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FHP Requests the Public’s Help in Identifying Driver and Occupants Involved in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-4

Carl Fish
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FHP Requests the Public’s Help in Identifying Driver and Occupants Involved in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-4

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is requesting assistance from the public to help identify a driver who fled the scene of a crash this week. On July 14, 2024, at approximately 11:00 A.M., FHP responded to a hit-and-run crash with serious injuries on 1-4 westbound at mile marker 67. While attempting to change from the center to the inside lane, the front right side of a red 2017 Chevrolet Camaro struck the left rear side of a white 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The impact from this collision caused the Hyundai to run off the roadway onto the right shoulder and overturn.

Following the collision, three occupants in the Camaro fled the scene on foot and were later picked up in a gray or silver colored vehicle, make and model unknown. Witnesses described the three occupants as black or Hispanic males possibly in their early 20s. The driver of the Hyundai, a 20-year-old female, was not transported from the scene.

If you have information regarding this crash, call *HP (*347) or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-

TIPS (1-800-423-8477).

Leaving the scene of a crash that results in property damage, injury, or death is against the law. The Florida Highway Patrol reminds Floridians about the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash and the challenges law enforcement face when investigating a hit-and-run crash. If involved in a crash, stay at the scene, call for help, and follow these steps:

Remain calm and ensure yourself and any passengers are okay.

If possible, move to the side of the road. If you get out of your vehicle, remove your keys, move off the roadway and remain in a safe area.

Check on others involved. Call 911 if anyone might be injured or a vehicle is inoperable.

If there are no injuries or major property damage, gather information. Obtain the name, driver license, insurance and tag information from the other drivers). Take photos of the vehicles and information if you can’t write it down and then file a report online.

Frostproof Farm Stand is Just a Stone’s Throw Away

Staff Reporter
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Frostproof Farm Stand is Just a Stone’s Throw Away
Stone Farm Stand; photo by Mikayla Stone

If you’re driving on Highway 630 E in Frostproof, there’s a good chance you will find a little piece of old Florida just around the corner.

Stone Farm Stand, started by Mikayla and Jim Stone in March of this year, is the result of pairing a way to gain a small income and indulging their daughters’ desire to have a stand.

“I am a stay at home mom, so I am always looking for a way to make a little extra money and my kids asked if they could do a smoothy stand,” says Mikayla.

“After seeing a… video of a family with a farm stand, I talked it over with my husband and we decided to try a farm stand and just see what happens! We opened the last week of March.”

The Stone family. Photo by Mikayla Stone

The family decided to maintain a regular schedule. The farm stand is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

“Each morning I get everything ready and stock the stand, post a picture so everyone can see what’s available, and then post it to our Facebook page since it is a little bit of a drive for some people,” Mikayla says.

Their offerings at the stand are varied, allowing would-be customers to shop the top and bottom of the stand, depending on what’s stocked that day.

“We offer a few different flavored artisan breads (cheddar jalapeno, everything seasoning, regular) and white sandwich bread, honey, jams, cowboy candy (candied jalapeños), small plants, even veggies from our garden,” says Mikayla. “We are still very new and trying to figure out what works best so we are constantly adding new things or taking away things that don’t get much action.”

Guests can show where they are from when they visit the stand. Photo by Mikayla Stone

The stand is not staffed, and relies on the honor system for payment. Once you make your selection, you can leave payment in a secure area, or pay with Venmo or CashApp, and be on your way. So far, it’s working out well.

“We have been overwhelmed by the honesty of everyone! It has truly showed us there are still so many good honest people in this world!”

The farm stand’s Facebook page has grown steadily since its inception and allows customers to check on what’s available. It’s also a great way to see feedback, as many buyers leave comments on the delectable goodies they’ve scored before selling out.

Comments include, “The creamed honey is amazing!”

“I got the cheddar jalapeño last weekend. Soooooo good!”

Shelves are stocked every Thursday through Sunday morning, and sometime during the day if it’s busy.

Mikayla is particularly grateful for the support the community has given their project.

“We love that our customers love our products! Our children are learning such important lessons and skills (baking, measuring, counting, growing produce, etc.).

