Winter Haven Police Department
And the hits just keep on coming!
The guy in the video goes to Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on Nov. 21, 2020 and selects a few items, scans and bags them up. He then uses what appears to be a debit card incorrectly. Puts it in the reader one time, then another and then grabs the bag and leaves without the transaction going through. He swiftly left on a black motorcycle with another subject.
Recognize him? Call Detective Cobb at 863-291-5858.
Winter Haven Police Department
Now these tattoos are fairly unique. The guy pictured below went to Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on 11-20-2020 around 6:55 p.m. He selected a reciprocating saw and decided to scan a notebook valued at $0.27 at a self-checkout instead of the saw. Yes, see the saw in the bag in his hands?
Someone will recognize him and that hand tattoo. Please call Detective Cobb at 863-291-5858.
Update:
On Wednesday, December 02, 2020, 18-year-old Tarmetris Daniel Mack and 17-year-old Alfred Higgs, Jr., both of Kissimmee/Poinciana, who both have Polk County warrants for armed robbery and first degree murder, turned themselves in to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, at the Northeast District substation in Davenport.
They have been booked into the Polk County Jail & JAC respectively, on their felony charges, and will have first appearance hearings at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020.
“I’m so sick of hearing that drugs aren’t dangerous. We have a young man who’s dead today, because he came to a gas station to sell drugs to these two suspects, who ripped him off, then shot and killed him.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Original Article
Two suspects wanted in Poinciana homicide
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating 18-year-old Tarmetris Daniel Mack and 17-year-old Alfred Higgs, Jr., both of Kissimmee/Poinciana, who both have Polk County warrants for armed robbery and first degree murder. Mack and Higgs fatally shot a Poinciana man on Monday, November 23, 2020, at the 7-Eleven store located at 398 Marigold Avenue in Kissimmee/Poinciana. The victim met the suspects at the store to sell them a bag of marijuana. During the transaction, the suspects robbed the victim, which resulted in the exchange of gunfire between them. The victim was fatally shot, and the suspects fled the scene heading westbound on Walnut Street.
Mack is 6’1″ tall, 170 lbs., and Higgs is 5’8″ tall, 145 lbs. They may be driving Mack’s 2016 blue Chevrolet Malibu with FL tag PVZB39.
Higgs’ criminal history includes 7 felonies and 6 misdemeanors, in Homestead, Osceola, and Polk, including carrying a concealed weapon, vehicle theft, trespassing, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.
These suspects are to be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Tarmetris Mack or Alfred Higgs, Jr., please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* 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.
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.
Victory Ridge Clay Shoot Raises Funds For School Bus
by James Coulter
Wayne Faulkner and his staff from Faulkner Tree Service have been attending the Victory Ridge Clay Shoot for the past four to five years. This year, they had the honor of winning first place as the highest-scoring team.
Faulkner loved being able to win, but he loves being able to participate nonetheless. He loves venturing out into the great outdoors to shoot clay, and he loves the camraderie among his fellow shooters. He especially appreciates being able to do all this to support the Lake Wales school for special needs students.
“As going out to help these kids, it is just something we look forward to ever year,” Faulkner said. “This money goes to this school, and you have to be an extra-ordinary teacher or administrator to do this for these children with Autism. It is great, hopefully next year we can have more shooters and raise more money.”
Victory Ridge Academy has been hosting their annual clay shoot to raise funds for their school and programs. As a non-profit organization and member of Polk County Charter Schools, the school helps service the needs of special needs children.
According to its website, the school’s mission is “to provide children and adolescents with exceptional needs intensive, collaborative classroom-based educational and therapeutic interventions to promote independence, academic success and community inclusion for all students.”
The annual fundraiser was hosted at the FFA Training Center in Haines City. Teams gathered around 8 a.m. to venture out into the field and take turns shooting clay. They then returned to the main hall to enjoy a barbecue dinner, partake in a raffle drawing, and hear the winners of the event during the award ceremony.
A new school bus, which was displayed at the event, had been purchased using funds from a previous fundraiser. The proceeds from this year’s fundraiser have not yet been designated, but they will inevitably be used to finance the school and its services.
“We host this event every year. It helps raise funds for the extra things our children need. We enjoyed a lot of support,” said Vic Story, Chairman for the Charitable Fund for Victory Ridge.
He loves the event because, “you get to see a lot of people that you know, and you know that they are supporting you mission there. And that is what I enjoy that: the camraderie with the people.”
Victory Ridge Academy currently serves 275 students with 150 staff. The majority of our students and families are served on-site, with only a small percent being taught virtually. Fundraisers like this help them to offer their quality education even during these uncertain times, explained Steve Whittaker, Executive Director for Victory Ridge.
