We are looking for the public’s help in locating Diamond Shanall Hodges, 17.
Hodges was last seen at her home on Avenue E last Wednesday, April 10. She was reported missing on Friday and has been in contact with her family, informing them that she will be home soon.
Hodges has run away on multiple occasions. She is described as 5-foot-4 and 125 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636.
Release by Winter Haven Police Department:
Officer Vic Ramos Receives The Law Enforcement Lifesaver Award
Officer Ramos was honored at the Woodmen Life Community Awards at the Magnolia Building in Lakeland last evening.
Officer Ramos was nominated to receive the award because of his attentiveness to a man he had just arrested and was transporting to jail. The man became unresponsive on the ride and Officer Ramos pulled over, radioed for EMS and started CPR immediately. Officer Ramos was able to regain a pulse and when EMS personnel arrived, the man was transported to the hospital. Had Officer Ramos not paid close attention to his detainee, there could have been a much more tragic outcome.
Congratulations Officer Ramos – we are very proud of you!
Laws Of Fitness Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting
by James Coulter
Summer is right around the corner. Is your body ready for bathing suit season? Why not shape up your perfect beach bod by working out at Laws of Fitness?
Having recently opened their second location in Downtown Winter Haven earlier this January, Laws of Fitness provides personalized services from exercise equipment to classes, programs, and fitness and nutrition coaching to help meet all your workout needs.
Unlike most big box gyms, this locally-owned 24/7 fitness center offers a more personable experience, where even the owner himself knows you by name the minute you come in for your routine workout.
Within their small yet spacious setting, members can expect friendly, hospitable service where they don’t have to worry about finding a machine within an overcrowded enviroment. They can come right in, be greeted by one of the many trainers, and be serviced with a workout that’s right for them.
“The service that we provide, everyone gets put into a program, everyone [works out in] a family oriented place, and it is not [where] people are just a number: people come here, [and] I know them by their first name,” said Chris Law, Owner. “They can expect that we are going to keep it personable, and they will get the service that they can come to expect when they come into the door.”
Law himself has more than 20 years of fitness experience, having previously operated his original gym location along Recker Highway. He and his dedicated team of trainers bring with them a combined experience of 40 years, so gym members know that they have the right people with the right level of expertise assisting them, their website claims.
“At Laws of Fitness Downtown, we encourage healthy lifestyles beyond the walls of the gym,” their website states. “As a fitness center that inspires and uplifts our clients, we strive to offer personalized and life-enhancing experiences to our local community.”
Laws of Fitness opened their downtown location three months ago. Law was inspired to set up shop, not only because of the available space, but because of the bustling economic activity within the downtown area, thus providing much potential for a second location, he said.
The new fitness center recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on April 10 and an open house two days later on April 13. The past week alone has seen a spike in interest among potential gym members, with more than 75 new members joining, said Rachel Harris, Co-Owner.
Their success within the past three months has most likely been due to the gym’s overall hospitable atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome and where everyone can expect to find the right routine that is best for them and their fitness needs, as many testimonials on their website attest.
“The compassion Chris has for his clients is like no other,” the testimonial reads. “He goes above and beyond and genuinely cares about your well being. He motivates you and makes your goals achievable. Chris has made me love fitness. He has helped me reach my goals and has helped me tremendously in changing my lifestyle and loving it every step of the way.”
“I have been training with Chris for several years now and can attest to his desire to help others to be the best they can be when it comes to their physical condition,” another testimonial states.
With business having picked up since then, Law and his team are more than excited for what the future will hold. Expectations for the second location remain high, so much so that future expansions with other locations seem most likely.
“I am expecting to stay around, to grow on the equipment that we already have,” Law said. “I want to bring more equipment into the facility, but hopefully, I want to expand to future locations as well.”
