In a shocking move the owners of the Crazy Fish Bar & Grill posted on social media Monday night, Sept 30, that the restaurant will be closing Oct 19th.
Comments were wide ranging from sadness, confidence in the future and frustration as the restaurant was appreciated by many.
Prior to Jim & Jeannie Christensen buying the restaurant around 2002 it was a biker bar affectionately known as the Bears Den! The two of them ran the restaurant and built it into a community staple until they sold in 2019. Then new owners Matthew Brock & Dwayne McQuillen. They also invested in Harry’s Old Place as well as two newer unique restaurants in Brakes Burger Garage and Locoritto.
This is a developing story and we will update it shortly.
Post on Facebook by the Owners of Crazy Fish
“Attention Crazy Fish fans. I write this post to officially announce the closing of our restaurant. Our last day of operation will be October 19 2024.
Our plan is to regroup, make some needed repairs and come back with the next evolution of this location, Crazy Fish Key West Kitchen. We intend to open in the spring of 2025.
Come join us over the next 3 weeks and help end on a high note and celebrate the hard working staff that made it all possible over the years.”
Jim & Jeannie Christensen being interviewed by non other than Emeril Lagassi for the show Emeril’s Florida
FHP Troopers received a report of a highway shooting incident on westbound Interstate 4 near Milepost 14. The victim, a 28-year-old Lakeland man, indicated his vehicle, a 2017 Toyota Corolla, had been struck by a bullet. Troopers responded to the scene and located a single bullet that had entered the engine compartment. The victim indicated to Troopers that a light-skinned man driving an older model Dodge Ram with yellow, weather headlights with an unknown Florida tag had been tailgating him, then pulled adjacent to the victim and fired a round from a full-size semi-automatic handgun. The driver then sped away, took a nearby exit and traveled off the interstate.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or the suspect is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.
The City of Winter Haven is not Ending Recycling Services
The City of Winter Haven wishes to clarify and assure its residents that the City’s recycling services are not being discontinued, they will continue uninterrupted. Additionally, City pickup days are not changing.
If your cans are blue & green, you are serviced by the City and will not see any changes to your garbage and recycling services.
If your cans are grey and black, you are serviced by the County. Please visit their website for information on service changes.
WOMAN CRITICALLY INJURED DURING WINTER HAVEN HIT & RUN CRASH; DRIVER ARRESTED
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE
A woman was critically injured early Sunday morning, September 29, 2024, after she was struck by a car on a Winter Haven roadway. The driver of the car fled the scene in his vehicle, but he was located and arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office later that same day.
The crash occurred at about 2:50 am, at 3547 Recker Highway, in front of DA Place Hookah Lounge.
Just prior to the crash, deputies were heading to the location after several calls were received regarding a large number of people in the roadway in front of the business.
When deputies arrived, the large crowd was uncooperative and provided little information regarding the hit & run.
The deputies found the injured pedestrian; she was identified as 37-year old Cierra Tempestt Wright of Auburndale.
Ms. Wright was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries to include: a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured jaw, fractured pelvis, and broken arm. She was listed in critical, but stable condition.
PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives attempted to find witnesses, but despite the large crowd, nobody claimed to have seen the crash.
Evidence at the scene revealed that Ms. Wright was struck in the middle of the westbound lane of Recker Highway.
“Through the investigative efforts of our Traffic Homicide detectives, who are the very best at what they do, a blue 2020 Ford Fusion was found in Lake Wales that had damages consistent to those that would occur by striking a pedestrian. The driver was then located, and an arrest was made. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery for Ms. Wright.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Detectives discovered that the Ford Fusion had a damaged right front headlight and damaged windshield that had hair embedded in it.
41-year old Terry Gardner of Lake Wales admitted to detectives that he was driving the Ford in the area of the crash, but he claimed that he thought the damage on his vehicle was from a brick that was thrown at his car.
Terry Gardner was arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail where he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury (F2).
On September 26, 2024, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives arrested and charged 25-year-old Beatrice Taylor of Dundee with one count aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person (F-1) after their investigation revealed that she neglected to dial 9-1-1 or provide health care to the 86-year-old male patient who was under her care when he died in his home.
According to the affidavit, Taylor, who was employed by Assisting Hands Home Health Care as a health aide, worked the evening hours at the man’s home in Winter Haven. The victim’s family hired around the clock care from Assisting Hands, which consisted of two 12-hour shifts during the day and night. The victim had recently been hospitalized and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was also receiving services from Good Shepherd Hospice beginning on August 14, 2024.
