Polk Deputies Seize 7 Kilo’s Of Meth & Arrest Multiple People Including Two Illegal Immigrants

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October 14, 2020

Polk Deputies Seize 7 Kilo’s Of Meth & Arrest Multiple People Including Two Illegal Immigrants

Polk County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives developed information in September of 2020 that a source of illegal narcotics was trafficking methamphetamine from Colorado to Polk County. Detectives developed information on a suspect in Arapahoe County, Colorado that resulted in three arrests. The latest arrest occurred last week in Denver, Colorado; the investigation continues regarding other possible suspects involved.

26-year-old Cristian Garcia-Cornejo (illegally in the United States from Mexico) of Denver, Colorado was arrested on October 5, 2020, and booked into the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office on a Polk County warrant for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine over 200 Grams. Garcia-Cornejo is being held with no bond while awaiting extradition to Polk County. Garcia-Cornejo is being extradited to Polk County.

21-year-old Kevin Nieto-Figueroa (illegally in the United States from Mexico) of Senoia, Georgia was arrested on October 4, 2020, for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (F1), Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine (F1), and Possession of Paraphernalia (M1). Nieto-Figueroa was booked into the Polk County Jail and currently has an ICE hold.

20-year-old Myra Alejandra Meraz of Senoia, Georgia was arrested on October 4, 2020, for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (F1), Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine (F1), and Possession of Paraphernalia (M1). Meraz was booked into the Polk County Jail.
The investigation is as follows:
PCSO detectives arranged a face-to-face narcotics transaction. On October 4, 2020, PCSO detectives met Nieto-Figueroa and Meraz at an undisclosed location in Winter Haven. The two produced 5 kilograms (which has a street value of $400,000) hidden in a box from their vehicle and placed them into the back seat of the undercover vehicle.
Both Nieto-Figueroa and Meraz were placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Jail.
During the investigation, it was learned that Nieto-Figueroa had picked up the methamphetamine in Atlanta. He had been communicating with someone in Mexico who had put him in touch with a distributer out of Colorado, identified as Garcia-Cornejo.
PCSO detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Garcia-Cornejo, and on October 5, 2020, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Garcia-Cornejo. He is currently being held at the Arapahoe County Jail with no bond awaiting extradition to Polk County.
“Those coming into our country illegally with the sole intent to commit crimes must be held accountable and ultimately returned to their country of origin. Through strong law enforcement partnerships and great detective work, our community is safer because these dangerous drugs – and dealers – have been removed from our streets. Methamphetamine destroys people and families—anyone who traffics and sells this poison is trafficking in death and destruction.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Man Grabs Speakers From Walmart, Stuffs Them Into Stolen Backpack and Darts Out The Door

Staff Reporter

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October 14, 2020

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Man Grabs Speakers From Walmart, Stuffs Them Into Stolen Backpack and Darts Out The Door

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

The guy in the video helped himself to a set of speakers at Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd). Then selected a cammo backpack, put the speakers inside and walked out through the Garden Center (yep – no attempt to p ay). He is seen getting on that nifty bike we guess he wanted the speakers for.
Recognize him? Call Det. Watts at 863-834-0784. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Winter Haven Face Covering Requirement Ends October 15

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Winter Haven Face Covering Requirement Ends October 15

In response to reducing the spread of COVID-19, the City of Winter Haven had previously passed and extended a number of emergency Ordinances requiring masks/face covering when in public settings inside the City limits. On September 25, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 2020-244 which prohibits the City from collecting any fines or penalties associated with COVID-19. In light of the Governors order and the reduction in the Winter Haven area infection rate, the City Commission will allow Emergency Ordinance O-20-39 to expire October 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The City Commission strongly encourages the use of face coverings/masks when in public settings, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Social distancing, hand washing and staying home if ill or if there is exposure with someone with COVID-19 is also strongly urged.

The City’s policy to require masks in City facilities for both employees and customers remains in place. Business owners are permitted to make their own determination as to whether employees and/or customers should wear masks.

PCPS Books Bridge Bus Program Comes To Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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PCPS Books Bridge Bus Program Comes To Winter Haven

Tuesday, October 13 @ 8:00 am – Tuesday, October 27 @ 5:00 pm

mywinterhaven.com:
The Books Bridge Bus Program is an outreach program designed to bring books and book-related knowledge to communities in Polk County. Books Bridge Library Media Specialists and Paraprofessionals take books on busses outfitted as mobile classrooms to young children throughout Polk County. The Book Bridge Bus will be stationed at the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center for the next few weeks. Stop by before they drive off!

