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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Looking for Winter Haven Laundry Thief

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Looking for Winter Haven Laundry Thief

UPDATE*
This suspect was identified by several people as 38-year old Tiffany Pelletier of Winter Haven. Tiffany was located, arrested, and charged with grand theft.

A criminal history check on Pelletier showed the following convictions for theft:

07/29/2005- Petit Theft First Offense- 532005MM00036101XXWH

04/20/2007-Petit Theft- 532007MM00309701XXBA

08/19/2009- Petit Theft- 532009CF00115701XXXX

02/23/2010- Grand Theft- 532010CF000832A000XX

08/21/2014- Robbery- 532013CF003858A000XX

03/05/2014- Petit Theft- 532013MM007765A000WH

ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:

Heartland Crime Stoppers

CRIME: GRAND THEFT
CRIME SCENE: COIN LAUNDRY, 2604 AVE G NW, WINTER HAVEN
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE: #24-38665

On September 26th at around 7:13 am, a theft occurred at the Coin Laundry, at 264 Avenue G NW in Winter Haven.

The unknown suspect stole the victim’s clothing from a clothes dryer.

The suspect is the pictured white female in red & black clothing.

The silver SUV that she left in is pictured here as well.

There was another person who was driving the silver SUV, but it is not known at this time if the person knowingly took part in the theft.

If you have any information regarding this investigation or you think you know who the suspect is, please contact Detective Quattlebaum at 863-297-1107 or [email protected].

If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

  • CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
  • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
  • VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet

In Loving Memory of Martha Ryon

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Martha Ryon

Obituary

Martha Ryon

March 30th, 1934 – September 5th, 2024

Martha Brice Ryon, 90, of Naples Fl passed away on September 5th 2024 of natural causes. 

Martha was born on March 30, 1934 in Selma, AL to Douglass Brice and Lillian Weekly Brice.  After graduating from Selma High School, she went on to graduate from the University of Montevallo with a bachelor’s degree in teaching.

Martha married her husband and love of her life, Alden in 1955 after which they relocated to Winter Haven where Alden set up a medical practice. They were soon blessed with five boys, Michael, Steve, Randy, Richard and John, and Martha stayed busy managing her household. 

If Alden was the head of the household, Martha was certainly its heart.  She had an amazing knack for overseeing the boys, maintaining an orderly and beautiful home, actively leading and participating in various community and church functions, and was a gracious, kind, and giving friend to all her neighbors. 

With a husband and 5 boys, she realized very quickly that if she didn’t want to sit home when the “men” were doing their activities, she would have to “join right in”.  For that reason, she became a certified scuba diver and grew to really love the sport!

Most important to her of course was her Christian faith, which was the bedrock of her life.  She was a long-term member of Covenant Presbyterian, then later Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, then in her last years, Covenant Presbyterian Church of Naples.  She exemplified the saying “Trust and Obey” and both of those attributes contributed to her strength and resilience when she was met with disappointment or adversity. She was cherished by all those who knew her, as she made everyone she met, feel loved and appreciated.

Martha was the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, sister Anne, husband Alden, and son, Richard.

A memorial service was held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 20th, at Oak Ridge Funeral Home, 2425 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven. 

New Sanitation Routes in City of Auburndale

Staff Reporter
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New Sanitation Routes in City of Auburndale

City of Auburndale, FL Government

SANITATION ROUTES UPDATE:

There are new sanitation routes in the City of Auburndale. Currently in effect. If your area is not highlighted in a color, that means there is a very good chance you are in the County limits. If still unsure, please direct message us.

For a more in-depth view of the routes, please visit:
https://diamondmaps.com/map.ashx?key=21053241001094454804

Updated Routes:
MONDAY – GREEN
TUESDAY – BLUE
THURSDAY – YELLOW
FRIDAY – RED

If you have any questions, please contact (863) 965-5511. Thank you!

Cypresswood Golf & Country Club Receives 51st AED Donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

Staff Reporter
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Cypresswood Golf & Country Club Receives 51st AED Donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

Cypresswood Golf & Country Club Receives 51st AED Donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation

by James Coulter

Built in 1974, Cypresswood Golf & Country Club serves approximately 3,000 people, providing them with a relaxing environment where they can tour the links and test their luck in hitting a hole-in-one.

However, even in such a tranquil environment, stressful and unexpected situations can arise. For that reason, the golf course accepted a donation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case such an emergency ever arises.

 

Bob Schade has been the owner and operator of Cypresswood for more than 38 years. Aside from its serene and green golf courses, the venue also prides itself in offering great food and facilitating friendly community members.

 Schade appreciated the AED donation, which was provided recently by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of heart health issues and raising proceeds to donate and install AEDs across Polk County.

“We have a very active clubhouse area, and this AED will allow a customer or staff member to have a chance at life if needed,” he said.

As for Culpepper’s, following its donation and demonstration, he considers it to be, “a fantastic organization with a heart of gold.  Melanie is an inspiration for spearheading this effort. Nothing [else] to add, keep up the good work, and good luck!”

