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Polk County School Bus Driver Arrested For Felony Criminal Mischief

Carl Fish
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Polk County School Bus Driver Arrested For Felony Criminal Mischief

Polk Country Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 47-year-old Vernorris Rambow of Kissimmee, a Polk County Public Schools school bus driver, on Friday, January 21, 2022, for one count felony criminal mischief (F3) after he repeatedly damaged the video surveillance system hard drive on his bus. He was released from the Polk County Jail after posting $1,000 bond.
According to the affidavit, the investigation began earlier this month when Polk County Public Schools suspected Rambow of damaging the system on four separate occasions:

  • In September 2021, PCPS received a complaint regarding Rambow, and sent a specialist to retrieve the video from the on-board camera. The video could not be retrieved due to the fact that the hard drive and wires were damaged. The hard drive was replaced.
  • In November 2021, PCPS received a complaint from a parent whose child rides the bus, regarding bullying by other students. They sent another safety specialist to retrieve video – again there was no video due to the same type of damage to the video system hard drive and wires. The hard drive was replaced.
  • In January 2022, Rambow’s supervisor had a heated phone conversation with him while he was on the bus. She sent a specialist to retrieve the video evidence of the conversation for disciplinary reasons, and again the system was damaged, and no video existed. It was again replaced.
  • After the third incident, PCPS suspected Rambow was intentionally damaging the hard drives; his supervisor told him that another complaint was received and that they were going to retrieve video from the bus. No video existed due to the same type of damage to the hard drive.

PCPS contacted PCSO for an investigation. Detectives interviewed Rambow, who eventually admitted to them that he had damaged all four hard drives because he “did not want to get in trouble at work.” At this time it does not appear that Rambow damaged the equipment to avoid any other crime being committed on the bus, but the investigation is ongoing. PCPS advised that each hard drive is worth $360, with total damage equaling $1,440. A felony criminal mischief charge is appropriate due to the extent of the damage totaling more than $1,000.
“This is a shame – this school bus driver might have faced some discipline at work due to some complaints, but now he’s facing a felony conviction and may be out of a job. The children on his bus were better behaved than he was. We hope he’s learned his lesson.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

PCSO Update S.R. 60 Crash Information – Now Three People Have Died In Fiery Crash

Carl Fish
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PCSO Update S.R. 60 Crash Information – Now Three People Have Died In Fiery Crash

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred in Lake Wales last evening, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

 

Around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from the area of SR 60 East approximately one mile east of CR 630 East regarding a head-on collision between a black Nissan Pathfinder and a red Jeep Wrangler.

 

Preliminary information indicates that the Pathfinder, being driven west on SR 60 by an adult male, for unknown reasons entered into the eastbound lane and hit the Jeep Wrangler head-on, which was being driven East by 62-year-old Ashley Mansard of Port St. Lucie. The Jeep immediately caught fire after the collision, and Ashley and his passenger, Lori Mansard (52 years old, also of Port St. Lucie), were both killed. The driver of the Pathfinder was also declared deceased at the scene. Deputies are still trying to locate and notify his next of kin.

 

A black Chevrolet Impala that was heading east behind the Jeep and being driven by 27-year-old Jessica Duarte of Lakeland swerved to avoid the collision but the passenger side of her car struck the rear of the Pathfinder. She was transported to a local hospital due to complaints of back pain. None of her passengers was injured.

 

The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing.

PCSO Confirms Multiple People Killed In Fiery Crash On S.R. 60

Carl Fish
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PCSO Confirms Multiple People Killed In Fiery Crash On S.R. 60

Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic deputies are investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred in Lake Wales last evening, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

 

Around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls from the area of SR 60 East approximately one mile east of CR 630 East regarding a head-on collision between a black Nissan Pathfinder and a red Jeep Wrangler.

 

Preliminary information indicates that the Pathfinder, being driven west on SR 60 by an adult male, for unknown reasons entered into the eastbound lane and hit the Jeep Wrangler head-on, which was being driven East by 62-year-old Ashley Mansard of Port St. Lucie. The Jeep immediately caught fire after the collision, and Ashley and his passenger, Lori Mansard (52 years old, also of Port St. Lucie), were both killed. The driver of the Pathfinder was also declared deceased at the scene. Deputies are still trying to locate and notify his next of kin.

 

A black Chevrolet Impala that was heading east behind the Jeep and being driven by 27-year-old Jessica Duarte of Lakeland swerved to avoid the collision but the passenger side of her car struck the rear of the Pathfinder. She was transported to a local hospital due to complaints of back pain. None of her passengers was injured.

