More Than 600 Attendees Enjoyed Early Halloween Fun at Jack O’Lantern Jamboree

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October 19, 2020

More Than 600 Attendees Enjoyed Early Halloween Fun at Jack O’Lantern Jamboree

by James Coulter

Halloween is less than two weeks away, yet local residents and guests in Winter Haven were able to celebrate early with a fun yet safe Halloween event last Saturday.

More than 600 children and their guardians visited Simmers-Young Park in Winter Haven for an afternoon of social-distancing Halloween fun. Children dressed up in their Halloween best, carried along their bags and pails, and participated in various games and activities that allowed them to get an early start at collecting candy.

The trick-or-treat village allowed young guests and their families to visit more than a dozen vendors to not only get free candy, but also information about the local organizations helping host the event. These organizations included the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Brook’s Law Office, and Safari Wilderness.

Crystal Mosier, head groomer at PetSense, attended the event to help promote her new business, which recently opened along Havendale Boulevard. She had been grooming for 16 years, and opened her facility to not only offering pet grooming, but also sell reptiles and potentially offer pet adoptions through the SPCA and Humane Society.

“We are promoting, having a good time, and handing out candy to kids,” Mosier said. “We love passing out candy to the kids. The weather is great and fantastic.”

The Girl Scouts of Polk County also attended the event to help promote their organization to young girls and their families through the help of their mascot, Rainbow Sprinkles the Unicorn.

“We are always looking for fun,” Sprinkles said. “It is a lot of fun. [I love seeing] kids in the costumes, especially the unicorns.”

This is the first time Polk County Parks and Recreation hosted a Halloween event such as this at Simmers-Young Park in Winter Haven. They normally host a similar event in Lakeland with more than 3,500 to 4,000 attendees. However, due to COVID-19, they wanted to host a much smaller event, explained Derek Harpe, Recreation Superintendent.

“We wanted to do a smaller event with social distancing,” he said. “[We wanted] to allow families to come out and enjoy their time, safer and more manageable.”

To ensure the safety and health of their guests, the event encouraged but did not require masks, provided hand sanitization stations throughout the park, and limited the event capacity to 600 attendees. They pre-sold 600 tickets, and all of them had been sold out for over a week, Harpe said.

“It is a beautiful day,” he said. “The weather turned out really nice, and we are happy to be out here today.”

Aside from the main trick-or-treat village, the Jack O’LanternJamboree also offered other Halloween fun, including an obstacle course, food trucks, live music, and a virtual costume contest.

With all of the tickets having sold out one week prior to the event, expectations were more than exceeded. The beautiful fall weather drew in a good yet safe turnout, allowing children and parents alike to enjoy a day out of the house during these uncertain times.

“They are enjoying being able to come out of the house and come out to a place where they feel safe and enjoy themselves,” he said. “They are happy to be out of the house and around on a beautiful day like today.”

Nearly 100 Vehicles Drove Through Babson Park And Lake Wales At Trump Parade

Staff Reporter

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October 19, 2020

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Nearly 100 Vehicles Drove Through Babson Park And Lake Wales At Trump Parade

by James Coulter

Election Day is fast approaching. Many Trump supporters drove fast to show their support for President Donald Trump during a car parade on Sunday.

Nearly 100 vehicles took to the road and flew their colors as they drove through Babson Park and Lake Wales.

Whether they drove by truck, car, or motorcycle, each participant proudly displayed their support with the American Flag, as well as flags for Blue Lives Matter and Trump 2020.

One convertible carried full-body cardboard cutouts of the President and the First Lady Melania Trump. Another truck displayed the hooded mannequin of an antifa protester on its hood.

The parade started from the parking lot of The Crooked Bass Grill and Tavern before proceeding along Scenic Highway through Babson Park and Highway 27 through Lake Wales.

Kat “Skipper” Gates, a national advocate for Veterans For Trump, participated in the parade. She even helped stir up patriotic fervor and spirit by chanting through a megaphone prior to the parade.

As a proud veteran, Gates appreciates the progress the President has made in supporting veterans such as herself, claiming that Trump made obtaining healthcare and other benefits easier.