“Everyone has given us positive feedback on the stand and the products.”

Stone Farm Stand is located at 7952 Hwy. 630 E, Frostproof. Follow the signs as GPS directions can vary.

Five Strategies for Improving Collections

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Five Strategies for Improving Collections

Businesses that operate in the retail or restaurant spheres have it relatively easy when it comes to collections. They generally take payments right at a point-of-sale terminal and customers go on their merry way. For other types of companies, it’s not so easy. Collections can be particularly difficult for business-to-business operations, which often find themselves in complex relationships with key customers. In these businesses, it’s often not as simple as “pay up or hit the road.”

If your company is dealing with slow-paying customers, which isn’t uncommon in today’s economic environment where everyone is trying to preserve cash flow, it helps to review the basics. Here are five tried-and-true strategies for increasing your chances of getting paid:

1. Request payment up front. For new customers or those with a documented history of collection issues, consider asking for a deposit on each order. This would generally be a small but noticeable percentage of the contract or order price. You could also explore the concept of asking for a service retainer fee, similar to how law firms typically operate. 

2. Charge fees. Most customers are likely familiar with the concept of late-payment fees from dealing with their credit card companies. Consider implementing fees or finance charges on past due accounts. Place extremely delinquent accounts on credit hold or adjust their payment terms to cash on delivery.

3. Reward timely payments. An effective collection strategy isn’t only about “penalizing” slow-paying customers. It’s also about incentivizing those who pay on time or who represent a potentially lucrative long-term relationship. Crunch the numbers to determine the feasibility of giving discounts to customers with strong payment histories or to those who have improved the timeliness of payments over a given period. 

4. Communicate proactively. Set up regular e-mail reminders and place live phone calls to customers who haven’t settled their accounts. If the employees who work directly with the delinquent customers can’t resolve payment issues, elevate the matter to a manager or even to you, the business owner. If necessary, consider executing a promissory note to prevent the customer from disputing the charges in the future. 

5. Get external help. If, after repeated tries, your collection efforts appear unsuccessful, it might be time to get outside help. This typically means engaging either an attorney who specializes in debt collection or a collections agency. View this as a last resort, however, because third-party fees may consume much of the collected amount and you’re unlikely to continue doing business with the customer. 

One last important point about collections: If an outstanding debt is uncollectible, you may be able to write it off on your tax return. Be sure to document each customer’s promises to pay, details of your collection efforts and why you believe the debt is worthless. 

Contact the office if you have questions about tax deductions and other collection activity. Or call for help improving your overall accounts receivable processes.

This article is sponsored by Accounting & Tax Edge

863-875-7853

Crash on Cypress Gardens Blvd With One Trauma Alert Patient & Others Injured

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Crash on Cypress Gardens Blvd With One Trauma Alert Patient & Others Injured

On July 18, 2024, calls came in just before noon for a traffic crash with injuries.

The traffic collision occurred on Overlook Drive SE & Cypress Gardens Blvd SE in Winter Haven. The crash involves one trauma alert and additional injuries.

Two ambulances are being utilized to aid and/or transport patients. Helicopter reportedly not being used.

We do not have details regarding any road blockage at this time.

Masterpiece Road Down To One Lane Today For New Power Pole Placement

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Masterpiece Road Down To One Lane Today For New Power Pole Placement
Photo by Maria Iannucci

Masterpiece Road in Lake Wales has one lane closed near Mammoth Grove Rd. as work is being done on new power pole placement.

The Florida Highway Patrol is on site to observe traffic. Proceeded with caution and slow down in this area as several construction workers are on and beside the roadway at work. Traffic is being directed by construction workers who are allowing alternate flow of traffic.

This will be an ongoing process, so proceed with caution in this area until work is complete.

Silly Sock Saturdays Fundraiser 7th Annual Sock Hop Fundraiser Sold Out!

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Silly Sock Saturdays Fundraiser 7th Annual Sock Hop Fundraiser Sold Out!

Silly Sock Saturdays Fundraiser 7th Annual Sock Hop Fundraiser Sold Out!

by James Coulter

What started as a class project not only transformed into a nationally-acclaimed non-profit organization, but also into one which became popular enough to sell out of tickets for its annual fundraiser.

