County Breaks Ground On $17.5 Million Project At Bartow High School

Bartow

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May 22, 2018

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County Breaks Ground On $17.5 Million Project At Bartow High School

Polk County School Board Press Release

Polk County Public Schools officials on Tuesday broke ground for a major renovation to Bartow High School.

The school district will be adding a new, two-story building and Construction Academy, as well as renovating and adding more space to the Culinary Arts building. In total, the new buildings and addition will encompass more than 64,000 square feet.

As part of the $17.5 million project, six buildings at the school will be completely demolished, and a seventh will be partially demolished. All of these structures set are older than 55 years and no longer meet the needs of students.

“This is something that is long overdue and I’m happy to be part of it,” said Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd during the groundbreaking ceremony at BHS.

“With all the rain, there is always a refresh. Today we begin the refresh of Bartow High School. This is something we’ve waited a long time for, and this is something the Bartow community deserves.”

Construction begins this week and is expected to last through fall 2019.

The renovation is being made possible by the half-cent sales tax referendum approved in 2003 that pays for the school district’s critical building and capacity needs.

“Your tax dollars have been well spent over these past 15 years. Your dollars have been well spent in our classrooms to improve the quality of education,” said Ashley Troutman, chairman of the school district’s half-cent sales tax oversight committee, during the groundbreaking. “I want to encourage Polk County to continue to support the sales tax so we can continue to spend those dollars wisely within our community.”

School Board member Hazel Sellers, who represents the district that includes BHS, added:

“This has been a long, long time coming,” she said. “The buildings that we’re going to build will be built so that they can best suit our students. This project is the perfect example of putting students first.”

School Board member Billy Townsend was also in attendance and said:

“What this represents is a community investing in itself. This did not happen by accident. This happened because a community decided that we have a future that’s worth sacrificing for, spending for and investing in, and I’m proud to be here today to be part of that.”

Bartow Mayor Leo Longworth said:

“It’s very important for schools and cities to work together to achieve success for the community. That’s what we have been doing in Bartow,” he said. “Great schools facilitate economic development —businesses, people, housing. That’s what we’re striving for in Bartow. This renovation will be a game changer.”

During the construction process, students will attend classes in portable classrooms, moving into the newly constructed and renovated buildings as they are completed.

Anytime Fitness in Winter Haven Hosts its Monthly Open House

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2018

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Anytime Fitness in Winter Haven Hosts its Monthly Open House

By Allison Williams

For those who love a good workout challenge, a team environment or personalized workouts, Anytime Fitness in Winter Haven is the place to be. The facility hosts a monthly open house that takes place every third Tuesday of the month.

Brian Dyke, Regional Team Leader, helps run the event every month.

Anytime Fitness staff members host the open houses for two reasons: “The first reason is to have some fun in the club with our members,” Dyke said. “It is also to afford people the opportunity to try the club out at no expense and come with someone they know.”

Follow the Open House Facebook page for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/events/377977669382970/

As a bonus, for the month of May, guests are invited to stop by every Tuesday for a free workout.

Staff invited members and guests to participate in the “challenge workout” throughout the day at this month’s open house.

“It’s just a fun way to engage with the members,” Dyke said. “We do a different challenge every open house.”

Tuesday’s workout was extra “challenging” as members were invited to do the “super challenge workout” in addition to their group-training workout. Tuesday’s workout consisted of two rounds. Members completed timed exercises, including jump lunges, Spiderman pushups, suspension 90-degree pull-ups and overhead medicine ball slams.

Anytime Fitness in Winter Haven offers group training Monday through Thursdays in the evening and Friday and Saturday mornings.

Heidi Hayes, Anytime Fitness owner explained how the group training sessions work. There are burn, build and bay session options.

Base sessions: beginner level

Burn sessions: intermediate level

Build sessions: advanced level

There is a group training session for all levels of fitness. “Sometimes getting into a group like this, people see that it is high intensity and they think ‘well that’s not for me’, but we will actually go through an assessment and designate what type of session they belong in,” Hayes said.

