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Bartow Child Social Worker Allegedly Admits To Possession Of Child Pornography

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Bartow Child Social Worker Allegedly Admits To Possession Of Child Pornography

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests social services worker for possessing child pornography

On Friday, December 21, 2018, detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-year-old William Smith of Laurel Circle in Bartow, for possessing and trading child pornography. Smith’s current employment is as a case manager for Youth & Family Alternatives, Inc. of Lakeland.

The sexually graphic images discovered to be in his possession included boys and girls between 5 and 12 years old.

The sheriff’s office said the social media company Tumblr reported the images to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The account was traced to Smith.

According to the arrest affidavit Smith allegedly admitted to possessing the child pornography, sharing it with others and masturbating to it. He knew it was illegal and needed help for his addiction. He allegedly advised deputies that viewing child porn on a screen kept him from touching children in real life. The child pornography on his account showed boys and girls between the age of 5-12 years old engaged in lewd posing and sexual acts.

Smith is currently at the Polk County Jail

One Person Killed In Plane Crash At Lakeland Airport

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One Person Killed In Plane Crash At Lakeland Airport
LAKELAND, FL – On December 22, the Lakeland Police Department and Lakeland Fire Department responded to 4175 Medulla Road in reference to a plane crash. The crash was in a grass area in front of the Sun N’ Fun Expo Campus. 
At approximately 10:12 A.M.  a student pilot, Gary Alan Mansell, 64 years old was doing touch-and-go landings at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Mansell was on his third touch-and-go when his plane took a hard left and crashed into the ground bursting into flames. The Lakeland Fire Department Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting vehicle responded within minutes and extinguished the fire. Mansell was deceased at the scene.  
 
The planed is described as a 2014 BRM Aero Bristell Light-Sport Plane. 
Mansell was a student pilot and he is and from Plant City, Florida. Next-of-kin has been notified. 
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash. For additional information on the NTSB, visit the NTSB website at http://www.ntsb.gov Any Information related to air traffic control, and communications with the aircraft, should be directed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Davenport Woman Struck & Killed On 17/92 Early Saturday Morning

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Davenport Woman Struck & Killed On 17/92 Early Saturday Morning

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 44-year-old Tammy Phipps, of Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport, after she was struck by a tow truck early Saturday morning, December 22, 2018, while walking on US Hwy 17/92 near Dyson Road in Haines City.

Deputies responded to the scene at around 2:12 A.M., and found Phipps deceased at the scene. The driver of the tow truck, Dennis Weatherford, of 1815 Optimist Drive in Lakeland, was uninjured and remained at the scene.

According to the preliminary investigation, an officer from Lake Alfred PD stopped Phipps in her vehicle at around midnight. Also in Phipps’ car were Josh Corbin and another person. The other person in the car was determined to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested. Phipps was given a Notice to Appear for Driving While License Suspended/Revoked. Phipps and Corbin indicated that they would get an Uber ride home.

At about 2:12 A.M., Weatherford’s white 2013 Dodge Ram flatbed wrecker (belonging to Meyers Towing of Lake Wales) was westbound in the outside lane of US Hwy 17/92 when he hit something with the right side of his vehicle. He turned the vehicle back around and found Corbin standing next to Phipps, who was lying on the shoulder of the road.

Damage was discovered on the truck’s passenger side mirror. Phipps and Corbin were both wearing dark clothing.

Corbin indicated that he and Phipps were walking east along the shoulder of the roadway, with Phipps behind him.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigating.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES BRING JOY TO CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Lake Wales, FL – Employees at Lake Wales Medical Center donated a trailer full of toys for area children during their annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Working in partnership with Lake Wales Care Center, the hospital sponsored a toy drive contest for its employees. Departments were asked to buy toys and create a display around the theme of “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.” Surgical Services (the OR) won Best Overall for their display, which featured a Frosty the Snowman made out of gauze, as well as cut-outs of other characters from the cartoon. The Hunt Building 2nd floor won for Most Creative for their display of “Frosty Meets Olaf,” which included a whimsical conversation between the two lovable snowmen. Both departments win a pizza party for their work unit.

“I’m proud of how all our departments stepped up to participate to help make Christmas a little merrier for families in our community,” said hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer. Our cafeteria was brimming with donated toys, and when Care Center came to pick them up, it nearly filled their trailer.”

