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Lakeland Christmas Parade Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

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Lakeland Christmas Parade Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

LAKELAND, FL (August 26, 2020) | The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the organizers of the Lakeland Christmas Parade and the City of Lakeland have made a decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeland Christmas Parade due to the complications of COVID-19. The organizing committee has obvious concerns regarding the pandemic and the unknowns of what impacts the virus may have going forward.

Bob Donahay, Director of Parks & Recreation said, “Usually at this time the organizing committee is busy reviewing applications for Christmas Parade participants. Most years, we have over 100 applications going into September and right now we have 10 applicants and no marching bands.” He added, “It is important that we notify the public and those few parade participants that completed applications of the decision to cancel the event before they start spending significant funds on floats, decorations, and other parade accommodations.”

City Manager Tony Delgado said, “This year would have marked the 40th year of the Lakeland Christmas Parade. The parade usually kicks-off the holiday season in Lakeland and it is unfortunate that this hallmark event has been cancelled. As you can imagine, it is extremely difficult to plan for a large-scale event during a global health crisis.” He added, “Our hope is this all goes away and we can get back to the life we all enjoyed before the coronavirus.”

The City of Lakeland encourages the public to follow the CDC recommendations for social distancing and hygiene. The City of Lakeland has developed a dedicated webpage with a number of resources to help the community stay informed. You can find this site at www.lakelandgov.net/covid19.

5,000 Lakelanders Commit to Plastic Bag-Free Recycling Carts

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5,000 Lakelanders Commit to Plastic Bag-Free Recycling Carts

5,000 Lakelanders Commit to Plastic Bag-Free Recycling Carts

Every Blue Cart Makes a Difference Campaign increases the quality of recycling in Lakeland⁣

FULL BLOG: https://t.co/ejZh1MdPlG⁣
TAKE THE SURVEY: https://t.co/kT10c5jLZo⁣ #LKLD ⁣ https://t.co/7a6Le8w4wj

FHP Currently Investigating A Single Vehicle Fatality Crash On Interstate 4 In Polk County

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FHP Currently Investigating A Single Vehicle Fatality Crash On Interstate 4 In Polk County

Polk County, Florida – The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a single vehicle crash on Interstate 4.

The accident occurred near mile marker 28 in the westbound lanes. It occurred approximately 1:40pm.

Details of the crash have not been released at this time. We will update as information becomes available.

One Arrested One Still at Large in Armed Robbery and Carjacking in Winter Haven

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One Arrested One Still at Large in Armed Robbery and Carjacking in Winter Haven

Release by Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Today’s #CriminalOfTheDay is 19-year-old Jhamari Jones, who committed an armed robbery & carjacking in the Carefree Cove area of #WinterHaven last night, then fled from us in the car he stole. He crashed into another car while fleeing, and fortunately that person is okay.

The victims of the armed robbery & carjacking are also okay, and for that we are grateful. Their car, however, is not. What a scary situation.

Thanks to our eyes in the sky and our fur missiles on the ground, we caught up with Jones after he fled from the crashed car, but his accomplice is still at large.

The at-large suspect is described as a black male, between 25-30 years of age, approximately 6 feet tall, with gold teeth on both top and bottom, and light facial hair. He was brandishing a black, semi-automatic handgun.

Jones was charged with Armed Robbery (FL), False Imprisonment (F3), Grand Theft Auto (F3), Battery (M1), Fleeing to Elude (F2), and Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injuries (F3). Jones’ criminal history includes 2 felonies and 1 misdemeanor, as well as 6 burglary charges from Georgia.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident or the suspects in question, or any other information that might be helpful to this investigation, please call Detective Escheu at 863-298-6200, or to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit ww.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Fort Meade Man Arrested For Burglary and Grand Theft

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Fort Meade Man Arrested For Burglary and Grand Theft

On August 26, 2020, 35-year-old Winston Sanchez of Fort Meade was arrested for burglary (F3) and grand theft (F3) of a tandem bicycle.

On August 22, 2020, the victim contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report the theft. According to the affidavit, the victim told deputies that “the bicycle was used to assist riding her disabled son around for exercise and leisure. The victim valued the bicycle at $1000.”

At that time, the victim’s family used social media in an attempt to find the stolen bicycle. Here’s a link to the Facebook post that includes a photo of the stolen bicycle: https://www.facebook.com/gina.glez.91. The post was shared several times, and a kind citizen donated a new two-seater bicycle to the family.

During the investigation, witnesses in the area told deputies that they saw someone riding the bicycle and identified the man as Sanchez.

When deputies questioned Sanchez about the stolen bicycle, he told deputies, “I’ll give it back.” Sanchez confessed to stealing the bicycle and apologized to the victim. Sanchez was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail.

“Stealing is a terrible crime, but stealing from someone with a disability is reprehensible. I’m glad the bicycle was returned to the victim, and she and her son will be able to enjoy riding together again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sanchez’s criminal history includes 15 felonies and 12 misdemeanors, including sexual assault of a disabled person, kidnapping/interfering with custody, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, child abuse, battery, battery domestic violence, and violation of probation.

