Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer team took the win over Poinciana with a score of 6-3 for the District Championship last night at Legion Field.
They have now moved to Regional Quarter Finals and will play Titusville Feb 6th at 7pm at Legion Field.
Come out and show your support to Lake Wales High School Girls Soccer Team.
BARTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
01/25/2018
Accidental Shooting of Minor
On 01/24/2018 at approximately 1930 hours, officers with the Bartow Police Department responded to the Bartow Regional Medical Center in reference to a 12 years of age male being treated for a gunshot wound to his hand.
After investigation, detectives learned that the juvenile had accidentally shot himself in the hand while moving the firearm. Through interviews, detectives learned that the child’s uncle, Michael Caraway, left his handgun unsecured inside his vehicle at 1150 East Davidson St. Just prior to this event, Caraway asked the juvenile to go outside and retrieve his phone charger from inside his vehicle. While doing so, the victim observed the unsecured handgun and picked it up. As the victim handled the firearm, there was an accidental discharge of the weapon. This resulted in the victim being shot in his left hand. After seeking medical attention at BRMC, the victim was ultimately transported to Saint Joseph’s Children’s hospital in stable condition.
During this investigation, detectives learned that prior to law enforcement’s arrival Caraway retrieved the handgun and fled the scene. Caraway subsequently admitted that he threw the firearm into an undisclosed phosphate pit. Caraway advised that he did so because he was “scared”, knowing that his unsecured firearm had been involved.
Michael Russell Caraway, age 23, of Bartow, was arrested and charged with Tampering with/Destroying Evidence related to a Criminal Investigation (Felony-3) and Failure to Safely Store or Secure a Firearm (Misdemeanor-2).
Check out this clear video of two suspects having a shopping spree – wait, shopping means paying. They didn’t pay.
On 1-23-18 at approximately 5:30 p.m. a male and female, both appearing to be in their mid to late 30’s enter Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and being their escapade. Roaming all over the store, they select everything from health and beauty aids, to sheets to cleaning products including four large containers of Tide Pods.
The female then is seen exiting from the area of the produce department while the male is seen coming down the center isle through the grocery area about 8 – 10 seconds later. You guess it – neither came from the cash register area. They are driving a dark SUV possibly a black Ford Escape that has an air freshener hanging from the rear-view mirror.
Anyone with information on their identities is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) Callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/175433949189901/videos/1907574909309121/
UPDATE in the hit-and-run investigation from Sunday in Auburndale:
The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and is seeking the public’s help.
On that date and time, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call in reference to an adult male pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle in front of International Market World, 1052 US Hwy 92 West in Auburndale. It appears the victim was struck by a vehicle in the westbound turn lane that turns into the Flea Market. The vehicle would have been traveling westbound.
There is a vehicle of interest (seen here) described as a 2000-2005 model dark-colored Ford Ranger stepside truck.
“If anyone has an idea of who owns this truck, or saw something suspicious in the area, they are urged to call PCSO at 863-298-6200; or you can remain anonymous and call Heartland Crime Stoppers. We need justice for Eduardo.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Anyone with information who wants to REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is Guaranteed!!
On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, PCSO School Resource deputies arrested 16-year-old Terrika Nichole Whitfield (DOB 1/5/02), a freshman at Tenoroc High School in unincorporated Lakeland, and charged her with:
According to the affidavit, Whitfield was seen by students with a gun tucked into her waistband. Some students reported it to school administration staff, who immediately reported it to the School Resource Deputy. The deputy responded to Whitfield’s classroom and searched her – the gun was not on her at that time. When asked, Whitfield told the deputy she did not have a backpack. The teacher then pointed out Whitfield’s backpack to the deputy. A 9 mm handgun was found within the backpack, with one round in the magazine, and one round in the chamber. The serial number was scratched off of the gun.
At the time the gun was found, Whitfield became aggressive, cursing and yelling at everyone. She was taken into custody and transported to the JAC.
She’s currently on probation for battery on a LEO and assault.
Whitfield’s criminal history includes prior arrests for: battery, battery on LEO, battery on education employee, petit theft, possession of marijuana & paraphernalia, VOP.
