We have been overwhelmed with support for Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane’s family and our PCSO family. Many of you near and far have asked about attending his memorial service.
The memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Victory Church in Lakeland.
There will be heavy traffic on Griffin Road, Kathleen Road, and U.S. Hwy 98 North before and after the service. Please be patient, or choose an alternate route if you have business in the area.
The service & law enforcement honors outside will be streamed LIVE on the Victory Church website https://victorylakeland.org/ and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office website https://www.polksheriff.org/ – it will also be streamed LIVE on both of our Facebook pages.
We encourage you to pay your respects virtually. Thank you again for your love and support during this difficult time.
At around 9:40 p.m. last night, Friday, October 7, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The crash occurred on U.S. 27 near Charles Street in the Sun Ray area near Frostproof.
According to the investigation so far, 28-year-old Evelio Hernandez Ramos had just purchased a case of beer from the Sunoco convenience store, located on the east side of the highway and was walking across to the west side of the highway approximately 75 feet south of Charles Street.
At the same time, 17-year-old Brooke Bourn of Fort Meade was driving an orange 2020 Volkswagen Jetta southbound in the outside lane of U.S. 27, when she struck Mr. Ramos. Ms. Bourn immediately stopped and cooperated with law enforcement.
Mr. Ramos died at the scene.
Ms. Bourn was uninjured.
A witness told detectives that Mr. Ramos had just received a phone call and was talking on his phone when he was struck by the Volkswagen.
Neither excessive speed nor distracted driving are suspected as factors in the crash. There are no sidewalks nor pedestrian crosswalks in this area. Mr. Ramos was wearing dark colored clothing at the time of the crash.
Southbound U.S. 27 in the area of the crash was closed for approximately 3 hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.
The party is ON…NEON that is! Polk County Parks and Recreation is hosting a Family Neon Night at the Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center on Friday, November 4 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.. Join us for an evening of exciting glow activities, games, prizes and giveaways, along with light refreshments while jamming out to the DJ.
Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center – 2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales
Veteran Owned and Operated Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries Offers Boats, Repairs, and More
by James Coulter
Terry McCamis knows a good boat dealership and facility when he sees one. He has more than 70 years of bass fishing experience and 43 years of experience for a major manufacturing company. As such, he knows Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries offers the best quality service of any boating and marine facility.
Terry served as a factory worker in three states during his nearly four decade-long career. He knows full well maintaining a good dealer network where customers can receive direct support from the dealers themselves is crucial to a company’s success. He sees that level of support and commitment with Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries.
“As I told my customers before I retired, you can buy my product anywhere, but it is the support you will get after the sale, and that is something we see people don’t understand anymore in our country,” Terry said. “That is what I love about Hoppy’s: you get 100 percent support after the sale, and I can’t say that for a lot of dealerships in this county or state.”
Being super impressed by the quality of their workmanship, Terry has remained a customer at Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries for many long years. He buys most of his boating equipment there, and recently made a few significant purchases.
He has known the current owner, Chaz Hickcox, for many years. Both of them are veterans, and as such, Terry knows that he can trust the service that Chaz and his staff provide. He considers them to be fair, and he wants to support a fellow veteran in his endeavor. Thus far, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries has kept him more than satisfied with their service.
“I will give them ten out of ten, maybe 12 out of ten, I am that impressed,” he said. “I can’t do any better than that, and I truly believe what Chaz has when he runs a business. He does everything himself on a pro basis, and that makes them different from any other dealership in Polk County.”
Located in Haines City, in the heart of the boating and fishing capital of the world in Central Florida, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries is your one-stop full-service shop for boats and boating accessories. Whether you want a brand new vessel, or you would prefer a value on a pre-owned vehicle, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries not only has what you are searching for, but everything to facilitate what you need and more.
“We can guarantee you that we have the passion and experience for getting it right, the first time,” their website states. “Whether you need a new boat, need to sell your boat, require service, or need any type of boating part, we are your first line boating dealership.”
As a trusted Mercury Marine dealer, they sell brand-name engines of all stock and sizes. Whether you are going bass fishing on a freshwater lake or taking a cruise out in the deep blue sea, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries not only has the engine you’re looking for, but the experience to keep it in tip top shape.
Scott Siller, National Professional Fishing League Champion, being a professional bass fisher, has experience with boating and boat dealers. Not only does he appreciate the service Hoppy’s provide to his engine and vessel, but also how the facility is a one-stop shop for all of his needs.
