Kimberly Kinsley June 01, 1979 – September 30, 2019 Kimberly’s Obituary Last weekend, our agency suffered a tragic and untimely loss. Kimberly Kinsley, PCSO Crime Scene Technician member number 5910, who dedicated 18 years of her life to public service, passed away from a sudden illness. We will have a Celebration of Life service for […]
POLKOBITS
Kimberly Kinsley | June 01, 1979 – September 30, 2019 | Obituary
Compass Blending Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Of New 10,000 Square Foot Facility
Compass Blending Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Of New 10,000 Square Foot Facility
by James Coulter
Compass Blending, a dry food blending and processing company, opened its doors last year with only eight employees. Since then, the company has experienced tremendous growth. Not only have they grown to 34 employees, but they have also grown to the point where they had to move to a larger facility.
Having previously operated from a 3,100 square-foot location along Kidron Road in Lakeland, their business has since moved its operations to its new 10,000 square-foot facility along Anchuca Drive, down the road from Lakeland-Linder Airport.
Compass Blending celebrated its expansion into a newer, larger location through its grand opening ceremony, commemorated with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Friday afternoon.
The company operates in the industry of dry food blending, which includes various dry food products ranging from drink and cake mixes. If it’s something you prepare by just adding water, then it’s probably a product that Compass Blending specializes in.
Angie Fortes, CEO of Compass Blending, started her business last year. She has been living within Polk County and the state for the past 20 years. She firmly believes that this is the best of all places to start a new business such as her own, she said in an article for BizJournal.
“I’m extremely excited for this venture,” she said in the article. “When I went to open my own business, Polk County and Lakeland were willing to do business and they have worked in the industry. All signs pointed to Lakeland.”
When she started her business, she had no idea how much it would grow. So the growth that her business has experienced since only opening one year ago has been nothing short of a pleasant surprise, and she hopes to see even more growth in the near future.
“There has been tremendous growth,” she said. “We had no idea we were going to grow this fast, and quite honestly, we are still growing. The sky is the limit.”
Fortes and her employees celebrated the opening of their new facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests could take a tour of the building, as well as sample many food products that are blended, processed, and manufactured there, including ice slushy mixes and barbecue seasoning rubs.
Greg Ruthven, a Certified Commercial Investment Member and local real estate broker, boasted of the economic growth that the company managed to not only create for itself, but in turn help create for the local community.
“[This has been] tremendous growth, as fast as anybody we ever had in the history of our family as far as a customer,” he said. “We are really proud of what you have done. You have worked hard, and you deserve the accolades.”
Justin Troller, Chair of the City’s Municipal Boards And Committees, representing the City of Lakeland on behalf of the Mayor, also boasted about the economic growth experienced and promoted by the company.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, not only on the national level, but also the local level,” he said. “So we are thrilled you are able to employ people here…and congratulations on your expansion.”
Compass Blending is located ar 3850 Anchuca Dr, Lakeland, FL 33811. For more information, visit their website at: http://compassblending.com/
In Memory ROBERT WILLIAM HELMS
In Memory ROBERT WILLIAM HELMS
Robert “Billy” Helms, 48,of Babson Park, entered into rest Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Lake Wales. He was born Jan. 11, 1971, in Bartow, to Ray and Bertha Helms.
He was a resident of Babson Park for 28 years, coming from Fort Meade. He was a heavy equipment operator at Mosaic South Fort Meade Mine for 21 years and of the Christian faith.
Billy enjoyed vacations to Casey Key and the mountains, fishing, baseball, being with his wife, girls, family and friends. He also enjoyed attending church at the First Christian Church of Babson Park.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Bertha Helms.
He is survived by his wife, Carole Helms, of Babson Park; daughters, Leigh-Anne, Lacey and Lindy; father, Ray Helms; sister, Cindy Richman (Rob); brother, Wally Helms (Wendy); sister, Leta Short (Russel); and many nieces and nephews. He was expecting his first granddaughter, Olivia Rae, in November.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at
First Christian Church of Babson Park.
Man Shot Twice During Incident At Lake Wales Residence
Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release
A fight between two Lake Wales men on Monday, October 7, 2019 ended with one of the men being shot twice and sent to the hospital. He remains in critical condition.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at about 6:08 P.M. Monday night, October 7, 2019, to a residence just off US Hwy 27 near Bok Academy.
