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Weather Experts Provide Update on Tropical System Moving Toward Florida- Tropical Storm Expected

Staff Reporter
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Weather Experts Provide Update on Tropical System Moving Toward Florida- Tropical Storm Expected

Weather experts, along with much of Florida, including residents here in Polk County, are keeping an eye on a well-defined tropical wave that is brewing out in the Caribbean. National Hurricane Center has provided an August 2, 2024 11:00 a.m. regarding the tropical system. Here is a summary:

Currently Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is about 420 mi SE of Key West, Florida.


Location: 20.9°N 76.6°W
Moving: WNW at 16 mph
Min pressure: 1012 mb
Max sustained: 30 mph

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for the Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge including the Dry Tortugas, the southern coast of the Florida peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card sound bridge, and for the west coast of the Florida peninsula north of Bonita beach to Aripeka.

National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan provides an update on the Potential Tropical Cyclone Four

Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area usually within 48 hours.

We will monitor if any inland watches and warnings are issued.

A turn toward the NW at a slower forward speed is expected tonight or Saturday, followed by a turn toward the north on Sunday. As of now, the storm is expected to move near or over the west coast of Florida Saturday night through Sunday night.

National Hurricane Center

The disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical depression on Saturday as it moves across the Straits of Florida, followed by intensification into a tropical storm by Saturday night.

National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan provides an update on the Potential Tropical Cyclone Four

RAINFALL: Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to produce 4 to 8 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 12 inches, across portions of Florida and near the Southeast US coast this weekend through Wednesday morning.

Image from National Hurricane Center

Here is the August 2, 2024 8:00 a.m. update from National Hurricane Center:

“For the North Atlantic…Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Straits of Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico (AL97):
A well-defined tropical wave is producing a large area of poorly
organized showers and thunderstorms over eastern Cuba, Hispaniola,
the southeastern Bahamas, and Jamaica, as well as the adjacent
waters of the southwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The wave
is expected to move near or over Cuba throughout the day and then
emerge over the Straits of Florida tonight or Saturday.
Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional
development after that time, and a tropical depression is likely to
form this weekend over the Straits of Florida or eastern Gulf of
Mexico near the Florida Peninsula. Tropical storm watches or
warnings could be required for portions of Florida later today.

Regardless of development, heavy rains could cause areas of flash
flooding across Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas through the weekend,
and interests in these locations should continue to monitor the
progress of this system. A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is
scheduled to investigate this system later today.
* Formation chance through 48 hours…medium…60 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days…high…90 percent.”

For your reference, here are the National Hurricane Center definitions of a tropical depression vs a tropical storm:

Topical Depression 
A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. 

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots).

Image from National Hurricane Center – 9:37 a.m.

Yesterday, the Governor of Florida issued a state of emergency for several counties including Polk County. Here are the details: https://www.winterhavendaily.com/index.php/2024/08/01/governor-of-florida-issues-state-of-emergency-in-preparation-for-potential-landfall-of-tropical-system/

FWC Urges All Owners To Secure Boats Prior To Severe Weather

Carl Fish
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FWC Urges All Owners To Secure Boats Prior To Severe Weather

FWC urges vessel owners to secure their boats and develop a plan ahead of severe weather

Preparing for a natural disaster can be overwhelming, with many critical details to address. By preparing in advance, you can significantly reduce the risks to both life and property. In addition to safeguarding family and property, Florida’s boat owners and operators must also consider their vessels. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has compiled various informational resources for boaters to assist them with storm preparation and recovery.

Move your vessel if you can and protect it if you can’t

  • If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible. This includes kayaks and other recreational watercraft. 
  • If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig cross spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
  • If your vessel is at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope, remove canvas coverings if possible and remove or secure any sails.
  • If your vessel will remain on a mooring, make sure the mooring is designed to withstand the load your vessel will place on it. Inspect chains and swivels connecting to the mooring buoy and double up on the pendant.
  •  Remember to remove Electronic Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (commonly known as EPIRBs), life rings, lifejackets and loose items from the boat and store them in a safe, indoor location. 
  • Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to find a ramp near you.

