Caribbean Bay Receives AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation

by James Coulter

Recently, Caribbean Bay in Winter Haven experienced an incident where a patron required immediate medical assistance and where someone had to race across the street to Old Man Frank’s to procure an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The popular tavern along Lake Howard is more prepared for such emergencies now that an AED has been installed there through a donation by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation.

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to assisting local emergency workers and installing AEDs throughout the county, installed its eighth AED at Caribbean Bay on Wednesday evening.

Melanie Brown Culpepper, the founder of the organization, has been close friends with the bar’s owner, Nancy Cooley, for nearly 25 years, and Cooley, in turn, has sponsored and supported everything Melanie has done through Culpepper’s and her other philanthropic endeavors.

As such, Caribbean Bay, which Cooley has owned for the past 31 years, seemed to be the most suitable location for the latest donation by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. The foundation had also donated the AED at Old Man Frank’s across the street.

“It is very good that an AED has been donated and installed here,” Nancy said. “I sponsor everything she [Melanie] does. I am very proud to help her out, and I am glad to have received one [of her donations].”

Melanie started her foundation two years ago following the tragic passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. Michael had served as a security guard for Old Man Frank’s and would also provide security for Caribbean Bay and Tanner’s Lakeside.

“So he was a big part of this area, and Nancy has supported me through all of this,” Melanie said. “I just want to thank everyone for coming out to support me with the benefits to help raise the money for these AEDs, also Nancy Cooley the owner of Caribbean Bay has sponsored me for benefits and she has given a lot of her time and money to help me buy these.”

Leon Fleeman, a cousin of Michael Culpepper, was visiting the area when Melanie installed and donated the AED. Leon was a close relative of Michael, who supported him through his formative high school years. As such, he appreciates her efforts to honor Michael’s memory through such donations.

“I think it is amazing everything she does,” she said. “She looks out for people who are not as fortunate as others. The community often does not have the funding to provide things like this that are lifesaving. And it is incredible that she takes time out of her life to do things like this for people. Hopefully, it will save one life, and that is worth it.”

Since its inception, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has installed nine AEDs at local businesses and organizations across the county, including Cutting Edge Salon, Old Man Franks, The Mission, Bartow American Legion, Winter Haven Moose Lodge, Winter Haven Boxing Club, Winter Haven Ski Team, and 1st Presbyterian Church. More AEDs are planned to be installed at Tanners Lakeside, Apples Lounge, Boys and Girls Club of Winter Haven, Harborside Restaurant, and Victory Ridge Academy.

For more information, visit their website at: https://honoringculpepper.com/

Winter Haven Police

MISSING & ENDANGERED ADULT
49 year-old Ricardo Aviles was last heard from on 3-29-23 when he messaged his brother and sister containing statements of self harm. He was last seen on 3-28-23 at the Ave. W NW residence he shares with his sister. In his message, he indicated he was in the NE area of Winter Haven, possibly around Lake Maude Nature Park. A search of the area has been conducted and he has not been located.
Anyone who has seen Ricardo or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt. Cooper at 863-307-2296.

Over the next several weeks, you may begin to see work and nighttime road closures at the intersections of Cypress Gardens Blvd / Hwy 17 and Cypress Gardens Blvd / 1st Street. This is an FDOT project to upgrade these intersections. Please refer to the FDOT project website for more information: https://www.swflroads.com/project/444050-1  

If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the FDOT personnel listed on the project site. 

