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Driver Charged With Failure To Yield After Striking Pregnant Pedestrian

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Driver Charged With Failure To Yield After Striking Pregnant Pedestrian

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Driver Charged With Failure To Yield After Striking Pregnant Pedestrian


A 71 year-old driver has been charged with Failure To Yield Pedestrian Within Crosswalk after striking the woman at First St and Ave. G today.
The pedestrian, a 25 year-old woman who is 8 months pregnant, was crossing First St. in the crosswalk with the green walk signal. The 71 year-old driver was making a left turn off of Ave. G headed northbound. He told investigators he was watching the traffic on First St., although he had a green light, when he struck the pedestrian. He stated he never saw her until the impact.
He immediately stopped to render aid to the woman.
The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with a head laceration. Mom was treated and Baby “Olivia” is fine, still with mom awaiting her official arrival into the world.
The driver was cited for Failure To Yield To Pedestrian In a Crosswalk.

Ramon Theater Honors Former President At 13th Annual Gala

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Ramon Theater Honors Former President At 13th Annual Gala

Ramon Theater Honors Former President At 13th Annual Gala

by James Coulter

Wesley Wise was considered by friends and family to be a true “Frostproofian.” He was born in Frostproof. He was raised in Frostproof. And he worked and lived in Frostproof.

For many years, Wise served as a member of the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and as the President of the Ramon Theater. His lifelong support of his local hometown once even earned him the title of Man of the Year.

No matter where he went in the city, he always wore his signature flip-flops. He wore them at home. He wore them at work. He would have even worn them at the Ramon Theater’s 13th Annual Gala last Saturday had he not passed away last year.

To honor his legacy, the Ramon Theater unveiled during last week’s event a plaque that will be posted in the theater lobby. The plaque features a photograph of Wesley Wise, along with a pair of his favorite flip flops.

“He loved Frostproof, and Frostproof loved him,” Vicki Alley, Ramon Theater President. “Anybody who knows him knows he went everywhere in his flip flops. He wouldn’t have cared if this was a fancy gala, he would have been here in his flip flops. We want to remember his laughter and flip flops.”

The Ramon Theater hosted its 13th Annual Gala last Saturday to raise funds towards the operating budget of the historic theater, as well as to honor the memory of its late president.

This year’s theme was Marvelous Masquerade, with many attendees arriving dressed in masks and costumes. Guests enjoyed a dinner served by Tam’s Catering, as well as other activities including a silent auction, dessert contest, and several performances.

Performances that evening included a dance number by Ted and Shirley Johnson, a duet by Lynd Harper and Brianna Hanger, and a humorous vignette by the Citizens Bank Group to the tune of “Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland. A special dance number in honor of Wise was performed by his daughters Wendy Hull, Shelley Camp, and Taylor Bunch.

Serving as the guest of honor that evening, as he had last year and in previous years, was the honorable Sheriff Grady Judd. During his introductory speech, he commended the historic building for being a cultural center, not only in the small town of Frostproof, but all of Central Florida.

“The Ramon Theater is very special and has a profound impact for many years in Central Florida,” he said. “It has a place in the hearts and memories of those who were born and raised here, and also here in the Central Florida region…Our goal tonight is to raise money to support the operational budget as it continues to flourish in the next decade, to ensure the Ramon’s future as the cultural icon…in this area.”

The Ramon Theater was built in 1925 by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thompson and named in honor of their infant son, Ramon. It served as a venue for vaudeville, silent movies, comedies, news reels, and other forms of entertainment.

To help finance the operating budgets and repairs for the building, the annual gala has been hosted for the past 12 years. This year’s event will especially focus on proceeds towards repairing the roof and air conditioning system, Alley said. The Ramon Theater website will also include a special button that will allow visitors to make a generous donation towards financing such repairs, she said.

“The money we are making tonight through your generosity and our sponsors help us keep going all year long,” Alley said. “This girl is almost 100 years old, so you know she needs some repairs herself. The money you help contribute tonight helps keep going all year long.”

