On October 22, 2020, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 21-year-old Kodie Andrew Cameron Cummingham of Lakeland for battery (M1) of a homeless man.
According to the affidavit, Cummingham and the victim were having a verbal argument in the parking lot of Defy (6220 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland) when Cummingham punched the victim on the right side of his face. The victim was not seriously injured and refused medical treatment.
Cummingham was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was booked in and then released on a $500 bond.
Any questions about Cummingham’s employment should be directed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Grindley Williams Engineering Celebrates Grand Opening WithRibbon Cutting
by James Coulter
Looking for an engineering consultant to assist you with your new construction project? Then consider Grindley Williams Engineering of Lakeland.
Grindley Williams is a Florida-based multi-disciplinary engineering firm focusing on forensic, electrical, plumbing, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Their company currently serves the local insurance industry and local architects and contractors.
With their talented staff of proffesional engineers, their firms isdedicated to offering its clients only the best in every area and aspect of construction. Anything your new building or project requires to undergo a safe and reliable construction, they can offer.
“The oath of every engineer is to, above all other goals, ensure public safety, health and welfare,” their website states. “We strive to provide a diversified menu of engineering services throughout the southeastern U.S. and serve our clients’ needs with this oath as our guiding principle.”
Currently, their focus has mostly been on disaster response, with many projects in the gulf in response to the recent slew of hurricanes and tropical storms. They also have constant construction projects underway locally in support of local growth in Polk County.
Jonathan Williams, business partner with Grindley Williams, was born in Lakeland. He loves the area and wanted to start and grow his own company there.
Most of his success thus far has been due to his proper treatment of his employees. Williams has ensured that the facility and its conditions are to their benefit. The break room is fit with a widescreen television, Nintendo Switch video game console, and even a beer tap.
“We want our employees to enjoy it,” Williams said. “We hope they enjoy it. We hope they feel like it is a second home. That they are relaxed and comfortable when they are here.”
Grindley Williams Engineering celebrated the grand opening of their facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
Cory Skeates, Lakeland Chmaber CEO & President, commended Williams and his staff on their facility. He was especially envious of the beer tap they had in the break room, commenting on how it proved his employees were in good hand.
Joe Tedder, Chamber Treasurer, likewise commended the business for their lovely facility. He mentioned how proud he was of the company, and how Williams should be proud of the company, especially with the way he treats his staff. This level of commitment has allowed the firm to expand from half a dozen employees previously to 70 as of now, Tedder said.
“I have spoken with your staff,” Tedder said. “They are singing your praises, not only of the hard work that you do, but of the way that you treat them and your staff. So you really built a heck of a team here.”
Matt Clark, Chamber Chair of the Board, like everyone else, expressed his love for the beautiful space. He commended them for a fantastic job they have done thus far with their projects, many of which he assisted with.
“You guys have done a fantastic job,” he said. We are excited to see you grow, not only locally, but across the state. You guys are doing a great job, so congrats.”
Grindley Williams Engineering is located at 4175 S Pipkin Rd #210, Lakeland, FL 33811. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.grindleywilliams.com/
FROM FDOT: SR 542 (Dundee Road) from Buckeye Loop Road to east of US 27 – Crews are working on utilities, placing erosion control devices, clearing the right-of-way and working on temporary pavement base. Overlook Drive at the eastern merge with Dundee Road is now permanently closed. Motorists have access between Overlook Drive and Dundee Road at the flashing beacon or may use Carl Floyd Road as an alternate route. The Dundee Ridge Plaza entrance on Dundee Road will be closed October 22 – 28 with access to the shopping center on US 27. The overall project includes widening Dundee Road from two to four lanes, constructing an enclosed drainage system, installing a new signal at Overlook Drive and closing the Overlook Drive merge, adding sidewalk, bike lanes and street lighting, and making utility improvements. Expected completion is spring 2023. For more info or to view a recording of the virtual public meeting that was held in September, visit www.swflroads.com/sr542/buckeyelooptous27. Questions: Contact Sandra Mancil at (863) 519-4116 or [email protected].
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida Celebrates Grand Opening In Lakeland
by James Coulter
Has your roof seen better days? If you live in Florida, you know the wear and tear your roofing can receive from the sun’s heat, the pouring rain, and the hurricane winds.
Wish there was a way to protect your roof from the harsh elements? Something you could slather on top of it like moisturizer to keep it protected and refreshed from the heat, rain, and wind?
If your roof is experiencing wear and tear, don’t replace it: rejuvenate it!
