Working with the youth of our community is second nature to Officer Derrick Doles – even after retirement. Derrick Doles starting with the Winter Haven Police Department as a dispatcher in 1989 moving to Police Officer in 1991. His 28 year career with the agency has been anything but typical. Officer Doles is an avid cyclist who has a huge heart for our youth. He led the Department’s PAL Unit and made a huge impact on hundreds of kids’ lives. Doles was instrumental in partnering PAL with the Chain of Lakes Achievers, a Winter Haven Organization dedicated to guiding youth through their school studies and helping carve a path for success. He was the Vice President of the State PAL Board and is currently Sergeant at Arms. During his career, Doles served on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and was a School Resource Officer at Denison Middle School until retirement. Retired? In one sense of the word yes. He has remained a Reserve Officer with the Department and serves regularly at Winter Haven Christian School watching over the campus and continuing to mentor the youth he encounters.
Appliance thefts continue to occur at new home construction sites. On Feb. 16 around 1:21 a.m., the vehicle shown, appearing to be a newer silver or white Ford F150 Crew Cab, went to a new home on Lake Smart Circle and backed into the garage. When the site manager arrived later in the morning, he found the range, worth $600 missing from the home and the refrigerator moved, possibly staged for a return trip. The truck has a tag on the front. It’s hard to make out, but someone may recognize it. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Maldonado at 863-291-5676.
Lakes Wales Director Living Dream Of Filming Feature Movie
by James Coulter
Growing up, Willie Young loved making up his own stories with his action figures. Now he’s filming his stories behind the lens of a camera.
This Lake Wales director recently started his own film company, Brave Eagle Production. He previously filmed three short films, and he is currently working on filming a feature-length movie.
Growing up in Lake Wales, Young loved watching movies by Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, mainly action movies starring actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was always a storyteller at heart. The stories he saw play out on the big screen inspired him to create his own stories. He wanted to tell these stories as an actor and later as a director.
“There are so many great stories out there that haven’t been told yet,” he said. “Everyone has a story to tell, and if I had the opportunity to help people tell that story or to give to them help bring that vision to life, come up with an idea for that vision, that was pushing me forward to just see the smiles on people’s faces or see their reaction when they see my work.”
For the longest time, Young had been running track and field. His athletic prowess made other people, including himself, initially assume that he would become an athlete. However, upon careful self-reflection, he decided to give up track and field and become an actor instead.
While attending junior college, he wanted to be a voice actor. His friends admired him for his character and considered him a comedian, yet he was too shy to put himself in front of a camera. So, he decided to share his talent from behind the microphone instead, he explained.
“I was not comfortable yet to try to put myself in front of a camera or an audience because I had a lot of stage fright,” he said. “I always get nervous [about speaking] in front of people…so I wanted to take up voice acting.”
His career path soon shifted from voice acting to actual acting through his college’s theater program. He often performed improv, and he acted in a mini-series and even a horror movie. However, his career path took another change when his love for film shifted from acting to directing.
“Things were not hitting what I wanted to with the acting, so that is when I decided to retire from acting and decided to direct my own stuff and put out my own work,” he said. “That is what really launched me to direct my own stuff.”
Young received a scholarship to attend a two-year college. He attended Arkansas State University. There he started his work on his initial project filming a documentary. However, things did not work out as he had planned, and his project evolved from a documentary to three short films.
He officially launched his company, Brave Eagle Production. Through his company, he released his three short films. They were initially filmed for practice, and the experience he gained filming them he is now using to direct a feature-length film.
Though he is tight-lipped about it, he explained that “Slim,” his new short film, was born from 18 pages of an unused script from his previous projects.
“I figured out a way to turn it into a short film script,” he said. “I sent it to a few scriptwriters to get it reviewed, and one of them is an award-winning writer. She absolutely loved it, [told me] don’t change anything. This is something that needs to happen, something needs to be talked about, and that is where I am right now.”
Through his career, he remains diligent working with his staff. He has shown that he loves working with the people he works with and the films he works upon, explained one of his staff members, Donisha Hayward.
