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Katie Linck, One of The Newest Drivers on The Local Polk County Racing Scene

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Katie Linck, One of The Newest Drivers on The Local Polk County Racing Scene

Katie Linck, one of the newest drivers on the local Polk County racing scene, has racing in her blood.  Her Great Uncle, Bruce MacInnes, Senior Instructor for Skip Barber Racing School, was a Formula 1 driver who won two Pro Formula Ford National Championships.  At 13 years old, Katie possesses the drive, ambition, and skill to get the win!  After attending races at the Auburndale Speedway through her mother’s sponsorship of a modified mini class driver, Katie’s racing passion sparked.  She practiced with go carts at every opportunity; and when she mastered that style of racing, she struck a deal with her parents: racing instruction if she got straight As.  That deal opened a great opportunity for her.  Doing chores and saving her money from birthdays and Christmas gifts enabled her to get her own mini cup race car and the safety equipment required to race.

Katie’s sweet jovial side morphs into a strong competitive spirit when she steps into a race car, and her focus is on that victory flag.  She already possesses a penchant for pushing the envelope.  At the age of 10, Katie participated in a pilot program for junior Scuba divers through Deep Six Dive Shop in Lakeland, Florida, and she passed all the adult classes to become one of the youngest certified Scuba divers in the State of Florida.  Entranced by the new world she discovered beneath the surface, she grew to love exploring, and her desire to try new thrilling things accelerated.  Racing will be an exciting new chapter in her story.  Saturday, May 1st was her first race ever and she took home a 3rd place win!  Now that she has a taste for the flag, she strives to improve and compete.

Katie continues to achieve excellent grades while striving for perfection at one of the highest rated schools in Florida.  She dedicates herself to becoming a stellar student while enjoying her exciting passions.  She is also a member of her school’s swim team, loves being in the water and strives to break  records when she enters high school.  She has covered the sea with scuba diving and is now focusing on land with racing.  We wonder what will come next.  Maybe there is flight school in her future!  She will reach for the stars and continue to be a good role model for those who follow her.  There is no telling what the future holds for this bright young shooting star!

Interested in sponsoring this amazing girl?  Please fill out the info sheet on KatieNow.com.  Thank you!

Sponsored by:

Holli Linck, Realtor

Xcellence Realty

Photo by My Country Photos

Lake Wales JROTC Cadets Honored

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Lake Wales JROTC Cadets Honored

Lake Wales JROTC cadets honored

Destinie Taylor, Kassidy Dye, Kylie Peters, Karen Wolzanski, Cristian Granados

An enthusiastic group of JROTC cadets, their families and instructors gathered in the Lake Wales High School auditorium for their annual awards presentation.   Due to Covid restrictions only a representative portion of the cadet corps was present, but they made up for their numbers.

Awards were presented by patriotic and lineage organizations as well as by the JROTC Department.  Karen Wolzanski, a member of several hereditary societies, presented awards for excellence to Kylie Peters who was presented the National Society of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America Award.  She also awarded Destinie Taylor the National Society for the United States Daughters of 1812 Award and to Kassidy Dye the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award.  An additional award went to Cristian Granados as the top shot on the JROTC Rifle Team from the Lake Wales Chapter, NSDAR.

John Hillery, from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented an award to Cadet Reagan Bolden as well.  Representatives of other organizations were not present and their awards were presented to the cadets by Senior Army Instructor CPT Charles D. Simpson Jr.  The Special Forces Award went to Cadets Alexus Stephens and Samuel Gerhart while the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry award went to Cadets Haylee Graham and Claudia Perez.  The Military Officers Association Award was presented to Reagan Bolden, Anthony Pinero, Austin Lucas, and Austin Thomas and right after that the Americans Veterans Award was presented to Elijah Whitty, Stella Hogan, and Jackson Wunker.  The last two awards were the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Award going to Cristian Granados and the Superior Cadet Award going to Alexus Stephens, Jackson Wunker and Reagan Cox.

CPT Simpson presented ribbons for excellence in academics, sports and participation in JROTC Color Guard, Raider Team and Rifle Team.  He thanked the cadets for their hard work during the year and the families of the cadets for their support and encouragement.  CPT Simpson announced the position of Lake Wales High School JROTC Booster Club President will be filled by Tara Stout who is the wife of Assistant Army Instructor MSG Ralph Stout.

