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“Another One Bites The Dust” For Harrison School Of The Arts Senior Exhibition

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“Another One Bites The Dust” For Harrison School Of The Arts Senior Exhibition

“Another One Bites The Dust” For Harrison School Of The Arts Senior Exhibition

by James Coulter

A school auditorium viewed from a different perspective. Several different objects disfigured through waters. These two art pieces were awarded at the Senior Exhibition for Harrison School of the Arts.

Thirteen high school seniors from the local art school have their artwork showcased at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland as part of the school’s annual Senior Exhibition on Tuesday.

Each year, the senior class chooses a theme to represent their artwork at the exhibition. This year’s theme is “Another One Bites The Dust”, inspired by the hit song by Queen.

The theme represents how the seniors are chipping off another stone in their life and are ready to move forward in their life, explained Rocky Bridges, Visual Art Teacher.

Bridges has been involved with the students for the past three years. He has seen them grow and develop from teenagers to the young adults that they are now, and he is excited to see what they will accomplish in their new lives ahead of them.

“This accumulation of artwork is a beautiful display of 13 individualists that are expressing really positive things about the world,” he said. “I encourage them and nurture them and teach them techniques and they have really excelled in exercising their young voices around the world today.”

Two students had their artwork honored by being selected for the permanent collection of both the school and museum respectively. Each of their art will be part of the official galleries of the school and museum.

Vy Nguyen, 17, had her art piece selected for the school’s permanent collection. Hers is an oil piece showcasing several objects of different sizes and how they appear with their images distorted in water.

Nguyen is very thankful to have her piece inducted into the school’s collection, and she is looking forward to attending a community college to minor in art.

“I feel very grateful I have this opportunity to put my art on display,” she said. “I am thankful for it.”

Devin Marshall, 17, has his art piece selected for the museum’s art collection. His is of his school’s auditorium displayed through a unique perspective.

He created the piece through a class assignment. He and his classmates were asked to sketch the auditorium. He wanted to take the art prompt in a new direction.

“I did not want to do that, I did not want to do an exact drawing of it, so I decided to take a more creative approach to it,” he said.

Having his art piece inducted into the museum makes him more than optimistic for the future ahead of him. He plans on attending Savannah College Art and Design to continue studying art among other things.

“That is very exciting,” he said. “I am only 17 and I have something in the museum? That is amazing.”

The Harrison School of the Arts Senior Exhibition will be showcased at The Polk Museum of Art until Mar. 22. The museum is located at 800 East Palmetto Street, Lakeland, FL 33801-5529. For more information, visit their website at: https://polkmuseumofart.org

Lake Wales Police Set Up Perimeter Near Scenic Hwy & Catch Car Theft Suspect

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Lake Wales Police Set Up Perimeter Near Scenic Hwy & Catch Car Theft Suspect
Lake Wales Car Theft Suspect Apprehended

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department along with Polk County Sheriff’s office set up a perimeter near Scenic Hwy and catch car theft suspect. The incident occurred around mid morning on March 1, 2020.

According to Lt. David Black, Lake Wales Police Department, a suspect stole a vehicle from the Garden Apartments, located on Emerald Ave. and S. 4th St., in Lake Wales. A perimeter was set up and roads were blocked off. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter also assisted in the search for the suspect.

According to preliminary reports the suspect was captured just prior to 12pm on Sunday morning. According to Lt. Black the vehicle was also recovered. The suspect has been identified as John Garcia.

If additional information is provided we will update this article.

Man Injured In Motel Room Fire

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Man Injured In Motel Room Fire

Man Injured In Motel Room Fire

Lakeland Police Department Press Release:

LAKELAND, FL (March 1, 2020) – On Saturday, February 29, 2020, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance call at a room at the Best Motel, 601 East Memorial Boulevard. A female caller advised that a male guest would not let her back into the room. Once on scene, officers found the room was on fire and full of smoke. Officers immediately began attempting to extinguish the fire as the Lakeland Fire Department was arriving on the scene. Inside, they found an unresponsive male, later identified as Patrick Williams, age 28. Fire rescue personnel removed Williams from the room for treatment, and efforts were coordinated to have him airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.

 

According to a witness, Williams had made threats to harm himself, and it is believed he intentionally set the room on fire. Guests in surrounding rooms were evacuated and relocated to other rooms on site.

 

At the latest update, Williams was listed in stable condition. No other motel guests were injured. Officers who made entry into the room were later evaluated for possible smoke inhalation at Lakeland Regional Health. The state fire investigator responded to the scene to complete the fire investigation.

