Home Blog Page 455

Calling All Young Artist! Florida’s 2024-2025 Fish Art Contest Begins

Staff Reporter
-
0
Calling All Young Artist! Florida’s 2024-2025 Fish Art Contest Begins
Florida bass artwork created by last year’s 4-6th grade, freshwater runner-up,
Hannah Wang. 

K-12 students now have a limited time opportunity to create art that can be used to educate Floridians about wildlife and conservation.

FWC – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest. The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries building future stewards of the outdoors.

The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting the program’s widespread appeal and impact. Florida students can submit their artwork to Wildlife Forever using the Florida Fish Art Contest entry form page.

“We are proud to support Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest, a program that not only fosters creativity but also deepens young Floridians’ connection to our state’s rich aquatic heritage,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “We are committed to preserving Florida’s natural resources by encouraging students K-12 to participate in this contest and celebrate the beauty of our waterways and wildlife while educating the next generation about conservation.”

One first place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and tenth through twelfth grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species. Visit MyFWC.com/FishArt for more information on state prizing.

The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2025. The contest is supported by The Florida Nomad. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Auburndale Police Looking for Man Caught on Surveillance Taking Edger From School

Staff Reporter
-
0
Auburndale Police Looking for Man Caught on Surveillance Taking Edger From School

Auburndale Police Department-

On 9/5/2024, at approximately 5:00 P.M., video surveillance captured an unknown White male entering the parking lot of Real Academy located at 300 East Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, FL. The unknown male subject was riding a black bicycle when he entered the property through the north side gate. He then went to the dumpster, looked inside and then rode around and found a troy-Bilt edger located against a wall at the school. Once the subject had possession of the edger he proceeded to leave the premises by the west gate access by Adams Street.

SUSPECT 1 – White male, red beard, prescription glasses, last seen wearing a black hat, black t-shirt, short camo pants, long black socks, with grey/white shoes. He also had on a dark colored backpack with a yellow water bottle and a red and blue bag hanging from the front bike handle.

If you have any information, please contact Officer Maldonado at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]

Between 32 to 44 New Residential Units Planned for 3.6 Acre Parcel Northeast of Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
-
0
Between 32 to 44 New Residential Units Planned for 3.6 Acre Parcel Northeast of Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven

Between 32 to 44 New Residential Units Planned for 3.6 Acre Parcel Northeast of Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven

by James Coulter

 Approximately 32 to 44 residential units could be constructed on a 3.6-acre parcel located northeast of Buckeye Loop Road in Winter Haven, now that the City Commission has approved the second reading of two ordinances amending that parcel’s zoning and land use designation.

 At their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously on two ordinances concerning the zoning and land use designation of a parcel of land that had previously been annexed into the city limits.

 The first ordinance amended the parcel’s future land use map designation from Neighborhood Support Future Land Use to Neighborhood Suburban Future Land Use. The second ordinance rezoned the same parcel from a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district to a Multi-Family Residential- Low Density (R-3) zoning district. Both ordinances were approved by city commissioners upon its second reading through a unanimous vote.

 

The parcel, which is approximately 3.68 acres, is located at the northeast corner of Buckeye Loop Road and Palm Nut Drive. According to the city memo, the parcel “was annexed into the City January 22, 2018, and was assigned the current designations April 25, 2022.”

 TBBP Holdings, LLC had petitioned the city for the amendment to the parcel’s zoning and future land use designation. TBBP Holding plans on developing the property with 32 multifamily residential units.

 However, according to the memo, “at the maximum density of 12 dwelling units per acre allowed by the R-3 zoning district, the theoretical maximum number of units is 44.”

 City staff had reviewed the petition, upon which they determined that “there is sufficient public infrastructure capacity to accommodate the proposed development, as well as the maximum theoretical development.”

 “Additionally, there is sufficient capacity to support the maximum theoretical demands under the requested designations,” the city staff memo wrote. “However, a final concurrency determination shall be made at the time the property receives site plan approval and is developed.”

September 18 Is National Cheeseburger Day; Where to Get a Deal Today

Staff Reporter
-
0
September 18 Is National Cheeseburger Day; Where to Get a Deal Today

Since Wednesday, September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, it’s a great time to celebrate all things cheeseburger and save money doing it.