Silly Sock Saturdays recently announced on Facebook that its 7th Annual Sock Hop Fundraiser, which will be hosted this Sunday at 3 PM at Venue 650 in Winter Haven, has sold out of tickets.

“Event is SOLD OUT!” a recent Facebook page stated. “There will be no ticket sales at the door! Thank you to ALL of the amazing sponsors! Thank YOU for your support! If you bought a ticket I can’t wait to see you on Sunday! Looking forward to a FUN event!”

Silly Sock Saturdays is a non-profit organization that delivers gift bags to children staying at Lakeland Regional Hospital. It was started by Zachary Kirkland as a class project at Bok Academy North in Lake Wales.

 

2023 Silly Sock Saturday event

Over the past seven years, Silly Sock Saturdays has transformed into a nationally-acclaimed non-profit, winning awards such as including Disney’s Be Inspired Award and a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

As for his success, Zach owes it to “the community around me who has always given so much support to me and has pushed me into a platform where I had the ability to give back and see the impact I was able to make.”

To learn more about Silly Sock Saturday, visit their website at: https://sillysocksaturdays.com

Zach Kirkland recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast. Listen to the podcast on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-39-silly-socks-trap-lords-wzack-kirkland-eddie-bower

Felony Warrant Obtained For Bendarious Kwatz Leaks

Staff Reporter
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Felony Warrant Obtained For Bendarious Kwatz Leaks

Winter Haven Public Safety Department – A felony warrant has been obtained for 23 year-old Bendarious Kwatz Leaks for multiple felony charges. If you know where he is, you can remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH reward.
On July 14, 2024, officers were dispatched to the area of 1570 Lake Howard Dr. in Winter Haven regarding a suspicious person who possibly had a firearm.
Leaks was located and when officers requested to search his bag, he consented. As the officer took the bag, Leaks fled and was not located. Ultimately, two firearms were located along with more than 40 grams of marijuana. It was also discovered that Leaks is a convicted felon. Charges include Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana and Resisting Officers Without Violence.


If you know where Leaks is, please contact Detective Riva at 863-837-9312.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

Police looking for Bendarious Kwatz Leaks
  • Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
  • From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
  • Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
    You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

FWC reminds boaters and divers to use and be on the lookout for divers-down flags

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FWC reminds boaters and divers to use and be on the lookout for divers-down flags
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters and divers to practice safe boating and diving habits by maintaining 360-degree awareness and adhering to all divers-down flag regulations.   

Divers-down flags and buoys are crucial warning devices used by divers and dive vessels to signal the presence of divers in the water. These devices must feature a divers-down symbol — a red rectangle or square with a white diagonal stripe — and must be prominently displayed whenever divers are wholly or partially submerged and using a face mask, snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.

“When navigating near a divers-down flag, boaters must operate at idle speed within 300 feet in open water or within 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “And divers need to stay within 300 feet of their properly displayed flags on open water and 100 feet on rivers, inlets or navigational channels.”

The divers-down symbol must measure at least 12 x 12 inches when displayed from the water, and at least 20 x 24 inches when displayed from a vessel, positioned at the highest point to maximize visibility. Flags must be constructed to remain fully unfurled, even in calm conditions, while buoys must display the symbol on each of their flat sides.

“In the summertime there is a lot going on out there and these regulations are important for divers to remember whether they are diving for scallops in north Florida, lobster in south Florida or recreationally throughout the state,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Vessel operators should be aware of what is going on around them at all times and be on the lookout for divers-down flags nearby. It’s also good to remember to take the dive flag down and wear a life jacket while underway. This is not just responsible boating and ensuring the safety of divers and the boating public – it’s also the law.”

Every year, the FWC responds to incidents where a diver was struck, injured or killed by a vessel. Working together, vessel operators and divers can each play a part in preventing tragedy on the water this summer.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/boating, click on “Boating Regulations,” and select “Divers-down Warning Devices.”

Boating violations may be reported anonymously to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the location and violation.

