You Won’t Believe What This Cook Made To Win Top Chef Of Polk County

Polk County

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February 27, 2020

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You Won’t Believe What This Cook Made To Win Top Chef Of Polk County

by James Coulter

Brandon Bailey, a chef with Terri Lobb Catering, wanted to impress the crowd and judges at Top Chef of Polk County. So he prepared a dish few of them probably ate before: elk.

Elk is a very tough meat to come by. He ordered his meat from New Zealand, and it took a month to be delivered to him in the states. Preparing the meat was also hard. He cooked the meat nice and slow in water at 137 degrees, and not a degree higher.

“You have to treat it like a baby,” he said.

He served the elk meat topped with a special bourrguignon sauce that took him three days to prepare, and served it with roasted caramelized tri-colored carrots and potatoes. The result was a truly unique dish that earned him the title of Top Chef of Polk County.

This was the second year Bailey participated in the annual fundraiser dinner in Lakeland. He competed alongside 12 other chefs throughout the county, competing against other fine dishes including crispy duck confit, wild boar bolognese, and ramen soup dumpling.

“I really wanted to do something different,” he said. “I wanted to make something that got people talking. I know a lot of people in the room probably never had elk before, and I wanted to bring something different this year.”

The dinner is a fundraiser for Achievement Academy, a local school that assists children with special needs and developmental disabilities. Bailey had the opportunity to tour the school last year. His visit motivated him to continue this year, he said.

“Last year really put it [the event] into perspective for me,” he said. “The impact we have on not only the community but the children, I toured the schools last year, and I saw what we were raising money for, and it was absolutley incredible.”

For the past six years, Top Chef of Polk County has brought together many chefs throughout the county to prepare special dishes during “a night of delicious food and fellowship,” its website states.

Participating that evening were 12 chefs from 12 local eateries and catering companies, including Nutwood, The Chop Shop, Terri Lobb Catering, Publix Aprons, and many more.

Guests attended the event at Sikes Hall within the RP Funding Center, where, aside from eating the food, they could also make donations through silent and live auctions and cash bars.

The dinner is the annual fundraiser for Achievement Academy, which, according to its website, “assist children with special needs to reach their maximum potential by providing quality education, therapy and family support; along with providing early intervention services to infants and toddlers whose development may be compromised.”

More than 100 guests were added this year, as the event served a packed house and raised more than $10,000 in proceeds for the school and its many programs and services, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

Ashlee Cofer, Development Coordinator for Achievement Academy, attributes the event’s success to community support for the school’s mission.

“It is amazing,” Cofer said of the turnout. “We are serving a packed house, and they are grateful for our school.

For more information about Achievement Academy, visit their website at: https://achievementacademy.com/

Psoriasis and How It Affects The Body

Health & Wellness

Staff Reporter

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February 27, 2020

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There are several types of psoriasis, I just want to mention two. Guttate and Plaque Psoriasis are both autoimmune diseases. Guttate psoriasis causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin usually in a tear drop pattern. Most patients contract guttate psoriasis in early childhood or early adult hood. Sometimes strep throat more commonly streptococcus (according to WebMD.com) can trigger an immune response that causes the immune system to begin to attack healthy skin tissue. Other triggers can also be due to stress and tonsillitis according to WebMD.com.

Guttate psoriasis must be diagnosed by a medical professional usually a dermatologist. The most common test used to diagnose this condition is a punch biopsy, this procedure is usually performed in the office by the dermatologist, and is then sent off to a lab to have the specimen examined by a pathologist to identify the cause of the rash on the skin. Treatment can range from moisturizers to topical steroids depending on the severity of the disease.

