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Ribs on the Ridge Feb 23, 2018 – Feb 24, 2018 5:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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Ribs on the Ridge Feb 23, 2018 – Feb 24, 2018 5:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Ribs on the Ridge

Feb 23, 2018 – Feb 24, 2018
5:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Haines City’s 10th annual BBQ competition will be held on February 23, 2018 from 5 PM to 9 PM and February 24, 2018 from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Ribs on the Ridge draws barbecue teams from across Florida and the nation. Professional and amateur teams compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights.

Enjoy live entertainment throughout the event. Admission is FREE.

If you love BBQ this is an event you don’t want to miss!!!

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

  • The Jack Daniels Invitational, the super bowl of BBQ world championships
  • The American Royal in Kansas City, MO which is the largest and oldest contest world championship
  • The Florida Bar-B-Que Associations new invitational – Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational

 

Help Winter Haven Police Locate Tammy Real!

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Help Winter Haven Police Locate Tammy Real!
Help Police Locate Tammy Real!
Real has a warrant for her arrest on charged of Burglary of an Unoccupied Structure (F-3) and Grand Theft (F-3).
On Dec. 12, 2017, Real was fired from her employer, Melanie’s Cutting Edge Salon (1107 3rd St SW, Winter Haven). On Dec. 17, 2017 at approximately 5:56 a.m., video surveillance shows 43 year-old Real entering the business taking cash from the register and from a styling booth. She leaves, but then re-enters at 6:30 a.m. taking additional money that is designated for vendors.

Today, detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest.
Anyone who knows where Tammy Real is located 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.

 

County Music Artist Eli Mosley Will Be Performing at The Ribs On The Ridge

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County Music Artist Eli Mosley Will Be Performing at The Ribs On The Ridge

COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST, ELI MOSLEY, WHO RECENTLY RELEASED

HIS SECOND NASHVILLE PRODUCED ALBUM, WILL BE

PERFORMING AT THE RIBS ON THE RIDGE EVENT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 BETWEEN 2:30 AND 4:30 PM IN HAINES CITY, FLORIDA

 

 

January 8, 2018 – Local country music artist, Eli Mosley, is on his way to cementing his status as an exciting breakout artist in the Central Florida area.  In 2017, he released his second Nashville produced album, titled “Come Along With Me”.  The album is getting play time in radio stations throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama.

Throughout the past year, he has performed at such events as Party in the Pines with headliners Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Josh Turner, the Orlando Stars and Stripes event with headliners Joe Nichols and Tyler Farr, Dade City Florida Kumquat Festival, the Fort Worth Texas Mayfest, the Highlands North Carolina Village Square Festival, the Bartow Independence Day festivities, the Florida Strawberry Festival, and the West Palm Beach Clematis by Night event.

Eli Mosley is quickly becoming a sought after performer.  Eli gets inspiration from traditional country artists such as George Strait, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn. He not only writes and sings his own original work, but also covers country favorites such as “Check Yes or No” by George Strait and “Boot Scoot Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn. Eli released his first album in 2015 and released his second album in April 2017.  He recorded both in Nashville, the latest at Ocean Way Studio where most of the above artists have recorded. Mastering has been completed by Eric Conn, who has also mastered albums for George Strait and Garth Brooks.  He has been performing in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee areas since 2014, a US Marine Corps veteran and is a graduate from Southeastern University with a degree in Music Business. Three others back him up in his band.  His original songs can be found on iTunes and on his website elimosley.com.

Link below to hear Eli Mosley sing:

“Stay” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAMi-G9wcO8.

Email: [email protected]

Website: elimosley.com

ReverbNation:   https://www.reverbnation.com/elimosleymusic

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/elimosleymusic

iTunes:   https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eli-mosley/id943072222

Man Tased After Allegedly Fleeing Traffic Stop

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Man Tased After Allegedly Fleeing Traffic Stop

Bartow, Florida – On December 27th, 2017 Polk County Sheriff’s Deptuies were called in reference to a impaired driver. A deputy stated she was transporting an arrestee to the Polk County Jail when she observed a black 2007 Cadillac driving as if the driver was impaired at the intersection of C.R. 60 and Kid Ellis Road in Mulberry, Florida.

The deputy stated the vehicle almost collided with another vehicle and was swerving all over the roadway.

Another deputy responded to S.R. 60 and found the car near Bonnie Mine Road. A deputy initiated a traffic stop and the car slowly pulled over onto the right side of the roadway.

A deputy advise he made contact with the driver, Derrick Taylor, who provided a Georgia driver’s license. Taylor was asked to exit the vehicle and speak with the deputy on the grass due to being on a busy highway. The deputy asked Taylor if there was anything illegal on his person or in his vehicle. Taylor stated he did not have anything illegal. The deputy asked Taylor if he could flip his pockets inside out to reveal the contents inside of them.
Taylor agreed and emptied his pockets and allegedly flung a small plastic baggie which contained a white powder residue onto the ground. The deputy picked up the plastic baggie and placed it on the hood of the vehicle.

