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Ft. Meade Fire Department & PCFR Responded To Full Involved House Fire Early Wednesday Afternoon

Carl Fish
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Ft. Meade Fire Department & PCFR Responded To Full Involved House Fire Early Wednesday Afternoon

FORT MEADE, FL – The City of Fort Meade Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire today along E US Highway 98 on the outskirts of the city. Although the fire occurred outside of the city, Fort Meade units were the first on the scene, and had put water on the fire and established incident command by the time Polk County Fire Resue units arrived.

Ft. Meade House Fire

“I am really proud of my department. They responded quickly and were able to start battling the fire by the time county units arrived,” said Fort Meade Fire Chief Matt Zahara. “We work closely with Polk County to ensure that the southern end of the county is covered due to our automatic aid agreement, and, working together, we keep response times down. Today, our teamwork showed through. We appreciate the cooperation,” he continued.

The structure suffered extensive damage, but there was no loss of human life or injury.

Unfortunately, three pets were lost in the blaze.

Ft. Meade House Fire

Because of the rural area where the fire occurred, the Fort Meade Fire Department set up a drafting pool to hold water for trucks to draw from to douse the fire. Drafting pools are used when there are no hydrants close by. Tender trucks shuttle water from the nearest hydrants to the drafting pool at the site of the fire and can do so continually until enough water is delivered.

Ft. Meade House Fire

One of the benefits of Fort Meade shifting to a full-time fire department is that our staff is more able to fully respond to incidents like this. We were able to get out here and start working pretty quickly,” said Zahara.

In all, 14 units from Fort Meade and Polk County eventually responded to the fire. Units will remain on the scene for some time monitoring and assessing the damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Ft. Meade House Fire

Florida Poly Board Chooses New CEO

Carl Fish
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Florida Poly Board Chooses New CEO

LAKELAND, Fla – The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) voted unanimously today to confirm Dr. Devin Stephenson as the next president of Florida Polytechnic University.

 

Stephenson was selected as the institution’s second president by the Florida Poly Board of Trustees (BOT) on April 15. His selection followed a thorough presidential search which narrowed the field to five highly qualified finalists.

 

“I believe all organizations define their existence through distinct seasons. The past 10 years have been a season of positioning, and now, I believe the university is poised for a vibrant season of advancement,” said Stephenson, who holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. “This next phase will be characterized by enrollment growth, infrastructure expansion, improved student success metrics, faculty recognition, and innovation.” 

 

Stephenson, who currently leads Northwest Florida State College, brings to Florida Poly more than 15 years of experience in higher education leadership. Before his seven-year tenure as the college’s president, he held executive administrative roles as president/CEO at esteemed community colleges across Alabama, Missouri, and Kentucky. He also served on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees, chaired the SACSCOC Compliance and Reports Committee, and serves as a visiting committee chair. He currently serves as Florida’s representative on the Executive Council of the Southern Regional Education Board’s Executive Council.

 

During his time at Northwest Florida State College, Stephenson demonstrated significant success growing the institution’s funding. Its Foundation’s assets increased to over $63 million, grant acquisitions surpassed $66 million, and enhanced legislative appropriations exceeded $40 million.

 

“Following the rigorous selection process conducted by our Board of Trustees, I am pleased to convey our collective confidence in Dr. Stephenson’s capabilities to lead our institution into its next phase of growth and excellence,” said BOT Chair Cliff Otto. “The decision to select Dr. Stephenson aligns with the vision and mission of our University, emphasizing the significance of STEM education while ensuring access to a superior higher education experience in the state of Florida.”

 

The BOG’s confirmation vote comes two weeks after theBOT approved Stephenson’s contract terms. His first day as University president will be Sunday, July 7.

 

 

 

For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the Southeast Region for three years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Connectwith Florida Poly.

Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Polk Woman Charged With Murdering Her Young Child

Carl Fish
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Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On Polk Woman Charged With Murdering Her Young Child

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 12:30 p.m. this afternoon, May 8, 2024, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center in Winter Haven, about the arrest of a 36-year-old Davenport woman for the horrible murder of her 4-year-old child. 

She is charged with first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and tampering with a witness.