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic condition meaning you will have it for a lifetime, this is the most common form of psoriasis. As mentioned above it is an autoimmune disease; doctors are not sure exactly what triggers plaque psoriasis. Just as with guttate psoriasis plaque psoriasis must be diagnosed by a medical professional most likely a dermatologist, and the most common test used to diagnose the condition is a punch biopsy. Again, this is done right in the office and sent off to a lab where it is examined by a pathologist. There are many different treatments for plaque psoriasis such as light therapy, steroid creams, and Immunosuppressants.

Plaques (this is referring to the patches that this condition causes on the skin) they are reddish white scaly looking patches that have a defined edge around the patch of skin affected. These plaques can sometimes be painful, itchy, and come on any part of the body including the scalp and face. The plaques are caused by an over production of skin cells, this is what gives the white scaly appearance. If one of these plaques were to get pulled off the area could bleed.

Many people suffer with psoriasis, but most are embarrassed by the condition because it can range in severity. It can cover the whole body and in some cases the plaques can fall off leaving behind flakes of skin. To most people this condition looks scary, but it isn’t contagious and can’t be passed on to others. It is because the immune system is attacking itself as discussed above. Just because something looks scary or different doesn’t mean it should be feared. Thank you for reading this article I hope it helps those who suffer with it not feel so alone. Have a blessed day!

Signed a fellow warrior,

Amy Archibald

Convicted Felon Arrested For Posession of A Firearm the Same Day He Was Released From Prison

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Convicted Felon Arrested For Posession of A Firearm the Same Day He Was Released From Prison

On February 25, 2020, a PCSO deputy sheriff conducted a traffic stop on Hopson Road in Frostproof after observing 23-year-old Danique Rosius, who was a passenger in the car, holding two unsecured toddlers in his lap while the vehicle was in motion. It was being driven by his twin sister, Monique Rosius. After the deputy activated his lights and sirens for the traffic stop, the vehicle drove slowly for another mile before finally pulling over.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a handgun and a loaded magazine next to it in the glovebox. Rosius told deputies he didn’t know it was in the car and that he had just been released from state prison that day. He was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F-2) and booked into the Polk County Jail.

“One would think if you’ve just been released from prison after being convicted of violent felonies, you would do everything in your power to not break the law again, or be anywhere near a firearm. This guy literally broke the law the same day he was released from custody, not to mention putting small children in danger. We hope he’s learned his lesson this time.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Rosius’ criminal history includes an arrest by PCSO for robbery in 2014, an arrest by Highlands County SO in 2015 for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and an arrest by Highlands County SO for resisting arrest, giving false info to LEO, and VOP. He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for the armed robbery and aggravated assault, and he was released on February 25, 2020.

Lakeland Pedestrian Killed After Walking Out In Front Of a PCSO Patrol Car

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Lakeland Pedestrian Killed After Walking Out In Front Of a PCSO Patrol Car

PCSO Press Release:

A Lakeland man was killed Tuesday night, February 25, 2020, after he ran into a Bartow roadway, in the path of an oncoming Polk County Sheriff’s Patrol car. The deputy was not injured. The crash occurred at about 7:59 p.m. on U.S. 98, south of Old Eagle Lake Bartow Road.

44-year-old Thomas Morrison suffered blunt force trauma from the impact, and was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the patrol car was Deputy Sheriff Forrest Scott, who has been with the agency since June of 2018.

According to the preliminary investigation, Deputy Scott was driving northbound in the outside lane of U.S. 98, and was not in emergency mode (no lights or sirens). A witness to the crash confirmed that the deputy did not appear to be driving in excess of the speed limit (speed limit in this area is 45 mph). The witness said that Morrison ran into the roadway in an easterly direction into the path of the deputy’s car.

The area where Morrison was crossing is not a marked crosswalk, and the two nearest street lights were not illuminated. Morrison was also wearing dark clothing.

Deputy Scott quickly swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid hitting Morrison, but the right portion of the push-bumper struck the man. Morrison’s head and body hit the passenger side windshield, and he fell to the ground.