Laws of Fitness is located in Downtown Winter Haven at 46 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881, in between the parking garage and Central Tavern. For more information, call 863-875-3254, or visit their website at: https://www.lawsoffitness.net/
This BBQ Team Won First Place At Fire It Up! Frostproof. Guess How Many Other BBQ Events They Won This Year.
by James Coulter
Pork, chicken, and beef all make for great barbecue. So it only stands to reason that great barbecue would be prepared from a barbecue team named after all three.
Pig Chicka Cow Cow, a barbecue team from Apopka, Florida, won first place overall in the professional division at the second annual Fire It Up! Frostproof on Saturday afternoon.
This was not the first barbecue event where the team won first place. It was not even the first event they won first place at this year.
The team, which has traveled all over Florida, has participated in and won first place at five other barbecue events in the state, including Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City in February.
None of the team members were available for comment at this event. However, they have mentioned at previous events that the key to their success has been remaining attentive to every little aspect of barbecuing.
“We owe it all to paying attention to all the little things,” said Lee Thompson, Team Member. “It is not one thing. It is all the little things combined.”
For the second consecutive year, Fire It Up! Frostproof had dozens of barbecue teams arrive from across the state and gather along the shores of Lake Reedy to “fire up the barbie”, competing in four categories (pork, brisket, ribs, chicken) and two divisions (proffesional and backyard).
Pig Chicka Cow Cow won first place overall in the professional division, while first place overall in the backyard division went to White Lightning, a barbecue team from Winter Haven.
Chad Geer serves as the leader for his team, which serves as a family affair with his entire family participating, including his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
Geer started barbecuing in 2015, but had since been on a break for a few years after. This was his first contest that he entered since March 2017, so winning first place after a two year break more than exceeded his expectations, he said.
“We are excited, super happy, about winning this,” Geer said. “We were hoping…coming with high hopes to win, and we are super thrilled.”
To him, barbecuing requires overcoming many obstacles, and his own team experienced a few “hiccups” during the event. Nevertheless, their teamwork and dedication allowed them to not only win, but win big, Geer said.
With this being his first time at Fire It Up! Frostproof, he was most impressed by the organization of such a small event within a small town.
“What I like most about this event is that it is community-based,” he said. “It is about bringing the community in and giving them something to enjoy. We appreciate that hospitality.”
Fire It Up! Frostproof drew in a much greater turnout year, with twice as many attendees and barbecue teams. Many teams arrived from across the state, while others drove in from across the country from states like Iowa, and others even arrived from as far away as Canada, said Martin Sullivan, Event Chair.
As the mayor of Frostproof, and an amateur barbecue aficionado himself, Sullivan wanted to start his own barbecue event in his own backyard. Since starting it last year, he has seen the small event grow by leaps and bounds.
This year’s event offered even more activities, with a children’s play area and vendors market being hosted right across from the event venue. Two local radio stations even arrived to host their own radio broadcasts at the event.
“We grew more,” Sullivan said. “We promoted ourselves more. We got more people coming in here from out of the county than we had ever before. Promotion was the key, with the help from the Department of Tourism, we could not have done it without them.”
Helping promote the event this year was the main sponsor, Nucor Steel, one of the largest steel producers in America. The company is planning on opening a new facility in Frostproof, and will be hosting a career fair next month to hire entry-level employees.
Drew Wilcox, Vice President, and several other employees had attended the event last year, and saw it firsthand as a great opportunity for the local community, which is why he decided to allow his company to sponsor this year’s event.
“It is a great thing for the community because it gets everybody out, it gets everyone together,” he said. “It is just really important for us as a company to be involved in the local community. We are just so glad to be here.”
Fire It Up! Frostproof has been going strong over the past two years, so expectations for next year’s event remain especially high, Sullivan said.
“Next year will be our third year, and we plan on going over the top with more music, more competitors, more events for the family,” he said. “It will be our most far reaching event thus far.”
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On 4/14/19, Southwest responded to a vehicle crash involving a Jeep Wrangler and an electric pole. Upon arrival Deputies secured the scene and route traffic away from the crash site. Polk County EMS also responded and rendered aid to the occupants of the vehicle that were ejected from the Jeep after striking the electrical pole.