 

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

Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her organization to raise proceeds to help donate and install AEDs inlocal establishments. Since then, she has donated more than 51.

She was inspired to donate her next AED to Cypresswood Golf & Country Club, as Schade had donated a few rounds of golf for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation “Saving Lives Matters” fundraiser.

 

Upon visiting the clubhouse and golf course, she noticed a need for an AED, a need that she was more than willing to help fill.

“I noticed as I was at the Clubhouse that they did not have an AED on site,” she said. “With such a large amount of homes as well as the amount of people that play golf there, that they should definitely have an AED in case of an emergency.”

Melanie will be hosting Saving Lives Matter, a fundraiser to be hosted on Sat. Oct. 12 at Tanner’s Lakeside. Hopefully, through the proceeds, she will be able to donate and install more AEDs in her community.

“Thank you to all out there who have helped me in any way to make this all possible,” she wrote on Facebook. “Without  all of your support through these past few years, I couldn’t keep this all going. You all have no idea how much it has meant to me.”

For more information on Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

Eloise Man Steals Parked Bicycle in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Eloise Man Steals Parked Bicycle in Winter Haven

Polk County Sheriff’s Office:

53-year old John Vona of Eloise got arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office…AGAIN!

John Vona arrested

Vona has a long history of criminal activity. Over the years, he has amassed 22 felony convictions and 39 misdemeanor convictions. He’s been arrested for burglaries, thefts, criminal mischief, fraud, and dealing in stolen property.

Despite going to State Prison seven times, Vona keeps committing crimes, so we keep putting his criminal keister back in jail.

On Monday, September 30th, at around 4pm, John stole a bicycle that was parked on Snively Avenue in Eloise (south of Winter Haven).

PCSO deputies quickly located Vona, and arrested him without incident.

Due to his prior theft convictions, he was charged with felony petit theft.

Auburndale Police Department Collecting Toys for Toys for Tots

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Police Department Collecting Toys for Toys for Tots

Auburndale Police Department:

We are accepting donations for Toys for Tots between now and December 9! All donations must be unopened and in good condition. The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s children in need.

Drop off location: Auburndale Police Department lobby
2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL 33823

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest Poinciana Man For Animal Cruelty

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Arrest Poinciana Man For Animal Cruelty

Polk County Sheriff Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit arrested and charged Lanoris Parker, DOB 7/11/1974, of 2299 Rock Drive in Poinciana (Kissimmee mailing address) with multiple felonies for neglect and abuse of dogs on a piece of property he rented in Polk County, as well as having an unpermitted landfill.

The rental property where he kept the dogs is on Sylvan Ramble Road in Davenport. The property owner contacted PCSO when she noticed several dogs in cages who did not appear to be healthy. Parker does not live on the property. When deputies arrived they located two deceased dogs in crates, and several other dogs in extremely poor conditions. They contacted the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, who responded and initiated an investigation. The following are excerpts from the affidavits:

Two deceased dogs were located in crates. These two dogs were beginning to decompose however all ribs were visible. A total of nine other dogs (alive) were located on the property. Three of these dogs were unable to stand or walk and in extreme medical distress. Based on these conditions, all of the animals on the property were immediately seized, pursuant to F.S. 828.073, and transported to Polk County Animal Control for emergency treatment. It was noted there was no food present in any of the dog kennels and most did not contain any water.

Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM, examined the nine dogs at Animal Control, each of which performed 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition Score, indicating ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and no discernable body fat with obvious muscle loss.

In Doctor Jackson’s professional opinion, the starvation of the two deceased dogs, and condition of the remaining dogs resulted in the cruel death or excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering. I determined the suspect committed nine (9) counts of aggravated animal cruelty. The suspect also committed animal neglect by confining the dogs without sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water.

The three previously mentioned dogs that were unable to stand or walk succumbed to their injuries. 

PCSO Environmental Crimes detectives also responded to the scene to investigate the multiple environmental hazards, including well over 400 pounds and 500 cubic feet of solid wastes, dilapidated structures, metal waste, and multiple containers holding congealed water allowing the breeding of mosquitoes and larvae. There was a burn pile in the center of the yard measuring 5 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 2 feet high, and no active burn permit was issued for that property. For these crimes, Parker is charged with:

  • Operating an unpermitted landfill (M1) – $1,000 bond
  • Burning without a permit (M2) – $250 bond
  • Keeping a nuisance injurious to health (M2) – $250 bond

When detectives arrived at Parker’s Poinciana/Kissimmee home to place him under arrest, they found seven dogs there. Six were confined to crates inside a garage with no air movement, no water, and no food. A second investigation was initiated at this house, and all seven of those dogs were seized. Six of those were also severely and criminally neglected.

Parker’s animal cruelty charges are:

  • 15 counts felony animal cruelty (F3) – $5,000 bond each
  • 2 counts confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1) – $2,000 bond each

He’s being held in the Polk County Jail on $80,500 bond.

