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Welcome, World Travelers! Thor: Love And Thunder Brings The Thunder

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Thor: Love And Thunder Brings The Thunder

Welcome, World Travelers! Thor: Love And Thunder Brings The Thunder

by James Coulter

Come! Gather round. Let me tell you the tale of the space Viking Thor and his movie franchise. The Thor movies have been quite the mixed bag in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first movie did well enough but was otherwise average like every other Phase One Marvel film—with the notable exception of The Avengers. The next movie, Thor: The Dark World tried a darker tone, only to flop hard as the worst Marvel movie next to Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk.

But then came a new director named Taika Waititi with a bold creative vision. He steered the Thor franchise away from the dark grittiness of The Dark World and toward a more light-hearted tone with the third movie, Thor: Ragnarok. And it was glorious! A fun romp with high-octane action, stunning colorful visuals, plenty of tongue-in-cheek comedy, and an epic 80s-inspired soundtrack.

Taika once again returned to bring his unique interpretation of Thor to the big screen with the latest installment, Thor: Love and Thunder. Despite receiving the usual backlash from toxic fans who prefer their comic book movies to be “dark” and “edgy”, the film earned $143 million on its opening weekend, becoming the third biggest box office opening of the year and the fifth-best opening for Marvel. But will its box office success make this film a legend, or will it fade away with other long-forgotten myths?

Thor: Love And Thunder takes place shortly after Avengers: Endgame. The titular character is busy exploring the galaxy to rediscover himself. All that changes when he learns of Gorr the God Butcher, who is currently living up to his namesake by massacring gods. After Gorr kidnaps several children from New Asgard, Thor has to team up with old friends to hunt down and stop him. One such friend is his old flame, Jane Foster, who now inexplicably wields his old weapon, the legendary hammer Mjollnir. Why is Jane now wielding the hammer? Will she rekindle her relationship with Thor? And will they stop the God Butcher from butchering more gods?

How much you love Love and Thunder will depend on how much you feel about Taika’s bold redirection of the Thor franchise with Ragnarok. If you didn’t care for that film and felt it was too “jokey”, then you probably won’t care for this movie either. In fact, you’ve probably forgone watching it altogether, having convinced yourself The Dark World was good actually, and consigning yourself to binge-watching videos by YouTube neckbeards complaining how Natalie Portman is “effeminizing” Marvel with a “woke agenda” by turning it into the “M-She-U.”

However, if you’re like me and you hold the (correct) opinion that Taika helming the Thor films was the best thing to happen to the franchise, then you will love this movie. Everything you loved about Ragnarok is present in Love and Thunder with exhilarating action sequences, jovial comedy, and, of course, plenty of 1980s throwbacks with stunning colorful visuals and Guns n Roses needle drops. If your blood isn’t rushing when you hear the opening chords to “Sweet Child O’Mine” or “Welcome To The Jungle”, you’re just not living.

Chris Hemsworth, as always, does an excellent job of presenting Thor as a three-dimensional character, someone who can effortlessly and flawlessly transition from delivering a dramatic Wagnerian spiel during a high-stake action scene to making clever tongue-in-cheek quips and comedic banter with his co-stars.

Meanwhile, Christian Bale provides a decent foil as the movie’s antagonist, Gorr the God Butcher. Having played Batman in The Dark Knight films, he has a real talent for delivering a dark, brooding performance. And while most of the movie is lighthearted fun, Gorr flawlessly shifts the overall tone to a darker, more sinister atmosphere most befitting of his character. Whenever he’s on-screen, you know the fun and games are over and things have gotten serious.

The most pleasant surprise is Natalie Portman reprising her role as Jane Foster. While the previous Thor movies relegated her as a mere love interest, this movie places her front and center in a more proactive role, this time wielding the legendary hammer. Her character arc is especially poignant with the movie’s overall theme of loss. While Thor continues to cope after the losses he suffered in previous films, and Gorr is motivated by the tragic loss of his daughter, Jane wields the hammer due to circumstances surrounding her own life, and—no spoiler—it helps her come to terms with, leading to a very fitting conclusion to her arc.

Personally, I always loved the Thor films for their unique blend of futuristic sci-fi with ancient mythos, resulting in grand “Chariot of the Gods” cosmos-spanning storylines set within truly fantastical settings, from Asgard to Sakaar to Omnipotence City in this film. What’s not to like about a floating city based on Greco-Roman architecture with hanging gardens, golden friezes, grand monumental statues, and waterfalls that empty into the void of space? It truly stimulates the fantasy-loving portion of my brain! (Not to mention having my favorite Avenger team up with the characters of my favorite Marvel franchise, the Guardians of the Galaxy, at the very start? It was like my birthday and Christmas present wrapped up into one!)