The deputy told Taylor to place his hands behind his back. As the deputy was attempting to place Taylor in custody he broke free and placed the baggie into his mouth. Taylor began running West onto S.R. 60. The deputy ordered Taylor to stop but he continued to attempt to evade arrest. Taylor was still unsearched and in flight from a felony arrest when the deputy removed his agency issued Taser and deployed it connecting two of the Taser prongs on Taylor’s back. Taylor continued to take flight on foot heading West on S.R. 60. The deputy activated another cycle of the Taser on Taylor, however Taylor was not affected by the Taser and continued to take flight on foot westbound on S.R. 60. Taylor eventually circled back to his vehicle and drove off. Another deputy located Taylor who accelerated at a high rate of speed.

Due to the charges and potential threat to the public the pursuit was discontinued. Units lost sight of Taylor’s vehicle eastbound on Stewart Road in Bartow, Florida.

Another deputy observed Taylor in the yard of West Tee Circle in Bartow, Florida where he was again Tased and taken into custody.

Taylor was read his Miranda Warning prior to being transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center. Taylor stated he understood his rights.

While at the hospital deputies asked Taylor when he was stopped if he knew it was a law enforcement officer. Taylor allegedly stated he did know the deputy was a law enforcement officer because he saw lights as was being pulled over.

Taylor allegedly stated the white power substance inside of the baggie was powder cocaine. Taylor allegedly stated he has been using cocaine for approximately 5 years and he did not want a drug charge on his record so that’s why he placed it into his mouth. Taylor when on to allegedly state he purchased the baggie of cocaine earlier in the day for $20.00 dollars.

Taylor also allegedly stated when he ran back into his vehicle he spit the baggie of cocaine out of the window. He continued to state that he smokes his cocaine by lacing his cigarettes with it because he does not want to get sick if he snorts bad cocaine.

A FCIC/NCIC query revealed Taylor’s Florida driver’s license has been suspended since 11/9/2009 for theft of motor vehicle/parts/components with notice received by court order or prior UTC.

Taylor was booking into the Polk County Jail without incident.Taylor is facing Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting An Officer Without Violence and other charges.

Woman Escapes Serious Injury When Car Goes Under Semi-Trailer On Polk City Road

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Woman Escapes Serious Injury When Car Goes Under Semi-Trailer On Polk City Road

Haines City, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident that was located 1.7 miles East of 557 on Polk City Road this morning, around 6:23 a.m. A Semi-Tractor trailer was making an illegal U-turn on a curve (and it was still dark out). A car struck the truck.

The 30 yr. old female driver in a white vehicle was pinned and suffered from non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Eagle Lake Man Found Guilty of DUI With Serious Bodily Injury

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Eagle Lake Man Found Guilty of DUI With Serious Bodily Injury

Jaron Skipper was high on methamphetamine when he crashed his vehicle into the back of a city bus, critically injuring his two children.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding Jaron Skipper guilty of two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, two counts of neglect of a child, two counts of DUI causing injury, two counts of reckless driving, and DUI causing property damage –  He was acquitted of two counts of aggravated child abuse. He is facing up to 55 years in prison and will be sentenced on Feb. 8.

Original Release:

At approximately 9:00 am, today, Wednesday, January 11, 2017, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a serious crash that occurred on Highway 17 in the area of Eloise in Winter Haven.  The crash involved a 2005 grey, Toyota Tundra, and 2006 Citrus Connection Bus.

Seven victims were transported: Four from the bus and all three occupants of the pickup truck.

Those victims from the bus were transported to Winter Haven Hospital all with minor injuries and are expect to be released later today.  The bus driver was uninjured.

The three victims from the pickup truck were airlifted to Tampa General where all three are listed in critical condition.  The victims in the pickup truck are related and include an adult male, and two young children ages 4 and 7.

UPDATE VICTIMS IDENTIFIED:

Pickup truck: Driver 36-year-old Jaron Skipper, 7-year-old Emma Skipper, and 4-yar-old John Skipper, all of North 9th Street Eagle Lake.

Bus Driver – 56 Debra Pullins, Dean Still Road, Polk City – uninjured

Bus Passenger- 19-year-old Anabel Rodriguez, Dixie Highway, Auburndale, stable condition at WHH

Bus Passenger – 62-year-old Calvin Edwards, Central Avenue, WH, stable condition at WHH

Bus Passenger – 48-year-old Richard Watkins, Summerfield Circle, WH, stable condition at WHH

Bus Passenger 37-year-old Derrick Taylor, Tangerine Drive, Haines City, stable condition at WHH

Primary investigation suggests, the male driver of the pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 17 when he collided into the rear of the stopped bus which was collecting passengers near Casey Avenue on Highway 17.

