The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating a fatal crash on Hwy 27 between Sanders Rd. and RWS Ranch rd. In Haines City. According to the FHP all Southbound lanes of Hwy 27 are shut down and drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.
The crash reportedly occurred at 8:36pm and numerous readers have advised that it is a vehicle versus pedestrian crash. We cannot confirm those details at this time, but can confirm it is a fatal crash.
This is a developing story and when FHP releases more information we will update this article!
Believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about what to plant in September.
Many of these plants can be grown in large pots if you don’t have the garden space to plant in rows. This also helps to keep the weeds at bay. Even if you only plant a few seeds, your yield should be many times over what you plant.
Credit: UF IFAS Extension
As we are in a central zone, these are the plants you can start now.
Things to consider: waiting until later in September to plant lettuce and arugula is wise, as the temperature is still elevated.
If planting tomatoes, considered varieties of cherry tomato versus larger ones. Smaller tomatoes tend to produce fruit with fewer blemishes or fungus issues. you can start them from seed now and transplant them later.
Sugarcane grows remarkably well; there are a number of varieties available. Stock should be cut in pieces and laid horizontally to the ground. They will sprout from buds in the midsection of each piece.
A group of four Colombians in the United States illegally are responsible for nine high-end residential burglaries in a half-dozen Florida counties, and they are suspected in more. Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with sheriff’s offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, and Collier counties, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
All four suspects were living in Winter Garden, Florida and in the United States illegally. The group targeted the homes of business owners and would surveil the residences ahead of each burglary. Among the items that were sought by the group were: jewelry and watches, designer purses and bags, and cash.
In Polk County, one burglary is known to have occurred in Lakeland, with four other burglaries still under investigation and believed to have been committed by the group. Four burglaries were committed by the group in Hillsborough County, and one burglary each in the other four counties.
The total value of thefts from the nine burglaries is estimated at $1,690,100.
“Polk County and the State of Florida are not alone in this problem; South American Theft Groups are targeting communities all across the country. All four of our suspects have taken advantage of our functionally non-existent border control and entered into the United States illegally to conduct their illegal activities. I am proud of the work by our detectives, the various sheriff’s offices, FDLE, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Geraldine Galeano-Perez, 33 (currently in the Polk County Jail) Galeano-Perez has charges in Polk County for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of 2-way communication device, burglary of dwelling, conspiracy to commit burglary, grand theft of $100,000 or more, conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000, dealing in stolen property, conspiracy to deal in stolen property, and providing false information of pawned items (13 counts). Her prior criminal history in Colombia includes illegal trafficking/possession of firearms & ammunition, and grand larceny. She has also been arrested in New York for possession of controlled substance, possession of forged instrument, and money laundering. Her bond in Polk County is set at $5.6 million.
Milton Ayala-Sierra, 25 (deported to Colombia). Ayala-Sierra has Polk County charges for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and dealing in stolen property. He was charged in Hillsborough County for traveling across county lines to commit burglary and possession of burglary tools. Kissimmee PD charged him with dealing in stolen property and unlawful use of 2-way communication device. His prior criminal history in New York includes possession of forged instrument and money laundering. Ayala-Sierra’s current bond is $2.5 million.
Jason Alexander Higuera-Ruiz, 41 (unknown whereabouts) Higuera-Ruiz has Polk County charges for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a 2-way communication device, burglary of a dwelling, conspiracy to commit burglary, grand theft over $100,000, conspiracy to commit grand theft over $100,000, and conspiracy to deal in stolen property. Higuera-Ruiz was able to bail out of jail with GPS monitoring, but he cut the device off and is now at-large. Higuera-Ruiz’s current bond is $5.6 million.
Geiler Orobio-Cabezas, 36 (currently in the Pinellas County Jail) Orobio-Cabezas has Polk County charges for racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful use of a 2-way communication device, burglary of a dwelling, conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to deal in stolen property, and possession of burglary tools. He was arrested in 2023 in Michigan for burglary. His current bond is $3.1 million.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These defendants conspired together to commit multiple burglaries across Central Florida—using members of the group as decoys outside the homes of small business owners while others broke into the residences, stealing more than $1.5 million worth of items. Thanks to the great investigative work of our law enforcement partners, our Statewide Prosecutors have charged them with serious felony counts and these criminals will be held accountable.”
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “Like so many others before them, these criminals entered our country illegally and found their way to Florida to victimize our citizens. But under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and sheriffs like Grady Judd and Chad Chronister, law and order matters and that means the safety of our citizens will always be a top priority. I thank our FDLE agents and analysts who worked diligently on this investigation.”
