Lakeland Snowfest Lets It Snow, Lets It Snow, Lets It Snow
by James Coulter
Lakeland residents and guests were able to go walking in a Winter Wonderland—literally!—
during this year’s Snowfest.
All throughout Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland, flurries of the white stuff came fluttering down, allowing guests to take a jolly holiday stroll.
Along the way, guests could listen to Christmas carols sung by live performers, watch the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations light up the night, take a peek inside the workshop of Santa’s elves, and even pay a visit to Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself and his wife from inside a scenic inflatable snow globe.
Normally, the annual Lakeland Snowfest allows children “to frolic and play the Eskimo way” in mountains of fake snow; however, that format was scrapped this year due to concerns about COVID-19.
The annual holiday event was set to be scrapped along with the Christmas parade; however, after much deliberation, the City of Lakeland decided to move forward with the event, albeit in a different format, explained Michael Marotz with Lakeland Parks and Recreation.
Originally, they planned to host the event downtown, with snow being pumped into the air along the sidewalks and at the park; however, the promenade was selected as a more ideal location due to it being much more spacious, Marotz said.
By hosting the event at the promenade, guests were provided with a wide enough walkway through which they could traverse the venue while maintaining proper physical distancing, he further elaborated.
“Part of the challenge was social distancing and getting people moving,” he said. “We had limited marketing on this because we did not want 10,000 people, but I am happy. Even if two people came, and I saw a kid smile, that is enough for me.”
While the city would love to bring back the old format with children playing in the snow, and while hopefully the COVID-19 crisis should have died down by then, they would also love to continue this year’s format as well.
Either way, this year’s event was a much-needed holiday reprieve, especially during a time when many other holiday events had been canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis, Martozsaid.
“We just wanted to give something back to the community,” he said. “There is not a lot going on during the holidays, whether there are two people here or a thousand or more people. But whoever comes through has a really good time and enjoys the holidays as best as we can give back to them.”
Assisting with the event this weekend was Global Special Effects, a special effects company. They provided the fake snow, created with “the most evaporative snow fluid on the market” that makes the fake snow look and feel like the real stuff, explained John Tiberius, one of the volunteers for the event.
Upon being contacted by the city, Global Special Effects, they arrived downtown and assessed the area. They then set up various snow blowers at various locations to disperse the snow up to 75 feet.
Overall, both the ideal weather and the ideal turnout made the event a success. Even if they were able to make one child happy that evening, they more than exceeded their expectations, Tiberius said.
“It is beautiful. We have a great night,” he said. “There are young kids who may not have seen snow in their lives until tonight. That is what this is all about. This is for the kids.”
Local Polk County Resident Offers Convenient Mobile Tire Service Business
By Allison Williams
Photos provided by Jason Snell
Jason Snell, a local Polk County resident has been around cars and working with cars for over 20 years. He started his very own mobile tire service in Polk County called Cheeseburger’s Mobile Tire Service INC. When he was young, his father owned a cheeseburger stand and one evening, they pulled up to his middle school friend’s house. His friend came up with the nickname “Cheeseburger”. The name stuck ever since.
“I have been around automotive stuff all my life and my dad is a mechanic, so I have been around a lot of it,” Snell said. The fact that his service is mobile is a huge convenience for all. He offers what he calls a service of conveniences. “Say you break down on the side of the road with a flat tire, I’m coming to get you. Or say you are at your own house with a flat tire, I’m still coming to help you. Or even if you are at work with a flat tire, I’m coming to help you. You don’t have to move or leave.”
Having your car towed to take it into a shop is such an inconvenience, and this is why Cheeseburger’s Mobile Tire Service is handy, because you don’t have to move a muscle. You can sit back and relax while the work is done right on-site.
Cheeseburger’s Mobile Tire Service offers much more than just flat tire repairs and replacements.
Other services offered:
– Help with keys locked in car
– Run out of gas, he will bring you gas
– Help with car tires, motorcycle tires, semi tires, tractor tires
Snell is ready for your call and will do everything he can to get you back on the road smoothly. He goes above and beyond to help his customers no matter the circumstance. “Say you needed a set of tires, and you already bought them and say you can’t get there, I will come to your house and get them installed. Call me and I will help and get the answers for you.” He works to help in any way he can.