Frostproof Jeeptoberfest Draws In 4x The Crowds And Jeeps

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Frostproof Jeeptoberfest Draws In 4x The Crowds And Jeeps

by James Coulter

What started as a few dozen jeeps and vendors last year has since quadrupled in size. This year’s Frostproof Jeeptoberfest had more than double the crowd, double the jeeps, and double the fun on Saturday.

The Frostproof Jeeptoberfest started last year as a community event, hosted by the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce, to bring people together for their mutual love of four-wheel off-road driving in the great outdoors.

Even with COVID-19 still looming, this year’s event more than doubled in size, with four times the number of jeeps and people turning out for last Saturday’s event on Henderson Field.

“We have so many jeeps here it’s crazy,” said Melody Kinkaid, Director of the Frostproof Chamber. “Last year we did a trial run on the first year to see what people were wanting and looking for. We listened to their needs and opinions and wants and interests. We gave them what they wanted, and we lined the field.”

More than a hundred jeeps parked inside Henderson Field near Lake Reedy in Downtown Frostpoof. So many jeeps turned out for the event that some had to park in the overflow parking across the street. Many of these vehicles proudly flew their American colors, and even sported flags and memorabilia in support of Donald Trump 2020 and Blue Lives Matter.

While some Jeep owners proudly showcased their vehicles on the field, others took off to drive along a nearby off-road trail. Back at the field, attendees perused the food and merchandise vendors, allowed their children to play in the bounce houses, and listened to live music on stage.

Melody Kinkaid was born and raised in Frostproof, having graduated from Frostproof High School in 1992. She’s been involved with the Frostproof Chamber, and recently obtained its Vice President position. She loves being able to host events such as this to draw the community together.

Their growth within the past year has been due to the support they receive from local community businesses, many of whom have contributed with donations and sponsorships. Only through their help has the event grown as large as it has, especially in light of the recent pandemic.

“The purpose of the Jeeptoberfest not only is to give everybody in the community a chance to meet and greet people from all over the state and a fundraiser for the chamber,” she said. “I believe we are over and beyond any expectations right now. It is more than amazing. We are giving the community something to do and somewhere to go.”

While many vehicles were showcased by jeep enthusiasts, some were being promoted by Jeep Dealers like Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The dealership not only sells Jeep vehicles, but it is one of the few that provides a Jeep proving ground with a Jeep mountain, allowing potential customers to test-drive their vehicles in an off-road simulated-environment.

“So we don’t only talk to people about jeeps,” said Peter Conklin, Commercial Consultant for Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. “We show them what the vehicles can do.”

Conklin loves events such as Frostproof Jeeptoberfest. Not only does it allow him an opportunity to showcase his dealership’s latest models, but also allows him to engage in camaraderie among other Jeep enthusiasts.

“Jeep vehicles are a vehicle that transcends paths,” he said. “[They are] more than just a vehicle on the road with four wheels. It is a lifestyle that brings all sorts of people from across the community. The people, they are awesome, and you get to meet different people and different backgrounds.”

As for this year’s event, it has more than exceeded his initial expectations: “With COVID-19 being as serious as it is, I have seen people doing social distancing and it is a little bit of a break. It is nice to have everybody outdoors where everyone can come together and see what is going on.”

Other vendors participating this year included Bang Energy, an energy drink company that sells drinks of many flavors like Rainbow Unicorn. They attend events such as this to allow people to try their drinks before they buy. They also loved the synergy between their drinks and Jeep vehicles, even sporting a vehicle decked in their logo and colors.

“We were invited because our regular everyday cars are Jeeps,” said Nicole Johnson, field team leader. “Just being surrounded by other jeep lovers

[was fun]

. We are an everyday drink, so anybody doing anything can consume our drink to make their day better.”

Local Lieutenant with PCSO Raises More Than $30,000 For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Local Lieutenant with PCSO Raises More Than $30,000 For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center

by James Coulter

Lt. Jim Ostojic normally serves his community through law enforcement. This past month, he has also been serving it by helping raise money for a local treatment facility that helps countless children with their hearing disorders.

Lt. Ostojic is one of 22 local gentlemen who are helping to raise funds for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center by participating in its annual Mr. Central Florida fundraiser event.

For the past several weeks, he has volunteered 168 hours. During that time, he has raised nearly $30,000. He has another month to reach his goal of $50,000.

Aiding him with his efforts was Craft + Kitchen in Lakeland. The local eatery hosted specials that evening, with all proceeds from their pulled pork dinners going towards Lt. Ostojic and his campaign for Mr. Central Florida. Sales from their beer drafts were also included, with $2 for every draft sold.

For the past 60 years, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center has served as a world-class speech, language and hearing disorders treatment facility whose core mission, according to its website, is “to provide the highest quality speech, language and hearing services, always in a caring manner.”

