Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee Announces School Crossing Guards to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE
The Kathleen Elementary school crossing guard located at Sheretz Avenue and Tiger Way in Lakeland will be removed due to the low traffic volume and adequate gaps in traffic, which eliminate the need for the guard.
The Combee Academy of Design & Engineering school crossing guard located at Combee Road and Hardin Combee Road in Lakeland will be removed due to the low volume of turning traffic at the signalized intersection which eliminates the need for the guard.
These decisions were made by the School Crossing Guard Committeefollowing crossing counts collected. This committee is comprised of representatives from the Polk County School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.
As a matter of procedure, the School Crossing Guard Committee communicates with the principal of the affected school to inform him or her of the actions taken. In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the committee if the situation changes at which time another survey would be conducted.
The school crossing guard were removed effective Thursday, May 24, 2018.
While this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical. Please remember that fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.
The Polk County School Crossing Guard Committee reminds you to please drive safely in and around schools and school safety zones!
Child Injured During Search Warrant Of Drug House in Lakeland
Child Injured During Search Warrant Of Drug House in Lakeland
Lakeland PD Release:
LAKELAND, FL (June 1, 2018) – On Thursday, May 31, 2018, at approximate 12:02 p.m., members of the Lakeland Police Department SWAT team executed a high-risk search warrant at 1103 West 9th Street. Narcotics detectives had secured the search warrant in response to continuous drug activity at the residence.
The target suspect at the residence, Deshaundre Roseboro, 27 years of age, was known to be armed and has a violent criminal history. Roseboro has been previously arrested for felony crimes including Aggravated Battery with a Weapon, Robbery, Sale of Cocaine and Possession of a Weapon by a convicted felon.
Once at the residence, SWAT team officers, per protocol, knocked and verbally announced that they were executing a search warrant. Upon entry of the residence, a tactical officer visibly cleared the room and did not observe any individuals inside. The small room was cluttered with clothing and miscellaneous furniture items, including old mattresses leaning up against a wall. With no individuals in sight, a less lethal distraction device was deployed. The device is a noise-flash diversion product commonly used in search warrants.
As the officer was backing out of the room, a young child, two years old, who is believed to be have been hiding behind the mattresses, began walking toward the distraction device as it activated. The officer immediately grabbed the child, taking him outside to the SWAT team medic, who always accompanies the team, for treatment. The child was transported to Lakeland Regional Health and then to Tampa General Hospital for further treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The child’s mother, Carmesha Jones, was not at the scene, but detectives located her a short time later. Jones does live at the residence, but had left her son in the care of Willie Cohen who was arrested at the scene. Jones is now with her son at Tampa General Hospital.
Also, during the deployment, an aggressive pit bull on the property lunged at a K9 Officer who was securing the perimeter of the property. The officer fired at the dog, grazing one of its legs. Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit was called to evaluate the animal. There did not appear to be serious injuries to the dog.
Inside the residence, officers seized Methamphetamines, Xanax, K2 (synthetic cannabis), Crack Cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun.
Detectives have contacted the Department of Children and Families and will be conducting a joint investigation regarding the welfare of the child.
Arrested:
Willie C. Cohen
Age 29 (DOB: 04/18/1989)
2015 Kendrick Lane, Lakeland, FL 33805
Charged with:
Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
Cohen was previously convicted of a Burglary of an Occupied Structure in 2014 and was released from felony probation on 09/30/2017.
Newton Al Harris
Age 29 (DOB: 07/15/1988)
1125 West 9th Street
Charged with:
Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
Harris was previously convicted of Homicide and Robbery with a Firearm on 06/29/2005 and released from prison on 06/27/2015 . Harris was also documented as a known gang member.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected for other suspects not named in this release.
The name of the tactical officer mentioned is not being released due to his status as an undercover officer. exemption: Florida State Statutes 119.071 (4)(c)
Heart of Florida Hospital On Lockdown After Person Arrived With A Gunshot Wound
Haines City, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office a person was brought into the hospital suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The hospital was put on lockdown according to witnesses. The individual arrived in a white colored car and blood could be seen by witnesses all over the vehicle. At this time law enforcement is on scene and they have the situation under control. There is no immediate danger to patients, staff or visitors of the hospital.
