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Polk “Operation Child Predator V” Leads To Multiple Arrests

Carl Fish
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Polk “Operation Child Predator V” Leads To Multiple Arrests

During an 8-day-long undercover investigation from February 22-29, 2024, named “Operation Child Predator V,” Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives, along with the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, charged eight suspects with crimes related to those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity. 

The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or adults who had access to children online. Five suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children. Those five wanted to pay an adult hundreds of dollars to have sex with who they thought was a child – they were charged with human trafficking, a life felony. 

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for three other suspects who committed crimes against who they thought were children online; two of those suspects are in custody, and one is still at large.

“We conduct proactive operations like this to help keep our children safe. I’m so thankful for our detectives and partnering agencies for their hard work to keep our children safe from predators who sexually abuse, groom, and corrupt our children. Parents need to be ‘all up in their child’s business’ when it comes to electronic devices that give them access to online gaming, mobile applications, texting, or the internet. Check their devices regularly, and ensure parental controls are enabled to keep predators like these away from your kids.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In all, detectives filed 27 felony charges against these 8 suspects.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED:

1. 41-year-old Larry William Hayes, DOB 12/10/1982, of Plant City, FL. Hayes sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. Hayes communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $250.00 to perform sex acts on the child. Hayes also sent several explicit images of his genitalia to the undercover detective. Hayes traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He told detectives that he is retired from the U.S. Army, and is married with three children.

Hayes was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

2. 37-year-old Edmundo Dasilva, DOB 02/07/1987, of Holly Springs, NC. Dasilva sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $60.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He said that he would be traveling through Florida and would like to meet, and that he had just turned 18 years old. Dasilva traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. He had two condoms in his pocket. He told detectives that he is married and that he works for Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Officer.

Dasilva was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

3. 29-year-old Nelson Louis, DOB 09/06/1994, of Tampa, FL. Louis sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and said he “just wanted to have fun before he went to work.” He agreed to pay $100.00 for a half hour of sex with the child. He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. 

Louis was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

4. 27-year-old Hasan Abu Halemeh, DOB 07/15/1996, of Brandon, FL. Abu Halemeh sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $225.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He asked if the girl was a virgin and if he would be “her first.” He traveled to the undercover location and was arrested. 

Abu Halemeh was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

5. 45-year-old Willie Merrill, DOB 03/14/1978, of Plant City, FL. Merrill sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $80.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He traveled to the location with the cash and a condom in his pockets. After being arrested, detectives learned he is a registered sex offender for a 2005 conviction of statutory rape in Georgia. He was previously arrested by PCSO in 2017 during an undercover prostitution investigation, for which he spent 364 days in jail.

Merrill was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Human trafficking (FL)

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

·        Attempted traveling to meet a minor (F3)

·        Attempted use of computer to solicit guardian (M1)

6. 34-year-old Brandon Ray, DOB 03/28/1989, of Mulberry, FL. Ray sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100.00 to perform sex acts on the child. He repeatedly asked for photos of the child and also said, “I’ve watched enough to catch a predator show on TV” and also said, “Grady don’t play.” Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and took him into custody on March 7, 2024. He told detectives he is a bus mechanic employed by Polk County Public Schools.

Ray was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

7. 45-year-old Manuel Canasi, DOB 07/27/1978, of Land O’ Lakes, FL. Canasi sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay $100 for a half hour alone with the child. He sent the undercover detective a screenshot of Sheriff Judd holding a news conference, saying, “That Sheriff out there is a hard a** and doesn’t play.” The suspect tried several times to travel to the undercover location but was unable due to his job and other family obligations (he is married and has a son and two teenaged daughters). Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he was taken into custody in Pasco County.

Canasi is charged with:

·      Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

Wanted John Adams

WANTED:

61-year-old John Adams, DOB 12/18/1962, of Dunedin, FL. Adams sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay to perform sex acts on the child. He said he was a gentleman and respectful and that he wanted to “enjoy this experience with her.” Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and he is still at large.

