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Highlands Hammock announces annual First Day Hikes

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Highlands Hammock announces annual First Day Hikes

Highlands Hammock announces annual First Day Hikes

— Start the New Year off on the right foot at Highlands Hammock! —

Sebring:  Start the New Year off on the right foot at Highlands Hammock State Park!   ‘First Day’ Hikes are an annual tradition at parks all across the country, and Highlands Hammock is holding two scheduled walks on Tuesday morning, January 1.  In conducting research on historical trails that were abandoned during the 1940s, Ranger Laura McMullen has worked with park staff and located several trails during the past four years. She has been involved with the clearing and maintenance of these trails with the help of volunteers.  According to Park Services Specialist Carla Sherwin, “ROTC cadets from both Lake Placid High School and Avon Park High have been invaluable in contributing many hours towards trail restoration by trimming back the overgrowth and removing Caesar Weed and other exotic, invasive plants from these trails.”  “It followed that Ranger McMullen’s research quite naturally led to a series of ‘off the beaten path’ treks she enjoys conducting annually for visitors on New Year’s morning,” Sherwin continued.  Ranger McMullen has stated that “Offering ‘off the beaten path’ hikes is an opportunity to walk trails other than those on the Loop Road, some of which are in restricted areas not open to the public.”  Park visitors joining McMullen will journey back in time to primitive Florida on the historical Sweetgum Trail, which extends off of the Ancient Hammock Trail and exits at Cottage Road.  Visitors are instructed to park at the Ancient Hammock trailhead and meet Ranger McMullen at 8:30 a.m. The one-mile round trip hike will take approximately one hour, and the level of difficulty is rated moderate. Registration for this field trip is required as space is limited.  Sign up by calling the Ranger Station at 863-386-6094 or register via email to [email protected].

Following a short break, Ranger McMullen will lead hikers on a Trek to the Historic Dam at 9:45 a.m.  Visitors may take a leisurely stroll through forested wetlands along the park’s bike path to reach an historic dam with a scenic overview of cypress swamp.  Hikers will explore the ecology of hammocks and swamps and learn about their associated flora and fauna.  Visitors may chance seeing an alligator or an otter and observe air plants, birds and other wildlife along the way. Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Mammal Kiosk, located between the Young Hammock Trail and Cypress Swamp on the Loop Road.  The hike will cover 1.5 miles round trip and take approximately an hour and 15 minutes.  The degree of difficulty of this field trip ranges from easy to moderate.  Hikers should dress for the weather and wear hiking boots, long pants and protective clothing.  A hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks are also advised, and binoculars and walking sticks may be useful.  Park entry fees of $6.00 per vehicle (up to 8 persons), $4.00 per single occupant vehicle, and $2.00 for bicyclists and visitors walking on foot apply.

Local Children Win Free Bikes During Holiday Extravaganza

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Local Children Win Free Bikes During Holiday Extravaganza

Local Children Win Free Bikes During Holiday Extravaganza

by James Coulter

Aiden Santos, 6, wanted a new bicycle for Christmas, as he had outgrown his old one. Christmas for him arrived early last Friday when he won a new bike through a raffle drawing.

 

“We were actually going to get him one for Christmas…[so] this was awesome that this happened,” said his mother, Kim.

Another lucky child, Kamyra Dudley, 8, also won a free bicycle. However, as she already owns a bike, she plans on giving away her new one to her neighbor as a Christmas present, explained her father, Shabaka.

Both Kamyra and Aiden were entered into the raffle upon attending the Holiday Extravaganza event hosted at the Winter Haven Cultural and Recreational Center on Friday evening.

Kamyra and her father attended the event that evening as an alternative to another holiday event, Snow Central, which had been planned for the week prior, but was canceled due to increment weather, Shabaka explained.

“I think it is a really good event to get the community to come out and have a good time,” he said.

Both Kamyra and Aiden were two of the five children who won free bicycles during a raffle drawing at the event that evening.

Frank Eizere, a local realtor, donated the five bicycles that served as prizes that evening. Those bicycles were five out of 20 that he and a fellow associate had donated and provided to local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club.

As someone who grew up in the local area, Eizere knows the struggles that many of these children face, and wanted to give back to his community in order to make their Christmas this year a little better, he said.

“I think it is a great event for the kids,” he said. “It is Christmas time. A lot of these kids are not fortunate enough to receive gifts, so it brings everybody together and helps to create a good enviroment for the kids.”

