Lakeland Man Charged With Manslaughter After Punching & Killing Another Man Friday

Lakeland

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July 2, 2018

Lakeland Man Charged With Manslaughter After Punching & Killing Another Man Friday

Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office have arrested Travis Barlow, DOB: 3/18/1983, and charged him with Manslaught. On June 30, 2018 Barlow is accused of punching and killing Adam Hoffman, during a domestic dispute.

The following is an excerpt from the arrest affidavit:

On June 30, 2018 at 7:37 pm the Polk County Sheriffs received a call for service at (redacted location) in Lakeland, Florida in reference to an altercation where the victim, Adam Hoffman, was punched by the suspect, Travis Barlow. The reportee notified law enforcement the victim was unresponsive and not breathing. Deputies responded to the scene as well as Polk County EMS. EMS attempted life savings measures on scene, but had to transport the victim to Lakeland Regional Health for further treatment. Upon arrival at Lakeland Regional Health life saving measures on the victim were continued. Medical tests determined the victim had a brain bleed that was bleeding into the spinal cord. Medical staff also completed test for brain activity on the victim. After further testing the victim was declared brain dead. The victim’s brain dead status was reported to the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to affidavit earlier in the day the victim, Hoffman, had went to the residence of the suspect earlier in the day. The suspect was not home and the victim eventually left. It is unclear why the victim went to the suspects residence, but it appeared to be related to a domestic dispute. The follow excerpt from the arrest affidavit is what occurred next after the suspect, Travis Barlow, arrived home:

Suspect Travis became upset and attempted to call the victim from (redacted) phone and his phone, but the victim did not answer any call. Approximately 10 minutes later, the victim called (redacted) phone, which was answered by Suspect Travis.

During the phone call between Suspect Travis and the victim, the two got into a verbal argument about the victim coming over without permission. Suspect Travis told the victim to come back over (To Suspect Travis’s) house in order for the two to fight. These messages were also sent from Suspect Travis to the victim via text message. These text messages also reveal the victim apologized initially and refused to go back to the Suspect’s residence.

During the exchange between Suspect Travis and the victim, the two argued via text message about fighting each other, which the victim sent Suspect Travis his address. The last text message exchange was sent from the victim to Suspect Travis stating he was sorry.

At approximately 15:30 pm, Suspect Travis arrived at the victim’s residence along with (redacted) As Suspect Travis arrived at the victim’s residence, Suspect Travis parked his vehicle and started to walk towards the victim’s residence. As Suspect Travis approached the victim’s house, witness (redacted) confronted him. Witness (redacted) reported to detectives she told Suspect Travis not to bring this altercation to her house due to her child being present. Also at this time, Witness (redacted) was present. Witness stated the victim was telling Suspect Travis he was sorry and did not want any problems with Suspect Travis.

Witness stated Suspect Travis told the victim he would respect the wishes of (redacted), and would leave without causing any further altercation, but told the victim “your ass is mine Hoss”. Suspect Travis got into his vehicle and started to drive away. The victim then started to walk back towards the residence when Suspect Travis stopped his vehicle and exited. Witnesses (redacted), (redacted) and (redacted) observed Suspect Travis exit his vehicle, walk towards the victim (whom was turned away from the approaching suspect), and grab his by the arm. Witnesses (redacted), (redacted) and (redacted) stated Suspect Travis turned the victim around by his arm and punched him twice on the head. The victim immediately fell to the ground on his stomach. Witnesses stated Suspect Travis then walked back to his vehicle, got in, and left the scene.

Witness (redacted) ran to the victim and found the victim was gasping for air. Witness (redacted) turned the victim over to his back and noted the victim was taking short-fast breaths, the victim’s eyes were not focused, and then soon there after the victim started to turn purple. Witness stated the victim became unresponsive and was not breathing. Witnesses called 911 and CPR was started on the victim until Deputies arrived on scene. Once EMS arrived, they took over on life saving efforts and eventually transported the victim the Lakeland Regional Health.

Interviews with all witnesses at the scene were consistent with each other’s about the events that took place and how the victim sustained his injuries.

Based on the information provided by the witnesses, Deputies responded to Suspect Travis’ residence and located him as well as (redacted). Detectives then responded to Suspect Travis’ residence where both he and (redacted) agreed to speak with detectives at the Northwest Command Center.