Updated Arrest Affidavit Here:

On Thursday May 2, 2024 I was notified of victim being declared deceased at Orlando Health Advent and the hospital believed it was due to suspicious circumstances. Preliminary information revealed the victim was taken to Heart of Florida Hospital by, Patricia Saintizaire, and he was then flown to Orlando Health. At Orlando Health the hospital staff completed scans of the victim and observed he had an abdominal bleed and his stomach had filled with blood. After completing emergency surgery, the victim’s condition declined and he was declared deceased at 0533 hours.


I responded to 439 Majesty Dr, Davenport and made contact with Patricia and Rene Saintizaire. An interview was conducted with Patricia who advised the victim had been feeling ill for approximately one week and had “flu like symptoms”. The victim was taking over the counter medication to treat it. The victim went to school on Wednesday, May 1st and Patricia picked him up from the bus stop at approximately 1710 hours. Upon picking

the victim up she advised he complained he was weak and tired. When they arrived home, she instructed the victim to go lay down in his room and rest.


At approximately 2000 hours, Patricia along with REDACTED (the victim’s teenaged adoptive brother) went in to the victim’s room to wake him up. After waking him up Patricia gave him a bath and prepared him noodles for dinner. Patricia advised she fed the victim noodles and as he was finishing them, he began to “visibly shake”. Patricia advised after the shaking subsided, the victim vomited three times and became very lethargic causing Patricia to became worried.
At that time, Patricia prepared to take the victim to the hospital and REDACTED carried him to their vehicle parked in the driveway. According to REDACTED, as he was carrying the victim to the vehicle, the victim began to violently shake again. This shaking caused REDACTED to lose his grip and the victim fell onto the driveway landing on his back. The victim was loaded into the vehicle and they responded to the hospital. They arrived at Heart of Florida in Haines City where the medical staff immediately took the victim and assumed lifesaving care until the victim was transferred Orlando Health.
During the interview, Patricia advised her discipline for the victim was non-physical and she stated that she would take away his tablet and TV time as punishment. Patricia denied ever using physical discipline as a way of punishment.
An interview was conducted with Rene (step-father). Rene advised he was not present at the residence for this incident due to being at work from 12 noon to 11 pm. This information was confirmed and it was verified that Rene was at work during the timeframe the incident occurred. Rene advised he never physically disciplines the victim or REDACTED. Rene stated he does know Patricia spanks the victim and further stated that she is the main caretaker who disciplines the victim.
Investigation revealed the victim was born in Haiti and was brought to the United States in April of 2023. The victim was brought into the care of Patricia and Rene with his adoptive brother REDACTED. REDACTED advised during their time together living in Haiti, the boys would be physically disciplined by receiving multiple strikes with a belt and a homemade hitting device. REDACTED stated the strikes from unidentified persons would be numerous and were to the victim’s back, arms and stomach. REDACTED also received similar discipline in Haiti and also had similar scarring. REDACTED advised Patricia has physically disciplined him in Haiti by hitting him with belts and other devices but she has not done this to him since he arrived in the United States.
A search of the residence was conducted. Blood was observed on the door to the bedroom and the rug on the bathroom floor. Patricia’s explanation of the blood was the victim had a bloody nose and it got on the door and rug when she was cleaning it. Also, I observed freshly plastered holes in the wall in the bedroom. REDACTED originally advised these holes were caused by him in the past.


I responded to the victim’s school which is Loughman Oaks Elementary. The victim was in preschool and in an ESE class due to him not being communicative. I spoke with teaching staff who was present with the victim during the day of May 1st. They advised the victim was in good condition and seemed to be in normal health. The victim did not complain of any stomach pain or any pain at all.


At this point in the investigation, Patricia denied any accidental or intentional injury occurring to the victim. She only indicated that the victim was dealing with a common cold.

On Friday, May 3rd, 2024, I attended the autopsy of victim at the District 09 Medical Examiner’s Office. Doctor Stephany conducted the autopsy. Doctor Stephany advised the victim had scarring on his back. He noted there was old scarring present, but there was also fresh scars that would’ve occurred while the victim was living in the United States. Doctor Stephany stated the victim’s liver had a deep laceration on it that was caused by a targeted blunt force trauma injury. Doctor Stephany advised the liver laceration would have caused a rapid decline in the victim’s health. He stated the liver injury would have had effects immediately. Doctor Stephany advised the victim had no broken or fractured bones but he had bruising/hemorrhage to his arms and legs. Doctor Stephany advised these injuries are consistent with ongoing abuse. Doctor Stephany advised the cause of death is Assault/Blunt Force Trauma and the manner of death is Homicide.


