Haines City Woman Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

Haines City

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January 15, 2018

Haines City Woman Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash at 3135 Baker Dairy Road, Haines City, on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at around 8:04 p.m., in which a Haines City woman was killed.

According to the preliminary investigation, a gray 2005 Honda Civic, driven by 22 year-old Jimminy Sanon of Haines City, was westbound on Baker Dairy Road, when he left the roadway, and slid sideways into a utility pole. The impact was to the passenger side of the car, where 25 year-old Sindy Vantin was seated.

Sanon suffered only minor abrasions, but Vantin was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a next of kin has been notified. The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.

Sanon was not wearing his seat belt, but Vantin was using hers.

Excessive speed appears to be a factor. This crash is still under investigation, and only civil charges are expected at this time.

Baker Dairy Road was closed for approximately six hours during the investigation.

Lake Wales Man Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 15, 2018

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Lake Wales Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-car crash, which occurred Saturday, January 13, 2018 at about 6:31 p.m., on State Road 60, east of Connersville Road, Connersville.

47-year-old Michael A. Jones, of Lake Wales, was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his next of kin has been notified. An autopsy will be handled by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to the preliminary investigation, Jones had been driving a silver 2008 Chevy Malibu east on SR 60. For unknown reasons at this time, his tires and rims rode against the raised curb for several feet, before going over the sidewalk, and striking a tree. Impact with the tree was made on the driver side, and the car came to a rest within inches of the house at 3555 Connersville Road.

Jones, who had not been wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the car.

At this time in the investigation, it is unknown if distraction or impairment factored into this crash, and there is no evidence that any other vehicles were involved.

One lane of eastbound SR 60 was closed for several hours for the investigation.

A Look into the Life of Eli Mosley, Local Country Music Artist

Staff Reporter

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January 15, 2018

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A Look into the Life of Eli Mosley, Local Country Music Artist

By Allison Williams

Eli Mosley, a local country music artist, has been working passionately for over 10 years to create and perform country songs. Mosley grew up in Polk County, living in Bartow, Mulberry and now Lakeland. He graduated from Lakeland Christian School in 2009 and from Southeast University in Lakeland with a Music Business degree in 2015.

Music has been a passion for Mosley since he was a little boy. “Music has been something I wanted to pursue ever since I was 6 years old,” Mosley said. “I saw Tracy Byrd play at the Strawberry Festival in Polk City in 1996.”

Byrd is Mosley’s biggest music inspiration. He was able to meet him last year and occasionally communicates with Byrd through social media platforms as well. “The cool thing about country stars is a lot of time, they are just so down to earth.” Other artists he finds inspirational are George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, and Brad Paisley.

Mosley considers his music style traditional but marketable. He creates music that is modern in a sense, but he also appreciates that traditional flare.

As many people know, country music tells a story, but to Mosley it is much more. “It’s about connecting with people and telling a story,” Mosley said. “I’m doing this for the people.” He believes strongly that interacting with people and helping those in need are important parts of his career.

“I like interacting with people,” Mosley said. “I like writing because I get to tell other people stories. I like performing because I get to interact with people and I like entertaining people. It’s not about the attention for me.”

His humble attitude reflects his mission. It is all faith based. He has visited over 47 countries doing mission work, helping people in need. Becoming a well-known artist is his goal. This will allow him the opportunity to meet more people and give back to the community even further.

He invites friends and families to attend his upcoming free shows and to enjoy his music. A list of his upcoming shows can be found at http://elimosley.com/shows/.

On February 17, his band will be performing at the Kids Pack Gone Country event in Lakeland. This is to raise money for the hungry children of Polk County.

The Eli Mosley band consists of many musicians who have a passion for music like Mosley. “I try to make sure everybody follows their passion in life,” Mosley said. Each of his band members plan to pursue music. It is not simply a job for money.

