A suspect who has been in jail since March 2020 as a result of an undercover heroin trafficking investigation, 29-year-old Gary Scott, Jr., was recently indicted by the grand jury for first degree murder in the death of a 41-year-old man who overdosed on heroin that Scott sold to him in January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, PCSO deputies and Polk Fire Rescue personnel responded to the Rodeway Inn, located at 1911 Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven, where the victim was unresponsive. Through investigative means, detectives learned the victim purchased three baggies of what he believed to be heroin, and then snorted some of the drugs. When the victim was found unresponsive during the early morning hours of January 10th, a witness called 911, but the victim could not be revived, and was declared deceased.
During the autopsy and toxicological analysis of the victim’s blood, an elevated concentration of fentanly was present in the victim’s blood and urine. No other drugs were present. The Medical Examiner’s opinion is that the victim died as a result of fentanyl intoxication.
Scott was positively identified as the suspect who sold the drugs to the victim. A sample of the drugs he sold to the victim were found at the scene. Detectives sent the sample to the FDLE lab for testing, and the lab results confirmed that the drugs sold by Scott to the victim were fentanyl, not heroin.
In March 2020, Scott was interviewed by detectives in relation the sale of drugs to the victim in January, and as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. Initially, Scott denied selling heroin to the victim, but eventually confessed. He admitted to meeting the victim at the Rodeway Inn in Winter Haven and selling him a “baggie.” He was also seen on video surveillance at the motel that day.
Scott has been in the Polk County Jail since March 25, 2020, on the following charges:
• Trafficking in heroin (F1)• Possession of heroin with intent to sell (WITS) (F2)• Possession of a structure to traffic drugs (F2)• Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)• Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)• Tampering with evidence (F3)• Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
After the grand jury indictment, PCSO detectives additionally charged Scott with first degree murder (FL) and sale of fentanyl (F2).
Scott’s criminal history includes 2 felonies and 8 misdemeanors, for battery domestic violence, marijuana possession, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of paraphernalia, probation violation, and DWLSR.
“We have investigated 59 deaths related to drug overdoses so far in 2020 in our jurisdiction. This investigation is one part of holding the dealers accountable for selling these deadly drugs. For every parent who loses a child to illegal narcotics, there’s someone out there responsible for selling the drug that caused it. These are not ‘non-violent, low-level’ crimes. These drugs ruin lives, destroy families, and kill people.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Winter Haven Man Indicted For First Degree Murder In Fentanyl Overdose Death
Lakeland 4th Annual Golf Scramble Raise Funds For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center
Lakeland 4th Annual Golf Scramble Raise Funds For Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center
by James Coulter
More than 60 golfers arrived in Lakeland on Sunday afternoon to play golf and raise money for a local hearing and speech clinic.
For the fourth year, Lakeland Volkswagen hosted its annual golf tournament at Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Proceeds went directly towards Bradley Frasier and his campaign for Mr. Central Florida, the fundraiser for Central Florida Hearing and Speech.
Aside from being able to play a game of golf, the event allowed attendees to participate in a 50/50 raffle for various prizes. Awards were presented for those who played the best game. Mike Cole won Best Score, Carter Brown won Longest Drive, and Bosten Kelly won Closest To Grid.
In spite of these uncertain times, 68 golfers participated in this year’s event. To ensure that attendees enjoyed a safe event through social distancing, the tournament was restricted to 80 players and no banquet was hosted this year.
“We were not sure if we were even going to have a golf tournament…so I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Channon Eikenberg, Director of Development for the Center.
The event is hosted by Lakeland Volkswagon. Their employee, Bradley Frasier, is one of 21 contestants participating and raising money for Mr. Central Florida, the annual fundraiser for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center.
“All of our contestants can participate and raise money for their campaign,” Eikenberg said. “So even though everyone is competing against each other, we come together as a community to raise money for the Mr. Central Florida event and Center.”
This was the first time Frasier hosted the annual golf tournament. As he was participating in the Mr. Central Florida event, he was put in charge of hosting the golf tournament as a fundraiser for his campaign.
Overall, aside from the hot weather, the turnout more than exceeded his expectations. At least 16 new participants signed up on the same day.
“We are just delighted,” Frasier said. “Just seeing everyone together. It has been a while since we all have been together as a small group.”
