Obituary of Stephen Keith Morris

Stephen Keith Morris, 72, of Haines City, FL passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Advent Health Heart of Florida Hospital.

Born August 20, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he moved here 9 years ago from Spartanburg, SC.  He was a member of Oasis Church in Winter Haven and worked as a Veteran Liaison for Vitas Hospice.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 46 years, Glenna; two sons, Greg Morris and his wife Candy of Winter Haven and Adam Morris and his wife Kelly of Green Cove Springs, FL; two sisters, Gail Vieth of Taylor, SC and Robin Fisher of Spartanburg, SC; and six grandchildren, Jacob, Skyler, Paige, Natalie, Robby and Haley.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Oasis Church, 151 King Road, Winter Haven, FL 33880.

City of Winter Haven, FL –

The City of Winter Haven is thrilled to invite you to our FREE 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 15, 2024 from 11am to 4pm.

Highlights of the event include:
– Live entertainment showcasing talented local artists and performers
-Diverse vendors offering unique crafts, art, and delicious food
-Fun-filled Kid Zone with activities for all ages

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of cultural enrichment, delicious food, and meaningful conversations. Let’s commemorate this significant day in history with joy, reflection, and unity.

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Lake Maude Recreation Park
Address: 1751 7th St NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881

This event is open to all members of the community. Spread the word, mark your calendars, and let’s make this Juneteenth Celebration a memorable one!

Cheryl Brewer with The Can Do Team has a property available for sale in Lake Wales! 

Details:

3 bed 2 bath

$185, 000

Come see this beautiful country home sitting on 1.24 acres! New roof and Solar panels to cut down the electric costs. This home features a wood burning fire place and is move in ready for its next home owner. Super spacious with 3 bedrooms and two baths and Laminate flooring throughout the entire home. This home also features a newly built deck as well. SELLER MOTIVATED 

Contact Cheryl Brewer at The Can Do Team today!
863-224-0045

Full listing details here:

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M5296658245

On June 6 at 6:04 pm, a call came in about a stolen vehicle in Winter Haven. When an officer spotted and approached the stolen vehicle, the driver fled the scene. While in pursuit, the stolen vehicle crashed into another vehicle but continued fleeing. One victim claimed that the suspect was harassing her by her residence so she took off with her children in her car. The suspect however stopped her and the victim ran to a nearby store for help and then the suspect took off in the vehicle with her children inside.

The suspect allegedly returned to the store and the children got out of the car, and while fleeing with the car again, the suspect struck the victim with the car.

Shortly after, the vehicle crashed into a Winter Haven home with residents inside. The driver of the stolen vehicle got out of the car, then started fleeing on foot.

The suspect was ultimately captured and identified as Jamara Sampson DOB 07/27/1993. Sampson was charged with 2 two counts of kidnapping a child under the age of 13, one count of robbery by sudden snatching, three counts of false imprisonment, one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, one count of tampering with a witness, one count of aggravated stalking, one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of fleeing to elude, one count of resisting without violence, one count of burglary to an occupied structure, one count of hit and run with injuries, and one count of hit and run with property damage. Keep reading for the full affidavit.

It should be noted that this is an unedited report 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 06/06/2024 at 1804 hours, dispatch received a call regarding a vehicle being stolen at the Dollar General located at 3602 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven. Upon arrival in the area, D/S Giles, driving in his marked Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) patrol vehicle, observed a vehicle in the area matching the description of the suspect and the stolen vehicle, a black male driving a white Honda Accord. D/S Giles attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle began fleeing from him. D/S Giles initiated a vehicle pursuit, using his lights and sirens, and shortly after, the vehicle struck another vehicle and continued driving.

The vehicle then crashed into the side of a residence located at REDACTED Eagle Lake Loop Rd. The driver then was observed by a witness, REDACTED, fleeing the vehicle and running southbound from the crash scene. D/S Giles was able to locate the suspect, identified at the scene and by victim 1 as Jamara Sampson, after he had entered an occupied residence while trying to flee from law enforcement. Sampson was placed into custody at this time.

