After PCSO partnered up with the Lake Alfred Police Department and Haines City Police Department, just seven days after the info was released on Justin Esposito, he was found and arrested on Jan 31. After running from law enforcement, Esposito was found in a trash dumpster. After being dumped out of the dumpster, Esposito resisted and then he was bit.
”Resisting will get you dog bit every time.” -Sheriff Grady Judd
————— Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
Justin Esposito is currently wanted on warrants for: Grand Theft, Weapons Violations, Breaking a Fence, Possession of a Vehicle with Altered VIN, and Resisting.
Additionally, Justin is a person of interest in some other illegal activity.
Justin Esposito is about 6-feet tall and 185-pounds. His last known address is on Sharon Hill Court, just off of Thornhill Road (west of Winter Haven).
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Justin Esposito, please contact Deputy John London of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-297-1100 or 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.
Winter Haven Public Safety – Do you know where 17 year-old Annaliese Kata Ivonne Warthan is? Annaliese left her Whispering Trails home after removing the battery from the home alarm system. She was overheard talking to a friend about possibly going to the Clearwater area. Annaliese is 5’4″, approximately 115 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a nose ring on the right side. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Annaliese is asked to call Detective Moore at 863-837-9754 or Winter Haven Police Department on-duty supervisor at 863-401-2256.
“They say that any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. The two occupants of this plane not only walked away from it with no injuries, but the plane didn’t even receive any damages following an emergency landing near Rifle Range Road and Lake Eloise Loop Road near Winter Haven on Friday, January 26th at around 3:45pm.
The pilot told deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that they experienced some engine trouble and made the impromptu landing.”
Due to multiple nationwide incidences of stopped law enforcement officers and other motorists being struck by passing vehicles, the Auburndale Police Department, along with many other Polk County law enforcement agencies, will heavily patrol and ticket violators who do not comply with Florida’s Move Over Law.
This Florida law requires you to Move Over a lane — when you can safely do so — for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, tow trucks or wreckers, maintenance or construction vehicles with displaying warning lights, and any disabled vehicle on the side of the road. If you can’t move over — or when on a two-lane road — slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
Education of Florida’s Move Over Law will save lives. Motorists, law enforcement officers, firefighters, tow truck drivers, Road Rangers, and construction workers have been injured or killed by someone not giving them room to work or seek aid.
Polk County Parks & Recreation’s youth baseball coaches clinic hosted by Eagle Lake Community Baseball is coming up this weekend at the Eloise Resource Center on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This training session will feature seasoned instructors, catering to coaches of youth baseball teams at all experience levels, regardless of the age group they coach. These experts will impart their knowledge, tips and philosophies covering all facets of the game, both in classroom sessions and on field demonstrations.
Youth Baseball Coaches Clinic
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. Click the link below to register. https://flpolkctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=PST&secondarycode=Coach%20Clinic&Search=Yes&_csrf_token=ab6G6Y610V031W2T193B345X5R4M4B52086T4C5Z6V1M6M5V5U580I5S4R5347075X4I524F0M5Q426H47036A4R5H5169705Z564U6O69624P4W6G5R565H571C4S4N5G
All coaches in Polk County are welcome!Eloise Resource Center 710 Snively Ave. Eloise, FL 33880
Local Artist Troli Bear Connects With Listeners on a Deeper Level
by James Coulter
Imagine a lazy summer day, the type of day that’s not too hot to the point where you’re sweating buckets, but one that’s warm enough to sit back and relax on the porch with a refreshing iced tea. Now imagine the perfect music to listen to on such a day.
Chances are, the ideal music sounds like that of local artist Troli Bear. If you like the mellow tunes of artists like Ed Shereen or Post Malone, you’ll probably love the serene serenades of Troli Bear.
If you’ve ever visited the Winter Haven Saturday Markets, you’ve most likely heard this hot local artist crooning his sweet mellow tunes at the corner of Central Park. For nearly a decade, he’s been writing and performing songs that have made him both a local and viral hit.
Local Artist Troli Bear Connects With Listeners on a Deeper Level
Troli Bear, the stage name of Winter Haven musical artist, Oliver Cruz, has been creating music ever since he started high school. He experimented with video effects, editing, and filming. He later moved on to music in 2016 and released his first single, Love That, in 2018.
Since releasing Love That in 2018, Oliver has released more than 30 songs. Many are available on Spotify and YouTube. His YouTube channel currently has more than seven thousand subscribers. Most of his videos sport several hundred humble views, but “Love That” remains his highest-viewed video at 36 thousand and counting.
His song, “Yourself”, he considers to be his favorite. It is a song he created for mental health awareness, and he focuses on providing his listeners with encouragement and self-love “to help them live another day” and hopefully “save someone’s life.” Through songs like that, he hopes to connect with his listeners on a spiritual level.
“What makes [my music] unique to me is that I try to relate as much as I can to the song, first of all, to myself, and then connect it to the listener,” he said. “I usually go in, dive into their heartstrings, and maybe pluck a few strings or two. [I] try to connect with the listener on a deeper level with the power of music because I know how much of an impact it can have on someone.”