Lakeland Magic Waive Reggis Onwukamuche

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Lakeland Magic Waive Reggis Onwukamuche

February 29 – The Lakeland Magic announced today the team has waived Reggis Onwukamuche after acquiring the returning player rights to forward Amile Jefferson in a trade with the Iowa Wolves.

Onwukamuche (6’10”, 225, 3/18/92) has played in 141 games in the NBA G League, including 31 games this season with the Lakeland Magic, averaging 2.1 ppg and 3 RPG.

Onwukamuche was selected in the 6th round in the 2015 NBA D-League Draft by the Bakersfield Jam. The following year he played with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers before being traded to the Erie BayHawks. He returned to the Lakeland Magic in 2017 as a returning rights player shooting 43.5 percent from the field and averaging 3.3 blocks per game.

Onwukamuche played two collegiate seasons at Prairie View A&M after transferring from Lone Star College. He was named SWAC’s Defensive Player of the Year and named to All-SWAC Second Team for his senior season. Onwukamuche averaged 6.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.73 blocks per game as a senior in 2014-15.

The Magic continue their road trip Saturday, February 29 against the Grand Rapids Drive. Tip-off at the DeltaPlex Arena is set for 7:00 pm. The game will be available on NBAGLeague.com.

Lakeland Magic single-game tickets and group tickets are available now. For ticket information, visit lakelandmagic.com or call 863.825.3258.

ABOUT THE LAKELAND MAGIC

The Lakeland Magic, based in Lakeland, Fla., are the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic. One of 28 teams in the NBA G League, the Magic completed the 2018-19 season with a 32-18 record, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Lakeland Magic schedule consists of 50 regular-season games, with 24 home games at the RP Funding Center, plus a postseason. Flex plans and single-game tickets for the 2019-20 season are available by calling 863.825.3258 or visiting lakelandmagic.com. Stay up to date on all things Lakeland Magic by following @lakelandmagic on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

 

City takes first steps towards largest development project in Lake Wales history

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City takes first steps towards largest development project in Lake Wales history

The largest single development project in Lake Wales history has taken the first small step to becoming a reality. Winter Haven Corporation has revealed plans to develop 1,800 acres of vacant land south of Thompson Nursery Road. The company hopes to master plan all 1,800 acres at once, company officials said. About 600 acres of the property would remain undeveloped, officials added.

As such, city commissioners approved a first-reading Feb. 18 of an ordinance that would allow a new land use designation for the property, called “mixed use.” In order for that to happen, state officials will have to give their approval to the change.

The land was purchased almost six decades ago, and annexed into the city in 1995, but never was given an official zoning. The new “mixed use” classification could be used going forward on other development proposals in the city that included a minimum of at least 500 acres.

A second reading of the ordinance, and possible adoption, will come later after officials at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity take a look at the proposal. The state must approve any amendment to the city’s current comprehensive plan for a project of this size.

“Your comp clan does not anticipate a project of this size. Most of the parcels within Lake Wales are smaller parcels, much smaller, and are used for single use type things.

They’re used for residential, they’re commercial, they’re office,’ said Diane Chadwick, of Stantec, an international community planning and design firm that employs almost 700 workers in their Tampa location. “We’re anticipating that with 1800 acres, we would be able to have a mix of those uses so it’s best to have it as a cohesive project”.

“This is a lengthy process. This is not going to be happening overnight in terms of expecting change out there. It’s going to be a long time in coming just to get through the planning process.” said Winter Haven Corporation attorney Jack Brandon. “I think it’s going to take a year to a year and a half to secure the required approvals.”

She said plans could ultimately include public amenities like schools, churches, libraries and parks as well.

Both company officials and city representatives were in agreement that planning the entire project at once made the most sense.

“The alternative would be to parcel this out into individual parcels and let each applicant to come in and ask for a land use classification that would be suitable. We think the better plan is to master plan and then it can be marketed as a master planned community,” Brandon added. “And the idea is to work hand in glove, if you will, in partnership with the City of Lake Wales to produce a plan that will not only benefit the city, but also enhance the overall marketing of the property.”

“The planning board heard this at the end of January, almost the exact same presentation, and they gave a unanimous recommendation of approval to move forward,” said Kathy Bangley, assistant city manager for planning and economic development. “If you do 300 acres at a time, that’s only 900 houses, or that’s only this.

The impacts don’t appear the same. That’s why the unified, mixed use development is so much more desirable for something this size because it takes into account all of the impacts at the front end.”

While there was no opposition registered during a public hearing, citizens will get plenty of opportunity moving forward to ask questions and provide input.

“There’s at least four or five more public hearings that will be required to move this project forward over the next year or so. You’ll see these people a lot over that period of time,” City Manager Ken Fields said.

