36th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Lets The Good Times Roll

Lake Wales

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February 26, 2020

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36th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Lets The Good Times Roll

by James Coulter

Betty Perdue may be 90 years old, but she’s been partying at the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras since it started 36 years ago. Why does she and her friends keep coming back time and again? As she said, “Because we haven’t died yet.”

Perdue remembered when the annual Mardi Gras event started in 1984 in memory of Vinton Davis, a local entrepreneur and lover of all things New Orleans. When he passed away, his family wanted to host a New Orleans-style jazz funeral procession. They did the next best thing and hosted a Mardi Gras celebration. The city has been continuing the annual tradition ever since.

Perdue remembered when the event was still in its infancy. When it first started, there was street dancing and a ball hosted at the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel. Even though the event has changed, her love for it remains the same.

She and her friends with the Pegasus Krewe participate every year in the parade. This year, much to their krewe’s names, they decorated their float with plenty of feathers. Perdue loves Mardi Gras, and she hopes to continue living so that she can continue celebrating.

“We love the fun and street dancing,” she said. “We still love to dance, we love to have fun. We live here for the day. We will be here next year.”

Perdue and her krewe were one of many that participated within the Mardi Gras parade, the main highlight of the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras celebration as hosted along the shores of Lake Wailes.

This year’s event consisted of several floats and other units as created by krewes and local organizations such as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Wales Care Center, and, of course, The Daily Ridge.

Each float had a uniquely festive style, ranging from 1920s flappers at a speakeasy to 60s hippies and Western cowboys. The remainder of the event was hosted at Lake Wailes Park with food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music.

Krewe Zazu, one of the founding krewes for the event, participated with their members dancing to the song “Don’t Believe Me, Just Watch” while dressed in colorful costumes with fake eyes and lips in very interesting places.

The krewe consists of second and third generation partygoers. They love participating in the parade, and consider it the highlight of the event.

“It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without Zazu,” one member said.

Another krewe, Krew Kaos, while not participating in the event for as long, has been around for a long time, having attended for the past 12 years. This year, their floated was “very groovy” with its members dressed as hippies.

“Everything is fun,” said one krewe member, Marilyn Helm. “From creating the float, to coming out and throwing the beads at the kids and everyone in between. We want a pumped up crowd with people involved and to see the people come out and have a good time.”

From Pork Eggrolls To Brisket Baos: Chain of Lakes Eggfest

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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From Pork Eggrolls To Brisket Baos: Chain of Lakes Eggfest

by James Coulter

Martin Sullivan, Mayor of Frostproof, loves to barbecue. He attended The Central Florida Eggfest last Saturday to share his love by preparing apricot-glazed chicken wings. He also used the opportunity to promote his own barbecue event, Fire It Up! Frostproof, scheduled for Mar. 7.

This was the first time that he had participated in Eggfest. He had attended two similar events before. He loves the diversity of food prepared at these Eggfests, especially using the signature Green Egg Grills.

“I love the variety,” he said. As for what he also loves about the event, he explained: “I love the music and the atmosphere and all the food available. [I hope] It is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

His apricot glazed wings were one of several unique food items prepared at the Third Annual Central Florida Eggfest in Winter Haven on Saturday.

Hosted at the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County, the Chain of Lakes Eggfest, hosted by Mannix Pools, has served as a fundraiser for the local organization to help finance its local children’s programs and services, especially its after school programs.

More than 20 teams from across the county, as well as the country, participated at the event, serving unique items from barbecue pizzas to fried pork egg rolls and brisket bao rolls.

All of these items were prepared using the signature Green Egg grills, special ceramic grills whose shape and material help provide optimal cooking temperature for a variety of food items.

For the low price of a $25 entry fee, attendees could sample as many of these food items that they could. Such a low fee for such a diverse selection of gourmet food items has drawn attendees in by the droves over the past three years.

Shannon Duncan, a committee member for the event, has been friends with the organizer, BJ Mannix, since it started three years ago. Mannix had helped him with a previous festival, so Duncan has been helping his Eggfest out in turn.

When the Eggfest kicked off with its VIP event on Friday, the weather was cold, dropping below the 40s, with very high winds of 20 to 25 mph. Fortunately, Saturday brought warmer weather, and with it larger crowds, Duncan said.

