Four suspects are being sought by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, after a personal armed robbery occurred Saturday morning at around 1:50 a.m. at Della Vita Apartments in Winter Haven.
Deputies were dispatched to Della Vita Apartments in unincorporated Winter Haven at around 2:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 15, 2020.
According to the preliminary investigation, a tenant (the victim) at the apartment complex told detectives he posted on SnapChat that he was selling a quarter ounce of marijuana. An unknown person responded to the post, and the victim made arrangement to meet at the apartment complex to carry out the transaction. The victim also told detectives that when he left his apartment to meet the suspect in the parking lot, two black males brandishing firearms grabbed him and robbed him. The victim also stated that two more suspects exited a white or cream colored four-door Cadillac, beat the victim, and dragged him back to his apartment.
The victim then told detectives he freed himself from the suspects and entered his apartment. The suspects then fled.
The victim and a roommate armed themselves and went after the suspects, firing at the suspects as they fled down the stairs of the apartment building. The victim continued to fire at the suspects as they drove away from Della Vita Apartments. A stray bullet struck a neighbor who, hearing the gunfire, had left his home to investigate. The neighbor was treated at a local hospital and released.
The victim was also treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.
This investigation is on-going.
“These suspects are dangerous. They have put innocent residents’ lives at risk, and for what – a so-called non-violent marijuana drug deal! These criminals need to be caught, and caught quickly. Please contact our detectives with any information about this violent crime, or call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS to remain anonymous.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
The suspects are described as four black males wearing hoodies. The vehicle is described as a white or cream colored four-door Cadillac.
If anyone has any information regarding the incident, the suspects, the vehicle 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.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Multiple Gunshots Being Fired Early Saturday Morning In Winter Haven
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Pedestrian Hit & Run Fatality Early Saturday Morning
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
Fatal hit and run of a pedestrian being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
The Traffic Homicide Unit of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation of a fatal hit and run of a pedestrian which occurred in the early morning hours Saturday, August 15, 2020 on US 17 and the intersection of Hammock Lake Drive in Fort Meade.
At this point in the investigation, the identity of the victim remains unknown. Detectives describe the victim as a Hispanic male, approximately 60 years of age.
The crash was reported at about 3:54 am. When deputies and Polk Fire Rescue arrived on scene, the victim was found in the outside lane of southbound US 17. According to the preliminary investigation, it appears the victim was walking or standing in the outside (right) lane of southbound US 17 when he was struck. The victim was wearing dark clothing at the time of the crash.
Based on evidence found at the scene, deputies believe the vehicle involved may be a commercial vehicle. The vehicle did not stop following the crash.
If anyone has any information regarding the driver, the commercial vehicle, or any other information that might be helpful to this investigation, please call Detective Brackley at 863-297-1100, 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.
Breaking News: Polk State College Issues Evacuation Order Of Lakeland “Airside” Location
*** Update: A live missle has been found at Lakeland Linder Airport
A social media post has been issued for evacuation of the Polk State College Airside East & West location
PSC ALERT-AIRSIDE: An evacuation is ordered for Polk State Airside East & West. Evacuate immediately. If off campus, do not enter.
Airside West
3515 Aviation Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33811
Main Telephone: 863.297.1000
Airside West Map
Airside East
2949 Airside Center Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33811
Main Telephone: 863.297.1000
Airside East Map
We will update as more information is released.
City Utility Department Flushing Existing Waterlines
City of Winter Haven:
The City Utility Department is working with Hydromax USA to flush existing waterlines as part of its infrastructure maintenance program. It started on the southwest side and will continue towards the northeast until finished. Interruption in service is NOT anticipated. Some homes may experience a slight temporary drop in water pressure and/or colored water. The colored water does not pose a health hazard; however, iron (red water) and manganese (black water) may be stirred up during the procedures. If this happens, run faucets a short time until the water is clear, especially prior to doing laundry. Residents with medical conditions requiring clean water should acquire bottled water for their needs as a precaution. For more information and to answer questions, please contact the Utility Services Department at (863) 291-5853.
A New Downtown Lake Wales Is Right Around the Corner
A New Downtown Lake Wales Is Right Around the Corner
by Kevin J Kieft, President/CEO Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council
Imagine a bright, sunny day in Lake Wales. Imagine walking down Park Avenue along brick streets and under the shade of blossoming trees. Imagine crossing the road without having to watch your step over curbs or halting for speeding cars. Imagine having lunch outside at a sidewalk cafe before perusing the nearby stores and boutiques.
Soon you won’t have to imagine all that. These refurbishments and more are currently underway, and they are expected to be completed within the next year or so. Soon you will be able to enjoy a new downtown bustling with pedestrian traffic and economic development.
