Come by the Auburndale Library to pick up a free pair of solar eclipse glasses to watch the solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024! We will start handing these out on Monday, April 1st.
We have 50 solar eclipse glasses available which we will hand out 2 per family, first come first serve.
Please refer to this information below for solar eclipse information:
“The total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. Florida is not in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, so residents won’t see the moon completely block the sun. Residents will see a partial eclipse, though. Depending on what part of Florida you’re in, residents should start to see the eclipse beginning about 1:35 p.m. EDT, with the midpoint at 2:55 p.m.
NASA warns viewing any part of the sun with binoculars, a telescope or through a camera lens without a special-purpose solar filter or with your bare eyes without solar viewing glasses can result in severe eye injury.”
Auburndale Police Department On 3/25/2024, APD responded to a report of a missing/runaway juvenile:
Isaiah Francisco Guzman-Tompkins Date of Birth: October 18th, 2007. Hispanic male Isaiah is 5’11” and approximately 250lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at 225 Adams Street #A, Auburndale, FL.
Isaiah is presumed to be with his cousin Zion Luxamar Hispanic Male Date of Birth: April 26th, 2011. Zion cut off his ankle bracelet on March 25th, 2024.
Isaiah is epileptic and it is unknown if he is taking his seizure medication.
If you have any information, please contact Detective Adair at 863-837-5115 or by email to [email protected]
More Than 23 Teams Played Winter Haven Putt Pub Crawl FORE a Good Cause
by James Coulter
Local veterans, homeless, and needy children will be able to rest well knowing that 23 teams helped raise proceeds by participating in this year’s Putt Pub Crawl.
From Apple Lounge and Grill to Tanner’s Lakeside, these teams traveled to various bars and eateries across Polk County for a chance to hit a hole-in-one at makeshift miniature golf courses and sample shots and other drinks.
Aside from playing golf and drinking beer, attendees were also able to listen to live music performed by local musicians like Jim n Judy Duo, Joey Foley, and the Big Chill.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Leopard Legacy Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting those in need within the community, including veterans, the homeless, and needy children.
Lindsay Leopard, founder of Leopard Legacy, owner of Apple Lounge, and wife of the late Tim Leopard, whom her foundation was created in memory of, was more than pleased with this year’s turnout and was certain that her husband would appreciate the effort.
“When Tim was still with us, this was one of Tim’s favorite events to support and to participate in as well,” Lindsay said. “He would definitely be one of our biggest sponsors!”
Lindsay owes the success of this year’s fundraiser to the amazing sponsors her organization was able to secure, as well as the many teams that participated in the event.
“I believe what allows our event to remain successful is the fact that we are able to create a day that isn’t just an average day in Winter Haven, you know, something different,” Lindsay said. “We will be using the proceeds to continue our philanthropic projects to assist care centers and organizations that help those in need as well as Veterans that are in need.”
To learn more about the Leopard Legacy Foundation and itsupcoming events, visit their website at: https://leopardlegacy.com/
Lindsay Leopard recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss her fundraiser, her organization, and Tim’s legacy. Listen to our episode with her on Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/ep-26-putt-putt-pub-crawl-wlindsay-leopard
Winter Haven Detectives need assistance in locating 29-year-old Damian Rashad Green after he entered an apartment window and battered the occupant. On March 21, 2024, the victim was inside of her residence when she saw Green, who is an acquaintance of the victim, take the screen off of a back window and attempt to gain entry. The victim struggled with the window to keep it closed, but ultimately Green was able to get the window open and enter the apartment. He then followed her to the couch where he took her cellphone and he began to strike the victim. He then took his belt and wrapped it around the victim’s neck in an attempt to strangle her. Ultimately he left the apartment and was not located. A warrant has been obtained for Green on charges of Burglary with Battery, Robbery and Battery by Strangulation. If anyone has information on Green’s whereabouts is asked to all Detective Maldonado at 863-401-2256. If you wish to remain anonymous, you could be eligible for a CASH reward by contacting Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Damian Rashad Green
Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
If you were wondering why the PCSO SWAT team was on Palmetto Ridge Drive in Wahneta Friday night, this is why. Juan “Lizard” Ballesteroz was on a mission to hurt people, steal people’s things, and barricade himself in a house (not his) to the point where law enforcement had to force him out and make an arrest.