Deborah Dodge, the owner of Craft + Kitchen, previously ran her business near the Hearing Center, having since changed location along South Florida Avenue three years ago. She has a friend whose son has hearing problems that were being treated at the Center. She appreciates the work that they do, which is why she wanted to help raise money for it.

“Jim has been fantastic,” she said. “He is very passionate about supporting this cause with the speech and hearing center. He has been great to work with, he has spearheaded this entire endeavor.”

Lt. Ostojic has been a proud member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for the past 26 years. He started as an explorer as a teenager, having been introduced to law enforcement by a school resource officer. He became a reserve deputy at age 19, and his career has only grown ever since.

“I always wanted to be a police officer,” he said. “I always thought it was a good thing, a good way to help the community, and I want to give back to the community because they do so much for us, and we want to do a lot for them as well.”

He was chosen by the Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd personally to participate within the Center’s annual fundraiser, Mr. Central Florida. The event allows 22 men to raise funds and compete against each other for the titular title of the event.

As one of his daughter’s best friends receives treatment from the Center, Lt. Ostojic knows from personal experience the good that the local facility does. As such, he takes his position and volunteer work for it very seriously.

During his campaign, he met a gentleman who had taken a child under his care. The man had assumed that the child suffered from disciplinary problems. Only until after the child received a hearing test did they realize that he was hearing-impaired.

Earlier on, Lt. Ostojic met a stranger at a restaurant. He told her he was raising money. After giving her his info, he received a phone call from her. She asked to meet with him at another eatery. There she offered him three big checks for donations.

“She gave me a check from the organizations she is involved in,” he said. “It was inspiring, because for how hard I was working, it is nice for someone to go out and work hard to help us.”

For as much work as he has already accomplished, Lt. Ostojic hopes to continue raising more funds and perhaps even winning Mr. Central Florida. Of course, in the end, the goal is always to support a great organization like the Speech and Hearing Center.

“We have done a lot already, but there is a lot to be done,” he said. “Please help these organizations. There will be children who will be depending on this money to get hearing aids [and other treatment].”

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program for Jan Phyl Village, Lake Thomas and Sun Acres Communities and Bartow Tire Recycling Event planned for October 24, 2020.

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October 13, 2020

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“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program for Jan Phyl Village, Lake Thomas and Sun Acres Communities and Bartow Tire Recycling Event planned for October 24, 2020.

October 12, 2020– Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners is bringing their “Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program to the Jan Phyl Village, Lake Thomas and Sun Acres Communities on Saturday, October 24, 2020.

Residents in these communities are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this program that will consist of a large scale trash pick-up throughout these selected communities only (clean sweep). This program will provide disposal of items that are NOT generally collected with their residential garbage only such as household construction debris (shingles, drywall, etc.) on THIS DAY ONLY. Absolutely NO tires or hazardous waste will be collected. All households are asked to participate by placing these items by the curb no later than 6am for this one day event. Please do not place these items out more than 48 hours prior to the event. No mixed piles with yard waste will be picked up. Trash hauling services have been graciously donated by FCC.

Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. will host a FREE Tire Recycling event for all COUNTY RESIDENTS from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(noon) at Bartow High School, (Enter from E. Georgia St. ONLY and exit onto S. Broadway Ave. -No Vehicle Entry on S. Broadway only Exit). Residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle. Absolutely NO TIRE BUSINESSES, INDEPENDENT or COMMERCIAL TRUCKING COMPANIES or AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES of ANY kind will be permitted. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced.

Tire hauling services have been graciously donated by City of Bartow Solid Waste.

For additional information on the “Clean It Up to Green It Up” program, Tire Recycling or to find out when/if this program is scheduled to come to your community, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .

It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .

Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 13, 2020

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Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff

The annual event sponsored by the Winter Haven Police Department that was postponed in April is set for Saturday, October 24 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Police Department.

Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff gives the community an opportunity to bring their expired and unused medications to be properly disposed of. We will also have Crown Business Solutions, the company the Police Department uses for shredding confidential documents, on site for citizens to bring in paperwork to be safely disposed of preventing possible identity theft.

There is no limit to what can be brought and you do not have to be a Winter Haven resident. (No businesses please) Staff will be on site to assist citizens.

What: Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Winter Haven Police Department
125 N Lake Silver Dr., NW , Winter Haven FL 33880

More info: 863-295-5905 or [email protected]

Local Lake Wales Resident Uses Podcasts To Promote Positive Change Within Community

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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October 9, 2020

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Local Lake Wales Resident Uses Podcasts To Promote Positive Change Within Community

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Frederick D Brinson Jr.

