LAKELAND, FL(February 2, 2021) – Lakeland Police are currently investigating a
shooting that took place near the 1500 block of Fairbanks Street. Officers were
dispatched to the location around 6:30 am this morning, and upon arrival, they
found an adult male had been shot. He was transported to Lakeland Regional
Health with serious injuries. Detectives have detained a person related to the
shooting.
No additional details
are available at this time. An update will be provided as soon as possible.
LAKELAND, FL(February 1, 2021) – Lakeland Police have made an arrest in the
felony battery of a convenience store employee that took place on Friday, January
29, 2021. Mandel Baker, age 35, has been charged with Felony Battery with Great
Bodily Harm.
On Friday, January 29, 2021, at approximately 5:36 p.m., officers
were called to the Food Mart/Mobil Gas Station, located at 1615 West Memorial
Boulevard. Inside they found an adult male motionless on the floor with a
laceration to the head. According to a witness, a man, later identified as
Baker, had been in the store just prior asking for cigarettes. Baker had asked
the store clerk to give him cigarettes for payment at a later date. The clerk
denied Baker’s request. Baker then approached another store employee with the
same request, and he was denied again. Baker then ran toward the employee
punching him in the face. The victim, age 58, fell back and hit his head on the
hard floor surface, sustaining critical life-threatening injuries. He was
transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment. At last update, the
victim remains in critical condition.
Using surveillance footage and citizen tips submitted through
Crime Stoppers Florida, Baker was identified and arrested on Saturday, January
30, 2021. Baker’s booking information can be found at https://www.polksheriff.org/inmate-profile/2103567
If you have additional information related to this case, please
contact Detective Biko Duhaney at [email protected] or (863) 834-5918. Or if you wish to
remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone
or tablet.
You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime
Stoppers, and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to
an arrest.
The name of victim is
being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
The Polk County
Sheriff’s Office arrested an employee of the Polk County School Board on Sunday
afternoon, January 31, 2021, after she was involved in a single-vehicle crash
near Lake Wales.
Amy Steele, 45, of
Lake Wales, crashed a black 2012
Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck into a barbed wire fence at 5571 Lake Mabel
Loop Road at around 4:03 PM. She was not injured.
Ms. Steele is currently
employed by the Polk County School Board in the Curriculum and Instruction Department
as a Social Science Coach.
“Educators need to
conduct themselves in a manner which sets a good example to children. That’s
the expectation we have for our firefighters, people in the medical field,
politicians, clergy, and of course, law enforcement. Thankfully, this was not a
serious crash, but the issue of driving while impaired is still a very serious
problem.” – Grady Judd,
Sheriff
According to the
arrest affidavit, the deputy who responded to the crash, reported that she
smelled the odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Ms. Steele, whose eyes
looked bloodshot and watery.
A Field Sobriety Test
resulted with the determination that Ms. Steele was impaired, and had been
driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. She was arrested and
transported to the Polk County Jail, where she was charged with Driving
Under the Influence with Property Damage (M1).
Ms. Steele provided
two breath samples, .183 and .178 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. A
person is in violation if their breath sample results in 0.08 or more grams of
alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
Please direct any
inquiries regarding Amy Steele’s employment to the Polk County School Board.
Eleventh suspect arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s
Office in Covid-19 Benefits fraud investigation
Following Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s news
conference on Friday, January 29, 2021, which announced the arrest of ten
suspects who defrauded the Polk Cares program to financially assist those who
have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, an eleventh suspect turned himself
in for also trying to defraud the program.
Saget Genoret, 33, of Lakeland, applied for the $2,000
benefit by submitting a fraudulent letter from his employer, Publix, that
indicated his hours were cut due to the pandemic. Genoret received a $2,000
check from the Polk Cares program.
Saget Genoret was arrested and charged on Friday with
Scheme to Defraud(F3), Grand Theft(F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID(F3).
“Fraud detectives have other suspects on their
radar. There are more applications that were submitted and are being
investigated. It would behoove anyone who attempted to rip off this program to
do as Saget Genoret did, and to turn yourself in.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
The Polk Cares program received funding from the Federal CARES Act, and was created to provide financial assistance toward rent, utilities, or other housing expenses, to anyone in the county who has lost their job or had their hours reduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
We interrupt this program with breaking news: robots have been sighted marching towards Bartow. From iron giants to droids and Daleks, these mechanical marvels and menaces are making their way downtown. Sources claim they will be assembling along Main Street for the annual SyFy Bartow on Feb. 20, 2021, from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Despite these uncertain times, the eighth annual outdoor sci-fi event will go on as scheduled this year with more than 100 vendors showcasing memorabilia for comic books, video games, and other sci-fi geek-related properties.