Commissioners were understandably excited by the proposal.

“This will be the biggest piece of business we have had as commissioners since we’ve been sitting here. This also will be the biggest expansion of this city that we have seen since I’ve lived here and that’s been 18 years,” said Mayor Eugene Fultz. “This is one of the best things that could happen to Lake Wales now. And knowing some of the people that are involved, it’s going to be a quality plan as it comes out.”

“These people have the reputation we can work with, and believe what they’re doing and saying,” added commissioner Al Goldstein.

The Winter Haven Corporation was originally formed by three local families, and today has fourth-generation family members that now are part of the mix, with about 30 total stockholders, according to President Philip Angell.

“We’re not developers. And we don’t want to be. To us, that means any effort to market a property of this size must be done in complete cooperation with with the city. This property will need a plan that will work for the city and meet its present and future needs, and I think we’ve put together a pretty good team to do that, ” Angell said.

“We are still a small, family owned corporation,” he added. “And we are committed to the principle that any action we take has to reflect both the best interests of the City of Lake Wales, and the Winter Have Corporation. If it doesn’t do that, then nobody wins.”

Haines City man Charged With Raping Two Young Girls

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Haines City man Charged With Raping Two Young Girls
Haines City man arrested for rape of two young girls HAINES CITY, FL – A 38-year-old Haines City man was arrested Thursday night for the rape of two girls under the age of 15 at his home. Joshua Tyler Ayers is being held on charges of 20 counts of custodial sexual battery and one count of sexual battery. One of the victims told police she was battered about 20 times. Another was sexually battered by Ayers last month. The two victims had become friends via social media and had arranged to have a sleepover and go to Legoland Florida last month. On Jan. 9, Ayers picked up one of the victims from Alachua County and drove her to his Haines City home where the other victim was also staying that night. On Jan. 11, Ayers sexually battered both victims at his home. The incident was reported by the mother of one of the victims on Thursday. Police obtained social media exchanges between a victim and Ayers referencing the incident. Ayers acknowledged the incident for one victim, but denied allegations made by the other. Police have obtained a search warrant and will review Ayers’ electronics. The investigation is ongoing. “The suspect’s actions are reprehensible, disgusting and unfathomable,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “We are going to do everything in our power to get justice for these victims. We will see to it that this suspect never harms anyone ever again.”

Bartow Police Searching For Suspects Who Attacked Student

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Bartow Police Searching For Suspects Who Attacked Student

PRESS RELEASE
BARTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT
02/28/2020

The Bartow Police Department is currently working a reported suspicious incident in the area of Clower Street and Woodlawn Avenue. At approximately 1:40 PM today, a middle school student reported he was riding his bicycle home after being checked out early from school. During the route home, the student was approached by two males in an older model single cab black truck, possibly a Ford Ranger or Chevrolet S10 style. One of the males exited the truck and battered the student, then both fled the area.

At this time, we are looking for possible witnesses to this incident and we are looking to locate the single cab black truck and suspects. The black truck had a black or gray barrel of some sort in the back of the truck, and the paint on the truck was faded. No other identifiable markings on the truck are available at this time.

If you have any information relating to this incident, or have video available of this area, please contact Det. Vaughn at 863-534-5040 ext. 5044. This investigation is ongoing at this time.

Smile! You’re On Video. Man Circles Shopping Cart Then Steals Phone

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Smile! You’re On Video. Man Circles Shopping Cart Then Steals Phone

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Come on man! What Are Ya Thinking? (shameless borrow from a famous Sheriff)
The guy in this video sees a mobile cart that the shopper (our victim) had left for a couple of minutes to look at merchandise. He inadvertently left the cell phone valued at $300 in the basket.
The guy in the video circles the cart, looks around and then you’ll see him take the phone and out he goes.
If anyone recognizes him, please call Detective Bharratt at 863-401-2256. Callers 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.


https://www.facebook.com/175433949189901/posts/3272455976154334/?vh=e

What is Fibromyalgia?

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What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (fibro for short) is a widespread pain syndrome primarily affecting the musculoskeletal system that is often associated with autoimmune diseases. Fibro isn’t at the moment classified as an autoimmune disease because it doesn’t cause inflammation, and there is no evidence that it damages the surrounding tissues. This could all change with more research and it really depends on who you ask. Doctors are unsure as to the exact cause of fibro, they do suspect that stress, or physical trauma could trigger the disease. As to why it is so often associated with autoimmune disorders doctors don’t have the answer to that either.

