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

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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

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

“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

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Avansa Insurance Celebrates Ribbon Cutting After 15 Years Serving Community

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

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Polk Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Agenda For March 17

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

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

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

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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

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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.

———–
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

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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

Varsity Basketball Player Invited to Bahamas Tropical Shootout Tournament to Represent Team USA

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Varsity Basketball Player Invited to Bahamas Tropical Shootout Tournament to Represent Team USA

Varsity Basketball Player Invited to Bahamas Tropical Shootout Tournament to Represent Team USA

By Allison Williams

Jameria Robinson is a Freshman at Lake Wales High School and plays for the girls’ varsity basketball team.

Robinson has been playing basketball since she was in 5thgrade. She started playing for the Lake Wales Police Athletic League (PAL), which is a basketball organization for children ages 5-14. Her father was a basketball player during his high school years, and her cousin Willie Grant also played. He spends a lot of his spare time with her, training her in the sport.

While playing PAL Basketball, Robinson picked up the sport naturally. “I noticed I was pretty good and decided to keep at it,” she said.

Robinson continued to play with the Lake Wales High School team and her talent was recognized by a scouting staff who reviewed her playing statistics and rankings, and then invited her to play in the Bahamas Tropical Shootout Tournament, set to take place in July 2020. The tournament is hosted by 365 Sports. Players, both male and female, from across the US are invited to play in this tournament.

Robinson will be sporting her USA uniform under Team Florida and put her skills to the test as she competes against teams from the Bahamas and also other US teams.

With travel comes expenses. Robinson and her family will be fundraising so that she and her mother can travel to the tournament in the Bahamas this summer.

“As a parent it makes me proud to see her accomplish so much,” Lakendra McMath, Robinson’s mother said. “She’s so dedicated to the sport and to her grades. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

McMath’s advice to other young kids and athletes is: “Study your skill. Don’t let outsiders and naysayers put any doubt in your mind about what you want to do or the dreams you may have.”

Her daughter is certainly following her basketball dreams.

Uber Driver Arrested For Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter

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Uber Driver Arrested For Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter

Uber Driver Arrested For Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter

 

HAINES CITY, FL – After a nearly two-month investigation by the Haines City Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit, an Orlando man was arrested Thursday night for his role in a car crash in the early morning hours of Jan. 8 that resulted in another man’s death.

Clint Fischer Jr., 27, is being held on charges of DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, possession of

methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Fischer was under the influence when he hit the back of a tractor trailer, culminating in the death of 30-year-old passenger Estevan Pascual of Orlando.

The southbound semi was nearly stopped at U.S. 17/92 and Shamrock Drive when Fischer struck it at about midnight in a rented Toyota sedan. Pascual suffered blunt force trauma to the head and died on the scene.

Emergency personnel arrived and CPR was attempted, but Pascual could not be resuscitated. Fischer was

transported to AdventHealth Heart of Florida to be treated for facial injuries.

Fischer told police that he was an Uber driver and had picked up Pascual in Orlando to drive him to Uncle Pete Road, located in unincorporated Haines City. The driver of the semi told police that he was looking for the location to drop off his load when his vehicle was struck in the back by the Toyota.

The investigation determined that Fischer’s vehicle had begun drifting off the road and showed no signs of braking prior to impact. Upon impact, the Toyota continued forward before coming to a rest alongside the tractor trailer.

Located in the Toyota was a bag belonging to Fischer with a glass smoking device containing a powdery residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. A warrant was obtained and a blood sample was taken from Fischer at Heart of Florida to be tested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Results of the blood testing were received on Tuesday and showed Fischer to be under the influence of a “greater than therapeutic amount” of meth and of THC (marijuana). The Orange County Sheriff’s Office assisted with making the arrest at Fischer’s Orlando home.

“As law enforcement officers, we see the merits of these ride-sharing applications for those who are drinking or without a license,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “Those using these applications should be able to have the expectation that their drivers be alert, competent and sober behind the wheel. In this case, the driver’s actions cost a man his life”

Middle School Student Approached To Get In Stranger’s Van

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Middle School Student Approached To Get In Stranger’s Van

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Middle School Student Approached To Get In Van
on March 5, 2020 at approximately 7:45 a.m., a 12 year-old girl was walking southbound on 5th St NE in Winter Haven towards Denison Middle School. A black male described as 30-40 years of age with a medium complexion and thin build drove up in a dark colored minivan asking if she needed a ride. The victim declined and then the same man approached her a second time at the intersection of 4th St at Ave A SE. He offered to pay her $20 if she would get in the van. She again refused and reported the incidents when she arrived at school.
Police are asking if there was anyone in the area of 5th St NE or 4th St and Ave A SE during the time frame of 7:30 am – 8 am on Thursday to contact Winter Haven Detectives at 863-291-5620.

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