According to Wikipedia, the vast grasslands of the Great Plains had been opened up for cattle ranching by the late 19th century. This made it possible for Americans to begin consuming beef almost on a daily basis. The hamburger remains one of the cheapest forms of beef in the United States.

Adding cheese to said hamburgers became popular in the 1920s. There are several competing claims as to who created the first cheeseburger but the most popular claim celebrates its 100 anniversary this year.

While several entities claim to have invented the popular food item, Lionel Sternberger is reputed to have introduced the cheeseburger in 1924 at the age of 16. He was working as a fry cook at his father’s sandwich shop in Pasadena, CA, “The Rite Spot.” As an experiment, young Sternberger is said to have dropped a piece of American cheese onto a sizzling burger. The rest, as they say, is history.

The largest cheeseburger ever made weighed 2,014 pounds (914 kg). It is said to have included “60 pounds (27 kg) of bacon, 50 pounds (23 kg) of lettuce, 50 pounds (23 kg) of sliced onions, 40 pounds (18 kg) of pickles, and 40 pounds (18 kg) of cheese.” This record was set in 2012 by Minnesota’s Black Bear Casino, smashing the previous record of 881 pounds (400 kg).

Are we hungry yet?

A few local restaurants are offering some much-appreciated discounts. McDonald’s is offering 50-cent double cheeseburgers when they’re ordered in its app (when they started selling burgers in 1948, they cost a nickel).

Wendy’s is selling junior bacon cheeseburgers for a penny through September 22; in order to get this price, you must purchase something else from their menu on the app.

Burger King is giving away a free cheeseburger with one dollar purchase through its app.

These deals are subject to local participation. If you’re heading out for a good cheeseburger today, check with other local restaurants and ask if they’re offering any specials.

Happy eating!

City of Lake Wales May Provide up to $5,700 in Tuition Aid for Employees Training to be Police Officers

Staff Reporter
-
0
City of Lake Wales May Provide up to $5,700 in Tuition Aid for Employees Training to be Police Officers

by James Coulter

Current city employees training to be police officers can be reimbursed up to $5,700 for their tuition fees and other expenses if the City of Lake Wales approves an amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

At their workshop on Wed. Sep. 11, Lake Wales city commissioners considered an amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc.

The amendment would allow the city to reimburse city employees up to $5,700 in “admission examination, books and/or tuition fees,” along with other expenses that are “job-related” including “online classes.”

The amendment would increase the reimbursement by the city from $2,000 to $5,700 “per employee per fiscal year for degree curricula.” As the city agenda item memo states: “Any costs or fees paid from other sources shall not be reimbursable by the City.”

For an employee to be eligible for this reimbursement, they “must obtain 9 hours of college credits or advance management classes approved by the chief.”

The City of Lake Wales entered into the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc. on Sep. 19, 2023. The agreement is in effect from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sep. 30, 2026.

The purpose of the agreement, according to the memo, is “to provide wages, hours, and other conditions of employment for the employees in the police department bargaining unit of which all are sworn officers in the classification of police officer, corporal or sergeant.”

According to its website, the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association “advocates the position of the law enforcement personnel” and “provides a benefits package designed to protect members and their families.” The Association consists of more than 36,000 members.

When inquired how many employees take advantage of the reimbursement, Sandra D. Davis, Human Resources Director, answered, “Not that many.” She mentioned that many police officers already come into the job with degrees.

The amendment will be considered for approval by the Lake Wales City Commission in their consent agenda for their next meeting on Tue., Sept. 17 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.

Lakeland Man Charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officer After Traffic Stop

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lakeland Man Charged with Battery on Law Enforcement Officer After Traffic Stop

36-year year old Jorge Garcia-Blasnich of Lakeland was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, September 11th.

Deputy Lawes noticed Garcia-Blasnich was driving a motorcycle in the area of Daughtery Road and US 98 North in Lakeland, and he didn’t have a license tag on the bike.

A traffic stop was conducted, and Deputy Lawes informed Garcia-Blasnich the reason for the stop. Garcia-Blasnich’s response was that he doesn’t a license tag.