Aside from the bicycle giveaway, the Holiday Extravaganza event also included other holiday-related activities as provided by local business and organizations.

Olive Garden provided free candy and coloring books, while Home Depot provided free aprons and crafts. Other activities included virtual reality games, corn hole, free popcorn and juice, and of course, photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Brandon Richard, Recreation Supervisor, helped coordinate this year’s event. While this was his first time helping with the event this year, the event has been hosted several times before.

Though a small event for a small neighborhood of the Winter Haven community, it helped provide local children and their families an opportunity to enjoy free family holiday fun prior to Christmas.

“We are glad they did,” Richard said. “We are glad to have something to provide for the area. Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves, and we are happy that everyone is here.”

The attendance that evening more than exceeded expectations with several hundred children and their guardians attending the event.

This year’s turnout was most likely helped due to the unfortunate cancellation of another holiday-themed event, Snow Central, which was planned the week prior, but canceled due to weather.

“I know people were highly anticipating Snow Central, but I have heard people say that this is a nice place to come to even with snow central not taking place, so everybody seems to be enjoying themselves and having a nice time,” Richard said.

Aside from offering a fun evening for local families, the event also helped to promote the community center and its many programs and upcoming events, including a spelling bee to be hosted in February.

“We hope that this is not your last time,” Richard said. “We hope that you will invite more people to come, because there are a lot great activities and city workers that are housed in this building.”

The Winter Haven Recreational And Cultural Center is located at 801 MLK Blvd NE, Winter Haven, Florida 33881.

For more information, visit their website at: http://www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/facilities-parks/wh-recreational-cultural-center/

Give School Supplies To Needy College Students Through Upcoming Fundraiser

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Give School Supplies To Needy College Students Through Upcoming Fundraiser

Give School Supplies To Needy College Students Through Upcoming Fundraiser

by James Coulter

A new spring semester is right around the corner. While this new semester may bring new opportunities for some college students, for others, especially those who are low income, it will bring yet another reason to have their pockets picked.

Many low-income college students have a hard time paying for their school supplies, let alone their tuition, room, and board, to the point where they either go without or purchase them on credit.

You can help make a difference in the lives of local struggling college students by donating school supplies and other important items through an upcoming fundraiser at the Haines City Library on Dec. 29.

Hosted by Face Off Inc., a local non-profit organization, this fundraiser will be collecting donations of basic school supplies such as toiletries, non-perishable food items, Bibles, and other assorted items. These donated items will then be packed into individual college care packages that will be distributed to local college-aged students who require them the most.

Aside from collecting donations, the fundraiser will also provide the opportunity for Face-Off Inc. representatives to share information about their organization and the opportunities they plan to provide to local college students.

Their intended goal that day will be to reach more than 50 college students, explained Portia White, Executive Director of Face-Off Inc.

Face Off Inc. is a local non-profit organization with the mission of facilitating the needs of young adults, especially college-aged students, ranging from ages 17 to 35.

“We aim to motive, uplift, transform, and empower them to not only heal themselves, but to positively change the lives of others through mentorship,” her website states.

White started her organization earlier this year, as she noticed that this particular demographic often goes overlooked, she said.

“I always see something for younger kids, but nothing for the teenagers and actual adults,” she said. “We want to locally motivate, transform, and empower them to reach their potential, to not let past circumstances and things they are going through currently stop them from being the person they feel they can be.”

Many low-income families often struggle to pay for the school supplies of their elementary or high school-aged children, even going so far as to fund them through credit.

MarketWatch reported: “Those who earn less than $25,000 per year are 10 times more likely than high-income parents to apply for a new credit card in order to save as little as 5% on school supplies, according to a new survey from the personal-finance website WalletHub.”

Low-income college students don’t have it any easier. Many of them often find themselves unable to afford rent, utilities, or even food during their college semester.

Nearly 36 percent of college students are unable to afford food, and between 36 to 46 percent are unable to afford living expenses, according to a survey by Temple University researchers and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, as reported by the Washington Post.

“I can see the struggle of a college student trying to better themselves because it’s always hard and you cannot focus on your schoolwork because you are worrying about what you are going to eat and things like that,” she said. “So I am trying to put my hand in and do as much as possible.”

