Home Blog Page 582

Man Arrested In Winter Haven For Allegedly Fraudulently Returning Items To Lowe’s

Staff Reporter
-
0
Man Arrested In Winter Haven For Allegedly Fraudulently Returning Items To Lowe’s

Winter Haven Police Department Press Release

Paul Houvardas (46 years-old) of Winter Haven found out that greed can get you caught pretty quick – especially when cameras are around.

On 5-19-18, Houvardas decided to go to Lowes (Citi Center) and select an item and present a fraudulent receipt for a refund. He received a refund of $44.70 in cash and off he went.

Fast forward to 5-21-18, he entered the same Lowes where he selected another item worth $86. Requesting a refund, he told the cashier he didn’t have a receipt. The cashier asked for an ID and, well, yes he provided his Florida DL. Since he didn’t have a correct receipt, he was provided a Lowes card. and off he went.

But wait – he’s back!  On 5-31-18, he once again entered Lowes empty handed and selected two ceiling fans and went to the cashier asking to return the fans. He told her that he originally purchased three fans, but decided he didn’t like the style, therefore he was returning two of the three. A loss prevention associate who watched Houvardas walk out of his way to a cashier at the opposite end of the store, thought his travel pattern to be a bit odd. So the LPO had the cashier stall and Houvardas figured this was taking way too long, so he left – leaving the fans behind.

After checking cameras and determining Houvardas had been in the store two times prior, the return information was collected and, thanks to his willingness to provide his DL, we had an address.  Ultimately, on 6-14-18, Houvardas was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Petit Theft.

No matter how much money is involved, fraudulent returns is stealing and against the law. Houvardas enjoyed that free ride to jail in the back of a beautiful Winter Haven Police Car.

Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

Staff Reporter
-
0
Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

UPDATE Fatal Crash This Morning on 60 East Near Mulberry

The Accident on SR 60 and Bonnie Mine Rd., Mulberry, (8:01am) was a 2011 Kenworth & Rock Hauler Trailer (eastbound Hwy 60) vs a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu (also eastbound). Truck was driven by 43-year-old Jose Ramos of Riverview. The Malibu was driven by 35-year-old James Everitt, and his passenger was 34-year-old Kelly Kersey.  Everitt was pronounced dead on scene. Kersey was transported by helicopter for her leg and internal injuries (critical/stable). Ramos suffered minor injury. Preliminary findings suggest Ramos’ truck struck the rear of the Malibu, causing it to turn sideways, and the truck struck it again on the driver’s side. No criminal charges are expected, but civil citations are possible. The roadway was completely reopened just before 2 p.m.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is working a fatal crash this morning (6/15). This crash occurred at about 8:00 a.m. at 4800 Hwy 60 East near Mulberry (west of Bonnie Mine Rd), between a rock-hauler truck and a car. There is one confirmed fatality, and Hwy 60 is closed on the eastbound and westbound side, while crews work the scene. The crash occurred on the eastbound side, and it is expected that the westbound lanes should open soon.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

 

Two People Killed In Train Vs Mini-Van Crash In Frostproof

Staff Reporter
-
0
Two People Killed In Train Vs Mini-Van Crash In Frostproof

***UPDATE FOR FATAL CRASH ON HWY 98 W NEAR FROSTPROOF***

Hwy 98 W at Western AVenue, Frostproof (3:05am) 2012 Dodge Caravan (eastbound on Hwy 98w) vs CSX Train (northbound).

The caravan was driven by 23-year-old Emily Moncrief of Avon Park. The passenger was 23-year-old Lyndsay Serey of Sebring. Both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The engineer of the train was 42-year-old Jason Stines of Lakeland. He was not injured. Preliminary findings suggest that the Caravan struck the crossing bar before hitting the 27th car of the CSX train. The impact caused the Caravan to roll, and the train to derail. Both girls were wearing seatbelts. Impairment may have been a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with autopsies and blood toxicology pending. The roadway was completely reopened at around 11:30 a.m.

***UPDATE FOR FATAL CRASH ON HWY 98 W NEAR FROSTPROOF***

Hwy 98 W has been reopened in both directions. It had been closed since the fatal crash occurred at 3:05 this morning, near Western Avenue, Frostproof, which resulted in two deaths.

***UPDATE ON FATAL CRASH IN FROSTPROOF***

The closure of Hwy 98 West at Western Avenue (near Hwy 27) has been extended. It is now expected to remain closed until Noon.

At this time, that is the only new information we have, and the investigation continues.

Original PCSO Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a vehicle-vs-train collision near Frostproof, which resulted in two deaths. The crash occurred at Hwy 98 W near Western Avenue (very close to Hwy 27) at about 3:05 a.m. Friday morning.

Department of Transportation is on scene, assisting with the re-routing of traffic.

Hwy 98 is expected to be closed for possibly four more hours (until 10 a.m.) as the investigation and clean-up continues.

Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez Honored For His Work On McDonalds Shooting Case

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez Honored For His Work On McDonalds Shooting Case

Lake Wales, Florida – Recently Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Hernandez was honored for his work on the Willie Watson case. Watson was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison.

On a peaceful Sunday morning in Lake Wales, on January 8, 2017, Willie Watson, III, brought terror to the local residents enjoying breakfast at McDonalds. Watson decided he would commit an armed robbery at McDonalds by running in, raising a gun over his head, and firing a shot into the ceiling.

He yelled commands to the employees to hand over money and prevented terrified customers from leaving. Watson then fled the scene.

“Thankfully, Detective David Hernandez was on this case and was determined to track down the person responsible for this crime,” said State Attorney Brian Haas.