Garcia-Blasnich hit Deputy Lawes in the chest and fled. Lawes gave chase, but Garcia-Blasnich ran inside of his apartment and locked the door.

Deputy Lawes invited some of his coworkers to the scene, and together they entered into the apartment. The extra manpower proved to be needed, because Garcia-Blasnich had pushed a refrigerator, love seat, and exercise bike in front of the door.

When the deputies entered, they found Garcia-Blasnich standing on top of the kitchen island.

Garcia-Blasnich was arrested and taken to the Polk Pokey where he was charged with: battery on a LEO, resisting with violence, resisting without violence, violation of pretrial release, no valid DL, driving without a motorcycle endorsement, and operating a motor vehicle without registration.

City of Winter Haven Approves 1st Reading of Next Year’s $263.6 Million Budget

Staff Reporter
-
0
City of Winter Haven Approves 1st Reading of Next Year’s $263.6 Million Budget

City of Winter Haven Approves 1st Reading of Next Year’s $263.6 Million Budget

by James Coulter

 A brand-new recreational center, resurfaced streets and sidewalks, and a focus on community safety are some of the highlights of the $263.6 million budget being considered by the Winter Haven City Commission.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of next year’s city budget.

City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the city’s 6.5900 millage rate, which is expected to generate more than $27 million for the city’s general fund at a collection rate of 96.50 percent.

City Manager T. Michael Stavres explained that the millage rate is higher than the rollback rate. In comparison to the 18 other taxing authorities in Polk County, Winter Haven’s millage rate is ranked at 9th. The city’s tax rate was last raised in 2018, but it was lowered by two-tenths of a mill in 2022.

The total budget for the next fiscal year is $297.6 million; however, when internal transfers are considered, the budget is $263.6 million.

The upcoming budget will include $250K for the affordable housing trust fund, $320K earmarked for non-profits (40 agencies), and $295K for homeless initiatives targeting families with school-age children, an effort coordinated with Heart 4 Winter Haven.

The budget also includes $294K for the Lakeland Area Mass Transit District to offset the costs associated with the Winter Haven Area Transit fixed route system, and $285K for community partners, which include the Winter Haven EDC, the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Winter Haven and Polk Vision.

The budget includes 630 full-time employees and 106 part-time employees for a total of 736 employees. These employees include six new police officers to help address the growth happening in the community, and 24 part-time employees to assist with the renovations to the recreational center.

City Manager Stavres also highlighted that 45 percent of the budget (or a little more than 134 million) will go toward capital and investments in new roads, facilities, and other major expenses of things “that will last longer than five years and have a higher dollar value.”

The largest expense in the city’s general fund is in public safety, with the total cost of police, fire, and code compliance being 30.7 million, or 42 percent of general fund operations. City Manager Stavres insisted that these expenses were money worth spending, as “we want to make sure people are safe at all times.”

Also included in the budget are two community redevelopment districts: the Downtown CRA at $1.3 million, and the Florence Villa CRA at $3.75 million.

The budget includes various projects, including renovations to fire stations, the women’s club, and resurfaced streets and trails in city parks.

By far, the most prominent project is the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center Improvements Project. At a projected $21 million, the project will construct a 37,616 square-foot facility, which will include a double gymnasium, along with a new swimming pool, playground, and splash pad area.

During public comments, one resident, Craig White, raised concerns about what he assumed was a millage increase. He said that many people living in the city are on a fixed income and thus have not received a wage increase. City Manager Starves corrected White, assuring him that the millage rate was not increasing, but rather staying the same.

 City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the millage rate and the city budget. The second reading will be held at the meeting scheduled for Mon. Sep. 23 at 6 PM.

Local Schools Gifted U.S. Constitution Handbooks By Former Lake Wales Commissioner

Carl Fish
-
0
Local Schools Gifted U.S. Constitution Handbooks By Former Lake Wales Commissioner
One of the constitution handbooks delivered to local schools last week.

According to a post on the City of Lake Wales Facebook page last week, local resident and former Commissioner Daniel Kreuger has donated approximately 45,000 handbooks containing copies of historical documents to both Lake Wales Charter Schools and Polk County School District schools in Lake Wales, Lakeland Christian Academy, Winter Haven Christian, Providence Academy and Heartland Christian Academy in Sebring.