She decided to participate in the parade that afternoon, as very few Trump-centric events occur in the Babson Park/Lake Wales side of the county. She previously participated in a Keep America Great rally in Lakeland two weeks prior.

“Everything looks good,” Gates said of the parade that afternoon. “We are positive, and we are going to keep making America great again.”

Tammy Bracewell and her husband Tim, owners of The Crooked Bass, organized the parade. Both of them voted for Trump in 2016, and they intend to do so again in the upcoming election.

They previously hosted a boat parade on Crooked Lake. More than 50 boats attended, with roughly 300 to 400 people. When they heard others wanted to participate, but did not have a boat, they decided to host the car parade.

After four years under his presidency, they firmly believe he deserves another four. Their main reason for supporting him is that he’s not a politician like other politicians.

“People who go into politics with a passion are good people; People who go into politics to benefit from it financially at the demise of the people that they serve are politicans,” Tammy said. “Trump had nothing to gain and everything to lose. He is a very wealthy man living a good life, and he has given that up to serve our country.”

Both of them believe that Trump has more than kept his word. While they don’t agree with everything he has said and done, what they do agree with they agree wholeheartedly. As business owners, they especially love how he’s grown the economy.

“He has done a good job the first four years, and he will do a superb job the next four years,” Tim said.

Guess How Many Jalapeño Peppers Were Used To Make This Contest-Winning Chili

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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October 19, 2020

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Guess How Many Jalapeño Peppers Were Used To Make This Contest-Winning Chili

by James Coulter

15 jalapeño peppers, one bottle of habanero peppers sauce, and a large handful of chipotle chili peppers. Those were the ingredients used to make a super-spicy pot of chili that won first place at the annual chili cook-off at First Baptist Church of Auburndale.

Drew McGaffigan has been attending the chili cook-off at his church ever since the competition first started three years ago. He learned how to make his contest-winning chili from a recipe he looked up. His recipe—aptly named Habanero Hellfire—allowed him to win first place during this year’s event on Sunday evening.

“These people are like my family, so it is like hanging out with family,” McGaffigan said. “I looked up this recipe three years ago. I thought it might be fun. It’s not like a family recipe. I just enjoy seeing all these people come together to make and serve their chili.”

His chili was one of six pots that were entered into the competition hosted on Sunday. Nearly three dozen people from the church’s congregation attended that evening to sample the chili for themselves.

The chili dish, Habanero Hellfire, won first place, with second and third place being conferred to the dishes Dear Mama Chili and Spicy 2020 Chili. Each of the dishes was sampled by the judges who offered their final decision, explained Pastor Tom Johnson. As for himself, he preferred the first place winner because of its intense heat.

“It made me sweat under my eyes,” he said. “I guess they preferred super hot chili.”

Johnson has been serving as the pastor for the past 15 years. He started the chili cook-off three years ago as a way to motivate his congregation and members of the local community to visit their church on Sunday evening. Even during these uncertain times with COVID-19, the event experienced a decent turnout.

“It is a great way for people from the community to come together and walk in your church,” he said. “Sometimes it helps break the ice and get them in your church, let them do something fun and come back Sunday morning.”

First Baptist Church of Auburndale will be hosting its 100th Year Anniversary on Sun., Nov. 8 during their morning service at 10:45 a.m. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.fbcauburndale.com, or their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchAuburndale

Happening Now: Polk Emergency Responders Searching For Downed Aircraft In Lakeland

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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October 16, 2020

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Happening Now: Polk Emergency Responders Searching For Downed Aircraft In Lakeland

*** Update: Pilot of the aircraft (helicopter) is alive and well. He had a very difficult landing/crash. Currently the Federal Aviation Administration has taken over the crash site. Apparently the pilot was the only person on the aircraft.

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Fire Rescue and other agencies responding to downed aircraft in Lakeland. The call came in around 6pm. The aircraft is believed to be in the area of Hwy 98 and Hwy 417.

At this time details have not been released, but it appears to involve a single engine craft. Either an airplane or helicopter.

We will update as more information is released.

