Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 26 During Operation: KARMA, a round-up of non-compliant sexual offenders

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March 22, 2019

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 26 During Operation: KARMA, a round-up of non-compliant sexual offenders

PCSO Press Release:
On Monday, March 18, 2019, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives in the Special Victims Response Team (SVRT) began a 3-day special investigative operation aimed at ensuring compliance with Florida’s registration laws for convicted sex offenders and sex predators (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435) within Polk County called Operation: KARMA.

Convicted sex offenders and sex predators are required by Florida law to register and maintain updated information regarding the following identifying information: name; social security number; age; race; sex; date of birth; height; weight; tattoos or other identifying marks; hair and eye color; photograph; address of legal residence (or temporary residence); electronic mail addresses; Internet identifiers and each Internet identifier’s corresponding website homepage or application software name; home telephone numbers and cellular telephone numbers; employment information; driver’s license or Florida ID information; the make, model, color, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license tag number of all vehicles owned.

The focus of the operation was to investigate whether or not convicted sexual offenders and predators were properly registering and notifying the Sheriff’s Office regarding vehicles owned and/or registered to them, or someone living in their residence. While some were found to be compliant, the investigation found many of them owned and/or possessed an unregistered vehicle in violation of the law. The investigation also found some who were in violation of other requirements of the law (FSS 775.21 & 943.0435), such as (but not limited to) registering a home address, employment, internet identifiers, or social media accounts.

“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office works hard to keep track of convicted sexual offenders and predators who reside here. We also monitor whether or not they remain compliant with the law. The Florida legislature has determined that there is a public safety interest in keeping track of sex predators and offenders. They are required to register and maintain identifying information with state and local law enforcement agencies. There are too many who are not complying with the law. The big question I have is why are these people not reporting these cars or their online identities? They are apparently up to no good and we are going to hold them accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The following is a list of those arrested and a summary of their offenses:

Titus Finley, 24, of 348 Honey Bee Lane, Polk City. Finley is a juvenile sexual offender based on a 2010 conviction for Sexual Battery by a Juvenile, Victim under 12 years of age. A review of Finley’s sexual offender registrations revealed no recent registered vehicles owned. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Buick sedan. Finley was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Mario Smith, 43, of 3121 Filly Lane, Lakeland. Smith is a sexual predator based on a 2003 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Battery, Victim 12 to 15 years of age, and a 2015 conviction for Produce, Direct, Promote Sexual Performance by a Child. A review of Smith’s sexual offender registrations revealed he has never registered a vehicle. It was determined that Smith vacated his residence, and failed to register his newly established residence. He also failed to obtain an updated Identification Card with the DHSMV. Smith was charged with three counts of Sexual Predator – Failure to Provide Required Information (F3).

Anthony Turpin, 51, of 921 Kenbar Street, Haines City. Turpin is a sexual predator based on a 1992 conviction for Sexual Battery/Not Likely to Cause Injury and a 1998 conviction for Lewd, Lascivious Child under 16 years old. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register three vehicles. He also failed to register an employment and a temporary residence. Turpin was charged with three counts of Sexual Predator – Failure to Provide Required Information (F3).

Heather Goodman, 43, of 1205 Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland. Goodman is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction in the State of Iowa for Assault to Inflict Serious Injury on a 16-year-old victim. Through investigation, it was determined she failed to register a Mazda sport utility vehicle. She also failed to complete her mandated sex offender registration for January 2019. Goodman was charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Craig Osborne, 39, of 3492 Jarrod Lane, Lakeland. Osborne is a sexual offender based on a 2003 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Molestation, Victim 12 to 15 years old, with a sentence enhancement for impregnating the female victim under 16 years of age. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Toyota Camry. He was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Charles McClain, 47, of 2965 New Tampa Highway, Lot #6, Lakeland. McClain is a sexual offender based on a 1993 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious – Victim under 16 years of age. McClain also has a prior conviction for failing to comply with sex offender registration laws. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Cadillac Deville, and also failed to register a temporary address. McClain’s unregistered Cadillac was located a block away where he hid it prior to meeting with detectives. He was charged with two counts of Failure of Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Gregory Goutremont, 45, of 4809 Highway 92 East, Lakeland. Goutremont is a sexual offender based on a 1996 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious – Child under 16 years of Age. Goutremont never registered an Internet Identifier. A subsequent social media search confirmed Goutremont possessed an unregistered account on Facebook. Goutremont was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

John McBride, 30, of 4870 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland. McBride is a sexual offender based on a 2008 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Sexual Battery, Victim 12 to 15 years of age. McBride possessed and actively used an unregistered Facebook account which violated the terms of his probation. He was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3) and Violation of Probation (F3).

