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Second Suspect Arrested in Gang-Related Sexual Assault

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Second Suspect Arrested in Gang-Related Sexual Assault

A second suspect has been arrested in an alleged gang-related sexual assault said to have occurred within Lake Wales city limits on January 22, 2025.

According to the Lake Wales Police Department arrest affidavit, John Justin Duran Ortiz, DOB 9/10/03, was arrested on February 12, 2025 and charged with sexual battery with a firearm.

On January 23, Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/04, was arrested in connection to the same incident and given the same felony charge.

The arrest affidavit for Ortiz initially describes the victim’s statement of the assault, which is also stated in Bernal’s arrest report. This is a link to the article related to Bernal’s arrest, which describes the incident in more detail:

https://dailyridge.com/2025/02/20/alleged-gang-related-sexual-assault-in-lake-wales-ends-in-arrest-involving-a-firearm/

In the description of the sexual assault, the victim refers to a second man at the scene as “No Face.”

The affidavit goes on to state that, at some point after the alleged assault, the victim recognized “No Face” from a page on social media. The victim was able to confirm that the person she saw on social media “was the same person who sexually battered her,” according to the report. 

In the affidavit, it states that there are several photos on social media of “No Face” together with Bernal.

“Many photos contain them displaying firearms and wearing red clothing and red bandannas, a common sign they are associated with gang related activities,” the affidavit further explains.

Investigators were ultimately able to confirm the identity of “No Face” as Ortiz.

Ortiz has been charged with sexual battery with a firearm.

Several Seriously Injured After Tractor Trailer Slams into Van in Sumter County

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Several Seriously Injured After Tractor Trailer Slams into Van in Sumter County

Sumter County Injury Crash SR-471

February 20, 2025 @ 6:45 AM

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to an early morning crash in Sumter County involving multiple people, including two from Lakeland.

Here are the crash details:

Vehicle 2, a Chevy Express van, was traveling southbound on SR-471 and came to a stop for a red traffic signal at the intersection of SR-50.  Vehicle 1, a tractor-trailer, was traveling southbound on SR-471 and failed to slow or stop.  As a result, Vehicle 1 collided with Vehicle 2, with both vehicles coming to final rest on the south side of the intersection.  Driver 1 suffered minor injuries while the four occupants of Vehicle 2 suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals.

 

Driver 1: Male, 22, Lake Placid, FL

Driver 2: Male, 41, Hephzibah, GA

 

Passengers in Vehicle 2:

Male, 42, Chiefland, FL

Female, 46, Lakeland, FL

Female, 61, Lakeland, FL

Closures in Winter Haven Scheduled for Friday

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Closures in Winter Haven Scheduled for Friday

City of Winter Haven, FL – Please be advised that this Friday, February the 21st is the Junior League 5k Race. Road closures will begin at 5pm and will be reopened by 9pm. Road Closures and changes to traffic patterns include:

· Magnolia Ave (between Ave B SW and 2nd St. NW)

Please be aware of Rolling Closures at the following intersections. These closures will only be in place to allow race participants to cross through the interaction:

· Avenue B SW & 3rd St. SW
· Avenue A SW (between 4th St. NW & 5th St. SW)
· Central Ave (between 4th St. NW & 5th St. SW)
· Avenue A NW (between 4th St. NW & 5th St. SW)
· Avenue B NW (between 4th St. NW & 5th St. SW)
· Ave D NW (between 4th St. NW & 5th St. SW)

Polk County Board of Commissioners Approve Estimated $9.2 Million for 75 Additional Fire Rescue Positions

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Polk County Board of Commissioners Approve Estimated $9.2 Million for 75 Additional Fire Rescue Positions

Polk County Board of Commissioners Approve Estimated $9.2 Million for 75 Additional Fire Rescue Positions

Bartow, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved funding for 75 additional Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) Firefighter Paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician positions during today’s board meeting in an effort to reduce department overtime.

The 75 additional positions will cost an estimated $9.2 million annually and the positions will help the county reduce overtime for PCFR field operations personnel.
An additional benefit is to create a better work life balance for Polk County Fire Rescue personnel.

“On behalf of Polk County Fire Rescue, I want to thank the Polk County Board of County Commissioners for approving 75 additional positions during today’s board meeting,” said Deputy County Manager of Public Safety Joe Halman Jr. “It is my privilege to oversee the Fire Rescue team. I value and commend their tireless dedication to this county’s residents. By minimizing the need for excessive overtime, we can ensure they have the time to rest and recover, which in turn enhances their ability to deliver the highest level of service to our community.”

