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Father & Step Son Arrested For Violent Altercation New Years Eve Night In Lake Pierce Ranchettes

Carl Fish
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Father & Step Son Arrested For Violent Altercation New Years Eve Night In Lake Pierce Ranchettes

56-year old Wilfredo Florenciani and his 17-year old step-son Angel Oliveras were arrested by The Polk County Sheriffs Office on January 1, 2025, after they caused a violent disturbance with others at a crash scene in Lake Wales.

At about 12:09 am on Wednesday, a woman was on a motorcycle near her home when she had a minor crash in the street, in the area of Silver Spur Loop and Longhorn Drive in Lake Wales. The woman’s friends ran to assist her.

The crash occurred in front of Florenciani’s residence. Wilfredo and Angel both ran out of the home, yelling at the group.

According to the investigation, Wilfredo punched a 21-year old woman in the face and chest, slapped a 46-year old woman in the face with a flip-flop, punched a 24-year old woman, and then punched a 23-year old man twice on the mouth.

The victims stated that Angel pulled out a handgun, and Wilfredo instructed Angel to “aim at his head.” Several shots were then fired at the male victim, but missed. Wilfredo took the gun from Angel and fired several more shots at the man…all of which missed as the victims fled.

The male victim informed investigators that he fired several shots in the ground to scare away his attackers, but it was after the suspects had shot at him first.

Detectives interviewed Wilfredo, Angel, and Wilfredo’s wife. All three denied the shooting and denied owning a firearm, but detectives located evidence that showed Wilfredo’s wife purchased a .40 caliber Glock a few years prior. In the suspects’ front yard, detectives found three loaded .40 caliber pistol magazines wrapped in a rag.

Wilfredo Florenciani is a convicted felon, and therefore is prohibited to be in possession of firearms. His prior criminal history includes arrests for grand theft and assault.

Angel Oliveras has a prior criminal history which includes arrests for burglary, grand theft, criminal mischief, trespassing on school grounds, resisting, and possession of burglary tools and marijuana. He is currently on probation.

None of the victims suffered injuries.

The two suspects were arrested.

Wilfredo Florenciani was charged with: attempted murder (FL), battery (M1, 4-counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (F2), discharging a firearm in a residential area (M1), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (M1).

Angel Oliveras was charged with: attempted murder (FL), possession of a firearm by a juvenile (F2), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (F2), discharging a firearm in a residential area (M1), and violation of probation.

In Loving Memory of Juan “Johnny” Manalisay Cruz

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Juan “Johnny” Manalisay Cruz

Juan “Johnny” Manalisay Cruz

APRIL 12, 1951 – DECEMBER 17, 2024

Juan Manalisay Cruz, 73, beloved husband of Jo-Anne E. Sanchez-Cruz, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024. 

Juan is survived by his children: Sangmee “Annie” Cruz-Fochtman (Daughter) and her husband Jeff Fochtman, Roberto L. Sanchez (Son) and his wife Tysha Carasquillo, Rosa C. Sanchez (Daughter) and Mina Cruz (Daughter); his grandchildren: Kirra and Kellan Fochtman, Angel, Roberto, and MiKayla Sanchez, Genesis Vasquez, Karis-Joi Sanchez, JonMichael, Angelina, and Noelani Sanchez, Joia Cruz, his siblings: Jesus “Bobolike” Cruz and Grace Taitague Cruz, Mae Cruz, Carmelita Cruz and George Crisostomo, Norbert and Marivic Cruz , Michael and Barbara Cruz, Raymond and Evelyn Cruz, Annie Cruz, Clotilde (Annie) Cabrera Cruz, Francisco (Jeba)Garrido, his service dog “Ruth” and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives from the Gentry family. He was the son of the late Jose Cruz and Ana Cruz and was predeceased by Pedro Cruz (Brother), Fransisco “Kiko” Cruz (Brother), Joseph Cruz (Brother), Vicente Cruz (Brother), Catherine Garrido (Sister), and Miguel Sanchez (Son). 

Juan, affectionately known as “Johnny” by his family, was born in Merizo, Guam on April 12, 1951. He joined the Army in 1969. Sergeant First Class (Retired) Cruz was a highly decorated Vietnam war hero who served in the US Army for 23 years. He was awarded the Purple Heart three times and the Bronze Star with “V” device. Juan was an active member of the Purple Heart Association, and the American Legion. Upon retirement from active duty military service, Juan went on to teach, coach and mentor cadets as a JROTC Instructor at St. Croix Central High and Charlotte Amalie High Schools in the US Virgin Islands. Juan was a devout Catholic and served the Lord in many ways to include his membership in the Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, Men’s Emmaus, and the Faith Riders. 

