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Save the Date for the Next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* Class

Staff Reporter
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Save the Date for the Next Polk County Sheriff’s Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* Class

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.

First Public Hearing and Budget Meeting for Winter Haven to be Hosted on Tue. Sept. 10

Staff Reporter
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First Public Hearing and Budget Meeting for Winter Haven to be Hosted on Tue. Sept. 10

First Public Hearing and Budget Meeting for Winter Haven to be Hosted on Tue. Sept. 10

by James Coulter

 

Winter Haven City Commissioners not only voted to set the date of the first public hearing for next year’s city budget on Tue. Sep. 10, but also approved to set the tentative millage rate at 6.5 mills and carry over outstanding encumbered purchase orders into next year’s budget.

 

At their recent meeting on Mon. July 23, the Winter Haven City Commission voted unanimously on an ordinance to set the date for the first public hearing and budget meeting for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 on Tue. Sep. 10.

 

Originally, the date for that meeting was Mon Sep. 9. However, that date was changed to the next day as not to conflict with the hearing dates of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) or the School Board.

 

That same ordinance approved the tentative millage rate for next fiscal year at 6.5900 mills. However, the city may consider implementing a calculated current year rolled-back millage rate of 6.2912 mills.

 

“Based upon the Certification of Taxable Value provided by the Property Appraiser’s Office, the City’s 2024 gross taxable value is $4,745,881,925,” C.J. Scott, Chief Financial Officer, wrote in the memo for the ordinance.

 

“This represents an increase of $480,114,604 or 11.26% increase over the 2023 gross taxable value,” he continued. “At a 96.50% collection rate, along with City funding of the Community Redevelopment Areas, the anticipated ad valorem is $27,793,715.”

 

Earlier that evening, city commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that would carry forward outstanding encumbered purchase orders from this fiscal year into next fiscal year’s budget.

 

“The…commitments for certain goods, services, or projects were encumbered in the fiscal year but were not completed prior to the end of the fiscal year,” Scott wrote.

 

“Proper accounting procedures require that the encumbrance amounts should be appropriately adjusted in the budget for the new fiscal year to reflect the ongoing commitments,” he further elucidated.

 

The first public hearing date for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget will be hosted on Tue. Sep. 10, 2024 at 6 PM in the John Fuller Auditorium in City Hall, 451 Third Street N.W. in Winter Haven.

 

Live video of the meeting will be streamed on the City of Winter Haven’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cityofwinterhavenfl

Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Horrific Crash Last Week

Carl Fish
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Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Horrific Crash Last Week

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives from the agency’s Traffic Homicide Investigations have arrested the driver who caused a fatal crash in Davenport on Friday, July 19, 2024.

36-year old Tiffany West of Orlando was arrested Wednesday, July 24th and taken to the Polk County Jail. She was charged with Vehicular Homicide (F2).

Detectives were able to calculate West’s vehicle had been traveling between 72-79 mph (at a minimum) in a 30 mph zone.

39-year old Alicia Carmona was ejected during the crash, and she died at the scene.

Carmona’s two children were also injured.

“I am happy to say that the two children have been released from the hospital and they are now living with their aunt. They still have some physical injuries to recover from, but even worse for them is that they lost their mother due to the irresponsible actions of Tiffany West.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

A sample of West’s blood was taken after the crash, and it was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be tested. PCSO detectives noted that West showed signs of impairment Friday night, and they anticipate that DUI Manslaughter and other charges are likely once the results of the blood test are received.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE SENT OUT ON JULY 20, 2024:

Speed and impairment suspected factors in fatal crash near Davenport

 

A single-vehicle crash near Davenport on Friday, July 19, 2024, resulted in the death of one person, and injuries to three others.

 

The crash occurred at around 7:54 pmon North Ridge Trail, and is being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations.

 

The preliminary investigation has found that a 2024 Nissan sedan left the roadway at a 90-degree corner while traveling at a high-rate of speed. The vehicle went over a guardrail, through a fence, and struck a tree. 

 

One of the passengers was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. She was identified as 39-year old Alicia Carmona of Jacksonville.

