SteffFest Honors Legacy Of Local Mental Health Advocate For Sixth Year

Lakeland

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June 5, 2019

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SteffFest Honors Legacy Of Local Mental Health Advocate For Sixth Year

by James Coulter

Born on June 6, 1987, Stephanie Nicole Ross was a Lakeland native with a big heart for animals, including horses, and for people with neurological disorders. She pursued her education in hopes that she could help people in need. She graduated with her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of South Florida in 2012, and had big plans to pursue her doctorate in aging studies the very next year.

Sadly, that year would never arrive for her. On Dec. 10, 2012, while conducting a home visit for her job as a health care service coordinator, she was attacked by a client. She did not survive the attack, and her life was cut short at the young age of 25.

Her father, Bob Ross, a Vietnam War veteran, remembers the very last time he saw his daughter alive. It was two days before the attack that took her life. She was attending a Christmas party at their house in Newport Richey. “I love you, kid,” were the very last words he said to her, to which she replied, “I love you too, dad.”

Like many parents who lose a child, Bob was heartbroken. He could have used his loss as an excuse to remain in a bad mood for the rest of his life. Instead, he chose to do the opposite: he would remain in a happy mood by living life to the fullest on behalf of his daughter.

“After you get over the shock of losing a child, you have two choices: you can either go into a sullen mood for the rest of your life and be depressed and angry or whatever,’ he said. “I decided to celebrate. At every opportunity I get, I celebrate Stephanie’s life.”

One of the opportunities he and his family honor her memory is by celebrating her birthday on June 6 at the buffet of a casino, one of her favorite restaurants. Another opportunity is with SteffFest at the Chop Shop in Lakeland, an annual fundraiser for the foundation in her honor, which celebrated its sixth year on Monday.

Though her life came to a tragic end, Stephanie’s ambition for helping people with mental conditions and disorders would live on through her friends and family. In her honor, the Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation (SNRF) was started. Its mission, according to its website, is “to forward education and understanding of the human brain; to foster goodwill and service towards people and animals; and to support community initiatives that affected and inspired her.”

SNRF offers scholarships graduate student scholarships for students seeking their master’s degrees in behavioral cognitive science and brain science. Scholarships are also offered to children who receive equine therapy from the TiAnViCa Riding Academy in Bartow.

SteffFest has been hosted for the past six years to help raise money for these scholarships. This year marks the fifth year that the annual fundraiser has been hosted at The Chop Shop in Lakeland.

“The Chop Shop reached out to us from the very beginning and told us they would support us anyway they could,” explained Tracey Stevens, SNRF President. “They have just been good friends of the foundation since its inception.”

During the event, attendees are able to purchase tickets for various raffle prizes. The event also hosts live entertainment by local musicians who likewise help raise money during the fundraiser. This year had three performances by Duas, Anisette Mayer, and the Munn Park Saints.

Craig Morby, lead member of the Munn Park Saints, has been involved with the event since its inception. His band and another, Against Me, were one of the first acts. Since then, he and his band mates have been staples ever since.

Morby enjoys the camraderie that he and his band are able to enjoy with the local Lakeland musical community. Being able to see so many people come out for a small event to support a big cause especially makes their involvement all the more worthwhile, he said.

“This year, I think this one to me has been the most crowded,” he said. “It is really encouraging…and we are lucky to be part of a community and a cause with a great family. We are all over that.”

Each year sees more and more people come out to support the event, said David Reamer, SNRF Vice President. Within the first hour of this year’s event saw most seating within the restaurant fill out, with even more people trickling in every 30 seconds or so, he said.

“Already the early turnout is really good,” he said. “Sometimes some years it is some people trickling in through the evening. We are already mobbed, which is a really good sign.”

Such community support has allowed the event to remain successful for the past six years since its start and the past five years at the Chop Shop; and it has been this level of support that has allowed the foundation and its scholarships to thrive, with high expectations to continue doing so in the near future, David said.

“One thing that is important is community support,” he said. “This is a lot of repeat visitors. It is family, friends. People from Lakeland have rallied around this, they have come out every year, they donate money, they participate in the raffle, some of them play music for us, and that has been very big.”