Hernandez quickly took action to secure all evidence and take crime scene photos himself.

He recovered surveillance footage of Watson exiting a minivan outside the McDonald’s wearing a dark colored hoodie and a red bandana covering his face. He was also wearing black gloves and was holding a black firearm.

A gunshot residue test was conducted on Watson after he was arrested, and residue particles were found on his hands.

A single black glove was left at the scene, and the DNA on it was a match for Watson. A shell casing was also located at the scene.

When Hernandez searched the minivan Watson was seen exiting on the surveillance footage, he found a firearm. It was a match for the casing.

Assistant State Attorney Mikaela Perry credited Hernandez’s quick and thorough actions with solving this case.

At the jury trial, Watson was convicted of attempted armed robbery with a firearm, shooting into a building, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 20 years in Florida State Prison.

“We are blessed in the tenth circuit to have many wonderful officers and deputies. Each day and night they put on their uniforms to protect us, not knowing if they’ll ever return home,” State Attorney Haas said. “They investigate cases and do not give up until every lead is pursued and every angle is worked.”

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Staff Reporter
-
0
Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 765872 from the Florida Department of Transportation, 801 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. Application received May 22, 2018. Proposed activity: Reconstruction of the US 27 & SR 60 Interchange. Project Name: US 27 at SR 60 Interchange Project. Project size: 64.0 acres. Location: Sections 2 and 3 of Township 30 South, Range 27 East in Polk County. Outstanding Florida Water: No. Aquatic preserve: No. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at the Tampa Service Office, 7601 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 or through the “Application & Permit Search Tools” function on the District’s website at www.watermatters.org/permits/. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Bureau, 7601 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Bureau at (813) 985-7481 or 1(800)836-0797, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.

HC-130 “Hercules” Airplane Spotted in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
-
0
HC-130 “Hercules” Airplane Spotted in Lake Wales

HC-130 “Hercules” Airplane Spotted in Lake Wales 

By Allison Williams

(not actual photo)

Over the last couple of weeks there have been reports of a United States Coast Guard plane flying low over the Lake Wales region.

These reports have been confirmed by a U.S. Coast Guard officer that it was in fact a HC-130 “Hercules” Airplane flying over the Chalet Suzanne and Lake Starr area in Lake Wales.

Here is a confirmation message from Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse,

Coast Guard spokesperson:

“A crew aboard a Coast Guard HC-130 airplane was conducting a training evolution at Lake Wales Municipal Airport. The Coast Guard trains daily to ensure we are mission ready for a multitude of search and rescue situations.”

The Lake Wales Municipal Airport is located at 450 S Airport Road, Lake Wales, FL 33859.

This is a public-use airport.

To clarify how low the plane was actually flying, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse added:

“On the 11th, A HC-130 Hercules crew was returning from Patrick AFB and transitioned through Lake Wales area at 1000 to 1500’.  They were definitely not at 500’ or lower at any point (outside of the approach) as there are multiple towers in that area ranging from 400’ to 650’.”

 

Multi-Vehicle Accident Blocking Westbound Cypress Gardens Blvd

Staff Reporter
-
0
Multi-Vehicle Accident Blocking Westbound Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven, Florida – We have multiple reader reports of an accident blocking multiple lanes of Cypress Gardens Blvd. Appears the accident is blocking traffic in front of the Publix shopping plaza.

We are hearing it may involve up to 4 vehicles. Multiple ambulances.

Please drive carefully.

Accident Report sponspored by:  Chiroworks

Cooking On The Ridge: Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Staff Reporter
-
0
Cooking On The Ridge: Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Cooking On The Ridge: Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients:

Directions

  • Prep 15 m

  • Cook 31 m

  • Ready In 46 m

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook onion until soft and translucent while penne is cooking, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add cream and Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  4. Stir some pasta cooking water into the sauce and add cooked penne. Remove from heat and stir in cherry tomatoes, 1/2 the mozzarella cheese, and basil. Pour penne mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.

Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Staff Reporter
-
0
Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Southwest Florida Water Management District Environmental Resource Permit Application #765872

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 765872 from the Florida Department of Transportation, 801 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. Application received May 22, 2018. Proposed activity: Reconstruction of the US 27 & SR 60 Interchange. Project Name: US 27 at SR 60 Interchange Project. Project size: 64.0 acres. Location: Sections 2 and 3 of Township 30 South, Range 27 East in Polk County. Outstanding Florida Water: No. Aquatic preserve: No. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at the Tampa Service Office, 7601 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 or through the “Application & Permit Search Tools” function on the District’s website at www.watermatters.org/permits/. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Bureau, 7601 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Bureau at (813) 985-7481 or 1(800)836-0797, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.

Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying These Suspects

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lake Wales Police Need Help Identifying These Suspects

Update: The suspects have been identified and were arrested by LWPD officers at the Blue Lake Motel located at 3724 Scenic Hwy in Lake Wales. The suspects were identified as Adam Byrd and Christine Byrd. 

Original Release:

The Lake Wales Police Department is attempting to identify these theft suspects. On June 1, 2018 an unknown white male and white female entered Wal-Mart, located at 2000 SR60 E in Lake Wales. The suspects selected several items totaling $82.93, placed them in a shopping cart, and then exited through the Garden Center without paying for the items. The loss prevention officer made contact with the couple outside the store. The suspects pushed the cart towards him and fled to their vehicle. They exited the parking lot in a white Ford Explorer.

If you have information on the identity of the suspects please contact the Lake Wales Police Department Investigation Division at (863) 678-4223 or email [email protected]. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477 or www.P3tips.com.

1...581582583...841Page 582 of 841