“With everything that he does, everything he writes about, you can tell he is really into it,” she said. “We can tell that he loves what he does and he is friendly with other people…He is a passionate person, and the stuff he does, he wants people to see his vision for his projects, no matter what they could be.”
Currently, Donisha is a college student attending Valencia College in Orlando. She has lived in Florida since 2015, and she has known Young since 2016. She has worked within over the past five years and helped him launch his company back in 2019.
“When he first started off, it was hard because of support, but once he got off the ground, it has been good for him,” she said. “There is a lot…[to] the way he can tell a story and make it seems realistic, in the way he brings it to life, writing it, speaking it, putting it out there for people to see.”
His love for storytelling keeps him motivated in his work, even during a pandemic. He has so many visions that he wants to share with other people, and he hopes to do so through his films.
“That has been what has been driving me,” he said. “I had a lot of people applaud me for the work I have done, and that really keeps me moving forward…I have been really blessed, I have been reaching out to other people, and other people have been noticing my work.”
He expects to see his production company grow and expand. Upon releasing his trilogy of three short films and working on his new short film, he plans on filming bigger and better projects.
“[My big short film] has my full attention right now,” he said. “It is a project I am willing to share with the world, and for young men and women out there to be inspired…I look forward to my other projects.”
For more information about his upcoming movies and projects, visit his website at: https://braveeagleproduction.com/
Taylor’s Roofing is currently seeking an experienced, highly motivated Commercial Outside Sales/Estimator to join our growing team.
Experience / Requirements
• Knowledge and experience with multiple types of roofing installation and manufacturers –Modified Bitumen, Single-Ply (EPDM, TPO, PVC, etc.), Tile, Metal Roof Systems, Sheet Metal Trim and Shingles.
• Strong communication skills with owners, inspectors and crews.
• Capable of reading and understanding blue prints and specifications.
• Assist/perform take-offs and estimating.
• Excellent time management & organization skills.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft and Excel.
• Ordering materials and supplies.
• Scheduling crews.
• Manage job costs and installation quality.
• Ability to lift over 50lbs.
• Valid driver’s license.
Competitive wages and benefits offered. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email your resume to [email protected].
Do you recognize this guy? On Feb. 10, 2021 around 4:15 a.m., the man broke through the fence of the Florence Villa Community Development Corporation (111 Ave. R NE) and rummaged through the storage compartments and the cab of this truck. He took an item belonging to one of the employees valued at $150. If you recognize him, please call Detective Lozado at 863-595-1721.
Pedestrian struck in killed near Lake
Hamilton Sunday night
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies
responded to the Lake Hamilton area Sunday night, February 21, 2021, following
the report of a vehicle-pedestrian collision at about 9:34 PM on Kokomo Road near
Hughes Road.
Upon arrival by deputies, members of
Polk County Fire Rescue, and Lake Hamilton police, the pedestrian was found
lying in the roadway and determined to be deceased. He was identified as
61-year-old Todd Lucas of Lakeland.
The vehicle that struck Mr. Lucas was
a green 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, driven by 24-year-old Felipe Resendiz, Jr. of
Haines City. He was not injured and remained on scene for the investigation.
According to the preliminary
investigation, Mr. Resendiz was driving east on Kokomo Road when he struck Mr.
Lucas, who was walking east and about 1 ½ to 2-feet inside of the white fog
line.
Mr. Resendiz told investigators that
he didn’t see Mr. Lucas until he was within about five feet from him.
At the time of the crash, it was dark
outside; there is no street lighting in that area. Mr. Lucas was wearing dark
clothing and was walking on the wrong side of the roadway with his back to
approaching traffic.
It was determined that Mr. Resendiz
was driving with a revoked driver’s license and is designated as a Habitual
Traffic Offender. He was arrested at the scene and transported to the Polk
County Jail where he was charged with Driving without a License-Crash Causing
Death.
