The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a traffic crash in unincorporated Winter Haven this morning that resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old male Auburndale High School student.
Preliminary information follows:
Around 5:50 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the PCSO ECC received 911 calls from the area of 34th Street NW and Avenue S NW regarding a Dodge Durango that had collided with a teen riding a scooter.
The teen, identified as Yeriel Gonzalez of Winter Haven, was declared deceased at the scene. He was operating a small black-and-white electric scooter (the kind you stand on, like a Razor) near the center of the southbound lane of 34th St, heading to a friend’s house. The 2016 gray Dodge Durango being driven by 29-year-old John Barrett III of Winter Haven was heading northbound on 34th Street; Barrett was on his way to work.
The Durango was behind another vehicle as it approached the intersection with Avenue S NW. Barrett told deputies he swerved to avoid some dogs that ran into the roadway, and entered into the southbound lane, and into the path of Gonzalez, who struck the right front of the SUV.
A photo from the scene is in the link below. The investigation is ongoing. Barrett was not injured.
PCSO Chaplains responded to the scene and met with the boy’s family, and the PCSO Safe Schools Division is working with Polk County Public Schools to provide assistance to the Auburndale High School faculty, staff, and students during this difficult time. Yeriel’s family is in our prayers.
15 Yr Old Auburndale High School Student Struck & Killed Early Tuesday
From Barbecue to Vegan: Taste of Davenport Showcased All The Great Tastes of Davenport
by James Coulter
Chef Eimi of InnerG Cafe serves a lot of great tastes, from cheeseburger eggrolls to Haitian-style mac-and-cheese. Most interesting of all? It’s all completely vegan!
Chef Eimi had a chance to showcase her plant-based food menu at the annual Taste of Davenport last Saturday. She was one of nearly 30 vendors to attend to serve the great tastes of the Davenport area.
“The turnout is amazing,” she said. “It is an amazing crowd. People are stopping by the table and tasting the food. They are loving it. So we are excited. I love the energy. It is high vibrational energy, and the crowd is just lit.”
From barbecue and burgers to Mexican and Italian, restaurants and eateries from across Davenport and the surrounding area showcased their menu items at Taste of Davenport at the Tom Fellows Community Center.
Seb’s Kitchen, a private catering company, served unique fusion items like chimichurri chicken, cheesy potato mash, and apple barbecue meatballs. For the past five years, they have catered to various events, so attending this year’s event was a no-brainer, explained executive chef Sebastian Navarez.
“Everybody seems to be loving the food,” he said. “We are giving away a good number of business cards. We are giving away food to the community. I love that everyone else is enjoying the food.”
Heather Faulkner, the head chef of Cooters n Smoke, a local barbecue team that attends barbecue competitions and serves their barbecue at the Old Davenport Hotel, served her famous mouth-watering turkey sliders.
“If you want some of the best juiciest and moist the most tender turkey you have ever had in your life, come on down to Cooters on Smoke,” she boasted. As for Taste of Davenport, she said: “I think it turned out great. I think they did a great job and everybody is happy and they like what they are getting.”
Kelly Callihan, Davenport City Manager, has been overseeing events like this for 35 years. He was quite impressed by this year’s turnout. In fact, he claimed that even more people would have attended this year, so he’s planning on seeking a larger venue for next year.
“It is a great event. We always have a great turnout for it,” he said. “We had close to 500. We could easily do 600. I love seeing all the people come out and have a great time and getting their bellies full.”
WANTED: Enrique Martinez, DOB 3/31/1997 ARMED AND DANGEROUS – Wanted For Murder Of Sierra Hernandez
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for first degree murder for 26-year-old Enrique Martinez, 5’6″ tall, 146 lbs, in November 2023 for the murder of an adult Hispanic male in a homeless camp on November 8, 2023.
Martinez’s photo and information were posted on the PCSO website, PCSO Facebook page, and Heartland Crime Stoppers Facebook page on November 9, 2023. They were posted again on November 30, 2023. His photo is also included in the link below.
Martinez is now a suspect in the death of 20-year-old Sierra Hernandez, who was reported missing to PCSO by her mother on January 14, 2024, but is believed to have been killed days prior. The cash reward for information leading to his arrest has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
Martinez has brown eyes and black hair. He was most recently seen in the Inwood area of Winter Haven.
