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Men Charged With Shooting Another Man Multiple Times, Leaving Him To Die On The
Side Of The Road In Haines City

Carl Fish
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Men Charged With Shooting Another Man Multiple Times, Leaving Him To Die On The<br>Side Of The Road In Haines City

Polk County Sheriff’s Press Release

A man was fatally shot in unincorporated Haines City Saturday morning, September 24, 2022, and detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have charged three men with his murder; the suspects and victim are all from Orange County.

All three suspects were arrested in Orlando and booked into the Orange County Jail, and are being charged with 1st Degree Murder (FC) and Tampering with Evidence (F3). They have been identified as:

° Felix Jomar Agosto Velazquez, 25, of Orlando 

° Joel Javier Ortega, 29, of Orlando

° Bryan Jose Colon Deleon, 26, of Orlando

“The victim was shot and left to die in a very rural part of the county. With very little information to start with, our homicide detectives were able to determine all three of his killers, and get them charged in about 24-hours. Our prayers go out to the victim’s family, and hopefully they’ll see justice carried out swiftly against these three murderers.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Deputies were originally dispatched to the area of Lake Marion Creek Road and Midway Road at around 12:35 a.m. Saturday morning, in regards to a man stumbling on the road, covered in blood.

The 26-year old man was found by deputies, lying next to the road, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he died a few hours later.

Several shell casings were recovered at the scene and detectives began looking for a black Mercedes that was reported to have been in the area.

The Mercedes was soon identified, and that lead to the identification of Felix Jomar Agosto Velazquez. 

Felix, Joel Javier Ortega, and Bryan Jose Colon Deleon were said to have been friends of the victim, and had spent a lot of time together in recent days. The three suspects were together at the time Orange County deputies took them into custody.

PCSO detectives searched a storage unit belonging to Felix and discovered that he visited there less than seven hours after the shooting. Detectives found ammunition in the storage unit that matched the ammunition found at the crime scene, and also found firearms which were capable of firing that type of ammunition.

During interviews with the detectives, each suspect confirmed they were together with the victim in the black Mercedes Benz, and near the area where the shooting occurred, but they refused to provide additional information.

Sunday Evening Crash In Winter Haven Kills 31 Yr Old Woman

Carl Fish
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Sunday Evening Crash In Winter Haven Kills 31 Yr Old Woman

Sunday evening crash in Winter Haven kills one driver and injures another

A two vehicle crash Sunday night, October 2, 2022, in an unincorporated area of Winter Haven resulted in the death of one driver, and non-life-threatening injuries to the other. 

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 11:36 p.m. to State Road 540, just east of the intersection with Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven.

Upon arrival, they found 31-year old Tiffany Flannagan of Winter Haven, deceased. The other driver, 21-year old Matthew Hjort, Jr., also of Winter Haven, suffered a broken leg and was transported to a local hospital. 

Ms. Flannagan was the driver of a black 2019 Chevy Malibu, and Mr. Hjort was the driver of a black 2014 Honda Civic.

Based on evidence and statements taken at the scene, it was determined that Ms. Flannagan had been driving westbound on SR 540 at a high rate of speed when her Chevy crossed over the grassy median and collided with Mr. Hjort’s Honda which was travelling east.

Ms. Flannagan’s Chevy caught on fire following impact, but witnesses at the scene were able to extinguish it quickly.

A portion of SR 540 was closed for approximately three hours.

The crash remains under investigation.

22 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Crash

Carl Fish
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22 Yr Old Lake Wales Man Killed In Crash

PSCO Traffic deputies are investigating a fatality that occurred in Lake Wales this morning. Around 6:00 a.m. on October 1, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle crash on Old Bartow Lake Wales Road. When first responders arrived on-scene they found the passenger of a truck deceased and the driver with injuries.

According to the evidence at the scene and interviews, a white 1996 Ford F-150 being driven by 70-year-old Hosie Session, Jr. of Lake Wales was traveling west on Old Bartow Lake Wales Road when it struck a downed tree that was in the westbound lane of the roadway, ultimately causing severe damage and intrusion on the passenger side of the truck. Evidence at the scene indicates there was no braking or swerving to avoid impact prior to the collision. No airbags deployed, and neither occupant appear to have been seat belted.