Eye Specialists Of Mid-Florida Dedicates New Lakeland Branch With Grand Opening

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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October 16, 2020

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Eye Specialists Of Mid-Florida Dedicates New Lakeland Branch With Grand Opening

by James Coulter

What started as a small eye care clinic in Winter Haven recently celebrated the opening of its eighth Polk County location with a ribbon cutting last Thursday. Eye Specialists Of Mid-Florida opened their newest branch location in Lakeland, located along Harden Boulevard across the street from Lakeside Village.

For the past 50 years, Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida has been providing patients with a wide selection of prescription and non-prescription eyewear, as well as services for ophthalmology, optometry, and cataract surgery.

“Our eye doctors and staff are committed to providing the highest quality and most technologically advanced eye care in a compassionate, friendly, comfortable atmosphere,” their website states.

They had previously opened a location in Auburndale last year, with the facility opening in the former Kerry’s Clock Diner building along US Highway 92.

Their Lakeland location was officially opened to the public last Thursday with a grand opening celebration. Their facility was dedicated through a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. David Loewy commended the new facility for being located in a great neighborhood. His staff has since started making themselves a part of the local community by facilitating nearby businesses, whether having lunch at Abuelo’s or shopping at Target.

“We are ready to take care of everyone’s eye care,” Dr. Loewy said. “Give us a call, and we will be happy to see you. We would like to thank the Mayor and the city and the Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

Brian Ehrlich, CEO, mentioned how proud he was of the new location. He loved the neighborhood it resides in, and he hopes that he and his team will make the most of it.

“We had a lot of good things happen this year, so it is nice to have positive things to help bring out that positivity in Lakeland,” he said. “We are glad to be part of this location. We are super happy to be here. We are looking forward to seeing existing and new patients here in Lakeland.”

Joe Tedder, Treasurer of the Lakeland Chamber, commended the new business for utilizing a beautiful facility in an ideal part of town. He hopes that Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida in Lakeland will make the most of what they have been provided.

“On behalf of the city, we welcome and congratulate you,” he said. “We are all about companies like yours working with other companies in Lakeland, and that is what we are here to do.”

Mayor Bill Mutz was especially proud about the new eye care clinic moving into such a central hub. He was impressed by how the facility transformed the old building that previously served as a bank. He hopes that the new facility will likewise serve the community and its needs well.

“It is wonderful for our city to have businesses on the brick and mortar side that invest in real needs to continue to provide services, especially during a COVID time when most activity has transitioned online,” he said. “Eye care is particularly important. So to have a place like this in our city, we are very grateful.”

Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida is located at 3350 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.eyesfl.com/locations/lakeland-harden/

Frostproof Man Arrested For Hit & Run Crash That Left Man Seriously Injured

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Frostproof Man Arrested For Hit & Run Crash That Left Man Seriously Injured

A Lake Wales man remains hospitalized after his bicycle was struck by a vehicle on Monday, October 12, 2020, at about 10:38 pm. The driver of the truck drove away from the crash. 26-year-old Joshua Mathews of Frostproof was arrested Wednesday evening and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury (F2).
The victim, a 25-year-old man from Lake Wales, was riding a bicycle Monday on County Road 630, east of Airport Road in Frostproof, when he was struck by Mathews’ black 2008 Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

According to the preliminary investigation, the victim was riding his bike westbound on CR 630 when Mathews’ eastbound truck went across the center line and hit the bicyclist. After impact, Mathews did not stop to render aid, and left the scene in his truck.

Deputies found the driver’s side view mirror at the crash scene along with some broken glass from a headlight. Those items matched-up with damages on Mathews’ truck.

According to statements made by Mathews to investigators, he said he had fallen asleep while driving Monday night and woke up from the impact. He said he knew he hit something, but was afraid to stop and report it because he had consumed several beers that evening and didn’t want to be arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

“The driver left the scene without even checking to see what he hit, leaving the victim badly injured on the side of the road. Fear of getting in trouble is no excuse. Leaving the scene of a crash is illegal, and as a result of Mr. Mathews’ decision to not stop and render aid, a human being was left out there seriously injured—he could have died.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

At the time of the crash, the bicyclist was not wearing a bicycle helmet, and had no lights on the bike.