Overall, if you love the Thor movies, the Love and Thunder will give you everything you love about them and much more. The only people who won’t love it are the toxic fans who hate how Taika “ruined” their beloved franchise. In which case, they’re free to remain in their basements complaining about the “M-She-U” on Twitter. Everyone else is sure to have a blast.

Polk 15 Yr Old Teen Facing Multiple Felony Charged After HCPD Officer Struck By PCSO Pickup While Responding To Call

Carl Fish
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Polk 15 Yr Old Teen Facing Multiple Felony Charged After HCPD Officer Struck By PCSO Pickup While Responding To Call

Haines City , Florida – A Polk County 15 Yr Old is facing multiple felony charges after an incident which left one Haines City Police Officer traumatically injured. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office the teen, X’zavier Jordan, is being charged with Aggravated Battery, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Without Violence, Resisting With Violence, Culpable Negligence (in regard to injuries to Officer Webster) and Corruption By Threat Against A Public Servant (2 Counts). 

It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the PCSO. 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:

The suspect in this instance is X’zavier Dashawn Armonie Jordan (15) (DOB 10/23/2006). The victim(s) in this instance is REDACTED (18) (DOB 06/2003).

The State of Florida to include Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as well as an Officer from the Haines City Police Department were also victims in this incident.

On 07/08/22 the suspect and victim were in an argument over a cell phone. The suspect took the phone from the victim and threw it to the ground breaking it. The suspect then pushed the victim with his hands an undetermined number of times. The suspect then pushed the victim up against the wall with this hand (unknown right or left) by the victim’s neck. The victim stated she was able to free herself and the suspects actions did not impeded her normal flow of breathing.

The suspect slapped the victim an undetermined number of times in the face and chest. The suspect bit the victim in the upper right back just below the shoulder blade leaving a bite mark. The suspect grabbed the victim by her hair and pushed her against a wall. The victim is seven(7) months pregnant. The suspect admitted to having prior knowledge of this.

PCSO Sgt. Gaylord #7195S arrived on scene first and observed the suspect holding the victim by her hair and the victim appeared to be trying to get the suspect off of her. (It should be noted Sgt. Gaylord was wearing her agency issued class B uniform along with agency issued equipment while displaying (2)two agency patches on her right and left shoulder as well as her agency issued five point star on the upper left side of her chest which reads “Sergeant Polk County Sheriff’s Office”). Sgt. Gaylord identified herself as “Sheriff’s Office” while exiting her vehicle and gave the suspect multiple commands to release the victim and to “separate”.

Due to the suspect not complying with the lawful commands given, Sgt. Gaylord then pushed the suspect on his back separating the two allowing her to get in-between both parties. The suspect continued to ignore lawful commands given by Sgt. Gaylord to which she then drew her agency Taser and armed it. At this time the suspect them began to yell “tase me, Fuckin tase me”. Sgt. Gaylord continued to give the suspect lawful commands to get on the ground. The suspect continued to defy lawful orders and turned his back away from Sgt. Gaylord, to which she then grabbed the suspects left arm with her left hand while holding her TASER in her right hand. The suspect then grabbed Sgt. Gaylord’s left hand with his right hand and attempt to remove her grip. Sgt. Gaylord then gave the suspect lawful command to “not touch her” to which the suspect replied “don’t fucking touch me then”. Sgt. Gaylord attempted to place the suspects left hand behind his back to which the suspect then tensed up his left arm. Sgt. Gaylord was able to maneuver the suspect up against the window and was able to pull his left hand behind his back. Sgt. Gaylord gave the suspect multiple commands for him to place his other hand behind his back to which he replied “I ain’t doing shit”. The suspect was able to get his body off of the window while Sgt. Gaylord had his left wrist behind his back. The suspect then stated to Sgt. Gaylord, Im going to swing on her” and then stated to her on a more aggressive voice for second time “I’m going to fucking swing on her”.

Due to the suspect being larger in size than Sgt. Gaylord, the suspects actions and attitudes, the suspect actively resisting, and the suspects threatening to do bodily harm against Sgt. Gaylord, this placed Sgt. Gaylord in fear and cause her to believe that danger was imminent. Therefore Sgt. Gaylord disengaged her grip from the suspect wrist and deployed her agency TASER which made a positive connection in the suspect’s mid to lower back effectively incapacitating him for approximately (5)five seconds, the desired effect was achieved and the suspect fell to the ground. Upon additional units arriving on scene, the suspect’s hands were placed behind his back.