These downtown renovations are being pushed forward as part of the “Lake Wales Connected” plan created and funded by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Lake Wales Main Street, in partnership with the urban planning company Dover Kohl. These updates have been unveiled over the last few months.
Park Avenue will be the first street to receive these renovations, with further changes planned for the intersections of Scenic Highway and First Street. Most prominent of these changes will be brick streets which will better match the original historic downtown pavement.
Gone will be the diagonal parking spaces and the curbs of sidewalks. In their place will be parallel parking spaces and curb less streets. These changes will provide more space to the downtown area for streetscaping, pedestrian traffic, outdoor dining, and public events.
These refurbishments will undoubtedly benefit out city in more ways than one. More than simply making the downtown aesthetically pleasing, they will also serve as a “marketing tool” for potential investors and entrepreneurs.
A better-looking Park Avenue will spur economic development by attracting potential businesses to the downtown area. Already, we have the new Ranch Tap Room being constructed, Wales Pointe restaurant, and Melanie’s Seafood, all of which will be complemented by freshly-paved brick streets and freshly-planted streetscaping.
Best of all, this brand-new Park Avenue will benefit you, our local residents and business owners. With a better-looking downtown area to be proud of, you won’t need to drive out of town for a lively unique shopping experience. You can enjoy what your own hometown has to offer.
According to Karen Thompson, Executive Director, Lake Wales Main Street Inc.: “Downtown revitalization MAGIC occurs only when public and private investment meet halfway. The two go hand-in-hand. The City’s commitment to downtown improvements will give the private investors the reassurance that they will see huge return on their investment.”
That’s the best part of these renovations: they will help generate economic development that will generate more money to invest in your downtown. You can stay close to home and spend your money locally. The money spent downtown will circulate in the local economy and doesn’t leak out. These profits remain with local businesses and employees rather than being outsourced to big nationwide corporate chains, and thus they fund local goods and services that improve your local community.
Of course, these changes won’t come easily. As with any major project, they will require funding. Fortunately, both Main Street Lake Wales and the Lake Wales CRA have remained on top of facilitating funding through private investments and public grants for planning and engineering. Renovating an entire street doesn’t come cheap, but the investment is well-worth the long-term benefits.
The downtown area is the heart and soul of a hometown. It is how every city is judged. It is their feel, their brand. So how much you invest into your downtown, or how much money the municipality spends, or business spends, says a lot about the community. If you want your downtown to be its best, then you have to provide your best.
If you want to learn more about the changes coming to Park Avenue and downtown, watch the livestream footage of the presentation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APD6-xqut1g
“Let Her Speak!” Local Activists Demand Third Party Representation At National Debates
“Let Her Speak!” Local Activists Demand Third Party Representation At National Debates
by James Coulter
Who are you voting for this November? Donald Trump? Joe Biden? Or Jo Jorgensen?
Chances are you never heard of the latter candidate. She’s the presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party, yet she, like many third party candidates, are often excluded from the national presidential debates.
Several local activists in Polk County, including those from the local Libertarian Party, gathered in Lakeland on Saturday to demand that Jo Jorgensen and other third party candidates have a chance to speak.
The local protest was hosted in Munn Park and organized by the Libertarian Party of Polk County as part of a nationwide movement, “Let Her Speak.” The protest was attended by members of the Libertarian Party, as well as other local political third parties such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
The “Let Her Speak” rally included several guests speakers and attendees carrying signs either in support of Jo Jorgensen or in protest of the two-party political system. The protest then moved to Harden Boulevard for sign waving throughout the afternoon.
Jon-Luc Tesky, chair of the Libertarian Party of Polk County, opened the rally with a forward, succinctly expressing their purpose of being there: to speak out against a “rigged” two-party political system that excludes minor third parties, and to demand fairness in elections, especially with the debates.
“We are all tired of one thing, and that one thing is us not having an adequate seat at the table,” Tesky said. “How many times do we have to go out in the rain, get petitions, meet new deadlines, new requirements to simply to get on the ballot? Today is a day of reckoning. We will show that we have had enough and that our voices will be heard.”
Brian Stevens, a local libertarian activist, attended the event as one of the guest speakers. He shared his experience as someone who changed his personal political beliefs from a conservative Republican to a small-l libertarian to a big-l libertarian.
Stevens, like many libertarians, believes in the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP), a principle which states that the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals is politically and morally wrong. As such, he opposes the government on all levels from forcing people to comply with unjust laws, from the “failed” War on Drugs to even the “well-intentioned but widely misguided” city mask mandate.
