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Record-Breaking Year as 2024 FWC Lionfish Challenge Crowns Recreational King and Commercial Champion 

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Record-Breaking Year as 2024 FWC Lionfish Challenge Crowns Recreational King and Commercial Champion 

FWC – The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge recently concluded on Sept. 2 with competitors battling until the last minute and the record number from 2023 shattering.  In a year that demolished previous records, participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the coveted titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion. 

The 2024 Lionfish Challenge witnessed an increase in participation, with 285 dedicated divers submitting their lionfish harvests. These dedicated divers embarked on over 700 trips throughout the state during the Challenge and removed 31,773 lionfish from the waters of Florida. 

This is the highest tournament total since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Lionfish Challenge inception in 2016. Amidst these awe-inspiring results, two participants emerged as the victors. Introducing the winners of the 2024 Lionfish Challenge: 

  • Lionfish King (First Place Recreational Division): Baye Beaford (Duval) – 915 lionfish
  • Second Place Recreational Division: Dale Wolber (Duval) – 866 lionfish
  • Third Place Recreational Division: Tim Robinson (Broward) – 726 lionfish 
Lionfish King Baye Beaford
  • Commercial Champion (First Place Commercial Division): Matt Myers (Duval) – 1,785 pounds of lionfish
  • Second Place Commercial Division: Jerry Butler (Duval) – 1,426 pounds of lionfish
  • Third Place Commercial Division: Isidoro Bedoya (Duval) – 845 pounds of lionfish 
Commercial Champion Matt Myers

“We’re grateful for the Lionfish Challenge participants who worked hard to shatter the previous year’s record in removing these invasive species,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Congratulations to our 2024 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion; your exceptional efforts are helping defend our precious marine ecosystems.”  

“The Lionfish Challenge raises awareness of this invasive species and serves as a great way to get people outdoors and involved in conservation by removing invasive lionfish,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the 2024 participants for their collective effort in removing over 31,000 invasive lionfish from Florida’s waters. Your dedication is truly commendable.”  

As a testament to the dedication and conservative thinking of Florida’s divers, there has also been an influx of new lionfish tournaments across the state of Florida. Excitement is already brewing for the 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge as they look to shatter more records. 

Background

The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. The tournament is open to everyone, is completely free to enter and participants can compete from anywhere in the state. Divers receive prizes throughout the challenge based on the number of lionfish they harvest and compete for the prestigious title of the Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion. 

Links

In Loving Memory of Joseph David Odenweller of Winter Haven

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In Loving Memory of Joseph David Odenweller of Winter Haven

Obituary for Joseph David Odenweller

January 23rd, 1949 – August 17th, 2024

Joseph David Odenweller, 75, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away August 17, 2024  at Winter Haven Hospital,  Winter Haven, Florida. He was born on January 23, 1949  in Lima, Ohio  to George and Pauline Odenweller .

Joseph  is survived by: wife Martha Titus, sons Bruce (Jody) Odenweller, Daryl (Stephanie) Odenweller, Ryan Odenweller and Brent (Alicia Kline) Odenweller, grandchildren: Ian Odenweller, Lindsay Buterbaugh, Morgan Odenweller, Maya Odenweller, Justice Pierner and Jayden Odenweller, great grandchildren: Olivia Buterbaugh and Nova Rose-Pierner, sisters: Anne Odenweller, Elaine Hogan and Ellen Gordon and numerous family friends.

Joseph was a proud member of the Glass of Society, Cypress Gardens Corvette Club, Bok Tower and Christ Community Church.

He was preceded in death by: both parents. 

Special Benefit Fishing Tournament September 28 to Support Family Involved in Horrific Car Accident

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Special Benefit Fishing Tournament September 28 to Support Family Involved in Horrific Car Accident

On July 15, 2024 Billy Dehart Jr. was involved in a horrific car accident on Winter Lake Road in Lakeland.

