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Central Florida HIDTA Task Force concludes multi-agency two-year-long undercover drug trafficking investigation

Carl Fish
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Central Florida HIDTA Task Force concludes multi-agency two-year-long undercover drug trafficking investigation

Detectives with the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, working together with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the country, conducted a two-year-long undercover drug trafficking investigation that resulted in 85 suspects being arrested, and three other suspects charged via warrants. 

“I’m so very proud of our detectives and the agents and law enforcement officers who partnered with us to get these dangerous drugs and felons off the street. This is the single largest seizure of drugs and arrests made in the history of Polk County during an undercover wiretap investigation. We will continue to follow up leads and make more arrests, so those who think they got away from us – think again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

The partnering agencies are: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE); Office of the State Attorney for the 10thJudicial Circuit, Brian Haas; U.S Border Patrol; U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Tampa International Airport Police Department; Winter Haven Police Department; Orlando Police Department; Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (FL); St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (FL); Fresno Police Department (CA); and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (TN).

The investigation was initiated in September 2020 when detectives executed a search warrant in Winter Haven and seized a pound of methamphetamine. From that point forward detectives continued to make undercover narcotics purchases from dealers in the Winter Haven area, and learned that large amounts of methamphetamine were being smuggled from California to Florida in checked luggage on domestic flights. In February 2022, detectives began a wiretap investigation, during which court-order intercept of communications between suspects within the criminal drug trafficking organization were initiated and monitored.

As a result of the investigation, 85 suspects were arrested and charged with a total of 355 felonies and 93 misdemeanors. The suspects’ previous criminal histories include 690 previous felonies, 712 previous misdemeanors, and 194 felony convictions.

Detectives served 14 search warrants in Auburndale, Davenport, Polk City, Lake Wales, Winter Haven, and Riverview, FL, as well as in Fresno, California.

Illegal drugs, firearms, and currency seized:

·        268 pounds of Methamphetamine / 112,563 grams ($9,725,040 street value)

·        31 pounds of Cocaine / 14,055.17 grams ($1,405,337 street value)

·        180 pounds of Cannabis / 81,417.89 grams ($1,628,357 street value)

·        3.4 pounds of MDMA (Ecstasy) / 1,692.02 grams ($84,601 street value)

·        6.8 ounces of Fentanyl / 192.77 grams ($26,880 street value)

·        68 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills              

·        173 Oxycodone pills                         

·        49 firearms

·        3 non-active grenades

·        2 bulletproof vests 

·        1 stolen motorcycle 

·        $235,000 cash

The total street value of the drugs confiscated is over $12.8 Million. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are pending.

The six ring leaders of the organization are:

Demarcus Terrell Jefferson, DOB 10/19/1989. On September 13, 2020, Demarcus crashed his 2015 Kia Optima into the Marathon gas station on Havendale Blvd in Winter Haven, killing a male customer inside. He has been charged with DUI Manslaughter and his criminal case is still pending. Detectives received information that Demarcus and other family members were involved in smuggling large amounts of methamphetamine through the airlines in checked luggage on domestic flights from California. Detectives made multiple undercover drug purchases at his home, 2073 9th Lane NE in Winter Haven. During the investigation, detectives also learned that one of Demarcus’ brothers, Devontae, died as a result of an overdose of Fentanyl and Xanax at that same house on March 24, 2020. Drugs continued to be sold by family members after his death.

Dwayne Kenneth Stackhouse, Sr., DOB 12/2/1982. Stackhouse was identified as a large scale cocaine supplier in the central Florida area. On April 20, 2022, detectives conducted a traffic stop on US Hwy 27 in Davenport as Stackhouse was traveling from Orlando. They seized one kilogram of cocaine that was concealed inside a leather zippered Bible case. Detectives also executed a search warrant at his residence, 160 Serenity Blvd. Apt #202 in Lake Wales, where they found another pound of cocaine, marijuana, $13,000 cash, and a firearm. He was charged with trafficking in cocaine (F1), possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (F2), and possession of drug paraphernalia (M1). They arrested his partner, Vicente Carranza-Basanta, the same day. Stackhouse was released from jail on May 31, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $116,250, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him.

