UPDATE: THIS CASE IS SOLVED! PCSO detectives have identified the suspect in this investigation as 51-year old Terrance Lamont Wren of Winter Haven. Wren was arrested and charged with: 4 counts of burglary, 2 counts of Grand Theft, 1 count Petit Theft, 3 counts False Verification to Second Hand Dealer, and 3 counts of Dealing in Stolen Property. PCSO detectives shared their findings with Winter Haven PD and Wren could be responsible for multiple crimes being investigated by WHPD.
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Original report:
The unknown suspect in the video below is suspected of three burglaries and thefts on Avenue G NW in Winter Haven.
He is suspected of stealing copper wire and tools.
During one of the burglaries, he left behind a black Olive Garden t-shirt.
If you have any information regarding this investigation or you think you know who the suspect is, please contact Detective Lanier at 863-297-1100 or [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet
At approximately 8:08 this morning, Lake Wales fire rescue reported a call regarding a traffic crash at Highway 60 and 7th St., South in Lake Wales. Lake Wales Police Department responded to the scene, where two vehicles were involved in a collision just east of the overpass.
Photo by Maria Iannucci
Lake Wales Police Department Deputy Chief Troy Schulze offers the following statement regarding the incident:
“A Ford Explorer was traveling westbound on SR60. A Honda CRV had been on S. 7th St. and attempted to cross SR60 traveling north. While the Honda was crossing the westbound lanes of SR60 it violated the right of way of the Ford. This resulted in the two vehicles colliding.
“The driver of the Honda sustained minor injuries and, as a precaution, was medically transported. One lane of westbound SR60 was blocked by the crash but the other lane remains open. A tow truck is on scene to remove the vehicles from the roadway.”
Proceed with caution through this area as law-enforcement continues to process the scene and clear the vehicles. Drive safely.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rafael Nieves, affectionately known as Rafel, who left us on August 18, 2024. Rafel was a cherished soul whose bravery and resilience in the face of cancer inspired all who knew him. He fought his battle with an unwavering spirit and determination that reflected his deep love for life. A contagious catchphrase that captured his love for life that he constantly used on his social media platforms is #Avivir! (It translates to #tolive!)
Rafel was not only a beloved father to his 10-year-old daughter, Natalia, but also a talented musician whose artistry touched many lives, leaving an indelible mark on each one. His bass guitar skills, sense of humor, and infectious laughter were his trademarks, and he brought joy to those around him with his warm heart and vibrant presence.
Throughout his life, Rafel was known for his generosity, dedication to his craft, and ability to find light even in the darkest times for himself and others. His music, humor, and love legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rafel is survived by his precious daughter, Natalia, who will carry his memory and spirit forward. He will be deeply missed by his parents, Carmita and Rafo; his brother, Api; beloved family and friends, and all fortunate enough to experience his remarkable presence.
Descansa en paz, Rafel. Your courage, laughter, and music will remain with us always.
You know, originally, this review was supposed to be different. I was supposed to catch a double feature of Twisters and The Crow. I was supposed to review a sequel to a 90s cult classic action flick and a “superhero” movie currently being called the “worst” of the year. (Worse than Madame Web? Now that’s worth checking out!)
So, what happened instead? A cold bug decided to slap me across the face and tell me, “Not today!” So, now I’m stuck at home sick. And what am I watching and reviewing instead? The fourth animated SpongeBob SquarePants movie!
No, wait! Technically, it’s not the fourth SpongeBob movie. It’s a spinoff film starring Sandy Cheeks, the science squirrel girl from Texas.
Look! I don’t think I have to tell you what SpongeBob SquarePants is. The show has been running on Nickelodeon for 25 years now! This cartoon should have ended with the first movie 20 years ago. (Yeah, the first movie came out two decades ago. Feeling old now? I am!)
Not only has the cartoon been continuing even long after the death of its creator (RIP Stephen Hillenburg), but it has also released three more feature-length films. So, is the fourth film any good? Or should the movies have stopped after the first?
It’s another beautiful day in SpongeBob’s underwater hometown of Bikini Bottom until a giant claw digs up the entire city. Only SpongeBob and Sandy are left behind, and now they have to go to the surface to find out where Bikini Bottom has been taken.