He was flown to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center for treatment and is in critical, but stable condition.

Editors Note: We relayed information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that Joshua Mathews had a previous arrest for DUI in St. Johns County. We reviewed and it does not appear that Mathew’s was arrested by St. Johns County.

Winter Haven Police Investigating Two Dead Bodies Found In Motel

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Winter Haven Police Investigating Two Dead Bodies Found In Motel

Pictures above are from February 2019 / Dreads / August 2019

** UPDATE **

Winter Haven Police Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating 38 year-old Beloni Petitfrere. Detectives would like to speak with Petitfrere regarding the double homicide that occurred at the Rose Motel on 10-13-2020. Investigators believe he may have information regarding the case.

Anyone who has been in contact with or knows the whereabouts of Petitfrere is asked to call Detective Esteve at 863-287-8210 or the Supervisor on Duty at 863-401-2256.

Petitfrere could possibly have dreads now or a close hair cut.

Original Release:

Winter Haven detectives are investigating the deaths of two people found inside of a motel room after a well-being check was requested.

On Wednesday (10-14-2020) at approximately 3:20 p.m., a call was received from the mother of 40 yr-old Timothy Anderson requesting a well-being check be conducted at The Rose Motel (815 6th St NW, Winter Haven). She had not heard from her son, who typically called her daily and she was unable to reach him by phone. Approximately 15 minutes later, officers requested a staff member at the motel open the room since there was no answer when they knocked.

When officers entered, they found Anderson 49 yr-old Leslee Umpleby deceased with significant trauma injuries.

A witness who was interviewed reported seeing someone wearing a hoodie go towards the room sometime after 11 p.m. on Tuesday night (10-13-2020) and heard a commotion, however wasn’t sure what it was and went back into their motel room.

A search warrant was authored for detectives to search the room. The search warrant was ultimately granted late Wednesday night. This investigation is in the early stages and any information is very limited at this time.

If anyone knows anything regarding this case, please call Detective Rod Esteve at 863-287-8210.
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 of up to $5,000.

Breaking News:

Winter Haven, Florida – The Winter Haven Police Department is currently investigating two bodies found in the Rose Motel, 6th St N.

Department spokeswoman, Jamie Brown, advised that Winter Haven Police Chief Byrd would brief the press on a double homicide at 3:30pm

We will update details as more information is released.

Two Unrelated Incidents Result in Stabbings

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Two Unrelated Incidents Result in Stabbings

Two unrelated disturbances in two days resulted in two people being stabbed. Both victims were fortunate that neither of them sustained life-threatening injuries.

The first incident occurred on October 10, 2020 at approximately 10:30pm near the intersection of Dr JA Wiltshire Blvd and E St. The investigation revealed the victim and Pamela Heyward had been arguing back and forth for a couple hours that evening. The arguing abruptly became physical when Heyward was blocking the victim’s view of a television. The victim reportedly threw a backpack in the direction of Heyward to get her to move. A witness stated Heyward starting striking the victim in a hammering motion and when she stopped the victim had blood on her shirt. That is when the victim and the witness realized Heyward was armed with a kitchen knife and had stabbed the victim. The victim was transported to the hospital where she was treated for injuries which were not life threatening. Heyward, a 64 year old Lake Wales resident, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail for Aggravated Battery. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective Russell Klingler at (863) 678-4223 extension 271.

The second incident occurred on October 11, 2020 at approximately 8:25pm in the 200 block of D St. The investigation revealed there had been ongoing arguing and disturbances in a large crowd of people that had gathered. Among those in the crowd were Abriya Green and the victim. A physical fight occurred between Green and the victim. During the fight it was reported Green had an unknown shiny object in her hand and she was striking the victim in a stabbing motion. At the conclusion of the fight the victim had sustained a stab wound and was transported to the hospital where she was treated for injuries that were not life threatening. Green left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. Green was contacted by phone but she refused to come back to the scene or the police department. Green, a 22 year old Lake Wales resident, was charged with Aggravated Battery and a warrant has been obtained for her arrest. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are likely. Anyone with information about this investigation or the whereabouts of Abriya Green is asked to contact Detective Amanda Ayers at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media This Morning Regarding Deadly Deputy Involved Shooting

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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Sheriff Grady Judd Will Brief Media This Morning Regarding Deadly Deputy Involved Shooting

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in unincorporated Frostproof that occurred on Freedom Drive around 9:00 pm on October 14, 2020.

