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Operation Pop Top Leads To Only One Arrest; Ten Stores Refused To Sell Alcohol To Minors

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Operation Pop Top Leads To Only One Arrest; Ten Stores Refused To Sell Alcohol To Minors

On December 3, 2018, PSCO conducted “Operation Pop Top.” It’s an on-going effort to enforce laws related to selling alcohol to minors. This involves sending high school age PCSO Explorers* into stores to see if they can buy alcohol.

During the operation, our explorer who is 17-years-old, was sold an alcoholic beverage at the Wawa gas station located at 1490 3rd St SW in Winter Haven. Deputies arrested the clerk, 47-year-old Rufus Green of Winter Haven, and charged him with selling an alcoholic beverage to a minor. He was taken to jail.

“We take this very seriously and I am glad to see the vast majority of the stores are in compliance with the law. This is an on-going effort, so we remind retail store personnel, please don’t sell alcohol or tobacco products to minors.” -Sheriff, Grady Judd

The following stores were found to be in compliance with the Florida beverage laws:

  1. Sunoco: 420 Magnolia Ave, Auburndale
  2. Chevron: 123 Magnolia Ave, Auburndale
  3. Wawa: 334 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven
  4. Sunoco: 421 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale
  5. Chevron: 2885 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale
  6. Chevron: 2049 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale
  7. Citgo: 1690 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale
  8. Racetrac: 934 Havendale Blvd, Auburndale
  9. Citgo: 1250 6th St NW, Winter Haven
  10. Sunoco: 1202 6th NW, Winter Haven

*A high school Explorer is a teenager involved with the PCSO Explorer Post who volunteers to assist deputies doing compliance checks. The PCSO Explorer Post is a cadet program designed for students who are interested in any aspect of law enforcement, and allows individuals to learn about law enforcement careers. The Explorer Post is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America. The Explorer Post is also affiliated with the Florida Sheriffs Explorers Association and the Florida Association of Police Explorers. The program is designed to develop self-esteem, discipline, good citizenship, and leadership within the Post, and to strengthen the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the youth of our communities.

 

 

104th Person Arrested In Vice Operation Conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

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104th Person Arrested In Vice Operation Conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

104th Person Arrested In Vice Operation Conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday night, December 3, 2018, 49-year-old William Welch turned himself in to deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for a Polk County warrant. His arrest came after Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced earlier that day, that 103 people were arrested in Operation Naughty – Not Nice II, which focused on human trafficking and prostitution. Welch became the 104th arrest in the operation.

Welch unknowingly communicated with undercover detectives, thinking he was arranging a meeting with a 14-year-old girl to have sex. Welch traveled to the meeting place, but did not make contact at the residence. Detectives recovered his car at the scene.

“This is a man who posed a great danger to the public, particularly children. It was his intention to meet a child to fulfill his sick fantasies. He came to the neighborhood, but he was suspicious, so he started looking around and left in the dark of night without his car. We have his car, and we’ll soon have him in our jail too.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Welch has been charged with: Travel to meet a minor (F2), Use Computer to Seduce, Solicit, Lure a Child (F3), Use Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F3), and Lewd Battery – Attempted (F3).

 

 

Winter Haven Couple Arrested for Armed Robbery of Family Dollar Store Winter Haven

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Winter Haven Couple Arrested for Armed Robbery of Family Dollar Store Winter Haven

Winter Haven Couple Arrested for Armed Robbery of Family Dollar Store Winter Haven

On December 3, 2018, PCSO Robbery detectives arrested 37-year-old Christopher “Champ” Bouiye, and his girlfriend, 39-year-old Michelle Videau, who both lived at 5651 Cypress Gardens Rd #105 in Winter Haven, and charged both with armed robbery (FL), armed burglary with assault (FL), and conspiracy to commit armed robbery (F2), in the armed robbery of the Family Dollar store that occurred on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

Bouiye was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2) and destruction of evidence (F3).

According to their affidavits:

On November 25, 2018, just after the store opened at 8:00 a.m., an unknown black male suspect entered the store and pointed a handgun at the clerk. The suspect went behind the counter and demanded money from the safe and registers. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the store and walked westbound towards Lake Dexter Boulevard.