The City’s post, dated Sept. 6, says, “Students will have the ability to learn about the founding documents and gain more knowledge on their individual rights and the history of the country. They contain the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution with index, Patrick Henry’s Famous Speech and an essay by Mathew D. Staver. Handbooks will be distributed to each school and dispersed at their discretion.”

Inside front page of the constitution handbook.

Krueger, who has been handing out the booklets for about a decade, started small. He explains how the idea developed.

“I ran out of pocket constitutions on August 15,” he says. “I started handing out pocket constitutions about 10 years ago. Just a few here and a few there. Recently, I went to a Salt and Light event at a local church and handed out 65. That pretty much depleted my supply.

“So, I called Liberty Counsel to order 100 more. They wanted to know why I need so many so I explained. They got back to me a couple days later and said they would send 100 (copies) for the cost of shipping.

“That gave me the idea to try and get enough for all middle and high school students in the Lake Wales charter schools. That would be 2,500. So, I called them back. A couple days later they called and said they would send the 2,500 for no charge.

“My first thought was overwhelming gratitude to them and to God, as His hand was clearly involved.”

Krueger delivering constitution handbooks.
Photo credit: City of Lake Wales Facebook page

Determined to obtain enough copies for all the students, Krueger started making more calls.

“We were on a roll,” Krueger says. “My next call was to the Polk County Public Schools. They would need 44,000 (copies). Liberty Council could not handle that. I had cleaned out their entire supply and there would not be time to reprint in time for Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

“I found an alternative supplier I had ordered from before. They would sell me what I need and charge me $.42 each. I made some calls and had commitments for $11,450.00. I called in the order for 45,000 (copies); (Cost was) $18,900.00 and I put it on my credit card…and set about to raise the rest of the money. I still need about $1,800.00.”

Krueger personally delivered the copies to Lake Wales Charter Schools on Sept. 5. Polk County’s copies arrived via carrier on Sept. 6, in 64, 50 lb. boxes.

Lake Wales Daily could not independently confirm whether the booklets would be distributed to the schools this week.

A snapshot of an essay in the back of the constitution handbook.

When asked why he wanted to share these booklets with the local school systems, Krueger had this to offer:

“I firmly believe God was leading me and showing me what could be done. And He is doing it! The education of our future generations is the future of our country. If they don’t know and appreciate the God inspired principles and precepts contained in the constitution, and the God given unalnieable rights they have, how will they know when they are being deceived by the evil lies of socialism and communism. It is worth the effort.”

Tonight, Sept. 17, on National Constitution Day, Krueger will accept a Constitution Week proclamation at the Lake Wales City Commission meeting.

Gang Violence In East Polk County Addressed By Polk Sheriff Grady Judd

Carl Fish
-
0
Gang Violence In East Polk County Addressed By Polk Sheriff Grady Judd

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the Gang, Homicide and Robbery units have arrested 19 Polk County gang members responsible for a series of drive-by shootings, other felony offenses, and a fatal stabbing. These gang members were responsible for a series of violent inter-gang attacks between five gangs in Polk County, primarily from Winter Haven, Haines City, and the Waverly area. 

Violent Gang Investigative Task Force (VGITF); created in February 2023

The VGITF was created in February of 2023 as a multi-agency effort between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, local police agencies, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ATF Tampa, FBI Tampa, and both the United States Attorney and State Attorney of the 10th judicial circuit, Brian Haas. Its mission is to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle gangs operating in Polk County. It was created to send a message to those in Polk County wishing to commit gang-related crimes that our law enforcement and criminal justice system will not tolerate threats to the safety of the hard-working citizens of Polk County. 

In 2019, there were six recorded incidents of gang-related shootings in the county; the number increased to 59 in 2022. This increase in violence led to Sheriff Judd forming the Violent Gang Investigative Task Force.

In the 18 months before its creation, Polk County had 87 gang-related and suspected gang-related shootings. Since the creation of the VGITF, and thanks to the hard work of our detectives and the cooperation we have received from other local law enforcement agencies, we have seen a reduction in the number of these shooting to 61 in 18 months – a 30% decrease. Since its inception, the VGITF has identified and arrested 144 gang members and gang associates. 57 firearms have been recovered during multiple investigations and arrests, six of which were confirmed stolen.

