9 Arrested for Smuggling K-2 into South Count Jail

Staff Reporter

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September 11, 2018

9 Arrested for Smuggling K-2 into South Count Jail

9 arrested in K-2 jail smuggling investigation

PCSO Release:

Beginning in May of 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives began investigating possible smuggling of K-2synthetic cannabinoidsinto the PCSO South County Jail near Frostproof. During the investigation, detectives learned inmates housed together in H dorm, along with friends and family outside of the jail, were involved in the active conspiracy to smuggle K-2 into the South County Jail. The investigation revealed that synthetic cannabinoid compounds were being sprayed on sheets of paper, and those sheets of paper were being brought into the county jail.

The investigation uncovered a total of $4,500 in transactions/purchases of K-2 that either entered or were attempted to be sent into the jail. The method used to smuggle K-2 into the jail was to spray liquid K-2/synthetic cannabinoids onto paper, then dry and iron the paper, then disguise the papers by writing legal information, personal messages, and bible verses on them. The K-2 infused papers were then either mailed into the jail using fictitious and/or appropriated law firm stationary, and in some cases, the K-2 infused papers were brought in during meetings with an attorney at the jail.

Detectives discovered that 29-year-old Holly Boulanger of Lake Alfred was the outside source for the synthetic cannabis. Boulanger was discovered to be in a relationship with 28-year-old Randall Kirby, who at the time of the investigation was out of jail on bond for Trafficking in K-2 / Synthetic Cannabinoids, stemming from an investigation in January 2018. Both worked together to provide (sell) the K-2 infused papers to friends and family members of inmates in the jail.

In August detectives arranged an undercover purchase of five (5) sheets of paper, sprayed with liquid K-2 for $375.00 from Ms. Boulanger. The five (5) sheets of suspected K-2 papers subsequently yielded a positive result for K-2, Synthetic Cannabinoids.

In early September 2018, detectives arranged the purchase of (8) sheets of K-2 laced paper from Ms. Boulanger for $600. On Wednesday, September 5, 2018, detectives conducted surveillance on Ms. Boulanger and observed her leaving her residence. A traffic stop was conducted and detectives located a total of 78.7 grams of paper in her vehicle laced with K-2. During an interview, Ms. Boulanger admitted to spraying papers with liquid K-2.

Detectives then served a search warrant at Ms. Boulanger’s residence at 46 Palm Circle Drive in Lake Alfred and made contact with Randall Kirby inside. Detectives located a prescription pill bottle containing multiple miscellaneous pills, including Clonazepam and Alprazolam pills, for which Mr. Kirby told detectives he did not have a prescription.

Detectives also recovered 52.2 grams of paper sprayed with K-2. They also found two plastic containers with a brown colored liquidone of the containers had a spray top. The total packaged weight of both of these containers of liquid are 165.4 grams and 612.6 grams. The chemical product seized is believed to be liquid K-2 or Synthetic Cannabinoids. A two-year-old boy living in the residence where the chemicals were found was turned over to case workers with the Florida Department of Children and Families. They assumed custody and care of the child.

During the investigation detectives discovered that 29-year-old attorney Sara Jones of Lake Wales was responsible for passing some of the K-2 laced papers into the jail. Detectives made contact with Ms. Jones, who stated she had provided her client, 27-year-old Johnny Coleman, documents during an attorney client visitation at the South County Jail that were given to her by 34-year-old Joanna Juliano of Lake Wales. Ms. Jones told deputies she believed she had recovered all the documents from Johnny Coleman before she left visitation. Ms. Jones said she had no knowledge that the documents were laced with synthetic cannabinoids (K-2).

All those arrested during this investigation were either involved in purchasing, arranging the delivery of, or introducing or attempting to introduce contraband (synthetic cannabinoids/drugs) into the South County Jail near Frostproof. They include inmates, and family members or friends outside of the jail. Charges have been filed on Wednesday and Thursday, September 5th and 6th.

