Camp Mack Inducted Into Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide

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November 4, 2020

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Camp Mack Inducted Into Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide

by James Coulter

Along the gentle waters that snake past the Spanish moss-covered oak trees by the banks of the Kissimmee River sits Camp Mack River Resort. 100 years ago, the place was a small outpost where steamboats used to churn along and stop. One century earlier, it was a fort that housed soilders during the Second Seminole War.

Fort Gardiner, south of the site where Camp Mack currently resides, was an army post during the Second Seminole War. The fort was established on Dec. 2, 1837 by Col. Zachary Taylor, and named after Captain George Washington Gardiner. It served as a supply depot, and later housed the 4th and 6th Infantry Regiments during the Battle of Okeechobee.

For its rich history ranging from an army post to a steamboat landing, Camp Mack was officially designated as a location along the Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide on Saturday with a dedication ceremony during the Rock n Brews BBQ Competition.

Encompassing more than 150 years of history, the Heritage Trail consists of hundreds of historical landmarks, buildings, and other sites across Polk County. These historic sites include cemeteries, museums, buildings, churches, schools, and even whole communities.

The trail begins with the entire history detailed within the Polk County History Museum in Bartow, branching out to countless other sites in cities throughout the county. Notable landmarks include the Ritz Theater in Winter Haven and Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

“The Heritage Trail reminds us that we are a land of small communities partly defined by places with lyrical names such as Golden Bow, Cherry Pocket, Masterpiece Gardens, and Lake Hammock,” said Myrtice Young, Historic Preservation Manager for the Polk County History Center. “These places evoke memories, stir emotions, and remind us of days gone back. These names define our sense of place.”

Bill Braswell, Chairman for the Polk County Board of Commission, attended the dedication ceremony on behalf of the other county commisioners. He loves being able to attend such events, as it allows him the opportunity to discuss his personal passion for local history.

“Today is a Florida day out on the oak and by the river,” he said. “It is a chamber of commerce day. It is great to be here, great to have you here. Every chance I get to talk about Polk County, I want to talk about the history [and] all the things we are doing out here.”

Encompassing more than 200,000 square miles, Polk County is a large community consisting of millions of people, a place rich with history and heritage hidden in ever brick of every building and in the bark of every tree.

He especially loved the growth occurring in the part of the county near Camp Mack, especially with the camp under new management and hosting such events to draw in countless tourists and guests. With the addition of the Heritage Trail, he hopes the area draws in more people and more growth with it.

“On behalf of the Board County of Commisioners, it is my pleasure to be with you today to celebrate the new Camp Mack Historical Site as part of Polk County Heritage Trail,” he said.

“Congratulations and thank you to Camp Mack for a job well down to preserve local history,” he continued. “Ultimatley, it improves the quality of life for our residents, and that is what it is all about. PC Board of Commission recognizes the value of heritage tourism and historical preservation in our county. Camp Mack is a historic site.”

Mark Ellert, President for Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, which owns Camp Mack, commended all of the commisioners, historians, and researchers who helped designate Camp Mack as a location along the trail.

Upon the discovery of a keystone, it was believed that Camp Mack was the official location of Fort Gardner. This discovery led to other discoveries which uncovered the history of the area and helped designate its inclusion in the trail.

“Once we started pulling on that string, a lot of history began to unfold,” Ellert said. “It is really all that history that got us to a point where the marker was moved over there because it was determined that this was the actual site of Fort Gardner, and now we have a whole history trail.”

Camp Mack, A Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort is located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898. For more information about the Polk County Heritage Trail, visit their website at: https://www.polk-county.net/history-center/history-and-heritage-trail

Individual Collects Several Items from Walmart Only Paying For a $1 Item on the Way Out

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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Individual Collects Several Items from Walmart Only Paying For a $1 Item on the Way Out

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

Filling up a large purse, but only paying for one roll of generic paper towels is still considered shoplifting.
The woman pictured below went to Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on Monday around 5:45 pm. She proceeds to walk around the store and stuffs multiple items to include men’s shirt sets, boxers, socks and baby beanie packs into a large purse she had n the cart. She then went to the self checkout and paid for a lonely roll of generic paper towels with a crisp $1 bill.
She then walks straight out without paying for the goods inside of the purse.
Recognize her? Contact Detective Cobb at 863-837-9459.