Due to the severity of the situation, multiple Deputies and Officers from surrounding agencies responded. Officer Brad Webster #1184K responded to the scene and was running across the parking lot to assist with the situation. Lieutenant Michael Baldwin #3514L was also responding and was turning a corner when Ofc. Webster ran out in front of him and was struck by Lt. Baldwin on accident.

After the suspect was placed in handcuffs, the suspect stated to Sgt. Gaylord “take these cuffs off so I can beat this bitches ass”. D/S Nunez #6712 was also present in front of the suspect. The suspect then stated to Deputy Nunez “take your badge off in your belt off so we can fight”. I was also present for the statements made by the suspect.

The suspect has no prior convictions for battery or assault.

The battery committed by the suspect against REDACTED is considered dating violence, battery on a pregnant individual. 784.045(1)(B).. F2.

The reasons are as follows:
The suspect and victim have had the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between both parties.
The frequency of interaction between the persons involved have been over a period of time on a continuous basis throughout the course of the relationship.
The relationship has taken place on and off over a six month time frame.
The suspect admitted prior knowledge of the victim being pregnant.

The actions committed against Sgt. Gaylord are considered the following:


Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. 784.07(2)(A). M1.
The suspect developed a well-founded fear in the mind of the victim that violence was about to take place against her.


Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer. 784.07(2)(B). F3.
The suspect pushed Sgt. Gaylord’s hand away in an attempt to prevent her from effecting an arrest. This action was done against the will of Sgt. Gaylord.


Resisting Without Violence. 843.02. M1.
The suspect tensed up while Sgt. Gaylord was attempting to effect an arrest. The suspect attempted to pull his hands away from her.


Resisting With Violence. 843.01. F3.
The suspect previously committed battery against Sgt. Gaylord while also sTating to her “Imma swing on you” which gave her the well-founded fear that violence was about to take place after making a verbal threat to Sgt. Gaylord.

The actions committed by the suspect which led to the injuries sustained by HCPD Officer Brad Webster is considered culpable negligence. 838.021(3)(B). F3.
The reasons are as follows:
The suspect exposed Ofc. Brad Webster to personal injury caused by Lt. Baldwin in an accident due to the actions committed by the suspect from Ofc. Webster responding to assist with the incident.

The actions committed by the suspect against Sgt. Gaylord and Deputy Nunez in reference to the verbal threats of violence is considered corruption by threat against a public servant 838.021(3)(B). F3 (Two counts).
The reasons are as follows:


The suspect induced, or attempted to induce upon to public servants any act regarding omission within the official discretion of the public servant or in the pursuit performance of their public duty by making verbal threats against both deputies.

I found probable cause to arrest the suspect with one count of all above charges, and two counts of corruption by threat against the public servant.”

The following is a statement from Interim Haines City Police Chief Loyd Stewart: “We are proud of Officer Brad Webster’s response to the domestic violence incident that resulted in his injury. When we hear a call that a fellow officer is involved in a violent situation, regardless if it is from another agency, we respond. We are also pleased that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office charged the suspect appropriately for the injury sustained by our officer. We wish Officer Webster a speedy recovery.”

Local Polk County Resident Diagnosed With End Stage Chronic COPD/Emphysema Remaining Positive Despite Needing Double Lung Transplant

Allison
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Local Polk County Resident Diagnosed With End Stage Chronic COPD/Emphysema Remaining Positive Despite Needing Double Lung Transplant

Local Polk County Resident Diagnosed With End Stage Chronic COPD/Emphysema Remaining Positive Despite Needing Double Lung Transplant

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Dwayne Morrissey

Dwayne Morrissey is 53 years old and living in Lakeland. He moved to Polk County back in 2015 to live closer to family. He has always lived life to the fullest. He has always been active in his community, had a rewarding career, been social, volunteering to help others, involved in church activities, and he especially loves the outdoors. Fishing and baseball games have always been his favorite outdoor activities. 

“In my younger years I worked around a lot of chemicals as a Research and Development Tech and unfortunately smoked at the time, a time when it was socially acceptable,” Morrissey said. “Crazy, right? But when I was younger, I thought I was invincible. I also was premature as a baby and the Doctors now tell me that that could be a contributing factor since at my age my lungs shouldn’t be as bad as they are. I then changed careers working in the restaurant business for about 15 years until I went on disability in 2017.”

Life unfortunately got in the way. He noticed his body overall started to slow down. “I started to have shortness of breath and would huff and puff going up a flight of steps,” Morrissey said. “I figured I was just getting older. I didn’t go to the doctor much previously due to not having insurance, but in 2017 things got worse and I was diagnosed with End Stage Chronic COPD/Emphysema.”