Inmate Zachary Bitner contacted his mother, Brenda Bitner, to acquire and send three (3) envelopes with the return address of the Mathews Law Firm/PA addressed to Zachary Bitner at the Polk County Jail. (A search of Zachary Bitner’s legal proceedings show Bitner is not represented by the Mathews Law Firmthe envelopes are believed to be homemade in order to smuggle K2contrabandinto the jail). Brenda Bitner sent the envelopes to a third person and they were then used in an attempt to smuggle K-2 into the jail.

Jail inmate Johnny Junior Coleman communicated with his girlfriend, Joanna Juliano, to receive fake legal documents from Brenda Bitner that would then be used to mail K-2 into the jail. Coleman gave Havaii Smith’s phone number to Juliano so they could meet and Smith could provide K-2 soaked papers to Juliano, and then Juliano could put them in the fake legal envelope and mail them to the jail. Smith and Juliano met at the Sam’s Club parking lot in north Lakeland in August and Smith gave Juliano 7 K-2 soaked papers. These papers later tested positive for K-2.
Inmate Jamie Garst contacted his mother, Cheryl Cole and arranged for money to be sent to Ms. Cole (via a Walmart money transaction and/or Western Union). In March, Ms. Cole sent a letter to her son using an envelope with a return address of the Banter Law Firm in an attempt to make it look like legal mail. The mail was intercepted and opened it contained 8 pages that had a foul odor and the paper was discolored. Garst’s arrest affidavit was copied onto the paper. The paper tested positive for Fluoro-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (Substituted Cathinones Class)a kind of synthetic amphetamine. Cole admitted to deputies that she sent the mail, and that she wanted to ask her son personal information about his case, without anyone reading. There were only affidavits copied onto the paper and no questions or personal information in the envelope. Garst’s girlfriend is Havaii Smith, the woman who gave K-2 soaked papers to Juliano. Garst told Smith he wanted her to write “case laws” “statutes” and “bible verses” on the papers to make it appear the mail was legitimate.

Those arrested are:

Johnny Coleman, 03/28/1991; PCSO South County Jail, Frostproof, Polk County, Florida, 33843.
Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. In Jail With Previous Charges: aggravated assault with a weapon without intent, armed burglary with assault/battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in public, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent. Coleman’s criminal history includes 44 felony charges, 33 misdemeanor charges, and 2 state prison incarcerations.

Havaii Mellissa Smith, 07/17/1989; Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, 33805. Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. Smith’s criminal history includes 6 felony charges and 7 misdemeanor charges.

Zachary Daniel Bitner, w/m, 06/30/1990; PCSO South County Jail, Frostproof, Polk County, Florida, 33843. Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. In Jail With Previous Charges: robbery with a deadly weapon (3 counts), armed burglary with assault/battery (firearm), armed false imprisonment (3 counts), conspiracy to commit armed robbery, grand theft, robbery (4 counts), aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent. Zachary Bitner’s criminal history includes 30 felony charges, 17 misdemeanor charges, 5 failures to appear and 3 incarcerations in state prison. He is currently in state prison serving a life sentence.

Brenda Sue Bitner, w/f, 01/07/1964; Rook Road, Davenport, Polk County, Florida, 33847.
Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. Bitner had no criminal history.

Cheryl Ann Cole, w/f, 02/13/1962; Senate Street, Auburndale, Polk County, Florida, 33849. Charges: Introduction of Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 951.22, Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and 2 Counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. Cole has two prior misdemeanors.

Jamie Carroll Garst II, w/m, 11/21/1986; PCSO South County Jail, Frostproof, Polk County, Florida, 33843. Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. In Jail With Previous Charges: tampering with physical evidence, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, first degree murder. Garst’s criminal history includes 7 felony charges and 2 incarcerations in state prison.

Joanna Juliano, h/f, 01/28/1984; North 9th Street, Frostproof, Florida. Charges: Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Detention Facility (F-3), Florida Statutes 777.04 and 951.22 and Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215. Juliano has one prior misdemeanor.

