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Hurricane Ian Debris Cleanup Continues

Allison
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Hurricane Ian Debris Cleanup Continues

Bartow, Fla. (October 18, 2022) — Polk County Emergency Management – Polk County’s contracted debris haulers have been working seven days a week, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., since Oct. 3 to clean up Hurricane Ian’s debris. In 15 days of cleanup, AshBritt’s haulers have transported 6,745 loads to debris management sites. So far, 75,000 tons (301,234 cubic yards) of debris has been recorded.

Currently, with approximately 100 units on the road in Polk County each day, haulers are collecting between 21,000 and 24,000 cubic yards of debris daily. By comparison, following Hurricane Irma, haulers averaged 10,555 yards of debris per day. That effort took six months to complete, and 1.9 million cubic yards of debris was collected. The cost was $40 million.

“We are projecting that the Hurricane Ian cleanup will take half the time – and cost half as much – as it took to clean up after Hurricane Irma,” said Ryan Taylor, Polk County’s Deputy Manager of Infrastructure. “We, the Board of County Commissioners, our municipal partners and our contractor are working efficiently and safely, and taking advantage of every bit of daylight, to clear Polk County of Hurricane Ian’s debris.”

Please do not call to report that you have debris to be picked up. Hurricane debris collection trucks are moving through Polk County and everyone’s debris will be picked up.

Aerial Spraying For Mosquitoes In Polk County Expected Overnight October 19-20

Allison
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Aerial Spraying For Mosquitoes In Polk County Expected Overnight October 19-20

Oct 20 Update:

Last night, approximately 81,000 acres were sprayed in Polk County for mosquitos. About 85,000 acres will be sprayed this evening. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn; approximately 8:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. while most residents are indoors.

Due to a surge in the mosquito population from flooding caused by Hurricane Ian, Polk County Mosquito Control is working with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services to help abate mosquitoes.

The decision for aerial spraying was made due to the overwhelming increase in the mosquito population, with the advisement of county health officials and in direct response to residents’ recent requests. Residents may notice low-flying aircraft applying insecticides approved for mosquito control.

At this time, there have been no reported or confirmed mosquito-borne diseases in humans in Polk County.

Should you have any questions or concerns about aerial spraying please contact Polk County Mosquito Control at (863) 534-7377.

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Polk County Government Florida-

Due to a surge in the mosquito population from flooding caused by Hurricane Ian, Polk County Mosquito Control is working with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services to help abate mosquitoes.

Aerial spraying for mosquitoes in Polk County has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, 2022, weather permitting. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn; approximately 8:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. while most residents are indoors.

The decision for aerial spraying was made due to the overwhelming increase in the mosquito population, with the advisement of county health officials and in direct response to residents’ recent requests. Residents may notice low-flying aircraft applying insecticides approved for mosquito control.

At this time, there have been no reported or confirmed mosquito-borne diseases in humans in Polk County.

Should you have any questions or concerns about aerial spraying please contact Polk County Mosquito Control at (863) 534-7377.

Local Teenager Donates Trophy To Polk County Sheriff’s Office In Honor Of Fallen Deputy Blane Lane 

Allison
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Local Teenager Donates Trophy To Polk County Sheriff’s Office In Honor Of Fallen Deputy Blane Lane 

Local Teenager Donates Trophy To Polk County Sheriff’s Office In Honor Of Fallen Deputy Blane Lane

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Britni Wheeler

On October 4, Deputy Blane Lane with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office died in the line of duty. 

Local teenager Carsen Holt was the winner of the Mini Cup Feature Race that took place at the Auburndale Speedway on October 15 and donated his trophy to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in honor of Deputy Lane. 

Holt has always had a passion for what he does and felt inspired to donate his trophy. He has always been interested in racing. At just two years old, he drove for the first time.

“His passion for driving started when he was two years old driving his first ATV, and he has been driving ever since,” Holt’s mother Britni Wheeler said. “He started racing in August of 2020 when he was 10 years old.”

Holt finished first place in the Mini Cup Feature Race over the weekend and currently sits in first place for points for the 2022 Championship.

Shortly after winning, Holt was interviewed at Victory Lane and decided to donate his trophy to honor fallen Deputy Blane Lane. He did this out of appreciation and respect for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and family of Deputy Lane. 

“To me, Grady Judd and all of the PCSO are the best,” Holt said. “I felt bad for the family who lost their loved one, and I wanted to donate my trophy to show my appreciation to Blane’s family and for all of our officers that risk their lives every day for our protection.”