Key Points:

• Road construction work is anticipated to begin in April. 
• Utilities improvement work along the corridor may begin earlier.
• Road closures are planned for overnight hours only, as much as possible. 
• City staff are in communication and coordination with FDOT to minimize impacts to events at the Fieldhouse and Theatre. 
• This is an FDOT project. Information can be found here: https://www.swflroads.com/project/444050-1

City of Winter Haven

• Job Title: DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date: 4/30/23, 5:00 p.m.
• Application: Click Here

Salary and Benefits:

• Hiring Range: $115,000 – $150,000
• Annual Pay Adjustments
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 12 Paid Vacation Days
• 12 Paid Sick Days
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(a) Retirement Plan
• Tuition and Book Reimbursement for Continued Education, Certifications, and Training

Brochure Link:  https://www.mywinterhaven.com/wp-content/uploads/Deputy-City-Manager-Recruitment-Brochure_Final.pdf

APPLY NOW

Winter Haven Police –

Can you help identify this man?
On three separate occasions, he entered Walmart (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and proceeded to select a host of various items. On all occasions, he uses a cheaper-item barcode to scan for higher-priced items.
Anyone who recognizes him is asked to contact Officer Jackson at 863-837-9519.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
  You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

Thompson Nursery Road (CR 540A) Widening Project Could Be Completed in 5 to 7 Years

by James Coulter

Residents and commuters along Thompson Nursery Road (CR 540A) can expect a wider, more improved road much sooner than expected. Jay Jarvis, Director of Polk County Roads, explained that the road’s widening project is fully-funded enough to be completed in the next five to seven years.

“These projects are based on current estimates of cost, which are showing we are fully funded for the next five to seven years to get this project done,” he said.

At the Winter Haven City Commission meeting on Monday evening, Jarvis gave a presentation about the project for Thompson Nursery Road (CR 540A), which stretches from Winter Lake Road to West Lake Ruby Drive.

The widening project is divided into four segments:

Segment 1: SR 540 at US 17 to CR 655 (Rifle Range Road)

Segment 2: CR 655 (Rifle Range Road) to East of CSX R/W

Segment 3: East of CSX Railroad R/W to Eloise Loop Road

Segment 4: Eloise Loop Road to West Lake Ruby Drive

Both Segment 1 and 2 are being considered for alignment studies with acquirements for right of way, while Segment 3 is currently under construction with part of the right of way acquired. Segment 1 remains a high priority, Jarvis said.

“Our intent is to build that segment first,” he said. “We hope in the next year we will get construction on that segment for Rifle Range Road to Highway 17…The intent is that once that is built…we will go to construction on every other segment. We anticipate in the next three to four years to start that construction.”

A multi-use trail is being considered for Segment 2. However, such a new addition could prove to be an obstacle for the project, Jarvis said.

“The issue we have, relative to any time you have a plan, you do anything to change that plan, that opens up for more permitting issues and new requirements that may not have been in place and may delay the process,” he explained.

The project also includes the construction of two roundabouts. One roundabout is located along Eloise Loop Road. That roundabout is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by May 25, according to estimations by a contractor.

“We asked the contractor to give us a realistic time frame,” Jarvis said. “They told us 75 days. We told them we will close it for 90 days. They hope to be done May 25.”

Another roundabout, located at 653 Old Bartow/Lake Wales Road, has had its construction delayed due to construction added for utilities. However, according to his most recent correspondence, Jarvis expects to have it open by Easter.

One disgruntled audience member asked whether that would be Easter of this year or “when Jesus comes back.” To which, Jarvis merely assured the audience that construction would, indeed, be completed by this year.

Mayor Brad Dantzler was impressed by the project’s overall progress, especially with the overall funding behind it.

“That is a big deal,” he said. “Think about Dundee Road. We had that planned for 20 years, we finally had the money to do it. We already have the money for this, so this will go a whole lot quicker than when we normally do when we have money for a road. So that is the best we can do.”

As for delays and traffic, the mayor reassured the audience that their concerns were being heard: “We know how frustrated you all are. We get the e-mails. We are going to keep you in the loop…Please understand, a lot of us live out there, so we are part of it as well. These are county roads. The city is doing everything it can to work with the county…We are working as hard as we can and we appreciate your patience.”

Winter Haven Deputy City Manager T. Michael Stavres likewise attempted to reassure the audience that the project was being completed in a reasonable timeframe with the current funding behind it.

