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Sandbag Sites Open in Polk County

Carl Fish
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Sandbag Sites Open in Polk County

 

Bartow, Fla. (September 9, 2022) — Following a very dry summer, the rainy season has finally arrived in Central Florida. Areas of the county are extremely wet, which prompted the Southwest Florida Water Management District to release an Emergency Final Order in response to high rainfall and anticipated flooding in the North Winter Haven Chain of Lakes area.

 

Polk County is making sandbags available throughout the county at Roadway Maintenance Units today through Wednesday, September 14. Locations below will be open from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. each day, including Sunday.

 

Sandbag site locations are:

  • Mulberry – 900 NE 5th St., Mulberry, (863) 519-4734
  • Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland(863) 815-6701
  • Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade (863) 285-6588
  • Frostproof – 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof (863) 635-7879
  • Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale (863) 965-5524
  • Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee, (863) 421-3367
  • Poinciana Park – corner of Lake Hatchineha Road and Marigold Ave.

 

A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household to help prevent water intrusion into the home.

 

Residents living in flood prone areas are encouraged to sandbag their homes. To protect against water damage, follow these simple sandbagging techniques. At the area where water can enter a structure:

 

  • If not working on concrete, dig a small ditch just deep enough to go below ground level. The ditch should be back far enough from the entrance to allow room to place optional submersible (sump) pumps into the protected area. The edge of the visqueen should be placed in the ditch as a bottom layer.

 

  • Place the first row of sandbags in ditch, fold visqueen over the top of first row, place a second row of bags on top, fold visqueen back over, place a third row of bags on top, and so on. This creates an “S” pattern with the visqueen.

 

Depending on the size of the barrier, submersible (sump) pumps can be used. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area; however, with the by properly placing bags, visqueen and sump pumps, water, in most cases, can be removed quickly.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Haunted Jail Tour 2022 Dates Announced

Allison
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Haunted Jail Tour 2022 Dates Announced

The annual PCSO Haunted Jail Tour is back by popular demand! For a $12 donation per tour (or $20 for two tours), you can scream to your heart’s delight on any of these four nights – Fri & Sat, Oct. 21 & 22, and Fri & Sat, Oct. 28 & 29. We will be up and running beginning at 6:30 p.m. and shutting it down at 10:00 p.m.

Kids under 10 years old can tour for just $5.00 each. We will have agency members on-hand to watch the little ones whose parents want to tour but maybe don’t want their children tagging along. We will also have a bounce house, a “dunk your deputy” dunk tank, and food trucks – fun for the entire family!

Proceeds benefit the United Way of Central Florida. Tickets are sold in person only. Cash and credit will be accepted.

Charles Now King Of England After Queen Elizabeth II Has Died

Carl Fish
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Charles Now King Of England After Queen Elizabeth II Has Died

BALMORAL, Scotland, Sept 8 (Reuters) – Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Her eldest son Charles, 73, automatically becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Her family had rushed to be by her side at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, after doctors expressed concern about her health. She had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has called “episodic mobility problems” since the end of last year, forcing her to withdraw from nearly all her public engagements.

Queen Elizabeth II, who was also the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state, came to the throne following the death of her father King George VI on Feb. 6, 1952, when she was just 25.

Lakeland Fire Responds to Structure Fire at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille 

Allison
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Lakeland Fire Responds to Structure Fire at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille 

Lakeland Fire Responds to Structure Fire at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Lakeland, FL – At approximately 3:00 PM on Sept 7, Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) responded to a call for a commercial structure fire at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille in Downtown Lakeland on N Kentucky Ave.

Fire crews arrived on scene with a light smoke-filled restaurant and a partial evacuation in progress. Flames were visible from a kitchen hood venting system on the roof. LFD firefighters extinguished the fire in the kitchen and then accessed the roof to bring the flames in the venting pipe under control. Firefighters executed an overhaul to ensure there was no fire extension, finding none; they then ventilated the building.  

Responding to the scene included 8 LFD units, Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) units, and several LPD units. One firefighter was transported and treated for exhaustion but has since been released.

Welcome, World Travelers! Does Mature, Adult Content Belong on Disney Plus? 

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Does Mature, Adult Content Belong on Disney Plus? 

Welcome, World Travelers! Does Mature, Adult Content Belong on Disney Plus?

by James Coulter

Disney will be celebrating the three-year anniversary of its streaming service with Disney Plus Day on Thur., Sept. 8. That day will see the premiere of several movies and specials, including Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder, the live-action movie adaptation of Pinocchio, and a Simpsons animated special, “Welcome to the Club.”

However, while these new releases are sure to please many Disney fans, not everyone has been satisfied with the streaming service. Many complaints have been raised about mature-rated television shows and movies recently added to Disney Plus. So, the question must be asked: does “adult” content belong on a “family-friendly” streaming service?

The controversy started in March with Disney Plus adding the Marvel/Netflix shows to its library. These shows include Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders. They had originally been produced for Netflix, but after their initial contract lapsed, Disney was allowed to add them to its titular streaming service.