Adams is charged with:

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F2)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

If you have information regarding Adams’ whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

·        CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)

·        DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone

·        VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

·        DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Response Team conducted an initiative during the month of February 2024, aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435)* within Polk County. Detectives charged 16 suspects with failure to comply with registration laws and/or violation of probation.

There are 1,256 sexual offenders and 153 sexual predators registered in Polk County. Registered offenders and predators are checked every quarter by Polk County law enforcement officers to ensure they are in compliance with Florida’s sexual offender/predator registration laws, although the state requirement is for only predators to be checked quarterly, and offenders once a year. During the initiative Polk County Sheriff’s Office SVRT detectives arrested 16 offenders and predators – each of these suspects have prior sex offenses involving a child.

“Our detectives work hard year-round to keep track of convicted sexual offenders and predators who reside in Polk County to ensure they remain compliant with the law. It is our mission to keep our community – especially the children within our community – safe. That is why we conduct initiatives like this one. These 16 suspects learned the hard way that we take every one of the requirements seriously, and failure to comply will result in an arrest.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The following is a list of those arrested (16) during this initiative, and a summary of their offenses:

Robert Miranda, 32, of Titusville, FL.Miranda is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction of lewd and lascivious battery on a child 12-15 years old. He was recently arrested in Brevard County on a Polk County warrant for attempted kidnapping (of a child), indecent exposure, and lewd and lascivious exhibition (click here to read the news release: https://tinyurl.com/yckn6c5f). During that investigation detectives found he had violated three different sex offender registration laws, regarding his vehicles and address. He was charged with 3 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Rodney Van David Williams, 47, of Plant City, FL. Williams is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old. He has 2016 and 2018 convictions for failure to comply with sex offender registration laws. He was arrested again for failing to register his address with PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Kevin Hairston, 31, of 4284 Old Dixie Hwy, Auburndale. Hairston is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for possession of child pornography. He is on probation until 2027. He was arrested for failing to report Internet use (he has a Plenty of Fish account); he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.

Vondale Barnes, 45, of 1409 Dawn Heights Drive, Lakeland. Barnes is a sexual predator based on a 2012 conviction of sexual battery on a child. He is on probation until 2035. He was arrested for failing to update his address and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV. Barnes was charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Predator Registration laws, and Violation of Probation.

Juanel Mikulak, 36, of 1378 Merrimack Place in Davenport. Mikulak is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for 2 counts criminal sexual conduct, in Minnesota. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle and maintain a valid license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Edwin Pagan Gonzalez, 47, of 72 Suburban Drive in Lake Alfred. Gonzalez is a sexual offender based on a 2022 conviction for use of a computer to seduce a child. He was arrested in Orange County on a Polk Warrant for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Joseph Coppins, 57, of 2117 Cabernet Court in Eagle Lake. Coppins is a sexual offender based on a 2017 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Brenda Kay Barton, 56, of 9400 US Hwy 192 #221 in Clermont. Barton is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for procurement of a child for prostitution, in Colorado. She was arrested for failing to update her Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Timothy Demoura, 39, of 3020 Mar Lisa Cove Road in Lake Wales. Demoura is a sexual offender based on a 2018 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Mitchell Leo Thurston, 39, of 329 Andover Drive in Davenport. Thurston is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for sexual battery by an adult on a victim under 12. He was arrested for failing to update his Florida license with the Florida DHSMV; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Barbara Bernice Griffith, 49, of 24 Tennessee Lane in Auburndale. Griffith is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor between 16-17 years old. She was arrested for failing to register a vehicle with the Florida DHSMV; she’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Homer Dewayne Rudd, 71, of 4710 Hunt Road in Bartow. Rudd is a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for possession of child pornography. He was arrested for failing to register within a required month; he’s been charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Mark Osgood, 24, of 4780 New Tampa Hwy in Lakeland. Osgood is a sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 16. He was arrested for failing to register his address and update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

John Camarena, 34, of 666 Lake Dexter Circle in Winter Haven. Camarena is a sexual offender based on a 2009 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12-15 years old, in California. He was arrested for failing to update his license; he’s been charged with 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

WANTED:

James Macarthur Johnson, 39, at large.Johnson is a sexual offender based on a 2019 conviction for unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He has failed to report his residence to PCSO and the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for 2 counts Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

Antone Renar Starks, 48, at large. Starks is a sexual offender based on a 2000 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16. He has failed to update his license with the Florida DHSMV; he has a warrant for his arrest for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration laws.

