Eagle Scout Troop 515 Planning Cleanup at Lake Howard in Winter Haven

by James Coulter

The Boy Scout motto is “to help other people at all times.” And what better way to help the people living on the Chain of Lakes than to help clean those lakes?

Eagle Scout Troop 515 will be hosting a cleanup at Lake Howard in Winter Haven on Dec. 2. The cleanup will serve as their troop’s scout project.

Through their project, which they have coordinated with city officials, they will collect litter and other debris along the lake shores and waters. They will also take notes to collect data to share with the City of Winter Haven.

“We service where we scout,” said Scout Master David S. Hayes. “That is the huge theme in our city.”

The Eagle Scout Troop in Winter Haven was established in 1977. They meet at Christ Cross Episcopal Church every Monday evening. Despite their dwindling numbers, they will be approaching their 100th scout.

“We are dwindling in troop numbers per unit, so there are fewerscouts in the community,” Hayes said. “We are still hanging in there. Scouting is a challenge, it is a journey, but we have great strong men here who are the future leaders of the country.”

Zack Zellers, 16, is a high school student at Lake Wales. He has been scouting since first grade. He is currently undergoing the process to become an Eagle Scout rank.

Zack remains excited for his troop’s upcoming project in December. He hopes to be able to service his local community and gain valuable life skills that he can use to better assist his community.

“I admire working with amazing leadership,” he said. “I have been on the scouting path for a long time, and I have life skills like etiquette to camping and survival skills. What I appreciate most is getting out there in the community feeling active and helpful.”

His father, Jason Zellers, has been involved with scouting for ten years. He appreciates how the local organization helps young boys like his son grow up into young men.

“It is exciting,” he said. “Many of the service projects these entire groups are involved with are very exciting. It is great to give back to the community. [I appreciate how it teaches them] leadership skills, responsibility, giving back to those less fortunate, whether it is a canned food drive or a community cleanup, [and] overall the responsibility to be a responsible young adult.”

For more information about the Eagle Scouts, visit their website at: https://www.scouting.org/

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified at about 3:46pm Thursday, Nov 23^rd of an ATV accident near Hibiscus Drive in the Indian Lake Estates community East of Lake Wales. The Polk County Fire Rescue also responded to the scene.

A 13yr old Winter Haven boy suffered facial injuries and a minor brain bleed from the crash. He was visiting this location with his family for Thanksgiving.

The boy was riding the ATV supervised by an adult, but was not wearing a helmet when he crashed. Family members told PCSO deputies that the boy is familiar with the ATV and rides it frequently.

The boy was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Tampa.

The crash remains under investigation, but appears accidental. The Florida Department of Children and Families was also notified.

On November 12th an officer with the Auburndale Police Department spotted a driver going down Berkley Rd. at what appeared to be an excessive rate of speed. After checking his radar and seeing the suspect’s speed he initiated a stop. The suspect allegedly admitted to not having a driver’s license and I s on probation.

The following is a long exerpt from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited, but redacted report of facts by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions. Certain names of witnesses or victims may be redacted) :

“On November 12, 2023, I observed a black Toyota Prius bearing Florida tag (Z18HRV) traveling southbound near the intersection of Berkley Road and Lake Myrtle Park Road at a higher rate of speed than the posted (45 MPH) speed limit. I activated my agency issued Stalker Lidar Radar (serial number LH002071) and confirmedthe vehicle was traveling 97 MPH. Atraffic stop was conducted ont h evehicle and made Icontact with the driver/defendant identified as Gary Wieser via his Florida identification card. The defendant spontaneously admitted he did not have adriverlicense and was currentlyon probation.

An FCIC/NCIC query was conducted on the defendant using Polk County Sheriff’sOffice CIC. CIC Operator Collins (ID 6143)confirmed the defendant did not have a valid driverlicensed u e to it being suspendedo n February 04,2022, for financial responsibilities. CIC also advised the defendantwas on active probation for display of a gun/weapon which started on August 25, 2023, and was scheduled to end on August 23, 2024. The defendant’s probation officer is Alexandria Anderson out oftheWinter Haven Probation and Parole office.

The defendant was issued a criminal citation (AHDJQJE) forknowingly driving while license suspended/revoked and a civil citation (AHDJQKE) for speeding 97/45 MPH posted zone. The defendant was arrested and charged with knowingly driving while license suspended/revoked. Due to the new charge, the defendant is also being charged with violation of probation.”

Deck the Halls for a Good Cause! Grove Roots Celebrated Festival of Trees.

by James Coulter

Santa Claus, sugar plum fairies, and Ronald McDonald–all these figures and more were some familiar faces seen within the several dozen trees showcased at Grove Roots in Winter Haven during the annual Festival of Trees last weekend.

Several dozen trees were decorated within the back room of the local brewery and displayed on Saturday and Sunday during the annual event. All of the trees were decorated by professional designers and sponsored by local businesses, with the trees being delivered after the event to the businesses that sponsored them.