Billy shared his crash experience with Winter Haven Daily:

“My name is William “Billy” Dehart Jr. I was involved in a 5 car rear end crash on July 15th. I woke up and started my day like every other day. My wife and I were on the way to drop off our vehicle at the Regal Kia on Bartow Highway. My wife was in our car and I was in our daughter’s bug. She was in front of the semi in front of me, I came to a stop. Then about 5 or seconds goes by and the car just explodes when I was hit from behind. The mack truck never slowed down, hit the car behind me, which of course smacked me and squashed me between it and a SUV.

My wife whipped her SUV around and ran across the street screaming, fearing I was dead. She basically carried me out of the car and out of danger. As a result I have a dislocated right shoulder, broken neck, lumber, left knee, and my right ankle is broken. I haven’t been able to go back to work at the pharmacy I was working and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to go back.”

Video of the crash:

Billy and his family need all the help they can get during this trying time. He is appreciative of everyone’s help while he navigates through this.

Country Boy’s Fishing LLC will be hosting a Benefit Tournament on September 28, 2024. Here are the details:

Join us for a special benefit Tournament to support Billy & Rhonda (Randy’s niece), who were involved in a serious car wreck on July 15, 2024. Due to this accident, he is unable to work and is looking at 5 surgeries over the next year.

Tournament date September 28, 2024, at Lake Shipp (Park Side) safe light till noon, exemptions will be pulled. $100 per boat, including big bass, 50% payout. There will be a raffle and 50/50 drawing, half of all entry, raffle and 50/50 will go directly to the family in their time of need. While you’re there, enjoy delicious hamburgers, chips, and a drink for only $10, with all proceeds also being donated to the family. Come out and show your support during this difficult time. Even if you don’t have a boat you are still encouraged come out and enjoy some food to support!!

For more information, contact Country Boy’s Fishing LLC at 863-808-7275. Your participation means alot!

Lake Shipp Park is located at:

1605 N Lake Shipp Dr SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Polk County Manager Appoints Assistant PCFR Chief To Interim Chief

Carl Fish
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Polk County Manager Appoints Assistant PCFR Chief To Interim Chief

Beasley has named Assistant Chief Shawn Smith to be interim chief. Shawn Smith (no relation to Hezedean Smith) has 21 years’ experience in fire services, all of which have been with Polk County Fire Rescue. He began his career in 2003 as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. After serving as a Firefighter/EMT for two years, he was promoted to Engineer/Paramedic before moving to a Lieutenant/Paramedic position in 2007.

In 2016, Shawn Smith was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief/Paramedic, and in 2019 he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training. After serving as Deputy Chief of Training for two years, he transitioned to the Deputy Chief of Operations until being promoted to Assistant Chief of Business Services.

This is a developing story at and we will update as more information is released.

Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns Following Critical Report

Carl Fish
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Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns Following Critical Report

 

Bartow, Fla. (September 13, 2024) — County Manager Bill Beasley has accepted the resignation of Hezedean A. Smith, DM, effective Monday, September 30, 2024. Smith’s resignation follows release of a report commissioned by the Board of County Commissioners that reviewed management of the Fire Rescue Division (PCFR).

 

“After meeting twice with Fire Chief Smith and Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, I have placed Chief Hezedean Smith on two weeks of Administrative Leave, which will precede his resignation,” said Beasley.

 

In February 2024, Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. (Tallahassee) was hired by the Board to review the work environment across the PCFR Division. It is important to note that this was a review, and not an investigation, as defined by the Florida Firefighters’ Bill of Rights. The Report outlined numerous challenges and recommended the County Manager review alleged management issues.

Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

 

“I take the challenges and frustrations expressed by members of our fire rescue division to heart and want to assure our employees that Polk County wants to create a high-performing, highly valued culture within the Fire Rescue operation,” Beasley said. “Our focus is to immediately consider necessary changes to achieve that goal.” 

 

Hezedean Smith began employment with Polk County on November 7, 2022. His annual salary was $168,096.22.