Lake Wales Medical Center, a 160-bed facility, has been serving the community since 1929. This year the hospital opened an expanded Wound Healing Center and a new adult behavioral health unit, to complement the existing geriatric behavioral health unit. More than 50 primary care physicians and specialists are on the hospital’s active staff.

MEJIA NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH AT LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER

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MEJIA NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH AT LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER

MEJIA NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH

 Lake Wales, FL – Maria Mejia, Phlebotomy, was named employee of the month for October at Lake Wales Medical Center. Maria, who has worked for the hospital since 2013, was honored for always going the extra mile. “Maria is super devoted to her patients,” her supervisor said. “She makes all new hires feel welcomed. She is always willing and ready to pick up any shifts that need to be covered. She is very dependable.”

 

 

Lake Wales Police Department Cops and Kids at Christmas 2018

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Lake Wales Police Department Cops and Kids at Christmas 2018

Cops and Kids at Christmas 2018

 

Have you ever witnessed 47 children gathered with their parents along with a large group of police officers, a life size Oreo Cookie, a life size Chester Cheetah, elves, and Santa Claus? It happened, we were there and it was a lot of fun!

On December 13, 2018, the Lake Wales Police Officer’s Association held their annual Shop with a Cop event at the Lake Wales Wal-Mart. At 6:00pm the gathering took place and while parents signed their children in to participate, the children had their faces painted, ate snacks and had photographs taken with our special guests. Once assigned to specific officers and helpers, the shopping frenzy began! As the children worked their way to the toy department, Wal-Mart employees dressed in Christmas themes greeted them with snacks and drinks along with a big smile.

As the children made it to the toy department, their excitement became obvious. The aisles were full of smiles, laughter and joyful decision making as they selected their treasures. You could not help but notice the same excitement on the faces of the parents, grandparents and yes, even the officers! Each child had a $100.00 spending limit and selected everything from RC Monster Trucks to clothing.

The Shop with a Cop event has created great memories for everyone involved and we hope the positive interaction between the officers and children helped create trusting relationships that will last into their adulthood.

This event is only possible due to the generosity and teamwork of many people and businesses. Those who sponsored the 2018 Lake Wales Police Officer Association Shop with a Cop event were: Wal-Mart and their employees, Frito-Lay, Nabisco, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Goya, Bimbo Bakery, Hershey’s and Patricia Miller. “Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way. What you did to make this Christmas special for these children is proof that love and the miracle of Christmas is still alive.”

From the men and women of the Lake Wales Police Department, “Merry Christmas!”

A Department of Corrections Sergeant from South Florida Among Four Arrested In Fight

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A Department of Corrections Sergeant from South Florida Among Four Arrested In Fight

A Department of Corrections Sergeant from South Florida Among Four Arrested In Fight

Quatisha Farlow (39 years old DOC Sergeant, Miami, FL) was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault With a Deadly Weapon after she drove from Miami with other family members and went to the home of her daughter and boyfriend because the family didn’t approve of the relationship.

On 12-20-18 at approximately 7:44 p.m., police responded to the home of 18 year-old Tyrique Laskett and his girlfriend, 18 year-old Ja’raia Farlow (Summit Dr., Winter Haven) after calls were received that a large fight was occurring with baseball bats, guns and knives. Upon arrival, they found Laskett with injuries to his head, face and upper body. The group of suspects had left the scene before authorities arrived, however were located a short distance away in a Publix parking lot and taken into custody without incident.

Excerpts from the affidavits are as follows:

“It was determined that multiple family members of Ja’raia Farlow went to Summit Dr. Winter Haven, Florida at approximately 7:30 p.m. where she was living with her boyfriend, Tyrique Laskett. Among the family members was Quatisha Farlow (mother),Ora Farlow (father), Shanora Farlow (aunt) and Sheirra Spillman (Ora’s girlfriend). It’s known that Ora did not approve of Ja’raia and Tyrique dating and living together which is why the family responded to the residence.

