Brittney Fields Named Employee of The Month for Lake Wales Medical Center

Lake Wales

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January 23, 2018

Brittney Fields Named Employee of The Month for Lake Wales Medical Center

Lake Wales, FL – Brittney Fields, from Information Systems, was named employee of the month for December at Lake Wales Medical Center. Brittney, who has worked for the hospital since 2014, was honored for consistently going above and beyond to help ensure the hospital’s computers and associated systems are running correctly. Her efforts are often lauded during the hospital’s daily safety huddles, and she’s mentioned frequently as a person who is hardworking, honest, caring and thoughtful. “Whenever we have a problem in our department, she is on it,” one coworker said.

Bok Tower Goes To The Dogs During Dog Days Of Winter

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Bok Tower Goes To The Dogs During Dog Days Of Winter

by James Coulter

Bok Tower Gardens is a scenic place for guests with two legs to take a stroll, and last Sunday provided the same opportunity for guests with four legs.

Dog owners and their furry four-footed friends were permitted on Sunday at Bok Tower Gardens for its annual Dog Days of Winter event.

Bok Tower hosts two events every year, once in the winter, and once in the summer, allowing guests to bring their dogs and walk with them through the scenic landscape.

For many guests, this was one of many visits that they previously enjoyed at the gardens with their furry companions.

Allison Post has been participating for the past three years with her own two dogs, her Chihuahua, Zelda, and her Terrier-Pomeranian, Leia, both named after the fictional princesses from the Legend of Zelda and Star Wars respectively.

This year she brought along her friend, Cat Edbauer, and her golden retriever, Precious Pheobe, to enjoy the scenic view on the plateau looking over the landscape of surrounding Lake Wales.

Post loves being able to enjoy the lush landscaping with her pets, as well as the opportunity to meet fellow pet owners.

“I love the conservation and dedication to keeping the grounds pristine but also taking into account the local flora and fauna,” she said. “[And] getting to meet other people who love their dogs as much as they love mine.”

For other pet owners, this was their very first time visiting the gardens with their canine companions.

Martha Lee, who volunteers for Canine Companions, a non-profit organization that helps trains service dogs, decided to visit the gardens this year as a way to treat the dog she’s currently training, Yuri, a 11-month-old yellow Labrador retriever.

While she has been to Bok Tower for many years on her own, this was her first year attending a dog day event, which more than met her expectations and inspired her to visit again another time.

“We wanted to bring them out to have an experience while they are training,” she said. “We want to take them out to as many places as possible and to meet other dogs on a beautiful day.”

For guests who have visited the gardens before, the event allowed them the opportunity to enjoy the native scenery with the pets they love and care for.

Linda Kratovil, a member of Bok Tower Gardens, has been attending every year for the past four years, this year bringing along her two dogs, Caine and Ricky, both mixed breeds.

She loves visiting the gardens and the tower, especially during the outdoor concerts, but she also loves being able to do so with her dogs during events such as this.

“We love bringing the dogs out and they enjoy coming out and walking along the different paths,” she said. “They can interact with other dogs, we can interact with other people and their dogs, and enjoy a nice day.”

This year provided guests and their dogs an opportunity to have their photographs taken in front of the iconic Bok Tower by a professional photographer and download the photos on-line for free.

Guests could also have their pets blessed by Deacon Sam Knight from Sprit Catholic Church during a special blessing of the pets on the oval lawn that afternoon.

At the visitor’s center were about were half a dozen vendors selling merchandise and advertising services, from dog treats to animal sitting services.

One such vendor was Robyn Fredericks of Nice 2 Be Natural, which sells homemade dog treats made from all-natural ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables without any artificial preservatives.

As someone who has attended several pet events throughout the city and county, she loves Bok Tower for its lush landscape that is most ideal for walking pets during a nice day.

“It is a lovely event with a lot of dogs who enjoy treats,” she said. “It is a time for pet owners to come together and mingle and have fun, and dogs can come out here when they usually can’t come any other time.”

