Home Blog Page 606

Distraction Burglary Committed in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter
-
0
Distraction Burglary Committed in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Police detectives are warning residents of distraction burglaries after a homeowner on Thompson Nursery Road was targeted last week. These burglaries are very similar to those that have occurred around Polk County recently.

On Feb. 9, 2018, a Hispanic male approached the victim’s home and knocked on the front door. The wife answered the door and the suspect asked to speak to her husband. She told the suspect that her husband was asleep, but the suspect was persistent and said he needed to speak to the husband immediately about the property line to home that was for sale next door. The husband came to the door and he walked to the back yard along with the suspect.

A second Hispanic male approached the residence and told the wife that she too needed to come to the back yard to talk about the property next door. They walked to the back yard and went to the opposite side of where the husband and the first suspect were standing. During this time, the two suspects were talking on walkie-talkies and the husband got suspicious.

The husband started walking towards the front yard and saw a third suspect approaching a white Dodge Ram pickup truck from the direction of the front door of the home. The other two suspects quickly got into the truck, a white Dodge Ram with a white topper, and they drove off. The homeowner tried to get a tag number, however the tailgate was down and carpet was draped down covering the tag.

When the homeowners checked inside, they discovered a jewelry box had been ransacked and an assortment of jewelry valued at approximately $10,000 had been taken. All three suspects are approximately 25 – 30 years of age. One is approximately 5’8” – 5’10” weighing 175 pounds. The second suspect is 5’4” – 5’6” at 175 pounds and the third suspect is 6’2” – 6’4” and approximately 270 pounds.

“I want to implore residents to be very aware of people coming to their homes and trying to convince them to step outside,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “If a visit is unsolicited, do not step outside with them and under no circumstance should they be allowed inside no matter how convincing the story is.”

Anyone with information on the identities of these suspects is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.

Two Local Art Students Win Awards From Polk Museum Of Art

Staff Reporter
-
0
Two Local Art Students Win Awards From Polk Museum Of Art

Two Local Art Students Win Awards From Polk Museum Of Art

by James Coulter

Against a multi-colored cubist landscape lies the remains of a baby robin. Its once lively body lies limp, lifeless, contorted, its mouth wide open, blood flowing from its beak, almost as if it had given one last cry with its dying breath.

When Elisa Ferrer, a senior from Harrison School for the Arts, sketched this very scene for a class assignment, she did so as a metaphor for sickness and disease, contrasting a symbol of life through her portrayal of death.

Her painting was one of 18 other pieces of artwork created by her fellow graduating seniors from the art school, and which will remain displayed at the Polk Museum of Art during their art exhibition.

She never expected her painting to receive much publicity. So she was surprised to learn that it would be one of two pieces awarded and selected by the museum to become permanent exhibits.

When she heard her name called during a presentation at the reception at the museum on Friday evening, she could barely hold back her tears as she made her way up front to the podium to receive her award.

Once she graduates this summer, she plans on attending art school to pursue a career in animation as a concept illustrator. She knows that such an opportunity could only arise because of her attendance at her school.

“It feels really grateful, and I am really surprised,” she said. “I did not imagine that this would happen.”

The other student to receive an award and have their art piece displayed at the museum was Oliver Stephenson, whose sketch focuses on a miniscule character exploring a tiny grassy landscape of bugs and flora.

“I have always been really fascinated by nature, so that has mostly been what has inspired it,” he said.

Like Elisa, Oliver was likewise surprised to have his artwork honored by the museum, and owes all his gratitude towards his art school, especially now that he will be graduating and moving onto attend Ringling Art and Design for Illustration in Sarasota.

“I am honestly amazed,” he said. “I am not doubtful of myself, but I am forever grateful for all the people who have brought me here and how it will be on the wall of the museum for years to come.”

These two students were of the 18 graduating seniors of the Harrison Visual Art Class of 2018 whose art is currently being displayed at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland from now until Mar. 11, 2018, with the reception having been hosted last Friday.

The title of their exhibit, “But, Naked: A Collection of Soul-Baring Work”, represents, according to their program, “how, as artists, we bare all through our work”, especially with the class being composed of students from a diverse spectrum of races, genders, and sexual orientations.

