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In Loving Memory of Bettie Jackson

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In Loving Memory of Bettie Jackson

Obituary

Bettie Jackson

November 25th, 1942 – September 9th, 2024

In Loving Memory of Bettie Jackson

Bettie Jackson, our much‐loved mom, grandma and great gaga went home to be with the Lord on September 9th. She was surrounded by many loved ones, including her husband of over 50 years, Walter. Bettie loved the Lord with her whole heart, mind, and soul. All who knew her could attest to her genuine faith in God and her love for Him and His people. She raised her children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. There is no doubt, he welcomed her home with the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Her resolve that her household would serve the Lord gave us a blueprint for how we might share the Gospel in our own families.

While she was here on this earth, she was the family’s rock. She fiercely loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She welcomed each new member of the family with open arms with compassionate, and honest care. The memories she made will live forever in our hearts. We will recall with fondness, her encouraging words – always reminding us to be thankful, her impeccable fashion sense and, importantly, her love for Skip Bo…her love for beating people at Skip Bo. Her grand and great grandchildren will cherish memories of “Boys Night and Jayde”, when she and Walter hosted the kids for fun nights of trivia, hide and go seek and fun money games. Her children recall the wonderful holiday traditions that extended throughout their lives.

We are, of course, heartbroken, but we are also held by the assurance that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She is not lost to us. We know exactly where she is, so we are comforted knowing we will see her again. She is survived by 12 children (including spouses) and 26 grandchildren (including spouses) and 23 great grandchildren.

This Local Musician Survived a Stroke Earlier This Year. Now He’s Helping Raise Funds for AEDs at an Upcoming Fundraiser

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This Local Musician Survived a Stroke Earlier This Year. Now He’s Helping Raise Funds for AEDs at an Upcoming Fundraiser

This Local Musician Survived a Stroke Earlier This Year. Now He’s Helping Raise Funds for AEDs at an Upcoming Fundraiser.

by James Coulter

 

Dave Arnold had returned home from work when it happened. The right side of his face turned red. His ears started burning. His leg went numb.

He warned his wife that he felt like he was going to pass out. She tried to get him out of the truck and into the house. Upon doing so, he had to grab the side-view mirror to prevent himself from toppling over.

“I knew my left leg wasn’t working,” she said. “I ended up falling toward the door, and she ended up helping me into the house. I felt at that point that I was working on a heart attack at that point. I was sweating real bad.”

Fortunately, he was not having a heart attack, but he was having a stroke. He eventually calmed down and went back to feeling normal. Regardless, his brush with near death was an unpleasant experience, and he wants to ensure that no one else has to experience something similar.

Arnold is a local musician who mainly works as a contractor. He has atrial fibrillation (AFib) due to congested heart failure. Having suffered a stroke earlier this year, he knows full well the importance of having an automated external defibrillator (AED) on hand, which is why he’s helping to raise proceeds to install them across Polk County.

Dave Arnold will be performing with his band Twisted at Saving Lives Matter, a fundraiser to be hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and funds to donate and install AEDs across the county.

“Going to these events is going to show somebody how these machines work and how they can save somebody’s life,” Arnold explained. “These machines will save your life. It is important to go out there, that is why we are out there, we are out there to help people raise this money and awareness so people do not have to go through that.”

Saving Lives Matter will showcase several local bands and musicians including Korey Ketchum, McKenzie, Joey Foley, and Spankin Sadie. Other activities include 50/50 raffle prizes, vendors, food trucks, a water slide, and a bounce house.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation was started by Melanie Brown Culpepper three years ago. She started the non-profit following the untimely passing of her fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate or loss, she started her organization to raise proceeds to install AEDs across the county. Since then, she has donated more than 48 AEDs to local establishments like Tanner’s Lakeside, the Winter Haven Boxing Club, and The Mission of Winter Haven.

“She didn’t want what happened to Culpepper to happen to anyone else, and that is why she started this,” Arnold said. “If she saved one life with those machines, then she has done her job.”

Saving Lives Matter will be hosted on Sat. Oct. 12 from 11 AM to 7 PM at Tanner’s Lakeside, located at 1006 Lake Howard Dr. SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. To learn more, visit the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

Melanie and Dave recently both appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the upcoming fundraiser and the experiences that led them to providing and supporting it. Listen to the latest episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-44-saving-lives-matter-2024-wmelanie-brown-culpepper-dave

Bad Temper of Convicted Felon Lands Her Back In Jail

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Bad Temper of Convicted Felon Lands Her Back In Jail

Bad Temper of Convicted Felon Lands Her Back In Jail

On Sept. 25, 2024, 32-year-old Chaniese “KeKe” Brionne Davis of Winter Haven, FL was a passenger in a vehicle when she got upset that the driver was speeding. She was aggravated because she had a firearm and “molly” (street term for Ecstasy) on her.