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida is a roof treatment service that applies an all-natural plant-based product on your roof to make its shingles last longer and “rejuvenate” them to appear fresher than ever.
One treatment can extend your roof’s life by five years, and by 15 years with repeated treatment; as such, applying this treatment will save you 85 percent of the cost for a complete roof replacement, their website states.
“Our low pressure all-natural treatment is scientifically formulated to restore and maintain shingle flexibility and reduce granule loss that is essential to your roof’s longevity and performance,” their pamphlet states.
Roof Rejuvenate of Central Florida recently opened their business in Lakeland. Over the past year, they have treated over 400 homes in the local community, as well as Tampa and Orlando.
The company recently celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. The ceremony was initially going to be hosted outside the Chamber building, but inclement weather brought the festivities inside.
“We are thankful for everyone here in the Chamber,” said owner Andrew Massouras. “The Chamber has been wonderful. We truly appreciate it and look forward to doing business in Lakeland and helping homeowners and the community however way we can.”
Derek Oxford, the Chamber Financial Planner, commended Roof Rejuvenate for re-locating their business to Lakeland. He especially considered their business to be a fitting addition, as many homes in the community would require their roofing services.
“What a wonderful product to have, especially in Florida, where roofs do not last quite as long as they say on the box,” Oxford said. “We could use your help. So thank you so much.”
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz likewise commended the business for being one of many new businesses to set up shop within the city. He considers such economic growth vital to the local community, and is excited to see it happen.
“The opportunities we have to watch businesses grow in Lakeland, and this is an example of one,” Mutz said. “To be able to bring your businesses here and to help an area where you need a lot of attention on our roofs, we are so grateful and thank you for joining the Chamber.”
Free estimates are available upon request. For more information, visit their website at: https://roofrejuvenatepro.com, or call 888-250-7663.
Brooks Law Group to Give
Away 350 Thanksgiving Turkeys
Local Law Firm Holding 8th Annual Event for Families in Need
WINTER HAVEN, FL, October 21, 2020—Brooks Law Group invites you to their 8th annual Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 21, at 10 a.m. where
they will be donating 350 Thanksgiving turkeys to families who cannot afford
one. Turkeys will be available at the firm’s office at 123 First Street North,
Winter Haven. The firm recommends arriving early (around 8:30 a.m.) to secure
your spot in line, as the turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
“The Turkey Giveaway is our favorite event we do
all year. With this year being harder than usual, we knew we had to do our part
to serve our community again,” says Brooks Law Group’s managing partner Steve
Brooks. Brooks Law Group is known for being community-minded and willing to
help those in need. With this year taking an extra toll on everyone, they knew
it was more important than ever to make the Turkey Giveaway even bigger and
better.
Brooks Law Group will again be joined by
Restaurants Against Hunger, who generously donates the side items for a
complete Thanksgiving dinner. For the first time, local radio station 97.5 WPCV
will be present at the event for a live broadcast.
Brooks Law Group requests that if you can afford
a turkey, please let those in need have the donated turkeys. Donations will be
limited to one per family. Social distancing will be practiced, and face
coverings will be required for all in attendance. During the giveaway, Brooks
Law Group staff will be available to speak with those in line.
Brooks Law Group is a personal injury, auto accident, wrongful death and social security disability law firm, serving individuals across the state of Florida with offices in Winter Haven, Tampa and Lakeland. The firm has been practicing law and serving people for over 25 years and the attorneys are well known for helping victims obtain favorable settlements and verdicts for their claims. For more information visit www.brookslawgroup.com or call 1-800-LAW-3030.
A 40-year-old man was killed Tuesday night, October 20, 2020, in a single-vehicle crash on Overlook Drive in unincorporated Winter Haven. The victim was identified as Royalanda Antonio Holden of Winter Haven.
Holden was driving a 2006 white Toyota Avalon.
At approximately 11:53 pm, the Emergency Communications Center was notified of the crash, and deputies, along with Polk County Fire Rescue, responded to the scene where Holden was found inside his vehicle having sustained serious injuries. Rescue workers removed him from his vehicle and transported him to Winter Haven Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
According to the preliminary investigation, Holden was traveling southwest on Overlook Drive, just northeast of Leadfeather Gun and Archery when he failed to negotiate the curve and crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic, barely missing a vehicle driving in the opposite direction. Holden then entered the east shoulder of the roadway, hitting a chain link fence and striking a palm tree where the vehicle came to rest.