As for Stephanie’s family, being able to see so many people, even complete strangers, come out in droves to support someone who had a big love for people and animals likewise fills their own hearts with love and allows Stephanie’s memory to remain alive.

“What do I enjoy the most? Seeing the people who come,” Bob said. “[They’re] people that I don’t know, but as I say, you get to meet new friends, you get to see them once a year, and it is nice, it is meeting the people. It’s a celebration.”

For more information about the SNRF, visit their website at: https://www.snrfoundation.org/

Deputy Who Stayed Outside As Gunman Killed 17 Students Arrested On 11 Charges Which Include Child Negligence & Perjury Tied To Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting

National News

Staff Reporter

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June 4, 2019

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Deputy Who Stayed Outside As Gunman Killed 17 Students Arrested On 11 Charges Which Include Child Negligence & Perjury Tied To Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting

Former Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Scot Peterson was arrested today and now faces 11 charges related to his inaction during the 2018 Parkland shooting.

Peterson, 56, is charged with seven counts of child neglect, three counts of culpable negligence and one count of perjury after a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation, FDLE officials announced.

“The FDLE investigation shows former Deputy Peterson did absolutely nothing to mitigate the MSD shooting that killed 17 children, teachers and staff and injured 17 others,” FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said in a statement.

Peterson was the sole school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the shooting. He became infamous for retreating and hiding as shots rang out as the massacre developed.

The former deputy directed responding law enforcement to remain 500 feet away from the school building in Parkland while the shooting unfolded.

Peterson was arrested at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Broward County jail.

Enjoy Fine Wine And Quality Vapes At Lakeland Hops N Vine

Staff Reporter

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June 4, 2019

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Enjoy Fine Wine And Quality Vapes At Lakeland Hops N Vine

by James Coulter

Janice Finton has been living in Florida for three years. For the longest time, she has been searching for a casual, comfortable atmosphere where she can unwind after a long day with a cup of wine and good friends.

Jenna Baz, one of the very first people Janice met upon moving to Florida, for the longest time, had been considering opening a business like a bar or winery where people can feel like they’re at home, where they’re treated as a person rather than as a number.

Last week, Jenna opened such an establishment with Hops N Vine in Lakeland, a combination winery and vape shop that offers casual customer service, whether customers want to take a sip of quality wine or relax with a quality vape.

Janice has been a loyal customer since the place first opened. She loves the Lucille Blanc brand wine served at the winery. She also absolutely loves the overall relaxed atmosphere, as it’s exactly the kind of environment she has been searching for with such an establishment.

“I have never enjoyed such a wide variety of wine,” she said. “I have high expectations. I love the people. The people are very friendly.”

Hops N Vine, located along South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, celebrated its grand opening last Friday, with entertainment and live coverage provided by Mike Green from the local radio station Max 98.3.

At the grand opening celebration, guests could taste free wine samples and enjoy free food prepared by a visiting chef, with entrees including gourmet burgers, garden salads, baked beans, and grilled sausage, peppers, and onions.

While Jenna does not consider her establishment a “vape bar”, she does consider it to be “vape friendly.” Right next door to her bar in a separate building is a vape shop, where guests can purchase quality vape fluid and accessories.

As for the wine, her winery and bar serves specialty brand wines that cannot be purchased anywhere else in Lakeland, let alone the county. Such rare, high-quality wine include an exported brand from France sold exclusively at their bar.

“You cannot buy it online,” she said. “You cannot buy it anyplace else in Polk County.”

If you prefer beer over wine, no problem. Her bar also serves a wide variety of craft beer, with brands ranging from Miller Light to Blue Moon. You can even select from a menu of mocktails, if you like.

Hops n Vine opened last Tuesday, but Jenna had been wanting to open it as early as July. For the longest time, she had been wanting to open something truly unique and unlike anything else within Lakeland, where customers could enjoy service unlike anywhere else.

“I wanted something different for Lakeland, something where people felt comfortable and more at home than a number,” she said.

Anything that you want, Jenna and her staff are certain they can provide; and if for some reason they cannot, they will ensure that they order exactly the wine or beer that you are looking for. They want you to come back, and they will do anything to ensure that you do, she said.