Emilio Flores, 42, 0f 360 Begonia Court, Kissimmee. Flores is a sexual offender based on a 2004 conviction for Sexual Battery Not Likely to Cause Injury. Through investigation, it was determined that he failed to register a Saturn, and two other vehicles that were at his residence. Flores was charged with three counts of Failure of Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Demetric Givens, 40, of 510 Redgrave Road, Davenport. Givens is a sexual offender based on a 2002 conviction for Lewd or Lascivious Battery, Victim 12-15 Years Old. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register two vehicles. He also possessed and actively used an unregistered Facebook account. Givens was charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Shepard Tinsley, 37, of 5891 Fox Haven Drive SE, Winter Haven. Tinsley is a sexual offender based on a 2014 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Battery Sex with Victim 12-15 Years Old. Tinsley has never registered an Internet Identifier, but he was found to possess and actively use an unregistered Facebook account and an unregistered Instagram account. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register three vehicles. Tinsley was charged with six counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Michael Gonzales, 37, of 124 Tremont Drive SE, Winter Haven. Gonzales is a sexual offender based on a 2012 conviction for Use Internet to Solicit/Attempt to Solicit a Child for Sex/Lewdness. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register two vehicles and possessed and actively used an unregistered Facebook account. Gonzales was charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Terry Bradshaw, Jr., 48 of 7760 White Road, Lake Wales. Bradshaw is a sexual offender based on a 2002 conviction out of the State of Virginia for Aggravated Sexual Battery. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register two vehicles. Bradshaw was charged with two counts of Failure of Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Michael Brown, 57, of 302 Quincy Street, Lakeland. Brown is a sexual offender based on a 2001 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Child under 16 years of age. Brown was fitted with a GPS monitor which revealed that he kept two permanent residences, both of which he failed to register. Brown also falsely reported a residence he where he did not reside. Michael Brown was charged with a total of five counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Joshua Smith, 25, of 4030 Homestead Drive, Lakeland. Smith is sexual offender based on a 2005 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Molestation-Victim under 12 years of age – Offender under 18 years of age. Smith has prior convictions for Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws from 2013 and 2014. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Buick sport utility vehicle. Smith was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Ruben Perez, 47, of 5705 Tillman Road, Lakeland. Perez is a sexual offender based on a 2007 conviction for Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Kia Soul and a Dodge Ram pickup. Perez was charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Bobby Masters, 54, of 732 Tennessee Road, Lakeland. Masters is a sexual offender based on a 1999 conviction for Lewd or Lascivious -Child under 16 years of age. He has prior 2014 and 2016 convictions for Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck. Masters was charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Jose Mena, 39, of 4330 Stephanie Way, Bartow. Mena is a sexual offender based on a 2002 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Child under 16 years of age. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register four vehicles that were at his residence. Mena was charged with four counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Cory Cook, 39, of 1425 East Bay Street, Bartow. Cook is a sexual offender based on a 1998 conviction out for Lewd/Lascivious Child under 16 years of age. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register three vehicles that were at his residence. Cook was charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Adian Torres, 19, of 830 Indian Bluff, Winter Haven. Torres is a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction Sexual Battery by Juvenile/Victim Under 12 years of age. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register two vehicles at his residence. Torres was charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Douglas Robbins, 57, of 1861 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Road, Bartow. Robbins is a sexual predator based on a 1997 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious-Child under 16 years of age. He also has a 2008 conviction for Sexual Battery-Victim Physically Helpless to Resist. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Toyota Corolla and a motorcycle. He was arrested and charged with two counts of Sexual Predator-Failure to Register/Provide Required Information (F3).