If you have information regarding Johnson’s or Starks’ whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

·        CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)

·        DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone

·        VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

·        DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Lake Wales City Manager Suspends Police Chief & Will Relieve Him Of His Duties

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales City Manager Suspends Police Chief & Will Relieve Him Of His Duties

March 11, 2024


TO: Christopher Velasquez, Chief of Police

FROM: James Slaton, City Manager

SUJECT: Notice of Disciplinary Action


MEMORANDUM


As you know the City received a complaint from the Poor Minority Justice Association asserting that recent lieutenant promotional decisions were impermissibly motivated by race and that at least one candidate was ineligible for promotion at the time of his interview. I tasked Sandra Davis, Human Resources Director, with interviewing all relevant witnesses and gathering facts related to the promotional process. The investigation determined that there was no supporting evidence establishing that promotional decisions were based on any candidate’s race.
During the course of the investigation an appearance of unfairness in the process was evident as a result of deviations from past promotional practices and the amendment of minimum qualification requirements in the position announcement.
In light of the controversy surrounding the promotion of Dale Hampton, I am forced to consider re-opening the Lieutenant position in which Dale Hampton was appointed. All applicants may reapply after a promotional process is defined and adopted.
During my time as City Manager, I have heard repeated public concerns in two critical areas:

  • Appearance of nepotism within the department
  • Perception of a lack of transparency
    The issues related to the recent Lieutenant promotions are consistent with public concerns in these two areas, specifically. Furthermore, several officers within the department have expressed these same concerns as it relates to the recent promotions.
    You also recently requested approval to hire one of your Sergeant’s daughters in a position in your department.
    The mere appearance of nepotism or favoritism causes low morale among the department personnel and erodes public confidence.
    In response to the promotional process I am giving you three days off without pay, beginning, March 18, 2024.
    I have been too involved in the administration of the Police department during my tenure as City Manager in an effort to find solutions to concerns raised by the community. Our environment demands proactive, adaptive, and creative leadership.
    I acknowledge your contributions and dedication to the department during your time as Police Chief, however, in the best interest of the department and the community, it is time for new leadership to address the challenges we face.

On April, 2024, I will advertise a search for a new police chief. You may remain in your current position until a new chief has been appointed.
If you desire, you have the right to appear and make a statement at the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on 3/19/2024. That opportunity is not a vehicle to appeal this decision, but rather is solely to enable you to publicly respond to the decision, if you choose to do so. If you choose to make a public statement, please let me know prior to the agenda deadline of 3/15/2024.

Three Year Old Child Killed In Lakeland Shooting

Carl Fish
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Three Year Old Child Killed In Lakeland Shooting

On Monday, March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of 1850 Cambridge Cove Circle for a shooting which just occurred. Officers arrived within two minutes to find two persons were struck by gunfire. Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures.  One of the victims was a three-year-old child who was declared deceased at the scene. A second victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with non-life-threatening injuries. A third person with gunshot wounds was dropped off at Lakeland Regional Health by a personal vehicle and was later declared deceased. 

Over 25 officers and detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation. It appears at this time that all parties are familiar with each other. Details are limited at this time as we are early in the investigation. 

Polk Sheriff To Hold Press Conference Regarding Sexual Predator Sting

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff To Hold Press Conference Regarding Sexual Predator Sting

Sheriff Grady Judd and leaders from partnering law enforcement agencies will provide details tomorrow morning, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., about a multi-law enforcement agency eight-day-long undercover investigation which focused on sexual predators who target children, solicit children online, and travel to an undercover location to sexually batter children.

