Suspect Sought After Shooting & Killing Man In Avon Park Bar Room

Avon Park

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January 2, 2018

Suspect Sought After Shooting & Killing Man In Avon Park Bar Room

Avon Park, Florida – An arrest warrant has been issued for the person detectives say shot and killed a Tampa man in an Avon Park bar Dec. 29.

Ian Dale Jobson, 51, is wanted for first degree murder and firing a weapon in public in connection with the shooting that left 62-year-old Anthony Paul Mathison dead inside the Kool Runnings bar at 220 Garrett Road in Avon Park.

Deputies were called to the scene at 10:53 p.m. after the shooting was reported and found Mathison on the floor. He was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

Jobson is 6-foot and 180 pounds. His last known address is 2080 North C. Hill Road in Avon Park.

If anyone has any information about Jobson’s whereabouts, please contact Det. Jody Stoweres at 863-402-7250 or email [email protected]. Anyone who would like to leave an anonymous tip and be eligible for a cash reward is asked to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers tips are always anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Lake Wales Woman Killed & Others Injured In Airboat Crash Early New Years Day

Staff Reporter

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January 2, 2018

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Lake Wales Woman Killed & Others Injured In Airboat Crash Early New Years Day

Lake Wales, Florida – A Lake Wales woman and 3 others were injured in an airboat crash early New Years Day.

On January 1, 2018, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a call about an airboat accident in Crooked Lake near Frostproof in Polk County. The accident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. and involved a 13ft. airboat. Four people were on board the airboat at the time of the accident, three adults and one juvenile. An adult male sustained serious injuries from the accident. Another adult on board and one juvenile sustained minor injuries. Sadly, one adult female died from her injuries, and next of kin has been notified.

The deceased is Stephanie Clemons Wright, 44, of Lake Wales, Florida. This accident investigation is ongoing and the FWC is being assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Specific details regarding the crash have not been released, but one person on the scene advised that it appears the boat struck a barbed wire fence. Family members advise in a facebook post that it was “a freak accident”.

Editor’s Note: Stephanie Wright was an avid reader and supporter of the DailyRidge.Com. She often brought us stories of children with local needs in the Lake Wales area so that we could bring some attention to them. She always seemed to put others needs in front of her own from our perspective. Our prayers go out to her family.

HCSO Sergeant Enters Burning Home to Rescue Elderly Man

Sebring

Staff Reporter

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January 2, 2018

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HCSO Sergeant Enters Burning Home to Rescue Elderly Man

SEBRING — On Friday, Dec. 29, Sgt. Jeff Fennell was awakened by someone pounding on his door before 6 a.m. A newspaper carrier told him a home just a few doors down from his in Spring Lake was on fire.

Sgt. Fennell rushed to the home and, after learning that an 82-year-old man was still inside, went into the burning home, which by that time already had flames shooting through the roof.

Between the smoke and the darkness (the electricity had already gone out), Sgt. Fennell couldn’t see anything, but yelled out to the man and crawled toward his voice. The man had been trying to leave the home, but his electric mobility scooter had been caught on something.

Sgt. Fennell, who oversees the Crime Scene Investigation unit, struggled to get the scooter loose, knowing that losing it to a fire would be an even further hardship to the man and his family.

“At one point, I told him one more pull and I’m taking you without the scooter,” Fennell said.

He eventually got the scooter unstuck, but it still wouldn’t roll, so he had to drag it the final feet to the front door. Sgt. Fennell said the rescue probably only took a couple of minutes total, but it felt much longer.

Firefighters said it looked like the blaze started as an electrical fire in an unoccupied bedroom. Nobody was injured in the fire, which took more than two hours to put out. The West Sebring, DeSoto City and Leisure Lakes volunteer fire departments all took part in the effort.

“Part of being a first responder is the willingness to put yourself at risk on the job,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “Sgt. Fennell was not officially on duty when he found out about the fire, but he did his duty without second thought. He is a true hero who didn’t hesitate to put his life on the line to save a neighbor.”

Anytime Fitness Offers $1 Joining Fee and Free Training Session for the New Year

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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January 1, 2018

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Anytime Fitness Offers $1 Joining Fee and Free Training Session for the New Year

By Allison Williams

The New Year often comes with New Year’s Resolutions. For those looking to develop a healthier lifestyle, eating better and exercising are important parts of the process. Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour/7 days a week fitness club in Winter Haven where employees connect with their clients and help personalize workouts.

Anytime Fitness is located in the Southeast Plaza Shopping Center at 710 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, Florida 33880.

From January 1-12, 2018, the Anytime Fitness staff is offering a special promotion: Join for $1 and receive a free training session.

Why choose Anytime Fitness?