They discover that Sandy’s laboratory in Texas is responsible for this whole mess. Now she and the Sponge need to travel to the Lone Star State to track down the stolen city and find out why it was taken in the first place. Will they succeed in doing so?
Fun fact: The plot of the first SpongeBob SquarePants movie was originally going to be about SpongeBob having to rescue his friend Patrick Star after he’s been taken away by marine scientists to a lab in Florida. The movie’s creators decided not to go with that plot because it sounded too much like Finding Nemo.
Well, apparently, 20 years later, Nickelodeon decided to roll with that original plot—only instead of having Patrick kidnapped, everyone else in Bikini Bottom is taken away. Oh, and the lab is in Texas, not Florida. (See? Not the same!)
Okay. The plot isn’t the most original. But is the story itself any good?
Let me put it to you this way: if I had a nickel every time an animated/live-action movie hybrid had the main character smell a pile of poo, I’d have two nickels—which isn’t much, but it’s weird it happened twice. (The first time was Disney’s live-action Pinocchio.)
Okay, so the humor is terrible! What about the animation? Also terrible. Granted, the animation itself isn’t bad, but when they try to incorporate it into live-action, the movie reveals its flaws. There’s never a moment where the live-action and animated elements blend well and don’t come across as creepy and uncanny. (Especially when the film’s villain shares her tragic backstory and reveals her big secret. “Uncanny” doesn’t describe it. “Unsettling” does!)
And the story itself? Well, they try to give Sandy a character arc where she’s forced to choose between her new life in Bikini Bottom and her old life in Texas, but that plot point is never fully developed. We never see Sandy have to struggle to choose between her two homes and families outside of occasionally missing her old life and family. Otherwise, she faces no real pressure, and her dilemma is ultimately resolved by the end of the movie.
Overall, while I loved SpongeBob as a kid, 25 years later, the series has not aged well, and its newest movie isn’t proving otherwise. The only reason you’d watch this movie is if you’re a parent of a kid with access to Netflix. In that case, this movie will certainly keep your kid distracted for an hour and a half. It’s just not worth watching yourself.
UPDATE: THIS CASE IS SOLVED! PCSO detectives have identified the suspect in this investigation as 51-year old Terrance Lamont Wren of Winter Haven. Wren was arrested and charged with: 4 counts of burglary, 2 counts of Grand Theft, 1 count Petit Theft, 3 counts False Verification to Second Hand Dealer, and 3 counts of Dealing in Stolen Property. PCSO detectives shared their findings with Winter Haven PD and Wren could be responsible for multiple crimes being investigated by WHPD.
Original post- Polk County Sheriff’s Office Looking For Winter Haven Burglary and Theft Suspect:
We’ve heard your concerns about the abundance of fast-food options, and we’re thrilled to share that Outback Steakhouse is coming soon to our community!
Located at Heritage Pass, Davenport, FL, right next to Carrabba’s and across the street from Ford’s Garage, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Starbucks, and Orlando Health, Outback will offer another fantastic dining option. Get ready to enjoy delicious steaks, seafood, and more in a welcoming atmosphere. Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening!
Image source City of Davenport Facebook Image source City of Davenport Facebook Image source City of Davenport FacebookImage source City of Davenport Facebook
More Than 80+ Acres West of Lake Eloise Drive Approved for Final Plat Approval and Subdivision Performance Bond
by James Coulter
More than 144 residential units could be constructed west of Lake Eloise Drive now that two plats with more than 80+ combined acres have been approved for a final plat approval and a subdivision performance bond.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Aug. 26, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve two resolutions concerning two plats of land located west of Lake Eloise Drive being used for the Harmony on Lake Eloise subdivision.
The first resolution provided the final plat approval for a 33.19-acre subdivision tract, which, according to the resolution, contains “no building lots and five (5) common lots consisting of stormwater retention, and open space.”
The second resolution would release the performance bond for a 47.72+ acre subdivision, which contains 144 building lots and ten common lots. The bond is being issued for $3,380,922.21.
Both resolutions were put forward at the request of Forestar(USA) Real Estate Group, which is considering those plots of land for use as part of their Lake Eloise Phase Two Subdivision. Both subdivision plats are located west of Lake Eloise Drive and combined contain 80+ acres of land.
