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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Fraud Suspect In The United States Illegally

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrests fraud suspect in the United States illegally

A 44-year old man from Mexico who is in the United States illegally, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and charged with four fraud-related felonies.

Edgar Flores Robles, was taken into custody by PCSO deputies on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He used another man’s identification to gain employment at a Winter Haven business.

A victim discovered on January 26, 2025 that his identity was being used by someone else for employment purposes at Carpenter Contractors of America in Winter Haven.

PCSO detectives went to the business and made contact with their Human Resources Department. They were provided documentation showing the victim’s name and date of birth, and copies of the victim’s Social Security card and Passport card.

The victim said he had lost his wallet in Plant City a few years ago, and his Social Security card and Passport identification were in it at that time.

Robles has been employed by the company since March 24, 2024, and has received approximately $27,000 in wages by using the victim’s identity.

A representative from Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that Robles entered the United States on April 11, 2019 under a H2A Visa, with admittance until June 11, 2019, but he remained in the country illegally, and is listed as a non-immigrant overstay.

“Identity theft can be a very difficult and time-consuming crime for someone to recover from. Had our suspect left the country when he was supposed to, this crime may have never occurred against the victim.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Robles’ charges would have amounted to three felonies and one misdemeanor, but due to him being an unauthorized alien, each charge is enhanced by one degree. His enhanced charges are: Obtain Property by Fraud (F1), Utter False Instrument (F2), Criminal Use of Personal Information (F2), and Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (F3)

Rockin’ on the Chain Presents $25,000 Check to Victory Ridge in Lake Wales

By Kip Kirchberg

Lake Wales, FL – The Rockin’ on the Chain committee kicked off this year’s fundraising efforts in style, presenting a generous $25,000 check to Victory Ridge in Lake Wales. The donation, raised during the 2024 Rockin’ on the Chain event through the group’s tireless efforts, will support students with autism and special needs right here in Polk County.

Rockin’ on the Chain, a beloved local fundraising event, has a history of making a big impact. Over the past few years, the organization has raised funds to build a sensory garden at the Winter Haven Library, providing a calming and inclusive space for the community.

Steve Whitaker, along with his team at Victory Ridge, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “This is nothing we ever expected, but it’s greatly appreciated,” Whitaker said, highlighting the meaningful difference the funds will make for their students.

Steve Whitaker sharing with Carl co-founder of Daily Ridge how this donation will benefit Victory Ridge and the students

Joey Foley, a key member of the Rockin’ on the Chain team, emphasized the group’s commitment to keeping their efforts local. “Our main goal, and always has been, is to make sure that everything we do as an organization stays right here in Polk County,” Foley shared. The team’s hard work ensures that every dollar raised goes directly to helping those in need within the community.

Foley also extended a heartfelt thank-you to Lora Donnley, whose guidance was instrumental in establishing Rockin’ on the Chain as an official organization. “Because of her involvement with Victory Ridge, we felt honored to present this check,” he added.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. The annual Rockin’ on the Chain Benefiting Autism Special Needs event is just around the corner, set for April 4th, 5th, and 6th at Tanners Lakeside in Winter Haven. This fun-filled weekend music festival promises something for everyone, featuring live entertainment from talented local Polk County musicians. Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, a kids’ zone, raffles, a 50/50 drawing, live auctions and more— This year, all proceeds from the event will be given to the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation.

Mark your calendars and join the Rockin’ on the Chain team for a weekend of music, community, and giving back. Together, they’re proving that Polk County knows how to rock for a cause.

Redundant Well Approved To Utilize Water Plant

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Davenport

by: Capers Gay

March 25, 2025

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A redundant aquifer well is being proposed to prevent possible disservice of a local water treatment plant. Located along North Boulevard West with the nearby No. 4 well, well No. 7 would be drilled into the ground to collect groundwater and pump it back to the plant.

The company CPH Consulting would provide its services for the design and construction administration of this well. After permits and schedules have been figured out, the design phase would begin. Both phases are estimated to take 180 days after their Notice-to-Proceed, finishing the design by August.