This process allows members to be placed in the appropriate group setting so that they feel more comfortable with their specific workout and surroundings.

Anytime Fitness staff members are constantly striving to show the members of the community that they care about their fitness and wellbeing.

“Days like this are the exact reason why people should come here,” Dyke said. “At the end of the day, we are just trying to show people that we care and we want to be a supportive community. We want to be involved and make sure people have a great experience here.”

Those interested in hearing more about what Anytime Fitness has to offer are encouraged to attend next month’s open house for a free workout on June 19. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, try the equipment out and meet the staff.

Staff members will be happy to explain how memberships work, offer a tour of the facility and answer any questions.

Anytime Fitness is located at 710 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Phone: (863) 280-6954

Website: Click here

Skate Park Proposed For Downtown Winter Haven

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2018

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Skate Park Proposed For Downtown Winter Haven

by James Coulter

Jessie Skubna and Robbie Loftus, co-owners of Jessie’s Lounge in Winter Haven, both have children who love to skate.

However, a lack of a local skate park often means the two have to travel out of town, sometimes across the state, to allow their children an opportunity to skate.

Loftus has three sons who often skate five times a week. Sometimes they visit the skate park in Lakeland, though they have also traveled to Orlando and Tampa.

Even though they have a lot of fun traveling, the two have always wanted a local place for their children to skate, and as such, have been advocates for a local skate park.

Their dream seems to quickly becoming a reality, as the City of Winter Haven recently revealed conceptual art for a proposed skate park in downtown Winter Haven.

“We are excited that the city is moving forward with this and they are enthusiastic about it,” Scubna said. “We are excited.”

Three preliminary conceptual designs for a local skate park were presented during an open house at the Winter Haven Senior Adult Center on Thursday evening.

The proposed skate park would be built within a 20 to 25,000 square foot area along Lake Silver, near the outdoor lakeside amphitheater where the Cypress Gardens Ski Team currently hosts their free monthly ski show.

“We were just thinking of possible areas to put a skate park, and thought this will be a good one [location] as a tie-in with the trail,” said Travis W. Edwards, Winter Haven Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Director.

The estimated cost for the park’s construction ranges between $300,000 to one million dollars, with some funding already having been allocated, he explained.

The City of Winter Haven has since issued a request for qualifications that will close on June 20. After which, a professional service selection committee will rank the top three construction firms for the project and make a recommendation to the City Manager, who will then make a recommendation to the City Commission, before entering into contract negotiation, Edwards said.

Once approved, the skate park’s construction is expected to take 18 months to complete, with an estimated opening date of December 2019, he said.

The skate park has been a community-driven proposal, with many local residents having previously called for the construction of such a park.

“Getting community input is critical,” Edwards said. “This is something that has to be driven by …those who will utilize the facility.”

Most local residents who skate have been forced to travel more than half an hour to the closest skate park, which is the Lakeland Skate Park at Fletcher Park.

More than a dozen local residents arrived at the open house for the event to show their support, review the designs, and provide feedback on the proposals.

TJ Murphy, 21, was born and raised in the city. Having always skated since he was young, always wanted his city to have a skate park.

Looking over the three designs, he prefers one design with a more “cohesive design” that provides a “continuous flow” rather than another design with has greenery within the center of the park, as it would disrupt a skating experience.

“When it comes to a skate park, you want to stay on your board,” he said. “The less you get off your board, the better.”

Now that he lives in Jacksonville, he’s slightly jealous that the city is only now starting to construct a park, yet he’s happy that younger children will finally have a local place to skate.

“I think it will be beneficial for the kids because a lot of kids do not have an outlet,” he said. “The location is good and the size is promising and people will travel to winter haven. Things are not that far away, it will be good for local business.”

