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Financial Scams Targeting Seniors

Staff Reporter
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Financial Scams Targeting Seniors

Winter Haven Public Safety Department –

Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
Although scams know no age or ethnic boundaries, seniors are oftentimes targeted the most because of factors such as vulnerability, limited technology savvy, diminished mental capacity, possible higher net worth or just because the older generation tends to be a little more trusting. Whatever the case, criminals have no problem scamming citizens, especially the elderly. Being diligent is vital.

We continue to highlight various scams with proactive ways you can avoid becoming a victim. (Scan our posts for prior tips)

Today we want to warn about phone calls from a scammer claiming to be from your financial institution. The caller will inform the victim that their accounts have been accessed by a foreign hacker and the only way to prevent any removal of funds is to empty the account immediately. A “new account” will be provided and the victim is instructed how to access said account to deposit the funds. Or the caller will instruct the victim to immediately go to a retail outlet and purchase specific cash cards. and provide the information on the cards to have the money “deposited” into a safe account. Either way, your money is immediately GONE!


Do not fall for this. Any phone call from your banking institution can be verified by you hanging up and calling your local branch to inquire. Whatever you do, do not provide any of your account information.


Should you have any questions, you can always contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 863-291-6178.

23 Yr Old Polk County Man Facing Federal Charges Of Armed Carjacking & Robbery In Davenport

Carl Fish
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23 Yr Old Polk County Man Facing Federal Charges Of Armed Carjacking & Robbery In Davenport

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Armoni Moody (23, Davenport) with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Moody faces a minimum mandatory penalty of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Moody that the United States intends to forfeit a SCCY firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense. 

According to the indictment, on June 12, 2024, Moody used a firearm to commit a carjacking during which he took a vehicle from the victim with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. Prior to the offense, Moody had previously been convicted of robbery with a weapon on May 13, 2021. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

Editors Note: The carjacking & robbery followed an attempted marijuana buy! The suspect was supposed to sell the drugs to the victim. Here is a quote from the arrest affidavit – “The suspect tells the victim the marijuana is going to be $55, and the victim gives the suspect the money, at which time the suspect produces a handgun and holds it to the victim’s head, stating, “Yeah, this is a robbery ima need all that if you don’t give it up ima shoot you.”

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Forty-Two Year Old Woman Killed In Interstate 4 Crash In Polk County

Carl Fish
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Forty-Two Year Old Woman Killed In Interstate 4 Crash In Polk County

According to Sergeant Steve Gaskins, Florida Highway Patrol, Public Affairs Officer a deadly crash occurred last night on Interstate 4. The accident reportedly occurred around 10pm. “Vehicle 1, a Toyota 4Runner, driven by a 42-year-old Bradenton woman, was traveling westbound on I-4 in the center lane.  Vehicle 2, a Ford F550, driven by a 41-year-old Altamonte Springs man, was traveling westbound on I-4 in the outside lane, adjacent to Vehicle 1.  Near Milepost 34, Vehicle 1 traveled to the outside lane and collided with Vehicle 2.  Upon impact, Vehicle 1 traveled to the left, then back across the highway before overturning and striking the Exit 33 road sign as Vehicle 2 came to a controlled stop.  Driver 1 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash while Driver 2 was not injured. 

A passenger traveling in Vehicle 1, a 27-year-old Palmetto man, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. 

 

PCSO Gives Updated Details on Serious Crash Last Night on ABC Rd.

Staff Reporter
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PCSO Gives Updated Details on Serious Crash Last Night on ABC Rd.
Provided by PCSO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Brian Bruchey released a statement this morning regarding a serious crash on ABC Rd. last night:

The crash occurred south of Lake Wales at about 8:21 pm on Alturas-Babson Park Cutoff Road, approximately one mile west of US 27.

Four vehicles were involved, and nine of the ten people involved received various degrees of injuries. Two of the injured remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. A 13-year old girl also remains hospitalized with apparent non-life-threatening injuries.

Provided by PCSO

So far in the investigation, PCSO detectives believe the chain of events started when a 2010 Dodge Ram crossed over the center line and collided with a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup, and then a 2013 Ford Explorer.

Following that crash, some of the occupants exited their vehicles. A 2017 Chevy Silverado traveled onto the scene and collided with the Ford Explorer, causing the Explorer to rotate and strike three victims. The Chevy Silverado then struck two other victims and dragged them both for a short distance.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours.

Weather Experts Anticipate Tropical Depression to Form Later in the Week

Staff Reporter
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Weather Experts Anticipate Tropical Depression to Form Later in the Week

8pm update:

For the North Atlantic… Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico (AL97):

Disorganized showers and thunderstorms located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America are associated with a broad area of low pressure. Environmental conditions appear conducive for development of this disturbance, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form during the next few days while the system moves northward across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of development, this disturbance is expected to produce heavy rains over portions of Central America during the next several days.