Whether you prefer Star Trek or Star Wars, Marvel or DC, Game of Thrones or Harry Potter, if you are a member of any fandom, you are sure to find something that appeals to you at the annual outdoor convention. Participating in this year’s event areguests including Robert Robinson, author of “Legend Tripper,”and Mark Muncy, author of “Eerie Florida.”
The annual SyFy Car Show will also be hosted this year in conjunction with the main event. Dozens of cars will be on display, many inspired by fictional vehicles such as Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, Back To The Future’s DeLorean, and even a giant replica of a Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galactica.
More than merely serving as a gathering place for geeks and fans of all sorts, SyFy Bartow also serves as a fundraiser for Main Street Bartow, Inc. Many local eateries and shops will also remain open and participating, allowing attendees to peruse and support local businesses.
“It is all about bringing awareness to Main Street Bartow,” said Sean Serdynski, event host and organizer. “People have beenstruggling through the COVID year, along with our main street businesses. We are trying to bring them a little light because this is one of the biggest events that Bartow hosts.”
Main Street Bartow, which helps host the event, hosts many others throughout the year, including the upcoming Jeepin’ With Judd, the annual Fall Festival, and monthly Third Fridays. To help promote Third Fridays, SyFy Bartow will be hosting a special Friday Night event on Feb. 19 with live entertainment, vendors, and social distance-friendly activities.
The biggest challenge hosting this year’s event, no doubt, will be ensuring the health and safety of attendees during the current COVID-19 crisis. Special precautions will be taken, including hand sanitizer stations, mask requirements for vendors, and booths socially-distanced.
Because of the cancelations of events over the past year, and with this event being the biggest of the year, SyFy Bartow will be the example that all other events will follow in the coming year, Sean said.
Typically SyFy Bartow draws in more than 30,000 with nearly 170 vendors; however, due to the current situation, necessarydownsizes had to be made for the event, though hopes remain high that it will still draw in sizeable crowds.
“A lot of people plan to come to this event, and I am expecting it to be large as well because everyone has been cooped up and looking for something to do,” Sean said.
Sean especially loves the car show, as it helps draw in an equally sizeable crowd, especially due to all of the themed cars and replicas of fictional vehicles such as Doctor Who’s Tardis and the Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee. Usually, nearly 150 vehicles are displayed each year, though their numbers have since been downsized to 75 to maintain safety guidelines.
“I call the car show the heart of SyFy Bartow because everyone loves a good car show, and we do not have regular cars…That has been my favorite part of the event,” he said.
SyFy Bartow will be hosted in Downtown Bartow on Feb. 20 from 11 AM to 6 PM For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/syfybartow
Mary N. Campbell Resource Center Celebrates Family Fun Day
by James Coulter
Chances are you’ve probably never heard of the Mary N. Campbell Resource Center. Even Lake Wales residents who live nearby have hardly heard of it. That’s why this small community center near Hunt Brothers Road hosted its Family Fun Day.
The Mary N. Campbell Resource Center in Lake Wales showcased its facility and its many resources and programs, all while offering fun activities and games for local families, during its special event last Saturday.
Local children and their families had the opportunity to create arts and crafts, play games and win prizes, enjoy a free hot dog lunch, and dance along to music during this most special day.
Several “creation stations” were set up to allow young attendees to paint door knockers, craft Valentine’s Day cards, and plant a seed in a pot. After exerting their energy with various fun and games, they and their family could eat a free lunch with hot dogs, potato chips, and soft drinks.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also attended to promote their services in the local community. The community center also promoted several of its programs, including its literacy program by offering free books.
The Mary N. Campbell Resource Center offers a diverse selection of services to the local community. Visitors are free to use their computers, phones, and copy machines, and they can even rent a room for events such as parties and other social gatherings.
The community center also offers after school programs to young children and GED and ESOL programs for older residents seeking to obtain their high school diploma and further their education and careers.
“We are trying to reach out to the community and make [ourselves] known,” said Josh Wood, center coordinator. “I don’t know if a lot of people know if we are back here in this area. We are a public community center, trying to reach out, let people know that we are here and that we offer services.”
The Family Fun Day drew in a decent turnout of at least 120 attendees by noon. This was the first event that the center hosted for quite some time, especially in light of these uncertain times, Wood said.