 

Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

Carl Fish
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Polk Officials On The Hot Seat After Bombastic Report Opens Door For Further Scrutiny

By Carl Fish

The recent investigation into the Polk County Fire Rescue Department has raised questions and concerns about the entire Polk County BOCC management. Management directly related to the fire rescue department would be the county manager, the deputy county manager, the equity HR manager, the program director of Equal Opportunity and PCFR Chief. Each of these individuals has a direct connection to the management of the county and direct interaction with the PCFR.

The current county manager is Bill Beasley. Per the county’s website “Polk County Manager Bill Beasley began his career with the County in 2006 as the Deputy County Manager over the county’s Infrastructure Group, which includes the divisions of Facilities Management, Fleet Management, Parks and Natural Resources, Real Estate Services, Roads and Drainage, Utilities and Waste and Recycling.

As the head of county government’s administrative branch, which is established by the Polk County Charter, Beasley is responsible for the proper administration of all affairs of the county. In his role, Beasley also executes the Board of County Commissioners policy direction, manages the county budget and staffing resources, engages in community relations, fosters economic development, confers in land use planning (environmental land, development, etc.) and ensures regulatory compliance.”

The significance of the county manager is that he is the head of everything. The numerous allegations against PCFR Chief Hezedean Smith all occurred under his supervision. So if they are found to be true or accurate, then he ultimately is responsible. What did Beasley know and when did he know it? L Additionally more investigations are underway within departments that work in conjunction to the PCFR. These investigations are disturbing as it shows additional issues may be going on in county management outside of the PCFR. We are currently seeking out the specific of those investigations and will share as information is released.

Editors Note: As of the posting of this article there has been no official statement regarding the investigation finding by county officials. An article by the Lakeland Ledger confirms no comments have been made yet.

The next person in direct connection is the county’s Deputy County Manager Joe Halman over Public Safety. If you will recall the investigation into the PCFR stemmed from the termination of Battalion Chief Charlie True who was deployed to a hurricane disaster zone. It was the Halman’s directive to work only 12 hour shifts. This started a confluence of several situations that led to the termination, then reinstatement (with demotion) of former Battalion Chief True. The recent PCFR investigation revealed a significant bias in how True’s disciplinary actions were conducted versus other PCFR personnel. DCM Halman was the direct cause of these issues. Additionally DCM Halman has had allegations of favoritism when it came to discipline of a fire captain James Williams in the death of a Lakeland woman in 2018 (Tampa Bay 10 Report). DCM Halman was proud to say he suspended captain Williams for 24 hours after the captain did not follow the county’s two in two out policy and shared Snapchat social media video of the fire while the Lakeland woman perished inside. Additionally disturbing is that DCM Halman dismissed accusations that PCFR personnel changed out white personnel on PCFR vehicles for black personnel during MLK parades around Polk County. “Halman denies that the County has swapped white employees for African American employees on apparatuses and states anyone is welcome to walk in the parades. However, he also advises that PDRTP graduates are put in the parade to highlight the program.” the recent PCFR investigation revealed. Emails have been obtained by the DailyRidge that clearly show white personnel being temporarily assigned to different units during MLK parades around the county. Either DCM Halman was unaware of what occurred under his leadership, misspoke to investigators or directly lied to investigators in his assessments of the situation. Recently a former PCFR captain has accused DCM Halman of belittling him during their interactions in a meeting regarding the termination of the captain. DCM Halman was the direct supervisor for embattled Chief Hezedean Smith and was instrumental in Chief Smith’s hiring.

The Equity and Human Resources manager Kandis Buford department is under a separate assessment by Matrix Consulting Group. This assessment stemmed from a required, every 8 years, Polk County Efficiency Commission compliance report. “The County will move forward to hire a skilled consultant to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the EHR Division to include organizational structure, staffing, and related service efficiencies. This work will be initiated no later than July 2024.” per the report.” Former employees and a whistleblower are coming forward with complaints regarding EHR department. Buford is also the direct supervisor of the Equal Opportunity department which investigates all allegations and complaints. The recent PCFR investigation revealed many, many complaints about Chief H. Smith which were revealed to not be thoroughly investigated.