Brian Dyke, Club Manager, believes his gym stands out for many reasons. “We focus on convenience, which is the reason why we are 24 hours/7 days a week,” Dyke said, “The club is a little bit smaller, which allows us to be more personable with the people who come in.”

Having a smaller fitness center is beneficial for both employees and clients. “It allows us to really connect with that person and help him/her get results,” Dyke said.

An additional perk of joining Anytime Fitness is having access to not just one gym location, but any and all of the 3,500 Anytime Fitness clubs around the world.

Dyke has been the club manager at the Cypress Gardens Boulevard location for five years. Prior to this, he was a manager at another Anytime Fitness location. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.

Exercise is a big part of Dyke’s life. Being in a fitness work environment on a daily basis, he finds his job exciting.

“I enjoy working out and I enjoy helping people get results,” Dyke said. “The gym is just a lot of fun to work in.”

Celebrating the small successes of any client is rewarding. Dyke believes in treating each person as his or her own individual. Everyone has personal health goals and dreams, so he is sure to make the gym experience personal for those who walk into his gym. Individualizing programming and coaching is an important part of aiding in a client’s success.

Anytime Fitness welcomes any and all people to stop by and check out the fitness center. For those who cannot stop by for a visit, the phone number to reach a staff member for information is 863-280-6954. For just $1, joining Anytime Fitness can be the start of a healthier lifestyle for the year 2018.

Dyke is excited for the New Year. The gym has grown and become more successful over the years. “We have been able to grow our membership, we’ve been able to offer more people personal training, and we’ve increased the size of our staff to accommodate,” Dyke said. “We are looking forward to 2018 and continuing to grow and impact more people in the community.“

https://www.anytimefitness.com/events/?club=3278

Two People Dead & Another Injured Murder Suicide In Polk City Saturday

Polk City

Staff Reporter

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December 31, 2017

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Two People Dead & Another Injured Murder Suicide In Polk City Saturday

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Saturday, December 30, 2017, at about 7:54 p.m., Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting of three people, at a residence on Evans Road, Polk City. Two of those people were deceased when deputies arrived a short time later.

Carolyn Stipe reported that her husband, 68-year-old Rickie Gene Stipe shot their nephew, James Hanks, 65-years old, and Hanks’ wife, Kathleen Hanks, 59-years old, before turning the gun on himself.

Rickie Stipe and James Hanks were pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Hanks was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for a gunshot wound, along with Ms. Stipe, who was having chest pains.

The Stipes were visiting from their home in Danville, Kentucky, and staying in their motorhome, behind the Hanks’ residence on Evans Road.

Carolyn Stipe said that her husband had been diagnosed with schizophrenia over ten years ago, but refused to take medication. She told detectives that Rickie was upset with James earlier in the day, and then became upset with her when the couple went out to dinner.

After returning to the Hanks’ property, Carolyn asked Rickie why he was angry. He grabbed her by her throat, but then left the area in his vehicle. When his uncle returned, James confronted him about the incident, and Rickie told him he was going to get a gun, and walked into his motorhome.

Rickie Stipe exited the motorhome, raised his gun up to James, and fired twice at his nephew. Rickie then shot his niece Kathleen. Then, according to Carolyn, Rickie looked at her with a blank stare, raised the gun up, and shot himself.

“It’s sad. Anytime you have a murder, it breaks your heart, but here you have someone like this uncle, who was a guest, visiting from Kentucky. He shoots and kills his nephew, and then as his niece runs to the aid of her husband, he shoots her too…then himself. And his wife sees all of this. It’s just horrific”. – Grady Judd, Sheriff

No criminal history could be found for Rickie Stipe. He and his wife arrived in Florida in mid-November, with the intent to stay here until April of 2018.

The investigation is ongoing, and is pending autopsy.

2 Suspects Arrested & Another Sought In Lakeland Racketeering Case

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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December 28, 2017

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2 Suspects Arrested & Another Sought In Lakeland Racketeering Case

Polk County Sheriffs Office Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies have made two arrests, and are looking for a known third suspect, who took part in organized retail theft, spanning a four-month period, hitting JC Penney’s and Beall’s stores in Lakeland and Davenport.

PCSO’s Organized Retail Crime Unit were able to identify three suspects who were responsible for nine-confirmed thefts within Polk County. The suspects could be seen on security video removing shopping bags from behind the cash register, and then later placing items such as clothing and perfume into them, and leaving the store without paying.

Gerald “Jalise” Cobbs, 39 years-old from Lakeland, was arrested on 12/22/17, and charged with racketeering (F-1), retail theft coordinating with others (F-3, four counts), and felony petit theft (F-3, three counts). He was identified as the ringleader of the retail crime group, and has been convicted of sixteen prior thefts. His criminal history includes: shoplifting, probation violation, failure to appear, resisting without violence, trespassing, theft of state funds, forgery, passing counterfeit, drug possession, dealing in stolen property, fleeing to elude, and driving while license suspended (habitual).

