CSX Temporarily Closing Avenue G NW Rail Crossing in Inwood Area

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December 6, 2018

CSX Temporarily Closing Avenue G NW Rail Crossing in Inwood Area

Bartow, Fla. (December 6, 2018) — CSX Transportation has scheduled a temporary closure for repairs to its rail crossing at Avenue G NW in the Inwood area of Winter Haven starting Monday morning. Work is anticipated to take no longer than five days to complete. The crossing, just west of the intersection with Spirit Lake Road, will be upgraded in coordination with similar improvements planned for later this month at the nearby Spirit Lake Road crossing south of Avenue G NW. Traffic congestion and lengthy peak-hour commuting delays are expected. Traffic heading westbound on Avenue G NW east of the tracks will detour at Spirit Lake Road, while eastbound traffic traveling west of the crossing will detour at Recker Highway. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully and to add more time to trips through this heavily traveled area. For more information, contact CSX at 1-800-232-0144.

UPDATE Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at HWY 37 South and Hwy 640 in Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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December 6, 2018

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UPDATE Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash at HWY 37 South and Hwy 640 in Mulberry

PCSO Release:

Photos Provided by PCSO

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in the intersection of Hwy 37 South and Hwy 640 in Mulberry.

The crash was reported at about 1:06 A.M., and involves a tractor-trailer and a sedan. One person is deceased, and the other person was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Center with minor injuries.

A fire started as a result of the crash, and responding crews will also have to clean up diesel and hydraulic fluid.

At this time, the identity of the deceased victim has not been confirmed, and no next-of-kin notification has been made.

The intersection is expected to remain closed for six hours (until about 9:00 a.m.).

Bartow Woman Struck & Killed By A Car Tuesday Night

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Bartow Woman Struck & Killed By A Car Tuesday Night

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

A 56-year-old Bartow woman was killed Tuesday night, December 4, 2018, at around 8:07 P.M., on Cox Road near 80 Foot Road in Bartow. The woman had no ID on her, but was eventually identified as Irene Rodriguez of Bartow, from her fingerprints.

According to the preliminary investigation, Rodriguez was struck by a white 2016 Chrysler 300C, driven by 62-year-old Janet Caples West on Cox Road when she struck Rodriguez, who was lying in the roadway.

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. Caples was not injured.

The roadway remained close for approximately 5 hours, and the investigation is ongoing.

Crime Spree Across Polk County Stopped By Cooperating Agencies – Arresting 5 Suspects

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Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Crime Spree Across Polk County Stopped By Cooperating Agencies – Arresting 5 Suspects

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies ended a night of crime by five Orlando teens Wednesday morning, December 5, 2018, in the Davenport area. Arrested were 18-year-olds Michael McCall and Traquavious Dennison, and 16-year-olds Joseph Smith, Alan Florvilus, and Jaheim Williams.

At about 11:55 P.M., a Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol noticed a Jeep Renegade driving recklessly on I-4, west of the Polk Parkway (SR 570). The Trooper determined that the Jeep was driving 117 MPH (in a 70 MPH zone). FHP attempted to stop the Jeep, but the driver turned off the lights, and visual contact was lost.

At around 12:37 A.M., officers with the Auburndale Police Department responded to a burglar alarm at Ace Wireless, 413 Magnolia Avenue, and found that a burglary had just occurred there.

At around 12:43 A.M., an officer with Lake Alfred Police Department notified Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the Northeast District that he was behind a Jeep reported stolen out of Orlando heading north on Hwy 557 heading toward I-4. Deputies were able to deploy stop sticks on I-4, which caused damage to the tires of the stolen vehicle. The Jeep exited I-4 onto Hwy 27, where it came to a stop, and all five occupants got out and fled on foot.

Four of the suspects were caught near Pet Smart in the Posner Park Shopping Complex. The fifth suspect was spotted by the Sheriff’s Office Air Unit and was subsequently captured by deputies.