For that reason, Stevens supports local candidates like William Allen, who is running for the Polk County School Board. He supports the candidate’s platform of student success, access for choice, and community building, and feels that such positions will help further the cause of personal liberty.
“[The NAP] is like true north, a fixed point, a fixed direction, in which we must move,” Stevens said. “We libertarians are frustrated that we have not made it to our destination. We are not likely to see a pure libertarian voluntarist utopia in our lifetime, but we have to stay on the journey and focused on that goal, head in the direction of true north.”
AmyLee Lawrence, Organizer for the Polk County DSA, also attended that afternoon to show her support for third parties such as her own. She ran unopposed for the Polk County Soil and Water Commission (Group 5), and she will be sworn in on January.
As a local politician and political activist, Lawrence opposes the “rigged” two party system that forces Americans to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” Such a political duopoly stymies democracy and prevents Americans from having their personal beliefs represented in office.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) maintains rules that political candidates who receive 15 percent of polling “get a seat at the table”, she explained. Unfortunately, since few Americans know about third parties, because the media often overlooks them in favor of the two main parties, third parties often do not receives the more than 15 percent polling necessary.
“The American people shouldn’t get two choices,” she said. “The American people deserve an array of choices, so they can support the individual whose ideals and beliefs and policies align with their own. Not siding along party lines, not choosing the lesser of two evils. I want to vote for and support the person who will make America a better place.”
Joseph Wendt, State Chair of the Reform Party, was scheduled to speak and attend, but was unable to make it. Tesky spoke on his behalf by addressing some of the issues he wanted to share at the rally.
In the 1990s, the Reform Party, through the Constitutional Revision Committee, fought for ballot access with a coalition of minor parties like libertarians and socialists. The Party, through their political coalition, petitioned the CRC in Florida ballot access for all parties, not just the Republicans and Democrats.
“It I through a coalition, through shared voices and equal opportunity, that we all rise together,” Tesky said. “One organization should not have a monopoly on the marketplace of ideas, especially if they receive public funding. So in the interest of all, let her speak.”
Arrest Made In Homicide Investigation Involving Death of Elderly Couple
ARREST MADE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (August 13, 2020) – Lakeland Police Detectives have made an arrest in the homicide investigation of two people found on Sunday, August 9, 2020. Felix Noel Molina, age 42, has been arrested and will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Molina was known by the victims. Today members of the Tampa Police Department assisted Lakeland Police Department detectives in locating a van that belonged to the two homicide victims. During the investigation, it was learned that the van was likely taken at the time of the murders. Lakeland Police detectives gathered information that indicated the van was in the Tampa area and was being driven by Molina. Shortly after locating the van, contact was made with Molina in the area of Nebraska Avenue in Tampa. Molina was interviewed by detectives and will be booked into the Hillsborough County Jail pending transfer to the Polk County Jail.
We will bring you more information as it becomes available.
LAKELAND, FL (August 9, 2020) – Lakeland Police Department Detectives have confirmed the death investigation reported earlier this morning is now a homicide investigation. Shortly after 3:00 a.m., an officer made a forced entry into a residence near the 1500 block of West Highland Street. The officer was following up on a wellness check request from a family member who had not heard from the victims in days. While searching the residence, located inside the King’s Manor Mobile Home Park on the northside of West Highland Street, the officer located two adult victims inside who were deceased.
The victims, a 69-year-old man, and a 72-year-old female were a married couple who lived at the residence. Detectives are not yet releasing the manner in which they died. It appeared that the victims had been deceased for multiple days. Although very early in the investigation, preliminary evidence suggests the victims knew their attacker. Detectives continue to interview family members and possible witnesses related to the case. The identity of the victims or the specific address of their residence will not be released in accordance with Marsy’s law.
This is an active and open investigation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available for release. No other details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Russ Hurley at 863.834.8973 or [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.
ORIGINAL RELEASE
Death Investigation
LAKELAND, FL (August 9, 2020) – Lakeland Police are currently working a death investigation near the 1500 block of West Highland Street in Lakeland. Officers were following up on a welfare check request at a residence in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found two adults deceased inside the residence.
It is very early in the investigation, and detectives are actively working to gather information from witnesses in the area. If anyone has any information related to this case, please call 863.834.6966.
No additional information is available at this time. An update will be provided later this morning.
Undercover Polk Detectives Arrest Two Teens For Selling Drugs Online Via Snapchat
Three teenage boys who were supposed to be doing virtual school at home while their parents were away at work were instead taking part in an illegal drug transaction.
Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office learned of their operation and arrested two of the three boys on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
The PCSO’s Narcotics Unit received information that THC cartridges (used in vape pens) and marijuana were being solicited via the app to Polk County students.
Undercover detectives began communicating with the operator of the Snapchat account, and were eventually able to identify him as 17-year-old boy from Lakeland, and a transaction was arranged.
On Thursday, detectives waited at a gas station where the meet-up was to take place. The suspect and two other boys arrived on bicycles.
The suspect entered the detective’s vehicle, and soon called over to the other boys to come over.
One of the other boys (another 17-year-old boy), then entered the back seat of the vehicle, while the third boy, a 14-year-old, remained outside.
The boy in the back seat sold the undercover detective 56.8 grams of high-grade marijuana for $400. At that point, the two 17-year-old boys were arrested. The 14-year-old boy was not charged and turned over to his parents.
“Here is what happens when the parents are away at work and the kids are left home alone to attend virtual school. Without the proper supervision, many of them are going to get into trouble. This particular scheme could have gotten them robbed, hurt, or even killed. This is another example of the potential dangers of social media for children and teens, and the serious danger and trouble that kids can get into on social media platforms when they are not supervised.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The two 17-year-olds were both taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center in Bartow and charged with: Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell (F3), Possession of Marijuana-Over 20 Grams (F3), Selling Marijuana (F3), Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Sell Marijuana (F3), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
As a reminder, parents should always monitor their children online. Click here for more information: http://www.polksheriff.org/internet-safety
Silly Socks Saturday Draws 120 People To 3rd Annual Fundraiser
Silly Socks Saturday Draws 120 People To 3rd Annual Fundraiser
by James Coulter
Not even the fear of COVID-19 could prevent people from flocking to Cypress Lanes on Saturday to participate in an annual fundraiser for a local non-profit organization.
More than 120 people arrived at the Winter Haven bowling alley for a night of bowling, raffles, and other fundraising activities for Silly Socks Saturday, a local charity that helps deliver bags filled with toys and toiletries to children in the hospital.
Even despite the current pandemic, the annual fundraiser drew in a large turnout with a full house that evening, though participants were mindful to maintain social distancing and wear a mask.
More than $230 alone were raised through the 50/50 raffle, more money than had ever been raised at the fundraiser previously, explained Zachary Kirkland, founder and president of Silly Socks Saturday.
“This has been a much bigger turnout than any other year,” he said. “We never raised that much with a raffle. It has been an amazing event and a great experience to get the community together during this time.”
Being able to draw in such a large turnout with so many proceeds, especially during such uncertain times when people are cautious about leaving home, more than exceeded their expectations, and proved that Silly Socks has great support from the local community, Zachary said.
Silly Socks Saturday started three years ago as a school project by young Zachary. He and a few family members and classmates collected donations for small toys and toiletries to pack into gift bags and deliver to children staying at Lakeland Hospital. What started as a class project soon grew into a successful award-winning 401c3 non-profit organization, even winning a grant from Disney Be Inspired.
Zachary and his crew have not been able to make their monthly deliveries to the hospital due to the pandemic. They hope to return there one day when everything eventually passes and they can continue to brighten the visit of the children staying there, he said.
“This pandemic has reminded me about what I do for the kids, and how much are in the hospital right now, how they only get one visitor, and how it is hard for them,” Zachary said.
Dianne Forcier, Zachary’s mother, was especially pleased at the turnout that evening. The large event, even despite the current pandemic, proved that their organization is growing in both strength and support.
“I think we over-exceeded our expectations with everything going on,” she said. “[We hope to] just to keep growing and making a difference with all of the kids being helped in the hospital…We are in limbo right now with not being able to go into the hospital and make the donations, but we are prepared to be ready to go.”
Megan Gills currently serves as the vice president. Her eldest daughter and Zachary have grown up together since kindergarten. So when she was asked by Zachary to help serve on his board, she was more than eager to do so.
“I was honored for him to ask me to serve on his board,” she said. “He knows I serve on various other boards in the community, and thought it would be a good asset to help him get his board rolling.”
As someone who has been on board with the organization since it first started, Megan has seen Silly Socks grow and evolve. She appreciates the work it does for the local community, and how much the local community supports it in turn.
“There are so many great opportunities to serve and to volunteer, and of course, the bowling fundraiser is one of the best,” she said. “I am extremely proud of how the turnout has been…and everyone is having fun.”
FREE Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site at Lake Maude Park
Florida Department of Health:
The Florida Department of Health will have a FREE drive-through COVID-19 testing site available this Friday at Lake Maude Park from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Feel free to spread the word (but not the germs)!
