Let’s face it; the summer heat is only going to get worse in the coming weeks. August is prime humidity season, the kids will be starting back to school and ramping up their activity level, and temperatures will remain high for the foreseeable future.
The person in this photo, taken by Lake Wailes last week, was clearly taking a break, and she had the right idea.
It’s a good time to share some tips on staying cool:
The biggest thing is staying hydrated. Sipping water throughout the day and not waiting until you’re thirsty is key. Hydrating well is even more important if you’re exerting yourself as you lose precious fluids faster. So fill up and carry that water bottle.
Along those lines, if you care for small children or older adults, be a good advocate for them and make sure they’re staying hydrated.
Obviously, hanging out in an air-conditioned space is ideal. Take it one step further, and use curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. This will help your home to stay cooler longer, while saving money and energy. If your home is not air-conditioned, shade is tremendously important, as is a fan if possible. The latter may not be enough during an extreme heat event. In general, staying out of direct sunlight will go along way to keeping your body temperature cooler.
Try to limit your outdoor activities to earlier in the morning and later in the evening, when the sun is not at its peak. It makes a huge difference to both temperature and comfort.
Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing that reflects rather than absorbs heat. Cotton is an excellent breathable fabric that most of us have in the closet. And of course, sunscreen with a high SPF will help to keep your skin from burning.
Don’t forget about your pets. They should have access to cool, fresh water during the day so they can also stay hydrated. If they have to be outside, shade is a must.
If you take prescription medication, be aware that some medicines do not pair well with direct sunlight.
If your body warms too much or too quickly, heat exhaustion can develop. Symptoms can include cool, clammy skin, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, a fast or weak pulse, weakness, dizziness, and vomiting.
So stay cool, stay hydrated, and look after your friends and neighbors.
For more information about heat exhaustion, or ways to stay cool, please visit www.cdc.gov.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation at Saddle Creek Park and Gator Creek Preserve in response to complaints of lewd activity.
On July 25, 2024, at approximately 9:25 AM, a PCSO undercover detective was approached by 67-year-old Pablo Coronado at Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland. After a brief conversation, Coronado made unsolicited physical contact and expressed willingness to engage in sexual acts. The detective arrested Coronado without incident.
“This is a family park, a place where parents bring their children to make pleasant memories. They don’t want their children witnessing behavior like this. That’s why we do these undercover operations at various parks across the county. We want our community to be a safe place for parents to raise their children.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Upon his arrest, Coronado expressed remorse and admitted to going to the park to commit lewd acts. He was issued a 10-year trespass warning for all Polk County Parks.
Coronado was charged with offering/agreeing to commit a lewd act (M2) and simple battery (M1) and was transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident.
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LAKE WALES – On July 18, 2024, the Lake Wales Police Department arrested Luis Mauric Arbelaez Betancur (DOB 04/18/97) of Dale Ann Dr., Haines City with driving under the influence. Arbelaez was reportedly witnessed falling off his motorcycle.
Below is the arrest affidavit:
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the LWPD. 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 Lake Wales Daily 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:
“On 7/18/24, I responded to Scenic Hwy S and Alvina Ave in Lake Wales in reference to Officer Jerome witnessing a male driver fall off his motorcycle and appearing to be intoxicated. Upon arrival I made contact with Luis Betancur. While speaking with Betancur, I observed a strong order of alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, as well as slurred speech, dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. Betancur appeared to have trouble maintaining his balance, as he constantly had to catch his footing to prevent from falling over. I informed Betancur that he appeared to be under the influence and asked if he would be willing to participate in standardized field sobriety tasks, to which he agreed.
“I then conducted the horizontal gaze nystagmus task. During the test, I observed lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, as well as sustained and distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. During the task, Betancur was unable to keep his head still and had to be repeatedly reminded to keep his head facing forward and to follow the stimulus with his eyes only.
“After conducting the horizontal gaze nystagmus task, I escorted Betancur to a leveled area to conduct the walk and turn task. After instructing Betancur to stand with his right heel against his left toe and maintain that position with his hands by his side, Betancur was unable to maintain his balance. I terminated the walk and turn task without having him complete it out of concern that he would be at risk of falling were he to attempt the task. Additionally, Betancur was limping which he claimed was from an injury sustained during work.
“I then conducted the one leg stand task. I instructed Betancur to stand with his feet together with his hands by his side. After reciting the instructions for the task, Betancur acknowledged that he understood them. During the task, Betancur was unable to keep his balance and swayed from side to side while counting. Betancur also raised his arms more than 6 inches and put his foot down on the ground on multiple occasions.
“I also conducted the finger to nose task with Betancur. During the task, after acknowledging he understood the instructions, Betancur did not tilt his head back as instructed, nor did he return his hand back to his side after touching his nose as was instructed. Betancur also missed his nose several times using the tip of his finger.
“Based on the clues I observed from Betancur, I placed him under arrest for driving under the influence and transported him to the Sheriff’s Processing Center. Post-Miranda, Betancur admitted to consuming alcohol, stating he had one beer. While en route to the processing center, Betancur was consistently hostile towards me, making numerous lewd and derogatory remarks. Betancur, also on numerous occasions, asked me to “Take off [my] badge” and fight him. He also banged his head on the partition, falsely claiming the brakes were being slammed.