Sharon Forte, Morrissey’s mother said the news was difficult to hear. “He is hospitalized multiple times a year for approximately three weeks at a time to stabilize after an exacerbation,” Forte said. “After these exacerbations his lungs suffer a little more irreversible damage each time. His baseline never gets back to what it was previously. We were told his End Stage COPD/Chronic Emphysema will only get worse, and without a double lung transplant, he will not survive. His lungs are only functioning at 14% of their compacity. FEV1 14%.”

Despite needing a double lung transplant, Morrissey does his best to stay positive. “I try to stay positive, although hard on the bad days, my peace and positivity only comes from my faith in God,” Morrissey said. “The Lord Jesus carries me through the tough days. I also am very lucky to have my mother Sharon (the strongest most positive person I know) as my greatest support, person of encouragement to continue to fight for a second chance at life and make myself strong, to be able to make a difference in this world. To me, the true meaning of life during the short time we are here.” 

He has always spent his life serving others and felt joy in helping people, so he finds it difficult to make himself vulnerable and ask for help. Lung transplants are extremely costly. “It’s unfortunate that if you don’t have thousands in the bank, you can get denied for life saving transplant,” Morrissey said. “I hope to get awareness out not only for transplantation, but for the hope of changing the financial issues people face when they are fighting for their lives. It’s sad that people have to worry about fundraising at the same time.”

If you’d like to learn more about Morrissey’s story or wish to help, he can be reached through email  [email protected] or phone 863-514-9273.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Partners With Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park To Provide Safe Environment For Park Guests

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Partners With Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park To Provide Safe Environment For Park Guests

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the creators of Bonnet Springs Park to help provide a family-friendly, visitor-friendly safe environment for park guests. The Sheriff’s Office’s popular Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP) program will operate in the park when it opens this October, 2022. There are currently 65 active CAP programs with 2,500 volunteers operating in Polk County. In total, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has over 3,200 volunteers.

CAP is a volunteer patrol / customer service program where citizens patrol their neighborhoods, parks, recreational trails, and other designated areas in order to prevent and deter crime. This is done through active visible patrols using marked patrol vehicles, including cars, trucks, golf carts, and utility vehicles. Polk County CAP volunteers donated 79,115 hours to the program in 2021.

“We are so excited about this beautiful new park close to Lake Bonnet and downtown Lakeland, and we’re even more excited to be able to help patrol the area with PCSO volunteers. We have thousands of volunteers who help prevent crime within their neighborhoods, public spaces, and trail systems in Polk County. The Bonnet Springs Park CAP patrol will be a great addition to the program that we hope will result in even more opportunities to bring people together and keep the park a safe and enjoyable place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

“Sheriff Judd and the PCSO have been generous supporters of Bonnet Springs park. We are excited to further enhance our partnership with Sheriff Judd and his team as they provide the Citizen’s Assisted Patrol program for our park guests. Living up to our park’s mission of enriching our community through nature, culture, recreation, and education, the CAP program will bring together a wide variety of dedicated volunteers and ensure that the guest experience at Bonnet Springs park will be among the best in the nation.” — Josh Henderson, CEO Bonnet Springs Park

The Bonnet Springs Park will be patrolled by PCSO CAP volunteers during regular park hours using marked 4-seat electric utility task vehicles. Volunteers will work varied shifts between sunrise and sunset, providing a visible and active patrol of the park. Bonnet Springs CAP volunteers will be trained in patrol, observation, and crime prevention techniques specific to the needs of the park. They will have direct communication with park staff and local law enforcement. Members will wear uniforms provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Volunteers will also serve as good-will ambassadors for Bonnet Springs Park.

Bonnet Springs Park is a blended urban/natural 168-acre park located just outside of downtown Lakeland and is slated to open on October 22, 2022. For more information about this new beautiful park, go to https://bonnetspringspark.com/. 

For more information about Polk County Sheriff’s Office volunteer programs, go to https://www.polksheriff.org/programs-services/become-a-volunteer

Local Lake Wales High School Student Wins 2022 Florida FFA State Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event

Allison
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Local Lake Wales High School Student Wins 2022 Florida FFA State Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event

Local Lake Wales High School Student Wins 2022 Florida FFA State Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event

By Allison Williams

Photos provided by Clayton Keene

The Florida FFA is a program that local Lake Wales High School student, Clayton Keene is a part of. He started with FFA in middle school at Bok Academy and now he is part of the Lakes Wales High School FFA Team. 