Timelines for suspects in the United States
Geraldine Galeano-Perez • Illegally in the country from Colombia. • Criminal History in Columbia: Illegal Trafficking or Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, Grand Larceny – Sentenced to 4 years and 7 months (Bogota, Colombia) • Illegally entered the United States from Mexico on or about July 13th, 2021, near Hidalgo, Texas. • Was apprehended by the US border Patrol and was processed as an NTA. (Notice to Appear). • Was ordered removed in Absentia by an Immigration Judge on December 15th, 2022, in New York. • Criminal history in US- NYCPD 2/4/2022 (Criminal possession of controlled substance & Possession of a Forged Instrument) and DEA New York 6/9/2022 (Money Laundering). • Was ordered to be deported by an immigration Judge in 2023, but failed to appear for the hearing. • Arrested in Hillsborough County on 4/23/2024 • Charged with Traveling across county lines to commit a Burglary of a Dwelling ($30,000 bond) • Charged with Possession of burglary tools ($2500.00 bond) • An ICE hold (detainer) was placed on Geraldine on the same day as the arrest. • On 4/24/2024, a GPS monitor was ordered for her (If ICE hold was removed) • It was also ordered that she surrender her passport. • Posted a $32,500 bond on 4/25/2024. • On 4/26/2024 she was transported to the Tampa Border Patrol Facility for processing, but they did not have enough beds for her due it being a non-violent crime and she was going to be released. (Without GPS) • On 4/26/2024, PCSO obtained an arrest warrant for 17 counts of forgery and 14 counts of false information to a pawn broker. It was discovered she was using multiple aliases such as Ana Villalta” and “Ana Villalta Herrera.” These aliases she used to pawn approximately $25,000.00 worth of items. • 4/26/2024, HCSO responded back out to border patrol to take Geraldine in to custody for the outstanding PCSO warrant. • On 5/1/2024, she was extradited from the Hillsborough County Jail to the Polk County Jail. • A judge assigned an elevated bond of $20,000 per each count of the (F2)-False information to a pawn broker and a pre-set bond of $5000.00 bond was set for the (F3)- Forgery charges. A GPS was not granted due to the elevated bonds. • Geraldine is still in custody at the Polk County Jail with a $365,000 bond and an ICE hold.
Geiler Orobio-Cabezas • Geiler was arrested in Troy, Michigan on 2/8/23 for Home Invasion (Burglary) and he was sentenced to 170 days in jail and then scheduled for deportation. • He was ordered deported in July 2023 • Arrested in Hillsborough County on 4/23/2024, charged with Traveling across county lines to commit a Burglary of a Dwelling ($30,000 bond) and Possession of burglary tools ($2500.00 bond) • An ICE hold (detainer) was placed on Orobio-Cabezas on the same day as the arrest. • On 4/24/2024, a GPS monitor was ordered for him (If ICE hold was removed) • It was also ordered that he surrender his passport. • Posted a $32,500 bond on 4/25/2024. • On 4/26/2024 he was transported to the Tampa Border Patrol Facility for processing. • Geiler was determined to be an aggravated 2nd re-entry and was an automatic hold for US Federal custody. • How and where he re-entered is unknown but that is why he is being federally prosecuted. • On 4/29/2024 He was transported to Pinellas County jail for the Federal hold. • Currently in custody at Pinellas County Jail as of 7/3/2024. • Pled guilty to the re-entry charge and is set for sentencing September 6th
Milton Ayala-Sierra • Illegally in the country from Colombia, he entered the USA from Mexico in July, 2021 near Hidalgo, Texas. • Was apprehended by the US Border Patrol and processed as an NTA. (Notice to Appear) • Is a Confirmed ATD (Alternative to detention) violator. • On July 30th,2021 removed his GPS tracking device and the case was forwarded to Fugitive operations for apprehension. • Was ordered removed in Absentia by an Immigration Judge on December 15, 2022 in New York. • Criminal history in US- DEA New York 6/9/2022 (Money Laundering). Arrested with Geraldine. (2/4/2022) New York City Police Department- Possession of a Forged Instrument and Driving without a license. • Was ordered to be removed by an immigration Judge in 2023, but failed to appear at the hearing. • Arrested in Hillsborough County on 4/23/2024 and charged with Traveling across county lines to commit a Burglary of a Dwelling ($30,000 bond) and Possession of burglary tools ($2500.00 bond). • An ICE hold (detainer) was placed on Milton on the same day as the arrest. • Per the Department of Homeland Security, there was PC that the subject is a removable alien (Refer to Immigration Detainer). • On 4/24/2024, a GPS monitor was ordered for him (If ICE hold was removed) • It was also ordered that he surrender his passport. • Posted a $32,500 bond on 4/25/2024. • On 4/26/2024 he was transported to the Tampa Border Patrol Facility for processing. • Milton was transferred to Pinellas County Jail until 4/29/24 and then was going to be transported to the Krome Facility in Miami to prepare for depart regardless of the status of his pending criminal charges due to having bonded out. • On 4/28/2024, Kissimmee Police Department authored a warrant for Unlawful use of a 2-way communication device and Dealing in Stolen property. • On 4/29/2024 he was transferred to Pinellas County jail, which is a temporary holding facility for immigration. • Later transferred to Krome Miami awaiting extradition to Osceola County Jail for the Kissimmee PD charges. • On 5/1/2024, FCIC/NCIC would add that Milton is a National Security threat due to his involvement in the organized burglaries. • On 5/17/2024, was extradited to Osceola County Jail ref the Kissimmee PD charges. • On 5/22/2024, posted a $3000.00 bond and was transferred back to Miami Krome. • On 6/24/2024 he was deported back to Columbia.
