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Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Two Deaths Related to COVID-19, Morning Update~6,693 positive cases in Florida residents and 261 positive cases in non-Florida residents~

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Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Two Deaths Related to COVID-19, Morning Update~6,693 positive cases in Florida residents and 261 positive cases in non-Florida residents~

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Two Deaths Related to COVID-19, Morning Update~6,693 positive cases in Florida residents and 261 positive cases in non-Florida residents~

TALLAHASSEE —To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily. Today, as of 11 a.m., there are 6,954 total** Florida cases. While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 8,853 tests performed on March 31, there were 1,062 positive results, or 12 percent. Two people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Palm Beach County. New Florida cases include:

  • 213 additional positive COVID-19 cases (203 Florida residents and 10 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
  • There are currently 6,693 positive cases in Florida residents and 261 positive cases in non-Florida residents.

Florida recently partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. This partnership will increase the number of tests conducted each day and ensure Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.Expansion to private laboratories changes the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida. Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners. Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and DOH laboratories. Demographic information may be updated during investigations. These twice daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information. More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found here.

11 am

For more detail on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard here. * Florida residents that are diagnosed with COVID-19 and isolated out of state are not reflected on the Florida map.**Total cases overview includes positive cases in Florida residents and non-Florida residents tested in Florida.More Information on COVID-19 To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website. For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].About the Florida Department of HealthThe Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Fire Rescue Officials Issue Burn Ban for Polk County

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Fire Rescue Officials Issue Burn Ban for Polk County

Fire Rescue Officials Issue Burn Ban for Polk County

Bartow, Fla. (March 31, 2020) – Due to dry weather conditions over an extensive period of time Polk County Fire Rescue has issued a burn ban.

The increased risk of brush fires and uncontrolled fires are a threat to the public health, safety and general welfare of Polk County. Over the past weekend, Polk County saw seven total brush fires ranging from one to 290 acres in size. Three of the seven fires scorched areas over 100 acres. Currently, there are also no signs of improvement for these dangerous fire conditions in the near future.

“Current conditions and future forecasts are favorable for the rapid development and spread of brush fires in our county,” said Fire Chief Robert Weech. “We must take every step necessary to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Polk County Fire Rescue has held off as long as possible before issuing this burn ban and do not want to take the chance of anyone possibly losing their property or investments due to a brush fire.”

The burn ban includes, but is not limited to:

1.         Campfires

2.         Bonfires

3.         Unpermitted controlled burns

4.         Burning of yard and household trash

5.         Burning of construction debris

6.         Burning of organic debris

7.         Igniting of fireworks

8.         Noncommercial burning of material other than for religious or ceremonial purposes that is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, which the total fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.  

Polk County is currently averaging over 500 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI index is used as an indicator to determine the likelihood and severity of brush fires. The scale begins at zero, which is no danger and rises to 800, which is extreme danger. As a rule of thumb, fire officials become concerned any time the scale goes above 500 for 50 percent of the county.  

While high KBDI values are an indication that conditions are favorable for the occurrence and spread of wildfires, drought is not by itself a prerequisite for such fires. Other weather factors, such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability, play a major role in determining the actual fire danger.

The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven.

Any person who refuses to comply or violates this burn ban shall be in violation of County Ordinance 08-015, and shall be punished according to law. Upon such conviction for such offence, the person shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or by imprisonment by a term not to exceed 60 days in the county jail or both.

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Six New Deaths Related to COVID-19, March 31, 2020 UPDATE

Staff Reporter
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Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Six New Deaths Related to COVID-19, March 31, 2020 UPDATE

The first confirmed Polk County death from Covid-19 was a 60-Year-Old Male from Polk County.

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Six New Deaths Related to COVID-19, Morning Update

~6,096 positive cases in Florida residents and 242 positive cases in non-Florida residents~

TALLAHASSEE — To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily. Today, as of 11 a.m., there are 6,338 total** Florida cases.

While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 7,474 tests performed on March 30, there were 1,006 positive results, or 13 percent.

Six people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Broward, Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Polk counties.

New Florida cases include:

  • 634 additional positive COVID-19 cases (607 Florida residents and 27 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
  • There are currently 6,096 positive cases in Florida residents and 242 positive cases in non-Florida residents.

Florida recently partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. This partnership will increase the number of tests conducted each day and ensure Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.

Expansion to private laboratories changes the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida. Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners. Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and DOH laboratories. Demographic information may be updated during investigations. These twice daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information. 