I made contact with victim 1, REDACTED, who advised she was at her apartment with her kids about to leave and observed Sampson outside of her apartment by the stairs. REDACTED advised he had been harassing her multiple times over the past month and she had told him to leave her alone.

REDACTED advised that she had asked him what he was doing here and he did not answer. REDACTED stated she was afraid so she got into her car with her kids and as she was going to close her car door, Sampson blocked her from closing the door by standing in the way. REDACTED advised she started to reverse the vehicle to get away because she was afraid. REDACTED stated Sampson then grabbed onto her door as she was trying to drive away and she told him multiple times to let go. REDACTED then began driving away because she was afraid and she was telling him multiple times to let go and leave her alone. REDACTED advised Sampson tried to grab the steering wheel and make the vehicle crash so REDACTED pulled over.

REDACTED advised as she was stopping, she was trying to call law enforcement and Sampson snatched her phone from her hand. REDACTED advised that once she pulled over, she ran to the nearby Dollar General to get help and Sampson proceeded to get into the driver’s seat of her vehicle and drive away with her kids, 8 years old and 12 years old.

REDACTED advised while she was reporting this to law enforcement, Sampson returned to the Dollar General and parked her vehicle. Sampson proceeded to yell at the children to get out of the car and they exited the vehicle. REDACTED went behind the vehicle to try to keep Sampson from leaving again with her car and Sampson began to drive off, striking her with the vehicle and leaving the scene. REDACTED advised she was sore from the incident but received no real injuries. REDACTED advised she knows Sampson due to a battery that he was involved in and she was a witness to, and believes he is stalking her because she told police what happened in the battery. REDACTED provided a sworn recorded statement attesting to this.

Contact was made with victim 2, REDACTED, who advised she was driving on the road when the white Honda Accord was speeding up from behind her and struck the front left bumper of her vehicle while he was fleeing law enforcement. REDACTED advised she has pain in her side and head from the incident but refused EMS treatment, advising she would go to the doctor on her own. REDACTED advised that the suspect vehicle had continued driving and she saw a Polk County Sheriff’s Office marked patrol car immediately behind the suspect vehicle with its lights and sirens activated. REDACTED provided a sworn recorded statement.

Contact was made with victim 3, REDACTED, who advised she was in her home located at REDACTED Eagle Lake Loop Rd. when she heard a loud bang and felt the house shake. REDACTED proceeded to look out the front of the house, where she observed the white Honda Accord attempting to leave the scene. REDACTED advised the vehicle then stopped and a black male exited the vehicle and proceeded to run southwest of the crash scene. REDACTED advised she attempted to stop the suspect, but he continued to flee the crash scene. REDACTED advised nobody within the home was injured at this time, but extensive property damage was done to the home. REDACTED provided a sworn recorded statement.

Contact was made with victim 4, REDACTED, who advised she was watching tv in her home when an unknown black male entered the back door of her residence and demanded that she hide him from the police. REDACTED advised the suspect was told multiple times to leave but did not leave the residence. REDACTED advised that she was able to convince the suspect that there was a good hiding spot in the backyard to get him out of her house, and he exited the home. REDACTED stated the suspect was then apprehended by law enforcement in the back of her residence. REDACTED advised she never gave him permission to enter her home. REDACTED provided a sworn recorded statement.

Contact was made with Jamara Sampson at Winter Haven Hospital where he was being treated for minor injuries sustained during the vehicle crash. Sampson was advised of his Miranda Rights and advised he understood. Post-Miranda, Sampson stated he was trying to get some clothes that were his from REDACTED at her apartment and knew she usually got home at 5 pm. Sampson advised a verbal argument with REDACTED ensued and he tried to stop her from leaving by jumping on the car. Sampson advised that when she got out to go to Dollar General to call for help, he noticed she left the kids and the car and drove off. Sampson advised he cares about kids so he brought the kids back, but he got scared that REDACTED was calling the police and fled in her vehicle. Sampson stated he noticed a marked PCSO patrol k-9 car get behind him and try to stop him, but he was scared so he fled. Sampson advised he does not remember crashing into anything or trying to enter anyone’s house, but advised he was trying to get away from police. Sampson initially denied hitting REDACTED with the car, but then stated that it was the only way he could get away before police arrived.