Abadosh McKenzie, DOB 5/8/1981. McKenzie was identified as a counterfeit Fentanyl pill supplier, as well as a supplier of methamphetamine, MDMA, and marijuana. He lives in Riverview but conducts undercover drug sales in Winter Haven. On September 14, 2021, McKenzie attempted to flee from undercover detectives but crashed his vehicle. He was taken into custody but released from jail two days later after posting bond. He was re-arrested on warrants on September 20, 2021. During this investigation, he was arrested on June 1, 2022, and charged with trafficking in Fentanyl.

Lenard Henderson, DOB 1/7/1980. He was identified as a ring leader in the drug trafficking organization, as a large-scale cocaine supplier. Several suspects who were arrested obtained their narcotics from Henderson. He was arrested on August 16, 2022, and charged with 25 counts conspiracy to sell cocaine, conspiracy to sell marijuana, conspiracy to purchase marijuana, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. He was released from jail after posting $24,500 bond.

Javarius Samuel, DOB 2/14/1991. On August 5, 2022, detectives in Fresno served a search warrant on his residence there, and seized 68 pounds of marijuana, 109 grams of Fentanyl, 14 grams of cocaine, 3 firearms, and $45,000 cash. The same day, detectives conducted a traffic stop and arrested Samuel on his two active warrants here in Florida – he has been using a forged Georgia driver’s license, with which he used to evade law enforcement and travel back and forth from Florida to California. They served a search warrant at his Davenport address (928 Brooklet Drive) and seized two loaded black AK-47 pistols, which were out in plain view and in a home with six children. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in Fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in heroin, conspiracy to sell marijuana, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a fictitious driver’s license, felony battery, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, and three counts of probation violation. He is being held on no bond.

Darmonte Munson, AKA D-Money, AKA Money, DOB 9/4/1991. A luggage that was intercepted was slated for Munson’s residence, 514 Lake Dexter Blvd in Winter Haven. On August 16, 2022, detectives served a search warrant at 2245 5th Street NE in Winter Haven, one of his known residences. Large amounts of illegal narcotics were seized, along with scales and paraphernalia, and two firearms – a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm handgun. The drugs seized were: 551 MDMA pills; 86 grams of methamphetamine; 6 hydrocodone pills; 51.97 grams of cocaine; 2,492 grams of marijuana; and 53 Oxycodone pills. He was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in MDMA, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of marijuana resin, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of methamphetamine, possession of oxycodone, possession of hydrocodone, maintaining a structure for drug trafficking, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from jail on August 18, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $119,500.

Other notable arrests:

Antonio Deandre Jefferson (Demarcus’ brother), DOB 6/15/1991. On April 21, 2021, HIDTA task force detectives arranged to purchase a large amount of methamphetamine from Antonio in Winter Haven. Detectives placed Antonio under arrest and searched his vehicle, seizing 168.45 grams of meth, a pound of marijuana, and a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun. He was charged with armed trafficking in meth over 28 grams (FL), possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3) and possession of paraphernalia (M1). He was released on April 28, 2021, after posting a bond amount of $56,500, and had a GPS ankle monitor placed on him. While out on bond and with an ankle monitor, Antonio continued to distribute trafficking amounts of meth, and detectives intercepted communications between Antonio and his brother, Demarcus, as they conducted drug deals. Antonio was arrested again on August 16, 2022, and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine (F1), use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3), and possessing a structure or vehicle for drug trafficking (F2). He’s being held in the jail under Parker v. State.

Vicente Carranza-Basanta, DOB 7/5/1982. On April 20, 2022, detectives arranged to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from Vicente in Lake Wales. He delivered 1012 grams zipped inside a black leather Bible cover. The amount is over twice the trafficking amount, which is 400 grams. Vicente was immediately taken into custody and charged with trafficking in cocaine (F1), conspiracy to traffic in cocaine (F1), possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking (F2), and possession of drug paraphernalia. He told detectives that he was in the country seeking political asylum from Venezuela. He was booked into the Polk County Jail, but released on May 25, 2022, after posting bond in the amount of $105,500, and a GPS ankle monitor was placed on him.