“Being an artist of any minority can be difficult when you are faced with a lot of discrimination, but showing yourself as an individual shapes artistic vision,” explained one of the students, Marshall Hayes.

As such, the exhibit helps showcase the power and diversity of perspectives presented through the individual life experiences of each and every one of the 18 students within the graduating class.

“The self-expression and discovery of our art classes have allowed me to meet the most incredible people I have ever met,” explained another student, Andrew Boynton. “Together we have come up with a show that has shown the most vulnerable nature of our work and our relationships as artists. The beauty in the art department does not come from our work as a collective, but how powerful our voices are as individuals.”

For the students whose artwork is being displayed within the walls of the museum, the exhibit represents the end of a four year journey that they have each taken together and which they now conclude, and for some, especially their teachers, the end of the journey remains a sad one.

“It is always bitter sweet,” said Beth Garcia, Visual Art Instructor. “I think that the student work is excellent, and it always feels like the end, which is why it is always a little sad.”

The students highlighted at the exhibit include Susan Alvarez, Braedon Bishop, Andrew Boynton, Darielle Brisbane, Elisa Ferrer, Marshall Hayes, Amanda Hollingsworth, Ahmrii Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Cici McMonigle, Hali Quinn Mervine, Sybella Norman, Antonio Opio, Gabriella Santana, Ryder Skipper, Oliver Stephenson, Ben Stribling, and Kimberly Wentworth.

“But, Naked” will be exhibited at the Polk Museum of Art until March 11. The museum is located at 800 E. Palmetto Street in Lakeland, and is open daily (except Monday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit their website at https://polkmuseumofart.org/

The Lake Wales High School Was on Lock Down This Morning

Staff Reporter
-
0
The Lake Wales High School Was on Lock Down This Morning

The Lake Wales High School was locked down this morning for a pre-planned narcotic search. During the search 4 narcotic detection K9s were used. Three of the K9s were from the Lake Wales Police Department and one was from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The search was done in several classrooms, various other spaces inside the school, and in the parking lot. No narcotics were located and no arrests were made.

Central Florida Health Expo Promotes Healthy Living

Staff Reporter
-
0
Central Florida Health Expo Promotes Healthy Living

Central Florida Health Expo Promotes Healthy Living

by James Coulter

More than a month has passed since the New Year started, and yet it’s never too late to get started on your New Year’s resolution, especially if it’s for your health.

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, or become more active through exercise, now is always a good time to get started improving your overall health.

Polk County residents seeking to better their health were able to find information on such healthy living during the Central Florida Health Expo last Saturday in Auburndale.

Hosted by the Central Florida Media Group within the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market, this annual event allowed attendees to view more than a dozen vendors promoting local healthcare services.

Winter Haven Hospital was one such service, as their representatives promoted the hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health and its mental health services including group counseling and psychiatric medication.

More than 100 people visited the booth during the event to inquire about the services, with many attendees learning about the center for the very first time, explained Claire Rice, Licensed Program Coordinator.

“We want to let people know that our services are here, and see if they have any questions about what we do,” she said. “We would hope that if we could help somebody, we most certainly would.”

For many vendors such as Jeff Russell, CEO of DNK Brands, the event allowed them the opportunity to spread awareness of their services to potential clients.

Russell promoted many home-use medical devices offered by his organization, including a medical device for treating erectile dysfunction, which he claimed had a 70 percent effectiveness rate.

While the event had a larger turnout in the morning than in the evening, any exposure during the event, great or small, proved beneficial to vendors such as himself.

“The expo is not a matter of numbers, it is what you leave with as a business,” he said. “I do not measure it in number of money raised today, I measure it in exposure, and for that reason, we have done a good job.”

While the event has been previously hosted five other times, for many vendors this was their first time, as was the case with Spine Institute of Central Florida.

Laura Johnson, Marketing Coordinator for the Institute, considered the turnout decent, as it allowed her the opportunity to share the services for their orthopedic clinic and spa practice.

Another first-time vendor, Tara Fleeman, Outpatient Diabetes Educational Coordinator of BayCare, was likewise impressed with the turnout.