Impairment is believed to be a possible factor in the crash.
Road work has began on Hwy 27 and S.R. 60 interchange.
Lake Wales, Florida – So construction on Hwy 27 & S.R. 60 interchange has started! When will it end…. 2025….
FDOT District One is widening the existing four lane divided US 27 to a six-lane divided highway from south of SR 60 to north of Central Avenue including the interchange at US 27 and SR 60. The proposed widening of US 27 in southern Polk County is consistent with the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan designation as a cost affordable project.
Current roadway on Hwy 27 and S.R. 60
The average daily traffic that travels this the Integrated Logistics Center (ILC) near Winter Haven is operational. In addition, expansion of regional distribution facilities located in the Frostproof Industrial Area Freight Activity Center is also expected to contribute to increased truck traffic on US 27.
Additional improvements include bicycle lanes, curb and gutter, signals, lighting, signage, pavement markings, a closed drainage system and sidewalks. In addition, a new bridge will be constructed over US 27 and an urban frontage road will be constructed in the southwest quadrant of the project for access to local businesses. A noise wall along SR 60 from South Miami Street to west of Sharp Street will be installed. Work will occur during the day and during nighttime/overnight hours with lane closures, full road closures and detours on US 27 and SR 60 during construction. Access to and from all bus stop boarding and landing areas will be maintained during construction. The project limits are from Lake Altamaha to the CSX Railroad crossing on US 27 and Central Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard on SR 60 and approximately 800 feet west of US 27 to Miami Street on Central Avenue.
Changes to the existing Hwy 27 & S.R. 60 interchange
The project cost is estimated at 57 million dollars. Originally it was 45 million dollars. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025. However we all know how construction projects go.
Since the onset of Covid-19 online retailers have seen double and triple digit increases in online sales. Many retails share that monthly online sales numbers are rivaling that of holiday sales of the pasts. The increase in online sales has also increased the number of unauthorized use of a credit or debit cards.
Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme. While Cyber Criminals are consistently working hard to steal your hard earned cash there are a few things you can do to mitigate your risks and make it harder for the Cyber Criminal to win.
Cyber criminals may be finding new ways to defraud credit
cardholders, but there are several ways to protect yourself. Below are a few
things to consider when making electronic purchases.
When making an electronic purchase either online or in
person you should always utilize a credit card. Now before you start nagging
about how this will affect your goal of getting out of debt or go against your
rule against utilizing credit cards I want you to think about what I am about
to share with you.
Using a debit card to make purchases is very convenient and helpful for those that are trying to stick to a strict budget. However, using a debit card that is directly tied to your personal finances creates inherent risks. Example, if a Cyber Criminal uses your debit card fraudulently they will be pulling money directly from your bank account. Once you report the fraudulent activity to your bank it could take a bank up to three months to refund the money. In some rare cases the money is never returned. For many this could have a devastating effect on personal finances.
Using a credit card to make your purchases you are
essentially using the Credit Cards bank account to make the purchase, you’re
not on the hook for the charges until the bill comes due at the end of the
month. If your credit card is stolen and the Cyber Criminal goes on a $5,000
shopping spree, you’re covered. Credit card purchases are covered under the
Truth In Lending Act, a federal statute that limits consumer liability to no
more than $50; most banks will not hold you liable for any charges.
If you discover fraudulent charges you should immediately
notify your financial institution. The bank can quickly cancel your current
account and reissue a new account and card. Do NOT Delay in making this Call!
In most cases the card company will review the last few purchases with you to
determine what is legitimately yours and what charges were made by the
fraudster.
In some cases, figuring out when the fraudulent charges
started can help the credit card companies find the source of the fraud and potentially
stop fraudulent charges from hitting their other customers.
At the end of the day most people do not even think about the potential of identity theft when making electronic purchases. Reality is the world has changed, now we must be proactive and be as careful as we can when making electronic purchases.
Kip Kirchberg is an International Cyber Security Expert who has experience building World Class Cyber Security Teams. His experience has been leveraged by Multiple Fortune 500 organizations to help build, tune, and enhance their Cyber Security Posture.
Experience includes but is not limited to Building SIEM platforms, Endpoint Security, 3rd Party Remote Access, Industrial Control System’s, NextGen Firewall’s, Threat Hunting to Identify Cyber Security Risks, Generating Executive Reports that lead to actionable data, Build and maintain Incident Response Team’s, Draft and Adopt Corporate Cyber Security Governance, Internal and External Pen Testing, Team Building, plus much more…
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
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.