At this time, I find that probable cause exists to charge Sampson with two counts of kidnapping a child under the age of 13, one count of robbery by sudden snatching, three counts of false imprisonment, one count of grand theft of a motor vehicle, one count of tampering with a witness, one count of aggravated stalking, one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of fleeing to elude, one count of resisting without violence, one count of burglary to an occupied structure, one count of hit and run with injuries, and one count of hit and run with property damage. Sampson was arrested and transported to the Sheriff’s Processing Center without incident.”

Video of the crash here:

Sheri McDaniel who was in her home with her children when the car crashed into her home said, “I’m just so happy he didn’t harm me or my children. And so happy the lady he stole the car from is ok. This was definitely an experience I pray we never experience again.”

The US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida announced that on June 6, 2024 Winter Haven set a daily high temperature record. The recorded temperature was 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record was 100 degrees Fahrenheit back in 1985 for this day.

Remember, while outdoors stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take breaks if exposed to sun for long periods of time

Rain Brings Some Relief to River Ranch Fires But Also Created Some Setbacks for Crews

June 7, 2024 – 12:15 pm update

Fires in the River Ranch complex are sitting at about 4500 acres with 30% containment.

Though the rain did help with the fires, it also created some setbacks for the Florida Forest Service crews. 

The rain from June 6 created some wet areas that made it difficult for bulldozers to travel through. 

The bulldozers are used to cut through and dig paths to remove vegetation. This helps to mitigate the fire spread.

Crews are back out today (June 7) actively suppressing the fires and putting in containment lines.

Spokesperson for Florida Forest Services is hopeful that as the day goes on, the containment percentage will rise. 

Before, there were several individual fires within River Ranch and some of those fires have actually now burned together, so to make managing of the fires easier, Florida Forest Service has created what they call a “fire complex” so that they are able to manage all the fires together rather than individually.

River Ranch gates have been opened but please stay away from the fires so that the crews can fight these fires.

A Proposed Subdivision Located South of Old Lucerne Park Road Raises Concerns About Traffic

by James Coulter

A proposed 45.5-acre subdivision located south of Old Lucerne Park Road in Winter Haven may potentially bring more homes to the area, but it could also bring more traffic and traffic problems as well. Such concerns were raised during a hearing for the ordinance that would approve the subdivision.

At their recent meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of a final plat approval for Sunset Hills Subdivision, a proposed 45.4-acre subdivision to be located south of Old Lucerne Park Road and La Quinta Boulevard.

The single-family residential subdivision, as proposed by CW-Sunset LLC, will contain 62 building lots along with 12 common lots, which, according to the ordinance memo, will be “consisting of stormwater retention, wetland, lift station, and open spaces areas.”

The remaining infrastructure for the proposed project will be covered by a $2,351,410.08 performance bond issued by Berkley Insurance Company and submitted to the city. The subdivision is projected to generate $266,895 in ad valorem revenues per year, with the property having an estimated taxable value of $40.5 million.

However, despite the potential tax revenue and new residential units created through this proposed subdivision, some concerns were raised about traffic and traffic-related problems.

One commissioner inquired about the nearby highway, State Road 544, claiming it was a “failing road” with “capacity issues.” City Manager T. Michael Stavres mentioned that the road “had been on [their] radar for quite some time” and that the subdivision was able to get “under the concurrency level of service standards for Lucerne Park.”

Jeffery Miller, a local resident, spoke during the public hearing, inquiring whether the road would have a traffic signal installed. He mentioned that the road received a lot of traffic that would necessitate such an addition.