This year’s event managed to draw in a record number of dogs and guests compared to the event last year, and hopefully future events will bring in even more, said Melissa Roth-Giffen, Director of Visitor Services.

“It is a different day for people to experience the gardens, and it is a way to bring their furry friends…and allow them time to spend time together,” she said.

Another dog day event is planned for this summer. For more information, visit their website at: https://boktowergardens.org/

PCSO Arrests Courier For Leaving The Scene Of a Crash

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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PCSO Arrests Courier For Leaving The Scene Of a Crash

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 20-year-old Jaquarius Collins for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage (M2) and leaving the scene of a crash with unattended property (M2).

Collins was employed as a PCSO civilian member during the time of the crash. Collins was driving an agency van, a 2002 Ford F150 Econoline van, in the parking lot of the Central County Jail when he struck another agency car, a parked 2012 Chevrolet Impala, and left the scene.

According to the affidavit, witnesses told deputies that they saw a Sheriff’s Office van pull into a parking space at the Central County Jail located at 2390 Bob Phillips Road in Bartow, and hit the Impala. Witnesses saw Collins walk around his van and the car to check for damage. Shortly after Collins went inside to deliver mail, he went back into his vehicle and left.

Collins admitted to deputies that he did hit the car while he was trying to park the van and that he decided not to report it. He told deputies that he was involved in a vehicle crash approximately two weeks prior driving an agency van and was afraid he would be disciplined for this crash.

“We hold our employees accountable for their actions. If Collins would have been honest and reported the incident instead of leaving the scene without notifying his supervisors, he wouldn’t have been charged.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Collins resigned from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on January 17, 2018.

Collins was booked into the Polk County Jail on the above charges.

Haines City Attempting to Located Suspect Who Left Denny’s Without Paying

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Haines City Attempting to Located Suspect Who Left Denny’s Without Paying

FROM Haines City Police Department

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… it doesn’t matter how old you are, or how much it cost… stealing is stealing! We are attempting to identify this man, who not only stole a $5 tip left on the table next to him, but then got up and left Denny’s without paying. If anyone knows who he is, please contact Haines City Police Department.

Bartow Police Department is Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Citizens Police Academy

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Bartow Police Department is Now Accepting Applications for 2018 Citizens Police Academy

*** DEADLINE *** If you are interested in attending Bartow Police Department’s 2018 Citizens Police Academy, you must submit your application by Sunday, Jan. 28th. Don’t miss this fun ‘once a year’ Program! Call today for your application!

Lakeland PD is Conducting Investigation into Homicide at Lakeland Manor Apartments

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Lakeland PD is Conducting Investigation into Homicide at Lakeland Manor Apartments

LAKELAND, FL (January 23, 2018) – On Monday, January 22, 2018, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Lakeland Police officers were called to Lakeland Manor Apartments, 929 Gilmore Avenue, in reference to a suspicious death. Officers were met by the facility’s maintenance worker who advised that he had discovered a deceased male inside apartment #11 while performing an inspection.

Upon entering the apartment, officers confirmed that an individual, later identified as Roderick Childs, age 55, had been shot and killed. Detectives immediately responded to the scene and began interviewing residents in the area.

There are no suspects identified at this time and detectives encourage anyone with information to call 863.834.8955. This is an ongoing investigation.

Winter Haven Gives Away Free Trees At Arbor Day Celebration

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Winter Haven Gives Away Free Trees At Arbor Day Celebration

by James Coulter

It’s not easy being green, especially in the middle of a white winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking green.

That’s was the intention of the City of Winter Haven during its fifth annual Arbor Day Celebration last Friday.

The Arbor Day event was hosted last Friday afternoon in collaboration with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Services and the Florida Forestry Service.

The event served to educate participants on tree care with demonstrations about properly planting, pruning, selecting, and caring for trees.

Each participant received their own paper passport, which would be stamped at four stations where they could learn more about plant care.