The Ramon Theater is located at 15 E Wall St, Frostproof, FL 33843. For more information, call 863-635-7222, or visit their website at: http://www.ramontheater.com/

FORMER PCSO Detective Arrested for Falsifying Offical Records and Forgery

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FORMER PCSO Detective Arrested for Falsifying Offical Records and Forgery
On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, PCSO detectives arrested 31-year-old Dennis Jones, Jr., who was hired as a PCSO deputy sheriff in July 2013 and became a detective in October 2017, for two counts public servant falsifying official records (F-3), one count forgery (F-3), and one count uttering false instrument (F-3). He resigned immediately upon his arrest.
According to the investigation, Jones, in his capacity as a detective, included within a PCSO report two falsified waivers of prosecution. The May 2019 investigation was related to two juveniles involved in a relationship, during which Jones wrote, “both parents requested to sign waivers.” Jones included that he had responded to two different homes to obtain the signed waivers from the male and female juveniles’ parents. In August 2019, during a follow-up by another detective, both parents provided sworn statements that neither had met with Jones, nor had they signed waivers of prosecution. One family provided doorbell camera footage showing that nobody visited their home on the date in question. The other family provided proof that they had moved prior to the date Jones wrote he had visited their home.
In a separate investigation related to an alleged improper disciplining of a student at a daycare during August 2019, Jones included in his report that he met with the daycare director, a teacher’s assistant, and several students. During a follow-up by another detective, the director and the teacher’s assistant provided sworn statements that they never met with Jones, and provided video footage and cell phone records confirming they did not speak with him on the phone, nor did he come to their homes or daycare.
Jones was taken into custody on September 17th and booked into the Polk County Jail. He did not provide detectives with an explanation.

PCSO Traffic Unit is Investigating Single Vehicle Crash in Auburndale

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PCSO Traffic Unit is Investigating Single Vehicle Crash in Auburndale
Update:

On September 23, 2019, the PCSO Traffic Unit received notification that Hunter Fawcett succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Sunday night, September 22, 2019.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a single-vehicle crash in Auburndale this morning that resulted in significant injury to the driver and sole occupant. Preliminary information so far is as follows:
 Around 4:32 a.m. this morning, we received a 911 call regarding a crash on Lake Mattie Road west of Debbie Drive in Auburndale. Evidence suggests that a blue 2003 Ford F-150 being driven by 18-year-old Hunter Fawcett of Lake Alfred was heading westbound on Lake Mattie Rd, when, after traveling over a slight incline, Fawcett lost control and swerved into the eastbound lane and then off the roadway into the grass. The truck then braked and overcorrected and traveled back over across the westbound lane and into the grassy area, at which time it rolled until it struck a fence.
Fawcett was ejected during the roll, and was found laying on the ground with significant traumatic injuries. He has been transported to a local hospital. It is unknown at this time if he will recover.
 
The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing. 

Grove Roots Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary

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Grove Roots Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary

Grove Roots Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary

by James Coulter

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came, as goes the theme song to the old television show “Cheers.”

For the past three years, Grove Roots has been that type of place for the locals in Downtown Winter Haven, whether it’s for good craft beer or good company among friends.

The local craft brewery and bar commemorated three years of good times and good beer during its anniversary celebration on Saturday with beer specials, live entertainment, and food trucks.

From noon to midnight, Grove Roots celebrated its anniversary with select craft beer releases brewed especially for that day only, including two beers that were aged in bourbon barrels.

The beer was especially helpful in allowing attendees to wash down food as provided by three to four food trucks parked outside.

Whether enjoying good beer, food, or company, attendees could appreciate the entire scene with live musical entertainment as provided by local bands such as Acoustic Dose, The Broke, and Hunter Smith.

Grove Roots opened its doors on Sept. 16, 2016. Part of its appeal has been its specialty craft beer, including such unique flavors as Slanted Ladders (pale ale with tropical flavor), Wakes Of Grain (amber ale caramel malt and American hops), Rind & Shine (Citrus Witbier with grapefruit and tangerine).

By far, what has allowed the downtown brewery and bar to have thrived these past three years has been the support and camraderie from the local community, explained Morgan Wilson, Manager.

“Since we opened those doors, the community has embraced us,” she said. “So we attribute everything that we have been able to do and our success to the community. It has been a wonderful three years.”