Holly Boulanger, w/f, 08/31/1989; Palm Circle Dr., Lake Alfred, Florida, 33850. Charges: Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device (F-3), Florida Statutes 934.215, Trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids (K-2), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Maintaining a dwelling/conveyance for drug use/sale. Boulanger’s criminal history includes 5 felony charges, 19 misdemeanors, and 2 failures to appear.

Randall William Kirby, w/m, 06/04/1990; Palm Circle Dr., Lake Alfred, Florida, 33850. Charges: Maintaining a dwelling for drug use/sale with a minor child present, Possession of Alprazolam (Xanax), Possession of Clonazepam, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids (K-2). Kirby’s criminal history includes 12 felonies, 6 misdemeanors, and 1 failure to appear.

Local Business Creates Environmentally Friendly Soy Candles

Plant City

Staff Reporter

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September 11, 2018

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Local Business Creates Environmentally Friendly Soy Candles

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Jamie Hein

Jamie Hein owns a small business based in Plant City. She creates a variety of environmentally friendly products, including soy candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and cold process soaps.

“Our candles and wax melts are created using 100% soy wax and fragrance oils,” Hein said. “Our soaps are created without using any palm oils soaps.”

Hein began creating candles with her mother under a different business name originally. At the start of 2018, she created her own new brand and opened Petals and Glow.

“The name of my business was created from a few ideas that I wanted to reflect my products,” Hein said. “The ‘petals’ is a correlation of my candles to the aroma that flower petals emit when caught in a breeze. The ‘glow’ is for the glow that we have after a spa treatment or something along those lines, which currently fits with my soaps.”

Hein loves candles, and what better way to share something she loves with others?

“I love making products that people love and use often,” Hein said. “Candles were a natural thing for me because I love burning them in my own house. I also wanted to make soaps that are fun to look at but are also environmentally friendly.”

Petals and Glow products are currently featured in a few local shops around the area and Hein hopes to spread her products through more stores over the next few years.

She often sets up booths at various local markets. With the holiday season around the corner, Hein plans to be a part of upcoming shows. Events Petals and Glow will be a part of can be found on Facebook and Instagram:

Instagram:

@petalsandglow

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/petalsandglow/

Hein is excited to continue sharing her products with the community. She is very passionate about what she does.

“I love when someone smells one of my candles and is surprised at how fresh and clean they smell,” Hein said. “It’s nothing like what you would buy in a major retail shop. I only sell what I believe is an excellent final product, and only something that I would buy myself. Being a small business allows me to be in close contact with all of my customers, so it’s a very personal thing as well.”

Interested in ordering a product from Petals and Glow? Visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/petalsandglow

Hein’s favorite fragrance is the hibiscus guava scent.

Urban Air Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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September 11, 2018

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Urban Air Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

by James Coulter

Remember those old 90s game shows like “Nick Guts” and “American Gladiators” where contestants raced their way through obstacle courses and physical challenges?

Remember watching the children on those shows scale across rock walls, swim through ball pits, and swing on ropes? Did you ever wish that you could be just like those kids on television?

Lakeland’s newest indoor family fun center allows guests to have experiences just like that through various fun activities such as trampolines, rock walls, ball pits, obstacles courses, and zip-line roller coaster.

Urban Air Adventure Park allows both children and children-at-heart to enjoy exciting yet safe fun, allowing them to bounce on trampolines, swing across rope courses, scale rock walls and play tunnels, and even ride its indoor air coaster.

The 45,000 square foot indoor facility opened in August at the Lakeland Square Mall (within the former location of Sports Authority), and recently celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday.

The ribbon cutting was attended by members of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakeland, including Mayor Bill Mutz, who cut the ribbon with the ceremonial scissors.

Guests then had the opportunity to tour the facility and scope out its many activities, and also enjoy some light refreshments as provided by Chik-Fil-A.