The driver, Rodney Wimberly, 52 Yr Old of Lakeland, and passenger Shannon Oglesby,47 Yr Old of Lakeland, were transported to Lakeland Regional Heath due to their injuries. While at Lakeland Regional Health, Shannon Oglesby succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by emergency medical staff.
Preliminary investigation indicates, the Jeep was stopped the at the stoplight at Hwy 98 and Autumnwood Grove Blvd in Lakeland. While at the light, an unidentified sports bike pulled alongside the Jeep and the two drivers revved their engines. The Jeep and sports bike speed off when the light turned green. Witnesses stated the Jeep lost control while traveling south on Hwy 98 and struck an electrical pole at a high rate of speed. After striking the pole, both the driver and passenger were ejected from the Jeep. The Jeep later caught fire and sustained significate fire damage. Multiple subjects and Deputy Trexler, who was off duty at the time, stopped to render aid to the occupants of the Jeep. Deputy Trexler was in possession of a tourniquet and attempts to stop the bleeding of Oglesby’s badly injured leg were made. These subjects and Deputy Sheriff Trexler rendered aid until emergency medical staff arrived on scene.
Several witnesses were interviewed and stated the motorcycle appeared to be several car lengths ahead of the Jeep when the Jeep lost control and crashed. The witness stated the sports bike may not have been aware of the crash.
Attempts to identify the sports bike and the helmeted rider were made but unsuccessful at this time.
A neighborhood canvas will be conducted for any video in the area of the crash in hopes to identify the rider.
Wimberly’s medical status is still undetermined since he is in critical condition and his prognosis is poor due to the severity of his injures. A toxicology for alcohol was not performed by Lakeland Regional Health however, his admission blood has been preserved for future testing.
This case is still pending further investigation and criminal charges will be explored on the driver of the Jeep for his actions if he survives his injuries.
Next of kin for both families has been notified of the crash.
Auburndale, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a fatal crash investigation on Kville Ave. in Auburndale near the Polk Parkway Overpass. The crash occurred around 4:48pm. According to preliminary reports the crash involved two vehicles, a car and a minivan. “The male driver of the car is deceased” said Sherrie Morgan, Public Information Officer for the PCSO. One person who was in the van was also critically injured and transported to a local hospital. It appears that multiple injured parties are involved, but only one is critical.
Initial reports suggest that the driver of the car crossed into the path of the van and the two vehicles struck head on. The roadway is currently closed while the investigation is occuring. We will update this information as it becomes available.
Haines City, Florida – The Haines City Police Department just released a new update at 1:43pm Sunday afternoon regarding the now triple homicide which occurred Friday. The suspect Ernst Cherizard, 38, remains at large. Early Saturday morning the suspect made this admission on his facebook page:
“Before I turn myself in or kill myself there’s no words I can say to ease ya pain today supposed to be a great day for me really I didn’t see my 5 year old daughter since June 23rd 2015 that kills me inside I lost my mother n can’t see my daughter I didn’t know how to cope that but I finally get a txt to see my daughter today pick her up that’s why this shit happen my girl wasn’t to happy bout me talking to my ex baby mama to see my kids idk what happen all I know is we was fighting for the gun then I lost it it’s almost like I was hearing voices in my head I love them I deserve the worst that’s coming for me nothing less and one thing plz Guys don’t keep no guns at your home man fr I we had 2 guns one for one for me n now look what happen I fuck my life up and the one I truly love and care bout I don’t think my kids deserve this at all they won’t know their mom this is pure evil and I’m not a evil person at All sorry guys I took a great person live from you guys now it’s time for me to pay for what I’ve done… to my kids ABIGAIL,MIA,ERNEST JR. And ERNESTINA C. Daddy is so sorry with all my heart I can’t even explain what happened cuz I can’t believe this happened”
Here is the latest press release from Haines City Police Department:
Ernst Cherizard, 38, remains at large in what is now a triple homicide. Six-year-old, Elizabelle Frenel, was pronounced dead at an Orlando hospital before 11 p.m. Saturday after suffering gunshot wounds to the temple, face and arm at the hand of Cherizard.