An upcoming sophomore, Keene loves all things outdoors. He loves to fish, and another hobby he is passionate about is showing animals, such as hogs and heifers. “I love just being with animals being a part of an operation,” he said. 

He was inspired by his parents, who both were a part of FFA growing up as well. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of FFA,” Keene said. “My family has been a part of it and I wanted to continue that tradition.”

Keene’s father showed hogs back in the day and both his parents were a part of the Lake Region FFA program growing up. His family members have always been involved in agriculture and the FFA is an organization that has helped his family tremendously. 

Keene competed in several competitions throughout the school year as a freshman They had an initial competition for recognition, sub districts, districts and then states. They had the drive to push and work extra hard to do even better competition after competition. Keene won the 2022 Florida FFA State Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event, giving him the title of state champion. All of his hard work paid off and he will go on to represent the state of Florida in the National FFA Convention.

“Preparation was key,” Keene said. “We worked very hard to get where we were.” He also says he owes a lot of his success to his Agriculture advisor Morgan Williams and former teacher Paige Turner.

“I have known Clayton since he was a member at Bok South FFA with Mrs. Emilyn Sharpless in 2019 and had the opportunity to work with him this past year as a Freshman on our officer team,” Williams said. “I got the wonderful opportunity to monopolize nearly every lunch period from November to April to work with the Livestock Judging team (which also competed at the State Finals) and can truly say he is one of the most dedicated students I’ve ever had.”

Keene and his teachers spent many lunch periods, afternoons after school hours studying and preparing for the state competition. He said every day, they would practice reciting the FFA Creed and go over practice questions again and again. “It all came down to those late nights and staying long after school studying. That’s what got us the win,” Keene said.

Florida FFA Association states, “The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s beliefs regarding the industry of agriculture, FFA membership and the value of citizenship and patriotism…The purpose of the Creed speaking leadership development event is to develop the public speaking abilities of 7th, 8th and 9th grade FFA members as well as develop their self-confidence and contribute to their advancement in the FFA degree program.”

Ms. Paige Turner (now retired Agriculture Department Head/Advisor) was one of his teachers who also played a role in his success. His teachers, along with Williams believed in him.

“I believe Clayton’s presentation of the Creed was spectacular during the final round. There is a power in his voice that captures the audience,” Williams said. 

The FFA program has done much more than just give his recognition and a title of state winner. “The FFA is a great organization,” Keene said. It has taught me the leadership skills I have today.”

He thinks highly of the program as a whole. There is also an FFA alumni and Keene believes the program is well organized. Members are involved in what they do and always strive to attend as many competitions as possible. He feels FFA is truly a family. Helping shape him into the man he is today, he looks forward to continuing with the program. For the upcoming school year, Keene will serve as secretary for the Lake Wales High School FFA program.  

“I truly do look forward to continuing and being a part of FFA,” Keene said. “Like I said it’s helped make me the man I am today and I love to help reach out to people as well to bring them into it because it’s a great organization, especially for kids of all ages.”

Williams is very proud of Keene and his accomplishments. “I have high hopes for Clayton’s Future in Agriculture and FFA. He would like to be a State Officer and I believe he has shown that he is capable of doing what is asked and doing it to the best of his ability,” she said.

Deputies Arrest 5 Polk Men On Child Pornography Possession Charges

Carl Fish
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Deputies Arrest 5 Polk Men On Child Pornography Possession Charges

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) charged five suspects for possession of child pornography after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) that the suspects were possibly transmitting or downloading the harmful images and videos. Detectives served search warrants at the five suspects’ houses and seized multiple digital devices for further analysis. Each suspect faces additional charges if more illegal content is found.

“Through our partnership with NCMEC and concerned citizens who saw something and said something, we are able to take criminals who engage in the child pornography trade off the street. Those who buy, sell, trade, and download child sex abuse images support lead to further child abuse and create more child victims. Please, if you see something while you are online or on mobile apps, say something. Contact your local law enforcement agency or go to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org/ to report suspicious online activity.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

59-year-old Jerry Wilson of Mulberry was arrested and charged with 330 counts enhanced* possession of child pornography (F2) after detectives served a search warrant at his home following up on a NCMEC tip. One of Wilson’s electronic devices was actively downloading child pornography at the time the search warrant was served. During a preview of his electronic devices, detectives found 330 images depicting children as young as 6-months-old being sexually battered. 

