CommunityFest 2020 Brings Winter Haven Together For Sixth Year

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March 10, 2020

CommunityFest 2020 Brings Winter Haven Together For Sixth Year

by James Coulter

Whether you’re a caped crusader, patriotic super solider, or an ice princess, CommunityFest 2020 brought together people from all over Winter Haven, and even drew in plenty of colorful fictional characters as well.

Nearly five to six thousand local residents visited the sixth annual event in Downtown Winter Haven last Saturday to enjoy free food, games, music, and other fun activities.

Aside from locals, the event also drew in plenty of costumed characters from the pages of comic books and from off the big screen, including Batman, Captain America, and Princess Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

More than 100 local businesses, from eateries such as the Smoothie Squad to stores such as Your CBD Store Winter Haven, set up booths to not only promote their wares and services, but also provide freebies such as cotton candy and water bottles.

Public schools from across the city and county visited the event to host student song and dance performances, as well as promote their schools with various activities. Their participation helped make this year’s event one of the biggest, said Katie Worthington, President of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Ever since the Chamber started the event six years ago, CommunityFest has only grown by leaps and bounds, drawing in more and more attendees and vendors to enjoy the local camraderie.

“It helps that the weather is absolutley gorgeous,” Worthington said. “I love getting to see all the families come out and get to enjoy something for free…We are going to keep doing this event as many years as people will be coming to it.”

Local area churches from Heartland Church to Garden Grove Assembly also participated in the event, offering various fun activities, as well as using the opportunity to spread the “Good News.”

Pastor Frank Hawley of Garden Grove Assembly attended with his church, who offered face painting and balloon animals. He had participated previously through his son-in-law’s food truck, but was inspired by one of his congregation members to participate as a church.

“We are excited to touch the lives of people within the community today,” Pastor Hawley said. “It is good to be part of the community. This is a wonderful community to be a part of, and we are excited to be a part of it with other churches here, too. We have great churches represented here, and we are excited to be a part of that.”

Ashely Conrad Scanlan was the church member who inspired Pastor Hawley to participate with his church this year. She also serves as the marketing director for Bond Clinic, one of the main sponsors of the event, alongside Citizens Bank and Trust.

Scanlan has been participating with her company at the event ever since it first started. She considers it a direct investment in the community, as it helps bring people together to enjoy quality time. She especially appreciates how much the Chamber helps promote and invest in the event to host successfully each year.

“The Chamber does an incredible job of investing in the community,” Scanlan said. “If you look around, all the people who are here and set up are coming to have businesses here in the area, so we have a great opportunity to connect with lots and lots of people.”

His Paintings Are Created “Like A Dream”, And They Won Him Best In Show At Bloomin Art Festival

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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March 10, 2020

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His Paintings Are Created “Like A Dream”, And They Won HimBest In Show At Bloomin Art Festival

by James Coulter

An old man drums upon a set of plastic containers, while a young boy behind him plays a drum. Behind them stands a bear. Next to them looms a broken Greco-Roman sculpture. Towards them crawls a four-legged robot.

What does this odd scene mean? What do these eclectic images represent? Isaac McCaslin may have painted the picture, but even he doesn’t know exactly what it means. He tends to create his artwork first, then gives meaning to it later.

McCaslin spends a long time designing and creating his artwork. Often, his art focuses on cycles of life and destruction. As to the deeper meaning behind it all, he prefers to let other people approach it “like a dream” and interpret it for themselves.

“I never had a [thesis] sentence planned out,” he explained. “Usually, what happens is I actually do not get to a concept until the painting is done. That is when I look at it and interpret it, just like a dream.”

Such a unique perspective allowed his artwork to earn him the Best of Show award at the Bloomin Art Festival in Bartow. Having attended the annual two-day art show for the past two years, being able to win first place during his second visit was a real treat for him.

A graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, McCaslin loves being able to attend the event. He loves the town and considers it a scenic getaway from his long hours within his art studio.

“I have been cooped up in the studio lately,” he said. “It is nice to go out and go to a show and get everyone’s feedback to see what they see. And to get recognition from the judges means a lot to me.”

Bartow hosted its annual Bloomin Art Festival last weekend. More than 100 vendors set up booths downtown to showcase their artwork. Their art ranged from simple paintings and sketches to more complicated pieces such as kinetic sculptures.