Mardi Gras Masquerade Senior Citizen Prom

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Mardi Gras Masquerade Senior Citizen Prom

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE SENIOR CITIZEN PROM!
Astoria senior living is a skilled nursing facility with an attached assisted living. They wanted to do something different and exciting for the residents and open it to other facilities to bring their residents as well. It is a Mardi Gras themed senior prom where the local winter haven high school baseball and band members are volunteering to entertain and escort residents to the prom. They will have a dj, a stilt walker, food, and a Mardi Gras decorated facility to enjoy an evening of dancing music and laughter. Many local companies have jumped in this and donated their time and resources to make this happen as well. There will be hair dressers and barbers coming in to do their hair and many donated clothing for them to choose from. They welcome the community to attend and will have a photographer as well for individual photos or throughout the event.

Nominations Being Accepted For The Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award

Carl Fish
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Nominations Being Accepted For The Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award

We are excited to announce that the Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award is back! This prestigious award honors a leader in Central Florida whose dedication to children and service to our community has made a lasting impact, helping children succeed and thrive.

Originally established in 2003, the Child Advocacy Award was first presented to Nanette Rodgers as a way for Carol Barnett to express her deep appreciation for Nanette’s commitment to improving the lives of children in Central Florida. Now, 22 years later, the award continues to be given annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the well-being and success of children in our region.

Carol Jenkins Barnett was the driving force behind the creation of Success By 6 in Central Florida, an initiative aimed at ensuring every child has the support they need to succeed.

Do you know someone making a significant impact on the lives of children in our community? We encourage you to nominate them for the Carol Jenkins Barnett Success By 6 Child Advocacy Award. Help us recognize the leaders who are shaping a brighter future for our children.

Nominate someone today: Nomination Form

Thank you for your continued support and for helping us celebrate those who work tirelessly to make Central Florida a better place for children to grow and thrive

27 Yr Old Davenport Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide

Carl Fish
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27 Yr Old Davenport Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide

Traffic Homicide detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, for causing a fatal crash in Davenport last year.

 

The two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday morning, November 3, 2024, on US 27 at Poitras Road Two.

 

84-year old Donald Shelby Wright of Davenport died during emergency surgery following the crash.

 

The driver of the other vehicle, 27-year old Paul Castellano Aponte of Davenport was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

 

“My Traffic Homicide detectives are the very best at what they do. They conducted extensive analysis all of the evidence, and determined that this wasn’t a crash caused by carelessness; this crash was caused by reckless operation and a total disregard for the safety of everyone on the road that day.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

 

The crash data recorder showed that Mr. Castellano Aponte’s Mazda sedan was traveling 101 mph about five seconds prior to the crash. The speed limit in that area is 55 mph. 

 

The Mazda’s speed was calculated to be 71 mph at the time it collided with Mr. Wright’s Ford EcoSport.

 

Witness statements were consistent with the analysis, saying that the Mazda was being recklessly operated prior to the crash, and was weaving through traffic. 

 

Following his arrest, Mr. Castellano Aponte told detectives that he was speeding because he was tired from working all night.

 

Paul Castellano Aponte was booked-in at the Polk County Jail and charged with Vehicular Homicide (F2).

 

 

 

Original news release from November 3, 2024:

One man dead following two-vehicle crash in northeast Polk County on Sunday 

 

A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday morning, November 3, 2024, in the Four Corners area of Davenport.  

 

Polk County Fire Rescue and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at around 8:33am to the crash scene on US 27 at Poitras RoadTwo.  

 

The 84-year old male driver of a 2021 Ford EcoSport SUV suffered blunt force trauma and internal injuries from the crash. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Osceola County, but passed away during emergency surgery.  

 

The other driver, a 27-year old male, was treated at the scene. He was the driver of a 2018 Mazda sedan.  

 

Based on evidence and witness statements, the preliminary investigation found that the Ford was northbound on US 27 and attempted to make a left turn (west) onto Poitras Two Road. 

While making the turn, the Ford crossed into the path of the oncoming Mazda which was heading south on US 27.  

 

Both men were apparently wearing their seatbelts.  

 

The southbound lanes of US 27 were closed for approximately three and a half hours.  

 

The crash remains under investigation. 

Alleged Gang-Related Sexual Assault in Lake Wales Ends in Arrest Involving a Firearm

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Alleged Gang-Related Sexual Assault in Lake Wales Ends in Arrest Involving a Firearm

A Mulberry man was arrested by Lake Wales Police Department on January 23, 2025, and charged with Sexual Battery with a Firearm that allegedly occurred during a gang-related event at an unnamed location in Lake Wales.

The arresting officer was called to the scene in reference to a possible sexual battery on the day after the incident in question. The man arrested, identified Kristian Valentino Bernal, DOB 1/29/2004, is said to be the instigator of the crime.