Aside from being able to see these trees decorated in all their glory, visitors during the event were also able to visit and take pictures with Santa Claus, have their faces painted, decorate their own Christmas cookies, and peruse many local vendors.

The Festival of Trees was hosted by the Ridge Art Association in conjunction with various other local organizations including the Gardenia Club, Cypress Gardens Montessori, Lake Wales Art Council, and the Ridge Artisan Shoppe. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ridge Art Association and the other participating organizations. 

“It has been great,” she said. “We had a lot of little children come through to see the trees and visit Santa, get their faces painted, and decorate cookies. We owe our success to all of the families that have come out, all the designers who volunteered their time, all the sponsors who have sponsored the trees, and all the organizations that have become involved.”

For more information about the Ridge Art Association, visit their website at: https://www.ridgeart.org/

More Than 230 Vendors at the 9th Annual Haven Holiday Market

by James Coulter

For the past nine years, the Haven Holiday Market has allowed many local businesses and entrepreneurs to sell their wares to thousands of eager attendees looking for holiday gifts.

Marci, the vendor for Sweet Bottom Aromatherapy, has been attending the annual holiday market ever since it started. Every year, she sells her aromatherapy scents with new aromas at every new event. She loves her customers, and she loves the event’s efficient organization and marketing.

“It was a very successful event,” she said of this year’s market. “We love it when customers come to see our new products, and they always leave with a big smile. I hope [it] becomes bigger and clientele grows. The event is always successful and well put together. We love it.”

From homemade wreaths and ornaments to consignment clothing and even fresh produce, anything and everything was sold at the 9th Annual Haven Holiday Market. More than 230 vendors were set up at Central Park, and hundreds, if not thousands, of attendees flocked to Downtown Winter Haven.

Local author J.C. Alexandre attended to sell copies of his young adult fantasy novel, “The Light Prince: Grail”, along with several complimentary novellas, including the second volume of his prequel series, “The Light Prince: Prelude to Destiny.”

“Usually, at local markets like these, I’m lucky if I sell even one book; but with so many visitors at this event, I managed to sell nearly a dozen and even give away a few free copies to paying customers,” he said. “I even left one of my books at the free library box near the fountain in the park.”

Sergio Cruz, the event coordinator, has been hosting the Haven Holiday Market for nearly a decade. He hosts at least two downtown markets every month, though this annual holiday event draws in even larger crowds and vendors, he said.

He and his sons work hard every year to put it on. They woke up early that morning and started preparing around 4 AM. While the event started officially at 10 AM, visitors were starting to arrive as early as 9 AM and even 8 AM.

“The market was as expected: it was greater and bigger,” he said. “I owe the success to my people, the vendors. They are like a great family. They follow instructions. They cooperate. And they are willing to have fun. I love what I do and I love working with the people I do business with.”

For more information about future markets, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/WinterHavenSaturdayMarkets

Saturday, November 18, 2023

by James Coulter

More than 350 local families will be able to serve turkey with all of the traditional fixings for Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the generous donation by Brooks Law Group.

On Saturday morning, Brooks Law Group in Winter Haven donated turkey dinners to local families during its 11th annual turkey giveaway.

Several hundred people lined up outside the Brooks Law Group office, with the line even extending around the corner, eagerly waiting to receive a free turkey and other groceries.

Aside from frozen poultry, attendees also received bags filled with other Thanksgiving dinner items including stuffing, cranberry sauce, and produce. Even free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were offered to people after waiting in line and receiving their donations.

“I think this is our largest turnout,” said Steve Brooks, attorney and owner of Brooks Law Group. “It just reminds me how there are so many good people in the world. When I walk through the line talking with all the people, everybody is in the holiday spirit. It is just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”

More than 11 years ago, Brooks and his team wanted to do something to give back to their local community. They brainstormed ideas and eventually decided on donating turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners for their community’s less fortunate.

The giveaway event takes much planning and preparation. Brooks and his team hosted six meetings over three months in preparation for the event.

They also coordinate with other local organizations. Ed Perkland of Harvest Meat Market donated the turkeys, and Bobby Williams of Freedom Tour Church donated the produce and baked goods and transported all of the food to the law office. Volunteers were provided by Platinum Team and KW Smart Realty, and a grant was conferred by Outback Oasis.

“This has exceeded expectations,” Brooks said. “The number of volunteers is the most we ever had. We have at least 40 with even more showing up. And the people showing up for a Thanksgiving meal is the largest we ever had.”

This is an update to the death investigation yesterday on RR tracks: On Friday, November 17th, 2023, around 6:00 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office along with Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a call for service where a man laid down in front of a train in the area Neptune Rd and Hillcrest Rd in Auburndale. Upon arrival the man was declared deceased.

According to the investigation so far, detectives learned that 40-year-old James Lewis, currently homeless, was lounging on the tracks while the train approached. The crew aboard the train explained as they approached they thought there was debris on the track, but as they got closer they noticed it was in fact a man sitting on the rail with one leg in the air. The crew began utilizing the air horn and attempting to stop the train. As they approached Lewis they continued utilizing their air horn, but Lewis did not move off the track and appeared to move his leg in an attempt to lay under the train. The crew then lost sight of him.