Ventrell Martin, 36, of 1227 Nelson Park Court, Kissimmee. Martin is a sexual offender based on a 2004 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Battery/Sex with Victim 12-15 years old. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register four vehicles that were at his residence. Martin was arrested and charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Frederick Hardy, 53, – Transient: Detour Road and Water Tank Road, Lake Hamilton. Hardy is a sexual offender based on a 2006 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Battery – Sex with Victim 12-15 years old. On 01/13/2019, Hardy reported, a transient residence of Detour Road and Water Tank Road in Lake Hamilton. Because Hardy registered a transient residence he is required to report in person every 30 days to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He failed to report to the Polk County Sheriff Office to complete his 30-day transient registration and failed to update his transient address with the DHSMV. Hardy was charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws (F3). An arrest warrant was obtained for Hardy and he was arrested by the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office.

Brice Wells, 32 of 2337 Chat Street, Lake Wales. Wells is a sexual offender based on a 2015 conviction for Traveling to Meet Minor to Commit Unlawful Sexual Offense. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a vehicle that was at his residence. Wells was previously arrested for Violation of Probation and is currently incarcerated at the Sarasota County Jail. Wells is charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Laws.

Toby Davis, 40, of 769 Saddlewood Boulevard, Lakeland. Davis is a sexual offender based on a 2002 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious – Child under 16 years of age. He also has a 2009 conviction for Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws. Through investigation, it was determined he failed to register a Chevrolet pickup truck, a Ford Explorer, and a Dodge pickup truck. Davis is charged with three counts of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Rene Garza, 43, of 3108 3rd Street, Davenport. Garza is a sexual offender based on a 2004 conviction for Lewd/Lascivious Child Under 16 years of age. Garza owned and failed to register a white 2001 Ford van. Garza is charged with one count of Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Laws (F3).

Haus 820 Celebrates 2nd Birthday With Spring Market

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 20, 2019

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Haus 820 Celebrates 2nd Birthday With Spring Market

by James Coulter

More than one million marine animals, including sea turtles, are killed every year due to plastic debris, especially plastic straws, in the ocean, according to statistics from the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Bella Teresa, a local entrepreneur, knows this all too well, and wants to help do her part in helping sea turtles and other aquatic life by raising awareness and funds towards conservation efforts.

Teresa, along with her father, create and sell homemade bracelets, t-shirts, stickers, and other items, with a percentage of the proceeds from their sales going towards helping save ten sea turtle hatchlings.

Ever since she was younger, Teresa has had a love for the sea, especially sea turtles. Her mother was once part of the sea turtle patrol, so her love of sea turtles eventually grew on her, she said.

“We love for people to take notice that sea turtles are not being treated right, and it just raises awareness for sea turtles,” she said.

Teresa and her father have been running her business since September, and have sold and distributed their special homemade items at various events and venues such as Haus 820, the premier event venue in Central Florida.

She had once previously attended one of the markets at Haus 820, and was invited once again to attend their Spring Market hosted last Friday to celebrate the venue’s two-year anniversary.

“It has more than met expectations,” she said of the event. “At first it was little slow, but now people are starting to get here, and we talked to many people who seem to now appreciate sea turtles and go for the cause of saving them.”

Teresa was one of 50 vendors attending the special Spring Market that evening in celebration of Haus 820’s two-year anniversary. This market is one of four that the venue hosts quarterly to allow local vendors to showcase and distribute their wares.

From handmade soaps and lotions to terrariums and painted pottery, the event showcased a diverse array of local talents from local artisans, craftsmen, and chefs. Their quarterly markets usually draw in huge turnouts, with sometimes even five times the number of people, explained Christina Johnson, director of operations.

Aside from their markets, the venue also hosts various events, from wedding receptions to corporate events, which can house up to 500 guests seated or 1,000 guests standing, Johnson said.

Since opening two years ago, the venue has grown in leaps and bounds, with their clientele having doubled and their mass marketing having expanded, she said.