“I am a strong advocate for getting that done and moving it along,” he said. “There is funding for it. That is what we need…I wish I could snap my fingers and make it happen tomorrow, but that doesn’t work that way. When you make improvements, you have to shut things down.”

Renaissance Faire Made Epic Post-COVID Return to Auburndale Library

by James Coulter

Hear ye! Hear ye! After a long absence following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Auburndale Renaissance Faire made its glorious return to Auburndale Library last Thursday.

More than 500 attendees gathered throughout the day to enjoy some medieval fun. Attendees could make fairy wands, weave flower crowns, meet various storybook characters, and even go on a scavenger hunt as epic as the quest for the grail.

More adventurous attendees could test their might by scaling a rock wall, sparring on an inflatable arena, or tossing axes. They could even be “officially” knighted by a knight in shining armor and receive a signed certificate. Afterward, they could enjoy free treats such as peanuts and pickles.

The Renaissance Faire was initially started in 2017. Upon witnessing the attention received by the Tampa Renaissance Faire, Librarian Wayne McCarthy wanted to bring something similar to Auburndale, albeit on a much smaller scale.

“We saw what was happening in Tampa, and we want to give Auburndale a similar experience,” he said. “So we reached out to some of the vendors in Tampa from that festival and had them do it over here.”

This year’s event was their first post-COVID event. They had initially expected 500 attendees to turn out, but those expectations were quickly exceeded, as nearly 475 had turned out within the first two hours.

“You lean into the community, and the community will lean into you,” McCarthy said. “I enjoy seeing the families being taken care of and having a good time. We plan on doing it same time next year. We plan to triple the size.”

The Auburndale Public Library will be hosting various summer programs in the next few months. To learn more, visit their website at: https://www.auburndalefl.com/library/

Emergency Road Closure for Tuesday, 3/28/23
City of Winter Haven, Public Works, Drainage Division will be investigating and repairing a depression within the right-of-way, at the edge of sidewalk along Avenue G SE.
Where will work occur?
Westbound lane of Avenue G SE at the intersection of Avenue G SE and First Street S.
When will work occur?
The work is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, the roadway will be closed at 8:00 a.m. and re-open by 5:00 p.m.
Provisions will be made to minimize inconvenience to businesses and residents.
All traffic should follow the detour signage for safety purposes.

Highlighting a Cold Case back from 2011 and maybe you can help!
On January 8, 2011, 22-year-old Christina Voltaire vanished. A friend had been visiting and left the Ave. K SE apartment at approximately 7 p.m. and Christina was in the apartment. When the friend returned approximately one hour later, Christina was gone and she has yet to be heard from since.
If anyone has any information on this case, please call 863-291-5671.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
• Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
  You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

City of Winter Haven Unveils New Electric Vehicle Chargers: Join the Celebration on April 10^th

Winter Haven, FL – The City of Winter Haven is excited to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for April 10, 2023, to celebrate the installation of four new electric vehicle (EV) chargers, providing a total of eight charging spots throughout the city. This marks a significant step in Winter Haven’s commitment to sustainability and promoting eco-friendly transportation options for its residents.

The new EV chargers are strategically located downtown to provide easy access for drivers. Four charging spots are situated in the parking garage at the corner of 3rd Street NW and Ave A NW, with the remaining chargers installed in the newly constructed parking piazza at 4th Street NW and Ave B NW. The ribbon cutting will take place at the parking piazza, just east of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce building.

Festivities will commence at 5:00 p.m. with a showcase of electric vehicles and informative displays about EV technology, benefits, and the city’s ongoing efforts to expand EV infrastructure. At 5:30 p.m., the Mayor of Winter Haven will plug in his own electric vehicle, deliver a few remarks on the importance of green initiatives, and officially cut the ribbon to signify the launch of the new charging stations.

The City of Winter Haven invites community members to join in celebrating this milestone and learn more about electric vehicles and the city’s dedication to providing environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. This event highlights the city’s commitment to leading by example and taking actionable steps towards a cleaner, greener future.