The girl was among three victims fatally shot before 7:15 p.m. Friday night at the Citrus Ridge Apartments in Haines City. Eli Junia Normil, 23, and Nicole Guillume, 48, were pronounced dead at the scene. Elizabelle is the daughter of Normil.
“Because of Cherizard’s cowardly actions — and they are nothing short of cowardly — a family now has to bury three members, including a young child who had her whole life in front of her,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “Our team is doing everything we can to bring this person to justice and help provide closure for this family through this absolutely horrific tragedy. Our thoughts are with them as we continue this investigation.”
Cherizard fled the scene Friday night in a 2011 burgundy Nissan Altima belonging to Normil. It has the Florida plate, GZN C82. The vehicle passed the toll at Boynton Beach on the Florida Turnpike just minutes after midnight early Saturday morning.
The Haines City Police Department has teamed with the U.S. Marshals to find Cherizard and bring him to justice. We are looking for the public’s help in finding and arresting the suspect.
We ask anyone with information that will lead to his arrest to come forward. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward now up to $5,000, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip via the web or cellphone at www.P3tips.com. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Haines City, Florida- The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting Saturday night. A male victim was shot & transported to a local hospital. The shooting took place at 8:15 p.m., on Martin Luther King Jr. Way In Haines City.
According to Michael Ferguson, Public Information Officer for Haines City Police Department, the shooting does not appear to be a random shooting. It would appear that the victim was targeted.
The shooting is under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Haines City Police Department Press Release
UPDATE: We sadly report that little Elizabelle Frenel, 6, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at an Orlando hospital before 11 p.m. Saturday night.
Cherizard remains at large!
———– Original Release ———-
Ernst Cherizard, 38, remains at large after fleeing in a burgundy 2011 Nissan Altima – Florida tag GZN C82 – for the fatal shooting of two women and the shooting of a young child.
The deceased in this case have been identified as Eli Junia Normil, 23, and Nicole Guillume, 48. The child, 6-year-old Isabella Frenel, remains in critical condition and is on life support.
Normil and Cherizard were in a relationship and have two children together. Isabella is not Cherizard’s child. Guillume is Normil’s aunt.
The vehicle was last seen passing the Boyton Beach toll plaza shortly after midnight Saturday. Cherizard fled in the vehicle before 7:30 p.m. Friday night. The Haines City Police Department and other law agencies are actively working to locate the suspect.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Cherizard took to Facebook to acknowledge the incident and closed by apologizing to his children.
“Daddy is so sorry with all my heart cuz I can’t believe this happened”
“Despite his indicated remorse, make no mistake about it — this man is a monster,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “To consciously shoot three innocent, unarmed females is nothing less than being a coward. To shoot a truly innocent 6-year-old child is disgusting and beyond comprehension. Moreover, he shot the child at least three times, once being in the head. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the first responders who did everything they could at the scene. They also must live with this tragedy.”
Anyone who comes across Cherizard should call 911.
ORIGINAL ALERT
We are looking for the public’s help finding Ernst Cherizard (8/13/1980) who fled in a burgundy 2011 Nissan Altima — Florida tag GZN C82 — after shooting three people at Citrus Ridge Apartments.
Two female relatives of one of the victims arrived at the complex to check on the relative. Cherizard told them that she was not there.
One relative returned to the apartment complex. A confrontation between the woman and Cherizard ensued. Cherizard fired a handgun, killing her and fled in the aforementioned vehicle.
Located inside were two other shooting victims — a woman and a child. The incident happened before 7:30 p.m. on Friday night. The two women are deceased. The child was transported to a hospital where she is in extremely critical condition.
If anyone has any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Haines City Police Department or to remain anonymous, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS).
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