On Tuesday, January 28th, FHP Troopers located the suspected hit-and-run vehicle involved in the fatal January 24th crash. The black 2024 Tesla Model X was recovered at a residence in Manatee County. Troopers continue to investigate the incident; additional details will be released as they become available.
—————
A Lakeland man was struck and killed on the side of I-275 while changing a flat tire Friday evening. It was a hit-and-run and troopers are still searching for the vehicle involved.
FHP Troopers have narrowed the search for the suspect vehicle to a 2021 or newer Tesla Model X, dark in color, likely black or gray.
The Tesla will likely display damage to the front and/or front-right portion of the vehicle. The Model X is outfitted with gull-wing doors.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
An 18 year-old Winter Haven man has been arresting in the shooting death of a 17 year-old on Monday. Devonta Tremaine Washington, Jr. was arrested on Tuesday (1-28-25) and charged with Second Degree Murder after he told investigators that he was instrumental in arranging a robbery attempt of the victim, who was ultimately shot and left in the grass at the Abbey Lane Apartments.
On 1-27-25 at approximately 1 p.m., Washington and one other male were at the apartments when the victim arrived in a Kia Sole driven by an 18 year-old male. Washington and another male (who ultimately was the victim who was shot and killed) entered the vehicle to reportedly purchase a cell phone from the driver. A physical altercation ensued and the decedant began striking the driver with the butt of a gun. The driver exited the vehicle and entered the back seat firing a weapon striking the decedent. He pushed the gunshot victim out of the vehicle and left the area. Washington fled on foot running through the apartment complex and an adjacent neighborhood. Detectives identified Washington as one of the males who came from inside of the apartment and made contact with him by phone to arrange an interview at the police department. Through the interview, he recounted the incident to include that he called to arrange for the transaction of the supposed sale of the cell phone. The decedent had informed Washington that he was “probably” going to rob the victim and wanted Washington to come along in case anything were to happen. Based on this statement, Washington was aware that an armed robbery was going to occur involving two firearms. Results of the interviews with a witness who was inside the vehicle, the victim of the robbery and Washington himself, Washington was charged with one count of Second Degree Murder, one count of Robbery with a Firearm, one count of Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence.
—————
EDITED TO ADD- There has been some confusion on an active scene at both Abbey Lane Apartments in Winter Haven AND a clinic in Dundee.
Winter Haven Police Department has confirmed that this is ONE incident. The investigation is covering more than just Abbey Lane. More details to come.
—————
UPDATE
Winter Haven Police Department has released more information regarding today’s incident:
Winter Haven Police are on scene at the Abbey Lane Apartments investigating a shooting that resulted in one person succumbing from a gunshot wound. Detectives are currently interviewing the suspect. There is no danger to the public. This is very early on in the investigation and additional information is not available at this time. Updates will be sent when information becomes available.
—————
Original post:
We are aware of an incident that has occurred in Winter Haven at the Abbey Lane Apartments. Winter Haven Police are on scene. There is also police presence near the Walk-in Clinic at 28295 US-27 Dundee, which is related to the scene at the Abbey Lane Apartments.
Several readers reached out to us about the unfolding incident and we contacted Winter Haven Police Department for details but they are limited at this time.
Jamie Brown, Winter Haven Public Safety Department’s Public Information Officer released the following statement: “We have an initial call but are investigating and have no information to release as of yet.”
A Dundee man was arrested Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, after he crashed his vehicle into a deputy’s patrol car that was stopped with its emergency lights activated.
The deputy was stopped in front of Miracle Toyota on US 27 in Haines City, to assist with a disabled vehicle.
At about 12:50 am, a red Toyota Tacoma pickup truck crashed into the driver’s side of the deputy’s patrol car while the deputy was sitting in the driver’s seat.
The driver of the Tacoma was identified as 53-year old Justin Watkins of Dundee.
Deputies at the scene said that Watkins had bloodshot, watery eyes, smelled of alcohol, and stumbled as a he walked.
Watkins was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and taken to the Polk County Jail.
At the jail, Watkins provided two breath samples which showed him to have a breath-alcohol content of 0.189g/210L and 0.192g/210L.
Justin Watkins was charged with DUI higher than 0.15, DUI with Property Damage, and Possession of more than one Florida Driver’s License.
Past Times Lounge Receives 58th AED Donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
by James Coulter
Cindy Shaw, owner of Past Times Lounge in Winter Haven, was honored to receive an automated external defibrillator donated by the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) last October.
Wanting to return the favor, Shaw decided to “pay it forward” by having an AED donated to another local business, Jessie’s Lounge. The AED was given and installed at the local bar on Tuesday evening.
“I chose Jessie’s Lounge for my ‘pay it forward’ because of myfriendship [with the owner] and my respect for her as a business woman,” Shaw said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in providing this life-saving equipment and would encourage anyone who wishes to support a well-deserving cause to please consider Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation.”
