Three residents along Highfin Drive in Winter Haven were victims of vehicle burglaries in the overnight hours on June 7. Neighborhood cameras show two males going through the neighborhood checking doorhandles and rummaging through vehicles that were unlocked. Cash, credit cards and electronics wee taken from the open vehicles. The suspects were captured on video entering a four-door sedan along an adjacent street. Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
Information provided by city of winter haven Parks, Recreation & Culture:
Facility Closure Notice: Due to a recent positive COVID-19 test, the AdventHealth Fieldhouse will be closed Thursday and Friday to thoroughly clean and disinfect the building. The Fieldhouse will reopen to the public Saturday for use. We apologize for the inconvenience as we work to ensure the health of our citizens. (The Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool adjacent to the facility remains open.) Feel free to give us a call at (863)-291-5656 should you have any questions or concerns.
And again we highlight those deciding to skip scan and use different bar codes.
The two pictured below did just that together one time at Walmart and one of the subjects went back later and decided to fly solo.
Anyone who can assist with identifying them (even with the face masks – look at the clothing and hair adornment), give Detective Cobb a call 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.
We’ve said it before – there is no such thing as Finders Keepers! (seriously, it’s called theft when you don’t report found property such as a wallet or a cell phone.) In this case, it was a cellphone that was left on a bench at Legoland. Our victim didn’t realize until later that the phone was missing. When video of the area was reviewed, the below pictured subject is seen picking up the phone and never attempts to turn it in or find the owner. Know who she is? She was with the man also pictured. There was a girl, probably around 10 – 12, but we aren’t going to put her image there. If you recognize either of these two, please call Detective Ovalle at 863-401-2256.
A Lesson On How NOT To Use 9-1-1 Around 2:45 a.m. this morning, a 9-1-1 call came in with a female voice heard in the background. The caller said “hello”, but then hung up. Officers went to the approximate area of the call, which was near the Winter Haven Hospital, however didn’t locate anyone. Another call came from the same number at 3 a.m. and a female’s voice was heard once again, however the phone disconnected. Officers arrived at the same location and found 31 year-old Sarah Alameh of Eagle Lake in the hospital parking lot. She indicated that she was the one who called and stated she needed a ride to another city. Officers explained that was not the proper use of 9-1-1 and that if she didn’t need medical help, she needed to leave the hospital property. She walked to the sidewalk and (yep), another 9-1-1 call came in. This time, she wanted to complain that the officer didn’t give her the service she needed – a taxpayer-sponsored taxi ride. AGAIN, the officers told her she needed to be on her way and not to call 9-1-1 if she did not have an emergency. Can you guess what happened again? Of course you can – another 9-1-1 call came from the same number. Well, Alameh got a ride to another city alright. Bartow – to the Polk County Jail (with accommodations). In all, she called 9-1-1 four times, two times while officers were in the same location as she was. Alameh was charged with one count of Misuse of 9-1-1.
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating that took place Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. The shooting occurred on Hempstead Place in Lake Wales ( this is located directly South of McLaughlin Middle School).
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at least one person was shot, but the injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Further details of the shooting are not currently available.
Florida Polytechnic University ready to restart vibrant campus life
ORLANDO, Fla. – On Tuesday, the Florida Board of Governors approved Florida Polytechnic University’s plan for resuming its on-campus operations in the fall.
The Blueprint for Returning to Campus details the steps the University is taking to provide a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to deliver a high-quality STEM education.
The plan outlines how Florida Poly will begin the fall semester on Aug. 20 providing a primarily in-person academic delivery model. However, the University will have the capacity for a smooth transition to a remote scenario if it becomes required.
The majority of classes will be delivered in a traditional face-to-face format with appropriate social distancing measures. A fraction of courses will be delivered using an online, engaged model. All classes and formally scheduled activities will be remote after the Thanksgiving break.
Personal responsibility and accountability are a critical component of the plan. New personal health guidelines are detailed, including a daily symptom monitoring survey, non-contact temperature measurement stations at building entrances, and the required use of face coverings.
Other components of the plan include:
· Six-foot distance signs and direction markers will be placed on the floors and in common areas of campus.
· Class sizes will be managed, and classrooms and common spaces will be rearranged for social distancing.
· Cleaning protocols have been updated according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
· Residence halls will open with enhanced cleaning protocols and enhanced staff training. Isolation and quarantine spaces for residential students will be reserved to handle different scenarios.
· Students, faculty, and staff will be required to take online COVID-19 training.
The University also established a Medical Advisory Board composed of local health experts to provide guidance on methods to implement testing and contact tracing protocols, as well as surveillance measures. Board members include representatives from health care providers such as Lakeland Regional Health, and experts in infectious disease and public health from the University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University.