Deputy Scott immediately notified dispatch of the crash, and began to render aid to Morrison.
Traffic homicide detectives learned that Bartow Police Department had been notified at 6:08 p.m. that day about a white male wearing dark clothing walking in-and-out of traffic near the 1000 block of Highway 17. Officers made contact with the man, and he was identified as Morrison.

Morrison had spent time in the Polk County Jail between July and August of 2019 for a VOP warrant, and again from December 2019 to January 2020. Both times, he was placed on suicide watch.

There is no evidence at this point in the investigation of excessive speed or distracted driving.
The crash remains under investigation.

Local CEO Raising Money For Juvenile Diabetes Research

Florida

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Local CEO Raising Money For Juvenile Diabetes Research

by James Coulter

Amanda Douglas, CEO of Celebration Title Group in Celebration, made an important announcement through a Facebook video. She thanked her followers for the donations they made to Juvenile Diabetes Research (JDRF) Central Florida through her company’s team, Bobby’s Bandits, which will be participating in an upcoming charity walk in March.

As the mother of a teenage son with Type 1 Diabetes, the charity walk, JDRF One Walk, is for a cause that is important to her, which is why her company has supported and donated to it for many years. Currently, her team has raised $5,000 slightly shy of their overall goal of $10,000.

“This is something that is true and dear to my heart,” Douglas said in her video. “It is a lifelong disease and something that requires a lot of funds and research and we are hoping to find a cure one day, so your donations go a long way.”

Amanda’s 14-year-old son, Bobby, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes four years ago. The disease requires him to take daily insulin shots and even wear an insulin pump, the costs of which can be quite pricey, she said.

“As a single mom focusing on the idea to spend hundreds of dollars [per month] to keep my son alive from this disease, it was something that I did not want others to go through and something I wanted to think about,” she said.

“Sometimes it is scary,” she said. “Sometimes you are worried about your child and learn how to adjust…And for ten-year-olds, it is rough and hard and a lifestyle change they have to make and try to stay on top of it.”

Ever since then, her company, Celebration Title Group, has been involved with raising donations for JDRF Central Florida, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and proceeds for juvenile diabetes research in hopes to one day finding a cure.

Each year, Amanda and her company tries to raise at least $10,000 to donate to JDRF Central Florida. They have also been involved with the annual charity WALK, which will be hosted at the University of Central Florida on March 7.

As the owner of Celebration Title Group, her company helps “redesign” the home buying experience, ensuring that it is a more hospitable experience for homeowners seeking to sell and close their old homes and purchase a new one.

“If you ever bought a home, or closed on a home, a title company can be stale and boring, but we make it a celebration, hence the name,” she said. “We understand it is a customer service company. We want to celebrate our customers closing in.”

Her company has since celebrated its four-year anniversary, having recently opened its ninth office with more than 40employees overall. Their company has experienced “growth mode” within the past four years, all the better to help give back to the local community through their donations to diabetes research and awareness.

So far, this year, they had 60 people sign up to walk, and thus far they have raised more than $5,000 of their $10,000, which they hope to eventually reach.

The staff at Celebration Title have also been committed and supportive of the company’s dedication towards juvenile diabetes research. They empathize with the experience of theiremployer’s son and the struggles that all people with diabetesexperience, and are raising money and awareness for the cause.

Amanda’s company has been extremely supportive in helping raise money for awareness and research. She hopes one day that the efforts today will make a difference for the future.

“So the walk will have a huge turnout, and hopefully we can help to make a big impact,” Amanda said. “It is something that effects families and young children. We want to help JDRF so the research funded can help other families and we will be able to turn TYPE1 into TYPEnone and a childhood based on needles and doctor appointments will be a thing of the past.“

For more information about the upcoming walk, visit their website: https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=7920&pg=entry

Tampa Maid Foods Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Tampa Maid Foods Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

Do you buy battered shrimp or breaded scallops from the frozen food aisle? Have you ever ordered a fried pickle or green tomato from a local restaurant? If you have, then chances are your frozen delicacies were prepared by Tampa Maid Foods.