“Right now, I want customers to know that when they come in and do the wine sampling, if you like a wine, you can tell me and we can order it,” she said. “I am more a customer-based bar. I want their input so I know how to make them happy.”

Her bar may have just opened, but Jenna has high expectation moving forward. Monday to Thursday will offer a free buffet to customers with the purchase of a wine. Karaoke nights are also on the horizon, as well as outdoor parties once the outdoor patio is fully refurbished.

“I have a lot of fun things coming in the future,” she said. “I want them to feel like home here…I do not want you to walk in and then leave saying you never want to come back to this place. I want you to feel welcome and at home.”

Hops n Vine is located at 3120 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, call 863-606-6670, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HopsnVineLkld/

A Lake Hamilton Man Arrested After Driving Into Haines City Business

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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June 4, 2019

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A Lake Hamilton Man Arrested After Driving Into Haines City Business

Haines City Police Department Press Release

Haines City, Florida – A Lake Hamilton man was arrested on charges of reckless driving and driving
without a license after driving into a downtown business Monday afternoon.
Cesar Mendoza Tapia Jr., 19, was turning left from Sixth Street South onto Hinson Avenue in a 2005
Ford Mustang just after 5 p.m. Tapia was in the inside westbound lane of Hinson Avenue when he lost
control and crashed into the south window of Rent King, 500 E. Hinson Ave.
The vehicle came to a rest completely inside the building. There were no reported injuries and Tapia
refused medical treatment.
The crash investigation determined that Tapia was operating the vehicle in a reckless manner and at a
speed well above the posted 30 miles per hour limit. The business owner estimated the damage to
exceed $25,000. Tapia did not possess a valid Florida driver’s license, only a Florida identification card.
Code compliance determined that the building was structurally sound. Tapia was transported to the Polk
County Jail.
“This is an area that usually has a heavy pedestrian presence and we’re so thankful that no one was
hurt,” Police Chief Jim Elensky said. “Mr. Tapia was taken to jail, but this could have been much, much
worse. We hope this serves as a lesson to him and anyone else who thinks it’s OK to drive without a
license or at high rates of speed.”

Winter Haven Mobile Home Catches Fire

Staff Reporter

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June 4, 2019

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Release by Winter Haven Fire Department:

A Winter Haven mobile home has extensive damage after a Monday morning fire. Nobody was inside of the structure and there were no injuries to citizens or firefighters.
On Monday, June 3, 2019 at approximately 10:18 a.m., a neighbor noticed smoke coming out of the roof and the windows all seemed extremely dark at a home on Edelweiss Drive in Winter Haven.

Once Winter Haven fire arrived, they found flames coming from the roof.
The home, which was recently purchased, was being renovated.
The cause was determined to be electrical.

Tech Tuesday: Phishing Emails By Hackers Cost Americans Over $675 Million Dollars & It’s Only Getting Worse

Staff Reporter

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June 4, 2019

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Tech Tuesday: Phishing Emails By Hackers Cost Americans Over $675 Million Dollars & It’s Only Getting Worse

By: Kip Kirchberg, Cyber Security Specialist

In 2018 over a billion dollars were lost to email phishing campaigns worldwide.The FBI estimates that criminals made off with over $675 million from phishing campaigns that targeted US based businesses. As you can imagine, with this type of payday, Hackers are working very hard everyday to find new ways to trick employees into giving Hackers their credentials or other sensitive information.

Email Phishing is a type of cyber-attack that utilizes email as a weapon to infiltrate a company’s network or computer system. The primary goal of the attacker is to get the recipient to believe that the message is something they want or need.

For instance, a Hacker could be disguising an email so that it appears to be coming from an internal employee or resource. The Hacker would then use the email account to pose as an internal employee and communicate in a way that is convincing to the receiving party.

Example: a Hacker would craft an email that would be very similar or identical to one that is typically received by a legitimate employee. Hackers are very careful to copy email signatures, names, and often email addresses to make the email look and feel legitimate.

The Hacker will then use this email to phish a company’s HR personnel. In this example, the goal of the Hacker is to convince the HR person that the targeted employee needs to have their Direct Deposit information changed. If successful, the Hacker would make a request to redirect Payroll Direct Deposit information for the targeted employee to a hackers account.