Arrests Made In The Traffic Death Of A 30 Yr Old Haines City Mom

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Arrests Made In The Traffic Death Of A 30 Yr Old Haines City Mom

Haines City, Florida – The Haines City Police Department has advised that arrests have been made in the traffic death of a 30 yr old Haines City woman.

According to the Haines City Police Department Blanca Albarran (she goes by Flor Garcia), a 30 year old mother from Haines City, was killed in a early morning crash August 8th. The accident occurred near the Hwy 27 & 17/92 off ramp. The crash involved a single vehicle with 4 occupants. Haines City Police Department public information officer, Michael Ferguson, advised three victims had non-life threatening injuries and that Blanca Albarran was killed. The crash involved a single vehicle with 4 occupants. Haines City Police Department public information officer, Michael Ferguson, advised three victims had non-life threatening injuries and 1 was deceased. The deceased was identified as Blanca Albarran (she goes by Flor Garcia) a 30 year old mother from Haines City. One of the three victims also suffered serious injuries.

The accident was under investigation and also had a pending toxicology report. Details of the arrest are not yet available, but we will bring them to you as soon as they are released.

Blanca Albarran leaves behind 14 year old son. Family members set up a GoFundMe account. As a policy we do not directly share GoFundMe accounts, but here is a link to her brothers Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/silvano.albarran.50

Help Winter Haven Police Identify Woman Who Steals Items from Walmart

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Help Winter Haven Police Identify Woman Who Steals Items from Walmart

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

Recognize either of these two?
The pair entered Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and the female began selecting quite a few items that she ultimately placed inside of a blue bag she brought with her. The male was with her at various times. She then proceeded to exit without any attempt to pay for the items. They are seen leaving on bicycles.
If you recognize them, please contact Detective Lozado at 863-401-2256. Those 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.

Haines City Woman Charged With DUI Manslaughter

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Haines City Woman Charged With DUI Manslaughter

On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, Traffic Homicide detectives arrested 51-year-old Sandra Mayberry of Haines City for DUI Manslaughter (F2). Mayberry was the driver of a single vehicle crash that occurred on April 25, 2020, which killed her passenger, 57-year-old Michael Browning, also of Haines City.

According to the affidavit, “A search warrant was obtained for Mayberry’s blood collected at the time of her admission to the hospital. The blood was sent to FDLE for analysis. The results came back with an alcohol level of 0.220 g/100ml of blood. This is almost 3 times the legal limit.”

“With so many options for alternate transportation, especially since the advent of ride share apps, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been drinking. Just like in this scenario, the outcome can be fatal. So, please, don’t drink and drive.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Mayberry’s criminal history includes 3 prior felonies, and 2 out of state charges from Tennessee.

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED: Single-vehicle crash kills Haines City man

A single-vehicle crash just after midnight on Saturday morning resulted in the death of a passenger, and the hospitalization of the driver. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash, which occurred at about 12:09 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2020, on U.S. 27, about a half-mile north of Lucerne Park Road in Haines City.

57-year-old Michael Browning of Haines City, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, but died from his injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, 51-year-old Sandra Mayberry of Haines City, was also transported to LRHMC, in stable condition.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mayberry was driving a white 2007 Chevy 2500 truck, north on U.S. 27 in the outside lane.

For unknown reasons at this time, the truck swerved to the right, went off of the roadway, and overturned several times. The truck struck a barbed wire fence and came to a rest in a cow pasture on the east side of the highway.

Ms. Mayberry was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, but Mr. Browning was not.

The Florida Department of Transportation assisted deputies by rerouting traffic around the crash site. The roadway was closed for about four hours.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.

Lake Clinch Area Drainage Project Closing County Road 630 in Frostproof for One Week

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Lake Clinch Area Drainage Project Closing County Road 630 in Frostproof for One Week



Lake Clinch Area Drainage Project Closing County Road 630 in Frostproof for One Week

Bartow, Florida – Starting Wednesday, a Polk County project to replace a failing drainage system will close County Road 630 (Fort Mead Road) at Silver Sand Road in Frostproof for one week. Work at the intersection and within the Silver Sands subdivision along the western shore of Lake Clinch will improve the flow and quality of storm water runoff into the 1,219-acre lake designated as “impaired” by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Traffic will detour along County Road 630A (Frostproof Connection) and Fort Mead Road to bypass work zone.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and add extra time to trips through this area. Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 for further details.

Polk County Fire Rescue Saves Mini Horse Running Down Busy Road & Locates Owner

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Polk County Fire Rescue Saves Mini Horse Running Down Busy Road & Locates Owner

Facebook Post On Polk County Fire Rescue

Lakeland, Florida – UPDATE Thanks to the amazing response from everyone we’ve been contacted with the owners address and information! Thank you again to everyone for their assistance!

While manning the Sikes Elementary school zone crossing to remind drivers to slow down, Polk County Fire Rescue spotted a strange sight.

A very excited mini horse happened to be trotting down Lunn road and she was definitely not following any of our school zone safety tips! We assume she was just too excited for the beginning of school and wanted to meet some new friends on the first day.

The PCFR crews on scene managed to grab a hold of him and keep him from making his way onto a very busy Shepherd road.

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