Wilson admitted to having child pornography on his two cell phones and a tablet. He also told detectives he had been viewing child pornography his entire life.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on July 1, 2022, and is being held on $4.9 million bond ($15,000 per charge). His previous criminal history includes 7 felonies and 12 misdemeanors for sex assault, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, burglary, aggravated assault, battery, domestic violence battery, and DUI. Wilson has been incarcerated in prison twice; once for violation of probation (burglary and lewd and lascivious conviction) and then again for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

26-year-old Christopher Montalvo of Lakeland was arrested and charged with 120 counts enhanced* possession of child pornography (F2) and one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2) after detectives served a search warrant at his home following up on a NCMEC tip. During a preview of his electronic devices, detectives found 120 images and videos depicting children as young as 12-months-old being sexually battered. 

Montalvo told detectives he has been looking at child pornography since 2014, and he has multiple social media accounts because he would need to create new accounts as the platforms banned him.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on June 27, 2022, and is being held on $1.2 million bond ($10,000 per charge). 

21-year-old Shane Dugan of Lakeland was arrested and charged with 10 counts possession of child pornography (F3) after detectives served a search warrant at his home following up on a NCMEC tip. During a preview of his electronic devices, detectives found 8 images and videos depicting children as young as 6-years-old being sexually battered. 

Dugan admitted to detectives that he had been downloading child pornography for the past several months and that he knew it was wrong. 

Further forensics of Dugan’s devices were completed and two additional files depicting children being sexually battered were located.

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on June 24, 2022, and is being held with no bond. 

55-year-old Demian Veliz of Davenportwas arrested and charged with 7 counts possession of child pornography (F3) and one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F2) after detectives served a search warrant at his home during an investigation. During a preview of his electronic devices, detectives found 7 images depicting children as young as 9-years-old being sexually battered. 

Veliz admitted to detectives he had been using file sharing software to download child pornography. 

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on June 28, 2022, and was released after paying a $45,000 bond. 

19-year-old Bryant Whatley of Lake Alfredwas arrested and charged with one count possession of child pornography (F2) and one count promoting a sexual performance by a child (F3) after detectives served a search warrant at his home following up on a NCMEC tip. During a preview of his electronic devices, detectives found one image depicting a child around 3-years-old being sexually battered. Detectives also discovered evidence that Whatley had shared child pornography on Instagram.

Whatley admitted to detectives he had child pornography on his cell phone. 

He was booked into the Polk County Jail on June 29, 2022, and was released after paying a $15,000 bond. 

The child pornography images seized during this investigation do not appear to depict local Polk County children, but the investigation is ongoing to identify them.



*The felony child porn charges are upgraded (enhanced) if the suspect possesses 10 or more images of child pornography and at least one image contains any of the following criteria:

·        Image depicts a child younger than the age of 5

·        Image depicts sadomasochistic abuse of a child

·        Image depicts sexual battery of a child

·        Image depicts sexual bestiality involving a child

· Any movie involving a child

Midtown Medical Integration Brings Non-surgical Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine Clinic to Lakeland

Staff Reporter
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Midtown Medical Integration Brings Non-surgical Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine Clinic to Lakeland

Midtown Medical Integration Brings Non-surgical Pain Management and

Regenerative Medicine Clinic to Lakeland

Lakeland, FL (June 2022) – Midtown Medical Integration, a state-of-the-art regenerative medical clinic is now open at 1828 Florida Ave S., Lakeland, FL 33803. At Midtown Medical Integration, Founder Dr. David Choate and his team of regenerative medical experts focus on holistic healing and restoration of injured or damaged joints, ligaments, tendons, and other anatomical tissues without the use of steroids and opioids or having to endure numerous surgical procedures.

Through a multifaceted approach to alternative care, at Midtown Medical Integration patients can receive ultrasound-guided injections for joint pain, trigger point injections, platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy, regenerative cellular tissue product injections, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic care, weight loss, and many other remedial treatments for overall healing.

“Our ultimate goal at Midtown Medical Integration is to bring an unmatched level of care to our patients who are looking for pain management options that don’t include invasive surgeries or the use of narcotics or addictive medications,” says Dr. Choate. “From arthritis and musculoskeletal pain to sports injuries and damaged or injured tissues, and everything in between, we are an all-in-one therapeutic center. We walk our patients through the entire healing process, from initial assessment, to treatment, and aftercare.”

At Midtown Medical Integration, patients suffering from inflammation and pain in their knees, hips, lower back, shoulders, joints, hands, feet, cartilage, and anywhere in between are eligible for treatment. All treatments are non-invasive and offered on-site. Dr. Choate and his team are confident that their personalized approach to restorative medicine will improve patients’ quality of life and allow them to enjoy activities they may have had to forego in the past due to pain and discomfort. Many appointments are offered same-day, and patients can resume normal activities after their treatments with no downtime.