Interests in the northwestern Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and western Cuba should closely monitor the progress of this feature. Later this week, the system is forecast to move generally northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and interests along the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast should also monitor the progress of this system.

Formation chance through 48 hours… medium…50 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days… high…80 percent.

Image source: US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida
Image source: US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida

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ORIGINAL POST

A message from the National Hurricane Center: This Sunday, disorganized showers and thunderstorms located over the western Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America are associated with a very broad area of low pressure. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual development of this system during the next several days.

A tropical depression is likely to form while the system moves slowly northward across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico through the end of the week. Regardless of development, this system is expected to produce heavy rains over portions of Central America during the next several days. It has a low ( 10 percent) chance of formation through 48 hours and a high ( 70 percent) chance in the next 7 days.


For more information, please visit Hurricanes.gov
For the marine forecast, visit: Hurricanes.gov/marine

One Person Killed In Rockridge Rd Crash North Of Lakeland

Carl Fish
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One Person Killed In Rockridge Rd Crash North Of Lakeland

According to Brian Bruchey, Public Information Officer, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office a deadly crash of the evening occurred about 8:36 pm at 12797 Rockridge Road, north of Lakeland, and involved just one vehicle—a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

 

According to the preliminary investigation, the truck had been traveling east on Rockridge Road when it left the roadway and struck a wooden power pole.

 

Upon the arrival of first responders, the driver was found deceased inside the vehicle. He was identified as 22 – year old Jerome Cooke of Lakeland.

 

Rockridge Road was closed for approximately four-and-a-half hours.


This crash remains under investigation.

Multi Vehicle Crash on Highway 27 S, Multiple Injuries Reported

Staff Reporter
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Multi Vehicle Crash on Highway 27 S, Multiple Injuries Reported

At approximately 8:21 PM, Polk County sheriffs office was advised of a traffic collision at Alturas Babson Park Cut Off (ABC) Road and US Highway 27.

9:32 PM update: We have an unconfirmed report of up to 4 vehicles involved in the crash. Hwy. 27 is said to be open; ABC Rd. Is shut down at this time.

Polk County Fire Rescue PIO Katelyn Hoverkamp has confirmed that six patients have been transported with injuries at this time.

We have unconfirmed reports that two helicopters may have assisted in transport. A third helicopter may be in transit to the scene.

9:42 PM update: Hoverkamp has confirmed PCFR has “transported three trauma alerts patients via helicopters, two basic life support (BLS) patients and one advanced life support (ALS) via ambulance.”

11:00 PM update: PCSO PIO Brian Bruchey communicated the following update: PCSO was dispatched at 8:21pm. It was reported to the PCSO that a crash occurred on Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road near US 27 in the Frostproof area. At least two vehicles were involved. Six people were transported to hospitals: 3 by ambulance, 3 by helicopter (1 was pediatric). At least one of the victims appears to have suffered serious bodily injuries.

This story will be updated if more information is available..

Lake Wales History Museum Invites You to Attend the 48th Annual Pioneer Days

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales History Museum Invites You to Attend the 48th Annual Pioneer Days

Lake Wales – The Lake Wales History Museum is excited to invite the community to the 48th Annual Pioneer Days Festival, a celebration of history and community spirit! Mark your calendars for October 26 and 27, 2024, from 9 AM to 5 PM at picturesque Lake Wailes Park, located at 33 North Lakeshore Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida.

Pioneer Days is a beloved local tradition that brings together the community and visitors to honor the pioneers who helped shape this thriving town. With Lake Wales now home to nearly 17,000 residents, this year’s festival is set to be a fantastic event showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant community of Lake Wales.

Angela Rosado, the Museum Director of the Lake Wales History Museum, shares her enthusiasm: “Pioneer Days gives us a fantastic chance to reflect on our history while coming together as a community. We’re really excited about the lineup this year, including the grand reopening of our museum and the return of the popular Beers with Pioneers event!”

Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to at the festival:

– **Heritage Village:** Step back in time with historical reenactors bringing early America to life!

– **Family Fun Zone:** Hosted by the Lake Wales Arts Council, this area will have loads of interactive activities for the kids.

– **Live Entertainment:** Enjoy fantastic performances from local musicians, storytellers, and entertainers throughout the weekend.

– **Community Market:** Presented by Buena Market, this market will feature talented local artisans showcasing their unique crafts.

– **Architectural Carriage Tours:** Enjoy a stylish ride as you explore the beautiful historical architecture of Lake Wales.

– **Cypress Gardens Ski Team Show:** Prepare to be thrilled by this exciting water ski performance highlighting local talent!

– **Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club:** Come see an impressive collection of classic tractors and engines on display.