Two other passengers were in the vehicle at the time, one in the backseat with Davis and the other in the front passenger seat. One of the other passengers instructed the driver to take Davis to her Sears Ave home to drop her off. When they arrived at Davis’s residence, she began striking one of the passengers who was in the backseat of the vehicle with her.

Davis then reached over the seat attempting to get the key from the ignition and the victim’s phone charging cables. She then got out of the vehicle and opened the driver’s door, grabbed the victim by the hair and started punching and kicking the victim. Davis then took the firearm from her waistband, stepped on the victim’s face to pin her to the ground and put the gun to the victim’s head stating, “If you don’t stop fighting me, s*** gonna get real.” The victim feared for her life and stopped trying to escape, however Davis continued to punch and kick the victim while she was on the ground.

One of the other passengers ran over to try to help the victim on the ground and Davis took the gun and started hitting the second victim on the left side of her face. The third victim ran over to attempt to help, but Davis attacked her and then ran back over to the first victim continuing to kick and strike her.

An unknown male ran up and pulled Davis off the victim and all three victims were able to retreat to the vehicle and call law enforcement. Davis threw a large rock at the windshield shattering it before she fled the scene on foot.

Officers quickly arrived setting up a perimeter, but were unable to locate Davis. A warrant for her arrest was obtained for charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Through investigative means, detectives were able to locate Davis and take her into custody on Oct. 2, 2024. Davis was booked into the Polk County Jail.

“Our officers quickly attempted to locate this suspect at the scene while assisting the three victims with medical aid at the same time,” said Chief of Police Vance Monroe. “She thought she could get away with these crimes, but our detectives were not going to let her go. They worked methodically to hunt her down and get her locked up.”

Davis is charged with one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (F2), two counts of Aggravated Battery Using a Deadly Weapon (F2), three counts of Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon (F3), one count of Battery (M1) and one count of Criminal Mischief (M1). Davis remains behind bars on a $100,000 bond.

Winter Haven Man Arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Bicycle Theft

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Winter Haven Man Arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Bicycle Theft

38-year old Roland Wayne Sharon of Winter Haven was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of Tuesday, October 1st.

Bicycle theft might be considered a small crime to some, but we take it very seriously here at the PCSO. Many bikes that have been stolen often belong to children, or elderly folks who use them to get around, or people who may not have the means to own a vehicle and rely on their bicycles to get them to-and-from work.

So while a theft of a bicycle might only be a misdemeanor, it could be a very serious crime to the victims.

On Tuesday, a bicycle was stolen in the Inwood area. PCSO deputies began looking for it, and soon found it in the area of Avenue G NW and 26th Street.

The bicycle was in the possession of Roland Wayne Sharon–someone who is very familiar to deputies. Roland has a 19 prior arrests in Polk County for things like burglary, weapons violations, and illegal drugs. He’s also had four prior convictions for theft.

And Roland didn’t even need a bicycle…he was on a bicycle and towing the stolen one when he was caught.

Roland was arrested and taken to the Polk Pokey, and because of his prior theft convictions, this misdemeanor crime was upgraded to a felony.

Conflicting Reports On Whether A Homeless Man Gained Access To The Polk County Supervisor Of Elections Office & If It Was The First Time

Carl Fish
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Conflicting Reports On Whether A Homeless Man Gained Access To The Polk County Supervisor Of Elections Office & If It Was The First Time

By Anita Todd, Special Articles & Carl Fish

BARTOW – A homeless man is in custody after entering a Polk County government building that houses the Supervisor of Elections Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Court Processing Department and some Polk County Clerk of Courts Offices last week after hours. 

The suspect, Brandon Marshall, is charged with two counts of Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (one count during a State of Emergency) and petty theft. 

According to reports obtained by the Daily Ridge from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Bartow Police Department, on Sept. 26, Marshall was walking around the Supervisor of Elections building located at 250 Broadway Avenue South in Bartow around 11 p.m. He noticed one of the doors security lights was green so he tried the door and it was unlocked. On video footage from the building, Marshall can be seen “walking around the building in and out of multiple rooms,” according to the PCSO report. 

