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“Rise Of The Robots” Coming To SyFy Bartow 2021

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“Rise Of The Robots” Coming To SyFy Bartow 2021

“Rise Of The Robots” Coming To SyFy Bartow 2021

by James Coulter

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

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Mary N. Campbell Resource Center Celebrates Family Fun Day

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 Looking For Hit and Run Driver

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Winter Haven Police Looking For Hit and Run Driver

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

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.

a car parked on the side of the street

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.

Man Steals Hoverboards and Soundbar From Walmart

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Man Steals Hoverboards and Soundbar From Walmart

Winter Haven Police Department

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.

12 Yr Old Boy Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver Saturday Night In Polk County

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12 Yr Old Boy Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver Saturday Night In Polk County

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.

This crash remains under investigation.

Railroad Crossings in Winter Haven To Be Closed For Repairs and Maintenance

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Railroad Crossings in Winter Haven To Be Closed For Repairs and Maintenance

City of Winter Haven:

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.

Lake Wales Man Killed in Head-On Collision Near Haines City

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Lake Wales Man Killed in Head-On Collision Near Haines City

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday morning, January 29, 2021 near Haines City.

One of the drivers, 32-year-old Francisco Roman of Lake Wales, was fatally injured in the crash, and died after being transported to Lakeland Regional Health.

The other driver involved, 29-year-old Eric McClellan of Davenport, was treated at the scene for minor pain.

The head-on collision happened on Old Polk City Road, about a mile east of Country Road 557, at around 5:15 AM.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Roman was driving east in a black 2007 Lexus IS250, and Mr. McClellan was driving west in a black 2012 Ford F-150.

While travelling through a curve in the road, Mr. Roman’s Lexus entered into the westbound lane. The passenger side of the Lexus struck the passenger side of Mr. McClellan’s Ford, causing both vehicles to spin, with the Ford rolling onto its roof.

Both drivers were wearing their safety belts at the time of the crash.

Old Polk City Road was closed for about four hours.

Criminal charges are not anticipated, but the investigation is ongoing.

10 Suspects Arrested for Fraudulently Obtaining Federal CARES Act Money from Polk County

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10 Suspects Arrested for Fraudulently Obtaining Federal CARES Act Money from Polk County
Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests ten for defrauding CARES Act Covid-19 program created to assist residents with rent, utilities, and housing costs
Ten people were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, January 28, 2021 following an investigation of suspicious aid applications. The investigation focused on fraudulent activity to deprive money from Polk Cares, a county program started under the Federal CARES Act which assists residents struggling to pay for rent, utilities, and other housing costs, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

To be eligible for the assistance, several criteria must be met, one of which is that applicants had to provide a letter from their employer which detailed how the employee lost their job or had their hours cut due to the pandemic. Those who qualified for assistance would then receive a one-time payment of $2,000.00.  

During the application process, numerous suspected fraudulent applications were set aside and turned over to the PCSO.

The applications were scrutinized and it was determined that a number of the employer letters were forged. Companies and people whose signatures appeared on suspicious letters were contacted and the letters were confirmed to be fraudulently created and used. Among those arrested were grocery store employees, restaurant managers, a para educator, and a Licensed Practical Nurse. Some of the suspects were already receiving some form of government assistance.  Nine of the ten arrested were employed and/or did not have their hours reduced due to Covid-19.  

“The Polk Cares program was designed to provide help to people in our community because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our investigation is covered people using fraudulent means to help themselves to some of that money. It is important that these kinds of government assistance programs have integrity. We will continue to investigate those who want to take advantage of programs designed to help those in need.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff  

The Federal CARES Act was put into place to assist citizens who lost their jobs or had their hours significantly cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Polk County was allotted $126 Million dollars for the citizens of Polk County. The BOCC took a portion of the money and created a Polk Cares website portal for people to apply online for a one-time payment of $2,000 to assist with rent/mortgage and bills while out of work or had hours cut. Additionally, the program was expanded to also offer $2,000 for the senior population experiencing an increase in expenses due to COVID.   

The Polk Cares website had the following criteria of eligibility:
·       Applicant must be a resident of Polk County
·       Applicant must submit a valid Florida DL or government-issued ID,
and SSN
·       Applicant must submit mortgage and/or utility statement ·       Applicant must show a verifiable loss or reduction in income related
to COVID-19, such as furlough, lay-off letter from employer, or
underemployment statements
·       Applicant must not have received other COVID-19 assistance for
rent, mortgage, or utility payments.
·       Limited to one per household

The ten suspects arrested were:  

Brittany Capers, 27, of Lakeland– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). Capers was receiving unemployment benefits at the time of her arrest.  

Ebony Chaney, 34, of Lake Wales- Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud (F2), Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), Cheating/Gross Fraud (F3). Chaney was receiving food stamps at the time of her arrest.  

Ermanne Henry, 43, of Lakeland– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3).  

Mervin Suttle, 36, of Bartow– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). Suttle was receiving food stamps and unemployment at the time of his arrest.

Patricia Taylor, 38, of Lakeland– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). She was employed as an LPN at a nursing home.  

Phyllis Tirado, 49, of Lake Wales– Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud (F2), Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), and Cheating/Gross Fraud (F3). Tirado did not receive any money, but provided a fraudulent document to an employee.  

Takila McBurrows, 36, of Lake Wales– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). McBurrows was receiving food stamps at the time of her arrest. She told deputies that she works as a para-educator.

Tashai Newman, 43, of Winter Haven– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). Newman was receiving food stamps at the time of her arrest.

Derrick Dawsey, 50, of Lake Wales– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3).  

Dominique Frasier, 36, of Lakeland– Charged with Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3), Grand Theft (F3), and Criminal Use of Personal ID (F3). Frasier was receiving food stamps at the time of her arrest. She was employed as a CNA at a nursing home.

Man Breaks Into Local Church

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Man Breaks Into Local Church

Winter Haven Police Department

This is no church mouse! The guy in this video broke into Champions Church (1801 Havendale Blvd.) on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 by prying a door open. He rummaged through various rooms throughout the church.
Obviously he is up to no good! If you recognize him, please call Det. Maldonado at 863-291-5676. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

https://fb.watch/3jP6ULTAFt/

Horrific Crash Blocking Polk City Rd & Hwy 557 In Lake Alfred

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Horrific Crash Blocking Polk City Rd & Hwy 557 In Lake Alfred

According to reports a crash occurred at 5:15am this morning at the intersection of Hwy 557 & Polk City Rd.

We have reports that the roadway is blocked and traffic is being rerouted.

This is a very bad accident. Roadway will be closed for hours. Please find alternative route.

We will update as more information is released.

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