For more information and updates about the proposed skate park, visit the city’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winterhavenparks/

Apartment Fire in Winter Haven Displaces 4 Families

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 22, 2018

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WHPD Press Release

Apartment Fire in Winter Haven Displaces 4 Families

Today at approximately 5:05 p.m., the Winter Haven Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at Briarcrest Apartments, located at 200 Ave. K SE in Winter Haven. There were no injuries, except one dog was rescued from a balcony and taken to a local veterinarian to be evaluated. The dog is expected to make a full recovery.

With assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue, approximately 35 personnel responded to the apartment complex to find apartment #202, a second-story apartment, engulfed in flames. Heavy black smoke could be seen coming out of the roof with flames showing through back windows. Members from the Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted with road closures alone Ave. K. The roadway was closed down for approximately 45 minutes.

When fire personnel arrived, the family reported that there was a dog that was trapped on the second-story balcony. When fire personnel reached the balcony, the dog’s head was stuck in the railing of the balcony from an obvious attempt to flee the fire. The pup was freed and immediately given oxygen until a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy transported him to the veterinarian office. As stated before, the dog is expected to make a full recovery.

The fire was contained to one apartment, however due to the common roof, TECO had to cut all power and ultimately four families have been displaced. The Red Cross was notified to assist the families if needed.

The fire is still under investigation, but preliminary indicators show a possible cause was due to oil left unattended heating on the stove.

“Due to the great cooperation of all agencies involved, this fire was contained and quickly taken care of resulting in no injuries,” said Winter Haven Fire Administrator and Police Chief Charlie Bird.

In Loving Memory of James Vest, 27, of Babson Park

Babson Park

Staff Reporter

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May 21, 2018

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In Loving Memory of James Vest, 27, of Babson Park

James Vest, 27, of Babson Park, passed away unexpectedly on May 13th 2018.

James was born in Cobleskill, New York to Andrew Vest and Lisa Durkin on June 29th 1990, and was the youngest of four children.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know James knew underneath his tough exterior lay a kind, loving man like no other. He loved his two beautiful daughters, niece and nephews, family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

James is preceded in death by brother Andrew Vest and mother Lisa Durkin.

James is survived by daughter Sophia Vest, daughter Olivia Vest, sister Jazmin Balleza, father Andrew Vest, stepmother Rhonda Vest, nephew Evan Balleza, nephew Mason Balleza, and neice Analisa Balleza.

A Celebration Of Life will be held on Sunday May 27th at the Babson Park Women’s Club 1300 N Scenic Highway, Babson Park, FL 33827, from 4-6pm.

Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grant from Walmart Foundation

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 21, 2018

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Victory Ridge Academy Receives Grant from Walmart Foundation

Lake Wales, Florida – On May 9, 2018, Victory Ridge Academy was awarded funding from the Walmart Foundation. Funding received from Walmart will go towards Victory Ridge Academy’s Summer Camp Program.

The purpose of Victory Ridge’s Summer Camp is to provide students with educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities throughout the month of June. Over the summer students lose important information obtained over the course of the school year. This information is difficult for all students to regain once the new school year has begun, but is especially difficult for our students with special needs. Through Victory Ridge Academy’s proposed Summer Camp program, daily rigorous educational and therapeutic activities will further enhance these children’s preparedness to resume their studies for the 2018-2019 school year.

Both staff and students Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the Walmart Foundation for their generous donation and continued support over the years.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c)(3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Haines City Police Trying To Identify Fraud Suspects

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 20, 2018

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Haines City Police Trying To Identify Fraud Suspects

Haines City Police Department Press Release

On 05/19/2018, the Haines City Police Department was notified of a vehicle burglary that occurred in the parking lot of the aquatic center at Lake Eva Park. The victim locked her vehicle at approximately 9:30am and entered the facility. The victim’s vehicle was entered by breaking out a window and the victim’s purse was taken at that time. The victim received an alert at 1013 hours notifying her that a possible unauthorized transaction occurred at Publix located at 617 Highway 17-92, Haines City. It was later learned that three separate transactions occurred at Publix with a total amount of $1,387.64 for different types of gift cards. The suspect(s) then traveled to the Winter Haven area and used the victim’s cards at Walgreens and Staples.