White hopes to provide such relief through the upcoming fundraiser at the Haines City Public Library. Her organization has future plans of working through the public school system to help provide mentoring services and motivational seminars to teenagers and young adults.

Though her organization is young, she has high hopes that it will grow, and with it, the lives of the struggling students she touches will likewise grow and prosper.

“What I have noticed…is that there is a lot of people who feel like they…don’t want others to know their actual situation, but my motivation is for them to know that it is okay to let others know that they are not okay,” she said. “We want to be able to reach out to different people in different areas and counties. I really want to impact them and help them out as much as possible.”

The Face Off Inc. Fundraiser will be hosted on Dec. 29 from 11am to 1pm at the Haines City Public Library, located at 111 N 6th St, Haines City, FL 33844.

For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/faceoffincorporated/, or their website at: https://www.faceoffinc.org/

NorthRidge Church Children Sing Carols For Savannah Court Seniors

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NorthRidge Church Children Sing Carols For Savannah Court Seniors

NorthRidge Church Children Sing Carols For Savannah Court Seniors

by James Coulter

The best Christmas gifts often come wrapped in small packages. Senior citizens at Savannah Court in Haines City received a great Christmas present through a small performance from a small group of small children on Wednesday evening.

More than two dozen children from the Awana Club at North Ridge Church in Haines City appeared that evening at the assisted living facility to sing Christmas carols to a small audience of residents and parental guardians.

The children’s choir performed such songs as “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” while also utilizing hand motions and props such as colored scarves and plates.

Following the performance, church members presented chapsticks as Christmas gifts to some of the attendees. The chapstick also included sunscreen protection, and was chosen because the cold winter months often dry the skin of some of the elderly residents there, explained Karen Myers, Awana Commander.

While the small performance only lasted less than 15 minutes, and was performed within a small room of less than two dozen people, mostly residents and parental guardians, the small event proved to be a big gift to the senior citizens there.

Many of the residents do not have immediate or visiting family, and those that do often rarely get to see them, especially their grandchildren; as such, being able to watch young children such as these perform for them proves to be a great opportunity for them, explained Madeline Deal, Marketing Relations Director at Savannah Court.

“It’s like having their grandchildren over here,” she said. “We have a lot of residents here who do not have family members, so when we can bring small children in and family, they love it.”

For at least 18 years, NorthRidge Church has been hosting this small Christmas recital at the assisted living facility as a way to not only entertain the elderly residents there, but also share the gospel of Christ to them and others in attendance, explained Karen Myers, the Awana Commander.

Myers loves being able to see the smiles on the faces of the children performing and the adults within the audience watching, but she also loves seeing the children share their faith in God through their performance.

“I think it is awesome that we get the word out about how people get to know the joy of Christ during Christmas, and it is nice to make people smile,” she said. “I also want the children to understand that it is good to give back to the community, and to be able to know that we give more than we get ourselves.”

Mary Anhalt helped coordinate the event that evening, leading the children in their music and conducting their hand motions and prop use. For the past six weeks, she had led their recitals once a week on Wednesday during their Awana meetings.

As a music teacher at Bethune Academy, she utilized her experience of teaching within her classroom to help the children prepare for their performance that evening, and the end result more than met expectations.

“They performed better in front of their parents than they did at rehearsal,” she said.

Anhalt has been attending North Ridge Church for the past year. She initially started attending due to its close proximity to her home, as well as the overall family-friendliness, she said.

She loves being able to use her experience as a music teacher to help the children at her church not only learn music, but to learn to worship God through it.

“They were very authentic and loving when I first came,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to the kids about the Lord and worshipping him.”

7 People Arrested After Christmas Day Fight

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7 People Arrested After Christmas Day Fight

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Seven people arrested after Christmas Day fight in Winter Haven

On Christmas Day (12-25-18) at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded to a call of a large fight occurring in the street in front of 120 Ave R NW in Winter Haven. When officers arrived, the crowd immediately became hostile towards officers as attempts were being made to break up the fight. No officers were injured during the incident, although four officers were attacked while attempting to break up the fight.

“Our officers showed extreme restraint in dealing with this crowd that continued to escalate in aggression,” said Public Safety Director Charlie Bird. “I am thankful that everyone went home safe and those who chose to act out on Christmas Day went to jail.”