According to Carrie Horstman, Public Information Officer with Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the person shot has not advised who or how he was shot.
According to a person at the hospital the lockdown that was instituted as has been lifted as of 8pm.
5th Annual Winter Haven Craft Beer Crawl Draws Locals Downtown
5th Annual Winter Haven Craft Beer Crawl Draws Locals Downtown
by James Coulter
What goes better with cheese than wine? How about cheese with craft beer?
Many local residents were able to sample just that when they wandered into The Cheese Room, one of the many businesses participating in the 5th Annual Craft Beer Crawl in Winter Haven on Thursday evening.
The Cheese Room, a local cheese and wine shop, has been open for the past five years, and has been participating in this local event ever since it first started.
During this year’s event, the shop offered participants samples of their store’s many cheeses with another sample of craft beer to help them wash it all down.
Owner Sherry Summers loves how the event helps draw people to their store, as well as the many other local businesses in Downtown Winter Haven, drawing in as many as 300 to 400 people at a time.
“They get to know us, see what we offer down here, and we always have wonderful musicians,” she said. “It is a really good night for people to see what we have down here.”
With her store having only been open for five years, Summers discovers that many participants within the beer crawl never even heard of her store, let alone have visited the downtown area for quite some time; so the event allows her and her business a unique opportunity to experience some exposure.
“Some have never been here for years,” she said. “Everyone is usually busy to make an extra shop during the day. It is a great way to get people down here.”
For the past three years, the Craft Beer Crawl has been drawing local residents and visitors alike to Downtown Winter Haven to visit local businesses and sample craft beer and snacks.
More than 27 local downtown businesses participated this year, offering samples of craft beer, as well as snacks ranging from chips and dip to pretzels and brownies.
The annual event was modeled after a similar downtown event, the annual fall Wine, Chocolate & Cheese tasting event, which usually draws in 700 participants each year.
When the beer crawl first started, it sold 200 tickets; this year, they managed to sell up to 500 tickets, explained Anita Strang, Main Street Winter Haven Executive Director.
“It is a great way for people to connect in the different spots and check out what the business has to offer and things like that,” she said. “So it’s really just a lot of fun.”
The craft beer for this year’s event was provided by such breweries as Winter Haven’s own Grove Roots Brewing Co., as well as Bold City Brewery in Jacksonville, 3 Daughters Brewery in St. Petersburg, and Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, Colorado.
Joining the annual event for the first time this year were businesses such as Angelic’s Bridal, The Catering Co., Jessie’s Bar, Jensesn’s Bar, and Tempo 1930.
Tempo 1930 is a small bar and bistro that opened last year, and has since become big on community, especially through events such as this, said Manager Brittany Rowin.
This year was their first time participating in the beer crawl, as they offered participants a sample of Karbach Tasty Waves as well as free chips and salsa.
As such, the event managed to draw in many potential customers both old and new, thus allowing the new bistro to grow their local family, Rowin said.
“We like giving back, and we like getting involved with the rest of the community, much like the other businesses here in downtown Winter Haven,” she said. “The nice thing about doing events like this…is it brings clients and customers in, and it gives them a viewpoint of what we do here.”
For more information about future Downtown Winter Haven events hosted by Main Street Winter Haven, visit their website: https://www.mainstreetwh.com/
ANITA PERSAUD NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH AT LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER
ANITA PERSAUD NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH
Lake Wales, FL – Anita Persaud from Case Management was named employee of the month for April at Lake Wales Medical Center.
“Anita loves her job and it shows,” a co-worker wrote in nominating her. “She’s always available to assist other departments, and she is well known all over the hospital for her pleasant demeanor. She is a great example of a team player. She’s kind to everyone she meets. She’s energetic and enthusiastic about her job. She’s always willing to help, no matter how crazy the need is. She never stops being a decent human being whose kindness knows no bounds.”
Anita has worked at the hospital since April 2012.