During the fight, one man was shot with a Glock 9mm, once in the thigh, and once in the abdomen.
Both men were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
The names of the two men are not being released at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.
The man who was shot is in critical condition. The other man was treated for minor head injuries, and was released from the hospital.
Detectives spoke with several witnesses, with some saying that they saw the two men fighting on the ground.
One witness said the confrontation started when she came to her former residence with the man who was eventually shot. She was there to retrieve her remaining property from the home where the man who shot the other man lives.
According to the shooter, the other man had followed him into his residence before both men exited and a physical fight took place outside.
The shooter said he had been punched numerous times in the face, and was being held in a headlock which made him feel like he was about to pass out, so as a last resort, he shot the other man.
He said he then handed his gun over to a witness and remained on scene until deputies arrived.
Evidence at the scene corroborates statements from the witnesses and shooter.
The man who was shot has not been able to speak with detectives due to his condition.
Detectives are reviewing the shooting to determine if the facts support a “Stand Your Ground” self-defense case.
Chief Charlie Bird Seeking Winter Haven Residents to Participate in the 2020 Winter Haven Police Leadership Council
Chief Charlie Bird Seeking Winter Haven Residents to Participate in the
2020 Winter Haven Police Leadership Council
Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird is seeking residents of Winter Haven, who are over the age of 18, to participate in the Winter Haven Police Leadership Council. The dates for the council will be held every other Tuesday beginning in January until the end of April 2020.
The Council will consist of approximately 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet every other Tuesday from 6 – 9 p.m. with Chief Bird and agency members from both Police and Fire for a total of eight meetings. The Council will begin on January 21, 2020. Participants will be asked to complete assignments and provide feedback on Department operations.
Members of the Council will experience hands-on activities over the course of the eight weeks while gaining a much better understanding of what it takes to operate Municipal Police and Fire Departments. Council members will participate in tours at the Polk County Jail book-in, Central County Jail and the Courthouse. Participants will be required to serve specified times at the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center and complete a Ride-A-Long with an officer. Participants have proven to be a valuable community resource in advising on topics that affect the agency.
Those interested in serving on the Police Leadership Council can request an application by calling 863-291-5858, ext. 2351. Applications can also be obtained by going to the Department website at www.WinterHavenPD.com and clicking the Community Services link on the homepage or send an email to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted no later than December 1, 2019 to be considered for the upcoming council that will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Citizens awarded the opportunity to serve will be notified no later than December 15 in order to make plans for the meeting dates. A listing of meeting dates will be sent along with the application.
UPDATE on Double Homicide in Winter Haven
** Update to Double Homicide **
The two victims in the double homicide that occurred on Oct. 6, 2019 have been identified as 23 year-old Chanel Zhane Brown (last known address in Lake Hamilton) and 42 year-old Latoya Dimitria Owens (also goes by last name of Grant). The two women were found inside of the residence located at 127 Ave. V NW in Winter Haven. Owens lived at the home.
A person of interest has been identified as 35 year-old Antonio Jamar Davis (DOB 9-5-84, LKA 1021 N Tangerine St., Lake Hamilton). Last night, he turned himself in at Lakeland Police Department for an outstanding warrant (unrelated to this case) for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Battery. Additionally, Winter Haven detectives were able to identify Davis in a disturbance that occurred on August 28, 2019 at 320 Ave. U, NW in Winter Haven where Davis displayed a firearm and indicated he would “use it.” He was booked into the Polk County Jail early this morning for the warrant charges as well as Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon.
Investigators continue to follow tips and leads that are received and ask the public to call if anyone has any information regarding this case. Those wishing anonymity should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Crash Saturday Night
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Crash Saturday Night
On October 5, 2019, at 9:59 p.m., the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a single-vehicle crash on Old Polk City Road near Edna Holladay Drive in Haines City.
The driver, 21-year-old Christopher Cote of Winter Haven, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The preliminary investigation shows that Cote’s green 1997 Dodge pickup was eastbound on Old Polk City Road when, for unknown reasons, it failed to negotiate a curve, and drove off of the roadway. The truck struck an embankment and flipped.