Most of all, Fraiser is delighted that the funds being raised will go to a great organization like the Center. He is excited to participate in their fundraiser this year, and he hopes to do well.
“All the benefits will go to the Center,” he said. “They deserve every penny, they work super hard, the kids deserve it, the adults deserve it, and it is all we can ask for.”
Camp Mack Inducted Into Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide
Camp Mack Inducted Into Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide
by James Coulter
Along the gentle waters that snake past the Spanish moss-covered oak trees by the banks of the Kissimmee River sits Camp Mack River Resort. 100 years ago, the place was a small outpost where steamboats used to churn along and stop. One century earlier, it was a fort that housed soilders during the Second Seminole War.
Fort Gardiner, south of the site where Camp Mack currently resides, was an army post during the Second Seminole War. The fort was established on Dec. 2, 1837 by Col. Zachary Taylor, and named after Captain George Washington Gardiner. It served as a supply depot, and later housed the 4th and 6th Infantry Regiments during the Battle of Okeechobee.
For its rich history ranging from an army post to a steamboat landing, Camp Mack was officially designated as a location along the Polk County History and Heritage Trail Guide on Saturday with a dedication ceremony during the Rock n Brews BBQ Competition.
Encompassing more than 150 years of history, the Heritage Trail consists of hundreds of historical landmarks, buildings, and other sites across Polk County. These historic sites include cemeteries, museums, buildings, churches, schools, and even whole communities.
The trail begins with the entire history detailed within the Polk County History Museum in Bartow, branching out to countless other sites in cities throughout the county. Notable landmarks include the Ritz Theater in Winter Haven and Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
“The Heritage Trail reminds us that we are a land of small communities partly defined by places with lyrical names such as Golden Bow, Cherry Pocket, Masterpiece Gardens, and Lake Hammock,” said Myrtice Young, Historic Preservation Manager for the Polk County History Center. “These places evoke memories, stir emotions, and remind us of days gone back. These names define our sense of place.”
Bill Braswell, Chairman for the Polk County Board of Commission, attended the dedication ceremony on behalf of the other county commisioners. He loves being able to attend such events, as it allows him the opportunity to discuss his personal passion for local history.
“Today is a Florida day out on the oak and by the river,” he said. “It is a chamber of commerce day. It is great to be here, great to have you here. Every chance I get to talk about Polk County, I want to talk about the history [and] all the things we are doing out here.”
Encompassing more than 200,000 square miles, Polk County is a large community consisting of millions of people, a place rich with history and heritage hidden in ever brick of every building and in the bark of every tree.
He especially loved the growth occurring in the part of the county near Camp Mack, especially with the camp under new management and hosting such events to draw in countless tourists and guests. With the addition of the Heritage Trail, he hopes the area draws in more people and more growth with it.
“On behalf of the Board County of Commisioners, it is my pleasure to be with you today to celebrate the new Camp Mack Historical Site as part of Polk County Heritage Trail,” he said.
“Congratulations and thank you to Camp Mack for a job well down to preserve local history,” he continued. “Ultimatley, it improves the quality of life for our residents, and that is what it is all about. PC Board of Commission recognizes the value of heritage tourism and historical preservation in our county. Camp Mack is a historic site.”
Mark Ellert, President for Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, which owns Camp Mack, commended all of the commisioners, historians, and researchers who helped designate Camp Mack as a location along the trail.
Upon the discovery of a keystone, it was believed that Camp Mack was the official location of Fort Gardner. This discovery led to other discoveries which uncovered the history of the area and helped designate its inclusion in the trail.
“Once we started pulling on that string, a lot of history began to unfold,” Ellert said. “It is really all that history that got us to a point where the marker was moved over there because it was determined that this was the actual site of Fort Gardner, and now we have a whole history trail.”
Camp Mack, A Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina, and RV Resort is located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898. For more information about the Polk County Heritage Trail, visit their website at: https://www.polk-county.net/history-center/history-and-heritage-trail
Individual Collects Several Items from Walmart Only Paying For a $1 Item on the Way Out
Release by Winter Haven Police Department
Filling up a large purse, but only paying for one roll of generic paper towels is still considered shoplifting.
The woman pictured below went to Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on Monday around 5:45 pm. She proceeds to walk around the store and stuffs multiple items to include men’s shirt sets, boxers, socks and baby beanie packs into a large purse she had n the cart. She then went to the self checkout and paid for a lonely roll of generic paper towels with a crisp $1 bill.