“Since we are non-exclusive, and we are a blank space, every event looks completely different, and that is the most satisfying, getting to see people enjoying their experience,” she said. “We want to keep going and provide a fun space for our community to gather.”

Many of the vendors that evening had been there for previous quarterly markets, but for many others, this was their very first time.

Dagen Hudson, owner of Sugar Daddy House of Cakes, was one such first-timer who was personally invited to participate that evening. Having moved from Kentucky, he was relatively new to the area and in need of publicity.

When not working his day job, he loves to partake in his personal passion of baking, including cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. His passion has since turned into a side business that he has been running for the past seven years.

“My kids inspired me,” he said. “They love that I am creative, that they can say that my dad made my birthday cake.”

Being able to attend the event that evening allowed him to meet many new people, especially potential clients, with the overall event more than meeting his initial expectations.

“I love it, this is a real good atmosphere, and a lot of people are nice, we had a real good turnout,” he said. “I love meeting the new people and other vendors.”

Haus 820 is located at 820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801. For more information, call 863-940-9639, or visit their website at: https://haus820.com/

Home Remecbdy Winter Haven Celebrates Grand Opening

Staff Reporter

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March 20, 2019

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Home Remecbdy Winter Haven Celebrates Grand Opening

By Allison Williams

Pictured from left to right:

Caleb Rist, Marilyn Lacey, John Amaral, Tori Harrison and baby Caleb Jr.

Home Remecbdy Winter Haven celebrated its grand opening earlier in March in Winter Haven. Marilyn Lacey, Owner/Educator shares what her business consists of.

“Our company sells CBD products,” Lacey said. “We have the largest selection in Winter Haven, possibly Polk County. We also take the time to educate customers about CBD.”

Home Remecbdy sells high quality, organically grown and processed CBD products.

“All CBD is not created equal,” Lacey explained. “Make sure that whomever you purchase from is using organic plants, extracting with a non-petroleum method and has a Certificate of Analysis on each product that they will share with you. CBD is health without the high.

”Home Remecbdy products can be found inside Country Primitive Vintage Market in Winter Haven. They are located at 251 Avenue A SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880.

Lacey classifies her business as “a store within a store.”

Business hours: Sunday through Monday (7 days a week) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To contact Home Remedy Winter Haven, call 863-662-3114 or email at [email protected].

To find them on Facebook, search Home Remedy Winter Haven. They can also be reached in person at the store.

14 Yr Old Charged With Bringing Pistol & Ammunition To Bok Academy

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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March 20, 2019

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14 Yr Old Charged With Bringing Pistol & Ammunition To Bok Academy

Lake Wales, Florida – A fourteen year old boy has been arrested and charged with two 3rd degree felonies for bring a pistol & ammunition to Bok Academy middle school in Lake Wales. The incident happened on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Here is the Polk County Sheriffs Office arrest affidavit:

“On 03/19/2019 at approximately 11:26am I was working at Bok Academy located at 13901 Hwy 27 Lake Wales. Bok Academy is a charter school with the Polk County School board. While patrolling the campus I was approached by Damian Moses (reportee) who is an administrator for the school. Mr. Moses advised a student reported that Daniel Michael (suspect) had a pistol in his backpack. Mr. Moses advised the suspect was currently in class and put the school on lock down.

Mr. Moses and myself went to the classroom where the suspect was located.

Contact was made with the suspect and I conducted a pat down of his person for any weapons. In the suspect’s left front pocket I located magazine fully loaded with .380 rounds. I asked the suspect where the gun was located and he stated the gun was in his book bag. Inside the book bag I located a Smith and Wesson .380 handgun. The gun was not loaded at the time I located it. The suspect was placed under arrest and then questioned about the incident.

The suspect advised he stole the gun from his grandfather after they went shooting. The suspect stated he was suppose to put the gun back in the safe, but he did not put the gun back in the safe only the box the gun goes in. The suspect also stated he brought the gun on campus to hide it from his grandfather. The suspect advised he has had the firearm for approximately one month. The suspect stated he gave the gun to his older brother during the past month to take it with him when he went to Chicago. The suspect stated that his older brother forgot the gun and his mother found it. The suspect stated his mother and other brother are convicted felons and can not have firearms so the suspect advised his mother gave him the pistol back and told him to hide it.