On Friday, May 3rd, a secondary interview was conducted alone with REDACTED. During this interview, REDACTED stated that the victim got in trouble for spitting on a child while riding home on the school bus Wednesday (5/1). For this reason, and the fact that the victim was sick, Patricia instructed the victim to go to his room upon arriving home from school. According to REDACTED, he went to the garage and completed homework, listened to music, and was on social media for a few hours. As a result, he did not hear or see what occurred.
At some point, Patricia told REDACTED to make noodles for the victim. REDACTED made noodles for the victim and took them to the bedroom for the victim. At that time, REDACTED observed Patricia was assisting the victim back to the bedroom. According to REDACTED, the victim’s status was not the same as it was when they arrived home from school and the victim was no longer walking on his own. Patricia placed the victim on the bed and attempted to feed him. During this time, the victim struggled to sit up on his own accord. REDACTED stated that Patricia told him the victim was faking it and was acting like this because he was hungry. After REDACTED saw the victim in this state, he told Patricia that they should go to the hospital. A few minutes later, REDACTED stated the victim went unresponsive and he began performing CPR prior to them responding to the hospital.
REDACTED stated he has not seen Patricia physically abuse the victim; however, he stated that she has beat him (REDACTED) with belts and cords in the past in Haiti. REDACTED stated Patricia would take the victim to the side and out of sight when the victim got into trouble. These incidents would cause the victim to have questionable injuries that made REDACTED question them. There have been times where REDACTED saw a bruise on the victim causing him to ask Patricia about them. Patricia indicated it was from skin complications; however, REDACTED didn’t believe this to be true. REDACTED also advised when the victim would sustain these questionable injuries, Patricia would not allow the victim to attend school. If he did go to school, REDACTED advised that Patricia always wanted the victim dressed in long sleeve shirts; no matter the weather.


During the interview REDACTED advised that he was untruthful during the first interview law enforcement conducted with him because Patricia sitting next to him at the time. Prior to making contact with law enforcement, Patricia told him “when they ask you something, say nothing so I don’t get in trouble”. REDACTED stated he lied in the first interview because he was scared of getting Patricia in trouble. Specifically, REDACTED advised when he was carrying the victim to the vehicle he never dropped him. He lied about dropping him because Patricia told him to because the victim had bruising on his back. REDACTED stated Patricia told him and the victim “if you don’t change your ways I will kill you”. Also Patricia said “if I had a gun you would both be dead already”. REDACTED also advised the holes in the bedroom he previously claimed he made was also a lie. REDACTED stated he does not know how the holes occurred but they were not there prior to them coming home from school on Wednesday May 1st. REDACTED stated he became aware of the hole when law enforcement was on scene. REDACTED also stated when he was in the garage he observed Patricia come in there and get a bucket of plaster. REDACTED became curious and went to see what she was doing with it. When REDACTED went inside he observed Patricia plastering a hole in the kitchen. REDACTED did not inquire how the hole occurred.


REDACTED advised Patricia was the only person with the victim while in the residence. REDACTED noted the victim was in normal health when getting off the bus and was walking on his own accord. This was also corroborated by interviews and video surveillance. The next time REDACTED observed the victim, he was having to be heavily assisted by Patricia to walk and he was not the same as before. This narrowed timeframe in which the victim’s status greatly altered is consistent with the information learned at autopsy.
REDACTED does not know exactly what occurred in the residence because he was in the garage while Patricia was inside with the victim. REDACTED advised when he came inside Patricia was frustrated when patching a hole in the kitchen. REDACTED believed Patricia had to of caused the injuries to the victim because she was the only person with him when this incident occurred.
On May 3, 2024 a search warrant was obtained for Patricia’s phone and was signed by the Honorable Judge Stacie Kaylor.
On May 6, 2024 I went through the phone download and observed text messages from Patricia to multiple individuals about the victim. The following are text messages observed.
2/13/2024 @2158: REDACTED – Hi mom are you sleeping I’m trying to send Bryan to use the bathroom but he doesn’t want to.
2/13/2024 @2158: REDACTED- I went downstairs with him and he doesn’t want to. He’s just crying
2/13/2024 @2159: Patricia – just give him a whooping
2/13/2024 @2159: REDACTED – he’s on the floor. He doesn’t want to. He is only scared of you
4/17/2024 @0637: Rene – what happened why is Bryan not going to school. Patricia did not reply
4/29/2024 @1541: Patricia – Bryan he’s fine he was running yesterday he fell down and hit much (sent this to Bryan’s teacher)
During the review of the phone download I observed a video clip dated October 20, 2023 at 2252 hours showing what appears to be Patricia actively hitting the victim with an unknown object multiple times. The victim is seen lying on the ground showing no signs of responsiveness. Another video clip found shows what appears to be Patricia holding an electrical cord in her hands. Additionally a video was located and it is dated October 22, 2023. This video shows Patricia dragging the victim to the pool and throwing him in. While she is throwing him in the pool, the victim’s hands are tied behind his back with a tie. During the interaction the victim is seen to be in a terrified posture consistent with him trying to stop her from throwing him in. These videos were found on Patricia’s cell phone. The bedroom from the first video and the pool seen are the same residence your affiant saw on the initial consensual search.