He has a tattoo on his left wrist that says “W7” and one on the left side of his neck that says “Natalia.” His nickname is KiKi (pronounced Key-Kay).
Martinez has a very lengthy and violent criminal history dating back to 2011, with 13 felonies and 15 misdemeanors. He spent 5 years in state prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery domestic violence – he was released in November 2022. He was most recently arrested for battery domestic violence and resisting arrest in April 2023, and was released on bond.
If you have information on his whereabouts please call PCSO immediately by dialing 911.
If you wish to remain anonymous and receive a $10,000 CASH REWARD, 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.
Sheriff’s Office Seeking Murder Suspect Who Is Also Suspect In The Case Missing Sierra Hernandez
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven, with an update in the missing person investigation of Sierra Hernandez. PCSO detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect who already has a warrant for first degree murder in a November 2023 homicide, and is now a suspect in the Sierra Hernandez investigation. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest through Heartland Crime Stoppers.
More information will be released at the 5:00 p.m.briefing.
Are You Ready, Kids? SpongeBob’s Voice Actor Appeared at Central Florida Comic Con 2024
by James Coulter
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! And who voices that happy-go-lucky sponge? Tom Kenny. The famous cartoon sponge’s voice actor made a special guest appearance at this year’s Central Florida Comic Con (CFCC), hosted last weekend at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Kenny has voiced many other cartoon characters. Aside from SpongeBob, his favorite performance was as Simon, a character from Adventure Time who was cursed to become the series’ villain Ice King.
“He started as this standard burlesque-kind of villain; and then through Fionna and Cake, which dropped this past year, they made him a much more intense, internally sad character,” Kenny said. “So, that is something a little different to take him in a different direction.”
CFCC 2024 was the first time in a long time Kenny visited Florida. He loved the convention, especially since its size and crowd were just right for the famous voice actor.
“I am having a great time,” he said. “This is the perfect-sized con for me. The really huge ones? They get a little bit too crazy. They get way too out of hand. They’re kind of sprawling. And so, I like a nice, solid, medium-to-large con like this that is not gigantic.”
Kenny was one of the many celebrities who appeared at CFCC 2024 in Lakeland. The annual fan convention is hosted by Ben Penrod, a local comic book fan who has experience running similar conventions since 2011.
This year’s convention featured hundreds of vendors selling merchandise related to comic books, video games, movies, and other geek-related media. It also hosted various panels and a cosplay costume contest. Attendees were encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from their favorite media.
Also attending this year’s convention were several dozen celebrities including Tom Kenny. Other notable guests included Casper Van Dien, an actor from movies like Starship Troopers, and A.J. Francise, otherwise known as the wrestler Top Dolla.
Two other notable voice actors included Dan Green and Eric Stuart, who voiced the main characters Yami Yugi and Seto Kaiba from the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime. Though both actors have performed other roles in other media, their roles in Yu-Gi-Oh! prove to be their most beloved.
“I like Kaiba because of the dimensions of his character,” Stuart said. “It is an honor that people actually enjoyed my work and connected with those characters. I have been doing this for a very long time. Most of the time, we work in a booth by ourselves. So, it is really nice to see fans who enjoy our work.”
“The characters I owe the most to are Yami and Yugi because if I had not done that show [Yu-Gi-Oh!], I would not have met the woman who became my wife and we wouldn’t have the kids that we have today,” Green said. “I am very fortunate to have participated in things that many people have loved as much as they do. And I couldn’t be more stunned that something [that was made] 20 years ago is still meaningful to people today.”
Stuart and Green enjoyed being able to attend CFCC 2024. Both of them appreciated being able to meet with adoring fans of their work and being able to participate in such a well-organized event.
“I learned a little bit about Lakeland,” Stuart said. “I didn’t realize there was a fun town like this. You guys are a real hidden little gem.”
“I am having a wonderful time,” Green said. “The people are wonderful. Everybody is friendly. So, it is wonderful getting to know the people here.”
Anyone who grew up watching Warner Bos. animated series like Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain would have been excited to meet two other guests: Tom Ruegger, the shows’ creator, and Paul Rugg, who worked as a writer and voice actor on those shows, as well as the creator Freakazoid and the voice actor of its titular character.