He enjoyed riding his Harley, collecting stamps, tinkering and road tripping. Juan was a devoted family man. Most of all he loved cooking, BBQing, entertaining and creating a loving hospitable environment for his family and friends. This giant of a man will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all those that knew him.

In Loving Memory of Robert Duane Ringle, 85, of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Robert Duane Ringle, 85, of Lake Wales

Robert Duane Ringle, 85

Robert Duane Ringle “Bob” of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born November 2, 1939 in Lansing, MI to the late Forest and Dorothy Ringle. He was a retired math teacher and enjoyed golfing and was a ham radio operator. He was a fan of Michigan State, Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, June Ringle; daughters, Denyse Smith (Burton) of Lansing, MI and Holly Meyer (William) of Sierra Vista, AZ; sons, Todd Ringle of Lansing, MI, Jon Ringle of Lansing, MI, James Giffin, Jr. (Sharon) of Hastings, MI, Jeffrey Giffen (Kathy) of Kansas City, MO and Jason Giffen (Trish) of Olivet, MI; sister, Linda Schneider (Al) of Westphalia, MI; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at a later date in Michigan. 

Serious Traffic Collision Reported on Hwy. 60 West of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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Serious Traffic Collision Reported on Hwy. 60 West of Lake Wales
Photo with permission Thomas Fossen

UPDATE 1/2/25, 8:38 am:

Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, Katelyn Hoverkamp, provided the following update: On 1/1/25 at 4:11 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) crews were dispatched to a traffic collision at 4689 U.S. Hwy 60 W in Lake Wales, FL.

Upon arrival at 4:17 p.m., PCFR crews transported seven patients from the scene. No additional injuries were reported or patients were transported.

The crash is being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

…

At approximately 4:11 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, a traffic collision was reported at 4689 US Hwy. 60 W in Lake Wales.

The initial report states that a gray SUV and/or Gray Nissan are involved. At least one eastbound lane of Hwy. 60 is said to be obstructed. Heavy damage was reported to at least one vehicle; one vehicle is on its roof.

Multiple units are at the scene, With several more in route. There are reportedly nine patients at this time. This has not been confirmed. 

Plan to find an alternate route to Hwy. 60 west of Lake Wales as first responders arrive on scene.

Heavy Police Presence Near Washington Park in Lake Wales, 3 Juveniles Transported by Heli

Staff Reporter
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Heavy Police Presence Near Washington Park in Lake Wales, 3 Juveniles Transported by Heli
Photo by Maria Iannucci

UPDATE 4:35pm:

Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer for Polk County Fire Rescue, has offered the following statement:

‘On 1/1/25 at 2:40 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the Washington Ave/Northside Dr E intersection in Lake Wales in reference to a traffic collision.

“Upon PCFR‘s arrival, three pediatric patients were transported from the scene via helicopter. No additional injuries were reported and no additional patients were transported.

Polk County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) is investigating the vehicle collision.”

Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO on call has also confirmed that the situation involved juveniles on an ATV.

“They were airlifted due to their ages, but they are not critically injured.”

The PCSO Traffic Unit has not been dispatched to the scene; a sign that patrol will handle this incident as it’s not a serous bodily injury crash.

…

At approximately 2:40 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, a traffic collision was reported near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Northside Drive E. in Lake Wales.

We have an unconfirmed report of a juvenile pedestrian or pedestrians being struck by a vehicle. There is a heavy police presence by both Lake Wales Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

At least one helicopter was observed, landing and taking off from Washington Park.

Lake Wales Daily has reached out to Lake Wales Police Department for comment.

As always, we will bring you the facts when we are able to confirm the information. Continue to avoid this area as law-enforcement conduct their investigation.

Winter Haven Man And Lake Wales Man Involved in Overnight Traffic Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Man And Lake Wales Man Involved in Overnight Traffic Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash with serious bodily injury that occurred early this morning in unincorporated Lake Wales. According to the preliminary investigation so far, it appears that just after 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025, a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle being operated by a 30-year-old Haines City man was traveling east on Tindel Camp Road approaching the intersection with Lake Mabel Loop Road when, for unknown reasons, the motorcyclist lost control of his bike, causing it to overturn and slide approximately 100 yards inside the eastbound lane.

