Polk County Hazmat At Laurel Elementary After Suspicious Powder Sent To School

Poinciana

-

December 12, 2018

Polk County Hazmat At Laurel Elementary After Suspicious Powder Sent To School

Update from Polk County Sheriffs Office: Around 3:45 p.m. this afternoon we got a call in reference to a piece of mail addressed to the Principal of Laurel Crest Elementary school on Laurel Avenue in Poinciana. Inside the envelope was a blank piece of paper and a blue unknown substance. The principal was not expecting mail from the area from which it came. The letter was deemed suspicious. Deputies responded, along with Polk County Fire Rescue and Polk County Hazmat. The school was evacuated. The initial scan of the letter showed that the unknown blue substance was not biological and it is being taken to Tampa for further testing. There were no physical reactions by anyone who touched or opened it. It does not appear to be hazardous. There were approximately 100 students on campus at the time, but only about 15 people in the office area where the letter was. The entire premises of the school was searched, and that search was completed around 6:00 p.m.

—— Original Post ——-

Poinciana, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue Hazmat is currently at Laurel Elementary School, 1851 Laurel Avenue Poinciana. Less than an hour ago a report came in of a mysterious blue powder being sent to Laurel Elementary. Currently the area is on lockdown. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Polk County Fire Rescue is on scene and it is conducting and investigation into the substance and the situation.

At this time it is unknown how many if any students were at the school at this time. Currently we are also not aware of any physical issues with people that have come into contact with the substance.

We will update this article as more information is available.

Winter Haven Police Department Helps Families in Need for the 22nd Annual Operation Reach Out Event

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

Winter Haven Police Department Helps Families in Need for the 22^nd Annual Operation Reach Out Event

By Allison Williams

On Monday, members of the Winter Haven Police Department gathered at Walmart in Winter Haven to shop for the 22^nd annual Reach Out.

Operation Reach Out is an opportunity for local families to receive the Christmas they deserve.

“Families are selected by the school counselors,” said Officer Kris Bhoj of the Winter Haven Police Department. “Some of these families may have requested some sort of help from the counselor.”

Over 10 families will be given gifts this year thanks to members of the Police Department and business partners from around the community. Walmart donated funds so that officers could shop for these families.

Officer Bhoj has been with the Winter Haven Police Department for nine years and has participated in Operation Reach Out for those nine years.

He, along with Community Service Officer Katelyn Hoverkamp received their shopping list at Walmart and selected various items around the store with the help of Jackie, Walmart’s department manager. The items were selected based on each child’s wish list. Each child received a budget of $90.

Hoverkamp has been with the department for four years and participated every year since she joined the police department.

Once all the gifts were selected, they were sent off with the police department.

“Gifts are wrapped and delivered by myself and other WHPD staff,” Officer Bhoj said. “Gifts will be delivered Saturday, December 15.”

Both Officer Bhoj and Officer Hoverkamp find the experience rewarding year after year.

“My favorite part about participating in Operation Reach Out each year is having the opportunity to impact members of our community in such a positive way,” Officer Hoverkamp said. “Once you have your Operation Reach Out shopping list in hand and you’ve select the gifts that the children have on their list it just makes me really happy to know that when those children wake up on Christmas Day they are going to have a smile on their faces and love in their hearts.”

Officer Bhoj also enjoys seeing the happiness in the children as they receive their gifts. The gracious gesture does not go unnoticed.

“The kids don’t forget this experience easily,” Officer Bhoj said. “I get random hugs whenever they see me. It builds relationships with the community.”

Lakeland Snowfest Brings Snow Downtown For 38th Year

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

Lakeland Snowfest Brings Snow Downtown For 38th Year

by James Coulter

The children of Lakeland don’t usually have a chance to celebrate a White Christmas down here in sunny Florida; but last Saturday, they had such a chance to do exactly that in Downtown Lakeland during the 38th Annual Lakeland Snowfest.

Whether young or old, children and their guardians had the opportunity to frolic and play the Eskimo way with a giant snow mountain at Munn Park.