More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found here.

11 am 3-31

For more detail on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard here. 

* Florida residents that are diagnosed with COVID-19 and isolated out of state are not reflected on the Florida map.

**Total cases overview includes positive cases in Florida residents and non-Florida residents tested in Florida.

More Information on COVID-19

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website.

For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].

About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Winter Haven Jumps To 19 Coronavirus Cases – 73 Now In Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Winter Haven Jumps To 19 Coronavirus Cases – 73 Now In Polk County

The Florida Department of Heath has released it’s latest update cases in Florida. Polk County now has 73 cases. Winter Haven now has 19 of those cases. Currently additional details are not available, but Winter Haven is quickly becoming the most in the county. Davenport had 20 cases.

Here is the latest information from the City of Winter Haven on services.

COVID-19: City of Winter Haven Update March 31, 2020; 9 a.m.

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND MEETINGS

City Hall and the City Hall East Annex remain open.  City Hall Annex located at 551 3rd St. NW is closed to the public until further notice. Departments working out of the facility, including Utility Customer Service and Human Resources, will continue to operate and provide services to citizens.

While certain public facilities are closed and events, activities and certain meetings are postponed, many City of Winter Haven administrative offices remain open for business, and staff continues to provide services to customers.  Should you need to visit a City facility, be assured staff continues vigorous efforts to continuously clean and sanitize all indoor areas and outdoor park amenities.

Customers are encouraged to use online services whenever possible, such as for utility billing payments and public records requests. Information and updates will also be placed on the City’s social media accounts (scroll down for link buttons), as well as this website. Please check back regularly.

City Meeting Changes and Cancellations

  • Regular City Commission Meetings – April 13; April 27; and thereafter are moved to Nora Mayo Hall for social distancing purposes until further notice.
  • City Commission Agenda Review Sessions are moved to Nora Mayo Hall for social distancing purposes until further notice.
  • The Downtown CRA Advisory Committee and Florence Villa Advisory Committee will continue to meet at Nora Mayo Hall. All other City Advisory Committee Meetings are suspended until further notice.
  • The Code Enforcement Special Magistrate meetings will be held at Nora Mayo Hall for social distancing purposes; April Special Magistrate meeting is canceled with cases pushed to the May meeting.

The City of Winter Haven IT Department is exploring and evaluating solutions for virtual meetings to keep the public engaged and informed.  More information will be provided once these tools are implemented.

HUMAN RESOURCES (HR)

The HR offices located in the City Hall Annex are closed to walk-in customers, but services and operations continue.  Those with an employment application can drop it in the utility payment drop box in the parking lot.  Staff is available by phone 863-291-5650 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by email at [email protected].  They are ready to assist with any HR related questions or requirements in an applicant’s job search process.

WH PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

The Police Department Records Division located inside of the lobby is closed to walk-in customers. Police reports and other records requests can be obtained by calling 863-291-5858 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reports can be mailed, emailed or faxed to customers.

To pay a downtown parking ticket, go to www.winterhavenpd.com. Scroll to the “Online Services” area and the link for payment is on the page. A payment extension will be in place for those unable to use the online options with customers being notified of payment due once the lobby opens back up to the public.

Online reporting option for non-emergency calls include Lost/Stolen Bicycle, Criminal Mischief, Fraud/Identity Theft/Forgery, Lost/Stolen Cell Phone and Lost/Stolen Vehicle Tag or Decal. Those options are available on the website as well as the Department’s smart phone app. Click HERE for online reporting. Download the Winter Haven PD app from your smart phone app store.  Please call 9-1-1 immediately should you have an emergency. For non-emergency situations, call 863-401-2256.

All Leadership Council activities for this Council session are suspended.

The Winter Haven Fire Department has suspended public education programs all three fire stations until further notice. Additionally, non-essential fire inspections will be suspended.  Winter Haven firefighters continue to respond to all 9-1-1 calls. Fire personnel are taking extra precautions by wearing additional protective gear.  Anyone with questions is urged to call the Fire Department Administrative line at 863-291-5677.

Public Safety staff undergoes regular medical surveillance  to make certain personnel are not displaying  symptoms of sickness.

The Public Safety Department’s attention is on being prepared with contingency plans to address various situations that could be brought about by  COVID-19.

PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT

Based on the guidelines and recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the City of Winter Haven has suspended all athletic activities, special events, classes and city facility rentals now through May 9.

