In Dec. 2023, an elderly Lakeland woman was scammed by people who told her she won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes. After a very lengthy investigation, we caught one suspect – Michael Lawrence – who is now in the Polk County Jail. We’re still looking for his accomplice, Max Clayton Richards, DOB 9/20/1982, of Lauderdale Lakes, FL. Our victim had $477,000 stolen. We need to put Max in jail too.
Wanted: Max Clayton Richards, DOB 9/20/1982, of Lauderdale Lakes, FL
If you know where Max is, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Located between the Auburndale/Winter Haven area, Lake Blue Park offers different amenities for the residents and visitors of Polk County to appreciate. You can enjoy a serene stroll on the paved walking trail that wraps around half the lake – perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Children can play on the playground adjacent to covered picnic tables. Plus, there is also a public boat ramp perfect for fishing excursions or leisurely lake outings.
Lake Blue Park Lake Blue Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33881
Congratulations to the girls and boys track and field teams. Yesterday they competed in the 4A District 5 competition and the girls were Runner-ups and the boys finished 3rd. Moving on to Regionals are: Aliyah Canty — 2nd place 100m & 400m hurdles and 200m Desirae Murray — 1st place 100m dash, 3rd place 200m dash Giuliana Adonteng— 4th place Triple jump DaeDae Henry — 1st place 200, 400m and 2nd place Long jump Olivia Celiscar — 1st place shot put 3rd place in discus Talea Gifford— 4th place 400m hurdles Aniayah Laster — 4th place High Jump Girls 4 X 100m relay of Giuliana, DaeDae, Aliyah, and Desirae 1st place Girls 4 X 400 of Adrianna Kerlegrand, Jordyn Frazier, Talea Gifford, and Kayla Weaver 3rd place Rashon Richardson — 1st place javelin, shot put and 2nd place discus Jordan Tarver 1st place 400m Terrance Williams — 1st place long jump, 2nd place triple jump, 4th place 100m and 200m 4 X 100m relay team of Brayden, Isaiah, Cassidy, and Jordan 2nd place 4 X 400m relay team of Enrique, Mike, Marlon, and Jordan 3rd place 4 x 800m relay of Enrique Garcia, Maxx De La Cruz, Kaden Sakyiama, and Aaron Wilson who took 4th.
The Auburndale Police Department contacted PCSO regarding a suicidal woman who fled from her home on foot. Auburndale Police were unable to locate the woman. The PCSO K9 bloodhound Marina was called in to help. PCSO put a plan into place by putting a scent onto the ground from pieces of the woman’s clothes. Marina and her K9 deputy then started a track searching for the suicidal woman. The track lead K9 Marina to a hotspot, where the woman was located safely. She was then taken to the hospital for treatment and is expected to be ok.
Do you want a FREE way to try your hand at gardening or to improve your current garden? Then check out the Auburndale Public Library’s Seed Library! This library contains plant seeds for vegetables, flowers, and more. There is also educational material available. Check out the pink flowers in the flyer to see what these seeds are capable of!
For more information, please contact the Auburndale Public Library at 863-965-5548. Thank you!
Curtis Lee Varnadore of Winter Haven, Florida peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on April 24, 2024 in Auburndale, FL.
Curtis, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and devoted Christ follower was born on September 3, 1932, in Hazelhurst, GA. He relocated to Winter Haven, FL in 1956 where he remained a lifetime resident.
Curtis served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He began his civilian career in the citrus industry, working at a local packing house. His industrious spirit led him to become a pump technician at Red Carr Well Drilling in 1959, an endeavor that culminated in his creation of Varnadore Pumps Inc. in 1977. He proudly led his business until his retirement in 2008.
A devout member of the First Church of God in Winter Haven, Curtis served his community and church with fervent dedication. He was known for his love of the lake, where he spent joyful hours fishing, water skiing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. He enjoyed gardening and loved to plant and grow peas.
He is predeceased by his mother, Ettamae Varnadore; father, William Varnadore; sister, Willie Mae Yarborough and brother, Carlton Varnadore. Curtis was blessed with a loving wife, Marie of 68 years and their three children, Marian Little (Rick) of Auburndale, FL, Duane Varnadore (Kim) of Eustis, FL and Marlene Brooks (Robin) of Auburndale, FL; six grandchildren, Kyle Little, Britni Hall (Jon), Miranda Little, Derek Brooks (Megan), Zachary Varnadore (Sarah) and Tyler Varnadore and four great grandchildren, Addi Hall, Braxton Hall, Kason Brooks and Kelton Brooks. He is also survived by his brothers, Billy E. Varnadore of Lakeland, FL, Elmer Varnadore of Elizabeth Town, KY and Talmadge Varnadore of Baxley, GA.