As a home health care aide, Taylor was tasked with watching the victim during her nighttime 12-hour shift, and in the event of an emergency, was to call 9-1-1. On August 15th, 2024, Taylor began her shift at 9:00 p.m. When she arrived at the victim’s home, the dayshift health care aide told Taylor that the victim and his wife were prepared for bed but were not yet asleep. After the day shift worker left, Taylor immediately fell asleep on the couch in the living room (per company policy, she should not have been sleeping). Taylor awoke at 1:00 a.m. on August16th, when she heard a thump coming from the victim’s bedroom. She went into the bedroom and observed him lying on his right side, on the floor, with his head wedged in between the nightstand and the bed. She told detectives that she attempted to assist him back into the bed but that he told her not to touch him, so she left him on the floor and did not call anyone, including 9-1-1 or her employer (against company policy). She then fell back asleep and did not wake up until sometime between 3:45 and 4:53 a.m.
Taylor called her parents and spoke with them for approximately 36 minutes, and then while still on the phone, she checked on the victim and found him still on the floor and now unresponsive. Her parents told her to call 9-1-1. She hung up and called Assisting Hands first, and left a message through the company portal; she then called 9-1-1 at around 5:37 a.m.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed the company’s policies, which stated:
1. If a patient falls, home aides are required to seek help which may entail calling 9-1-1. Home aides must notify the company as soon as the patient is safe (which should have happened at 1:00 a.m.)
2. Home aides are not permitted to sleep during their assigned shift unless it is a “live in” shift (Assisting Hands confirmed this was not a “live in” shift)
3. Home aides are required to submit care notes using the company portal throughout their shift to ensure assigned services are being followed appropriately.
During an autopsy, it was discovered the patient had an implanted pacemaker. The device manufacturer was later able to conduct a download and provide cardiac data stored on the victim’s implanted pacemaker which confirmed that the victim was still alive at 1:00 a.m. when the victim was initially found by Taylor lying on the floor. According to the Medical Examiner, had Taylor called 9-1-1 when she first found the victim, as required by her own company’s policy, the victim would not have died. The Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s cause of death positional asphyxia with a contributory cause of pre-existing health issues.
Detectives placed Taylor under arrest, at which time she made several statements that she had done nothing wrong and she “didn’t kill that man.” One of the paramedics who arrived after Taylor eventually called 9-1-1 overheard Taylor say to someone on the phone, “He was old anyway so what does it matter.”
Assisting Hands confirmed that Taylor had worked for them for approximately eight months. After August 16th, she did not show back up to work and they terminated her employment. She was a licensed home health aide, having completed 10 online courses and passed a state exam. She does not have a medical license and is not a nurse. The courses include caring for patients with Alzheimer’s, basic life support including CPR, using an AED, and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“The complete disregard for Mr. Anderson’s life by the person who was employed by his family is completely outrageous, and egregious. I believe someone who was not even being paid to look after this elderly man would have immediately dialed 9-1-1 under these circumstances. Her behavior and attitude are simply deplorable. Mr. Anderson’s family members are in our prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
She remains in the Polk County Jail being held on no bond.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Fernando Garcia, 23, of Avon Park, just over the county line from Frostproof, and charged him with 1 count of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and 2 counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation. The arrest came after an investigation that lasted nearly two months. The suspect is accused of performing these lewd acts over the period of 6-7 years at various time.
Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty)
WARNING SOME INFORMATION MAY BE TRIGGERING TO CERTAIN READERS
“On 08/09/2024, The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a past occurred sexual battery between REDACTED (victim, H/F, 16yoa) and Fernando Garcia (suspect, H/M, 23yoa).
On 08/13/2024, VICTIM completed a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). During the forensic interview, VICTIM advised the suspect, Fernando, had been sexually abusing her since she was 8 or 9 years old. VICTIM stated the most recent incident that she remembered was when she was 14 years old. After she showered, her parents left to go to the store and she was left at the residence with her brother, sister, and Fernando. Fernando was the only adult at home at this time. VICTIM advised she was in the living room with Fernando and he asked for VICTIM for a kiss and she complied. Fernando then asked for VICTIM to kiss him on the lips for longer but she said no. Fernando then forced her to kiss him on the lips by grabbing her head and pulling her head towards him. Fernando then started to put his fingers inside her vagina. VICTIM explained during this incident, she was wearing gym shorts and a shirt. VICTIM stated Fernando put his hand down her shorts. VICTIM advised she did not try to stop him. VICTIM advised Fernando had two of his fingers inside her vagina for three to four minutes. VICTIM stated he grabbed her hand and placed her hand over his pants on his genital area. VICTIM pulled her hand back after she felt Fernando’s penis was erect. VICTIM’s parents came home and she went to the bathroom. VICTIM advised this incident occurred at REDACTED, Frostproof in Polk County.