The two-day art festival has been hosted for the past 49 years, with its 50th anniversary being hosted next year. This year’s event was hosted alongside other concurrent events, including the quilt show at the museum and the flower show on Saturday, and a car and jeep show on Sunday.

With a long-standing commitment towards respecting artists and showcasing quality artwork, the annual art show has maintained a reputation that has allowed it to grow each year, explained Linda Holocomb, Executive Director of Main Street Bartow.

“This year seems to be larger and better than last year,” she said. “We treat artists exceptionally well, they love coming to the show. They love the hospitality of Bartow and Main Street. The level of art is very nice. We have a great mixture. Everyone enjoys it.”

The Bloomin Art Festival offered awards to select art pieces. Here are a few of the other winning artists:

Winning second place was Marilyn Valiancourt for her “wearable sculptures.” While some people would call her art “jewelry”, she prefers to call them sculptures that they can wear.

Everything she creates starts from a sketch from a piece of silver. She then uses silver sheets to craft them. What results are unique “wearable sculptures” that can’t be found anywhere else, not even at a jewelry store.

Originally, she started creating her art pieces several years ago as a way to promote a patent for earring backings. One thing led to another, and now she is creating items that can be displayed either at home or around one’s neck.

“I am inspired by nature,” she said. “Nature moves. The intricate details and textures and colors and movements inspire every technique to create my work.”

Winning third place was Don Stone for his folk-art inspired paintings. After seeing similar artwork in a seaside store more than 20 years ago, he was inspired to create his own.

“I decided to do 100 pieces to see where I was going with it,” he said. “It took me 200 to 300 pieces for me to learn that I love to tell stories. I found out that I love to tell stories, so there are stories in all of these pieces.”

For the past 10 to 15 years, this self-taught artist has been showcasing his artwork at the festival. He loves being able to share his art, and he especially loves being able to see other people react to it.

“I love making people smile,” he said. “I love being able to tell stories.”

This BBQ Team Won Best Overall For 2nd Year At Fire It Up! Frostproof

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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March 10, 2020

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This BBQ Team Won Best Overall For 2nd Year At Fire It Up! Frostproof

by James Coulter

When it comes to making great barbecue, Pig Chicka Cow Cowattributes their success to consistency. This reason is why they’ve consistently won first place at Fire It Up! Frostproof for the past two years.

This barbecue team from Alachua, FL was named the grand champion for best overall barbecue in the proffesional division at Frostproof’s annual barbecue competition on Saturday.

Amanda Podlucky and her team member, Lee Thompson, have been participating in other competitions throughout Florida since they started their team in 2015. Since then, they have won countless awards at events such as Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City and Grills Gone Wild in Davenport.

Last year was their first time competing at Fire It Up! Frostproof, where they were named the proffesional grand champion. They won the title once again this year.

The secret to their success has been with everything about their barbecue, from their rubs and sauces, to the way they smoke their meat. Overall, Podlucky and her team mates enjoy being able to participate alongside other great teams.

“It is a great contest,” Podlucky said.

Winning the title of backyard grand champion was Twisted Oak BBQ. This small father-daughter team have been competing for the past four years at other events. This was their first time participating at Fire It Up! Frostproof.

With this being their first year, the event more than met their expectations. As for their own success, they specialize in chicken, and their secret is with the way they smoke it just right, explained Renee, who competed alongside her father, Darren.

When asked what the secret was to winning the competition, Renee replied simply: “Practice, practice, practice makes perfect.”

For the past three years, Fire It Up! Frostproof has been the premier Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned BBQ contest. This year’s event drew in more than 35 teams from across the state for both the proffesional and the backyard division.

Mayor Martin Sullivan, the event chair, was especially proud of the turnout. He insisted that this year’s event was the biggest and best one. He hopes that word of mouth builds up for an even bigger crowd next year.

“It has been a great time,” he said. “The bands were phenomenal this year, and the competitors all did great.”

Angela Iverson helped assist with this year’s event. Her organization, Operation Barbecue Relief, became involved with the event shortly after helping assist the city three years ago following Hurricane Ivan.

“There is something magical about Polk County,” she said. “You guys have a fever for outdoor cooking, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Man Breaks Through Glass Doors of Local Business and Takes Cash and Checks

Staff Reporter

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March 10, 2020

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Man Breaks Through Glass Doors of Local Business and Takes Cash and Checks

Winter Haven Police need help identifying the guy pictured here who broke through the glass doors at The Health Food Center located at 632 First St South in Winter Haven.