However, these shows are rated TV-MA for strong language, violence, and adult and sexual situations. Their inclusion raised the eyebrow and the ire of many parental groups, who felt their addition was inappropriate for a “family-friendly” streaming service like Disney Plus.

The controversy continued in July with the addition of both the Deadpool and Logan movies. Both Marvel movies are rated R for intense violence, strong language, crude humor, and adult and sexual situations. As with the Netflix/Marvel shows, their inclusion on the otherwise “family-friendly” Disney Plus raised many concerns from concerned parents.

Parental groups lambasted Disney for adding these adult shows and content. In an open letter published in March, the Parents Television and Media Council decried the decision as a “slippery slope” that would “forever tarnish” the company’s reputation.

Tim Winter, president of the Parents Television and Media Council, wrote: “The company’s eponymous platform Disney+ logically marketed itself as a family-friendly streaming service, and parents have placed their trust in Disney to deliver just that. It seems wildly ‘off-brand’ for Disney+ to add TV-MA and R-rated programming to this platform, ostensibly to increase subscription revenue. So what comes next, adding live striptease performances in Fantasyland at Disney World?”

However, adult movies and shows are not instantly available on Disney Plus. Parental controls must first be changed to authorize access to more “mature” content on individual profiles. Moreover, passwords can be added to profiles with “mature” content.

In other words, if parents have their own Disney Plus profiles, they can change their individual profile settings so they can watch Daredevil or Deadpool, while their children’s parental controls can remain set so their children cannot. Moreover, they can add passwords to their profiles so their children cannot access them.

Moreover, interestingly enough, in other countries without Hulu service, Disney Plus offers more mature and adult content from the 20th Century Studios library, including R-rated movies like Fight Club, Alien, and Rocky Horror Picture Show and adult television shows like Family Guy.

However, even with parental controls in place, many parents remain hesitant about Disney’s decision to add mature, adult content to their service, and consider it a betrayal of the company’s “family-friendly” legacy.

Paired with the current culture war over an alleged “woke agenda” as criticized by Gov. Ron DeSantis and conservative media outlets, many people fear Disney is no longer a safe space for them and their children.

What do you think? Are you okay with more “mature” and “adult” content on Disney Plus? Or, even with parental controls, do you believe they are inappropriate for the “family-friendly” streaming service? Leave your comments on Facebook.

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Installs 6th AED at Bartow American Legion 

Allison
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Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Installs 6th AED at Bartow American Legion 

Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Installs 6th AED at Bartow American Legion

by James Coulter

American Legion Post 11 will now be prepared in the case of an emergency that their facility has been equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated by Culpepper’sCardiac Foundation.

This AED is the sixth to be donated and installed through the help of Melanie Brown Culpepper and her non-profit organization, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, dedicated to promoting heart health and assisting local EMTs.

Commander Wally Edwards appreciated the visit and donation. Though he personally never encountered any incidents at his organization where someone required an AED, he is grateful that such a device is available in case of an emergency.

“We are glad to work with her however we can,” he said. I appreciate what she does, and hope we never have to use it. It feels good we have access to something like that we have a problem. I think it is a great idea and she is doing a good job with it.”

Melanie started her organization two years ago following the passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away due to cardiac arrest. She wanted to make sure no one else suffered a similar fate, so she began her organization to raise funds to assist local first responders and to fiancée the installation of AEDs across the county.

Thus far, her organization has raised enough proceeds to purchase six AEDs and install them at her shop Melanie’s Cutting Edge, her fiancée’s old workplace Old Man Frank’s, Winter Haven Gym, The Mission of Winter Haven, and Winter Haven Moose Lodge.

Melanie has raised these proceeds through various fundraisers these past few years, from fishing tournaments to billiard tournaments. Unfortunately, due to an arm injury, she was unable to host any events this past year. She has since recovered through physical therapy, and is ready to host more events in the future. Her next big event will be the Saving Lives Matter fundraiser at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven on Nov. 12.

“It is going great,” she said. “It is my second year, and I have another benefit coming up…I will be raising more money. I have three more AEDs but I cannot set them up until after we raise enough money.”

Sherrie McCollough, Melanie’s sister, joined her that day to help meet the Legion staff and set up the AED at their facility. She had been assisting with her sister’s foundation since the start, but this was her first time assisting with a donation.

Aside from Melanie’s former fiancée, both Melanie and Sherrie had previous experience with relatives suffering from heart problems, as heart disease runs in the family. Their father passed away from complications due to heart disease in 2005, and they lost four uncles to heart disease as well.

“That is what this is all about,” Sherrie said. “Her foundation is about saving lives…It is awesome. This is our way of giving back to the community, this is her foundation, and she is going to expand it through the county.”

Judy Christmas has been a lifelong friend of Melanie since childhood. Both of them grew up in Bartow, so being able to return to their childhood hometown and help their old community through such a donation felt like a blessing, she explained.

“It is an amazing thing to help save somebody’s life, if at all possible,” Christmas said. “It is there for people to save lives. Anything I can do to help Mel save somebody’s life is just a great thing and she does so much. Melanie does a great job. She does it for the community, for the county. She does it for everyone, and I give her all the kudos in the world because she gives all of her time and everything for them.”