The victim described the suspect as a black male, 5’10-6’0″ tall, medium build, 30-37 years old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, pants, black gloves, and dark blue bandanna covering his face.

PCSO Robbery detectives obtained video from surrounding businesses which showed that a gray, 2004-2007 Kia Spectra dropped the suspect off on Lake Dexter Boulevard. The video showed that the suspect was wearing a dark shirt or jacket, long pants, and he appeared to have dark skin. The Kia is seen circling the area while the suspect is in the store. The Kia also went into the Lake Dexter neighborhood off-camera. A few minutes later, the suspect is seen walking towards the Lake Dexter neighborhood. Video from the neighborhood showed that the Kia fled towards Register Road.

On Monday, December 3, 2018, detectives in the Cypress Gardens Road area of Winter Haven observed a gray 2006 Kia Spectra traveling westbound on Cypress Gardens Road. Detectives followed the vehicle and observed that the driver failed to obey a stop sign at Overlook Drive and Dundee Road. Detectives conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Michelle Videau, and passenger, Christopher Bouiye.

Christopher provided a Dundee Citrus work ID card as identification and a date of birth of 5/31/1981 (37 years old). A DAVID inquiry showed that Christopher is 6’0″ tall. Christopher matches the description given by the victim of the suspect who pointed a gun at her and demanded money. Michelle and Christopher told detectives that they have been staying at Cypress Inn (5651 Cypress Gardens Rd), and that they were in the process of moving to another motel.

Michelle advised the gray Kia Spectra was a rental car that she rented from Legend Auto Sales in Winter Haven. Michelle advised she has had the car since November 6, 2018.

When detectives told Michelle that video surveillance in the area showed that the suspect who robbed the victim at Family Dollar was in a car matching the description of her rental car, she initially advised she did not go to the Family Dollar, but then admitted that she did drive her boyfriend, Christopher Bouiye, to the Family Dollar the Sunday morning after Thanksgiving. Michelle advised they had talked about doing a robbery there a few weeks prior because they needed money, but they did not do it. On Sunday, November 25, 2018, Christopher told her “I’m ready.”

Michelle drove him in the gray Kia Spectra to the Family Dollar and dropped him off on Lake Dexter Boulevard. She stated Christopher was wearing a black hoodie, jeans, black Jordan shoes, dark blue or black bandanna, and a black hat when he got out of the car. He did not have his face covered when he got out the car, but he had the bandanna tied around his neck. Michelle stated she drove across the road by a gas station and back to the Lake Dexter neighborhood, which is corroborated by video surveillance. Christopher then got back in the car and was nervous. Christopher then directed her to drive southbound on Register Road, which is corroborated by video. Michelle advised that she did not know that Christopher had a gun. After the robbery, Christopher and Michelle went to their motel room at Cypress Inn. Michelle saw Christopher put the clothes he wore during the robbery in a bag and throw them away. The black Jordan shoes he was wearing are the same shoes he was wearing at the time of the traffic stop.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspects’ hotel room, during which they recovered a black hooded sweatshirt, and dark blue bandanna.

Bouiye has been in the Polk County Jail on 15 prior occasions, and was just released in September 2018. In 2000 he was sentenced to one year in state prison for the sale of cocaine.

Videau has been in the Polk County Jail on 7 prior occasions, and was just released in February 2018.

“This guy’s nickname is ‘Champ’ but we think he’s more like a ‘chump.’ Anyone who sticks a gun in someone’s face and robs them – not to mention a convicted felon who isn’t even legally supposed to possess a firearm – deserves to be locked up for a long, long time.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Winter Haven Celebrates 30th Carols In The Park

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Winter Haven Celebrates 30th Carols In The Park

Winter Haven Celebrates 30th Carols In The Park

by James Coulter

For three decades, folks have come a caroling among the leaves of green in Winter Haven’s Central Park, and there they go a wandering so fair to be seen.

Downtown Winter Haven celebrated its 30th Annual Carols in the Park on Saturday with 16 performances from choirs, orchestras, and musical groups from local schools and other placea throughout the area.