As the father of many children and grandchildren, Mayor Mutz feels that the new facility will not only provide fun for his own family, but that of other local children.

“I love to see kids laugh and play and have fun,” he said. “It is perfect for us to have an indoor place…where kids can play hard.”

Not only does the facility allow for such family fun, but it will hopefully breathe new life within the shopping mall, especially with the recent closure of major anchor stores and with online shopping providing steep competition.

“We have been Amazon-ed by malls, and so this allows people to come in and have an opportunity to not only have the kids play, but also have access to the stores here,” he said.

Urban Air offers 45,000 square feet of obstacles courses and other indoor activities, as well as private party rooms, a gift store, and a cafe area.

As the new facility takes the place of the former Sports Authority, it helps fill in the void left by the previous anchor store, thus helping the mall to remain relevant within the local community, explained manager Brain Norwood.

“We decided that it was a good spot location locally with good exposure and that will service the community well because there are a lot of different things,” he said.

Since opening in August, the indoor facility has received greater turnouts each and every week, and they hope that greater business will lead to greater expansions within the near future.

“We are looking for a bit of an expansion, keeping the crowds happy, and make sure people are having fun and staying safe,” Norwood said.

Urban Air is located in Lakeland Square Mall, next to the Crush store, at 3800 US Highway 98 North in Lakeland.

For more information about hours and prices, visit their website at: https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/

Routine Traffic Stop in Polk County Reveals Plot to Steal Diesel Fuel

Staff Reporter

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September 11, 2018

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Routine Traffic Stop in Polk County Reveals Plot to Steal Diesel Fuel

PCSO Release:

On September 9, 2018 a routine traffic stop helped a PCSO detective with the Agricultural Crimes Unit catch a prolific criminal. The deputy noticed an SUV hauling a trailer with no tag or lights driving in the area of Highway 640 and 80 Foot Road near Alturas and Homeland. The detective pulled over 47-year-old Donald Fowler, of Mulberry, and discovered he was driving on a suspended license.

Upon further investigation, it turns out there was an illegal purpose for this haul. Attached to Fowler’s trailer was a 500 gallon plastic tank and in the back seat of his vehicle was a transfer fuel pump device, a pair of bolt cutters, a pipe wrench and a glove. Fowler also had two active warrants for not appearing in court and for not showing up for work release. He admitted being in the area to steal diesel fuel and was taken to jail.

On September 10, 2018, Putnam’s Citrus Grove in Bartow reported that someone broke inside a pump shed and removed approximately 60 gallons of diesel fuel. While in custody on Monday, September 10, 2018, deputies followed up with Fowler and he admitted cutting the chain to the shed at the business with intent to steal the diesel fuel. He’s charged with burglary of a structure, petit theft and trespassing in an orange grove.

“Diesel fuel thefts are an on-going problem in our agricultural areas. Our deputy did a great job preventing another theft from happening.”

– Grady Judd, Sheriff

Initially, Fowler was charged with driving an unregistered motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools with intent to use, knowingly driving with a suspended, revoked license and two failure to appear charges. He received additional charges on September 10, 2018, which include burglary, petit theft and trespassing. He is in the Polk County jail with no bond.

Fowler has a lengthy criminal history, including 8 felony charges and 21 misdemeanors. He also served two times in Florida State prison. Some of his charges include probation violations, aggravated battery involving a pregnant woman, shoplifting and drug possession.

Legendary Moonshiner Tim Smith Visits Harry’s Old Place

Staff Reporter

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September 10, 2018

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Legendary Moonshiner Tim Smith Visits Harry’s Old Place

By Allison Williams

Tim Smith is the star of Discovery Channel’s TV show, Moonshiners. He is a third generation moonshiner.

On Sunday, Smith made an appearance at local seafood restaurant, Harry’s Old Place in Winter Haven. Dwayne Mcquillen, owner of the restaurant since July of last year had the pleasure of meeting Smith last year.