Be sure to catch the special Pioneer Hour on Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 AM, where we’ll honor an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to our communityas this year’s Pioneer of the Year. We also invite businesses and community members to consider joining us as sponsors to support this cherished tradition while gaining great visibility in our community.

For more details about the Lake Wales Pioneer Days Festival, including sponsorship opportunities, visit www.lakewaleshistory.org/pioneer-days or email [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow on Facebook at Pioneer Days Festival and on Instagram @lakewalespioneerdays for all the latest updates and highlights!

Local Artist and Website Creator Hosting Exhibit and Meet & Greet

Staff Reporter
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Local Artist and Website Creator Hosting Exhibit and Meet & Greet

Jenny Grenke is a local artist and website creator. You may recognize her name from the local towing company, Maximum Towing and Transport of Central Florida in Frostproof.

“I began to study art in my late 30’s, under the artistic guidance of many local artists. Pat Bowen introduced oils to me and Richard Powers taught me the versatility of traveling with acrylics. Traveling has provided me with original photographs and onsite color studies that I bring back to my home studio to create art.

To broaden my interest in other mediums I attended workshops at Rosemary Brown Studios in Mt Dora to explore stained glass and mosaic art. Garland Weeks’ one-week intensive oil-based clay sculpting course at Susie Chisholm Sculpture Studio in Savannah Ga gave me an appreciation for well-trained sculptors. Instructors at St Pete Clay Company, Lake Wales Art Center and Transylvania Center for the Art in North Carolina taught me how to throw clay on a wheel. I continue to study at Florida Wildflower Studios with talented instructors from across America.

Studying abroad in Paris and Italy and New York City, on an art education tours with SFCC art professors Cathy Futral and Carla Respress opened a new world of subjects and encouragement.  While working at South Florida State College,I received an Honors in Associate Degree in Computer Programing with a focus in graphic design. Courses led me to grow design skills to create websites such as, Maximum Towing; Frostproof Care Center; Sonflower Studios, Sherry White Ministries; Grandma for President; Maximum Lawnscape, and Florida Wildflower Studios.

 I have taught art for Heartland Cultural Alliance, Frostproof Art Gallery, and Florida Wildflower Studios after school and summer children’s programs. Most rewarding has been working with children on three mission trips to Nicaragua, and “Wet Paint” classes for adults with special needs. 

 Currently, I plan to continue to travel in search of amazing inspirations. Also, to continue supporting the Florida Wildflower Studio, members and instructors through designing the website and monthly email newsletter to encourage artists to continue developing their skills and sharing knowledge with others.

Visit me at www.jennygrenke.com

In my early career I was a professional makeup artist for commercials, Televised music awards and video worked mostly in Nashville and Florida. Currently, I work for Maximum Towing and Transport of Central Florida in Frostproof. The owner is my son. Having my hands any almost every aspect of the job I get to use my creative skills with marketing and maintaining the website and social media ads. www maximumtowingteam.com”

Jenny Grenke will be having a meet and greet at an art exhibit coming up later this week.

The exhibit itself will be happening both in September and October. Meet and Greet the artist is Friday, Sept 27, 5-7pm. There will be food and an instrumental guitarist/songwriter performing.

Location: 12 E Wall Street in Frostproof

 

In Loving Memory of Glenda Marie Blake

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Glenda Marie Blake

Glenda Marie Blake
May 5th, 1951 – September 9th, 2024

Glenda Marie Blake, beloved daughter of the late Eugene L. Richardson and the late Catherine Q. Richardson closed her eyes in death after a lengthy illness on September 9, 2024. 

Glenda was part of a large happy family and one of six children.  She is survived by one sister Angela L. Richardson; one brother Don J. Richardson; nephews and nieces: Sean C. Richardson, Vernon G. Richardson, Jr., Eric Richardson, Brittani Richardson, Coleman A. Eldridge, III, Imani Richardson; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Ronald J. Blake; brothers Vernon G. Richardson and Nathan Richardson; sister Regina Y. Richardson; and Grandmother Annie C. Peace.  

Glenda was educated in the Baltimore City School system and graduated from Carver Vocational Technical High School in 1970.  Throughout her profession, she was employed by many Baltimore City title firms and banks, with her career ending as Supervisor to the Post Closing Department at the Summit Title Company.  Glenda loved nature and, in her youth, loved to draw and write poetry. 

 Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 2, 1968, Glenda went on to pioneer for many, many years even until her passing.  Although she faced many limitations, she loved and fully participated in all aspects of the ministry.  In recent years, she particularly loved telephone witnessing, of which she was known to have given beautiful presentations.   Glenda was very fond of her spiritual family and was known to be very generous.  Until the end, she remained a loyal and faithful servant to Jehovah.

 Revelation 21:4, “And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

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