“The school staff and our school resource deputy did an outstanding job quickly locating and confiscating the weapon. Given the seriousness of this student’s criminal history and current charges, we are going to do everything we can to make sure the criminal justice system holds her accountable.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
The following statement was issued by the Polk County School Superintendent:
“We thank Tenoroc High’s students, staff and school resource deputy for acting quickly when reports surfaced of a weapon on campus. Through their efforts, the firearm was recovered before anyone could be threatened or injured. We will continue to cooperate with our partners in law enforcement to ensure our schools are safe places for learning.” – Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd
More Than 200 Quilts To Be Displayed At Lakeland Quilt Show
by James Coulter
When people think of quilting, they imagine little old ladies sitting in a circle by a fireplace in wooden cabins more than 100 years ago.
However, not only is the art of quilting still alive, but it is a hobby that is done by people both young and old, as any member of the Lakeland Ladies of the Lake quilting guild can attest.
More than 200 quilts of various colors and styles will be displayed at the annual Quilts by the Lake show on Friday and Saturday in Lakeland.
The show will be hosted at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, and will allow quilters and non-quilters alike the opportunity to see and even buy quilts, quilting material, and other merchandise including jewelry.
All proceeds will go to support local charities including the Tampa Veteran Hospital. Lunch will be provided by the local Boy Scouts, with volunteers provided by the local ROTC.
This will be the fifth annual show hosted by the Ladies of the Lake quilting guild, which originally started displaying their quilts at the Living Art Festival in Bartow before starting their own separate show, explained founding member Jacki Anderson.
“As it grew, so did we…so we started to do our own quilt show,” she explained.
Started in 1995, Ladies of the Lakes is a non-profit organization started by quilters within the Lakeland area to provide them a place, according to their website, “where they could come to be with friends and to have a great time while doing something they loved.”
To help their members improve in their hobby, the guild invites speakers and historians from to come and share their knowledge and expertise through the guild’s education program.
The guild also provides them the opportunity to give back to their community by creating quilt pieces for local hospitals, nursing homes, and other non-profit organizations such as the Florida Baptist Children’s’ Home and the Quilts for Project Linus.
Since its inception, the guild has not only continued to grow in size with new members, but also in scope with members ranging in age and expertise, from the youngest members being in their teens to the oldest being in their late 80s.
Jacki Anderson, one of the guild’s founding members, became involved with the group because she wanted to meet with fellow quilters to share and grow in her own craft.
She especially appreciates how their education programs brings in speakers and other quilt experts from across the country to their town to help share their knowledge with others and thus further their own education.
She would often visit a local fabric store where she would make some of her best quilts, and she has been quilting with the friends she has made there ever since.
“I love the camaraderie,” she said. “Even though we all have different ideas for what a quilt should be, we have a great time when we get together and share our knowledge.”
Aside from allowing fellow quilters a place to share their love of quilting, Anderson encourages other people to check out their own guild to expose themselves to different quilting techniques as to “move outside their boxes and try new things.”
The Quilts by the Lake show will be hosted on Fri., Jan. 26 and Sat., Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. in Lakeland.
The guild itself host their meetings on the third Thursday at the church from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.ladiesofthelakes.org/
Prep 15 m
Cook 30 m
Ready In 1 h 15 m
Students Flock to Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland to Receive a Hands-On Learning Experience
By Allison Williams
Sitting on the South side of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the Aerospace Center for Excellence offers a variety of educational programs for students including those who love aviation, or anyone pursuing an aerospace career. Officially formed in 2013, the non-profit organization has dedicated twelve buildings on property to education.
Richele Floyd, Education Director at Aerospace Center for Excellence, otherwise known as ACE, grew up with an interest in aviation and loves being able to share her passion with others.
“I love educating the youth on the different opportunities in aviation,” Floyd said. “ACE is home to year round aerospace educational programs including student tours, summer camps, workshops, programs for teachers, and even school outreach.”
Since its formation, the Aerospace Center for Excellence has become the world leader in producing teenage private pilots touting a total of 63 to date. Approximately $2 million is contributed toward education annually, including $432,000 in scholarships.
