On 8/10/2024, a retail theft occurred at Winn Dixie located at 445 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale, FL.
Two unknown black females were observed entering the store. While suspect 1 distracted the cashier asking for things from behind the counter, suspect 2 grabbed (3) bottles of Ciroc Vodka from the shelf and then passed all points of sale without attempting to pay. When suspect 1 and suspect 2 were leaving the store a third suspect entered at the same time and walked to the nearest shelf and removed an unknown bottle of liquor and then passed all points of sale without paying.
Suspect 1 and suspect 2 were seen leaving in a Saturn 4 door sedan silver in color with right taillight damage and right bumper damage. Unknown if suspect 3 left in the same vehicle.
SUSPECT 1 – Black female, camo shirt & pants, gold/tan head wrap, black arm purse with a print on the front.
SUSPECT 2 – Black female, blue shirt, blue knee length shorts, white flip flops, striped shoulder bag (black & gold/tan), black bucket hat.
SUSPECT 3 – Black female, short hair, black t-shirt, black shorts with white/light color trim, dark sunglasses, and a dark shoulder bag.
If you have any information, please contact Corporal Belcher at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
On 8/19/2024 at 12:41 p.m., the below pictured suspects were seen retrieving CSX railroad material items from the area around Pearl Street in Auburndale, Florida.
The vehicle used in the theft was a 4 door white pickup truck with dark tinted windows pulling a trailer behind.
SUSPECT 1 – White female, light brown hair, last seen wearing a tank top and long pants.
SUSPECT 2 – Black male, last seen wearing a white t-shirt, white or light gray shorts and a white hat.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Belcher at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
Founder, Joni Gerard , with her horses, Bandit and Ciarra. Credit: Beach Chic Photography
Traveling a long distance with a horse trailer and horses can be stressful. Planning a trip with multiple, horse friendly layovers has been difficult to navigate. But starting this year, it should get a bit easier.
Earlier this year, GiddyUp GetAway, Inc. launched a groundbreaking, first of its kind, online marketplace which connects people traveling with their horses with hosts providing horse-friendly layover accommodations. This launch marks the first, interactive, equine layover marketplace of its kind.
Gerard, a 4th generation Polk County native, says GiddyUp GetAway is the, “first in the world and it started right here in Lake Wales”
Previously, travelers would spend hours planning and mapping their trip using a static directory of layover sites. Now, travelers can plan their trip using the interactive map and see available hosts along their route. Guests simply map their journey, click and book directly online. This technology has shaved hours off the planning stage and takes the guesswork out of wondering if the layover will have everything needed for a safe and comfortable experience.
GiddyUp GetAway is a family run business with everyone finding their niche within the new business. L to R: Ana, Clarke, Joni, Ali, and Jackson Gerard, with their dog, Amarilla. Photo credit: Beach Chic Photography
Guests can choose to rent a horse trailer parking site or housing provided by hosts, if they are traveling without living quarters in their horse trailer. Horse rental accommodation options include stalls, paddocks, arenas and pastures. Finding the perfect layover has been simplified by using the search filter options which include people traveling with a big rig, stallions, and dogs.
The platform includes a review system so travelers can see comments about a property from previous guests before they book. Likewise, hosts can preview a potential guest’s past reviews before accepting their reservation request.
“We offer all of the bells and whistles of a traditional vacation rental site, but are specifically designed for people traveling with their horses,” said Joni Gerard, Founder & CEO of GiddyUp GetAway, Inc.
“Equine enthusiasts can now benefit from the same online conveniences which are offered on other short-term rental marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Hipcamp, and VRBO. I designed this platform to be a blessing, not a burden.” says Gerard. “It’s free for hosts to set up their property on our website and also free for guests to search for layovers. No upfront costs for hosts or guests! We collect a small fee after a completed reservation.”
• Reservation software which prevents double bookings;
• Booking Calendar which allows hosts to block off dates when they need a break or want to make a temporary price change;
• Inbox which allows hosts and potential guests to communicate anonymously;
• Hosts can create property rules and establish check-in and check-out times;
• Nationwide advertising included;
24/7 customer service includes help articles and ability to book a one on one meeting. Live chat is also available. 