“That, to me, is just unbelievable service,” he said. “It is so comforting to know that when you make a living on a boat, like I do here…there is a dealership to trust, and they are knowledgeable and they do it right the first time. So, I think we are…fortunate in Polk County to have a dealership like that in our own backyard.”
Owner Chaz Hickcox served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan. After serving for 20 years, he and his wife decided to settle down and start their own business. Chaz loved boating and fishing, so he decided to start a business through his hobby.
“A lot of my personal stuff, dealing with memories from the war, and getting away from that meant going on the water and fishing,” he said. “I knew when I retired, I wanted to be around my escape as much as possible. Going down this particular route allows me to do that and allows me to help others in their vehicle.”
Located along Highway 27 in Haines City, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries was originally started by Hoppy Ingram in 1982. The original owner had since sold the store to Chaz and his wife, and the both of them have been keeping it in tip-top shape ever since.
Both under old and new dealership, Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries has remained committed to not only offering customers a good product, but ensuring that their product remains running in prime condition following the purchase.
“[It’s about] being able to provide them peace of mind when the boats run right,” Chaz said. “I really enjoy seeing people get excited going out and doing their different adventures [on the water]…and I enjoy being able to provide that kind of lifestyle if they so choose.”
The other secret to their success has been the staff. Chaz knows that businesses only offer a good service when their employees are treated well, which is why he makes sure his employees are treated right. Not a single employee makes minimum wage, and all of them receive excellent benefits.
“We provide them with the best benefits in the industry in Central Florida with complete pay to our employees,” Chaz said. “If you treat your employees right and you have high quality employees who provide high quality service, they will attract high quality customers who are looking for that level of service and detail.”
Chaz has high hopes and expectations moving forward. He wants to serve even more customers and provide them with even better service. He knows his success lies with his commitment to high standards, and he wants to reach even higher.
“I want to be able to service as many people as possible in Polk County and let them know that we are a service-based company,” he said. “We understand that the customer is the whole reason for us being in business as far as being able to provide them the freedom to get into the water and escape their day to day lives and looking forward. I want to offer them best quality services and products.”
Hoppy’s by Crossed Industries is located at 31499 US-27, Haines City, FL 33844. For more information, call 863-439-7616, or visit their website at: https://crossedindustries.com/hoppys.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged Cheryl Lynn Williams, DOB 5/30/76, with 13 felonies in the death of Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, who died in the line of duty on October 4, 2022:
Second degree murder of a law enforcement officer (F1)
3 counts aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (F2)
3 counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2)
3 counts resisting arrest (F2)
2 counts possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (F2)
Possession of methamphetamine (F3)
She will be booked into the Polk County Jail upon her release from the hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
Click here to read the news release with early details of the investigation.
“When deputies arrived at this residence following up on a Crime Stoppers tip that Cheryl Williams was there with an active warrant, they gave her every opportunity to turn herself in. She made the choice to hide, and then to jump out while pointing a gun at them. Everyone in that house is a convicted felon with a criminal history, but all they had to do was cooperate, and this tragedy would never have occurred. Cheryl Williams would have been taken into custody peacefully, and would solely be facing her original failure to appear charge. Now she is responsible for the death of Deputy Lane, a young man who had his entire life ahead of him, eager to serve the people of Polk County while making a positive difference as a law enforcement officer.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
After a search of the residence that Williams shares with two others (4345 Foxtown South, Polk City), deputies found the following firearms openly displayed on a gun rack attached to the wall in the hallway:
A Marlin model 99M1 .22 caliber rifle with scope; one live round in the chamber and seven rounds in the magazine tube
A Connecticut Valley Arms, Inc. single-shot 12 gauge shotgun
A bolt-action 410 gauge shotgun; one live round in the chamber
Deputies arrested the two convicted felons who live there, Donald Mathis, DOB 8/11/50 and Joseph Larry Albritton, Jr., DOB 9/18/67, for 3 counts possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F3), 5 counts possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (F5), and Albritton was also charged with violation of probation.
Mathis was additionally charged with possession of meth (F3) and possession of paraphernalia (M1). Detectives found a small plastic baggie in his bedroom with a substance that tested positive for meth, along with three boxes of ammunition.
Mathis’ criminal history includes 13 felonies and 11 misdemeanors. He spent 1.5 years in state prison for cocaine possession. He’s had numerous arrests since 1991, on charges such as possession of cocaine with intent to sell, grand theft, battery, DUI, and petit theft.
