On May 12, 2024, officers responded to a dangerous shooting situation at a residence in Winter Haven. The defendant, Ruben Vasquez of Winter Haven (DOB 04/15/1989) was arrested on the charges of Improper exhibition of a firearm, Discharge of a firearm on residential property, Tampering with evidence, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

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 May 12th, 2024 at approximately 2004 hours I responded to REDACTED Winter Haven, Fl. 33880. In reference to a dangerous shooting.

Upon arrival, officers already had a male detained in the back of a patrol car. I then canvased the immediate area witness-1, REDACTED advised the male was shooting from. I observed and located three spent shell casings located approximately three feet from the shared driveway of this location laying in the grass.

I conducted an interview of REDACTED who stated she was sitting in the driver seat of her vehicle located in the rear of her residence. She stated she observed the defendant in her rear view mirror shoot a gun into the ground.

She stated she heard 4 shots fired at the time.

Witness -2 REDACTED stated she was sitting in the middle of the backseat. She stated she only heard four gun shots and when witness stated “he’s got a gun” she ducked her head and did not see the subject.

Witness-3 REDACTED stated she was sitting in the front passenger seat. She stated she heard four gun shots and when witness 1 stated “he’s got a gun” she ducked her head and did not see the subject.

Witness-4 REDACTED stated he was inside his home when he heard four loud bangs. He stated they sounded like vehicle mats being slapped together. He stated he came outside and observed a male subject walking from the rear of the subject’s property around to the front and enter his front door. He stated he did not observe any weapon being fired or any weapon being displayed.

I was advised by the backup officers that during a search of the subject they located a pistol magazine and one live round in his pocket. The live round in the subject pocket matched the shell casings located on the ground. All ammunition had matching head stamps. Ofc. Caballero advised the defendant was in the back of his patrol vehicle. He was then transferred to a second patrol vehicle to be transported to the police department. During this transition. Ofc. Caballero advised the defendant tried to hide a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics in his backseat. The pipe was then field tested with a number 15 Mark test kit which yielded a presumptive positive for the presence of methamphetamine.

Once at the Winter Haven Police Department my training officer made contact with the defendant at which time the defendant advised, post Miranda, he was only shooting at a raccoon that was in the yard. The defendant advised his kids were scared so he shot at a raccoon. The defendant was unsure if he hit the raccoon and was unsure how many shots were fired. It should be noted that no raccoon was observed on scene.

The defendant is being charged with one count of the following:

Improper exhibition of a firearm

Discharge of a firearm on residential property

Tampering with evidence

Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of drug paraphernalia”

NOAA has released their official Tropical Outlook for 2024 and predicts above-normal hurricane activity.
Now is a great time to make sure you have your hurricane preparedness plan developed and ready to execute if the time comes.

Here is information that NOAA has released:

National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

“With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property.”

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”

As one of the strongest El Ninos ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Nina conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Nina tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development. 

This hurricane season also features the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms. Finally, light trade winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear, and also minimize ocean cooling. Human-caused climate change is warming our ocean globally and in the Atlantic basin, and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane.

Calling all super dads and sidekicks! Join us for an action-packed event – Doughnuts with Dad on June 15, 2024, at the Eloise Resource Center. Put on your capes and masks and fly over for a morning of light refreshments and fun activities. Unleash your inner superhero and enjoy quality time with your little ones. You “do-nut” want to miss the fun!

Admission is free.

Doughnuts with Dad
Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. to Noon
Eloise Resource Center
710 Snively Ave, Eloise

City of Winter Haven, Fl

Join us June 6, 2024 for an exciting evening at the Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center Construction Community Open House!

Open House starts at 5:00 PM, followed by a presentation from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and a Q&A with city staff from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

The library team will be on site with audio equipment to warmly capture and preserve your cherished memories.