Based on the investigation thus far, Patricia is the primary caregiver for the victim and has demonstrated an on-going pattern of maliciously punishing, and/or knowingly or willfully abusing the victim. These events occurred on numerous occasions leading up to the incident. On the date of the incident, Patricia was the only caregiver present at the house with the victim. The victim arrived home from school that day and was in normal health and spirits. A few hours later, the victim was taken to the hospital and subsequently died from internal bleeding caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen. This type of injury is consistent with Patricia’s on going abuse of the victim as described above.


This information, coupled with the history of Patricia physically hitting REDACTED in Haiti, the unexplainable and questionable injuries seen by REDACTED since the victim has lived in Polk County, and the attendance record from the victim’s school- which from REDACTED’s interview was believed to be hiding the injuries from school staff- leads myself to believe Patricia Saintizaire committed the crimes of Aggravated Child Abuse FSS 827.03 which led to the death of the victim resulting in the crime of First Degree Murder (Felony Murder) FSS 782.04. Patricia also committed the crime of Tampering with a Witness in a Capital Felony FSS 914.22 by telling REDACTED what to say to law enforcement so she did not get in trouble.


Level Charge Literal FC FIRST DEGREE MURDER
F1 AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE
FL TAMPER WITNESS-CAPITAL FELONY

More Than $20,000 Raised at Bass Tourney for Local Boy Suffering from Epilepsy

Staff Reporter
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More Than $20,000 Raised at Bass Tourney for Local Boy Suffering from Epilepsy

by James Coulter

A local boy who has been suffering up to 70 seizures per day will now be able to undergo a procedure to help alleviate his epilepsy. More than $20,000 was raised at the Nickels for Pickle bass tournament hosted at Camp Mack in Lake Wales.

More than 27 boats turned out to participate in the Nickels for Pickles Bass Tournament hosted on Sat. Apr. 27 in Camp Mack in Lake Wales. The fundraiser included a fishing tournament with a $1,500 first-place prize, as well as a cornhole tournament and several raffle drawings.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Dillinger and his family. This seven-year-old boy from Fort Meade has been diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy with secondary generalization. His ailment has required his family to visit the hospital in Orlando for testing and screening.

The proceeds will help cover an upcoming medical procedure in which holes will be bored into Dillinger’s skull to probe his brain and scan for the affected areas.

“We met our goal,” said Lauren Yearry, who organized the event with her husband Eddie. “They will still have more overhead than what we could cover with the $20,000 because their medical bills are piling up and the surgery will cost quite a bit.”

Lauren learned from one of the other organizers at the event that the bass tournament was one of the largest hosted recently at Camp Mack. The last tournament hosted drew in about 17 boats, she said.

“It was one of the most successful events he [the other organizer] has seen out there in Camp Mack,” she said.

Lauren owes the success to the sponsors and volunteers who helped put on the event. Without the assistance from their local community, such a fundraiser could not have been as successful. In fact, the event proved so successful that it will be hosted annually to help raise proceeds for other organizations and individuals in need, Lauren explained.

“We will make it annual because it is such a success against all odds,” she said. “Thank you to our community and sponsors for helping get the word out. We are very appreciative. We could not do it without you all and our volunteers and sponsors and community.”

Dump Truck Crash Leads To Brush Fire In Haines City

Carl Fish
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Dump Truck Crash Leads To Brush Fire In Haines City

HAINES CITY, FL – Earlier this afternoon, units from the Haines City Fire Department responded to a significant motor vehicle accident (MVA) involving a large dump truck that resulted in downed power lines and a subsequent brush fire at the intersection of Polk City Road and Wilbar Lane.