City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve both resolutions. However, many city residents have remained skeptical and raised concerns about the city’s push toward approving more residential developments.
One resident, Victoria Del Costio, expressed such frustration while speaking during public comments. She claims that she, along with many other residents, feels “overwhelmed” by all the developments currently underway and being approved for the City of Winter Haven.
She recalls more than 30 years ago when the Walmart Supercenter was constructed along Cypress Gardens Boulevard. She remembered her mother warning her that “this was the beginning of the end for small businesses.” Since then, that warning has rung even truer through all of the new developments.
“People that are new to the city are also overwhelmed by the number of houses going up,” she said. “The city should explain these processes…I think we have franchised out our town.”
Linda Gail Cross Hutto of Frostproof passed away Monday, August 26, 2024.
She was born December 18, 1961 to the late Kenneth and Mary Jo Cross; she has been a lifelong resident of Frostproof. Linda worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for twenty-four years and attended Frostproof Church of God. She prior to that worked as a custodian and in the cafeteria at Frostproof High School. She enjoyed scalloping, fishing, and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Linda enjoyed spending time with the people she loved; family, close friends, coworkers, etc. When Linda wasn’t spending time with loved ones she could be found taking a nap or playing candy crush on her back porch.
Linda was preceded in death by her son, Clayton Earl Hutto. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Scott of Frostproof; son, Billy Charles Hutto, III of Frostproof; sisters, Debbie Hill, Donna Mushrush and husband Perry, Tammy Friel, Kathy Flowers, Betty McNaughton and husband Mike; Carmella Gomez, and brother Pablo Gomez; brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, Jimbo and Michelle Hutto; grandchildren, Chloe Martinez, Kohlbie Hutto and girlfriend Aaliyah, Malayah Hutto, Zachary Scott, and Colt Scott; great-grandchild, Kason Clay Hutto.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Frostproof Church of God with Rev. Sam Haag officiating.
Hey everybody it’s Carl, cofounder of the Daily Ridge. My wife and I love travel, but it can be very expensive. We are parents to three kids, now grown, so we have always traveled on a budget. Resort vacations did happen when we could fit them in with some type of work conference. We mostly did road trips with the kids.
Now we are somewhat empty nesters and travel a lot more. Still you have to budget. This past week I got a great idea to celebrate my wife’s birthday in New England. And we are doing it on a budget. We will fly into Hartford, Connecticut and drive through Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Then on to Kennebunkport, Maine and Bar Harbor, Maine. Eventually working our way down the East Coast and head back to Hartford. I’ll give more details at another time why I like flying into Hartford.
We figured we would share our traveling tips with you. We also felt comfortable in bringing you a long with us on the journey. First thing will do is explain the initial cost. You obviously will need to have a plane ticket, rental, car, and a place to sleep for three nights.
I was very lucky to get some cheap tickets just two weeks ago.
Round trip ticket from Orlando airport to Hartford Connecticut (direct flight – Frontier) $66 each. That is all taxes and fees included!
So for two tickets it’s $132.00
Rental Car
I used Budget (long history of good service, easy app, and reasonable prices) and have the vehicle for 4 full days at $237. We are also going to try out an EV SUV for the first time! Wish us luck.
Our rooms are not totally booked but I’ve got some places in mind around $100 per night. I’ll give more details soon on the rooms.
That’s it for this post, but will provide more details soon!
Auburndale Police Department responded to the 7-11 located at 420 Magnolia Ave., Auburndale, FL in reference to a retail theft.
On August 15, 2024, an unknown black male entered the 7-11 to retrieve a “Door Dash” order for eight ( 8 ) single water bottles of Zephyrhills. The unknown male began arguing with staff stating they did not know what they were doing, and the order was incorrect. The unknown male then walked over to the cases of water and removed a total of eight ( 8 ) cases of 24pk Zephyrhills water and walking out passing all points of sale with no attempt to pay.
He was last seen entering a gray, 4dr vehicle and then leaves the parking lot headed east.
SUSPECT 1 – Black male with short afro style hair, wearing a black graphic t-shirt with (NEVER) on the front in white, gray shorts, black socks with black slides. He also has tattoos on the inside of both arms.
If you have any information, please contact Corporal Marenco at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