On March 6, at approximately 4:30 a.m., he broke the flood light located in the rear of the building and then broke a door on the north side of the business.
He walked to a large cabinet behind the counter and removed cash and checks. He was seen in video walking south on First St.

Anyone with information on this business burglary is asked to call Detective Leonard 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.

“It Might As Well Be Spring” At Winter Haven Flower Show

Staff Reporter

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March 9, 2020

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“It Might As Well Be Spring” At Winter Haven Flower Show

by James Coulter

The first day of spring may not be until March 21, but for Patty Falk and the others at the Winter Haven Council of Garden Clubs, it might as well be spring. In fact, that’s what she named her art piece that won best overall in show at the Annual Winter Haven Garden And Flower Show.

Falk’s art piece was a floral arrangement with three pink flowers. The entire piece was inspired by a painting by local artist Emily Cassidy. The name of the piece resonated with this year’s theme: “March To A Beat.”

The Best Overall award is given to participants who win the most awards. Falk won first place in horticulture and design, and two second place awards in horticulture for her piece. The total made her eligible to win best overall in show.

Brenda Mitchell, President of the Winter Haven Council of Garden Clubs, which hosted the event, had several winning entries at the flower show. One entry was for an orange and purple orchid. Not only was it judged by the bloom itself, but also by its color and composition.

Another entry of hers was an arrangement of flowers and china. The ceramic dishes for this arrangement all sported the majestic purple bloom of the peony flower.

“I was trying to create…a functional setting with dishes so you could sit down and eat here in the garden,” she said.

Mitchell has been attending the flower show ever since she was invited in 1969 by Mrs. Julie Pope, the wife of the original owner of Cypress Gardens. She has been with them ever since, she said.

The annual flower show has been run by the Winter Haven Council of Garden Clubs for the past 50 years. The show is hosted in the Winter Haven Garden Center, which was constructed by the late local architect, Gene Leedy.

“He built it so that the gardens outside was in,” Mitchell said. “He was a wonderful person on the standing of vision, which was to produce beauty for Winter Haven.”

Having been around for as long as the garden club council and flower show, Mitchell loves being able to socialize with other local gardeners and horticulturalists and share their love of flora.

“Everyday is different, every occasion is different, every person you meet is different,” she said. “I think the friendships you [make here] last forever.”

The show itself was created to help teach the next generation of young women about horticulture and gardening. The event allows them to share their craft of floral arrangements and other gardening skills.

For Falk, the Flower Show Chairman, what she loves most is being able to see, “the young women being excited about learning and how to arrange designs and garden.”

Falk has been with the show and council for the past 25 years. The friends she has made old and new keep he with it time and again. She hopes that the new friends she makes, especially the younger women, are able to learn their old ways so they may continue them into the future.

“Of course, the relationships with the ladies, especially the young women now, that they want to carry on the tradition of flower shows and beautifying our yards and our homes with flowers,” she said. “That is what keeps me coming back.”

Avansa Insurance Celebrates Ribbon Cutting After 15 Years Serving Community

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 9, 2020

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Avansa Insurance Celebrates Ribbon Cutting After 15 Years Serving Community

by James Coulter

When Alain Serna and his wife opened Avansa Insurance 15 years ago, their agency solely consisted of their husband and wife team. Now, it has grown to more than 50 contracted agents throughout the state.

Though they started their agency in Lakeland, they have since moved to their new location along South Florida Avenue four years ago. Four year later, they celebrated their new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Avansa Insurance specializes in providing Medicare plans and assisting clients with their insurance needs. Their agency started focusing solely on healthcare when they first started 15 years ago. They have since expanded their services in home, auto, RV, motorcycle, marine, and renter’s insurance.

No matter what needs they are currently servicing, through it all, they work hard to ensure that their clients receive only the most personable care and service possible, their website guarantees.

“How we are trying to set ourselves apart from any other agency is by not only treating our clients as if they were family but also making sure we are doing the right thing for them and explaining to them exactly what they have and what their policies cover,” their website states. “We work closely with our clients and business owners to offer excellent customer service.”