Cley Bryan, DOB 11/20/1990. On July 24, 2021, two juveniles stole Bryan’s vehicle from the Racetrac in Eagle Lake, which contained a pound of methamphetamine. They drove the stolen car and drugs to another juvenile’s house, who planned to sell the drugs and split the profits three ways. As detectives were following up with the car theft victim, Bryan, they found a cooler containing 24 pounds of methamphetamine in his home. The juveniles were all charged with possession of meth, and two of the juveniles were charged with grand theft auto. Bryan was arrested for trafficking in meth, possessing a vehicle for drug trafficking, and possession of paraphernalia. He was arrested again in April 2022 for violating his pre-trial release conditions on those charges. He was released from jail on May 20, 2022, and had a GPS ankle monitor placed on him. 

Lakeland man charged with five counts of attempted murder after shooting at former business partner’s residence

Carl Fish
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Lakeland man charged with five counts of attempted murder after shooting at former business partner’s residence

A Lakeland man was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, after he intentionally fired a rifle numerous times at his former business partner’s residence in north Lakeland.

Nobody was shot during the attack, but five people were in the home at the time; one victim was struck in the arm by a piece of shrapnel but refused treatment.

Several witnesses and victims saw the shooter, 27-year old Michael Stribling, flee from the scene in his truck—deputies found him a short time later at his residence in north Lakeland and took him into custody.

Victims at the scene told detectives that they believe Stribling was upset about his construction business, and the decision by his partner to leave the company. The business partner had returned a work van to Stribling Wednesday afternoon, and about 20 minutes later, at around 6:00 p.m., Stribling showed up at the victim’s house with a rifle.

“The fact that nobody was seriously injured in an attack like this is both astonishing and fortunate. Business partnerships end all the time…but going out and trying to end someone’s life for it while endangering the lives of four other people in the process is completely unhinged.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

One victim reported that she heard about six to ten shots fired at the house. Seven bullet holes were found in walls and doors of the home.

During a search of Michael Stribling’s home, detectives recovered five firearms, ammunition which matched casings found at the scene of the shooting, marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Michael Stribling was booked-in at the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder (5-Counts, F1), Firing a Weapon into a Dwelling (F2), Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle (F2), Discharging a Firearm in Public (M1), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), Marijuana Possession (M1), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1).

Eddie Bower Among Other Musicians Pack Wales Pointe Restaurant with Comedy & Rap Show

Allison
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Eddie Bower Among Other Musicians Pack Wales Pointe Restaurant with Comedy & Rap Show

Eddie Bower and Other Musicians Packs Wales Pointe with Comedy Rap Show

by James Coulter

Photos provided by Eddie Bower

Located at 207 E Park Ave. in Lake Wales, the Wales Pointe restaurant often accommodates several dozen diners on any given evening. One local artist and comedian, along with several other performers, filled the eatery to near capacity during their concert last Saturday evening.

Eddie Bower, a local rap artist and comedian, performed at “Jokes and Jams” last Saturday on Aug. 13th at Wales Pointe. His show drew in an attendance that nearly filled the building’s total capacity, Bower claimed.

“I always wanted to perform in a mixed crowd, and that’s exactly what we had,” Bower said. “I am so overwhelmed with how many people came out. I didn’t do a head count, but whatever the capacity was for the building, we about filled it.”

From music videos, movies, and skits to local shows, Bower loves to wow his fans through his art. He recently released his newest single, “I Got You,” currently on YouTube. He’s preparing to film the music video with Mike Saar, his official Videographer.

“I love making people laugh and feel good,” he said. “When I perform, it is therapeutic for me. Seeing everybody laugh and have a good time [is] the best part for me.” 

Bower always dreamed of becoming a rapper since a young age. He started playing rap music with his brother at age six, writing his own music at age 11, and recording his first song at age 15. By age 16, he purchased equipment for his studio, started a rap group, and started selling albums and singles

His big break came when he partnered with his manager and videographer, Mike Saar, to make music videos. Bower wanted his own creative videos. Saar was ready to capture the moment and became great at his craft. The rest, they say, is history.

Bower’s next show will be Sep. 10 at his private comedy workshop in Lake Wales Fl at 113 E Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale on Eventbrite soon!

He also plans to perform alongside his mother, Beanie (a.k.a.:Mother Peal) in her upcoming show, “Mother Pearl”, to be hosted around November or December.

“I appreciate everyone supporting me,” Bower said. “I thank God for every opportunity that is given to me. I pray that I can continue to make everyone laugh and have a good time. Every show that I give them, I promise to give them my all, and I hope they catch my next show. Shout out to Wales Pointe for hostinga great venue and every comedian and artist who came out to Jokes and Jams.”