Session did not appear impaired and was transported to a local hospital – he should make a full recovery from his injuries. His passenger, 22-year-old Tyler Watson of Lake Wales, was declared deceased at the scene.

It was dark at the time of the crash, and no artificial lighting is in the area. The speed limit is 45 MPH where the crash occurred.

It was learned from local residents that branches were reported in the roadway earlier, which were removed. Very recently, the remainder of the tree became uprooted and fell into the roadway.

Members of the PCSO Agricultural Unit responded and removed the tree from the roadway.

A portion of Old Bartow Lake Wales Road was closed during the investigation for approximately 4 hours.

Federal Disaster Assistance Available for Storm Damage Losses For Small Business Owners

Carl Fish
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Federal Disaster Assistance Available for Storm Damage Losses For Small Business Owners

 

Bartow, Fla. (October 1, 2022) — The Small Business Administration (SBA) is preparing to render federal disaster assistance as quickly as possible to Polk County’s small business owners and critical disaster relief to homeowners.

Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate,machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is availableregardless of whether the business suffered anyphysical property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available tohomeowners to repair or replace disaster-damagedor destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Applicants may apply online today using theElectronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s securewebsite at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration#17644.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online atDisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at (800) 621-3362. Those who use711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call (800) 621-3362.

The filing deadline to return applications for physicalproperty damage is Nov. 28, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29, 2023.

AT&T Deploys Amphibious Vehicle To Set Up Temporarily Cell Towers On Sanibel Island

Carl Fish
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AT&T Deploys Amphibious Vehicle To Set Up Temporarily Cell Towers On Sanibel Island

AT&T has been working to gain access to Sanibel Island – which was cut off from the mainland – to begin our restoration efforts there. For this, our FirstNet team loaded a portable cell site onto one of the newest members of our disaster recovery fleet, the amphibious vehicle (link to photos here) which is currently navigating to the island.

 

In the past 24 hours we have made significant progress in gaining access, assessing, and restoring service to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian:

  • We have more than 180 crews focused on the hardest hit areas to keep wireless communications running so first responders, emergency personnel and others can stay connected – and more than half of our impacted cell sites in Florida have already been restored.
  • We began providing other carriers’ customers the ability to roam on our networks. As a result, customers will automatically be connected to our network if their carrier’s network is not available.
  • The FirstNet team continues to support public safety and FirstNet subscribers by deploying full-scale communications solutions. Our fleet of SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) are rolling out to DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. We have sites on-air already in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Sarasota, and Lee counties. Also in the dozens of requests, FirstNet cell sites were restored in Hendry, Lee and Orange counties.

Update:

We have made significant progress in the last 24 hours. Our teams are quickly and safely gaining access, assessing damage and restoring service to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. There are more than 180 crews dispatched focused on the hardest hit areas to keep wireless communications running so first responders, emergency personnel and others can stay connected during rescue and recovery efforts. We have made significant progress in storm impacted areas, where more than a half of our impacted cell sites have been restored.

Additionally, yesterday afternoon we began providing other carriers’ customers the ability to roam on our networks, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm. As a result, customers will automatically be connected to our network if their carrier’s network is not available.

The FirstNet team continues to support public safety and FirstNet subscribers by deploying full-scale communications solutions. The FirstNet fleet of SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) are rolling out to DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. Sites are already on-air in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. Also in the dozens of requests, FirstNet cell sites were restored in Hendry, Lee and Orange counties.

Working in close consultation with state officials in Florida, we are working to gain access to Sanibel Island to begin to restore communications there. Our FirstNet team loaded a portable cell site onto one of the newest members of our disaster recovery fleet, the amphibious vehicle

Mega Food Distribution Event Today Oct 1 At Lakes Church Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Mega Food Distribution Event Today Oct 1 At Lakes Church Lakeland

Lakes Church will have a mega food distribution today (Oct 1) from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Location: 1010 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801, 863-802-0180

77 of 131 Polk School Sites Without Power – Latest Recovery Update for Sept. 30

Carl Fish
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77 of 131 Polk School Sites Without Power – Latest Recovery Update for Sept. 30

PCPS Storm Recovery Update for Sept. 30

 September 30, 2022 

The following message is from Superintendent Fred Heid regarding our recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian:

Dear PCPS families,

I want to begin by saying that we truly hope that you and your loved ones are safe following the storm.