Jessie Scubna, owner of Jessie’s Lounge, was honored, not only to receive such a lifesaving emergency device, but also to have received it through a generous donation from another local bar owner.
“We feel very fortunate to be chosen as a pay it forward location,” Scubna said. “Cindy Shaw from Past Time Lounge is one of the sweetest and most generous people in the business. She has always run a very successful and no-nonsense bar. It’s the Cheers of Winter Haven!”
Jessie knows all too well the importance of having such an emergency lifesaving device handy. Several years ago, at her bar, a friend suffered a heart attack and only had their life saved because another friend and customer administered CPR.
“Being witness to this, I realized how much pressure and strength it takes to perform CPR properly,” she said. “The AED offers a solution to those unable to perform CPR with the strength it takes to do it properly. I hope to God we never have to use the defibrillator but [I am] grateful…[for the] very generous donation.”
Scubna has also been a good friend of Melanie Brown Culpepper, the founder of CCF, a local non-profit organization dedicated to raising proceeds to donate AEDs to local businesses across Polk County. She has supported and been involved with many of Melanie’s efforts. She knows Melanie has a heart for Polk County, so anyway Jessie can help out is more than enough for her.
“As long as I’ve known Melanie she has put others before herself,” Scubna said. “She is always the first to help someone in need even when she doesn’t have the time she somehow finds it. I’m not sure if she knows how to say no. She is involved in many organizations and fundraising efforts that help our local community. It takes a lot of time and hard work to do what she does and she does it without even thinking twice.”
Melanie started CCF nearly four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who had suffered cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her organization to raise proceeds to install AEDs across the county.
Since its inception, CCF has donated more than 50 AEDs to local businesses including Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay. Being able to do so much good, even after so many bad things have happened to her, has been quite the inspiration to others.
“Even in Melanie’s time of need and grief she was able to find a way to help others,” Scubna said. “She is truly an inspiration and angel to so many people! She’s not only helping to save life’s by getting these defibrillators out to as many people as possible but she is also bringing people together and building community through her efforts.”
“Melanie is by far the most kind and generous person I have had the pleasure of knowing,” Shaw said. “I admire her dedication to this cause and will support her and her foundation any way I can in the future.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident in Frostproof Monday afternoon. According to information, gathered by Lake Wales Daily, the accident occurred at 4:37pm. The crash involved an Elite Medical Transport and a small white car. The accident occurred at the intersection of CR630/Fort Meade Rd. and Par Dr.
Vehicle involved in accident. Right front is damaged.
According to initial information one person was transported for treatment.
File Photo of Elite Medical Transport Ambulance
The roadway was partially blocked for about an hour.
Winter Haven Wolverines Youth Sports League Honored at City Hall
by James Coulter
The Winter Haven Wolverines Youth Sports League had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments over the past season during the recent city commission meeting.
At their scheduled meeting on Mon. Jan. 13, the Winter Haven City Commission was visited by representatives, coaches, and athletes from the Winter Haven Wolverines Youth Sports League.
Angela Tutson alongside President of the Wolverines Bernita Riley took to the podium that evening to address the commissioners and tell them of the many accomplishments achieved during their seasons these past two years.
In 2023, the flag football team, under head coach Desory Black, won the Super Bowl in Daytona Beach, Fl, while the senior level won as runners-up.
Also that year, Tamara Thurman and all five levels of coaches won first place at the MidFlorida cheerleading competition in Kissimmee, Fl. The junior level also won as grand champions at the Spirit Championship Competition and Best of the Bay Championship in Tampa, FL.
The next year, on Oct. 19 2024, all levels of the cheer team, under cheer coordinator Charlese Riley, won the MidFloridaCheer Competition in Poinciana, FL, coming in first place and being awarded the grand champion in all levels.
The Baby Wolverines won first place and were named grand champions at the Spirit Championships held at Polk State College on Nov. 17, 2024. The Mighty Might Wolverines won second place, Elite Wolverines won first place and grand champions also, and the Winter Haven Wolverines overall won as the most spirited group.
The Lady Wolverines continued and went on to compete in Tampa, Fl on December 8th, 2024 at Showcase of Champions with Spirit Championships and won first place and grand champions
Also in 2024, all levels of the football division advanced to the second round of playoffs, which was held in Rockledge, Fl on Nov. 22.
Recently, both the flag football team, under coach Terel Farlow, and the senior team, under coach Ted Sharp Jr, won the MidFlorida Super Bowl Championship in New Smyrna Beach on Nov. 11, 2024.
On Dec. 7 through 14, the flag football team, under coach Black, won the national championship title at the United Youth Football League.
The representatives, coaches, and athletes in attendance received applause and had a group picture taken.
