Peak Bloom Season Arrives At Bok Tower Gardens

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March 9, 2018

Peak Bloom Season Arrives At Bok Tower Gardens

by James Coulter

The first day of spring is right around the corner, and Bok Tower Gardens had already sprung into the season with its garden foliage in full bloom during its Peak Bloom Season.

All this month, guests can enjoy the springtime sights with more than 150 different camellias and hundreds of other flowers.

To help guests better enjoy the scenic springtime surroundings, several special events will be hosted this month:

Spring Wine Walk

What better way for wine connoisseurs to enjoy the start of spring than to take a leisurely stroll and admire the blossoming foliage with a cup of fine wine.

The Spring Wine Walk on March 10 will allow guests to sip, sample, and stroll through the gardens along a path with six designated stops at the most scenic locations, each one serving two different wines and a snack.

Each of the 12 wines have been carefully selected to reflect each of the designated areas of the garden, thus helping to compliment the overall scenery, and will all be served along with unique hordierves such as fruit sushi, or “frushi.”

After their springtime stroll, guests can then make their way to the cafe terrace for an after party featuring live music and fine dining with their choice of either grilled chicken or red snapper, each topped with mango salsa and served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

This will be the second wine walk hosted at the gardens. The first walk was hosted in the fall and managed to attract more than 500 guests, explained Erica Smith, Bok Tower Marketing Director.

“With it being our very first one, we did not know what to expect, and we had close to 500 people come to our wine walk, which is a huge event for us,” she said.

This year’s walk is expected to attract the same number of guests, and with a beautiful weather forecast for that evening, the turnout is expected to possibly even be greater.

“The weather was spectacular, and people had such a good time,” she said. “They had fun with the wine, and have a nice healthy stroll as you work off a few calories and enjoy the wine walk.”

Bok After Dark

While the blooming trees look lovely in the sunlight, they look just as good in the moonlight. What better way to do that than during a nighttime clarion concert?

Bok After Dark offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy the gardens at night with live music played on the patio and later from the tower itself with a clarion concert.

While most after dark events are hosted after dusk, this month’s events will be hosted at dusk near sunset, allowing guests to enjoy the view of the tower and scenic landscape as the sun sets on the horizon.

“This year, because sunsets have been wonderful, we decided to change it up a bit so you can walk up to the tower while the sun is setting and it will be twilight as you walk down,” Smith said.

After sunset, guests can then enjoy a musical experience as the tower bells ring out in song during the clarion concert, with the two events being themed to current popular music.

The first event, “An Epic Fantasy”, on March 15 will feature a selection of musical scores from popular movies such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings. The second event, “Rock The Bok”, on March 29, will showcase rock anthems from metal bands such as ACDC and Metallica.

As the deviation from the classical clarion concerts, the concerts this month will have a greater focus on a younger crowd, thus allowing guests of all ages to better enjoy the music, Smith said.

“We have a heritage of playing high classical music,” she said. “It is something interesting when you can hear Metallica or ACDC being played on the bell towers, it is so fun and different and useful, and that is what we want people to do, for them to come and hear and enjoy and want to provide music relevant to a younger audience.”

Other Events

Carillon Classic 5K (March 10): Run, walk, or jog your way through the garden and along scenic Iron Mountain during a race along “Central Florida’s most challenging 5K course.”

Family Camping Adventure (March 17 and 18): What’s better than enjoying the garden during the day? How about enjoying it all weekend with the opportunity to camp in the gardens and enjoy various other camping activities such as stargazing and campfires.

Founder’s Room Tour (March 24): Very few people have been allowed inside the tower, and this month, members at the Sustainer Level will have a rare opportunity to take an exclusive tour inside by reservation.

For more information about upcoming events, visit their website at: https://boktowergardens.org/

Man Charged With Solicitation to Commit Murder While in the Polk County Jail

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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Man Charged With Solicitation to Commit Murder While in the Polk County Jail

A Winter Haven man who is currently in the Polk County Jail for Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a child under 12 years of age, was charged Wednesday, March 7, 2018, with trying to hire someone to kill his victim, and witnesses. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged 26-year-old inmate Richard Palmer with two counts of solicitation to commit murder (F-1), and one count of solicitation to commit arson (F-2).

According to the affidavit, Palmer approached a cellmate, asking him if he knew anyone who would be willing to kill the young victim and witnesses in his case. The cellmate notified law enforcement about Palmer’s offer to compensate $15,000.00 and a motor vehicle, described as a sports car, to murder the child and two adults, then burn their home down to destroy evidence. Palmer told the cellmate that he didn’t want his intended victims to come to court, and he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in prison.