She then walks straight out without paying for the goods inside of the purse.
Recognize her? Contact Detective Cobb at 863-837-9459.
Stolen Credit Card Used at Local Walgreens- Help WHPD Identify Individuals
Release by Winter Haven Police Department
We need help identifying either of the two pictured below. Our victim had her car burglarized at her residence (200 Ave K SE) that resulted in her purse and wallet being taken from the vehicle. Her debit card was used at Walgreens on 1st St S the next morning by the two pictured below. If you recognize either subject, please call Detective Cobb at 863-837-9459.
PCSO Lieutenant Wins 2020 Mr. Central Florida
PCSO Lieutenant Wins 2020 Mr. Central Florida
by James Coulter
By day, Lt. Jim Ostojic works diligently through law enforcement to keep his county and community safe. Over the past few weeks, he served his community even further by volunteering and fundraising for a local hearing clinic. His hard work has since been rewarded after being named Mr. Central Florida last week.
During a livestream on Thursday evening, Lt. Ostojic was named the winner of Mr. Central Florida, the annual fundraiser for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center in Lakeland.
Lt. Ostojic raised more than $83,000 for the fundraiser. Not only did he raise more funds than the 20 other contestants, even running neck-to-neck with two others, but he single-handedly shattered past records, a press release from the Center explained.
Second place went to Tony Corraro, representing CPS Investment Advisor, who likewise broke the top fundraising record by raising more than $55,000. Third place went to Tom Lloyd, representing Bank of Central Florida, who raised $34,000.
Lt. Ostojic was handpicked by Sheriff Grady Judd himself to represent the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in the Mr. Central Florida fundraiser. As someone who knew people who had benefited personally from the Center, he was proud to raise money for a good local cause.
He owes his success to his community and the people in it for allowing him to raise as money as he did. He would not have been able to obtain this honorable title without the help of family, friends, and complete strangers, he said.
“It has been a great opportunity,” he said. “I think getting out in the community, doing sports with the kids, and meeting such wonderful people who want to help me raise money…I think it is a great cause, and I look forward to everyone doing it next year.”
On Oct. 29, The 8th Annual Mr. Central Florida event, sponsored by The Ruthvens, was hosted via livestream, the very first virtual event of its kind. The livestream was hosted on its website and streamed at the Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the services provided by the center to help facilitate the speech, language, and hearing care for children and adults in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands County.
“Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center and the patients we serve are thankful beyond words for every single contestant, the planning committee, the volunteers, and our community who opened their hearts to make sure that we can continue to provide the human connection – communication,” their press release read.
AAA Storage Hosts Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting
AAA Storage Hosts Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting
by James Coulter
As the late George Carlin once said, the only thing more American than buying more stuff is buying a place to store all of your stuff. Then what could be more American than renting a storage space to stuff your stuff?
AAA Storage in Lakeland has rental units of every shape and size, from small, medium, large, and even vehicle-sized. Yes, you heard that right! They have units big enough to park your car, boat, and even RV. So if you’re looking for another place to store your vehicle, consider renting a unit from AAA Storage.
Located along Parker Avenue in Lakeland, their indoor storage facility offers hundreds of units that are climate-controlled through air conditioning and dehumidifiers. As such, you don’t have to worry about the hot, humid Florida weather adding wear and tear to your valuable possessions.
“At AAA storage, we are mainly concerned and interested in your needs to some up with a climate-controlled space to ensure your belongings are protected,” their website states. “It is our pleasure to be your climate-controlled specialists. We are committed to make your storage experience hassle-free and informative.”
On Friday afternoon, AAA Storage celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
Shelby Kaye, manager for AAA Storage, and her husband, Toby, were inspired to move to Lakeland, where some of their relatives live. She was more than grateful for the assistance of the Chamber helping them open their new business there.
AAA Storage is a small independent company based in Texas. Their indoor climate-controlled facility is one of three like it in the state of Florida. With such commitment towards providing a safe, comfortable environment, they ensure that everyone’s possessions, even their boats and RV, are in good hands.
“It is comfortable, it is clean, it is friendly, [and] you get the best service better,” Kaye said. “We make you feel comfortable leaving your precious belongings here. We are affordable, convenient, clean, family-oriented. We are good.”