“The horrific abuse and neglect that these animals suffered is too awful for words and the photos don’t even adequately describe how much pain these dogs were in, not to mention the conditions, sights, and smells that our detectives were exposed to. Lanoris Parker is being held accountable for these crimes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure he never owns animals again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Propane Gas Leak At Sleepy Hill Elementary Sends 5 Patients To Hospital- No Student’s Involved & Situation Is Under Control

Carl Fish
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Propane Gas Leak At Sleepy Hill Elementary Sends 5 Patients To Hospital- No Student’s Involved & Situation Is Under Control

The Polk County Fire Rescue, Lakeland Fire Department and other local emergency personnel were called to Sleepy Hill Elementary, 2285 Sleepy Hill Road, Lakeland, FL 33810, due to a propane gas leak in the school’s cafeteria. The call appears to have come in around 11:30 am.

Multiple ambulances from PCFR were called to the scene. According to Katelyn Hoverkamp, Public Information Officer, with Polk County Fire Rescue (who is at the scene) they transported 5 adult patients. Those were all the details she could provide at the moment as the scene is under the jurisdiction of the Lakeland Fire Department. Emergency units are still at the scene on standby to assist if needed.

The Daily Ridge reached out to Stephanie Lewis, Public Relations & Information Manager, for the Lakeland Fire Department (who is also at the scene) and she advised the scene is secure. The cafeteria building (it’s a separate building from the rest of the school) has been evacuated. The fire department turned of the gas and a gas inspection is to take place to determine the leak and repair it. An additional 5 adults suffered minor illness from the exposure to the propane gas, but did not wish or require to be transported.

According to Lewis, no students were involved and currently no danger to the students. It appears classes are continuing as normal.

The Polk County School Board sent out an email that stated the following:

“Sleepy Hill Elementary

Dear families,

This message is being sent on behalf of Sleepy Hill Elementary. The fire department and EMS are currently on campus responding to a propane leak in the cafeteria.

Some of the cafeteria staff have reported feeling ill and are receiving medical attention.

There are no reports of illness from students.

Again, we have responders on scene attending to the cafeteria staff, but no students have reported feeling sick. We intend to continue with our school day and will ensure that the campus is safe for everyone. This message is just to keep you informed, thank you.”

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is released.

More Than 63 Parcels of Land Approved to Have Their Future Land Use Amended from Traditional Neighborhood to Mixed Use

Staff Reporter
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More Than 63 Parcels of Land Approved to Have Their Future Land Use Amended from Traditional Neighborhood to Mixed Use

More Than 63 Parcels of Land Approved to Have Their Future Land Use Amended from Traditional Neighborhood to Mixed Use

by James Coulter

 Bigger, more diverse developments are coming to 63 parcels of land now that their future land use designations will be amended from Traditional Neighborhood and Neighborhood to Primary Mixed-Use Hub.

 

At their regular meeting on Mon. Sep. 23, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance on these proposed future land use amendments.

 The 63 parcels are contained within 14+ acres of land located along Martin Luther King Boulevard, between Third Street, NE and Eighth Street, NE.

Currently, 52 of the 63 parcels have been developed, with at least 11 vacant lots (which are less than an acre in size). Of these parcels, 36 are currently being used as single-family residential, 5 as duplexes, 5 as commercial use, and 4 as multi-family residential.

 However, these parcels are being considered by their property owners for mixed-use developments, with requests to have their future land use designations amended accordingly to accommodate these proposed developments, explained Sean Byers, Planning Manager for the City of Winter Haven.

 “Assignment of Primary Mixed-Use Hub Future Land Use will aid in implementing the 2022 Florence Villa CRA Plan Goal 1 by enabling the retention and recruitment of businesses along Martin Luther King Boulevard…[and] will allow the current MX zoning assigned to the subject area to be fully utilized by property owners,” he wrote.

Lakeland Man On Pre-Trial Release For Sexual Battery On A 12-18 year Old Is Back In Prison

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man On Pre-Trial Release For Sexual Battery On A 12-18 year Old Is Back In Prison

48-year old Tyresse Harris was arrested by the Polk County Sheriffs Office on Monday, September 30th.

An arrest warrant was issued earlier that day for Tyresse, for Violation of Pre-Trial Release for Sexual Battery on a 12-18 year old by a Custodian and Sexual Battery by Custodian on Victim under 12.

PCSO deputies located Tyresse while he was driving, and conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle at 5620 US 98 North in Lakeland.

Deputies arrested him without incident.

At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of two plastic baggies of marijuana, and a plastic baggie with MDMA (ecstasy).

Tyresse Harris was taken back to the Polk County Jail.

He is no stranger to being locked-up…he has an extensive history of burglaries, vehicle theft, prowling, fleeing to elude, battery on LEO, drugs, and numerous sexual battery violations. Since 1998, he has been in Florida prisons four times.

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