“We are proud of our cultures and the children we serve in this community and their accomplishments,” Angela Tutson said. “We wanted to share with the City of Winter Haven, who we represent at the Northeast Complex. We want to thank you, the city leadership, for giving us the opportunity to serve the Youth in our community.”
Part of my new year resolution this year is to cut back on fast food. As such, I’ve been preparing most of my meals at home.
For lunch, this often involves making mostly sandwiches. Sandwiches prepared from cold cut lunch meats are good. But nothing beats a good tuna melt or chicken salad sandwich.
It’s simple, of course. But my secret is to add a little punch to my salad with a few sprinkles of curry powder and a small pinch of chili powder. A little really goes a long way with flavor.
Otherwise, this recipe is what you would come to expect from chicken salad: mayonnaise, carrots, celery, pickles and relish. If you’re feeling adventurous, add diced apple or raisins.
Of course, you can always substitute the chicken with tuna. Or, if you’re looking for a vegetarian/vegan option, try a can of chickpeas slightly cooked and mashed. Add some mashed avocado for an extra veggie boost.
****
Chicken Salad Sandwich
12.5 oz. can chunk chicken breast
3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1-2 teaspoons mustard, yellow or brown
1-2 tablespoons relish
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1-2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1. Combine ingredients into bowl and stir together until mixed.
2. Scoop several tablespoons of salad onto bread, toasted or untoasted. Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles
On Monday, January 27, 2025, a traffic collision reportedly involving a motorcycle was reported at 11:00 a.m. at or near the intersection of Scenic Hwy. N. and Hwy. 640.
The accident reportedly involves a motorcycle vs. vehicle, with rollover and heavy damage.
Expect significant road blockage and heavy presence of first responders.
UPDATE: 1/27/25, 11:55 a.m.: Katelyn Hoverkamp, public information officer at Polk County Fire Rescue, says PCFR crews were dispatched at 11:06 a.m. to a traffic collision reported at the Scenic Hwy N/Hwy 640 intersection in Lake Wales.
“Upon PCFR’s arrival at 11:06 a.m., crews located three patients. While on scene, two of those patients were evaluated and declined medical transport. The third patient involved was transported from the scene via AirCare.,” says Hoverkamp.
“No additional injuries were reported. No additional patients were transported.”
UPDATE 1/27/25 12:24 p.m.:
Hoverkamp provides this secondary update:
“Three total patients were transported from the scene. One patient was transported via AirCare upon PCFR’s initial arrival.
“The two patients who declined seeking further medical evaluation when PCFR crews were on scene initially, requested for Polk County Fire Rescue crews to return back and then the two additional patients were transported via ambulance for further evaluation from the scene.”
Avoid this area if possible. This article will be updated when receive additional information from law enforcement.
Hwy. 60 E from the county line at 9:15 a.m. Photo provided by D. Mixon
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a traffic collision was reported around 7:38 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 on Hwy. 60 and Peavine Rd, near Kenansville. The crash is in Osceola County, east of Polk.
Video provided by D. Mixon
FHP’s website denotes that there are injuries and road blockage as a result of the crash.
To help facilitate its growing workload and the implementation of new initiatives, the Lake Wales Economic Development Council (EDC) is seeking an increase of $50,000 from the city to help hire an additional staff member.
At their workshop on Jan. 15, 2025, , Lake Wales city commissioners were presented with a request by City Manager James Slaton for an increase of $50,000 to the EDC’s contract to help hire a new staff member.
Skip Alford, Chamber of Commerce and EDC, explained that the new hire would be “crucial for the EDC to effectively carry out its mission and achieve its goals in the coming years,” according to City Clerk Jennifer Nanek in the agenda minutes.
Mayor Jack Hilligoss inquired about the specific amount of $50,000 and how those funds would be utilized. Alford answered that the $50,000 would go toward hiring the new staff member, specifically with the credentials of “strong project management skills.”
Alford also explained that a portion of those funds would go towards “minor building maintenance and upkeep, such as addressing unforeseen issues like the damaged oak tree.”
As Nanek wrote: “Mr. Alford emphasized that the primary focus of the budget increase is to enhance the EDC’s staffing capacity and improve its ability to effectively pursue economic development opportunities.”
The current EDC budget, according to Hilligoss, consists of $125,000 from the City and $31,000 from partner contributions. He asked if the partners could potentially help contribute to the fund increase.
Alford replied that, while “partner contributions have increased slightly”, he had not yet approached them to request an increase in contributions.
Commissioner Keith Thompson expressed skepticism about the city funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the EDC. He inquired about alternative funding models like matching grant programs and other models that “encourage self-sufficiency and minimize the city’s long-term financial commitment.”
Another concern he had, as Nanek wrote, was the “need for clear, measurable outcomes and a focus on long-term sustainability.” He stated that the EDC “should focus on quantifiable results, such as job creation and economic growth, to justify its funding requests.”
