PCSO is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in
unincorporated Lakeland
On April 12, 2021, at around 10:10 p.m., deputies responded
to a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on C.R. 540A east of Park Lane in
unincorporated Lakeland. The crash killed 28-year-old Brient Ashley of
Lakeland.
Ashley was the driver of a blue 2005 Yamaha motorcycle.
The second vehicle in the crash was a silver 2008 Honda
motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Dakota McClellan of Lakeland.
According to the preliminary investigation so far, Ashley
and McClellan were driving westbound on C.R. 540A, side-by-side and in
different lanes. Ashley was driving in the inside lane; McClellan was in the
outside lane. As the motorcycles approached the intersection of C.R.540A and
Park Lane, Ashley changed to the outside lane. Both motorcycles were occupying
the same lane.
For unknown reasons, Ashley lost control of his motorcycle
and impacted the raised concrete curb on the north side of the road. His
motorcycle rotated and traveled off of the road before impacting a concrete
utility pole causing the motorcycle to break apart.
McClellan’s motorcycle was struck by debris from the crash
causing him to lose control of the motorcycle and slide approximately 50 feet.
Ashley died at the scene.
McClellan suffered minor injuries and was transported to a
local hospital.
At the time of the crash, both drivers were wearing helmets.
Neither Ashely nor McClellan had motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s
licenses.
The roadway was closed approximately 4 hours during the
investigation. This investigation is ongoing.
SB 72 Provides COVID Liability Protection to Local Businesses
by Kevin Kieft, President/CEO, Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and EDC
COVID-19 has hit the world very hard from a health standpoint and from a business standpoint. As we continue to modify how we do business we must examine new protections that need to be enacted.
Complicating matters further is the ever-looming threat of potential litigation. Even with many businesses going above and beyond to comply with state, local, and CDC guidelines concerning COVID-19, a customer could still claim to have contracted the virus from their establishment and file a lawsuit against them.
Fortunately, new legislation has been passed that will provide much-needed protection to local businesses against such frivolous litigation, all while balancing out consumer rights by ensuring that customers have their health and safety protected during these most uncertain times.
COVID-19 Liability Protections, SB 72, according to a recent newsletter from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, “provides liability protections for businesses, educational institutions, and health care facilities that have substantially complied with governmental health and safety guidelines to keep employees, customers, and patients safe.”
Essentially, this new bill ensures that businesses that remain faithfully compliant with all local, state, and CDC guidelines concerning COVID-19 cannot be held accountable for frivolous litigation. As long as you and your business obey the rules by wearing masks, enforcing proper social distancing, and maintaining maximum cleanliness, you cannot be held accountable for a customer claiming to have contracted the virus from your establishment.
More than 100 local chambers have joined the Florida Chamber’s COVID Liability Protection Coalition to help ensure that this important piece of legislation passed in Florida. We are happy to say that the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce is one of those chambers.
As a Chamber of Commerce, we are looking out for the interest of local businesses and the good faith actors that are trying to do everything right. After we read the final draft of SB 72 and learned how it will protect businesses and allow them to stay open, that is why we got involved.
As a Chamber, we considered SB 72 a good step to protect our businesses who remain commited to doing things the right way. If they are following the right guidelines, they are protected. It offers peace of mind, ensuring your business will not get sued frivolously over someone getting sick in your store.
Without this protection, businesses would remain open to frivolous litigation. So, it is really protection, much like insurance. You will not be taken advantage of. You will not be singled out. That is why we promoted it and signed on as a supporter with the Florida Chamber to get it passed.
Of course, we wanted to make sure that this legislation balanced the rights of business owners with consumer rights. We don’t want customers contracting the virus from negligent businesses any more than we want complaint businesses to fall prey to predatory lawsuits.
For that reason, we are proud that this bill protects businesses that comply with all necessary guidelines and weeds out bad actors who take risks with the health and safety of their employees or customers. Simply put, as long as you are obeying the rules, you have new protections to remain open and employ Floridians.
Our mission as a chamber is to support business. We are a sounding block for business. We are a clearinghouse for local business. We will always stick up for our local businesses and our business members. For that reason, we supported this effort.
From the chamber side, we appreciate all the consumers and businesses and all the people who are working with all our businesses during this tough time. Today’s workers are trying to make a living and make their lives easier with what they are told to do, and by doing so, we can all get through this together.
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.
