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In Loving Memory of Edward Lee Bailey, 77, of Lake Wales

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In Loving Memory of Edward Lee Bailey, 77, of Lake Wales

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

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Winter Haven High School Celebrates New Fall Sports Season with Renovated Denison Stadium

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.

For more information, read our article on upcoming games here: https://www.winterhavendaily.com/index.php/2024/08/23/winter-haven-high-school-blue-devils-football-team-playing-big-game-against-lake-wales-highlander-football-team/

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

In Loving Memory of Elberita De La Bastide

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In Loving Memory of Elberita De La Bastide

Obituary for Elberita De La Bastide

March 28th, 1946 – September 6th, 2024

In Loving Memory of Elberita De La Bastide

Elberita (Rita) De La Bastide born March 28, 1946, on the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago where she met and married her husband, Carl De La Bastide. She was a loving and committed wife, and on September 6, 2024, she passed away peacefully at Kindred Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Elberita graduated from San Fernando Senior Secondary School in Trinidad and after graduation she worked as a sales representative in the cosmetic department in a local store downtown San Fernando.

Elberita immigrated to America in 1983 to make a better life for her and her family, finally settling in East Orange, New Jersey in 1985. She retired at the age of sixty-two from Morris View Nursing Home, in Morristown New Jersey where she worked for 22 years as a Nurse Assistant and Unit Secretary.

Elberita was very devoted to her family. She loved to travel with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also loved entertaining and enjoyed cooking most of all for her children and extended family.

Elberita leaves behind her loving husband of 60 years Carl De La Bastide, her four children, Debra, Michelle, Ricardo, and Darryl, also stepson Curtis and their spouses Dianna, Fred, and Andrea.  Her 12 Grandchildren: Melissa, Javon, Jade, Alejandro, Antonio, Jasmine, Xavier, Javier, Alexander, Ariel, Candice, and Kiara. Elberita had seven siblings who preceded her in death Zita, Ruth, Lisa, Bunny, Carly, Alverez and Wilbert.  One surviving sister Cleorita Ramjohn as well as many other nieces, nephew, and 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.


Visitation 

Sep 12th, 2024

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care


Funeral Service 

Sep 12th, 2024

1:00 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care

Vehicle Crash Sends Two to Hospital and One to Jail for DUI in Winter Haven

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Vehicle Crash Sends Two to Hospital and One to Jail for DUI in Winter Haven

On Monday, September 9, 2024 around 4:00 p.m., units responded to a traffic collision at the area of Recker Hwy and Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven.

Two patients were transported as a result of the crash and one driver was arrested. The driver arrested was identified as Daniel Brian Roberts of Auburndale, DOB 08/18/1950.

Daniel Brian Roberts arrested

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Winter Haven Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.

“On September 9, 2024 at approximately 1601 hrs I was dispatched to a vehicle crash in the area of Recker Hwy and Spirit Lake Rd., Winter Haven, Florida.  

I arrived at the scene and observed red Scion XD bearing Florida tag # REDACTED. Seated in the driver’s seat of the red Scion, I observed a white male subject, later identified as Daniel Roberts. I made contact with Roberts and I observed him to have bloodshot watery eyes and I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. I asked Roberts to come to a safe position away from the vehicle.

After completing the civil portion of the crash and notating changing of the hats, I explained to Roberts I was D/S Simmons with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and I was going to conduct an investigation for possible impairment while operating a motor vehicle. Roberts told me he understood. As Roberts spoke I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. Based on my observations, training, and experience, I asked Roberts to perform a series of standardized field sobriety tests. Roberts agreed.

I administered the following exercises and observed the following:

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: I observed 6 out of 6 clues with an approximate onset of nystagmus at 30 degrees. Vertical Gaze Nystagmus was not observed. (4 or more clues is a sign of impairment.)

Walk and Turn: I observed 7 out of 8 validated clues of impairment. (2 or more clues indicate impairment.)

One Leg Stand: I observed 3 out of 4 validated clues of impairment. (2 or more clues indicate impairment.)

After completing all exercises and based on my observations, training, and experience, I determined Roberts was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol to the point his normal faculties were impaired.

I arrested Roberts for DUI at 1711 hrs. and transported him to the Sheriff’s Processing Center.