Kokomo Road was closed in both
directions for about three hours while the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit conducted
their investigation, which remains ongoing.
On Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Lake
Wales Police Department responded to a traffic crash on U.S. Highway 27 at Chalet
Suzanne Road. Upon investigation,
Officers learned a white Freightliner hauling a flatbed trailer of sod, traveling
in the middle lane, was stopped at the stop light on U.S. 27 headed north. The tractor-trailer proceeded north when the
light turned green. The tractor-trailer
was almost through the intersection when it was rear ended by a 2002 Honda Van
traveling in the same direction.
Luis Ramos was the driver of the tractor-trailer. He is 31 years of age and from Lake
Placid. He was the only occupant, and was
uninjured.
Wilfreda Cesario was the driver of the van. He is 53 years of age and from Avon
Park. Rosa Cesareo was the front seat
passenger. She is 55 years of age and
from Sebring. Jamuel Falu-Flores was the
rear seat passenger. He is 17 years of
age and from South Dakota. Mr. Cesario
and Ms. Cesario were transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Mr. Cesario is in stable condition and Ms.
Cesario is in critical condition. Jamuel
was transported to Advent Health Lake Wales with non-life threatening injuries.
The roadway was back open at 8:15 a.m.
If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact
Officer Robertson at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223.
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the fictitious name statutes 865.09 Florida statues will register with the division of corporations of the state of Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name to wit UnderworldMusik under witch we are or intend to do business as in Polk County Florida 33868 that parties interested in said business enterprises are as follows Names or officers Jose Belen Ayala Jr.
If Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother magically combined a pumpkin with a tin can and several loose gears, then the Steam Pumpkin would have been the final result.
This metal carriage presents a steampunk take on the classic fairy tale. The rusty pumpkin-shaped coach is covered with countless gears of varying sizes and is pulled along by a robotic RUS (rodent of unusual size).
Stacey Feldman, its inventor from Toronto, spent more than 2,500 hours working on her vehicle, produced with 1,000 pounds of steel and 2,700 rivets. The carriage is driven by the RUS, crafted from a riding mower. As she created her invention during uncertain times, she faced many challenges assembling it.
“Because of COVID, it was hard to find someone who could laser cut my gears at a price that would not completely bankrupt me,” she said.
Stacey brought along her Steam Pumpkin to Florida a month ago for the Steampunk Festival at Mt. Dora, and it will remain in Orlando until April. Until then, she brought along her invention to SyFy Bartow on Saturday.
She loves being able to show off her craftsmanship and offering people rides upon it. No surprise, as it was community support that allowed her to assemble it, she said.
“[I loved] the camaraderie, the community pulling together to help support it making it happen,” she said. “[And I love] the smiles it creates when it is out and about.”
For the eighth consecutive year, SyFy Bartow allowed residents and visitors alike to congregate in Downtown Bartow to share their love of sci-fi, comic books, video games, and all things geek-related.
This year’s theme was “Rise of the Robots”, emphasizingmechanical marvels from Star Wars droids to Doctor Who Daleks. Various cosplayers arrived dressed as famous robot characters from C-3PO to Rosie the Robot Maid. Some vendors showcased life-sized models of characters like Vincent from Disney’s Black Hole and Bender from Futurama.
Aside from robots, countless vendors lined Main Street to showcase their wares and paraphernalia from other popular franchises from sci-fi, comic books, and video games. Attendees could purchase a wand from Harry Potter, a lightsaber from Star Wars, or Pokeballs from Pokemon, among many other curious finds.
Coinciding with the annual outdoor comic book convention was the Classic Car Show. Many cars and vehicles were decorated after popular franchises, including the Tardis from Doctor Who, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters.
Sean Serdynski, the event creator and coordinator, was impressed by the turnout. He was initially nervous about the visitors, but he was pleased not only by how many attended this year but how many of them managed to socially distance themselves and wear masks.
“We have hit it out of the park once again,” he said. “We were nervous about the visitors because of the pandemic, and we have hit it out of the ballpark with people who have come to visit us…It is like there are no uncertain times. It is business as usual.”