Tyrique stated during a sworn interview that Ora and his girlfriend Sheirra, approached the front door and knocked. Tyrique answered with Ja’raia. Sheirra then struck Tyrique on the left side of his head with a silver baseball bat. Both Sheirra and Ora began grabbing Ja’raia pulling her outside with them against her will. Ora began to physically batter Tyrique all over his body against his will while still pulling at Ja’raia trying to get her into a vehicle.

Shanora got out of the vehicle she arrived in once the physical fight began on the porch and intentionally struck Tyrique on his abdomen against his will along with other members of Ja’raia’s family.

While the fighting was occurring Quatisha (mother) went into her vehicle that had her 12 year old son inside and retrieved a black Glock handgun. She then pointed it at Tyrique against his will along with multiple others putting him in fear.”

The four arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail are:

Quatisha Farlow – one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F.S.S. 784.021(1)(A) F3

 

Ora Farlow – one count Battery F.S.S. 784.03(1)(A) M1

 

Shierra Spillman – two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F.S.S. 784.021(1)(A) F3
(Spillman struck Tyrique during the incident and also attempted to strike
Tyrique’s sister with her vehicle as the sister ran to a neighbor’s home)

 

Shanora Farlow – one count Battery F.S.S. 784.03(1)(A) M1

Severe Weather Causes Damage in Polk

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Severe Weather Causes Damage in Polk
Severe Weather Causes Damage in Polk
 
 
Bartow, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2018) – A line of severe thunderstorms moving through Polk County spawned at least one tornado Thursday, along with a flurry of weather notifications that included seven tornado warnings, three flood advisories and three significant weather alerts for Polk.
 
Thursday’s weather events were monitored by Polk County Emergency Management and Polk County Fire Rescue.
 
The tornado, which was confirmed by the National Weather Service, caused a roof collapsed and one person was injured Thursday about 9:45 a.m. in a quadraplex near Lake Wales. The resident was taken by Polk Fire Rescue to Lakeland Regional Health.
 
The roof collapse happened about 9:45 a.m. at 270 Genesis Point Drive, which is just north of Warner University. The American Red Cross was notified to provide assistance for the displaced residents of the quadraplex.
 
Suspected lightning strikes associated with the storms also caused two house fires in the eastern portion of the county. The first, at 2014 Varner Circle In Winter Haven, happened about 11:13 a.m. and did not cause significant damage to the home.
 
The second fire, which happened at a home along Windrush Drive in Davenport about 11:42 a.m., struck the home’s garage and displaced the family. The Red Cross also was notified about the displaced residents.
 
Another unconfirmed tornado downed trees and power lines east of Fort Meade, off Cool Branch Road. There were no reported injuries. The storms also caused flooding in portions of the county
 
Polk County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather conditions. All watches and warnings for Polk have been cancelled or allowed to expire. A lake wind advisory will be in effect starting Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Spirit Lake Road Railroad Crossing to Close Thursday for Two Days

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Spirit Lake Road Railroad Crossing to Close Thursday for Two Days

Spirit Lake Road Railroad Crossing to Close Thursday for Two Days

Bartow, Fla.  — CSX Transportation has scheduled a temporary closure for repairs to its rail crossing at Spirit Lake Road in the Inwood area of Winter Haven starting Thursday morning. Work is anticipated to take two days to complete. The crossing between Recker Highway (State Road 655) and Avenue G NW will be upgraded with new track components and pavement. Traffic congestion and lengthy peak-hour commuting delays are expected. Traffic heading northbound on Spirit Lake Road will detour at Recker Highway, while southbound traffic will detour at Avenue G NW. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully, consider alternate routes or add more time to trips through this heavily traveled area.

Due to longstanding statutory entitlements, CSX has vested authority to close roadway crossings along their railway lines. CSX has scheduled this closure notwithstanding the opportunity to perform their repairs during the two-week long holiday for nearby public schools. Anyone wanting to report a public road crossing maintenance issue or complaint should call CSX at 800-332-4697. The automated phone menu directs callers to press #3 for road closure information. Polk County recognizes these repairs are necessary and will make for better and safer driving conditions when completed.

Cooking On The Ridge: Amazingly Good Eggnog

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Cooking On The Ridge: Amazingly Good Eggnog

Cooking On The Ridge: Amazingly Good Eggnog

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 20 m

  • Cook 8 m

  • Ready In 6 h 28 m

  1. Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour.
  3. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
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