“To make a difference with those kids, we have to be there and hands on five days a week,” he said. “For us to make progress, we are hands on, we have to make sure our staff are prepared ahead of time, and we appreciate so much of our families and what they have to do. It is the least we can do.”
The clay shoot remains successful due to its many sponsors. This year’s event proved especially successful with 74 people attending, even in spite of these uncertain times, explained Donna Nobles, Central Office Manager for Victory Ridge.
“We are very excited to see how things end up, and I think we overall have given all that is going on had a very good turnout,” she said.
Haven Holiday Market Brings Holidays Home Safely
by James Coulter
Shawn Meade has several palm trees in her backyard. Several branches and other parts fall from them. Her husband, James, wanted to burn them. She did not want to throw them away. So she decided to use them for her arts and crafts.
Upon discovering she could paint on the leaves and branches, she began painting them. She initially painted basic shapes. Her husband took it one step further and used them to create more elaborate sculptures, which she then painted. When they learned they could sell their crafts, they decided to do so through the annual Haven Holiday Craft Show in Winter Haven.
“We put our hearts and souls into it, and it is good to see people appreciate it,” she said.
She and her husband started Treefish to sell their painted palm art. They have been attending the Haven Holiday Market ever since it first started. Their return customers keep them coming back time and again every year. Many come from as far as Orlando, Sanford, and Clearwater.
They also love the camraderie among the other vendors, as she always walks away with something from somebody else, she said. And, of course, people always buy what they have to sell. They even sold many items before they finished setting up their booth.
“It is good for Sergio [Cruz, the organizer] to host an event like this,” Shawn said. “It gets people a chance to make money, especially right now when it is hard to do. So good for him for standing up and giving people a chance to make some money. There are people who need it right now.”
Meade was one of nearly 92 vendors who set up shop within Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven during the Annual Haven Holiday Market on Saturday. Everything from homemade wreaths, trees, ornaments, and other arts and crafts were sold to get locals into the holiday season.
Jay Allen, who sells raw honey through Pat’s Apiaries, has been attending the annual holiday event ever since it first started. She sells raw honey made from orange blossom and palmetto. The honey is sold raw, as it was never heated over 125 degrees, and it still contains pollen, which allows her to trace where the honey originated from.
Her main motivation for returning to the event ever year? “I make money,” she replied. “I haven’t sat down since I’ve been here.”
“I have been doing this market since it started,” Jay said. “I stopped all my other markets because this has been the best. These markets are the best.”
Sergio Cruz and his wife Andrea, publisher and editor respectively of 863 Magazine, started the event seven years ago as a way to allow local artisans and crafters to sell their wares one week prior to Thanksgiving, giving them a head start on the holiday season.
Their first event started with a humble 62 vendors. Their numbers grew to 162 last year. Their numbers decreased slightly by 92 this year; however, despite these uncertain times, they still drew a good turnout, Sergio said.
“It was harder because we have a lot of artists and crafters who are scared, they are living with fear, they are totally fine but they are afraid to go out and be exposed to COVID-19,” he said.
Preparing and setting up this year’s event proved challenging, as their event had to meet social distancing guidelines. Booths were set up far enough from each other, and every vendor was wearing a mask, Sergio said.
Overall, the pure energy and enthusiasm among the people keep the event going time and again each year. Not even the looming threat of a pandemic could prevent people from coming out for early holiday shopping.
“The people, the energy, they are amazing,” Sergio said. “The people inspire me. The people show me the energy how happy they are, and they encourage me to make it better next year. So every year we have been better.”
Release by Winter Haven Police Department
Do you recognize these youngsters? Yes, we believe they are juveniles. They went to Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven) and each selected the beer of their choice. And then proceeded to walk out without paying. They were seen getting into a green, 2-door GTS Toyota. If you recognize either of them, please call Detective Lozado at 863-595-1721.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a drug-related homicide investigation in Poinciana, near the intersection of Marigold Avenue and Walnut Street, on Monday, November 23, 2020.
A shooting was reported at 3:04 pm at the 7-Eleven gas station at 398 Marigold Avenue.
When deputies arrived on scene just four minutes later, they found a male victim deceased inside of a car, with apparent gunshot wounds; the victim of a drug-deal gone bad.
The suspects are believed to be two black males, who got out of a dark blue Chevy (possibly a Malibu).
“At this early point in the investigation, it appears this was a meeting for the purpose of making a transaction over marijuana. I am tired of hearing that marijuana is a low-level non-violent crime. We have a man who was murdered today at this scene as proof that there is nothing low-level or non-violent about this.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
If anyone has any information that could help in this investigation, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* 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.