“I met him at a liquor convention last year in Orlando and stayed in touch with him,” Mcquillen said.

Since attending last year’s convention, Harry’s Old Place recently received its liquor license.

”I told him I was opening my own place and when we got the liquor license, I emailed him. I asked for him to come by next time he was in town.”

The same liquor convention they met at last year just took place again this past weekend in Orlando, so Mcquillen thought this would be the perfect opportunity to invite him to his restaurant.

Word spread quickly that the legendary moonshiner was coming to town. Cars starting filling the Harry’s Old Place parking lot Sunday evening. People anxiously waited both outside and inside at dining tables for Smith to make his appearance.

When Smith arrived, excited fans approached him immediately. Some were excited and showed their support by shaking his hand and posing for a photo, while others brought personal items for him to sign, raving about how much they liked the show.

One couple even brought money for Smith to put his autograph on. Others brought Climax bottles, journals and brochures for Smith to sign.

Climax Moonshine is one of Smith’s products available for purchase. People showed their support by bringing bottles, both empty and full to show Smith.

Having Smith at Harry’s Old Place brought in a lot of business for the local seafood restaurant.

“It was great,” Mcquillen said. “We had a bunch of people show up. Everyone liked the cocktails. He was a great host.”

There was a bar set up outside on the patio, where guests could try some of his moonshine and signature cocktails. Smith sat out back and mingled with guests while exchanging stories.

“It was just a really good event,” Mcquillen said. “We were jamming all night long so it was great. It was a kickoff for us to have our liquor license, so for him to come down and help us launch having a liquor license here has been great timing.”

Mcquillen invites the community to come on down to Harry’s Old Place to check out the full bar, now serving cocktails and of course featuring Smith’s famous moonshine.

Harry’s Old Place is located at 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884, right on Lake Ned.

Hours of operation:

Sunday 12-8

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday – Thursday 11:30-1:30 & 5-9

Friday 11:30-1:30 & 5-10

Saturday 4-10

For more information on Tim Smith visit:

http://timsmithmoonshine.com

Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners:

https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/moonshiners/

Miss Frostproof 2018 Marks End Of Centennial Celebration

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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September 10, 2018

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Miss Frostproof 2018 Marks End Of Centennial Celebration

by James Coulter

For the past three years, Cheyenna Lightsey, 21, has been living away from her hometown of Frostproof, as she currently attends the West Campus of Valencia College in Orlando.

She returned to Frostproof to celebrate its 100th anniversary during its three-day Centennial Celebration.

She has loved every moment of the celebration. She especially enjoyed the watermelon-eating contest, which she almost won.

“I missed it by a little bit there,” she said. “I have to sharpen my teeth for next year.”

Having lived in Frostproof all her life, she loves the overall family atmosphere of her small town where everyone knows everybody.

“I love the fact that you can get in trouble at school on Monday and the preacher will know about it on Sunday and call you out,” she said.

Ever since she was young, she has dreamed of participating in the annual Miss Frostproof beauty pageant. Her mother had participated within it, as did many other family members long ago.

To her, attending the pageant was following a family tradition which she hopes to one day pass onto her own daughter. So winning the pageant was nothing short of a dream come true.

Lightsey was crowned Miss Frostproof during the pageant on Sunday afternoon within the Historic Auditorium of Frostproof City Hall.

Upon graduating Frostproof High School in 2015, she has been attending the West Campus of Valencia College in Orlando to pursue her social studies degree.

She hopes to use her degree to become an educator and to help improve the literacy skills of students, especially young girls.

Winning the pageant was the biggest highlight of her weekend back home, and she hopes to use her new title to inspire other little girls the same way the pageant had once inspired her.

“I would love little girls to learn that it is okay to be beautiful and intelligent,” she said. “I always felt it was important.”

More than 40 young girls between the ages of 3 and 21 competed within the annual beauty pageant, which marked the end of the city’s three-day long centennial celebration.