Cover all lines to prevent chafing

  • Wrap all lines where they feed through chocks with tape, rags, rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders, fender boards or tires to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings or other boats.

Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.

  • Consider adding backup batteries and shut off all other devices that consume electricity.

Do not stay onboard and do not venture out into rough conditions

  • During a hurricane, winds can exceed 100 mph and tornadoes are often associated with these storms. If you’re on board during a bad storm, you risk your life and the lives of potential responders. 
  • Learn what Florida law says about mandatory marina evacuations. Chapter 327.59, F.S., Marina Evacuations.

Monitor weather broadcasts frequently and comply with evacuation orders when issued

After the storm, report issues to the FWC

  • Marina eligibility for disaster relief through Small Business Administration loans. SBA Disaster Assistance.
  • Report missing and damaged waterway markers.
  • Report storm damaged boats that might be lost or abandoned to your local law enforcement agency (preferred) or the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922.
  • Call 911 or use VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 to report distress and other emergencies. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue events.

For more information on storm preparation resources, visit MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Boater Education” and “Hurricane.”  

Lakeland First Friday Back To School Bash Cancelled

Carl Fish
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Lakeland First Friday Back To School Bash Cancelled

First Friday: Back to School is CANCELED for tonight, August 2, due to the tropical storm watch (and the chance of high winds), as well as the state of emergency in Florida due to the Tropical Storm headed our way.

We know that many people love our “Back to School” event, however, so we are RESCHEDULING for next Friday, August 9 from 6-9pm.

Lakeland Police Arrest Armed Carjacking Suspect

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Arrest Armed Carjacking Suspect

Lakeland Police Department Press Release ROBBERY/CARJACKING ARREST

On August 1, 2024, at 6:48 p.m. LakelandPD officers responded to a robbery/carjacking which occurred on South Central Avenue. Officers made contact with the victim who said Tyzarius Morgan threatened him with an AR style handgun and fired one time at him but was not struck. The Victim gave Morgan money and his vehicle keys, and he fled in the Victim’s vehicle, a grey BMW SUV.

Officers spotted Morgan driving the vehicle a short time later and attempted to stop him but he fled. After crashing into a vehicle at the intersection of Sikes Boulevard and South Central Avenue, Morgan kept driving and turned onto West Belmar Street where he attempted to enter the pedestrian entrance to Southwest Sports Complex. Morgan struck a fence and a tree before running on foot into the complex. Officers caught Morgan after a brief foot pursuit. Inside the victim’s vehicle was evidence from the robbery, including the gun used to shoot at the victim.

Morgan was charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Burglary, Grand Theft – Motor Vehicle, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Delinquent, Fleeing to Elude an Officer, 3 counts of Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Property Damage, Driving While License Suspended or Revoked and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.

Outstanding job by our officers, taking a truly dangerous individual into custody!

Man Facing Burglary With Battery Charges After Allegedly Trying To Steal Gun From Indian Lake Estates Home

Carl Fish
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Man Facing Burglary With Battery Charges After Allegedly Trying To Steal Gun From Indian Lake Estates Home

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

60-year old Timothy Rountree of Bloomfield, Kentucky was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 31st, Rountree showed up at an Indian Lake Estates home and knocked on the door.

A resident answered, and Rountree told the man he was there to get a firearm left behind by the previous resident–his “granny.”

Confused by this, the resident walked inside the home to ask another resident if she knew anything about what Rountree was talking about.

Rountree walked into the residence uninvited and an argument ensued. Then Rountree pushed both residents and fled in a maroon Chevy truck.

PCSO deputies responded and one of them located a suspect that matched Rountree’s description—white guy, shirtless, camo shorts, and the maroon Chevy pick up.

It was indeed Timothy Rountree.

Rountree denied pushing anyone, and he said that it was the other two people who were aggressive with him, trying to push him out of the house.

Rountree said he went to the house at the request of his granny to get a gun she left behind when she moved from there.

Deputies spoke to his granny…she said she did not ask Rountree to get the gun, and in fact, she said she couldn’t care less about the gun.

Timothy Rountree was arrested and taken to Polk County Jail where he was charged with burglary with battery.