Usually, the annual event has two snow mountains, one small and one big; but this year’s event had one giant mountain of the white stuff, explained Mike Marotz, Recreational Supervisor Senior for Lakeland.

Other activities they could engage in at the park included inflatables, bounce houses, face painting, live musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, and even a spinning ride attraction.

Getting the word out about the event through marketing and advertising proves to be most challenging, but such a challenge proves rewarding when everyone who helps put on the event gets to see the smiling happy faces of children playing in the snow, Martoz said.

“We enjoy the smiles on the kids places,” he said. “We have been [having a] very good crowd with nice weather. And kids are having fun, that is the most important thing.”

The main stage at the north end of the park featured various performances throughout the day with live music, dance, and even martial arts demonstrations.

The Winter Haven Cloggers provided one such form of entertainment with their elementary and middle school-aged dancers performing various dances to Christmas music, including one such performance of, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” with one dancer dressed as the green and mean one himself.

Director Mandy Rimes has her young performers practice their routines twice a week for an hour and a half each to prepare for their performances at various local events. Aside from this event, they have also danced at the Dundee and Lake Eloise Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies.

“Everything that Parks and Rec puts on, we pretty much dance there,” she said. “We appreciate the kids giving back to the community, and know that it is important to give back and not just take, take, take.”

In the middle of the park were set up several dozen arts and crafts vendors, with local merchants selling their own unique homemade crafts.

Barb Davis, Owner of Barb Bokays, attended for the first time that year to sell her homemade snowmen dolls, all of whom are dressed with the colors and logos of sports teams.

While she is not a sports fan herself, she loves to make snowmen such as this for sports fans, and has been doing so for the past 20 years. Three weeks ago, she made her 10,000th snowman.

Having recently moved to Lakeland, she decided to attend this year’s event as a way to acquaint herself with the local community and to introduce them to her artwork.

“It has been a wonderful festival,” she said. “I enjoy visiting with the people with come to this booth and watching them enjoy the snowmen.”

Kissimmee Man Arrested for Battery Domestic Violence When He Battered and Threatened to Kill His Wife

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

Kissimmee Man Arrested for Battery Domestic Violence When He Battered and Threatened to Kill His Wife

On Sunday evening, December 9, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 65-year-old Jay Gorberg of Kissimmee for 1 count battery domestic violence on person 65 years or older (F3), 1 count aggravated assault (F2), 1 count false imprisonment (F3) and 1 count resisting arrest (M1), when he battered and threatened to kill his wife, who is also 65 years old.

According to the affidavit, around 9:30 a.m. that morning, Gorberg’s wife ran out of their shared residence screaming for help and shouting, “He is trying to kill me.” A neighbor called PCSO, and when deputies arrived, they learned Gorberg threatened his wife with a knife, choked her, and slammed her into a wall. He also attempted to place handcuffs on her and wrap a rope around her neck, but she was able to escape and run outside.

He refused to exit the home for an hour-and-a-half after deputies arrived on-scene. Gorberg’s wife told deputies that he is a retired law enforcement officer from New York. Once he surrendered to deputies, he was placed under arrest.

In light of the threats made and the suspect’s readily available firearms, he surrendered his weapons and ammunition to a family member who does not live with the couple, for safekeeping.

“We appreciate the victim’s neighbor seeing something, and saying something, so that we could respond and help intervene in what could have been a deadly situation.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sheriff Judd Opposes Federal “First Step Act” In Its Current Form

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

Sheriff Judd Opposes Federal “First Step Act” In Its Current Form

PCSO Release:

“The ‘First Step Act’ in its current form simply does not pass the test of contributing to public safety. If passed and signed by the President, federal prisoners will be eligible for early release, even though they have committed serious violent felony crimes.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

Sheriff Judd sent a letter today to a group of United States Senators opposing the “First Step Act” in its current form. As President of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSO), Sheriff Judd has been working with other law enforcement leaders to express their continued concerns about the legislation. Below are excerpts from the two letters.

Sheriff Judd will be in Tallahassee late today, Wednesday and Thursday attending the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission meeting. He will be available for comment by phone. Please forward any requests to Scott Wilder, Director of Communications, [email protected], 863-298-6299, 863-698-6174 or to Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 863-298-6217, 863-255-8448.