Varesha Teron Perry, 30 years-old from Lakeland, was also arrested on 12/22/17, and charged with racketeering (F-1), retail theft coordinating with others (F-3, three counts), petit theft (M-1), and petit theft first-offense (M-2, two counts), battery on a law enforcement officer (F-3), and resisting with violence (F-3). Her criminal history includes: battery and failure to appear.

Sunsaray Shaquille Willis, 24 years-old from Lakeland, is still at-large, but charged for racketeering (F-1), retail theft coordinating with others (F-3, two counts), retail theft coordinating with others over $3000 (F-2), and petit theft (M-1, two counts). Her criminal history includes: petit theft, cocaine possession, and trespassing.

“Most people know that it’s not right to steal, and most people know that it’s not a good idea to commit a crime in Polk County. These three either didn’t know, or they just didn’t care. Be assured that now they know AND care. Shoplifting affects everyone, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has a Retail Theft Unit dedicated to going after those who try to do it.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

The first incident occurred at the Beall’s Outlet store of south Lakeland on 07/20/17. That was followed by eight other incidents at JC Penney’s stores in Davenport and Lakeland, with the last one occurring on 11/30/17.

In security video from the 09/20/17 incident at JC Penney’s of Davenport, Cobbs and Perry can be seen entering the store, then going to an unattended cashier’s counter and taking store bags. The pair are then viewed on the video as they leave the store with full bags.

Wayne Gandy & Jason Odom Lead The Way For Polk County Sports Hall Of Fame Inductees

Uncategorized

Staff Reporter

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December 27, 2017

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Polk County Sports Marketing Press Release

Auburndale: The Polk County Sports Hall of Fame will induct eight members this year, including two former NFL players, three who have championed their sport to new heights, and others who have supported the engines that continue to drive championships in Polk County.

Inducted are:

Jason Odom: A Bartow High graduate who attended the University of Florida and was named first team All American in 1995. Considered one of the top 100 Gators from the first 100 years of Florida football, the four year starter offensive tackle continued into the NFL after the 1996 draft, playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A back injury forced Odom to retire in 2001. Until recently, he continued to serve the people of Florida as a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Josephine Austin: A graduate of Bartow’s Union Academy as the class valedictorian, she continued on to Tennessee State University. She returned to Polk County at Lake Wales Roosevelt High School as a basketball coach, guiding her team to state runner up her first year before becoming the state champion the next. She returned to coaching years later, leading the Winter Haven Blue Devils to three straight County Championships and was named coach of the year three times by the Lakeland Ledger. She continued to lead off the court as well, striving for equal pay for the coaches of girl’s sports as well as equal quality for female athletics.

Bob Georges: This Staten Island, New York kid graduated from Florida Southern in 1973. Bob stayed around Lakeland, and established himself as a successful small business owner. His generous support of Polk State and Florida Southern athletics and George Jenkins basketball as well as various charitable causes including the Salvation Army and March of Dimes, has touched the lives of thousands of Polk County children.

Lorraine Valerino: Winter Haven High and Troy State University grad Lorraine Valerino became involved with synchronized swimming at the age of 9 at the Haven Hotel’s pool overlooking Lake Howard. She won three gold medals at the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Championships in St. Louis in 1985 – and continues to compete in the sport today – but perhaps his largest impact on the sport has come as a coach at the Lakeland YMCA, where a generation of Flamingo swimmers has continued the sport for more than 30 years.

Claude Woodruff: The former Bartow High and Florida A&M University linebacker was one of six football players to graduate in 1952. A member of the Rattlers Sports Hall of Fame, his teams won the Black College National Title in 1950. From 1952 to 1986, Woodruff taught science and physical education at several high schools in the Central Florida area. Additionally, as a coach, he posted eight undefeated seasons in football in Orange County as well as five state championships in track and field at Union Academy. At UA, he mentored seven students who would reach the NFL, including former FAMU head football coach Ken Riley. Woodruff passed away in 2009.

Gene Engle: This year marks the 80th Orange Cup Regatta powerboat race in Lakeland. And for most of those years, Gene Engle, whose father started the race, has been managing the longest running boat race in Florida’s history.

One of the founding members of the Central Florida Development Council and the Polk County Tourist Development Council, Gene was instrumental in bringing the UIM World Championships to Polk County in 2014.

Engle has served on various boards in the area, including the original Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing board, was the founding director of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and served as chairman of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1985, it was Gene’s hard work that brought the Miss USA Pageant to the then-Lakeland Civic Center, where it was broadcast live. Today, the Orange Cup brings Polk County nearly a quarter of a million dollars in economic impact, but beyond that, it is a signature event for powerboat racing the world over, having earned Lake Hollingsworth the nickname of “The Lake of Records.”