“By the look of the crowd, it is by far our most successful Eggfest,” Duncan said. “It keeps on growing, and we plan on continuing to grow as the years go by.”

BJ Mannix, the owner of Mannix Pools and the head of the event, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. This year’s event more than exceeded expectation with more sponsors, more vendors, and especially more attendees.

“That shows we are doing something right,” Mannix said. “This event has grown, and it is because of the local community….We love the food. We love the people. I am enjoying the people who come out and support us.”

Jeepin With Judd Kicks Up Dirts For Sixth Year

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Jeepin With Judd Kicks Up Dirts For Sixth Year

by James Coulter

For the past two years, Robert Erickson, owner of 12th Street Embroidery, has been traveling down from Maryland to Bartow for an opportunity to showcase and sell his Jeep gear, from badges and stickers to trailer hitch covers.

As a law enforcement officer, he especially loves attending an event like Jeepin With Judd that assists law enforcement. The only thing he loves more than Jeeps are people within his profession.

“Anything Jeep related is always fun,” Erickson said. “This is a cause close to my heart…I am law enforcement, so any law enforcement event is close to my heart.”

Erickson’s business was one of several sponsors for this year’s Jeepin With Judd, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) to raise proceeds for its many charities, including its Youth Ranch.

Hundreds of Jeep owners from across the county, and even the state and country, travel to Bartow every year to showcase their vehicles and drive along off-road trails.

With so many people attending each year, the event has grown to be the second largest Jeep event in the state, and each and every year it has grown to be bigger and better, explained Ian Floyd, a major with the PCSO Special Operations Division.

“We certainly had more people than last year,” Floyd said. “It has been an overwhelming success. More jeeps and people showed up. More vendors. The number of trail rides have grown, and everybody has enjoyed themselves.”

For the past six years, the event has experienced overwhelming success. Most of this is due for the local community’s love, not only of off-road vehicles like Jeeps, but also of their county’s law enforcement, especially their Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd.

Floyd himself loves being able to engage in the camraderie of the event and hear everyone’s glowing feedback.

“Everybody has a good time,” he said. “I love being with the troops and the folks and getting feedback from the event.”

Peter “Sarge” Conklin, owner of Mahalak Auto Group, which operates Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, has been participating in the event with his business for the past four years.

As retired military, he appreciates any event that supports the troops or local law enforcement. At the event, he sold T-shirts for $2, the proceeds from which helped go towards the Polk County Youth Ranch.

Aside from selling Jeep merchandise and memorabilia, Sargealso used the opportunity to showcase some of the new Jeep models, including the Jeep Gladiator, showing potential customers what these vehicles can do and what they are capable of.

Sarge especially loves the diversity and the number of trails at the event, with each of them specially-tailored for different skill levels, from beginners to experts.

“For Florida, this is the Super Bowl,” he said. “I enjoy the people, lifelong friends…who love Jeeps come from every single background from doctors to artists to lawyers to blue collar. It is a mix of everybody, and in it, you will meet people you may have never approached in your day to day life who have become lifelong friends.”

UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck by PCSO Patrol Car in Bartow

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck by PCSO Patrol Car in Bartow

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash involving a pedestrian and a PCSO patrol car. The preliminary information is that a pedestrian crossed in front of a PCSO patrol car and was struck at about 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 1470 Broadway Avenue in Bartow. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, and the deputy is uninjured. The crash is in the very early stages of the investigation, which is ongoing.

We will release more information as it becomes available.

Corona Virus Shuts Down Disney Properties

Staff Reporter

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February 25, 2020

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Corona Virus Shuts Down Disney Properties

Even Mickey Mouses’s gloves are no match for the Corona Virus. Due to the spread of the Corona Virus Disney Shanghai, China and Hong Kong have been shut down. The closure of the parks could last 30 days or longer. This has not only affected Disney but all the businesses immediately around the parks and those that support the tourism industry.

With the virus spreading there are now reports from the CDC warning that the Corona Virus is likely to spread in the US and could cause major interuptions to the US and US business.

There are currently 57 Reported Cases of the Corona Virus in the US.

For more information about the Corona virus please visit the CDC. or click the Link HERE.