Fibro can mimic many autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. This is what makes this chronic condition so hard to diagnose. Not to mention the symptoms are all over the place literally. Any part of the musculoskeletal system can be affected like muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Also, lets not forget severe headaches, stiffness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, trouble concentrating, gastrointestinal tract problems like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and tender points all over the body (called trigger points) that are excruciating when touched. Something even as light as a piece of clothing could potentially cause pain to one of these tender areas. I personally like to wear stretchy things as to avoid setting off one of my trigger points.

These symptoms can really take a toll on a person’s quality of life. The joint, muscle pain, and stiffness are enough to debilitate anyone. Then add in all the other symptoms on top of that. With headaches so severe that it can make your hair follicles hurt, and you have to lay in a dark room because the light makes the pain worse.

Fibromyalgia comes in flares which means there might be times when the disease is more active than others. This works much the same as lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Because fibro so closely mimics other diseases you can see how it can be hard to get a diagnosis.

There are certain symptoms that help aid doctors in making a diagnosis after ruling out all other illnesses. Like persistent widespread pain, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and the trigger points that we discussed earlier. You must have eleven of the eighteen trigger points to be considered for meeting the diagnosis criteria. These spots on the body are located on the chest, neck, back, shoulders, hips, and knees on both sides of the body.

The truth of the matter is that fibromyalgia is shrouded in mystery. There is so much that we still don’t know or understand about this chronic illness. While there are treatments available no cure is known. I look forward to more research studies coming out in the future and maybe shedding some light on what causes fibro, as well as what the long-term effects are on the body. Again, I am not a medical professional and this article in no way should be taken as medical advice. As always thank you for reading this article, and I hope you gained a bit more understanding of this mysterious illness. Have a blessed day and keep fighting warriors.

Signed a fellow warrior,

Amy Archibald

Deputies Discover and Dismantle Chop Shop After Pasco Car Theft Victim Locates His Car Parks on Facebook Marketplace

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Deputies Discover and Dismantle Chop Shop After Pasco Car Theft Victim Locates His Car Parks on Facebook Marketplace

PCSO Press Release:

On February 25, 2020, the victim of a vehicle theft in Pasco County contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report that he found parts of his stolen Ford F350 pickup truck for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and had arranged to meet the seller on Willis Road in Mulberry, Florida.

PCSO detectives began an investigation, and identified the seller – they responded to Willis Road and interviewed him, during which he informed the detectives he purchased the truck parts from someone he met through Facebook Marketplace named Gary Williams.

Detectives immediately identified Williams (DOB 03/25/83) as a suspect who had been arrested by PCSO in 2013 for running a “chop shop,” including several stolen Ford trucks, U-Haul trucks, and other equipment that were dismantled and stored on Hillgrade Road in Mulberry. He was convicted in that case and spent four years in state prison – he was released in April 2018.

Detectives responded to the same property on Hillgrade Road from the 2013 case and spoke with Williams’ grandmother, who owns the property. She told detectives that Gary “brings his stuff” to store there but she doesn’t know if any of it is stolen. During an initial search, detectives located several vehicles with obscured/missing VIN numbers or license plates, vehicle parts, engines, transmissions, stripped vehicle frames, trailers, and heavy equipment such as skid steers.

On February 25th, they obtained a search warrant, and recovered:

  • parts from the original Pasco County victim’s stolen Ford F350 truck
  • the Pasco victim’s original sales receipt from Luxury Auto Mall from when he purchased the truck
  • a stolen Ford F150 truck from a September 2019 PCSO case
  • a stolen Ford F250 truck from a February 20th, 2020, Lake Wales P.D. case
  • a stolen flatbed cargo dump trailer from an April 2019 HCSO case
  • paperwork which appeared to be downloaded from the internet showing how to create unique pin stamping similar to what is used by vehicle manufacturers in the creation of stamped VIN, engine and transmission identification numbers
  • a box containing multiple vehicle key fobs and software to encode them to vehicles as well as OBD reader equipment for accessing computerized log and identification information stored in vehicle onboard computers
  • two AR15 rifles

On February 26th, they continued to search the property, along with representatives from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Lake Wales PD, Tampa PD, and HCSO. Using heavy equipment and agricultural crimes deputies’ equipment, they recovered:

  • a blue Ford F250 truck reported stolen to Tampa PD
  • a tan Ford F350 truck reported stolen to Pasco SO
  • three Ford F250 trucks reported stolen to HCSO

Car bodies, frames, truck beds, doors, and components were strewn about and/or partially buried on the property and wooded area adjacent to it. Three Caterpiller skid steers were also located,and believed to be used to cut trails through the wooded areas and to bury parts. The investigation is ongoing to recover and identify stolen vehicles and vehicle parts.