At approximately 12:00PM, Haines City Fire Department’s engines HCEN-1, HCEN-2, and brush fire unit HCBR-1, along with command unit HCBC-1, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders found a large dump truck on its side, having crashed into a power pole. The accident caused the truck to take out two power poles before it came to a stop.

Bystanders reported that the truck veered off the roadway, lost control, and caused significant disruptions, including power outages in the area. The downed power lines ignited a grass fire approximately 200 feet by 100 feet in size. The fire department quickly extinguished the fire, preventing further damage.

The driver of the dump truck managed to exit the vehicle without assistance before the arrival of the emergency crews. He sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Heart of Florida Hospital by Polk County Fire Rescue.

“Our team performed brilliantly under pressure,” remarked Haines City Fire Chief Drew Neubrand, expressing pride in his crew’s swift response. “Their quick action and teamwork were crucial in containing the fire and handling the situation with utmost safety. It’s their dedication that keeps our community safe every day.”

Duke Energy was on site promptly to begin repairs on the damaged power lines. The area sustained minor property damage, including to a barbed wire fence. Fortunately, there were no fuel leaks or environmental impacts from the incident.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is the lead investigative agency in this incident. Motorists and residents were advised to avoid the area during the cleanup and repair operations.

Second Suspected Lakeland Child Killer Arrested In Plant City

Carl Fish
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Second Suspected Lakeland Child Killer Arrested In Plant City

LAKELAND, FL (May 7, 2024) – On Monday, May 6, 2024, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Demarius Wilson, was taken into custody during a traffic stop by the Plant City Police Department. Demarius Wilson was a passenger in the vehicle and was wanted on charges of Tampering with Evidence in connection to the double homicide which occurred at the Cambridge Cove Apartments in Lakeland on March 11, 2024.

Chief Sam Taylor’s Statement:
“We are pleased Demarius Wilson is in custody where he belongs. We are grateful to the public for all of the leads and tips provided and we thank the Plant City Police Department for their valuable assistance. Our detectives have worked tirelessly on this case since it began and continue to pursue every lead and process all evidence to prosecute all the individuals involved. Our hearts continue to be with the family and are committed to ensure they receive justice.”

——- One Suspect Caught ——-

LAKELAND, FL (March 19, 2024) – On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m. the Lakeland Police Department was notified that Homicide suspect Kevarius Green turned himself into the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office alongside his attorney. No other details are available at this time. 

We are still asking for the public’s assistance with locating Demarius Wilson. He is considered armed and dangerous and has ties to the Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando areas. If anyone knows their whereabouts, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction or the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.

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 of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

Previous Article: Suspects Sought In Double Homicide

——— Updated Article——-

LAKELAND, FL (March 14, 2024) – Over the last few days Lakeland Police Department detectives have been able to determine there were three persons in the suspect vehicle (Dodge Challenger). Kevarius Green (age 30) of Lakeland was identified as the suspect firing a rifle during the incident and responsible for the deaths of Jaquez Norton and Kemarius Wilson. Also identified in connection with this incident was Demarius Wilson (age 22), who is the brother of deceased suspect Kemarius Wilson. Demarius Wilson was identified as being in the Challenger before and after the homicide, and the person responsible for attempting to hide the Challenger.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Kevarius Green for two counts of First Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Attempted 1st Degree Murder.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Demarius Wilson for Tampering With Evidence.

We are seeking the public’s help in locating these two individuals. They are considered armed and dangerous and have ties to the Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando areas. If anyone knows there whereabouts, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction or the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.

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 of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

———————- First Article ————

LAKELAND, FL (March 12, 2024) – On Monday, March 11, 2024, at approximately 6:34 p.m., officers arrived at the scene of this incident and located four persons on scene with a burgundy 2023 Toyota Rav4. Jaquez Norton (age 3) was found to have sustained injuries from gunfire and was declared deceased at the scene. Robert Einzig (age 23) sustained non-life-threatening injuries from gunfire and was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. Yeimarie Baez (age 21) and a 3-month-old female infant were not injured. 

Information was received that a white Dodge Challenger was involved with the incident and was seen heading toward the scene, northbound on Kathleen Road just prior to the shooting. The same vehicle was also seen leaving the area southbound on Kathleen Road just after the incident.