“What we saw overnight were five teens coming into Polk County from Orlando to commit crimes against our citizens, and they were met with a collaborative response by multiple agencies. They did some serious crimes, and we have to make sure they’re held accountable for them.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

All five suspects were arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail on numerous charges from Lake Alfred PD. FHP attached charges on McCall, the driver of the Jeep, PCSO had one addition resisting charge for Williams, and Auburndale PD will have additional charges in reference to the business burglary.

Lake Alfred PD Officer Fuore suffered minor injuries to his hands during the apprehension of the suspects. No other injuries were reported.

“This was an outstanding effort between multiple agencies getting some bad guys off the street. I can’t be more appreciative for Officer Fuore and his hard work and initiative-because of his awareness and proactive patrol, multiple criminal cases are going to be solved, and hopefully these thieves will be prevented from committing more crime. “- Art Bodenheimer, Lake Alfred Police Chief

Deputies searched the stolen Jeep and recovered a duffle bag, a laptop, two cash registers, and fifteen Apple iPhones. These items were determined to have been property taken from ACE Wireless.

The investigation is ongoing. McCall and Dennison are also suspects in a residential burglary which occurred last week in northeast Polk County.

Below are details about the suspects and their charges.

Michael McCall, 18, of 6312 Lake Weston Pointe Lane, Orlando.
Charges:
Lake Alfred PD: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F-3), Flee to Elude (F-3), Negligent Child Abuse (F-3), Resisting (M-1), and Trespass, (M-2).
FHP: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle (F-3), Flee to Elude (F-3).
McCall is a known gang member, and had warrants out of Osceola County at the time of his arrest. His prior criminal history includes 18 Felony and 14 Misdemeanor charges. He has been convicted of 5 felonies and 3 misdemeanors.

Traquavious Dennison, 18, of 3130 CR Smith Apt.11, Orlando.
Charges:
Lake Alfred PD: Resisting (M-1), and Trespass (M-2).
Dennison is a known gang member and was released from prison on November 9, 2018. He had warrants out of Osceola County at the time of his arrest. His prior criminal history includes 20 Felony and 8 Misdemeanor charges.He has been convicted of 17 Felonies and 3 Misdemeanors.

Jaheim Williams, 16, of 400 W Robinson Street, Orlando
Charges:
Lake Alfred: Resisting (M-1), and Trespass (M-2)
Williams’ prior criminal history includes 5 Felony and 18 Misdemeanor charges. He has been convicted of 1 Felony and 1 Misdemeanor.

Alan Florvilus, 16, or 1233 Golden Gate Avenue, Orlando
Charges:
Lake Alfred: Resisting (M-1), and Trespass (M-2)
PCSO: Resisting (M-1)
Florvilus’ prior criminal history includes 2 Felonies and 1 Misdemeanor charges. He has no convictions.

Joseph Smith, 16, of 813 W Jackson Street, Orlando
Charges:
Lake Alfred: Resisting (M-1), and Trespass (M-2)
Smith’s prior criminal history includes 19 Felonies and 6 Misdemeanor charges. He has been convicted of 3 Felonies and 2 Misdemeanors.

Two Lakeland Men Arrested at Gator Creek Preserve for Lewd Behavior

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Two Lakeland Men Arrested at Gator Creek Preserve for Lewd Behavior

PCSO Release:

On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men for lewd behavior at Gator Creek Preserve in Lakeland.

Undercover detectives conducted an investigation following complaints of the lewd behavior occurring in various parks within the county. One of the suspects had been arrested previously for the same crime.

“Each time we conduct one of these undercover investigations, we make at least one arrest. That’s the good news, and the bad news. We want our parks to be places where families can enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, without seeing activity like this.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Both suspects were trespassed from all parks in the county.

70-year-old Jay Alan Westdrop of 4984 Lakeland Harbor Blvd in Lakeland, exposed himself to, and solicited, an undercover male detective at Gator Creek Preserve in Lakeland. He was arrested and charged with Soliciting Another for Lewd Act – 2nd Offense (F3) and Indecent Exposure (M1). He’s being held on $1,500 bond. A criminal history search revealed he was arrested in 1992 for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct at Saddle Creek Park.