Avansa Insurance dedicated their current location through a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. Michele Ledford, Chamber Chair, commended them for their success and wished them good luck in remaining successful.

“Thank you so much for your investment in the Chamber, [and] more importantly, congratulations on 15 years of an outstanding family business,” she said. “We are thrilled that after all this success, you are joining our family at the chamber. We wish you nothing but success for you all.”

Mayor Bill Mutz likewise commended the family business for growing their success in Lakeland. There is nothing he loves more than seeing businesses get a great start in their community, he said.

“We appreciate seeing businesses grow and provide opportunities,” he said. “Thank you for investing in Lakeland.”

Though Alain started his business with his wife, his business could not have grown to where it is now had it not been for his loyal staff, he said.

“We love this community, we look forward to helping this agency and building here,” he said. “Without our staff, we would not have an agency. We thank everyone here for their love and support.”

Avansa Insurance is located at 4404 S. Florida Ave, Suite 9 Lakeland, FL 33813. For more information, call 863-644-8777, or visit their website at: https://avansagroup.com/insurance/

Polk Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Agenda For March 17

Polk County

Staff Reporter

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March 9, 2020

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Polk Soil & Water Conservation District

Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 4:00 pm

Polk State Lakeland Campus – Room LTB 1124

3425 Winter Lake Road

Lakeland, Florida 33803

Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Approval of January 21^st, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Chair Report – Joe Garrison
Vice Chair Report – Kyle Carlton
Secretary/Treasurer report – Daniel Lanier
Public Relations Report
Old Business
New Business
1. Funding of Soil Testing Kits
2. E & O Insurance Renewal
Adjourn

9 Yr Old Child & 59 Yr Old Man Killed In Haines City Crash

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2020

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9 Yr Old Child & 59 Yr Old Man Killed In Haines City Crash

Davenport, Florida – On 03/07/2020, at approximately 10:39 p.m., a multi-vehicle crash with injuries occurred on US 17/92 near Bates Road, Haines City. Multiple Fire units from Polk County and Haines City, as well Polk County Medics responded to render aid. Law Enforcement units from Haines City, Davenport, and Northeast District Patrol also responded to assist.

Upon arrival Keith E. Mitchell ,59 years old, was found to have been ejected and was deceased at the scene. Humberto E. Lucero, was found to have non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by ground Ambulance. Alexayra Morales, suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to a local hospital as a trauma alert. Two child passengers, Luz Benitez Morales, 13 years old, and Yaliz Benitez Morales, 9 years old, were flown to a hospital in Orlando as trauma alerts. Yaliz was declared deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital. Luz’s injuries were determined to be non-life threatening after evaluation.

US 17/92 in the area of the crash is a north/south two-lane highway with a 50 mph speed limit. It travels through a rural area between the cities of Haines City and Davenport and is bordered by woodlands on both sides. US 17/92 has grass shoulders that taper steeply into drainage ditches on both sides. It was dark at the time of the crash and there is no external illumination in the area.

Evidence and witness statements indicate that a 2015, blue Ford Escape, was being driven by Humberto Lucero northbound on US 17/92 approximately ¼ mile north of Bates Road. A 1998, Black Toyota 4Runner, was being driven by Alexayra Morales southbound on US 17/92 in the same area. As the Ford Escape was travelling northbound, a 2016, White Kia Sorrento, driven by Keith E. Mitchell, approached it from behind at a high rate of speed. The front of the Kia Sorrento struck the rear of the Ford Escape causing both drivers to lose control of their vehicles. The Ford Escape continued north approximately 150 yards, crossed the southbound lane of travel, and came to final rest on the west shoulder of the roadway, facing northwest. The Kia Sorrento crossed over into the southbound lane of travel and struck the front of the Toyota 4Runner in an angled head on collision. Upon impact, both vehicles sustained significant front-end damage. The Kia Sorrento’s front end was torn away and it spun 180 degrees counter-clockwise, coming to rest in the middle of the roadway, facing southwest. Mr. Mitchell was ejected from his vehicle through during the crash—he sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.

The front airbags in the Kia Sorrento deployed; Mr. Mitchell was not wearing his seatbelt. The front and side-curtain airbags in the Ford Escape deployed during the crash. Mr. Lucero was wearing his seatbelt. The front airbags in the Toyota 4Runner deployed and Ms. Morales and both passengers were wearing their seatbelts.