Chamber Offers Taste Of Winter Haven For Sixth Annual Year

Staff Reporter

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February 25, 2020

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Chamber Offers Taste Of Winter Haven For Sixth Annual Year

Chamber Offers Taste Of Winter For Sixth Annual Year

by James Coulter

They say you should eat your meal before having dessert. However, last Thursday evening, many attendees to the annual Taste of Winter Haven event decided to have dessert first. In fact, so many decided to grab themselves a sweet treat that, within the first hour, the dessert table hosted by Gourmet Goodies was nearly bare.

Carissa Hughes, owner of Gourmet Goodies, had brought with her various cookies, chocolate pretzels, French macaroons, and chocolate mousse cups. However, everything she brought had disappeared at the start of the event.

“We are very grateful for our community that continues to support us and we are grateful where people come by and want to do dessert first, which we sincerely think is a great philosophy,” Hughes said.

She has been attending Taste of Winter Haven for the past four years. She loves being able to share her signature gourmet goodies at the event, as well as socializing with family, friends, and customers.

“We always enjoy being part of the community and giving back,” she said. “I think that is a big part of being involved in the community. It is a good time for people to try different products.”

Hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Winter Haven has been offering—well—a taste of Winter Haven for the past six years. Nearly two dozen local eateries, from Richard’s Fine Coffee to Ovation Bar and Grill, offered guests a diverse selection of local flavor.

The annual fundraiser raises proceeds for the Chamber’s many programs and services. The event had previously been hosted outdoors near the Chamber building, but over the past two years, it has been hosted at the scenic Venue 650.

“It is the perfect venue for us,” said Katie Worthington, Chamber President. “It is an opportunity for people in the public to be introduced to the different eateries that they might not even know about. People in Winter Haven like to eat and drink.”

This year did exceptionally well, with the event selling out and more than 500 people attending. Each year, the event sells out, and they hope to continue remaining as successful, if not more so, Worthington said.

The Catering Company of Central Florida was another eatery that attended that evening. They served appetizers such as pork rib sliders, tomato bisque and grilled cheese, and a cheese and meat sampler.

Christa Morgan, owner, has been attending the event ever since it first started. She appreciates how it has grown over the years, and she loves being able to meet different people there.

“This is our best event,” she said. “We love the fact that WH brings together 500 business proffesionals at one time.”

Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating two pedestrians killed on State Road 60 in Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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February 25, 2020

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating two pedestrians killed on State Road 60 in Mulberry

PCSO Press Release:

Two pedestrians were killed Monday, February 24, 2020 after being struck by a semi-truck on State Road 60 in Mulberry. The Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at about 8:21 pm, regarding the crash, and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with Polk Fire Rescue.

The pedestrians were identified as 29-year-old Rafael Gandoy and 23-year-old Armando Melendez, both from Lakeland.

The driver of the truck was 54-year-old Francisco Botello-Herndandez, also from Lakeland. He was driving a white 2016 International tractor with a box trailer. Botello-Herndandez was not injured.

According to the preliminary investigation, the truck was driving east in the outside lane of S.R. 60 and struck both men as they were walking east on the paved right-of-way. The passenger-side tires of the truck crossed the white fog line and the truck hit both men. The impact occurred east of Coronet Road as the truck was negotiating a curve.

Both pedestrians were found lying in the grass, south of the roadway, with extensive trauma. Mr. Gandoy was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Melendez was found with a faint pulse and was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health, but succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. Botello-Herndandez remained at the scene for the investigation.

Florida Department of Transportation responded and assisted with rerouting of traffic while the road was closed for nearly five hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

Digital Boardwalk Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 25, 2020

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Digital Boardwalk Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

Nothing better symbolizes Lakeland than the swans at Lake Morton. So what better place for a business that assists the needs of other local businesses than a lakeside view of Lake Morton?

Digital Boardwalk, a local company that provides “award-winning technological services” throughout Polk County, celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

From information technology (IT) management to cybersecurity, Digital Boardwalk helps local businesses with their technology needs through award-winning service. Since starting in 2008, the company has received various awards, including the 2019 Small Business of the Month from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

“We know that technology is integral to your business, so we work diligently to keep your technology working for our clients,” their website states. “Our team of certified technology specialists bring their individual expertise and knowledge to each job at hand. Together, we promise to provide you with the best customer service experience, industry-leading technology, and continuous innovation, all catered to your specific needs.”

