On May 14, 2024, Auburndale Police Department responded to a retail theft at the WAWA located at 344 Havendale Boulevard in Auburndale, FL.
Two unknown Black females entered the store at approximately 5:11 pm with two white plastic bags, one with a Domino’s logo and the other with no logo. While inside the store the two subjects were observed placing merchandise from the shelf into the white plastic bags that they brought with them into the store. Both subjects left the store passing all points of sale without paying for the items.
SUSPECT 1 – Black female, last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and has a small tan purse.
SUSPECT 2 – Black female, last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, black pants.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Peralta at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
On April 26, 2024, the Auburndale Police Department responded to a physical altercation at the Family Dollar Store located at 220 Magnolia Boulevard in Auburndale, FL.
Three unknown Black females were playing around in the store throwing balls and blowing bubbles. When a Family Dollar associate called out the 3 females and said you cannot act this way in the store, they all became upset with the associate and began to argue with her. During checkout, the 3 females became physical with the Family Dollar Store associate.
SUSPECT 1 – Black female with black and red colored hair in a ponytail, last seen wearing a black t-shirt with tropical like flowers.
SUSPECT 2 – Black female with black and red colored hair with short corn rows, last seen wearing a dark blue shirt.
SUSPECT 3 – Black female with brown hair pinned up on top of her head, last seen wearing a gray full body suit.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Nales at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
The Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to a past occurred retail theft at Fantasy Liquor Store located at 315 Ramsgate Rd. in Auburndale, FL.
An unknown Black male entered the liquor store and selected a bottle of Margaritaville gold tequila and proceeded to walk out of the store passing all points of sale without paying. The unknown suspect was seen entering the passenger side of a newer model light gray/silver Chevy Traverse.
SUSPECT – Black male with minimal facial hair, last seen wearing a dark gray Nike tank top, dark gray Nike shorts, black NY Yankees ball cap, and black/white tennis shoes.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Suttle at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
June 12 update from Florida Forest Service on River Ranch:
River Ranch Complex Fire 100% Contained
“Recent rainfall helps containment lines on the River Ranch Complex Fire
The recent rain over the River Ranch Complex Fire and the work done by the Florida Forest Service has resulted in the River Ranch Complex Fire being 100% contained. This means that the fire has containment lines around the entire fire. There are still areas inside those containment lines where there may be some smoldering of vegetation. This fire will not be closed or considered controlled until there are no more hot spots or smoke visible across the entire area of the fire. Fire personnel will continue to maintain containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Both Task Force units will be released tomorrow.
The Department of Agriculture Law’s investigation into the cause is continuing. Due to the size of the fire, this may take several weeks before they release their findings.
CR 630 has been reopened to regular traffic. The Florida Forest Service wants to remind drivers that smoke conditions along the roadways can change so use caution driving in the area, especially overnight.
Even with the recent rainfall, the Florida Forest Service is still asking people to be cautious with any outdoor activities involving an open flame, or activities that cause sparks (welding, grinding, etc.) You can visit our website BeWildfireReadyFl.com for additional wildfire safety information.
This will be the last update for this fire unless there are significant changes or a cause has been determined by our Ag Law personnel.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.”
A Winter Haven Walmart employee was arrested on June 1, 2024 and charged with 19 counts of petit theft. The woman arrested was identified as BAEZ Rivas, Tatiana H/F DOB: 10/16/1989. Below is the full affidavit regarding the incidents.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by Winter Haven Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Winter Haven 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 your own conclusion.
“On June 1, 2024, at approximately 1302 hours, I responded to Walmart at 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE, Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida, regarding a retail theft.
During my investigation of the above incident, BWC was utilized and worn. Upon the completion of this report, all footage was entered into Evidence.com.
Upon my arrival, I contacted Walmart’s Loss Prevention, which consisted of REDACTED and REDACTED. They informed me that they have been investigating the defendent (BAEZ Rivas, Tatiana H/F DOB: 10/16/1989). REDACTED and REDACTED stated that they had observed over 19 instances where the defendant underpaid or skipped scanning multiple items and then bypassed all points of sale.