Given that the capacity of this well is desired to be 1,500 gpm (gallons per minute of water flow), No. 7 is expected to be a steel construction with a diameter of 36 ft. The diameter would incrementally decrease as the hole travels to its depth of 650 ft below land surface. This is an increase in scope compared to No. 4 which has a maximum diameter of 24 ft, and a depth of 558 ft below land surface. For its services, CPH wants $94,262 from the Water Budget in Capital Improvements.

Proposed exploration well to determine ground composition, data used here was collected from the past drilling of nearby well #4, which this new well will supplant in the event of a malfunction

On March 17th, city officials heard the proposal at the City Commission Meeting. Davenport Utilities Director Michael Stripling explained the need for the well, “Right now well No. 4 is the only well that serves water plant No. 2. If something were to happen to well No. 4, that water treatment plant would be out of service. So this is a redundant well; it has been contemplated in our water use permit, it has been contemplated in the budget.” Stripling noted that this motion would only approve the design stage of the project. Stripling aims to complete the redundancy quickly before development begins on well No. 8, the alternative water supply well.

The proposal was unanimously approved with no comment from the public. Given the fast-tracking of this project, bidding services for construction contractors can be expected to begin soon. From there, construction is estimated to take 3-4 months once the winning contractor mobilizes on the site.

Bicyclist Struck And Killed In Davenport Crash

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The PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a bicyclist that occurred as a result of a traffic crash in Davenport on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

 

According to the preliminary investigation so far, around 12:40 p.m., a 62-year-old Davenport woman was stopped at the stop sign on Pinewood Drive at the intersection with Ronald Reagan Parkway, in her 2009 gold Toyota RAV4. At the same time, a man and woman were on their bicycles heading east on the sidewalk along Ronald Reagan Pkwy. The man proceeded across Pinewood, while his wife stopped on the sidewalk. The driver of the Toyota was looking east for westbound traffic, and then turned right to head west onto Ronald Reagan. The female bicyclist had just entered Pinewood at that time, and was struck by the Toyota. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, she succumbed to her injuries. She was 65-years-old and visiting from Canada.

 

The PCSO Is Conducting Death Investigation That Initiated After Florida Avenue Crash

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The PCSO is conducting a death investigation that was initiated yesterday after a traffic crash on South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.

 

Around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, the decedent, an 80-year-old Mulberry woman, appears to have had a medical episode while driving a 1997 Toyota Corolla southbound on S. Fl. when it crashed into the right front passenger side of a 2014 Toyota that was crossing the southbound lanes to enter the business plaza. The Corolla then proceeded over the grass shoulder and into the parking lot of the Pop-Shelf store, striking a parked and unoccupied car in the lot, before coming to a stop. There was no evidence of evasive measures or braking by the Corolla. She was declared deceased at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office clarified rumors that a pedestrian was involved. “Despite the online rumors, there were no pedestrians involved.” Said Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer PCSO

Bargain Barn Road Relocation Continues With Force Main Change

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Davenport

by: Capers Gay

March 25, 2025

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Image of Bargain Barn Road c. 2022, provided by Google Maps (adjusted to remove personal info)

At the March 17th Davenport City Commission Meeting, city officials were requested to authorize a construction inspection for the change of a force main along Bargain Barn Road to continue the road’s relocation. This is part of the larger initiative to realign Powerline Road, which Bargain Barn is connected to. A force main is used to carry wastewater through pressure when gravity isn’t enough, so this change is necessary.

The construction inspection includes surveying the road itself: its dimensions, nearby trees, right-of-ways, and markings. After that, SUE services (standing for Subsurface Utility Engineering) are carried out to determine the precise location of underground utilities such as powerlines and wastewater pipes. From there, the design of the project can begin, with detailed drawings, surveys, and permits to be submitted to the city and regulatory agencies for approval.