The suspect advised he did not intend on using the pistol on school grounds, which is why it was unloaded. The suspect did say he had the firearm in his waistband until second period when another student observed the firearm in his waistband. The suspect stated he then put the firearm in his book bag. ”

The suspect has no criminal history according to Juvenile Assessment Center. The suspect was arrested and transported to the JAC without incident. He is charged with Felony Grand Theft of A Firearm & Felony Possession Of A Firearm On School Property.

An automated message went out to parents just after the incident advising of contraband being found, but not specifically a gun.

Polk County Visitor Information Center Turns 12

Staff Reporter

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March 19, 2019

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Polk County Visitor Information Center Turns 12

by James Coulter

For the past 12 years, the Polk County Visitor Information Center (VIC) has been welcoming tourists arriving along Highway 27 and informing them about everything Polk County has to offer, including local attractions, resturaunts, and accommodations.

To celebrate turning 12 years old, the VIC hosted a Birthday Bash on Saturday morning, offering guests light refreshments, fun and games, vendors, and a special discounted ticket offer for local attractions.

The first 200 guests had the opportunity to partake within a “buy one, get one free” ticket offer to receive a free ticket to either LEGOLAND Florida or Bok Tower Gardens with a purchase of a ticket to a similar attraction.

Other festivities that day included inflatable bounce houses, balloon animals, carnival-style games and prizes, food trucks, and several local vendors, many of whom participate within the weekly farmer’s market every Thursday.

The “buy one, get one free” ticket more than surpassed expectations, allowing the event to become one of the highest-grossing within the VIC’s history, explained Justin Laferriere, VIC manager.

The VIC sells discounted tickets to local attractions such as LEGOLAND. When the VIC first opened 12 years ago, it had trouble selling tickets; but since then, ticket sales have remained lucrative and growing for the facility, Laferriere said.

Since opening 12 years ago, the center has been receiving 35 to 45 thousand guests per year. Their mission is to help turn those visitors into overnight customers for the county and encourage them to stay longer and spend more money, Laferriere said.

Moving forwards, Laferriere and his staff members hope that they will continue to offer quality service and information to visitors and encourage more to enjoy the best that the county has to offer.

“The service level that we offer has resonated very well with our visitors,” he said. “They say they have a better experience when they come here and talk with our staff. They are more educated and better prepared to have a good time while they are in Polk County, and they tend to come back and visit us again year after year.”

Celebrating with the VIC that day were several vendors from local community organizations. For example, the Polk County Library Cooperative (PCLC) at their booth helped advertise many of the programs and services offered throughout their 18 libraries and bookmobile.

One such service is a vending machine that dispenses various books and movies with the use of a library card. The machine has been at the VIC for the past seven years, and is the only one like it within the county. The VIC also hosts a book drop, allowing commuters along Highway 27 and I4 to deposit their books and other library materials on site.

“Having this relationship with the visitor center has been wonderful,” said Jennifer Kovac, Library Outreach Services Specialist. “Davenport is growing exponentially, and not having a brick and mortar building, it has been great to have this partnership and a library presence here to provide items and materials to the people who live over here.”

The VIC provides many other amenities, including a Sports Hall Of Fame, museum area, and playground. Every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., it hosts its weekly Farmer’s Market, allowing local vendors and farmers to sell their wares there.

Katie Clements is one such vendor who has been participating for the past month. She sells her fruit, including her strawberries and blueberries, all over the county, but decided to start selling at the farmer’s market.

“The first day, I did not do well at all, but when people realized I was coming here every Thursday, I have a lot of regulars now,” she said. “The Center is very helpful and very friendly and the center itself draws a lot of people in.”

The VIC is located at 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport, FL 33837. For more information, call 800-828-7655, or visit their website at https://visitcentralflorida.org/visitor-information-center.

You Won’t Believe How Long These Friends Have Been Playing Tennis Together

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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March 19, 2019

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You Won’t Believe How Long These Friends Have Been Playing Tennis Together

by James Coulter

Many things have changed within the past 25 years. But the more things change, the more things stay the same. Over at the tennis courts in Lake Wales, one thing that has remained constant has been the presence of two best friends.