BAEZ Rivas, Tatiana H/F DOB: 10/16/1989 arrested
I obtained REDACTED’s statement, he stated that on 05/20/2024, he was conducting research on the defendant, who is an employee of Walmart. REDACTED mentioned that during his investigation, he observed 11 out of 20 events in the last 60 days where the defendant had committed a series of thefts from Walmart. REDACTED stated that his investigation took place from 04/06/2024 to 05/24/2024, and during that time, he observed a total of 11 events on video footage.
EVENTS:
04/06/2024 total amount not paid for $71.65
04/08/2024 total amount not paid for $21.88
04/20/2024 total amount not paid for $29.98
04/24/2024 total amount not paid for $85.15
04/25/2024 total amount not paid for $14.98
05/03/2024 total amount not paid for $45.85
05/04/2024 total amount not paid for $138.28
05/06/2024 total amount not paid for $53.76
05/07/2024 total amount not paid for $194.64
05/10/2024 total amount not paid for $4.46
05/24/2024 total amount not paid for $53.48
Total amount of events 11, and total amount not paid for is $714.11
When I contacted REDACTED, he said that he had been investigating the defendant. REDACTED stated that he observed video footage of the defendant stealing from Walmart and witnessed the defendant taking multiple items without attempting to pay for them. REDACTED also mentioned that the defendant passed all points of sale during the series of events. REDACTED stated that the event he investigated took place from 04/11/2024 to 05/31/2024.
EVENTS:
04/11/2024 total amount not paid for is $11.96
04/13/2024 total amount not paid for is $65.57
04/14/2024 total amount not paid for is $12.73
04/15/2024 total amount not paid for is $6.17
04/16/2024 total amount not paid for is $41.43
04/19/2024 total amount not paid for is $10.90
05/28/2024 total amount not paid for is $53.94
05/31/2024 total amount not paid for is $145.13
Total amount of events 9, and the total amount not paid for is $347.78
I obtained a sworn record statement from REDACTED and REDACTED, which was submitted to axon.com.
Upon making contact with the defendant, who identified herself with a Florida Driver’s License. I read the defendant’s Miranda from my agency-issued Miranda Rights Card.
Post Miranda, the defendant stated that she is a single mother, and during the time she committed the series of transactions, she did not have the money to pay for the items.
I have carefully reviewed video footage of the incidents, and the witness statement is included alongside the video footage. Upon reviewing the video footage, it is evident that the defendant selected multiple items and placed them in shopping bags that she had with her. The bags were placed under the counter until the end of her shift. I saw the defendant select items to purchase before passing all points of sale with items that had been placed under the counter.
A query was obtained on the defendant through FCIC/NCIC, and the defendant had no prior history of theft.
The defendant is being charged with 19 counts of Petit theft.”
Ray Culver, 75, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away on June 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 4, 1948, in Donaldsonville, GA.
In Loving Memory of Ray Culver of Winter Haven
Ray, a family man and Navy Veteran, served his country with honor in Vietnam. Ray had a fulfilling career spanning 30 years at Graybar Electric and another 10 years at Philips. He was also an active member of the Freemasons as a Master Mason. He had a deep love of history, science, and in his free time he enjoyed fishing and reading. Ray also loved spending time with his precious dogs.
Ray was a devoted husband and father, and he is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Patricia Culver, children Amy Culver and Daniel Culver, siblings Catherine Culver Kelly and Linda Culver Moseley, as well as nephew/niece Jim Singleton and Karen McNeill, along with her daughters Madison & Madilyn. Ray had many special family members on the Harris side. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond G. Culver, and mother, Katherine Marie Culver. Contributions in Ray’s memory can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 450 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL. 33823.