Mayor Bill Mutz commended the Chamber for assisting the new business, as their efforts have allowed businesses such as AAA Storage to set up shop in their community and thus add to their overall economic growth.
“The Chamber helps makes us stronger on the business side,” Mutz said. “As far as the city is concerned, we love to see all the retail people come here.”
Joe Tedder, Financial Adviser for the Chamber, expressed his gratitude for the new business setting up shop. Small businesses such as AAA Storage help build the local community, so they are always welcoming of these new businesses.
“We know small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we are here to help you be successful,” Tedder said. “The quality and cleanliness of your facility is amazing. I know people of the city of Lakeland will enjoy the opportunity to use this facility and store their equipment. The chamber is here to help you.”
AAA Storage is located at 338 N Gary Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.aaastorage.com/self-storage/lakeland-fl-33801
Just Cares Celebrates 9th Annual Fall Festival In Downtown Lakeland
Just Cares Celebrates 9th Annual Fall Festival In Downtown Lakeland
by James Coulter
Downtown Lakeland hosted a real monster mash that proved to be a graveyard smash on Halloween Night. Not even the real fright of COVID-19 could prevent costumed locals from reveling in some much-needed Halloween fun.
Countless children and their families dressed in their Halloween best to visit Downtown Lakeland for games, music, and free candy during the 9th Annual Fall Festival, hosted by local non-profit organization Just Cares.
All along Kentucky Avenue, guests could play games, receive free candy and goodies from booths, eat tasty treats served by food vendors, and dance along to music performed by a live DJ.
Of course, during these uncertain times, pre-cautions were taken to ensure that everyone enjoyed safe Halloween fun. Signs encouraged people to wear their masks and social distance from others, and hand sanitizer was provided at most booths and vendors.
“The biggest thing is to get people to realize that they can still have their lives back but also feel safe at the same time,” Kevin Rios, President of Just Cares. “So it is trying to re-educate everyone that events can come back. We can be beneficial to the community who have been experiencing utter sadness in the past couple months.”
This year’s fall festival was the ninth annual event hosted in Lakeland and the eighth annual event hosted by Just Cares, Inc., a local non-profit organization that helps provide local events and programs to the Lakeland community. Since 2012, they have hosted 9 to 14 annual events in the city.
“Just Cares Inc. was born from a desire to provide educational, fine arts and cultural programs to our community,” their website states. “Our vision is to bridge the gap between the cultural arts and our community by providing programs individually designed to enhance the experiences of all involved.”
Just Cares will be hosting another event on Nov. 2 for Day of the Dead, a traditional Hispanic holiday. The free event in Munn Park will feature a screening of the Disney/Pixar movie Coco at 5 p.m. Another free movie night will be hosted on Dec. 12 with screenings of the Grinch animated movie.
Local events such as this could not be hosted without the support of the local community, especially local businesses that donate their time and money to sponsor these events.
“I always believed that if business owners gather together to help the community, the community will help us,” said Rios, who said how much he loves “seeing the smiles on people’s faces…[and] knowing that an event like this can change someone’s life, and lift their spirits, even if it’s just for a brief period of time.”
Helping to sponsor and co-host this event were Lakeland Moonwalk and Wing Chun Kung Fu. Coach Tim Kittelstad and his volunteers met with children and their parents from their booth, where they discussed their martial art program and offered curious participants the opportunity to test their luck and break a board.
Other organizations and businesses hosting booth at the event included the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Wings of Teal, Ovarian Cancer Support of Polk County. The latter offered information about their support group and the aid they provide local women who are either going through or who have survived the cancer.
They appreciated being able to educate the public about their cause, as well as meet young children having fun at the event.
“We love the costumes and kids and music,” said Carol Vonesh. “People are out and about and having fun, so we are absolutley having a blast.”
Hundreds Of Cars Line Up For Drive Thru Trunk Or Treat At Bartow First Baptist
Hundreds Of Cars Line Up For Drive Thru Trunk Or Treat At Bartow First Baptist
by James Coulter
What do the Addams Family, Paw Patrol, and Cookie Monster all have in common? They’re characters that children were able to meet and greet during the inagural drive-thru trunk or treat at First Baptist Church of Bartow.