 

The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately three hours during the investigation, which is ongoing. I do not have a photo from the scene.

From Drunk Podcast Hosts To Local Voice Actors: Central Florida Comic Con 2022

Allison
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From Drunk Podcast Hosts To Local Voice Actors: Central Florida Comic Con 2022

From Drunk Podcast Hosts To Local Voice Actors: Central Florida Comic Con 2022

by James Coulter

The year is 1834. A doctor ventures out west to find a cure for his wife and son who are dying from tuberculosis. He lives among the Native Americans to learn their herbology and medicine to create a cure. He inevitably breeds an infested rat that creates a zombie apocalypse. Now he must use steam power and other modern inventions in order to assist the army in stopping this undead army from taking over America.

“Secret War of 1834” combines zombies with steampunk to create a truly unique adventure ripped from the pages of American history and intertwined with American ingenuity. Author B.B. Lechlere and his daughter wrote the book after extensive historical research, thus penning a “historical” tale with a fair bit of history behind it.

“We had events that actually happened,” he said. “For example, in Detroit, in 1834, in one month, 900 people died. So, history reports it as cholera, but we depict it as something more exciting. So, we put that in the book.”

B.B. Lechlere first showcased his book at the Central Florida Comic Con last June. Since then, he has been attending similar cons to attract potential readers. This year, he attended wearing steampunk attire and with an animated diorama of one of his book’s scenes: an airship flying over a fort where army men defend against a zombie horde.

“Our first event was at Central Florida Comic Con in June,” he said. “That was a great success for us, and now we have come back, and that is what brings us back to this con…Great turnout, great people, a lot of vendors and visitors.”

B.B. Lechlere was one of the many participants at Central Florida Comic Con this weekend. Hosted at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, this two-day event allowed fans of all ages to share their love of comic books, video games, movies, and animated shows by perusing vendors, cosplaying as their favorite characters, or visiting special guests.

This year’s roster of celebrity guests stars included Catherine Suhterland, the actress who played the Pink Power Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers; Justin Cook, a voice actor who plays several characters on Dragonball Z; and Dana Snyder, the voice actor who plays Master Shake on Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Scratch from The Ghost And Molly McGee.

For two days, attendees were able to peruse dozens of vendors featuring artists and craftsmen showcasing their merchandise of their favorite movies, shows, comics and games. They could also participate in costume contests and attend panels and question and answer seminars hosted by several of the celebrity guests.

One notable guests was George Lowe, a local Lakeland resident and acclaimed voice actor famous for his role as Space Ghost on Space Ghost: Coast to Coast as well as other characters on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. During his panel, he entertained his nearly a dozen attendees with his rambles about everything from his art collection to his experience as a radio show host and announcer.

“The answers are long and rambly,” he replied to a follow-up question about a question concerning his start as a voice actor. When asked if there was a show he wanted to guest star on, he mentioned that if he could appear on The Simpsons, “I would die a happy man.”

Guy Hutchinson, host of the Drunk at Disney podcast, also attended to share his wisdom about the finest drinks at Walt Disney World. He’s written countless books on the subject, including “Bibbity Boozity Book: A Cocktail Guide For Those Drunk On Disney.”

Aside from being a drinking aficionado, Hutchinson also loves the history behind Disney World and other theme parks. In fact, he was drawn to the history of the RP Funding Center, which partially inspired him to attend Central Florida Comic Con. That, and Lakeland’s close proximity to Disney.

On his podcast, he and his hosts always try to raise a glass to a historical Disney figure. As for his favorite drinks at Disney World, though many of the cocktails there are admittedly “sugary and sweet”, he especially likes Dad’s Electric Lemonade at Hollywood Studios.

“We would like to say that, even though we are trying to make cocktails and stuff, we were drunk on Disney before we were old enough to drink booze, [because] Disney is it,” he said. “That is my absolute favorite place to be.”

Lakeland Woman Arrested For Creating and Possessing Child Pornography

Staff Reporter
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Lakeland Woman Arrested For Creating and Possessing Child Pornography

38-year-old Erica Larrow of Lakeland was arrested for 22 counts of transmission of child pornography (F2), 17 counts of possession of child pornography – enhanced* (F2), and 11 counts of use of a child for sexual performance (F2), after a tip was received by PCSO detectives.

Erica Larrow

On January 19, 2022 detectives arrived at Larrow’s home on Griffin Road in Lakeland and learned that Larrow was staying with a friend in Saint Petersburg. PCSO detectives, with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Police Department, responded to the residence and spoke with Larrow about the allegations.