Five of the seven people arrested attacked officers as they tried to gain control over the crowd. Below are those arrested and a brief description of their involvement causing their arrest:

Derrick Munson (180 Central Ave., E, Winter Haven DOB 3-21-92) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson pulled away from officers and then spit in the face of an officer as he was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle.

Marquarius Jasper (201 Kennedy Cr, Auburndale DOB 3-24-00) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer With Violence (F3). Jasper ran up behind an officer and aggressively pushed him while the officer was attempting to break up the fight. Jasper then attempted to run away, but was apprehended after an electronic control device (Tazer) was deployed.

Eddie Munson (7428 Lewis Rd., Lakeland DOB 4-3-66) Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson ignored numerous verbal commands to step back and attempted to separate officers from performing their duties. Munson was sprayed with OC spray and became compliant.

Latoya Munson (4159 Winding Vine Dr., Lakeland DOB 9-12-81) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer W/O Violence (M1). Munson grabbed the arm of an officer as he was placing another subject under arrest. She then attempting to leave the scene, but was apprehended and continued to resist officers as she was being placed under arrest.

Terrance Miller (180 Central Ave., E, Winter Haven DOB 11-9-85) Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (F3). Miller pushed an officer multiple times in an attempt to get the officer away from another subject who was being arrested.

Shantee Walden (317 Majestic Gardens Dr., Winter Haven DOB 6-30-79) Resisting Arrest W/O Violence (M1). Walden interfered with an officer as an arrestee was being placed inside of a patrol vehicle Walden attempted two times to push officers away and pull the arrestee out of the patrol car.

T’Artis Washington (317 Majestic Gardens Dr., Winter Haven DOB 2-11-02) Battery on Law Enforcement Officers (F3); Resisting Officer With Violence (F3). Washington (who is a juvenile) was interfering with officers as they were attempting to gain control over the crowd. Washington pushed officers multiple times and refused to obey verbal commands.

Suspect Killed While Attempting Flee In Stolen Car At Lakeland Salem’s Gyros & More Restaurant

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Suspect Killed While Attempting Flee In Stolen Car At Lakeland Salem’s Gyros & More Restaurant

Lakeland Police Department Press Release

On December 26, at approximately 2:21 a.m., Lakeland Police Officers responded to Salem’s Gyros & More restaurant, located at 101 East Memorial Boulevard, in reference to a large crowd gathering in the parking lot after a local Night Club had closed. Officers were attempting to clear approximately 150 to 200 people loitering in the parking lot when Officer Patel observed a stolen Chevy Camaro parked in the lot. The vehicle, reported stolen to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, was parked sideways in a parking space facing in a southwest direction. As multiple officers approached the vehicle, the driver, identified as Michael Jerome Taylor, attempted to flee by rapidly accelerating the car, placing officers and the public in immediate life-threatening danger.

Officer Markais Neal, was in the parking lot south of the vehicle and as the stolen vehicle accelerated directly toward him, placing him in fear for his life, he fired at the vehicle. Two additional officers also fired at the vehicle as it accelerated recklessly through the parking lot, striking several vehicles and a utility pole. The stolen vehicle continued, hitting another vehicle and propelling it into the wall of a local business, causing damage to the exterior wall. At some point during the incident, a female passenger jumped out of the stolen vehicle and was detained. Officers removed Taylor from the driver’s seat and immediately began first aid. A firearm was located on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle.

Taylor was transported to Lakeland Regional Health were he later succumbed to his injuries. At this time, it is unknown how many times the suspect was shot or how many rounds the officers fired. The Lakeland Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit and The State Attorney’s Office responded to the scene.

As per the Department’s policy, all officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave for a minimum of three days.

The suspect has been identified as:
Michael Jerome Taylor
Age: 17 years old
Address: Imperial Drive, Winter Haven, Florida
Michael Jerome Taylor has four previous felony arrests ranging from burglary to grand theft auto.
Next of kin has been notified

The Officers involved are as follows:
Officer Markais Neal
Age: 28
Service: 1 year

Officer Joseph Novis
Age: 25
Service: 1 year and 6 months

Officer Raj Patel
Age: 23
Service: 1 year and 6 months

As a witness to a homicide, the female passenger’s name is exempt at this time.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

82 Year Old Polk City Man Kills His Wife After He Tells Family He Can No Longer Care For Here Due To His Declining Health

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82 Year Old Polk City Man Kills His Wife After He Tells Family He Can No Longer Care For Here Due To His Declining Health

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Polk City, on Saturday night, December 22, 2018, after the discovery of two deceased people with apparent gunshot wounds. The two people were identified as 82-year-old Henry Stanecki and his wife, 79-year-old Nancy Stanecki.