We are all thankful for the cooler weather over the last couple days. The heat and humidity that typically follow a hurricane can become unbearable.

It has been a very long and stressful 72 hours. Cleanup efforts are underway. We all want to return to some sense of normalcy. We are making progress, but there is still much work to be done.

Please allow me to share some important updates:

School Status for Next Week: Monday (Oct. 3) – Friday (Oct. 7)

At this time, I am unable to make a decision whether school operations will resume on Monday, Oct. 3.

Many of our schools continue to experience power outages. We have more than 131 PCPS school sites, and there were 77 without power as of yesterday (Sept. 29).

We are grateful to the utility workers who are laboring to restore power throughout our community. The outpouring of support from Florida’s utility companies and neighboring states is truly humbling. If you see a utility crew, give them a friendly wave and a thank you.

If power is restored today or tomorrow to all school sites, reopening schools on Monday (Oct. 3) may be possible if we can address the following critical areas of operation:

  • Ensuring schools can prepare food safely with necessary refrigeration, sanitation, and water service
  • Completing post-storm cleanup of our campuses
  • Having enough staff available to resume school operations

We know that closing schools has a huge impact on the plans and lives of our students and employees, as well as their families. Reopening schools is an essential part of the recovery effort. 

Having children in school and away from hazardous storm damage is very important. Many of our students rely upon our schools for food and other support. Our schools also serve as a safe and structured environment for our students.

We are working to reopen schools as quickly as possible, but we must make sure our campuses can function properly and safely. Please look for regular updates via email, automated phone calls, our website and social media.

*Important links*

All Hurricane Waste Must Be Separated For Pick-Up

Allison
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All Hurricane Waste Must Be Separated For Pick-Up

As you proceed with Hurricane Ian clean-up, please note that construction debris should NOT BE MIXED WITH yard waste and hurricane vegetation. Hurricane debris will be collected by a contracted vendor, not your normal service provider. If they are mixed, your waste may not be picked up. Please call our Hurricane Ian Debris hotline at (800) 375-0844. Thank you for assisting Polk County in making this daunting task a bit more streamlined and easier.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Allison
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Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Polk County Government Florida
Tragic incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning are starting to emerge. This highlights the importance of generator safety. Portable generators are useful during power outages, but improper use can be risky and tragic.

The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution and fire hazards. Cooking in enclosed areas with gas grills is also extremely dangerous.

Here is what you should know:

• Generators and gas grills should be operated in well-ventilated locations, outdoors, away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator or gas grill in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled. Store the containers outside of living areas. Propane tanks should also be turned off when not in use and stored outdoors.
• Do not connect a generator to your home’s electrical system without a licensed electrician providing a means to connect. Improper wiring creates the danger of back feeding the power system, energizing downed lines and fatally electrocuting anyone that contacts those lines.

You cannot see or smell carbon dioxide, and portable generators can produce high levels of carbon dioxide very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Do not delay.

If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

Hurricane Ian Debris Hotline

Carl Fish
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Hurricane Ian Debris Hotline

Bartow, Fla. (September 29, 2022) — Beginning Friday, September 30, all Polk County residents with questions regarding hurricane debris are advised to call the Hurricane Ian Debris Hotline at (800) 375-0844. This is the only number that will be able to provide answers for all debris-related questions.

 

Polk County’s Waste & Recycling Division does not collect and dispose of debris from hurricanes. Your typical residential garbage, recycling, yard and bulk waste will need to be placed curbside separate from hurricane debris.

 

Residents are urged to continue to follow local news media, the county’s website at www.polk-county.net and our social media for updated information.

 

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A partir del viernes 30 de septiembre, se recomienda a todos los residentes del Condado de Polk que tengan preguntas sobre los escombros del huracán que llamen a la línea directa de escombros del huracán Ian al (800) 375-0844. Este es el único número que podrá proporcionar respuestas a todas las preguntas relacionadas con los escombros.

 

La División de Residuos y Reciclaje del Condado de Polk no recolecta ni elimina los escombros de los huracanes. Su basura residencial típica, reciclaje, patio y desechos a granel deberán colocarse en la acera separados de los escombros del huracán.

 

Se urge a los residentes a continuar siguiendo los medios de comunicación locales, el sitio web del condado en www.polk-county.net y nuestras redes sociales para obtener información actualizada.

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