March 25, 2024 briefing – Sheriff Grady Judd:
Juan “Lizard” Ballesteroz
“Friday was a calm day in Wahneta, Florida until this guy went nuts. His nickname says it all. His nickname is “Lizard” Juan Ballesteroz. He’s 45. He’s already been to prison for attempted second degree murder and aggravated battery. He spent about 10 years. He didn’t appreciate freedom so here’s the story:
Victim 1 goes to victim 2’s house to do some yard work. Victim 2 knows Lizard. Lizard came over in order to eat some breakfast. Victim 1 is using yard tools that is making noise, and all of a sudden Lizard gets paranoid and panicked. I’m (Sheriff Judd) guessing he’s probably using meth, so he gets to throwing a fit. Our victim 2 is trying to calm him down and victim 1 leaves.
Lizard makes victim 2 get in the car to go look for victim 1 and as they are driving around they see our victim 1. They all live on the same street. Immediately Lizard jumps out and starts beating victim 1 in the top of the head with a gun saying, “You stole my laptop. You stole my laptop.” Our victim doesn’t know what he is talking about. He points gun at victim. There is a victim 3 that gets into it.
Long story short he holds up in victim 2’s mobile home and won’t come out. Sheriff’s office obviously quickly identifies him. After several hours of not coming out we got a search warrant and an arrest warrant and our SWAT team took him out of the house peacefully. No shots fired. Just a little bit of chemical agent in the house is all it took. Carjacking, armed robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, among a lot of other charges. Total of 3 victims. He’s in jail.”
** UPDATE ** Walter Ray Bouiye turned himself into the Winter Haven Police Department and was taken into custody.
—————— Winter Haven Police need help locating a very dangerous man who sexually battered a female while holding her against her will at gunpoint. A felony warrant has been obtained for Walter Ray Bouiye (46 years-old) on charges of Sexual Battery with a Firearm, Armed Kidnapping, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Tampering With a Witness.
Bouie took the victim to his 5th St NE residence on March 20, 2024 and held her against her will. He would not allow the victim to leave and took her cellphone to prevent her from calling for help. She was able to escape the residence on March 22, 2024 when Bouiye fell asleep. Bouiye drives a black Nissan Altima with a Florida tag of 77CGYH. Anyone with information on Bouiye’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Shook at 863-401-2256. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers and you could be eligible for a CASH reward:
A felony warrant has been obtained for Walter Ray Bouiye (46 years-old)
Call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gun shots near Wahneta over the weekend. Here is the release by PCSO:
On Saturday, March 23rd at about 5:23 PM, PCSO deputies responded to a residence near Wahneta Palms Drive southeast of Winter Haven, in regards to a possible shooting.
It was reported that 37-year old Juan Alvarado fired gun shots in the direction of two men, but didn’t injure them.
A female walked outside, and Alvarado shot directly at her twice, and both shots missed. The woman took cover, and Alvarado fled the scene. He was quickly located by PCSO deputies.
While being transported, Alvarado told the deputy, “When I get out, I’m going to find you and put a bullet in your head.”
Juan Alvarado was charged with: Attempted 1st Degree Murder (FL), Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony (F2), Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon (both are F2s), Aggravated Assault without Intent to Kill (2-counts, F3), Tampering with Evidence (F3), Discharge a Firearm in a Public Place (M1), Threat of Death/Harm to LEO (M1), Improper Exhibit of a Firearm (M1).
CRIME: GRAND THEFT CRIME SCENE: ONLINE CREDIT CARD FRAUD POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #24-1006
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a credit card that resulted in fraudulent charges over $2,500.00. The victim discovered 36 unauthorized charges on his card dating back to December 5, 2023. The card was used at local places in the area of Shepherd Road in Mulberry, such as 7-Eleven, Publix, and McDonalds.
The suspect is seen in video surveillance using the card, which never left the victim’s possession – it is believed the suspect was able to clone the card.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
“All of us here at the Town of Lake Hamilton would like to take a moment of silence for a former Long Time Town Employee who has passed away. Former Clerk Margaret Freemen (Former Police Chief Ed Freeman’s wife) will be missed and we are praying for her family as they go through this.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Margaret Freeman on Saturday, 03/30/2024 at 3pm. It will be held at 16001 Lake Hatchineha Rd. Everyone is requested to bring a covered dish and possibly some chairs if you have them.”