68-year-old Mark Green of 9585 Anglers Way in Lakeland, exposed himself to, and solicited, an undercover male detective at Gator Creek Preserve in Lakeland. He was arrested and charged with Offer to Commit Lewdness (M1) and Indecent Exposure (M1). He was booked into the Polk County Jail and released after posting $1,000 bond.

George Jenkins High School Student Arrested For Bringing Handgun to School

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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George Jenkins High School student arrested for bringing handgun to school

PCSO Release:

A 17-year-old student was found in possession of a loaded firearm at George Jenkins High School today. Preliminary investigation shows that student Luis Manuel Escalona (17) had a 9mm handgun that he was concealing in his backpack. School personnel received a tip that Escalona had a gun in his backpack and the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy immediately responded to Escalona’s classroom and detained him. During a search, the 9mm handgun was found in his backpack along with an extra loaded magazine. Escalona has admitted to possession of the firearm, adding that he recently found the weapon off school grounds.

Escalona has been charged with Possession of firearm on campus, possession of firearm with altered serial number, possession of a firearm by a juvenile and disruption of school function. He is being transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. He has a previous criminal arrest history for 2 burglaries of residence, grand theft, and petit theft.

“We have an absolute zero tolerance for weapons of any kind at school. I thank the tipster who alerted the school to the gun and commend the school personnel and our deputy for acting quickly and decisively.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

“The safety of our students and staff is always paramount. In this incident, our students did exactly as we instruct them to do they saw something and they said something. Then, our staff immediately followed procedures and contacted law enforcement. Our partners at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly and thoroughly, which allowed us to resume normal operations as quickly as possible and with the assurance we were doing so in a safe learning environment. I commend our students, staff members and law enforcement partners for working together to keep our schools safe.” Jacqueline M. Byrd, Superintendent of Schools

Bartow Middle School Teacher Arrested in Winter Haven for DUI with Property Damage After Crash

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Bartow Middle School Teacher Arrested in Winter Haven for DUI with Property Damage After Crash

PCSO Release:

On December 4, 2018, PCSO arrested and charged 29-year-old Dyrren Barber of Lake Wales with one count DUI with property damage (M1). Barber told deputies upon his arrest that he is a teacher at Bartow Middle School.

According to the affidavit, around 8:00 p.m., PCSO received a call for service in reference to a blue Ford pickup truck seen driving erratically on Cypress Gardens Blvd near Helena Road in Winter Haven. The reportee witnessed the truck strike a Nissan driving in the same direction, and then attempt to flee. As the truck left the scene at a high rate of speed, the driver (Barber) appeared to lose control of the truck, at which time it left the roadway, struck a telephone pole, drove through a fence, and struck a water main.

Deputies arrived on-scene and made contact with Barber, who was not injured. The occupants of the Nissan he struck were also not injured. Deputies smelled the odor of alcohol and observed that Barber appeared to be intoxicated, and they subsequently conducted a series of field sobriety tests. During the tests, Barber exhibited several signs of impairment.

After Barber was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail, he submitted to a breath test. His first breath sample tested at 0.263 blood alcohol content (BAC) and his second breath sample tested at 0.255 BAC. Both samples were over twice the legal BAC limit of 0.08.

“Thank you to the citizen who saw something, and said something – resulting in us being able to respond quickly to what could have been a much worse scene. It’s a miracle nobody was injured last night when Mr. Barber got behind the wheel drunk.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Barber has a 2016 arrest in Polk County for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Please refer all inquiries about Barber’s employment to Polk County Public Schools.

Report sponspored by: Chiroworks

PSCO Deputies Investigating Burglary By Thieves Pretending To Be Power Company Employees

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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PSCO Deputies Investigating Burglary By Thieves Pretending To Be Power Company Employees

Now that holidays are here, seniors need to stay alert! Last year, we started seeing a trend in Polk County, something we refer to as Distraction Burglaries and we’re now starting to see them pop up again, and we need you to help get the word out. Duke Power and other companies have important information on their websites informing you about these scams.

On December 4, 2018, PCSO detectives responded to Halabrin Road in Haines City where a husband and wife reported their home had been burglarized.