Post Miranda interviews were then completed with Suspect Travis and (redacted). Suspect Travis stated while the victim was at his residence he was disrespecting his (redacted). The suspect stated his (redacted) asked the victim to leave the residence at which time the victim went to the suspect’s neighbor’s residence. The suspect stated when (redacted) arrived home from work he observed the victim at his residence and intoxicated. He stated (redacted) advised the victim that he needed to leave the residence at which time the victim left.

The suspect confirmed he and the victim had phone conversations and text message conversations about fighting each other. The suspect invited the victim to come to his residence where they would settle their dispute but the victim refused. The suspect stated the victim provided him with his address for the two of them to meet up and fight.

The suspect stated he responded to the victim’s residence and parked across the street from the victim’s residence. He stated there were approximately four to five other people at the residence when he and (redacted) arrived. He stated when he reached the driveway of the residence a female approached him and told him she did not want any fighting at her residence. He advised the victim that if the fight did not happen at the residence he would get him another time. He stated that he and (redacted) returned to their vehicle and began to drive away when he believed he heard a female say “I thought you were going to do something? No one’s calling the cops.” The suspect stated he then exited his vehicle and he and the victim began walking towards each other. Once in front of each other he struck the victim in the face one time with his a closed fist. He stated the victim fell to his knees and then onto his stomach. He returned to his vehicle and he and (redacted) left the residence.

A witness that accompanied suspect Travis Barlow to the victims home confirmed Barlow’s version of the blow that killed the victim, which was different than the 3 witnesses at Hoffman’s residence.

Detectives determined they had enough probable cause to arrest Barlow. The suspect drove 35 minutes to the victims residence to continue their dispute and to fight him. After 3 witnesses stating that the victim was walking away and was spun around and stuck in the head twice. They declared the victim to be defenseless at this time.

Barlow was taken to Polk County Jail. He will have his first court appearance today.

Hundreds Rally In Lakeland Demanding That “Families Belong Together”

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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July 2, 2018

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Hundreds Rally In Lakeland Demanding That “Families Belong Together”

by James Coulter

Just as a great melting pot once forged the bronze swan statue at Lake Mirror in Lakeland, so too has the Great American Melting Pot forged the great country of America.

This message of inclusivity and diversity was made loud and clear on Saturday evening during a rally in Lakeland as a part of the nationwide Families Belong Together rally.

More than a hundred protesters rallied at Lake Mirror carrying signs announcing solidarity with immigrant families and against the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policies.

The rally started in front of the swan statue overlooking the Frances Langford Promenade before making its way to Munn Park within Downtown Lakeland.

As protesters marched with their signs, they shouted chants such as “refugees are welcome here” and “immigrants not hate make America great” in English as well as Spanish.

While the protesters mostly received positive feedback through cars honking in solidarity, a few hecklers would shout “go home” or “build the wall” at them.

Even with heavy rain earlier that day with a gray overcast and slight drizzle that evening, nearly a hundred protesters attended the rally that evening to show their support for immigration and opposition towards xenophobia.

“This is certainly exceeding expectations,” said Fidel Arbolaez of Polk County Florida For a Just Future, which helped spearhead the rally.

Attending the rally were many concerned citizens, as well as members of local political advocacy groups and labor unions such as the International Workers of the World (IWW).

Joey Leach, an IWW member, believes that, contrary to popular belief, immigration does not affect the employment or wages of American worker. He also recognizes that many of the issues that his fellow laborers face are also shared by many undocumented workers, which is why he stands in solidarity with them.

“These people coming from other countries are not affecting our labor status in this country, they are not affecting the unemployment numbers at all, [and] they are not here to take American jobs,” he said.

Bob Doyel, candidate for State Senate District 22, previously attended a similar rally earlier that day in Clermont, with him and his fellow protesters braving an hour of rain as they stood along Highway 50.

Having served as a family court judge for more than 16 years, he cares greatly about how immigrant families are being treated at the border.

“Whether it rains or not, the main thing is for us to speak loud and clear that we don’t like the damage that the federal government is doing to children and families,” he said.

This small gathering in Lakeland was one of several hundred rallies hosted nationwide in protest of President Donald Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policies.

More than 700 protests were hosted in cities and towns across the country, with the main rally being hosted in Washington D.C. and drawing in thousands of attendees on Saturday.

The Families Belong Together rally, organized in part by the left-wing political advocacy group MoveOn.org, served as a response to the strict immigration policies being implemented by the current administration.