A similar vehicle burglary occurred in the Winter Haven area with the same suspects. In that case, the suspect(s) came back to the Walgreen’s located at 38500 Highway 27 North in Haines City and used this victim’s debit card there.

The suspects are described as black females, both approximately 25-35 yoa, one is wearing a white shirt with the possible emblem of NASA on it, wearing a gray hoodie with pink angel wings with “HERO” written on the back and light gray sweat pants. The second suspect has long black hair and is wearing a light gray shirt, light gray pants and they may be traveling in a silver or white SUV.

Attached are photos of the suspect(s) from the video at the Publix and Walgreens in Haines City. The Haines City Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying the suspects in this case.

The Haines City Police Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this event please contact Detective Bryan Donovan at 863-421-3636 ext. 2238, or the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636 ext. 2273 or crime stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Tragic Shooting In Texas Changes Practices At Polk County Schools For Remainder of Year

Staff Reporter

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May 18, 2018

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Tragic Shooting In Texas Changes Practices At Polk County Schools For Remainder of Year

Polk County School Board Press Release

Additional safety measures are being taken following a school shooting today in Santa Fe, Texas.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments have agreed to station an armed law enforcement officer at each Polk County public school campus beginning Monday, May 21, and continuing for the remainder of the school year. In addition, school-based employees will continue to closely inspect and monitor campuses to ensure student safety.

“These officers will patrol our campuses to ensure the continued safety of our students,” said Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their commitment to keeping our students and schools safe.”

“I am devastated and heartbroken by today’s tragic news,” Byrd said. “Events such as these are reminders that we must always be vigilant in protecting our children. We can never let our guard down. The safety of our children is too precious.”

Also beginning Monday, no backpacks will be allowed for the remainder of the school year. Students may carry bags no larger than a small purse. Lunchboxes will still be permitted.

Polk County Public Schools continues to move forward with a School Safety Guardian program that will allow the school district to fulfill a new state mandate that an armed law enforcement officer or guardian be placed in each school.

Developed in collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Safety Guardians will be armed, uniformed district employees. Each candidate must undergo a background check, drug test, psychological exam and 144 hours of specialized training.

Beginning in the fall, elementary schools will have a School Safety Guardian. Middle and high schools will continue to have a school resource officer from a local law enforcement agency.

“With this terrible tragedy happening in Santa Fe, Texas, our local school leadership and our local law enforcement leadership will ensure an armed police presence at all of our schools through the end of the school year,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “The interviews, screening, and selection of our armed guardians are well underway. We will be prepared to have armed guardians at schools in the fall. Until then, the Chiefs and I have committed to making sure there will be an armed law enforcement presence at all our local public schools.”

Driver Killed In Crash On US 98 & Rock Ridge Road

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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May 17, 2018

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UPDATE to traffic crash earlier this evening on US 98 North @ Rockridge Road in Lakeland.

The drivers involved were:

59-year-old Charles Kimbrough, Jr. of Creekwood Run in Lakeland, driving the Nissan, who was deceased on-scene. He had just exited the Circle K store at that intersection and was heading east on Rockridge, going home, which was a short distance away. He had a green light.

41-year-old Charles Ervin of Valdosta, GA, driving the semi, heading northbound on US 98. He failed to stop at the red light.

The roadway in that area was shut down for approximately 4 hours. The investigation is ongoing.

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Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a two-vehicle crash at US 98 North and Rockridge Road in Lakeland that occurred around 2:45 pm today. Preliminary info is as follows:

A semi-truck belonging to Saddle Creek Corp was heading northbound on US 98 when it struck a silver Nissan Altima that was heading eastbound on Rockridge Road that had just entered the intersection. The Nissan had a green light and the right-of-way. The adult male driver of the Nissan was declared deceased on-scene.

The semi proceeded into the nearby gas station parking lot after impact and flipped onto its side. That driver is not injured. A photo from the scene is attached and available in the link below.