Now you are probably thinking that banks can recover the funds or freeze the transaction. This is where things really start to get interesting. The accounts setup by these Hackers are typically pre-paid credit card accounts. In a successful transaction the Hacker gets an alert that the money has been loaded onto the credit card. As soon as the funds are available the Hacker then begins the process of purchasing goods using the pre-paid card or begins the process of transferring the funds to offshore accounts until it can no longer be traced.

By the time the employee or organization realizes that they have been phished and redirected payroll funds for the targeted employee it is often too late. Most of the time the Hackers have already spent the money or transferred the funds so they are no longer traceable.

Believe it or not this is a common attack method. These type of phishing attacks are highly successful because it utilizes social engineering. This very attack hits us at our core as it targets our want and need to assist our employees or teammates.

Now Phishing is not limited to just social engineering but is also a tool that can also be used to trick users into visiting a website to download malware or open a document that contains malware. Typically, these type of email attacks are disguised to look like a request from another employee. For example the targeted employee could receive an email that appears to be from a known employee that asks the user to click a url link that redirects to a familiar looking site. During the redirect the site prompts the user for their credentials then redirects them to the actual site. In this example the user unknowingly provided their credentials to a Hacker. The other method Hackers use is by crafting an email that appears to contain information in an attachment that would seem important to an employee such as invoices, payroll information, sales numbers, or any other important looking document. These type of attacks generally drop malware on a pc that allow a Hacker to run Command and Control operations.

In recent Cyber Security breaches Command and Control malware has been used to crypto lock user machines or servers in an effort to hold an organization hostage. The Hackers will advise the organization that the only way to get their encrypted data back is to pay some type of fee. In most cases the only way to recover the crypto key to unlock the pc is to send bitcoin to an offshore account. This could be from a few thousand dollars and in some rare cases well into millions of dollars.

I’ll talk more about ransomware in a future article to help you get an understanding of what the attackers are doing and some of the goals they are trying to accomplish with this type of attack.

Most of all it is a harsh reality that an organization cannot stop all malware or stop the bad guys from walking through unlocked doors. For most organizations they are simply unaware of what to look for or how to defend their various systems from these types of cyber-attacks.

If you or your organization is interested in looking at some solutions to better defend your organization from Cyber-attacks please feel to reach out for a consultation. I can help you develop a strategy to minimize your Cyber Security risk by utilizing tools that will help implement and enforce basic practices throughout your organization.

Contact us at:

[email protected]

863-734-8060

Mulberry Starts Summer Vacation With Fourth Annual Summer Splash

Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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June 3, 2019

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Mulberry Starts Summer Vacation With Fourth Annual Summer Splash

by James Coulter

Stan McMahan, Pastor of Greater Hope Church in Mulberry, has four children. They don’t often visit the local pool, but they do love getting wet, especially on a hot summer day. So any opportunity to get wet like during the annual Summer Splash is a good one for them.

“Summer is hot, so anything with water is something that they love,” he said.

For the past three years, he and his children have been attending the annual event at the community pool to celebrate the pool opening to the public. Aside from being able to splash around, they also love the other water activities including the inflatable water slides.

As a local pastor, McMahan takes any opportunity to attend an event like this and offer visibility to his church and their ministry. Often he will participate within these events with a booth for their church, though during this particular event, he and his children focused on having good, wet summer fun.

“Not only do I love the city that I live in, but our kids absolutely love events like this, especially when it involves water slides and the pool,” he said. “So that is why we are out here.”

For the fourth consecutive year, the Mulberry Community Pool in Spence Park hosted its annual tradition of celebrating the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation with the Summer Splash event on Saturday.

The local pool is only open from the start of summer vacation to the start of the next school year within the public school system. As such, the event serves to officially kick off the summer season in Mulberry and the opening of the community pool to the public.

Aside from being able to take a dive into the pool for the very first time during the summer, the event also offers other fun water activities including water balloon tosses, inflatable water slides, and a dunking booth. Attendees could also enjoy a free hot dog complimentary of the pool and city staff.