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.
PCSO Organized Retail Crime detectives arrested 19-year-old Solomon Smith of Lakeland and 18-year-old Garrett Sivley of Lakeland for fraud, grand theft, and other crimes against 222 victims. The victims included: car burglary victims, identity theft victims, payroll account victims, businesses and financial institutions.
On September 22, 2020, a manager at Lowe’s (3525 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland) contacted detectives to report a possible payroll fraud. During the investigation detectives learned that both Smith and Sivley were employees at Lowe’s; they have both since been terminated.
According to the affidavit, Smith and Sivley accessed employee payroll accounts via the computer and changed the direct deposit information, sending the payroll funds to fraudulent bank accounts before moving the money to cash apps. Three Lowe’s stores were affected (3600 North 98, Lakeland and 2801 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City are the other two stores).
The two stole $11,795 from three employees’ payroll accounts. Smith and Sivley used the stolen funds to purchase cell phones and then sell them on Ebay.
*** No customer information was accessed during this data breech. ***
In addition to the payroll fraud, Smith “utilized more than 30 personal identifications to create fraudulent banking accounts, email addresses, address changes, ecommerce accounts, or to change banking information.” These identifications were stolen during 20 car burglaries, some armed, that Smith committed earlier this year in Lakeland.
“It is amazing that these two criminals come from nice families with nice homes. Apparently they thought they were above the law. I can tell you that is not the case, and we will do everything we can to hold them accountable.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Smith was arrested on October 15, 2020 on charges related to the car burglaries. Additional charges related to the fraud were added on November 19, 2020. Smith’s charges are:
· 4 counts Grand Theft (F3)
· 1 count Obtaining Property by Fraud (F2)
· 1 count Fraudulent Use of ID with more than 30 victims (F1)
· 1 count Unlawful Possession of ID (F3)
· 1 count Fraudulent Use of Credit Card (F3)
· 10 counts Defrauding a Financial Institute (F2)
· 1 count Money Laundering (F3)
· 16 counts Burglary (F3)
· 3 counts Computer Fraud (F2)
· 3 counts Obtaining Property by Fraud (F3)
· 2 counts Dealing in Stolen Property (F2)
· 1 count Director of Dealing in Stolen Property (F1)
· 3 counts Possession of Counterfeit Merchandise (F3)
· 3 counts Armed Burglary (F1)
· 3 counts Grand Theft of a Firearm (F3)
· 1 count Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Device (F3)
· 1 count Gross Fraud (F3)
· 1 count Counterfeiting Goods (M1)
· 1 count Selling Counterfeit Goods (M1)
Smith’s criminal history includes 6 felony charges and 5 misdemeanors. Smith was out on bond related to five open criminal cases. He currently has no bond.
Sivley was arrested on November 19, 2020 and is charged with:
· 2 counts Grand Theft (F3)
· 1 count Obtaining Property by Fraud (F2)
· 1 count Unlawful Possession of ID (F3)
· 3 counts Computer Fraud (F2)
· 1 count Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Device (F3)
· 1 count Gross Fraud (F3)
· 1 count Use of an ID without Consent (F2)
Sivley was released on a $26,000 bond.
Angels Among Us Kicks Off Holiday Season With Safe Celebration
by James Coulter
Last year, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven moved their annual holiday fundraiser from Arabella’s to Venue 650. This year, they certainly put the extra space to good use, as it allowed their guests optimal social distancing.
The local non-profit organization hosted their annual holiday fundraiser, Angels Among Us, on Tuesday evening. Attendees could get an early start celebrating the holiday season by sampling tasty treats from The Catering Co., bidding on silent auction items, and donating money by hanging angel ornaments on the big Christmas tree.
Due to these uncertain times, Girls Inc. took extra precautions to ensure their guests enjoyed safe holiday fun. Central Florida Health Care volunteers conducted temperature checks. Masks were encouraged, but not required. Fewer auction items were placed on tables spread further apart, and every guest was provided their own pen to bet on items. Hand sanitizer were distributed in gift bags.
“As far as [social] distancing…people are being respectful of others, which is what we were hoping for, and it has been a good turnout thus far,” said Peggy Threlkel, Executive Director of Girls Inc.
Threlkel loves the overall holiday spirit of the annual fundraiser. Every year, her organization has hosted it to promote holiday cheer among its supporters, as well as to raise proceeds for itsmany operations and programs.
“People are always in a positive mood and enjoying each other’s companies, and being able to get ready and have a good time,” Threlkel said. “People enjoy the event, they enjoy being able to prepare for the holidays. We held it around the same time for a number of years. And people enjoy being able to come together and support an organization in the community and get ready for the holidays.”