Jason Higuera-Ruiz • Jason illegally entered the U.S. in December 2021 through San Luis, Arizona (Yuma Border Patrol Station)-Disposition “paroled” due to custody constraints and instructed to report to ICE. • On March 3/3/22, Notice to Appear from Denver Immigration and Customs for Alien Present without Admission or Parole. • 1/4/24 arrested for DUI-Kansas Highway Patrol • Arrested in Hillsborough County on 4/23/2024, and charged with Traveling across county lines to commit a Burglary of a Dwelling ($30,000 bond) and Possession of burglary tools ($2500.00 bond) • An ICE hold (detainer) was placed on Higuera-Ruiz on the same day as the arrest. • Per the Department of Homeland Security, there was PC that the subject is a removable alien (Refer to Immigration Detainer). • After this arrest it was learned Jason had been arrested by Polk County SO on 4/6/24 for No Valid DL and had posted a cash bond, and was pending a court date. • On 4/24/2024, a GPS monitor was ordered for him (If ICE hold was removed). Also ordered that he surrender passport. • Posted a $32,500 bond on 4/25/2024. • On 4/26/2024 he was transported to the Tampa Border Patrol Facility for processing. • Due to Jason having filed asylum paperwork in Denver, Colorado he would not be detained for deportation and had been processed out of their facility. Border Patrol was advised Jason had been ordered by a Hillsborough County judge to be fitted with a GPS ankle monitor if he bonded and prior to release. Jason was released a very short time later from Border Patrol custody. • PCSO authored an arrest warrant for Jason for Possession of Burglary Tools and this was entered into NCIC/FCIC. • On 4/27/24, Jason was located at an apartment complex and was into custody and transported to the Orange County Jail. • A PCSO request was made for elevated bonds and a GPS ankle monitor upon release. Both request denied by the Judge. Orange County does not have a GPS monitoring system active in their criminal justice system. • Jason was extradited to Polk County on 4/30/24 and released on bond and GPS ankle monitor on 5/1/24. • On 5/8/24, detectives from Polk County SO were informed that Jason had cut his ankle monitor off on 5/3/24 while at or near his residence in Orange County, and could not be located. A NO BOND warrant has been issued for his arrest. • Currently AT-LARGE
Robert Lee Johnson, of Lake Wales, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at his residence.
He was born April 25, 1968 in Lake Wales; he had been a lifelong resident of the area. Robert was an Asset Management Specialist for Polk County for 16 years and worked for the City of Lake Wales in the water department for 17 years. He was an avid bowler and loved Star Trek. He was a big fan of the Miami Dolphins.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, George Johnson; daughter, Amber Jones; stepfather, Donald Teslow; brother-in-law, Frank Jones; and father-in-law, Talmadge Jones.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kim Johnson; mother, Kathy Teslow; bonus daughters, Michelle Wilson and Julie Stone; sisters, Donna Newman, Tonya Long (Billy); mother-in-law, Joan Jones; grandchildren, Ember Wilson, Antonio Stone, Allison Stone; nieces, Santessa Willet and Brittany Kennedy; nephew, Dylan Long, Frank Jones, and Stephen Jones; great-nieces, Maddie, Mia, and Layla; great-nephews, Trey and Daniel; goddaughter, Amber Ryann Gavin; and many cousins and other extended family members.
A thank you BBQ honoring all who have helped Robert through his journey will be held Monday, September 2, 2024 at the family residence. The family will then receive friends Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. until the celebration of life at 6:00 p.m. at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be sent to Alena Violette & Amber Jones Scottish Unit Scholarship Fund via the Polk Education Foundation.