Larrow told detectives that she sells sexually explicit photos and videos of herself online. She was recently requested to take nude photos and videos of a child she had access to and sell those as well.

Larrow admitted to taking the nude photos and video of the child that she then uploaded and sold online. She told detectives she receives payment for the child pornography via PayPal and CashApp.

During an on-scene preview of her electronic devices, detectives found:

  • 17 files of enhanced pornography that she downloaded depicting children as young as 4-years-old being sexually abused (possession of child pornography)
  • 11 files Larrow created herself depicting a child to whom she had access (use of a child in a sexual performance)

She is charged with 22 counts of transmission of child pornography (so far) for selling the 11 homemade images two different times to different people.

All of her devices were seized and will be examined – if any additional files containing child pornography are found, she will be charged accordingly. There is no evidence at this time that the child she has access to who appears in the homemade images and video has been sexually battered, but the investigation is ongoing, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified.

“Sexually exploiting children is one of the vilest crimes we deal with in law enforcement. Thanks to a tip and the great work of my detectives, a child victim has been rescued and a sexual deviant is behind bars.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Larrow is currently in the Pinellas County Jail being held with no bond on the Polk County warrant. She will be transferred to the Polk County Jail. Her previous criminal history includes a charge of Fraud from Vermont.

*Enhanced child pornography meets one of the following criteria:

A child who is younger than 5 years old

Sadomasochistic abuse involving a child

Sexual battery of a child

Sexual bestiality involving a child

Any movie involving a child, regardless of length

Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival Kicked Off Inaugural Year

Allison
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Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival Kicked Off Inaugural Year

by James Coulter

Travis Schraperly and Todd Bender watched plenty of YouTube videos to help prepare their barbecue. Normally, they would place fifth place at competitions. So, their team, Sloppy Hogs, winning first place in the backyard division at the inaugural Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival was quite the pleasant surprise.

“It is incredible,” Schraperly said. “We have not cooked a lot these past few years with so little going on. So, to come out after a year feels fantastic.”

Both he and his teammate owe their success and their latest win to the fundamentals of barbecuing. Both of them have spent a long time perfecting their craft, to the point of watching countless on-line videos for pointers.

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After winning this year’s inagural event, they can hardly wait to attend next year. “If we get the time off, we will be here,” he said.

Sloppy Hogs won the title of grand champion in the backyard division of the inagural Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival, a KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition hosted last week in Lake Wales. The grand champion title for the proffesional division went to Teddy Camp BBQ, led by Darren Warth, who had to leave the event early for Iowa before accepting his award.

The Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival was hosted along the scenic shores of Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. Several dozen barbecue teams congregated from across the county and even the state for the event to compete in various categories within the backyard and proffesional division.

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Aside from the main barbecue competition, the event also showcased various local vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, and silent auctions. Several local bands performed live music on both days of the event, with musical guest appearances by the Outta Hand Band, JD Music Group, M&M Cloggers, Candic Glover, Mickenzie Peisher, Ronny McKinley, and HuboBentley.

The event served as a fundraiser for the KT’s Sunshine Foundation, a local charitable organization that, according to its website, “to help families in need that are going through a tragic event.”

“KT’s Sunshine Foundation was formed after the death of a former Frostproof High School Student was killed by a drunk driver,” its Facebook page stated. “She spread joy throughout her life and the purpose of the foundation is to continue that mission.”

Morgan Grose, a board member for the foundation, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout that weekend. The event allowed her to see many people that she had not seen for a long time, and seeing them come out for such a good cause brought joy to her heart.

“We did this to really attract all sorts of people in the community to come together and celebrate what we are doing here, which is raising money for people who really need our support,” she said.

For the inagural event, the turnout more that exceeded initial expectations, and Grose has high expectations that next year’s event will be bigger, if not better.

“People who are so willing to jump in and help out where they are needed so we are very grateful as a foundation to have the back up and support that we do,” she said. “We owe our success to our community and the grace of God for being here, and to have the support that we do. We would not be here today without the community giving back and supporting us with helping other people.”

Man Charged With Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Backing His Truck Into Woman’s SUV During An Argument On Hwy 27 & Central Avenue In Lake Wales

Carl Fish
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Man Charged With Aggravated Assault After Allegedly Backing His Truck Into Woman’s SUV During An Argument On Hwy 27 & Central Avenue In Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida – A Lake Wales man was arrested for allegedly backing his truck into a woman’s SUV. According to the Lake Wales Police Department arrest affidavit the suspect Dustin Lang (DOB: 03/24/2001) deliberately backed into a woman’s SUV during the course of an argument. Lang has been charged with Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon. According to the arrest affidavit the suspect also possessed multiple firearms inside his vehicle and reportedly armed himself with one during the altercation. The incident occurred at the intersection of Hwy 27 & Central Avenue which is currently under construction.