Services will include a 10:00 am visitation, followed by an 11:00 am service on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven, Florida. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that memorial donations be made to George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida. 450 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823.
Cheryl Brewer has a property available for sale in Lake Wales! Details:
3 bed 2 bath
$355,000
Come see this beautiful 3 BED/2 BA Home located in the exquisite Lake Ashton Golf Club Community! This Alternate Devon Floor Plan is located on a large corner lot. Rounded corner walls, upgraded Ceiling Fans/Fixtures throughout. Beautiful Wood Flooring Throughout with Ceramic tiled Floors in Both Baths/Laundry Rms. Great Room has fire place & shelving system. Master Suite Is located in the South end of the home with an Expanded Sitting Area with an exit door entering into your Lanai. Master Bath has double sinks, granite counters, elevated multi level cherry cabinets, Oversized Walk-In closet and Private Walk-in Shower. Kitchen has: 42 Cherry Cabinets, Granite Counters, closet pantry with custom glass door , breakfast bar & a solar tube for natural light. Dinette is adjacent next to Bay windows. The North end of the home has 2 Spacious Guest Suites with the Guest Bath centered in-between.Guest Bath also has Upgraded Cherry Cabinets & upgraded Features. French doors lead you and your Guests to the Screened in Lanai. Newer roof is only 4 years old and the A/C is only 3 years old. CDD DEBT PAID IN FULL !! Come enjoy all Lake Ashton has to offer with the Community pool, golf course, tennis court, and so much more!
Contact Cheryl Brewer at The Can Do Team today! 863-224-0045
The Frostproof Girl Scouts gathered April 6 to celebrate the renovation of their beloved Frostproof “Little House,” the local Girl Scout Hut.
Story Background:
Frostproof Girl Scouts have a rich history of community support and engagement. Lucy Ann Collier and her family, in particular, have been instrumental in bolstering the Girl Scout movement. Lucy Ann’s father, Ben Hill Griffin, was an early advocate of Camp Wildwood, and their family’s generous donation facilitated the construction of the Griffin Nature Center there.
Lucy Ann and her sisters, Harriet and Sara Jane, have also been deeply involved in the Girl Scouts, with Harriet’s recent passing serving as a poignant reminder of their lifelong dedication. Harriet’s funeral was a testament to her commitment, filled with heartfelt Girl Scout stories that underscored her enduring impact.
Lucy Ann and her sisters were a part of Lenore Gundy’s troop. Gundy remains great friends with her troop.
Lenore Gundy Costello – oldest living Girl Scout, 107 yrs old. “Gundy” a former Executive Director of the Girl Scouts Heart of Florida Council attended the Frostproof event.
Noriel Joel “Nory” Gonzalez, transitioned from this world on April 19, 2024 at AdventHealth Orlando. On April 21, 2024, he became a hero by becoming an organ donor, giving the gift of life to others. Born on November 21, 2021, in Inverness, FL, to Joel Giovanni Gonzalez-Morales and Ivy Inez Carino. He was 2 years young.
In Loving Memory of Noriel Joel “Nory” Gonzalez
In his brief but vibrant life, Nory brought joy to all who knew him. Moving to Kissimmee, FL, in 2022 from Beverly Hills, FL, he carried with him a spirit that illuminated every room he entered. Nory enjoyed coloring, playing with toys, singing, swimming, running, and watching YouTube, especially, Ms. Rachel’s channel, a YouTube toddler teacher. His heart overflowed with love for his faithful companions, always eager to feed his beloved dog and cat, and savoring his favorite drinks, “agua” and juice, along with his favorite snacks like yogurt.
He also enjoyed learning and communicating in sign language, English, and Spanish. He found solace and guidance in the tender care of his abuela and reveled in the embrace of nature alongside his cherished family.
He is survived by his parents, Joel and Ivy, his paternal grandmother, Maria Morales, his step-grandfather, Luciano Rivera, his special aunt, Gia Carino, and his maternal great-grandmother, Carmen “Nana” Carino; as well as several cousins, uncles and aunts.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, FL. Final resting place will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Haines City, FL.