For the past 40 years, Tampa Maid Foods have been preparing breaded and battered food items, especially seafood such as shrimp, calamari, scallops, and oysters. Other items include breaded mushrooms and cauliflower, and fried pickles and cheese curds.

Their frozen foods are sold at regional and national food chains and served at local restaurant throughout Polk County. If you’ve ever ordered fried pickle fries, chances are they were prepared by Tampa Maid Foods. For the past 11 years, they have partnered with Jimmy Buffet to sell their food at Magaritaville.

Now the food company is set to create other innovations in frozen delicacies with their new Innovation, Culinary and Education Center, which recently opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Tampa Maid Food has been operating in Lakeland for 23 years.

Rod Van Wyngarden, President and Chief Operating Officer, has been in the food business for 35 years, having previously worked for companies such as Cargill, and having run several restaurants.

After moving with his children eight times, he decided to settle down once and for all in Florida. He moved to Lakeland, where he has been working with Tampa Maid Food ever since. Both his job and his new community have proven to be a great fit for him and his family. He is especially excited about growing Tampa Maid Foods at their new location.

“We couldn’t be more excited about Lakeland,” he said. “When I moved down here with my family, I couldn’t pick a better place for my family than Lakeland. As we look to double in size in the next ten years, which is our mantra, this center is a step in that direction.”

Ryan Ress, a board member for the Chamber Executive Committee, commended Wyngarden and his company for choosing Lakeland as the location for their new facility. He hopes that the new place will bring with it economic opportunity.

“We would like to thank you for your investment in the community, and the economic growth of Lakeland as a whole,” he said. “You have been here for 23 years, so we appreciate the continued growth and the innovation center.”

Lakeland City Commissioner Phillip Walker likewise commended Tampa Maid Foods for the economic development their company has provided to the local community, especially within his own district. The innovation center itself cost more than $5 million to construct, and the company overall has employed nearly 340 employees.

“Thank you for choosing Lakeland for doing business in our city,” Walker said. “Lakeland is a vibrant city…we are the best. Thank you again for being here.”

The Tampa Maid Foods innovation center is located at 1600 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805. For more information, call 863-687-4411, or visit their website at: https://www.tampamaid.com/

Detroit Tigers Welcomed Back To Lakeland With 74th Annual BBQ

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Detroit Tigers Welcomed Back To Lakeland With 74th Annual BBQ

by James Coulter

The Detroit Tigers returned once again to Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland to commence their spring training with the 74th Annual Tiger BBQ.

Nearly 800 people arrived to Joker Marchant Stadium for a chance to eat good old-fashioned barbecue, including pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and shrimp, along with all of the “fixins” such as potato salad, cole slaw, and macaroni salad.

For the past 74 years, the Detroit Tigers have traveled to Lakeland for their spring training; and each and every year, the city has shown their gratitude for the team with an annual barbecue.

“I think this is all due to Lakeland’s hospitality,” said Jackie Johnson, Senior Vice President of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the economic impact that the Tigers bring from the community. So we are more than happy to welcome them back and show how much we appreciate them being here.”

The Detroit Tiger do not merely attend for spring training. They remain in Lakeland year-round, Johnson said. They also help out with the local community with various organizations. Even then, their spring training proves to be a real boost to the local economy.

“Spring Training provides the State of Florida with an estimated economic impact of $753 million each year,” reported Visit Central Florida. “In Lakeland, that translates to approximately $45 million—last year bringing 111,561 fans to the games at our newly renovated Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. The majority of these fans are from out of state—bringing new money into our area!”

Matthew Clark, Chair of the Lakeland Chamber Board, appreciated the turnout that evening, as it proved that the local community appreciates everything that the Detroit Tigers does as far as economic impact and local entertainment.