At just 13 years of age, Holt showed tremendous respect for law enforcement, the community and for the family of fallen Deputy Lane with his selfless act.

Holt hopes to have a bright future ahead and continue following his dreams. He hopes to become part of the Pit Crew for NASCAR one day.

“My favorite thing about racing is winning,” Holt said. He added, “’If you ain’t first, then you’re last.- Ricky Bobby.’ That’s kind of a joke; my favorite thing about racing is the adrenaline I get every time I am on the track, and I like a challenge.”

With many races ahead, Holt would love to see the support of his community. His next racing event is this weekend at the Auburndale Speedway. The race will take place on October 22 at 7:00 p.m.

For those who have time, the family would love for community members to stop by and say hi to this young man in action doing what he loves best, racing.

Four men and a teen arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office for possessing child pornography

Carl Fish
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Four men and a teen arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office for possessing child pornography

Detectives from the Computer Crimes Unit at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested four men and a teenager for possession of child pornography after investigators received tips on the suspects’ computer activity. The detectives were assisted by the PCSO Vice Unit and Technical Service Unit in the investigation.

The tips were provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The five suspects arrested were:

Timothy Ahearn, 64, from Lakeland

Possession of Child Pornography (F2, 141 counts, Enhanced)

Ryan Murray, 32, from Lakeland

Possession of Child Pornography (F3) and Promote Sexual Performance by a Child (F2)

Prior Criminal History: Charged by PCSO in 2012 and convicted in 2014 for possession of child pornography (40 counts, enhanced), and served seven years of a ten year sentence in Florida State Prison.

Eric Lewis, 38, from Davenport

Possession of Child Pornography (F2, 37 counts, Enhanced), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)

Prior Criminal History: Charged by FDLE in 2015 for possession of child pornography (10 counts) and convicted. He served six months in jail and was put on probation for 53 months.

Judiel Gonzalez, 61, from Lakeland

Possession of Child Pornography (F2, 15 Counts, Enhanced), Possession of Marijuana (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1)

Giovanny Hernandez, 16, from Haines City

Possession of Child Pornography (F2, 36 counts, Enhanced)

“When our detectives receive tips from NCMEC, they tenaciously go after the suspects, build a solid case, and get them locked up as quickly as possible. Two of these men have already served time in prison and jail for possession of child pornography—here they are again, actively participating in the abusive child pornography industry—fueling the current and future sexual abuse of young children. We will do everything we can to make sure these deviant suspects are held accountable for their crimes. My message is simple: if you download, trade, create, or share child pornography in Polk County, we will lock you up.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

As part of the investigations, all electronic devices belonging to the suspects were seized by detectives, and will be subjected to further forensic examinations. Any additional child pornography recovered from the devices would result in more charges.

Lake Wales Man Arrested For 2020 Murder Of Winter Haven Man

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales Man Arrested For 2020 Murder Of Winter Haven Man

Lake Wales, Florida – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has announced the arrest of 37 yr old Lake Wales man, Marion Tyrone Burgess. According to FDLE Burgess is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, tampering with physical evidence, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to reports this all started back in 2019. In October of 2019 Burgess was accused of attempted murder after allegedly shooting a Winter Haven man, Dominque Harris, multiple times in the area of Dawn Heights Drive in Lakeland. According to information gathered, witness and the victims statements, Burgess shot Harris after they met at a location in Winter Haven and drove to the area in Lakeland. The two got out of the car and then Burgess shot him multiple times. They had known each other for about 3 or 4 months. The two were arguing according to the Harris. Luckily Harris escaped Burgess and was treated at a local hospital. This all happened just 5 months after Burgess was released from Florida State Prison serving a 15 year sentence for robbery with a weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence, and battery on a law enforcement officer.

According to FDLE representative, Mark Brunell, Burgess tried to pursued Harris not to testify against him for attempted murder, multiple times. Fearing that Harris was going to be the reason he would be sent back to state prison, Burgess devised a “cold and calculated” plan to murder Harris.

On May 26, 2020, Harris’s body was found badly beaten and stabbed in an orange grove in Zolpho Springs.

Burgess had subsequently been arrested by Lake Wales Police for violation of his release pending the original attempted murder charge. He has been in jail Since 2020.

Now Burgess will stand trial the attempted murder and subsequent murder of Dominique Harris.