The victims stated a man claiming to work for Duke Energy showed up at their house and requested they come outside because he needed to show them an issue. The victims stated the suspect asked them to both leave the house, which took a while. The suspect then told them that Duke Energy would be coming out the next day to complete some work, but after he left, the victims called the company and found out there was no such scheduled work to be completed.

The victims started searching their home to see if anything inside was missing and they discovered their small safe, containing valuables, was missing.

The victims described the suspect as a Hispanic male between 35 and 40 years ago. He was driving a midsize white SUV with dark tinted windows and inside the vehicle was a female driver.

“Unfortunately, this is the season for “Grinches.” Folks, these criminals are smooth, so be leery of anyone who approaches your house and asks to get you outside. If something seems suspicious, call 9-1-1. ” – Grady Judd, Sheriff,”

Like the burglary above, in this type of crime, someone comes to your front door, posing as a surveyor, tree service, utility worker, etc. Their goal is the same…to get you out of your house. Once outside, they’ll speak to someone on their phone or walkie-talkie, giving their cohort in crime a signal. While the victim is speaking with this unknown person in the backyard, their partner enters through the front door and begins going through rooms, looking for valuables.

If you’re approached by someone, be very careful. If you choose to speak with them, ask them for identification, and a phone number of their employer so you can verify who they say they are, and that they are doing legitimate business.

If the suspect realizes things aren’t working, they’ll likely take-off to find an easier target. If that happens, try to get a picture of the suspect and their vehicle, preferably with a tag number.

If you have any information on this most recent burglary, call the Sheriff’s Office at (863) 298-6200. If you have information and you want to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or go to heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Lake Morton Plaza Thanks First Responders With Barbecue Dinner

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Lake Morton Plaza Thanks First Responders With Barbecue Dinner

by James Coulter

On June 26, 2018, a rooftop fire at Lake Morton Plaza in Lakeland was extinguished thanks to the quick response and team effort from local fire rescue team members.

Half a year later, the fire damage has been repaired, the building was re-opened, and the staff and residents showed their appreciation through a barbecue dinner hosted on Tuesday evening.

The dinner was catered through Lakeland Barbecue Company, which provided an outdoor buffet with pulled pork and chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, and cole slaw.

Aside from enjoying their meal, residents, staff, and fire rescue team members were able to participate in outdoor activities such as cornhole, as well as listen to music provided by local musician Dan Signor.

Near the end of the evening, most of the fire rescue team members had been dispatched to fire calls, but all of them were honored for the hard work they did to help put out the fire earlier that summer, explained Shanon Clark, Lake Morton Plaza Executive Director.

The fire occurred earlier this year on June 26. The 10-story building, which serves as an assisted living facility, received an expedient response, with 11 fire trucks, four ambulances, a dozen police officers, and a paramedic unit arriving on the scene, according to a report in The Ledger.

Following the fire, nearly 129 residents were evacuated from the building and were required to find shelter within the surrounding community until sufficient repairs were made to the building, Clark explained.

The repairs to the fire and water damage took months, with the very last resident moving back into the building by mid-October, she said.

Both the fire rescue team’s efforts in putting out the fire and attending to the residents to assure their safety before and after the fire was more than commendable and worthy of a barbecue dinner, she said.

“We wanted to do something to thank all the firefighters for all that they have done for us,” she said. “It is all happy and positive moving forward.”

The phenomenal job by the first responders to help extinguish the fire and minimize its overall damage was due to Lake Morton Plaza’s close proximity to the local fire department, as well as its staff expedient response in making the emergency call, explained Cheryl Edwards, Fire Marshal of the Lakeland Fire Department.

As the fire occurred upon the rooftop, it did not set off any of the indoor fire alarms; so it was fortunate for the building’s staff to detect the fire and notify the local department as soon as they could, Edwards said.

“We were at the fire that broke out here,” she said. “Our fire department and crew did an outstanding job on a very quick knockdown, really minimizing the damage to the structure.”