“We are north of 800 people with a great crowd of Tiger players and fans and chamber members and people from the community,” he said. “I think it [the barbecue] meets expectations. We have a great crowd, great turnout.”

Al Avila, the current Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager of the Detroit Tigers, consider Lakeland their “home away from home.” He also appreciates the local community and hopes that he and his team will continue to train there for years to come.

“I have been coming here [to the event] for 18 years, and it is always a great time,” he said. “We love it here, we appreciate here very much…let us have fun this spring training, the Tigers will do better, and we will win games for you.”

36th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Lets The Good Times Roll

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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36th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras Lets The Good Times Roll

by James Coulter

Betty Perdue may be 90 years old, but she’s been partying at the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras since it started 36 years ago. Why does she and her friends keep coming back time and again? As she said, “Because we haven’t died yet.”

Perdue remembered when the annual Mardi Gras event started in 1984 in memory of Vinton Davis, a local entrepreneur and lover of all things New Orleans. When he passed away, his family wanted to host a New Orleans-style jazz funeral procession. They did the next best thing and hosted a Mardi Gras celebration. The city has been continuing the annual tradition ever since.

Perdue remembered when the event was still in its infancy. When it first started, there was street dancing and a ball hosted at the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel. Even though the event has changed, her love for it remains the same.

She and her friends with the Pegasus Krewe participate every year in the parade. This year, much to their krewe’s names, they decorated their float with plenty of feathers. Perdue loves Mardi Gras, and she hopes to continue living so that she can continue celebrating.

“We love the fun and street dancing,” she said. “We still love to dance, we love to have fun. We live here for the day. We will be here next year.”

Perdue and her krewe were one of many that participated within the Mardi Gras parade, the main highlight of the annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras celebration as hosted along the shores of Lake Wailes.

This year’s event consisted of several floats and other units as created by krewes and local organizations such as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Wales Care Center, and, of course, The Daily Ridge.

Each float had a uniquely festive style, ranging from 1920s flappers at a speakeasy to 60s hippies and Western cowboys. The remainder of the event was hosted at Lake Wailes Park with food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music.

Krewe Zazu, one of the founding krewes for the event, participated with their members dancing to the song “Don’t Believe Me, Just Watch” while dressed in colorful costumes with fake eyes and lips in very interesting places.

The krewe consists of second and third generation partygoers. They love participating in the parade, and consider it the highlight of the event.

“It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without Zazu,” one member said.

Another krewe, Krew Kaos, while not participating in the event for as long, has been around for a long time, having attended for the past 12 years. This year, their floated was “very groovy” with its members dressed as hippies.

“Everything is fun,” said one krewe member, Marilyn Helm. “From creating the float, to coming out and throwing the beads at the kids and everyone in between. We want a pumped up crowd with people involved and to see the people come out and have a good time.”

From Pork Eggrolls To Brisket Baos: Chain of Lakes Eggfest

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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From Pork Eggrolls To Brisket Baos: Chain of Lakes Eggfest

by James Coulter

Martin Sullivan, Mayor of Frostproof, loves to barbecue. He attended The Central Florida Eggfest last Saturday to share his love by preparing apricot-glazed chicken wings. He also used the opportunity to promote his own barbecue event, Fire It Up! Frostproof, scheduled for Mar. 7.

This was the first time that he had participated in Eggfest. He had attended two similar events before. He loves the diversity of food prepared at these Eggfests, especially using the signature Green Egg Grills.

“I love the variety,” he said. As for what he also loves about the event, he explained: “I love the music and the atmosphere and all the food available. [I hope] It is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

His apricot glazed wings were one of several unique food items prepared at the Third Annual Central Florida Eggfest in Winter Haven on Saturday.

Hosted at the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County, the Chain of Lakes Eggfest, hosted by Mannix Pools, has served as a fundraiser for the local organization to help finance its local children’s programs and services, especially its after school programs.