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Image of old force main provided by the Engineering Training Institute website

City Utilities Director Michael Stripling explained, “This project is not only the redesign because we’re changing the location of Bargain Barn Road. So initially, when we went and designed this a year and a half ago, it was directly up 90 and on 17/92 to make the connection with future Powerline Road. Now, we’re redesigning because we’re going to relocate Bargain Barn Road, so we need to move that force main.” Stripling commented that most of the project’s budget was going towards the construction inspection. Mayor Summerlin, heading the meeting, joked, “So we’re gonna save a little money because we take out two 90s?” Chuckling, Stripling responded “We’re gonna add a bunch of 45s, cause that road now curves!” “I had to ask.” the mayor quipped.

Chastain Skillman, a company known for its civil and utility engineering services, have been selected for the project, and $130,000 from the city’s Water Distribution Wastewater Collection Budget has been authorized for this stage of the project, along with a $2,000 licensing fee for encroachment on the railroad as Stripling explained, “The force main from Bargain Barn Road is going to cross underneath the railroad. It’s one more avenue for us to bring sewer from the east side of the city to the wastewater plant that’s on the west side.” The authorization was unanimously approved.

ADVERTISEMENT OF SALE

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Notice is hereby given that Lake Wales Storage intends to sell the property described below to enforce a lien under the Florida Self Storage Facility Act, Statutes (section 83.80-83.809). The owner will sell at public auction on or after April 17,2025 at 10:00 am at storageauctions.com 

Units belonging to the following:

CUSTOMER NAME/UNIT #

Tikiasha Boone #365

Miguel Antonio Perez Rodriguez #1051

This sale will be continued on such succeeding sale days thereafter as may be necessary to be completed. *Unless otherwise noted units contain household items. 

NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Recover Function – Restoring Operations After a Cyber Incident

In today’s ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, organizations must not only focus on preventing and responding to cyber incidents but also on how they recover from them. The Recover function of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework plays a critical role in ensuring business continuity after a security event. This function emphasizes timely recovery and resilience, enabling organizations to restore services while mitigating future risks.

Understanding the NIST Recover Function

The Recover function is designed to help organizations quickly restore their capabilities and services after a cybersecurity incident. It focuses on building resilience and integrating lessons learned to strengthen future responses. The key categories within the Recover function include:

  • Recovery Planning: Developing and implementing recovery processes and procedures.
  • Improvements: Updating response and recovery strategies based on past incidents.
  • Communications: Coordinating with stakeholders, customers, and external partners during and after recovery.

Key Components of the Recover Function

1. Recovery Planning

A well-defined recovery plan ensures an organization can restore its critical operations with minimal downtime. This includes:

  • Establishing documented procedures for system restoration.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities for recovery teams.
  • Prioritizing essential business functions and assets for recovery.
  • Implementing redundant systems and failover mechanisms.

2. Continuous Improvement

Cybersecurity threats evolve, and so must an organization’s ability to recover. By analyzing previous incidents and conducting post-mortem assessments, organizations can:

  • Identify weaknesses in their cybersecurity posture.
  • Enhance their incident response and recovery processes.
  • Train employees on best practices for incident recovery.
  • Invest in technology solutions that support a faster and more secure recovery.

3. Effective Communication

Transparent and structured communication during recovery is essential to maintain trust with stakeholders. Organizations should:

  • Keep internal teams informed about recovery progress.
  • Notify customers and partners about potential impacts and resolutions.
  • Coordinate with regulators and law enforcement as needed.

Leveraging Technology for Recovery

To effectively execute the Recover function, organizations can leverage advanced security tools such as:

  • Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) solutions to maintain secure copies of critical data.
  • Incident Response Platforms (IRPs) to streamline recovery efforts.
  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to monitor recovery progress.
  • Application Whitelisting solutions, such as PC Matic Pro, to ensure only trusted applications run post-recovery, reducing the risk of reinfection.

Benefits of a Strong Recover Strategy

  • Minimized Downtime: Rapid restoration of critical systems reduces operational disruptions.
  • Enhanced Customer Trust: Clear communication and swift action reinforce credibility.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting cybersecurity standards helps avoid legal and financial penalties.
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Strengthening recovery processes ensures long-term cybersecurity resilience.