Also sitting on the Aerospace Center for Excellence campus is Aerospace Discovery, Florida Air Museum, and the Lakeland Aero Club which is the world’s largest high school aviation club. Many know of the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-in and Expo which is the largest convention in the State of Florida and the second largest Fly-In in the United States.
Donovan Richards is the Vice President of the Lakeland Aero Club. This program is a non-profit club. Richards believes having this program is a great opportunity for high school-aged kids.
“It’s just a really awesome opportunity that club members can grow up with,” Richards said. “There are at least 30-40 kids here every day after school. We’ve got five different restoration rebuild projects that we are working on and we have students who are learning how to fly here. It’s definitely an awesome program and partnership with ACE.”
This year, the campus will host the 44th Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo. “A fly-in is where aviation enthusiasts from all over the world come to meet and network, but it is the highly anticipated airshow that brings in the general population.” Floyd said. People usually either fly in or drive and many even camp on-site for this six-day event. This year’s Fly-In and Expo will be April 10-15, 2018 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on the airshow schedule.
Many of ACE’s programs offer kids’ first flights. This is offered to children who are interested in aviation but maybe have not yet had the opportunity to fly. They are often flown in private planes piloted by volunteers to get the experience.
The Aerospace Center for Excellence is a not for profit organization. A team of volunteers play an essential role throughout the campus. The Buehler Aerospace Skills Center is utilized by individuals who build exhibits for the museum. Any time aircraft maintenance is needed on property, the aircrafts are sent to this building to be worked on as well.
Also on property is a Boeing 727 aircraft. One half of the plane is a classroom and the other half is a conference room. A program that the Aerospace Center for Excellence takes pride in is Transition to the Sky. People with exceptionalities are given the chance to experience a life-like flight situation. They are taken to the airport and go through the steps to board a plane, like ticketing and gate assignment. They are then taken to the Boeing 727 aircraft on property to board. The plane is a live aircraft so this gives the children a real-life experience. They can hear the aircraft’s engines roar.
Floyd said new programs are always being added. “We recently received a grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation and now have a portable planetarium that we can offer,” Floyd said. The planetarium is an inflatable dome with a projector inside. The planetarium is an educational tool and is able to portray things like constellations, the solar system, and ocean currents.
The more opportunities the Aerospace Center for Excellence offer, the more students and the community will be able to learn about the world of aviation.
The Aerospace Center for Excellence is located at 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida.
Phone number: 863-644-2431
FREE HOSPITAL HEALTH FAIR SET FOR FEB. 3
Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center will hold a free community health fair, on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. until noon at the hospital.
Participants can take advantage of a variety of free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, vision, peak flow respiratory testing, memory screening, blood oxygen levels, balance screening, medication reviews by pharmacists, information on plastic surgery and bariatric surgery, and chair massages. The bloodmobile also will be on site to accept blood donations.
A variety of physicians and other community healthcare providers will participate, providing information and answering questions. The event is free for the whole family. The health fair will be held in the Hunt Building at Lake Wales Medical Center, 410 S. 11th Street. Pre-registration is not required. Doors will open at 9 a.m.
HOSPITAL ADJUSTS VISITATION RULES DURING FLU SEASON
Lake Wales, FL – In an effort to protect patients and the community from the flu virus, Lake Wales Medical Center announced today it is changing its visitation policy for the remainder of flu season.
Effective immediately, no one under the age of 14 will be allowed to visit patients at the hospital. Additionally, no one with cold- or flu-like symptoms can visit. This includes those with fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, as well as a rash or diarrhea.
“Our focus is on protecting our patients and our visitors,” said hospital spokesperson Maryemma Bachelder. “We’ve seen an increase in flu cases, similar to much of the rest of the country, and we are taking these steps to help prevent it from spreading further. Anyone who is immunosuppressed or otherwise at increased risk should refrain from visiting people in the hospital during flu season. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible.”
The hospital’s visitation policy limits the number of visitors per patient to two at a time.
The hospital encourages community members to wash their hands frequently, especially throughout cold and flu season, and to use hand sanitizer when hand washing isn’t available.
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