More information from the project page:

Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center Improvements Project
PARKS & RECREATION

Project Budget
• $19.3 million

Amenities
• 37,616 square feet (20,000 general use, 17,616 gymnasium)
• Double Gymnasium (multi-use) (Two Basketball, Four Volleyball)
• Recreation Programming Space
• Fitness Center
• Activities Room
• Library / Technology Area
• Business Support Area
• Kitchen (Caterer) & Concession
• Support (Offices, Restrooms, Storage)
• New Swimming Pool with Zero-Depth Entry
• Splashpad
• New Playground
• Outdoor Sport Court
• One Baseball Field
• Picnic Areas
• Open Spaces
• Band Storage
• Expanded Parking

Benefits of Full Redevelopment
• New construction allows for a modern, state of the art design. This will allow for more flexible and efficient spaces.
• Building MEP systems above and below ground will be new and efficient and designed to function with one another.
• Ability to ensure proper mobility and ADA access throughout the facility.
• Feedback on design / layout is not constrained by existing building location, major structural and mechanical components which can’t be moved, or other onsite amenities that would otherwise minimize opportunities for an expanded footprint.
• Any effort to improve the site/building either through renovation or new construction should incorporate appropriate homage to historical events and people significant to Florence Villa and Northeast Winter Haven.

OBITUARY OF GERALD HARDEN

Gerald “Jerry” Harden, 83, of Haines City, FL, passed away on May 19, 2024. He was born on September 13, 1940, in Dundee, Florida to Lollie and Florence Harden.  A lifelong resident of Florida, Jerry graduated from Winter Haven High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant (SGT) and received several decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Marksman (Rifle M-14), and the 2 overseas service bars.

Jerry worked as a telephone man for 20 years with GTE, now known as Verizon, and later became an investigator for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) until his retirement.  He was a longtime member of Eastside Baptist Church in Haines City, where he and his beloved wife, Juanita, were the first couple married in the new church building in 1963.   Jerry was a very talented artist who not only painted but also built sets for local community theaters, Christmas and Easter programs at Eastside Baptist Church and other local churches.  He also acted and sang in some of these productions. Known for his green thumb, he enjoyed horticulture and loved spending time at the beach.  He will be remembered as the king of Dad jokes, always laughing, and as someone who truly loved his wife and family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita Pruitt Harden; his brother, Larry Harden; and his sister, Linda Hardin. He is survived by his son, Jason Harden and wife Carrie of La Crosse, WI; his daughter, Danielle Branch and husband Fred of Kissimmee, FL; his brothers, Jim and Charlie Harden; his sisters, Caroline Cox and Jan Brisciano; and his grandchildren, Kyle Branch and his wife Kristen, Kameron Branch, PFC USMC Karson Branch, Isabel Harden, and Zoey Harden.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 3:00 pm, all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Memorial donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

OBITUARY OF STEVE WALL

Steve Wall, 72, of Loughman, Florida passed away on May 16, 2024, at his residence. He was born on October 31, 1951, in Orlando, Florida and was a lifelong resident of Loughman.

Steve graduated from Haines City Senior High School in June of 1969 and was employed with Comcast and was VP and General Manager for their sound communications department in Orlando, FL. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando and had a passion for fishing, playing golf, photography and videography as well as researching anything and everything.

He was predeceased by his parents Hilda L. Wall and P.O. Wall, Jr. Steve is survived by his life partner, Sandra Lowery; son, Christopher Wall; sister, Ginger and her husband, Al Brown of Fayetteville, GA as well as 1 niece and 1 nephew.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 2:00 pm until the Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 1001 Grace Ave Haines City, FL 33844.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified men and women in Polk County who desire to work as substitute crossing guards this year. 

Substitute school crossing guards are needed in the following areas: Lakeland, Fort Meade, Bartow, Highland City, Lake Wales and Auburndale.

Anyone interested in applying in east Polk(Auburndale and Lake Wales) should contact Supervisor Courtney Branch at (863) 534-7300 ext. 109.

Anyone interested in applying in west Polk(Lakeland, Fort Meade, Bartow, and Highland City) should contact Supervisor Heather Strafford at (863) 534-7300 ext. 108.

Applicants should be available to work for one hour in the morning and for 30 minutes in the afternoon when scheduled to work a crossing.

School Crossing Guard services are provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. This vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected hazardous school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children walking to and from school.

Proposed Development with 132 Multi-Family Residential Units Raises Concerns about Supporting Infrastructure and Nearby Schools

by James Coulter

A proposed development near Recker Highway, which will potentially create 132 multi-family residential units, has residents raising concerns about whether the area’s existing infrastructure, utilities, and schools can support it.