This “zero tolerance” approach towards immigration, as promoted by President Trump and carried out by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, prosecutes illegal border crossings as criminal offenses, as reported by The Washington Post.

Upon being apprehended at the border, immigrant adults are detained within federal jails while their children are separated from them and taken into custody at shelters operated by U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS).

As such, this “zero tolerance” crackdown has increased the number of parent and child separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Washington Post reports: “The number of migrant children held in U.S. government custody without their parents has surged 21 percent in the past month.”

The separation of immigrant children from their parents especially received national attention a month ago following reports of more than 1,500 immigrant children being misplaced by the U.S. Government. Also sparking controversy was the news coverage of Casa Padre, a Texas detention facility converted from a Wal-Mart currently housing more than 1,400 children.

These “zero tolerance” immigration policies have led to a political backlash from left-wing politicians and immigrant rights groups and advocates, sparking numerous protests such as the “Families Belong Together” rally.

Such a backlash has prompted government officials to address these immigration policies and the problems associated with them.

A California judge recently ordered U.S. border authorities to reunite separated children with their families within the next 30 days. Even President Trump himself signed an executive order ending the practice of separating parents and children detained at the border.

Arbolaez hopes that these rallies help spur further change. Considering the sheer numbers that attended this local rally, he believes there is more than enough support nationwide to hopefully prompt such change.

“I am really glad that people are braving the possibility of getting rained on just to stand up and fight for human rights that every human being on this earth deserves,” he said.

Agape Mission Market Opens in Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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July 2, 2018

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Agape Mission Market Opens in Lake Wales

By Allison Williams

The new Agape Mission Market opened at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales in May. This is a farmer’s market-style pantry, where local individuals and families are offered not only non-perishable goods, but also fresh fruits and vegetables and proteins.

Brooklynne Atwell is the Manager of Development, Community & Volunteer Relations for Polk County Ministries/Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Originally there was a food bank. For a number of reasons, this shut down and this new concept was developed.

“We decided to open this new concept that we have in Orlando and it’s been really successful,” Atwell said. “Serving more food more efficiently, we are out here in the community now rather than at a warehouse.”

The Agape Mission Market is much more than a standard food pantry. With the wide variety of fresh fruits, veggies and meats available on a regular basis, people who come in are also given the opportunity to shop for what they want and need.

Ken White, Director of Agape Mission Market transformed the space into the successful market that it is today.

“Since we opened, we have seen 220 families, which equates to about 615 individuals,” White said. “We have given away right around 10,000 pounds of food in that first month.”

White pointed out that Lake Wales is second in the ranking in the United States as far as food insecurity. He defined this as “someone who doesn’t have the quantity and quality of nutritious food they need.”

The uniqueness and freshness of the market makes it stand out. The market also allows the opportunity for those with dietary restrictions to shop and pick out what best suits them.

“We try to push a more nutritious lifestyle to the individuals we serve,” White said.

Everything that comes into the Agape Mission Market is by donation.

Food has come in from the Postal Food Drive, from the Publix program called Food for Sharing, from local farmers and even from local residents and those who have gardens. The frozen meat selection mostly comes from Feeding Tampa Bay.

The market has seen the number of volunteers grow in the short time it has been open. There have been 123 volunteers come through to lend a helping hand since it started.

–(John Paige,Food Stock Volunteer and his wife Peggy Paige, Food Shopping Volunteer are regular volunteers)

Mary Hellen Boodham is the front desk volunteer.

“We do great things here for those in need,” Boodham said. “People come in and I greet them, I give them any updates that we have, then I give them a sign in sheet to fill out.”

Boodham is the first face people see when they walk through the doors. She meets and greets families and keeps them occupied after sign-in until it is their turn to meet with Ramon Francisco, Family Stability Case Manager.

Francisco’s duty is to sit down with people, get to know them and find out ways in which they need help. This goes beyond just providing food. He is there to guide them and help them, whether it is with paying rent or utility bills, with employment or with other services.

“If I’m not able to help them here with our services I will definitely find the information for them to go somewhere else and help them with that,” Franciso said. “The purpose of the family stability program is to try to get the families to get out of the dependence of these kinds of services.”

He helps people build stability and become more independent.

Bethany McBride, Agency Relations Coordinator helps White with the day-to-day functionality of the market. She is in direct contact with the volunteers who come through and also does data tracking.