The Performing Arts Academy from Winter Haven Christian School was one such group. At least two dozen of its students performed intriguing renditions of traditional Christmas songs, including a quite humorous performance of “The 12 Days Of Christmas”—or rather, the “The 13 Days Of Christmas.”

Steven Osborne, The Performing Arts Teacher, and his students were invited to attend following their performance at the 9/11 Remembrance event earlier that year.

With this being their first year performing at the Christmas event, he and his students were more than excited, and their expectations were more than exceeded.

“They blew our expectations out of the water,” he said. “Just to see everything here and to see all of the groups and professionalism of the set up, it was wonderful.”

Being able to participate within a community event such as this was an honor, as was being able to perform alongside other local talent upon that same stage, he further elucidated.

“Just a desire to be a part of the community and to go out and spread our message of Jesus Christ into the community, and it was the perfect opportunity of that,” he said.

On the other side of the age spectrum was Haven Harmonies, a chorus consisting of several retirees from across the county who practice on a weekly basis as Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven.

Joe E Jones has been directing the chorus for eight year, and his group has been attending the event ever since it first started more than 30 years ago.

As someone who was on the Cultural Arts Committee that developed Carols In The Park 30 years ago, Jones appreciates how much the annual holiday event has grown over the years.

Overall, he loves the festive atmosphere and the camraderie that he and his choir members share performing at the event with others.

“It is just a nice event for the community, and they enjoy our singing, and we share our music,” he said.

Aside from Christmas carols, guests that day could enjoy other holiday-related activities, from horse-drawn carriages and pony rides around the park, to photo opportunities with Santa Claus himself.

This year’s event utilized the new South Central Park area, which served as a convenient central location for the local holiday vendors and food trucks.

“Utilizing the new [space] has been wonderful,” said Anita Strang, Executive Director of Main Street Winter Haven. “Being able to have all the vendors set up in one location where the traffic flows well and it is working out great.”

Main Street Winter Haven has been helping coordinate the event for nearly 16 years, and each and every year has only seen it grow bigger and better.

For both Strang and Alex Santiago, Main Street Vice President, being able to see local residents, including children, enjoy the event is more than enough reward for them.

“I enjoy seeing the family and the kids running around and visiting Santa Claus and walking among the vendors,” he said. “It is a family event.”

Highlands Hammock Announces Hammock North Pole Event

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Highlands Hammock Announces Hammock North Pole Event

Highlands Hammock Announces Hammock North Pole Event

—   Enjoy a Christmas Sleigh Tram Ride Through the Hammock at Night —

Sebring:  Highlands Hammock State Park will be celebrating Christmas at the Hammock North Pole on the nights of December 13, 14 and 15.  Residents and visitors throughout the greater Heartland area and neighboring communities may take a ‘Christmas sleigh’ tram ride around the Loop Road and enjoy the peace and beauty of the Hammock after dusk.  This special holiday event includes a stop at the ‘North Pole’ across from the Cypress Swamp where families will depart for a visit with Santa.  Children may participate in crafts and games with a holiday theme.  Mrs. Claus will again be reading stories, and s’mores and hot chocolate will be available for purchase.  A food vendor will also be on site.

According to Park Services Specialist Carla Sherwin, “The community so very much enjoyed the North Pole last year when the event was launched, the decision was made to expand it.”  A gingerbread house, an igloo, and some additional photo boards where children may pose for seasonal pictures are in the works.  “I am sure that children will be delighted to experience these additions, and this is a wonderful opportunity for families to create special memories of the holiday and the park,” Sherwin added.  The Hammock North Pole begins at 6:00 p.m. with the last tram departing from the picnic area at 7:45 p.m. returning by 9:00 p.m.  Participation is limited, so advance registration must be completed and tickets purchased through Eventbrite. For ticket assistance, please call (863) 381- 4912.  Ticket cost is $10.00 per person.  All proceeds benefit park improvements through the Friends of Highlands Hammock. Highlands Hammock State Park is located at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring. Visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Highlands-Hammock and www.FriendsofHighlandsHammock.org

 

Downtown Winter Haven Lights Up Its Christmas Tree

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Downtown Winter Haven Lights Up Its Christmas Tree

Downtown Winter Haven Lights Up Its Christmas Tree

by James Coulter

“Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree! How beautiful are your branches!”