62 Yr Old Haines City Man Found Deceased After Early Morning Crash
Haines City, Florida – On Tuesday morning Donald Guinn, 62 years old of Haines City, was operating his 2004 White Buick Rendezvous northbound on Highway 27 when for an unknown reason he drove off the right side of the roadway ( just South of South Blvd). No evidence of braking was discovered as Guinn exited the roadway and began traveling in the ditch. He continued traveling in the ditch for about 200 feet where he struck a culvert that went under a driveway. Upon striking the culvert Guinn went airborne landing approximately 75 feet from his take off point. The vehicle continued traveling for about 100 feet before coming to rest. Guinn was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Witnesses on scene advised that they immediately approached the vehicle and found Guinn to be unresponsive. Fire and EMS arrived on scene and transported Guinn to the Heart of Florida Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
It would appear as though Guinn had some sort of medical episode prior to the crash. He appeared to not be in control of the vehicle as it left the roadway.
Crime Scene responded to the scene to take photographs and the scene was laser mapped.
After an investigation it was determined Guinn did not apply his brakes nor was he on the gas pedal for at least 5 seconds prior to the crash.
Donald Guinn does have several arrests and convictions over the past several years related to illegal and prescription drugs, including in 2004 being sentenced to 7 years for Trafficking in Amphetamines.
At about 12:00pm Officers responded to the Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy. Dr. Volnikh advised that Guinn did not die as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. She further advised that the only notable injury was a fractured neck, but stated that it would not have been fatal.
A cause of death will not be available until the Autopsy and Toxicology Reports are complete.
Polk City Man Reportedly Admits To Molesting 4 Boys
Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release
On Friday, May 25, 2018, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41-year-old Steven Lane of Polk City, for sexual battery of a juvenile boy, and the molestation of three other boys over several years. All four boys were between the ages of 12 and 17 at the time of his abuse.
During the investigation, three of the four boys indicated abuse by Lane. However, Lane admitted to detectives that he had had criminal sexual contact with all four, and the investigation is ongoing.
Steven Lane was arrested and charged with two counts of Sexual Battery (F-1) and three counts of Lewd Molestation, victims under 18 (F-2).
“This is an absolutely abhorrent situation…this man gained access to these boys, and then abused that trust and access. Hopefully, he’ll never have the opportunity to ever do this again.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.
Lane was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He has no prior criminal history. He is being held on $250,000 bond.
BBQ Fundraiser Raises Money For Frostproof American Legion Post
BBQ Fundraiser Raises Money For Frostproof American Legion Post
by James Coulter
Mike and Billie Sue Hutto both serve great food at their restaurant, P&J Recreation, in Frostproof.
Last Saturday, the two local business owners and veterans helped serve up equally great barbecue to help raise funds for their city’s new American Legion Post.
More than 200 dinners were sold during the barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, raising more than $2,800 for American Legion Post 95, Billie Sue said.
The post recently moved to its new location at the Frostproof Community Clubhouse located along East Wall Street, which the Frostproof Tourist Club has been using for the past 18 years.
American Legion Post 95 has since received a lease from the city to host their meetings at the clubhouse, and will be sharing the facility with the Frostproof Tourist Club.
Previously, American Legion meetings had been hosted within the side building adjacent to P&J Recreation, which had been designated as the city’s post three years ago.
As the owners of the restaurant were both proud veterans who had served in Afghanistan, they wanted to utilize the space next to their building to facilitate other veterans within the surrounding area.
Sadly, following Hurricane Irma, the building caught fire and is now undergoing much needed repairs.
Now that the American Legion have moved their operations and meetings to the Frostproof Community Clubhouse, the old location will serve as an extension to P&J Recreation as a second restaurant, Billie Sue said.
Aside from the scenic view of Lake Reedy, the new location offers a larger facility on an even larger property located near Veterans Way, providing the Post with a larger venue to host future events and meetings.
“It is a better location, better for the community, and we hope to have events and other things here in Frostproof,” Billie Sue said.
Since starting three years ago, American Legion Post 95 has been giving back to the local community through fundraising events such as “Quarters for a Cause”, a monthly bingo game that raises thousands of dollars for local residents in need.
For as much as the post has given back to the community during times of need, the community has since returned the generosity in kind by helping out the Post during its own time of need.