Cote was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, but the truck was not equipped with airbags.
At this time, it is unknown if impairment, excessive speed, or distracted driving contributed to the crash.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office closed off Old Polk City Road for three hours for the investigation and recovery.
The investigation is ongoing.
Hilton Lakeland Home2 Suites Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Hilton Lakeland Home2 Suites Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
by James Coulter
Looking for a hotel to stay in Lakeland with all the comforts of home away from home? Then consider booking a suite at the new Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland.
Located near the Lakeside Village Shopping Center along Harden Boulevard, this modern-design hotel has hundreds of suites with full-sized in-room kitchens with microwave, refrigerator, and cooktops available upon request.
Aside from suites that provide all the comfort of home, this hotel also features other amenities including an outdoor pool, indoor fitness center, laundry room, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free breakfast every day.
Best of all, the hotel is located within the Lakeside Village, which means that guests are only a brief walk away from a shopping spree at several stores, a nice evening dinner, or a night at the movies.
The hotel is pet-friendly and eco-friendly. So not only can you stay the night with your favorite furry friend, but rest easy knowing that your stay is environmentally friendly.
“They can expect a clean and comfortable environment as well as friendly staff and efficient service,” explained Linda Camarena, Regional VP of Sales for BaywoodHotels. “We just want to stick around and help the community for as long as we can.”
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland was built earlier this year in May. Recently, it celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Thursday afternoon.
Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, as always, helped cut the ribbon after offering a few words of endearment for the new hotel. As Lakeland grows with the rest of Florida, they will need accommodations such as those provided by this new facility to better facilitate guests and tourists visiting the area, he said.
“We are so excited to have an extended stay hotel in this location, which is the ideal location in Lakeland,” he said.
Will Link, Chamber Board Member and Real Estate Attorney, knows from firsthand experience the great accommodations the hotel brand provides its guests. Earlier this year, he stayed at a hotel during a trip to South Dakota.
He had to stay an extra night due to his flight being snowed in. Not only did the hotel provide him a room, but they offered it to him free of charge, he said.
“I can’t promise you free rooms here,” he said. “So when I found out this brand was coming to Lakeland, I was so excited to hear about it, and I was looking forward to this day for a long time. So thank you [for coming] here.”
Hilton Lakeland Home2 Suites is located at 3610 Lakeside Village Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, call 863-500-6869.
PCSO Conducting an Investigation of a Deputy-Involved Shooting Following a Domestic Disturbance
PCSO Conducting an Investigation of a Deputy-Involved Shooting Following a Domestic Disturbance
Deputies were dispatched to a residence at 830 Hyland Avenue in Winter Haven at 10:34 P.M. Friday night, October 4, 2019, after a 911 caller reported that the man, 53-year-old James Busch, had shot himself in the head.
Busch’s ex-girlfriend reported that she had gone to Busch’s home to retrieve her dog and an argument began. She said that Busch yelled, “You’re not going anywhere,” and he locked the gate. He then beat her and put a gun to her chin, threatening to kill her.
The ex-girlfriend said that Busch paced around while drinking whiskey and asked why she didn’t love him. She feared that he was going to shoot her and kill himself.
She called Busch’s brother on the phone, and after Busch spoke with his brother, he handed the phone back to the victim and Busch shot himself under the chin causing massive injuries.
When deputies arrived at the front door of the house they saw Busch sitting on a recliner, still conscious, and still holding a 357 magnum revolver.
Busch was given numerous commands by the deputies to drop the handgun, but refused. Using both hands, Busch began to raise the gun up from his lap while cocking the hammer back.
Fearing for the safety of the deputies at the scene, one deputy shot Busch twice, intentionally striking him once in the right arm, and once in the left hand, he then dropped the gun. Then deputies began life-saving measures until EMS arrived and transported him to a local hospital. The life-threatening injury was caused when Busch shot himself in the head, not from the shots in the arm.
Busch is currently in extremely critical condition at a local hospital. The ex-girlfriend was uninjured but was also transported to the hospital for an anxiety attack.
The case is still under investigation. Should James Busch survive his self-inflicted gunshot wound, he will face multiple felony charges.