The Equal Opportunity Department and it’s Program Director are under scrutiny for how the conducted investigations into allegations. The program director Richard Bradford oversaw the questionable investigations into Chief Smith. An investigation into the department seem warranted considering the allegations in the PCFR Investigation report.

PCFR Chief Hezedean Smith has been the subject of several articles regarding his alleged conduct as chief and perpetuating a “Toxic” work environment. Those allegations could lead to his termination or resignation as soon as Friday (Report details ‘toxic’ workplace allegations at Polk County Fire Rescue)

Update: At 11:30am Friday the Polk County Administration has advised that PCFR Chief H. Smith has resigned

At this time a statement has not been released by the county administration or government. No comments have been given regards the allegations either. We will report on those statements as soon as they are released.

Winter Haven Police Benevolent Association’s 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament

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Winter Haven Police Benevolent Association’s 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament

City of Winter Haven FL Government- Kick it for a cause! Join the Winter Haven Police Benevolent Association’s 2nd Annual Kickball Tournament on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Location: Winter Haven DiamondPlex

85 Polk State College Access Rd in Winter Haven.

Register your team for $200 by September 27!

Who can register? Professional/Established organizations! (eg churches, city department, banks, businesses, etc)

Email [email protected] to sign up.

All proceeds go directly to youth organizations within the City of Winter Haven!

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFDISTINGUISHED COUNSEL

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Stephen K. Brooks, of Brooks Law Group, has been selected to the 2024 list as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate.


Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations, and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC. This
elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation.

Undefeated Lake Wales Highlanders Varsity Football Team Plays At Sebring Tonight

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Undefeated Lake Wales Highlanders Varsity Football Team Plays At Sebring Tonight

It’s Friday! The undefeated Lake Wales High School varsity football team is scheduled to play the Sebring Blue Streaks tonight at Fireman’s Field in Sebring at 7:30 PM, Sept. 13.

Three games into the season, Sebring will show up tonight with two wins, and one loss so far. Last week’s game against Clewiston resulted in a win for them, 51 to 7.

The Highlanders, who are 3-0 for the season thus far, won against Auburndale last week with the final score of 23 to 0.

LWHS Head Coach, Tavaris Johnson, commented on expectations this week.

“It’s, of course, good to be undefeated right now. It gives confidence; it helps with having that momentum that you like to have going in against a good opponent, a tough opponent like Sebring. We’re excited, I know they’re excited. It’s their homecoming, and we know they’re playing for more than just a win this week.

“I think three keys to this week, what will determine success tonight is to be up front; offensive line needs to dominate. I believe every game is determined in the trenches. We just need to be able to come in and find rhythm early. Our key players need to be a force tonight.

“Sebring has two good interior defensive linemen, probably the best we’ve seen all season. I think we’ve got to improve on our third down conversions and not leave points on the field tonight. The margin is very small tonight for errors. We need to lead on three levels: offensively, defensively, and special teams.”

If you’re heading to the game to support your team, please send us your photos to share with the community!

Go Highlanders!

Former PCFR Captain & Current Frostproof Fire Chief Disputes Comments Made By Deputy County Manager Halman In Recent Report

Carl Fish
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Former PCFR Captain & Current Frostproof Fire Chief Disputes Comments Made By Deputy County Manager Halman In Recent Report

By Anita Todd & Carl Fish

An official report of the management of the Polk County Fire Rescue Division was recently released. At least one former employee disagrees with the comments made in the report by Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, Jr. and say that he is incompetent and disrespectful to others including employees and civilians.

In the recent report by Allen Norton & Blue, P.A., which was engaged by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) to provide a review of the management of the Polk County Fire Rescue Division (“Fire Rescue” or “Division”) comments were attributed by DCM Halman, which Riner disputes. Here are those comments from the report “In another example, a battalion chief had accepted the position of interim Fire Chief for the City of Frostproof. However, Article 16, Section 7, of the collective bargaining agreement between the County and the bargaining unit of battalion chiefs prohibited such secondary employment with another fire rescue agency. The County well-reasoned that the risks associated with liability questions under the Florida Heart and Lung Act as well as potential conflicts of interest outweighed the battalion chief’s interest in the interim position.”