Excessive speed, impairment, and driver distraction are not believed to be factors on the part of Ms. Morales or Mr. Lucero. Excessive speed is possible on the part of Mr. Mitchell. Impairment and distraction associated with Mr. Mitchell is being further investigated—both are unknown at this time.

No criminal charges are anticipated; Mr. Mitchell is believed to be the violator vehicle—the investigation is ongoing.

US 17/92 was closed in both directions due to the response and rescue operation, along with the extensive post-crash clean up and recovery.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Seek Suspect Todd Micheal Jackson In Double Homicide In Haines City

Staff Reporter

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March 7, 2020

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Seek Suspect Todd Micheal Jackson In Double Homicide In Haines City

‘——— Update ——–

Detectives arrested double homicide suspect Todd Michael Jackson, 34, near his last known place of residence, 1020 Plateau Ave in the Wabash area of Lakeland this evening. He was taken into custody without incident. He is being charged with two counts of First Degree Murder. He will be booked into the Polk County Jail later tonight. If his booking photo is not available by 11:00 p.m., we will release it Sunday morning. He will have first appearance on Monday. The other two suspects who were arrested this morning, Amberlyn Nicole Nichols and Larry James Waters, Jr. will have first appearance tomorrow morning, Sunday, at 8:00 a.m.

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating double homicide; two arrested, one suspect at large
Based on a tip, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered the bodies of 33-year-old Raymond Mark Cline and 37-year-old Crystal Ann Cline in a low lying wooded area behind their residence at 3500 Windy Hill Rd Friday evening, March 6, 2020. Based upon the state of decomposition of the bodies, they had been deceased for some time. It appeared that they had been shot and their bodies dumped in the swampy area. The couple were married.
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Raymond Cline regularly scrapped metal up until February 21, 2020, which is the last time he scrapped any metal. Raymond Cline and Crystal Cline were unable to be reached by phone since that time, and family members had not seen nor heard from either one in several weeks.
Based on statements from witnesses and interviews, detectives learned that 19-year-old Amberlyn Nichols, also of 3500 Windy Hill Rd., attempted to sell Raymond Cline’s truck in recent days. She told at least one witness that she knew that Raymond and Crystal had been murdered and that their bodies were dumped behind their residence in a swampy area.
Detectives learned that Nichols alleged that Raymond Cline stole money from Todd Michael Jackson, who Amberlyn says is her stepfather. She said that Todd Jackson shot the two victims in the head as they slept at the crime scene. The two victims’ bodies were drug out of the home and dumped in the swamp located behind the residence.
Detectives have learned that Larry James Waters Jr., Amberlyn Nichols’ boyfriend, also helped clean the crime scene and dispose of the bodies.
Detectives have also interviewed a person who claimed he/she was at the residence when Raymond and Crystal Cline were murdered. The witness said he/she observed Todd Jackson pointing a firearm (handgun) at the victims and then shoot both victims.
Detectives have interviewed both Amberlyn Nichols and Larry Waters, Jr.both admitted that they had knowledge of the murder, knew that both Raymond and Crystal were deceased and their bodies dumped behind the house, and did not report this to law enforcement. Nichols admitted that she was attempting to sell Raymond’s truck.
Arrested during the investigation are:
Amberlyn Nicole Nichols, 19, 3500 Windy Hill Rd., Haines City, FL, Accessory After the Fact (1 count), Dealing in Stolen Property (1 count), Failing to Report a Death (2 counts)
Larry James Waters, Jr., 19, 3500 Windy Hill Rd., Haines City, FL, Accessory After the Fact (1 count), Failing to Report a Death (2 counts)
Wanted: Todd Michael Jackson, 34, 1020 Plateau Ave., Lakeland, FL, First Degree Murder (2 counts)

Wanted: Todd Michael Jackson, 34, 1020 Plateau Ave., Lakeland, FL, First Degree Murder (2 counts)

Decomposed Bodies Found Near Haines City

Staff Reporter

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March 7, 2020

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Decomposed Bodies Found Near Haines City

PCSO press release:.

Two badly decomposed bodies were discovered last night in the unincorporated area near Haines City. Detectives have arrested two people in connection with the homicides on charges of Accessory After the Fact and Failing to Report a Death. Detectives are searching for a third person who is believed to have committed the murders.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available

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