Bicyclist dies from Her injuries after being struck by a semi south of Winter Haven

Carl Fish
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Bicyclist dies from Her injuries after being struck by a semi south of Winter Haven

Traffic Homicide detectives for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate a fatal crash between a bicycle and a semi-tractor that occurred Tuesday evening, September 6, 2022, south of Winter Haven.

50-year old Michelle Loyola was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. The driver of the truck was not injured.

Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash at US 17 and 2nd Avenue in the Eloise neighborhood at around 8:10 p.m.

Detectives gathered evidence and witness statements, and the preliminary investigation determined that the semi-tractor was travelling north on US 17.

As the truck approached 2nd Avenue, Ms. Loyola drove her bicycle from the median, into the path of the oncoming truck. The driver of the truck swerved into the southbound lanes in an attempt to avoid hitting the bicyclist. 

The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control as a portion of US 17 was closed for about three hours during the investigation.

22 Yr Old Arrested For Firing Gunshots From Car In Mulberry

Carl Fish
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22 Yr Old Arrested For Firing Gunshots From Car In Mulberry

Twitter Tweet from Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Mulberry, Florida – On Saturday, September 3rd at around 8:23pm, gunshots were heard at the Mulberry Sunoco (1285 Church Ave). 22yr old Garrett Andrade, DOB: 8/11/2000, was arrested for firing gunshots from a car after he had a verbal altercation with an acquaintance.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office it’s fortunately, nobody was injured.

No further details have been released at this time.

Georgia Deputy Police Chief Caught Up In Polk County Prostitution & Sex Trafficking Sting

Carl Fish
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Georgia Deputy Police Chief Caught Up In Polk County Prostitution & Sex Trafficking Sting

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Jason DiPrima of Kingston, Georgia for Soliciting a Prostitute (M1). DiPrima is employed as the Deputy Chief of Police Administration for Cartersville Police Department. DiPrima was in Orlando attending an American Polygraph Association Seminar/Workshop. 

On August 31, 2022, DiPrima responded to an online escort advertisement and began a conversation with an undercover detective by asking “Are you available tonight” and “I’d like to come see you–What is your rate?” During the online communication, DiPrima agreed to engage in sexual activities with the undercover detective, but then told the detective “I got spooked,” and asked to see her the next night.

The next day, DiPrima reinitiated the online communication with the undercover detective, and agreed to come to an undisclosed location to meet the detective. He initially agreed to pay the undercover detective $120 for a half hour of “full service” sex. When he arrived at the undisclosed location, he confirmed the arrangement by giving the undercover detective $180 and a multi-pack of White Claw Hard Seltzer. 

DiPrima was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail where he was released after paying a $500 bond. The Cartersville Georgia Police Department was notified of the arrest.

DiPrima’s arrest was a part of a week-long human trafficking undercover enforcement operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies. The purpose of the operation was to identify those involved in human trafficking and arrest those who procure and engage in prostitution. Sheriff Judd will be releasing more details about the investigation later this week. 

Don’t Put Your Health on Hold: See Your Primary Care Provider Today 

Staff Reporter
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Don’t Put Your Health on Hold: See Your Primary Care Provider Today 

 

While most doctors are trained in one or two areas of medicine, primary care providers (PCPs) train in almost all of them. They can treat acute health problems like sinus infections and perform minor procedures such as draining an abscess. Their training lets them treat you and your family during all the stages of life — from early childhood through the senior years. All along the way, they’ll care for you as a whole person: body, mind and spirit. 

Knows Your Health History 

Because you’ll see the doctor regularly, your PCP can get to know your health history. With this information, along with your relatives’ health history, the primary care physician can screen for symptoms of serious diseases, which can lead to quicker treatment. 

Provides Routine Screening 

You probably know the drill: The nurse takes your blood pressure and weighs you at every visit to the doctor. But these simple, regular screenings can help catch symptoms before they get worse or become serious problems. As a PCP sees you over time, updates your records and learns about your health habits and history, personality, and lifestyle, it’s easier to spot possible changes in your health. 

Educates You About Health and Prevention 

When you go in for your routine screenings, your doctor can help you learn more about how to prevent illnesses in the future. You and your family may learn about such topics as weight loss, high blood pressure, stress and much more. A proactive primary care provider will offer helpful information that fits your unique needs and goals.  

Serves as Your Point Person 

Your primary care provider can refer you to a cardiologist, orthopedist or another specialist. Because your doctor knows you well, it will be easier to match you to someone who fits your needs and even your personality. Your PCP is your point person — the one who can coordinate care with specialists, guide you through next steps and stay in constant contact with the specialist. 

Manages Chronic Health Problems 

When you’re dealing with a chronic health problem like diabetes or arthritis, it helps to have a PCP by your side. With your primary care provider there to help you monitor an ongoing health condition, you may be able to better manage your chronic disease. Because of routine tests and regular visits, your primary care doctor will know how to help you stay focused on self-care. 

A PCP That’s Always Here for You 

Are you looking for a doctor for you and your family?  

Visit PolkFamilyCare.com to find a doctor who’s there to guide you through a lifetime of wellness in body, mind and spirit. 

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