Operational Statistics: (numbers are approximate)

144 gang members have a total of approximately 1,599 prior arrests, 1,669felony charges, and 1,166 misdemeanor charges. 67 out of 144 are convicted felons (approximately 47%).

The 144 gang members’ past charges to include: 

Homicide/Attempted Homicide – 28 

Weapon Offenses (i.e. Dangerous Shootings, Shoot/Throw Missile) – 37

Possession of Firearm/Weapon – 141

Robbery – 55

Aggravated Assault/Battery – 52

Assault/Battery – 178

Armed Burglary – 29

Motor Vehicle Theft – 66

Narcotics – 583

Resisting Officer with Violence – 13

Timeline 

In July 2023, detectives from our Robbery and Homicide units began investigating the connection between multiple drive by shooting incidents that began in May of 2021.  

This series of shootings were ignited by the murder of Dyreon Outsey (20), a known gang member. Three days later, another gang executed a drive-by shooting at a known rival gang hang out. This was the beginning of a series of retaliatory attacks between these rival gangs, detailed as follows:

  • May 23, 2021 – Dyreon Outsey was shot and killed. Tyquaveon Robinson (22) and Branden Johnson (31), were arrested for the murder of Outsey.
  • May 26, 2021 – Zedarian Outsey (20), Deshawn Williams (21), and Tyrone Berry (23) committed a drive by shooting with an assault rifle in East Winter Haven, at a known rival gang hangout. Kevin Marcel (25) returned fire, as he was outside the residence at the time the shooting began. Berry and Williams received non-life threatening injuries during the incident. Berry, Outsey, and Williams were charged with attempted murder.
  • January 30, 2022 – Beginning at Cypress Lanes Bowling Alley in Winter Haven, members of two rival gangs were involved in a running gun battle in their vehicles that ended on Martin Luther King Blvd and NE 11th Street in West Winter Haven. The shooting resulted in the death of Ira Footman (22), a gunshot wound to the leg of Carlos Martinez (19), and non-life threatening gunshot injuries to Demetrius Brown (29) and Jonathan Scarvers Jr. All those injured were members of one gang, and Martinez’s leg was amputated as a result of his injuries. Jermaine Hawthorne (18), Antonio Lewis (23), and Mechael Jean-Charles (19) all members of the rival gang, were arrested for the murder of Ira Footman.
  • December 4, 2022 – Members of another gang executed a drive-by shooting in Northwest Winter Haven at the home of Jermaine Feacher (20), who is a member of a rival gang. This shooting was perpetrated in retaliation for the murder of Ira Footman in January. No one was injured during this incident. Arlearria “Leary” Buchanan was later charged with attempted murder for this incident.
  • December 30, 2022 – Three vehicles drove by a known gang member hangout in Northern Haines City, and a drive-by shooting occurred. No one was injured in this shooting, although several of the rounds of ammunition fired struck vehicles and entered dwellings in the area surrounding the gang hangout. 
  • January 2, 2023 – Members of one gang attempted to kill Trevin Barnhill (20), a member of a rival gang at in East Lake Wales in retaliation for the murder of Ira Footman. Jacoya Allen (21), the girlfriend of Barnes, was shot during the incident and received non-life threatening injuries. Barnhill later accused Scarvers Jr. of perpetrating the shooting in a sworn statement. 
  • January 2, 2023 – Another shooting occurred in North Lake Wales, about 15 minutes after the first shooting. Two young girls, ages 12 and 14, were shot while lying in bed. They received non-life threatening injuries. Teville Burgess resides in the house next door and was believed to be the intended target. 
  • January 3, 2023 – A group of gang members and others were arrested for breaking into a vacant rental property in the Lake Alfred area. The residence was being used as a gang hangout, and evidence of weapons and drugs were uncovered at the location during our investigation. Javonte Tubbs (28), Tracey Moise (23), Barrington Clarke (23), De’Andre Gilford (24), Lansly Genest (22), and Shaleste Brooks (20), associates of the gang were arrested for burglary. Jonathan Scarvers, Jr. and Alex Greene, both documented gang members, were charged with armed burglary. 
  • April 2, 2023 – A carjacking occurred in Osceola County at 4:40 AM. About one hour later, the stolen vehicle was seen at the scene of a drive-by shooting which occurred in Winter Haven. The stolen vehicle was later discovered after having been set on fire a few blocks away from the home of Alejandro Mercedes, a known gang member.
  • May 18, 2023 – The vehicle of Keyshawn Cox (22) was burglarized in Winter Haven. His Micro Draco firearm, which looks like a shortened AK-47 assault rifle, was stolen.
  • May 19, 2023 – Courtney Brown’s residence was shot up in a drive-by shooting in retaliation for the theft of the Draco firearm the day before. No one was injured in this shooting. Wayne Hewitt (21) and Cox, both members of the same gang, were arrested in connection with the shooting.
  • July 2, 2023 – A Kia Soul was stolen which was later used in a drive-by shootings on July 9, 2023 in Osceola and on July 26, 2023 in Lakeland. This vehicle was seen on surveillance video outside Courtney Brown’s residence on July 5, 2023.
  • July 5, 2023 – A third shooting at the home of the Joboham brothers, Loren and Joseph, members of the same gang, occurred at 1:30AM. No one was injured in this shooting, but a neighboring house was damaged. The residents of the neighboring house had no criminal histories or ties to any gangs. The car seen on surveillance nearby at the time of this incident was linked to Buchanan.
  • July 11, 2023 – Winter Haven Police Department responded to a call about a possible location on the Kia Soul stolen on July 2. Alejandro Mercedes and Anthony Wilcox, members of same gang, were in possession of the vehicle when WHPD responded and were arrested after a brief vehicle pursuit. They were both charged with Trespassing and Resisting an Officer without Violence.
  • November 10, 2023 – At a Publix in Winter Haven, members of the three gangs engaged in a verbal argument which turned violent. Two individuals were stabbed, and Demetrius Alexis (16), later died of his injuries at the hospital. Teville Burgess was arrested in connection with the stabbing and was charged with manslaughter. Also arrested was gang member Bendarious Leaks. He was charged with battery.