Cheyanna Lightsey was crowned the title of Miss Frostproof within the 19 to 21 age range, with the runner-up being Baleigh Barrett.

In the category of Junior Miss Frostproof, within the age range of 16 to 18, McKenzie Hayes, 17, was crowned the Junior Miss Title, Lauren Eubanks as Jr Miss 1st runner up.

Hayes has lived within the town for the past five years, having previously lived in Lake Wales.

Like Lightsey, she too loves how the city feels like one big close-knit family.

“Everybody knows everybody,” she said. “You can’t go anywhere without meeting somebody you don’t know, and the atmosphere is great.”

Being able to win her current position has required a lot of hard work on her part with a lot of practicing, which made her victory quite the accomplishment.

Currently a senior at Frostproof High School, she hopes to attend college at Polk State College. Until then, she wants to appreciate every moment within this town, especially in light of its 100th anniversary.

“This is something I am very proud of,” she said. “There is a lot of hometown spirit…and I hold this town close to my heart.”

Tenny R Crowley, Former City Manager, was once crowned Miss Frostproof in 1964. As a former winner, she appreciates how the pageant helps shape young girls.

“Seeing the girls grow as individuals, it gives them the opportunity to be present in front of an audience, and it helps them with their future growth,” she said.

She appreciated the celebration of her hometown’s centennial celebration, and she hopes that it continues to grow and prosper for another 100 years to come.

“I am proud to live in Frostproof,” she said. “It has been an outstanding weekend, and I am so proud of all the people who worked hard to make this event such a success.”

The winners of this year’s pageant are as follows:

Miss Frostproof: Cheyenna Lightsey, 21

Junior Miss: McKenzie Hayes, 17

Teen Miss: Cassidy Edwards, 14

Miss Pre-Teen: Jamie Corner, 12

Miss Princess: Valerie Rose Martinez, 7

Little Miss: Angela Rodriguez, 6

Wee Miss: Havyn Davis age 3

Frostproof Sets Sail With Inaugural Cardboard Boat Race

Staff Reporter

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September 10, 2018

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Frostproof Sets Sail With Inaugural Cardboard Boat Race

by James Coulter

Eighteen colorful cardboard boats cast off into Lake Clinch for the inaugural Frostproof Cardboard Boat Race on Monday.

Inspired by the Haines City Cardboard Boat Challenge, this race was hosted by Frostproof to help celebrate its 100th anniversary during its three-day Centennial Celebration.

The 18 colorful boats were constructed by 18 individual teams using duct tape and cardboard donated by Ferguson.

Each boat had the opportunity to cast off into the waters of Lake Clinch during one of four matches. Each boat was judged by how quickly they could row out into the lake and back to shore.

The boats created that day ranged from small gray canoes to bright pink motorboats to Spanish pirate ship galleons.

Melody Sauerhefer, a city employee, and her team dressed up as pirates and constructed their boat into a pirate ship, calling themselves the “Pirates of the Centennial”, and naming their ship “Foorptsorf” (which is “Frostproof spelled backwards).

Though their ship looked grand with a skull-and-crossbones sail, their boat barely made it into the water before sinking into Davy Jones’ Locker.

Nevertheless, the entire experience was enjoyable, and they hope to something similar next year, Sauerhefer said.

“It was a blast having everybody here,” she said. “It took a long time and a lot of duct tape. It was great, we would do it again.”

Winning first place that morning was Justin Keene and his team, who won $200 for the fastest overall race time.

The secret to their success? Plenty of duct tape and elbow grease, of course, especially since their elbows received quite the workout.

“It was fun, he said. “My arms are burning and hurting a little bit, but it was a whole lot of fun.”

Also hosted that day was a raffle for a “Day At The Lake”, with a Yeti cooler filled with recreational items such as a folding chair, tent, inflatables, and sunscreen.

The Frostproof Volunteer Fire Department donated the grand prize, and also served hot dogs and other snacks.