Such community support has been the result of the bar’s overall family-friendly atmosphere. While most other bars tend to be smoky, seedy establishments, Grove Roots offers a family centric atmosphere where parents can feel safe downing a cold one while letting their kids run around and play in the grassy courtyard.

“We are in a family-centric environment that everyone can enjoy,” Morgan said. “People know us a little bit more. We still have people who have not heard of us, but we had the best team we ever had, and that helps make us who we are.”

Aside from serving their beer at their downtown establishment, Grove Roots (through their sister distribution company) also distribute their beer in LEGOLAND Florida and 30 other locations throughout Polk, with plans to expand out to Tampa and Kissimmee.

Grove Roots has been around for three years, and they plan on staying around for many more, with plans for future expansion and growth. The local community has allowed them to be around for this long, and they expect them to continue on for even longer.

“We want to thank everyone who has become more than just customers but friends and family and we would not be able to do what we do and be here without them,” Morgan said.

Other upcoming events include their Octoberfest event on Sept. 22, their Fall Fest on Oct. 12, and their Halloween party on Oct. 26.

Grove Roots is located at 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. For more information on upcoming events, visit their website at: http://groveroots.com/

Traffic Advisory: PCSO Traffic Unity is on Scene of an SUV vs Motorcycle Crash

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Traffic Advisory: PCSO Traffic Unity is on Scene of an SUV vs Motorcycle Crash

UPDATE to crash on SR 60 this morning:

Around 5:55 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, PCSO received a 911 call regarding a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV on SR 60 West at Pine Grove Road in Mulberry.

When first responders arrived on-scene they found 22-year-old Lance Strickland of Lithia deceased. According to the evidence and witnesses, Strickland was operating his 2006 Suzuki sport motorcycle at a very high rate of speed eastbound on SR 60, passing at least two different motorists. At the same time, a 1993 Ford Explorer being driven by 54-year-old Amalia Casmiro of Mulberry was turning left onto Pine Grove Road from westbound SR 60 when the motorcycle struck her vehicle at the front passenger door.

There was significant damage done to the SUV, and the impact was strong enough to flip it onto its side. The motorcycle was also broken into pieces. Strickland was wearing a helmet, but it came off during the crash.

Casmiro suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and was transported to a local hospital, where she is expected to recover.

The eastbound lanes of SR 60 were closed for approximately 3 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing. No charges are anticipated.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: The PCSO Traffic Unit is on the scene of an SUV versus motorcycle crash, on SR 60 West near Pine Grove Road in Mulberry. There are significant injuries.

The EB lanes of SR 60 in that area are shut down until further notice. Please proceed with caution or use alternate routes.

There is one confirmed fatality at the crash scene in Mulberry on SR 60 – an adult.

The crash occurred at 5:55 a.m.

Taking A Bike From An Elementary School Does Not Make One A Man!

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Taking A Bike From An Elementary School Does Not Make One A Man!

Release by Winter Haven Police Department:

Taking A Bike From An Elementary School Does Not Make One A Man!


On Friday, 9-13-19 a young 9 year-old was ready to get on his bike to head home after school from Elbert Elementary when he got to the corral where bikes are kept and saw his bike was GONE! When video was viewed, a white male, approximately 6 ft tall is seen riding up on a bike (guess one bike isn’t enough) and he goes to the corral.
He walks in, selects the boy’s blue, white and black Kent 20″ Ambush BMX bike and left. He rides the stolen bike and drags the other alongside. Check out the video. Anyone who knows anything about this needs to turn this guy in.
Taking the bike from an elementary school? Tsk Tsk!
(BTW – the boy received the bike in May as his 9th birthday gift)

 

Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying Suspect

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Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying Suspect

 

 

The victim reported on September 2, 2019 at approximately 1:00pm she accidentally left $100 cash at the self-checkout after completing her purchase. A white female, who has not been identified, was in line behind the victim at the register and was observed on video taking the money after the victim walked away. The suspect exited the store and left the parking lot in a silver vehicle. The suspect and suspect’s vehicle are seen in these photographs. Anyone who knows the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Lake Wales Police Department Investigations Division at (863) 678-4223 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Police Responded to a Call at Florida Garden Motel Where Shots Were Reportedly Fired

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Police Responded to a Call at Florida Garden Motel Where Shots Were Reportedly Fired

WHPD Press release:

On September 16, 2019 at approximately 7:30 a.m., police responded to the Florida Garden Motel where shots were reportedly fired and a man was walking around outside bloody and with a gun. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate the subject. Witnesses reported that he left on foot towards Lake Hartridge Dr.
Out of an abundance of caution, New Beginnings High School was placed on heightened security at 8:52 a.m. until the man was located.