Hundreds of cars line up along the street in front of the church for a chance to drive through the church parking lot and pass by the dozen or so cars decorated in festive decorations.
As children rode by dressed in their own Halloween costumes, they could accept the free candy provided by other costume characters at the decorated vehicles in the parking lot, with costumes and decorations based on various properties including Sesame Street and Paw Patrol.
The event lasted from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Within the first hour, nearly 71 vehicles pulled through the trunk or treat drive thru, with cars lined up along the block nearly 40 minutes before the event, explained pastor Matt McCraw.
First Baptist Church of Bartow initially was not planning a Halloween event this year. However, Pastor McCraw wanted to offer something for the children in the local community to do during Halloween, especially with many local Halloween events cancelled.
Their event was mostly promoted through their Facebook page. More than 1,100 people had liked their Facebook event page, Pastor McCraw said.
“It is an opportunity to love families,” he said. “Our mission statement is to love others. And in the midst of the pandemic, we can do that in a safe way. We are still determined to love families.”
Richard Jones, youth pastor, loved being able to reach out to the children that evening. Most of the children attending that evening were from their church, and many of them were those who had not been at the church for some time due to COVID-19.
“It is a lot more cars than I anticipated,” Jones said. “I feel so much joy, to do something for Halloween during this pandemic. I am just glad we could partner with the community to have something fun.”
Chuck Butler is a congregation member who has been attending the church for nearly two years. Initally, he had visited several churches to find the right one for him. He decided to stary with First Baptist Church of Bartow because of the dedication of the pastor, the teaching, and the fellowship.
Butler helped direct traffic that evening, directing cars to pull up into the parking lot. He loved being able to see so many people he had not been able to see lately due to the pandemic. He especially appreciated helping the church do something for the local children for Halloween.
“I think it is bigger than what we have expected,” he said. “I think we are serving the community like this this time of year. With COVID this year. It is a blessing from God. That is all I can say about it. It is wonderful to see these kids.”
More Than 50 Cars Go Ridin With Biden In Winter Haven Caravan
More Than 50 Cars Go Ridin With Biden In Winter Haven Caravan
by James Coulter
You’ve heard of the Trump Train, but have you gone Ridin With Biden? More than 50 cars drove through Winter Haven to show their support for the Democratic presidential candidate during a car caravan on Saturday.
Around noon, vehicles decorated in Joe Biden campaign material and American flags gathered together in the Publix parking lot across from LEGOLAND. The caravan then took off down the road along Cypress Gardens and through Winter Haven.
This car parade was one of several hosted throughout the county in support of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, as well as the other Democratic candidates on the ballot. Other parades were hosted in Lakeland, Lake Wales, Davenport, and Poinciana.
This was the fourth parade to be hosted by the Polk County Democrats. Previously, several parades were hosted two weeks ago on Oct. 17. More than 40 vehicles appeared for that parade, and even more attended this caravan, with nearly 50 to 60 people signing up before hand, explained Norm Wilderson, President of the Polk County Democrats.
In a city and county where one cannot drive half a mile without seeing a Trump sign or flag, being able to gather together with other Democrats was the best thing about gatherings such as this, Wilderson said. He has met many people who lived down the road or block from him that he didn’t even know, he said.
“What I enjoy is the camraderie of the people,” he said. “These are people who lived in my community that I didn’t even know…So it is the bringing together of the citizens of our community for a common cause.”
The enthusiasm of the participants to congregate together and show their support for their favored presidential candidate has allowed the Winter Haven campaign to be as successful as it has been; hopefully, this same energy will not only allow Biden to win, but also turn the state and county Blue, Wilderson said.
“The key to our success has been people who are enthusiastic about turning Polk County blue,” he said. “We have Democrats here in Polk County. It is a toss-up, it is a hard fight, but we put in the work. When you put in the work, that is all you can do, and it comes out how it comes out.”
Kathy Sutherland, Chair of Polk County Democrats, likewise remains optimistic about Biden’s chances. Contrary to popular belief, while both Polk County and Florida have remained Red for a long time, there are a significant number of Democrats capable of turning the tide and changing the color to Blue.
“I am very hopeful that Biden is going to win,” she said. “I am hoping he wins by a landslide instead of just winning. I think we can make a difference right here in Polk County, right here in Florida…I think all of the momentum is with Biden and we will swing in.”