EB Havendale Blvd Down To One Lane After Fatal Overnight Crash

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EB Havendale Blvd Down To One Lane After Fatal Overnight Crash

Winter Haven Police Department

TRAFFIC UPDATE

One lane of EB Havendale Blvd is open after an overnight crash that resulted in one fatality. Drivers will see delays through the morning as crews repair a TECO power pole.

Preliminary information indicate at approximately 11:25 p.m. last night, a vehicle occupied by one female was traveling east on Havendale Blvd. For unknown reasons, the vehicle hit the curb in the area of 15th St NW causing the vehicle to flip. The vehicle continued and hit a TECO power pole.
The female occupant did not survive.
FHP is investigating the crash.

Original TRAFFIC ALERT

Eastbound lanes of Havendale Blvd continue to be shut down from 14th St NW (in front of Howell & Thornhill) to the entrance of Spring Lake Square just before Hwy 17 due to an overnight crash involving one fatality.

Drivers who normally use Havendale Blvd. eastbound should use alternate routes to include Hwy 92. The roadway is anticipated to be shut down through the morning rush hour.

FHP is investigating the crash and any updates will be released at a later time.

One Person Dead & Two People Being Questioned In Lake Alfred Shooting

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One Person Dead & Two People Being Questioned In Lake Alfred Shooting
Jean Carlos “Felix” Colon killed after shots fired In Lake Alfred Trailer Park

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating overnight shooting

At the request of the Lake Alfred Police Department, Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation of a fatal shooting in Lake Alfred that occurred around midnight Sunday, May 2, 2021.

The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Jean Carlos “Felix” Colon.

There were several witnesses at the scene, and two shooters have been identified; all of whom have been cooperating in the investigation.

“Detectives have been speaking with everyone at the scene, but unfortunately, not everyone’s story is the same. We know that this started as a disturbance which led to at least two shots being fired, and we have been talking to the two men who fired those shots. We still have a lot of investigating to do in order to sort it all out.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The two men who fired shots are expected to be charged with carrying a concealed firearm and tampering with evidence. As the investigation continues, additional charges are possible.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating A Fatal Crash On Hwy 98 Early Monday Morning

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating A Fatal Crash On Hwy 98 Early Monday Morning

 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a vehicle versus semi crash that occurred in north Lakeland this morning, which resulted in the death of the vehicle driver. Preliminary information is as follows:

Around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call from the area of US Hwy 98 approximately ½ mile north of Big Cypress Blvd, adjacent to Gator Creek Preserve. According to the witnesses and evidence, a 2000 white Honda Accord being driven by 64-year-old Joseph Moody of Lakeland was heading southbound when, for unknown reasons, it crossed over the center line into the northbound lane. A 1999 red Peterbuilt semi with a flatbed trailer hauling an 80-foot concrete power pole was heading northbound at the time. The semi driver, 44-year-old Dane Whitt of Lake Wales, saw the car and braked, pulling as far to the right as possible to avoid a collision. The semi ultimately stopped with its passenger tires on the shoulder of the road. The Accord struck the semi and trailer and Moody suffered fatal injuries. Whitt was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing. 

Winter Haven Woman Charged With Attempted 1st Degree Murder After Allegedly Shooting At Ex-Boyfriend’s New Girlfriend

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Winter Haven Woman Charged With Attempted 1st Degree Murder After Allegedly Shooting At Ex-Boyfriend’s New Girlfriend

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was called out to a residence on Avenue J, Northwest in Winter Haven in regards to shots being fired. The incident occurred in the early morning of April 26, 2021.

According to police reports the suspect, Zuleimy Collazo, went to her ex-boyfriend’s residence where she found the victim and her boyfriends mother sitting and talking. She then reportedly left and came back. Here is an excerpt from the police affidavit: The suspect observed her child’s father’s new girlfriend at the residence and then left the scene returning an hour and a half later armed and made contact. The suspect made the statement directed to and identifying the victim as a clear target then displayed the firearm in a unlawful manner while stating “get your hoe ass out of here” then willfully discharged the firearm in a residential neighborhood instilling great fear for bodily injury or death to the victims. This demonstrated a clear premeditation for the course of action from the suspect determining that the victim was at the residence, she left then returned with a firearm, exited the vehicle approached the victim, made the statements, and then discharge the firearm. The suspect then fled the scene attempted to hide the firearm and changed vehicles. with her ex-boyfriend in the attempt not to be located.”