Arrests & Criminal Histories

The individuals identified by our detectives as perpetrators of the prescribed events all have lengthy criminal histories, most of which date back to their adolescence. The age range of these offenders is between 16 and 29 years of age. 

“This is kids killing kids, and we’re not going to accept that. We’re not going to allow that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Their criminal histories, and the charges the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested them for, are detailed below:

 Courtney Brown, age 21 – 

o  History: Possession of a Weapon on School Property, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon 

o  PCSO Charges: Directing gang activities with gang enhancement.

Teville Burgess, age 19 – 

o  History: Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Vehicle Theft, Burglary, and Possession of a Weapon or Ammo

o  PCSO Charges: Violation of Probation

Jonathon Scarvers Jr., age 20 – 

o  History: Weapons Charges, Fraud, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 

o  PCSO Charges: 13 counts of attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from a vehicle. All with gang enhancements.

Arlearria Buchanan, age 19 – 

o  History: Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Weapon

o  PCSO Charges: 16 counts attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from a vehicle, armed burglary, grand theft firearm, directing gang activities. All with gang enhancements

Alejandro Mercedes, age 16 – (Charged as adult)

o  History: Vehicle Theft, Burglary, Multiple counts of Discharging a Weapon

o  PCSO Charges: 14 counts of attempted 1stdegree murder, 2 counts shooting into occupied dwelling, 2 counts shooting from vehicle all with gang enhancements.

Laqavion Everett, age 16 – (Charged as adult)

o  History: Vehicle Theft, possession of an automatic firearm, and possession of a firearm

o  PCSO Charges: Possession of a machine gun, Possession of a firearm. All with gang enhancements 

Asaiah Ford, age 22 – 

o  History: Battery, Robbery with a Firearm, and Grand Theft of a Firearm

o  PCSO Charges: Use of electronic communications to further criminal/gang activity.

Loren Joboham, age 19 – 

o  History: Battery on an Education Employee, multiple counts of Burglary, and multiple counts of Possession of a Weapon 

o  PCSO Charges: Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon, Trespassing and Resisting Arrest without violence.