For more information about Bower and his music, visit his pages on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055926946435, on Instagram:  @E_Bower, and on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC8XTGJteJv8PwgKubFVSIwA

Comics and Collectibles Convene at 3rd Annual Central Florida Collectorfest 

Allison
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Comics and Collectibles Convene at 3rd Annual Central Florida Collectorfest 

Comics and Collectibles Convene at 3rd Annual Central Florida Collectorfest

by James Coulter

Do you enjoy Legos? Have you ever wanted a Lego figurine based on your favorite comic book, video game, or anime character? But you can’t find it because Lego doesn’t sell an official figure?

Don’t worry! Plenty of people like Admiel Burgos have made unofficial Lego figures of different characters, especially those from Japanese anime like One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Sailor Moon.

Burgos makes and sells over 300 different kinds of characters from various media including comics, video games, and anime. He showcased several of his custom figurines at a recent toy show expo in Lakeland this weekend.

“I want to be sure that all the people are accomplished through the Legos that I can offer,” Burgos said. “People come here to see different things, things they cannot see at regular stores.”

Burgos was one of several dozen vendors who participated at Central Florida Collectorfest, an expo hosted by Florida Toy Shows & Expos. The event was hosted at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland last weekend.

This year’s event was their third anniversary. The expo offered 15,000 square feet and 100-plus tables of floor space showcasing various toys, comics, memorabilia, and retro gaming consoles and games from vendors across Central Florida.

Various artists also participated in the expo to sell their artwork, many of which was inspired by popular culture including comics, television shows, and movies. Allen Grimes, for example, sold several art pieces based on everything from Marvel’s Moon Knight to Star Wars Kenobi.

Grimes has been participating in events hosted by Florida Toy Shows & Expos for many years. He was very pleased by the turnout for the event this weekend, with foot traffic good on both Saturday and Sunday.

“People can see my art and talk about their favorite scene and character,” he said. “It is what inspires me to capture a certain element, or maybe mix things up a little bit.”

Michael McElroy has resided in Central Florida for 23 years. His day job has been drawing caricatures at Disney Parks. He utilizes experience in creating his art, mostly prints and shadow boxes with characters from Disney, Muppets, Marvel, and DC Comics.

“It has been a great experience,” McElroy said of the expo. “I enjoy this because people in the area, we are also in like mind, different retro characters, people seem to get along with each other because we all like similar things. Getting my artwork out there has been nice.”

For more information about events hosted by Florida Toy Shows & Comic Expos, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/floridatoyshows/

Generations of Healthcare Professionals Inspire Lakeland Student To Enter Nursing 

Allison
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Generations of Healthcare Professionals Inspire Lakeland Student To Enter Nursing 

LAKELAND, Fla. – For Melissa Kubic, women in healthcare spans back generations of her family. Kubic’s great grandmother was a nurse during the Great Depression, and Kubic herself said that she spent most of her adolescent life caring for other members of her family. It came as no surprise that Kubic enrolled in Keiser University Lakeland’s Associate of Science Degree in Medical Assisting when she moved to Florida about nine years ago.

The medical assisting program gave Kubic the professional healthcare background that she felt she needed to become a nurse, which was the end goal. After completing her associates degree, Kubic moved on to Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

“Even when I was in the medical assisting program, they prepared me in a way that would make me a strong candidate for the nursing program,” Kubic said, speaking of her instructors in the program. “They kind of helped plant that seed.”

Kubic is a single mother with three young girls. Both of her parents are retired military members, making her no stranger to being of service to others.

“The ability to help people in their time of need, and to get them all mended up, it’s just a fantastic feeling,” Kubic said.

Kubic said that after graduating next spring, she dreams of becoming a surgical nurse in a local hospital. She was recently allowed to shadow a surgery at the hospital where she attends clinicals for class and said that it was an unforgettable experience.

There is a growing need for compassionate and qualified nursing professionals. To help meet the need, the College of Nursing at Keiser University is offering students like Kubic the education, academic credentials, best practices, skills, and insights she might need to provide the best patient care and advance her nursing career.

About Keiser University

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a  designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News And World Report in 2022.

