Can you help identify who this hit and run truck belongs to? On March 2, 2023 at approximately 2:34 p.m., traffic was flowing along Cypress Gardens Blvd. in the westbound direction towards the intersection of CGB and 6th St. In front of Pat’s Car Wash, the driver of this truck failed to slow to the traffic ahead and slammed into the back of the white sedan just before the intersection. This also caused three other vehicles to be hit. The driver of the truck fled the area turning right (north) on 6th St. SE. The truck is a GMC Sierra with what appears to be pressure cleaning equipment and supplies in the bed of the truck. And of course, obvious front end damage. If you recognize this truck and can help identify the owner, please contact Sgt. Lango at 863-514-8918. 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.
Can you help identify either of these high-dollar liquor theft suspects? On Feb. 3, the female in the mask went to the Walmart Liquor Store (355 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and selected bottles of Hennessey and Remy Martin Cognac ($686 worth) and swiftly walked out without any attempt to pay. She was seen leaving in a red SUV (unknown make). On Feb. 21, the female with the pink hair went to the same Walmart and selected the same brands of liquor worth $534. She left quickly without any attempt to pay and was seen leaving in a white or silver Lincoln. If you recognize either of these suspects, please contact Detective Wile at 863-662-0392. 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.
Do you have a toilet that was made in 1994 or before? If so, we have been looking for you! The City of Winter Haven Water Department is currently offering our customers a rebate to replace toilets that use 3.5 gallons per flush or more! For more information about this rebate, contact us today! (863) 298-5495
City of Winter Haven Proclaims George and Seretha Tinsley Week in Honor of Two Local Black Entrepreneurs
by James Coulter
He serves as the President and CEO of Tinsley Family Concessions. She serves as the CFO and Equity Partner. Bothhave served as influential black entrepreneurs and members of their local community. Now their community is honoring their legacy for the remaining week of Black History Month.
George and Seretha Tinsley were honored for their contributions to the Winter Haven community with a proclamation from the City of Winter Haven designating the week of Feb. 27 as “George and Seretha Tinsley Week.”
“Winter Haven recognizes how diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of American life and solidifies the foundation of strong communities,” the proclamation read. “Whereas, Seretha and George Tinsley are recognized as two of these trailblazers; and whereas, their lasting impact in the community has been made by the legacy they created as business leaders, philanthropists, mentors, champions for youth development, and much more to many peoples.”
Both George and Seretha Tinsley were present to accept the proclamation, as they were both photographed with the official city seal and with a banner that will be hung at city hall commemorating their designated week.
Since 2021, the City of Winter Haven has been recognizing residents who personify the spirit of Black History Month by commemorating their achievements in the overall pursuit of civil rights within the Winter Haven community.
Seretha Tinsley was the first African American female to graduate from Wesleyan College in Kentucky in 1971. Since then, she has achieved a fruitful career as an entrepreneur and civic leader. In 2008, she became the first African American President of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She currently serves as a trustee at First Missionary Baptist Church.
Her husband, George, has experienced a similar lucrative career. He has served as a teacher, coach, exhibition specialist, and even training as an FBI agent, his website states. He has been inducted into several business and athletic hall of fames, and he has received several awards and recognitions.
Both have been married for 47 years and counting. They have been blessed with two loving children and several grandchildren.
“An entrepreneur, civic leader, mother, and wife, Seetha’s commitment to excellence has always been her calling card,” their website states. As for George: “The summarization of George Tinsley, Sr.’s continued road to success could liken to that of a rags-to-riches story. But faith, tenacity, education and the white-heat desire to not accept settling or complacency are the true gifts that catapulted his life to where it is today.”
This year, the previous weeks of February were designated in commemoration of notable local black residents and their achievements. The week of Feb. 13, 2023, was designated in honor of Althea Margaret Daily Mills, a local advocate for equal education, and the city’s first postal career employee and postal manager. The week of Feb. 20, 2023, was designated in honor of Charles R. Richardson, Sr., who served as an educational administrator, city commissioner, mayor, county commissioner, and all-around public servant.
At the city commission meeting on Monday, the City of Winter Haven also passed two other proclamations. One proclamation designated March as “Irish American Heritage Month.” The other designated the week of Feb. 27 as “Montessori Education Week.”
NOTICE TO IRRIGATION CUSTOMERS – REUSE WATER SERVICE INTERRUPTION: This notice is for the customers in the Northeast and Southwest portions of Winter Haven. At this time, the reuse system that serves the NE and SW portions of Winter Haven for irrigation is offline. We anticipate being able to turn the system back online within 14 days (March 13).
If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call us at 863-291-5678
Stuff you just can’t make up! The latest scam involves someone calling unsuspecting victims saying they are Chief Brannan from the Winter Haven Police Department. The caller goes on to inform the victim that they have IN FACT won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes! Can we tell you that’s a big fat NO! These scams generally are followed with the information that in order to collect your winnings, you must send money either by Western Union, MoneyGram, reloadable gift cards etc. These methods are practically impossible to trace and victims most likely will never get their money back. We do not know of any victims who have followed through yet. Only received word that someone received a phone call. So remember, Publishers Clearing House will roll up in a van with an entourage (and maybe even Steve Harvey himself!) if you, in fact, won the prize. You most certainly will not receive a phone call from our Chief of Police (or any member for that matter).
1st Presbyterian Church of Lake Alfred Receives AED from Culpepper Cardiac Foundation
by James Coulter
First Presbyterian Church of Lake Alfred and Life Skills Academy will now be able to assist people suffering cardiac arrest and other emergencies with their new automated external defibrillator (AED) donated to them by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation.