I began a 20 minute observation period at 1730 hrs. and ensured Roberts had nothing in his mouth and he did not regurgitate before the breath test was completed. After the 20 minute observation period I asked Roberts for two breath samples in order to determine his breath alcohol content. Roberts agreed. Roberts provided 2 breath samples of .069 and .059 grams per 210 L of breath.

Roberts was issued uniform traffic citation # AJD3YFE for DUI property damage/personal injury.

Roberts was issued a uniform traffic citation # AJD3YGE for careless driving.

Roberts was also arrested 12/31/2014 in Polk County for DRIVE W/UNLAW BAL(.08% OR ABOVE).”

Upcoming Enhancements to Park Avenue Between Wetmore Street to First Street

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Upcoming Enhancements to Park Avenue Between Wetmore Street to First Street

City of Lake Wales – Construction crews plan to enhance the stormwater drainage system and lay new brick pavers on Park Avenue between Wetmore Street to First Street, starting Monday, September 16th through October 15. The intersection of Park Avenue and First Street will be closed for three days, October 16th to October 18th. The street will be closed during this timeframe with ample parking on nearby streets.

The new stormwater system and brick pavers will help strengthen the roadway and reduce standing water after heavy rainfall. We appreciate everyone’s patience as City staff and construction crews implement the enhancements. Note: Park Avenue between First Street and Market Street will be accessible by motorists via Market Street and First Street until a three day road closure, October 16 to October 18.

A Political Prisoner Inspired a Lake Wales High School IB Grad to Author a Book. He’s 20.

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A Political Prisoner Inspired a Lake Wales High School IB Grad to Author a Book. He’s 20.

by James Coulter

Gonzalo Lira was a Chilean-American novelist, film producer, and political commentator. As someone who grew up under the regimes of Salvador Allende and Augusto Pinochet in Chile, he was a man all too familiar with authoritarian governments.

Lira would later move to Ukraine to reside with his wife. He often uploaded videos on YouTube commenting on the war. He drew from his personal experiences living in Chile to discuss political parallels with the conflict in Ukraine.

However, as his videos were deemed “propaganda and misinformation” by the Ukrainian government, Lira was arrested and imprisoned in May 2022. He would die in prison two years later.

Antonio Acaya was a middle school student in the International Baccalaureate at Lake Wales High School when Lira was arrested. Acaya had become interested in philosophy and politics through Lira’s work, often watching his videos and taking notes.

“He expressed the dangers of communism and radical ideologies and drew parallels to the United States,” Acaya said. “One thing in Chile under Salvador was freezing prices for goods and services. This caused the collapse of the private sector, and gave the government an excuse to seize the private sector and nationalize it.”

“If you think it cannot happen here in the United States,” he continued, “take a look at what happened in 2008 and later in 2010 when the Supreme Court gave personhood to corporations, allowing the government to further subsidize corporations. It’s something to seriously think about.”

Lira was also critical about the conflict occurring in Ukraine, often drawing parallels between it and other similar geopolitical conflicts: “He said what was happening in Ukraine was similar to what was happening in Iraq where the American leadership class needed a war to fund their corruption.”

Lira died in prison earlier this year, around the same time Acaya had started college. Before then, the young Lake Wales student wanted to become a pilot. Now, he is studying political science and has used the notes he had collected following Lira’s work to write and publish his own book.

“How is it that a country that we have given billions in taxes, a country that claims that it wants to be part of NATO with Western values, allowed for the death of an American citizen?” Acaya asked. “It does not matter if you agree with someone or not. No one deserves to die or be in prison for expressing their ideas or opinions.”

“Awaken: The Rise of the Populist” was published earlier this year. Acaya considers it a “call to action” for young Americans to “wake up” to the changes occurring in their country and what they can do to preserve their country’s founding principles into the future.

His book offers “A reflection on the past, a stark analysis of the present, and a hopeful vision for tomorrow. It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions, confront their fears, and embrace the potential of a brighter tomorrow.”