The Agape Mission Market is growing so much in such a short period of time. Future plans are to implement a senior center later in the summer. The idea is to make the location a “one-stop location.”

Agape Mission Market hours:

Tuesdays and Thursdays

9:00 a.m.–11:00 & 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

The market is also open the first and third Friday of every month from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Market location:

644 S 9^th Street

Lake Wales, Florida 33853

Website:

https://cflcc.org/polk-county/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CCPolkMin

Members of Catholic Charities encourage you to consider donating or becoming a part of this wonderful cause. Donations are always accepted and can be dropped off at the market location or coordinated with Atwell. To contact Atwell regarding donations, the market or volunteer opportunities, please call her at 407-284-7112 or email her: [email protected] or [email protected]

Polk County First Responders Continue Fight Over Unpaid Raises

Polk County

Staff Reporter

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July 2, 2018

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Polk County First Responders Continue Fight Over Unpaid Raises

International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Press Release:

(Polk County, FL) – EMTs and paramedics at Polk County Fire Rescue in central Florida are preparing for arbitration in their fight with management over the county’s refusal to pay wage increases, a part of their current contract.

The EMS professionals, members of International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP) Local R5-917, are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement ratified in 2017 which promises raises for all employees covered by the agreement. Management has refused to implement some of the increases, stating only some employees were supposed to receive the increases, which forced the employees to take legal action.

“We’re not talking about huge money here,” said National Representative Michael Marasco, who works closely with IAEP Local R5-917. “We just want what is fair for our first responders. They make major sacrifices to keep their patients and community members safe, the least we can do is ensure they get the wages they deserve. The tax payers of Polk County need to be aware that their money is being spent to fight against fair wages for their first responders.”

Polk County Commissioners voted to approve the agreement following negotiations in 2017, including the wage increases for all EMS professionals within the department. The IAEP will now move forward to arbitration to enforce the contract and fight for the wages promised to the first responders who have not received them.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re forced to take action against an issue like this,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit. “These men and women dedicate their lives to the safety of their community, whether it is sacrificing time spent with friends and families on holidays, or staying late after a shift to ensure their patients get the care they need. Our first responders deserve the funds they are owed.”

Polk County Fire Rescue provides emergency medical services to Lakeland, Auburndale, and all cities within Polk County, Florida.

Alert Citizen Helps Police Capture Burglary Suspect

Staff Reporter

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July 2, 2018

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Alert Citizen Helps Police Capture Burglary Suspect

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

An alert citizen helps track down a suspect in a vehicle burglary, but other items found were troubling.

On July 1, 2018 at approximately 3:20 p.m., an alert citizen saw 34 year-old Melinda Ann Pugh (Woodstock Ave., Lakeland) inside of a van at Big Tom’s Diner on Havendale Blvd. The witness personally knew the owner of the van and that she was inside eating at the time.

The witness saw Pugh leave the parking area and head towards Walgreens a couple of blocks away. The witness followed Pugh and called police. A bag that Pugh was carrying was located on the property of T-Mobile, which is next to Walgreens. The bag was identified by the witness as the same bag Pugh had been carrying while she was inside of the van and when she walked from the parking lot.

Ultimately Pugh was located inside of Walgreens and taken into custody.

Now for the interesting part – what was found inside of the bag. A couple of items that were positively identified from the victim’s van at Big Tom’s Diner, but also multiple door keys, a door handle and accessories that all had Spring Haven Retirement Center tags on them.

Officers made contact with Spring Haven Retirement Center management and found that Pugh had signed herself in earlier in the day. She indicated she was there to see a resident, however that resident moved from the facility more than a month ago. It is still unclear how Pugh obtained the Spring Haven property.

During the ride to the Police Department, Pugh slipped one of her hands from the handcuffs and when officers attempted to remove her from the vehicle, she started pulling away. She was removed from the vehicle and was told to stop resisting. To which she replied, “You want to see resisting?” She then lunged towards officers and struck one in the chest. She continued to tense and attempt to pull away, but was ultimate led into the holding cell with additional effort.

Pugh was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Vehicle (F3), Resisting Officer with Violence (F3), Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (F3) and Petit Theft (M2).

“This is a perfect scenario where an alert citizen gets all of the right information for our officers to make an arrest,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “Not only was the property returned to the rightful owner, but it is obvious that Pugh had the ability to victimize residents at Spring Haven Retirement enter as well.”