Update On Fatal Semi Vs Camry Crash in Lakeland

Staff Reporter
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Update On Fatal Semi Vs Camry Crash in Lakeland

FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION  

LAKELAND, FL (August 2, 2024) – On Thursday, August 1, 2024, at approximately 3:20 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash involving a blue Toyota Camry and a green Semi truck (with no trailer attached) in the 7200 block of New Tampa Highway. Just prior to the crash, the Camry was headed eastbound on New Tampa Highway and the Semi was headed westbound on New Tampa Highway. For unknown reasons, the Camry left its lane of travel and entered the westbound lane. The front of the Camry impacted the front of the Semi which caused the Semi to overturn onto its driver’s side.

The Lakeland Police Department Patrol Units, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The driver of the Camry was transported to Lakeland Regional Health where he was pronounced deceased by medical professionals. The driver of the Semi sustained minor injuries.

The roadway was shut down for approximately three hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Investigator Officer Travis Payne [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Camry Driver:
Gary R. Carmean
Age: 40
Indianapolis, IN

Semi Driver:
Gustavo Estribi
Age: 39
Lakeland, FL

Here is the link to yesterday’s original report shortly after the accident occurred: https://www.winterhavendaily.com/index.php/2024/08/01/traffic-being-diverted-after-truck-vs-sedan-crash-in-lakeland/

TRAFFIC ALERT – Lucerne Park Road Shut Down

Staff Reporter
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TRAFFIC ALERT – Lucerne Park Road Shut Down

** TRAFFIC ALERT **
Lucerne Park Rd is shut down in both directions at Old Lucerne Park Rd. due to a crash involving an overturned vehicle.
Drivers should consider alternate routes. Undetermined timeframe of closure.

The call came in this morning (August 2, 2024) around 7:30 am.

Davenport Sandbag Availability

Carl Fish
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Davenport Sandbag Availability

📢 Attention Davenport Residents! 📢

In preparation for Tropical Storm Invest 97L, the City of Davenport is offering free sandbags to residents. 🌧️🌪️

📅 Date: August 2, 2024
📍 Location: Lewis Mathews Memorial Sports Complex
400 East Palm Street, Davenport, FL 33837

Sandbags are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early. Stay safe and prepared!

For more information, Website at www.mydavenport.org or 863-419-3300.

DavenportFL #TropicalStormPrep #StaySafe

Registration Opens Soon For Letters to the North Pole

Staff Reporter
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Registration Opens Soon For Letters to the North Pole

Polk County Parks & Rec –

Santa’s helpers are getting ready to send out personalized letters from the North Pole. Make sure your name is on their “nice” list! Registration will open Aug. 5. Each letter from the North Pole will include a custom letter, an official “nice” certificate, stickers and temporary tattoos.

Letters from the North Pole is limited to 1,000 registrations. Only one registration per household is necessary. Each household may register up to five children. This program is intended for children up to 12 years of age.

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2gp4vr5

Governor of Florida Issues State of Emergency in Preparation for Potential Landfall of Tropical System

Staff Reporter
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Governor of Florida Issues State of Emergency in Preparation for Potential Landfall of Tropical System

The National Weather Service announced just after 4:00 p.m. on August 1, 2024 that a tropical wave, closely watched over the past few days, is currently near Hispaniola moving through Turks & Caicos as well as the southeast Bahamas. 

This wave is currently moving in a WNW direction. It is expected to see some development as it approaches the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico. It is likely to strengthen into a tropical depression or possibly a tropical storm later on in the weekend or early next week. 

National Weather Services offers the following information:

“Topical Depression 
A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. 

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots).”

This early on, there is not a lot of certainly about the storm or its magnitude of potential impacts. 

However, the potential for heavy rainfall is possible for much of Florida.

This is a developing storm and it is important to keep an eye on how it develops and its path. 

Governor Ron DeSantis has officially issued a state of emergency for several counties in Florida. 

“Executive Order (EO) 24-156 (Emergency Management  – Invest 97L) declaring the following counties under a state of emergency: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.”

Stay tuned to Lake Wales Daily for further updates and information.

Remember to send us your tips and photos here at Lake Wales Daily. Be safe.

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