The following is a long excerpt from the Lake Wales Police Department affidavit (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Daily Ridge does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions).:

“On January 12, 2022 at approximately 1620 hours, I responded to Highway 27/ Central Ave to assist Officer Sittnick with a vehicle accident. Upon my arrival, I made contact with a witness,REDACTED. REDACTED stated he was unloading a truck in a construction work zone when he observed a Dodge pickup truck stopped in the left lane of Highway 27 just south of Central Avenue. REDACTED also saw a white SUV stopped directly behind the Dodge pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck was later identified as, Dustin Raymond Lang. The driver of the white SUV was identified as, REDACTED.

REDACTED stated both parties were actively yelling at each other. REDACTED stated Lang said, I have one too” which he believed Lang was referring to having a gun. Shortly after, REDACTED observed Lang with a weapon, which appeared to be a black semi- automatic handgun. REDACTED stated he heard ‘Lang, “Rack the slide” on the handgun. REDACTED stated Lang held the handgun down by his side while hc was standing on his truck side steps, yelling at REDACTED,

I then made contact with victim REDACTED. REDACTED stated she was traveling north Highway 27 approaching the intersection of Central Ave. REDACTED stated she observed a Dodge pickup attempting to enter her lane of travel. REDACTED stated Lang pulled in front of her and came to an abrupt stop. REDACTED stated Lang then exited his vehicle, brandishing a black handgun and started cussing at her. REDACTED stated Lang pointed the handgun in her direction and waved it around. REDACTED stated the handgun was never pointed directly at her.

This act placed her in fear for her life. REDACTED remained inside of her vehicle during the course of the altenation. REDACTED descdbed the handgun to be black or silver 9mm. REDACTED stated Lang -entered his vehicle, and reversed into her front bumper causing a vehicle crash. REDACTED advised she and Lang remained on scene until law enforcement arrived.

‘I made contact with Lang on scene. Lang was sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle. I requested Lang to exit his vehicle and walk back towards me. There, were no passengers inside Lang’s vehicle. Lang advised he did have multiple firearms inside of the vehicle. Lang was placed in handcuffs and secured inside of my marked patrol vehicle. Post Miranda, Lang wished to have an attorney present and did not want to answer any of my questions.”

“A search of the vehicle was completed and 3 firearms were located. A black HK USP Compact 40 S&W semi- automatic handgun, serial numher REDACTED was located inside of Lang’s center console. The pistol was dissembled with the slide and magazine removed, This handgun matched the description given by REDACTED  and REDACTED. A tow sheet was completed and the vehicle was removed by Sunbelt Towing.

During the course of my investigation, I determined Lang intentionally and unlawfully threatened by word and act to do violence to REDACTED, At the time Lang appeared to have the ability to carry out the threat, to create a well-founded fear that violence was about to occur. The assault was made with a deadly weapon.

The Auburndale Police Department Participates in High Visibility Enforcement Program to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Staff Reporter
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The Auburndale Police Department Participates in High Visibility Enforcement Program to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

The Auburndale Police Department Participates in High Visibility

Enforcement Program to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Polk County ranks in the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes resulting in

serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. To help reverse this trend, the Auburndale Police Department is participating in the Florida Department of Transportation High

Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Program aimed at educating motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians

on Florida’s traffic laws to improve safety on city roads.

Starting this month through May 2022, the Auburndale Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on State Road 559 (Berkley Road), between U.S. Highway 92 and Donovan Drive. This specific area has a high occurrence of pedestrians and bicyclists’ crashes. Special attention will be directed towards increasing awareness of the dangerous behaviors that are contributing to serious and fatal injuries at these locations. Officers will look for drivers speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns or signal violations and using hand-held devices while driving.

Officers also will watch for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to motorists who have right-of-way. Bicyclists will be stopped for riding against traffic, riding at night without lights or not abiding by the same laws as motor vehicles. Officers will issue warnings and citations only when appropriate.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel, or on a bike, you have a responsibility to share the

road safely,” said Chief Andy Ray. “Understanding the rules of the road helps ensure we all arrive at our destination safely and makes our streets safer for everyone.” Funding for this program is provided through a contract with University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. The Auburndale Police Department will receive funds for overtime hours for officers to conduct operations and for special training on Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures, and best practices.

