or fabricating evidence (F3)
On March 19th, detectives
interviewed Raczynski. He confirmed the events of the original arrest, and said
all of the evidence was collected and placed into one bag. He said Lawson took
the evidence while Raczynski transported the arrestee to the jail. The
following day, Raczynski went to submit the evidence, and noticed that the
money was missing. He said that the three of them looked extensively for the
money but never found it, and hatched a plan to replace it, splitting the cost
three ways. He said that on March 15th when he
became aware that the arrestee was calling looking for her money, he called
Lawson, who sent Raczynski $500.00 via CashApp. On March 16th he created a supplemental report in the system
to include with the “property insert,” and used Cook’s password without Cook’s
knowledge to notarize it.
Sufficient probable
cause was established to charge Raczynski with violating:
· FSS 777.04(3) Conspiracy to commit tampering
with evidence, for conspiring with Lawson and Cook in unlawful tampering or
fabricating evidence (F3)
· FSS 838.022 Official misconduct, for knowingly
and intentionally falsifying an official record to cover up the loss of
evidence (F3)
· FSS 918.13 Tampering or fabricating evidence,
by obtaining money to submit into evidence, knowing it was to be unlawfully
submitted (F3)
· FSS 831.01 Forgery, for forging another
deputy’s signature to his report (F3)
· FSS 831.02 Uttering forged instrument, for
publishing as true a false and forged record (F3)
Raczynski, Lawson, and
Cook were all booked into the Polk County Jail, and later released after
posting bond.
John Raczynski is 24
years old. He was hired as detention deputy in October 2017, and transferred to
law enforcement as a deputy sheriff in December 2017. Jamal Lawson is 29 years
old. He was hired as detention deputy in October 2017, and transferred to law
enforcement as a deputy sheriff in December 2017. Garrett Cook is 26 years old.
He was hired as a deputy sheriff in August 2016.
The deputies’
commanding officer contacted the State Attorney’s Office and requested that the
charges be dropped against the arrestee from the December 21st arrest. An extensive audit of all three
deputies’ criminal case reports and lists of seized property and evidence is
being conducted at this time. If any additional discrepancies or unlawful
activity is found, more charges will be filed against them. “Everyone at this agency knows that they
are held to the highest standards, and they also know that if they break the
law, we’re going to hold them strictly accountable. I’m angry that these three
violated the law, and in the process, betrayed the trust of our citizens. Their
actions are reprehensible, and do not reflect the mission and vision of the
Polk County Sheriff’s Office. I also commend the agency members who immediately
took action to do the right thing and correct this unlawful conduct.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 11:30 a.m. this morning, Monday, March 22, 2021, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center located at 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about the arrests of three deputies (who have since resigned from the agency) for felonies related to evidence tampering.
LAKELAND (March 21, 2021) – On Saturday, March 20, 2021, at approximately 11:55 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a single motorcycle near East Edgewood Drive and Lakeland Highlands Road. According to reports, just prior to the crash, a 2007 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle was traveling west on East Edgewood Drive. The driver was negotiating a left turn to proceed south on Lakeland Highlands Road when they lost control of the motorcycle for unknown reasons. After crossing all lanes of travel on Lakeland Highlands Road, the motorcycle hit a curb, left the roadway, and struck a tree.
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, 45-year-old Michael Andrew Molinaro of Lakeland, did not survive the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The roadway was shut down for approximately four hours while the scene was processed for the ongoing investigation. If anyone has any additional information regarding the crash, please contact Sergeant Dale Deas at [email protected].