When asked which he preferred, being a voice actor or a creator, Rugg replied that the answer was two-fold, as each job had its own unique perks.
“To get the job done quickly, it is being a voice actor,” he said. “You can just go in, you can wear your pajamas, and then you’re done. But what’s more satisfying is creating the show, working on all your lines, and coming up with all the ideas. So that is what I would say [is best].”
And when asked how he felt about being a part of the childhood of many millennials, he replied that he appreciated, “[being] beloved by so many fans. It makes me so very happy. A lot of people come up and say ‘I’m introducing my kid to this weirdness.’ So it is awesome.”
Ruegger, meanwhile, appreciated being able to attend the convention. He would have loved it even more if it were three days rather than just two.
“It has been a great experience,” he said. “I have been here for both days. The crowd is a beautiful group of people, and they come from all over Florida. So we had a great time.”
Currently, Rugger has worked on a documentary about the art director of the 1973 horror film, The Exorcist. As for being a creator of many popular animated television shows in the 1990s, he appreciated how his work was appreciated even to this day.
“I am very gratified that the shows have meant a great deal to a great number of people, and that the shows continue to reverberate in their memories and their lives,” he said. “It is a truly positive experience to meet with them and to find that these shows have had a really nice impact on their lives.”
Haines City Hosts Annual MLK Parade and Unity Day
by James Coulter
Haines City residents of all ages and backgrounds came together last Saturday to celebrate a man who dreamed that all Americans would one day be able to do the same in racial harmony.
Cars, floats, marching bands, and dance troupes marched through the streets of Downtown Haines City during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade.
The procession started at Main Street, then passed along Railroad Avenue and Dr. MLK Jr Way before ending near the Oakland Neighborhood Center, where the remaining Unity Day festivities were hosted with vendors, food trucks, and live music.
Several hundred units from local businesses, churches, schools, and organizations participated in the parade. Participants included the Northeast Rattlers football and cheerleading team, the Lady Bolts basketball team, the Haines City High School marching band and ROTC, and even the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The parade and unity day concluded the city’s weeklong celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The festivities began with Praise in the Park on Sunday and continued with a library presentation on Tuesday and a scholarship brunch on Thursday.
Haines City Fire Department Battle Mobile Home Fire Early Sunday Morning
HAINES CITY, Fla. — In the early hours of January 21, 2024, Haines City Fire Department responded to a significant structure fire at a local residence off Polk City Rd. The blaze, which primarily consumed the rear of the mobile home, was reported at 5:55 a.m.
Firefighters from Haines City, alongside units from Polk County Fire Rescue, arrived at the scene to find heavy fire conditions, particularly at the rear of the mobile home, involving the ceiling void spaces and the rear wall. The 2 occupants of the home had safely evacuated to a neighbor’s house before the arrival of the fire crews. A rapid search of the premises was conducted to ensure no one was left inside.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported from this incident. Crews worked tirelessly for approximately two hours to fully extinguish the flames. The occupants acted swiftly to evacuate safely prior to first responders arriving.
The State Fire Marshal was consulted over the phone regarding the incident. After a detailed discussion of the circumstances, it was concluded that there was no suspicion of foul play.
Haines City Assistant Fire Chief Drew Neubrand emphasized the importance of safety during colder months, especially when using heating appliances.
“As we respond to incidents like the one at Polk City Road, it’s a crucial reminder of the risks associated with heaters. To ensure the safety of our community, we advise everyone to regularly inspect their heating units, keep combustible materials at a safe distance, and install smoke detectors in their homes. These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect lives and property,” stated Asst. Fire Chief Neubrand.
Further updates will be provided if additional information becomes available.
Authorities Conducting Murder Suicide Investigation In Lakeland
LAKELAND, FL (January 21, 2024) – On Saturday, January 20, 2024, at approximately 3:52 p.m., officers were dispatched to 3520 Cleveland Heights Boulevard for a welfare check. Officers entered the apartment to find two adult persons deceased inside, a 61-year-old male and a 50-year-old female.
Detectives responded to assume the investigation. Preliminarily, based on evidence at the scene, it appears the male shot the female victim and then shot himself. It was learned the two had been in a relationship. It is unknown at this time the exact time of when the shooting occurred. Detectives are actively working to gather all evidence and interview all witnesses.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information to contact Detective Neal Robertson at neal.robertson@lakelandgov.net.
Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
* Call 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
* From a cell phone, dial **TIPS
* Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
* Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when they send a tip through Crime Stoppers, and they are eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
Red Barn Event in Plant City Receives AED from Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
by James Coulter
When Lisa Taylor learned from a client about a local organization donating automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to local establishments, she decided her venue could benefit from having one.
As the manager of Red Barn Events in Plant City, Taylor hosts various events at her venue, including parties, weddings, showers, and fundraisers. With her venue serving so many people, she knew that eventually, an emergency could arise that would require an AED.
“I heard about Melanie and her organization to get these AEDs put in place through a client who booked for a future wedding we have coming up,” she explained. “I believe it is a great addition to any location to help save lives. Even if it is one life, it is a blessing.”
Last Wednesday, Melanie Brown Culpepper and her team with the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation donated and installed an AED at Red Barn Events in Plant City. This AED was their 30th device donated and installed to a local establishment.
Melanie offered a brief presentation about her organization. Her fiancée, Brian Beilke, helped install the AED. Eric Sheamus, a local firefighter, demonstrated how to use an AED in case of an emergency.
Melanie started her organization three years ago following the passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her organization to raise proceeds and donate AEDs to local establishments.
Since its inception, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has donated more than 30 AEDs to local businesses like Tanner’s Lakeside, Caribbean Bay, and Old Man Frank’s. She plans on attending a special presentation for the Tampa Bay Lightnings next month.
Taylor was impressed by Melanie’s organization and the good that it was doing for the local community.
“It is fascinating,” Taylor said. “I give her a lot of credit for doing everything that she is doing, and changing lives and making a difference. I would love to spread more awareness about this. The more people who know about this the better. They are everywhere.”
Julie Shepherd, an event coordinator, was likewise impressed by Melanie’s story and how her tragedy helped inspire her to do so much good for her community.
“It is amazing,” she said. “The fact that she can take such a tragic event in her life and make it such an honorable, notable organization and to see where she has come from and how she is taken care of. Different people, different organizations, and putting them over the state is a wonderful thing.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
This Haines City Senior Received a $500 Scholarship at MLK Brunch
by James Coulter
JoAnne Alette, 18, attends Ridge Community High School in Haines City. When she and her fellow students were invited to a scholarship brunch Thursday morning, she only expected to have a good meal and be recognized for her academic achievements. What she did not expect was to be honored that day as the recipient of a scholarship to the college of her choice.
JoAnne Alette received a $500 scholarship from the Haines City Northeast Revitalization Committee during its annual Inspired to Dream MLK Scholarship Brunch hosted at the Lake Eva Event Center in Haines City on Thursday morning. She was also one of five students recognized with a certificate of excellence.
“It is a bit of a shocker,” Alette said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all but I am very grateful for all of my family and friends.”
Alette is currently attending her senior year of high school at Ridge Community High. Upon graduation, she will be attending the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, where she plans on studying biology.
She owes her success to her parents, her great school, and her English teacher. She expects to excel in her education, both in high school and college, and she is honored to be able to have that chance with her scholarship.
“My expectations going to college is to hopefully complete my associate’s degree and move on from there,” she said.
Alette also received a certificate of excellence along with four other high school students: Maria Jose Marin, Maria Chavez, Ivis Ruis, and Ivey Wilson.
The scholarship brunch was one of the many events hosted by the City of Lake Wales during its weeklong celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The week began with Praise in the Park on Sunday and will conclude with its Day of Unity Parade on Saturday.
Dr. Meesha Downing-Townsend, Principal of Polk State Gateway High School, served as the inspirational speaker. She pontificated about the importance Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. placed on education and how it should serve to train people both academically and morally to become agents of positive societal change.
Education, according to MLK Jr., served a “pivotal role in shaping individuals and society.” He claimed its objective was twofold: to teach utility and culture. Therefore, anyone who went through the school system without the ability to think critically or act morally had an insufficient education.
“Be vigilant,” Dr. Downing-Townsend said. “Be your best. If you always try your best, then you never have to wonder…Inspire to dream when things do not go right, and never stop dreaming.”