Frederick D Brinson Jr., local Lake Wales resident is young, but sure has lived a lot of life. He has been through a lot and his positivity and optimistic outlook on life contributes to all his successes. Currently engaged to his fiancé Parys Miller, the couple is raising four beautiful children together. Parys’ oldest child unfortunately passed away earlier this year from drowning. His late daughter, along with his three biological children and fiancé are his driving force in life. They inspire him the most.

Brinson Jr. graduated from Lake Wales High School in 2011. From the date of his graduation up to present day, Brinson Jr. has been on in incredible life journey. On his journey, he looks for happiness and the positives in every situation. His parents have taught him love, passion and what it means to be a hard worker and take care of your family.

“Seeing my mom still go hard for all six of her kids hurts me but makes me smile because I know her DNA runs through me,” Brinson Jr. says. “My mom shouldn’t have to work that hard. I love that woman so much, that’s my lifetime inspiration. Seeing my dad go so hard for his Photography business inspires me so much, he is the foundation of the Brinson name and I want to keep that going in my own way. I am just Frederick D. Brinson Jr. a great value version of the original “Frederick D. Brinson Sr. On my pursuit of happiness, I’ve discovered that the love of my family is the greatest love there is and seeing them happy fuels me.” Brinson Jr. speaks about his parents, children and fiancé.

Brinson Jr. currently runs a podcast. This platform lets him truly be himself.

“I started “The High 5ive” podcast because podcasting allows me to be myself without having to feel any pressure from the “world,” he says. “It allows me to “stay true” to myself, and that helps me to motivate others to stay true to themselves also. This podcast platform allows me to help promote change within our local communities all the way to our Federal governments. I want to do something I love outside of an athletic ability and talking is something I’m pretty good at.”

Brinson Jr. believes that the power of a “play button” allows him the opportunity to promote change and reach thousands of people in a matter of seconds.

“We have listeners from all over the world including 10 different countries like Spain, Portugal, Brazil and others,” he said. “I feel like the powerful stories and voices I bring to this podcast will change one life at a time. Changing one life at a time for myself and my team means after you listen to our podcast did you learn something, and would you listen again, and if the answer is “yes” then we are successful. Our listeners are our customers and we want to make sure we give them the best experience possible by using our energy to promote healthy energy to others.”

Brinson Jr. has learned growing up the importance of being oneself.

“I feel like we were all created equal UNIQUELY,” he said. “If each individual person on this earth is his/her own unique self on a day in day out basis this world would be a better place, but the oppression the human race faces on a “day in day out” basis can make that task seem near impossible.”

With the help of his fiancé Parys, sister Fredaysia and friends, Ricky Custodio and Smooth Jay, he is able to produce a positive, powerful and uplifting podcast to share with others. Brinson Jr. is currently working on his second season and this season is special to him. Brinson Jr. is a black man, and he has partnered with Taylor Sweet, a white woman. Sweet is a registered mental health counselor intern in the state of Florida and National Certified Counselor, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UCF. She also has her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, and she is a current PhD student in Counseling and Counselor Education at UF.

“We have always talked about doing a podcast together because she is a white woman who wants change just as much as myself and when you have two different races and genders who want the same thing opposite from their own race, this makes for great impact,” Brinson Jr. shared. “All the opinions and different stories from our podcast will give you a rollercoaster of emotions. To help push this podcast forward we need monthly subscribers. Monthly subscribers allow us to focus strictly on the podcast and invest in better equipment and produce better quality episodes so that our listeners experience “The High 5ive Podcast” in the best sound and video quality possible, and right now we are only working with an iPhone but we have made such an impact in a short amount of time, and we want to keep that momentum going but are going to need the help of our listeners and our local communities. With the help of both, change is inevitable.”

Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Fire in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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October 9, 2020

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Polk County Fire Rescue Responds to Fatal Fire in Winter Haven

(Oct. 9, 2020) – During the late night hours Thursday, Polk County Fire Rescue crews were called to a structure fire in Winter Haven where one man was found dead.

Just prior to 11 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to a mobile home fire at 3409 Avenue R NW. Upon arrival on scene, crews found a fully involved shed with fire spread to the adjacent mobile home.

Crews were informed that there was an individual who lived in the shed and that there was a possible person trapped inside the mobile home. The crews began an aggressive attack on the fire while performing a primary search of the home and shed. A deceased man was subsequently found in the shed while the adjacent mobile home was unoccupied.

Polk County Fire Rescue was then notified that neighbors, including a local pastor, had pulled the female resident from the mobile home prior to the arrival of fire personnel. This individual was then transported to a local hospital for observation.

Crews commenced in putting out the blaze and overhauled the two structures. The scene was then turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office for investigation. The cause remains under investigation.

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