At their regular meeting on Monday evening, Winter Haven City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the second reading of an ordinance that will rezone an 8.8-acre parcel of land from Single Family Residential – Small Lot (R-2) to Multi-Family Residential- Low Density (R-3).

The rezoning will permit the property, located east of the intersection of Recker Highway and 21st Street SW in Winter Haven, to be developed with approximately 132 multi-family residential units, based on the maximum permitted density of 15 units per acre for properties in the R-3 zoning designation.

“This [number of units] represents an increase of 88 units over the maximum number of units potentially developed under the current R-2 zoning,” the ordinance memo stated.

The residential areas surrounding the proposed development site, according to the city staff memo, “include the Stonebridge Villas single-family attached subdivision, developed at approximately 10.6 units per acre, and the Stonebridge single-family detached subdivision to the south; CSX railroad tracks to the east; vacant property zoned R-2 to the north; and vacant property zoned C-3 to the west.”

However, a few residents raised concerns about whether the surrounding community can handle this proposed development, and whether its existing infrastructure, utilities, and schools could handle an influx of new residents.

One resident, Kim Davis, raised this concern during public comments. She asked if these new units would be two-story. To which, she was informed that the maximum height was four stories up to 52 feet.

She mentioned how the local schools were struggling, especially with these schools being old and experiencing a shortage of bus drivers. She advised commissioners to take caution that the community can handle the new development before approving it.

“This is a really struggling area and we keep approving growth in these areas,” she said. “Allegedly, we are confirming there is enough infrastructure, water, and schools, but the schools are not ahead of the growth. So I just want to emphasize [to] please make sure there is actually adequate schooling and classrooms and teachers and bus drivers–Hello? We have a major shortage of bus drivers right now–before we approve more stuff.”

One city commissioner agreed with her concerns but assured her that the development was in good hands. The developer, Blue Sky Communities, has a good track record and has proven themselves attentive to the needs of the city and community, he said.

“If this were not Blue Sky, I would have a problem with it,” he said. “Blue Sky has a track record of what they will do out there consistent with the goals we have set as a commission for the workforce and affordable housing. It is a good fit…Because this is Blue Sky, I have a lot of confidence in them and I appreciate what they are doing for Winter Haven and Polk County. They are filling a real need that we have. I wish them well.”

Another city commissioner likewise agreed that adjacent concurrency was a concern of his, but also considered the developer trustworthy with their proposed goals and endeavors.

“Adjacent concurrency is a pet peeve of mine. It is detrimental to our schools, in my opinion, and something our state legislature needs to look at,” he said. “But I concur Blue Sky is doing a phenomenal job. They are providing a much-needed good tool in the tool chest when it comes to the affordability of local housing. I hope that this project and expect it to be equal to and greater than other projects they put forth in date.”

On May 5th, 2024, detectives from the Auburndale Police Department launched an investigation into a homicide shooting that took place at the Wellington Apartments in Auburndale, Florida. Through investigative work, the detectives identified Anthony Lewis as a suspect in this homicide case.

The attached video footage shows the suspect in custody on May 16th, after Anthony Lewis was located by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and transferred to the Auburndale Police Department for questioning.

We sincerely hope this significant development in the investigation can bring some comfort to the victim’s family as they deal with this difficult and sorrowful situation.

Video here: https://fb.watch/sd64eHJoNu/?mibextid=w8EBqM

OBITUARY OF CLIFORD CHARLES

Cliford Charles of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Winter Haven Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY he came to Winter Haven with his family 24 years ago. He was employed at Carpenter Contractors of America in Winter Haven, where he worked in truss manufacturing for the last five years. Cliford enjoyed soccer, detailing cars, music and barbecuing. He was of the Christian faith and loved spending time with his family, especially his son Noah. A loving son, father, brother and friend he will be deeply missed. 

Cliford is survived by his parents Saidel and Benitha Charles Sully. Son Noah Elilee. Brothers Ducains, Wilkenson, Stanley, Blondy, Delson, Jason and Mylender all Sully. Sisters Wislande, Christina, Vanessa, Wilda, Sabrina, Thamara and Tee tee all Sully. Grandfather Denis Charles.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 24th from 6-8pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.

Funeral Services will follow on Saturday, May 25th at 10am at the People’s Church in Winter Haven with burial to follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.