According to that same report, Marshall “gained access to the Elections Office and then gained access to a staircase through an interior door which led to the Sheriff’s Office court process department. Around 11:30 p.m., Marshall called the Fraud Hotline and left a message stating he was locked in the building and was attempting to check on the status of his fraud case.”

However, Lori Edwards, Supervisor of Elections contradicted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office report that Marshall “gained access to the Supervisor Of Elections Office, she said in an email to the Daily Ridge, “I’m happy to report that the Supervisor of Elections internal security measures prevented the interloper from accessing the Supervisor of Elections Office. He was confined to the lobby area. There were no ballots or voting equipment in that office.”

There is also conflicting information regarding why the exterior doors were unlocked and if this was the only time. Edwards wrote that the “Board of County Commission staff installed an electronic lock on another portion of the building that they were previously using for their utilities department. They had it programmed wrong, so during the storm that door unlocked.”

However, the PCSO report states, “It should be noted that the building lost power due to Hurricane Helene. Because the building lost power, all exterior doors lost power and were automatically unlocked.”

Edwards email reads, “The Supervisor of Elections office door has a keyed deadbolt lock and remained locked.”

The Bartow Police Department reported in its findings that this wasn’t the first time this has occurred. “It should be noted, Lt Hostetler advised this Officer, the door to the building had a Green light, which meant the doors were not secured and advised this has been an ongoing issue with the buildings security lock system when Marshall previously was in the building alone.” said the Bartow Police Report.

During Marshall’s burglary he found a set of keys that he took and “then hid on a desk under a piece of paper.” He also consumed food items to include cups of coffee valued at approximately $5, according to the PCSO report.

Marshall is currently in custody at the PCSO jail with a bail set at $31,000. He was arrested on Sept. 27 charged with two felonies and one misdemenor. During the burglary, the State of Florida was under a State of Emergency Executive order 24-156.  

Marshall has a list of 21 arrests with the PCSO and had just been released the day before he allegedly committed the burglary of the SOE building. He had just served 24 days for trespassing and resisting an officer without violence. He was released from jail on 09/26/2024, just one day prior to his arrest in this incident. Some of his other charges include possession, grand theft, driving without a license, criminal mischief, and domestic violence.

This is a developing story. Follow the Daily Ridge for updates.

A Hero Remembered – Deputy Blane Lane

Staff Reporter
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A Hero Remembered – Deputy Blane Lane

At 2:07 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies followed-up on a tip regarding the whereabouts of Cheryl Lynn Williams, who was wanted on a felony warrant.

The deputies went to 4345 Foxtown South in Polk City. Three of the deputies entered the residence while Deputy Blane Lane remained outside in case Williams tried to flee out of the house.

When deputies found Williams inside, she pointed a gun (later determined to be a BB gun) at them. Two of the deputies quickly fired at Williams and wounded her, but one of the bullets missed her, struck a wall, continued outside of the house where it struck Deputy Lane in the left arm and entered his chest.

Deputy Lane was taken to the hospital but passed away a short time later.

Because Deputy Lane was fatally wounded as a result of Williams’ actions, she was charged with second degree murder. She also faces charges of aggravated assault on a LEO (3-counts), resisting without violence (3-counts), and possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon

Blane Lane was only 21-years old.

Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff Event in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff Event in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Public Safety Department-

Our extremely popular Purge Your Pills & Shred Your Stuff is back in October.
Saturday, October 26 from 10 am – 2 pm in the Winter Haven Police Department parking lot.

No limit on shredding or amount of medications to be collected. (No businesses please) Pull in and we’ll have members assist you.
For more information, call 863-291-6178.

One Dog Found Dead & Two Others Severely Malnourished Gets Lakeland Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

Carl Fish
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One Dog Found Dead & Two Others Severely Malnourished Gets Lakeland Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit has made another arrest for animal cruelty in the same week, unrelated to the October 1st arrest.

This most recent suspect, 26-year-old Andrew Whitehurst, who lives at home on 3rd Street SE in Lakeland, told deputies that he “left town for work” and assumed a family member was going to take care of his three dogs. Instead, the dogs were left inside the residence without air, or water. One of the dogs died, while the other two were severely malnourished and dehydrated.