Indoor recreation facilities are closed until further notice.  This includes the Senior Adult Center; Winter Haven Public Library; AdventHealth Fieldhouse; Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center; and outdoor gathering facilities including Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool, Winter Haven Tennis Center, Diamondplex, the Chain of Lakes Park Stadium and the Splash Pad at Trailhead Park.  These closures will reduce the potential for large gatherings and limited social distancing, while allowing for enhanced cleaning of City facilities, amenities and public spaces. Willowbrook Golf Course remains open. City operated boat ramps remain open; however, public restrooms are closed.

Click HERE for a full listing of all Parks, Recreation and Culture Department classes, events, athletics and rentals that are canceled through May 9, 2020.  Please contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department at 291-5656 for further information regarding events, athletics classes, rentals and facility closures.

CITY WATER DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

  • Plant and field operations remain open 24/7.

The Utility Customer Service Operations office in the City Hall Annex is closed, but services continue as follows:

To make a payment, customers can:

  • Mail –Winter Haven Utilities Office, PO Box 2277, Winter Haven, FL 33883
  • Utility Bill Drop Box located in the City Hall Annex parking lot
  • Online Utility Portal – https://wh2o.mywinterhaven.com/portal/
  • Mobil App – download “WH2o” in Google Play or Apple Store
  • 24HR Interactive Voice Response (1-855-270-3592) – allows customers to make payment anytime with credit or debit card.

To submit an application for new service or to transfer service:

  • Applications for new utility accounts can be completed electronically via email [email protected] or by fax 863-298-7870.

NOTE:  Service disconnects for non-payment and late fees have been temporarily suspended for 60 days.

PUBLIC WORKS

Solid waste collection services continue as scheduled.  Please be aware solid waste collection loads are heavier than usual, which causes delays in collection. We ask the public to be patient as crews work hard to keep up with the volume.

Couple Uses Stolen Card for Home Remodel Expenses and is Caught on Camera

Staff Reporter
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Couple Uses Stolen Card for Home Remodel Expenses and is Caught on Camera

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

UPDATE:
Our FB fans never disappoint! Identified! Jessie Turner and “Rhett” Barwick.
Yes, they are both already in jail for unrelated charges.
Thanks everyone for assisting!
————

You wanted clearer pictures? You got it thanks to Home Depot.
The couple below went to Home Depot (2000 8th St NW) in Winter Haven and utilized a Home Depot credit card (that was not theirs by the way) to the tune of $2,354. It just so happens that our victim was in an Auburndale restaurant the day before when the wallet was left behind. Unfortunately, no video was available from the restaurant. However, this couple figured some home remodel was in the cards for them at the victim’s expense. (And the female had to drag the poor Toy Story characters into her dastardly deed) 🙁
If you recognize this couple, please call Detective Ovalle at 863-401-2256. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Polk County COVID-19 Cases Now up to 5704 in Florida and 63 In Polk County

Staff Reporter
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Polk County COVID-19 Cases Now up to 5704 in Florida and 63 In Polk County

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Eight New Deaths Related to COVID-19, Evening Update~5,489 positive cases in Florida residents and 215 positive cases in non-Florida residents~TALLAHASSEE —To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily. Today, as of 6 p.m., there are 5,704 total** Florida cases. While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 7,754 tests performed on March 29, there were 1,018 positive results, or 13 percent.Eight people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in Broward, Citrus, Clay, Dade, Duval, Osceola and Palm Beach counties.New Florida cases include:

  • 231 additional positive COVID-19 cases (213 Florida residents and 18 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
  • There are currently 5,489 positive cases in Florida residents and 215 positive cases in non-Florida residents.

Florida recently partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. This partnership will increase the number of tests conducted each day and ensure Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.Expansion to private laboratories changes the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida. Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners. Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and DOH laboratories. Demographic information may be updated during investigations. These twice daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information. More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found here.

6 pm

For more detail on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard here. * Florida residents that are diagnosed with COVID-19 and isolated out of state are not reflected on the Florida map.**Total cases overview includes positive cases in Florida residents and non-Florida residents tested in Florida.More Information on COVID-19 To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website. For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].About the Florida Department of HealthThe Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

This Article Sponsored by AdventHealth

Violent Felon With Extensive Criminal History Commits Occupied Armed Burglary, Then Stabs PCSO K-9 Vise

Staff Reporter
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Violent Felon With Extensive Criminal History Commits Occupied Armed Burglary, Then Stabs PCSO K-9 Vise

UPDATE:

31-year-old Carl McHargh, Jr. of Lakeland was declared deceased at LRHMC on Monday evening, March 30, 2020. An autopsy was completed today and his cause of death was ruled cocaine intoxication, and his manner of death was ruled accidental.