The following is the text version of Sheriff Judd’s letter today, December 11, 2018:

“December 11, 2018

Dear Senator /:

Please do not support the ‘First Step Act’ in its current form. It simply does not pass the test of contributing to public safety. If passed and signed by the President, federal prisoners will be eligible for early release, even though they have committed serious violent felony crimes.

Please see the below list provided to me by Senate staff that shows the kinds of crimes still eligible for early release. Those who support the proposed legislation say that the only convicted felons eligible for early release are low-level, non-violent, low risk prisoners. This list show that this is not the case.

Most of my colleagues and I support efforts to reform and rehabilitate those in the federal prison system. We support robust programs in prison that build skill sets and provide educational opportunities to prisoners so that when they are released, they have a better opportunity to become productive crime-free citizens. We support step down programs, half-way houses, and supervised probation as ways to successfully integrate felons back into a civilized society.

I support responsible reform, but I do not support the early release of criminals who have demonstrated violent criminal behavior.

Sincerely, Grady Judd, Sheriff, Polk County, Florida”

Crime still eligible for early release	Statute
Committing rape as part of a war crime	18 U.S.C. § 2441(d)(1)(G)
Bank robbery by force or violence including assault with a dangerous weapon	18 U.S.C. § 2113(c)
Drive-by shootings	18 U.S.C. § 36
Assaulting a law enforcement officer	18 U.S.C. § 111(a)
Carjacking with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm	18 U.S.C. § 2119(1)
Assaulting a child or infant	18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(5)
Bank robbery by force or violence that puts the life of a person in jeopardy	18 U.S.C. § 2113(d)
Performing biological experiments for torture as part of a war crime	18 U.S.C. § 2441(d)(1)(c)
First time assault with intent to commit rape, unless have served time for certain other previous crimes	18 U.S.C. § 3559(c)(2)(F)
Committing torture as part of a war crime	18 U.S.C. § 2441(d)(1)(a)
Assisting federal prisoners with jailbreak	18 U.S.C. § 752
Bank robbery involving assault or putting the life of a person in jeopardy with a dangerous weapon or device	18 U.S.C. § 2113(d)
Performing acts of violence on aircraft pilots or other individuals on aircrafts to endanger the safety of the aircraft	18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(6)
Committing mutilation or maiming as part of a war crime	18 U.S.C. § 2441(d)(1)(E)
Threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder a federal judge or law enforcement officer	18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(b))
Drug-related robbery even if a person is killed or suffers significant bodily injury	18 U.S.C. § 2118(a)
Assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm	18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(3)
Trafficking crystal meth, unless also a “manager, leader, organizer, or supervisor” of the drug operation	18 U.S.C. § 841(b)
Racketeering, including violent crimes committed in aid of racketeering	18 U.S.C. § 1951
Bank robbery by force, violence, or intimidation	18 U.S.C. § 2113(a)
Genocide	18 U.S.C. § 1091
Prison guards or officers helping prisoners with jailbreak	18 U.S.C. § 755
Planting a bomb on or committing arson to a motor vehicle	18 U.S.C. § 33
Trafficking cocaine as a kingpin	18 U.S.C. § 841(b)
Trafficking heroin, unless also a “manager, leader, organizer, or supervisor” of the drug operation	18 U.S.C. § 841(b)
Assault resulting in serious bodily injury	18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(6)
Assault by striking, beating or wounding	18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(4)
Assault with intent to commit any felony except murder or aggravated sexual abuse	18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(2)
Conspiracy or attempt to engage in human trafficking, including trafficking of children	18 U.S.C. § 1594
Hate crimes	18 U.S.C. § 249
Conspiracy to assault, threaten, intimidate, or impede a federal officer or employee	18 U.S.C. § 372
Destruction of an aircraft, including with an explosive device or substance	18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(1)-(4)
Blackmail	18 U.S.C. § 873
Destruction of a gas pipeline (enviro-terrorism) unless there was “serious risk of death or serious bodily injury”	18 U.S.C § 60123(b)
Extortion	18 U.S.C. § 875
High-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint	18 U.S.C. § 758
Transporting or manufacturing a firearm or explosive device for use in a riot	18 U.S.C. § 231(B)

