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UPDATED 11/26/24: Motorcyclist Charged with Violations As Result of Crash: Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle on Tindel Camp Rd. Causes Road Blockage

Staff Reporter
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UPDATED 11/26/24: Motorcyclist Charged with Violations As Result of Crash: Motorcycle Vs. Vehicle on Tindel Camp Rd. Causes Road Blockage
Photo by Maria Iannucci

UPDATE 11/26/2024, 9 AM: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Director of Communications, Scott Wilder, has provided an update to yesterday’s collision between a motorcycle and a Jeep Renegade on Tindel Camp Road in Lake Wales, between Fairmont Rd. and Timberlane Rd.

“That was a non-serious injury crash between a motorcycle and a Jeep,” Wilder says. “EMS responded but did not transport. We issued the motorcycle driver several citations…and a notice to appear in court. There’s no details on how the crash occurred.”

PCSO has provided Lake Wales Daily portions of the police report. Here is an excerpt of the report:  (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions).

“On 11/25/2024, I responded to the area of 2408 Tindel Camp Rd Lake Wales, FL, in reference to a traffic crash involving a vehicle and motorcycle. Upon arrival, contact was made with involved parties, one being the suspect, Michael Garza Jr.

“The suspect was positively identified by his Florida Driver’s license REDACTED. During the investigation, it was learned the suspect was the driver of the black Kawasaki motorcycle, with vehicle identification number REDACTED, which had been involved in the crash.

“For the purposes of the crash investigation, the motorcycle registration, the suspect driver’s license, and proof of insurance were requested. The suspect provided his Florida driver’s license, but advised he was only test driving the motorcycle, so it was unregistered and uninsured.

“A check using the Driver and Vehicle Information Database revealed the suspect did not have a motorcycle endorsement. The check also revealed the motorcycle was last registered in 2018; however, at the time of the crash no license plate was affixed to the motorcycle.

“Based on the investigation, it was determined there was probable cause for a violation of F.S.S. 320.02(1) operating without/no motor vehicle registration and F.S.S. 322.03(4) No motorcycle endorsement.”

According at an email sent to LWD by Wilder, Garza was also issued a warning for No Headgear (Helmet)/ No $10,000 Medical Benefit on Rider / Operator Over Age 21 (316.211(3)(B))

(Original article) On November 25, 2024, at approximately 4:47 PM, a call was dispatched to Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue with regard to a traffic collision at 2408 Tindel Camp Rd. in Lake Wales.

A collision occurred between a motorcycle and a silver Jeep Renegade. PCFR has confirmed that no injured persons were transported.

The northbound side of the road was blocked by first responder vehicles picking up tree debris.

Please proceed with extreme caution as this is a 2 lane road that is quite narrow.

PCFR Currently On Scene Of A Very Bad Structure Fire Off Pipes Road Near Alturas

Carl Fish
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PCFR Currently On Scene Of A Very Bad Structure Fire Off Pipes Road Near Alturas

Bartow, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2024) — Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a fatal camper fire on Pipes Road in Bartow.

 

PCFR crews received the initial tone at 3:43 p.m. with the first crew arriving on scene at 3:45 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found heavy interior fire conditions and an extricated individual. After public safety members provided life-saving measures, PCFR pronounced the individual dead at the scene.

 

Polk County Fire Rescue members got water on the fire at 3:48 p.m. and had it under control at 3:54 p.m.

 

No PCFR members sustained injuries.

 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal office.

 

Polk County Fire Rescue notified Red Cross for aid.

10th Annual Santa Paws Event in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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10th Annual Santa Paws Event in Winter Haven

The Humane Society of Polk County, Inc:

Join us for our 10th annual festive night of fun! Kick the holiday season into high gear by supporting the Humane Society of Polk County – Polk’s first No-Kill facility on Tuesday, December 3rd from 6-9:30 pm.

Hosted at Jensen’s Corner Bar, Downtown Winter Haven. Enjoy live music by Brass Heart Band, Appetizers by Arabellas, Hot Chocolate Station and a Specialty Holiday Cocktail featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Raffles, Silent Auction, and Cash Bar. Individual tickets are only $50.

Sponsorships available! Contact Tracey Greene, [email protected] or Lisa Baker, [email protected] for more info. www.PolkNoKill.org

Semi Loses Tire, Vehicle Ends Up In Ditch in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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Semi Loses Tire, Vehicle Ends Up In Ditch in Lake Wales
Photo by Lake Wales Daily

On November 25, 2024, a semi truck loses a tire and causes a traffic collision near the intersection of US Hwy. 60 E and Doherty Drive in Lake Wales.

Photo by Lake Wales Daily

Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer at Polk County Sheriff’s Office, offers the following information on the situation:

“The PCSO was dispatched to that crash at about 1:42 pm.

“It was reported by a witness that a tire came off of a semi truck and hit a Toyota Corolla.

“It was also reported that a 3rd vehicle may have been involved, but that is unconfirmed at this time.