“I thought it was great, we had a lot of patients interested in what we had to offer for our diabetes program,” she said. “I did not know what to expect when I came here, so it exceeded my expectations.”

This year’s event was the fifth health expo event hosted by the Central Florida Media Group (CFMG), which previously hosted two similar events last year.

Each event draws in approximately 1,200 visitors to the marketplace, said David Kiessling, CFMG Advertising Account Executive.

Attendance for this year’s event peaked in the morning hours and eventually waned during the afternoon until the event concluded around 3 p.m., with many of the vendors having cleared out much earlier by noon, Kiessling said.

As with previous events, many attendees arrived from local senior citizen living facilities, with many of the residents seeking information and education about healthier living, he explained.

“It was really good this morning,” he said. “We had a really nice day. In February, we get more winter visitors, so attendance-wise it was one of our better events. We are always looking at ways to improve.”

Good Times Roll On For 34th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras

Staff Reporter
-
0
Good Times Roll On For 34th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras

Good Times Roll On For 34th Annual Lake Wales Mardi Gras

by James Coulter

Green, gold, and purple colored the streets of Downtown Lake Wales during last week’s Mardi Grad celebration.

Considered the largest Mardi Gras celebration in Central Florida, the annual event draws in approximately 40,000 visitors each year to the small town with food vendors, live music, and especially the parade.

This year’s parade proved to be bigger and better with eight additional floats and several more volunteers, said Joshua Churchy, president of the Lake Wales Mardi Gras committee.

While most other Mardi Gras events are less than family-friendly, the celebration in Lake Wales manages to attract partygoers of all ages with a safe, family-friendly environment, and this year saw even more in attendance, Churchy explained.

“I think it is great,” he said. “We saw more people that we’ve seen in the past. My vendors are running out of food, they are selling a lot of beer in the beer garden…[and] I would like to see it become bigger and better.”

Churchy and his family have been helping to put on the annual celebration through the committee, and they appreciate being able to see so many of their fellow residents coming together and allowing it to grow over the years.

His mother, Colleen, has been volunteering for the past three years, and she loves seeing the event grow and foster an overall sense of community with each and every year with more attendees, more floats, and more food and fun.

“The weather is what makes the event really good,” she said, commenting on the 80 degree weather with clear, sunny skies.

The event itself had its humble beginnings 34 years ago in memory of a great local man, Vinton Davis, owner of the former Vinton’s New Orleans Restaurant.

Davis loved everything about New Orleans, a loved which he expressed through the Cajun foos served at his restaurant.

So when he passed away nearly four decades ago, his family only saw fit to send him out in the most apropos way possible with a New Orleans-style funeral procession.

When they were unable to do that, they settled for the next best thing by throwing a Mardi Gras celebration in his memory.

What started with a handful of partygoers has grown into the big citywide event that it is today.

While the event has proven popular with locals, it has also drawn in many first-time visitors from outside the city and even outside of the county and state.

This year’s event was the first for Brad Dawson, head of Team Double Ds Barbecue. This Haines City native serves his barbecue in 12 events across the county each year, with this year being his first at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras.

“It’s been just awesome and unbelievable,” he said. “Friday night we were a little slow, but we picked up in the evening hours, and everything today had been insane.”

One aspect that saw this year’s event was the inclusion of local politicians, as they were allowed to campaign for office during the event.

One such politician included Kathryn Gates Skipper, a former Marine who is currently running for the Polk County Commission, District 2 Seat.

While she enjoyed being able to reach out to potential constituents, she has been attending the events for many years and coming back time and again for its family-friendly fun.

“I like that it is a family atmosphere, and that is important that we have somewhere where the families can go,” she said.

52-year-old Woman Arrested For Fraud And Elderly Exploitation Charges

Staff Reporter
-
0
52-year-old Woman Arrested For Fraud And Elderly Exploitation Charges
PCSO Release:
A 52-year-old woman who offered to assist her 67-year-old disabled neighbor with her finances, but instead took advantage of her, has been arrested on a warrant from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into Cathy Britton’s scheme began in September of 2017, when Citizen’s Bank and Trust notified PCSO about fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank account. The victim had been given $4,000.00 following the death of her boyfriend, and in September of 2015, Britton agreed to help the other woman manage her finances. Instead, she depleted the woman’s funds. The victim suffers from cerebral palsy, and does not know how to write checks.

