At approximately 4:07 p.m., Polk County Fire Rescue reported a call for assistance with a traffic collision at Scenic Hwy. N and Browton St. in Lake Wales.
According to City of Lake Wales Deputy Chief Troy Schulze, a motorcycle with a driver and passenger were travelling south on Scenic Hwy. A sedan coming out of Browton St. turned left out of the Mabel Place subdivision (across from the Dinner Lake subdivision) and in front of the motorcycle.
The driver of the sedan was the sole occupant and reported no injuries. The two occupants of the motorcycle were transported by helicopter from a landing site at Eagle Ridge Mall as a precaution for non-life threatening injuries.
The roadway is reported to be open with no restrictions at this time.
At approximately 2:45 PM this afternoon, two separate calls were made to emergency services regarding two separate situations in the Lake Wales area.
There have been several reports with regard to a multitude of law-enforcement vehicles, firetrucks, and fire rescue in the area of Masterpiece Road.
The first call was initially marked as a water rescue. A boat and airboat were seen in the area parked on the side of the road.
The first caller reported an erratic driver near Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales. The caller reported concern for the safety of a driver and other drivers. The erratic driver was eventually pulled over in the parking lot of the Lake Wales Walmart on Highway 60. No injuries are reported.
The second incident that occurred, almost simultaneously, was with regard to a call made to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with regard to the safety of an individual. As of 4:05 PM this afternoon, PCSO confirmed that this individual was located and is safe. No further information is available at this time.
Did you know that the City of Winter Haven is one of the fastest growing cities in the State of Florida? Utility Inspectors play a vital role in ensuring that as the City grows, we maintain a strong focus on code and regulatory compliance, safety, and sustainability. If you have experience in construction or the inspection of water and sewer systems, the Winter Haven Water Department could be the place for you. Apply today and become a Water Utility Inspector!
Job Title: Water Utility Inspector
Category: Full-Time
Application Closing Date: August 28, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Performs responsible technical work inspecting utility site development, water and reuse distribution, sanitary and storm sewer collection systems construction and repairs to ensure such complies with City approved construction documents/policy, local, state, and federal codes, standards, and specifications. Inspects the construction of utility site projects, lift station construction, water and reuse distribution systems, and sanitary and storm sewer collection systems. Verifies construction conforms to applicable codes, specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements. Performs certificate of occupancy inspections in coordination with the Building Department. Advises contractors of non-conforming work or materials, and directs the correction of non-conforming work. Observes contractors’ tests of utility systems and determines whether they pass or fail. Keeps complete inspection records of project documentation and communications pertaining to the work; renders daily inspection reports for a coordinated review by the project manager and the inspector to ensure accurate and sufficient records are submitted. Keeps a record of the daily quantity of work performed by contractors; records contractor non-pursuit days and justification for such. Makes field sketches of installed systems as required and confirms construction as designed or details approved field changes. Verifies the accuracy of utility system as-built drawings.
Maintains current knowledge of codes, plans, specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements. Reviews and remarks upon site development plans throughout design phases as prepared by or submitted for utility construction projects. Performs limited utility “locates” as related to construction inspection and final acceptance of new utilities. Performs planning and implementation for outages for planned and emergency operations. Coordinates with other departments and agencies in inspections for successful projects. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of utility site development activities, lift stations, water and reuse distribution, and sewer collection system construction methods and practices.
Knowledge of codes, standards, and regulatory requirements pertaining to site development construction. Ability to gain knowledge of the existing City water and sewer system; read and interpret site development construction plans and specifications; and review and determine as-built accuracy.
Must be able to work and coordinate with a team and self-motivate.
Minimum Education & Experience:
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Three (3) years’ experience in the construction or inspection of water and sewer systems.
An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.
Special Requirements:
Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
Possession of a FDEP Class 3 Water Distribution License or higher and an Asbestos Certification, with a medically approved asbestos fit test is preferred, or the ability to obtain each within twelve (12) months of employment.
Schedule may include planned night work or after normal work hours inspections.
Physical / Environmental Factors:
Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions in the work environment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
The Streets and Drainage Maintenance Operator I will work under the guidance of experienced members of the City’s Streets and Drainage Team to gain hands-on experience and training in various aspects of public works operations. This role is ideal for individuals looking to start a career in public infrastructure maintenance and construction.