McHargh was the armed occupied burglary suspect who broke into a Lakeland home, then stabbed PCSO K-9 Vise and fought with three PCSO deputies before being taken into custody on Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Original Release:

On Saturday evening, March 28, 2020, PCSO deputies responded to an armed burglary in progress on Grand Pines Blvd in Lakeland, during which the suspect broke into an occupied home armed with a tire lug wrench.

Around 8:30 p.m., the two victims were startled by the suspect banging on their door, yelling, “Let me in!” and “They are after me!” The suspect appeared frantic, however, the victims didn’t see anyone else outside. After refusing to let him in, the suspect broke the glass on the door with the tire lug wrench, and forced his way inside. The victims ran outside and dialed 911.

Click here to see video of the suspect at the front door.

Deputies arrived on-scene, including a PCSO canine team – Deputy Sheriff Scott Cronin and his K-9 partner, Vise. The suspect – 31-year-old Carl McHargh, Jr. – was inside the master bathroom closet, refusing to come out. Three deputies went in and found McHargh barricaded inside the closet adjacent to the master bath. At that time, deputies knew him only to be armed with the lug wrench.

Deputies pried the closet door open as McHargh refused to surrender, and K-9 Vise went into the closet to apprehend McHargh. Deputy Cronin observed McHargh punching K-9 Vise about his head and neck. Cronin grabbed the suspect’s hand, and realized he was actually stabbing the dog with a kitchen knife that McHargh grabbed from the victims’ kitchen. Cronin wrenched the knife out of McHargh’s hand as he continued to violently resist the deputy’s efforts to take him into custody, and Cronin was cut in the process.

The three deputies were able to pull McHargh away from the dog and place him in handcuffs. Deputy Cronin then ran Vise out to his patrol car and transported him in emergency mode due to his significant injuries to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where he underwent surgery for his 9 stab wounds and arterial bleed, and received numerous stitches. Vise was admitted to the emergency vet hospital overnight. He is expected to make a full recovery. Deputy Cronin received a laceration to his hand from wrestling the knife out of the suspect’s hand. He was treated and released from LRHMC.

“These deputies and the canine risked their lives to get an armed and dangerous, drug-induced suspect out of the victims’ house. We are grateful that Vise will make a full recovery and that Deputy Cronin and the other two deputies weren’t more seriously injured in this violent attack. This felon was clearly in some sort of drug-induced rage, and preliminarily it appears he was suffering from excited delirium.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

After McHargh was taken into custody, he suffered a significant medical event suspected to be excited delirium from his cocaine-induced state, and he was treated at the scene by EMS, including the administration of Narcan and CPR. They revived him and transported him to a local hospital, where he tested positive for cocaine, and was intubated. He remains in the ICU in extremely critical condition.

If McHargh survives this drug-intoxicated event, he will be charged with:

  • Armed occupied burglary
  • Offense against a police dog with great bodily harm
  • 3 counts resisting arrest with violence
  • 3 counts battery on a law enforcement officer
  • Petit theft

His extensive criminal history includes 15 felonies, 11 misdemeanors, and one trip to state prison for attempted armed robbery. His 36 previous arrests in Polk and Hillsborough counties were for robbery, battery, battery domestic violence, burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault, cocaine possession, marijuana possession, keeping a structure for drug use, possession of paraphernalia, failure to appear, and VOP. His most recent arrest in Polk was for battery domestic violence in January 2019 (his mugshot above is from that arrest).

Below are pics of Vise (they had to shave his face to treat him), a pic of the canine team, and pics from the crime scene.

Polk County Native Witnesses U.S. Navy Hospital Ship “The Comfort” As it Passes By Fort Hamilton Army Heading to Dock in Manhattan

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Polk County Native Witnesses U.S. Navy Hospital Ship “The Comfort” As it Passes By Fort Hamilton Army Heading to Dock in Manhattan

Picture Credit to Jamie Greene
Also picked up by CNN Newsroom and Twitter

Daily Ridge Reader and Polk County Native living in New York witnessed this view from Fort Hamilton Army Base this morning as the U.S. Navy Hospital Ship, The Comfort, arrives to provide relief in Manhattan, New York.