Brian Wilkey co-founded Digital Boardwalk in 2008. He built and ran his company in Pensacola before moving it to Lakeland in 2013. Since then, his company has experienced massive growth, to the point where they have moved to a new location.

“With a growing company, I am bringing a lot of new jobs here in Lakeland, not only out of the city, but out of state,” Wilkeysaid. “We are super excited to be back in Lakeland and bringing IT jobs here. We are excited to help businesses with their technology needs and help them prosper.”

Amanda Walls, Board Member of the Lakeland Chamber, commended the company for its new location, especially with its aerial view of Lake Morton below.

“It is an absolutley beautiful space,” she said. “I think anybody in the city of Lakeland would love to have a view of the swans.”

Scott Franklin, Lakeland City Commissioner, welcomed Wilkeyand his partner and thanked them both for bringing their business back home to Lakeland.

“These are the exact jobs we want to have,” he said. “You have a service that everybody needs. So we know you will have the demand for what you do, and we hope you will fill the space even more.”

Digital Boardwalk is located at 402 S Kentucky Ave Suite #350, Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, call 855-350-2225, or visit https://www.digitalboardwalk.com/

Have You Seen This Teenager?

Staff Reporter

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February 24, 2020

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**Update**

Amber has been located safe! Thank you to all who shared the story!
Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Do you know where Amber Jones is?

Winter Haven Police Ask For Public’s Assistance

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating 15 year-old Amber Jones of Winter Haven. Amber was last seen on Feb. 3, 2020 at 9:45 p.m. at her Chandler Dr home in Winter Haven. She possibly left in a vehicle with her 17 year-old boyfriend. She has not been in contact with friends or family since she left.

She was last seen wearing the shirt seen in the attached photo – a pink hooded sweatshirt with @GIO.SLIDE.SOUTH, jeans and black Nike slides with dark-colored socks. She has a tattoo on her left wrist of an infinity symbol.

Jones is not endangered, however investigators want to locate her as quickly as possible to ensure she is safe. She could possibly be in the New Port Richey area.

Anyone with information on Jones’ whereabouts is asked to call Detective Shane Ditty at 863-291-5752.

Fort Meade Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Babson Park Hit & Run

Babson Park

Staff Reporter

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February 24, 2020

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Fort Meade Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter In Babson Park Hit & Run

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Polk deputies arrest a Fort Meade man arrested for DUI manslaughter and other charges after he strikes and kills his girlfriend on the road

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle-pedestrian crash in Babson Park late Saturday night, February 22, 2020, and found one victim in the roadway deceased with trauma to the head and body. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Deborah Hershberger of Fort Meade.

Hershberger’s boyfriend, 40-year-old Charles Polen of Fort Meade, was arrested by deputies when they discovered that he was driving the car that struck her then left the scene.

The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call at about 11:22 pm, and the caller stated that she may have struck a pedestrian on Scenic Highway, about a mile east of School Bus Road in Babson Park. She said that she saw a person lying in the roadway and swerved to avoid contact.

During the investigation, deputies determined that the caller’s vehicle did not hit Hershberger.

Polen approached on foot and had to be restrained from entering the scene as he was asking if the victim was Hershberger.

Polen told the deputies that he and Hershberger had been drinking alcohol at a nearby bar & grill, when she left on foot. Deputies found Polen’s blue 2002 Dodge Neon in the parking lot of that business and found front-end damage and blood on the car.

When confronted with the findings, Polen admitted that after Hershberger left the bar, he began driving the Neon to look for her. He said that as he was driving east on Scenic Highway, looking for Hershberger on the north side of the road when he struck something. Polen claimed that he believed it was an animal, but when he turned around, he saw a person lying in the road, and believed it was Hershberger.

Rather than check on the victim, he drove back to the bar and awaited the arrival of law enforcement to arrive, then walked to the scene to check if the person was Hershberger.

It was determined that Polen was impaired. He was arrested and was transported to the Polk County Jail. He was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (F1), DUI Manslaughter (F2), and Driving with No License (M2).

The crash remains under investigation.

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