Twenty-one year-old Kenneth Lawrence Foresyth Jr, (DOB 10-21-02, Homeless) was taken into custody on Aug. 13, 2024 following a dedicated and diligent search by detectives regarding a stabbing in Winter Haven in July.
The stabbing occurred right outside of a shipping container, located on a construction property, after Snell approached Foresyth and a physical altercation ensued. Paperwork and items belonging to Forsyth were located inside of the shipping container.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Winter Haven Police Department. 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 Friday July 26, 2024 at 2246 hours, Winter Haven Police Department Officers responded to a call for service where a male subject was banging on residential doors of Winter Haven Harbour Condos located at REDACTED. At approximately 2252 hours, a second call for service was dispatched at Inman Park located at REDACTED regarding the same male subject. REDACTED advised his REDACTED was stabbed by an unknown dark-skin black male, later identified as the defendant, Kenneth Lawrence Foresyth Jr. (B/M; DOB: 10212002) at a nearby abandoned construction site, located at REDACTED. Upon contact with law enforcement, the reportee was identified as REDACTED and his REDACTED was identified as Angel May Snell (Decedent).
Angel Snell
Post incident, Snell was taken to Winter Haven Hospital located at 200 Avenue F Northeast, Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida 33881, where she suffered multiple stab wounds. Snell succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased by Medical Staff on July 27, 2024 at 0004 hours.
Winter Haven Police Department Detectives responded to the scene and made contact with the witness, REDACTED, who provided a sworn statement advising he was drinking with Snell at the construction site, when an unknown black male subject walked out of the front door of a yellow construction site’s shipping container. REDACTED stated that Snell appeared to have known the black male subject and approached him. REDACTED stated that a verbal argument began between Snell and the black male subject.
REDACTED watched from across the field, which was approximately 153-hundred feet from the yellow shipping container. REDACTED stated that he then observed a physical altercation occur where both Snell and the black male subject were swinging at each other and yelling. REDACTED stated that he then observed the black male subject swinging his arm (in an overhead motion) striking Snell multiple times. REDACTED stated that he then heard Snell scream for help yelling: “He stabbed me! Help!”
REDACTED stated he ran over to Snell, who could barely walk and was bleeding. REDACTED stated that he assisted Snell by taking her across the field, and when doing so the unknown black male subject threatened him and Snell. REDACTED advised that his cellphone was dead and was unable to call 9-1-1 emergency services, which is why he brought Snell to REDACTED to bang on doors and windows asking for help.
When there was no response, REDACTED ran to Inman Park, which is located at REDACTED. REDACTED stated that he made contact with several homeless subjects and asked them to call 9-1-1 due to Snell being stabbed. One of the homeless subjects allowed REDACTED to use his cellphone, and he contacted the Polk County Sheriffs Office Dispatch requesting for help. REDACTED ran back to Snell where law enforcement officers and emergency services were administering first aid.
REDACTED described this unknown dark-skin black male as tall, skinny, wearing light-colored shorts and a dark shirt with short hair.
A search warrant for the yellow shipping container was sought and granted by the Honorable Judge David Horton on July 27, 2024 at 0944 hours. During the execution of the search warrant, multiple items of evidence were collected to include: photographs, black and mild cigarillo wrappers, black and mild smoking tips, arraignment paperwork for Kenneth Foresyth (BM DOB: 10/21/2002) and a CashApp Debit Card for Kenneth Foresyth.
On July 29, 2024, an autopsy was performed at the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office on the decedent, Angel May Snell. The autopsy confirmed the following stab wounds: one to left arm, one to chest piercing the right side of heart, one to upper left armpit piercing and collapsing lung, and one to lower abdomen just above pubic bone, piercing liver. The preliminary cause of death was ruled to be a stab wound to the right side of the heart. The weapon is believed to be a single-edge blade, approximately four (4) to six (6) inches in length.
On July 28, 2024, detectives responded to Longhorn Steakhouse located at 875 1st. South, Winter Haven, Florida and spoke to Foresyth, who provided a non-custodial sworn statement. Foresyth advised he was at the construction site on July 25, 2024, admitting he had slept inside the yellow shipping container on/off for the past few months.
Foresyth confirmed ownership of the arraignment paperwork and CashApp Debit Card. Foresyth was shown a single photograph of Snell and he denied ever making contact with Snell and stated he did not know who Snell was. Foresyth’s manager at Longhorn Steakhouse provided a work schedule and mistakenly advised that Foresyth worked the night of the homicide.