Band members:

Anna Lee – background vocals and rhythm guitar

Kheagun Fleckenstein – lead guitarist

David Cunningham – bass player

Daniel Benefield – drummer

Justin Walden – fiddle player

Mosley has released two albums. His Eli – EP album was recorded at Contemporary Music Center in Nashville while he was a student at Southeast University. Part of his degree program was to attend the Contemporary Music Center and get hands-on experience and learn from some of the top executives in Nashville. While Mosley spent one semester at the Contemporary Music Center, he was able to record songs and create his first album.

Songs from Mosley’s second album, Come Along With Me, were recorded at Ocean Way Studio and Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville. At Ocean Way Studio, Mosley recorded in the same room that country singers such as George Strait, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood have recorded albums in.

Sound Emporium Studios has also had some big artists come through to record, including Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Cole Swindell and Taylor Swift. This is actually where Swift’s first album was recorded.

“American Men” is the most meaningful song Mosley has written thus far. The song opens with the lyrics “Through it all he survived. That’s the reason my dad was born.”

It is a song he wrote to honor his late grandfather who served in the military.

”It dawned on me because my dad was an officer in Vietnam in the Army, my brother went into the United States Marine Corps and served in Iraq, and then I joined the Marine Corps directly after him,” Mosley said. “It was this military legacy in this family that my grandpa had started.”

Being a country music artist has given Mosley the opportunity to express his character and emotions by telling stories in song form. This helps him connect with his audience, and reaching people in this way is one of his top priorities.

Website:

http://elimosley.com

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/elimosleymusic

Instagram page:

https://www.instagram.com/elimosleymusic/

MISSING PERSON ALERT – PLEASE SHARE

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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UPDATE: Located and is safe

MISSING PERSON ALERT – PLEASE SHARE

Harry was last seen Sunday January 14th at a Circle K in Belleview, Florida, asking for directions to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Harry is operating a white 2003 Cadillac DeVille (four door sedan) (Florida license plate CC4UG). Harry 5’10” and approximately 149 pounds. He has white hair, blue eyes, and has two sores on the right side of his face.

If you see Mr. Bell or have any information, please call 863-402-7200.

1st Annual Grills Gone Wild Barbeque Competition

Davenport

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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1^st Annual Grills Gone Wild Barbeque Competition

February 16^th 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

February 17^th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Davenport Community Center

5 South Allapaha Ave., Davenport, FL. 33836

Live entertainment throughout this event.
Professional and amateur teams compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights.
Come ready to taste or eat the best Barbeque in town.

This competition is sanctioned by the Florida Bar-B-Que Association and is a qualifier for:

The Jack Daniels Invitational- Lynchburg, Tn.
The American Royal- Kansas City

For additional information please call 863-419-3300 ext. 138 or visit our website at www.mydavenport.org

Lakeland Man Arrested in Deputy-Involved Shooting; No Deputies Hurt

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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Lakeland Man Arrested in Deputy-Involved Shooting; No Deputies Hurt

PCSO Release:

On Friday, January 12, 2018 at 6:00 a.m., a Lakeland man was shot and critically injured by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies, after he shot at them while they were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on him on State Road 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) and University Blvd, in Lakeland.

The man was identified as Joshua A Imhoff, 32 years-old of 2507 Meadow Lane, Lakeland.

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Powerline Rd, Davenport around 4:30 a.m. Imhoff’s ex-girlfriend reported that he sent her threatening messages, and a photo of a gun, putting her in fear for her life.

A BOLO (Be On The Look-Out) was issued for the suspect and his blue Toyota Tacoma. Responding units were informed that Imhoff was armed with a firearm, and that he had made suicide-by-cop statements in the past. At 5:35 a.m., Imhoff’s truck was spotted on Hwy 27 near I-4, and as deputies attempted a traffic stop he began doing donuts on the onramp, then fled westbound on I-4.

Deputies attempted to stop the truck with stop-sticks as he was exiting I-4 at Exit-38 (SR 33), but he drove around them while trying to ram one of the deputies.

A second attempt with the stop-sticks was successful, causing damage to the truck’s tires. Imhoff, while still driving, began shooting at the deputies out his window.