During the initiative, detectives posed as children and adults who have access to children on social media platforms, mobile apps, and online dating sites to investigate those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity.

PCSO worked with the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Hardee County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or adults who had access to children online. Five suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children. Those five wanted to pay an adult hundreds of dollars to have sex with who they thought was a child – they were charged with human trafficking, a life felony. 

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for three other suspects who committed crimes against who they thought were children online; two of those suspects are in custody, and one is still at large.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Response Team also conducted an initiative during the month of February 2024, aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators within Polk County. Detectives charged 16 suspects with failure to comply with registration laws and/or violation of probation. Details will be provided about those arrests and charges as well.

Lakeland Police Arrest Two Men Charging Them With Theft

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Arrest Two Men Charging Them With Theft

LAKELAND, FL (March 11, 2024) – On Thursday, March 7, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., Toby Ledford and Adam Byrd, both of Lakeland, were arrested on charges stemming from an investigation into multiple thefts of wire from light poles reported in various areas around the City of Lakeland.

Once Lakeland Police detectives began investigating the series of wire thefts, they identified Ledford and Byrd as possible suspects. Detectives observed Ledford driving a 2004 green Honda Element and stopped him in the 3000 block of Old Tampa Highway after committing multiple traffic violations. Detectives searched the vehicle and found numerous bundles of wire in the back of the vehicle which had just been stolen that morning from light poles in the area of Harden Boulevard and Parkway Frontage Road. In addition to the theft of wire, the light poles were damaged in the process. Tools to commit the thefts were also found in the vehicle (wire cutters, ratchet slicer, voltage meter, ban saws, a grinder and walkie talkies). While being interviewed, Ledford and Byrd admitted they were on their way to sell the wire to a scrapyard.

Ledford was charged with Dealing in Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More and Grand Theft $5,000 to $10,000. Byrd was charged with Dealing in Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief $1,000 or More, Grand Theft $5,000 to $10,000, Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Polk County Man Facing 5-40 Yrs In Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl & Methamphetamine Drugs

Carl Fish
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Polk County Man Facing 5-40 Yrs In Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl & Methamphetamine Drugs

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcus Lutrell Walden (36, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and p-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue). Walden faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.  

According to the plea agreement, on February 14, 2024, Walden agreed to sell what he believed was methamphetamine and fentanyl, which he described in communications as “ice cream” and “mashed potatoes” to a confidential source in Winter Haven, Florida. Walden agreed to meet the confidential source at a motel in Winter Haven to conduct the sale. An analysis of the fentanyl by the DEA Laboratory revealed that it was para­-fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Later that day, Walden sold a Taurus .22 caliber pistol to the confidential source.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

*Editors note: Walden is no stranger to Polk County Law Enforcement as he has been arrest well over 10 times here in Polk.

Sheriff Grady Judd Enjoys Jeepin with Judd for 10th Annual Event

Staff Reporter
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Sheriff Grady Judd Enjoys Jeepin with Judd for 10th Annual Event

by James Coulter

There’s nothing Sheriff Grady Judd loves more than working hard to serve and protect his community. However, he managed to take time out of his busy schedule last weekend to go Jeep riding in Bartow.

For the past decade, Jeepin with Judd has not only allowed local Jeep owners an opportunity to go off-road riding on 1.5 acres of rugged Florida wilderness but also raise proceeds for Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, does everything from providing Christmas gifts for needy children to allowing previously incarcerated women to transition back to a free life to assisting other local charities like Hope Equine Rescue, which cares for horses that have been abused, neglected, or abused.

“We have a philosophy that no child wakes up on Christmas morning without a Christmas presents, [and] we want people to have a big dinner with their family on Thanksgiving,” Sheriff Judd said. “So when a deputy sees someone who is down and out, then they report that to our charity and we help them out.”