Those song lyrics were most likely going through the heads of Winter Haven residents and visitors as they witnessed the official lighting of the Christmas tree in the downtown area.

The Winter Haven Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday evening drew in hundreds of guests to Central Park as they watched the town’s Christmas tree light up for the very first time this holiday season.

More than two weeks went into the overall preparation of the decorations, with the decorating starting on Monday and finishing up on Thursday prior to the event, explained Brittany Overstreet, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Winter Haven.

Winter Haven Mayor Pro-Tem Nathaniel J. Birdsong, Jr. officially flipped the switch during the ceremony, turning on the hundreds of lights donning the tree as it overlooks Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven.

Helping to ensure that “everything is awesome” were Emmet Brickowski and Wyldstyle, the main characters from “The Lego Movie” and its upcoming sequel, “The Lego Movie 2.”

The two LEGO characters arrived from LEGOLAND Florida for the fourth year to help switch on the lights and later take pictures in front of the tree with children and their families.

Prior to the tree lighting, the Theater Winter Haven Choir, for the first time at the event, served as Christmas carolers performing traditional Christmas melodies, including a medley of 30 different songs performed in less than three minutes.

Earlier, at the very start of the event, children could decorate their own Christmas ornaments and engage in other arts and crafts as provided by the City of Winter Haven.

More than 200 guests lined up around the block to receive a free cookie and cup of hot chocolate as provided by local eateries, Gourmet Goodies and Richard’s Fine Coffee respectively.

Overstreet had been supervising the event for the past three years. Each and every year, she has seen it grow in attendance. The first time she attended, she saw more than 90 to 100 guests appear; this year, much more than that were present, she said.

Part of what makes their event so successful has been the local residents and their support for local free events and activities such as these, she explained.

“I think [it’s] people being interested in doing things more locally and not traveling so much,” she said. “We like the success of seeing people come out and enjoy it with their families.”

Anita Strang, President of Winter Haven Main Street, loves local events such as this and how they draw in many community members and residents.

So much does she love events such as this that she is more than willing to do anything to attend, even if it means going out in a leg brace like she did this year.

“The tree lighting ceremony is such a beautiful sweet event,” she said. “It was beautiful. I love seeing the children and families.”

Main Street Winter Haven is one of many local organizations that help coordinate with the city to help put on these local events.

From the Christmas ornaments to the cookies and chocolate, most everything provided at the event were donated by local organizations and businesses, and such community involvement has only grown over the years, Overstreet explained.

“We definetly have received more donations from the community,” she said. “We had a couple more community donors than we had in the past.”

One such local donor was Gourmet Goodies, a local bakery that donated the free cookies for the event.

The bakery has been participating for the past three years. Not only does the event mean more customers to their store, but overall happier people within the community, explained Carissa Hughes, Owner of Gourmet Goodies.

“That is the most enjoyable thing for us: seeing people come downtown and be supportive of what we do as a community,” she said.

Over 100 People Arrested On Prostitution & Child Sex Trafficking Sting

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Over 100 People Arrested On Prostitution & Child Sex Trafficking Sting

UPDATE:

PCSO RELEASE:

From Tuesday, November 27, through Sunday, December 2, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover detectives conducted a six day human trafficking and prostitution operation. Members conducted investigations focused on both prostitutes posting online advertisements as well as “johns” seeking prostitutes online.

In all, 103 suspects were arrested. 54 of the arrests were for those who advertise as prostitutes online. 29 of the arrests were those who solicited undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes. 13 other arrests were made of those who derive proceeds from prostitution and 7 were taken into custody for drug charges and other offenses.

Charges for those arrested include human trafficking, soliciting another for prostitution, offering to commit prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, transporting to a building for prostitution, using a communication device to commit a felony, and drug charges.

Those arrested were charged with a total of 44 felonies and 130 misdemeanors.

Those arrested have a total of 368 previous felony and 483 misdemeanor arrests. 9 of the suspects told deputies they were married and 8 said they were receiving public assistance.