Detectives found twenty checks written out to Britton from the victim’s account, for a total of $5,354.27. Britton had also been added to the victim’s savings account in January 2016. The balance of the account at that time was nearly $16,000.00, but it dwindled each month until September of 2017 when the balance stood at $70.35.

In May of 2016, Britton purchased an air conditioning system for $4,554.00 using money from the victim’s account. Britton acknowledged this to the detective, saying that she was willing to pay the woman back.

The victim told investigators that she did ask for Britton’s help managing her finances, but never authorized her to write checks or purchase an air conditioner.

“The victim reached out for help after her boyfriend died, and rather than seeing the opportunity to do something good, Cathy Britton did the exact opposite—she stole thousands of dollars from the woman instead. How someone could do something like this is just baffling.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

After deputies obtained a warrant for her arrest, Britton was located and arrested in Marion County, Florida on Thursday, February 8, 2017. She will be transported back to Polk County.

She is charged with 20 counts of Forgery (F-3), 20 counts of Uttering a False Instrument (F-3), Grand Theft (F-3), Use/Possession of ID of Another (F-3), Exploitation of the Elderly (F-3). Her prior criminal history includes two convictions for theft in Ohio.

Body of a 47-year-old Man Found Near a Ft. Meade Orange Grove Being Investigated

Staff Reporter
-
0
Body of a 47-year-old Man Found Near a Ft. Meade Orange Grove Being Investigated

Update #3 – Exactly one week after the body of 47-year-old Douglas John Bowling was found near an orange grove south of Ft. Meade, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged a man in Winter Haven with 1st-degree murder, and two others have been charged with accessory after the fact.

30-year-old Christopher R. Taylor, was already in the Polk County Jail after providing false information to detectives during the investigation; he has now been charged with Bowling’s murder, and tampering with evidence. Also charged in the case were Gary J. Taylor, Jr., 21, and Kristina Sluss, 36, both of whom were charged with accessory after the fact, and tampering with evidence.

The victim, and the three suspects were all from Winter Haven, and knew each other. Sluss and Christopher Taylor live together at 1830 Avenue O SW, Apt. A, in Winter Haven, and Gary Taylor lives in Apartment B. Christopher and Gary are brothers.

According to the arrest affidavit, Gary and Kristina told detectives that Mr. Bowling came to Kristina and Christopher’s apartment on February 10th at around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., repeatedly asking Christopher to take him to the bank. Kristina said she heard a noise, and when she looked, she saw Christopher hitting Bowling with a skillet until it broke, and then he grabbed another one. Christopher asked for an aluminum bat, which Gary retrieved. Christopher then began hitting Bowling with that. At some point, Bowling had been unconscious, but he came to, and tried to run out of the apartment. Christopher grabbed him, and tackled him, then began punching him until he went unconscious again. Bowling regained consciousness again, and was crying profusely. Christopher told Bowling to shut-up, or he would finish him. Gary told detectives that he believes his brother strangled him at that time then asked for some plastic bags. Gary and Kristina estimated that Christopher beat his victim for about one and a half to two hours.

After Bowling appeared to have succumbed to his injuries, Gary helped his brother put Bowling’s body in plastic bags, then placed it in the bathtub. That is where it stayed while the three went to Christopher and Gary’s father’s house for dinner.

When the three returned to the apartment after dinner, they loaded Bowling’s body into the trunk of a car, and drove south. Christopher located the remote location off of Old Bowling Green Road to dump the body.

“This was an angry, brutal, senseless murder. The victim pleaded with his attacker, but Christopher Taylor is an individual with no mercy, and he should get no mercy in his trial. Our detectives have proven again why they’re the best in the business; it’s been more than nine years now with 100% of the homicides in our jursidiction being solved.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The autopsy was performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office on February 12, 2018. It determined that Bowling’s cause of death was multiple injuries, with the manner being homicide. In addition to his visible injuries, Bowling’s beating caused him to have a brain bleed.