Roy Johnson, owner of Southern Land Surveyors, and John Steedley, former owner of the Cash Connection, have been playing tennis together every Monday and Thursday evening for the past quarter century. Both have rarely, if ever, missed a game during that time.

Doesn’t matter how busy or packed the courts are. Doesn’t matter if the weather is good or bad. Doesn’t matter if it’s rain or shine. Nothing, save for perhaps a hurricane or tropical storm, has stopped these two from meeting at their regular time and playing a game of tennis together.

Their time at the tennis courts together has seen their games grow from two players to four, with the addition of two other friends, Greg Griffith and Dave Smith, both of whom have been playing along with them for the past 17 years.

These four local businessmen and good friends have shared the courts together consistently twice a week every week. However, with the initial two friends advancing in age, and with Smith planning on moving away to Las Vegas, they have since decided to hang up their rackets.

Their very last game was played on Thursday, March 7, thus ending nearly a quarter century of a personal, local tradition. The four gathered together with family and friends at Norby’s in Lake Wales for one final dinner to reminisce on the memories made and the games played.

For Johnson, what has allowed him and his good friends to play so many games for so many years have been the camraderie they have all developed with one another during that time, with them all growing close together almost like brothers.

“Without a doubt, it was the friendship that kept us going,” he said. “And it was great exercise. You show up because you know everyone is depending on you to show up, whether you feel like it or not.”

A lifelong Lake Wales native, Johnson has been playing tennis on and off most of his life as an amateur. He never took any tennis lessons, though he was once involved with an advanced amateur player who played at the local country club, he said.

There was a gap in his life where he stopped playing for 25 years. He began playing again once his daughter, back in her middle school years, became enrolled in tennis at school.

“I figured I had to step up my game if I would be able to stay even with her,” he said.

Seeking another player, he sought out his friend, Steedly, and asked to play with him. The two had been playing together over the past 25 years since then, he said.

Steedly himself, also a lifelong Lake Wales native, had been playing on the tennis courts most of his life. He practically grew up on those courts, he said. When he was asked to play with Johnson, he also had not played tennis for quite some time; so getting back into the game was a re-learning experience for both of them.

“He brought me on because I hadn’t played for a long time,” Johnson said. “He was better than I am—or at least he was.”

Since then, the two friends have met every Monday and Thursday evening to play at the Lake Wales tennis courts. Neither of them ever had to mark or check their calendars nor call the other beforehand. As certain as they were that the sun would rise and set that day, they knew they would meet each other on those courts for their regular games.

“We never had to call each other up asking when they will show up: we just knew that we would all show up that night,” Steedly said.

In fact, the only time the two would ever miss their scheduled tennis game, save perhaps sickness or injury, would be when either one left on vacation. It was during those rare times, even when they were enjoying their vacation, that they would express their longing for the game.

“Even when they were on vacation, he missed the fact that we he was missing a Monday night,” Johnson’s wife, Mary Ann, said, mentioning their one trip to Colorado a few years ago.

Steedly chuckled and remembered that time well: “He was on vacation one time and I called him telling him we has running late.”

The only people who knew more about their whereabouts during those times, other than their wives, were the tennis court staff. Even when the courts were busy that evening, especially with high school or college games, the staff members would save a court just for them, and they would even dry the courts off after a heavy rain, Steedly said.

Such a close camraderie the two formed during the past quarter century on the courts that they grew close like brothers. Of course, when the two entered a heated disagreement about the ball and where it landed, they acted much more like a married couple, Johnson said.

The more memorable games were those that either won against Smith. With him being the youngest member, he was also the most nimble, so being able to overcome his prowess was a victory well worth remembering, Johnson said.

“The most memorable shots are the ones you get past Dave and score points,” he said. “The most memorable games you played with Dave and win.”

Unfortunately, it was because of Smith that the two decided to hang up their rackets. With Smith moving to Las Vegas, along with their own advancing age, the two felt that it was high time to hang up their rackets and finally call it quits.