During the forensic interview, VICTIM disclosed an additional incident at REDACTED, Frostproof. VICTIM advised there was a hurricane coming through and one of the nights, she was sleeping on a couch and her family were all asleep. VICTIM was woken up to Fernando touching her vagina on the outside of her clothes. VICTIM’s REDACTED woke up and her bedroom door opened. Fernando heard the door open so he left and went outside.
During the investigation, I discovered in 2023 when VICTIM was 15 years of age, REDACTED (Mother of VICTIM) went through VICTIM’s phone when she discovered text messages between her and her friend advising one of her REDACTED had touched her inappropriately. REDACTED confronted VICTIM where she advised Fernando was the one who touched her inappropriately.
REDACTED confronted Fernando where he admitted to touching VICTIM. VICTIM has not had any contact with Fernando since REDACTED discovered what occurred when VICTIM was 15 years of age.
On 09/23/2024, REDACTED conducted a recorded call to Fernando Garcia. REDACTED asked Fernando if he was sorry for touching VICTIM inappropriately and Fernando apologized. Fernando advised he was sorry for touching VICTIM and was unsure why he touched VICTIM. Fernando never denied any of the allegations made.
On 09/24/2024, VICTIM REDACTED Fernando. VICTIM asked why Fernando put his fingers inside her and Fernando advised he did not have an answer for her. Fernando apologized multiple times to VICTIM for touching her.
Based on the investigation, it was determined that Fernando Garcia violated the following Florida State Statutes:
800.04(4)(A) – Lewd or Lascivious Battery 12 years of age but younger than 16 years of age – due to Fernando penetrating VICTIM’s vagina with his finger. At the time, VICTIM was 14 years of age and Fernando was 21 years of age.
800.04(5) – Lewd or Lascivious Molestation – For Fernando, in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally forced or enticed VICTIM to touch his genitals over the clothing.
800.04(5) – Lewd or Lascivious Molestation – For Fernando, in a lewd or lascivious manner, intentionally touching VICTIM’s vaginal area over the clothing.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Rodney Isaiah Williams, III, a 20-year-old deputy sheriff who resigned immediately upon his arrest, with one count unlawful exposure of sexual organs, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Had he not resigned, he would have been terminated.
Williams was observed completely nude and then masturbating in full view of a camera. The crime occurred at an apartment complex in Davenport, in an open landing area shared with multiple other apartments. Deputies responded and interviewed Williams, who admitted to stepping outside of his apartment and masturbating “for the thrill” and then stated that he “did something stupid.” He was off-duty at the time.
“This vulgar and indecent behavior by one of our now former agency members is completely unacceptable, not to mention illegal. We will never tolerate such immoral and illegal conduct. That is why he was promptly arrested.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Williams was hired as a deputy sheriff in November 2023. He was booked in during the early morning hours of Sunday, September 29th, and is being held on $1,000 bond.
On September 26, 2024, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives arrested and charged 25-year-old Beatrice Taylor of Dundee with one count aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person (F-1) after their investigation revealed that she neglected to dial 9-1-1 or provide health care to the 86-year-old male patient who was under her care when he died in his home.
According to the affidavit, Taylor, who was employed by Assisting Hands Home Health Care as a health aide, worked the evening hours at the man’s home in Winter Haven. The victim’s family hired around the clock care from Assisting Hands, which consisted of two 12-hour shifts during the day and night. The victim had recently been hospitalized and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He was also receiving services from Good Shepherd Hospice beginning on August 14, 2024.
As a home health care aide, Taylor was tasked with watching the victim during her nighttime 12-hour shift, and in the event of an emergency, was to call 9-1-1. On August 15th, 2024, Taylor began her shift at 9:00 p.m. When she arrived at the victim’s home, the dayshift health care aide told Taylor that the victim and his wife were prepared for bed but were not yet asleep. After the day shift worker left, Taylor immediately fell asleep on the couch in the living room (per company policy, she should not have been sleeping). Taylor awoke at 1:00 a.m. on August16th, when she heard a thump coming from the victim’s bedroom. She went into the bedroom and observed him lying on his right side, on the floor, with his head wedged in between the nightstand and the bed. She told detectives that she attempted to assist him back into the bed but that he told her not to touch him, so she left him on the floor and did not call anyone, including 9-1-1 or her employer (against company policy). She then fell back asleep and did not wake up until sometime between 3:45 and 4:53 a.m.