“Our approach is unique because we walk our patients through customized therapies that involve a full-service approach,” says Dr. Choate. “We don’t simply provide a quick fix shot and then send our patients on their way. We start by identifying their most prominent issues, confirming those with diagnostic imaging, and then working with our team to recommend a holistic plan. This may include starting a regimen with plant-based nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory injections that reduce irritation and pain in a particular area. Then, we may utilize PRP therapy, regenerative cellular tissue injections, massage therapy, physical therapy, and/or chiropractic care simultaneously to achieve optimal outcomes.”

For patients who have been told that surgery is their only option for attaining a life free of chronic pain, they should consider an evaluation for safe and natural therapies from Midtown Medical Integration.

“We look forward to working with our patients to find out what their body truly needs to heal from the inside out. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care so our patients can be on their way to experiencing their best years yet,” says Dr. Choate.

Take the first step towards healing with a FREE no-obligation consultation for new patients, please call (863) 913-1240, or visit http://mmilakeland.com/.

About Midtown Medical Integration

We believe in challenging the status quo and thinking differently about the delivery of traditional health care. Our approach includes fully assessing our patients’ needs, determining their causes of pain and discomfort, and then collaborating together with our team of experts to offer holistic solutions that integrate rehabilitative and regenerative medicine with chiropractic care. Our goal is to offer alternatives to addictive narcotics and joint replacement surgery. 

Midtown Medical Integration is located at 1828 Florida Ave S., Lakeland, FL 33803. For more information, please contact (863) 913-1240, or visit http://mmilakeland.com/.

Polk Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting Scheduled For July 19

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Polk Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting Scheduled For July 19

PSWCD Board Meeting
July 19th, 2022 – 4:00pm


Meeting Located at:
1702 Highway 17 S.
Bartow. FL 33830
This meeting is open to the public.


  1. Call to order
  2. Pledge of allegiance
  3. Roll call
  4. Approval of May 17th, 2022, Meeting Minutes
  5. Chair Report- Daniel Lanier
  6. Vice Chair Report- Joe Garrison
  7. Secretary/Treasurer Report- Katie Smith
  8. Public Relations Report
  9. Old Business
    a.
    Request missing receipts from Brett Upthagrove for 2017/2018 purchases
    b.
    Finalize Budget
    C.
    Review new law (SB 1078) for Soil & Water Boards
    d.
    Budget
    e.
    Audit Report
  10. New Business
    a.
    Plaques for 2022 Florida Land and Homesite FFA Champions
  11. Adjourn

Thunder on the Ridge Brings the Thunder Once More to Haines City 

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Thunder on the Ridge Brings the Thunder Once More to Haines City 

Thunder on the Ridge Brings the Thunder Once More to Haines City

by James Coulter

Despite the grey skies and thunderstorms earlier that weekend, the only thunder in the sky over Haines City was the thunder of many colorful fireworks during its annual Independence Day celebration on Monday.

Several hundred attendees gathered at Lake Eva Park in Downtown Haines City for its annual Thunder on the Ridge celebration. They could listen to musical performances by live bands on the concert stage, peruse several dozen food trucks and vendors, and, of course, enjoy the largest fireworks display in Polk County.

For nearly half a decade, the city’s annual patriotic event has been sponsored by Miracle Toyota. The local car dealership showcased several of its new models and allowed young children a chance to snatch as many dollar bills as they could inside the “cash cube” game.

Fahad Qureshi loves the event, and he loves seeing many residents come together to celebrate their city and country. His company also loves to give back to the community that allows their business to flourish. This year’s event has exceeded expectations, and they hope to continue supporting it and other similar events through the city and chamber, he said.

“Our mission statement is that we are ‘big on our customers’ through our community and charity,” he said. “We want to be involved in the community. That is what it comes down to.”

For the past 24 years, Thunder on the Ridge has remained the largest Independence Day celebration in Polk County, with the largest fireworks display and the largest turnout for any similar event.

Lindasia Jaynemeyer, Special Events Supervisor, remembers attending the event when she was a child. By helping put on the event through the city, she ensures that other children enjoy the same patriotic experiences she had when she was a child, she said.

“It is a beautiful day,” she said. “There is a large crowd out here getting ready for the fireworks. We are very happy with the turnout and are looking forward to a great day…The turnout is great. The people are excited. They are listening to the bands, and they are excited about the fireworks tonight.”