Founded in 1948, Girls Inc. of Winter Haven, according to its website, is “a national non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold….[It] has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas.”
More than 100 local girls from 14 local schools are served daily during its after-school tutoring and educational program, ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education with academic and social skills.
Kim Hulverson, the chair of the event, has been involved with Girls Inc. for approximately eight years. She appreciates the support the organization provides young girls within the community, and she loves being able to provide additional support by participating within the annual fundraiser.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming and for their support because without them, we could not do what we could do,” she said. “I think it is phenomenal considering everything we are going through in spite of COVID. In fact, people are coming out to support it. It is the first live event that has happened this year.”
John Wood, President of John Wood Realty, has been a longtime supporter of Girls Inc. His own parents were once longtime supporters, and he has since continued their legacy by supporting the organization.
Even amidst these uncertain times, he was still able to attend the annual fundraiser that evening. People may have been more hesitant this year, but just as many attendees came out to eat good food and enjoy a good time, he said.
“We are glad to support their efforts,” he said. “I think the organization has had good results. For that reason, we have been very satisfied with being a supporter.”
Award-Winning Custom Motorcycle To Be Showcased At 2nd Annual Wheels Of Steel
by James Coulter
Brian Buttera started out as a welder and metal fabricator from his backyard shop in Lakeland. His experience assembling vehicles allowed him to put together an international award-winning custom bike.
Buttera has been to competitions as close as South Dakota and as far away as Switzerland and Abu Ahabi. Everywhere he’s been, he’s won competitions thanks to his custom bike he named the “Deadliner.” Last year, he had the honor of winning “best in show” at an international competition in Abu Dhabi.
“All those hours and all that time you put into it, that’s when it pays off,” he told Bay News 9 last year. “To have it critiqued and people appreciate what you do and judge it accordingly, it’s a great feeling when you win.”
Buttera will be showcasing his international award-winning motorcycle at the Second Annual Central Florida Wheels Of Steel in Lakeland. Presented by Geico, this indoor custom motorcycle show will allow motorcycle riders, builder, and enthusiasts the opportunity to share their love of motorbikes.
Wheels of Steel will be hosted at the RP Funding Center as an extended two-day event on the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6. The show will display innovative designs by builders both local and across the state and country.
More than 100 custom motorcycles are expected to be showcased that weekend, according to a press release. Geico will be presenting the event this year, as the company has commited itself towards cooperating with such events to help build stronger community relations, the release further explained.
“At GEICO we have a fundamental principle of investing in the future, and we believe education is the foundation of success,” said Assistant Vice President Heather McIntyre. “We are delighted to return as the presenting sponsor of the Central Florida Wheels of Steel event. Our sponsorship enables us to continue supporting the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County’s mission to prepare children for bright futures, as well as support the success of our wonderful community.”
Along with custom builders like Buttera, headlining the event will be Jeff G. Holt, “The V-Twin Visionary”, and former editor of Hot Bike and Street Chopper magazines. He will be serving as the big show’s eemcee and ambassador, narrating hourly live demonstrations.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has endorsed and supports a “Ride the Right Way” campaign sponsored by Lakeland Regional Health, who will have staff present to fit children with free bicycle helmets. Children will also be able to visit a Kid’s Zone with a tricycle course and Santa who will be present. An added touch will be a snow machine that will be making it snow with sanitizing suds.
This year’s event will pay homage to Paul Dunn, a Lakeland Police Department Motorcycle Officer who had passed away earlier this year “while en route to work as a result of a traffic crash”, the press release stated. An honor ride in tribute to him will help kick off the show.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, a local non-profit organization, which, according to its website, aids in the education of “as many as 9,000 children a month in the programs funded by federal, state, and local dollars.”
“The ELC of Polk County is fortunate to have a community that supports the initiatives empowering children to reach their potential,” said CEO Dr. Marc Hutek said. “We have certainly found that motorcycle enthusiasts have a genuine heart in assuring our children are provided those opportunities for success and we appreciate everyone who supports our upcoming motorcycle show.”
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, in a promo video on YouTube, encouraged people to attend the event, as it would have something for attendees of all ages. “You’re going to have the opportunity to see some hot displays of moving motorcycle art, and there will be something for everyone. Please don’t miss out on an incredible event and the opportunity to see bike designs beyond your wildest expectations. I hope to see you there.”
The Central Florida Wheels Of Steel will be held from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sat. Dec. 5 and 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sun. Dec 6. The event will be hosted at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.cfwheelsofsteel.com
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