• Cancellation Policy and Code of Conduct for guests and hosts.
In addition to searching for a convenient layover, guests can search for vacation destinations with their horses, by state or region, all over the US. Guests can go a step further and filter their search results based on a preferred vacation activity, such as horse trails nearby, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, nearby attractions etc.
“Our platform is designed to streamline the search, booking and payment processes, making travel with horses more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Gerard adds.
Founded by experienced horse lover, Joni Gerard, giddyupgetaway.com is the premier travel solution for horse enthusiasts who want to ensure their equine companions also have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Meanwhile, the platform offers everything a horse owner needs to operate their horse layover business. “It’s a win-win for everyone, including the horses,” adds Gerard. “Our hosts use horse facilities they already have on their property to earn extra income, while helping fellow equestrians and their horses as they pass through.”
Gerard credits, her love of horses to her mom, Karen Bradbury Walker, and her horse, Lucky.
Little Karen and her sweet horse, Lucky (c. 1951). Photo provided by Joni Gerard
“I got every ounce of my love for horses from her,” says Gerard. “My mom got Lucky when she was about 10 as a gift from her father. Mom trained the Morgan bred horse with patience and love and they became inseparable. I loved to hear my mom tell about their adventures. They rode every day and all day on Saturdays, when there was no school. Mom would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which she shared with Lucky on the trails, and they would explore the woods around Lake Marion and Haines City until dark.
“Lucky lived to be 28 years old. I remember the day she passed. It was a bitter cold and rainy day. I was about four years old, pressing my nose against the dining room window, trying to see out into the pasture where my mom was tending to her. She had gotten pneumonia and was too old to recover this time. Mom led her down into a hole dug by my uncle and covered with blankets to block the icy wind. Lucky laid her head and my mom’s lap and they loved on each other until the sweet mare finally let go of life.
Karen, 14, grooming her horse, Lucky, before a bareback ride. (c. 1955) Photo provided by Joni Gerard
“I will never forget that day or the bond shared by those two. You could say my passion for horses started with a little “Lucky” and my sweet Momma who taught me everything she knew about horses.”
GiddyUp GetAway’s launch has been met with enthusiasm from horse lovers, trail blazers, competitors and stable owners across the country. Users have been impressed with the platform’s user-friendly interface, robust search capabilities and commitment to promoting a safer and more convenient experience while planning an equine-friendly trip. Joni reports, “We are signing up new hosts at a steady pace and we plan to add Canada to the platform in the near future. So GiddyUp and start planning your next GetAway.”
Our new Safe Stop program went live this year, and there were more than 1,400 violations … just from Aug. 15-22. There’s no reason for people to be driving this way and putting our students at risk.
Beginning Sept. 24, these violations will carry a fine of $225 apiece. Save yourselves some cash, and help us save lives.
Thank you to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable support for this program.
Here is a video compilation of some of the violations:
Video source: Polk County Public Schools
More information about the Safe Stop program from PCPS website:
Every day, over 45,000 Polk County students ride the school bus, relying on our transportation system to get them to and from school safely.
According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, more than 11,000 Florida school buses were illegally passed in just one day last year. The study also showed that Florida had more drivers passing on the right side of a bus than any other state. This behavior is incredibly dangerous, jeopardizing the safety and lives of our children.
To address this serious issue, Polk County Public Schools has partnered with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Verra Mobility to administer a school bus stop arm safety program, equipping 511 school buses with safety camera technology to capture evidence of illegal behavior. The goal of the program is to change reckless driving behavior and improve the safety of our students as they travel to and from school.
School bus stop arm safety programs have been extremely effective in changing driver behavior. Data from Verra Mobility has shown that 98% of people who receive a notice of violation for illegally passing a stopped school bus do not repeat their behavior. The data also showed a 12% reduction in issued violations from the beginning to the end of the school year.
Through community awareness of the law, and the implementation of the school bus stop arm safety program, drivers are more alert, pay better attention to illegal behavior, and help improve the safety of our students.
The PCPS Safe Stop enforcement program provides state-of-the-art technology to effectively capture stop arm violations.