Overall, the festivities that morning went well and managed to conclude right before the sky grew dark with storm clouds and began to rain.

Kelly Banks, Executive Director of Frostproof Main Street, loved the sense of community throughout the race, and hopes to host it again next year.

“The turnout was absolutely wonderful,” she said. “We will be definitely doing it again.”

The winners of the cardboard boat race are as follows:

1st Place: Brana Keene & Justin Keene (Time: 4:00:39)

2nd Place: Greg Cope & Amy Juarez (Time: 4:01:04)

3rd Place: Timothy Burnette Jr & Josiah Burnette (Time: 4:19:48)

Spirit Award: Corrine Poe & Tyler Brown

Titanic Award: Amanda Blocker & Eden Bell

Avon Park Cutoff Road Closed for Drainage Pipe Replacement

Fort Meade

Staff Reporter

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September 7, 2018

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Avon Park Cutoff Road Closed for Drainage Pipe Replacement

Bartow, Fla. (September 5, 2018) — Polk County Roads & Drainage Division is replacing a collapsed drainage pipe under Avon Park Cutoff Road near Fort Meade. The road will be closed to traffic starting Thursday, September 6 and re-opening on Saturday, September 8. Traffic should follow the detour route which includes Singletary Road, County Line Road, and W. Bereah Road.

For more information, contact Doug Gable with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2285.

Corey Jones Charged with Vehicular Homicide From August 2nd Hit & Run

Staff Reporter

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September 7, 2018

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Corey Jones Charged with Vehicular Homicide From August 2nd Hit & Run

PCSO Release:

Update:

On September 4, 2018, deputies re-arrested 28-year-old Corey Jones (also known as “DB Da Kid”), for his involvement in a hit and run crash on August 2, 2018 on N. Galloway Road near Kathleen Road in Lakeland.

Jones is now charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. 40-year-old Kelli Marie Black was riding a scooter north bound on Galloway Road approximately 400 to 500 feet south of Kathleen Road, just past the railroad tracks, when a 2002 black GMC SUV, driven by 28-year-old Corey Wesley Jones of Lakeland, struck her and her scooter and fled the scene. As a result of the ongoing investigation, it was determined Jones was driving in excess of 90 mph at the time of the crash.

The new charges are the result of the Medical Examiner’s office determination that the victim died as a result of Jones vehicle hitting her. Initially, he was charged with leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and reckless driving. After Jones left the scene, another vehicle hit the victim and a Good Samaritan who was rendering aid to Ms. Black. However, evidence now shows that Black would not have survived the first initial crash.

Jones was released from jail on a $25,000 bond.

Deputies are still looking for the 2nd vehicle and driver who left the scene in a white or light colored Ford F-150 pickup truck. If anyone has any information about the identity of the second driver, please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.

Original Release:

Traffic homicide investigators with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about two vehicles and drivers who left the scene of a traffic crash this morning.

At approximately 2:20 a.m. this morning an unidentified female was riding an unregistered scooter north bound on Galloway Road approximately 400 to 500 feet south of Kathleen Road, just past the railroad tracks. A vehicle (detectives believe they have identified the vehicle involved and a possible suspect–detectives are looking for the suspect now) struck the woman and scooter and fled the scene. The woman was injured as a result of the crash.

A Good Samaritan, 20-year-old PFC Kalen Lawson of Ft. Hood, Texas, who is an active duty member of the U.S. Army, stopped to render aid. As he was rendering aid, another vehicle travelling northbound on N. Galloway hit and struck Mr. Lawson and the original crash victim. The truck is described as most likely a white/light colored Ford F-150 pick-up truck.. Mr. Lawson was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with a serious leg injury; he is expected to recover from his injuries. The original unidentified victim was run over by the 2nd hit-and-run white pick-up truck and died at the scene.