The cellmate turned over Palmer’s hand-drawn map of the targeted residence, complete with landmarks, and interior layout, which was intended to help the hired-killer with the task.

An undercover detective was introduced over the phone by the cellmate, as someone interested in assisting with the murders. The term, “X Out” was adopted by Palmer to refer to the planned murders when speaking with the cellmate and detective. The detective was provided directions, promised a motor vehicle as partial payment, as well as money in advance. Palmer soon after arranged for $100.00 to be wired to the detective via Western Union, and was provided with a security code question by Palmer.

Detectives also recorded a conversation between Palmer and his cellmate, where Palmer used the coded phrase, “Exterminate all Jews,” referring to his people (victims) in the neighborhood. It was during this conversation that Palmer acknowledged drawing the map.

“Just when you think this man can’t get any lower, after being arrested for doing horrible things to a child, now he’s trying to hire someone to kill her and the witnesses. There’s not one bit of remorse in this man for what he’s done.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

A complaint affidavit against Palmer was originally filed with the lewd and lascivious charges in February 2013. Palmer was arrested in Ohio, and extradited to Polk County in November 2015. He posted bail in December of that year. He was arrested again in September of 2017 on battery on a LEO and resisting arrest charges, which prompted his pre-trial release status to be revoked and he has been in jail since. He is scheduled for first appearance on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

Richard Palmer’s prior criminal history consists of four felony charges, three misdemeanor charges, and nine charges of unknown levels. In addition to the lewd and lascivious charge, his priors includes three battery on LEO charges, two charges of resisting arrest, battery (domestic violence), driving while license suspended or revoked, and failure to appear.

The names of the victim and witnesses, and the map have been withheld due to identifying information in a sexual battery case.

Winter Haven Drug Dealer Charged with First-Degree Murder For Selling Lethal Dose of Fentanyl-Laced Heroin

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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Winter Haven Drug Dealer Charged with First-Degree Murder For Selling Lethal Dose of Fentanyl-Laced Heroin

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, the Grand Jury (10^th Judicial Circuit) charged 49-year-old Melita Mendez of Winter Haven with first-degree murder of 31-year-old Kalia Joslin of Winter Haven. Mendez was previously arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies on November 6, 2017, for trafficking heroin (F1), conspiracy to traffick heroin (F1), selling heroin (F2), possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture heroin (F2), use of 2-way communication device to commit a felony (F-3), storing drugs in a home (M1), two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia (M1), resisting arrest (M1), and possession of marijuana (M1).

She was taken into custody last night at her residence, 439 21St St SW in Winter Haven (she had previously bonded out on her trafficking in heroin charges on February13, 2018). Also arrested and taken into custody last night was her husband, 56-year-old Idlefonso Mendez Rios. He was charged with possession of methadone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of prescription medication without a prescription, resisting officers without violence, and served with a warrant for failure to appear at the Polk County Jail Weekend Work Release Program (Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Prescription Drug without a Prescription, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia). Mr. Rios was found hiding in a bedroom closet. While conducting a search, detectives found the methadone pills and drug paraphernalia (for which he was charged).

Melita Mendez admitted to detectives that she sold the heroin to Joslin, which resulted in Joslin’s death.

According to detectives, the following is a timeline describing the investigation:

October 29, 2017: PCSO responded to an unresponsive female call, later identified as 31-year-old Kalie Joslin of Winter Haven-she was deceased on scene. Deputies found suspected heroin/fentanyl baggies and syringes in her bedroom. Joslin had one child, a 12-year-old son.
October 31, 2017: Deputies collected and searched Joslin’s cellphone. During the search, they found several text messages from October 28, 2017. It was apparent through the text messages that Joslin had been trying to contact “Tuti” to purchase $95.00 worth of heroin. Detectives discovered that Joslin and a witness drove to 626 Avenue E. SE in Winter Haven (Tuti’s residence). Tuti went into Joslin’s vehicle and sold $95.00 worth of heroin (6 baggies) to Joslin and a witness. The two split the heroin. Joslin made her way back to her residence (where she lived with her mother and father).

On this same day, October 31, 2017, deputies identified “Tuti” as 49-year-old Melita Mendez. An undercover detective made contact with Mendez and purchased $100 worth of heroin (6 baggies).

November 3, 2017: The undercover detective purchased an additional $95.00 worth of heroin (6 baggies) from Mendez. Deputies conducted a search of Mendez’ home and she was arrested for having 18 grams of heroin. During the investigation, Mendez admitted to deputies that she sold a potentially fatal dose of heroin to Joslin on October 28, 2017.