Riner contends those statements are not entirely accurate. Riner advises he was also the Frostproof Fire Chief and Fire Inspector before he was hired by the County and he says his supervisors – including Halman knew of that part-time employment. However, Riner points out to receive state funding, in early 2021, the administration told him he needed to resign from the Frostproof positions. 

The state funding requires that firefighters are only employed by one fire department. The County “well-reasoned that the risks associated with liability questions under the Florida Heart and Lung Act as well as potential conflicts of interest outweighed the ‘battalion chief’s’ interest in the ‘interim’ position,” the report read.

Riner disagrees with that statement saying that the information Halman provided for the new report is incorrect.

“I wasn’t the ‘interim’ fire chief of Frostproof. I was the Fire Chief and I wasn’t a ‘battalion chief’ for the County. I was a captain,” Riner said. “If Halman can’t get important details of someone’s career and circumstances that effectively ended it, how can he be trusted with others careers?”

Riner felt he followed protocol and met with administration to ask to continue as the Frostproof Fire Inspector since that position wouldn’t require him to be around dangerous chemicals and materials. He was told in April of 2021 that he would be notified of the decision. Months passed with no word.

Photo of Riner in Frostproof Gear In 2010. (Photo Provided)

In September, he was told by the then-Fire Chief Robert Weech that he would receive a waiver to work for the City of Frostproof, which never happened.

In October, he was called to meet with Halman, Weech and Kandis Baker-Buford, Director of Equity and Human Resources. In the meeting, Riner said that Halman belittled the captain with 27 years of experience saying, “Let me ask you? What good are you on a scene? You are just an EMT.” Riner explains that he meant he wasn’t a paramedic, a more specialized position. 

“Holman made me feel insignificant as a captain. Being accused of insubordination and untruthfulness questioned my character,” he said. “I felt beaten. I didn’t want to go through it anymore.”

In the same meeting, Riner said Halman told him, “You are gonna do it (resign from Frostproof) or you are going to be terminated.” 

“I asked if I could speak to his supervisor – someone above him – and he said, ‘No. It stops with me,’” Riner said. 

Citizen Life-Saving Awarded to Jerry Riner: On October 21, 2021, Officers from the Lake Wales Police Department responded to a traffic crash on Highway 60 near the intersection of 9th Street. The driver of the vehicle suffered an apparent medical emergency causing him to leave the roadway, nearly crashing into a home. You were driving in the area and saw the vehicle leave the roadway. You immediately pulled over to render aid and found the driver unresponsive and not breathing. You removed the driver from the vehicle and began administering CPR until the Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County EMS arrived. Before the driver left the scene by ambulance, their vital signs had improved significantly. In response to your quick thinking and willingness to administer aid, the driver of the vehicle survived. As a result of your heroic actions, I am presenting you with our Citizen’s Life Saving Award and commend you for your service to our community. (Photo from City of Lake Wales)

Following was a series of meetings, write ups for insubordination and untruthfulness, and administrative leaves with and without pay for Riner. 

Riner hired an attorney and his wife, Stacey, became very vocal on social media, especially Facebook. Finally, Riner received a verbal offer: He would be allowed to retire if his wife would stop all social media posts and “stop being vocal.” Riner was also required to halt all legal action.

Riner said that he had accepted what happened – although he was forever changed by the actions of Halman and other administrators – until the new report. 

“I knew they were coming after me. If you get in their sights, something is going to happen to you,” Riner said. “I had accepted it until this new report came out with Halman giving the wrong details about what happened with me.”

Riner retired from the County. He is still employed by the City of Frostproof and has been for 32 years. 

“He didn’t ruin my career. He ended it with the County,” Riner said. “He is supposed to be the highest level of administrator in fire service and he’s so incompetent that he can’t get the story straight. How can he be trusted with others’ careers?”

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