The idea for the event was inspired four years ago by Nicky Carol, the former director of the Mulberry Cultural Center, where the pool passes are administered. Since the center is open during the same time as the pool, and is overall open to the general public, the location served as the ideal place to offer the passes, explained current director Chelsea Young.

“She [Carol] has kids and realized we need to offer some slides and activities so that we are at capacity because we are so popular there is more to do,” Young said. “We offer programs throughout the summer, and we always love to partner with city programs as much as possible.”

Young has been participating in the event in past years, not only to help local residents celebrate the start of summer, but also inform them about programs offered at the cultural center, from

their “Magic School Bus Days” to the “Summer Swatches” art program. Overall, she loves volunteering with the event as a way to help local residents, especially young children, receive a great and fun start to their summer vacation.

“I think summer has good memories for everybody, especially in a small hometown, so it is wonderful to see balloon tossing, slip and slides, all of the classic [games] growing up, [and] now your kids can be a part of it too,” she said. “It is one of my favorite events to be part of the community. I love seeing the kids so excited being out of school and seeing what the summer holds and it just feels like a good time to get together and celebrate.”

This year had more inflatables added to the festivities. This was also the second year to utilize The Mulberry Civic Team Advisory Board, a local youth council that provides volunteers to local events and functions.

Within the first hour of the event, more than 150 local residents gathered to enjoy the pool and other activities. Such a high turnout shows how much the community loves their local pool, explained Louis Holstein, Mulberry Programs Director.

“For us it is a big deal because we are a small community, so anytime we have good numbers it is always a success; and the weather is beautiful, which we could not ask for better weather,” he said. “Anything to get kids wet, I think kids love it, and they come out for it. This year, it seems like we will have the best turnout we’ve ever had.”

From now until the pool closes to the public, the Mulberry Community Pool will be offering other free events for the public, including monthly movie nights and their Annual Fourth Of July Celebration to be hosted on June 29. Both Louis and the new lifeguard staff are excited for what the upcoming season has to offer.

“I love what I do,” he said. “I love the City of Mulberry, and we are only just growing, so it is really exciting to be part of a vibrant community.”

Mulberry Community Pool is located at 307 NE 10th Ave., Mulberry, FL 33860. For more information, call 863-393-8166, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/mulberrycommunitypool/

Kids Academy Learning Center Celebrates 4th Annual VPK Graduation

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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June 3, 2019

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Kids Academy Learning Center Celebrates 4th Annual VPK Graduation

by James Coulter

Their high school graduation may be more than 12 years away, but for 35 children living within the Haines City area, they and their families still had reason to celebrate at their graduation ceremony for Kids Academy Learning Center USA on Wednesday evening.

More than three dozen children ranging from ages four to five gathered with their families at the Stefanni Events Banquet Hall, located right across the street from their school, to commemorate their graduation from the voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) program.

This was the fourth annual graduation ceremony to be hosted by Kids Academy Learning Center USA, a local education center that provides daycare and pre-K educational services.

One such service is their VPK program offered through the Florida Early Learning Coalition (ELC), which, according to their website, is “a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for kindergarten and beyond.”

Iris Padilla, the owner and director of the school, appreciates how the program allows pre-kindergarten age students to obtain the learning skills necessary to prepare them for their elementary school career and beyond.

“Early childhood education is very important because it molds a child to use all of their brain and ask all of the questions and continue to use their imagination and learn through play,” she said. “Seeing the world through a child’s eyes is something so rewarding and eye opening that is always amazes me with all the success they have by the innocence and excitement in their young minds and hearts.”

Dr. Marc Hutec, ELC Polk County CEO, has been in education for the past 30 years. During that time, he has seen how their program has allowed children such as those graduating to receive the framework necessary to begin and succeed in kindergarten.

“I could not be more proud of them,” he said. “Your children are in great hands, they are well-prepared, and I am very proud of them, and I am very proud of you as well.”

Dr. Charles Anderson, ELC Founder & CEO, likewise participated in the graduation ceremony that evening. In attendance as well were several city officials, including Haines City Mayor, Morris West; Vice Mayor, Anne Huffman; and City Commissioner Jamie Hall.