“Upon arrival at the processing center, Deputy Warren from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to conduct a breathalyzer test. I conducted a 20-minute observation period beginning at 0410 hours and ending at 0430 hours. At 0432 hours, Betancur consented to a breath test; the first sample showed 0.123g/210L of breath, the second sample showed 0.110g/210L of breath.
“After Deputy Warren completed the breath test with Betancur, I issued a Uniform Traffic Citation for Driving under the influence. When I presented the citation to Betancur, I informed him that he was required to sign the citation; acknowledging it, to which he refused to sign. I then read the warning on the citation stating he would receive a criminal charge for refusing to sign. Betancur stated, “Go ahead and charge me with it then,” and willfully refused to sign the citation.
“Based on the above facts, I believe probable cause exists to charge Betancur with 1 count of Driving under the influence above 0.08g/210ml, F.S.S. 316.193 (1)(C), and 1 count of Refuse to Accept/Sign Citation, F.S.S. 318.14(3).”
Betancur was released on bond July 22, 2024 pending a 9/3/2024 court date.
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A call was received by Polk County Fire Rescue at 3:12 p.m. today to report a traffic collision at 4560 Hwy. 60 W in Lake Wales, west of the railroad crossing.
According to PCFR, two people were transported for medical attention, one by helicopter and one by ambulance.
We are advised that Hwy. Was closed briefly but is currently open in both directions.
Neither PCFR nor the Polk County Sheriff’s Office could provide any additional details at this time.
Steve Bishop, 72, of Winter Haven passed away on July 16. Born in Lake Wales, Florida he was a lifelong resident.
He loved fishing and would go any chance he could get. Steve was a simple man and loved working in his yard. He was a huge NASCAR fan and was Dale Earnhardt’s number one fan.
Steve is preceded in death by his mom, Annie Bishop; his loving wife of 32 years, Carol Bishop. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Martin. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
There will be a celebration of life held at a later date.
Obituary for Randy Eugene Abell May 17th, 1959 – July 2nd, 2024
Randy Eugene Abell, 65, of Bartow, Florida passed away July 2, 2024. He was born May 17, 1959 in Sterling, Illinois to Charles and Ida Abell.
Randy was preceded in death by:
2- baby sons: Daniel and Heath Abell
2- Nephews: Andrew Abell and Billy Abell
Father: Charles Abell
Mother: Ida Alberta Abell
He was Survived by:
1- Daughter: Jennifer Abell
3- step daughter: Cristy & husband Mikey Sears. Billie Loper. Amanda & husband Chris Rose
7- Brothers: Roy Abell. Jack Abell. Bill & wife Judy Abell. Dave & Coriene Abell. Bob & Vickie Abell. Terry & Edie Abell. Jeff & Amanda Abell.
Many beloved Nieces & Nephews
18- Grandchildren
2- great grandchildren
and uncountable amount of Friends.
Randy was loved by all….He had an infectious smile & beautiful blue eyes. It was instant love for us, my soul mate. He was a hard working man and fun at the same time, He was the cool guy. now we have an Angel named Rando. he will be greatly missed
When you start your running career at the age of 5, it seems like there’s nowhere to go but up. In the case 14-year-old Ra’nasia Simmons, she’s set her sights high and has earned a place at the Junior Olympics where she will compete starting on July 29.
The Bok Academy South student got her running start in elementary school, says her mother, Kendra Howard.
“Back in kindergarten, her dad had put her into an event, and she won first place. And it basically started there. She has the speed, she’s just talented, and naturally blessed with ability.”
Ra’nasia Simmons
She started training and competing with the AAU track team, an organization founded in 1888 that is dedicated to establishing standards and uniformity in amateur sports. Simmons currently runs with the Lake Wales Fury.
Howard, who also has two other children, is exceedingly proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and perseverance.
“She’s been running ever since that first race in kindergarten,” says Howard.
During the Junior Olympic trials earlier this year, Simmons qualified for the 100m and 200m races.
Simmons is pretty serious about sports and competition, as she also plays softball. At the time of the writing of this article, she was at the softball World Series in Clearwater, according to Howard.
Competing in sports requires great physical, mental, and financial stamina. Families whose children compete in these types of events are often saddled with the cost of transportation, housing, equipment, and training to assist their children and getting them to the highest level.
While these types of costs are challenging, the family focus has been to allow Simmons the opportunity to showcase her skills and dedication on the national level that will be televised. Donations and sponsorship can, in the future, help her get to the next level.
When Simmons finishes her studies at Bok Academy South she plans on going to Lake Wales High School and continuing to train and compete at the highest levels she can.
“She wants to go hard and win and bring the medal back home,” Howard says of Simmons’ Junior Olympic goals, which include going to the Olympics one day.
“I see her heart for running, she’s very humble, and sweet. I see it. She’s truly a blessing.”
The next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for August 3rd.
Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.
This upcoming class is set for Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. – Noon, at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operation Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd near Winter Haven.
The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.
Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.
The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.
NEXT CLASS: Saturday, August 3rd PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to [email protected], and please include your name and phone number.
And check out our calendar https://www.polksheriff.org/events and our website https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services for more information! You can also contact the team at 863-298-6677 or [email protected] with any questions.
*Personal Safety: Common sense safety tips are presented on how to avoid being the victim of a crime.
*Women’s Basic Self-Defense: Learn basic safety tips and techniques to enable women to escape less than desirable situations.