Apparent K2 was located in Lewis’ pocket along with his Florida ID card and social security card.

His family reported that he had a long history of drug use.  

The CSX locomotive was pulling approximately one hundred and twenty nine (129) cars and blocked two intersections, Recker Hwy/Hillcrest Rd and Hillcrest Rd/Neptune Rd.

Thor, Barbie, and Mrs. Claus Appear at Inagural Denim & Diamond Masquerade Party

by James Coulter

From beekeepers and pirate wenches to Thor, Barbie, Snow White, and even Mrs. Claus herself, everyone and everybody made their grand appearance at the inaugural Denim & Diamond Masquerade Party hosted by the Winter Haven Public Education Partnership (PEP).

On Thursday evening, several dozen Winter Haven city and chamber officials dressed up as their favorite characters and graced Nora Mayo Hall with their appearance for a chance to raise funds for local public education.

Anita Strang, Executive Director for Main Street Winter Haven, appeared as Mrs. Claus. After all, as she said herself: “Who doesn’t love the most influential woman in the North Pole?”

Strang appreciates the after-school programs Winter Haven PEP hosts for local children. As such, she wanted to contribute however she could to assist with Winter Haven PEP’s inaugural fundraiser.

“I am wishing PEP the best with this new event, and I hope it is very successful,” she said.

Ana Saavedra, Membership & Sponsorship Development Manager at Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, dressed up as Barbie. She loved The Barbie Movie so much that she decided to dress up as its titular character, rollerblades and all.

“I was obsessed with The Barbie Movie this year,” she said. “It inspired me. Girl power!”

Despite the rainy weather earlier that evening, which proved so stormy that the event was momentarily delayed, the Denim & Diamond Masquerade Party drew in several hundred guests for its inaugural event Thursday evening, said Marcus Wright, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Winter Haven PEP.

The fundraiser served as a replacement for the annual Lip Sync Contest, which was discontinued last year. Even despite the rain earlier that evening, the inaugural event proved fairly successfulwith a great turnout and attendees enjoying the food and festivities.

“Overall, we have a great turnaround,” he said. “We have some great people here. We have company leaders, regular ordinary folks, and that is what this is all about, mixing people together and having ourselves a good time.”

Winter Haven PEP is a local non-profit organization that supports local schools, teachers, and students. According to its website, “PEP seeks to facilitate the innovation and connections necessary to make Winter Haven’s public school system one that effectively serves all students and is viewed as a benchmark for public school systems.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward the organization’s many programs and services, including its tutoring program, education and enrichment teams, and early childhood literacy team.

“I think this is going to exceed our goal,” Wright said. “We are going to make sure that we have enough money for the art programs, continue to go on and on. We are always looking for partners and sponsors who are looking to partner with us to make sure our goals are ensured for our students and teachers of Winter Haven.”

For more information about Winter Haven PEP, visit their website at: https://whpep.org/

More Than 284 Acres Approved by Winter Haven City Commission for Community Development District Containing 667 Lots

by James Coulter

More than 667 new homes, located within 284 acres of land, will be coming to Winter Haven now that City Commissioners have approved the establishment of a new community development district.

At their regular meeting last Monday, the Winter Haven City Commission voted unanimously to approve the establishment of the Willowbrook Community Development District (CDD).

The proposed district consists of approximately 284.905 acres of land located south of Lucerne Park Road, west of Lake Fannie, and north of Martin Luther King Boulevard, NE. The district is expected to contain 667 lots within its boundaries.

The CDD request received preliminary approval during its first reading at the city commission meeting on Oct. 9. 2023. Since then, a revised petition was submitted, which corrected the acreage of land as being 284.905 acres (not 132.944 acres, as stated in the original petition) and increased the number of lots from 666 to 667.

The CDD will initially consist of a five-member Board of Supervisors who, according to the city memo, will have, “the authority to oversee the installation of infrastructure improvements, secure financing, and to levy non ad valorem special assessments on future property owners within its boundaries.”

The city memo further elucidates: “As residents begin to move into the development, future CDD Boards will be elected by the residents of the CDD.”

This new proposed residential development has been announced as the county’s population is expected to increase exponentially within the coming years. Polk County is the fastest-growing county in Florida and the seventh fastest in the country, according to a study conducted by the GiveWell Community Foundation in conjunction with United Way Central Florida.

As of the approval of this newest CDD, the City of Winter Haven currently has seven similar CDDs operating within its city limits, including Lake Ashton, Lakeside Landings, Harmony at Lake Eloise, Villamar, Lucerne Park, Pollard Road, and Peace Creek Reserve.

In response to your inquiries, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation on railroad tracks at Neptune Road just south of Hillcrest Road near Recker Hwy in Winter Haven, since around 6:00 pm this evening.

Traffic is backed up on Recker Hwy. The decedent is an adult homeless male. The train is a CSX train.