After losing control of his truck, and coming to a stop off of State Road 33 (Lakeland Hills) near University Blvd in Lakeland, Imhoff continued exchanging gunfire with deputies as he started running south on foot. One of the deputies knocked Imhoff to the ground with his patrol car.

As the deputies moved to apprehend him, Imhoff came at them with a knife. The deputies shot Imhoff, hitting him three times. Deputies then began life-saving measures on Imhoff. EMS transported him to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Imhoff’s next-of-kin has been notified.

None of the deputies were injured.

Imhoff is being charged with: attempted 1^st degree murder on a LEO (6 counts), aggravated assault on a LEO, fleeing to elude, aggravated stalking, domestic violence by strangulation, carrying a concealed weapon (knife in boot), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and threats against LEO.

Imhoff’s prior criminal history includes twelve felony and four misdemeanor charges, consisting of: domestic aggravated stalking, violation of probation, giving false name to 2^nd-hand dealer, burglary, grand theft, forgery, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, shooting a deadly missile, battery, and domestic battery.

Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings will include three independent investigations. PCSO homicide unit will conduct a criminal investigation. Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry. The State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation. Per agency protocol the members involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.

This is an ongoing investigation.

***UPDATE****
This is an update regarding the deputy-involved shooting currently being investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on CR 33 (Lakeland Hills Blvd) between University Blvd and Combee Rd in Lakeland.

The suspect has been identified as Joshua A Imhoff 32 year-old, of 2507 Meadow Lane, Lakeland. He was taken to a local hospital, and was listed as critical, but stable condition.

Imhoff is a convicted felon, and is prohibited from having a firearm.

His prior criminal history includes twelve felony charges, and four misdemeanor charges, to include: Domestic-Aggravated Stalking, Violation of Probation, False Name to 2nd-hand dealer, Burglary, Grand Theft, Forgery, Possession of marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphernalia, Shooting a Deadly Missile into Dwelling/Vehicle/Building, Battery, and Domestic Battery.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently working a Deputy-Involved Shooting in the area of Hwy 33 (Highlands Blvd) and Combee Road (33A/659), Lakeland which occurred around 5:52 a.m. this morning 01/12/18.

No deputies were injured. A suspect is in custody, and no other suspects are being sought.

Hwy 33 is closed at the intersections of Combee Rd, as well as University Blvd.

Learn About Wood Burning At The Polk Museum Of Art

Staff Reporter

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January 14, 2018

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Learn About Wood Burning At The Polk Museum Of Art

by James Coulter

The rings of a tree have many stories to tell about that tree’s life: how long it’s lived, when it flourished, and when it went through hard times such as drought, disease, fire, and storm.

Such stories inspire Rachel Stewart, an artist and sculptor who has been working with wood for the past 25 to 30 years, and recently with wood burning, or pyrography.

Stewart incorporates every aspect of trees and nature in her artwork from the wood itself to leaves, seeds, and beeswax.

She is especially inspired by the Florida Oak tree, both as a landmark symbol of the state as well as a living metaphor for life, especially when it comes to its rings.

“As a tree has withered, [suffered] drought and rain and everything [else] how a tree grows in nature, so all these different things affect my life,” she said. “So the rings in the tree are significant.”

Stewart will be sharing and teaching her craft of pyrography at an upcoming workshop at The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

This introduction to the art of pyrography will teach students how to use wood burning instruments to burn designs onto a wooden surface, to apply a range of shades and tones, and even how to add painted color to the finished product.

Stewart has offered such art instruction in other art forms such as stone sculpture and mixed media at the Polk Museum of Art before, as well as at other institutions such as Southeastern University, Ringling School of Art and Design, and Blake High School.

Currently residing in St. Petersburg, she previously graduated from the Boston University College of Fine Arts with a bachelor’s degree in sculpture, and later obtained her master’s degree in creativity studies, with a concentration on 12th and 13th century Ethiopian iconography, from Union Institute and University.