Around 7:00 p.m. the Police Department was notified a male named Kemarious Wilson (age 22) was dropped off at Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) a a personal vehicle. Wilson declared deceased by medical professionals and soon identified as the passenger in the white Challenger.

Detectives learned that during the event, Baez, Einzig and the children arrived at Cambridge Cove in the Rav4 to visit a friend. As they were leaving the complex, the Challenger approached and blocked the Rav4 from leaving. At that time, Baez was driving, Einzig was in the front passenger seat, Norton was in the rear passenger seat and the infant was in the middle of the rear seat. Wilson got out of the passenger side of the Challenger, armed with a handgun, and approached Baez. Another unidentified male got out of the driver’s seat of the Challenger and approached Einzig with a rifle. Einzig was also armed with a handgun and rifle inside of the Rav4.

At some point gunshots were exchanged and Einzig returned fire with his handgun while Baez fled from the vehicle with the 3-month-old infant. Wilson and the unidentified male fled back to the Challenger and left the scene southbound on Kathleen Road. The Challenger then drove to the 800 block of West 14th Street to a relative’s residence. Wilson was placed in another vehicle and transported to Lakeland Regional Health.

The 2014 Challenger bearing Florida license plate number PXPF93 was located at a residence in the 800 block of West Crawford Street. It was being concealed with a black covering. The resident was cooperative with the investigation. The Challenger, the Rav4 and the vehicle used to transport Wilson to LRH were all impounded to be processed for evidence. Multiple cell phones were seized for processing and multiple locations are being canvassed for surveillance video. In all, nine search warrants were obtained in the pursuit of evidence. Recovered at the incident scene were nineteen .223 caliber spent casings and nine 9mm spent casings. The parties involved appeared to have known each other and the reason for the conflict is yet to be defined.

Detectives continue to search for information to identify and locate the driver of the Challenger. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cory Lawson at [email protected] or at 863-834-8975.

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 of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

Lake Alfred Man Charged With Attempted Murder & Robbery With Firearm In Haines City Shooting

Carl Fish
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Lake Alfred Man Charged With Attempted Murder & Robbery With Firearm In Haines City Shooting

Haines City, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 54 Yr old John Duran of Lake Alfred. Duran is accused of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Robbery with a Firearm & Discharge of a Firearm in Residential Area. Duran was taken into custody on May 3, 2024. 

The following is a redacted, but unedited portion of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. A suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.) :

“On Thursday May 2nd, 2024 at approximately 2345 hours, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Central Patrol Division was notified an armed robbery victim at Winter Haven Hospital and requested to respond. Upon arrival, deputies learned an armed robbery took place at the Stay Plus Inn, located at 33224 Highway 27, Haines City FL. Northeast Patrol Deputies responded to the hotel in order to locate witnesses and a crime scene.

I responded to the Winter Haven Hospital in order to make contact with the victim, REDACTED. REDACTED was taken to the hospital for a broken nose after he was hit by one of the suspects in this investigation. REDACTED was present with his father, REDACTED, and his mother REDACTED. Both parents gave me permission to complete a sworn recorded interview with REDACTED about what took place.

REDACTED stated he was at the Stay Plus Inn located at 33224 US-27 S, Haines City FL 33844, playing football in the street with his friends.  REDACTED stated at approximately 2255 hours, he observed an older dark in color Ford F150 in the parking lot of the Stay Plus Inn. This vehicle was driver by what he believed was a Hispanic male (referred to as a Mexican) along with an additional Hispanic male, white male, and a white female as the passengers. REDACTED stated one of the Hispanic males asked REDACTED to hand over his gold necklace. REDACTED stated he would not give him the necklace without a fight and both Hispanic males and the white male then begin to fight him and jump him.

REDACTED stated the fight continued and the suspects pull the chain off from his neck. REDACTED stated he started to chase the suspect with the chain in his hand when one of the Hispanic males hit him over the head with a pistol and attempted to shoot him in the head. REDACTED stated after the gun went off, the female, two Hispanic males, and white male then flee to the dark in color Ford F-150 and drive away from the crime scene. REDACTED stated this physical contact was non-consensual and he was in fear for his life when the fight was occurring.

REDACTED stated the handgun he was hit with was a black Taurus semi-automatic handgun with a laser sight. REDACTED’s father REDACTED, stated he bought the necklace for his son and it was fake gold. REDACTED stated the necklace was had 24K engraved on it as the brand and is valued at $275.00 in US Currency. REDACTED was able to provide an image of his son wearing the necklace.