God’s Grace

Spiritual

Staff Reporter

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July 1, 2018

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By Carl Fish

Hi my name is Carl,

It is only by the Grace of God that I’m able to write to you today. You see like so many people I have had my trials and tribulations that could have forever changed my life. It could have been that time that I broke into the local school with friends when I was a boy. It could have been that time when I lied about sorting cans when I was a boy just to get paid fast to buy some candy. It could have been when I stole that inappropriate magazine when I was a very young teenager. It could have been that time when I got drunk at 16 just to be cool. It could have been that time I smoked pot with my cousin, just because I succumbed to peer pressure. It could have been the many times I road home from a party with my best friend, when we were both drunk. It could have been that time when I was extremely tired driving home from work and spun my car 460 degrees and narrowly missed a telephone pole. It could have been the time I wrote a check that I didn’t have the funds in the bank to pay. It could have been the numorous times I allowed myself to be distracted and narrowly missed the dark figure walking near the side of the road. It could have been the many, many times that I allowed my arrogance to hurt my family and those people I care about. It could have been that It is only by the Grace of God that I’m able to write to you today. You see like so many people I have had my trials and tribulations that could have forever changed my life. It could have been that time that I broke into the local school with friends when I was a boy. It could have been that time when I lied about sorting cans when I was a boy just to get paid fast to buy some candy. It could have been when I stole that inappropriate magazine when I was a very young teenager. It could have been that time when I got drunk at 16 just to be cool. It could have been that time I smoked pot with my cousin, just because I succumbed to peer pressure. It could have been the many times I road home from a party with my best friend who was drunk. It could have been that time when I extremely tired driving home from work and spun my car 460 Degrees and narrowly missed a telephone pole that would have surely killed me. It could have been the time I wrote a check that I didn’t have the funds in the bank to pay. It could have been the numorous times I allowed myself to be distracted and narrowly missed the dark figure walking near the side of the road. It could have been the many, many times that I allowed my arrogance to hurt my family and those people I care about. It could have been those times when I did my friends wrong.

It is only by the Grace of God, that I have not been a headline in a paper or a mugshot on the wall. Or inevitably worse. Y

So please remember when you read a story and you see someone who has made a mistake that it could have been me or maybe you, that is in that position. Only by th Grace of God and the blood of Jesus are we forgiven and given numerous more chances in life, to get it right.

Community Gathers to Beautify Dundee

Dundee

Staff Reporter

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June 29, 2018

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Community Gathers to Beautify Dundee

By Allison Williams

The Town of Dundee partnered with Keep Polk County Beautiful and hosted a spring-cleaning day on Saturday, June 23. With over 50 volunteers ready to pick up trash, plant flowers and prepare food, Dundee was beautified in just one day.

Deena Ware, MPA, Town Manager helped organize and also attended the event. When volunteers arrived, they checked in and received a map that showed the various locations around Dundee that would be attended to throughout the day. Groups were then sent out to begin cleaning.

Ware was thrilled with the participation and outcome of the event. Adults, children, churches, among many others were present to clean up Dundee.

Volunteer groups included:

Residents of Polk County
The Church on the Hill
Friendship Baptist Church
Commissioner
Polk County Sherriff’s Office
Assistant Chief of the Dundee Fire Department

Advanced Disposal graciously donated four dumpsters. They were dropped off Friday evening before the weekend event, and by Monday morning, they were completely full.

Due to the success of this year’s event, Ware plans to make it an annual cleanup occurrence. Her hopes are to have it at an earlier date next year when the weather conditions are more friendly with working in outdoor conditions.

“We just had our commission meeting on Tuesday night and the commission spoke highly of the event,” Ware said. Members of the commission were also present at the cleanup event. Ware added, “They were there of course and got dirty. It was a nice event.”

Joe Garrison, Assistant Chief of the Dundee Fire Department, was at the event helping clean and also keeping everyone safe.

He brought his two teenage sons along with him to volunteer and they rode around in a mule, checking on all the volunteers throughout the duration of the cleanup event.

“We put a cooler in the back of the mule and went down the street and went to each person,” Garrison said. “We kept people hydrated. I had my medical kit there with the fire department. I had a big tank filled up with fresh ice water in case anybody overheated.”

Ware enjoyed being a part of the cleanup and also seeing the volunteers around the community come together.