Upon having their passport filled out, they were then eligible to receive a free tree, ranging from a large sweet bay magnolia, a medium-sized dahoon holly, or a small sparkleberry tree.

Each of the trees this year were provided through a grant by the Florida Forestry Service, and were selected for high-wind resistance, as many trees in the county had been lost due to Hurricane Irma, explained MJ Carnevale from the City of Winter Haven.

Helping with the event were volunteers from the Master Gardeners program through UF/IFAS Extension Office, which helps provide local citizens with information and education about plant care.

Through these demonstrations, the volunteers helped educate participants about avoiding mistakes that most new tree owners often make.

For example, one mistake that many new tree owners make is digging their hole too deep, explained volunteer Sandy Woods.

As such, when digging a hole for a new tree, people should be attentive and not dig the hole too deep nor cover up the soil around the tree, she further explained.

Another common mistake is fertilizing trees too soon. Never fertilize trees during the first four to six weeks, as doing so could burn and harm the roots, explained volunteer Julie Shelb.

“If you think you have a nutrient deficiency, then call our extension office our Master Gardener Plant Clinic,” she said.

Betty Harrison, another Master Gardener volunteer, has been cooperating with the event since its inception five years ago, and she enjoys helping teach people about local plant life and care.

“I enjoy meeting all the people, and they are getting something to help our environment,” she said. “I want them to take away the joy of having something green and growing in their yard.”

For the past five years, the Arbor Day Celebration has inspired locals to become more interested in planting their own trees, and as such, help inspire them to become more concerned about their local urban environment, Carnevale explained.

“When you look at urban forestry as a whole…we are trying to increase diversity across town,” he said. “By giving these trees away, we are able to get them planted in the urban forest.”

5K Event At Bone Valley ATV Park

Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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5K Event At Bone Valley ATV Park

(Jan. 23, 2018) – Bone Valley ATV Park’s second annual Color the Trail 5K run is coming up on Feb. 3

Participants will enjoy a fun and adventurous trail run that features 3.1 miles of uneven terrain and blasts of color along the way. The race will be timed by FITniche this year and will end with an awards ceremony for various age groups.

Runners can pre-register at https://www.athlinks.com/event/color-the-trail-5k-228477. The race entry fee is $25 per person and includes a t-shirt and swag bag. Runners can also register the day of the event at the park for $30 per person with t-shirt and swag bag available while supplies last. For more information about the Color the Trail 5k Run, please call (863) 534-6911.

Bone Valley ATV Park, located at 104027 County Road 630 West, Mulberry, will be closed to all off road vehicles during the event. The park will resume normal operations after 1 p.m. and will be free for all dirt bikes, ATVs and riders. For more information on the park, along with all regulations, visit www.BoneValleyATV.com or call (863) 428-0525.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort Kicks off the End of January with LEGO NINJAGO Days

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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LEGOLAND Florida Resort Kicks off the End of January with LEGO NINJAGO Days

By Allison Williams

LEGOLAND Florida Resort kicked off its LEGO NINJAGO Days Saturday. When the gates opened, children ran inside the park to explore all of the Ninja-themed events and shows throughout LEGOLAND.

During LEGO NINJAGO Days, the park opens at 10 a.m. and just as the gates open, the crowd is invited in to gather around for to see the opening show. One lucky child gets chosen from the crowd to hit the gong, signaling that the park and LEGO Ninjago Days is officially open.

Not only do children get to experience Ninja-themed events throughout the day, but also they are encouraged to go to LEGOLAND dressed in their favorite ninja or villain costumes. The children dressed up have a chance to win a prize each day.

During park hours, children are given the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt to locate Master Wu, the famous ninja mentor in The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Children pick up entry forms toward the front of the park at the LEGO Studio Store and then head to MINILAND USA to see how many hidden Master Wu characters they can find. MINILAND USA has several landmarks from around the United States made entirely out of LEGO bricks.