Rodin: Contemplations and Dreams

Allison
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Rodin: Contemplations and Dreams

Rodin: Contemplations and Dreams

by James Coulter

During the Hundred Years War, the French port village of Calaiswas laid siege by the English army. The English king, Edward III, offered the town an ultimatum: if they offered six people to bring him the key to the city and sacrifice their lives, then he would allow food to be delivered to the city.

Six men agreed to offer themselves up to the king. However, at the behest of his pregnant wife, who considered their potential deaths an omen to her unborn baby, the kind spared the lives of these would-be martyrs.

These six gentlemen would become known as the Burghers of Calais, and their story was memorialized in an eponymous art piece by renowned 19th Century sculptor and artist, Auguste Rodin. Five of the six burghers are currently on display, along with many of Rodin’s other famous sculptures at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland.

Alex Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator, offered a lecture and tour of the art exhibit during the museum’s monthly Point of View Gallery Talk on Friday afternoon. The Burghers of Calais is his favorite of Rodin’s sculptures, as they exhibit his expert craftsmanship and pathos. He often highlighted these statues as a tour guide during his apprenticeship at a museum in New York.

When Rodin was initially commissioned to create the sculptures by the city of Calais in 1885, they wanted the six men portrayed as heroic martyrs; however, Rodin approached his commission with a different angle. He portrayed each men with a different emotion. Some were stoic and others more forlorn and weary. These diverse emotions better showcased the burden of martyrdom, Rich explained.

“I love [it] because the story is so powerful, as are the art pieces that make up the sculpture itself,” Rich said. “I love that we have five of the six burgers in the exhibition, and each ones shows its own set of emotions and shows off the sculptural skill of Rodin himself.”

The Burghers of Calais are currently showcased in “Rodin: Contemplations and Dreams”, a traveling exhibit on display at the museum from now until October. With more than 40 of Rodin’s sculptures, the exhibit is one of the largest and longest-running at the museum. The overall exhibit took six weeks to set up alone, Rich said.

“He [Rodin] breathed new emotional and psychic life into the human figure as never seen before in sculpture,” the museum website explains. “Forgoing idealization for astonishingly naturalistic representation, Rodin created sculptures that draw their power from physical and psychological truth, capturing human pathos, drama, tragedy, mindfulness, and hope through the sculpted form.”

While Rodin’s most famous statue, “The Thinker”, is not on display, the art piece it originally originated from is: “The Gates of Hell”, which had been originally commissioned to serve as the centerpiece of a Paris museum. The titular thinker would have appeared at the top of the door, looking down in judgement and contemplation upon all who passed through them.

“I want them [guests] to take away…the great mastery of Rodin himself, and the fact that the Polk Museum of Art is a really special place that can offer these styles of exhibitions and experiences to everyone who walks through the doors,” Rich said. “The opportunity to show Rodin in our galleries was something we could not pass up on, and it is wonderful to present these works not seen in this region before to our community and beyond. It is one of the greatest opportunities that Polk Museum has had in history.”

The Museum was founded in 1966. Its current facility, built in 1988, is expected to undergo major renovations. Construction is expected to begin this autumn. When completed, the 13,000 square foot expansion will provide an additional six galleries/multi-purpose spaces.

The Polk Museum of Art is located at 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland, FL 33801. The museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free to the public. For more information, visit their website at: http://polkmuseumofart.org

Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s 3 Things to Avoid at Theme Parks 

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s 3 Things to Avoid at Theme Parks 

Welcome, World Travelers! Here’s 3 Things to Avoid at Theme Parks

by James Coulter

Recently, I visited LEGOLAND Florida with some family from up north. Our visit was okay, to say the least. I certainly enjoyed the quality time with my relatives. However, there were some hiccups during our stay that somewhat hampered the overall experience for me.

Photo by James Coulter

For this column, I want to review my faux pas during my trip and allow you all to learn from them so you don’t make the same mistakes I made. Here are three things to avoid when visiting a theme park:

#1: Getting Dehydrated

Do: Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks.

Don’t: Consume only soft drinks, juices, and other sugary drinks.

On the day of our LEGOLAND trip, the temperature was a scorching 100 degrees, and the hot pavement did not improve conditions. While I did bring along a drink container, it was filled with lemonade which, while tasty, did more to increase my thirst than quench it.