“I enjoyed seeing everyone come together for a common cause,” Ware said. “A lot of times in public service we always hear the bad stuff of what’s going on, what we are not doing right and what we should be doing, but Saturday wasn’t like that. It was everyone coming together for the common cause of the cleanup of the community. Nobody was complaining. It was everybody just working together.”

Ware and her team also installed a pond by the front door of the Town Hall.

The event wrapped up with the usual summer Florida thunderstorm. This cooled everybody down after a busy few hours of working hard to clean up Dundee.

Photos by Brian Lueth, Town Clerk

Collage provided by Deena Ware and Town

All About Harvey Lemons

Dundee

Staff Reporter

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June 29, 2018

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All About Harvey Lemons

By Allison Williams

We have all seen the fields upon fields of groves around Polk County while out driving. Did you know that you can find the Harvey lemon right here in the county and it is full of benefits?

The name comes from its founder, Harvey Smith, commonly referred to as Old Man Harvey. He founded the lemon back in the 1940s and brought it to Clearwater, Florida.

Joe Garrison, a local Harvey lemon grower shared some history of the Harvey lemon:

“In the 60s and 70s, we had a couple cold fronts come through Florida. In ‘76 it got down to 16 degrees in Miami. It killed everything, BUT the only thing that was still standing was the Harvey lemon in Clearwater. It’s proven to be a very cold tolerant tree.”

Not only are these trees tolerant to colder weather conditions, but also are tolerant of some diseases according to Steven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association (Dundee CGA).

“Dundee CGA is a grower owned cooperative that has been in business since 1924,” Callaham said. “We provide harvesting, packing and marketing services for Florida citrus, peaches and blueberries.”

Callaham added, “The variety has recently received some renewed interest as it seems to tolerate citrus greening disease better than many other citrus varieties. The Harvey is a great piece of fruit with a classic lemon shape and appearance, high juice content and a true tart lemon flavor.”

One of the unique characteristics about the Harvey lemon is the fact that it is technically considered seedless, as it only has a couple seeds inside. The trees are without thorns and produce what Garrison also considers a true lemon taste.

Many local farmers are switching to Harvey lemon trees due to their tolerance to disease and also their cold weather tolerance. They have proven to do well in the unusual cold fronts that come through Florida, and they also have proven to withstand the hurricane conditions over the past years.

After last year’s big hurricane, many of the farmers who lost their other fruit trees are now replanting and choosing the Harvey lemon to grow.

Garrison owns 25 acres in Dundee and planted hundreds to Harvey lemon trees 15 months ago. With his proper care of the trees, they are growing rapidly, producing many lemons. Most of his trees are on C35 rootstock, which is the same rootstock you would find farmers out in California growing their Harvey lemon trees with.

“The unique thing about a lemon tree also is these Harvey lemons will produce three or four pods,” Garrison said. The cycle repeats itself so just in one season a farmer will be able to grow numerous lemons. There are generally three to four pickings in one season alone from the Harvey lemon tree. The more lemons farmers are able to produce, the more opportunity for profit.

Health Benefits

There are all types of health benefits associated with lemons. aham is very familiar with the lemon and all its benefits.

“Harvey lemons are great to use in drinks, marinades, cooking and garnishes,” Callaham said. “They are an excellent source of Potassium, Fiber and Vitamin C. Research shows that lemons have numerous potential health benefits including weight control and digestive health.”

Interested in trying out these Harvey lemons?

“Most of the plantings have taken place over the past couple of years and the trees are still very young,” Callaham said. “Over the next couple of years, as the trees mature and production increases, the fruit will be available at your local supermarket packaged in our “Florida Classic” label.”

Chat And Chew Meet Up To Eat Out Fills Bambu Bar

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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June 29, 2018

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Chat And Chew Meet Up To Eat Out Fills Bambu Bar

by James Coulter

When you’re on a diet, especially a plant-based diet, finding a meal that’s quick, cheap, and healthy can be quite the hassle.

Fortunately, Bambu Bar in Winter Haven provides healthy and nutritious meals that are both good for you and even greater for your wallet.

While not strictly plant-based, this small cafe offer smoothies, freshly-squeezed juice, and other healthy edibles made from fresh produce and ingredients that are ideal for any healthy diet, be it vegan or paleo.

“I believe that our society is lacking in restaurants like this,” said owner Jennie Harrison. “Most fast food chains use convenient ready-to-go food, whereas we take time to clean our own produce and make our own salads that are not pre-packaged and ready to be thrown in a bowl.”