Swan Brewing Celebrates Swantoberfest for Three Days Straight 

Allison
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Swan Brewing Celebrates Swantoberfest for Three Days Straight 

Swan Brewing Celebrates Swantoberfest for Three Days Straight

by James Coulter

How long can you hold up a stein filled to the brim with beer? Could you do it for longer than seven minutes? Because that’s how long one winning contestant held up their beer mug during a stein hoisting competition at the fourth annual Swantoberfest.

For the fourth consecutive year, Swan Brewing in Lakeland hosted its annual Swantoberfest celebration. For three straight days that weekend, attendees could put on their lederhosen, swig pints of craft beer, and listen to live music during this most Wunderbar celebration.

Aside from award-winning craft beer, which was served in ceramic collectors steins, attendees could also enjoy food prepared by Fat Maggie’s Food Truck and the Cheesecake Lady, all while listening to live music performed by the Burke Bros, Gator Tooth Band, and John Frinzi.

Swantoberfest has been an annual tradition ever since Swan Brewing opened in 2018, explained co-owner Daniel Thumberg. They started by hosting their VIP tent at the city’s Oktoberfest celebration until they started to host their own event at their establishment, Dan said.

“Like every other Oktoberfest, we love German food and beer, and we love the community and live music and great food,” he said.

This year’s Swantoberfest was hosted for three days over the weekend, allowing anyone who might not be able to make it on one day to show up and attend another, Dan explained.

“Three straight days, it is what we love to do with our bigger events,” he said. “We know everyone cannot make it out on Friday and Saturday, so we decided to do it all weekend. It surprises me what we can do for Swantoberfest, but I do not look at the numbers until afterward.”

Dan owes their success to word of mouth. His patrons love these events, and they love to share with other people how much they love it, which, in turn, draws in even more people every year.

“We look at what the people in our city and community want to do. We want to cater to them, so we can take any ideas we can give them and they turn out every time,” he said. “I think we do a great job promoting it, this is an event that happens every year, so just word of mouth and the people who love us get the job done [by] getting the word out.”

Bartow Police Investigating A 2nd Shooting Homicide Within Days Of The First One

Carl Fish
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Bartow Police Investigating A 2nd Shooting Homicide Within Days Of The First One

At approximately 3:00 PM on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, the Bartow Police Department responded to a report of an injured person in the area of U.S. Hwy 17 South and MLK, Jr. Blvd.

During the investigation it was discovered that a black male, later identified as Shalamar Deshaw Moore, had been shot and was later declared deceased. Upon further investigation, the location of the incident was determined to be, 525 9th Street.

The scene was secured by Bartow Police Department. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office assumed the investigation and a suspect was subsequently arrested by PCSO. Investigation is on-going.

Details regarding first Homicide – Bartow Police Find Man Murdered Saturday

Save The Date- North Pole Breakfast With Santa And Friends November 7

Allison
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Save The Date- North Pole Breakfast With Santa And Friends November 7

Polk County Parks & Rec

Deck the Halls with Polk County Parks & Recreation at the North Pole Breakfast with Santa and friends at the Bartow Stuart Center on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. – Noon. Families will enjoy a buffet breakfast, sweet treats, DJ activities, arts and crafts, photos with Santa and so much more.

TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.
Cost is $10 per person. This event is intended for parents and children 12 and younger. Admission is limited to 150. No day of ticket sales.

Tickets go on sale starting Monday, Nov. 7 and are only available at the Polk County Parks & Recreation Office.
4177 Ben Durrance Rd., Bartow, FL 33830
Mon. – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information, please call (863) 534-6911

17 Yr Old Found Shot In Lakeland Apartment Dies

Carl Fish
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17 Yr Old Found Shot In Lakeland Apartment Dies

LAKELAND, FL (October 17, 2022) – On Saturday, October 15, 2022, at approximately 10:17 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Park at Palazzo Apartments, located at 3685 Victoria Manor Drive, in reference to a male with critical injuries. On scene, officers located a 17-year-old male victim inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. 

Detectives responded to the scene and began processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Zach Condo at 863.834.8958or [email protected].

Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:

  • Call 1-800-226 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.

Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.

The name of the victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law.

Bartow Police Found Man Murdered Saturday

Carl Fish
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Bartow Police Found Man Murdered Saturday

Bartow, Florida – The Bartow Police Department is currently investigating a homicide. On Saturday, October 15, 2022 at approximately 11:30 AM, Bartow Police officers responded to a domestic violence call at 360 Crown Avenue in Bartow. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased male lying next to a motor vehicle. The deceased has been identified as Samuel Caswell.

This is an ongoing investigation.

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