Being able to meet many of the residents whom her fellow fire fighters assisted during the incident that summer was more than reward enough for her that evening, she said.

“I think this was a wonderful event that Lake Morton Plaza hosted to thank us for assisting,” she said. “Obviously, it is not called for, and seldom does something like this happen, so it was very refreshing, and to me, it was special to see and meet all the residents who came and moved back in and talk with them.”

Catering the dinner was Joel Vann, Owner of The Lakeland Barbecue Company. He and his team has been involved with many past events at Lake Morton Plaza and other assisted living facilities within the area.

Vann likes being able to cater such events, especially when it involved honoring the brave men and women who help keep his local community safe, as they did during the fire earlier that summer.

“I think they did a good job with them,” he said. “When you deal with first responders, it is hard to get them all to come out [at an event like this], and we had about 40 firefighters, so I think that is very good.”

Bambu Cafe Celebrates New Location With Grand Re-Opening

Staff Reporter

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December 5, 2018

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Bambu Cafe Celebrates New Location With Grand Re-Opening

by James Coulter

The New Year may be several weeks away, but it’s never too early to start planning your New Year’s resolutions.

If your New Year resolution for next year is to lose weight or start eating healthier, then consider visiting Bambu Cafe.

Now located in Downtown Winter Haven, this cafe offers a convenient location where one can enjoy a nutritious lunch made in-house from the freshest, healthiest ingredients.

Forget greasy fast food! Bambu Cafe serves a healthier alternative with a diverse menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and other healthy snacks and beverages, from fresh-squeezed juice to fruit-infused water.

No matter if you order a simple salad, a sandwich prepared with a protein scoop of chicken, tuna, or egg salad, or one of their many healthy yet delectable smoothies, you’re sure to order something made from only the freshest ingredients, ensuring you get fresh food fast.

As such, Bambu Cafe is the most ideal location to visit if you’re on a diet, as their menu meets any of your dietary needs, be it gluten-free, dairy-free, allergy-free, or a special diet such as keto or paleo.

The smoothies especially are a real treat, as their texture and flavors make them as delicious and decadent as they are nutritious, making them a real favorite of customers, explained owner Jennie “KP” Harrison.

“They love our smoothies because they taste like milkshakes and they can indulge without feeling guilty,” she said.

One such customer decided to give the cafe a try after looking on Yelp for a place to buy smoothies. She ordered the Pine Kale-ada, her sister ordered the Reese’s Cup, and both later ordered a cinnamon chia pudding with granola.

Both of them loved their smoothies so much that Bambu Cafe has since replaced Starbuck’s Coffee as their new study location, she wrote on Yelp.

“Expect me to be here more often,” she wrote in her review.

Another customer on Facebook also fell in love with the store upon ordering a Peanut Butter Cup smoothie, which she praises as something that “really hits the spot for this desert-lover.”

“Every food item I’ve tried is also amazing, especially the soups,” she wrote in her Facebook review. “And the owner always calls me by name no matter how long it’s been since I’ve visited. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone!!”

Harrison had always wanted to be in the resturant business, but did not know what type of resturant to open. With the passing of her mother from cancer, she decided to try juicing. What started as a hobby soon became her business.

“After losing my mom to cancer, and realizing there was a huge demand for healthy food…I just decided that after getting into juicing, I wanted to get into a juice bar and be the first one to open one in town,” she said.

Originally called Bambu Body Bar, her cafe has done so well these past two years that she has decided to move to a new location within the Old Town Square, which offers better visibility and parking for her customers.

Bambu Cafe, as it has since been renamed, officially dedicated its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 28 and a grand re-opening on Nov. 30.

Harrison attributes her success thus far to her loyal staff who have helped her fulfill her vision, as well as her equally loyal customers who have dedicated themselves to healthier eating.

She hopes that as more people decide to live healthier lifestyles with healthy eating, that more people will decided to give her cafe a chance, especially since she has plans to expand her business with extended hours, weekend hours, and even a liquor license to serve infused cocktails.

Bambu Cafe is located at 371 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, Fl 33881. For more information, call 863-280-6346, or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BambuBodyBar/

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