“A small brush fire in the median was sparked during the crash. The fire was extinguished.

“Traffic may be affected in this area.”

Photo by Lake Wales Daily

A witness in the area says that Hwy. 60 E is down to one lane, but traffic is moving slowly. This is not confirmed.

Polk County Fire Rescue confirms that 4 patients were transported by ground to local hospital(s), but no trauma alerts for any of the patients.

Photo by Lake Wales Daily

PCFR also advises that a small vegetation fire started in the median as a result of the crash, but was quickly extinguished.

Proceed with caution, if you are driving in this area, and avoided it if at all possible.

In Loving Memory of Robert Franklin Karcher, Age 95

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Robert Franklin Karcher, Age 95

Robert Franklin Karcher

October 25th, 1929 – October 30th, 2024

Robert Franklin Karcher, age 95, passed away on October 30, 2024, at Tidewell Care Center at Village on the Isle in Venice, Florida following his battle with cancer.

Robert (Bob) was born on October 25, 1929 to John and Mildred Karcher in Evansville, Indiana. After graduating from F.J. Reitz High School, Bob received a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1951. After college, he worked briefly at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, followed by employment at Bucyrus-Erie in Evansville. He concluded his career at the Naval Weapons Support Center in Crane, Indiana, where he worked for 31 years until his retirement in 1994.

Bob moved to Auburndale, FL in 1997, where he resided until 2023. Throughout the years, Bob enjoyed going on numerous worldwide cruises, along with fishing in Alaska, attending NASCAR races, and reading.

Bob is survived by his children, Robert Karcher (Donna), Wendee Woods (Andy), Scott Karcher (Laura), and Krista Karcher (Thad Allen); his grandchildren, Todd Powell, Nicole Boldt, Steven Woods, Sam Karcher, Abby Toppe and Tristan Allen; 8 great-grandchildren, sister Carolyn Purkiser, and nephews Bobby and Mark Purkiser. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and special companion Edna Mattingly.

He will be buried at Auburndale Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburndale, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tidewell Foundation in his name at Tidewellfoundation.org, or mailed to 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.

In Loving Memory of Darline Ard, 83, of Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Darline Ard, 83, of Lake Wales

Darline Ard of Lake Wales passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

She was born October 23, 1941 in Tennessee to the late Harvey and Margaret Cook; she came here from Indiana 50 years ago. She was a retired manager from Kmart and Goodwill and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lake Wales. She also volunteered at the Lake Wales Care Center. She was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting tea pots.

Darline was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Bristow and second husband, Jack Ard; and a brother, Delbert Cook. Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Miller of Winter Haven, Lori McKinney and husband, Greg of Lake Wales and Angela Daughtry of Winter Haven; step-daughter, Kelley Ard Moser and husband, Kelly of Lake Wales; son, Michael Bristow of Mulberry; sister, Marlene Schofield and husband, Tommy of Lake Wales; brothers, Mark Cook and Larry Cook both of Indiana; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 27, from 10:00am until the funeral service at 11:00am  at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with Dr. Scott Markley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Children’s Ministry (305 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853).

City of Winter Haven’s Thanksgiving Holiday Solid Waste Schedule Change

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven’s Thanksgiving Holiday Solid Waste Schedule Change

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be temporary changes to the solid waste pickup schedule. Please see the updated schedule below.

Thanksgiving Residential Garbage and Recycle Schedule. 
• Monday, Nov. 25: No changes, regular service
• Tuesday, Nov. 26: no changes, regular service
• Wednesday, Nov. 27: No residential collection (unless recycling routes are delayed)
• Thursday, Nov. 28th service will be collected on Friday, Nov. 29
• Friday, Nov. 29 service will be collected on Saturday, Nov. 30

Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Solid Waste Division at (863)291- 5756. 

Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder After Alleged Racially Motivated Stabbing At Wild Greg’s Saloon In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder After Alleged Racially Motivated Stabbing At Wild Greg’s Saloon In Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL (November 24, 2024) – On Saturday, November 23, 2024, at approximately 12:33 a.m., officers responded to a nightclub located at 4951 Highway 98 North in reference to reports of a person stabbed. 

Upon arrival, officers met with a 22-year-old male victim with multiple stab wounds. The victim stated that prior to being stabbed, he had been in a verbal altercation with an unknown male outside in the patio area. After leaving the area where the altercation occurred, the victim went back inside the bar. A short time later, the unknown male from the argument grabbed the victim from behind and stabbed him approximately four times in the back before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies By Life, Love & Sugar

Multiple witnesses confirmed the identity of the suspect to be 24-year-old Johnnie Brown IV from Winter Haven. An arrest warrant for Brown was granted, charging him with Attempted Second Degree Murder with a Deadly Weapon and noted a bias enhancement based on a witness reporting Brown making a racial slur just prior to the stabbing. Detectives contacted partners at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to assist with locating and arresting Brown given his known locations to be in the Winter Haven area. Upon his arrest, Brown refused to interview with Detectives and was transported to the Polk County Jail. 