Taylor called her parents and spoke with them for approximately 36 minutes, and then while still on the phone, she checked on the victim and found him still on the floor and now unresponsive. Her parents told her to call 9-1-1. She hung up and called Assisting Hands first, and left a message through the company portal; she then called 9-1-1 at around 5:37 a.m.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed the company’s policies, which stated:
1. If a patient falls, home aides are required to seek help which may entail calling 9-1-1. Home aides must notify the company as soon as the patient is safe (which should have happened at 1:00 a.m.)
2. Home aides are not permitted to sleep during their assigned shift unless it is a “live in” shift (Assisting Hands confirmed this was not a “live in” shift)
3. Home aides are required to submit care notes using the company portal throughout their shift to ensure assigned services are being followed appropriately.
During an autopsy, it was discovered the patient had an implanted pacemaker. The device manufacturer was later able to conduct a download and provide cardiac data stored on the victim’s implanted pacemaker which confirmed that the victim was still alive at 1:00 a.m. when the victim was initially found by Taylor lying on the floor. According to the Medical Examiner, had Taylor called 9-1-1 when she first found the victim, as required by her own company’s policy, the victim would not have died. The Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s cause of death positional asphyxia with a contributory cause of pre-existing health issues.
Detectives placed Taylor under arrest, at which time she made several statements that she had done nothing wrong and she “didn’t kill that man.” One of the paramedics who arrived after Taylor eventually called 9-1-1 overheard Taylor say to someone on the phone, “He was old anyway so what does it matter.”
Assisting Hands confirmed that Taylor had worked for them for approximately eight months. After August 16th, she did not show back up to work and they terminated her employment. She was a licensed home health aide, having completed 10 online courses and passed a state exam. She does not have a medical license and is not a nurse. The courses include caring for patients with Alzheimer’s, basic life support including CPR, using an AED, and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“The complete disregard for Mr. Anderson’s life by the person who was employed by his family is completely outrageous, and egregious. I believe someone who was not even being paid to look after this elderly man would have immediately dialed 9-1-1 under these circumstances. Her behavior and attitude are simply deplorable. Mr. Anderson’s family members are in our prayers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
She remains in the Polk County Jail being held on no bond.
A resident in Winter Haven reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report not one, but TWO thefts of the same lawn mower during two separate occasions by the same suspect.
The victim showed a deputy his security video which showed Keith, the suspect, committing his comparable crimes.
Keith can be seen in video from September 17th, arriving by bicycle and stealing the lawn mower.
The victim tracked the suspect back to his residence which wasn’t even a block away. The victim got his lawn mower back, and didn’t bother reporting the theft.
Fast forward to September 23rd, and Keith can once again be seen on video as he walked behind the victim’s house, stole the lawn mower again, and fled.
This time, the victim called the PCSO to report the thefts.
The deputy went to Keith’s house and found the stolen lawn mower in his screened-in porch.
Keith confessed to stealing the mower, so he could mow his own yard.
The lawn mower was returned to its owner, and Keith was arrested and taken to Grady Judd’s Bed & Breakfast where he was charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of grand theft.
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigated a two-vehicle crash in Poinciana that resulted in the death of one of the drivers. The crash occurred around 9:34 a.m. on Cypress Parkway at the intersection with San Clemente Avenue on the south and Lassiter Way on the north.
Ronald Maynard, 83, of Monterey Street in Kissimmee, was driving his red 2013 Toyota Rav4 and exiting off of San Clemente Avenue to turn onto Cypress Parkway when he entered into the path of a gray 2011 Infiniti being driven by 22-year-old Abbas Saedi of Kissimmee, who was heading east on Cypress Parkway. Based on the evidence and witness statements it is believed that Mr. Maynard did not see the other vehicle approaching. San Clemente and Lassiter both have stop signs where they intersect with Cypress Parkway; Cypress Parkway does not have stop signs at that intersection.
The Infiniti struck the Toyota on the driver’s side, causing significant intrusion into the vehicle and fatal injuries to Mr. Maynard. Saedi had minor injuries and was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