The Bethany Center for Grieving Children Celebrates Grand Opening 

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The Bethany Center for Grieving Children Celebrates Grand Opening 

The Bethany Center for Grieving Children Celebrates Grand Opening

by James Coulter

Nancy Hale had been married to her husband, Tony, for 29 years. Together, they had four children, one son-in-law, four houses, ten vehicles, and dozens of pets including four dogs, one cat, seven hamsters, one tarantula, one rabbit, and three beta fish. They would have happily enjoyed another 29 years of marriage. Sadly, chronic illness had other plans for them.

Two and a half years ago, Tony was diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia. The good news is that he persevered through his disease. He did not require treatment, and he did not even take any time off of work, Nancy said. He had regained his health to the point where he and Nancy planned on participating in the Disney 3K together. Sadly, COVID-19 had other plans.

After nearly recovering from his chronic illness, Tony tested positive for COVID-19. Three weeks later, the disease claimed his life. He had worked at Good Shepherd of Lakeland for 21 years. His wife had worked at one of their hospices as well. So it proved ironic that his family would require their services once he passed away, Nancy said.

“The love of my life, my coffee buddy, the one I was supposed to retire with, slipped quietly into eternity,” she said. “I was left alone to pick up all of the broken pieces. Never in my wildest dreams did I think after hearing my husband’s praises in clear for Good Shepherd hospices did we have to eventually become recipients.”

Together, she and her children participated in the services offered by Good Shepherd of Lakeland. Her children were able to come to terms with their grief through their consoler. Their sessions allowed them to better cope with their loss and learn that some of their negative emotions, including anger, were validated. For that reason, she was glad that the Bethany Center for Grieving Children opened their new facility.

“It feels good to know that we were not going crazy, this was just a crazy journey,” she said. “How grateful I was for the services Good Shepherd offered our family, and how excited I am for this new state-of-the-art center for grieving minors. I was unaware of what was needed and how prevalent the loss of somebody pivotal in a young person’s life is in Polk County.”

Hale offered her testimony during the grand opening of The Bethany Center for Grieving Children hosted last Thursday. Several representatives from the Lakeland city, chamber, and community arrived to witness the ribbon cutting for the new facility, which included the release of several dozen butterflies.

“Every day, I miss my husband, [but] I am confident of this one thing: that God will not waste pain,” Hale said. “I celebrate the opening of the center with you. I celebrate the life of my amazing husband that was well-lived. May we model intentional living with much integrity.”

The Bethany Center for Grieving Children recently relocated to its new home along Lakeland Hills Boulevard. The new 1,500-square-foot facility, which was constructed with an estimated cost of $400,000, will serve nearly 7,000 children, nearly a third of whom reside in Lakeland, through its hospice and community services.

According to its website, its amenities include “an interactive sandbox, game room with a state-of-the-art gaming floor, grief cave, and expressive arts studio.” The center will also facilitate Camp Brave Heart, a weekend camp for children who recently lost a loved one.

“The goal of the Bethany Center for Grieving Children is to provide quality counseling, hope, and healing free of charge for all children and families who grieve,” its website stated. “Experienced grief counselors guide children to healing after a loss. With your help, we can bring grief services closer to home.”

The Bethany Center was started 30 years ago through the request of a dying mother who wanted a “safe place” for her children to grieve. Nearly 30 years later, Good Shepherd opened three grief centers in Polk, Highland, and Hardee counties, explained Adam Stanfield, Executive Director of Chapters Health Foundation.

Stanfield owes their success to the dedication of those who have supported its efforts, be it financially or otherwise. Through such dedicated support, their services have been able to extend their outreach from their facility and into the local community, he said.

“This center will be the model that we will replicate for all grief centers across chapters footprint in mainland Florida,” Stanfield. “So it is truly a special day for many reasons. 30 years ago, the vision started, and this will be a future for our children’s grief centers going forward. Many smiles are looking down upon us because of this special day.”

Andrew Molosky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chapters Health System, mentioned how the Center was dedicated to helping so many within the community, especially those who were unable to help themselves. This year, Good Shepherd will care for 8,000 hospice patients, eight percent of whom were uninsured.

“Our mission and our core of not leaving anybody behind,” he said. “I do this line of work because of the impact, the community feel, and the genuine sense of fulfillment you experience when you see something like this or become part of something like this.”

Kyle Zenker, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Hospice, was especially proud to open the new state-of-the-art center. He thanked his dedicated staff, especially the grief counselors, who help offer the services through the center and thus allow it to provide an asset to the local community.

“For me, today marks a great day for Polk County,” he said. “We are bringing back the Bethany Center for Lakeland, and further expanding our reach for the community and serving those in need. So thank you for coming out today.”

The Bethany Center for Grieving Children is located at 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, Florida 33805. For more information, visit their website at: https://bethanycenterflorida.org/

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