The following is an excerpt from a letter sent to Senators McConnell, Schumer, Grassley, and Feinstein in November:

“The current draft of the First Step legislation remains troubling to the leaders of law enforcement. Sheriffs are elected solely to protect our communities, and Police Chiefs have taken an oath to protect the public. We feel unless the changes recommended below are enacted, this legislation creates a high-risk path for dangerous criminals with gun crime histories to early release from prison. This amounts to a social experiment with the safety of our communities and the lives of Sheriffs, deputies and police officers in the balance. Please know that we did not come to this conclusion lightly. We have been working diligently with the Administration to correct these inequities. It is our hope the Senate will listen to the nation’s elected Sheriffs and the Chiefs of Police of our nation’s most populous cities.” The letter made a number of specific recommendations. The letter was sent from Sheriff John Layton, President of the National Sheriffs’ Association; Sheriff Grady Judd, President of the Major County Sheriffs of America; Sheriff Greg Champagne, Past President and Chair, Legal Affairs Committee, NSA; Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Govt. Affairs, Major County Sheriffs of America, and Chief J. Thomas Manger, President, Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Lake Wales “Makes It Magical” During Downtown Holiday Event

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

Lake Wales “Makes It Magical” During Downtown Holiday Event

by James Coulter

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go, and that was certainly true for visitors to Downtown Lake Wales during their annual Make It Magical holiday event on Friday evening.

Not only were hundreds of guests able to peruse the many downtown shops after hours for their holiday shopping, but they were all able to do so while enjoying a flurry of snowflakes falling from the sky above from snow machines throughout the downtown area.

All the while, guests could become enamored with the holiday spirit by listening to live music and watching dance performances within the downtown area.

Many of the local downtown businesses were open late for the occasion, not only allowing customers to peruse their stores, but also providing them with free food and beverages.

Cocoa Cake Studios, a new bakery, was one such business, which offered potential customers a look at its many custom baked goods as well as complimentary hot chocolate.

Having opened her bakery earlier in October, owner Rachel Cullen was able to meet and greet new customers, thus allowing them to become better acquainted with her new business.

“It has been great,” she said. “We had new customers and old customers. They want to drop in and see what we have and congratulate us on our new store…You don’t see that many people downtown this often.”

Aside from visiting the many downtown businesses, guests could also peruse merchandise as provided by local vendors set up within the town square, as well as participate within many fun activities within the arcade building from decorating cookies to creating ornaments.

The Auxiliary American Legion allowed young children to create their own patriotic ornaments with red, white, and blue colors, as well as color Christmas cards to be distributed to veterans later than month.

These patriotic activities were hosted as to honor the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the date of which was the exact same as that evening’s holiday event.

Allison Snyder attended this year’s event for the first time with the Auxiliary American Legion, but had previously attended the event as a Chamber of Commerce member.

Being able to help the children and their guardians enjoy a patriotic and happy holiday was more than enough reward for her that evening.

“We’ve had a steady stream of children and parents coming through,” she said. “I have seen a lot of people going up and down the streets. So I think it has been a wonderful turnout all around this year. I love seeing all the people.”

Karen Thompson, Main Street Director at City of Lake Wales, helped organize this year’s event, as her organization has been doing so for the past few years.

Such an event has remained successful since its inception due not only to the hard work of dedicated volunteers, but also by the participation of the local community members who have come to embrace it as an annual holiday tradition, she said.

“It is all about the community. They come, they support it, they have fun, it is all about the kids and bringing in the holiday season,” she said. “I love every aspect of event planning. I love the final result, and seeing everyone have so much fun.”

SCAM ALERT: Phone Calls Claiming to be from the Police Department

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

-

December 12, 2018

0

SCAM ALERT: Phone Calls Claiming to be from the Police Department

Winter Haven Police have been made aware of callers claiming to be from the Police Department demanding money from unsuspecting citizens or they will be arrested. We DO NOT contact citizens for money and anyone who receives a call of this nature should HANG UP and let us know by calling 863-401-2256.