 Another motorcycle, a 2024 Suzuki, was also heading east on Tindel Camp an unknown distance behind the Kawasaki. The 25-year-old Winter Haven man operating that bike appears to have swerved to avoid crashing into the overturned Kawasaki in the roadway front of him, causing him to lose control of the Suzuki and overturn, coming to a rest on the shoulder of the road. It does not appear that the two bikes collided. Both of the motorcyclists were ejected from their bikes.

 The Kawasaki driver has extremely significant head injuries and was unable to be interviewed regarding the crash. The Suzuki driver gave minimal information to the deputies at the scene. Both were transported to the hospital and were admitted. Neither were wearing helmets. The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately four hours, and the investigation is ongoing.

Rec@Home – Free Winter Activity Kits; Registration Site Open

Staff Reporter
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Rec@Home – Free Winter Activity Kits; Registration Site Open

Polk County Parks and Recreation’s Rec@Home kits for January are all about the winter season! Activity kit registration is free, but there is a limit of 500 participants. ONE registration per household.

Our Rec@Home kits are packed with fun for your little explorers to do at home! Each kit will include the following free activities:

• Paper Snowflakes (craft)
• Snow Globe (craft)
• Ice & Flow: Chill Yoga Moves for Cool Kids (activity cards)
• Frosty Funnies: Snowman Jokes
• Winter Maze (game)
• Stickers

Kits will be mailed on Monday, January 13.

To register for your free kit, you may use the link below:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/z49gr85

Two Motorcycles Crash Early New Years Day In Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Two Motorcycles Crash Early New Years Day In Lake Wales

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash with serious bodily injury that occurred early this morning in unincorporated Lake Wales. According to the preliminary investigation so far, it appears that just after 1:00 a.m. on January 1, 2025, a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle being operated by a 30-year-old Haines City man was traveling east on Tindel Camp Road approaching the intersection with Lake Mabel Loop Road when, for unknown reasons, the motorcyclist lost control of his bike, causing it to overturn and slide approximately 100 yards inside the eastbound lane.

Another motorcycle, a 2024 Suzuki, was also heading east on Tindel Camp an unknown distance behind the Kawasaki. The 25-year-old Winter Haven man operating that bike appears to have swerved to avoid crashing into the overturned Kawasaki in the roadway front of him, causing him to lose control of the Suzuki and overturn, coming to a rest on the shoulder of the road. It does not appear that the two bikes collided. Both of the motorcyclists were ejected from their bikes.

 

The Kawasaki driver has extremely significant head injuries and was unable to be interviewed regarding the crash. The Suzuki driver gave minimal information to the deputies at the scene. Both were transported to the hospital and were admitted. Neither were wearing helmets. The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately four hours, and the investigation is ongoing.

Emergency Responders On Scene Of Situation Lake Pierce Ranchettes

Carl Fish
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Emergency Responders On Scene Of Situation Lake Pierce Ranchettes

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Fire Rescue currently on scene of a domestic disturbance at a home near Silver Spur Loop in Lake Pierce Ranchettes area.

The initial call was shots fired, multiple rounds, but no shooting victims appear to be involved. The call came in shortly after 12:23pm.

The emergency responders initially waited to be cleared to enter the scene, but that occurred pretty quickly. One person, female, appears to be transported via ground transportation for a physical assault injury. More victims may be involved.

Shell casings have been located, but no shooting victims at this point.

This is a developing story. We will update as more information is released.

Reports of Lake Wales Explosion on NYE Turns Out To Be Fire at River Ranch

Staff Reporter
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Reports of Lake Wales Explosion on NYE Turns Out To Be Fire at River Ranch

An initial report of an explosion in Lake Wales early New Year’s Eve morning generated more questions than answers.

On 12/31/24 at 3:33 a.m., Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to an unknown situation reported near the intersection of Hwy 60 E/Hwy 630 E in Lake Wales, FL. It was initially reported as an explosion.

Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer at Polk County Fire Rescue, offered the following account of events:

“On 12/31/24 at 3:43 a.m., PCFR crews arrived at the entrance of River Ranch and were advised that a fire located on an old abandoned camp property broke out but was extinguished by River Ranch Fire Suppression members prior to PCFR’s arrival.

“While on scene, PCFR crews confirmed the fire was extinguished and determined that there were no injuries reported and no patients transported. Due to the fire being extinguished prior to our arrival, the cause of the fire is unknown.”

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