Andrew Whitehurst

“If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn’t deserve to be a pet owner ever again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The investigation began on October 2, 2024, when deputies were contacted to do a well-being check at the home. The witness reported seeing skinny dogs inside. When deputies arrived, the power appeared to be off and nobody was home and they could smell a foul odor coming from within. They retrieved the homeowner’s information and called him (the suspect). When the man showed up, he told deputies his name was “Kevin James” and that he was a friend of Andrew’s coming to check on the dogs. Deputies queried his information and confirmed he was the suspect, who then advised he was scared to give them his real name. He confirmed that he lived there and the dogs were his, and that he left on September 26th for work. He said he assumed his father would come take care of the dogs but did not specifically make those arrangements.

Home Where One Dog Found Dead & Two Dogs Found Malnourished

When the Animal Cruelty Investigations detectives went inside, here’s what they found:

  • Flies on the insides of the windows
  • A deceased dog
  • Two obviously malnourished dogs
  • The floors covered in feces and urine
  • No fresh water
  • No air conditioning or ventilation

Here is an excerpt from the affidavit:

The first dog scored a 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences evident from a distance, with no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass.

The second dog scored a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 2 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible, with no palpable fat and some evidence of other bony prominences, as well as minimal loss of muscle mass.

The deceased dog was located in the living room area and was beginning to decompose. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death; however, at this time, it appears the dog died from a heat-related issue.

Whitehurst is charged with:

  • 3 counts felony animal cruelty (F3) 
  • 1 count confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1)
  • 1 count giving false info to a LEO (M1)

He’s being held in the Polk County Jail until a first appearance hearing this afternoon. The two dogs are at Polk County Animal Control where they will be treated and rehabilitated.

Live Pro Wrestling Returns to Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven Soon

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Live Pro Wrestling Returns to Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven Soon

Live Pro Wrestling returns to Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven on October 11th!
Get ready for an action-packed night as Live Pro Wrestling makes its return to Winter Haven on October 11th! TCW is taking over Tanners Lakeside for an unforgettable event.

Join us at Tanners Lakeside for an evening filled with thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and non-stop excitement. Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-pumping experience of witnessing live wrestling in person and is fun for the whole family! Mark your calendars and be there to witness Thunder Championship Wrestling invade Tanners Lakeside!

October 11th
Doors Open: 7pm
Bell Time: 8pm

PCSO Animal Cruelty Investigators Arrest Lakeland Man for Felony Animal Cruelty

Staff Reporter
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PCSO Animal Cruelty Investigators Arrest Lakeland Man for Felony Animal Cruelty

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit has made another arrest for animal cruelty in the same week, unrelated to the October 1st arrest.

This most recent suspect, 26-year-old Andrew Whitehurst, who lives at 5616 3rd Street SE #4 in Lakeland, told deputies that he “left town for work” and assumed a family member was going to take care of his three dogs. Instead, the dogs were left inside the residence without air, or water. One of the dogs died, while the other two were severely malnourished and dehydrated.

“If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn’t deserve to be a pet owner ever again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The investigation began on October 2, 2024, when deputies were contacted to do a well-being check at the home. The witness reported seeing skinny dogs inside. When deputies arrived, the power appeared to be off and nobody was home and they could smell a foul odor coming from within. They retrieved the homeowner’s information and called him (the suspect). When the man showed up, he told deputies his name was “Kevin James” and that he was a friend of Andrew’s coming to check on the dogs. Deputies queried his information and confirmed he was the suspect, who then advised he was scared to give them his real name. He confirmed that he lived there and the dogs were his, and that he left on September 26th for work. He said he assumed his father would come take care of the dogs but did not specifically make those arrangements.

When the Animal Cruelty Investigations detectives went inside, here’s what they found:• Flies on the insides of the windows • A deceased dog • Two obviously malnourished dogs • The floors covered in feces and urine • No fresh water • No air conditioning or ventilation

Here is an excerpt from the affidavit:

The first dog scored a 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences evident from a distance, with no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass.

The second dog scored a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 2 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible, with no palpable fat and some evidence of other bony prominences, as well as minimal loss of muscle mass.

The deceased dog was located in the living room area and was beginning to decompose. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death; however, at this time, it appears the dog died from a heat-related issue.

Whitehurst is charged with:• 3 counts felony animal cruelty (F3) • 1 count confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1) • 1 count giving false info to a LEO (M1)

He’s being held in the Polk County Jail until a first appearance hearing this afternoon. The two dogs are at Polk County Animal Control where they will be treated and rehabilitated.

(second suspect in one week – unrelated)

Second unrelated incident: https://dailyridge.com/2024/10/01/polk-county-sheriffs-office-deputies-arrest-poinciana-man-for-animal-cruelty/

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