Troli Bear recently joined us as a guest on our podcast Chattin on the Ridge. Listen to his podcast guest appearance here on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chattinontheridge/episodes/Ep–19-Troli-Bear-Oliver-Cruz-e2e5gme
Babson Park, FL. January 22, 2024– President/CEO Dr. Nelson Marquez along with three students and staff from Webber International University recently traveled to the statecapitol to meet with members of the Florida House and Senate in Tallahassee on Polk County Day, January 18th. The primary focus of their visit was to emphasize the importance of ongoing support for EASE funding, an increase in dual enrollment opportunities, and appropriations for the school’s nursing program.
President Marquez stated “Our trip to the Capitol in Tallahassee provided our Webber student representatives the opportunity to connect with several Florida legislators and to learn the importance of advocacy for education. Beyond asking for our legislators’ support for continued Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) funding, it also provided the Webber delegation the opportunity to thank our legislators for their initiatives and support for education, workforce, infrastructure, business, welfare, and healthcare.”
Established over four decades ago, EASE vouchers have played a vital role in enabling hundreds of thousands of Florida families to pursue higher education. The students shared their personal stories, highlighting the transformative impact EASE funding has had on their ability to attend college, earn degrees, and build successful careers that support their families.
EASE has been instrumental in making college more affordable and accessible for Florida students. By reducing the financial burden of tuition and minimizing the need for loans, EASE has become a cornerstone of educational support in the state.
Webber International University marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new Health Sciences Center in September 2023. This transformative project represents a $1.5 million investment in the renovation of the former library into a cutting-edge classroom and laboratory space dedicated to healthscience programs. The 6,995-square-foot facility is positioned to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
Webber International University is now seeking appropriations of $755,922 to grow and enhance the nursing program’s operational infrastructure. These funds will contribute to the delivery of high-quality education and help bridge the nursing workforce shortage gap in the state.
The appropriations were filed in the Florida House by Representative Sam Killebrew and in the Senate by Senator Ben Albritton.
Webber International University has taken a proactive stance in championing increased dual enrollment opportunities for local high schools. The institution has fervently advocated for the support of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) institutions to be included in funding for the Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program. This initiative aims to grant ICUF schools providing dual enrollment services access to reimbursement funds, thereby enhancing educational access for high school students across the state.
In addition to meeting with legislators throughout the day, Dr. Marquez and Webber’s Director of Annual Fund, Ryan Reis, attended the Polk County Day reception held on the 22nd floor of the Capitol building.
“The Polk County Day event held at the Capitol provided Webber the opportunity to communicate the University’s mission to Polk County community leaders and political representatives, as well as highlight the academic programs that the University offers. It was a great networking event that opened doors for new partnerships for Webber that would allow the University to solidify its footprint in Polk County and beyond.” President Marquez stated.
Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida’s then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as America’s second school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities.Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.
Webber International University has received recognition as a US News and World Reports Best Regional Colleges: South and a Princeton Review Best Southeastern College. It has earned top marks from Petersons for academics, value, and community, and has been designated a Military Friendly School. In 2011, St. Andrews University, a historically Presbyterian, comprehensive liberal arts school tracing its roots back to 1896, joined Webber as a branch campus.
POLICE SEEK ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING SUSPECT IN DOMESTIC BATTERY CASE
HAINES CITY, Fla. – The Haines City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Louivens Ceus, who is sought in connection with a domestic battery investigation.
On Tuesday, January 23, Haines City Police Officers responded to a reported incident of domestic battery involving Ceus and the victim. The victim alleged physical battery and strangulation. Photographic evidence collected during the investigation shows significant injuries consistent with these allegations.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Ceus, charging him with felony battery; domestic battery by strangulation under Florida Statute 784.041.
We urge anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Louivens Ceus to contact the Haines City Police Department at (863) 421-3636. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, please reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers at (888) 400-8477.
The Haines City Police Department is committed to the safety and well-being of our community and appreciates the public’s assistance in this matter.
Feb. 9, boogie down for February at our special Valentine’s-themed celebration at Eloise Resource Center!
This fun family event for kids 6-12 and accompanying adults will feature music, creative arts and crafts, snacks, refreshments, plus fun games and themed prizes and giveaways.
Come out to visit Feb. 9 from 6-8, dance, and have fun!
Eloise Resource Center is located at 710 Snively Ave
Mrs. Winifred Joan Cannon Lane, age 90, a resident of Winter Haven, Florida passed away Friday, January 19, 2024 at home with family. Mrs. Lane was born February 13, 1933 in Auburndale, Florida to John Henry (Bud) Cannon and Willie Beatrice Marshall Cannon. She graduated from Auburndale High School. Joan was a bookkeeper for Trueblood’s Print Shop and William-Hess Insurance. In her spare time Joan enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years, Glenn Henri Lane, brothers Quince Cannon and Bart Cannon; sister Judy Cannon. Joan is survived by her loving family; 2 sons-Alan (Teri) Lane of Lake Alfred, Florida, Derek (Tempa) Lane of Auburndale, Florida, sisters Nancy Hunt and Priscilla (Chad) Green, brother John (Kathy) Cannon; 5 grandchildren-Mallory (Chris) Monroe, Madison (John) Paye, Handley (Gary) Taylor, Chance Lane, Tera Lane; 8 great grandchildren, Brogan, Brilee, Ryker, Nash, Eston, Emerson, Jensen and Blake. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2023 at Alan and Teri’s house.