Detectives identified three females who could be possible human trafficking victims.

27-year-old Anthony Camacho was taken into custody for possession of cannabis and human trafficking. He has an extensive criminal history including attempted murder and kidnapping. Camacho drove a 17-year-old girl, who is a potential victim of human trafficking, to the location for her to have sex.

She told detectives she has paid him several times to give her a ride to meet Johns. She refers to Camacho as “King,” which is commonly the given name of a pimp. She was charged with drug charges and is listed as a runaway from Virginia. Detectives reached out to the group, One More Child, to begin services on her behalf.

Two other potential victims of human trafficking were also taken into custody.

One has been charged with Soliciting for prostitution and third potential victim has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Detectives and social service organizations will work with the women to provide them services.

Also among the arrests is 26-year-old Edwin Lopez of Kissimmee. He engaged in conversation with whom he thought was a 14-year-old girl, but instead was talking to an undercover detective.  Lopez asked her about her sexual experiences and arranged to meet her with the intent to sexually batter her.

Deputies took him into custody and charged him with using a 2-way communication device to commit a felony, traveling to meet a minor after using a computer to lure a child, and lewd battery.

Detectives also arrested 54-year-old Dr. Sarat Sabharwal of Winter Park for soliciting another for Prostitution. Sabharwal is an urologist at The VA Hospital in Orlando. He also works as a trauma surgeon when needed. He negotiated over the phone and via text to engage in a half hour of sex and agreed to pay 100 dollars for the service.

An IT Consultant is also among those who were taken into custody. 54-year-old Sriram Aswatharamaiah was arrested for soliciting another for prostitution. He is from Fort Worth, Texas and traveled to the location for sex. He asked an undercover detective to her to expose her breasts to prove she wasn’t a cop.

He was then taken into custody.

43-year-old Wallace Sheppard, a reservist in the U.S. Navy and 22-year-old Jeffery Tacy, a server at All Stars Movie Resort at Disney, were also arrested and charged with soliciting another for Prostitution.

Three of the suspects arrested, Walter Leiva, Juan Loaisa and Yefri Guevara, are in the country illegally and have all be charged with soliciting a prostitute.

Currently, detectives are looking for a traveler suspect who is at large.

49-year-old William Welch arrived near the location to have sex with a 14-year-old girl. Detectives found his vehicle in the area, but were unable to locate him. Welch is facing several charges, including Traveling to meet a minor, Using a 2-way communication device, Using a Computer to Solicit a Child and Attempted Lewd Battery.

Detectives worked closely with One More Child and the Department of Children and Families during the operation to provide services for identified or potential human trafficking victims.

During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, several suspects responded to the ads and drove to the location.

“We conduct these kinds of investigations because of the link between prostitution, human trafficking, drug crimes, economic crimes such as burglary and fraud, and violent crime. We have learned over many years that when we pay attention to public order and quality of life crimes such as prostitution, we can reduce and prevent other crimes while strengthening the community. Prostitution is not a victimless crime. From the spread of disease, destruction of families, and to the scourge of human trafficking, prostitution is bad for our community. In some cases, children and women are forced to prostitute while under the control of pimps. We remain committed to fighting human trafficking by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims. Our goal is to change the lives of those who are feeling trapped in this horrific lifestyle.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Suspects traveled from the following areas to an undercover location in Polk County: Orlando, Tampa, Haines City, Ocoee, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Lake Alfred, Coconut Creek, Brandon, Lake Wales, Sebring, Port Richey, and Altamonte Springs, Citrus Spring, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Davenport, Longwood, New Port Richey, Clermont, Deland, Miami, Ocala, Sanford, Winter Park, Fort Worth, Texas, Mineral, Virginia, Memphis, TN, Jackson, TN, Dothan, AL, Ozark, AL, Jackson, MS, Dacula, GA.

Below are links to the three videos of specific suspects’ arrests:

 

Roisin-Jennings
Guiqin-Hu
Amanda-Weekly
Priscilla-Allen
Megan-Inman

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

PCSO Undercover Detectives have arrested more than 100 suspects during an undercover investigation focusing on human trafficking.

Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media Monday, December 3, at 1:00 p.m. at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about the investigation.