I responded to the crime scene at the Stay Plus Inn and completed a neighborhood canvass. During this canvass, I went to the RaceTrac located at 32886 US Hwy 27, Haines City FL in order to review the camera footage and see if the suspects entered the store. The camera footage has an accurate time stamp and there is no sound. During REDACTED’s interview, he stated the suspect group was “drinking and smoking” by the truck before the incident took place. With this information in mind, I checked the RaceTrac cameras before the incident took place to see if the suspect group went to the store before the crime occurred.

I was able to review the footage with the assistance of a store manager. I reviewed the camera footage and found subjects matching REDACTED’s description exited a dark in color Ford F150 at approximately 2200 hours. The subjects pump gas and purchase items from inside the store and leave at 2210 hours. I took a still image of the subjects and their vehicle to forward to REDACTED. REDACTED responded to the message stating these subjects were the suspects who committed the crime.

A check of cameras and law enforcement intelligence gathering databases resulted in the discovery of a grey Ford F-150 bearing a Florida Tag of CI71BG. This vehicle was searched through DAVID and found to be registered to John Duran with a date of birth of 04/17/1970. Duran has an address in Lake Alfred and has a history of law enforcement interactions in the Lake Alfred area. I responded to the area and completed a joint neighborhood canvass with the Lake Alfred Police Department. Duran was located at 650 E Pierce Street in Lake Alfred, driving grey Ford F150. When exiting the vehicle, Duran stated he was in possession of a firearm and agreed to turn it over to me. I found Duran was carrying a black Taurus semi-automatic handgun matching the description provided by REDACTED. Duran then began to consensually empty his pockets. While empting his pockets, a gold chain matching the description provided by REDACTED came out of his pocket and into his hand.

Duran handed me the gold chain and two other firearms from inside the vehicle. I asked Duran if he would accompany me to the Lake Alfred Police Department Headquarters in order to complete a consensual interview. Duran agreed to come to the Headquarters and speak with me. I issued a Miranda Warning to Duran from my agency issued Miranda Card and ensured he understood each of the statements as they were read to him. Duran stated he understood and agreed to continue the interview.

Post Miranda, Duran stated he was at the Stay Plus Inn when the earlier incident took place. He stated he was doing work for his wife who lives at the Stay Plus Inn and hanging out with his family. Duran stated he drove to the Stay Plus Inn in his Ford F150 with his son, John Justin Duran, his former step-son, REDACTED, and John Justin’s girlfriend, Camelia Garcia. Duran stated while he was hanging out by his truck with his two other daughters, he heard gunshots and instructed his children to get inside their mother’s hotel room. He then “helped” an unknown black male, touching his back saying “come on come on” and ushering him to safety past his truck. He then got into his truck with John Justin, REDACTED, and Garcia and fled the area. I asked Duran how he came to possess the stolen necklace and he stated he found it on the ground.

I asked why Duran didn’t call 911 when the gunshots went off and he couldn’t provide an explanation. I confronted him about REDACTED’s allegations and Duran denied being involved despite having the same exact firearm described by the victim. I also asked Duran to clarify how he came into possession of the stolen necklace and he continued to claim he just found it on the ground. Duran stated he was in possession of the black Taurus handgun during the incident and no one took it from him beforehand or after the fact.

At this point in time, I determined that Duran was unable to truthfully explain what took place. Duran is in possession of the same exact style of firearm described by REDACTED, in possession of REDACTED’s stolen necklace, and was driving the vehicle described by REDACTED. With these details in mind, I determined Duran is one of the suspects involved in this incident. With Duran stating the firearm was in his possession the entire night before, I determined he was the subject that hit REDACTED over the head and discharged the firearm. With Duran’s possession of REDACTED’s gold chain I determined he was the subject who took the chain from REDACTED under threat of violence.

With the totality of these facts in mind I determined Duran’s actions place him in violation of Florida State Statute 782.04 for attempted second degree murder, Florida State Statute 812.13(2)(A) for robbery with firearm, and Florida State Statute 790.15(4) for discharging a firearm in a residential area.

Duran was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without any further incident.

Nation’s Largest Single-Day Food Drive Saturday May 11

Carl Fish
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Nation’s Largest Single-Day Food Drive Saturday May 11

CENTRAL FLORIDA — Saturday, May 11, marks the 32nd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving – the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive.