According to the arrest affidavit, which is heavily redacted, Bernal texted the victim the prior day and indicated “…he (Bernal) wanted him(self) and his friends to have sexual intercourse with her.”

The victim said she continually stated via texts to Bernal that she was not interested in participating in that scenario and was only interested in him alone.

The affidavit states, “The messages from (Bernal) stated this needed to occur as it was the ‘protocol’ and mentioned it was for the gang.”

Bernal then went to and entered the apartment, where the victim stated she initially believed Bernal to be alone; however, “there were two other people with him, one of which she only knew as ‘No Face’”.

“No Face” and another unidentified individual are said to have entered the victim’s apartment behind Bernal wearing “ski style masks.”

Bernal is said to have asked the victim to shower and perform other tasks, to which she complied because “she was in fear he would harm her and stated he often has ‘rage fits.’”

The victim stated Bernal “removed a red bandana from his firearm and asked her if she wanted to wear it to feel more comfortable with what was happening and she stated ‘sure.’”, again stating she felt she needed to say yes to avoid harm.

Bernal blindfolded the victim and then began to have sexual intercourse with her. While Bernal was having sexual intercourse with the victim, she “felt additional hands touching her.”

After Bernal was finished with the victim, the male identified as “No Face” began having sexual intercourse with her. The affidavit states that he “choked her to the point of not being able to breathe,’ and she ultimately pushed him away, stopping the assault.

Bernal told the victim to go shower to which she again complied out of fear of being harmed. While in the shower, he “came into the bathroom and told her they were going to get ‘blunts’ and then left.”

The victim stated she spoke with Bernal’s ex the following day and told her of the incident. Shortly after, “She received a text message from (Bernal) stating no one raped her.”

Bernal was charged with Sex Battery with a Firearm.

Updated 2/20/25: a second suspect in this case has been arrested. Read the article with regard to that suspect below:

https://dailyridge.com/2025/02/20/second-suspect-arrested-in-gang-related-sexual-assault/

$177K Renovation Proposal of Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD Under Consideration by City

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$177K Renovation Proposal of Former Family Elder Law Building for LWPD Under Consideration by City

by James Coulter

 

The building across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department may soon be converted into an extra building for the department if the City of Lake Wales approves a proposal agreement with a developer.

At their workshop meeting on Wed. Feb. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an ordinance pertaining to a proposal agreement for project management services for a building annexed to the city’s police department.

Formerly the Family Elder Law Building, the building is located at 122 E. Tillman Ave. across the street from the Lake Wales Police Department. It was purchased by the City on Aug. 29, 2024.

“It is proposed that the Lake Wales Police Department will move several units there,” the city agenda memo states. “In addition, several other areas have been identified to design for the Police Department including training room, several interview rooms, conference room and a storage room.”

Colliers Project Leaders had submitted a proposal agreement to provide project management services for the proposed renovations to the building. This agreement would include services for the design, bid construction, and closeout phases of the project.

“Based on their scope and schedule, the total fee for service is $177,281,” the memo states. “Fees would be invoiced at a lump sum rate of $8,442 per month for 21 months. The total amount is for $177,281 (21 equal payments of $8,442 per month).”

City commissioners were to vote on the ordinance at their city commission meeting on Tues. Feb. 18. at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall, located at 201 W Central Ave.

32+ Acre Parcel along Snively Avenue Considered for Annexation for Future Development

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32+ Acre Parcel along Snively Avenue Considered for Annexation for Future Development

32+ Acre Parcel along Snively Avenue Considered for Annexation for Future Development

by James Coulter

 A 32+ acre parcel, located along Snively Avenue, is being considered for annexation into the Winter Haven City Limits to utilize city utilities for future development.

 At their regular meeting on Mon. Feb. 10, Winter Haven City Commissioners reviewed the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to a parcel being considered for voluntary annexation.

 The parcel, which is about 32+ acres, is located at 807 Snively Avenue. Ark Industries, Inc. has petitioned for the parcel to be annexed into the city limits, as the city agenda memo states, “for the purpose of obtaining City utilities for the future development of the site.”

 Furthermore, the parcel is adjacent to another parcel located within the city limits and owned by the petitioner. As the memo explains, the annexation “will bring both parcels under the same jurisdiction for future development.”

 The subject parcel is worth approximately $55,809 in current taxable value. As the memo explains, the parcel is expected to have an annual tax revenue of approximately $367 “based on the city’s current tax millage rate of 6.59 mills.”

 City commissioners did not vote on the ordinance. They will vote on the second reading to be held at their next meeting scheduled for Mon. Feb 24.

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