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Special Races with Special Needs Children

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Special Races with Special Needs Children

Special Races with Special Needs Children

With one year under their belts and an average of 40 kids per event Sunshine State Superkids is looking for a new home.  The non-profit organization works with special needs and non-special needs children giving these children a free fun day of soap box derby racing, Two and half years ago, the Bomm family decided to stay in the sport of soap box derby even though their children aged out of the sport. The concept of races with special needs children has been around since 1977, but was only done at All American Soap Box Derby facilities. There is only one in the State of Florida doing only one race per year.  Very few special needs children participate and the drivers had to be regular soap box derby drivers. The founders of Sunshine State Superkids put together a program of up to 8 Superkid events in the Central Florida area and acquired a building to use as storage and a work area. With the help of a lot of great people and businesses, Sunshine State Superkids put together 16 two seat cars and a program going from Melbourne to Bradenton. The first event was in Orlando and ended there in March with the Lighthouse for the Blind Superkids Classic, where there were over 25 visually impaired children racing.

During the first-year Sunshine State Superkids found another need for the children of Central Florida. They first worked with the officials in Orlando that asked if we could work with the inner-city children, where they could come out to be part of the event as drivers. Then when they got to Melbourne the program added the children sitting in the Foster Groups Homes. Since most of these homes do not have a budget to do events like this. With all those children, out there and the siblings, Sunshine State Superkids could give a full realm of children a day out. Oh yea, with all the support of the communities these events are FREE to all children.

Sunshine State Superkids just finished the first race of the season in Orlando at Manheim Auto Auction. The event was a success. The organization was concerned with the outcome of the race due to the Hurricane, but the Orlando event had 30 children participate. Now it is time to get ready for Davenport on October 21st. The event will be held at Horizon Elementary School at 1700 Forest Lake Drive. They are hoping for a great turnout, since this is a new city for them. The organization is also looking for race and car sponsors. The sponsorships help with race day expenses to give the children participating a wonderful day out.

With this event coming up, the organization is also looking for volunteer help. They are looking for volunteers to help the day of the event and looking for a couple men/boys to help Friday afternoon to put the ramps up for Saturday. The ramps take a couple of hours, they are built out of pallet racks.

If anyone can help or families looking for information, please contact Sunshine State Superkids at 352-988-5449 or [email protected].

 

Tom Petty, 66, Dies After Cardiac Arrest

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Tom Petty, 66, Dies After Cardiac Arrest

Tom Petty pulled from life support after suffering full cardiac arrest, according to TMZ.

Petty, 66, was the leader and front man with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

See full story here:

Rocker Tom Petty dies at 66

PCSO Presents The 2017 Haunted Jail Tour “The Ghost of Calvin”

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PCSO Presents The 2017 Haunted Jail Tour “The Ghost of Calvin”

Back by popular demand, PCSO presents the annual Haunted Jail Tour benefiting The United Way of Central Florida.

From 6:00 pm through 11:00 pm, on Friday & Saturday, October 20th and 21st, and Friday & Saturday, October 27th and 28th, 2017, at the PCSO old jail located at 455 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow (across the street from Bartow P.D.), PCSO volunteers will present “The Ghost of Calvin.”

For the little ones who are too young to go through the haunted jail, there will be a separate room with treats and games! Bring the whole family for a night of fun.

Food and drink will be on sale every night. 

The cost to go on the tour is a $6.00 donation with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Central Florida.

Visitors will be taken through several areas, while being entertained with stories about the mythical “ghost of Calvin” – an inmate who committed suicide in the old jail and whose ghost still haunts the area.

Special thanks to Ronn & Sharon Williams, and Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc., for donating a truckload of props, and Dr. Paul Bearer II, who filmed several videos with Sheriff Judd about the tour, and videos that will be played on the premises (we will post the videos on the PCSO Facebook in the coming weeks).

If you thought the Tour was good last year….just wait and see what we have come up with this year!!!   

For more information, please contact Sergeant Victor Diaz at 407-870-3489.

50 People Dead and Many More Injured in Mass Shooting In Las Vegas Last Night

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50 People Dead and Many More Injured in Mass Shooting In Las Vegas Last Night

At least 50 people were killed, more than 400 injured in deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.  The gunman identified as Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old man from Mesquite, Nevada.  At least 10 weapons were found inside Paddock’s room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

More on this Story from a local news source to Las Vegas:

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/36497025/police-at-least-50-dead-400-injured-in-shooting-on-las-vegas-strip

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Opens Saturday

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FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Opens Saturday

Bartow, Florida — FEMA’s Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will open Saturday in Bartow to assist Polk County residents whose homes and businesses were damaged by Hurricane Irma.

The center will only be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday at the W.H. Stuart Center, 1710 U.S. 17 South in Bartow.

At the Disaster Recovery Center, residents can register with FEMA for disaster assistance, ask questions and get information about FEMA disaster programs.
Those seeking assistance are urged to first register online through www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Residents also can call 800-621-3362; those with a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY can call 800-462-7585; and those who use 711 or video relay can call 800-621-3362 to register.