PCSO detectives sent the baggies of heroin (that were found next to Joslin when she was discovered deceased) and the baggies found in Mendez’ home to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Lab. The lab results stated the baggies of heroin in Joslin’s presence and the heroin found in Mendez’ home tested positive for heroin. In early February, detectives received toxicology results from Joslin’s autopsy indicating she tested positive for Fentanyl.

On February 22, 2018, detectives received the final autopsy report from the 10^th District Medical Examiner’s office and the official cause of death was ruled as “Heroin and Fentanyl Intoxication.”

“This is how dangerous it is to become addicted to heroin, or any drug for that matter. Drug dealers are only concerned about making money, they don’t care about how this drug can ruin someone’s life. Thankfully, the legislation passed the new law encompassing the sale of heroin laced with fentanyl into the first-degree murder statute. Now, Mendez can be rightfully held accountable for her actions.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Melita Mendez has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1990 when she was 21 years old.

07/23/2016 – PCSO – failure to appear
02/23/2016 – PCSO – Knowingly DWLSR
01/16/2015 – PCSO – Knowingly DWLSR
08/13/2008 – PCSO – Failure to Appear

Pennsylvania Charges

11/07/1997 – Whitehall PD – Retail Theft

New York Charges

02/17/1990 – NYCPD – Robbery with Deadly Weapon, Criminal Possession Weapon -4^th with Intent to Use, Petit Larceny, Intent to Obtain Transportation without Paying Menacing
05/14/1990 – NYCPD – Robbery -1^st Causing Serious Injury, Criminal Possession Weapon – 4^th: Intent to Use, and Criminal Possession Stolen Property-5^th Degree

On October 1, 2017, Florida State Statute 782.04(3)(g) became effective (adding Fentanyl to be classified under the First Degree Murder statute).

CommunityFest By Day, Taste of Winter Haven By Night

Staff Reporter

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March 8, 2018

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CommunityFest By Day, Taste of Winter Haven By Night

by James Coulter

On Saturday morning, Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven burst to the brim with bright colors with bounce houses, balloon animals, and food vendors for family members of all ages.

By Saturday evening, the scene shifted to a more sophisticated setting with vendors from restaurants all over the city congregating around the Chamber of Commerce to serve their finest food along with wine and live music.

Whether during the day or at night, Downtown Winter Haven had something to offer the entire community through two annual events that Saturday.

Both events have been hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for the past four years, and both were started to bring together the entire community with food, folks, and fun.

CommunityFest Winter Haven

The first half of the day started with CommunityFest, a local festival with more than two dozen vendors each providing their own food, games, and other fun activities ranging from balloon animals and street performers to a rock climbing wall and food trucks.

Not only does the event provide residents family fun, but an opportunity to learn about local businesses and other organizations, explained Brianna Price, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Marketing Coordinator.

“It gives the general public a chance to get to know our Winter Haven businesses, and it is a great day for people to enjoy the park,” she said.

Brent Wernsing, Pastor of Kairos Church, decided to attend and sponsor the event for the first time this year, sponsoring a balloon artist while providing other activities such as rock painting and cotton candy.

As someone whose church attends the Winter Haven Market twice a month, he understands the importance of reaching out to the community through such outreach.

“We love being in the community,” he said. “I have been able to talk about people about what we have going as a church and what we are doing in the community…[I] just [loved] the people and connecting with them in the community.”

Melissa Woodward, Owner of Crazy Custom Creations, used the event to expose potential customers to her business of selling custom perler bead art, many of which are inspired by popular movies, comic books, and video games.

She started her business a year ago after spinal surgery left her unable to move around as much as she used to, and she wanted to find a way to help pre-occupy her time, she explained.

“I figured there will be kids out here, so [it was] an opportunity to share my work with others,” she said. “I have been pleased to sell products and customers coming by and being happy.”

Since the festival started four years ago, not only has it been growing in attendance, but also in the quantity and quality of its vendors, all of which help to make this event possible, explained Katie Worthington, Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

“It has been great,” she said. “We always expect to have a turnout, and I think they did as good job to show their love of their community for this great event.”

Taste of Winter Haven

While the day was dedicated to families and children of all ages, the night was set aside for adults ages 21 and older with an evening of fine dining, wine, and music.

Taste of Winter Haven offered 21 food booths showcasing the local flavors of Winter Haven and its many restaurants including Ovation Bar and Grille, Tempo 1930, Tallulah’s Table by the Sea, and Rick’s Bar-B-Que.