This was especially true during the fundraiser, which more than exceeded the expectations of everyone involved.
“Just another example of what Frostproof does,” said Mike. “We are overwhelmed by the support already…The American Legion has always been giving since we were open, and we return on our investment.”
Previously, the Huttos have contributed to the new location by having new air conditioning installed within the facility.
Helping with the barbecue fundraiser were several local residents, veterans, city council members, and business owners, including Angie Hanger from Watcha Got Cookin and Daniel Bush from Rollin Smoke.
Bill Lord, a former staff sergeant within the U.S. Air Force, is one of the many local veterans who has benefited from the local American Legion Post. He hopes that the post will continue to provide aid through their new location.
“They do a good job, they help quite a few people with benefits, getting them lined up to the VA [Veterans Association],” he said.
Mayor Martin Sullivan, who has been barbecuing as a hobby within his own backyard, helped volunteer at the event as the “head pork puller.”
Sullivan appreciates the service that the Post has provided the community, and anticipates it to continue serving the community within their new location, he said.
“I am looking forward to the American Legion having a good start in the new building…[and] for them to be able to further their aid and assistance to local citizens and to provide good events for the community as a whole,” he said.
Donations to American Legion Post 95 can be made through checks payable to “Frostproof American Legion Post 95”, and mailed to PO Box 968, Frostproof, FL 33843.
For more information on the Frostproof post, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Frostproof-American-Legion-Post-95-107668059565260/
Local Veterans Commemorate Memorial Day At Winter Haven American Legion
Local Veterans Commemorate Memorial Day At Winter Haven American Legion
by James Coulter
Bill Butler, a former Navy officer, comes from a family with a long and active history in the U.S. military.
His step-father served as a career officer in the U.S. Army for 44 years, his step-brother was a navigator in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, and his brother was a staff sergeant for 12 years.
He himself served four years within the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956, having completed two tours within Morocco seven months each time.
With him being the only living relative left, he honors their memory and service every Memorial Day at American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven, though he often wishes that they were still alive to celebrate along with him.
“I think of them every day of my life that I am still here, and how nice it would be to join me in these festivities to honor veterans,” he said.
Butler has been attending the American Legion in Winter Haven since 2002, and has been an active member of the executive committee for several years.
Each and every year since he first joined, he has been attending the annual Memorial Day celebration, allowing him to socialize with many of his fellow veterans and service members.
“These are events that make me want to come back more and more each year to honor these people who are doing a fabulous job to protect our cities here in this area and all over the country,” he said.
American Legion Post 8 celebrated Memorial Day starting at noon with a flag raising ceremony, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem, and a 21-gun salute hosted by the Honor Guard.
The remaining festivities that afternoon included a barbecue lunch, live music performed by The Country Road Band, and a special water ski show hosted by the Cypress Gardens Ski Team later that evening.
The post regularly hosts events for national holidays including Independence Day and Veterans Day, as well as other special events such as their annual dinner for law enforcement in September.
The American Legion will be celebrating its 100th anniversary nationwide next year, having first been chartered in 1919.
The Post 8 building in Winter Haven was constructed in 1964, though the post had previously existed in other locations within the city.
The post has more than 1,600 Legionnaire members. Most of them reside within the city and surrounding area. Others are snowbirds from states as far away as California and Washington.
Many members, including those who attended the Memorial Day celebration, have been attending the post ever since it first opened back in 1964.
For many of them, not only does the post provide them camaraderie with fellow veterans and military servicemen, but also a place where they can receive much needed support and benefits.
Ramona Knight, Honor Guard member, historian, and chaplain, has been attending the post for the past six years, and became an active member after her husband passed away two years ago. As of next year, she will serve threefold as the chaplain of the Honor Guard, the post, and of the faith.
After becoming ill earlier this year, Knight was able to receive much needed support, with many members going above and beyond to help her within her time of need.
“They looked after me,” she said. “The members of the post visited, they helped me with my grocery shopping, they were right there in helping me survive the illness.”
The post has undergone several renovations, including the addition of the tiki huts within the back porch and the remodeling of the restrooms to better accommodate handicapped members.