Stolen Credit Card Used at Local Walgreens- Help WHPD Identify Individuals

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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Stolen Credit Card Used at Local Walgreens- Help WHPD Identify Individuals

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

We need help identifying either of the two pictured below. Our victim had her car burglarized at her residence (200 Ave K SE) that resulted in her purse and wallet being taken from the vehicle. Her debit card was used at Walgreens on 1st St S the next morning by the two pictured below. If you recognize either subject, please call Detective Cobb at 863-837-9459.

PCSO Lieutenant Wins 2020 Mr. Central Florida

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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PCSO Lieutenant Wins 2020 Mr. Central Florida

by James Coulter

By day, Lt. Jim Ostojic works diligently through law enforcement to keep his county and community safe. Over the past few weeks, he served his community even further by volunteering and fundraising for a local hearing clinic. His hard work has since been rewarded after being named Mr. Central Florida last week.

During a livestream on Thursday evening, Lt. Ostojic was named the winner of Mr. Central Florida, the annual fundraiser for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center in Lakeland.

Lt. Ostojic raised more than $83,000 for the fundraiser. Not only did he raise more funds than the 20 other contestants, even running neck-to-neck with two others, but he single-handedly shattered past records, a press release from the Center explained.

Second place went to Tony Corraro, representing CPS Investment Advisor, who likewise broke the top fundraising record by raising more than $55,000. Third place went to Tom Lloyd, representing Bank of Central Florida, who raised $34,000.

Lt. Ostojic was handpicked by Sheriff Grady Judd himself to represent the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in the Mr. Central Florida fundraiser. As someone who knew people who had benefited personally from the Center, he was proud to raise money for a good local cause.

He owes his success to his community and the people in it for allowing him to raise as money as he did. He would not have been able to obtain this honorable title without the help of family, friends, and complete strangers, he said.

“It has been a great opportunity,” he said. “I think getting out in the community, doing sports with the kids, and meeting such wonderful people who want to help me raise money…I think it is a great cause, and I look forward to everyone doing it next year.”

On Oct. 29, The 8th Annual Mr. Central Florida event, sponsored by The Ruthvens, was hosted via livestream, the very first virtual event of its kind. The livestream was hosted on its website and streamed at the Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the services provided by the center to help facilitate the speech, language, and hearing care for children and adults in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands County.

“Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center and the patients we serve are thankful beyond words for every single contestant, the planning committee, the volunteers, and our community who opened their hearts to make sure that we can continue to provide the human connection – communication,” their press release read.

AAA Storage Hosts Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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AAA Storage Hosts Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

As the late George Carlin once said, the only thing more American than buying more stuff is buying a place to store all of your stuff. Then what could be more American than renting a storage space to stuff your stuff?

AAA Storage in Lakeland has rental units of every shape and size, from small, medium, large, and even vehicle-sized. Yes, you heard that right! They have units big enough to park your car, boat, and even RV. So if you’re looking for another place to store your vehicle, consider renting a unit from AAA Storage.

Located along Parker Avenue in Lakeland, their indoor storage facility offers hundreds of units that are climate-controlled through air conditioning and dehumidifiers. As such, you don’t have to worry about the hot, humid Florida weather adding wear and tear to your valuable possessions.

“At AAA storage, we are mainly concerned and interested in your needs to some up with a climate-controlled space to ensure your belongings are protected,” their website states. “It is our pleasure to be your climate-controlled specialists. We are committed to make your storage experience hassle-free and informative.”

On Friday afternoon, AAA Storage celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

Shelby Kaye, manager for AAA Storage, and her husband, Toby, were inspired to move to Lakeland, where some of their relatives live. She was more than grateful for the assistance of the Chamber helping them open their new business there.

AAA Storage is a small independent company based in Texas. Their indoor climate-controlled facility is one of three like it in the state of Florida. With such commitment towards providing a safe, comfortable environment, they ensure that everyone’s possessions, even their boats and RV, are in good hands.

“It is comfortable, it is clean, it is friendly, [and] you get the best service better,” Kaye said. “We make you feel comfortable leaving your precious belongings here. We are affordable, convenient, clean, family-oriented. We are good.”

Mayor Bill Mutz commended the Chamber for assisting the new business, as their efforts have allowed businesses such as AAA Storage to set up shop in their community and thus add to their overall economic growth.

“The Chamber helps makes us stronger on the business side,” Mutz said. “As far as the city is concerned, we love to see all the retail people come here.”

Joe Tedder, Financial Adviser for the Chamber, expressed his gratitude for the new business setting up shop. Small businesses such as AAA Storage help build the local community, so they are always welcoming of these new businesses.

“We know small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we are here to help you be successful,” Tedder said. “The quality and cleanliness of your facility is amazing. I know people of the city of Lakeland will enjoy the opportunity to use this facility and store their equipment. The chamber is here to help you.”

AAA Storage is located at 338 N Gary Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.aaastorage.com/self-storage/lakeland-fl-33801

Just Cares Celebrates 9th Annual Fall Festival In Downtown Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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Just Cares Celebrates 9th Annual Fall Festival In Downtown Lakeland

by James Coulter

Downtown Lakeland hosted a real monster mash that proved to be a graveyard smash on Halloween Night. Not even the real fright of COVID-19 could prevent costumed locals from reveling in some much-needed Halloween fun.

Countless children and their families dressed in their Halloween best to visit Downtown Lakeland for games, music, and free candy during the 9th Annual Fall Festival, hosted by local non-profit organization Just Cares.

All along Kentucky Avenue, guests could play games, receive free candy and goodies from booths, eat tasty treats served by food vendors, and dance along to music performed by a live DJ.

Of course, during these uncertain times, pre-cautions were taken to ensure that everyone enjoyed safe Halloween fun. Signs encouraged people to wear their masks and social distance from others, and hand sanitizer was provided at most booths and vendors.

“The biggest thing is to get people to realize that they can still have their lives back but also feel safe at the same time,” Kevin Rios, President of Just Cares. “So it is trying to re-educate everyone that events can come back. We can be beneficial to the community who have been experiencing utter sadness in the past couple months.”

This year’s fall festival was the ninth annual event hosted in Lakeland and the eighth annual event hosted by Just Cares, Inc., a local non-profit organization that helps provide local events and programs to the Lakeland community. Since 2012, they have hosted 9 to 14 annual events in the city.

“Just Cares Inc. was born from a desire to provide educational, fine arts and cultural programs to our community,” their website states. “Our vision is to bridge the gap between the cultural arts and our community by providing programs individually designed to enhance the experiences of all involved.”

Just Cares will be hosting another event on Nov. 2 for Day of the Dead, a traditional Hispanic holiday. The free event in Munn Park will feature a screening of the Disney/Pixar movie Coco at 5 p.m. Another free movie night will be hosted on Dec. 12 with screenings of the Grinch animated movie.

Local events such as this could not be hosted without the support of the local community, especially local businesses that donate their time and money to sponsor these events.

“I always believed that if business owners gather together to help the community, the community will help us,” said Rios, who said how much he loves “seeing the smiles on people’s faces…[and] knowing that an event like this can change someone’s life, and lift their spirits, even if it’s just for a brief period of time.”

Helping to sponsor and co-host this event were Lakeland Moonwalk and Wing Chun Kung Fu. Coach Tim Kittelstad and his volunteers met with children and their parents from their booth, where they discussed their martial art program and offered curious participants the opportunity to test their luck and break a board.

Other organizations and businesses hosting booth at the event included the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Wings of Teal, Ovarian Cancer Support of Polk County. The latter offered information about their support group and the aid they provide local women who are either going through or who have survived the cancer.

They appreciated being able to educate the public about their cause, as well as meet young children having fun at the event.

“We love the costumes and kids and music,” said Carol Vonesh. “People are out and about and having fun, so we are absolutley having a blast.”

Hundreds Of Cars Line Up For Drive Thru Trunk Or Treat At Bartow First Baptist

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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Hundreds Of Cars Line Up For Drive Thru Trunk Or Treat At Bartow First Baptist

by James Coulter

What do the Addams Family, Paw Patrol, and Cookie Monster all have in common? They’re characters that children were able to meet and greet during the inagural drive-thru trunk or treat at First Baptist Church of Bartow.

Hundreds of cars line up along the street in front of the church for a chance to drive through the church parking lot and pass by the dozen or so cars decorated in festive decorations.

As children rode by dressed in their own Halloween costumes, they could accept the free candy provided by other costume characters at the decorated vehicles in the parking lot, with costumes and decorations based on various properties including Sesame Street and Paw Patrol.

The event lasted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Within the first hour, nearly 71 vehicles pulled through the trunk or treat drive thru, with cars lined up along the block nearly 40 minutes before the event, explained pastor Matt McCraw.

First Baptist Church of Bartow initially was not planning a Halloween event this year. However, Pastor McCraw wanted to offer something for the children in the local community to do during Halloween, especially with many local Halloween events cancelled.

Their event was mostly promoted through their Facebook page. More than 1,100 people had liked their Facebook event page, Pastor McCraw said.

“It is an opportunity to love families,” he said. “Our mission statement is to love others. And in the midst of the pandemic, we can do that in a safe way. We are still determined to love families.”

Richard Jones, youth pastor, loved being able to reach out to the children that evening. Most of the children attending that evening were from their church, and many of them were those who had not been at the church for some time due to COVID-19.

“It is a lot more cars than I anticipated,” Jones said. “I feel so much joy, to do something for Halloween during this pandemic. I am just glad we could partner with the community to have something fun.”

Chuck Butler is a congregation member who has been attending the church for nearly two years. Initally, he had visited several churches to find the right one for him. He decided to stary with First Baptist Church of Bartow because of the dedication of the pastor, the teaching, and the fellowship.

Butler helped direct traffic that evening, directing cars to pull up into the parking lot. He loved being able to see so many people he had not been able to see lately due to the pandemic. He especially appreciated helping the church do something for the local children for Halloween.

“I think it is bigger than what we have expected,” he said. “I think we are serving the community like this this time of year. With COVID this year. It is a blessing from God. That is all I can say about it. It is wonderful to see these kids.”

More Than 50 Cars Go Ridin With Biden In Winter Haven Caravan

Staff Reporter

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November 3, 2020

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More Than 50 Cars Go Ridin With Biden In Winter Haven Caravan

by James Coulter

You’ve heard of the Trump Train, but have you gone Ridin With Biden? More than 50 cars drove through Winter Haven to show their support for the Democratic presidential candidate during a car caravan on Saturday.

Around noon, vehicles decorated in Joe Biden campaign material and American flags gathered together in the Publix parking lot across from LEGOLAND. The caravan then took off down the road along Cypress Gardens and through Winter Haven.

This car parade was one of several hosted throughout the county in support of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, as well as the other Democratic candidates on the ballot. Other parades were hosted in Lakeland, Lake Wales, Davenport, and Poinciana.

This was the fourth parade to be hosted by the Polk County Democrats. Previously, several parades were hosted two weeks ago on Oct. 17. More than 40 vehicles appeared for that parade, and even more attended this caravan, with nearly 50 to 60 people signing up before hand, explained Norm Wilderson, President of the Polk County Democrats.

In a city and county where one cannot drive half a mile without seeing a Trump sign or flag, being able to gather together with other Democrats was the best thing about gatherings such as this, Wilderson said. He has met many people who lived down the road or block from him that he didn’t even know, he said.

“What I enjoy is the camraderie of the people,” he said. “These are people who lived in my community that I didn’t even know…So it is the bringing together of the citizens of our community for a common cause.”

The enthusiasm of the participants to congregate together and show their support for their favored presidential candidate has allowed the Winter Haven campaign to be as successful as it has been; hopefully, this same energy will not only allow Biden to win, but also turn the state and county Blue, Wilderson said.

“The key to our success has been people who are enthusiastic about turning Polk County blue,” he said. “We have Democrats here in Polk County. It is a toss-up, it is a hard fight, but we put in the work. When you put in the work, that is all you can do, and it comes out how it comes out.”

Kathy Sutherland, Chair of Polk County Democrats, likewise remains optimistic about Biden’s chances. Contrary to popular belief, while both Polk County and Florida have remained Red for a long time, there are a significant number of Democrats capable of turning the tide and changing the color to Blue.

“I am very hopeful that Biden is going to win,” she said. “I am hoping he wins by a landslide instead of just winning. I think we can make a difference right here in Polk County, right here in Florida…I think all of the momentum is with Biden and we will swing in.”

Pedestrian Killed In Winter Haven Crash Sunday Evening

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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November 2, 2020

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Pedestrian Killed In Winter Haven Crash Sunday Evening

PCSO investigating a fatal vehicle crash that left a pedestrian dead in unincorporated Winter Haven

At 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2020, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a fatal crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Rifle Range Road and 5^th Street East in unincorporated Winter Haven.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

According to evidence at the scene and witness interviews, the victim, an adult male, whose name is being withheld pending next of kin notification, was walking north near the fog line that separates the northbound lane from the right of way.

73-year-old Miguel Juardo of Winter Haven was driving a 2001 gray Honda Odyssey north on Rifle Range Road, and as he approached the intersection of 5^th Street East, he struck the victim.

Juardo stopped his vehicle and looked around the area, but he did not see the victim. The area was not well lit, and the victim was wearing dark clothing. Juardo left the scene and drove home. Once he arrived at his residence, Juardo noticed damage to the front of his vehicle, contacted the Sheriff’s Office, and returned to the crash scene. The victim was located and transported to the Winter Haven Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Rifle Range Road and 5^th Street East were closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

18 Yr Old Polk City Teen Killed In Sunday Evening Crash

Staff Reporter

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November 2, 2020

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18 Yr Old Polk City Teen Killed In Sunday Evening Crash

PCSO investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Polk City

At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2020, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on SR 33 at Grimes Road in Polk City. The crash killed 18-year-old Michael Yousett of Polk City.

Yousett was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he died from his injuries. Yousett was the driver of a 1997 black Honda Civic.

The second vehicle involved was a 2017 gray Toyota Rav4, driven by 22-year-old Rebekah Hutchinson of Lakeland.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

According to the investigation so far, Hutchinson was traveling southbound on SR 33 approaching Grimes Road when she apparently lost traction on the wet road and rotated into the northbound lane. Hutchinson entered into the path of Yousett’s Honda Civic, striking the front end of the vehicle and redirecting it approximately 15-feet to the east where it came to rest along the west shoulder of the road.

Upon impact, Hutchinson’s Toyota flipped onto its passenger side and came to a final rest in the middle of the roadway, near the point of impact.

When first responders arrived on scene, Yousett was entrapped inside his vehicle. He was extracted and transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he succumbed to his injuries.

Hutchinson was also transported to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Hutchinson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. It is unknown at this time if Yousett was wearing his seatbelt.

Speed and wet road conditions are possible factors in the crash.

CR 33 was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

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