Job Title: Streets and Drainage Maintenance Operator I
Category: Full-Time
Application Closing Date: August 14, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Acquires, develops, and hones fundamental infrastructure construction and maintenance trade skills through on-the-job training. Under the guidance of experienced members of the City’s Public Works Department will learn and perform a variety of skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of roads and sidewalks; traffic signal maintenance; underground stormwater infrastructure maintenance; urban forestry, and other functions critical to keeping a City moving forward.
The in-training apprentice must exhibit enthusiasm for learning and developing their skill-set by being exposed to and performing work within the following specialized areas:
• Street Corridor Maintenance: Work entails constructing, maintaining, and repairing City roads; trimming trees from the ground or a bucket truck, and repairing or constructing new sidewalks within the City.
• Traffic Operation Maintenance: Responsibilities include maintaining traffic pavement markings and signage within the road right-of-way. Traffic signal/highway lighting maintenance. Typical duties include pavement markings of roads along with fabricating, erecting, and repairing street signs.
• Drainage Maintenance: Responsibilities include inspecting, constructing, maintaining, and repairing City flood control facilities and underground stormwater, drainage/erosion control, and water quality protection infrastructure.
Safely utilizes a variety of tools, hand and power, and assorted vehicles and equipment to perform work. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with immediate co-workers, other state, county, and city employees, along with the public using principles of exceptional customer service.
Must be available to perform essential job functions outside of regular work hours responding to emergencies, and may be assigned “subject to call” scheduling. his is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be driven to learn new skills and willing to put time and effort into building knowledge and experience. Must possess the agility to think critically to resolve issues or problems that may directly impact public safety. Must have good interpersonal skills and a basic understanding of job site safety. Examples of knowledge skills and ability that will be developed include:
Streets Corridor Maintenance:
o Estimating concrete quantities for sidewalk construction and asphalt quantities for roadway repairs;
o Constructing concrete sidewalks;
o Safely operating and maintaining chainsaws;
o Pruning trees from both the ground and a bucket truck;
o Preparing and applying hot or cold asphalt for roadway repairs;
o Operating a variety of heavy equipment i.e. backhoes, front end loaders, etc.;
o Setting up a safe construction work zone within the roadway or right of way;
o Reading and interpreting construction plans;
o Performing basic survey work;
o Repairing and maintaining brick paver sidewalks.
Traffic Operation Maintenance:
o Familiarity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;
o Fabrication, installation, and maintenance of municipal signs;
o Pavement marking application;
o Traffic signal maintenance/construction;
o FDOT/City corridor traffic timing implementation;
o Decorative/highway lighting maintenance;
o Fiber Optic repair/maintenance;
o Advanced Traffic Management System operation/maintenance.
Drainage Maintenance:
o Maintaining underground stormwater infrastructure including concrete, metal, and plastic pipe;
o Evaluating and repairing drainage/erosion issues;
o Operating/maintaining a vacuum truck and a street sweeper;
o Constructing/repairing headwalls made of various materials and storm inlet structures including welding, metal fabrication, hand forming concrete, and masonry work;
o Performing repairs related to SWFWMD stormwater permits;
o Constructing rain gardens.
Will learn to interact with and use digital record-keeping tools that drive the maintenance of the City’s infrastructure. Must have basic computer literacy (ability to compose an e-mail, provide updates in simple report form, interact with asset management software, etc.), and effectively communicate with internal and external customers (written and oral). Ability to understand and follow instructions (written and oral). Must have the ability to interpret maps and be prepared to learn and adapt as new tools, processes, and practices become available. As part of an emergency response unit, must be able to handle a rapid change in direction associated with environmental conditions.
Minimum Education & Experience:
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Some hand tool use and general construction practices experience preferred.
Special Requirements:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, a valid Florida Class B driver’s license with airbrake and tanker endorsement.
Must have a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.
Physical / Environmental Factors:
Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions in the work environment.
Work involves difficult working positions and movements of objects weighing up to 95 pounds; operates equipment such as hand tools and heavy equipment including trucks and backhoes.
Requires physical ability to perform all job functions including the ability to walk, push, bend, stoop, and carry lift, dig and climb.
Work is performed outdoors under a variety of environmental climates and conditions.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
This Maintenance Operator is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the City’s five cemetery grounds, preparing for funeral services to ensure a clean, safe, and respectful environment for visitors.