If anyone has additional information related to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Derek Gulledge at [email protected].

558-Acre “Gateway to the City” Development Approved for Lake Wales; Residents Say NIMBY

Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies By Life, Love & Sugar

Carl Fish
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Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies By Life, Love & Sugar

One of our favorite times of the year is coming up. Christmas and cooking Christmas cookies is one of our favorite things to do with the entire year. This recipe is from the YouTube channel and blog Life, Love and Sugar! We have imbedded the video and put in the recipe. We are also linking you to the blog where author Lindsay Conchar gives more details on how to make these eye catching cookies! Sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Stacked Sugar Cookies by Lindsay Conchar

Ingredients:

Sugar Cookies

  • 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (233g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (28g) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Buttercream

  • 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tbsp water or milk
  • Green gel icing color
  • 2–3 tbsp red and white pearl sprinkles
  • 16–18 yellow star sprinkles

Detailed instructions here at Life, Love & Sugar : Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees

Awesome Cookies From Life, Love & Sugar

Unlimited Water Taxi Rides Through Beautiful Tampa Bay For One Low Price

Carl Fish
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Unlimited Water Taxi Rides Through Beautiful Tampa Bay For One Low Price

Editors Note: This is the latest article for the column: Traveling On A Budget With Carl & Shelly

Did you know one of the best riverwalks in the country is right here in Tampa Bay? The bay is teaming with new construction, unbeatable water views, and countless events and activities! One of the best ways to see it is from the water!

Recently Carl & Shelly spent the day checking out the bay by using the Pirate Water Taxi. A water taxi is a vessel that travels through Tampa Bay and this hits more than 15 stops with two separate routes.

Shelly & Carl Taking A Picture At One Of The Stops Along The Pirate Water Taxi Route

Taking a Tampa Bay Water Taxi is a unique and convenient way to explore Tampa’s waterfront, offering a blend of practicality and enjoyment. Here are some key reasons to consider it:

1. Scenic Views

  • The taxi allows you to experience Tampa’s beautiful skyline, waterways, and iconic landmarks from the water, giving you a perspective that’s hard to match from land.
Tampa Bay

2. Convenient Transportation

  • Water taxis connect popular destinations like the Tampa Riverwalk, Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and Davis Islands. It’s an easy way to get around without the hassle of driving or parking.
Armature Works

3. Avoid Traffic

  • Skip the road congestion and enjoy a peaceful ride on the water, especially during busy events or peak hours.

4. Fun Experience

  • The ride itself is an adventure! It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel, often with open-air seating that allows you to soak in the atmosphere.

5. Tours and Sightseeing

  • Many water taxi services offer guided tours or commentary, giving you insights into Tampa’s history, wildlife, and culture.
Great views of the architecture all the bay

6. Eco-Friendly Option

  • Traveling by water can reduce your carbon footprint compared to driving short distances around the city.

7. Wildlife Spotting

  • You might spot dolphins, manatees, or birds along the way, especially in Tampa Bay’s natural waters.

8. Social and Family-Friendly

  • It’s an activity suitable for groups, couples, or families, providing a memorable outing for locals and visitors alike.

Sightseeing, or looking for a relaxing way to enjoy Tampa’s waterfront, a Pirate Water Taxi is a fantastic option.

Pirate Water Taxi offers daily tours of Tampa with many stops located along their route near attractions, museums, restaurants & parks! Simply buy tickets at our home dock (Stop #7 – Convention Center), online or after boarding the taxi at any of the stops located throughout Downtown Tampa. Once purchased, you will receive a Pirate Water Taxi wristband which allows you to hop on and off the taxi at any stop for unlimited rides – all day! These wristbands also give you discounts with a number of venues located on the route as part of our Pirate Perks Program.

Hours of Operation:
River Route
Sunday – Thursday – 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Island Loop
DAILY – 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Here is the best part and the reason “Traveling On A Budget With Carl & Shelly” chose this service:

Prices

$ 25 Adults Ages 13+

$20 Children Ages 2-12

Free Infants Ages 0-1

That’s right you can’t take two separate routes and get on and off the taxi all day long for just $25! You could get on and just ride it one time and it would be worth it. Our guide did a great job of talking about the unique buildings, new construction and the fun things to do at each stop!

Shelly suggests checking out the Armature Works. The Armature Works is a historic mixed-use hub ripe for exploration — full of unique experiences, innovative eateries, memorable events and everything in-between. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the historic structure has been restored and reimagined into what is now a premier Tampa destination. For our Polk County Florida readers it’s similar to the Joinery. Here is a link to their website & a few photos The Armature Works.

Here is a link to their website with all the details: Pirate Water Taxi! It’s a great getaway for a couple. The drive is between an hour and an hour and a half from almost anywhere in Polk County.

Tampa Water Taxi
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