Public Notice: Fictitious Name Notice

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

December 11, 2018

0

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned pursuant to the “Fictitious Name Statutes,” Section 865.09,

Florida Statutes will register with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State of the State of

Florida upon receipt of proof of publication of this notice the fictitious name, to wit:

Reitenbach Hauling

Under which we are engaged in business. We expect to engage in business at 421 Starr Ridge Loop

Lake Wales, Florida 33898. That the parties interested in said business enterprise are as follows:

Names of owners or officers

Gary Reitenbach

Donna Reitenbach

Dated at Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida. December 11, 2018

Santa Makes Appearance at Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

December 11, 2018

0

Santa Makes Appearance at Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market

By Allison Williams

On Saturday, the warm weather did not stop Santa from making an appearance at the Lake Wales Downtown Farmers Market. He, along with numerous vendors showed off some holiday spirit at the weekend’s event.

Santa was set up in the middle of the market. He invited children and families to take a holiday photo with him. After each photo session, children were given candy canes to enjoy.

Vendors were set up in tents along the street, many selling Christmas themed items in preparation for the holiday.

Susan Kayal, a resident of Clermont, brought her business to the Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market. Kayal is a local independent sales representative for Avon, a company that sells beauty products and personal care items. She had a booth set up promoting various products, including some beauty packages for the holidays.

Some of Avon’s products Kayal was promoting were the Skin So Soft bath oils. She had various kinds for sale at the market including the “original” as well as “soft and sensual.”

Another vendor set up at the market was Shining Star Accessories. One owner, Everlidis Adams said she has had the business for about two years now. Shining Star Accessories offers a variety of accessories, from necklaces to key chains to crochet dolls. Adams also accepts customized special orders.

Other vendors present at this weekend’s farmer’s market included:

Love is in the Stitch
Porcelain Perennials
Tindel Den Pottery
Joyful Creations
BJ’s Cakes and More
Creations by Pete n Dee
Three Generation Crafts
Happy Hives

These local vendors, among many more, rely on local support for their businesses. Show your support by shopping local and head on over to the next Saturday market on December 22. This will be the last Saturday market before Christmas, so come on out and get your last minute local holiday shopping in.

Location:

Marketplace Downtown

20 Market Street

Lake Wales, FL 33853

The market takes place every second and forth Saturday of the month.

Local Organizations Join Together to Help Deserving Families for Christmas

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

-

December 11, 2018

0

Local Organizations Join Together to Help Deserving Families for Christmas

By Allison Williams

On Wednesday, the Polk County Sherriff’s Office, Kids Wish Network and Lake Wales Care Center partnered together to bring joy to children and families across the county.

The Kids Wish Network donated toys to the Lake Wale Care Center to be wrapped and distributed to families in need. They donated over $200,000 worth of toys for Project “Toy Drop” in Lake Wales.

The Lakes Wales Care Center is a non-profit organization in Downtown Lake Wales.

Address: 140 E. Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853

Phone: 863-676-6678

Email: [email protected]

Hours: Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Weekends

Website: http://lakewalescarecenter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakewalescarecenter/

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined together with members of the Kids Wish Network and volunteers from the Lake Wales Center to wrap donated gifts in preparation for the big gift distribution.

Tons of items were wrapped, from toys to games to learning tools and other educational items.

Members of the Lake Wales Care Center, along with Polk County Sheriff’s Office Community Oriented Policing Deputies are working together to bring local families joy on Christmas day. Their goal is to allow many children open a special gift on Christmas Day.

The gift distribution will take place a few days before Christmas, where deserving children and families will receive a gift to open.

Tam Lai, a member of the Kids Wish Network attended the event to help out.

“We provide toys and necessity items to the community,” Lai said. The mission of the Kids Wish Network is to give to deserving families in need. They help sick children who are facing difficult times.

With the combined generous efforts of all three organizations, there are sure to be smiling faces come Christmas morning.

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!

DailyRidge.comFast Factual Free News!