Sean has hosted the event for the past eight years, and he has high hopes for its future. Not only does he host it to allow people like him to share their love of their favorite movies and comics, but also to help promote local businesses in Downtown Bartow.
Next year’s theme will be “A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” focusingon space-themed sci-fi like Star Wars and Star Trek. Otherwise, he enjoyed this year’s event.
“I loved being able to meet old friends,” he said. “It is like a big family reunion for me. So I get to see a lot of people I don’t get to see throughout the year.”
Attending the event were cosplayers, people who participate in cosplay, or “costume play.” Many were dressed up as famous characters like Deadpool and The Mandalorian. Some even attended with professional and amateur cosplay troupes.
Austin Peagler is a member of the Guardian of Justice. A local non-profit group that dresses up as costumed characters and visits children in hospitals. Of course, during these uncertain times, such visits have been less frequent, but they are looking forward to visiting again when times are safer.
Austin has dressed up as many characters like Deadpool, Joker, Watchman’s Rorschach, and the Goblin King from Labyrinth. He attended SyFy Bartow that day dressed as a Ghostbuster.
“We come up every year,” he said. “We love to support all of the businesses here walking around. It is a good turnout. Everyone seems to be happy. No one is upset. It is going well.”
Frostproof Orange Blossom Festival Comes Into Full Bloom
by James Coulter
Susan Q and her husband are currently visiting a lodge for a fishing trip in Frostproof. When they learned that a craft fair would be hosted in the area, they considered it a prime opportunity for Susie Q to show off her homemade crafts.
Naming her booth “Susie Q”, Susan displayed many of the crafts she had made, both at her home in Ruskin and during her stay in Frostproof. Susan offered a little bit of anything and everything from potted plants and table centerpieces to wall decor and wreaths.
Susan grew up attending craft shows with her mother. As someone who inherited her artistic experience from her, Susan was more than happy to share during the annual Orange Blossom Festival on Saturday.
Susan and her husband loved sharing her crafts and seeing other crafts. They also loved being able to see the many classic cars at the adjacent classic car show.
“I am enjoying it,” she said. “With COVID, it was not as big as it could have been. We like the people, the atmosphere. We love it down here in Frostproof. We would probably do this again.”
For the past 19 years, the Orange Blossom Festival and Classic Car Show have been drawing guests and residents to Downtown Frostproof. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce, and one of their most significant next to their Jeeptoberfest, explained Melodie Kincaid, Chamber Director.
All along E. Wall Street, vendors showcased their wares, from homemade crafts and goods, to natural honey and honey products, and essential oils and scents. The Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary sold strawberry shortcakes to support their local department.
Further down the road were parked dozens of classic cars for the Classic Car Show. Closer to the water near Henderson Field, food trucks of all sorts were parked to offer great food, from Vintage Doughnuts to Great Smokin Ox.
The turnout proved sizeable, especially during these uncertain times. Many people attended and took the precaution to socially distance themselves and wear masks, though they did so at their discretion, Kincaid said.
“We are absolutely very impressed with the turnout,” she said. “Everyone has mixed feelings about the COVID situation. We have some people with masks, others without. It is up to their discretion and what makes them feel safer…We are very thankful for everyone who has come out and all the businesses and individuals who continue to be a support for us.”
Elaine Reynolds used the event as an opportunity to share her children’s books. From a starfish that escapes the sea in hopes of becoming a real star in the sky to a firefly who tries his best to get his broken light to light up, her stories combine witty humor with colorful illustrations and intriguing true facts.
Reynolds self publishes through Gypsy Publications in Ohio. She is a retired school teacher who wanted to share her love of teaching through children’s books. She lives in Ohio for six months of the year and at the Rainbow RV Park in Frostproof the other six, so she was interested in attending the event.
“This was an opportunity to get out and sell our wares,” she said. “It is so beautiful [with] the music and the vendors. That is the best part. I want to come next year, and I want people to come to it, too.”