“Awaken: The Rise of the Populist” is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2LNLKZB?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_37K3JGCEP1XR2HAQQ67C

Antonio Ancaya recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss his book and the inspiration behind it. Listen to the full episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge

In Loving Memory of Clement Buckley Newbold, III

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In Loving Memory of Clement Buckley Newbold, III

Clement Buckley Newbold III, age 54, of Clermont, Florida passed away suddenly on Monday, September 2, 2024. He was fondly called by his nickname “Clem” by his family and friends.

He passed while cycling which was one of his lifelong passions. Of particular note, he and his father rode their bicycles across the continental United States from Oregon to Virginia consisting of a duration of 33 days. Inspired by that expedition, Clem was training for another expedition-The Tour Divide- which is a 2,745 mile north to south route beginning in Banff, Alberta Canada and concluding in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. This love of the sport was first ignited by his father, as a cyclist himself which led to their continued involvement in the US Cycling Federation.

He began his cycling career at 8 years of age as a BMX racer and eventually graduated to racing Cat 1-2 criteriums, time trials, circuit and road races in Georgia, Colorado and North Carolina. Of those races, he was most proud of his top finish in the state time trial championship in Georgia. During Clem’s time in N.C. as a student at Appalachian State University he fell in love with white water kayaking and qualified to participate in the 1997 Gorge Games where he competed in the down river and rodeo races. Clem also tested his athleticism by participating in several triathlons in the southeast. Clem continued pursuing his love for cycling by engaging in mountain and gravel biking with his wife and son. The family would spend their weekends riding local trails and gravel roads. Their vacations were also centered around bike riding, skiing and/or other outdoor activities. Clem also spent much of his personal time with wife Lisa following their son’s recent successes on a club rowing team.

Professionally, Clem followed his natural mechanical aptitude and his desire to help people by attending Northwestern University post graduate Prosthetics and Orthotics Program. His family and career path then led him to Florida where he found a rewarding position where he combined his respect for disabled veterans and desire to encourage active healthy lifestyles in his amputee patients. Clem had a natural ability to convey just how much he cared for people in need. A true “care provider”.

Clement was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Dunkerton Newbold.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Elizabeth Myers Newbold (“Lisa”), son Clement Buckley Newbold IV (“Buckley”), Sisters Pamela Newbold Watson and husband (Elisha), Mariamne Newbold Schulte and husband (Stephen), father Clement Buckley Newbold Jr. (“G.P.”) and wife Betz. Also, he is survived by his nieces, Mariamne Meade Schulte (“Mini”) and Meredith Anne Schulte. And, last but not least, his beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Hank.

In lieu of flowers, Clem would want people to continue to enjoy and preserve our natural forests. A donation can be made online at www.nationalforests.org. In addition, Clem loved his GSP rescue. He would have loved for people to help the SE GSP rescue continue their work. To donate, go to: www.segsprescue.org.

Funeral Service

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

221 4th St. S Lake Wales FL 33853

Saturday September 28, 2024, at 11:00am

Reception to follow:

Live-Streaming on YouTube: “Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Wales”

Teen Allegedly Stabbed His Mother To Death! He Says His Mother Lunged At Him With A Knife

Carl Fish
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Teen Allegedly Stabbed His Mother To Death! He Says His Mother Lunged At Him With A Knife

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, at approximately 6:00 PM Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service on Hewlett Drive in Auburndale. Collin Griffith, 17, called 9-1-1 for help, stating that he and his mother, Catherine Griffith, 39, had gotten into a fight. He claimed that during this argument, his mother lunged at him with a knife, and fell on it, resulting in a deep stab wound to her neck. 

Polk County Fire rescue responded with emergency medical services and Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded. When they arrived on scene, they pronounced Catherine deceased. PCSO deputies asked Collin Griffith what happened and he became immediately uncooperative, and asked to speak with a lawyer. As the investigation continued, detectives began to notice inconsistencies between what Collin had stated happened in his 9-1-1 call and what was discovered at the scene.  

Detectives talked with witnesses who told them that they saw Collin and his mother outside the residence earlier verbally arguing. They witnessed Collin grab his mother by the hair and drag her inside the home. According to these witnesses, his mother repeatedly pled with Collin to “let me go”.

Although she was not present during the stabbing incident on Sunday, Collin’s grandmother told detectives about multiple instances in which Collin was physically or verbally confrontational with his mother in the past. 