Traffic in both directions of 98 in that area is heavily impacted and deputies are re-routing traffic. Please advise motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Lakeland Man Charged With Lewd Battery & Kidnapping Of A Child Under 13

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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May 16, 2018

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Lakeland Man Charged With Lewd Battery & Kidnapping Of A Child Under 13

Lakeland, Florida – A Lakeland man is facing Lewd Battery & Kidnapping of a child under 13 years old. The incident occurred on May 9, 2018. The suspect Juan Rivera Cabezudo, DOB: 07-11-1981, was arrested May 11, 2018. The suspect allegedly picked up a teenage girl under 13 years old and plied her with drugs and alcohol into have sex. Below is excerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.

“On 05-09-2018 at approximately 1900-2000 hours, the suspect (Juan Rivera) observed the victim walking in the area of South Combee Road in Lakeland. Juan made contact with the victim while he was driving his girlfriend’s silver/grey in color Honda SUV. During a forensic interview with the victim, the victim stated that Juan told her to get into his vehicle, and after she got in he started driving. The victim said Juan drove to a 7-11 convenience store where he purchased beer and gas. The victim stated that Juan made her drink beer while riding in the vehicle. The victim said Juan then drove to an unknown subject’s house where he obtained illegal narcotics (Xanax pills and cocaine). Juan then drive to a Steak and Shake drive through and purchased ice-cream for the victim. According to the victim, Juan made her take a Xanax after leaving the Steak and Shake. The victim said she and Juan arrived at an unknown, abandoned residence where Juan hid her. After leaving the residence, the victim stated Juan drove to and orange grove somewhere in the Davenport area. Once at the orange grove, the victim said Juan asked her if she wanted to have sex and she told him “no”. The victim said Juan then told her to lay down on one of the middle seats inside his vehicle and her then pulled down her pants. The victim said Juan then “raped” her, which she clarified and said “rape”. The victim also stated that Juan made her perform oral sex on him. The victim said Juan told her to get out of the vehicle once they were in a neighborhood in Davenport, and the victim complied. The victim said Juan told her to wait for him, but the victim went to a residence and knocked on the door where she made contact with the resident and disclosed she had been “kidnapped” and “raped”.

During a post-Miranda interview with Juan, he stated that he did pick up the victim in the South Combee Road area on 05-09-2018. Juan said the victim told him she was eighteen years old, and that she had “weed” if he would give her a ride. Juan said he took the victim to 7-11 where he purchased her an alcoholic beverage, and he then went to a “friend’s” house where he picked up two Xanax pills. Juan said he gave the victim half of one of the Xanax pills, and he later offered the victim cocaine. Juan confirmed that he took the victim to Steak and Shake, the unknown orange grove, and the neighborhood in Davenport. Juan denied engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim, but he did admit that the victim “sucked his XXXX”. Juan said the victim did not “suck his XXXX” very long because he was using cocaine and he cannot get an erection while using cocaine.

It has been determined that Juan Rivera (H/M, 07-11-1981) violated the following Florida state statutes:

787.01(3A3), kidnapping of child under age 13, due to the fact that he secretly confined the year old victim in his vehicle without the consent of her guardian and while confining her he committed the offense of lewd battery against the child.

800.04(4A), lewd battery, due to the fact he engaged in sexual activity (he penetrated the victim’s mouth with his
penis) with the victim when the victim was under age 13, and he was thirty-six years old.

827.04(1A), contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child, due to the fact he committed an act
(provided the year old victim with Xanax and alcoholic beverages) which causes, tends to cause, encourages, or contributes to a child becoming delinquent.”

The suspect Juan Rivera Cabezudo is no stranger to the law. He currently was serving a 24 months of probation due to Grand Theft over $300 and False Information Provided To A Pawn Broker. He violated probation and is currently incarcerated.

Editors Note: It is unknown at this time if the victim knew the suspect or exactly why she entered his vehicle.

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