Rick Smith, owner of Rick’s Bar-B-Que has been attending ever since the event first started four years ago, with him serving smoked wings and sausage at this year’s event.

“It’s perfect,” he said. “This helps provide exposure for the restaurant [and] support the community.”

With the purchase of a wristband, attendees could sample a diverse selection of local cuisine ranging from baked ziti, crab salad, fried beignets, and mini shepherd’s pie and blue crab cheesecake.

The latter selection was served by Christia Morgan and her husband, Phillip Robinson, both owners of Catering Company of Central Florida, who have always attended for the past four years as a way to network with potential customers.

This year, she was able to reach out to Bond Clinic, Venue 650, and a local doctor’s office as potential catering opportunities, which she also appreciates as the Chamber’s presidential ambassador.

“I love the networking with the community,” she said. “We love to give back to our community however we can, [and] this is a great event.”

This year drew in approximately 400 to 500 attendees, which the beautiful weather especially helped facilitate, and future events are expected to only continue to grow.

“It’s really a crowd beyond your normal Chamber of Commerce crowd,” said Worthington. “It is really people in the community coming out to spend time together.”

PLEA AGREEMENT: Mulberry man sentenced to 18 years in prison for possession of child pornography

Polk County News

Staff Reporter

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March 6, 2018

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PLEA AGREEMENT: Mulberry man sentenced to 18 years in prison for possession of child pornography

State Attorney’s Office Release:

Calvin Barnes pled guilty to 50 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography Tuesday and was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by 15 years of sex offender probation.

Barnes, 46, was viewing, downloading, and distributing explicit photos and videos on Twitter. His activity was flagged by Twitter, and the company sent a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation was then passed to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were able to link the flagged Twitter account to Barnes using his subscriber information.

Over 500 pictures and videos were located in connection to Barnes’ account. The investigation also revealed he was having conversations about wanting to engage in sexual activity with minors.

After the court hearing today, State Attorney Brian Haas attributed the lengthy prison term to the “excellent investigation performed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the dedicated efforts of Assistant State Attorney Amy Smith, who prosecuted the case for the Tenth Circuit State Attorney’s Office.”

Darrell Coleman, Jr. Turned Himself In for Warrant from July Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

Staff Reporter

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March 6, 2018

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Darrell Coleman, Jr. Turned Himself In for Warrant from July Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

PCSO Release:

During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 27-year-old Darrell Coleman, Jr., who had a Polk County warrant for leaving the scene of a crash involving death in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in Haines City, turned himself in at the booking facility of the Polk County Jail in Bartow. He has been charged with one count leaving scene of crash involving death (F-1), one count DWLSR causing death (F-3), and one count trespassing (M-1).

The victim was 66-year-old Charles Hudson, Jr., a PCSO Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP) volunteer, who lived and worked in Solivita. He was riding his bicycle westbound off of Kokomo Road when he was fatally struck by Coleman.

The U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Forces in Florida and Maryland were instrumental in locating Coleman. He has been booked into the Polk County Jail and will have a first appearance hearing tomorrow.

“Back in July, we quickly identified Darrell Coleman as the man who hit and killed Mr. Hudson, then left him to die without stopping to help. Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest. He’s known about the warrant this entire time, and continued to hide from us. Finally, with his arrest, justice has been served, and he will answer for his crimes.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Knife-Wielding Suspect Shot and Killed By Polk Deputy After Fleeing a Traffic Stop

Staff Reporter

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March 6, 2018

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Knife-Wielding Suspect Shot and Killed By Polk Deputy After Fleeing a Traffic Stop

PCSO Release:

A Polk County Sheriff’s deputy was forced to shoot a Lakeland suspect on Monday afternoon, March 5, 2018, after the suspect fled a traffic stop, and threatened the deputy with a knife. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ryan L. Smith, succumbed to his injuries at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

He has an extensive criminal history, consisting of 22 felony charges, 25 misdemeanor charges, and five incarcerations in prison.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Deputies were patrolling southwest of Lakeland due to recent burglaries, when one of the deputies noticed Smith’s Nissan Altima driving recklessly in the area of Hatcher Road and Ridge Road, at around 2:15 p.m., and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Smith initially acted as if he was going to pull over, but then apparently changed his mind. He eventually stopped his car off of Spring Lane, and fled from the vehicle on foot. Deputies pursued Smith to a nearby swamp.