Albritton’s criminal history includes 8 felonies and 22 misdemeanors. Since 1986 he’s been arrested many times, charged with aggravated battery, battery domestic violence, resisting arrest, trespassing, DUI, possession of meth and marijuana, DWLSR, and tampering with a witness.
This morning (10/4/2022) at approximately 11:31 a.m., Winter Haven Officers responded to a disturbance call at 270 Kings Pond Ave., Winter Haven.
The first officer on scene arrived and was speaking with a witness across the street from the residence where the disturbance occurred, when two men from the disturbance residence came outside and starting shooting at each other.
From across the street, our officer turned to see the aggressors shooting towards each other. Due to the imminent danger to the public, our officer fired his weapon in the direction of the aggressors.
The two aggressors were injured and aide was given by our officers on scene. It is unknown at this time what injuries came from the aggressors shooting at each other or if there are any injuries resulting from our officer firing his weapon.
Our officer was not physically injured. The two aggressors were taken to the hospital and condition on either is unknown at this time.
This is very early in the investigation with limited information available. The Tenth Judicial Circuit Task Force, overseen by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, is handling the investigation. We will send out additional information as it becomes available, however there will not be any further updates this evening.
NASHVILLE — Loretta Lynn, the country singer whose plucky songs and inspiring life story made her one of the most beloved American musical performers of her generation, died on Tuesday at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. She was 90.
Her family said in a statement that she died in her sleep at her ranch, which had turned Hurricane Mills, about 70 miles west of Nashville, into a tourist destination.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, who died in the line of duty on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, during a deputy-involved shooting.
This information is preliminary, based upon the investigation so far:
At 2:07 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip that Cheryl Lynn Williams, DOB 5/30/76, who had an outstanding felony warrant for failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamine charge was at 4345 Foxtown South in Polk City. Williams has a criminal history that includes 11 felonies and four misdemeanors, and she spent 9 years in the Florida state prison system out of an 11-year sentence for trafficking in meth.
Sergeant Michael Brooks, and Deputies Johnny Holsonback III, Adam Pennell, and Blane Lane arrived at the scene, and at 3:08 a.m., they advised that shots were fired. Deputy Lane, 21 years old, was shot in the left arm, and the round entered his chest. As a result, he died at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.
The first witness at the trailer home told the deputies when they arrived at the front door that Williams was at the back door. The second witness who was at the back door told them, “She’s in here” and all of the deputies except Lane went inside. Lane took up a tactical position outside the trailer near the front side. Lane’s tactical position afforded him the view of the door and windows to ensure that he would see the suspect in the event she tried to flee.
The deputies approached a “gaming” room and initially did not see anyone in the room. Williams then stepped into view armed with a silver handgun which she immediately pointed at them. Shots were fired and the suspect went down. Lane then reported that he had been shot in his arm. He was transported to LRHMC. Williams was also transported to a local hospital to be treated for multiple gunshot wounds. She is in stable condition.
Deputies interviewed the second witness after-the-fact, who told them that when Williams realized the deputies were there, she picked up the handgun and walked away from him. He told her, “You don’t want to do that,” and she replied, “Let them in.”
The handgun turned out to be a very realistic-looking BB gun.
According to the early investigation, it appears that both Sergeant Brooks and Deputy Holsonback fired their agency-issued firearms. The round that struck Lane came from one of their firearms.
Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane was 21 years old and lived in Fort Meade. He entered the Polk State College KCTIPS dual law enforcement-detention academy in September 2020, graduated, and was hired as a Detention Deputy in May 2021. He became a Deputy Sheriff in January 2022, and was assigned to Northwest District Patrol.
Cheryl Williams will be charged with felony second degree murder, among other charges, upon her release from the hospital. This investigation is ongoing.
PCSO will plan a line-of-duty death funeral with full law enforcement honors, and that information will be released at a later date. Please keep Deputy Lane’s family and our PCSO family in your prayers during this difficult time.
POLK COUNTY, FL (October 3, 2022) – Polk County residents who wish to register to vote in the November 8th General Election must do so by October 11th.
Voter registration forms may be completed online at PolkElections.gov or paper copies are available for pick up at many convenient locations throughout the county including City Halls, Libraries, and Chambers of Commerce. Registered voters are reminded to inform the Elections Office of any voter information changes before Election Day.
For more information, visit PolkElections.gov or call the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888.