Gene was PCSM’s first chairman in 1992. Under his tutelage, PCSM produced a $17 million economic impact in the first year. Today, that same organization, operating much as Gene left it, is considered an industry leader and has turned into a $137 million economic engine.

Ron Morrow: An original board member and co-founder of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing, Morrow became chairman of Polk County Sports Marketing Committee in 1993. Due to his years in the banking industry, he helped establish the department’s foundation for accountability, economic impact and recruiting strategies. Possibly even more important was his tireless support of promoting the economic value of the sports industry in Polk County as well as the State of Florida. In part, Morrow’s legacy in Polk County will be his early recognition of the sports industry as a powerful economic engine, and one that had the potential to create jobs, improve the local economy and diversify Polk’s economic portfolio.

During his tenure at PCSM, Ron was involved early on in the recruiting process of our largest clients, including Youth Basketball of America’s National Championships, United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs National Championships and the Cleveland Indians Spring Training, all of which served as early examples of the economic impact sports could have on Polk County.

Wayne Gandy: In the NFL, offensive tackles are often thought of the doormen for running backs, creating opportunities for others to excel. After playing 15 years at one of football’s most punishing positions, Gandy continues to created opportunities for others through The Wayne Gandy Foundation, using the power of sports to develop leadership, social responsibility and academic excellence in others. The Haines City High School graduate excelled at Auburn University as well as in the NFL, where he was an All Pro for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. Today, he not only runs camps throughout the South, but also has a syndicated three hour radio show, the Sports Joc Show with Wayne Gandy, and serves as a color analyst for ESPN.

51 Year Old Man Dies After Crashing All Terrain Vehicle At River Ranch Tuesday

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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December 27, 2017

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51 Year Old Man Dies After Crashing All Terrain Vehicle At River Ranch Tuesday

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On 12/26/2017, at approximately 1532 hours the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding an ATV crash. A man driving in the River Ranch Hunt Club property had discovered an ATV with an adult male trapped underneath. The victim was not breathing. Polk County Fire and PCSO responded to the scene.They arrived & determined the driver of the ATV was deceased.

It took approximately 30-40 minutes to travel to the scene, which was approximately 5.5 miles east southeast of the Hunt Club entrance. The area has numerous dirt roads and the terrain alternates between sand and swamp across the property.

Interviews and evidence at the scene indicate that 51-year-old Benito Berson of Pomano Beach had been riding his ATV, a Green Honda TRX680FA, with other people in the River Ranch Hunt Club property earlier in the day. It appears as if Berson was traveling alone, north on a dirt road near the area known as “burnt bridge.” As the ATV was negotiating a right hand curve, Berson appears to have lost control in soft sand. The ATV rolled over in a “high side” roll, ejecting Berson. The ATV appears to have made one complete roll, coming to rest right side up, on top of Berson,

Bystanders who had observed Berson earlier in the day were riding through the area when they found him, pushed the ATV off him, and began CPR.

Berson was not wearing any protective gear at the time of the crash, to include a helmet. No charges are anticipated, but the investigation is ongoing.

Polk County Man Charged With Attempted Murder

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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December 26, 2017

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Polk County Man Charged With Attempted Murder

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted murder case in Winter Haven.

On December 22nd 2017 at approximately 10:27am, a verbal altercation occurred between John Forte (victim) and James Forte (suspect), who are brothers that reside together as a family unit, inside their Winter Haven residence. The residence is a motel style room with two beds and one bathroom.

Below is an excerpt of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit:

During the altercation, James told John “I’ll beat the f*** out of you with my cane”. James then began to strike John multiple times on the head and body.

John was begging James not to hit him anymore and was able to retrieve his cellphone. John attempted to call law enforcement for help. James told John “give me the phone I’m going to kill you”. James then took the cell phone, depriving John of communications to call for help.

During this point of the altercation John was crawling towards the door to trying and leave.

James grabbed a serrated steak knife that was on John’s bed and began stabbing him in the head and neck. John sustained six (6) lacerations on his face and two (2) on his neck. Of the two cuts on his neck one was below his right ear, the other was across the front of his neck close to his tracheal area.

John was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and is currently in stable condition.

Post Miranda, James admitted to the altercation and stated “he’s dead ain’t he” and I advised James no that’s he’s not dead. James replied “Damn”. I asked James why he would say that, he further stated “because he’s supposed to be dead”. I asked James if he wanted him to die and James replied “yes”.

James Forte has multiple arrests and conviction for battery. James was charged with Forte was charged with aggravated battery domestic violence, tampering with a victim (depriving a victim with the use and/or ability to communicate with emergency personnel), and second degree attempted murder.

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