Pic from Pixabay

By the middle of the day, after visiting only three attractions, I felt so hot, muggy, and dehydrated from the sweltering summer heat that I was tempted to ask to leave the park early. By the end of our trip, my energy was drained, and I left with an unbearable migraine that required a two-hour nap and several aspirins to mitigate.

During a theme park visit—especially on a hot summer day in Florida!—it’s imperative to remain hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle or drink container and consume plenty of water. At the very least, have a sports drink to help replace electrolytes.

Do not drink only soft drinks, fruit juices, tea, lemonade, or other sugary drinks. Those drinks contain mostly sugar and salt that will only make you thirstier, especially on a hot day. Caffeinated beverages are the worse, as caffeine is a diuretic that absorbs more water from your body. Not to mention that soda and other drinks cost a lot of money–especially with current inflation. (Thanks, Biden!) So drink plenty of water and sports drinks instead.

#2: Go Unprepared

Do: Try to plan your visit ahead of time by deciding which rides and attractions you want to go on.

Don’t: Try to wing it, especially in a group.

As someone who often visits theme parks by himself, I usually wing my trips as the only people I need to satisfy are me, myself, and I. And some people, even in large groups, are capable of going with the flow and doing whatever they want as they meander aimlessly through the park. However, when you have several people, especially if they have different tastes and tolerances for rides and attractions, planning your visit ahead of time usually helps.

Pic from Pixabay

You do not need to meticulously schedule every second of your visit. That would be impossible. Rather, before you visit the park, preferably the day or two before, you should sit down with your party and discuss which attractions you want to visit the most and which ones you can skip. Review a map so you know where to go, and check ride requirements so you know your youngest members can ride. Also, review the eateries there so you know a good place to eat in your price range. The last thing you want to do is sit down at an unshaded table in the middle of a hot summer day bickering with your party members about where you want to eat while perusing a park map.

Finally, and most importantly, always check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Is the day going to be mostly sunny? Wear and pack sunscreen. Is there a chance of rain? Bring a small umbrella or disposable rain poncho. Again, the last thing you want to do is cut your day short because of incremental weather and miss riding an iconic ride like the Dragon Coaster at LEGOLAND.

#3: Take Anything Valuable

Do: Take only the bare essentials that you need.

Don’t: Take anything you’re not willing to lose.

Theme parks are chaotic. Things get left behind and forgotten. They can get lost, stolen, or broken. So don’t bring anything that you aren’t willing to lose. Don’t take anything too valuable or irreplaceable.

Expensive items like fancy jewelry including rings, necklaces, and bracelets are especially no-no’s, as they can be easily knocked or flicked off on wild rides. Have a favorite piece of clothing? Hope you don’t have a problem getting it messed up or wet. Because stains will happen.

Pic by Paul Gorbould – Flickr

Also, only wear tight-fitting shoes and sandals. Don’t wear loose flip-flops, slippers, or crocs—especially if you going on a wildthrill ride. They will fall off and you will be left with bare feet. Long ago, I once had a relative lose their flip flop after riding Peter Pan’s Flight, of all places!

Finally, don’t bring anything that can easily break. If you bring a drink container, make sure it’s made of metal or durable plastic. I made that mistake with my favorite travel tumbler. On my first visit to a park, its reusable straw broke off, forcing me to buy a metal straw. And on my latest trip, it fell out of my backpack and shattered on the stone pavement. Fortunately, I bought a replacement, but I’m saving it for my home and car from now on.

More tips: If you want to learn more about mistakes to avoid while visiting theme parks, I highly recommend this video by Disney Food Blog Guide: “10 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in Disney World.” AJ experienced similar problems during her recent Disney trip that she wanted others to learn from. Her video inspired me to write my own column on the topic. Watch her video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0RfHodyS2Y

3rd Annual Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off 

Allison
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3rd Annual Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off 

3rd Annual Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off

by James Coulter

Mike Powers and his crew have been attending the Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off ever since it started three years ago. This year, not only did he have the honor of winning first place in people’s choice, but also awards for best salsa and best traditional red.

Powers appreciated winning three awards in three of the four chili cook-off categories. Even then, he remains humble, owing his success to his family. He especially remains grateful to his wife and son, both of whom participated with him this year.

In the end, the secret to his success is not any secret recipe. It’s not a secret ingredient or secret process. Powers has no secret. His success is with his friends and family, he said.