Beginning on Tuesday, November 27, through Sunday, December 2, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s office undercover detectives conducted a six day Human Trafficking operation. Members conducted investigations focused on both prostitutes posting online advertisements as well as “johns” seeking female prostitutes online.

In all, 103 suspects have been arrested.

Fifty-six of the arrests were for those who advertise as prostitutes online. Thirty of the arrests were those who solicited undercover detectives who posted ads posing as prostitutes. Eleven other arrests were made of those who derive proceeds from prostitution and six were taken into custody for drug charges and other offenses.

Charges for those arrested include soliciting another for prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, transporting to building for prostitution and using a communication device to commit a felony.

Detectives worked closely with One More Child and the Department of Children and Families during the operation.

During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes. Some of the detectives responded to profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes. Despite the repeated warnings and media coverage of past operations, several suspects responded to the ads and drove to the undisclosed undercover location.

Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Join Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

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Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Join Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

Agricultural Producers Encouraged to Join Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

By Allison Williams

If you live in Florida, chances are you have passed a citrus grove several times while on the road. Joe Garrison, owner of Garrison’s Grove Service and member of the Polk Soil Water Conservation Board, has been in the industry for several years.

Garrison spends a lot of time going out in public to help local farmers. “We go out and find ways to help the farmer out, whether it be a citrus, cattle, strawberry o blueberry farmer,” Garrison said. “Anything that has to do with agriculture in Florida, we help.”

Garrison wants to spread the word that there are plenty of resources out there to aid growers.

“Agriculture, especially citrus is hurting, so we want to do everything we can to make it easier on the growers. We really want to encourage growers and new entrepreneurs to get involved.”

There is a cost share program available in Polk County to help growers.

Garrison shares some of the many ways the cost share program helps:

  • How to save water
  • How to be more efficient with watering and fertilizing nutrients
  • Protecting the environment

Drew Pitts, Conservation Technician works in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Pitts explains the process of the cost share program:

“The first thing is the agricultural producer has to be signed up with the best management practices (BMP’s) through the Florida Department Of Agriculture. Once they sign the BMP agreement they are then enrolled and become eligible for the cost share money that is available.”

The big incentive to this program is that it is free to sign up.

Pitts continues to explain the process:

“They would then contact me and let me know they want to apply for the cost share money and send me the quotes for the cost of doing the project. They cannot purchase the materials or pay for anything until the project is approved. They will have to sign an application from me to apply for the money and once that application is approved I will have them sign an agreement for the project with the understanding that the reimbursement amount will be 75% of the total cost and that they will have to pay the full amount and give me proof of payment before I can authorize the reimbursement. At this time they can begin working and paying for materials for that project. When the job is done and they provide proof of payment I then go out and look at the project to verify it is done and I submit a request for payment. My boss looks over the request and authorizes the check for 75% of the project cost to be sent to the agricultural producer.”

To get in contact with Pitts, call or email:

850-901-4644

[email protected]

In the recent election, Garrison was reelected for the Polk Soil Water Conservation District with over 54% of the votes.

“My next term, I am determined more than ever to help our farmers save water, save money and save the environment,” he said. “We must keep our agriculture community strong. We are the richest, the strongest and the smartest country in the world and we can beat any challenge that comes our way.”

Meals on Wheels Celebrates 46 Years at Annual Meeting Attended by 200 Volunteers and Staff

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Meals on Wheels Celebrates 46 Years at Annual Meeting Attended by 200 Volunteers and Staff

Meals on Wheels Celebrates 46 Years at Annual Meeting Attended by 200 Volunteers and Staff

 

WINTER HAVEN, FL (Nov. 29, 2010) – Meals on Wheels (MOW) of Polk County used its 2018 annual meeting to thank the hundreds of volunteers who prepared and delivered more than 85,000 nutritious, home-cooked meals to homebound people throughout Polk County during the past year.

“We sincerely thank all of the volunteers who make it possible for us to feed homebound people by donating their valuable time to serve as drivers, kitchen and warehouse workers and thrift shop clerks,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Susan Eldridge, in welcoming the estimated 200 volunteers, staff and guests who attended the function at Heartland Church in downtown Winter Haven.