“At the heart of our actions is a steadfast desire to bring our Florida Poly family back to an environment that is flexible, responsive, and prepared to work together to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” Florida Poly President Randy K. Avent said in the plan. “No plan we can make will ensure that no one falls ill. But as our University moves forward together, we hope our actions can help minimize those risks.”
The Board of Governors also confirmed the reappointment of Avent as president. The reappointment officially extends the term of his contract through July 6, 2021.
“Black Lives Matter” At 27th Annual Lakeland Juneteenth Celebration
by James Coulter
As many Americans across the country take to the streets to proclaim “black lives matter!” in protest, many local residents visited Munn Park to honor the black lives that helped make black lives today matter during the 27th Annual Lakeland Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday.
More than a hundred local residents, most of them taking precautions with masks and social distancing, turned out to celebrate Juneteenth by honoring local community members and enjoying traditional African American art, music, and dance.
Juneteenth is the annual holiday commemorating the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862 to officially free African slaves. Nearly two years later, on June 19, 1864, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves had been freed.
That date has been long recognized as Juneteenth and celebrated by the African American community. The day serves as a reminder of how far they have come in achieving racial equality, and, especially in light of recent events such as the mass protests of the police killing of George Floyd, how far they still have to go.
The Lakeland Celebration is the oldest one of its kind in Florida. The very first celebration was hosted in 1992. This year’s theme was “honoring our ancestors”, commemorating the legacy of the people who fought for civil rights and equality, and to inspire people today to continue the cause into the future.
“Freedom is for all,” stated Yasmin Barnes, local consultant and event coordinator. “We use our hearts to open our community and let everyone know we fight today. We fight together so we can have a future for our children, for our community and for our legacy [and] to honor our ancestors.”
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz honored 12 local philanthropists for their hard work and dedication to their local community by presenting them each with a key to the city. One of these honorees was Annie Phyall, a retired teacher, who was busy that afternoon collecting signatures from the crowd for a local political cause. Each of the dozen honorees have assisted with raising money for local college scholarships, according to an article from The Ledger.
Before conferring the keys to the city, Mayor Mutz mentioned how much of a “wonderful privilege” it is to celebrate the accomplishments of people within the community, both in the past and in the present. Only through their hard work have other people been given the opportunity to live the lives they have now, he said.
“It is an honor and privilege to recognize residents in Polk County who have made profound differences in the lives of others because they cared and sacrificed their time and resources for the benefit of others,” Mayor Mutz said. “We are blessed to live in a community that cares about others, and those we will honor this afternoon will exemplify why. Is there room to care for more? Yes there is. And are we going to work to find it? Yes we are.”
The main program included speeches by local community leaders including Julie Townsend, Lakeland Downtown Development Authority executive director, and Chandra C. Frederick, Polk County’s assistant county manager.
Local organizations also set up tents around the perimeter of the park. Polk County Democrats helped people register to vote, while the Polk County Sheriff’s Office offered community outreach about their services.
Several performances were also hosted on the main stage set up near the main fountain. These performances included a traditional African dance, a pantomime performance, and a ventriloquist song act.
Mr. Rick Maxey, along with the rest of the Maxey Family, including Mrs. Jackye Maxey and Ms. Taylore Maxey, hosted the program that afternoon. He was especially proud of the turnout, especially amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a great celebration,” he said. “Anytime we can get together and recognize how far we have come and how far we have to go, it is a great thing. I am very proud with this program.”
The Juneteenth celebration proved especially relevant and timely this year with the nationwide mass protests against police brutality and systemic racism. While it is important to recognize the progress that has been made, it is also vital to continue striving for further progress now and into the future, he said.
“The biggest thing is that it is not just black people seeking change, it is the entire county, and that is what this is all about,” he said.
Dr. Shandale Terrell gave the opening introductions for the program. This year’s co-sponsor was Faith In Action North Lakeland, and the sponsors included and the Hall Communications, Paul A. Diggs Neighborhood Association, City of Lakeland, Grant Career & Technical Education Center, The Juneteenth Committee.
Supporting the event were local individuals such as Mrs. Kristen Carlson, Mr. Frank Kendricksm, The Bailey’s Family, Dr. Larry Rankin and Dr. Trudy Rankin, Mrs. Anne Huffman, and organizations such as the Polk County Democrats.
Man Who Traveled 48,000 Miles Across America Stops In Lake Wales
by James Coulter
He has walked 500 miles, and he has walked 500 more, just to be the man who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door. Actually, Steve Fugate has walked more than 43,000 miles, traveling on foot across the continental United States eight times.
With his cart and personal possessions in tow, and a portable shade sitting atop his head, Fugate traverses down the highway from sunrise until sunset during his journeys. His travels recently took him through Lake Wales, where he stopped to celebrate his 74th birthday with a dinner at the Crooked Bass.