“Thank you for letting us run our business in this city of heart,” Padilla said. “We really are so fortunate to have the support and guidance of letting our three academies shape the city.”

Mayor West commemorated the school staff for preparing the children for their education, and also thanked the parents for encouraging their children to take an early interest in their education.

“Those kids, believe it or not, that is our next generation,” he said. “They are going into kindergarten…this fall. The next thing you will know, they will be in twelfth grade. That is their future. Those are our future lawyers, doctors, nurses, and politicans. So I am so proud to be here today to witness this graduation on behalf of the City of Haines City.”

Many of the children graduating that evening helped participate within the program. The welcome was provided by Sebastian Betancourt and Aubrey Sparks. The prayer was provided by Noah Panelli, and the Pledge of Allegiance was provided by Gianna Martinez. The children also offered several performances through song and hand motions, including “Chika Boom”, “Sign Language Alphabet”, and “No Me Voy.”

The 2019 graduating class were as follows: Skylar Jones, Yandiel Rodriguez, Allision Segura, Jovani Torres, Jaqueline Garcia, Sebastian Betancourt, Maylen Morales, Edriel Otero, Alejandro Gutierrez, Xavier Santana, Adaya Maldonado, Aubrey Sparks, David Sanchez, Kara Stofflus, Alika Allen, Mia Cortez, Trigger Torres, Alysha Rosario, Noah Panelli, Randielys Rivera, Anthony Gallego, Zoelys Colon, Johan Lopez, Gianna Martinez, Juan Herrera, Jaxieliz Charneco, Angel Rodriguez, Gernorrya Wilson, Bennet Repley, Jayden Martinez, Sofia Nunez, Esteban Plaza, Ramon Diaz, Mylanii Martinez, Fernaly Nazaire.

LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2019

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LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center is accepting applications for a variety of volunteer positions, including front lobby information desks, courtesy shuttle drivers, gift shop and general office help.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, complete an application, submit a letter of recommendation, and pass a background and drug screening. Volunteers must be friendly, personable, and at-ease interacting with the public. Top applicants will be interviewed, and available positions will be filled based on best fit. Not all applicants will be brought on as volunteers. Shuttle drivers must be 21 years of age and will receive safety training prior to beginning their assignment.

Hospital volunteers receive a free meal ticket for the hospital cafeteria for each shift worked, a volunteer uniform, and a free flu shot once per year.

Applications are available in the lobbies at the hospital, or can be downloaded by visiting www.lakewalesmedicalcenter.com and clicking on the “About” tab at the top of the home page.

Haines City Police Department Launches Drone Initiative

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2019

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Haines City Police Department Launches Drone Initiative

HAINES CITY, FL – Last week, the Haines City Police Department’s unmanned aerial vehicle, better known as a drone, initiative officially got underway.

The program will be headed by Sgt. Chad Smith. Smith spent 40 hours of training, earning his certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to man the drone. The agency is looking to expand the program to add users and be able to have around-the-clock access.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to get this initiative off the ground,” Smith said. “I think we’re going to be able to do a lot of good with this and help keep our residents and officers safe.”

The acquired DJI Mavic 2 Dual Pro Enterprise features cutting-edge drone technology, including a thermal sensor, a spotlight to enhance vision in low-light areas, infrared technology, GPS timestamping and a 4K camera. It also has a public address system which could be used for crisis intervention.

Drones are becoming more common in law enforcement and can serve as a cost-effective alternative to a helicopter. They are commonly used to locate missing people or children, suspects or to assess an area to ensure that it is safe for officers to enter.

Unlike helicopters, the drone can handle more adverse weather conditions. The drone can be used indoors or outdoors, during the day or in the evenings. It can be flown up to 400 feet in the air and gives the operator a bird’s eye view, surveying hundreds of acres at a time.

In the past, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been quick to assist the Haines City Police Department with a drone. Having a drone in-house will allow the agency to streamline investigations, speed up response time and assist any requesting agency as deployment time is critical to success.

“This is another important tool that we can utilize under a number of circumstances as we continue to be a proactive agency,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “Having a drone readily available will help us better serve our residents and perhaps even save lives.”

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