Sheriff Judd, along with hundreds of other Jeep owners and enthusiasts, had the opportunity last weekend to ride one of the many trails in the 1.5 acres of land at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow.

“I did the gator trail a few minutes ago. It was awesome,” he said. “It went uphill and downhill and through mudholes and it was a rush. So, if you have a Jeep and you are not here. You are just not cool.”

Aside from trail riding, the event also allowed attendees to peruse vendors and food trucks and show off their vehicles. There was even a mini-Jeep trail for toy Jeeps that little children could ride.

“I enjoy the people,” Sheriff Judd said. “There are hundreds of people from the Sheriff’s Office volunteering their time. But I love the people the most. I like to ride the trails, and I really appreciate our veterans who come here every year. If it weren’t for the community, we would not be able to raise money for the charities and the charities would not be able to help people.”

Sheriff Judd commended Clear Springs Ranch for facilitating the annual fundraiser, and Orlando Jeep Club for putting in thousands of volunteer hours helping set up for the event.

“As a result, we raise a lot of money for our charity, and then we will that those proceeds and help those less fortunate in the community,” he said. “It has exceeded our expectations. Our goal was to make sure that we have enough trails that people rode trails rather than waited in line for this year.”

You Won’t Believe What Inspired This Local Teacher’s Art Which Won Her Best of Show at Lake Wales Art Fest.

Staff Reporter
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You Won’t Believe What Inspired This Local Teacher’s Art Which Won Her Best of Show at Lake Wales Art Fest.

by James Coulter

If you were to observe the award-winning artwork of Beth Garcia, you’d probably guess that most of her subjects were alien lifeforms from another planet, especially with their abnormal appendages and strange growths.

However, believe it or not, her sculptures, which helped win her best of show at this year’s Lake Wales Art Fest, are based on lifeforms that are quite terrestrial, if admittedly microscopic.

Beth Garcia is a working artist and a high school teacher at Harrison School of the Arts in Lakeland. Before she studied art, she studied biology and wanted to create illustrations for medical textbooks.

Later, she decided to switch from a biology major to a Masters of Fine Art. However, once she switched her studies, she quickly discovered her science lessons likewise worked their way into her artwork.

“I started to realize that what I had learned in biology, the imagery from biology, kept coming back through my work,” she said. “So, it really does steer the concept. I think about nature, the tenacity of nature, and I think it is the ultimate sign of optimism. So, I focus on the totality and optimism and joy of nature.”

While she does not have a favorite art piece, her larger sculptures have proven more challenging, so those are the ones that are nearest and dearest to her heart.

She had been attending the Lake Wales Art Fest for more than eight years. She loves how the committee is responsive to the needs of participating artists, which inspires her to return every year. Being able to win the best of show was quite a milestone for her.

“It is humbling,” she said. “My quality of work here is really strong, and I am humbled to be selected.”

More than 50 artists showcased their artwork along the scenic shores of Lake Wales Park for the annual Lake Wales Art Fest. The event kicked off on Friday evening with the private Art-B-Que event and opened for the public on Saturday and Sunday.

From paintings and photographs to ceramics and glass sculptures, artists and craftsmen from all over the county, state, and even country arrived to showcase their work. Attendees could also peruse other vendors and food trucks, listen to live music, and even engage in a beer crawl.

Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Art Festival, was impressed by this year’s turnout. More than 50 artists participated this year, and he expects future events to draw in more than 100.

“We have been having a really great time this year,” he said. “We had a great turnout of people. Everyone enjoyed seeing the artists and talking about their work, listening to the music, [and] checking out some great food trucks. So, yes, it has been a real successful year.”

Frank owes the success of this year’s event to their marketing and integration of various other activities like a beer crawl, the children’s activity area, and the community hospitality tent.

“I think we were more intentional about how we were going to integrate more of our community [activities],” he said. “I think we are synergizing more of those things together and connecting them more strongly with the artist tent area.”

This year’s event more than exceeded expectations, and expectations for next year’s event and events to come remain high. Frank expects to see more growth and better integration of the various festival components. He expects to implement all that through feedback collected from participating artists.