“We are feeling what the community wants,” he said. “We are serving [them] and going to reflect on what we can offer…and reach out to the community and see what we can cater to this area,” he said.
One program they promoted through the event was their literacy program, which helps residents obtain their GED. Several English classes are hosted in the morning and afternoon as well.
Ashely Perez has been serving as a volunteer for the program for several years. She has family and friends who did not have the opportunity to finish high school, and she wanted to do what she could to help complete their education.
“I came to this program to help them achieve their dreams,” she said. “This is a great event for people to be with family and opportunities to be with other people and have fun. I like to help other people get their diploma or have a chance to reach their potential.”
The Mary N. Campbell Resource Center is located at 2226 Karen St, Lake Wales, FL 33898. For more information, call 863-679-4335.
Winter Haven Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver of a hit and run vehicle that left a local man with serious injuries.
On January 29, 2021 at approximately 4:25 p.m., an adult male was on the side of the roadway near 1203 5th St SE in Winter Haven. The man started to cross the roadway when a blue Toyota CHR struck the victim. The vehicle should have significant damage to the front passenger bumper and fender.
The car is seen stopping briefly and then taking off without checking on the victim. The victim was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Anyone with information on this crash or the whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to call Sgt. Mike Lango at 863-291-5733 or the on-call supervisor at 863-401-2256. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
What do red shoes, a red mask, plaid undergarmets and a white jeep have in common? The guy in this video.
He visited Walart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 around 11:50 a.m. He proceeds to select two Jetson Rave Hoverboards and a soundbar – all totaling $454.
He makes his way to the Garden Center, goes to the outside area and takes off through the gate. An awaitging white four-door jeep swiftly takes him away heading north on 5th St.
Do you recognize him? Give Detective Sgt. Hall a call at 863-291-5736.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred just after midnight on Sunday, January 31, 2021, near Mulberry that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy and the arrest of one of the drivers for DUI manslaughter and other charges.
The crash occurred at about 12:22 AM, on State Road 60 at Coronet Road.
When deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene, they found Joel Orozco unresponsive in the median of the highway. The boy was airlifted to St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa where he died of his injuries.
Another child, 14-year-old Angel Orozco of Plant City, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for a broken collar bone, and was treated and released.
42-year-old Andres Orozco of Wauchula, was transported to Lakeland Regional Heath with a broken neck and broken leg, and is listed in critical but stable condition.
The driver of the other vehicle, 30-year-old Mario Martinez of Mulberry, was treated and released at Lakeland Regional Health for a broken leg. He was then arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with DUI Manslaughter, DUI Crash with Serious Injury-2 counts, DUI, and Driving without a Valid License.
The roadway was shut down for approximately five hours while the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit was investigating at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Orozco was driving a red 1997 Nissan pickup truck and pulling a trailer. Mr. Martinez was operating a white 2014 Toyota Corolla.
Mr. Orozco’s truck was travelling south on Coronet Road while Mr. Martinez’s Corolla was going west on SR 60 in the outside lane.
The pickup truck pulled into the intersection and into the path of the Corolla, which had the right-of-way.
Upon impact, Mr. Orozco and Joel Orozco were ejected from the truck, and the Corolla caught on fire. Bystanders pulled Angel Orozco from the truck.
It was determined that none of the Orozcos were wearing their seatbelts, but Mr. Martinez had been.
Starting next week, CSX Transportation will close a number or railroad crossings in Winter Haven for necessary repair and maintenance. The crossings, which will close for 2-5 days, include: • Pollard Road off Eloise Loop Road, closing Tuesday, Feb.2, 2021 at 7 p.m. and will remain closed for about 24 to 36 hours depending on conditions. • Eagle Lake Loop Road E – CR 540A, between Pollard Road and Berry Road, closing on/around 2/3/21 • American Superior Boulevard between Snively Avenue and Hoover Road, closing on/around 2/3/21 • 15th St SW between Roselawn Street SW and Foxbriar Boulevard, closing on/around 2/3/21 • Coleman Road between Recker Highway and Avenue E SW, closing on/around 2/3/21 Timing and duration of closure may change based on weather and work progress. Motorists are advised to follow detours, drive carefully, and allow for extra drive-time. Due to longstanding statutory entitlements, CSX has considerable authority to close their crossings along public and private roadways. These improvements will create safer driving conditions once completed. To report a railroad crossing issue or complaint, call CSX at 1-800-232-0144, email [email protected], or contact Angela with Southern Commercial Development at 803-808-3600.