Having ventured from off of US Highway 27, he stayed the evening at Prince of Wales Hotel. Staying in a hotel is a treat for him. Oftentimes he sleeps outside in a tent.
Through rain and snow, through sleet and hail, Fugate has strived through good weather and bad. The shade he wears on his head protects him from the heat of the overbearing sun, while a light raincoat protects him from the rain and cold.
He has survived both extremes of the outdoor elements. He has been dehydrated while traveling through the desert, soaked while traveling through three days of heavy rain, and covered head-to-toe in ice while traveling through Tulsa during one of the worst snowstorms.
“I cannot afford to sit still,” he said. “I have to walk through hail and storms you wouldn’t believe…[Even then], I keep walking. If I can find shelter, I take shelter.”
The small portable cooler in the cart he tows helps keep him hydrated. Every day he fills it with 12 pounds of ice and cold water, and takes several sips as he marches down the road.
“It is like getting an air conditioning from the inside,” Fugate said. “When you suck on that thing for seven or eight gulps, it last for 15 minutes and cools you down. It is incredible what ice water can do.”
Often, he relies on the charity of strangers. While heading to Lake Wales, he was stopped by a man riding from out of the orange groves in an ATV who gave him a $20.
“He said I don’t know where you are going, but I want to be a part of it,” he said.
Overall, what keeps him trekking is the sign on his head: “Love Life.” He travels across the country to help other people gain appreciation for their lives so they can love it as much as he does.
Fugate’s happy travels began with an unhappy start. In 1999, his son, Steve, committed suicide. Fugate was hiking the Appalachian Trail when he learned the sad news. His son had been looking after their business in Vero Beach while he was away in Appalachia.
Tragedy once again struck his life when his daughter, Shelly, was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. She later passed away from what the doctors claimed was an accidental overdose, Fugate said.
Having lost both his children, Fugate resolved to inspire other people to love life and live it to its fullest. He felt the best way to accomplish his goal was to travel across America and enjoy its scenic beauty. Traversing such great landscapes and meeting even greater people would not only allow him to enjoy everything life had to offer, but hopefully inspire others to do the same.
“I realized I didn’t want any other young person to do what my son did,” he explained. “I didn’t want another parent to go through that horror I was going through. And so I came up with this idea. If you love life, that is the opposite end of the spectrum to where you will take your own life.”
Since then, Fugate has walked across the United States eight times, traveling approximately 46,000 miles. He has worn out more than 50 pairs of shoes, but the shade over his head and the cold water siphoned from his cooler keep him marching forward. His biggest inspiration, of course, will always be the memories of his two children.
“I call what I do trail therapy,” he said. “I am trying to make my children proud of their daddy. That is the way I look at it…There have been many testimonies of people who did not take their life [because of me], there are many people who lost their child and [my story] helped them.”
Aside from Florida, his favorite state to travel through is Maine. And of the sights he has seen, some of his favorites include Bent’s Old Fort along the Santa Fe Trail and the Catskill Mountain along New Jersey, which he considers to be the most beautiful mountain ranges aside from the Smokies.
During one trip, he walked to the point where he was 27 miles away from the Grand Canyon. Though he had the opportunity to see one of the Southwest’s greatest natural wonders, he decided to forgo the experience, as it would have been a 54-mile round trip.
While walking from coast to coast would allow anyone the opportunity to see the country’s many sights, Fugate doesn’t travel for the mere sake of tourism. To him, the greatest sights this country has to offer isn’t its natural landscapes or its towering monuments: it’s the many people he gets to meet along the way.
“The sights are the people,” he explained. “I am not on tour. The beauty is when I get to talk to someone and they are having a problem and I can help them. I have a knack for it.”
His journey has caught the attention of many other media outlets such as CNN, the New York Times, and even the Weather Channel. He has detailed his adventures in his own book “Love Life”, available on Amazon. During his travels, he has stopped at many places to speak. He even had the opportunity to address the troops in Alaska.
Fugate hopes to continue traveling for as long as his feet can carry them. Even when he is finally long gone, he hopes that his story can serve as an inspiration for people to “love life” and live every day to the fullest. For him, that love of life comes one step at a time.
“I want everyone to love life,” he said. “I am trying to get people to not be afraid. When you are afraid, it causes you to be angry and generates hatred, and there is so much going on right now it is so opposite of love life, and that is what I am trying to get across.”
To learn more about Steve Fugate and his travels, visit his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/LoveLifeWalk/
We saw what you did! This wonderful citizen (we’re guessing he works Winn-Dixie) dropped off two cases of water late Friday (just after midnight). Our call volume was through the roof and this wonderful gesture was timed perfectly. Thank you! It’s a Winn Win. 😁