Funeral services will be 11am Wednesday, June 12th at Steele’s Family Funeral Services, 207 Burns Lane SE., in Winter Haven with a gathering beginning at 10am at the funeral home. Graveside service with Military Honors will be held 1pm Thursday, June 13th at Pine Crest Memorial Gardens in Marianna, FL. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bartow, Fla. (June 11, 2024) — The 60-day closure of Yates Road has been postponed due to heavy rains affecting scheduled work on Polk County’s West Pipkin Road widening project. Yates Road will now close on Wednesday, June 19 to install a new potable water main and drainage improvements along the Yates Road approach to West Pipkin Road. Road restoration will complete the work ending north of Brook Drive. While residential access will be maintained to the Forestgreen and Forestbrook subdivisions, through-traffic will be detoured along Lunn Road or County Line Road to Ewell Road to bypass work zone. Currently closed, Lunn Road will be reopened to traffic prior to Yates Road closure. Backups and delays are still expected during rescheduled closure, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters remain advised to drive carefully and add extra time to trips in the area.
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Original post:
Published: June 7, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (June 7, 2024) — Polk County’s ongoing widening of West Pipkin will close Yates Road for 60 Days starting Monday morning June 10. Closure is needed to install a new water main and drainage along the Yates Road approach to the West Pipkin Road intersection. Road restoration with access and turning improvements will complete the work ending north of Brook Drive. While residential access will be maintained to the Forestgreen and Forestbrook subdivisions, through-traffic will be detoured along Lunn Road or County Line Road to Ewell Road to bypass work zone. Delays and backups are expected. Commuters are advised to drive carefully and to add extra drivetime to trips in the area, especially during peak-hour traffic.
The Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to a past occurred retail theft at Lowes located at 2301 US Highway 92 West in Auburndale, FL.
An unknown male entered the store through the lumber entrance with an unknown female. The two walked to the hardware department and the unknown male climbed the display shelf and pulled down a DeWalt product. The unknown female accomplice was the “look out” while the male climbed the rack. The unknown male went to the return desk and acted like he was going to return the item he just pulled from the top stock. The unknown male walked out of the return desk exit with the stolen item.
SUSPECT 1 – last seen wearing a grey baseball cap, black zip-up hoodie, grey shirt, black pants, and dark color shoes with visible tattoos on both hands and the left side of his neck.
SUSPECT 2 – long blonde hair in a ponytail, last seen wearing light grey hoodie, black under shirt, dark grey leggings, black slip-on shoes, and a sunflower black and yellow backpack.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Suttle at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
The Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to a past occurred retail theft at Walgreens located at 501 Havendale Boulevard in Auburndale, FL.
The two unknown suspects entered the store and went to the liquor section of Walgreens. The female suspect approached the register and began to distract the cashier while the male suspect grabbed a 750ml Jim Beam Fire, a 750ml Jim Beam Vanilla, and a 750ml Malibu Rum from the shelves and walked out of the front entrance without attempting to pay for the items. Once he was out of the store, the female suspect instantly followed him to the parking lot where they both entered a blue 4-door sedan believed to be a Chevrolet Malibu.
SUSPECT 1 – shoulder length blonde/pink hair, last seen wearing a white Barbie jersey with the number 59 on the back. Tattoos are visible on her left arm.
SUSPECT 2 – short dark hair, last seen wearing a dark gray hoodie with black on the front, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.
If you have any information, please contact Officer Marino at 863-965-5555 or by email at [email protected]
The River Ranch Complex Fire received some rain over night. This helped keep the containment to 90% in Division A and 75% in Division B. “Our containment numbers have stayed the same even with some minor flare-ups.” Said Pete Lewis, Forest Area Supervisor for the Lakeland District. He added, “Our personnel are improving containment lines and with the recent rain, we should be able to see an improvement in the total containment by tomorrow.” The majority of the work is being done on the west and southern area of the fire. The Florida Forest Service has 7 tractor/plow units, 3 heavy dozers, 6 brush trucks and 5 ground support personnel on the fire today.
We are expecting rainfall across the area today and this should help with the containment of the fire. We are still urging people to use caution with any outdoor activities involving open flame or activities causing sparks until we receive substantial, widespread rainfall.
Investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing and could take several weeks. The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Agriculture Law.
CR 630 still has barricades at HWY 60 and at Walk in the Water Road.
No injuries were reported since the last update and there are no evacuations in place.
This will be the last update for today (6/11/24) unless there are significant changes.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfires on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com