FEMA also recommends that applicants have their Social Security number along with information about insurance, damage and household finances.

Oath Keepers Seeking Additional Supplies and Volunteers for Relief Effort in the Keys

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Oath Keepers Seeking Additional Supplies and Volunteers for Relief Effort in the Keys

About Oath Keepers

Oath Keepers is a non-partisan association of current and formerly serving military, police, and first responders,  who pledge to fulfill the oath all military and police take to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” That oath, mandated by Article VI of the Constitution itself, is to the Constitution, not to the politicians, and Oath Keepers declare that they will not obey unconstitutional orders, such as orders to disarm the American people, to conduct warrantless searches, or to detain Americans as “enemy combatants” in violation of their ancient right to jury trial. See the Oath Keepers Declaration of Orders We Will Not Obey for details.

Oath Keepers reaches out to both current serving and veterans to remind them of their oaths, to teach them more about the Constitution they swore to defend, and to inspire them to defend it. See below for details on how we do that. Oath Keepers also includes a membership program designated as “Associate Members”, which consists of patriotic citizens who have not served in uniform but who serve now by supporting this mission with their Associate Membership and volunteer activities. Oath Keepers welcomes our Associate Members and appreciates their support of our mission.

Our motto is “Not on our watch!”

* First responders includes fire-fighters, search and rescue, EMTs, disaster relief, and similar emergency personnel.  While not all such personnel take an oath to the Constitution, many do, and all are a critical audience for our mission.

Current Serving and Veterans, you swore an Oath…

Military Enlisted Oath

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Military Officers Oath

I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God

 

We joined forces with Pastor Bob Brown, A collier county sherriff to serve the south Florida area, Everglades City and Chokoloskee, with mold cleaning chemicals, bleach, mops, buckets, food and water.

We then moved on to the Keys, Big Pine Key to be exact and Pastor Ernie DeLoach of Keys Community Church mile marker 30, to assess the damage and see what the needs were. Pastor Ernie says they have plenty of food and water, however they are lacking items to clean up with; shovels, hard rakes, large trash cans, brooms, wheel barrows, chain saws, pole saws, work gloves and respirators so no one gets sick due to the mold.

We have a team going back to Big Pine Monday and are looking for donations of any of the items above as well as financial and volunteers to go and help clean up. We are also in need of a truck and trailer to haul the donated items down. If you can help in any way, please do. I can be contacted at 863-232-8666. Thank you for your time.

 

Lake Wales Family Restaurant Breakfast

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales Family Restaurant Breakfast

Lake Wales Family Restaurant Breakfast

by James Coulter

To prepare for their big homecoming game this evening, the Lake Wales varsity football team enjoyed a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage courtesy of the Lake Wales Family Restaurant.

More than 44 players of the Lake Wales Highlanders, along with their coaches, gathered at the local diner early this morning to enjoy a free breakfast before preparing for their homecoming game against Nature Coast from Brooksville later that evening.

“You couldn’t ask for a better breakfast to kick off a Friday morning,” said Head Coach Tavaris Johnson, who was more than excited for this evening’s game, with his team already enjoying a winning streak of 3-1 this season.

Assistant Coach Brad Metheny likewise appreciated the gesture provided by the local restaurant, and how his team more than needed the energy for the big game.

“We are thankful for this selfless act today,” he said. “This community is great, and this is a great extension of love, and that’s what this game is about: it’s about love.”

Frank Papadopoulos, owner of the Lakes Wales Family Restaurant, had previously attempted to provide the football team with a complimentary meal, but was previously unable to do so, Metheny said.

Papadopoulos is a proud supporter of many local sports teams, including the baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, the latter of which he even coached.

His restaurant wall is covered with the trophies and photographs of the teams he has supported throughout the years.

As someone who grew up playing soccer in high school and college, Papadopoulos understands the importance of sports within a young person’s life, which is what motivates him to sponsor and support local teams.

“It keeps the body healthy and makes you think better,” he said. “With all that together, it makes you a good human being.”

Despite immigration remaining a controversial topic within America’s divisive political landscape, Papadopoulos serves as living proof that America is a “Melting Pot” of a country built and supported by immigrants, where anyone can achieve the “American Dream” through hard work and determination.

Having emigrated from Greece, Papadopoulos previously resided in Pennsylvania, where he was raised in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years by his parents.

He would later go on to open and run several restaurants of his own before moving to Lake Wales, where he opened Lake Wales Family Restaurant along State Road 17.

For 16 years, the local diner has managed to succeed and thrive where previous establishments failed in the very same location, as his restaurant has consistently provided quality food and service, including a complimentary bowl of soup for every meal.

Owing his success to the community of Lake Wales, Papadopoulos has dedicated himself to giving back to the very small town that has allowed him to thrive for as long as he has.

“Other restaurants came and went, but the community has been a good community for me,” he said. “They supported me…[and] they are overall a good community.”

Aside from sponsoring local sports teams, his restaurant has also served free Thanksgiving dinners, provided a special parking space for military veterans, and has even helped raise up to $9,000 for a local child’s major surgery.