To keep the public safe, the Auburndale Police Department offers the following tips when biking,

driving or walking:

§ Drivers: obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and

bicyclists

§ Bicyclists: obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at

night

§ Pedestrians: cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make

sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night

About [Local Enforcement Agency]:

About Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Bicycle and Pedestrian Focused

Initiative:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) developed Florida’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Initiative in 2011 to lead all efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the state. The public education campaign was branded “Alert Today Florida.” The goal of this initiative is to eliminate traffic crashes on Florida’s roads that result in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Objectives include advancing data collection, analysis, and evaluation to guide the implementation of comprehensive safety strategies directed towards areas with the highest representation of traffic crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists. Additional information about pedestrian and bicycle safety is available at www.alerttodayflorida.com.

Mulberry Man Fatally Shot; Suspect Then Critically Wounds Himself

Staff Reporter
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Mulberry Man Fatally Shot; Suspect Then Critically Wounds Himself

Mulberry man fatally shot; suspect then critically wounds himself

A Mulberry man was shot and killed in his backyard Sunday evening, January 16, 2022, the suspect then turned the gun on himself a short time later, causing critical injury.

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Bailey Road in an unincorporated area of Mulberry at about 9:16 PM following a reported shooting.

The 38-year old victim, identified as Cipriano Jimenez Toribio, was found deceased with apparent gunshot wounds in his head. Family members allowed PSCO to reveal Mr. Toribio’s identity.

A K-9 unit searched for the suspect and located him about a half-mile away; he was unresponsive with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his head, and in possession of a handgun. He was transported to a local hospital on life support.

The suspect was identified as 27-year old Edward Flores. According to Flores’ mother, her son has been staying with her and had a drug problem. She said he had been drinking alcohol and appeared to be high when he left the house that night, just before the murder.

Flores’ mother owns the residence where Mr. Toribio has lived.

“Our victim and the suspect were friends. The victim is a roofer and a part-time minister. In fact, he has repeatedly tried to help the suspect and has prayed with him in regards to the suspect’s drug problem.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

PCSO Homicide detectives spoke with a witness who was with the victim at the time of the murder.

The witness said he and the victim had just returned from the store and found that all of the circuit breakers had been shut off.

As the two were standing in the kitchen, Flores appeared in the doorway of the back porch, pointed a gun at them and ordered them both into the backyard.

Once in the yard, Flores asked, “What did you guys do?” The victim answered that they had just returned from the store and then his cell phone rang. Flores took the phone from him.

The witness said that the victim told Flores that he had no problems with him (Flores) or his mother, and that is when Flores shot the victim and he fell to the ground.

Flores then pointed the gun at the witness and said, “Tell me where you went and don’t lie to me.” The witness replied to him that they went to the store, and Flores pointed the gun at the victim and shot him again. That’s when the witness ran away.

The K-9 Unit located Flores less than an hour after the murder occurred.

At this time, Flores remains hospitalized on life-support.

The investigation is ongoing.

Edward Flores’ prior criminal history includes sixteen felonies and six misdemeanors, consisting of charges for carrying a concealed firearm, burglary, multiple grand thefts and drug possessions, providing false information to a pawn broker, and violations of probation.

A video of Sheriff Judd speaking about this case is available on the PCSO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountysheriff/videos/492793708945060/

Bartow Shows “We’re Better Together” With Annual MLK Jr. Parade

Allison
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Bartow Shows “We’re Better Together” With Annual MLK Jr. Parade

Bartow Shows “We’re Better Together” With Annual MLK Jr. Parade

by James Coulter

In the face of relentless adversity, especially during these uncertain times, the City of Bartow showed its community that “We’re Better Together” during its annual parade on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. and George H. Gause Parade and Festival on Jan. 17. The parade started with units lining up around 10 a.m. before making their way along Main Street in the downtown area.

Rico Reed of the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance represented the city as the Grand Marshal. The proud members of the local fire and police department, with the Honorable Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, led the parade, with city officials and representatives following close behind.

The parade featured several dozen units from city and county services and local businesses, schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. Participating in the parade was the Summerlin Academy ROTC, Bartow Yellow Jacket Band, BayCareKids, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Bartow Youth Football, and Unlimited Potential Child Learning Center.

The parade concluded at the Carver Recreation Center at 520 Idlewood Ave S, where a festival was hosted with various vendors, food trucks, and other activities.

The Bartow parade was one of many events hosted in the county to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Parades were also hosted on Saturday in the cities of Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Lakeland.

Bartow will be hosting a weeklong celebration, which started with their Gospel Fest on Sunday, and will continue with several other events through the week and concluding with their parade and festival on Saturday.

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