Williams was arrested and so far has been charged with:

  • Dealing in stolen property (F2)
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
  • 10 counts grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
  • Conspiracy to commit grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
  • Own/operate/conduct chop shop (F3)
  • Dumping/littering exceeding 500 lbs (F3)
  • Pollution (F3)
  • Operating unpermitted landfill (M1)
  • Burning tires (M1)
  • Waste tire violation (M1)
  • Poss/sale of motor vehicle with altered VIN (F3)
  • 21 counts violation of probation

Williams’ criminal history includes the following arrests and convictions:

  • 05/06/1998 – PCSO – Burglary with Assault or Battery; Grand Theft
  • 01/23/2002 – PCSO – Grand Theft; Burglary
  • 07/23/2002 – PCSO – Petit Theft
  • 12/02/2002 – Hillsborough SO – DWSLR
  • 06/28/2003 – Plant City PD – Grand Theft
  • 10/18/2003 – PCSO – Probation Violation
  • 03/02/2004 – PCSO – Possession of Weapon or Ammo by Convicted Felon; Probation Violation (sentenced to 2 years in prison)
  • 03/22/2004 – PCSO – Burglary; Grand Theft
  • 11/05/2009 – Hillsborough SO – DWLSR
  • 05/11/2013 – PCSO – Possess Vehicle with Forged Numbers; Burglary; Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle; Altered Property by Dealer of Property
  • 05/12/2013 – PCSO – Sell Vehicle with Altered Numbers (17 counts); Fail to Obtain Dep Permit Comply w/Law; Criminal Attempt Solicit Conspir 1st Deg Felony; Burglary (17 counts); Poss Burglary Tools with Intent to Use; Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle (18 counts); Organized Dealing in Stolen Property; Cultivate Marijuana; Poss Cannabis WIT Sell/Deliver; Traffic Marijuana; Obstructing Justice (7 counts) (sentenced to 5 years in prison)

He has 83 previous felonies, 3 misdemeanors, and has been to state prison twice. He was most recently released from prison in 2018.

“An astute car theft victim combined with excellent police work led to the dismantling of yet another chop shop run by a well-known convicted felon, Gary Williams. During our 2013 chop shop investigation, we had to use heavy equipment and dig down 30 feet on this property to find evidence and stolen parts. Williams has proven he will go to extreme depths – literally – to conduct his criminal enterprise.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Detectives also found a blue Ford pickup truck in the driveway, that 30-year-old Joshua Bellamy (DOB 05/22/89) advised belonged to him. Inside the truck they found two firearms and two baggies containing cocaine and crack cocaine. They also found a VIN plate from a stolen Ford King Ranch pickup truck from a November 2019 Plant City P.D. case. Bellamy is currently on probation for the sale of cocaine.

Bellamy was arrested and so far has been charged with:

  • Possession of cocaine (F3)
  • Possession of paraphernalia (M1)
  • 10 counts grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
  • Conspiracy to commit grand theft of a motor vehicle (F3)
  • Own/operate/conduct chop shop (F3)
  • Poss/sale of motor vehicle with altered VIN (F3)
  • 4 counts violation of probation

Bellamy’s criminal history includes the following arrests and convictions:

  • 04/05/2004 – PCSO – Burglary; Grand theft; Poss Burglary Tools
  • 04/23/2004 – PCSO – Grand Theft; Petit Theft
  • 11/04/2004 – Mulberry PD – Battery
  • 06/14/2007 – PCSO – Burglary
  • 03/18/2010 – Lakeland PD – Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon; Battery DV; Shoot Throw Missile Into Dwelling
  • 06/20/2012 – Lakeland PD – Battery DV
  • 08/19/2017 – PCSO – Battery DV
  • 02/01/2019 – PCSO – Traffic Cocaine; Poss Cocaine WIT Sell; Poss of Alprazolam Xanax (sentenced to 3 years probation)
  • Poss Marijuana; Poss Drug Para; Keep Shop Vehicle for Drugs
  • 05/28/2019 – PCSO – Order Revoking PTR (Trafficking Cocaine, Poss Alprazolam, Poss Cannabis, Poss Drug Para)
  • 11/28/2019 – PCSO – Poss of Suspended DL; KDWLSR; Poss More Than 1 Valid DL; Violation of Probation (Cocaine, Poss Controlled Substance, Poss Marijuana, and Poss Drug Para)

He has 11 previous felonies, 13 misdemeanors, and was sentenced to 3 years probation in 2019, due to end in August 2022.

Both suspects are in the Polk County Jail on no bond, and detectives will continue to recover and identify the numerous vehicle parts found on the property, which includes several acres. Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

 

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