When the stop arm is deployed, the camera automatically detects vehicles that pass the stopped school bus within the enforcement zone. When a violation occurs, the cameras record video and capture images including the vehicle, its license plate, and the extended stop arm.
The violation video and license plate images are then reviewed by law enforcement for approval, prior to a warning or violation being issued.
Step 1 | Two cameras are installed on the right side of the bus (passenger side).
Step 2 | When the bus is stopped with and offloading passengers along the curb, the right-side overview camera begins detecting vehicles using artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Step 3 | When a vehicle is detected illegally passing the right side of the bus, the ALPR camera captures the vehicle and its license plate. The system generates a data package, including still photos, the overview video, and metadata (GPS and time/date)
New information has emerged regarding this morning’s accident involving a truck and child pedestrian (September 12, 2024).
Meghan Petty, PCSO PIO said the patrol deputies who responded believe the child was in the roadway at the time of the crash and it is now being reclassified from a hit-and-run to a traffic crash with injury.
The driver of the truck was a woman and she did stop to ask if the child was ok. The woman was not at the scene of the crash when deputies arrived because reportedly the child stated that she was ok before the driver left.
Petty informed us that the victim possibly has a fractured shoulder, but it is not confirmed.
The following is a statement directly from Polk County Sheriff’s Office: “This was not a hit and run. The information that we have at this time is that the driver stopped, got out of her vehicle, asked the girl if she was alright, and asked if she needed to call 911. The girl declined. It appears that the girl was struck by the side mirror. We would still like the driver to come forward though, as this is still a crash investigation.”
Initially, when the call came in around 6:30 a.m. this morning, it was reported by witnesses that a truck struck the child, then fled. The truck was a white pickup truck with ladders on top. Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were asking the public at the time to be on the lookout for any vehicles matching the description, because at the time, it was classified as a hit-and-run.
As the new details emerged later in the morning, deputies were able to reclassify it. This is the last update we will have on this investigation, as it is now classified as a traffic crash with injury.
Lake Wales High School, home of the Highlanders, just kicked off a short fundraiser to help support their football program. The team is raising funds for new equipment, team gear, new uniforms, and a few other items.
When you buy Double Good award-winning, popcorn, 50% of your purchase goes to supporting their cause and you receive a delicious reward (items listed in the virtual store).
At the time of publication, this Lake Wales pop-up store has raised $67 out of their $1000 goal. The store will be open until 9 AM, Sunday, September 15.
New information has emerged regarding this morning’s accident involving a truck and child pedestrian.
Meghan Petty, PCSO PIO said the patrol deputies that responded believe the child was in the roadway at the time of the crash and it is now being reclassified from a hit-and-run to a traffic crash with injury.
The driver of the truck was a woman and she did stop to ask if the child was ok. The woman then left the scene of the crash because reportedly the child stated that he/she was ok. We are leaving out the age and gender for privacy.
The victim possibly has a fractured shoulder, but it is not confirmed.
The BOLO for the truck involved has been rescinded.
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10:00 a.m. UPDATE – Meghan Petty, Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO has confirmed that the child hit this morning by a truck in Lakeland is expected to be ok, though has a slightly hurt arm. The child has since been released from the hospital.
PCSO deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. (THIS HAS BEEN RESCINDED DUE TO NEW DETAILS). It was dark at the time of the accident (around 6:30 a.m.) so the make and model of the vehicle is unknown, but witnesses reported that it was a white pickup truck with ladders on top.
If you see a vehicle that might match the description, please call the PCSO non-emergency number at 863-298-6200.
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Initial report:
Earlier this morning around 6:30 a.m. (September 12, 2024) a 911 call came in for a vehicle vs pedestrian accident on Ranchland Acres Road in Lakeland.
Polk County Fire Rescue’s Public Information Officer (PIO) Nathaniel Gale confirmed one individual was transported.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies also arrived on scene to investigate. According to Meghan Petty, Polk County Sheriff’s Office PIO, witnesses saw a white pickup truck with ladders on top strike the child and allegedly flee. PCSO deputies then began actively searching for the vehicle.