As we all know and it is especially emphasized around the holidays, it is important to support local businesses, not just with items, but with services as well. The same goes for Snell’s business. He has worked hard over the past many years to provide a service that is convenient for all of us in Polk County.
“I think that supporting local businesses is a must because we are all a part of the same community” Snell said. “You take care of the people, then they will do the same for you in return.” Snell believes it is a community thing where we have each other’s backs. “Me being a local guy, a lot of people know me. Some days I’ll be over in the urban areas, inner city, cattle ranches, and even as far as Yeehaw Junction. I am all over.”
So the next time you are in a jam, give Jason Snell a call and he will be on the way! Cheeseburger’s Mobile Tire Service acceptsall major debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, Cash app and even cash.
Can you help identify this subject?
On Nov. 25, 2020 around 2:30 p.m., the subject in the photos went to the Metro PCS store located at 1180 Havendale Blvd. The subject inquired about an iPhone 12. As the manager took the phone out of the packaging, the subject reached over the counter, grabbed the phone from the hand of the manager and ran out of the store. Last seen running westbound on Havendale Blvd.
In addition to the black t-shirt, jeans, and black fanny pack with a white emblem, the subject has multiple tattoos on the right arm (hard to see in the photos).
Anyone with information should call Det. Maldonado at 863-837-0946.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a CASH reward should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.
Polk County Sheriff’s
Office Organized Retail Crime Detectives, working with the Attorney General’s
Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ashley Moody, Attorney General, and the Georgia
Bureau of Investigations, developed five suspects—all from Georgia—during an
investigation that started in August of 2019 at the Auburndale Walmart where
three men were conducting suspicious merchandise returns. Two suspects have
been arrested, one suspect died of natural causes, and two suspects are at
large—both have warrants for their arrest. There are three additional suspects
that investigators are attempting to identify.
“While much of the country was busy social
distancing and taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the criminals
executing this expansive retail theft scheme were driving to Walmart stores
throughout the country, replacing new televisions with damaged or used ones and
fraudulently returning them for a massive ill-gotten pay day. Thanks to great
legal and investigative work by my Statewide Prosecutors and Sheriff Judd’s
Deputies, the members of this odious retail theft ring were caught and will
face justice for their crimes.” – Ashley Moody, Attorney General
The investigation
relates to an organized group of suspects defrauding the retailer Walmart by
conducting fraudulent refunds and selling stolen merchandise for profit. The
investigation revealed the suspects operated in at least 13 different states
through the United States in a seven month time span. Within the State of
Florida, it was determined the suspects included in this investigation affected
18 judicial circuits and 39 different counties. The affected counties were
identified as Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier,
Columbia, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian
River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange,
Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota,
Seminole, St John12/4/2s, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Walton, and Washington.
The investigation
shows the criminal organization has been operating since at least the year
2014. Working with Walmart investigators, records show losses to the retailer during
the time of this investigation, between August 15, 2019 and ending March 24,
2020, includes approximately 600 fraudulent transactions that resulted in a
loss of about $300,000. It was determined that of these losses, $174,542.45 was
stolen from Walmart stores located in Florida. Four verified thefts occurred
within the jurisdictional boundaries of Polk County, Florida on August 31,
2019, which totaled a loss of $3,552.00.
Based on evidence
showing the suspects have been operating and selling televisions since at least
2014, it is estimated the suspects have stolen approximately $3.6 million from
retailers.
“Criminals like these are the reason our agency
has a full-time Organized Retail Crime unit, working hand-in-hand with loss
prevention personnel, retailers, and other agencies, to take a closer look at
what might appear to some to be a ‘victimless’ crime. This is not ‘shoplifting’
– this rises to the level of racketeering, and the truth is, everyone suffers
-consumers and businesses alike.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The thefts and fraud
occurred as follows: Members of the criminal group would purchase large,
expensive televisions from a Walmart store for cash, remove the new TVs and
replace them with salvaged tvs, return them for cash, and keep and re-sell the
new (stolen) televisions.
The investigation
began on August 31, 2019 at the Walmart Store located at 2120 US Highway 92
West, Auburndale, Florida, in reference to three men conducting suspicious
merchandise returns. Detectives made contact with Walmart Investigators and
learned the suspects had responded to multiple Walmarts in Polk County,
Florida, to return and attempt to return televisions for cash refunds.