Anyone with any information about the white or light colored Ford F-150 pickup truck hit-and-run vehicle are asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Those with information who wish to remain anonymous and/or be eligible for a cash reward from Heartland Crime Stoppers may call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or go to heartlandcrimestoppers.com to leave a tip. Those with smartphones may download a free P3tips app linked from the website.

“All of us have a fundamental moral responsibility to stop when involved in a crash. It’s just basic human decency–and it’s the law. Our prayers are with the family of the deceased victim. I am so proud of PFC Kalen Lawson, Active Duty US Army, who stopped to help–our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recuperates.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Fire It Up! Frostproof Fires Up Barbecue For Very First Year

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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September 7, 2018

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Fire It Up! Frostproof Fires Up Barbecue For Very First Year

by James Coulter

Participating in more than 30 to 40 barbecue competitions per year, Matt Barber, Pitmaster for the Hot Wachulas, has mastered the perfect barbecue down to a science.

Professional Grand Champion: Hot Wachulas

So it only made sense that his team would walk away as the Overall Grand Champion for the proffesional division of the inaugural Fire It Up! Frostproof last Sunday.

“When you leave with a big trophy, it’s always a good day,” he said.

Having participated within proffesional barbecue for the past seven years, this award was his most recent. He had previously won 25 grand champions in total.

Thanks to his latest victory, he and his team have become eligible to enter the world championship in Kansas City, known to be the “Super Bowl of Barbecue.”

Being able to participate in as many competitions as he had within the past year is an honor; but for him, it’s always an honor to compete in Polk County, which he considers to be “the barbecue capital of the world.”

“I owe it all to hard work,” he said. “You have to cook a bunch, you have to be consistent, cooking against these great competitors makes you a better cook.”

Barber and his team won the overall proffesional grand champion title of Fire It Up! Frostproof, the inaugural barbecue competition in Frostproof.

The event was the first ever Kansas City Sanctioned barbecue event within the small town, and was hosted as part of its three-day centennial celebration during Labor Day weekend.

Following up in second place with the reserve grand champion for the overall proffesional division was Backyard Bros.

Professional Reserve Champion: Backyard Bros

The remaining winners for that division were Awesome Que (third place), Back End Barbecue (fourth), Uncle Bud’s Barbecue (fifth), Hogs Gone Wild (sixth), Big Papa’s Country Kitchen (seventh), Hogwash Barbecue (eighth), Big Daddy Que (ninth), and Team Smoke Showing (tenth).

The competition that afternoon conferred awards within two divisions (proffesional and backyard) and for various categories (overall, chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket).

Winning the overall backyard grand champion title were the Parrothead Porkers, with their head pitmaster Tom Snow.

Backyard Grand Champion: Parrothead Porkers

His team also walked away with trophies for first place in chicken and pork and third place in brisket.

Some would consider winning so many awards to be an honor, but for Snow, it was mostly tiring having to walk back and forth to the front stage.

“It’s embarrassing, actually,” he said. “You walk up so many times, but we do this for the fun and trophies. We are not competing for any money. I love it.”

His team learned about the inaugural Frostproof event through the organizer and advertisement. They decided to give the new event a try, thinking it would be fun–and it was!

“It was great,” he said. “We had a lot of fun, and getting big trophies is always fun.”

Backyard Reserve Champion pictured above: Crooked Lake Smokehouse

The inaugural barbecue event was hosted on Sunday at Henderson Field at Lake Reedy Park in Frostproof.

Mayor Martin Sullivan, himself an amateur barbecue enthusiast, decided to organize and host the event to help celebrate the city’s centennial celebration, as well as to bring the city’s love of barbecue within its city limits.

“The city staff and all of the volunteers cannot be thanked enough,” he said. “They worked tirelessly throughout the whole event, before, during, and after…and it made for a tremendous show.”

The turnout for the event more than met his initial expectations, and he hopes that it will continue to do so in the near future.

“This event will grow,” he said. “It will become a yearly event that will bring more and more people in to see our city each year.”

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