Essence Lattimore, age 23 – 

o   History: Robbery, Armed Burglary, Aggravated Assault with a Weapon, and Felony Retail Theft.

o  PCSO Charges: Violation of Probation for being out past curfew. 

Other Details

The bad blood between these gangs stems in part, from a desire to “show off” on social media, and an apparent need for notoriety from their peers. They create rap songs, bragging about the crimes that they commit and share them amongst each other. Often, a new song by one of these gang members predicated a drive-by shooting or another instance of violence by their rivals. As the members of these gangs continued to age, their ability to access weapons and cars increased, which we believe accounted for the sharp uptick in drive-by shootings and violence in the areas they live in and frequent.

Many of the arrests made in this case include charges with a “gang enhancement.” Gang enhancements are added to existing charges and increase the severity of the penalty, because these illegal acts are being committed in the furtherance of gang activities.

PCSO detectives have also recovered multiple “switches,” during the course of this investigation. “Switches” are modifications that can be installed on handguns and rifles to allow them to shoot fully automatic. These alterations enhance the violence and lethality of incidents like drive-by shootings.

Operation Drive-By Bye is yet another in a series of operations carried out by the PCSO in an effort to end gang violence in our county. While our investigation into these drive-by shootings was underway, we were also conducting the following operations, which we have previously reported on, and making arrests:

  • Operation Hot Wire – (September 2019-May 2020) PCSO made 74 arrests as a result of an investigation into a gang trafficking illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. This gang operated county-wide, nearly every municipality was affected, and they didn’t just traffic drugs, they were also responsible for five home invasions, one of which resulted in a murder. Our detectives were able to get millions of dollars’ worth of drugs and several firearms off the streets of Polk County.
  • Operation Sex, Money, Murder – (March 2021-April 2022) PCSO made 41 arrests of gang members in Polk County for illegal drug sales, robberies, introducing contraband into prisons, conspiracy to commit murder, and coordinated attacks on other gang members. These arrests brought this organization to its knees.
  • Operation Gangs & Guns – (March 2023-October 2023) PCSO arrested six gang members in the Lakeland area for 38 different instances of car burglaries, and for stealing the theft of seven firearms. We recovered two of the seven stolen firearms, and all the charges brought against these suspects included gang enhancements. These gang enhancements allow us to keep the suspects locked up longer, and keep the citizens affected safe from being further victimized by these offenders.
  • Other Drive-By Shooting Arrests – (March 2023 & November 2023) PCSO arrested 19-year old La’Darion Chandler and 23-year old Daquan Carey, for drive-by shootings in the Lakeland and Waverly areas, respectively. Chandler is a self-proclaimed rapper, who fatally shot a man in the back. Chandler was charged with three felonies in this incident, including first degree murder. Carey is a documented gang member and his criminal history dates back to age 13. He was charged with 10 felonies and 4 misdemeanors for the shooting in Waverly. 

Lake Wales Little Theatre; Tickets on Sale Now for, “Stuck on These Islands” Sept. 20-29

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lake Wales Little Theatre; Tickets on Sale Now for, “Stuck on These Islands” Sept. 20-29

The 47th season of the Lake Wales Little Theatre starts the 20th of September with the Children’s show, “Stuck on These Islands”. The performance schedule is set for September 20-29, 2024, and all tickets and packages are available now.

Rehearsal this week


The show represents a story of teamwork and adventure. After stowing away in a human family’s rowboat for a day of adventure, some ants, beetles, and fleas find themselves stranded on neighboring islands in the center of a lake. Their only hope of getting back to the main shore is to fly there in a toy rocket that the family left on a different island.

With the help of a friendly dragonfly, the insects scheme to find the rocket, while avoiding the hungry frogs who live near it. In the process, they learn a few lessons about teamwork and generosity. Most importantly, they all come to realize that everyone is valuable in their own way.

The show and its music were written by local couple, Steve and Mindy Kessler. Mindy is also a Co-Director.

The rest of the season’s shows and information are available here: https://www.lwlt.org/shows

In Person Box Office Hours: (Flex passes are available still)
Wednesday 10am–2pm
Phone: 863-676-1266
Email for ticket info: [email protected]

1...454455456...1,389Page 455 of 1,389