The volunteers were rewarded for their support of Meals on Wheels and the estimated 350 homebound people it serves each weekday with a buffet-style dinner prepared by Oasis Catering. This was MOW’s 46th annual meeting.

As she opened the meeting Eldridge thanked Pastor Ed Kendrick of Heartland Church for making his worship hall available to MOW for the annual meeting and dinner. Kendrick, who serves on MOW’s volunteer board of directors, offered a special blessing before the meal was served.

In the business part of the meeting, Treasurer Dan Mann said he was “pleased to report” that MOW is debt free. It was also announced that MOW President Caroline Santiago, Vice President Cari Herrington, Mann, Kendrick and Eldridge will continue serving on the Board of Directors in 2019 along with Mary Ellen Baker, Chris Collany, Steve Griffith, Jeff Hayes, Heather McCarter, Kenny Moore, Ken Nelson, Marilyn Riggs, Cynthia Crowfoot Rignanese, Michael Tanner and Paul Woods.

Eldridge recognized retiring board members Jerry Williams and Sandi Williams for their many years of dedicated service to Meals on Wheels. She also cited Emma Jean Hackle for serving 32 consecutive years as a driver and George Bunda who retired this year after 27 years as a driver. Drivers recognized for reaching the 25-year milestone this year were Ann and Rex Yentes and Anne and Bill Romoser.

Headquartered at 620 Sixth Street in Winter Haven, MOW Polk County is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that each year prepares and delivers 85,000 meals to homebound people in Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Davenport and parts of Lakeland.

On a typical weekday, MOW volunteers visit 350 homes of people mostly over the age of 65 to provide them with nutritious, freshly cooked, hot meals. MOW’s army of 320 volunteers not only deliver meals, but are very often the only people clients have have an opportunity to interact with on a daily basis.

Meals on Wheels of Polk County welcomes volunteers to serve as drivers, kitchen workers, thrift store clerks, fundraisers and board members. Anyone wishing to become a MOW volunteer or client should call Susan Eldridge at 863-299-1616. Information also can be obtained by visiting the MOW Web site at www.mealsonwheelspolk.com.

 

Several Sutdents from Mulberry Middle School Transported to Local Hospital After Reaction to Marijuana-Infused Gummies

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Several Sutdents from Mulberry Middle School Transported to Local Hospital After Reaction to Marijuana-Infused Gummies

PCSO Release:

UPDATE:

On Thursday, November 29, 2018, PCSO detectives arrested and charged 12-year-old Leviticus Jones of Bartow, a 7th grader a Mulberry Middle School, with 6 counts distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school (F-2), 1 count possession of marijuana resin (F-3), and 1 count possession of paraphernalia (M-1).

Jones brought a pack of Green Hornet fruit punch gummies containing 100 mg of THC to the school, and shared them with his classmates during 2nd period, around 10:00 a.m., in gym class. One of the kids who consumed the candy told a faculty member. School faculty immediately got involved, and five kids (3 girls and 2 boys, all 12 years old) were transported by EMS to a hospital; another 12-year-old girl was picked up by her mother. The five who were transported complained of stomach pains, nausea, dizziness, or a combination thereof. Jones told detectives he didn’t eat any of it.

Detectives located the empty package in the trash.

According to the manufacturer based in California, there are 10 pieces of gummy candy in each package, each containing 10 mg of THC. All 100 mg were consumed by at least six (but possibly more) children.

It is illegal to possess this package of gummies in the state of Florida.

The investigation is ongoing into how Jones obtained the product, and more charges are pending depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Original Release:

PCSO responded to Mulberry Middle School this afternoon, Thursday, November 29, 2018, in response to several students who had a negative reaction to marijuana-laced gummy bears they had ingested. PCSO detectives are working with school personnel and Polk County Public Schools, and investigating how the children accessed the candy. Criminal charges are pending.

According to Polk County Fire Rescue, five students were transported to the hospital, and two other students were picked up by their parents, to be medically checked out.

“We have long been concerned about the dangers of marijuana-infused candy, and that it would get into the hands of, and poison, children. Here’s an example of that.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

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