At 6:56 pm, deputies responded to the residence following a report of a family disturbance by the suspect’s sister. She told deputies that her brother, 28-year-old Yoel Arnaldo Mejia Santel, was paranoid and likely schizophrenic. She also told deputies that her brother took her cellphone, broke the screen, and during a physical altercation injured her finger, breaking her fingernail. She said Santel made statements that if she calls the cops, they’ll have to shoot him because he’ll have a machete.

When they arrived, deputies located Santel standing in the doorway of the apartment. Santel’s right hand was hidden behind the doorframe. In an attempt to deescalate the situation, deputies engaged Santel in dialogue and instructed him to show his hands. Santel refused, and one of the deputies attempted to get control of Santel. Santel fell away from the deputy and into his apartment, where he armed himself with a machete and retreated to a bathroom.

Upon entering the residence, deputies smelled a strong odor of gasoline. Deputies gave commands for Santel to exit the bathroom, which were refused. Instead, Santel told deputies, “Did you smell that gas? I poured gas everywhere.” Believing Santel also possessed a lighter, deputies introduced chemical agent in an attempt to get Santel to exit the bathroom with his hands up. Deputies were in dialogue with Santel for approximately 45 minutes.

Santel exited the bathroom with the machete raised over his head and charged at the deputies. Fearing for their safety, the deputies fired their agency-issued weapons at Santel. The deputies then rendered aid to Santel and summoned Polk County Fire Rescue, who continued life-saving efforts. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

“There is no doubt, Law Enforcement is a dangerous job. When deputies respond to a family disturbance, they do everything they can to deescalate the situation and bring about a peaceful conclusion. Unfortunately, Santel put them in a position where they had to protect themselves and those around them.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

During a search of the residence, a glass pipe with white residue which tested positive for methamphetamine was found in the suspect’s bedroom.

Santel’s criminal history includes 12 felonies and 3 misdemeanors, including Battery Domestic Violence, Burglary, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Violation of Probation. He was released from Florida state prison in May of 2020 (violation of probation, 8 counts).

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings will include four independent investigations. The PCSO homicide unit will conduct a death investigation. PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation. The 10th District Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death.

The deputies involved are: 40-year-old Lieutenant Kenneth Hill, a 20-year veteran of PCSO; 36-year-old Sergeant Joshua Anderson; a 15-year veteran of PCSO, and 49-year-old Deputy Sheriff Sarah Taylor, a 10-year veteran of PCSO. All involved deputies are CIT certified (Crisis Intervention Training).

Per agency protocol, all members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

25 Yr Old Man Struck By Hit & Run Driver While Riding His Bicycle In Frostproof – Family Wants To Know Why He Was “Left For Dead”

Staff Reporter

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October 15, 2020

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25 Yr Old Man Struck By Hit & Run Driver While Riding His Bicycle In Frostproof – Family Wants To Know Why He Was “Left For Dead”

Frostproof, Florida – A Lake Wales Man was in serious condition following a crash Monday night.

The crash occurred on 10/12/20 at about 10:38 pm at 1000 Hwy 630 West in Frostproof. It was a hit & run crash between an unknown type of vehicle, according to deputies, and a bicycle. The operator of the bike was 25-year-old John White of Lake Wales. He was transported by EMS to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center via Aero Med with a head laceration, broken leg and collar bone.

According to the preliminary investigation, White was travelling west on Hwy 630, while the vehicle was going east on Hwy 630. After the vehicle struck the bicyclist, it left the scene.

White’s bicycle was not equipped with any lights.

The family would appreciate any type of help identifing the driver. Deputies are conducting an investigation that typically involved canvasing the area and looking at surveillance video from local cameras.

Anyone who has any information that might be helpful to this investigation is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

Or 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.

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