PCSO is investigating a fatal single vehicle crash in unincorporated Winter Haven
On April 12, 2021, at around 7:30 a.m., deputies responded to a fatal single vehicle crash that occurred on Spirit Lake Road near the 3200 block in unincorporated Winter Haven. The crash killed 40-year-old April Elizabeth Henderson of Winter Haven. Henderson’s daughter was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Henderson was the driver of a black 2019 Kia Sportage.
According to the preliminary investigation so far, Henderson was traveling northbound on Spirit Lake Road when, for unknown reasons, she drove off the shoulder of the road and into a residential yard where her vehicle struck a tree.
Henderson died at the scene. Her daughter suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
At the time of the crash, neither Henderson nor her daughter were wearing seatbelts.
The roadway was not closed during the investigation. This investigation is ongoing
Winter Haven Police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 26 year-old Djohn Moore after he forced his way into his ex-girlfriends residence.
On April 11 around 11:55 a.m., Moore banged on her door demanding to be let in. When she refused, he forced his way in with a gun in his hand. He hit her numerous times and then grabbed her phone from her pocket and smashed it on the floor. The victim ran to a neighbor who called 9-1-1. Moore left the area in an unknown direction. He has a warrant for his arrest for Robbery with a Firearm and Armed Burglary with Battery. Anyone with information on Moore’s whereabouts should call Detective AJ at 863-401-2256. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip by way of your smart device by downloading the free “P3tips” app on your smart phone. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
The receipt should have been $297. She only paid $30.49 thanks to the ole switcharoo of the barcodes. On April 6 around 8:30 p.m., the woman in the photos went to Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and selected all kinds of goodies to include a baby swing and 2-in-1 recliner, a hammock, bodysuit, makeup and a host of other items – oh, and Cherry Dr. Pepper. She used barcodes from items the costs ranging from 0.32 to $2.98. She was seen entering an older beige Mercury Grand Marquis. Recognize the tattoos, dress that possibly match the taste in soft drink? Contact Detective A.J. at 863-292-7921.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Support Services Section knew that severe thunderstorms were possible on Sunday and prepared themselves to respond should the need arise.
At about 1:00 PM, numerous calls from various parts of the county were received regarding damages to trees, powerlines, and structures.
Deputies responded to 19 different locations with chainsaws, winches, and trucks, and worked hard to clear the roadways.
Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are working a fatal crash at the intersection of Spirit Lake Road and Queens Cove Blvd in Winter Haven.
The crash occurred around 7:30am this morning. According to PCSO one adult person has been killed.
This is a developing story and we will update as more information becomes available.
Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a commercial structure fire at 3619 hey 542 E. in Lakeland. The fire is closing down E. Main St. near Reynolds Rd. The call came in around 2:02pm. According to the initial call a diesel truck inside the structure was on fire. Crews are on scene and Polk County Sheriff’s Office is handling rerouting of traffic. Does not appear any injuries at this time.
We will update if more information becomes available.
(April 11, 2021) – On Saturday, April 10, 2021, at approximately 4:16 p.m., officers from the Lakeland Police Department responded to a residence in the 500 block of West Crawford Street for a report of a missing person. The reportee advised last seeing the victim at 7:00 a.m. when she left to travel out-of-town for the day. According to the reportee, the victim had not responded to texts or calls throughout the day. When the reportee arrived home, the victim was nowhere to be found, and there was blood underneath a vehicle the victim had been working on in the driveway.
Upon a search of the location, officers located the body of the victim, a 42-year-old man, inside another vehicle on the property. The victim was transported to the Medical Examiner’s office, where an exam will be conducted on Monday to confirm his cause of death. No additional details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case should contact Detective Troy Smith at 863.834.8958 or [email protected].
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Duke Energy awards $653,000 in education-related grants in Florida
Grants fund science, technology, engineering and math education and other innovative programs
23 nonprofit organizations to receive awards
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy is investing $653,000 in educational grants to empower students and educators in Florida.
Twenty-three grants, awarded from the Duke Energy Foundation, will enhance educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as diversity, equity and inclusion awareness.
“Building a brighter future begins with providing students with the best education and opportunities for success,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “These grants are an investment in our communities and will strengthen and support those who are educating our next generation.”
Among this year’s recipients is the Pinellas Education Foundation, which received $180,000 in continuing support of the STEM Academy Program. The academy fosters STEM content knowledge and workforce skill development for students in grades 2-12 using an extended school day and summer camp offerings. The program is free and open to any Pinellas County student, focusing on under-represented, low-income and diverse students.