While retrieving video footage throughout the city of Winter Haven, video footage captured a dark-skin black male wearing light-colored shorts and a dark shirt with white slides walking northbound on the Chain of Lakes Trail near Saint Joseph’s School at approximately 2231 hours. The same subject is observed walking northbound passing the Mosque at approximately 2245 hours on July 26, 2024. At approximately 2247 hours, the same subject is observed on video footage running southbound passing the Mosque.
Due to discrepancies of Foresyth’s work schedule, on August 13, 2024, Foresyth agreed to a clarification noncustodial interview at the Winter Haven Police Department.
Still-photographs from the Mosque, Saint Joseph’s School, Downtown Winter Haven, and Martin Luther King Park were presented to Foresyth, which he confirmed he was the subject in all said photographs. Foresyth confirmed he was released early from work and walked throughout the city on July 26, 2024. When questioned about running away from the scene, Foresyth advised he got a pebble inside his white slide shoe causing him to run southbound on the Chain of Lakes Trail.
Foresyth initially denied walking through the construction site on the night of the homicide but, changed his story stating he walked through the construction site. When confronted about discrepancies, Foresyth admitted the night of the homicide, he was inside the storage unit and walked out to tend to his small fire. Foresyth advised while tending to the fire, Snell approached him about the fire yelling at him.
Foresyth advised Snell threw some of the ashes from the fire onto him. Foresyth advised Snell struck him with closed fists and he responded with multiple closed-fist strikes. Foresyth advised he retrieved a pocketknife from his right front shorts pocket and stabbed Snell with the knife.
Foresyth advised he left Snell at the scene never realizing REDACTED was standing in the field observing the incident.
Foresyth advised he quickly came back to the incident location to collect his cellphone, wallet, and other personal items and left the scene. Foresyth advised he walked to Lake Mariam boat ramp located at 2000 Dundee Road, Winter Haven, Florida and he disposed of the pocketknife (black handle) by throwing it into the lake (alongside the wooded line).
Foresyth advised he continued to walk around the city until he reached the downtown area of Winter Haven where he discarded clothes in a garbage bag in the parking garage. Foresyth walked to Martin Luther King Park where he discarded his shoes in a nearby trash can in the park. Foresyth advised he remained at the park and slept there until the following morning.
On the night of July 26, 2024, Foresyth admitted to never calling (9-1-1 dispatch) for emergency medical services to seck any help after stabbing Snell nor did he see Snell ever produce a weapon during the physical altercation.
As a result of Foresyth’s actions and the unlawful killing of a human being, he is being charged with one (1) count of Second Degree Murder with a Weapon, F.S.S. 782.04, one (1) count of False Report to LEO Regarding Capital Felony, F.S.S. 837.05(2), and one (1) count of Destroy/Tamper with/Fabricate Physical Evidence, F.S.S. 918.13.”
“We’ve heard your feedback, and we are excited to announce a brand-new sports complex coming right here to our community!
Located at 400 East Palm Street, Davenport, FL 33837, this state-of-the-art facility will offer something for everyone.
The complex will feature:
2 football fields that can also be used for soccer
4 baseball fields with cutting-edge artificial turf
This $8 million project is made possible through a partnership with a private developer, who is contributing $2.6 million, $4 million from state appropriations, and $1.4 million funded by the City of Davenport.
We’re committed to providing more recreational activities for our residents, and this new complex is just the beginning.”
Your Lake Wales Highlanders varsity football team is headed to Davenport tonight to play their second game of the season against Ridge Community Football.
The Highlanders are 1-0 after winning against Winter Haven last week with a shutout score of 47-0.
Ridge will also ender the game tonight undefeated with last week’s win against Kathleen, the final score being 40-7.
If you’re heading to Davenport tonight to watch the game, Ridge is located at 500 Orchid Drive. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30.
Road Closure Alert Starting Monday, Sept. 2 through Saturday, Sept. 14, 7th St SW at the intersection of Ave R. SW (the railroad tracks) will be closed to thru traffic for the County to make storm drain repairs. Detour signs will be posted warning of the closure. Any questions regarding the closure, please contact the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200.
Jaime Castrellon Fernandez of Babson Park passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.
He was born January 31, 1961 in Mexico to the late Pablo and Antonia Castrellon; he moved to Babson Park from Mexico over 30 years ago. Jaime was a hard-working construction sub-contractor and of the Catholic faith. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a father of tough love and his family loved him dearly.
Jaime is survived by his son, Jaime Castrellon; sisters, Antonia Lopez and Elida Castrellon; brothers, Isidro Rodarte and Rafael Castrellon; and grandchildren, Jaime Easton Castrellon, Juliana Avery Castrellon, Camila Aurora Castrellon, and Ezekiel Rodriguez.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Memorial Gardens.