Last Tuesday, Bambu Bar was able to showcase their food to prospective customers during a special dinner hosted by local health advocate group, Chat and Chew.

More than 38 people visited the cafe to enjoy an evening of healthy soups, salads, and sandwiches, while also being taught about healthy whole food plant-based nutrition through lectures and even music.

Harrison first became involved with the group a few years ago when her restaurant was in its former location, and the first event she hosted with them drew in around 10 or so people, she said.

She appreciates the message that it has to offer the local community about healthy eating, and was more than willing to help them spread this message with events such as this.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “I love having different groups come here and see what we have to offer.”

Started by Cathy Thornhill in 2013, Chat and Chew is a local health advocacy group that promotes whole food, plant-based nutrition.

While not strictly a vegetarian or vegan group, they do advocate for a meatless approach towards diet that emphasizes “more plants on your plate.”

Chat and Chew helps educate the local community on healthy living through events such as this, as well as cooking classes, grocery store tours, and public teleconferencing chats with national health experts.

Their Meet Up To Eat Out event on Tuesday offered participants a chance to try out such a healthy lifestyle at a local restaurant, thus not only promoting healthy eating, but also local small businesses.

“I thought it was exciting to see that so many people came out on a summer evening to put more plants on their plate and have a social time with other people who like to do that,” Thornhill said.

Providing live music entertainment that evening was Nat West on acoustic guitar as he played his own songs about whole food diets.

One such song, “Whole Body Effects”, was a satirical jab at the pharmaceutical industry and how it often promotes medicine that makes people sicker through side effects rather than better.

“So often when you see medications on advertisements, they say that there are side effects when in fact they affect our whole body,” he said. “So the song is quite humorous but also quite factual.”

West himself became involved with the group four years ago after being invited by Thornhill. After attending several presentations and reading up on the recommended literature, he was inspired to take up a plant-based approach himself.

After the first four months, he dropped 15 pounds; and after four years, he managed to drop 34 points from his cholesterol, so now he feels even healthier than ever, he said.

For him, such a change in diet was of course difficult at first, but it proved beneficial in the long run, which is why such a change can be hard for most people, he said.

“To me, it is short term pleasure,” he said. “You may want that milkshake or that steak versus long-term benefit, and that seems to be the issue to me.”

Whether you are looking to drop a few inches from your waist or a few points off your cholesterol, Chat and Chew will help provide you the information for a healthier you.

“Everybody comes with their own goals, and if you have a goal with health and diet, this is a place where you can get the information you can use to meet your goal,” Thornhill said.

Their next Meet Up To Eat Out will be hosted at Cornerstone Grill in Lake Alfred, located at 175 E Haines Boulevard, later in July.

For more information on this and other future events, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Chat-and-Chew-More-Plants-1578022735745353/

Young Entrepreneur Offers Lawn Mowing Services to the Community

Staff Reporter

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June 29, 2018

0

Young Entrepreneur Offers Lawn Mowing Services to the Community

By Allison Williams

Summer is here and the grass is growing! Looking for help mowing your lawn?

Joshua Bryan, 15 years old, offers his very own lawn mowing services in Babson Park, Florida.

Joshua B’s Lawncare:

https://www.facebook.com/Joshua-Bs-Lawncare-1980708361960465/

Joshua grew up in Babson Park and loves living in the area. He has been a resident there since he was just 3 years old. He currently mows lawns around this area and is willing to travel to the surrounding areas, such as the Lake Wales and Frostproof areas.

He has been cutting grass for years with the guidance of his grandfather.

“My grandfather taught me when I was younger how to cut and how to weed eat and edge, and I figured that I would use that experience to make a little bit of money,” Joshua said. “I have mowed a lot of lawns since I’ve started. I have mowed lawns for my grandfather since I was about 10.”

While Joshua is not mowing lawns, he enjoys engaging in other outdoor activities. Fishing, hunting and riding four-wheelers are a few of the things he likes to do in his spare time for fun.

Joshua is considered a handyman as well. He enjoys doing work on his four-wheelers and building things. He also has experience with carpentry and welding work.

For those who would like more information on Joshua’s lawn services, please contact him via Facebook or by phone.

He can be reached by text or call at 863-605-0193

OR

Message him on his Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Joshua-Bs-Lawncare-1980708361960465/

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