“Engaging students in STEM education at all levels develops strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Stacy Baier, CEO of the Pinellas Education Foundation. “We are grateful to Duke Energy’s investment in afterschool STEM programs, which gives students greater opportunities to learn and explore the intersections of science, technology, engineering and math.”
Grant Recipients, Programs and Awards
Statewide:
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Inc. – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional Development for Florida’s Local Education Foundations ($45,000)
Florida Education Foundation – Florida STEAMposium ($45,000)
Greater Tampa Bay area:
Pinellas Education Foundation – STEM Academy Program ($180,000)
Polk Education Foundation and Business Partnership – Instead of PPE, We’re Focusing on EEE! (Energy, Engineering and Environmental Studies) ($40,000)
Citrus County Education Foundation Inc. – Foundation for Success Projects ($36,000)
Pasco Education Foundation Inc. – Pasco Energy and Marine Center ($25,000)
Young Men’s Christian Association Inc., Citrus County – YMCA Summer Readers Program ($4,000)
Greater Orlando area:
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Inc. – 2021-2022 Teacher Impact Grants Program ($50,000)
Orlando Science Center – Impactful STEM Fieldtrips ($45,000)
Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools – Enhancing STEM Opportunities for Students in Seminole County ($40,000)
Futures Inc. – EnviroSTEM 2022 ($30,000)
A Gift for Teaching – Pencil Boys Program ($10,000)
Educational Foundation of Lake County Inc. – Closing the Equity Gap through Engineering Pathways ($10,000)
Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation – Sumter Vision for Success ($6,000)
Highlands County Education Foundation – STEM Mini-Grants for Energy, Engineering or Environmental Education ($5,000)
Orange County Library System – Summer Reading Program Outreach to Overcome COVID Divide ($5,000)
Greater Tallahassee/Gainesville area:
Public Education Foundation of Marion County – Every Cloud has a Silver Lining ($20,000)
Education Foundation of Gulf County Inc. – Supercharged STEM: Advanced Drone Construction ($12,000)
Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education – Science STEMulation ($10,000)
Levy County Schools Foundation Inc. – Bridging the Gap ($10,000)
The Education Foundation of Alachua County Inc. – Take Stock Summer Engineering Camp ($9,000)
Jefferson County Education Foundation – Energizing Education for Everyone ($8,000)
Lafayette Penny Foundation Inc. – Science is Growing! ($8,000)
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.
Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Update Monday Afternoon: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the body floating in a Winter Haven canal. The body is of a local homeless man. The Sheriff’s office does not believe the death to be suspicious. An exact cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Original Article
Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are investigating a body found, early Sunday morning, floating in a Winter Haven Canal. The body was apparently found by local fishermen. According to the sheriff’s office it was floating in the canal between Lake Shipp & Lake Lulu near 7th St.
This is a developing situation and we will update as more information is available.
POLK COUNTY NON-PROFIT HOSTS 10 STORY CHALLENGE ON APRIL 16 & 17
Pace Center for Girls Polk invites residents to rappel down the Lakeland Electric Building
WHAT: Pace Center for Girls, Polk, a non-profit which serves girls at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system, invites the public to participate in its two-day fundraising event, the 10 Story Challenge. Anyone can sign up as an “edger” to rappel 10 stories down Lakeland’s tallest building, the Lakeland Electric Building. Community members are invited to attend and sponsor a family member, friend or colleague to participate in the challenge. A live DJ and local food truck favorite Drica’s coffee will be part of the event.
WHEN: April 16 starting at 3:00 p.m. & April 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Lakeland Electric Building located at 501 E Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33801
WHO: The Ten Story Challenge will feature prominent community members and leaders rappelling down the Lakeland Electric Building on Friday April 16th at 3pm including:
MAYOR of Lakeland, Bill Mutz and his wife, Pam Mutz and MARY MARX- President & CEO Pace Center for Girls
WHY: For 35 years, Pace Center for Girls has impacted the lives of more than 40,000 girls and young women by helping them overcome past trauma to create a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. For over 20 years, Pace Polk has contributed to the success of girls with a gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to serving and growing more than 1,2000 young ladies throughout Polk county.
For more information about the Summit, please visit https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/polk/pace-polk-ten-story-challenge
For more information about Pace Center for Girls, please visit www.pacecenter.org.
About Pace Center for Girls
Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville, Florida, Pace Center for Girls serves more than 3,000 vulnerable girls annually in Florida and Georgia. Pace has received national recognition for its research-based and gender responsive model of program delivery, including academic support, counseling, and life-skills training. Learn more at PaceCenter.org.