“The community has been good for me,” he said. “You give a little, and, it seems like they give you much more back. It is a give and take kind of thing.”

Suspect Sought in Armed Robbery of Kay Jewelers of Davenport

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Suspect Sought in Armed Robbery of Kay Jewelers of Davenport

Polk County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 7:25 p.m., at the Kay Jewelers store in Davenport. The suspect walked into the store in Posner Park at 1700 Posner Boulevard, and began speaking with an employee. The suspect then pulled a gun from a sling he was wearing on his arm, and made demands of the two employees who were present.

The employees cooperated with the suspect who filled a bag full of jewelry.

The suspect is described as a black male, early to mid-20’s, approximately 5’10” to 5’11” tall, and weighing approximately 150 pounds. He was wearing a black, long sleeve dress shirt, black dress pants, black shoes and a black flat cap. He also had a blue sling on his right arm and a full beard and mustache, which appeared to be painted on.

A video of the suspect in the store can be viewed on the Polk County Sheriff’s Facebook page.

This is an ongoing robbery investigation. Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Detective Robert Walmsley at 863-576-7623 or

863-298-6200.

Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or log onto www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. Anonymity is Guaranteed!

Rush Hour Crash Shuts Down Lucerne Park Rd

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Rush Hour Crash Shuts Down Lucerne Park Rd

Winter Haven Police Press Release

A crash along Lucerne Park Rd. this morning caused a total shutdown during one of the busiest times of day.

Today (9-28-17) at approximately 7:44 a.m., a 2015 Ford Escape driven by 63 year-old Jeffrey Showers of Davenport was traveling west on Lucerne Park Rd. while a 2015 Ford F-250 (pulling a trailer carrying a Bobcat loader) driven by 54 year-old Moises Cati of Winter Haven was traveling east.

As the vehicles were approximately one-half mile from the entrance of Lakeside Landings, for unknown reasons, Showers crossed the center line heading towards Cati’s vehicle. Cati immediately took evasive action to avoid a head-on crash and jerked the wheel causing the vehicle and trailer to go into a slide. Showers’ vehicle struck the back wheel on the driver’s side of the truck causing his car to lunge into the air where the collision occurred.

The impact caused the trailer that was hooked to the F-250 to flip onto its side ultimately resulting in the truck and trailer sliding approximately 150 feet along the roadway.

A 2017 Chevy Silvarado driven by 45 year-old Raymond Hernandez Chacon, Jr of Haines City and a 2012 Honda Civic driven by 44 year-old Melissa Caraballo of Davenport were both traveling west behind Cati. They both immediately took evasive action to avoid the truck and trailer that was sliding straight towards them. Both of their vehicles ended up in the ditch on the side of the roadway. Neither Chacon nor Caraballo received any injuries.

Showers, who had been trapped inside of his vehicle, was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health in serious but stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Cati was driven to Winter Haven Hospital in a personal vehicle after complaining of stomach pains. Two occupants in Cati’s truck were uninjured.

The roadway was shut down for more than four hours, opening back up just after noon. The crash is under investigation and charges are pending.

FWC: Bears Become More Active in Fall

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FWC: Bears Become More Active in Fall

 

With the arrival of autumn, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding residents of Florida what they can do to help prevent conflicts with black bears.

During this time of year, bear appetites increase as they begin to prepare for the upcoming winter. To be ready for the leaner winter months, bears require around 20,000 calories a day and will eat anything that’s convenient. Accessing unsecured garbage often provides more calories in a shorter amount of time than what a bear can get from foraging in the woods. This attracts bears into areas where people live and work, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations.

“As bears become more active in the fall, they take the path of least resistance to find food,” said Dave Telesco, who leads the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “This draws them into neighborhoods and areas with convenient food sources, which can be dangerous for people. While the FWC continues to work with local communities to reduce human-bear conflicts, it is important for Floridians to understand the steps they can take to keep themselves safe.”

The search for food often leads bears across busy roads. A new video in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series advises motorists to use caution while driving through areas where bears may be present. Bears are most active around dusk and dawn, and therefore most vehicle-bear collisions happen during these times of day. To reduce the risk of hitting a bear, motorists should stay alert and drive cautiously around heavily wooded areas, roads with curves and areas marked with bear warning signs. Other tips can be seen in the “Vehicle Collisions with Bears” video at MyFWC.com/Bear under the “Brochures & Other Materials” section.

While spending time outdoors, residents should be aware of their surroundings to avoid potential conflicts with bears. To keep bears away from your home and neighborhood, follow these simple steps:

  • Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a bear-resistant container.
  • Put household garbage out on morning of pickup rather than the night before.
  • Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
  • Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
  • Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods that attract wildlife secure.
  • Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding outdoors.
  • Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
  • Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
  • Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.

In Florida, it is illegal to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts.

If you see or suspect that someone is feeding or attracting bears, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

To learn how to become BearWise, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on “Live BearWise” on the left side of the page.

More information about living in bear country is available at MyFWC.com/Bear.

 

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