She recently took up the craft of wood burning two years ago, and has since been sharing the traditional craft through a beginner’s class in St. Petersburg.

“It is a traditional craft that has been largely ignored,” she said, explaining how she started classes like this “to reinvigorate people to learn a new skill, and if they have never done it before, it is quite easy [for them to learn].”

Through her workshop at the museum, students will learn the basics of pyrography and how to use the tools to burn designs into the wood, as well as how to achieve darker and lighter tones by applying heat and pressure.

Stewart herself loves applying such effects to transform the wood to her liking. She is especially a fan of darker earth tones and how they help better reflect both nature itself and the nature of the craft.

“What I love is the effect with how the wood is transformed into a lush shade of brown,” she said. “Because I love earth tones and an artist that looks at nature, this is like a part of nature, you are burning thing, using wood to weather experience and transform the wood.”

Whether it’s their first time trying their hands at wood burning, or whether they’ve done it many times before and want to return to the basics, students in her upcoming class can expect to learn more about this craft, but also learn to love it as well.

“I like teaching and exposing students to new things,” she said. “They don’t have to know how to draw. They don’t have to know how to do anything. I will show them every step of the way…it is a simple explanation of an old technique.”

Her workshop will be hosted at the Polk Museum of Art at 800 E. Palmetto St. in Lakeland, on Sat., Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The deadline to register for the workshop is Sun., Jan. 14. The cost is $80 for Polk Museum of Art members and $120 for non-members.

To register for the class, and for more information, visit: https://polkmuseumofart.org/classes/.

Jim Weaver Awarded Rotarian of the Year

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 11, 2018

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On December 14, the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary club hosted past District Governor, Joyce Gunter.

She presented the most prestigious award of District 6890, Rotarian of the Year, to Jim Weaver for his dedication to the work in Honduras.

“Jim Weaver epitomizes what it means to be a Rotarian. He has encouraged other clubs to join our international efforts in Honduras and shares the spirit of doing good in the world with his great vision”,

Joyce said as she presented the award.

We are honored to have this truly special Rotarian in the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary club.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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January 11, 2018

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU PROGRAM FOR WOMEN

Lake Wales, FL – “New Year, New You!” is the topic of the January Healthy Woman program, presented jointly by Lake Wales Medical Center and Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. at Church on the Move, 2039 SR 60 E. in Lake Wales.

“We designed this program to be a fun night for women, where they can learn and ask questions about some of the topics that are of most interest to them,” said Maryemma Bachelder, LWMC spokesperson. “We’re taking the hottest topics from women’s magazines and bringing them to life with this program.”

Topics and speakers include:

Cosmetic procedures, including breast reconstruction, augmentation and reduction, body contouring and facial aesthetics, presented by Dr. Tutu Cheng
Weight loss surgical procedures including Sleeve Gastrectomy and Mini Gastric Bypass, presented by Marianne Lehman, RN, Bariatric Program Director
The latest in breast care services for those with breast cancer, and screening services for those without breast cancer, presented by Dr. Paul Williams
Minimally invasive procedures offered in the physician’s office for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins, presented by Dr. Fred Silvestri
The latest guidelines on blood pressure, designed to reduce your chances of heart attack and stroke, presented by Dr. Carolyn Pass
Innovative treatment options for bladder incontinence, whether you have minor leakage when you laugh or cough, or something more serious, presented by the office of Dr. Ilan Bornstein

“We’ll be presenting the information in a format that makes it easy for women to get information and also ask questions of our experts, while maintaining their privacy if they choose,” Bachelder said. “We’ll also have opportunity for women to visit information tables for each of these topics to ask more questions. Additionally, we’ll be able to book appointments that night for anyone interested in following up with one of these physicians.”

To register, visit www.LakeWalesMedicalCenter.com and click on Healthy Woman on the Home page, and then click on “Already a Member” to see the list of scheduled programs. Questions? Call 863-240-0894.

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