For many New Yorkers this is a welcome site to see as hospitals are overwhelmed by the Coronavirus Pandemic. New York hospitals are at full capacity and are unable to treat people with conditions other than covid-19. The Comfort has been called in due to New York being the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The ship is equipped with 1,000 beds and 12 operating rooms, a medical laboratory and over 1,000 Navy Officers. The Comfort will be able to help patients who do not have the covid-19 virus.

According to New York Mayor Bill De Blasio, having this naval hospital docked will be like adding a whole new hospital to the city.

This should help bring reprieve and support where it is needed the most.

Polk Cases Now At 55 – Monday March 30, 2020 Update

Staff Reporter
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Polk Cases Now At 55 – Monday March 30, 2020 Update

Florida Department of Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases, Announces Three New Deaths Related to COVID-19, Morning Update~5,276 positive cases in Florida residents and 197 positive cases in non-Florida residents~TALLAHASSEE —To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, The Florida Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 dashboard that will be updated twice daily. Today, as of 11 a.m., there are 5,473 total** Florida cases. While Florida’s testing has increased over the past week, the percent of those testing positive for COVID-19 overall is 10 percent. Of the 7,755 tests performed on March 29, there were 1,018 positive results, or 13 percent.Three people have died who tested positive for COVID-19 in DeSoto, Okaloosa and Palm Beach counties.New Florida cases include:

  • 523 additional positive COVID-19 cases (508 Florida residents and 15 non-Florida residents) reported to the Florida Department of Health.
  • There are currently 5,276 positive cases in Florida residents and 197 positive cases in non-Florida residents.

Florida recently partnered with private laboratories around the state to expand COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity. This partnership will increase the number of tests conducted each day and ensure Floridians receive the critical health information they need in a timely manner.Expansion to private laboratories changes the COVID-19 testing landscape in Florida. Private laboratories are running tests as they receive swab samples from practitioners. Testing and reporting times vary among commercial and DOH laboratories. Demographic information may be updated during investigations. These twice daily reports reflect the state’s efforts to accurately and transparently share information. More information on a case-by-case basis can also be found here.

11 am 3-30

For more detail on Florida resident cases, please visit the live DOH Dashboard here. * Florida residents that are diagnosed with COVID-19 and isolated out of state are not reflected on the Florida map.**Total cases overview includes positive cases in Florida residents and non-Florida residents tested in Florida.More Information on COVID-19 To find the most up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage. For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website. For more information about current travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, please visit the travel advisory website. For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Department’s dedicated COVID-19 Call Center by calling 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available 24 hours per day. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].About the Florida Department of HealthThe Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Polk Deputy Catches 22 Yr Old Man Sexually Battering a 15-year-old Girl He Met On Social Media

Staff Reporter
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Polk Deputy Catches 22 Yr Old Man Sexually Battering a 15-year-old Girl He Met On Social Media

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 22-year-old man early Sunday morning, March 29, 2020, in Winter Haven, after a deputy found him inside of a parked car with a 15-year-old girl, and neither of the car’s occupants had clothes on.
The investigation determined that Michael McDole of Groveland traveled to Winter Haven to meet the victim after the two made initial contact on the social media app Snapchat. The victim managed to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night.


The deputy responded to the area of 30th Street NW and Avenue F NW in Winter Haven regarding a suspicious vehicle. When he arrived just before 6:00 a.m., the deputy located a parked Silver Toyota. When he looked into the car, he saw McDole on top of the victim.McDole and the victim both appeared heavily intoxicated, and three empty wine bottles were found in the backseat area.
An examination of text messages between the two revealed that McDole was aware that the girl was only 15-years-old.
“We say this all the time, but we cannot say it enough, closely monitor your child’s internet access. Vile, lecherous people like this guy are out there preying on children on line and on many different social media apps. Luckily, someone saw a suspicious vehicle and said something to us immediately, and we were able to intervene. Parents: be nosy, know what apps your children are on, know their passwords, and monitor their online activity.” Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Michael McDole was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with Lewd Battery on Minor Older than 12, but Younger than 16 (F2), Traveling to Meet to Meet a Minor to Seduce/Lure (F2), and Contributing To the Delinquency of a Minor (M1).
McDole’s prior criminal history includes charges for Burglary (3), Grand Theft, Petit Theft, and Resisting.
The investigation is ongoing.

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