 

Ms. Carmona’s two children—a 15-year old girl, and a 10-year old boy, were injured. They were both taken to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

 

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 36-year old Tiffany Alexander West of Orlando. Ms. West was transported to a hospital with facial fractures.

 

A THI detective observed signs of impairment from Ms. West, and a sample of her blood was obtained for testing.

 

The crash remains under investigation, and criminal charges are expected.

 

North Ridge Trail was closed for about five hours while detectives worked at the scene.

 

Structure Fire Reported at Lake Ned Village Circle in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
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Structure Fire Reported at Lake Ned Village Circle in Winter Haven

Update- Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed no active fire. At 8:45 pm, firefighters reported the scene under control. Refrigerant leak reported.

Property management was contacted. Fridge has been unplugged.

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Around 8:30 pm this evening, a call came in regarding a structure fire at Lake Ned Village Circle in Winter Haven.

This is a 2 story home in the apartment complex.

Dispatching to the scene are BC005, WHEN3 and WHTW1. En route also are MD329 and SF501.

It was reported that light smoke is coming from freezer door.

Occupants have evacuated structure.
No reported injuries.

We will update this article if any significant updates come in.

FWC’s Wild Turkey Summer Survey Seeking Sightings Through August 31

Staff Reporter
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FWC’s Wild Turkey Summer Survey Seeking Sightings Through August 31
Photo courtesy of Glenn Whittington, www.myfwc.com

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, better known as the FWC, is asking for the community’s assistance in spotting and reporting wild turkey sightings.

By participating in their annual Wild Turkey Summer Survey, biologists at the FWC can learn more about nesting success, brood survival, and distribution/abundance of this important species.

Participate in the Summer Brood Survey and report wild turkey sightings each year from June 1 – August 31.

Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state. In Polk County, the Osceola species of turkey is prevalent and native to our area.

Nesting success can vary each year based on several factors including weather conditions, predation, and habitat characteristics/quality. Fluctuations in nesting success and brood survival strongly influence wild turkey populations. When reproduction in a given year kick is good, populations tend to increase in subsequent years.

Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a larger regional study designed to provide more insight into the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. The information, combined with harvest data, lets FWC biologists scientifically manage the wild turkey population—ensuring we have a thriving population now and in the future.

To report the sighting of a wild turkey through August 31, please visit:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1c366cbb1dda4187b245d706b5887849

In Loving Memory of Joann Ruth VanDeusen, 88

Staff Reporter
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In Loving Memory of Joann Ruth VanDeusen, 88

Joann Ruth VanDeusen, 88

Joann Ruth VanDeusen of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at The Club in Lake Wales.

She was born April 6, 1936,in Teaneck, New Jersey to the late George and Ruth Stoever. She spent most of her life raising her family in Hollywood, Florida before relocating to Frostproof in 1991. Joann was a homemaker and a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Frostproof. She was an artistic person who enjoyed doing crafts and often attended craft shows with her husband Dick. Joann loved flowers and going to garage sales.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Richard VanDeusen in August of 2009; and sister, Irene Raum. She is survived by her daughters, Missy Maxwell and husband Scott of Frostproof, and Gail Gorman and husband Steve of Fort Lauderdale; son, John VanDeusen of Avon Park; brother, David Stoever and wife Sue of Tennessee; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship in Frostproof with Pastor John Eissigman officiating. Interment will take place at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor can be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Fellowship Children’s Ministry (Post Office Box 11, Frostproof, Florida 33843). 

Frostproof City Council Meeting Set For Secondary Discussion On Proposed RV Park at Crooked Lake

Staff Reporter
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Frostproof City Council Meeting Set For Secondary Discussion On Proposed RV Park at Crooked Lake
Proposed RV park would be near the intersection of Cody Villa Rd. And Wes Mann Rd. In Frostproof

The Frostproof City Council will meet on August 5, 6 p.m. at City Hall for a secondary discussion on the proposed RV park at Crooked Lake in Frostproof. A final vote is planned.

The proposed RV park, consisting of 89 RV sites, is near the intersection of Cody Villa Road and Wes Mann Road in Frostproof.