It is unfortunate that James Busch chose to gravely injure himself and threaten to kill his ex-girlfriend. I am pleased that our deputies who put themselves at extreme risk to render aid to Mr. Busch were not injured.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings will include three independent investigations. PCSO homicide unit will conduct an investigation.
Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation. Per agency protocol the members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.
Scholarship Awards Presented By Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation
Release By The Polk County Police Chiefs Association:
Scholarship Awards Presented
On Oct. 3, 2019, 5 high school graduates received scholarships from the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation in honor of the late Auburndale Police Chief, Nolan McLeod. McLeod, who died of stomach cancer in 2012, told family and friends his dying wish was to help the children of law enforcement officials in Polk County.
The ceremony was held at the Bartow Civic Center during the monthly Polk County Police Chiefs Association’s meeting. The scholarships are funded solely through private donations and fund raisers held through the year. Over the past five years, the foundation has awarded 42 scholarships totaling $81,500.00 to the children of law enforcement. With yesterdays presentations, that number grew to 47 scholarships and totals $101,500.00
“Nolan was a believer in education, and he wanted to see more opportunities for children of law enforcement officers,” said Nancy McLeod, McLeod’s wife who also attended the ceremony along with sons Joel and Chad.
Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez, president of the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation, said it was an honor for the foundation to award the scholarships.
“One of Chief McLeod’s last requests was to create a scholarship fund for students,” he said. “We are pleased to once again have the opportunity to award these scholarships and invest in the children of our fellow officers.”
Eligible students submitted an application, which includes an essay, the name of the school they plan to attend and their intended career field. A selection committee then reviews and ranks the students based on their applications.
The winners of the 2019 Polk Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation Scholarship are:
Timothy Blanchette – University of Central Florida; Celeste Hardee – North Carolina A&T State University; Hope Hill – University of Florida; Jarrett Perkins – Florida State University; Karianne Sherouse – Saint Leo University;Picture of recipients:
(Front L-R): Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez – President, Polk County Police Chief’s Charitable Foundation (and Polk County Police Chiefs Association); Chad Mcleod (Nolan’s son); Guy Hill – Accepting the award for his daughter, Hope Hill; Karianne Sherouse; Timothy Blanchette; Shandra Hardee – Accepting the award for her daughter, Celeste Hardee; Steven Perkins – Accepting the award for his son, Jarrett Perkins;
Nancy Mcleod
On Oct. 3, 2019, 5 high school graduates received scholarships from the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation in honor of the late Auburndale Police Chief, Nolan McLeod. McLeod, who died of stomach cancer in 2012, told family and friends his dying wish was to help the children of law enforcement officials in Polk County.
The ceremony was held at the Bartow Civic Center during the monthly Polk County Police Chiefs Association’s meeting. The scholarships are funded solely through private donations and fund raisers held through the year. Over the past five years, the foundation has awarded 42 scholarships totaling $81,500.00 to the children of law enforcement. With yesterdays presentations, that number grew to 47 scholarships and totals $101,500.00
“Nolan was a believer in education, and he wanted to see more opportunities for children of law enforcement officers,” said Nancy McLeod, McLeod’s wife who also attended the ceremony along with sons Joel and Chad.
Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez, president of the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation, said it was an honor for the foundation to award the scholarships.
“One of Chief McLeod’s last requests was to create a scholarship fund for students,” he said. “We are pleased to once again have the opportunity to award these scholarships and invest in the children of our fellow officers.”
Eligible students submitted an application, which includes an essay, the name of the school they plan to attend and their intended career field. A selection committee then reviews and ranks the students based on their applications.
The winners of the 2019 Polk Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation Scholarship are:
Timothy Blanchette – University of Central Florida; Celeste Hardee – North Carolina A&T State University; Hope Hill – University of Florida; Jarrett Perkins – Florida State University; Karianne Sherouse – Saint Leo University;Picture of recipients:
(Front L-R): Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez – President, Polk County Police Chief’s Charitable Foundation (and Polk County Police Chiefs Association); Chad Mcleod (Nolan’s son); Guy Hill – Accepting the award for his daughter, Hope Hill; Karianne Sherouse; Timothy Blanchette; Shandra Hardee – Accepting the award for her daughter, Celeste Hardee; Steven Perkins – Accepting the award for his son, Jarrett Perkins;
Nancy Mcleod