Detectives learned that Mr. Stanecki had called a brother in Cincinnati, Ohio at 9:54 P.M. Saturday, and told him, “I just shot Nancy.” That brother said that in a previous call, Henry Stanecki was worried about his wife Nancy’s bad health and frequent falls, and that he wasn’t able to help her anymore due to his own deteriorating health.

Nancy Stanecki was found with wounds from a single gunshot to the head.

Henry Stanecki was found with wounds from two gunshots to the head.

According to a family member, the couple had been married for 28 years.

The investigation is ongoing, and autopsy results are pending.

Four People Killed In Highlands County Crash Christmas Day

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Four People Killed In Highlands County Crash Christmas Day

Florida Highway Patrol Press Release

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle head on crash on State Road 70 and County Road 721 in Lake Placid. The crash occurred at approximately 12:24 pm on today’s date, resulting in four confirmed fatalities.   State Road 70 is currently closed in the vicinity of the crash, it is anticipated the road closure will be for several hours.

Motorcyclist In Serious Condition & Other Driver Headed To Jail Christmas Eve Crash On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

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Motorcyclist In Serious Condition & Other Driver Headed To Jail Christmas Eve Crash On Hwy 27 In Lake Wales

Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

On December 24, 2018, at 6:08pm, Lake Wales Police were dispatched to the area of 21500 Highway 27 North regarding a vehicle crash involving a red 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle and a 2012 black Ford Focus. Independent witnesses reported that the Focus was traveling southbound on Highway 27 in the inside lane without headlights on. The Kawasaki was making a U-turn at the turn lane in front of Dyer Chevrolet. As the motorcycle was executing the turn it was struck by the Ford Focus. The motorcycle rider was identified as 46-year-old Earl Woods, of Malibu Dr., Lake Wales. The driver of the Focus was identified as 19-year-old Jessica Townsend of State Rd 60 East, Lake Wales. Mr. Woods was transported, via Life Flight, to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that Ms. Townsend was driving on a suspended driver’s license. She was charged with Operating a motor vehicle while suspended causing death or serious bodily injury. She was transported to the Polk County Jail. At this time, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor and additional charges are pending the completion of the investigation.  If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact Officer Daniel Harmon at (863)678-4223 ext. 528.

5 Yr Old Child Dies & Another Is Injured In Lake Alfred Crash

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5 Yr Old Child Dies & Another Is Injured In Lake Alfred Crash

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash which occurred Sunday, December 23, 2018 at about 8:36 P.M. on Shinn Boulevard (US Hwy 17/92) and Pomelo Street in Lake Alfred.  5-year-old Ayden Cabanas suffered head trauma in the crash and was airlifted to St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa where he succumbed to his injuries.

26-year-old Austin Cabanas, of Old Dade City Road in Lakeland, was the driver of a silver 2006 Volvo sedan. His passengers included 24-year-old Shannon Yawn, 3-year-old Evee Cabanas, and Ayden. Austin was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, Shannon was treated and released, and Evee was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in stable condition.

The other vehicle, a white 2012 Ford Taurus, was driven by 23-year-old Cole Ethridge, and his passenger was 25-year-old Ty Ethridge. Both list their address as 680 N. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Alfred. Cole and Ty reported only soreness from the crash.

According to the preliminary investigation, the Cabanas’ car was southbound on Shinn Blvd. when a Lake Alfred PD officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The officer activated his overhead lights, but before he was able to radio in his actions, Cabanas’ car drove through a red light and crashed into Ethridge’s Taurus. The Volvo struck a pole, and overturned.

Austin admitted that he was driving with a suspended license, and was arrested for DWLSR (Driving While License Suspended/Revoked). He complained of having chest pains, and was taken to Lakeland Regional Health.

Austin was not able to be interviewed after he became combative at the hospital. His blood tested positive for methamphetamines, and a follow-up test on the blood will be conducted to determine if it was an impairing amount.

Yawn told investigators that Austin may have been speeding, and she was unaware that the Lake Alfred PD officer was behind their car. She admitted that the children were not properly secured in their car seats.

The roadway was closed for 5 hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending the results of Austin’s blood tests.

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