More than 20 teams from across the county, as well as the country, participated at the event, serving unique items from barbecue pizzas to fried pork egg rolls and brisket bao rolls.

All of these items were prepared using the signature Green Egg grills, special ceramic grills whose shape and material help provide optimal cooking temperature for a variety of food items.

For the low price of a $25 entry fee, attendees could sample as many of these food items that they could. Such a low fee for such a diverse selection of gourmet food items has drawn attendees in by the droves over the past three years.

Shannon Duncan, a committee member for the event, has been friends with the organizer, BJ Mannix, since it started three years ago. Mannix had helped him with a previous festival, so Duncan has been helping his Eggfest out in turn.

When the Eggfest kicked off with its VIP event on Friday, the weather was cold, dropping below the 40s, with very high winds of 20 to 25 mph. Fortunately, Saturday brought warmer weather, and with it larger crowds, Duncan said.

“By the look of the crowd, it is by far our most successful Eggfest,” Duncan said. “It keeps on growing, and we plan on continuing to grow as the years go by.”

BJ Mannix, the owner of Mannix Pools and the head of the event, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. This year’s event more than exceeded expectation with more sponsors, more vendors, and especially more attendees.

“That shows we are doing something right,” Mannix said. “This event has grown, and it is because of the local community….We love the food. We love the people. I am enjoying the people who come out and support us.”

Jeepin With Judd Kicks Up Dirts For Sixth Year

Staff Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Jeepin With Judd Kicks Up Dirts For Sixth Year

by James Coulter

For the past two years, Robert Erickson, owner of 12th Street Embroidery, has been traveling down from Maryland to Bartow for an opportunity to showcase and sell his Jeep gear, from badges and stickers to trailer hitch covers.

As a law enforcement officer, he especially loves attending an event like Jeepin With Judd that assists law enforcement. The only thing he loves more than Jeeps are people within his profession.

“Anything Jeep related is always fun,” Erickson said. “This is a cause close to my heart…I am law enforcement, so any law enforcement event is close to my heart.”

Erickson’s business was one of several sponsors for this year’s Jeepin With Judd, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) to raise proceeds for its many charities, including its Youth Ranch.

Hundreds of Jeep owners from across the county, and even the state and country, travel to Bartow every year to showcase their vehicles and drive along off-road trails.

With so many people attending each year, the event has grown to be the second largest Jeep event in the state, and each and every year it has grown to be bigger and better, explained Ian Floyd, a major with the PCSO Special Operations Division.

“We certainly had more people than last year,” Floyd said. “It has been an overwhelming success. More jeeps and people showed up. More vendors. The number of trail rides have grown, and everybody has enjoyed themselves.”

For the past six years, the event has experienced overwhelming success. Most of this is due for the local community’s love, not only of off-road vehicles like Jeeps, but also of their county’s law enforcement, especially their Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd.

Floyd himself loves being able to engage in the camraderie of the event and hear everyone’s glowing feedback.

“Everybody has a good time,” he said. “I love being with the troops and the folks and getting feedback from the event.”

Peter “Sarge” Conklin, owner of Mahalak Auto Group, which operates Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, has been participating in the event with his business for the past four years.

As retired military, he appreciates any event that supports the troops or local law enforcement. At the event, he sold T-shirts for $2, the proceeds from which helped go towards the Polk County Youth Ranch.

Aside from selling Jeep merchandise and memorabilia, Sargealso used the opportunity to showcase some of the new Jeep models, including the Jeep Gladiator, showing potential customers what these vehicles can do and what they are capable of.

Sarge especially loves the diversity and the number of trails at the event, with each of them specially-tailored for different skill levels, from beginners to experts.

“For Florida, this is the Super Bowl,” he said. “I enjoy the people, lifelong friends…who love Jeeps come from every single background from doctors to artists to lawyers to blue collar. It is a mix of everybody, and in it, you will meet people you may have never approached in your day to day life who have become lifelong friends.”

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