As deputies approached closer to where Smith was concealed in some brush in the swamp he emerged with a knife in one hand, his shirt in the other, and lacerations on his neck. Deputies ordered Smith to drop the knife, but he refused, yelling out, “Shoot me, shoot me!” He fled again, running north, across Government Road, and into the back yard of a residence on Presidential Lane, where he tried to hide in a shed. As deputies got closer, Smith ran from the shed, and jumped over a chain link fence. As a deputy jumped over the fence behind Smith, the deputy continued ordering Smith to stop and drop the knife. Smith, who had several directions he could go, began running directly at the deputy while brandishing the knife in a threatening manor, forcing the deputy to shoot him.

With the threat stopped, the deputy immediately began life-saving measures on Smith, and requested EMS to respond. Smith was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

“Once again, we have a suspect who had an easy opportunity to put down a weapon, but instead he threatened our deputy with a knife. Our deputy took the proper action to protect himself.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Deputies discovered what appeared to be methamphetamine, marijuana, and the synthetic marijuana inside Smith’s car.

The deputy who shot Smith is Sergeant Eric Daniel, a supervisor in the Southwest District, who has been a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for over eleven years.

There are four ongoing investigations: A death investigation by the PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations; an internal investigation by the PCSO Administrative Investigations Unit; an autopsy by the Medical Examiner; and the State Attorney’s Office, who was on-scene and will also review all of these investigations once they are completed.

Hop on Down to Lake Kissimmee State Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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March 5, 2018

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Hop on Down to Lake Kissimmee State Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours Offers a Unique Nature Experience

Lake Hamilton

Staff Reporter

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March 5, 2018

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Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours Offers a Unique Nature Experience

By Allison Williams

Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours is a boat tour agency located on Lake Hamilton. Captain Fred’s is a place where locals and tourists come to enjoy a day in nature and on an airboat.

Wayne and Bonnie Neidlinger took over Captain Fred’s around 2001. Captain Fred, cousin of Wayne retired and handed over the business. Rachel and Shiloh help run the day-to-day operations at Captain Fred’s. Rachel is in the process of getting her captain’s license. Luke and Joe are also a part of captain Fred’s team. The goal is to have four captains to operate the airboats: Luke, Joe, Rachel and Wayne.

The Neidlingers have a love for the outdoors. Originally from Northern Indiana, they both grew up around exotic animals. Several years ago, Wayne was given a black cub bear named Susie for his birthday. They helped raised her and watched her grow for three years. She grew up to be a large bear, taller than Bonnie when she stood up on her back legs.

The Neidlingers carried their passion for nature and animals to Florida, where Captain Fred’s is located today. They are licensed to keep small alligators on property, including a baby 7-month-old alligator named Taz and 8-year-old gator named Trixie.

Bonnie has a close bond with her gators. “I love the baby alligators,” Bonnie said. “They are so cute.”

While on the airboat tours, the captain and guests do not touch or feed any wild alligators. There is a fine for anyone caught doing so to wild alligators.

Having the opportunity to interact with docile alligators on property, this makes Captain Fred’s stand out. Employees do their best to provide entertainment for all ages, so that children and adults can enjoy themselves.

At Captain Fred’s, they take what they do very seriously. They remain professional and follow guidelines. All captains go through vigorous training and licensing to become licensed airboat operators.

The business has grown over the years. It started out with just one airboat on property for tours. Today, there are two running boats with a backup boat available in case either of the two malfunctions.

The current airboats were custom made right on Lake Hamilton at Combee Airboats.

People come from all over the world to experience an airboat tour at Captain Fred’s. The tour starts off with guests given the opportunity to hold the alligators on the porch overlooking Lake Hamilton. They then board an airboat with one of the licensed captains and begin their journey.

The captain points out all aspects of nature, including the birds roaming around the water’s surface or flying by. There are tons of species seen on each tour, from the white ibis bird to the Louisiana heron to the common gallinule.

Also in and around the water of Lake Hamilton are many plant species, including the arrowhead flower, white hibiscus and primrose willow.

Gators, big and small live in the waters of Lake Hamilton and the airboats get close enough for guests to see the gators lurking in the water to take photos of. They get close enough for photos, but stay far enough away as to not interfere with the gators in their natural habitat.

What keeps Captain Fred’s in business is its loyal customers. Bonnie and Wayne have a lot of repeat customers who live locally, but also word of mouth brings tons in from all over Florida, and even from all over the world.

Bonnie believes in giving people a memorable experience. “When people walk in our door, we don’t just treat them as customers,” Bonnie said. “We treat them as friends and want to give them their money’s worth. We are here to give people a good time, and that’s what it’s about.”

Captain Fred’s Airboat Nature Tours is located at 4700 Crump Road, Suite C – US 27

Lake Hamilton, Florida

Phone: (863) 696-1637

Website:

http://www.captfreds.com

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