The AED was given to the church and academy, which has more than 40 staff members and 100 students. The new device will allow them to better attend to the health and safety of its members and students in case of an emergency.
“It is fantastic,” said John Duncan, Director of Facilities. “It will help in many ways. We are really appreciative of her foundation. I think it is an excellent program that will help a lot of people around Polk County. This will be a good thing for the church and academy.”
Terry Gier, principal of Life Skills Academy, feels blessed to have the AED donated to their facility. They would not have been able to afford such a valuable piece of equipment otherwise, she said.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “It offers peace of mind. We have a lot of kids with medical needs and we have a large student body and staff, so it will help all the parents and staff feel better about their children’s safety.”
The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting heart health and assisting local EMTs and other fire rescue workers. Since its inception two years ago, the foundation has donated eight AEDs to local businesses and organizations, including Cutting Edge Salon, Old Man Franks, The Mission, Bartow American Legion, Winter Haven Moose Lodge, and Winter Haven Boxing Club.
Melanie Brown Culpepper started the foundation after the tragic death of her fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest. She appreciates the community support she has received for her endeavors.
“I am very happy I can help,” she said. “It feels amazing and it is awesome that everyone comes together and helps to donate more to get more of these out. I am still raising money, but I have enough to put in a new AED each month and to offer two scholarships for fire and EMT.”
Terica Moore has been a longtime friend of Melanie. Her fiancée donated the money to help install the newest AED at 1st Presbyterian. She attended the donation and installation on his behalf as he was busy at work that day.
“I think it is great,” she said. “Melanie does a lot of good for the community. When he found out she did this, he wanted to do something to help. So he wanted to give the money to put these in for us.”
Eric Sheamus was the EMT on the scene when Michael Culpepper passed away. Ever since he and Melanie have worked together through the foundation. He installed the AED at the church and offered a demonstration on how to use it. Recently, he offered a similar demonstration to the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team.
“I think it is really good,” he said. “We have been doing it for a few years now…I think it is great, people are seeing it now, going online, it is a great thing.”
For more information about Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, visit their website at: https://honoringculpepper.com/
The Balance Culture Winter Haven Celebrates Grand Opening
by James Coulter
Joining a gym can feel intimidating, especially if you’re a woman. Thankfully, The Balance Culture offers a safe space where women can exercise their bodies, minds, and soulsthrough encouragement and positivity.
Originally from Lakeland, their new venue in Winter Haven offers gym members a judgment-free zone where they can achieve holistic fitness, whether they want to achieve it through yoga, Pilates, dance instruction, or other conventional workout routines.
“We exist to give women a space where they can strengthen their mind, body, and heart. To give women the space they deserve. And we are ready to keep pursuing great things,” their website states. “This new studio space will offer group fitness classes, nutrition counseling and private sessions. Nourish your mind and body with our amazing community and empowering classes for every level.”
Ruthie Tate, owner and manager, started The Balance Culture in Lakeland around 2015. She and her partner, Stephanie Garrison, wanted to start a fitness club where women can achieve fitness in a way that was right for them.
“We started with a goal to empower women and figure out a holistic way to achieve that…[and] figure out a way [to meet]every area of a woman’s life to make her the best version of herself,” she said.
Since opening eight years ago, they have grown and expanded to the point where they decided to open a second location in Winter Haven. They have since experienced a warm reception from locals who are curious and eager to work out at their new space.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be here,” she said during the grand opening ceremony. “Winter Haven is amazing…Every single woman who comes in, you can see the love and support that this community has. And it is just cool to be a part of that. They want to see it win and succeed and we get to be a part of that.”
Stephanie moved to Winter Haven last year. Having lived in the community over the past year, she knows from firsthand experience that their gym will make a great fit and that the residents have been more than welcoming.
“We have had an abundance of love and support throughout the day, stories of women who crossed the threshold and knowing they are safe here,” she said. “It has been the biggest surprise of all to fall in love with Winter Haven, let alone this space.”
The Balance Culture celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce on Thursday morning. Refreshments were catered by Noire Kitchen, which served honey oat cookies, egg white bakes, and shrimp and grits.
Ana Saveedra, Membership and Sponsorship Development Manager of the Winter Haven Chamber, knows Balance Culture personally. She has been working out at the gym ever since it was originally in Lakeland. She remembers being recommended it several years ago.
“They told me to check it out,” she said. “I dance for 15 years. This should be easy. It is not. I could not walk the next day. It was delightful. So to see you all go from that studio to the one downstairs [in Lakeland] to the one in Winter Haven, it is an incredible journey that I am glad to be a part of.”
Jennifer Fasting, a Chamber board member, walks through downtown every morning. She remembers seeing the space being renovated for the new business and feeling excited for it open.
“One day, I came across this building and saw this sign,” she said. “Winter Haven is a little better because you are here in the mornings when I am walking. I glance in here and see all the beautiful souls stretching and training. So thank you for being here in Winter Haven.”
Balance Culture of Winter Haven is located at 31 5th Street NW,Winter Haven, Fl, 33881. For more information, visit their website at: https://thebalanceculture.com/winter-haven/
On Saturday, March 11, a statewide initiative called Operation Green Light will give citizens a unique opportunity to reinstate their driver’s license if it has been suspended. During the one-day event, the collection fees applied to unpaid court fines are waived, which saves customers up to 40 percent on their outstanding fines. Once paid, customers can proceed with the reinstatement of their driver’s license. Customers can participate by calling us, at 863-534-4446, or in person at the Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830.