Polk County Fire Chief Accused Of Using The N-Word & Using The Term “Cracker” Investigation Reveals

His grandmother also revealed that Collin had been arrested in the shooting death of his father in Oklahoma in February of 2023. Collin was arrested and charged in this 2023 incident, but charges were later dropped. 

Collin was charged with domestic violence battery against his mother in November, 2023 by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

The Medical Examiner’s Office’s autopsy revealed that Ms. Griffith died of a deep penetrating knife wound to the neck. They determined the stab wound to be inconsistent with an accidental injury. 

“Collin Griffith is a violent predator—he has now killed both his father and his mother. We will hold him accountable in Polk County—we will do everything we can to keep him separated from civil society.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Collin Griffith is being charged with first-degree murder (Capital Felony), kidnapping (F1), and violation of a no-contact order (M2).

In Loving Memory of Edward Demmler Anderson of Winter Haven

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In Loving Memory of Edward Demmler Anderson of Winter Haven

Obituary for Edward Demmler Anderson, 86

Winter Haven, FL

July 24th, 1938 – August 16th, 2024

Ed passed away at home in Winter Haven, FL on August 16, 2024 with his lovely bride Janet at his side. Jan and Ed married March 18, 1961 in Evansville, IN and have been inseparable since. Their time together was always eventful as everyone who had dinner with them could attest. They were admired by all for their enduring love for one another.  To the end, Ed honored and stayed committed to the vows he took of caring for Jan in sickness and in health. He is survived by his wife Janet Bredenkamp Anderson, children Andrea Van Nest (Matt) and Edward Demmler Jr, aka Andy (Teri), granddaughters Ella and Zoe, brothers Hugh aka his twin/wombmate (Britta) and Tom (Bege), niece Kay Lynn, nephews Bo, Larry, David, Bill and Scott. He is also survived by scores of friends around the country – you know who you are.

From a very early age, Ed fought for and stood up for what he thought was right. While others did not always see it his way, he always held firm in his convictions. Before moving to Florida, Ed called various places around the country home, but none more special than the square-log home that he and Jan built themselves in Neshkoro, WI with the help of family and friends.  He could sell anything, build anything, fix anything and tried to spray paint everything. He loved camping, classic cars, a great steak, and a good snipe hunt, but mostly enjoyed shooting the breeze with his family and old friends while having a good laugh. Always up for an adventure, Ed graduated Magnus Cum Laude in 1974 from the Hawaiiana Hotel’s Hula Class where he was found to be high spirited, good natured and worthy of the Happy Kamaaina. In 2021, he picked up a paint brush for the very first time and found his new passion in art, proudly completing several paintings.

A strong work ethic was at his core, with his proudest efforts spent building a successful sales office in Milwaukee or just cutting and stacking wood. But what made him tick most was service to others: from his years in the Indiana National Guard to hundreds of Shriner parades in the scarab and antique car units to starting the Wautoma Father’s Day Car Show, and most recently as a Valet at the local hospital and Chaplain at the Winter Haven Masonic Lodge. He believed in stepping up and giving back, and inspired countless others to do the same.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

To know Ed was to love him and if you did not meet him, you really missed out.

Auburndale Man Killed In Lakeland Crash

Carl Fish
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Auburndale Man Killed In Lakeland Crash

LAKELAND, FL (September 11, 2024) – On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at approximately 10:31 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a red Toyota Celica and a grey Ford pickup truck in the 1600 block of East Memorial Boulevard. Just prior to the crash, the Toyota was headed westbound on East Memorial Boulevard and Ford was traveling eastbound on East Memorial Boulevard. For unknown reasons, the Toyota crossed over the center turn lane and into the eastbound lanes of travel. The front of the Toyota then impacted the front of the Ford.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. Despite the best efforts of these responders, the driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Ford were transported to Lakeland Regional Health for serious bodily injuries.

The roadway was partially shutdown for approximately three hours.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne at travis.payne@lakelandgov.net.

Toyota Driver (Deceased):

Moises Perez Martinez

Age: 39

Auburndale, FL

Ford Driver:

Patrick Accetta

Age: 71

Ford Passenger:

Dianne Accetta

Age: 75

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