During the initial
investigation, detectives identified 3 people who were returning the
televisions sets. Detectives learned the suspects had receipts for the
televisions they returned, in addition to 5 televisions that were located
inside the suspect’s vehicle. The receipts stated that cash was paid for each
television and the serial numbers on the receipts matched those on the boxes
and the televisions. The suspects were interviewed separately and each provided
different stories regarding the reasoning behind the television returns, the
locations they had travelled, where they were travelling to, and what kind of
work they were performing. Due to the cash receipts matching the serial numbers
at the scene, no arrests were made, but the items were identified, photographed
and the suspects were allowed to leave: Eric Eugene Grigsby, Jacorri Bentez
Holland, and Jorge Robert Ortiz, all who had Georgia residency. Detectives
observed several televisions in the rear of the cargo van they were driving—the
investigation determined that these televisions were later returned to Walmart
stores in Alabama and Florida. The Dodge B3500 cargo van was later identified
as having been used throughout the eastern United States as a part of the
organized fraudulent scheme.
On September 5, 2019,
a PCSO detective conducted an inspection of one of the Samsung televisions
returned by the suspects. The serial number on the outside of the box matched
the serial number on the sticker located on the outside panel of the
television. As the television was turned on, the detective observed the screen
to be partially broken. The detective was able to access the television’s
control board settings menu and learned the control board identified the television
as having a different serial number than those on the sticker and on the box.
Other televisions were inspected with similar results: the actual serial number
of the television did not match numbers on the box and on the stickers on the
outside of the television case.
The investigation
identified a business in Smyrna, Georgia, that was sending money to the
suspects. Detectives worked with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and
conducted undercover television purchases at the business. Two of the
televisions purchased from the business were determined to have been purchased
by the identified suspects on February 23, 2020 in Kentucky and then returned
with fraudulently substituted broken televisions by the suspects in Deltona, FL
and Green Acres, FL on March 01, 2020.
Detectives have
identified social media accounts and businesses believed to be used to sell the
televisions stolen from Walmart televisions.
In September of 2020
PCSO detectives provided information to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office in
relation to where suspect Chanthan Scott Khouleanghak may have been
located. Detectives with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office located
Khouleanghak driving a Dodge van and conducted a traffic stop. Upon his
arrest, Khouleanghak was found to have 25 televisions in the back of the
vehicle. PCSO detectives inspected the televisions and found they had been
altered and readied for return to Walmart stores. 70 other receipts were
located that showed the suspects had purchased additional televisions and were
preparing them for alterations and return.
Since the initial
findings of fraud, PCSO detectives have been working with Walmart loss
prevention personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and the Attorney
General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (Florida) to develop extensive
evidence and documentation of the thefts from Walmart stores all across the
Southeastern United States. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide
Prosecution is prosecuting the case.
Those arrested are:
Jorge Robert Ortiz, 06/16/1994; Lilburn, GA
Charges:
Use 2-Way
Communic.Device to Commit Felony; F3
Obtain Property by
Fraud >$50,000; F1
Criminal Conspiracy to
Violate the Racketeering Act; F1
Coordinate Others
Retail Theft Over 3K$; F2
Racketeering Violation;
F1
Cheating or Gross
Fraud; F3
Criminal History: Georgia: DWLSR
Chanthan Scott
Khouleanghak, 02/02/1981; Duluth,
GA
Charges:
Directing Dealing in
Stolen Property; F1
Obtain Property by
Fraud; F1
Criminal Conspiracy to
Violate the Racketeering Act; F1
Cheating or Gross
Fraud; F3
Racketeering
Violation; F1
Use 2-Way
Communication Device to Commit Felony; F3
Criminal History: Louisiana: Counterfeiting or Possession
Counterfeit Labels, Sale of Improperly Labeled Article, Sound Reproductions w/o
Consent; Virginia: Selling or Renting Unlawful Recording Devices, Fail to Show
True Manufacturer; Utah: Doing Business w/o License, Telephone Harassment, and
Disorderly Conduct
Suspect At Large /
Wanted:
Jacorri Bentez Holland, 05/10/1984; Columbus, GA
Wanted for the
following charges:
Use 2-Way
Communication Device to Commit Felony; F3
Obtain Property by
Fraud; F1
Racketeering
Violation; F1
Cheating or Gross
Fraud; F3
Criminal Conspiracy to
Violate the Racketeering Act; F1
Coordinate Others
Retail Theft Over 3K$; F2
Criminal History: Georgia: Upbraiding or Insulting a Teacher or
Bus Driver, Marijuana Possession, Possession of Controlled Counterfeit
Substance Near Housing Project, Theft by Receiving, Possession of Cocaine, Sales
of Cocaine
Suspect At Large /
Wanted:
Michelle Maki Walker, 03/19/1990; Columbus, GA 31901
Wanted for the
following charges:
Use 2-Way
Communic.Device to Commit
Unlawful use of a
two-way communications device; F3
Criminal Conspiracy to
Violate the Racketeering Act; F1
Obtain Property by
Fraud; F1
Racketeering
Violation; F1
Cheating or Gross
Fraud; F3
Criminal History: Tennessee: Criminal Impersonation,
Theft/Larceny; Georgia: Forgery, Theft by Shoplifting, Financial
Transaction Card Fraud, Marijuana, DWLSR, Theft by Deception
Suspect: (Deceased):
Eric Eugene Grigsby, 03/31/1972; College Park, GA
Criminal History: Georgia: Theft, Trespass, Carry Concealed
Weapon, Reckless Conduct, Disorderly Conduct, Forgery, DWLSR, False Name to
LEO, Possession of Controlled Drug, Rape, Obstruction, Aggravated Assault,
Stalking, Battery, Marijuana Possession
On December 3, 2020 at approximately 10:00 PM, the Lake Wales Police Department and Lake Wales Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 605 3rd Street South #52 in Lake Wales. Upon arrival, officers attempted to gain entry to check for anyone inside. They were unable to gain entry due to the fire. Lake Wales Fire Department arrived on scene to fight the fire.
They located and recovered an occupant of the apartment who was deceased. A State Fire Marshal Investigator from the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations responded to the scene as well as a detective from the police department. This is an active and joint investigation, which is ongoing. The fire injured no one else, and there were no other apartments damage.
Our hearts
and prayers go out to the family.
If
you have any other information about this case, please contact Detective Russell
Klingler at 863-678-4223. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact
Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or from any cell phone, dial
**TIPS.
LAKELAND, FL (December 3, 2020) – On Monday, November 30, 2020, Lakeland Police detectives, with the assistance of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and US Marshals Service, arrested Jaishawn Broome, age 20, for his involvement in a shooting that took place on November 6, 2020. On Friday, November 6, 2020, at approximately 1:45 a.m., officers responded to Kathleen Road and George Jenkins Boulevard’s intersection in reference to a call reporting shots fired. A witness advised that an unknown occupant of a white Audi shot into a grey Nissan Altima as both vehicles were stopped at the intersection. Both cars immediately left the scene. A short time later, three males, two 19 years of age and one age 20, exited a grey Nissan Altima and walked into Lakeland Regional Health’s emergency room. One male had no injuries and one had a minor injury for which he was treated and released. The 20-year-old victim had what was determined later to be a serious gunshot injury. The Audi was found abandoned near Candyce Avenue with two guns inside. Detectives were able to determine the driver of the Audi to be Jaishawn Broome. It was reported he had a long on-going dispute with the victim and believed him to be responsible for shooting at his residence a short time earlier. A search warrant of Broome’s residence was issued, and inside, detectives located items related to the guns found in the abandoned Audi. It was also discovered that Broome had recently rented the Audi from a friend for a few days. In the days following the shooting, the victim’s condition worsened, and he passed on November 10, 2020, from injuries sustained. Jaishawn Broome was located in Hernando County on Monday, November 30, 2020, and taken into custody. He is awaiting transport back to Polk County and faces charges of:
One Count / 2nd Degree Murder
Two Counts / Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
This is an active and open investigation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available for release. No other details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Biko Duhaney at 863.834.5918 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet. The names of the victims are being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
See these two? They both entered Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on Nov. 30 around 6:20 p.m. They brought in the 43″ TV and the female took the TV to the service desk for a refund. The receipt used was from a Walmart in another City. She obtained the refund while the male went back to electronics and selected the exact same brand and size TV. He then walked out with no attempt to pay. (After he also stopped and grabbed a cold drink from the cooler at the front). If you recognize either of these two, please call Detective Cobb at 863-401-2256.