Performs manual laboring tasks as they relate to the maintenance of all aspects of cemeteries. Safely operates maintenance-service equipment (i.e. small tractors, backhoes, hustler mowers, dump trucks and pickup trucks) both on and off the highway over 50% of the work day. Wash, clean and perform routine maintenance, including checking fluid levels, tire pressure, filters, belts, etc. on assigned equipment. Performs manual laboring tasks under varying weather conditions; opens and closes graves, mows grounds, assists in setting markers, edges around markers, and trims hedges and other shrubbery. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and use of a backhoe, hustler mower, dump truck, tractor and less complex maintenance-service equipment; and traffic and highway safety rules and regulations; and of the hazards involved in the use of Public Services’ equipment and of the safety precautions to be taken.
Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.
Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform strenuous laboring tasks under varying weather conditions.
Minimum Education & Experience:
One year experience in the operation and routine maintenance of light trucks and similar service equipment is preferred.
An equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.
Physical / Environmental Factors:
Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
*$1,000.00 after completion of six month probationary period; $1,000.00 after completion of first year.
Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Donates 50th AED to Swiss Village Retirement Community
by James Coulter
Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke remembers donating her first automated external defibrillator (AED) to Old Man Frank’s in August of 2021.
Now, three years later, she and her non-profit organization donated their 50th AED to the Swiss Village Retirement Community in Winter Haven.
On Monday evening, Melanie and her team with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation visited the local retirement community to donate and install an AED.
Douglas R. Hott Sr., who had been a resident at Swiss Village Retirement Community for three and a half years, had reached out to CCF to install an AED there.
He also had the honor of assisting with the donation by helping to “pay it forward.” Being able to give back to his community through this donation was nothing short of an “honor” for him.
“I feel very honored to have paid it forward,” he said. “It means so much to me. And I praise Melanie and the whole CCF team. Thank you all so very much.”
Tony LaMonica, HOA and Vice President of Swiss Village, and a resident for seven years, praised Hott for financing the AED and Melanie and her CCF team for donating and installing it.
“What Doug Hott did was a wonderful gesture to the community. And we will always be grateful for what he has done,” he said. “The CCF Foundation is doing a great thing forall the communities in the area.”
The CCF team not only installed the AED, but also offered a demonstration on how to use the device.
Melanie also shared her story about how she started CCF three years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started CCF to raise proceeds for AEDs to be placed in local establishments across Polk County. This AED at Swiss Village was her 50th donation.
“I want to Thank God for helping me pull through and guide me in making this all possible,” Melanie wrote on her Facebook page. “At one point I didn’t think I could go on but I took my tragedy and grief & decided I wanted to make a difference. As part of my healing process, I chose to start CCF in Hope to Save Someone’s Life to Honor Michael’s Name. I know he’s looking down and I’m making him proud.”
Having experienced a similar situation as Melanie previously faced, LaMonica empathized with her and her cause and made him feel even more honored about the AED donated to Swiss Village.
“Speaking to Melanie on why she started this foundation was heartfelt,” he said. “I have gone through the same situation. Sounderstand the need for what they are doing.”
Melissa Hancock, a Pretrial Investigator at Polk County Pretrial Services, assisted Melanie with the AED demonstration. She had previously offered her services for CCF, and was honored to do so Monday evening.
“I have always told Melanie if she needs my assistance to help her, I will help,” she said. “It felt amazing to be a part of such a phenomenal foundation such as CCF. I was a little nervous. I enjoy sharing such useful information that may save someone’s life. Must be the law enforcement officer still inside of me. I believe we are put here to help each other through life.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
The Building Service Worker is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the maintenance and cleanliness of our City facilities. This role ensures that these facilities are kept in excellent condition for our guests and employees.
Job Title: Building Service Worker
Category: Full-Time
Application Closing Date: August 14, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Performs moderately heavy manual work in cleaning and maintaining the appearance of the WHRCC; may operate a city vehicle to travel to various locations throughout the City to perform required work. Scrubs, mops, waxes, and polishes floors. Dusts and polishes furniture. Washes windows, woodwork, restrooms, washrooms to include toilets and fixtures in buildings. Collects and disposes of trash and litter from building and grounds. Replaces burned out light bulbs. Repairs minor defects in walls and paints same. Assists in making other minor repairs to buildings and equipment as necessary. Moves office furniture and equipment from place to place as requested. Refills paper towels and soap dispensers in washrooms and work areas. Sweeps and generally cleans sidewalks and other outside areas around the buildings. Sets up and takes down furniture and equipment for special programs and events. Assists in monitoring the facility and coordinating customers’ needs during events/functions; exhibits excellent customer skills while performing work. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of the materials, methods, and equipment used in custodial work.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; and to carry out tasks without constant supervision.
Physical agility, strength, and flexibility sufficient to perform the essential job functions of a custodian without risking the health or safety of oneself or others.
Minimum Education & Experience:
Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Agricultural, construction, and landscaping experience with emphasis on turf and landscaping equipment operation.
An equivalent combination of training and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
Note: While the Winter Haven Recreation & Culture Center is under construction, the Building Service Worker will be trained at the Advent Fieldhouse & Conference Center (approximately for 18 months).
Physical / Environmental Factors:
Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions in the work environment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
Polk County Parks & Rec – Join the fun at the 7 Rivers Water Festival!
Gather your crew and create your masterpiece for the 2024 Cardboard Boat Race! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time builder, there’s a place for you on the water.
Spaces are limited, so grab your spot before they’re all gone! Any questions? Reach out to [email protected] for all the details.
Local attorney Christopher Desrochers has 30+ years of Law Practice and Business Management under his belt. Here’s three reasons why he feels best suited to be the new public defender.
Christopher Desrochers has visited and toured the Public Defender’s Office in Bartow twice. During both trips, he noticed various issues in the office.
One major issue: none of the senior support staff working there apparently had an understudy or assistant. Not a single one. Compounding matters even further, many of these senior support staff members were close to retirement. So, there was no one to immediately take their place when they stepped down.
Aside from his 31 years of experience as a practicing civil and criminal defense attorney, Desrochers also has extensive experience in managing several corporations through their revitalization and transition processes.
As someone with such extensive experience running several businesses, he knew that how the public defender’s office was currently being managed was not how a proper business was run. In fact, such shoddy management was a recipe for disaster, he said.
“Apparently, the overall plan was that if someone were to retire, they were going [to give someone] a list of instructions and tell them to have a nice day,” Desrochers said. “That is not a transition plan. That is the plot of Night of the Museum.”
For that and many other reasons, Desrochers has decided to not only utilize his experience in civil and criminal law, but also in managing businesses big and small, to run for Public Defender of the 10th Judicial Circuit.
A Winter Haven native, Desrochers graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1985. He graduated from law school at the University of Florida. He has since gained more than 31 years of practicing law.
While his career focused mostly on civil law, he also has experience in criminal law, often representing people in criminal cases who have either been detained or have received court-appointed counsel under the Criminal Justice Act.
Desrochers also has extensive experience running his own law firm and several other companies, especially those going through reorganization or transition. As someone with such managerial and corporate experience coupled with his experience practicing law, he considers himself the best candidate to become a public defender.
Having visited the public defender’s office at least twice, he has not only seen the problems firsthand for himself, but he has analyzed these problems with potential solutions he could easily implement in his position.
One issue of which he had been informed was that attorneys had been discharged “squirreling”, where cases are often hoarded away out of sight rather than being worked on. He blames this problem on both the lack of oversight and the overall office being understaffed, to the point where too many cases are being appointed to too few attorneys.
“No one has been managing the store, and it has been running on autopilot,” he said. “So, there are certainly issues in the public defender’s office. I spotted a bunch of them in 20 minutes. At this point, I can see why the office is having issues, and why the court system is backed up.”
Desrochers has proposed three reasons why he is the most suited to address these problems:
#1: He has the experience to identify these problems and address them promptly:
“This all comes back to my experience. “[Someone else may] look at this issue and ask, ‘Where do we start?’ I look at these issues and say, ‘I handled these before.’ I have been in places where firms are being run on autopilot with absentee supervisors and managers so to speak.”
#2: He considers himself to be the most “intellectually honest” person for the position. He contrasts himself with his opponent, whom he claims has only been repeating the problems that are plaguing the public defender’s office.
“She has not planned anything,” he said. “There is no plan on the other side. Her intention is to work on autopilot like Rex did, and it will be the same old thing with the same old results but worse.”
#3: He has effortlessly handled similar issues in other companies that he has managed that are currently plaguing the public defender’s office.
“I have managed and help manage a business that is bigger than the public defender office,” he said. “It is something that unfortunately my opponent has no experience in. She has worked at the office but as a line worker…which is great, we need line workers, but eventually, we need a CEO, and I have those skills point blank.”
For more information, visit his campaign website at: https://cadforpd.com/