Being the youngest member of the group, Smith appreciated being able to gain experience from the two eldest members. He will miss being able to play tennis together with them, and will remember the moments they shared together fondly, he said.

“I enjoyed playing with these gentleman,” he said. “They are fine, fine tennis players. Even much better human beings. They made me a much better player, and they have all been great players the whole time…It has been a great experience, and I will love them through the rest of my life.”

As for their other member, Griffith, while Johnson and Steedly may be hanging up their rackets, and Smith is moving to Las Vegas, he plans on continuing playing tennis, and doesn’t plan to stop until his own body stops, he said.

“As far as retiring, I don’t think so,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a little left in there in the tank. Until anything physical stops me, I will continue on from here.”

Local State Farm® agent Ashley Marston Croley and Circle of Friends in Lake Wales are teaming up this month for the State Farm Quotes for Good program!

Staff Reporter

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March 19, 2019

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Local State Farm® agent Ashley Marston Croley and Circle of Friends in Lake Wales are teaming up this month for the State Farm Quotes for Good program!

Throughout March and April each person who contacts Croley’s office, requests an auto or fire quote and mentions Circle of Friends, the agent will donate up to $10 per quote back to the organization.

The Quotes for Good program was created for local State Farm agents to build relationships with local groups and organizations to help make a difference in their communities.

The Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, which provides enhancement to the lives of adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities in Lake Wales, Florida. They offer social, educational, and cultural activities for individuals with special needs and respite care to caregivers.

“I’m extremely excited to support such a great organization through Quotes for Good,” explained Croley. “This program is a great way for all of us to support our community. At the same time, our office can also provide customers with a comprehensive understanding of their insurance needs and coverage.”
To request a quote and support this program, please stop by Ashley Marston Croley’s office located at 116 S. 1st Street in Lake Wales, or call 863-676-2718.

Man Found Guilty Of Impregnating A Mentally Handicapped Frostproof Child

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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March 19, 2019

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Man Found Guilty Of Impregnating A Mentally Handicapped Frostproof Child

Frostproof, Florida – A Polk County jury found Carlos Carrizales, DOB: 11/19/1957, guilty of Incest, Sexual Battery on a child 12 years old or older, but younger than a 18 years old and Impregnation Of A Child.

Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies were assigned the case originally back in on 12/30/16 to conduct a an investigation concerning a significantly disabled victim being pregnant. The victim is non-verbal and unable to communicate. She was found to be pregnant during a doctor’s visit for unexplained weight gain.

As part of this investigation, Polk County Deputies conducted several interviews and collected DNA from
the males in the life of the child. Upon the birth of the baby DNA was collected from the baby. Unfortunately
there was no match to the original DNA collection. After additional interviews it was determined that two other males spent time in the home. One of those males was Carrizales. Deputies located Carrizales, interviewed, and DNA was collected. Carrizales denied sexual contact with the victim.

On, 11/06/17, upon receiving the FDLE results in this case, deputies discovered a positive match was found with I. Carlos Carrizales. The lab report showed a 99.99% match to Carrizales when comparing the baby and the mother’s DNA.
Deputies made contact with Carrizales at his residence on West Frostproof Rd. Frostproof, FL. At the time Carrizales declined to speak without a lawyer.

On March 8, 2019 the jury found Carrizales guilty of all charges. A sentencing hearing has been set for 04/29/2019.

Lakeland Man Found Guilty Of Aggravated Animal Cruelty & Abandonment

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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March 18, 2019

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Lakeland Man Found Guilty Of Aggravated Animal Cruelty & Abandonment

By Kaitlyn Peterson (State Attorney’s Office 10th District Public Information Officer)

Donald Black left his dogs in cages outside for multiple weeks without food or water.

When animal control located the dogs on Oct. 25, 2017, all five were in poor health and two were severely malnourished and underweight. Of the two dogs that were severely emaciated, veterinarians determined that one dog’s condition was so severe it needed to be euthanized.

Jurors deliberated for 90 minutes and found Black guilty Feb. 27 of aggravated animal cruelty and animal abandonment. He is facing up to five years in prison and will be sentenced on April 26.