“Because there is a lot of traffic going on there and a lot of homes being built and a lot of businesses on that road, especially around the curbs,” he said. “[There] is so much traffic, it is just crazy especially when you come out around The Rock Church.”

City of Winter Haven Introduces New Lightning Alert System

TESTING TO OCCUR BETWEEN NOON & 1:00 THURSDAYS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JUNE

The City of Winter Haven Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, in collaboration with the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is proud to announce the introduction of a new Lightning Alert System in our community. This vital safety feature will enhance the protection of our citizens during outdoor activities.
 
Thunderstorms and lightning can develop rapidly with little warning, posing serious risks to those outdoors. The Lightning Alert system will significantly reduce weather safety risks at vulnerable locations such as outdoor courts, playgrounds, pools, sporting fields, and area parks.

Testing Phase Information
The first phase of the rollout involves testing, began on Thursday, June 6. Testing will continue every Thursday throughout June. The system will go live after the first successful test and will be closely monitored to ensure the accuracy of the safety sirens. Please note, the sirens will not alert between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

System Overview
The new Lightning Alert System is being installed at two key downtown locations, chosen for their high outdoor activity levels:

•   Florida Citrus Building (home to Nora Mayo Hall) - This siren will alert users of Chain of Lakes Trailhead Park, K9 Corner Dog Park, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Johnnie Patterson Park, the Tennis Complex, and the Shuffle Board Courts, as well as portions of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
•   AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center - This siren will alert users in the Rowdy Gaines Pool and surrounding areas. Upon completion of the four new baseball fields and the activated lakefront park, the siren will also alert users of those spaces.

Importance of the Lightning Alert System
The City of Winter Haven has chosen the DTN On Guard Siren Alerting Solution, the same system used by Polk County Public Schools, LEGOLAND Florida, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This system is specifically designed to provide timely, accurate, and easy-to-use alerts for approaching hazards. Here’s why we are implementing this system:

•   Enhanced Safety: Early awareness of lightning and severe weather conditions provides valuable time to enact pre-planned safety protocols and move people to secure locations quickly and calmly.
•   Comprehensive Coverage: The system includes multi-directional sirens and a dual-color omni-directional beacon, ensuring clear communication of weather dangers and all-clear notifications.
•   Reliability: The sirens and beacon tie into the WeatherSentry® system, triggering the siren system based on preset criteria. This integration supports consistent and reliable alerts.
•   Customizable Alerts: The system allows for custom location setup and preset siren alerting criteria, including advisory, caution, and warning ranges, as well as all-clear notifications. 
•   Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to regulatory, safety, and athletic sanctioning body rules and guidelines.
•   Decision-Making Confidence: Provides validation for event or activity suspension and delay decisions, increasing credibility with stakeholders and ensuring the safety of attendees, talent, athletes, vendors, and employees.

Funding and Future Plans
The Downtown CRA funded the initial two installation sites. The Florence Villa CRA recently approved funding to add the system to Rueben Williams Sports Complex (formerly Lake Maude Sports Complex). Rollout on that site is pending arrival and installation of the equipment. Plans are also underway to include the alert system in the renovation of the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center. Upon successful testing and evaluation of the initial sites, additional efforts will be made to expand the network of sirens to other high-traffic outdoor areas.

We encourage all residents to stay informed and be aware of the testing schedule. Your safety is our top priority.

Special weather statement from Weather Channel:

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Tampa Bay/Ruskin – FL, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

Polk County

Description

…STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS AND SOUTHEASTERN POLK COUNTIES THROUGH 630 PM EDT…

At 549 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Lake Wales to 7 miles northwest of Kissimmee Prarie Preserve. Movement was nearly stationary.

HAZARD…Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail. SOURCE…Radar indicated. IMPACT…Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

Locations impacted include… Lake Wales, Poinciana, Crooked Lake Park, Frostproof, Hillcrest Heights, Highland Park, Indian Lake Estates, River Ranch, Avon Park Air Force Range, and Babson Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
MAX HAIL SIZE…0.88 IN; MAX WIND GUST…50 MPH