Bartow Police Detectives arrested Donnie K. Worley
(suspect) of Bartow, WM 7/13/50, for Sexual Battery on a victim less than 12
years of age and Lewd Molestation of a victim less than 12 years of age.
On 11/12/2020, Bartow Officers were notified by the parents
of a six (6) year old child that she was being sexually abused by the
suspect. During the course of the
investigation, Detectives obtained probable cause to believe the suspect
committed the above listed crimes. The
suspect was arrested by BPD Detectives and booked in at the County Jail.
“This suspect is the worst of the worst. Those who commit heinous crimes upon our
children need to sit in jail and not walk freely in public as predators. He is right where he needs to be, in the
County Jail” said Interim Chief Bryan Dorman.
Detectives believe this was an isolated incident and do
not believe there are any other victims.
This incident is domestic related.
Lakeland Gun Show Draws In Crowds After Nearly A Year
by James Coulter
Jack Shubert has been collecting guns ever since he was 18 years old. He buys and sells old guns and ammo. He collects plenty of antique guns. Some are more than 100-years-old.
Shubert had been attending the Lakeland Gun Show ever since it started nearly 50 years ago. His love of guns drew him to become a member of the Lakeland Gun Club. He has even served as its president four times.
He loves the club for its camaraderie among local gun owners. He especially appreciates its many education programs, including a program for young children.
The show hosted last Saturday was hosted as an “experiment” to see if anyone would come and support them even amidst these uncertain times. The attendance more than exceeded their expectations.
Shubert loves being able to attend the show. It allows gun owners and enthusiasts like himself to buy and sell guns old and new, as well as ammo, knives, and targets.
“You can even bring your wife,” he said. “Your wife may be interested because there might be a patch of jewelry on the table.”
The Lakeland Gun Club has existed since 1968. Since then, it has hosted its main event, the Lakeland Gun Show. The event allows gun enthusiasts from across Polk County and further to buy and sell guns, ammo, knives, and other gun-related paraphernalia.
The show is hosted at least three times per year in January, May, and November. However, due to the COVID-19 crisis, only the January show was hosted. Both the May and September shows were canceled.
The one-day show last Saturday was hosted as a way to help finance the Lakeland Gun Club following a nearly year-long hiatus, explained Josh Bolger, Lakeland Gun Show Chairman.
“This show was done as a means to recoup, refund the club through the gun show,” Bolger said. “We provide a venue for the vendors and sell tables to the vendor and tickets to the attendees as a means to fund the gun show.”
Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the show has remained successful due to the overall variety of vendors, Bolger explained. Gun enthusiasts love to arrive from across the county to see the different kinds of guns, collectibles, and paraphernalia.
“Some people come to spectate and see what is here and browse and look around,” he said. “Other people come here for specific reasons to buy and sell. But most people come for the variety.”
While many vendors sold gun and gun-related accessories, some vendors sold items that gun owners would appreciate. Mitchell Stockwell, a young college lad, was selling beef jerky from his family’s business.
Stockwell and his father are big gun enthusiasts. His father, who lives up north, is an avid hunter, and they are both interested in gun shows like the one hosted in Lakeland. So they both decided to sell their jerky there.
The choice to sell at the gun show proved a success. Stockwell sold plenty of jerky that afternoon. So being able to attend such shows allowed him the opportunity to expand their market and learn more about their potential customer base.
“People are nice, and they are interested in eating beef jerky,” he said. “I enjoy being here selling beef jerky and selling people who enjoy eating beef jerky and also love guns.”
The Lakeland Gun Show will be hosting another event in January. To learn more, visit their website at: http://lakelandgunshow.com/
Today, Sheriff Judd announced that 18-year-old Elijah Stansell is being charged with first degree murder in the death of 52-year-old Suzette Penton of Polk City. He has been in the Polk County Jail since November 9th for attempted felony murder, 3 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor, burglary with assault, and lewd & lascivious battery on a minor. He was being held on no bond for the attempted felony murder charge, which is now being upgraded to first degree murder.
Elijah, driving a church van belonging to his father’s
church, intentionally ran over and critically injured Ms. Penton on November 9,
2020. The van had 3 other teens inside – they have all been charged as adults,
with attempted felony murder and burglary with assault.
Ms. Penton succumbed to her injuries on November 25,
2020.