Assistant State Attorney Ian MacAlister told jurors that it was an anonymous caller who first noticed the dogs were left outside in cages and reported it to law enforcement. They appeared to have been left there for a number of weeks.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies found four dogs locked in cages and covered in their own filth while the fifth dog, Bella, was lying on the ground next to the other dogs because she was unable to stand.

Bella weighed in at 21.7 pounds and tested positive for multiple parasite infestations. She also had an open sore on her hip from constant contact with the ground, as her legs were too weak to stand and she had been dragging herself across the yard.

Veterinarians determined that Bella’s severe condition was a result of neglect and decided she needed to be euthanized due to the extensive injuries she’d sustained.

Deputies determined Black was the dogs’ owner and took him into custody because his failure to care for the animals “resulted in the excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering,” according to the arrest affidavit.

At trial, the defense argued that the dogs were not Black’s and that they had been left there by someone else.

But MacAlister told the jury that Black was the only listed resident at the address where the animals were found.

“The evidence showed that he was the resident,” MacAlister said. “He had a responsibility to take care of those dogs that he failed to live up to.”

Putt Putt Pub Tournament Tees Up For Third Year

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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March 18, 2019

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Putt Putt Pub Tournament Tees Up For Third Year

by James Coulter

Steven Smith and his friends love to visit the various local bars in Winter Haven, especially the Apple Lounge. They play pool there every Thursday, and participate within the tournaments on Saturday.

They love these bars for the alcohol, though the food is equally good. Smith especially loves the wings at The Apple Lounge, with the food at Old Man Frank’s being a top contender for him, he said.

As big fans of these local establishments, Smith and his friends have been participating within the annual Putt Putt Pub Tournament ever since it first started three years ago.

This year, they competed as the team, Ballz Deep. Like the other teams, they visit each of the participating bars and take turns trying to hit a hole-in-one within a makeshift golf course. These holes especially tend to be hard, though the food and alcohol make it all worthwhile, Smith said.

Last year they managed to win first place as the grand champions. Regardless of whether or not they win, they always have fun doing so taking shots while also taking shots.

“Being able to play my tab has kept me going for the past three years,” he said. “It is a lot of fun, cheap, something to do on Saturday, we do it for the charity.”

For the third consecutive year, several local bars in Winter Haven hosted their annual Putt Putt Pub Tournament, an annual miniature golf tournament whose proceeds go towards benefiting the Women’s Resource Center of Florida in Winter Haven.

During this annual event, teams of four visit nine different bars in Winter Haven, including Apple Lounge, to try their luck with scoring a hole-in-one in a custom miniature golf hole. Aside from being given a chance to win grand prizes by scoring the highest, each player receives a complimentary beer at each location.

The inagural event three years ago drew in 20 teams. This year saw the turnout double in size with more than 40 teams participating, explained Jamie Bonifay, past president for the Women’s Resource Center.

“It has exceeded expectations,” she said. “We had more teams that registered early…we even had people we had to turn away because there was so many.”

Aside from offering participants a good time with beer, golf, and prizes, the event seeks to inform the general public about the Women’s Resource Center and the services and programs it offers the local community.

“We wanted to reach out to different populations in Polk County, and to introduce them to the Women’s Resource Center and make sure we are leveraging the resources that we can fundraise with,” she said. “It has been a success these past three years because everybody has a really good time.”

So successful has the event been within the past three years that other establishments in other cities such as Auburndale has reached out to ask for assistance creating similar events, Bonifay said.

For more than 30 years, the Women’s Resource Center in Winter Haven has been providing assistance to local women and other people need within the community, offering programs and services such as a food pantry, computer lab, and clothing and hygiene vouchers.

Cheryl Meade has been volunteering at the center for the past five years, overseeing the bookstore and serving as the director’s assistance. For the past two years, she has helped volunteer for the tournament, and she appreciates the funds raised for her organization.

“We love to see the interaction with the community and people coming together to help a center that may otherwise be overlooked,” she said. “I hear there is a lot more involvement this year, we have more teams, and it has always been a good turnout.”

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