Letter carriers travel throughout communities daily, often coming face to face with a sad reality for too many – hunger. Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people who need our help.

The need for food donations is great. Currently, more than 44 million Americans are unsure where their next meal will come from. More than 13 million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. Nearly 5.5 million seniors over age 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help.

Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.

Participating in this year’s NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is simple. Just leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

Over the course of its 30-year plus history, the drive has collected well over 1.9 billion pounds of food, thanks to a Postal Service universal delivery network that spans the entire nation and the generosity of postal customers across the nation.

Please help us in our fight to Stamp Out Hunger.

J.C. Reviews: Civil War Evokes Emotional Drama in a Harrowing Hypothetical America

Staff Reporter
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J.C. Reviews: Civil War Evokes Emotional Drama in a Harrowing Hypothetical America

J.C. Reviews: Civil War Evokes Emotional Drama in a Harrowing Hypothetical America

by James Coulter

The President is a tyrant. The country is divided. And Americans have become so politically polarized that they wage war against each other. No, I’m not describing the upcoming presidential election. I’m describing the latest war drama released by A24: Civil War.

Yes, during a highly-contentious election year, when political polarization is at an all-time high and both sides of the political aisle are warning doom and gloom if their presidential candidate doesn’t get elected, Hollywood, in its infinite wisdom, released a movie about American devolving into Civil War. But will this movie unite moviegoers into agreeing it’s a thought-provoking action thriller? Or will it leave audiences more divided than they already were within this highly-divisive political climate?

Set within the near future, Civil War depicts an America where the president has become a tyrant and the country has divided itself into warring factions. (So, you know, right after the current election!) The story follows a ragtag team of photo journalists traveling across the warn-torn country to Washington D.C. to photograph and interview the president. Along the way, they pick up a young girl who dreams of becoming a photographer, but soon discovers her physical constitutions are weaker than her aspirations. Will these journalists succeed in surviving the hellscape that has befallen America and get the story?

Civil War is high cinema. A24 is famous for being an independent studio focused on releasing “cinema” rather than “blockbusters.” Both this movie’s cinematography and its film score (or rather, subtle lack thereof) prove as much.

Most blockbuster action thrillers underscore their action sequences with highly bombastic soundtracks that tell the audience what emotions they’re supposed to be feeling. Civil War is not an action thriller. Instead, most of its action scenes—if not most of its scenes—play out in total silence, with maybe the occasional song playing on the car radio. This silence allows the action to play out loud and clear and for emotions to be evoked naturally without manipulation from the soundtrack.

While the prospect of a modern-day America divided by war is intriguing, the actual war itself merely serves as a set dressing for the film’s narrative. We, as an audience, are never explicitly told why America has become the way it is, why people are fighting, and what causes they are fighting for. As such, we have no idea which side of this Civil War are the good guys and which are the bad. Everything concerning the film’s politics is essentially left up to audience interpetation. What results is a political movie that’s curiously apolitical.

While most critics have lambasted Civil War for being “apolitical”, it’s quite evident the filmmakers are less interested in telling a political drama and more about a character-building journey involving the main characters as they venture across war-torn America to get their story. Essentially, it’s imagining a story about foreign war correspondents covering a war in America. If that’s the story the film wants to tell without political distraction, more power to it.

The problem, then, is with the characters themselves—that is, they don’t have much character. They’re less fully-fledged characters and more common archetypes: the main world-weary

protagonist, the gung-ho macho man who’s in it for the action, the old-timey elderly mentor, and the plucky wide-eye youngster with big dreams but little experience. On the one hand, these common archetypes allow us to dive straight into the story without much needed backstory or exposition, but, on the other hand, with only 1/4s of the cast experiencing any real character growth, this character-driven story has very little character driving it along.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-octane action with plenty of explosions and chase scenes, o you’re looking for an overt allegory about the current political landscape, this movie is not for you. But if you want a calmer, quieter, yet more harrowing ride though a hypothetical war-torn America, then consider checking out this movie.

Notice of Sale

Staff Reporter
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Notice of Sale

Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after May. 15th at 10:00 a.m. at storageauctions.com Units belonging to the following:

CUSTOMER NAME:

Patrick Humphrey

Priscilla Marion

Aimee Poirier

Kyle A Miller

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. *Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. 

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