Conclusion

The Recover function of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is crucial for ensuring organizations can bounce back quickly from cyber incidents. By developing comprehensive recovery plans, continuously improving strategies, and utilizing advanced security technologies, businesses can effectively mitigate risks and maintain operational stability. Investing in cybersecurity resilience today ensures a safer and more secure tomorrow.

About the Author:

Kip Kirchberg

Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.

His expertise includes, but is not limited to:

  • Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
  • Endpoint security solutions
  • Managing third-party remote access securely
  • Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
  • Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
  • Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
  • Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
  • Building and maintaining incident response teams
  • Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
  • Conducting internal and external penetration testing

With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.

Book time with Me:

Pair Arrested For House Burglary In Davenport

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested John Curtis Glover of St. Cloud and Harold Humphrey Jr. in connection to a burglary and fraudulent credit card scheme. The arrest follows an extensive investigation allegedly linking Glover and an accomplice, Humphrey Jr., to the theft of valuable electronics, personal items, and the unauthorized use of stolen credit cards across multiple locations in Florida.

The Burglary and Stole Items

On August 3, 2024, Davenport home owners on Coventry Rd returned to their home at approximately 11:00 PM to find their door unlocked but with no signs of forced entry. The couple, who use a key code to access their residence, discovered several high-value items missing, including a Lenovo Legion laptop ($3,000), a Fire tablet ($200), two Nintendo Switch consoles ($1,000), a Samsung watch ($1,000), a purse, and multiple American Express credit cards.

The burglary occurred while the home owners were visiting Universal Studios. They first became aware of suspicious activity when they received fraud notifications from American Express about unauthorized charges made that evening.

Fraudulent Transactions Lead Investigators to Suspects

Following the burglary, the stolen credit cards were used at multiple locations in Polk and Osceola counties, including:

• Dollar Tree (Kissimmee) – $43.81 at 8:53 PM

• Target (Kissimmee) – Two separate transactions totaling $468.12 at 8:21 PM and 8:23 PM

• Puff Stuff Smoke Shop (Davenport) – $126.74 at 7:22 PM

• Circle K (Davenport) – $55.66 at 6:50 PM

• Checkers (Kissimmee) – $6.34 at 9:59 PM

• Shell Gas Station – $130.78 at 10:12 PM

The total value of fraudulent charges amounted to $833.45.

Detective Rivera obtained surveillance footage from these locations, revealing a white male wearing a gray shirt making purchases with the stolen cards. Another suspect, seen in a Florida Gators long-sleeve shirt and gray hat, was identified purchasing Airbnb gift cards at Target.

Breakthrough in the Case

Authorities tracked a Lenovo laptop ping to a location in Kissimmee, leading them to a gray Ford Fusion registered to Humphrey, Jr’s mother. After contacting her, she identified her son, Harold Humphrey Jr., as the suspect in the video. She also provided his real-time location, leading officers to a residence on Pickering Drive, Kissimmee.

At the residence, another individual, allegedly confirmed that Harold was the person seen in surveillance footage and mentioned that several laptops and a Nintendo Switch were inside the home.

After being read his Miranda rights, Harold alley confessed to using the stolen credit cards but denied involvement in the burglary. He also identified the second suspect as John Curtis Glover.

Glover’s Arrest and Evidence Collection

Further investigation linked John Glover to the case. Surveillance footage from Checkers showed a blue Chevrolet Silverado with large chrome rims at the drive-thru during a fraudulent purchase. Investigators traced the truck to Glover, confirming it was registered in his name.

Authorities contacted Glover’s family, who reportedly identified him as the suspect in the Florida Gators shirt seen in various surveillance videos.