They Received an AED. Now They’re Paying it Forward

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They Received an AED. Now They’re Paying it Forward
Photo by Melanie Brown Culpepper

By James Coulter

The Lake Wales Moose Lodge received an AED. Now they want to “pay it forward” with a fundraiser to donate their own AED.

The Lake Wales Moose Lodge received an automated external defibrillator (AED), which was donated and installed by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) on Monday evening.

 Not only was this AED the 45th to be donated by CCF, but it was also the first AED donated with proceeds raised through Bingo For A Cause by Tanners Lakeside.

 Now, Lake Wales Moose Lodge wishes to return the favor by hosting a fundraiser so that they can “pay it forward” and donate their own AED through CCF.

 Melanie Brown Culpepper Bielke, CCF founder, mentioned on a Facebook post that the Moose Lodge’s administrator, Duane Anderson, had reached out to her in November requesting an AED for his organization’s facility.

“Their location had a lot of veterans that go there, and [it] would be a great place for one [an AED] to be placed at in case of an emergency,” Melanie wrote.

 

Photo by Melanie Brown Culpeper

Anderson was so humbled to have received an AED through CCF that he announced that the Lake Wales Moose Lodge would host a fundraiser to raise proceeds for an AED donation.

The fundraiser is planned for Jan. 18 at the lodge. The event will include barbecue ribs and pulled pork dinners, raffles, 50/50 drives, and live music.

“It feels humbling that Tanners is giving back to the community to save lives at other places,” Anderson said. “Melanie is making a difference and saving lives.”

Mike Boland, Vice President of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge, likewise feels grateful for the donation and wishes to help return the favor through their own fundraiser.

“This was a generous gesture,” he said. “[CCF is a] wonderful project you’ve started. You [Melanie] and your team should be very proud. Thank you so much.”

Melanie started CCF four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.

Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started CCF to raise proceeds to donate and install AEDs across Polk County.

Tanner’s Lakeside previously received an AED through CCF. Wanting to return the favor, they started hosting Bingo For a Cause to raise proceeds to donate an AED.

Kami Rickert hosts the weekly bingo. She is also CPR and first aid certified through the American Red Cross. As such, she understands the importance that first aid plays in emergencies.

“Being an instructor on the water I’ve always felt it important to be able to help people myself while calling for support,” she said. “I think placing the AEDs in locations around our communities is super important.”

Allison Gay, the manager at Tanners Lakeside, is proud to be among the many local business owners striving to raise proceeds to install essential emergency devices in their community.

 

Photo by Melanie Brown Culpepper

“It is wonderful how these small businesses have been coming together to bring this very important medical device to customers and the community,” she said. “We hope they are never in need of an AED, however, it is available if needed.”

To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/

Lakefront Community Home For Sale in Winter Haven

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Lakefront Community Home For Sale in Winter Haven

Cheryl Brewer with The Can Do Team has a property for sale! Located in Winter Haven

2 bed 2 bath

$135,000

Property details:

LAKEFRONT COMMUNITY…Welcome home to Lakeside Ranch, a gated 55+ community. This 2 Bedroom/2 Bath move-in ready home features a large living room that leads to the lovely Florida room.

The kitchen has lots of cabinets and a dining area with a build-in cabinets for extra storage space.

Primary bedroom features ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and handicap accessibility. Inside washer & dryer hook-ups. Utility shed all offers additional storage space. Sold Fully Furnished or Vacant, your choice. Golf Cart, Charger and Porch Swing are included!

Updates include Metal Roof (2022), HVAC (2023). Great home, right? Wait until you hear more about their amazing community! Lakeside Ranch is a manufactured home co-op, the share cost is included in the price of the home. There is NO lot rent. It features a large clubhouse with a variety of scheduled activities and holiday events, library, meeting space, a boat dock on Lake Henry, trailer storage area, heated swimming pool, shuffleboard, horseshoe area, and a billiards room. Are you ready for an active lifestyle? Or just relax and fish the day away? This is the place for you either way! Live here year-round or escape the cold winters in sunny Florida! Homes here rarely become available, do not miss out! Come and see it today! 

Full listing details here: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M5406025198

Contact Cheryl Brewer for more details: 863-224-0045

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