Petty says that at this time, PCSO is unable to release the age and gender of the child.
This is a developing story and we will update as new details come in.
This is at least the third child pedestrian or child cyclist vs vehicle accident in Polk County this week.
Edward Lee Bailey, age 77, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at AdventHealth Hospital in Haines City, FL, after a year-long battle with renal cancer. He was known to family and friends by his nickname “Eddie.”
Born on Dec. 22, 1946, in Indianapolis, IN, Eddie was the firstborn of Curtis Leroy and Margaret Bailey, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife Leona M. (Shipp) Bailey. Also surviving are his younger sisters Mary Bailey, Odessa, FL; and Vickie Price, San Diego, CA; and five nephews and one niece. Also surviving are a stepdaughter Melissa (Michael) Pike, and three step-granddaughters: Lauren (Evan) Diemer, Autumn Pike, and Cassandra Pike all of Shelbyville, IN, and brother-in-law Miles (Marilyn) Shipp, of Indianapolis, IN. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Bailey.
Eddie received his GED from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1965. He joined the United States Army when he was 17 years old where he learned to be a helicopter pilot. He flew a Medevac helicopter during the Viet Nam War, was shot down twice, and he received a Purple Heart. After discharge from the Army, he graduated from Gunnell School of Aeronautics in Van Nuys, California, where he learned to fly fixed-wing airplanes. Eddie became an airline pilot, working for Eastern Airlines for 10 years. He then owned a flight school in Fort Lauderdale, FL, teaching others to fly planes. Later in life, he worked for Radio Shack fixing computers. Musically talented, he worked part-time for a restaurant playing the organ while people enjoyed their dinner. His Hammond organ was a prized possession.
Eddie was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a past member of the German American Club in Hollywood, FL, where he served as Second Vice-President and Sergeant-of-Arms. Always involved in his community, he served as President of the Social Activities Committee when he lived in Davie, FL.
Baseball was his passion, and he played for a minor league in his teens. Eddie was a scout for the Florida Marlins, and he coached high school baseball teams. He greatly enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and shopping at flea markets wherever he traveled. Eddie enjoyed leather working and made many wallets, belts and a purse. He loved animals and became well known for giving treats to all the dogs he encountered on his daily walks through his neighborhood.
A Celebration of Life Service will be on a date to be announced later at the Orange Acres Ranch Clubhouse in Lake Wales, FL.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Winter Haven High School Celebrates New Fall Sports Season with Renovated Denison Stadium
by James Coulter
Fall is upon us, and school is back in session. So, are you ready for some football? Because the Winter Haven Blue Devils certainly are, especially now that they have a newly renovated stadium to host their games.
Earlier this year, Winter Haven High School, through a partnership with the City of Winter Haven, spent more than $1.8 million on upgrades to Denison Stadium.
These renovations, according to the Polk County Schools website, included “resurfacing the track, as well as removing the old football field and installing new artificial turf.”
Gina Williams, Principal of Winter Haven High School, mentioned how the sports facility had previously been in “bad shape.” She claimed that heavy rain would often leave behind pools of standing water due to lack of drainage.
“It came to the point where holes were forming all over the field and becoming a dangerous playing field for athletes, so we needed to do something about the field and track,” she said.
Since these much-needed renovations were implemented earlier this spring, the stadium now sports a resurfaced track and a field with a fresh turf capable of withstanding heavy rain.
Not only are expectations high for upcoming sports games, including the Winter Haven Blue Devils football season, but also for potentially graduation.
Whereas graduation ceremonies had to be canceled at the stadium due to rain damage on the fields, now such ceremonies could be making a comeback soon, Principal Williams said.
“If we can bring graduation back to the stadium, that will be the biggest plan for the future,” she said. “So they want to bring it back, the community will be happy and proud.”
The Winter Haven Blue Devils will be hosting an upcoming game against Lakeland on Fri. Sep. 13.
Denison Stadium is located at 400 Ave A SE in Winter Haven. For information about upcoming sports games, visit their official website at https://winterhavenathletics.com
Recently, Principal Williams appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the renovations to Denison Stadium. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge
