The Haines City Police Department was proud to be a key part of this year’s Juneteenth Parade, hosted by the Haines City Juneteenth Heritage Coalition! The day was filled with joy, unity, and a profound sense of community spirit.
We are grateful to the dedicated community members who helped make this event a success. Your passion and hard work shone through, creating a memorable day for all.
The Haines City Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community during such significant events. We are honored to have played our part in celebrating Juneteenth, and we look forward to many more occasions of unity and celebration.
We are excited to see construction beginning on the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center project soon! Want to get a sneak peak of the new facility?
From Straughn Trout Architects:
“In 2019, Straughn Trout Architects completed a feasibility study to assess options to renovate the existing Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center. Following their investigation and a subsequent competitive solicitation process, the firm was engaged to perform design services for the renovation. As the design progressed, it was determined that the best solution for the Winter Haven community would be to demolish the existing facility and build a new, 37,000 SF center from the ground up. The new facility will contain a double gymnasium, a fitness center, a multi-purpose space for community gathering & activities, a library branch with a technology / business center, and a kitchen that can be used for various purposes. Additionally, the new facility will include a swimming pool, splash pad, a new playground, an outdoor sports court, pavilions, and a greenspace.”
3d renderings of Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center
The Auburndale Police Department wants to inform the community about an extremely dangerous trend involving toy guns and gel beads. We have received multiple reports of individuals participating in a so-called “challenge” where they load toy Orbeez splat blasters or other air-powered guns with Orbeez gel beads. These toy guns are sometimes modified to resemble real firearms by being painted black or gray colors.
Participants have been randomly firing these gel bead projectiles from moving vehicles in “drive-by shootings” at unsuspecting victims in parks, businesses, parking lots, and residential areas. When fired from an air gun, even toy guns, these frozen gel beads can cause serious bodily injury or damage to property.
We have already responded to several incidents where people were struck and injured by these dangerous projectiles. Pointing any replica gun at another person is extremely unwise.
Parents, please educate your children on the severe risks and potential criminal consequences of participating in this reckless activity. Discharging any object from a vehicle, damaging property, or causing physical harm or panic to others can result in criminal charges being filed.
The Auburndale Police Department has zero tolerance for this kind of dangerous and unacceptable behavior that threatens the safety of our community. We urge citizens to report any such incidents immediately by calling 911.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.
Auburndale Police Department: We want to introduce you to an invaluable member of our force – K9 Officer Cal.
Cal is a 4-year-old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic who has been serving alongside Officer DiGennaro for over 2 years. This dynamic duo works tirelessly to keep our streets safe through narcotics detection, tracking, and apprehension.
What makes Cal and Officer DiGennaro’s partnership so special is the incredible bond they share. They are truly inseparable, having trained relentlessly together to build the trust and communication vital for their high-stakes job. Officer DiGennaro beams with pride when talking about Cal’s abilities and accomplishments.
“Cal is so much more than just a partner to me – Cal, you’re a loyal friend who constantly amazes me with your intelligence, courage and dedication. I love you buddy!” Officer DiGennaro shared. And every now and then mom will reluctantly ask Cal for some kisses to which he will always affectionally give!
When they’re not on duty, Cal has some favorite toys he loves playing with – a rubber hose, his rope ball and, surprisingly, a concrete brick! Even more adorable, Cal’s favorite activity – playing “war.” It’s like he thinks he’s an engineer constructing trenches! He’ll find a stick, lay it on the ground as a guide, and then bulldoze the dirt on either side with his front paws. It’s both hilarious and impressive to watch his focus and determination. This “Play time” allows them to continue strengthening their bond while Cal gets some much-deserved exercise.
We are immensely grateful to have K9 Officer Cal protecting our community. Their combined passion, skill and teamwork are an inspiration to us all. Join us in thanking them for their service! Be sure to say hi if you see Cal and Officer DiGennaro out on patrol. Cal is always happy to pose for a picture with the adoring public!
Important reminders from Auburndale Police Department:
The Auburndale Police Department wants to emphasize the critical importance of adhering to the Florida Move Over Law. This law is designed to protect the lives of emergency responders, law enforcement officers, and road workers who risk their safety daily while performing their duties on our roadways.
The Florida Move Over Law requires drivers to move over from the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, road ranger, or utility service vehicle when it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. This simple act can make a significant difference in preventing tragic accidents and saving lives.
We urge all drivers to be vigilant, stay alert, and comply with the Florida Move Over Law. By doing so, you not only safeguard the lives of those who serve our community but also contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
To our emergency responders, road workers, and law enforcement officers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and service. Your commitment to keeping our community safe is invaluable, and we stand with you in promoting the importance of the Florida Move Over Law.
Remember, moving over or slowing down can save a life.
Here is the breakdown of expected rainfall each day within the state of Florida:
Monday morning update below.
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Polk County is expected to get a fair amount of rainfall this week.
“A plume of moisture from the Caribbean will move across the state during the week. This will bring us widespread showers with the highest totals in Southwest Florida. Most of this rain will fall on Wednesday through Friday.”
On June 7, 2024, PCSO pulled over a man in Winter Haven for his suspended driver’s license. After being identified as Jose Samuel Marcano-Cubilette (DOB 07/22/1998), it was learned that he had an active felony Polk County warrant for burglary with assault/battery, domestic violence battery by strangulation, criminal mischief $1,000 or more, tampering with a witness, 1st degree felony, domestic violence false imprisonment, and robbery by sudden snatching.