Christopher Taylor was charged with First Degree Murder (FC), Tampering with Evidence (F3), and False Statement in a Capital Felony (F3). Christopher Taylor’s prior criminal history includes arrests for: assault with a deadly weapon against a government official, armed robbery, burglary, larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, property damage, fleeing to elude, and hit and run.

Gary Taylor, Jr. was charged with Accessory after the Fact (F1) and Tampering with Evidence (F3).

Kristina Sluss was charged with Accessory after the Fact (F1) and Tampering with Evidence (F3). Kristina Sluss’ prior criminal history includes arrests for: sale of schedule 3 drug, resisting arrest, public intoxication, failure to appear, and several violations of probation.

 

 

***UPDATE 2/19/2018 11:30 AM*** Polk County Sheriff’s Office can confirm the arrest of Christopher Taylor (03/04/87) of Winter Haven for First Degree Murder in the death of Douglas John Bowling

*** UPDATE 2/19/2018 *** : Three suspects have been arrested for the murder of Douglas John Bowling, whose body was found one week ago today. Sheriff Grady Judd will address the media this afternoon at 2:30pm with details.

Previous Release

 

PCSO Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the death of a 47-year-old man whose body was found near an orange grove, south of Ft. Meade on Monday, February 12, 2018. The man has been positively-identified as Douglas John Bowling (DOB 12/29/70), who was known to frequent the Winter Haven area. Detectives could not determine any recent address for Bowling, and acquaintances told detectives that he has been homeless. His next of kin has been notified.

Deputies responded to Old Bowling Green Road, west of US Hwy 17, at around 2:00 p.m. Monday, after a grove worker discovered Bowling’s body.

At this time, the death is being investigated as a homicide. An autopsy, which is scheduled for this morning, will determine the cause of death.

If anyone has information about Mr. Bowling’s recent activity or anything else they believe may be helpful to this investigation, they are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200.

Anyone with information about this investigation 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!!

Polk Deputies Working Fatal Crash On S.R. 60

Staff Reporter
-
0

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriffs Office has confirmed they are working a fatal crash on S.R. 60. The accident occurred around 4:25pm. The accident reportedly is near River Ranch & 630.

This is an ongoing investigation. We will update as soon as more information is available.

Reader Reports of Black Bags Being Pulled From Lake Shipp

Staff Reporter
-
0
Reader Reports of Black Bags Being Pulled From Lake Shipp

We had reader reports of bags being pulled out of Lake Shipp in Winter Haven.

We followed up with Polk County Sheriff’s Office and are happy to report that there is nothing but good happening at Lake Shipp today.

What you are seeing is a training session.  While they train they are helping to keep the waters clean by taking out some trash.

Thank you to all of our readers for tips!!!!  Sometimes it is nothing and thats okay!!

 

Lakeland Man Arrested for Sexually Battering a Child

Staff Reporter
-
0
Lakeland Man Arrested for Sexually Battering a Child

PCSO News Release:

On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Michael Smith of Lakeland, for one count sexual battery on a child between the ages of 12 and 14 years old.

According to the affidavit, on January 25, 2018, the victim told deputies that Michael Smith had sexually battered her numerous times over a span of one year. The victim told deputies that on at least one occasion Smith bought her, “Plan B,” a contraceptive pill for her to take after concerns she might become pregnant. She also told deputies that on occasion, he would pick her up from school in the middle of the day to engage in sexual intercourse.

During the investigation, deputies recovered an empty emergency contraceptive box, growth supplements, a box of pregnancy tests (with only one test remaining), and an empty condom wrapper (to which Smith had access). Deputies also confirmed school records showing when the victim was taken out of school early by Smith.

“Michael Smith is a child molester and he has no idea the amount of long-term damage he caused to this young girl. We will do everything we can to limit his access to children in the future. With him behind bars, we hope she can move forward, put this abuse behind her, and get the help she needs.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Michael Smith was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on the above charge. He does not have a criminal history.

1...605606607...841Page 606 of 841