“We come back time and again for the competition, the area, and the venue,” he said. “My family right here…the family and friends, that is what it is all about. We will hopefully do it again. We keep trying and trying…[and it is a] great place and great location, we look forward to the next one.”

Powers and his team were one of the many contestants who participated in the 3rd Annual Fire on the Lake Chili Cook-Off. The International Chili Society (ICS)-sanctioned event was hosted by Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort, in Lake Wales last Saturday.

More than 14 teams from across the county and state convened at the Lake Wales resort to compete in four different categories: salsa, traditional red, Verde, and people’s choice. As such, the overall competition received 16 entries, explained Kevin DeNall, Guy Harvey ResortsEVP.

DeNall owes their success these past three years to their return participants and attendees. Their loyal support since the very beginning has allowed the competition to remain relevant to the local area, and thus help to draw in larger crowds, he said.

“We have had a lot of return visitors and new cooks,” he said. 

“So [we appreciate] getting on the map with the contest for being an international chili competition, and we have [plenty of] return visitors coming. We are thankful for Visit Central Florida for helping us out a bit, [for] telling Polk County about what is going on here, and, of course, staff helping us out. So, it is a fun day on the riverfront.”

Aside from the chili contest, which allowed participants to cook chili and attendees to sample it, the event also provide live music performed by local bands and singers, cornhole, raffles, ax-throwing, and concessions.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards The Mission of Winter Haven. DeNall mentioned how much the organization assists the homeless and food insecure, so giving back to such an organization through a food competition felt apropos.

“The Mission of WH helps feed the hungry,” he said. “We are eating chili, we are enjoying food, we need to remember the hungry out there who need food and need at this time and donate to them.”

Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort, will be hosting other events soon. Their next event will be the Tickle Pink Playoff, part of their Bonfire Bass Series. Their next event after that will be their annual Rocks and Brew BBQ on Oct. 22.

Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort, is located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898. For more information, visit their website at: https://guyharveycampmack.com/

Polk County Deputy Struck By From Behind By Oncoming Car Hospitalized

Carl Fish
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Polk County Deputy Struck By From Behind By Oncoming Car Hospitalized

In response to media inquiries about the Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was hit by a vehicle near Lakeland Sunday nightshe remains in the hospital for 24-hour observation, but appears to have no serious injuries.

Deputy Sheriff Katie Reese was on foot conducting an investigation with other deputies on Combee Road near Old Combee Road at around 9:20 p.m. on August 14, 2022, when she was struck from behind by an oncoming car.

The driver of the car remained at the scene and has been cooperative with the investigation.

Deputies had parked their patrol cars on the northbound shoulder with their lights on, and Deputy Reese and another deputy were walking on the shoulder of the southbound side, outside of the white fog line.

The driver told detectives that he didn’t notice the deputies on foot because he was looking at the patrol cars on the other side of the road, and as he approached the patrol cars, he moved his car further to the shoulder of the road, and in doing so, his vehicle hit Deputy Reese.

“We are very happy that Deputy Reese was not seriously injured. This is a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day, and for drivers to approach cautiously when emergency vehicles are present.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

There are no charges against the driver at this time, but the investigation is ongoing

Truck driver hit and killed by car while checking his jackknifed truck on US 17 In Polk County

Carl Fish
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Truck driver hit and killed by car while checking his jackknifed truck on US 17 In Polk County

Truck driver hit and killed by car while checking his jackknifed truck on US 17 near Bartow

A truck driver was killed Friday morning, August 12, 2022 after he was hit by a passing car while he was walking around his jackknifed truck.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 5:47 a.m. to the scene near 4151 US 17 South, between Bartow and Homeland.

40-year old Yusniel Gonzalez Lemus of Hialeah was found deceased next to the road.

PCSO Traffic Homicide detectives collected statements and evidence at the scene. Their preliminary investigation determined that Mr. Gonzalez Lemus’ yellow 2006 Freightliner truck was southbound on US 17 when, for unknown reasons, it jackknifed and came to a stop with the cab facing north in the median with the trailer across the inside southbound lane.

A short time later, a white 2011 Ford Edge, also driving southbound, was passing the stopped truck when Mr. Gonzalez Lemus stepped from behind the trailer and into the path of the Ford.

The driver of the Ford stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

A portion of US 17 South was closed for about three hours while units were on scene.

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