The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seatbelt.  The 7-year-old victim was ejected through the front windshield of the pickup truck – this child was not seat-belted.  The 4-year-old was wearing a seatbelt but also suffered significant injuries.  All three victims are listed in critical condition at Tampa General

The southbound lanes of Highway 17 were closed for approximately 5 hours.

The investigation is ongoing.

Harmony Dark Sky Festival and Star Party

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Harmony Dark Sky Festival and Star Party

Harmony Dark Sky Festival and Star Party

by James Coulter

Bok Tower Gardens has a lovely array of flora and fauna for guests to see during the day, but rarely are such splendid sights available to see during the evening.

As such, guests will soon have the rare treat of visiting the historic tower and botanical gardens at night during its second annual Harmony Dark Sky Festival and Star Party on Sat. Jan. 13.

Aside from providing a glimpse of the gardens at night, the annual night event will have several activities involving stargazing and nocturnal animals, with an emphasis on providing education about the effects of light pollution both on wildlife and on humans.

“It’s really an evening that’s dedicated to education about how light pollution affects wildlife, how it affects humans, and to provide better appreciation about the skies above us,” said Erica Smith, Marketing Director of Bok Tower Gardens.

The lack of artificial lights within the surrounding area provides for an almost unadulterated view of the night sky above, which guests can better appreciate through stargazing opportunities at the Astronomy Meadow located near Pinewood Estate, and, in case of cloud cover, with a mobile planetarium as well.

Guests will also be able to learn more about the stars above, as well as current attempts to explore them, through several lectures by astronomers and scientists.

Russell Romanella, a retired scientist who previously worked for NASA for more than 30 years, will discuss the current state of space exploration and future space missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond, as well as the prospect of extra-terrestrial life.

As someone who had worked on the space shuttle and space station, he expects new rockets and other modes of space transportation to be tested within the next few years, with moon missions in the next 10 to 15 years, and Mars missions in the next 20 years.

“I enjoy getting people interested in what is going on in space exploration, making them a little bit more aware with what is happening,” Romanella said. “Often time people assume that NASA has gone out of business since we retired the space shuttles, but there is a lot going on, and if I get people aware and interested, that is a positive thing.”

Joshua Colwell, professor at the physics department at the University of Central Florida, will also be on hand to discuss the Cassini mission to Saturn, something that he had personally been working with for the past 25 years.

“What I am hoping to do is make this distant world of Saturn and its family of moons and rings feel more familiar and like a place that is another part of the human experience,” he said. “I would like people to come away feeling like their universe has expanded and now it feels like a distant place.”

Both children and sci-fi fans alike will have even more fun when characters from the night sky above come to visit them with meet and greet opportunities with Star Wars characters.

Helping to accentuate the lovely sights in the night sky above and the gardens below will be the even lovelier melodies of the Bok Tower bells with a special carillon concert at 8pm.

This will be the second annual festival, and one of several recent nighttime events hosted by Bok Tower Gardens, providing guests the rare opportunity to see the gardens at night.

“All our after dark events have been popular because they have been different, and there is something romantic about evening events, and also exciting because you don’t know what is around the corner,” Smith said. “The excitement of seeing something that you don’t normally see during the day is really fun.”

Last year’s event was interrupted with rain, but fortunately the forecast for this year’s event calls for overall good weather with clear skies most opportune for star gazing, Smith said.

Smith most anticipates the interaction among guests, scientists, and astronomers, as events such as this are created with the intention of providing guests the opportunity to learn more about the gardens and the natural world it inhabits.

“It really does start opening up your eyes about what is out in the universe and what we don’t usually think about,” Smith said.

The Harmony Dark Sky Festival and Star Party will be hosted on Sat., Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is included with general admission.

For more information, visit: https://boktowergardens.org/

Andy Thornal Company Offers Customer-Inspired, High-Quality Merchandise to the Public

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Andy Thornal Company Offers Customer-Inspired, High-Quality Merchandise to the Public

Andy Thornal Company Offers Customer-Inspired, High-Quality Merchandise to the Public

By Allison Williams

Photos by Andy Thornal Company

For those who love adventure, quality, value or tradition, Andy Thornal Company is the place to visit. Located at 336 Magnolia Avenue, Winter Haven, Florida 33880, Andy Thornal Company is a department store that carries a wide variety of merchandise. Travel. Camping. Sailing. Angling. Hunting. Skiing. You name it. The company is inspired by an adventurous lifestyle.