After completing the scavenger hunt, children bring back their entry form with the number of Master Wu figures they found and receive a LEGO brick prize for playing. The entry forms are also put into a box for a drawing to win a LEGO prize pack.

The Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theater also has showings of Master of the 4^th Dimension playing multiple times throughout the day. This short movie gives children a 4D experience about the heroes of NINJAGO City. Children are also able to meet Master Wu himself at the theater.

Just outside of LEGO NINJAGO World, real-life ninjas perform a show for the crowd three times a day. They dance, flip, fight and show off theirs ninja skills to entertain the crowd.

Also outside of LEGO NINJAGO World is where Ninjoga takes place. At 2 p.m. a ninja-themed yoga class takes place. The first 50 children who sign up for Ninjoga receive a souvenir LEGOLAND towel to take home with them after the Ninjoga class.

LEGO NINJAGO Days is only available for a limited time.

Dates:

January 20-21

January 27-28

February 3-4

Haines City Unites On MLK Unity Day

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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January 23, 2018

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Haines City Unites On MLK Unity Day

by James Coulter

Being raised in a small town like Haines City allowed James Taylor to accomplish big things in both the world of sports and business.

Having started out as a humble basketball player at Haines City High School, Taylor would go on to become the second men’s basketball player to be inducted into Lynn University Hall of Fame.

As the founder of Taylormade Athletes, he inspires and mentors young people to grow up and become exceptional individuals like himself.

His many other accomplishments range from winning the 2013 emerging business award from the Palm Black Chamber of Commerce to being honored in the White House in 2011.

All of the big accomplishments he made in life he owes to the values he gained growing up in Haines City, which he considers to be the “Heart of Florida.”

Such heart allowed him to do great things, and it is the same heart that Martin Luther King, Jr. had that motivated his role in the civil rights movement.

“The spirit of [MLK] is here because he had a heart for what was right, for what was hard…to stand up to injustice…to show us as people that we are responsible to build our own bridges to get our way out, not to sit back and wait for someone else to do it for us,” Taylor said.

Taylor was honored for his big deeds that he accomplished from his small town with an award conferred to him during this year’s MLK Jr. Unity Day Festival in Haines City on Saturday.

Taylor served as the keynote speaker that afternoon, and spoke alongside other figures within the community to honor the late civil rights leader and his legacy.

Keeping in line with MLK’s legacy of unity, the theme for this year’s celebration was “we can do better only if we do it together.”

City Manager Deric Feacher underlined this theme during his welcome speech as he assured his constituents that he and his fellow staff members were dedicated towards moving the city forward into a better direction.

“We are excited about the great things here in Haines City as we prepare to move Haines City forward,” he said. “It is a new day and a new vision and we are moving forward together.”

Pastor Dorothy Kennedy of Free Hope Baptist Church offered the spoken word, in which she reminded everyone that, despite the progress made in civil rights since MLK, that there is still much more progress that needs to be made.

“As long as there is still police brutality, we can never be satisfied,” she said. “As long as there is a [person] in Mississippi who cannot vote and a [person] in New York who believes he has nothing to vote for, we can never be satisfied…[and] we shall never be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Pastor Frank Adams of New Horizons Church in his invocation reminded everyone that such progress could only be made as long as everyone remains vigilant within their faith.

“I hope that you are empowered to keep moving forward together in unity and love,” he said.

The celebration was hosted on Cook Field and featured various local vendors and food trucks offering merchandise ranging from jewelry to homemade crafts.

Earlier that morning, the celebration kicked off with a parade that started at City Hall on Main Street and moved through downtown before ending at Cook Field.

More than two dozen floats were featured within the parade from local schools, churches, and organizations including the local Boys and Girls Club, NAACP, and the Haines City Northeast Revitalization Group.

Also participating in the parade were a few local politicians using the opportunity to promote their campaigns, including Bob Doyel for State Senate District 22and Sarah Fortney for the Polk County School Board.