The property is owned by Landdaly, LLC; the company is seeking to rezone the land from agricultural to city RV park, according to Frostproof Vice Mayor, Austin Gravley.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting and will be given the opportunity to speak prior to the vote.

City Hall, the location for the meeting, is located at 111 West 1st Street, Frostproof.

Meaningful Movement Group Hosting 4th Annual Back to School Bash

Staff Reporter
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Meaningful Movement Group Hosting 4th Annual Back to School Bash

Meaningful Movement Group is hosting its 4th annual Back to School Bash August 2nd and August 3rd.

Two locations:

August 2 at Lake Maude Park. Address is 1751 7th Street NE in Winter Haven

August 3 is at The Dream Center. Address is 635 W 5th Street in Lakeland.

Free bookbags & supplies for all!!

12-5pm

Assistant Chief of Administration promotion for Lakeland Fire Department

Staff Reporter
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Assistant Chief of Administration promotion for Lakeland Fire Department

The Lakeland Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Brown as the new Assistant Chief of Administration, effective July 28, 2024.

Matt Brown

Assistant Chief Brown brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service, with more than 25 years of experience in fire service and administration. In his new role, Assistant Chief Brown will be responsible for managerial and administrative work, assisting in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Fire Department’s Administrative division.

Fire Chief Doug Riley is confident in Assistant Chief Brown’s abilities, stating, “Matt’s extensive experience and dedication make him a great candidate for this position. We are excited to have him on our executive leadership team and are optimistic about the impact he will have on our department and the community we serve.”

Assistant Chief Matt Brown has been integral to the Lakeland Fire Department for many years. In 1999, he began his career with the Lakeland Fire Department. Assistant Chief Brown served as a firefighter until 2005 when he was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2016, he was appointed as the department’s first Training Captain, and in 2022, he was promoted again within the Training Division to Training Chief.

Assistant Chief Brown previously served as the coordinator for the department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and SWAT Paramedic teams. He holds certifications as a Fire Officer II, Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor III, Live Fire Instructor I, State Pump Operator, and Paramedic. Chief Brown is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Managing Fire Officer (MFO) Program and the Florida Fire Chief’s Association Emergency Services Leadership Institution (ESLI). In addition to these professional certifications, he is a principal committee member for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 and NFPA 1021 committees, providing recommendations for national standards on Technical Rescue and Professional Qualifications for Fire Officers. Chief Brown also serves as the Work Group Leader for the State Technical Rescue Teams.

“I am honored to accept the position of Assistant Chief of Administration,” said Matt Brown. “I look forward to continuing to serve the Lakeland community and working alongside the dedicated members of the Lakeland Fire Department to enhance our services and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”

In addition to his work at the Lakeland Fire Department, Chief Brown is actively involved in serving his community. He is a dedicated member of the Lakeland Rotary Club and a graduate and member of Lakeland Leadership Class XXXIII.

Chief Brown has received multiple Firefighter of the Year awards on local and state levels for two heroic off-duty actions and his community service. In 2016, he was honored with the American Legion National Firefighter of the Year award for related incidents.

The Lakeland Fire Department is unwavering in its commitment to providing exceptional emergency services and ensuring the safety of the community. With the appointment of Matt Brown as Assistant Chief of Administration, the department is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and commitment to public safety.

Auburndale Police Department Accepting Back to School Donations and Serving Up Meals at Upcoming Local Event

Staff Reporter
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Auburndale Police Department Accepting Back to School Donations and Serving Up Meals at Upcoming Local Event

POSTPONED- details to come

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Exciting news from Auburndale Police Department:

Hey Auburndale!

Your favorite officers are trading in their badges for aprons Saturday, August 3rd!

Swing by 321 E. Lake Ave! The Brack Shack Bar & Grill is reopening, and we’re jumping in to serve up some tasty BBQ! Additionally, there will be live music!

  • Lunch: 11AM-2PM
  • Dinner: 5PM-8PM

We’re also kicking off a back-to-school drive. Bring along some school supplies to donate and help our local kids start the year off right!

Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe snap a selfie with your favorite officer-turned-chef.

See you there, Auburndale!

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