The store opened in its Winter Haven location in 1945. Corbin Hart, Director of Marketing and Merchandising, has been a part of the store since he was a little boy. Having his father, uncles, aunt and cousin working at the store over the past many years, it has become a family business. Hart shared the background of the store opening:

“Around the world, peace finally reigned. To the relief of GIs, demobilization was in full swing. Among those who celebrated were two soldiers who saw mounds of material about to be declared government surplus. They figured it would be a good way to launch a retail business.”

More than 72 years later, Andy Thornal Company still stands in the same spot today. Originally called the Army-Navy Store, they were stocked with high-quality goods such as army cots, jungle hammocks and uniforms.

During the time that authentic, high-quality goods were harder to come by, Andy Thornal took over the business in 1961. This is where the department store name today comes from. He stocked his store with clothing, shoes and camping supplies. Customers helped evolve the store into what it is today.

“It’s based on the customers’ needs and wants,” Hart said. “When they come in and ask for something we take that into consideration.”

Hart had a close relationship with Thornal. He worked hard, played hard and traveled hard. Thornal talked to everybody he came into contact with on his journey and learned people’s stories. This mirrors what the store is all about.

“It is not just an outdoor business,” Hart said. “The business was formed around Andy’s lifestyle. Andy believed that life is one great adventure. He believed that no matter what you are doing, you should do it to the best of your ability.”

A lot of people see the Andy Thornal Company and think it is just a men’s store, but it certainty is not just that. The store has a full women’s dress wear department and jewelry as well.

“We have one of the biggest collections of estate and fine jewelry in our area,” Hart said. Andy Thornal Company offers an on-site goldsmith who works with individuals to help them create a masterpiece.

The store is eclectic, offering something for everybody. Not only is there a store in Winter Haven, but also customers can shop online at https://www.andythornal.com.

Customer service is always at the forefront for Andy Thornal Company employees. They have recently introduced a structured rewards program. One of the program’s perks is a $5 coupon for every $100 spent. The coupons can be redeemed either in-store or online. This is just one of the many ways to thank customers for their continued support.

Hart believes that “Plans are dreams.” He plans to expand their online business to serve those customers who live far away from the store.

For those close by, Andy Thornal Company is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store phone number is (863) 299-9999.

Store location:

336 Magnolia Avenue

Winter Haven, Florida 33880

Winter Haven Man Murdered With Pick Hammer According To Polk Sheriff

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Winter Haven Man Murdered With Pick Hammer According To Polk Sheriff

Polk County Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives are conducting a death investigation that occurred on January 6, 2018, around 6:38 p.m., which resulted in 38-year-old Johnathon Michael Miller of Winter Haven, deceased. Detectives arrested 27-year-old Calvin Michael Ross of Winter Haven, for 2nd Degree Murder with a weapon and violation of pretrial conditions.

Detectives responded to 135 Manseau Drive in un-incorporated Winter Haven and found Miller unconscious, with facial damage, and head trauma. Miller was first transported to Winter Haven Hospital and then to LRHMC where he was declared deceased at 10:41 p.m.

Witnesses told detectives that Miller and Ross were outside the residence during the time of the incident. They heard Miller and Ross talking outside, which resulted in an argument. Witnesses said then they heard noises that were described as, “thuds.” Ross went inside the home and quickly went into his room. Ross approached a roommate and said, “Miller is on the ground and needs to be checked on.”

Detectives found a bloody pick hammer that was located in the grass near the where the victim was found. Detectives also found blood on Miller’s clothing and footwear.

Calvin Ross has pending case and is currently out on bond for Aggravated Battery that occurred on April 2, 2017, where he struck another resident in the head with a brick.

“This was a senseless and violent homicide. The suspect was out on bond for hitting another man in the head with a brick-a violent aggravated battery. This time his victim didn’t survive. With his violent history, we are going to make sure he stays in jail until he gets sent to prison for a long, long time.”

Calvin Ross has a previous criminal history to include the following charges: Aggravated battery, domestic violence, assault, petit theft, VOP, possession of marijuana, and carry a concealed weapon.

Two People Killed In Head-On Crash In Mulberry Saturday Night

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating fatal crash in Mulberry

On Saturday, January 7, 2018, around 8:49 p.m., PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a 2017 black Nissan Altima driven by 47-year-old Vickee Cook of Lakeland, and a 2015 grey Ford Taurus driven by 28-year-old Maria Mendiola of Wauchula, on S.R. 37 at the intersection of Cozart Road in Mulberry.

Preliminary investigation suggests:
Cook was traveling north on S.R. 37 S., she crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and struck the Ford Taurus head-on.
PCFR and EMS also responded to the scene and extinguished the fire that engulfed Cook’s vehicle. Cook was declared deceased on-scene.
Mendiola was taken by ground to LRMHC and later succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased.
Neither excessive speed or impairment are thought to be factors in the crash.

A portion of S.R. 37 S., approximately 2 miles south of Hwy 60 was closed for approximately 6 hours during the investigation.

The investigation is on-going.

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