It should be noted that these are unedited reports of facts by PCSO. 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 7, 2024, at approximately 2050 hours, I observed a blue sedan traveling east on Eloise Loop Road. I conducted a query on the tag and learned the registered owner has a suspended driver’s license. I conducted a traffic stop at Helena Rd. and Eloise Cove Dr.
Upon making contact with the driver, I asked for his driver’s license, and he stated he did not have it. I was able to identify the driver by his name and date of birth through DAVID as Jose Cubilette. I also learned Jose’s license has been suspended since 01/24/2023 for failure to pay a traffic fine.
I conducted an FCIC/NCIC check, which confirmed it was suspended. I also learned Jose has an active felony Polk County warrant for burglary with assault/battery, domestic violence battery by strangulation, criminal mischief $1,000 or more, tampering with a witness, 1st degree felony, domestic violence false imprisonment, and robbery by sudden snatching.
Post Miranda I asked Jose if he knew his license was suspended, and he replied yes.
Through my investigation, I determined Jose was operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway with a suspended license.
Jose was arrested and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office processing center without incident.”
Jose Samuel Marcano-Cubilette (DOB 07/22/1998) arrested in Winter Haven
Below is the original unedited affidavit from March regarding the other charges:
“INCIDENT LOCATION
The single-family residence located REDACTED, Auburndale, FL 33823.
INVESTIGATION
On 3/10/24, I was requested by supervision to respond to the above residence in reference to a past-occurred domestic disturbance. Contact was made with REDACTED (victim) who provided a sworn recorded interview. The following was learned:
According to REDACTED, Jose Samuel Marcano-Cubilette (suspect) whom is the father of her child came over to the above residence on 3/9/24 and was greeted by REDACTED (witness/mother of REDACTED). Jose asked REDACTED if he could borrow the U-Haul truck they rented and was told no by REDACTED due to them using it. REDACTED was standing in the kitchen while REDACTED was speaking with Jose. Jose observed REDACTED and became irate calling her a “bitch” in Spanish then entered the residence uninvited by neither REDACTED or REDACTED. REDACTED confirmed Jose has never lived or pay rent at the residence.
Jose immediately went into the kitchen and intentionally grabbed REDACTED by her neck with his right hand then proceeded to forcibly push her to the nearby couch in the living room holding her down against her will. REDACTED‘s breathing was impeded by this action and was attempting to get away from Jose.
REDACTED intervened by attempting to pull Jose off REDACTED and began to feel sick due to her preexisting medical condition and fell to the ground. Jose released his grasp from REDACTED ‘s neck and REDACTED grabbed her IPhone 13 pro max (value: $1,100) advising she calling Law-Enforcement. Jose yelled “I’m not going to jail” then interfered by grabbing the phone from REDACTED depriving her of her property and threw it on the ground destroying it. REDACTED pleaded with Jose she was only calling medical services to help REDACTED. Jose walked to the stairs and advised if she tells medical services or law-enforcement what happened he was going to kill himself (unknown method).
Medical services left the scene and shortly after Jose came down from the second floor of the residence then immediately fled the scene without saying anything.
CIC confirmed Jose has no prior history for domestic battery and no outstanding warrants.
Probable cause exists to charge Jose with the following: Burglary with assault/battery (810.02(2)(A), DV by strangulation (784.041(2)*), DV false imprisonment (787.02(2)(A)..), Robbery by sudden snatching w/o firearm (812.131(2)(B), Criminal mischief $1000 or more (806.13(1)(B)3.) and tampering with witness 1st degree felony (914.22 (1)**)
Florida Forest Service has released a more in-depth update from our initial report on the River Ranch Complex Fire Update for 6/10/24:
“Florida Forest Service still improving containment lines on the River Ranch Complex Fire
Fire activity on the River Ranch Complex Fire continues to hamper containment efforts. Division A is still reporting 90% containment of their portion of the fire and Division B is still reporting 75% containment. Personnel are still battling minor flare-ups in Division B due to dry conditions and fuel loading. The Florida Forest Service will have 6 tractor/plow units, 3 heavy tractors, 7 brush trucks, and approximately 8 support personnel on the fire today. The two Task Force units are still committed to the fire. Even with the fire activity, the acreage remains at approximately 4,500 acres.
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.
Drivers in the River Ranch/Indian Lakes Estates area should use caution in this area due to changing smoke conditions. CR 630 is open to local traffic only between Walk in the Water Road and HWY 60. Roadways may be shut down in the evenings depending on smoke conditions.
The Florida Forest Service is still asking people to be extremely cautious with any outdoor activities involving an open flame, or activities that cause sparks (welding, grinding, etc.) We have received some rainfall but not enough to make a difference with the fire danger. We need to receive substantial, widespread rainfall to reduce the fire danger in the area. You can visit our website BeWildfireReadyFl.com for additional wildfire safety information.
This will be the last update for today (6/10/24) unless there are significant changes. The next update will be tomorrow afternoon.
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.”
City of Winter Haven, FL – Trim trees and bushes to prevent property damage and stay safe during hurricane season.
Residential Brush Pick-Ups are for items such as tree trimmings and other yard vegetation.
Acceptable Bulk Yard Waste: -Trees cut into sections 4 feet or less (larger sections will not be collected) -Bagged or bundled leaves, bushes, branches, etc.
Click the link below to determine when your brush pick up days are.