Zuleimy Collazo has been released on bond pending trial.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating A Business Burglary At Dundee 7-11

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating A Business Burglary At Dundee 7-11

In response to your inquiries, at 6:00 a.m. this morning (Monday, May 3rd) PCSO responded to the 7-Eleven store located at 28200 US Hwy 27 in Dundee to a reported business burglary.

It was discovered by employees when they opened up the store this morning. There was not a robbery at that location.

Investigation ongoing.

Polk City Woman Charged With 2nd Degree Attempted Murder After Allegedly Stabbing Her Ex-Boyfriend

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Polk City Woman Charged With 2nd Degree Attempted Murder After Allegedly Stabbing Her Ex-Boyfriend

Polk City, Florida – On January 30, 2021, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call in Polk City, Florida of a stabbing. When deputies arrived they were advised the witness had called 911 and reported that her friend Ernest J. Schley (victim), was stabbed by the victim’s ex-girlfriend, later identified as Brittany Harvey.

According the arrest affidavit, during a sworn recorded statement, the witness advised deputies that the victim and her had driven to a residence on Trail Cut Rd., in Polk City, so Ernest could retrieve some personal items from his home. Once they had arrived at the home, Ernest saw that Brittany and Misty Combee were at the home at which point Ernest decided to drive away in an attempt to avoid a confrontation with Brittany. The witness stated that Misty Combee (driver) and Brittany Harvey (passenger) followed/chased the victim and witness out to Fussell Rd, the location of where the stabbing took place.

According to the affidavit deputies conducted a sworn recorded statement with Misty Lee Combee, who drove Brittany to the incident location. Misty reported that Ernest and Brittany had gotten into an altercation on the side of road. During the altercation she witness Brittany stab Ernest. Misty stated that Brittany ran back into the car and utter “I just stabbed him” and saw that Brittany was holding a red knife in her hand.

Ernest Schley, the victim, who had suffered multiple stab wounds was transported to Lakeland Regional Health and was admitted into surgery for his wounds to include a penetrating stab wound causing a collapsed lung.


Additionally deputies learned that Brittany’s daughter, Ava Harvey (age12), allegedly was in vehicle when they were chasing after the victim and witnessed the altercation.


Based on the witness statements and evidence, probable cause existed to charge Brittany Harvey with attempted murder and child neglect. According to reports Harvey was found in Palm Beach County jail in mid-April. She has a court date on May 3, 2021. She is eligible for pretrial release on $50,000 bond.

Two People Seriously Injured When Plane Crashes Into Lakeland Industrial Park

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Two People Seriously Injured When Plane Crashes Into Lakeland Industrial Park

Emergency responders from LakelandPD and Lakeland Fire Department are on the scene of a plane crash that occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. at 4150 South Pipkin Road, an industrial park area just off of airport property. The crash involved a single-engine plane with two adult occupants. Both occupants were airlifted for medical treatment with serious injuries. No persons on the ground were injured. Both the FAA and NTSB have been notified and will be overseeing the crash investigation.

No additional details are available at this time.

Polk Deputies Investigating A Motorcycle Crash That Killed 33 Yr Old Lakeland Man

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Polk Deputies Investigating A Motorcycle Crash That Killed 33 Yr Old Lakeland Man

PCSO Traffic Unit investigated a crash involving a motorcycle and a car on County Line Road in Lakeland. Preliminary information is as follows:



Around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, the PCSO ECC received a 911 call about a crash with injuries on County Line Road at the intersection with West Pipkin Road. Upon arrival, first responders located 33-year-old Matthew Ricketts-Rivera of Lakeland deceased. He was operating a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The driver of the car involved, 58-year-old John Simon, had minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital to be treated.



According to the evidence and witnesses, Simon was driving a 2015 charcoal Toyota Corolla northbound on County Line Rd while Ricketts-Rivera was heading southbound on his motorcycle. Ricketts-Rivera’s wife was behind him in her car. Simon entered into the left turn lane at the intersection with West Pipkin Rd, and made a U-turn to head south on County Line. As he made the turn, he entered into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist braked but was unable to avoid hitting the car, and struck the passenger side of the Corolla, ejecting him from the bike. He was not wearing a helmet.



County Line Rd was closed for approximately 2.5 hours during the investigation, which is ongoing

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