The Winter Haven Police Drone unit deployed in the area as officers set up a perimeter on the ground. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office helicopter also responded in an attempt to locate the man. Ultimately, the subject was located at a home on Lake Hartridge Dr., E.  It was determined this was his residence and the family came out of the home verifying he was inside. Police began to hail the residence in an attempt to draw him out. At approximately 9:03 a.m., he was taken into custody and received EMS treatment for cuts on his hands. It is believed the cuts resulted from him breaking out windows at the motel where he was registered. New Beginnings was released from heightened security at 9:14 a.m.

No other person or law enforcement officer was injured during the incident. At this time, his identity is not being released contingent on any charges that may be filed.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Lakeland Magic Mural Unveiled At RP Funding Center

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Lakeland Magic Mural Unveiled At RP Funding Center

Lakeland Magic Mural Unveiled At RP Funding Center

by James Coulter

A little Lakeland magic was added by the Lakeland Magic basketball team through a new mural that now adorns the outside of the RP Funding Center.

On Friday afternoon, the new mural was unveiled to the public through a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the RP Funding Center, where the outdoor art piece now stands.

The mural, which predominately showcases the Lakeland Magic logo, was created not only to help promote team spirit for the local basketball team, but also to add another mural to the predominate and lively art scene in Downtown Lakeland.

“The Lakeland Magic mural is inspired by community pride and serves as a destination for both locals and those visiting our city,” the Lakeland Magic website states. “The design incorporates an artistic interpretation of water movement that represents the numerous lakes included within city limits and, yes, a hint of basketball.”

More than 60 temporary “un-murals” currently adorn the walls of many buildings within Downtown Lakeland through the Lakeland Tapestries art exhibition, which will be running until January 2020. The art project, promoted by local artist David Collins, was created to help showcase the talent of local artists such as himself.

While the new Lakeland Magic mural is not an official part of this exhibition, as it is a permanent fixture, it was created as to help add to the local flavor and art scene that the other “un-murals” are helping to promote, explained Shelly Wilkes, Lakeland Magic Team President.

“This season, we wanted to enhance and be part of the art scene in Lakeland,” she said. “There are just so many amazing artists here in Polk County, and so many different things that the county is doing with murals throughout the city.”

Lakeland Magic will also be joining the local art scene through their upcoming “A Night of the Arts” theme night. To be hosted on March 14, 2020, the special night will help showcase the talent of local artists of various media during an art festival prior to the Lakeland Magic tip-off.

One such local artist, Gillian Fazio, painted the mural that stands outside the wall next to the parking lot of the RP Funding Center. She had also painted murals for other local buildings such as the Carol Jenkins Building at Lake Regional Hospital.

Fazio spent 50 hours on a lift painting the art piece. Her time working on it was more than worth it, especially since she was the one to cut the ribbon during the unveiling ceremony.

“I am thrilled and honored,” she said. “I am from Lakeland, and I would like to be one of the artists to bring murals to the spotlight…I was not expecting to cut the ribbon, but that was thrilling. I am super thankful for that opportunity.”

Another artist honored during the ribbon cutting was Daniel Dalhoof, who helped design a special art jersey for the basketball team. He was one of three artists who participated in an art contest to design the new jerseys, and he was honored to have won.

Now that his design has been chosen, the jerseys will be worn by team players through the season, and later will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the charity of Dalhoof’s choice.

While Dalhoof is excited to have his artwork honored this way, he humbly admits that his own art pales in comparison to the magnificent work that Fazio put into creating the mural, he said.

“It feels amazing to actually see your work get transformed and created like this, and it is life like, it is awesome,” he said. “[Though] she [Fazio] is actually better than I am.”

The new mural is on display on the wall outside the parking lot to the Lakeland Magic building at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815. For more information about Lakeland Magic, visit their website at: https://lakeland.gleague.nba.com/

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