“I think the event is definitely meeting expectations,” he said. “What is nice is that every year we do this, we have a chance to see where we want to improve and where there are ways to make it better every time. So, we are certainly here to collect those notes and the artists are telling us things that they like about it and ways we can change things up to benefit what they want to do. And we are excited to be receptive to that.”

Looking For a Dress or Suit for Prom? Get One for Free at Project Prom. Read to Learn More.

Staff Reporter
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Looking For a Dress or Suit for Prom? Get One for Free at Project Prom. Read to Learn More.

by James Coulter

Are you a local high school student or the parent or guardian of one? Are you looking for the most fabulous dress or stylish suit for prom?

What if you could get a great prom outfit for absolutely free? You can! And here’s how:

Project Prom is an annual program that provides free dresses and suits for prom to local high school students. All they have to do is go to the Project Prom store at Lakeland Square Mall, present their student ID, and sign a waiver promising they will avoid drugs and alcohol on prom night.

For the past ten years, Project Prom has been hosted by InnerAct Alliance, a non-profit organization which, according to its website, is dedicated to helping, “reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances along with involvement in other risky behaviors.”

Kelsi Davis, the Youth Outreach Intern for InnerAct Alliance, has been working at the organization for the past three years through UthMpact, the youth coalition created under InnerAct Alliance, which she also serves as its co-president.

“While in high school, I got to experience firsthand the impact of Project Prom not only through volunteering but also through finding dresses and formal wear of my own,” she said. “I have gotten to see hundreds of Polk County students come through our doors and find their dream outfits without the financial burden. Project Prom is an amazing program for all Polk County high schoolers and I get to see our success grow bigger every year.”

The Project Prom store is set up inside Lakeland Square Mall (next to Dillard’s), located at 3800 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809. The store will be open from 11 AM – 4 PM on Sat. Mar. 2, Mar. 16, Mar. 30, and Apr. 6. Learn more at: projectprompolk.com

Kelsi Davis recently joined us on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss Project Prom and her experience with it. Listen to our new podcast episode on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-25-project-prom-wkelsi-davis

This Local Educator Has a Heart Condition. She Knows the Importance of an AED. So She Bought One For Her Learning Center.

Staff Reporter
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This Local Educator Has a Heart Condition. She Knows the Importance of an AED. So She Bought One For Her Learning Center.

by James Coulter

Shara Sowell has a heart condition. Last year, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat.

As such, she knows the importance of having an emergency medical device like an automated external defibrillator (AED). So, she had one donated to her learning center in Lakeland.

Sowell serves as the Head of the Class Learning Center in Lakeland. According to her LinkedIn page, she has more than 12 years of experience in early childhood education, which includes “taking over a school that was on the verge of being closed with poor management and various accusations and resolving all issues and reaching [maximum] capacity and establishing minimal teacher turn over.”

Last September, Sowell had reached out to Melanie Brown Culpepper, the founder of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to donating and installing AEDs to businesses and other establishments across the county.

Sowell knows Melanie personally, as Melanie had styled her hair for her wedding in 2009. Melanie also knew her son Austin and daughter-in-law Cassie Lewter Whitchard, as they had lived on the same road when Cassie was growing up.

Melanie and her team donated the AED at the learning center on Tuesday evening. Local firefighter and EMT Eric Shimkus provided a demonstration on the AED while Brian Beilke, Melanie’s fiancée, helped install it.

“She says she’s happy to have one at their school and hopes they never have to use it but they feel equipped and prepared in case they ever have a cardiac emergency,” Melanie wrote on her Facebook. “Shara said she was amazed that I created this foundation in the ability to save someone’s life and says CCF is doing amazing things and glad that they got to be a part of it.”

Melanie started Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation three years ago following the untimely death of her fiancée, Michael Culpepper, from cardiac arrest. Since then, she has installed more than 35 AEDs across the county at businesses like Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay.

To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper

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