Investigators concluded that Glover and Humphrey unlawfully entered the Davenport home with the intent to commit theft. They were allegedly responsible for stealing and attempting to profit from the victims’ belongings, including electronics and financial assets.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Based on the evidence, both suspects now face charges for:

• Burglary

• Grand Theft

• Fraudulent use of a credit card

• Possession of stolen property

Florida Man Arrested for Shooting at Semi-Truck on Highway 60 In Lake Wales

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On March 21, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire on Highway 60 near Grape Hammock Road in Lake Wales, Florida. The victim, a semi-truck driver, stated that a black pickup truck fired multiple shots at his vehicle during a passing maneuver.

According to the victim, he was legally overtaking a slower-moving car when the suspect, driving a dark-colored pickup truck, approached at high speed. As the highway merged into a single lane, the pickup truck passed illegally over the double yellow lines. The truck driver then saw the pickup’s driver pointing a handgun at him before hearing four to five gunshots. The victim pulled over safely and discovered four bullet holes in the driver’s side fender.

Deputies reviewed dashcam footage and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for a black pickup truck with a “Punisher skull” decal. Investigators identified the vehicle as belonging to Danielle Gens of Fellsmere, FL, and later confirmed her husband, Mitchell Gens, was driving at the time of the incident.

On 3/21/25 at 1145 hours, PCSO received a 911 call regarding a suspect having fired shots into the cab of a semi-truck as they traveled westbound on Hwy 60 near Grape Hammock Rd., Lake Wales, FL.

The following is a long exerpt from the Lakeland Police affidavit and specifically Detective Heather Benthal (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge 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 their own understanding and conclusions) :

 Contact was made with the victim, REDACTED, who was driving a maroon semi with a flatbed trailer.  He advised that he was in the pass section of Hwy 60 Westbound and was overtaking a slower, smaller car.  After having passed the car, REDACTED began to maneuver back into the outside (slow) lane.  He checked his mirrors before initiating the lane change and the traffic was clear.  As he started into the outer lane he observed a dark colored pickup truck overtaking him at a high rate of speed.  The driver of the pickup slammed on the breaks to avoid a possible collision and REDACTED was able to safely maneuver into the outer lane as the lanes merged.  
  
    As the traffic lanes merged back into one, the driver of the pickup pulled up on the left side of REDACTED ‘s truck and passed him by driving over the yellow lines.  As the pickup passed, REDACTED looked down and observed the lone occupant of the pickup aiming a pistol at him.  He then heard 4 to 5 gun shots as the pickup sped away.  A few moments later the dashboard warning lights on the semi lit up and REDACTED was able to safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road.  REDACTED said that he felt that had he not hit the brakes to slow down when he saw the pistol, the suspect would have hit his door and possibly him.

   REDACTED observed four bullet holes in the driver’s side fender over the wheel well of his truck and called 911.

 D/S Self #9762, arrived on scene and viewed REDACTED‘s dashcam footage.  He issued a radio BOLO for a black pickup truck with a “punisher skull” decal on rear window.  Through investigative means, the truck was identified as belonging to Danielle Gens from Fellsmere, FL and bearing a Florida tag of 17AWEV.

 Your affiant responded to the incident location and inspected the damage to the semi.  Four bullet holes were observed in the driver’s side cowling.  Two above the wheel well and two between the wheel well and the driver’s door.  At least one bullet pit a radiator hose or pump and disabled the truck.  A sworn recorded interview was conducted with REDACTED at the scene.
 
    Contact was made with Danielle Gens and she advised that her husband, Mitchell Gens, drives that truck.

   Phone contact was made with Mitchell Gens and during a recorded conversation, he stated that the semi-truck driver cut him off and as he passed the driver swerved at him placing him in fear for his safety.  He had his Sig 9mm pistol in the seat next to him so he fired “two shots at the tire” of the semi.  Gens advised that if charged, he would turn himself in once he speaks with his attorney.

 The video clearly shows the suspect passing in a no passing zone and partially occupying the oncoming lane and straddling two sets of double yellow lines.  At no time does it appear that the semi swerved at the pickup truck in an aggressive manner.

 Nobody was injured in this incident.

Gens is not a convicted felon and no injunctions or other firearms restrictions were found during the FCIC/NCIC check.